Recent seven-round mock draft sees the Rams bolstering their defense.

Recent seven-round mock draft sees the Rams bolstering their defense.

We are in the middle of college bowl season, but the Los Angeles Rams are in the thick of the NFL playoff chase. Even though more players are choosing not to play this year, it’s still a great chance for some to show off their skills. Mock drafts are in full swing, along with bowl games.

The Rams were favored in Ian Cummings’ most recent seven-round mock draft, which was published on Saturday by Pro Football Network. Compensatory picks are not included in Cummings’ mock draft because they are not official. Cummings projects the Rams to select Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry with the 23rd overall selection. What he said about the pick is as follows:

“Kool-Aid McKinstry still has value as a first-round prospect, as he was the preliminary CB1 across the consensus in the 2024 NFL Draft.” He can be an impact starter at 6’1′′, 195 pounds, with quick feet, a disciplined technique, length and physicality, and ball skills.

The Rams will probably select McKinstry frequently this draft season. They definitely need assistance at cornerback, and McKinstry will be among the best players available in that position. While Cobie Durant has been erratic, Derion Kendrick has proven to be a liability. Additionally, Ahkello Witherspoon is unrestricted. The Rams would have a legitimate number-one outside cornerback in McKinstry.

The Rams passed on edge rusher Jared Verse at number 23, along with potentially available tackles Troy Fautanu of Washington and Patrick Paul of Houston, in this mock draft.

Cummings also had the Rams use their third-round selection to address the secondary. The Rams selected Maryland safety Beau Brade with the 54th overall pick. Keeping with the defensive theme, Los Angeles selected Ohio State edge rusher J.T. Tuimoloau with the 85th overall pick. Cummings stated,

At 6’1″, 210 pounds, Beau Brade possesses the athleticism, all-around versatility, and tone-setting tenacity to be a valuable member of the Rams’ safety room.J.T. Tuimoloau worries about his bend limitations, but at 6’4″ and 277 pounds, his speed-to-power can be overwhelming from outside alignments.

After making no off-season investments in defense last year, the Rams will probably prioritize defense this offseason. Regarding Les Snead, the second round seems high for a safety. Having said that, they unquestionably require one. John Johnson III and Jordan Fuller are both unrestricted free agents. The only player who has demonstrated some starting potential is Quentin Lake.

The Rams selected three edge players in the first round of the draft last April, so it wouldn’t be shocking if they selected one more on the first or second day. Although they should try to sign one, it wouldn’t hurt to select an edge rusher in the third round to use as a rotational player.