The Los Angeles Rams made eight picks in the 2019 NFL draft, adding future starters at several positions of need. There’s a chance none of the eight will start a single game next season, but this class was more about 2020 than the upcoming campaign.
As a result, it might be difficult for some fans to get excited about the incoming class of rookies. There are several reasons to feel confident about the 2019 draft for the Rams, which we’ve outlined below.
Sean McVay will maximize Darrell Henderson’s potential
Like the Henderson pick or not, he’s going to have an impact next season. McVay briefly described what the rookie’s role will be on offense, essentially saying he can play pretty much anywhere. He’ll line up in the backfield, split out wide at receiver, and catch passes from everywhere.
Not to mention, he’ll also have the chance to return kicks, which is simply another way to get the ball in his hands. McVay will find creative methods to involve Henderson, whether it’s handoffs on jet sweeps or screens. His potential should excite fans.
Greg Gaines should improve run defense
The Rams had a hard time stopping the run last season, ranking dead last in yards per carry allowed. That was with Ndamukong Suh on the roster, but he’s unlikely to return as a free agent. Instead, Gaines will take his place, bolstering the run defense up front.
That’s not to say Gaines will be an upgrade over Suh as a player, but it is reasonable to think the Rams’ run defense will be better next season. For fans frustrated by watching running backs tear apart the defense on the ground, this should be something to look forward to.
Dakota Allen is better than his draft position
The Rams spent their last pick (251 overall) on the linebacker out of Texas Tech, but Allen is better than his draft position indicates. He was dismissed from Texas Tech due to a 2016 arrest, but he got back on the right path after a year at community college.
After returning to Texas Tech, Allen was a two-time captain on defense and brings a promising skill set to the Rams. He’s not the fastest linebacker around, but he has good short-area quickness and hits hard. Had it not been for character concerns, he could’ve gone in Round 4 or 5.
Allen, who was featured on “Last Chance U,” will try to stay on the right path in the NFL.
The secondary is stocked with young talent
Taylor Rapp, David Long and Nick Scott will probably be listed as backups next season, but they’ll have an impact in 2019 in one way or another. Rapp will be the third safety, Long the fourth cornerback and Scott a star on special teams.
Their biggest impact will come in 2020, though, when Eric Weddle and Aqib Talib could both be gone. Even if they return, the Rams are loaded with talent in the secondary thanks to Rapp, Long, Marcus Peters, John Johnson and Nickell Robey-Coleman. Scott is a player to watch, too, boasting little experience but big potential.
Healthy competition on O-line
David Edwards and Bobby Evans will both compete to be starters at either guard spot this summer, bringing some much-needed competition to the offensive line. Joseph Noteboom and Brian Allen are penciled in as the starters at left guard and center, but Edwards and Evans can challenge Noteboom, while Austin Blythe could be shifted to center to battle Allen.
No matter how this all shakes out, the Rams should feel fortunate to have starting-caliber players at several spots, as well as a potential heir to Andrew Whitworth. Los Angeles addressed its need on the offensive line in a big way through the draft by adding Edwards and Evans.
