As the Los Angeles Rams continue assembling their draft board ahead of April’s event, they’ll certainly have at least a few dream targets in the first round – players they’ll be praying fall to them at No. 19 overall. Fans have already come up with their ideal prospects for the Rams in Round 1, and Pro Football Focus has a pair of players Los Angeles would likely love to land on April 25.
According to PFF, Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson and Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold should be considered ideal first picks for the Rams in the first round. Powers-Johnson is viewed as the best center in the class and many consider Arnold to be the top cornerback, too, so landing either player would be a home run for Los Angeles.
Even if Coleman Shelton returns in 2024 like the team hopes he does, Powers-Johnson would be an excellent selection for the future, with some viewing him as a better prospect than Creed Humphrey. Arnold would fill a major need at cornerback and his prowess in zone coverage makes him an even better fit.
Two obvious weaknesses stand out for the Rams: pass protection and coverage. There may be an immediate need on the interior amid the potential departure of standout guard Kevin Dotson. Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson would be an outstanding fit at center to create a solid foundation with 2023 draftee Steve Avila.
If the Rams do choose a defensive player with their first-rounder, they could easily find out what remains from a deep cornerback class. Players like Terrion Arnold and Cooper DeJean would be an easy fit for a team that runs a ton of zone coverages.
We won’t know how exactly the Rams view either prospect until it comes time for them to make a selection in Round 1, but it’s hard to imagine them not coveting both Powers-Johnson and Arnold this year. They’re two outstanding prospects with Pro Bowl potential, while also filling significant needs on the roster.
