LA Rams mock draft round-up

The Rams hold the 57th pick in the draft, which happens during day two on April 30th, and the following are some recent projected picks for LA based on these two-round mocks. I’ve linked the original mock draft these picks are coming from but used The Draft Network for some quick and dirty write-ups on these prospects.

Austin Gayle, PFF

57. LOS ANGELES RAMS — OT/G JALEN MAYFIELD, MICHIGAN

The Draft Network profile:

Jalen Mayfield projects as a high-quality starting offensive lineman at the NFL level. He’s got ample size and athleticism to play in space in pass protection and with just two years of starting experience under his belt, Mayfield is only going to continue to get better with more repetitions. Mayfield showed impressive improvement from Year 1 to Year 2 after facing a murderer’s row of pass rushes in his first season as a starter in 2019, having to block top-50 picks Yetur Gross-Matos and Chase Young while also having to handle other prominent pass rushers such as Anfernee Jennings, Jayson Oweh, Shaka Toney, Terrell Lewis, Khalid Kareem, Julian Okwara, and others. Mayfield endured a baptism by fire as a college starter but the physical tools and raw athleticism were undeniable. Complicating Mayfield’s 2021 projection is an even smaller sample size than the abbreviated 2020 Big Ten season—Mayfield played in just two games this season and will enter the pros with 15 starts under his belt at Michigan. But Mayfield was dominant and looked like a much more refined prospect in 2020; so much so that I’m pushing my chips into the table on this one. I think Mayfield is a high-level right tackle prospect who could be trained to switch sides and play on the left or, alternatively, be left to continue to grow on the right side. His athletic profile and build wouldn’t hinder him from a transition to guard either—in case his small sample size of strong play isn’t sustainable and he struggles at the NFL level on the outside. Given his physical skills and the multiple avenues to get on the field, I’m betting Mayfield ends up a big hit in the pros.

Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Edwards, CBS Sports

57. Rams - Quinn Meinerz, OG/C, Wisconsin-Whitewater

Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports

57. Rams: Quinn Meinerz, OG, Wisconsin-Whitewater

Quinn Meinerz scouting report

Todd McShay, ESPN

57. Rams - Chazz Surratt, ILB, UNC

The Draft Network profile:

Chazz Surratt came to North Carolina to play quarterback, where he started seven games as a redshirt freshman in 2017 and entered 2018 as the Tar Heels’ starter. His 2018 season was delayed, however, because of a four-game suspension because he sold team-issued sneakers. When he returned to the lineup, Surratt completed 4-of-10 passes for 10 yards and three interceptions before injuring his wrist, which required season-ending surgery. When his wrist healed and he was ready to return to the field, discussions between Surratt and then-head coach Larry Fedora began regarding a switch to the defensive side of the football. Surratt considered a transfer to another university to continue as a quarterback but he met with newly hired head coach Mack Brown regarding his status with the program and he decided to stay. Surratt made it clear to Brown that it was his goal to play in the NFL and both agreed his best course was to make the transition to linebacker. Surratt’s first year at linebacker was in 2019 and he was outstanding. Appearing in all 13 games with 11 starts, Surratt was a First-Team All-ACC selection and runner-up for ACC Defensive Player of the Year. With 115 tackles, Surratt led the Tar Heels and finished second in the ACC with 88 tackles per game. Surratt logged 15 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and 10 quarterback hurries. He took another step forward in 2020, becoming more polished when it comes to coverage drops, pursuit angles, and tackling. Surratt is an exciting package of size, mobility, and physicality, but there are times studying his tape when you are reminded that he is still new to the position. Surratt will need to continue developing at the position and if he does, he has the makings of a starting pursuit-style linebacker that can make plays on every down.

Luke Easterling, USAToday’s DraftWire

57. Los Angeles Rams - James Hudson | OT | Cincinnati

The Draft Network profile:

A 4-star recruit as a high school defensive lineman, James Hudson was originally a member of the University of Michigan where he began transitioning to offensive tackle in 2017. Hudson transferred to Cincinnati and was expected to be a starter in 2019 but was forced to sit out almost the entire season after having a hardship waiver denied. Hudson started at left tackle for the Bearcats in 2020 and showcased an exciting skill set. While Hudson is unquestionably raw at the position, his blend of size, length, power, mobility, and aggressiveness makes him an exciting piece of moldable clay to develop. Make no mistake about it, he has considerable work ahead in improving his hand technique, footwork, weight distribution, and timing, but his ceiling is notably high should it all come together. Hudson may not be a contributor early in his career but has the makings of being a starter by Year 3. Despite notable room for growth, Hudson shines when it comes to the “developmental offensive lineman” label and he could pay big dividends for the team that is willing to draft and develop him.

Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Chiottis

57. Los Angeles Rams – Baron Browning, LB Ohio State

The Draft Network profile on Browning:

Baron Browning is an enticing prospect when accounting for his dynamic athletic profile and flashes of production via splash plays throughout the course of his career at Ohio State. Browning has all of the physical skills needed to be a standout starter at the pro game, but his irregular play across multiple spots in the linebacker group during his time in Columbus has left some irregularities and inconsistencies in his game. With that in mind, Browning finished his career with excellent play down the stretch with the Buckeyes and his role in coverage. Browning should shine in a familiar role at the pro level; illustrating the needed discipline in zone coverage drops and as a pressure player in blitz scenarios for a team looking to boost their mid-level defense.

Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

DJ Boyer, RotoBaller

57. LA Rams Chazz Surratt LB North Carolina

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Hanson, EDSFootball

57 - Los Angeles Rams - Jabril Cox, LB, LSU

Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Jabril Cox at The Draft Network:

Jabril Cox enjoyed a standout high school career where he played multiple positions and starred in both football and basketball but didn’t receive much interest coming out as a recruit. He spent three seasons at North Dakota State where he was outstanding. After being named the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year in 2017, Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2018, and being a two-time FCS All-American, Cox opted to level up and compete in the SEC before entering the NFL. Cox is an outstanding coverage linebacker that thrives in space. He is terrific in both man and zone coverage, making him an ideal matchup linebacker that can handle tight ends, running backs, and some slot receivers. He has terrific range, mobility, and his motor always runs hot. When it comes to areas of concern for Cox, run defense, playing through contact, and being consistent with being an assignment-sound defender are the primary areas that need growth. Cox profiles as a productive NFL starter that brings a rare coverage skill set to the table.