Rams and ‘The Beast’: NFL draft possibilities at each position of need

There is no content drop that annually quite compares to Dane Brugler’s “The Beast” draft guide, and the 2024 edition was no different. Helpful to Rams fans specifically are the insightful capsules on prospects especially at positions of need. With a little less than two weeks before the draft, I’ve gathered together several fits, matches and favorites from Brugler to serve as a handy guide with his comments on overall strengths and weaknesses.

These are organized by five Rams positions of need, starting with highest priority down to lowest priority — and yes, Rams fans, kicker is a need. That won’t likely be addressed with any of the top picks or even middle-round picks, because it would make little logical sense from a team-building perspective. I have still included the position at the bottom.

Blurbs from Brugler’s “The Beast” are inclusive of players who could potentially be available in middle and later rounds.

Edge 

My take: The Rams went through the entirety of 2023 with a need at pass rusher, and still have one. Second-year player Byron Young could benefit from a partner on the other side, and though Michael Hoecht was retained on an original round tender this spring, the Rams must move him to a rotational outside/inside power role. Rising second-year players Nick Hampton and Ochaun Mathis got a few more snaps by the end of last season and will continue to develop situationally. If the Rams want those players to develop, they should look at this position in the earlier rounds where immediate contributors can be found instead of clogging the middle and lower areas of their roster.

Some analysts perceive this class to be strongest at the very top, with a significant drop-off in plug-and-play ability after the first few prospects are selected until solid depth or rotational players re-emerge in the middle rounds.

Dane says:

• Jared Verse, 6-foot-3/254 pounds, Florida State (Round 1)

“When he channels his relentless energy, Verse is as disruptive as anyone in this class, because of his explosive get-off, power through his frame and NFL-quality hand use. His physical traits and competitive football temperament give him a high floor as an NFL starter (reminiscent of eight-year NFL veteran Dante Fowler). … still crafting his pass-rush sequencing.”

Jared Verse tallied nine sacks and 12 1/2 tackles for loss last season with Florida State. (Jim Dedmon / USA Today)

• Laiatu Latu, 6-4/259 pounds, UCLA (Round 1)

“Latu’s medical history (he was medically retired after a neck injury in 2021 but returned in 2022-23) will play a major part in his draft grade, but he is a pass rush technician with the instinctive feel and athletic bend to be an impactful ‘two-way go’ rusher in the NFL. His play style and journey are reminiscent of Miami Dolphins 2021 first-rounder Jaelan Phillips. … Below-average arm length by NFL standards … tends to play tall versus the run and needs to be more consistent controlling the point of attack.”

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• Chop Robinson, 6-2/254 pounds, Penn State (Rounds 1-2)

“Robinson needs to continue developing to prove he isn’t a one-trick pony, but his first-step explosiveness and aggressive hands give him the potential to be the most dynamic pass rusher in this class. He is ideally suited as a wide-nine defender who can be schemed across the front. … Lean-muscled body type and doesn’t have ideal armor on his frame.”

• Adisa Isaac, 6-4/247 pounds, Penn State (Rounds 2-4).

“Isaac needs to mature his approach to be more than a flash player, but with his length, energy and athletic tools, he can become an impactful edge presence for a defensive coordinator who continues to unlock his potential. Though he projects best standing up in a 3-4, he has something to offer any NFL scheme as a role player with starting upside (similar in ways to the Philadelphia Eagles’ Josh Sweat). … undeveloped pass rush instincts.”

• Chris Braswell, 6-3/251 pounds, Alabama (Rounds 2-4)

“Braswell is slightly undersized and still a work in progress in several areas, but his first-step quickness and ability to convert speed to power are
solid starting points for a developmental pass rusher. He has down-the-road starting potential and reminds me of the Cincinnati Bengals’ Joseph Ossai when he was coming out of Texas.”

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Interior defensive lineman 

My take: No, the Rams will not “replace” the recently retired Aaron Donald. But they will certainly need to reconstruct the new era of their defensive line, and after a strong rookie season that can happen around Kobie Turner, who can either stay at nose tackle or move into a higher-volume pass-rush role as a three-technique. Depending on where they eventually want Turner, do the Rams want another undersized yet explosive and productive player on the inside, or will they prioritize size? Bobby Brown III is entering his contract year and has plenty of size and athleticism, but has struggled to consistently stay on the field between injuries and a suspension. It wouldn’t be a surprise, then, to see the Rams look at a couple of players at this position throughout the draft to begin developing even if they aren’t first-day contributors.

Dane says:

• Byron Murphy II, 6-foot/290 pounds, Texas (Round 1)

“Murphy doesn’t have ideal length, but his rare combination of lower-body twitch, natural leverage and power throughout his frame sets his apart. With his disruptive energy, both as a pass rusher and versus the run, he projects as an impact starter who can play shaded nose or three-technique, similar to Grady Jarrett. … Left too much production in the backfield, because of his shorter arms and overaggressive nature.”

• Jer’Zhan Newton, 6-1/304 pounds, Illinois (Rounds 1-2)

“Newton’s undersized, compact frame will be a turn-off for some teams, but he is tough to block one-on-one, because of his gap quickness, natural power and nose for the ball. He projects as a dependable starting three-technique in the NFL. … Compactly-built with below average body width and arm length.”

