According to recent reports from Diana Russini, the Los Angeles Rams are reportedly putting in phone calls to move up into the top 10 of the upcoming NFL draft in 2024. The Rams’ draft strategy under Les Snead and Sean McVay is so dissimilar from this approach that, up until now, very few pundits and draftniks have even entertained the idea.
The Rams are renowned for trading back and for not selecting in the first round, realizing that the draft is a practice in probability. By increasing the number of players you draft rather than depending solely on scouting, you can only be confident that you will locate quality players.
Let’s take a look at who the Rams could target with a Top-10 draft spot. How novel a concept.
Top 5 players the Los Angeles Rams Could Target in the Top 10
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Bowers is an explosive pass catcher who creates mismatches all over the field with speed, ball skills, and competitive edge. One can imagine Sean McVay’s head swirling with the plays Bowers would unlock for the offense.
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Rome Odunze would give the Rams offense a dimension that they have been lacking for a number of years. His role as an outside receiver (X receiver) is anticipated to start. Tall, powerful, and quick, he possesses a keen sense of timing when receiving passes and a strong sense of competition.
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The Rams upgraded their offensive line in 2024. It would be the icing on the cake if Alt was added. Alt is thought to be the only offensive lineman in this draft who can be used right away. For his size, Alt has great speed and agility. He can swiftly adjust and maintain good equilibrium. This will enable him to develop into a potent running play blocker and provide excellent quarterback protection from the outset of his NFL career.
JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Whether you like it or not, the Rams will monitor quarterbacks. Despite having multiple quarterbacks under contract, McVay stated that choosing a quarterback is still an option, saying, “I think you leave all options on the table.”
It’s worth trading up to try for the most crucial position in football. There’s no blaming the Kansas City Chiefs for moving up to acquire Patrick Mahomes when they already had Alex Smith on the team.
Regardless of whether JJ McCarthy develops into the next great quarterback for the Rams, Sean McVay will draft him if he feels that way. This would also indicate McVay’s longer-term strategy.
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Although Peter Schager promised that the Rams would select an offensive player in the first round, selecting the best defensive player available would enable the team to replace the “load-bearing wall” that Aaron Donald’s retirement left vacant. There isn’t a guy in this draft who they could base the club around, despite the defensive line being the pressing necessity.
Arnold possesses the ball skills necessary to produce plays at every level of the field, along with the perfect combination of cover athleticism and competitive nature. He has the ability to function both inside and outside and is scheme-versatile. With a skill set akin to that of Jaylon Johnson of the Chicago Bears, he has the potential to be an NFL team’s starting cornerback.
