Though the Los Angeles Rams’ top talent evaluators weren’t physically in Indianapolis to scout prospects at the NFL combine last week, they were certainly paying close attention to the testing numbers from the draft’s top players. Some prospects undoubtedly helped themselves with standout performances, causing scouts and GMs to reevaluate their tape, but others may have slipped further down boards with underwhelming performances.
There’s still a lot to be determined before the draft rolls around at the end of April, with free agency having a big impact on teams’ needs, but it’s never too early to run through a full seven-round mock draft for Los Angeles.
In this mock, the Rams trade down in the first round and land one of the most electric receivers in the draft, Brian Thomas Jr. They also come away with Braden Fiske, a combine star, and a potential backup quarterback in Joe Milton III.
TRADE: Round 1, No. 26: WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
Rams trade: No. 19
Buccaneers trade: No. 26 + 58
The Rams want a wide receiver. That much is clear after their reported interest in Mike Evans and their combine meeting with Rome Odunze. Thomas was a combine star, running a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash at 6-foot-3 and 209 pounds. He could go even earlier than No. 26, but trading down and landing him near the end of the first round, while picking up No. 58 overall in the process is a great deal for the Rams.
Round 2, No. 51: DT Braden Fiske, Florida State
Fiske might’ve been the biggest winner of the combine after running a 4.78 in the 40 and 33.5-inch vertical, while also clocking a 4.37 in the short shuttle. He’d be a great pickup in the second round, even if defensive tackle isn’t the Rams’ biggest need. Fiske could contribute right away alongside Aaron Donald and Kobie Turner, while helping solidify the D-line in the event that Donald retires in 2025.
Round 2, No. 58: G Christian Haynes, UConn
The Rams would only select a guard this early if they don’t re-sign Kevin Dotson. It’s possible they’d still take one and move Steve Avila to center, but that seems unlikely. Haynes is a bully on the interior and plays with a nasty edge, which is a trait the Rams loved in Avila last year. You can never have enough starting-caliber offensive linemen.
Round 3, No. 83: CB Max Melton, Rutgers
Melton wowed with a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash and 40.5-inch vertical, improving his stock and sending teams back to the tape. He can play outside or in the slot, which makes him a nice fit for the Rams, who always like to have cornerbacks with that sort of versatility. Cornerback is a huge need for Los Angeles and landing Melton at this point in the draft would be a big plus.
Round 3, No. 100: OLB Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State
Kamara is undersized as an edge rusher, coming in at 6-foot-1 and 248 pounds. That'll make him more enticing to teams with a 3-4 defense like the Rams, and he has the athleticism to make up for his smaller size. He ran a 4.57 and posted an excellent 10-yard split of 1.58, showing great acceleration and burst off the line. Kamara may not be a Day 1 starter, but he'd be a nice addition to go with Byron Young and a potential free-agent signing.
Round 5, No. 153: S James Williams, Miami
Williams is an imposing safety at 6-foot-4 and 231 pounds. He only ran a 4.65 and his vertical of 30 inches was underwhelming, but the Rams are familiar with safety-linebacker hybrids, which Williams could be. They did it with Travin Howard and Mark Barron, and Williams could be next in line to help the Rams at both positions.
Round 5, No. 154: TE Theo Johnson, Penn State
Johnson came away as a winner of the combine after running a 4.57 at 6-foot-6 and 259 pounds, an outstanding time for a tight end his size. He also jumped 39.5 inches in the vertical and had a 10-foot-5 broad jump. He's not the best blocker, but that can improve in a system like the Rams'.
Round 6, No. 191: OT Ethan Driskell, Marshall
Driskell has the size and length to be a pro tackle but he isn’t the most mobile or athletic offensive lineman, which hurts his stock significantly. As a late-round pick, however, he's someone the Rams can try to develop behind Alaric Jackson who whoever they add to start at left tackle next season.
Round 6, No. 212: C Tanor Bortolini, Wisconsin
Bortolini has excellent size and athleticism at center, weighing in at 6-foot-4, 303 pounds and a 4.94 in the 40-yard dash -- the second-fastest time of any lineman this year, with the third-best 10-yard split (1.69), too. He's worth taking a chance on in the sixth round for his athletic traits alone.
Round 6, No. 217: RB Miyan Williams, Ohio State
Williams is a short, squatty running back at 5-foot-9 and 229 pounds, but he runs with good power, which makes him a nice complement to Kyren Williams' style. He's not going to impress as a receiver and his speed is lacking, but Williams could be a decent RB3 or RB4 for the Rams.
Round 6, No. 218: OLB Myles Cole, Texas Tech
With Cole, you're betting on the traits over production. At 6-foot-6 and 278 pounds, he ran an impressive 4.67 in the 40-yard dash and had a 10-yard split of 1.65 seconds. He jumped 35 inches in the vertical, too. His size could allow him to play outside linebacker or defensive end in the Rams' scheme.
