It’s anyone’s guess as to which position the Los Angeles Rams will address first in this year’s draft. Cornerback and edge rusher are two of their biggest needs, but the Rams have also expressed interest in wide receivers and could use offensive line help, too.
In Doug Farrar’s latest mock draft for Touchdown Wire, the Rams address the O-line first and also add a pass rusher with their second pick. In Round 1, they land Taliese Fuaga out of Oregon State.
Round 1, Pick 19: OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
Though he played right tackle in college, he’s a candidate to move to guard, which would help the Rams immensely if Kevin Dotson leaves in free agency. Even if Dotson returns, Fuaga would be a solid swing tackle initially before eventually getting a crack to replace Rob Havenstein as the starting right tackle.
Fuaga tested extremely well at the combine for a 6-foot-6 and 324-pound tackle. He ran a 5.13 in the 50-yard dash and posted a 32-inch vertical, showing off the athleticism that will make him a first-round pick.
Round 2, Pick 51: OLB Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
In the second round, the Rams add Marshawn Kneeland out of Western Michigan. The edge rusher is 6-foot-3 and 267 pounds, and he ran a 4.75 in the 40-yard dash. He fits best as a stand-up edge rusher in a scheme like the Rams’, with his 1.66-second 10-yard split showing the type of burst he has off the line. He’s plenty explosive, too, as evidenced by his 35.5-inch vertical.
With the Rams needing an edge rusher to pair alongside Byron Young, Kneeland would be a good selection in Round 2, though it’s possible the Rams would be able to get him a little bit later if they wait.
