The Los Angeles Rams have had their patience tested in recent years during the draft, and Thursday night is no exception. Sitting at No. 31 overall, the Rams have a long wait before they go on the clock, which means plenty of their top targets will be off the board.
Three ideal prospects were selected in consecutive picks at No. 16, 17 and 18 in the first round. The Panthers took Brian Burns with the 16th pick, followed by the Giants snatching up Dexter Lawrence at No. 17. At No. 18, the Vikings stole another Rams target in Garrett Bradbury.
Had any of the three players fallen to the Rams at No. 31, it would’ve been extremely tough for them to pass up. It was hard to see Burns dropping that far, but perhaps the Rams would’ve considered trading up for him if he fell into the mid-20s.
As for Lawrence, he was frequently linked to Los Angeles as a target at the end of the first round. He’s a massive nose tackle who would’ve fit perfectly in Wade Phillips’ 3-4 defense.
Bradbury was also often mocked to the Rams in projections, ranking as the top center on most analysts’ boards.
Los Angeles will have to look elsewhere at No. 31, potentially at safety.
