The Los Angeles Rams have made it clear they’re trying to bolster the defensive front in this year’s draft, and the latest visitors continue to reiterate that. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Rams are hosting Clemson prospects Dexter Lawrence and Clelin Ferrell on Thursday.
Lawrence is viewed as arguably the best 3-4 nose tackle in the draft, fitting perfectly in the Rams’ scheme. He’s been connected to Los Angeles frequently throughout the pre-draft process, given the team’s hole at nose tackle with Ndamukong Suh on his way out.
Lawrence ran a 5.05 40-yard dash at the combine after weighing in at 6-foot-4, 342 pounds. His movement skills at that size are remarkable, making him a special prospect. He’s the run-stuffing nose tackle the Rams have been seeking since Wade Phillips took over in 2017.
As for Ferrell, he’s less likely to reach Los Angeles at No. 31. He’s one of the better edge rushers in the class and a number of teams could scoop him up before the Rams go on the clock. However, it’s important for Les Snead and the front office to do their due diligence with many prospects who could be available in their range, in the event that they want to trade up.
Last season with the Tigers, Ferrell (6-foot-4, 264 pounds) had 11.5 sacks, 20 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles, wreaking havoc at defensive end in Clemson’s 4-3 scheme. With the Rams, he would likely step in as a starter at outside linebacker and rotate with Dante Fowler Jr., Clay Matthews and Samson Ebukam.
The Rams can’t go wrong with either player at No. 31, it just remains to be seen whether they’ll make it there.
