LA Rams: 2021 NFL Draft Big Board

Late round targets (part two)

CB Robert Rochell, Central Arkansas

Robert Rochell (6’2″ 180 lbs) has length and a frame that he still really needs to grow into. That’s really the only reason why I would expect him to slide into the late rounds of the NFL Draft. Rochell has phenomenal core strength and athleticism and stands out on the FCS level as a real performer. He likes to play physically and as a result, will draw some pass interference calls, but people are willing to take that sometimes for the intensity that it creates.

Rochell received some early television time this year in the opening week of college football, in a match-up against Austin Peay that kicked off the season. The very next week, he was on national television again, this time against UAB. Rochell received a Senior Bowl invite and is currently scheduled to perform at the All-Star game in January. He’s a gamer and he’s a lot of fun to watch.

LB Pete Werner, Ohio State

Pete Werner (6’2″ 240 lbs) currently enters his third season as a starter on this Ohio State Buckeyes defense. His growth as a starter has been nothing short of great. Werner is a stiff run defender who plays half-field assignments very well – exactly what the Rams are asking Kenny Young to do right now. That being said, Werner does still have a lot to learn in terms of reading the field, and he’s limited athletically with what he is capable of doing on the field.

Werner would be a back-up on this team that the Rams would have to pray and hope would develop into a serviceable back-up. The talent is there, Werner just needs to finish putting it all together.

IOL Jarrett Patterson, Notre Dame

Jarrett Patterson (6’3″ 300 lbs) has been another solid player on the traditionally strong Notre Dame offensive line that might be the best that Notre Dame has ever had together. Patterson is a stronger run blocker than he is a pass blocker, more of a downhill mauler than anything. He doesn’t draw many penalties either, playing with good leverage and technique. He can get beat by speed, he’s not the quickest lineman on the team but oftentimes recovers well.

That all being said, Patterson’s stock dropped with his season-ending foot injury against Boston College. There are going to be question marks surrounding whether he even declares for the draft or not due to his health. That being said, Patterson has been a bad man this year and could be a very nice late-round target for the Rams.