• Ruke Orhorhoro, 6-4/294 pounds, Clemson (Rounds 2-3)

“Orhorhoro’s undeveloped pass rush instincts and finishing skills cloud his next-level projection, but he displays intriguing movement skills and force at contact to continue getting better and better. He has NFL starting upside with the scheme-versatility to play multiple positions, both inside and outside. … Flashes a club or swim but needs to broaden his arsenal of moves and counters.”

Maason Smith recorded 4 1/2 tackles for loss and 2 1/2 sacks at LSU last season. (Matthew Dobbins / USA Today)

• Maason Smith, 6-5/306 pounds, LSU (Rounds 2-3)

“Smith is a traits-based prospect with his size, movement skills and pop at contact, but his inexperience is evident on tape with his inconsistent technique, block recognition and rush plan. NFL teams covet 6-5, 300-pound athletes on the defensive line and those types are in short supply in this draft class, which will only boost Smith’s draft projection.”

• Braden Fiske, 6-3/292 pounds, Florida State (Rounds 2-4)

“Fiske doesn’t have a deep arsenal of counters if he doesn’t win early, but he already has a professional mindset and his twitchy urgency and steady play strength will translate well to the pro game. He projects as a rotational three-technique with versatility to move around an aggressive front.”

* Texas defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat’s DWI arrest will merit further investigation by NFL teams, the Rams included. It’s not clear yet how they will view the situation, but generally the Rams have trended away from players with perceived off-the-field flags. Rarer cases in which they do draft the player include significant drops in draft position because of those flags.

Receiver 

My take: The Rams’ fifth-round selection of Puka Nacua in 2023 worked out better than anyone, including themselves, could have imagined. Yet despite Nacua’s record-breaking rookie emergence, they still have to plan for an eventual future without No. 1 Cooper Kupp, who has struggled to stay on the field the last two seasons. The Rams have veteran Demarcus Robinson under contract for a year, and speedy No. 4 receiver Tutu Atwell is entering the last year on his rookie deal. It would not be a surprise to see the Rams look at this position group multiple times in the draft and college free agency.

Several receivers could be selected in the top 15 picks, and the top prospects (Marvin Harrison, Rome Odunze, etc.) will be out of reach barring a massive forfeit of draft capital to trade up. For the sake of argument here, I’m including a receiver who could go somewhere in the late first round because it’s always a possibility under Sean McVay that the Rams look at skill players with their initial picks.

Dane says:

• Brian Thomas Jr., 6-2/209 pounds, LSU (Round 1)

“Thomas plays with impressive length, fluid speed and ball-winning athleticism. If his route efficiency catches up with his natural talent, he will be a dangerous weapon in the NFL. He projects as a quality NFL starter with the upside of Tee Higgins.”

• Ricky Pearsall, 6-1/191 pounds, Florida (Rounds 2-3)

“Pearsall wasn’t a home-run hitter on tape, but he is a reliable receiving option with the route quickness and ball skills to quickly become a favorite target for an NFL quarterback. He has the skill set and toughness to work inside or outside and return punts at the next level.”

• Xavier Legette, 6-1/203 pounds, South Carolina (Rounds 2-3)

“Legette needs to continue developing his route proficiency and tempo, but his film gives off DK Metcalf vibes, and he has the explosive speed and physicality to be a matchup weapon. He should be an immediate contributor on special teams before competing for starting reps outside.”

• Malachi Corley, 5-10/207 pounds, Western Kentucky (Rounds 2-3)

“Corley needs to be more controlled in his breaks and tempo to consistently separate as a route runner, but he is dynamic with the ball in his hands. He has the speed, physicality and contact balance ideal for a slot role that uses motions, jet sweeps and quick screens. His NFL comparison is somewhere between Deebo Samuel and Amari Rodgers — which is a wide spectrum.”

• Jalen McMillan, 6-1/197 pounds, Washington (Rounds 3-4)

“McMillan will need to prove he can handle the physicality of playing inside at the next level, but he has three-level potential as a pass catcher and will be an intriguing option for a team that prioritizes length and speed from the slot. Stylistically, his game reminds me of a juiced-up Jakobi Meyers.”

Running back

My take: Ronnie Rivers is as willing a runner as it gets, but lead rusher Kyren Williams — a breakout star in 2023 despite missing four games with an ankle sprain — will need a more definitive complement in the second spot especially in light of his recurring injury issues. I don’t believe “complement” necessarily has to mean a player with a different skill set to Williams. The Rams typically draft at this position in the middle and later rounds every year.

Dane says:

• Blake Corum, 5-7/205 pounds, Michigan (Round 3)

“Corum is smaller than ideal for his run style, but he makes quick, urgent decisions with the low center of gravity and burst to bounce runs or maneuver through congestion. His determination to maximize each carry will translate well to an NFL offense, although his effectiveness on third downs will determine his upside.”

