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Here are our 10 takeaways from the Rams 2024 draft class
The Los Angeles Rams wrapped up the NFL Draft over the weekend with 10 selections that included a first round pick for the first time since 2016. It was a defensive heavy draft with five of the team’s first six selections coming on that side of the ball. Six of the Rams’ selections also participated in the Senior Bowl. Here are my 10 takeaways from the Rams 2024 draft class.
The Rams came into the draft with needs all over the defensive side of the ball. After losing Aaron Donald, they needed a defensive lineman. They very clearly needed an edge rusher opposite of Byron Young to help the pass rush. The issue was, coming in, there was no guarantee one of the top defensive linemen or edge rushers fell to them at 19.
Little did we know, it would be a historic draft on the offensive side of the ball. The first 14 selections all went to offense. With interest in Brock Bowers, the Rams tried to be one of those 14 teams, but instead were able to sit back and let the defensive talent fall to them. With the 19th overall pick, the Rams had their pick between the top cornerbacks and arguably the top edge rusher. They sided with the edge rusher and ended up with Jared Verse. Despite some potential frustrations in not landing Bowers, it’s hard not to be excited about the player that they did select in Verse.
There was some speculation that the Rams may be interested in a left tackle throughout the draft process. It would have been interested had Amarius Mims or another top tackle fell to them. However, when all was said and done, the Rams not only didn’t take a tackle at 19, but they really didn’t take one at all. Both offensive linemen selected came on day 3 and both Beaux Limmer and KT Leveston should play on the inside.
With that being said, the Rams clearly have confidence in the left tackle room. They have Alaric Jackson who was solid over the back half of the season and Joe Noteboom who should provide some good depth. There are questions at the position beyond 2024 given contract situations, but the Rams showed where they stand at left tackle. Only time will tell if not taking a tackle in one of the best tackle classes in years was the right decision.
Taking a defensive tackle on day two was very clearly the goal for the Rams front office. However, Ruke Orhorhoro went at pick 35 and Johnny Newton at 36. T’Vondre Sweat then went at pick 38. Within the first six picks on the second round, three defensive tackles went off the board. In order to...
