Now that the major free agent signings have been finalized, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be looking at the top three needs for each team heading into the 2016 NFL Draft. Today, the Los Angeles Rams are the focus. The Rams have the first overall pick in the draft after sending a large bundle of selections to the Tennessee Titans.
Los Angeles Rams 2016 NFL Draft: Top 3 Needs
Quarterback
If you have followed the Rams at all, you know that quarterback is the top need. The monumental trade with the Titans is just further proof that something needed to be done here. Nick Foles and Case Keenum are simply mediocre quarterbacks and the Rams felt strongly that the team was long overdue for an upgrade at the position. Sean Mannion will be developed as the backup quarterback.
Fortunately, the solution for the Rams at quarterback is finally present. With the top pick in the draft, the Rams will either select Jared Goff or Carson Wentz. Either quarterback will be a huge upgrade, but most sources believe the Rams will choose Goff.
Wide Receiver
The Rams have a decent group of receivers, but it is difficult to judge them because of the inadequate quarterback play during the past few seasons. Now that the Rams will finally have a competent quarterback, a more fair assessment of each receiver can be made. That being said, the team could definitely use an elite pass catcher to finalize a dangerous group. Tavon Austin is a dynamic slot receiver, but an elite presence on the outside would be very helpful. Kenny Britt and Brian Quick are solid receivers, but they are not game-changing playmakers.
Unfortunately for Los Angeles, the Rams will not be drafting an elite receiver this year. The wide receiver class is not very strong and the Rams do not have a draft pick in the second or third rounds after the blockbuster trade. However, the team might target a contributing receiver in the fourth or sixth round (Los Angeles does not have a fifth-round pick either). Aaron Burbridge and Chris Brown are two names to consider in that range. While it is unfortunate that Los Angeles will not be able to acquire a standout receiver this year, it could be a blessing in disguise if the new quarterback can turn Kenny Britt and Brian Quick into dynamic receivers.
Free Safety
This final need is a toss-up between the offensive line and free safety, but I’m going to go with free safety because Cody Davis is currently slated to be the starter. If you have never heard of Cody Davis, I don’t blame you because he signed as an undrafted free agent a few years ago. After losing Rodney McLeod in free agency, the Rams need to give dynamic strong safety T.J. McDonald a suitable partner. The Rams definitely need help along the offensive line as well, but last year they drafted starters Jamon Brown and Rob Havenstein, so the situation is getting better.
Once again, this need will not be targeted until the fourth round at the earliest. Tyvis Powell and DeAndre Houston-Carson could be targets if Los Angeles decides to go after a safety in the fourth round. If the Rams decide to wait until the sixth or seventh round, Trae Elston or Jamal Golden could be the selection.
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