• Jaylen Wright, 5-10/210 pounds, Tennessee (Round 3)

“Wright needs to develop a better feel for using tempo to maximize what is there, but his run strength, balance and ability to cut/weave at top speed make him dangerous with the ball in his hands. He projects as a scheme-versatile back (stylistically similar to Jerome Ford) who can handle work on all three downs.”

Audric Estimé ran for 1,341 yards and 18 TDs for the Fighting Irish last season. (D. Ross Cameron / USA Today)

• Audric Estimé, 5-11/222 pounds, Notre Dame (Rounds 3-4)

“Estimé has the build and run power of a downhill grinder but the vision and cut acceleration of a smaller back, giving him RB1 potential for an NFL team (best in a gap scheme). His body type, run talent and promise on passing downs are reminiscent of former Seattle Seahawks’ RB Chris Carson.”

• Cody Schrader, 5-8, 202 pounds, Missouri (Rounds 5-6)

“Schrader doesn’t run with desired tempo or elusiveness, but he is an attitude runner who sets the tone with his physicality and contact balance. There is a place in the NFL for his competitive run style and make-it mentality.”

• Dillon Johnson, 5-11/217 pounds, Washington (Rounds 6-7)

“Johnson is best suited for a complementary role at the next level that showcases his decision-making, traffic burst and diversity on passing downs. Although teams understandably have concerns about his body holding up, he has plenty to offer an NFL offense.”

• Blake Watson, 5-9/200 pounds, Memphis (Rounds 5-7)

“Watson might not have a featured role in the NFL, but his run balance and patient instincts make him a slippery threat with the ball in his hands.”

Defensive back

My take: The Rams clearly believed they were in sore need of veteran experience and versatility in this group, because they added cornerbacks Darious Williams and Tre’Davious White as well as safety Kam Curl. All three players can fill multiple positions, as can the younger Cobie Durant and Quentin Lake, both of whom are also projected starters. Because of this flexibility, I am similarly grouping defensive backs together here. If separated, it would be fair to rank cornerbacks higher on the position priority list and their possible selection rounds reflect this.

The Rams usually draft safeties in later rounds but the addition of Curl as a partner to Lake could mean they look for a player who could slot into their dime linebacker role in the short term.

Dane says:

• Quinyon Mitchell, CB, 6-foot/195 pounds, Toledo (Round 1)

“Mitchell is a balanced size/speed athlete who stays in phase up and down the field, doesn’t panic and makes plays on the football at a high rate. His tape and traits show an NFL-ready starter with a bright future.”

• Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, 5-11/196 pounds, Alabama (Rounds 1-2)

“McKinstry doesn’t play with high-level speed or aggression, but he is a long, smooth athlete with the football IQ that should translate quickly to an NFL field. His game reminds me of James Bradberry’s, and he will compete for starting reps as a rookie.”

• Cooper DeJean, CB or S, 6-foot/202 pounds, Iowa (Round 2)

“DeJean is one of the best tackling defensive backs in the class and shows playmaking skills in coverage, because of his athletic instincts and competitive makeup. Along with an immediate special teams role (as a returner and gunner), his NFL starter-quality skill set fits interchangeably at cornerback, safety or nickel.”

• Nehemiah Pritchett, CB, 6-foot/190 pounds, Auburn (Round 4)

“Pritchett needs to improve his tackling and downfield judgment skills, but his length, speed and football character are traits NFL teams want to bring into the building. He projects as a rotational cornerback for an NFL secondary.”

• Qwan’tez Stiggers, CB, 5-11/204 pounds, Toronto CFL (Rounds 5-6)

“Stiggers is understandably raw in several areas, because of his lack of experience, but he is an alert ball denier with the size, athleticism and mentality that can be developed. He is worth a draft pick, although it might take a patient coaching staff to get him NFL-ready.”

(I’m also a bit biased after working all of last year on this story about new motion concepts. CFL players who understand how to quickly diagnose and react to advanced motion, is an interesting avenue to look into.)

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•  Malik Mustapha, S, 5-10/206 pounds, Wake Forest (Round 3)

“Mustapha doesn’t have the tape of an instinctive ballhawk, but he is a passionate competitor with outstanding range versus the run and disciplined movements in coverage. With a skill set similar to Jordan Whitehead, he should shine on special teams coverages in the NFL and will push for defensive snaps early in his career.”

• Beau Brade, S, 6-foot/203 pounds, Maryland (Rounds 4-5)

“Brade needs to be more consistent as a ballhawk and tackle-finisher, but his confident, cerebral trigger and athletic mentality are promising traits. He has the tools for an interchangeable nickel/safety role and will play on special teams from Day 1.”

Kickers

• Joshua Karty, Stanford (Rounds 5-7)

Karty has an 85.0 field goal percentage and just one missed extra point in 72 tries over three seasons.

• Cam Little, Arkansas (Rounds 5-7)

A kicker and punter with a career 82.8 field goal percentage. Little did not miss an extra-point attempt in three years in college.

• Jake Bates, Michigan Panthers UFL

Bates is drawing NFL buzz after a series of 60-plus yards kicks so far in his UFL season.

(Top photos of Chop Robinson, Byron Murphy, Ricky Pearsall: Scott Taetsch, Nick Tre. Smith, James Gilbert / Getty Images)