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Since I haven’t released one yet, lets drop a mock draft for the Los Angeles Rams. For the record, I do believe the Rams will make some sort of trade if not multiple as General Manager Les Snead simply loves to do so. Since it’s hard to predict I’ll just roll with the picks they have now instead of try to project a trade.
Let’s jump right into it!
3.87 - Kemoko Turay, OLB, Rutgers Scarlet Knights:
This one’s easy, right? Turay is an outstanding pass rusher who can be described as “gumby-like”. His arsenal already holds many ways to win coming off the edge, and he’s got an even higher potential. Turay isn’t a good run defender as of now, but he may be the Rams best pass rusher at OLB right out of the gate. This would be a home run selection.
4.111 - Dane Cruikshank, DB, Arizona Wildcats:
Did you notice that I stated his position as “DB”? Well it’s because Cruikshank can play every position on the back end. Cruikshank is a 6’1” 206 lb DB who blew up the combine with an impressive athletic showing, only widening his positional versatility. He’s got the ability to play deep, in the box, in the slot, and even outside at CB in a pinch. Cruikshank would be an awesome special teams player out of the gate, and a backup at every position in the secondary. The Rams hosted Cruikshank on a visit.
4.135 - Alex Cappa, OT, Humboldt State Lumberjacks:
The biggest question mark for Cappa is the level of competition he faced, but I think he quelled most of those concerns after he abused guys all week at the Senior Bowl. Cappa is a guy who could stay at OT or kick to OG in the league, depending on who you talk to. He might be the nastiest offensive lineman in this draft, regularly driving defenders into the floor.
4.136 - Akrum Wadley, RB, Iowa Hawkeyes:
I know some might not love the “early” choice of RB here, but Wadley is tremendous. This offense goes as Todd Gurley goes, and having a suitable backup who can spell Gurley and save him down the stretch is ideal. Wadley is an extremely shifty, electric, and dangerous weapon who routinely leaves defenders in the dust. He’s a tremendous open field threat. He is also a very good receiver giving Head Coach Sean McVay another weapon to utilize. The Rams also hosted Wadley on a visit.
6.176 - Jamil Demby, OT, Maine Black Bears:
Demby is an absolute mammoth of the man at 6’5” and 335 lbs. Demby is a four-year starter. He’s a powerful run blocker that routinely moves defenders off the line of scrimmage. His projection seems to be at Guard in the league, and he’s got enough nastiness, toughness, and ability to finish blocks to make the transition. Demby also visited the Rams and attended the Senior Bowl.
6.183 - Richie James, WR, Middle Tenneessee State Blue Raiders:
If the Rams really do value Tavon Austin, here’s his eventual replacement. Austin is only on a one-year contract at this point and James can replicate everything he does. James is a slot WR who operates as a gadget type of player out of the backfield as well. He’s got the ability to gain major yardage both rushing and receiving, and he’s returned punts. James is extremely dangerous in open-space and is a true threat to take it to the house on every play.
6.194 - Oren Burks, LB, Vanderbilt Commodores:
Burks is a very intriguing player at this point in the draft. He’s an ILB in the Rams 3-4 defense. From the games I watched Burks was slow to process his keys as a LB and struggled with getting off blocks. The upside to his game is that he might be the best athlete in this class. His ability to move is absolutely tremendous and he offers a lot as a sub-package coverage LB right out of the gate. If he can develop into anything more, great. If not, you’ve got a coverage LB who will be very active on special teams.
6.195 - Kentavius Street, DE, NC State Wolfpack:
Street had terrible luck as he tore his ACL just a few weeks ago while working out for an NFL team. Street is a quick, disruptive, and very powerful tweener. In a 4-3 defense he’s a harder projection, but he fits like a glove at DE in a 3-4. He’s obviously going to miss his rookie season, but that shouldn’t hinder the Rams from taking him. With Dominique Easley returning for one-year, as well as the addition of Ndamukong Suh, the Rams can afford to stash Street for the year.