After the first two weeks of free agency, the Los Angeles Rams’ remaining needs are coming into focus. They re-signed Michael Brockers, Andrew Whitworth and Austin Blythe, also adding A’Shawn Robinson and Leonard Floyd.
However, the Rams did lose Cory Littleton, Dante Fowler Jr. and Greg Zuerlein, and parted ways with Todd Gurley, Clay Matthews and Nickell Robey-Coleman. Heading into the draft, they could use help at edge rusher and inside linebacker, as well as along the offensive line.
In the latest mock draft from Chad Reuter of NFL.com, the Rams address those holes and add help at running back to fill the void left by Gurley.
Here are the picks made by Reuter in the mock.
52. G Hakeem Adeniji, Kansas
84. LB Jacob Phillips, LSU
104. (compensatory) RB LeVante Bellamy, Western Michigan
126. OLB Jonathan Greenard, Florida
Adeniji in the second round fills arguably the Rams’ biggest need, given how poorly the offensive line played last season, particularly at guard. He’s not an ideal fit in the Rams’ zone blocking scheme, but Aaron Kromer could work with him to improve his technique.
In the third round, the Rams add Phillips and Bellamy. Phillips is an athletic linebacker with great size, but he needs to improve his strength and tackling technique. Bellamy is an interesting prospect because he doesn’t have prototypical size at 5-foot-9, nor is he a great receiver, but as a complementary piece to Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown, he makes sense.
Greenard would be a steal in the fourth round. He’s an underrated pass rusher and could go as early as the second or third rounds, but his technique on the edge needs work. Getting him in the building with Brandon Staley could prove beneficial and make this a good match for both the player and team.
