There are a number of ways the Los Angeles Rams can go in Round 1 of the NFL draft despite not having any truly pressing needs. They can add a safety to learn behind Eric Weddle for a year or two, draft a cornerback to take over for Aqib Talib in 2020 or bolster the defensive line with a run-stuffing nose tackle.
The defense is by far a greater need for the Rams, but the offensive line could use some attention, too, after losing Rodger Saffold and parting ways with John Sullivan. Regardless of which position the Rams address in the first round, their moves in free agency have allowed them to go best player available at any spot.
Mel Kiper and Todd McShay disagreed on both the player and position in their latest dueling mock drafts for ESPN. Kiper has the Rams taking an offensive lineman, while McShay sees them addressing the defensive front.
31. Los Angeles Rams
Kiper: Garrett Bradbury, C, NC State
I thought about cornerback here, but Bradbury could replace John Sullivan in the middle of the offensive line.
McShay: Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
A 342-pound run-stopper with 5.05 speed ought to replace Ndamukong Suh nicely alongside Aaron Donald.
Lawrence would fill a more immediate need because of the inevitable loss of Ndamukong Suh. Bradbury could be a Day 1 starter at center, but the Rams just spent a fourth-rounder on Brian Allen last year. The two would likely battle it out in camp for the starting job.
Lawrence is exactly what the Rams need on defense. He’s a massive nose tackle who fits perfectly in a 3-4 scheme, plugging the middle of the defensive line next to Aaron Donald. At 342 pounds, he ran a 5.05 40-yard dash, which is an outstanding time for a player that size.
The Rams can’t go wrong with either player, but if they’re more concerned about finding a replacement for Suh than Sullivan, Lawrence should be the pick.
