LA Rams last 2020 NFL Draft – 2020 Mock Draft 5.0

Round 4 – Center

The LA Rams arrive at the second pick earned in the trade with the Greem Bay Packers. So, with the 136th pick of the 20202 NFL Draft (from Green Bay), the LA Rams select center Shane Lemieux, from the University of Oregon.

While the offensive line is not the highest priority for the Rams, a chance to upgrade with a true center on the offensive line is something the LA Rams cannot pass up.  Lemieux is a true upgrade over anyone the Rams can slide into the center position.  And Lemieux is gifted at reading defenses and calling blocking responsibilities. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 310 pounds, Lemieux is every bit the part of an NFL interior lineman.  He has enough athleticism and power to withstand NFL nose tackles while possessing enough versatility and agility to threaten secondary defenders downfield on running plays.

He can fill in for any of the three interior offensive line positions, but the Rams will aim him at the center position. That will allow the team to slide Austin Blythe to right guard and may give the team’s right tackle, Rob Havenstein, a chance to rebound in 2020.

Of course, Lemieux will not be a day one starter. He will eventually earn the starting role, which will allow the offensive line to shift players to their natural roles. Lemieux cannot be timed to that transition. He needs to improve pass blocking techniques, and should only be given playing time when that is corrected.

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