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With limited funds and a handful of newly acquired players they hope will bolster their roster, the Los Angeles Rams have turned their attention to the 2017 NFL Draft, which is just under one month away.
And with a litany of needs, there is no shortage of names amongst prospects that could be viewed as viable solutions. A very popular name linked to the Rams, especially having moved on from Lance Kendricks, is Ole Miss TE Evan Engram.
And, per Parrish Alford of dJournal, the Rams (along with a few other teams) have a scheduled visit with the play-making tight end.
Whether it be through the running backs, tight ends or receivers, throwing the football is going to be a big part of what we want to do and what’s going to allow us to be successful offensively - Sean McVay, Feb. 10, 2017
Engram finished the 2016 season with 65 receptions and eight scores. His 926 receiving yards was best in the nation, and it wasn’t particularly close. And he’s continued to impress throughout the draft process, recently shining at the NFL Scouting Combine — where his 4.42 second 40-yard dash lead all tight ends.
The Rebels’ standout ranks 3rd on Mike Mayock’s 2017 tight end prospects list — behind Alabama’s O.J. Howard and Miami’s David Njoku, both of whom are projected first round picks.
It remains to be seen whether or not Engram will be available at 37, when the Rams are on the clock with their first pick of this year’s draft, but he could certainly prove to be a viable receiving threat for QB Jared Goff, and a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
Alford points out that Engram also has scheduled visits with the Panthers and Bears, and that the Saints have shown interest. Assuming the Panthers (who pick 40th) and Saints (42nd) don’t jump in front of the Rams to get him, he could very well be the pick. The Bears, however, pick 36th...one spot before L.A.
Les Snead has been known to use draft pick firepower to move up and select players he likes. If Snead and McVay think he’s the play-maker this offense needs, à la Jordan Reed, they may just have to.
Here, have a look for yourself...