LA Rams mock NFL draft 2.0 – replace outgoing free agents

Round 6 (pick 179) Offensive tackle Justin Herron Wake Forest (replacing Andrew Whitworth)

The Rams need offensive tackle depth and Justin Herron adds a solid tackle who possesses great fundamentals. Unlike Mock 1.0, the Rams focus on filling free agency holes in this draft. The team already has plenty of depth for offensive tackle to compete over left tackle Andrew Whitworth’s vacancy.  But the team finds 6-foot-4 301 pound offensive tackle Justin Herron from Wake Forest at 179.

Herron is the second Demon Deacon selected by the Rams, and brings a solid foundation for NFL offensive tackle.  A natural in pass blocking, he has great hands to engage defenders and remain locked on for the entire play.  He does a great job of absorbing defenders initial impact by keeping a wide base and setting his footwork well.

At 301 pounds, he may need to hit the weight room to add some weight. But his size and height are sufficient to handle defenders, particularly in light of the trend for smaller faster edge rushers.

Herron is not quite NFL ready in running plays just yet.  He needs to work on his punch out of his stance and ability to slide off the primary defender to block downfield on linebackers and secondary.  He missed all of 2018 with an ACL injury, and as such will need to ensure he is fully healthy in training camp.

Draft Network Analysis Justin Herron