Turf Show Times
Luther Burden, Jihaad Campbell, Jaxson Dart and other prospects that could be an option for Rams at #26
One of most helpful outcomes of the exploding popularity of the NFL Draft is the arrival of consensus boards that aggregate the thousands of mock drafts across the internet. These consensus boards allow for tracking of stock for individual prospects, and help build a list of targets for each team in the first round.
NFL Mock Draft Database lists these seven players as the targets for the Los Angeles Rams at 26th overall followed by their consensus big board ranking:
The three most attractive parts of Campbell’s draft profile are his size, athleticism, and ability to chase ball carriers sideline to sideline. He projects as a plus coverage linebacker, which is not a skillset the Rams currently have at the position.
Campbell had surgery in March to repair a labrum tear and has a tendency to miss games here and there.
Part of the appeal of Golden is the fact he ran the fasted 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine. Lending too much credit to results at the combine can get you into trouble quickly as a general manager, though there is also a lot to like from Golden on film.
At 5-11, 191 lbs., Golden often plays bigger than his size suggests. He also has flexibility to win from the slot or on the outside. There might not be a single offense in the NFL that wouldn’t benefit from a player with this skillset, though he might not ever become a true WR#1.
One advantage that Simmons has over some of the other top tackle prospects in this class is that there is two years of film of him playing left tackle at a major program. You don’t have to wonder whether he can move from the right side and maintain his effectiveness.
That’s a double-edged sword for the Rams, because they just extended Alaric Jackson’s contract and made him the starting left tackle for the foreseeable future. The more immediate tackle need for LA would be on the right side, where veteran Rob Havenstein is on the wrong side of 30 and entering a contract year. It’s not irrational to say that it’s easier to move from the left side to the right than the opposite.
For those reasons, is Simmons the right guy for the Rams?
It will be a tough journey to the NFL for Dart after playing in a simplified Ole Miss offense, especially if he lands with someone like Sean McVay. His college scheme also makes for a tough draft projection.
There’s a lot to like. Dart is an accurate passer and adept in the short and intermediate areas of the field. There is inconsistency in his deep ball but he played with bigger...
