The 2019 NFL draft has come to a close with the Los Angeles Rams making eight total on Friday and Saturday. They traded their first-round pick once again, making it three years in a row without a selection in the top 32.
Despite moving back a handful of times, the Rams still added future starters and early contributors at several spots. They started off with a bang by grabbing Taylor Rapp in the second round, followed by the surprising selection of running back Darrell Henderson in Round 3. Cornerback David Long and offensive lineman Bobby Evans followed in the third round, as well.
With the draft wrapped up, it’s time for the Rams’ report card. We graded all four picks from Friday, and below, you’ll find our Day 3 grades for Los Angeles.
Round 4, No. 134: DT Greg Gaines, Washington
Knowing Ndamukong Suh isn’t coming back, the Rams addressed his position by trading up to get Gaines in the fourth round. He’s a powerful run defender who added some pass-rush ability last season at Washington, recording 4.5 sacks in 2018. He’s not as big as Suh, but you could argue he’s actually a better fit at nose tackle than Suh was.
Gaines will play anywhere between the two guards, whereas Suh spent time at defensive end last season, too. He should improve the Rams’ run defense as the anchor in the middle of the line. This was a good pick for Los Angeles, even if it did cost a fifth-round pick to move up. Gaines has great potential, especially with Wade Phillips coaching him up at the next level.
Grade: B+
Round 5, No. 169: OT David Edwards, Wisconsin
Edwards exclusively played right tackles at Wisconsin, which happens to be the alma mater of Rob Havenstein, too. However, according to O-line coach Aaron Kromer, Edwards will play four positions for the Rams: everything but center. That’s typically the case with their offensive linemen, giving them a chance to compete and showcase their skills before pigeonholing them to one spot.
This is an upside pick with Edwards being such a raw prospect, having only three years of experience on the offensive line. He’ll compete to replace Joseph Noteboom, fight to replace Andrew Whitworth in a year and at worst, be a swing tackle in 2019. The Rams weren’t desperate for starters up front, so the ability to let him sit and develop is perfect for Edwards.
It would’ve been great to see the Rams add an inside linebacker at this spot, but it’s hard to argue with the value.
Grade: B-
Round 7, No. 243: FS Nick Scott, Penn State
Scott was a former running back at Penn State before transitioning to defense. He also played cornerback before switching to safety where he only had one year of starter experience. However, that one year was pretty impressive as he pulled down three interceptions.
The Rams didn’t exactly need another safety after adding Taylor Rapp and already having Blake Countess as a reserve, but Scott brings a ton of value as a special teams player. He was a special teams captain at Penn State and won a captain award, so leadership isn’t a question with him. The Rams probably would’ve been better off taking a linebacker who could’ve competed for a starting job.
Grade: C+
Round 7, No. 251: LB Dakota Allen, Texas Tech
Allen comes with character concerns after he was dismissed from Texas Tech for home burglary and stealing guns. He got another shot at a community college, which got him featured on Netflix’s “Last Chance U.” He reenrolled at Texas Tech in 2017 and finished his collegiate career there, but there are questions about his talent translating to the next level.
He’s a slower linebacker after running a 4.77-second 40-yard dash at the combine, though his short shuttle time of 4.04 seconds was pretty impressive. He probably won’t push Micah Kiser much for the starting job next to Cory Littleton, having to prove himself on special teams first.
Grade: C+
