LA Rams 2020 NFL Draft amidst Free Agency – mock draft 4.0

Defensive end/edge Okwara

The LA Rams defense is not in very good shape heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.  If the Rams opt not to free up additional cap space, the defense could have a huge hole at pass rusher off the edge.

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With so many teams focused on quarterbacks, wide receivers, offensive linemen and defensive linemen, some incredibly talented players fall.  6-foot-4 252 edge rusher Julian Okwara falls to the Rams at 52.  A sturdy defender out of Notre Dame, he has an incredible size ideally designed to add muscle mass. With that in mind, he could become an incredible weapon in moving to either defensive end. On either side, he becomes a formidable heat-seeking missile, generating incredible flex angles toward the quarterback.

He suffered a broken fibula in 2019, so he will need time to bulk up and train for the NFL brand of football, but all rookies have to endure the learning curve inherent with their NFL start. The versatility of the guy is the key to his NFL success.

He can put a hand in the ground and rush from the defensive end, or remain in a two-point stance and play the 3-4 weakside linebacker. Imagine that type of versatility when facing a hurry-up offense? He even demonstrated an ability to cover receivers as well.  And his size makes him ideal to track with bigger tight ends.

Julian Okawara, on paper, is a home-run for the LA Rams defense, and for their 2020 NFL Draft. Landing this guy is as close to a champagne moment as the Rams will get at 52.

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