The Los Angeles Rams have several needs in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft if they are to compete with the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West moving forward.
The good news? General manager Les Snead addressed some major needs in NFL free agency after a surprise playoff appearance a season ago.
Surprisingly, we’re looking primarily at the defensive side of the ball when it comes to what areas the Rams must address. Below, here is a look at the top-five Rams team needs in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Los Angeles Rams Needs In The 2024 NFL Draft
5. Cornerback
General manager Les Snead did extremely well to find stopgap options at cornerback during NFL free aency. Tre’Davious White and Darious Williams came over on team-friendly deals. Both are expected to start on the outside with Quentin Lake in the slot.
In no way does this mean that the Rams don’t have a need at cornerback. There is very little behind the two free-agent additions outside of Derion Kendrick. We can certainly envision Los Angeles using a mid-round selection on this position in the 2024 NFL Draft. It could even surprise in the first round depending on how things shake out.
- Potential Los Angeles Rams NFL Draft targets: Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama), Andru Phillips (Kentucky), Josh Newton (Texas Christian)
4. Linebacker
Looking at the Rams off-ball linebacker group right now, it’s not great at all. Christian Rozeboom and Ernest Jones sit atop the depth chart. Troy Reeder and Jacob Hummel are currently the top backups. Given the talent on offense in the NFC West, this is not an ideal scenario.
Rozeboom yielded a 79.6% completion and 90.1 QB rating in part-time starting duties a season ago. Despite recording 4.5 sacks in 2023, Jones also gave up a completion percentage of over 70%. There is every reason to believe that the Rams will target a future starter at some point on Day 2 or early in Day 3.
- Potential Los Angeles Rams NFL Draft targets: Javon Solomon (Troy), Marist Liufau (Notre Dame), Tommy Eichenberg (Ohio State)
3.Quarterback
The Rams were in on Sam Howell before the youngster was traded from the Washington Commanders to the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. This is the clearest indication yet that Los Angeles is targeting a young quarterback to place behind veterans Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo.
It makes sense with Stafford set to enter his Age-36 season and coming off a couple somewhat serious injuries. He had in the past even contemplated retirement. If the Rams find a fit after Round 1, it would make sense for Snead and Co. to kick the tires.
- Potential Los Angeles Rams NFL Draft targets: Spencer Rattler (South Carolina), Jordan Travis (Florida State), Sam Hartman (Notre Dame)
2.Safety
The signing of Kamren Curl was big time for these Rams in NFL free agency. He’ll man the free safety spot after he recorded 14 passes defended and three interceptions in four seasons with the Washington Commanders. It’s the other safety spot that is a major question market for Los Angeles heading into the 2024 NFL Draft.
Right now, Russ Yeast heads that position with Jason Taylor potentially backing him up. In particular, Yeast gave up a 68.3% completion and 115.7 QB rating when targeted last season. You need better safety play than that. It’s that simple.
Potential Los Angeles Rams NFL Draft targets: Javon Bullard (Georgia), Kamren Kinchens (Miami), Cole Bishop (Utah)
1. EDGE Rusher
This is the one area we expect Los Angeles to target in the first round of the NFL Draft. Byron Young was awesome at one of the edge positions during his rookie season, recording 19 quarterback hits and eight sacks. Outside of that, there is not a lot to write home about at the edge spot.
Following the surprising retirement of defensive tackle Aaron Donald, adding more pass-rush help on the outside has to be in the cards for Los Angeles. Look for Snead and Co. to target that position early.
- Potential Los Angeles Rams NFL Draft targets: Laiatu Latu (UCLA), Chop Robinson (Penn State), Darius Robinson (Missouri)
More must-reads: