One of the biggest needs for the Los Angeles Rams in this year’s draft comes on the defensive line. Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers will once again be starters, but Ndamukong Suh is almost certain to sign elsewhere.
The Rams could target a defensive end and move Brockers inside to nose tackle, or grab a true nose tackle and keep Brockers where he is. Les Snead loves that flexibility and the options he has in the draft, saying it’s a strong class along the defensive line.
In each of the draft’s seven rounds, the Rams could find either an immediate starter or a developmental prospect on the defensive line. We’ve picked one defensive lineman the Rams could target in every round.
Round 1: NT Dexter Lawrence, Clemson
When pairing need and fit, there may not be a better prospect for the Rams than Lawrence. Los Angeles desperately needs a space eating nose tackle in the middle of the defensive line with Suh on his way out. Yet, even he wasn’t a great fit at that spot for the Rams. Lawrence is.
Wade Phillips’ defenses don’t require a top-notch NT, but after struggling against the run the last two years, the Rams clearly need some help at that spot. Lawrence would be a Day 1 starter and a huge upgrade to the run defense.
Yes, there are other nose tackles who can be had later in the draft, but Lawrence is the best of the bunch.
Round 2: DT Jeffery Simmons, Miss. State
Simmons could potentially go at the end of Round 1, but if he falls into the second and the Rams aren’t enamored by anyone available at No. 31, he could be a trade-down target. He’s one of the most talented defensive linemen in the draft but character concerns and a torn ACL in February hurt his stock.
Pairing him with Donald would be terrifying for opposing offensive lines, though he doesn’t exactly have the size to play nose tackle full time. With how much Phillips moves his defensive linemen around, though, it shouldn’t be a challenge to get him on the field.
Round 3: NT Khalen Saunders, Western Illinois
Saunders is a really talented player and even though he doesn’t have the prototypical size for a 3-4 nose tackle, he can definitely contribute early. He’s a great run defender and still brings plenty as a pass rusher, though his skills do have to be developed still.
The potential for him to be a Pro Bowler is definitely there and if the Rams were to land him in Round 3, it’d be viewed as a great value. The athleticism is obviously there with a 5.01 40-yard dash and 7.57-second three-cone drill, which were among the best of any defensive tackle at the combine.
Round 4: DT/DE Kingsley Keke, Texas A&M
Keke can contribute as a 3-technique like Donald or play defensive end in the Rams’ scheme, largely thanks to his athleticism and size. He offers plenty as a pass rusher after posting 7.5 sacks last season, adding 11 tackles for loss in 13 games. He was listed at 305 during his time at Texas A&M but he weighed in at 288 pounds at the combine.
That playing weight allows him to line up at multiple spots and is likely to contribute more as a pass rusher than Brockers does at defensive end. Adding Keke would give Phillips ample options along the defensive line.
Round 5: DE Isaiah Buggs, Alabama
When playing at full speed and effort, Buggs is fun to watch. However, there were questions about his effort at Alabama and that shows on tape when watching him play. Still, he’s a good pass rusher and a great fit at defensive end for the Rams. Buggs doesn’t have the length or size that Brockers does, but he’ll get to the quarterback far more often.
He can also slot in at defensive tackle when the Rams move Donald around or take him off the field for a breather. Allowing Phillips to work with Buggs could be the best-case scenario for the Alabama product.
Round 6: DE John Cominsky, Charleston
This might be a little bit low for Cominsky, but his potential suitors will be limited. He has excellent size and athleticism at 6-foot-5, 286 pounds with 4.69 speed and he looks like a perfect fit as a 5-technique in an odd front.
Cominsky is better against the run than he is as a pass rusher, so it wouldn’t necessarily be an upgrade in that department for the Rams, but he has the potential to develop into an impact player with his combination of size and speed.
Round 7: DE Michael Dogbe, Temple
Dogbe is a lesser-known prospect but as a late-round flier, the Rams could find some value here. He has the work ethic and motor to become a future starter in the NFL and can bring some immediate value as a situational pass rusher inside.
