LA Rams last 2020 NFL Draft – 2020 Mock Draft 5.0

Round 3 – Linebacker

With the 104th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, the LA Rams select linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither, from Appalachian State.

More from Ramblin' Fan

• NFL Trade Rumors: Would Rams trade for Jonathon Taylor?
• Look for 49ers players to follow DeMeco Ryans to Texans
• Ryans to the Texans, will Rams Raheem Morris be next?
• Broncos mimic LA Rams, go All-In pairing Payton with Russell
• Need a new Los Angeles Rams hat for less than $10?

And just like that, the Rams have filled a huge need at linebacker. Not just a warm body, but a true aficionado at the position. After all, the key to the Rams’ new defensive scheme under defensive coordinator Brandon Staley relies upon three strong defensive linemen and quick and versatile linebackers behind them.  Davis-Gaither brings the speed and versatility needed to make it run smoothly.

He stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 224 pounds, which some perceive as slightly undersized for the NFL. But he has room to put on muscle, about 15 more pounds, the enhance his durability. But he won’t need to enhance his ability to play linebacker.  He has the power to plug holes in the middle of the defense, the versatility to move either insider or outside, the speed to cover tight ends or running backs on routes, the range to play sideline to sideline, and the ferocity to take on blockers much larger than him and win the play.

Davis-Gaither can play both the run and the pass at a high level. His Achilles Heel is shedding blockers quickly and consistently. But that can be coached up, and don’t expect many offensive linemen to get past Aaron Donald, A’Shawn Robinson, Michael Brockers, Sebastian Joseph-Day, or Greg Gaines. Another roster hole filled.

NFL Draft Profile
NFL Draft Network Profile