The Los Angeles Rams finally joined the fun on Friday night at the draft, making four selections after trading back twice in the second round. In total, they moved back three times and traded up twice, coming away with a solid haul of picks.
The Rams were one of the most active teams on Day 2, shifting around the draft board with countless trades. Their selections came with a close eye on the future, but they also added players who can contribute right away.
Here’s how we graded each selection on the second night of the draft.
Round 2, No. 61: SS Taylor Rapp, Washington
Had the Rams drafted Rapp at No. 31 in the first round, it would’ve been viewed as a quality pick. No one would’ve blamed them for taking him that high, which shows just how great of a value they got at No. 61. Rapp fits perfectly in the Rams’ defense as a No. 3 safety right now, essentially filling the role that Marqui Christian held last year.
With Mark Barron gone, he can probably even moonlight as a linebacker some. Regardless of where he lines up, he’s going to have an impact on the defense before potentially taking over as a starter in 2020.
Grade: A
Round 3, No. 70: RB Darrell Henderson, Memphis
This one was puzzling, to say the least. Henderson is a terrific prospect with home run-hitting ability, posting a robust 8.9 yards per carry the last two seasons at Memphis. His skill set isn’t one the Rams previously had on the roster.
However, this grade isn’t about the player that Henderson is, it’s about the decision by the Rams to take a running back on Day 2.
And not only did they draft a backup in Round 3, but they traded up 24 spots to get him. It’s hard to see Henderson having a bigger impact than someone like Khalen Saunders would have on defense.
Grade: C-
Round 3, No. 79: CB David Long, Michigan
Long was an underrated prospect throughout the pre-draft process, getting overshadowed by bigger-name prospects like Byron Murphy and Greedy Williams. However, Long has otherworldly quickness, posting the best short shuttle and three-cone times of any prospect at the combine. That counts for something and those drills are typically good indicators of success in the NFL.
It’s hard to call Long a steal in the third round, but he was hardly a reach, either. There weren’t any significantly better prospects available at the time and Long has the ability to contribute both early and as a future starter. He projects well in the Rams’ defense, eventually taking over for Aqib Talib.
Grade: B+
Round 3, No. 97: OT Bobby Evans
The Rams waited to address the offensive line and while they traded away from Erik McCoy in Round 2, they moved up for Evans. He only played tackle in college but Aaron Kromer said the Rams can envision him playing four positions on the offensive line.
Evans projects best as a future left tackle despite being on the shorter side, but his position versatility gives the Rams options in 2019 and beyond. If the Rams want to play him at guard, Joseph Noteboom can be the future left tackle. If Evans sticks at left tackle, Noteboom will remain at guard. Heck, maybe the Rams will even experiment with Evans at right guard and Austin Blythe at center.
Evans was a third- or fourth-round prospect so maybe the Rams could’ve waited a little bit longer or traded back and still landed him, but trust Kromer with this evaluation. Evans has great potential.
Grade: B
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