Rams Mock Draft: Emmanuel Forbes is the perfect cornerback at 36

We are edging closer and closer to the NFL Draft in Kansas City. With a little over two weeks remaining until the draft gets underway, teams are starting to finalize their draft boards. The Los Angeles Rams hold 11 picks in the upcoming draft with their first selection coming at 36.

It’s no secret that the Rams have needs all over the roster which makes their first selection and the direction they go extremely unpredictable. It’s time for another Rams mock draft!

36th Overall - CB Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State

Emmanuel Forbes has shutdown ability which is what the Rams need after trading away Jalen Ramsey. He raises his game against elite competition and did exactly that when facing Jameson Williams two years ago. While Forbes has a smaller frame, he still shows up in the run game and has a willingness to tackle. Forbes anticipates and reads the play better than most cornerbacks in this class which is why he ends up with as many big plays as he does.

69th Overall - OT Blake Freeland, BYU

Blake Freeland is a prospect that I’m torn on more than most during this draft process. On one hand, his athletic tools give him extremely high upside that could completely shift the trajectory of the Rams offensive line. In three years at BYU, he gave up just one sack. On the other hand, his Senior Bowl left a sour taste and it’s hard to wonder how he’ll fare against tougher competition. At 69 overall, that’s a risk worth taking.

77th Overall - EDGE Isaiah McGuire, Missouri

There are a couple of reasons for waiting until 77 to address the edge rusher position. The first is that Will McDonald was taken at 31 by the Kansas City Chiefs in my mock simulation. Secondly, second-round edge rushers typically don’t have an immediate impact. The Rams may be better off going for a cornerback like Forbes early and then taking an edge rusher later. McGuire can develop into a solid player.

167th Overall - iOL Ricky Stromberg, Arkansas

Stromberg has been a common selection for me throughout this draft process, but he’s a very solid interior option on the offensive line in the middle rounds of the draft. The Rams don’t necessarily need a starter as they seem committed to Brian Allen. Stromberg gives them some depth at center if Allen gets hurt.

171st Overall - TE Will Mallory, Miami

The Rams acquired Hunter Long in the Jalen Ramsey trade, but it still wouldn’t be surprising to see them go after a tight end in the draft to build some depth. They need to find a Tyler Higbee replacement and Mallory could be just that. He can stretch the field as a pass-catcher and does well in contested catch situations. While he’s not a “blocking tight end”, he can block.

177th Overall - iDL Jerrod Clark, Coastal Carolina

After losing Greg Gaines in free agency, the Rams need to start developing another space-eating nose tackle. Clark has the explosiveness and lateral movement that the Rams like in their linemen. Bobby Brown is likely the starter on day one, but Clark could earn some reps in rotation early on in his career.

182nd Overall - S Daniel Scott, California

While Jordan Fuller and a combination of Russ Yeast and Quentin Lake are set to start at safety, the Rams could use some depth. Scott has experience playing all over the field as a free safety. He’s a good tackler despite not having great length and also has a high football IQ.

189th Overall - CB Carrington Valentine, Kentucky

Despite taking a cornerback early, it wouldn’t hurt for the Rams to take a second one in the later portion of the draft. Valentine from Kentucky has good speed and ball skills, making him a good fit for the Rams. He needs to be coached up and developed, but that’s exactly the type of project that the Rams are looking for this season.

191st Overall - EDGE Nick Hampton, Appalachian State

Similar to Valentine at cornerback, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for the Rams to double-dip at edge given the lack of depth at the position. Hampton is a great fit for what the Rams look for at the position. He’s explosive and plays very well in space. Hampton makes for a good development player in the later stages of the draft.

233rd Overall - RB Israel Abanikanda, Pitt

The Rams need to draft a running back and Abanikanda is a very good option on day three. He excels in zone-schemes which is what the Rams run and has good top-end speed. Kyren Williams remains and unknown and the Rams don’t have much depth behind him. If he can improve in pass protection, he’ll be a good third-down option.

251st Overall - WR Jalen Cropper, Fresno State

It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Rams address the wide receiver position earlier on the draft. However, at some point, they’ll need to find someone who can take on returning responsibilities. Cropper has good YAC ability and provides value on special teams. He makes for a perfect seventh-round wide receiver with upside.