The Rams look to recapture lightning in a bottle and making their playoff push for another Super Bowl. From “F- them picks” to fourteen picks, the Rams made the most out of draft night. While the older guard is mostly gone, this new crop of rookies could help them reclaim their glory. How did the Rams 2023 NFL Draft review grade out?
In total, the team added the following players:
- 2(36): Steve Avila, G TCU
- 3(77): Byron Young, EDGE Tennessee
- 3(89) Kobie Turner, DT Wake Forest
- 4(128) Stetson Bennett, QB Georgia
- 5(161) Nick Hampton, EDGE Appalachian State\
- 5(174) Warren McClendon Jr., OT Georgia
- 5 (175) Davis Allen, TE Clemson
- 5(177) Puka Nacua, WR BYU
- 6(162) Tre’Vious Hodges-Tomlinson, CB TCU
- 6(189) Ochaun Mathis, EDGE Nebraska
- 6(215) Zach Evans, RB Ole Miss
- 7(223) Ethan Evans, P Wingate
- 7(234) Jason Taylor II, S Oklahoma State
- 7(259) Desjuan Johnson, EDGE Toledo
Los Angeles Rams 2023 NFL Draft Review: 7.5/10
Los Angeles Rams 2023 NFL Draft Review: Return To The Top
The Best: Steve Avila
Rams solidify the interior to help keep Stafford clean. They cleaned this up to help Stafford, who has played through injury in the past. Stafford lacked protection last year due to his former blindside protector retiring. The Rams also struggled on the offensive line, which led to the likes of John Wolford and Bryce Perkins lining up under center. Avila has violent hands and plays with a superb amount of physicality. He is extremely versatile being able to slot in among any of the three interior positions of the offensive line. He will be a breath of fresh air playing over a thousand snaps and surrounding zero sacks for this Rams team.
The Head-Scratcher: Stetson Bennett
While there is no harm in drafting the back to back National Champion, the value they used to get him was poor. Many felt he would go either in the seventh round or undrafted. Instead, the Rams took a swing on him in the fourth round. This fit isn’t surprising as this Rams locker room has been host to larger personalities such as Jalen Ramsey, Odell Beckham Jr., and last year Baker Mayfield. Whatever Bennett brings is nothing that McVay hasn’t seen before and can manage. Bennett is a far more intriguing option to fill in for Stafford if hurt and could potentially benefit greatly from being coached up by McVay. This pick just feels like the Rams panicked and took him three rounds too early.
The Surprise: Zach Evans
A great value taking a flyer on a running back to play behind enigma Cam Akers. The run game has fallen far from grace from the Todd Gurley years. As Cam Akers was garnering a ton of hype prior to the start of the past two seasons, he disappointed in both due to injuries and other issues that fans are trying to make sense of. While veteran running backs are still available through free agency such as Ezekiel Elliot and Leonard Fournette, the Rams opted to take a younger approach. Evans has great patience as a runner and while he may not be the fastest player on the field, he’s consistently able to find a hole, make a cut, and has the ability to make a house call from anywhere on the field.
The Steal: Puka Nacua
A receiver this versatile in the McVay offense could be deadly. It seemed that the Allen Robinson trade would lead to the Rams targeting a wide receiver, and what happened? Puka Nacua was not one of the most sought after players at the top of this years draft, yet anyone who is familiar with his game knows exactly what he brings to the table. Much can be said about his versatility but he is everything you want in a wide receiver. Knows how to consistently win contested catches and always racks up yards after the catch.
Will Turn Heads in Camp: Also Puka Nacua
Look for unique packages in camp to get Nacua the ball early and often. Known for his ability to line up in the backfield and used in a Deebo Samuel role for BYU, Nacua and McVay could get very creative. With McVay’s offensive mind, as well as Nacua’s ability on jet sweeps and screens, defensive coordinators in the NFC West will have sleepless nights trying to prep for them. It is evident from last year that the Rams need to take more off of Stafford’s plate and utilize the run game far more often. Nacua could be the spark this team needs to do just that.
The Rest
The Trenches
Byron Young and Kobie Turner are the top players added to this defensive line. Byron Young has shown determination and dedication on and off the field working the Dollar General to help put himself through JUCO before joining Tennessee. At Tennessee his 4.4 speed and length made him a deadly rusher which will be evident as he now will benefit from playing on a line with Aaron Donald. Kobie Turner earned the nickname “the conductor” as a defensive lineman which should tell you all you need to know. Not the biggest frame on the field but he makes up for it with sheer strength, a hot motor, and hand usage. He has a knack for stuffing the run in the backfield.
Nick Hampton is another player with a great motor. His bend and flexibility make him an interesting fit coming off the edge. He could help fill the void left by Floyd. Ochaun Mathis has great burst as a rusher can makes his living with a deadly counter move to the inside. This years Mr. Irrelevant, Desjuan Johnson, is extremely versatile and can succeed across any position on the defensive line.
The offensive trench got some love with later picks Warren McClendon Jr. and Davis Allen. Warren McClendon Jr. comes from a Georgia system that loved to get their lineman in space and allow them to win with pure athleticism. As a later round pick for the Rams he can be cornerstone they need to help revamp this line around. Davis Allen out of Clemson may not be the fastest player at tight end but he makes up for that with his ability to climb the ladder and get jump balls thrown his way. On top of bringing this unique ability as a redzone threat, he is a fantastic blocker which will keep him on the field in key situations.
Skill Players
The defensive backs and special teams received some love with the Rams final picks. Tre’Vious Hodges-Tomlinson demonstrates a wreck less abandon that you usually don’t see from a corner back. Willing to put his head down and get involved in the run game throughout the game. Jason Taylor II provides a perfect yin to Hodges-Tomlinson’s yang as he may not have the best form tackling but demonstrates a ball-hawking ability this defense needs. Ethan Evans was the first non-Division 1 player selected in this draft. Averaging about 46 yards per attempt he can help give the defensive side of the ball that slight edge they were missing last season. Not built like your average punter, he has shown he can boot it seventy yards with over five seconds of hang time.
Bottom Line on the Rams 2023 NFL Draft Review
While not having early round picks, the Rams did a good job of making the most of what was available to them later in the draft. Reaching occasionally downgrades them from what they could have achieved with this draft. Sticking with need primarily in this draft however should lead Rams fans to be optimistic going into next season that this team will begin to show some improvement. These fourteen selections could be a vital part of the new core moving forward.
Main Photo: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
