The Los Angeles Rams selected Florida State edge Jared Verse with the 19th pick in Thursday’s first round of the NFL Draft and added Florida State’s Braden Fiske, Michigan’s Blake Corum and Miami’s Kamren Kinchens on Friday. So what’s next for the Rams? Who could they be targeting on Saturday in the final three rounds?
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Jaden Hicks, DB, Washington State
This is not a typical selection day for the Rams and defensive backs, but if they see Hicks playing a versatile role inclusive to dime linebacker, don’t rule it out.
Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina
Not trying to cause a panic. Just presenting hypotheticals!
Malik Mustapha, LB, Wake Forest
One of my favorite players in this draft class, Mustapha is simply a player who “sells out” for football as a tackler and willing contributor to any phase.
T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State
Tampa would finally get the Rams the length they need on the perimeter, especially as Tre’Davious White continues his recovery from Achilles repair surgery.
Brandon Dorlus, DL, Oregon
Dane Brugler notes that Dorlus could eventually become a defensive end who could play inside in certain fronts.
Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
The Rams’ investment into their defensive line and revived running game was clear with their first three picks, but they could start looking at receivers on Day 3. Franklin has speed but could improve consistency.
Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State
Johnson needs to develop some, but the Rams don’t need to rush any young tight ends to the field with Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen ready to roll.
Tanner McLachlan, TE, Arizona
The Rams will have had a detailed scouting report on McLachlan from former assistant coach (and former Arizona coach) Jedd Fisch.
Jared Wiley, TE, TCU
Wiley is described by Brugler as more of a “post-up” target who could be a red-zone player.
Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State
Stover is a “doubles” type of player, meaning he can hit doubles as a pass-catcher and move the chains, although he doesn’t have the length as some other prospects in the class.
Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane
Pratt has a solid arm and could be good competition for a currently crowded Rams backup quarterbacks group.
Tommy Eichenberg, LB, Ohio State
Ernest Jones is the Rams’ starter, but he’s going to play out his contract year. The Rams could also use solid special teamers.
Mohamed Kamara, Edge, Colorado State
Brugler’s evaluation had me at the “Ogbo Okoronkwo” comparison, for a rotational pass-rusher with upside.
Tanner Bortolini, C/G, Wisconsin
The Rams are moving Steve Avila to center from left guard, but they still need a backup center. Bortolini needs more time to learn the position but could eventually be swing depth.
Cedric Van Pran-Granger, C, Georgia
It’s hard not to like SEC interior linemen, considering the level of competition they must face, and Van Pran-Granger could be another backup center option in the short term.
Will Reichard, K, Alabama
Finally, we’re at the kickers. Reichard set the Alabama records for field goals, field goals of 50-plus yards and point-after attempts.
Cameron Little, K, Arkansas
The most accurate kicker in program history, Little converted 82.8 percent of his field-goal attempts (53-for-64) and never missed an extra-point attempt (129-for-129).
Joshua Karty, K, Stanford
Karty has a strong leg and good accuracy and was a points factory on a Stanford team that struggled to score.
(Top photo of Spencer Rattler: Jeff Blake / USA Today)
