LA Rams Mock 2020 NFL Draft 1.0 Need vs BPA

Round 6

The suspense builds for LA Rams fans on day three. Having had a solid draft through round four, the Rams have no picks through round five of the NFL Draft. As other teams play through, the team watches helplessly as valuable talent is depleted from each individual’s Draft board. It’s not until round six moves to the 20th pick that LA will be able to choose once more.

The Rams enter rounds six and seven on Day three with an eye to adding depth to positions where the roster is noticeably shallow.  While the team may luck into a player who can compete for playing time, the goal in the last two rounds is to find impact players for special teams play. Once on the team, coaches can work on technique to bolster their chances of cracking the starting lineup into the future.

When the Rams draft for need at 199 – Edge Trevon Hill

By round six, the Rams have filled the needs at offensive line and are ready to shore up other positions of need.  So far, the draft has buoyed the enthusiasm for new offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell, while doing nothing to help out  new defensive coordinator coordinator Brandon Staley.  All that changes as the Rams select outside linebacker Trevon Hill from the University of Miami at pick 199. Hill stands 6-foot-3 and weighs in at 233 pounds. To compete at the NFL level at outside linebacker, his first stop will likely be the weight room to pack on about ten more pounds.

He plays well off the edge and will grow into that role in the NFL over time.  He has a good combination of leverage, quickness, and anticipation which make him a force to reckon with on passing downs. He simply lacks the muscularity to withstand running plays at the NFL level.  That makes him a liability until he proves that he can take on blockers and snuff runs his way.

Draft analysis Links:
The Draft Network
Draft Scout
Walter Football
Youtube video

When the Rams draft the Best Player Available at 199 – DB  Shyheim Carter Alabama

The Rams BPA selection at 199 is one more case where the player chosen is  based on the talent available, and not a perceived need on the team.  The Rams have an incredible opportunity to pick up the very versatile defensive back Shyheim Carter in round 6. Standing 6-foot-0 and weighing 191 pounds, Carter is neither a true cornerback nor safety.  He filled the STAR role for Alabama, a defensive back who rolls into a middle linebacker role on passing downs. He has a hybrid role in the NFL, and will likely be projected as a slot cornerback.

You can bet DC Brandon Staley would LOVE to work with Carter.  Though sized like a safety, he can take on blockers very effectively and projects as a solid defender in a number of pass defense packages. But best of all, defenses to not compromise rushing defense when he is on the field either.  His draft stock is fluctuating. NFL scouts struggle to project him as either a safety or cornerback.  Added to that, the end of the 2019 season as well as his Shrine Bowl performance had him getting beating for a number of touchdowns.  Still, he’s worth the pick in round six, as some projections have him as high as round two.

Draft analysis Links:
The Draft Network
Walter Football
CBS Sports
Youtube video