Monday, May 14, 2018

2018 NFL Draft Grades: Los Angeles Rams

The Rams, who finally pushed forward in 2017 with an NFC West title and a playoff birth, are on the cusp of being one of the better teams in the NFC for the next couple of seasons, especially on defense, where they hauled in a bounty through free agency. They listed priority needs still at RB, DL, LB, and OL for this draft class, but id not have a pick until the 3rd round. Here's how they fared...

OT Joseph Noteboom, TCU
He slid out of the late 2nd round to the Rams near the end of the 3rd. He has starter capability once he breaks in, and fills a definite area of need. This was a solid swing with their first pick, considering how late it came.
Grade: A

C Brian Allen, Michigan State
The Rams did some major reaching here, as Allen was graded as a 7th round prospect by many. This made no sense, especially when they had limited picks in the middle rounds to begin with.
Grade: F

DE John Franklin-Myers, Stephen F. Austin
Some had him graded as a 6th rounder, but the Rams went for it in the 4th. Again, the reaching needs to be stopped.
Grade: D

LB Micah Kiser, Virginia
Kiser was the first need filled on the defensive side, and it happens on day three. Kiser had good value, as he was graded as a 4th round prospect by some, and they landed him in the 5th. He has some solid potential, once fully developed.
Grade: A

EDGE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Oklahoma
Played mostly DE in college, but will have to shift into a standing position in the NFL, as he probably will not hold up as an every down DE. Solid edge rush potential, and his overall potential could have him developing into a starter down the road.
Grade: A

RB John Kelly, Tennessee
He fell a round or so, and the Rams nabbed him to help develop depth behind Todd Gurley on the roster. He has ability as a runner and a pas catcher, but he has a long way to go.
Grade: B

C Jamil Demby, Maine
FCS star had a grade of 4th round prospect by several services, and the Rams got him late in the 6th. He may have better value than Allen, who was taken in the middle rounds.
Grade: A

DT Sebastian Joseph, Rutgers
Has to make it on special teams, but could have been had as a PFA/UDFA. The Rams had a million day three picks it would seem, but that is no reason to reach.
Grade: D

EDGE Travon Young, Louisville
Solid value pick late who will have to make it on special teams. Tall, but lanky player who will likely see a shift to OLB from DE in college.
Grade: B

LB Traven Howard, TCU
Rams just threw a pick away on this one. He had no grade, and was not evaluated. Will not likely make the roster.
Grade: F

DE Justin Lawler, SMU
Highly productive in college, but may not translate to the NFL game. Was graded as a UDFA with an outside shot to make the roster, so, of course, the Rams used a pick on him.
Grade: D

Priority needs filled in first two days: 1
Total Points: 25
Average points per pick: 2.27
Grade: D


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