Five Takeaways from LA Rams 2021 NFL Draft

In McVay’s dictionary, RB comes before OL

2. The Rams drafted a running back before they drafted any offensive linemen. No center, no tackle, no guards. The only offensive linemen the team signed were an undrafted free agent Alaric Johnson, out of Iowa.  (He was the highest-rated OT who did not hear his name called at the draft) and an inside offensive lineman from Western Kentucky named Jordan Meredith.

Johnson actually had a fourth-round draft grade. He just happened to play a sub-par dame in this year’s Senior Bowl, and his draft stock fell off the chart.

Is it possible that the Rams are truly happy with the offensive line they’ve got already? Didn’t see the need to draft here? It would appear so, as they made no move during the draft to replenish their offensive line with any new blood.

The Rams say they expect G Tremayne Anchrum to take a big step forward this year and compete for a starting role. Likewise, they are hoping for big things out of the 6-foot-6, 319-pound OT Chandler Brewer, who opted out for 2020 and who’s already on the roster.

Their coaches see this duo on the practice field and see what the rest of us don’t see, and they both get glowing reviews. Mcvay says he loves Brewer’s play.  Is it possible the Rams just decided to stay put with what they have and draft for other needs?

Here’s another consideration. When the Rams o-line got decimated by injury in 2019 and felt a bit depleted at the offensive line position, they compensated the following year by keeping 10 offensive linemen on the roster. McVay says they only want to keep eight this year. Course correction for over-compensation. Therefore, we don’t have to draft here right now.