LA Rams: 2021 NFL Draft Big Board

Rams positions of need (Defense)

The Rams defense, too, has had its ups and downs this season. It’s hard to keep producing every single week in and week out in this league. Everyone is professional.

That being said, Brandon Staley has done a masterful job with what he has had to work with. The team has relied heavily on star defensive tackle Aaron Donald to create opportunities across the line for everyone else to get the quarterback, and seen good success doing that. On the back end of the defense, star cornerback Jalen Ramsey has led a talented group who has been able to mix up their coverages across the board and cause a lot of confusion with the coverages that they have played.

Outside linebacker (Rush edge)

The Rams tried an experiment this season with Leonard Floyd playing at the strongside linebacker position, where Clay Matthews played last season. Floyd has seen his share of pressure on the quarterback and really produced this season – which means he can earn himself good money. Anyone who can make good money won’t be making it in Los Angeles next year, as this team has really strapped itself long-term against the cap.

The thing with Floyd, and why the Rams would let him walk anyways, is that he’s not very effective as a tackler against the run. Floyd struggles to see run lanes and plug them correctly, as his main style of play is to go after the quarterback. He can pressure the quarterback tremendously, he just doesn’t drop well into coverage or stop the run.

The Rams are going to be looking for an edge prospect who can play the run better. I don’t think their scheme asks for the position to play against the pass very much, they do a great job mixing the inside linebackers and defensive backs. They will, however, want someone who can go after the quarterback and play stiff run defense.