NFL
By George Lopez
The Los Angeles Rams entered the 2024 NFL draft with specific needs to add to their roster for the upcoming NFL season. The team was able to address some of those needs with the 10 players they selected, including the first draft pick in the first round since Sean McVay was named head coach. Here is a breakdown of some of the key draft picks the Rams made this year.
The Rams had a glaring need for an edge rushing to play opposite Byron Young. They were able to fill that need by drafting edge rusher Jared Verse out of Florida St. with the #19 pick in the 1st round. Verse brings quickness and power on the edge getting to the quarterback. Verse is expected to provide an immediate impact for the Rams defense and should be expected to earn the starting spot opposite Young when training camp ends.
With the retirement of Aaron Donald, the Rams found themselves with an opening on the defensive line. In the 2nd round, the Rams selected DT Braden Fiske out of Florida St. The Rams traded up in the 2nd round to draft Fiske. With his relentless motor and his agility, Fiske can create havoc by slipping by blockers and disrupting running plays in the backfield as well as putting interior pressure on the quarterback. The Rams expect Fiske to pair nicely with DT Kobie Turner and give the team a formidable duo with their interior defensive line.
In the 3rd round, the Rams selected RB Blake Corum out of Michigan. Some have questioned this pick due to the heavy workload Corum had at Michigan. A hard runner with a nose for finding the end zone, Corum will be looked at to provide Kyren Williams a breather during games. With the changes to the Rams offensive line, Corum’s hard running style between the tackles could be a welcomed site.
The Rams added to their secondary by selecting safety Kamren Kinchens out of Miami. Kinchens could end up being a steal in this year’s draft. A lot of teams were scared off due to his 40 time of 4.65. Kinchens plays faster than his 40 time. Kinchens is a ballhawk with the range to play sideline to sideline and will help give the Rams plenty of options in the pass coverage schemes.
OLB Brennan Jackson from Washington State was selected in the 5th round. Jackson plays the runs very well and in maintaining outside containment. While at Washington St., Jackson was able to use his size and strength from the outside to collapse the pocket and bring outside pressure. Jackson is not expected to crack the starting lineup but should be should see significant playing time as part of the team’s substitution mix.
In the 6th round, the Rams added size to their defensive line drafting DT Tyler Davis out of Clemson. The 300-pound defender is a stout run defender and should be looked upon to be a factor in the Rams defensive line rotation, especially in short-yardage situations. With Davis, the Rams will also have the freedom of moving Kobie Turner to different spots along the defensive line.
Kicking was an issue the Rams dealt with during the 2023 season. In round 6, the Rams selected Joshua Karty out of Stanford. Rated as one of the top kickers in college football, Karty brings not only a strong leg, having kicked a 61-yard field goal but also an accurate leg. In his last 2 seasons at Stanford, Karty connected on 24-27 field goals of at least 40 yards. The Rams will look to Karty to solve their kicking issues.
Adding depth in the 6th round, the Rams selected WR Jordan Whittington out of Texas and OL Beaux Limmer out of Arkansas. Limmer will add much-needed depth on the Rams offensive line. Look for the Rams to use Whittington at the slot position as a WR though he may see more time on special teams.
With their final pick, the Rams picked up OL KT Leveston from Kansas St. Leveston adds depth to the Rams offensive line. With his size, (6’4″, 326 pounds) look for the Rams to use him as a guard and will compete for snaps to backup Jonah Jackson and Kevin Dotson. With depth at the offensive line being an issue, Leveston should have a good look at making the club as a reserve.
Overall, the Rams were able to address the needs the team had going into this season. The early picks of Verse and Fiske should show immediate results as both will be expected to make the starting lineup. Karty will be looked up to solve the Rams kicking preambles that plague them throughout 2023.
