There isn’t really any analysis beyond the basic “See depth chart, make pick” format used in most NFL mock drafts. Therefore, the impact of Aaron Donald’s retirement hasn’t come as a huge surprise in mock drafts; instead, it’s assumed that the Los Angeles Rams will select a player who plays a position comparable to his.
It’s possible that’s what they’ll do, but never assume anything about Les Snead. He typically acts in the opposite way.
I always see these four candidates for the Rams in mock drafts.
DT Byron Murphy, Texas
A side called NFL Draft Plex has the Rams picking Murphy, which is probably the most common Rams connection in the draft right now.
The Rams and Byron Murphy II still seems like an obvious fit — unless another team beats LA to the punch.
Nothing about the 19th pick in the draft is ever “obvious.” The Rams also selected Murphy, according to WalterFootball.
It’s unfortunate that Aaron Donald has decided to retire, considering the Rams had a fantastic opportunity to win the Super Bowl. Clearly, Donald has to be replaced.
As a pass rusher and a run defender, Byron Murphy has excelled. His short stature is his only drawback.
It all boils down to Aaron Donald’s retirement. Remember that the team was aware that AD was retiring, but they chose not to address the position in free agency. Is that because the team doesn’t really care about acquiring a defensive lineman, or is it just because they are confident they can select a suitable player in the draft? The latter suggests that the Rams are content with a day two pick as much as they are with a first round pick, as they were with Kobie Turner in 2023. It doesn’t even have to be a front-seven player—it could be Murphy or Newton.
DT Johnny Newton, Illinois
The Rams will attempt to replace the void at DT created by Aaron Donald’s retirement with Johnny Newton, who can assist them both now and down the road. Newton becomes a part of a youthful defense that is full with ability.
EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA
A few years back, Los Angeles considered making a trade for Brian Burns. If given the option, they would like to add a reliable pass rusher to complement Byron Young, who had a very strong rookie campaign.
EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State
“In a perfect world, Aaron Donald would be replaced with an inside defensive lineman, but that might be too simple. What if we had the best edge rusher in the class?
How could this be any less “easy”?
If nothing else, Chad Reuter—who seems to be consistently wrong—has the Rams selecting Chop Robinson. Well, at least it’s unique.
