Peter Schrager of NFL Network released his first mock draft on Tuesday and guaranteed that the Los Angeles Rams would take an offensive player in the first round barring a trade back. Schrager is not only an NFL insider, but also a close friend of Rams head coach Sean McVay.
Schrager believes that McVay will be inclined to use his first-ever first-round draft pick to bolster his offense despite clear and obvious needs on the other side of the ball writing, “I’ll go on record with something of a guarantee here: If the Rams do not trade back, you better believe Sean McVay’s first-ever first-round selection will be an offensive player.”
As an ‘insider’ rather than a draft analyst or as a scout, Schrager relies on information gathered through background conversations and sourced material. As he puts it, his mock draft has been compiled “After weeks on the phones with general managers and head coaches.”
Insider Picks Offensive Tackle For Los Angeles Rams with Pick 19
Schrager pulls the trigger on 6’8″ 322 lbs offensive tackle Tyler Guyton out of Oklahoma. Guyton is a rare combination of size and athleticism. He has the build and the technique that could develop into an elite NFL tackle and has the versatility to play both left and right tackle. As Schrager puts it,
“Los Angeles shored up its interior O-line in free agency. Guyton — a bit of a project, but someone who can play either tackle spot — gives Matthew Stafford another promising young guy to protect him in his 16th NFL season.”
Guyton would likely move into the starting left tackle role if drafted, replacing Alaric Jackson but could be thought of as the succession plan to Rob Havenstein, who enters his 10th season and will turn 32 next month.
The Los Angeles Rams biggest offseason moves have been re-signing right guard Kevin Dotson and adding Jonah Jackson, left guard, in free agency. The Rams are currently collectively paying their offensive line the 4th most in the NFL.
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