LA Rams mock NFL draft 2.0 – replace outgoing free agents

Round 4 (pick 116) Defensive end Jabari Zuniga, Florida (replacing Michael Brockers)

The Rams find another huge need at 116 in DE Jabari Zuniga from Florida. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 253 pounds, Zuniga is the third defender chosen in the 2020 NFL Draft for the Rams.  While much of the NFL raves over the quarterback class from 2020, the Rams slowly assemble their defensive of the future with another strong prospect.

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The Rams are at risk of losing solid run defense if Michael Brockers signs elsewhere. While Jabari Zuniga will not replicate that stalwart presence, he’s the closest thing to it in this draft.

He brings all the raw strength, size, instincts, and motor needed to do very well in the NFL. He simply needs to perfect his technique and learn consistency. That can happen pretty quickly for a defensive end in his rookie training camp, particularly one projected to take over for a solid NFL veteran.

Zuniga may have some early struggles, but by mid season should be clicking.  Finding a defensive end on day 3 of the 2020 NFL Draft is no easy assignment, but Zuniga has the right characteristics to fill the Rams needs.  He is a stout run defender, and his pass rush technique will improve over time.

He would not be forced into a starting role, as the Rams have backup DE Morgan Fox waiting in the wings. Zuniga would be good competition for starting time, and will be a player worth developing.

Draft Network Analysis Jabari Zuniga