Way-too-early Los Angeles Rams NFL Draft preview

The 2023 NFL Draft is April 27-29 in Kansas City. Here is the projected first-round order, per Tankathon. (Picks 1-18 are locked in.)

2022 record: 5-12 | First-round pick: None | Team needs: OT, edge defender, RB

Snapshot: The Rams, who suffered from the injury bug in 2022, have needs all over and no first-round draft pick. That pick -- the sixth overall -- was sent to the Lions as part of the trade to acquire QB Matthew Stafford. Los Angeles won't make a selection until the second round (36th). The team faces uncertainty regarding HC Sean McVay, who has hinted he may not return.

Potential second-round picks: Blake Freeland, OT, BYU; Will McDonald IV, edge defender, Iowa State; Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

The Rams have glaring needs on the offensive line, which allowed 59 sacks in 2022, third most in the league. Freeland, who stands 6-foot-8 and weighs 305 pounds, would be a montsrous addition, He started every game in 2022 and was named a third-team AP All-American. 

Los Angeles had only 38 sacks, 32 behind league leader Philadelphia, and must amp up its rush. McDonald IV had 34 sacks, 10 forced fumbles and seven passes defensed during his collegiate career. He might be the perfect pairing with Leonard Floyd, who posted nine sacks in 2022.

Robinson may be the most intriguing option for the Rams. 

Ranked as the top running back prospect in the class, Robinson rushed for 1,580 yards and scored 18 touchdowns in 2022. He would need to fall or Los Angeles would have to trade up to get him. But he would bring a much higher quality of play and more consistency at running back, especially with the drama surrounding RB Cam Akers.

"This is about as high as you’ll realistically see us put a running back on the draft board," Pro Football Focus wrote about its No. 22 overall prospect. "Robinson gets such a billing because he’s exactly where the NFL game is going — he is a space player who can make two-high defenses pay."