LA Rams NFL Draft 2021: A deep-dive dissection of all selections

Round 4, pick 130

The LA Rams traded their 121st (a pick obtained from the 49ers) and 209th picks to the Jacksonville Jaguars in their second of three draft-day trades in return for the 130th, 170th, and 249th picks of the draft. Ironically, the 130th pick was the LA Rams original fourth-round pick originally traded to the Jaguars as part of the package to acquire All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

So it seems quite fitting that with the 130th pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, the LA Rams would select the 6-foot-0 193-pound cornerback from the University of Central Arkansas Bears, Robert Rochell. If ever there was a young man out of college who appeared to be destined to line up with Jalen Ramsey, Robert Rochell (6.25 grade per NFL.com) is the guy.

First-team all-conference and a Senior Bowl standout that made all the coaches eyeballs in attendance that day in Mobile, Alabama pop. So much upside here. So polished. So smooth. He glides.

Rochell also addresses a critical need of the Rams. Athletic, long, excellent closing speed, scheme versatility – checks all the boxes for what you look for in a stud cornerback.

He could see the field immediately as the Rams nickel back and to counter all the five-wide sets the team will undoubtedly encounter from NFC West opponents. He could be groomed along slowly, but his undeniable skills and talent will probably force the issue and put him on the field quickly.

Oh, what a secondary tandem to deploy in Ramsey & Rochell. (Has nice alliteration, too.)

Love, love, love this pick!

Draft Grade: A++