LA Rams January Mock Draft ‘smokes’ the secondary

With the 247th pick…

The Los Angeles Rams select running back Zonovan Knight from NC State University. Is there such a thing as too deep at the position any longer? In 2021, the LA Rams suffered injuries to RB Cam Akers, Xavier Jones, Raymond Calais, Darrell Henderson (four minor injuries), and Jake Funk.  The Rams traded for veteran running back Sony Michel and signed several other running backs along the way. Although the team has both Jake Funk and Cam Akers back, look for the team to add a fresh set of legs to keep on the practice squad, at a minimum, in 2022.

Knight is a good choice. Durable and dependable, he played 36 games in three seasons for the Wolfpack and rushed 419 times for 2,286 yards and 18 touchdowns. He was also used in the passing game, catching 48 passes for 337 yards.  Standing 5-foot-10 and weighing a solid 210-pounds, Knight is the type of running back who can be a three-down rusher if needed, or simply rotated in to soften up a physical defense.

Similar in style to Rams running back Cam Akers, he has patience when he runs, allowing the creases to develop in front of him. As soon as the running lane begins showing signs of daylight, Knight kicks it into gear, and away he goes. Also similar to Akers, he can fly to test the defense’s perimeter. But he can also ‘get skinny’ when he needs to run north-south, and slips through the hole while defenders are still looking for him to emerge.

He may not be refined as a pass blocker, but oh how the heart is willing. He will actively engage defenders at the moment they pose a threat to the quarterback. That will go a long way to endearing him to the Rams. Much like Jake Funk in  2021, the Rams will seek a prospect who can help the team on both the special teams unit and the offense. Zonovan Knight can deliver on both fronts for the Rams.