The Los Angeles Rams moved on from John Sullivan and lost Rodger Saffold in free agency, leaving two holes on the interior of the offensive line. They drafted Joseph Noteboom and Brian Allen last year with those eventual departures in mind, and as of now, they’re projected to be starters at guard and center, respectively.
That doesn’t mean the Rams will ignore the offensive line in the draft, of course. They could select one in the first round, either at guard, center or tackle. They may opt to wait until the later rounds, too, prioritizing the defense first.
Either way, there are future starters to be had all over the place. Here’s one offensive lineman prospect for the Rams in every round of the upcoming draft.
Round 1: C/G Erik McCoy, Texas A&M
Landing Garrett Bradbury at No. 31 would be a dream scenario, but he’s unlikely to be available. Instead, the Rams can grab McCoy – who was a pre-draft visitor – and feel satisfied with the selection. He primarily played center in college but could play guard in the NFL, as well. That sort of versatility is something the Rams could covet.
He may not escape the first 50 picks so it’s not as if the Rams would be reaching by taking him at No. 31, especially considering they don’t have a second-rounder. He would be a perfect replacement for John Sullivan and keep Brian Allen in a reserve role.
Round 2: OL Elgton Jenkins, Mississippi State
Jenkins visited the Rams and like McCoy, he brings position flexibility. He played tackle, guard and center for the Bulldogs, though his best position is at center. He’s a fairly powerful blocker, which wasn’t exactly Sullivan’s strong suit, and fits well in the Rams’ zone blocking scheme.
Because Los Angeles doesn’t have a second-round pick, Jenkins would have to be targeted in a trade back. He could likely be had anywhere between 35 and 55, but moving down any further than that could cost the Rams a chance to draft him. At the very least, Jenkins would battle for a starting job at both center and guard, providing valuable depth if he loses out to Allen or Joseph Noteboom.
Round 3: OG Nate Davis, Charlotte
Davis is a punishing run blocker who loves to put defenders on the ground, much like the way Brian Allen does. His best spot is at guard in the NFL despite having experience at tackle, too. Considering the Rams hosted him for a visit, they’re clearly interested in him, and given his projected draft slot as a Day 2 pick, he could be a target with one of their third-round selections.
He would immediately compete with Noteboom at left guard, potentially keeping the second-year player at left tackle behind Andrew Whitworth. Drafting an instant starter at guard would fill two holes for the Rams, allowing them to make Noteboom the heir to Whitworth.
Round 4: OT Bobby Evans, Oklahoma
Evans is a perfect left tackle prospect for the Rams not because he’d be an immediate starter, but because he needs a year to develop. Whitworth is firmly entrenched as the starter, but he’ll leave a void in 2020 when he either retires or moves on in free agency. Evans can learn for a year before taking the reins in 2020.
He projects well as a future starter at left tackle with great athleticism and the footwork to get out into space as a lead blocker, which the Rams do plenty of with Whitworth and Rob Havenstein. As a mid-round prospect, there are flaws in his game, but the potential is apparent.
Round 5: G/C Michael Jordan, Ohio State
This could be a round too late for Jordan, but then again, there are plenty of offensive line prospects who are more NFL-ready than he is. If the Rams really want to wait until Day 3 to address the O-line, he would be a nice pickup in the fifth round and a great value at that point in the draft.
Like McCoy, he can play guard and center, bringing power as a blocker to either spot. The Rams could do far worse than Jordan in Round 5, especially with their needs on the interior. He has the potential to be a Day 1 starter, which isn’t often the case with Day 3 prospects.
Round 6: OT Trey Pipkins, Sioux Falls
Pipkins isn’t a polished prospect, but the upside is definitely there. He has the measurables teams look for in offensive tackles, standing at 6-foot-6, 309 pounds with 33 7/8-inch arms. The Rams hosted him for a visit so he’s on their radar, likely as a Day 3 selection. Depending on whether a team falls in love with his potential, he could be gone by the fifth round.
For the Rams, he’d be a good developmental prospect, affording him the chance to sit behind Whitworth and learn for a year.
Round 7: OG Javon Patterson, Ole Miss
Patterson was a Senior Bowl participant, which is always a plus in the eyes of the Rams’ evaluators. He’s not a great athlete and doesn’t have very good length (32 1/2-inch arms) but he spent four years in the SEC after being one of the best guard recruits out of high school, both of which help his resume.
His mobility as a blocker is one of his best traits, especially as a match for the Rams. They love to get guards out in space as lead blockers in the running game, so Patterson would be able to succeed in that department.
