Los Angeles Rams mock draft roundup 2024: Analyzing experts’ Round 1 predictions

• Expert: The Athletic’s Ben Standig, Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network

There is so much to like about UCLA Bruins edge rusher Laiatu Latu.If production matters to you, he’s coming off a unanimous All-American selection that saw him record 21.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks with the fifth-most pressures (62) among FBS edge rushers and the highest PFF pass-rush win rate (26.2 percent). As for his athleticism, Latu recorded a 9.32 Relative Athletic Score. Latu is not only the most polished defensive player in the 2024 NFL Draft, he also offers a ceiling as a perennial Pro Bowl edge rusher. Medicals (neck injury) are the lone red flag, but Latu could be the best edge rusher the Rams have had in years.

Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State Seminoles

• Expert: ESPN’s Matt Miller

One theme you’ll quickly pick up on in the Rams mock draft roundup 2024 is the number of analyst projecting an edge rusher to Los Angeles. After all, even with Aaron Donald on the field, the Rams finished a moderate 14th in ESPN pass-rush win rate (42 percent) this past year so there’s room to improve. Florida State edge defender Jared Verse – 9.56 Relative Athletic Score – is a force when it comes to creating pressure. He tied Latu last season in pressures and he brings outstanding athleticism. While Verse doesn’t have exceptional arm length, he knows how to win with power and speed. Pair all of that with a lightning-quick first step and a good ability to bend, you have a pass rusher capable of recording double-digit sacks. While Latu would be our preference for Los Angeles, Verse is way more than a consolation prize.

Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State Nittany Lions

• Experts: Danny Kelly of The Ringer

Fans certainly recognize that NFL teams value traits a lot more than production. That’s why Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson has elevated his stock during the pre-draft process. This past season, Robinson ranked 13th in PFF pass-rush win rate (20.9 percent), but he only placed 156th in total pressures. So, what makes him special? A 9.71 Relative Athletic Score and explosiveness that compared to former Penn State edge rusher Micah Parsons. It’s important to recognize that Robinson is much less polished than Parsons was at this stage, but the athletic traits are comparable. The Rams have done a great job developing defenders and Robinson’s upside is right up there with Latu’s ceiling when healthy.

Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas Longhorns

• Experts: Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus

Rounding out our Rams mock draft roundup is the player who seems perfect for Los Angeles. Donald can’t be replaced but if general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay at least want to replicate having a game wrecker on the defensive interior, it’s Byron Murphy II. He led FBS defensive tackles in PFF pass-rush win rate (19.6 percent) and pass-rushing grade (91.5), resulting in an absurd 45 pressures at defensive tackle. Murphy is arguably the best option for Los Angeles, but he’s a top-15 prospect who will either need a draft-day slide or for the Rams to trade up if he’s going to land in Los Angeles.