For the 30 teams that aren’t in the Super Bowl, their primary focus should be on this weekend’s Senior Bowl game. The Los Angeles Rams are in pre-draft mode and it would be wise for them to get a decent look at some of the incoming seniors from college.
The Rams have a handful of needs entering the 2023 NFL draft and there’s no doubt that some of the prospects that are high on their draft board aren’t going to be seniors. Meanwhile, there are certainly plenty of intriguing prospects at positions of need playing in Saturday’s game.
With the Senior Bowl taking place this weekend, we have compiled a list of 12 prospects that the Rams should be watching on Saturday and have listed what team they’ll be playing for between the National and American squads.
1
Tulane RB Tyjae Spears (American)
Sean McVay has shown that he’ll consistently add running backs and wide receivers in the draft and running back appears to be the bigger need despite how Cam Akers concluded the regular season. While Akers needs to improve as a receiver, getting a versatile back to spell him would benefit the offense.
Tyjae Spears has likely been rising up draft boards already with how he’s looked in Senior Bowl practices this week.
Tyjae Spears gets open on the Texas route, QB just misses the throw #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/oPtAw3CJUB
— Tyler Browning (@DiabeticTyler) February 1, 2023
2
Minnesota OL John Michael Schmitz (American)
The Rams need to address the offensive line in this year’s draft and if they elect to add to the interior, John Michael Schmitz out of Minnesota is a solid choice. Schmitz has started in 31 games at the center position in the last three seasons and was selected to the AP First-Team All-America Team in 2022.
John Michael Schmitz can play for my squad any day of the week. pic.twitter.com/7Uf03TTZ1d
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) February 1, 2023
3
Syracuse OL Matthew Bergeron (American)
Besides the interior, the Rams could look to bolster their tackle positions ahead of the 2023 season despite having Joseph Noteboom and Rob Havenstein slated to start. Matthew Bergeron made 39 starts at offensive tackle in four years at Syracuse and was voted a team captain during the 2022 campaign.
Impressive foot quickness from Syracuse OT Matthew Bergeron. Easily able to match Missouri DE Isaiah McGuire up the outside track and remains patient enough to stall the counter back inside. Really impressive. pic.twitter.com/VhcLSPDSKE
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) February 1, 2023
4
Tennessee OL Darnell Wright (American)
Another offensive tackle that should interest the Rams is Darnell Wright out of Tennessee. Wright made 42 total starts at tackle and guard in college, earned All-SEC First-Team honors in 2022, and didn’t allow a sack for the final 19 games of his collegiate career.
.@Vol_Football OT Darnell Wright likes taking the fight to his pass rushers. Made first contact here and dominated the rep after doing so. Love the mentality pic.twitter.com/YMiNraxaUJ
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) January 31, 2023
5
BYU OL Blake Freeland (National)
If you’re looking for a massive offensive lineman that possesses elite athleticism for his size, look no further than BYU’s Blake Freeland. Freeland was a state champion in shotput and javelin in high school before starting in 41 games for BYU.
The length for BYU OT Blake Freeland really popped on this rep. Was also able to play with enough bend to work back inside after the initial rush. Really nice rep. pic.twitter.com/B3Axt1eclg
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) February 1, 2023
6
North Dakota State OL Cody Mauch (National)
When it comes to versatility, Cody Mauch out of North Dakota State is an enticing prospect. Mauch was a tight-end-turned-offensive tackle at North Dakota State and he was seen getting snaps at the guard spot during Senior Bowl practices.
Cody Mauch at LG 👀 pic.twitter.com/lT2ilZdczP
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) January 31, 2023
7
Miami TE Will Mallory (American)
The Rams have to make a decision on Tyler Higbee this offseason and they need more from their tight ends moving forward. Even though Mallory didn’t produce jaw-dropping numbers in college, he’s an athletic tight end and is a talented pass catcher at the position.
There are two TE's in this draft in the top 10 in Receiving AND Pass blocking grade (PFF): Darnell Washington and Will Mallory. Mallory has blazing speed and can play inline, in the slot, and out wide. at 6'5 250 lbs he is a mismatch nightmare and a good complement to Kmet pic.twitter.com/2FmgEDkkE5
— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) January 13, 2023
8
TCU DL Dylan Horton (American)
After failing to generate consistent pressure this season, the Rams unquestionably need to add some firepower to the defensive line and off of the edge. Dylan Horton out of TCU tallied 14.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and a forced fumble in 2022.
Isaiah Land and Dylan Horton on the would-be sack #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/zXdMx3NZ46
— Tyler Browning (@DiabeticTyler) February 1, 2023
9
Notre Dame DL Isaiah Foskey (National)
There are a few names to watch if the Rams elect to take an edge rusher with one of their first picks and Isaiah Foskey out of Notre Dame is one of them. In his final two seasons in college, Foskey registered a combined 23 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks, and seven forced fumbles.
Isaiah Foskey💪☘️
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 31, 2023
10
Auburn DL Derick Hall (American)
Along with Foskey, another edge rusher to watch this weekend is Derick Hall out of Auburn. Hall totaled 24.5 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, and four forced fumbles in his final two seasons of college.
Really nice rep here from @AuburnFootball edge rusher Derick Hall. Powerful long arm straight into a swim. pic.twitter.com/X6HWDOhoHB
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) January 31, 2023
11
Illinois DB Sydney Brown (National)
In the coming weeks, Taylor Rapp and Nick Scott are set to hit free agency at the safety position for the Rams. Brown finished his collegiate career with a bang in 2022 as he posted 59 tackles, 13 pass breakups, six interceptions, and a defensive touchdown.
Elijah Higgins vs Sydney Brown pic.twitter.com/NTCBuAapNi
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) January 31, 2023
12
Kansas State DB Julius Brents (American)
With tall, athletic cornerbacks being the craze in recent years, Julius Brents is certainly a name to keep an eye on in the pre-draft process. Brents is a 6-foot-4 corner that notched eight pass breakups and four interceptions in 2022.
#KansasState DB Julius Brents with a fantastic one on one rep against Dontayvion Wicks. Impressive physicality and gets the INT. pic.twitter.com/upIzsmdhxP
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) January 31, 2023
