NFL Draft 2021: Top 10 LA Rams prospects from the Big-12

Edge rusher

Okay, enough with the offensive line. We know that the LA Rams are not likely to go there. But come a solid pass rusher off the Edge? Now we’re talking, and Oklahoma edge rusher Ronnie Perkins is a good player to look at (6.12-grade per NFL.com)

We know that the LA Rams would love to find a bookend outside linebacker to pair up with veteran OLB Leonard Floyd, and the first year of Terrell Lewis was a bit concerning over his inability to remain healthy enough to make much difference for the defense in his rookie season. Why Perkins? He is the only edge defender in this class who earned run-defense and pass-rushing grades over 90.0 from Pro Football Focus in 2020.

He stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 253-pounds, and his background is at a defensive end position. While he could be trained at the two-point stance, the Rams would need to invest time and energy to make that transition happen. Out of the blocks, he would be the Morgan Fox variety, a hand-in-dirt express train that quickly turns the corner and sacks the quarterback.

While the Rams may balk at going high on the board for a kit-form outside linebacker, they may be content to do so with a defensive end with the option of crosstraining him down the road. It all depends on the drama on draft day, doesn’t it?  The Rams need to find pressure on the quarterback. They will have options to generate that this year and will need to find the best rookie to help accomplish that goal.