Rams 7-Round Mock Draft: This wide receiver might be too good to pass up

LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. might be too good for the Rams to pass up at 19

The NFL Draft is almost a week away and the options for the Los Angeles Rams are limitless. While they have needs on the defensive side of the ball, it’s very possible that they address the offense and continue to build around Matthew Stafford. At the same time, they could do the obvious. Trade up, trade back…all options are on the table. As the draft gets closer, it feels like the Rams may be leaning offense at 19. I’ll have one more mock draft before the real thing, but this is how I feel about how Les Snead and co. could approach the draft right now.

19th Overall – WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU

The closer that the draft gets, it feels like the Rams may end up going offense in round one. While they have needs on the defensive side of the ball, the best player available could end up being an offensive player. The fact of the matter is, there are only 5-7 defensive players in this draft worth a first round pick. From an offensive standpoint, there’s at least double that, especially at tackle and wide receiver where this draft is extremely good at the top. Brian Thomas Jr. gives the Rams a true ‘x’ receiver next to Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua who’s extremely explosive and can stretch the field.

52nd Overall – DL Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State

Hall can be a bit of a tougher evaluation just because of how versatile he is. However, he is exactly the type of player that the Rams need on their defensive line. Hall is slightly undersized, but is extremely quick off the ball and at times lived in the backfield at Ohio State. He needs to become more consistent, but watching his tape, there is a disruptive player here.

83rd Overall – CB Andru Phillips, Kentucky

It would not be surprising to see the Rams draft a cornerback in the third round. A player like Andru Phillips would make a lot of sense. Phillips brings inside-out versatility and is very physical in run support. Early in his career, he’ll likely play on special teams, but he has the upside to be a quality starter. Phillips is extremely explosive as he tested in the 97th percentile in both the broad jump and vertical jump at the combine. He lacks some size and length that some would like the Rams to target, but he brings good versatility which should find him a role as a rookie.

99th Overall – EDGE Jalyx Hunt, Houston Christian

It may not be the impact player that many would like to see the Rams target at EDGE. However, there is a lot of upside here. Hunt is an elite athlete and extremely explosive. He’s relatively new to the position as he was a safety at Cornell two years ago before transferring to Houston Christian. That safety experience should give him an advantage when dropping into coverage. Hunt will need a lot of coaching early in his career, but if he can develop, Hunt could be a very effective designated pass rusher in a rotation.

154th Overall – LB Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington

At some point, the Rams are going to have to draft a linebacker and add to that room on defense. The Rams did bring back Christian Rozeboom, but they could add a player in the draft that can be that number two player next to Ernest Jones. Olofoshio has good coverage upside which is exactly what the Rams need at the position.

155th Overall – S Kitan Oladapo, Oregon State

In all but one year since 2018, the Rams have taken a safety on day three of the NFL Draft. Despite taking Jason Taylor last year, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they did so once again. Oladapo from Oregon State would make a lot of sense. He’s a versatile safety that can line up in several different alignments. Oladapo shows enough physicality in the run game where if he can develop in coverage, he’s worth a flier on day three. At the very least, he could be effective in sub-packages and on special teams.

196th Overall – OL Nathan Thomas, Louisiana

The Rams will likely be looking to take an offensive lineman later in the draft that they can develop as depth. Thomas should be getting more attention than he is and would be a fantastic option on day three. At 6’5, 332-pounds, Thomas provides a huge body on the offensive line and with that size comes a lot of power, especially in the run game. Thomas played at left tackle at Louisiana, but may be better off inside at guard. With the right coaching, Thomas can develop into a solid depth piece.

209th Overall – RB Rasheen Ali, Marshall

With three running backs on the roster, the Rams could look to add a fourth on day three of the draft. Ali would be a fantastic option in the sixth round as a player with home-run hitting ability. While Ali provides a change of pace as a runner, where he can be really valuable for teams is as a kick returner. He’ll need to improve in pass protection, but if he can provide some value on special teams, Ali should be able to find the field as a rookie.

213th Overall – K Cam Little, Arkansas

If you’ve followed my mock drafts this offseason, you’ll know I’ve been very high on Cam Little out of Arkansas. He has the leg that the Rams offense needs with good accuracy. It wouldn’t be a surprise if this is a player that the Rams drafted.

217th Overall – DL Jaden Crumedy, Mississippi State

With a few open spots on the defensive line, the Rams could look to double up at the position. Crumedy brings a lot of explosiveness and can line up in multiple spots along the defensive line. The Mississippi State defensive lineman could be a Jonah Williams replacement and with a field goal block on his resume could provide some special teams value.

254th Overall – CB Qwan’Tez Stiggers, CFL

It seems odd that Stiggers isn’t getting more attention. While he is a little raw and will need to adjust to the NFL, he showed that he can compete with NFL-level talent at the Shrine Bowl. With the CFL’s complex motions on offense, he may understand how to defend it more than other cornerbacks in this class. As a dart throw on day three, Stiggers is absolutely worth the draft pick. The upside is there to be a quality starting cornerback.