LA Rams mock draft 1.0: 2021 NFL Draft restocks the roster

Round 7

Round 7 – pick 245. With the 245th pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams select Tarron Jackson, EDGE, from the University of  Coastal Carolina. The LA Rams need outside linebacker talent, as the team refocused the defensive scheme, but did so with players inherited from a different focus. in the 2021 draft, the Rams have an opportunity to stock up on players suited for this defense and take it.

While Jackson is 6-foot-2 and 260-pounds, he is a powerhouse off the edge. His number tell the story, as in 33 games he has racked up 148 tackles, 33.5 tackles for a loss, and 18 quarterback sacks. While the NFL does not often scout Coastal Caroline football teams heavily, Tarron Jackson is enough of a draw to ensure all 32 teams will stop by and pay a visit.

Plus and minus

Jackson was a medical redshirt in his freshman season in 2016. While short-statured on the edge, he does not have the turn-on-a-dime that is critical for a quick pivot from the edge straight to the passer. His technique therefore noticeably suffers from a less-polished set of moves. He can dominate the lesser competition, but the jury is out whether he can hold his own against the best of the NCAA.

Jackson is more than a late-round draft prospect. He is a poster child of physical fitness. If the LA Rams wanted to draft a defensive protege’ for All-Pro Aaron Donald, Tarron Jackson would certainly be an excellent place to start.  He is incredibly strong. While he doesn’t pivot in a tight circle, he does an excellent job of taking a short angle to the quarterback from the get-go. It would be worth a pick in the sixth round just to see Jackson and Donald compete in a training camp pose off.  To get a ripped pass rusher with tremendous upside?  Pure icing on the cake.