The NFC West for the past two years has been a two-team race. For the Los Angeles Rams, however, the times are changing. They have a young franchise QB, a solid defense, and a new young head coach. The need is to get weapons and keep the young QB, Jared Goff on his feet. Were the Los Angeles Rams able to do that in the 2017 NFL Draft? Let us look at their draft. We will also grade them at the end.
Round One
No pick!
Traded away in the Jared Goff Deal.
Round Two
Gerald Everett – TE, South Alabama
Everett is a converted basketball player. He is a big target that will be a huge target in the red zone. Additionally, he runs and blocks with anger. Furthermore, he has a great set of hands that he uses well to catch the ball. Finally, he gives Jared Goff and the Rams offense a legit big target in the middle of the field.
Round Three
Copper Kupp – WR, Eastern Washington
Kupp may come from a small college. However, he brings a big game. He has a strong combine raising his stock. His hands are some of the best in this draft class. Additionally, he runs routes with some of the best WRs. He also can get in and out of breaks with ease. Thus, making him an ideal slot receiver and possible starting #3 WR.
Round Three – From Buffalo Bills through Kansas City Chiefs
Josh Johnson – S, Boston College
Johnson can play both safety and cornerback. This will make him a valuable asset in Wade Phillips’ defense. As well as Johnson having great ball-tracking skills, he also has soft hands to finish the job. Hence, all these skills may give a chance to start early in his career.
Round Four – From Chicago Bears through Buffalo Bills
Josh Reynolds – WR, Texas A&M
The Los Angeles Rams are bringing Reynolds in to take the top off the defense. He is a straight vertical threat. In addition to speed, Reynolds has great ball skills. In fact, he will be the victor more than spoil when it comes to 50/50 balls. Therefore, he should be a solid deep threat and red zone target for the Rams offense.
Round Four – From New York Jets through Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Samson Ebukam – LB, Eastern Washington
Here is a kid who will come and be a project for Wade Phillips to work with. However, he has tremendous upside. He also has an innate sense for the ball. Due to the way that Wade Phillips likes to rotate his players, Ebukam could find his way on the field at some point.
Round Six
Tanzel Smart – DT, Tulane
Smart will be a rotational player for the Los Angeles Rams. He never stops his feet from moving. Actually, his constant leg drive allows him to be disruptive. Not only is he a solid run stopper but he also likes to harass QBs.
Round Six – From Miami Dolphins
Sam Rogers – FB, Virginia Tech
Filling the weapons disposal for Jared Goff was a focus of Sean McVay. The young head coach recognized a need and went for it.
Rogers is an all-purpose type fullback. He is a three-down back that loves to be involved. In fact, he will stick his head in on blocks, protect the passer, and catch the ball. His size and stature are not ideal, although he should be able to find work. Thus, his flexibility makes him an asset.
Round Seven – From Baltimore Ravens
Ejuan Price – DE, Pittsburgh
Price has some injury concerns that may have dropped his draft stock. Even so, he has his playmaking abilities over the past two seasons has been top notch. He is actually very quick to the QB. As well as a strong gap player when stopping the run. In fact, he could possibly find his way on the field in sub packages for the Rams defense.
Although weaponry was a need for the Los Angeles Rams, it should not have been the focus. There were certainly other areas of attention. Cornerback and o-line to name a couple. However, GM Les Snead decided to overload on skill positions.
The fact that they chose this route is the reason for their grade.
Final Draft Grade – C