Rams News, 3/1: LA grabs an o-lineman in latest Sporting News mock
Rams Fortify OL, Draft Syracuse OT Matthew Bergeron: NFL Mock (SportsIllustrated)
“When the Los Angeles Rams finally get their first pick on the clock at #36 in April, there are several directions the team could go.
They could address the offensive line, which is arguably their greatest need, or add a linebacker to make up for the loss of Bobby Wagner. Simply put, there’s no way of knowing what the Rams will do until their choice is made.
By April, however, there will be dozens of mock drafts predicting what teams will do. In Sporting News’ latest mock draft, they believe the Rams will address the former and go on offense with their first pick.
As noted in Bergeron’s justification, pass protection is an area of concern for the Rams.
The offensive line had numerous injuries to contend with, forcing the Rams to set an NFL record with 12 different offensive line combinations in the first 12 weeks of the season.”
See how NFL highlights from Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey and Cooper Kupp combine (RamsWire)
“The best prospects in the 2023 draft class for the NFL combine are this week in Indianapolis, a time when they can showcase their skills on the field and their character in interviews. This is an important step in the pre-design process that every player will use to their advantage.
In 2014, Aaron Donald certainly did, impressing scouts and GMs on his way to becoming a first-round pick. Jalen Ramsey did the same in 2016 and emerged as one of the most physically gifted defenders. And in 2017, Cooper Kupp showed that the combine isn’t everything and became a three-time crown winner despite not making it in Indy.”
3 reasons LA Rams need to sign 2023 S John Johnson III (Ramblin Fan)
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
“The LA Rams haven’t exactly fought tooth and nail to keep their best safes on their defense. But maybe that’s a mindset that needs to change. After all, the Rams secondary, once the backbone of the team, has been struggling lately. Whether this is due to poor selection in the NFL draft, the coaching and management of defenders who are on the list, or simply the symptom of an NFL organization’s front office having undervalued the contribution of the position, I can’t agree say certainty .
What I can say is that the LA Rams have sorely missed the production of veteran NFL safety expert John Johnson III since he left after the 2020 NFL season. Now, by accidental coincidence or a cunning twist of fate, the LA Rams have an opportunity to re-sign the man who truly was the fire in the souls of the Rams defense.
You see, the Cleveland Browns are letting him go, and I believe that’s not only great news for the Rams roster, but also an opportunity this team can’t ignore. John Johnson III may or may not be a key contributor to the LA Rams secondary again, but this is an opportunity I think the Rams must seize.
5 linebackers the Rams can watch at the NFL Combine (RamsWire)
Ken Ruinard / USA TODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK
“In a surprise move, the Los Angeles Rams and Bobby Wagner have decided to part ways after just one season. The Rams will release him early in the league year on March 15, opening a hole at Inside Linebacker.
The Rams still have Ernest Jones as an inside linebacker, but the position is a bigger priority now than it seemed prior to the Wagner news. When it comes to the draft, the Rams probably won’t pick a linebacker early, but there will be options in the middle rounds.
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