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The Rams will likely go in two different directions with their first pick of this year’s draft: Offensive tackle to find an eventual replacement for Andrew Whitworth, or linebacker to help reinforce the defense’s weakest group.
In Todd McShay’s most-recent mock at ESPN, he has the Rams snagging North Carolina linebacker Chazz Surratt with the 57th-overall pick.
“The Rams are also without a first-rounder, but they do at least have a pair of third-rounders coming shortly after this pick. Cap space was a little tight this offseason, but L.A. re-signed Leonard Floyd. Still, the Rams could really use a weakside linebacker, and Surratt has sideline-to-sideline range and natural instincts.”
At 6’2 and 229 pounds, Surrat has rare sideline-to-sideline range exhibited by his 4.60 in the 40 and a strong 4.16 in the short shuttle. His 25 reps on the bench weren’t too shabby either.
In his first season after transitioning from quarterback to linebacker, Surratt wound up being the ACC’s runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year in the conference after posting 115 tackles, 15 tackles-for-loss, 6.5 sacks, and an interception. In his senior season, just his second on defense, Surratt once again was named a First-Team All-ACC selection after recording another 91 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, and six sacks.
Chazz Surratt is a LB prospect in the 2021 draft class. He scored a 8.52 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 313 out of 2114 LB from 1987 to 2021.
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 29, 2021
Splits projected. If they hold, unofficial times would be VERY good for Surratt, unexpected.https://t.co/FEhOWSfDEB #RAS pic.twitter.com/VvboLjn9YM
Would you all be content with this selection, or would you much rather the team find their left tackle of the future? Let me know what you all think.
Now for today’s links.
Rams News:
The Rams’ latest mock draft roundup (TheRams.com)
Rams compensatory picks won’t be as great as previously thought (The Rams Wire)
Could the Rams trade for more picks prior to this month’s draft? (Ramblin’ Fan)
How McVay will bring 2015 Rams to the present (Ramblin’ Fan)
NFL News:
The Titans haven’t lost confidence in their scouting department after Isaiah Wilson loss (NFL.com)
Deshaun Watson now has 22 lawsuits filed against him (ESPN)
Best remaining free agents over the age of 30 (NFL.com)
Ryan Day called out criticism of Justin Fields while also taking a shot at players who opted-out in 2020 (Pro Football Talk)
Seven NFL receivers who could be traded for to upgrade WR-needy teams (CBS Sports)
New 2021 mock draft (Bleacher Report)