4 options for LA Rams defensive end: Re-sign, Sign, Draft, or Promote Defensive End?

Draft

The LA Rams have limited draft picks to use in the 2020 NFL Draft. Limited, but relatively valuable picks which the Rams have historically been very adept at using to find starters as late as round six.  Truth be told, the Rams find 53-man roster prospects from the ranks from undrafted free agents (UDFAs).

With that being stated upfront, the team will certainly have some confidence in choosing a rookie to play on the defensive front.  Since the Rams have plenty of versatility, the Rams can select either a defensive tackle, nose tackle, or defensive end and make it work.

In Ramblin Fan mock 1.1, the Rams select 6-foot-4, 303-pound defensive tackle Raequan Williams from Michigan State University in round six. in 49 collegiate games in the Big-10 NCAA football conference, Williams recorded 157 tackles and 11.5 quarterback sacks. Of those tackles, 29 were made behind the line-of-scrimmage.  Williams stood out during the week before the East-West Shrine Game, and will no doubt use that to land on the Rams radar in the upcoming draft.

Draft Network Analysis Raequan Williams

In Ramblin Fan mock 2.0, the Rams select 6-foot-3 253-pound defensive end, Jabari Zuniga, from the University of Florida. Zuniga is incredibly strong and agile, He excels at run defense, a huge must for the Rams defense in 2020.  While his pass rush needs work, he will deliver enough oomph defending the run to become a day one starter.  In training camp, the coaching staff will need to quicken Zuniga’s release from the three-point stance and work on improving his ability to shed blockers in pass rushing. But when working alongside Aaron Donald, that will come.

Draft Network Analysis Jabari Zuniga

The Rams will benefit immensely in the 2020 NFL Draft by lowering the priority of finding a new offensive left tackle.  By bringing back left tackle Andrew Whitworth, the Rams have a much better chance of enjoying a strong draft.  Finding a new defensive lineman may benefit the most.