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The Los Angeles Rams have three picks in the first two rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft, and are in a great position to address positions of need. Just how they’ll use those picks, at this point, is anyone’s guess.
The Rams, in the eyes of many, should be targeting a quarterback. They’ve also lost a few key starters from last year, and could be eyeing their replacements in late April.
Over at ESPN, NFL Draft expert Todd McShay released his two-round mock draft [In$ider] on Thursday morning. Here’s what he did for the Rams with three picks inside the Top 50:
15. Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
Case Keenum is penciled in as the starting QB right now, so there's always a chance the Rams will try to trade up to grab one of the top-two passers. But with this being too early for Paxton Lynch and Los Angeles still needing a legit difference maker on the outside, Treadwell is the pick. He's the best pure WR in this class, showing outstanding hand-eye coordination and body control.
43. Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State
Hackenberg had his best season when playing under current Texans coach Bill O'Brien. He has ideal size, a big-league arm and adequate pocket mobility. But his decision-making must improve.
45. Artie Burns, CB, Miami (FL)
Burns' extremely long arms (33¼ inches) and ability to play press coverage give him a lot of upside as a cornerback. He had a career-high six interceptions in 2015 after having just one pick during his prior two seasons.
It should be noted, for those without In$ider, that the draft’s top QB’s Carson Wentz and Jared Goff were off the board at 2 [Browns] and 7 [49ers] respectively. The Rams did, however, pass on Paxton Lynch at 15 for the draft’s top wideout Laquon Treadwell.
Other notable names/potential fits left on the board after the Rams picked at 45: Jaylon Smith [LB, Notre Dame], Hunter Henry [TE, Arkansas], Michael Thomas [WR, Ohio State], Braxton Miller [WR, Ohio State]