LA Rams 2020 mock draft 3.1 March post-NFL Combine

LA Rams select Darrion Daniels, DT Nebraska

The LA Rams continue to stockpile more defensive linemen on their roster. In round 7, they select defensive tackle Darrion Daniels from Nebraska.  Daniels played one season at Nebraska after transferring from Oklahoma State.

He stands 6-feet-3 weighing 311 pounds. In his 2020 NFL Scouting Combine workouts, he ran a 5.18-second 40-yard dash. He bench-pressed 225 pounds 21 times.

At Nebraska, he played in eight games. He made 27 total tackles and was credited with half a sack. He made 64 tackles at Oklahoma State in 33 games.

A good insight into Daniels is found at the NFL.com website.  The following is reported by Lance Zierlein:

"Squatty nose tackle candidate with good football character and big man quickness off the snap. His playing style is more free for all than controlled and measured. He lacks the first step to be a gap shooter and doesn’t play with the base and hand usage to consistently control the point of attack. He’s a try-hard rusher but doesn’t get home often enough. Daniels flashes but lacks instincts, production and traits needed to become a rotational defensive tackle."

Daniels could become an excellent protege for All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald.  Playing behind Donald would give him the opportunity to learn what it takes to succeed in the trenches. Remember, Deacon Jones was a 10th round draft pick in 1961.

In this mock, the LA Rams add depth capable of competing and playing in starting roles at the NFL level at quarterback, center, edge rusher, safety, running back/kick return, and defensive lineman.