Los Angeles Rams Should Consider Juju Smith-Schuster, Obi Melifonwu in 2017 NFL Draft

With the 2017 NFL Draft right around the corner, two players to consider for the Los Angeles Rams are Juju Smith-Schuster and Obi Melifonwu.

With the Los Angeles Rams not having a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, general manager Les Snead and the coaching staff must make the right selections to grow with quarterback Jared Goff moving forward. The Rams have so many holes to fill primarily on the offensive end of the football, and of course, the entire league knows there is dire need in the receiving corps along with the offensive line.

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Los Angeles can stand to overhaul both positions, but for the sake of the upcoming draft, two players for the team to consider are wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster (USC) and safety Obi Melifonwu (Connecticut). With the 37th and 69th overall picks, there’s a good chance both players will still be available for the Rams to select in the second and third rounds, as Smith-Schuster and Melifonwu could easily earn valuable playing time as rookies during the 2017 season.

In three seasons at USC, Smith-Schuster caught a total of 213 receptions to go along with 25 touchdowns, and has proven to be a physical playmaker that can stretch the field and go up to meet the footballball at its highest point. Goff can definitely benefit by having a wideout that is tall and big enough to challenge opposing defensive backs after barely receiving any help during the seven games he started as a rookie.

As for Melifonwu, the Connecticut star would be another big, physical prospect that will add play-making ability to a secondary that could use the extra help. For the Huskies last season, Melifonwu led the team with 128 tackles while recording four interceptions as well. Melifonwu understands coverages well enough, and can fill the gap on running downs, which would make a great addition to an already stout defense in the Rams.

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Drafting both prospects in Smith-Schuster and Melifonwu would add value and depth at two positions the coaching staff will also address in free agency. Still, it will be good for Los Angeles to get solid, young players with immense potential like Smith-Schuster and Melifonwu have to help grow the franchise over the next couple of years.