LA Rams Draft: Top 50 Rams Big Board for 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft will be vitally important for the LA Rams, perhaps more crucial than any other draft of the Rams’ six-year history combining GM Les Snead with HC Sean McVay. Because this year’s restocking of youth and talent is so vital, I’ve enlisted the help of one of the best Draft Gurus in the business, Hunter Haas who is the FanSided site expert for NFL Mocks.com, a FanSided website focused exclusively on the draft.

Seems like a narrow topic? Not at all, since from the moment that the dust settles from one NFL Draft and all of the “who is this guy?” questions have been answered, there is a brand new crop of hundreds (if not thousands) of NFL hopefuls who all want a chance to hear their name called in the following year’s draft.

Preparing for the next NFL Draft

So it’s not a seasonal event, but rather is an annual exercise that involves a continuous cycle of performance, analysis, ranking, projection, and assessment. That cycle goes on and on for each draft prospect, and for each NFL team.

So what if we were to take that process and boil it down to focus exclusively on the LA Rams and prospects who fit the Rams’ needs, while also being realistic targets who could be there when the Rams step up to the podium?

What we end up with is a customized LA Rams Big Board of 50 players to track through the remainder of the college football season, the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, and ultimately through the 2023 NFL Draft. While it sounds like a very ambitious project, that’s the stuff that Hunter Haas does for fun, and in almost no time at all, he had a Top-50 LA Rams Big Board for the 2023 NFL Draft compiled for me.

LA Rams 2023 draft picks

The LA Rams are projected to hold 10 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, and due to plenty of trades and the projection of four awarded compensatory picks, it can all become quite confusing. So we tracked each transaction for you at this link here, and detail not only which picks the Rams can anticipate, but the transaction(s) involved in picks departing or arriving at the team’s coffers.

But if you want to press ahead, you can choose that as well.  Here is the summary of the projected LA Rams selection and potential overall position as the Rams step up to the podium during the 2023 NFL Draft.

The basic estimated tally for the 2023 NFL Draft (as of December 4, 2022) is as follows:

• First round – 0 (none)
• Second round – 1 (one), pick 35
• Third round – 1 (one), pick 68
• Fourth-round – 0 (zero)
• Fifth-round – 0 (zero)
• Sixth-round – 3 (three), picks 179, 187, 198
• Seventh-round – 1 (one), pick 222
• Total 2023 NFL Draft picks– 6  (Six)

While that may not make you salivate, keep in mind that the Rams’ Day 2 picks, which are currently projected to fall as the 37th and 68th overall picks, fall well within the Top-100 picks of the draft. In 2021, the first selection for the LA Rams fell to the 104th overall position. But after factoring in an estimated four compensatory draft picks, the Rams’ draft day looks like this:

The final estimated tally for the 2023 NFL Draft is as follows (as of December 4, 2022):

• First round – 0 (none)
• Second round – 1 (one), pick 35
• Third round – 1 (one), pick 68
• Fourth-round – 0 (zero)
• Fifth-round – 2 (two), picks 169, 173
• Sixth-round – 4 (four), picks 179, 187, 198, 211
• Seventh-round – 2 (two), pick 222, 254
• Total 2023 NFL Draft picks– 10 (Ten)

Once more, not a horrifically robust set of draft picks. But will the Rams be sellers of veteran players this year? If the team trades some significant NFL talent, the Rams could have a significant number of draft picks to use in 2023 or the future. But these are the projected picks for now, so this is what we have to work with.

All set? Let’s examine the Top-50 prospects for the LA Rams in the 2023 NFL Draft:

2023 NFL Draft Big Board: 1-3 features Jahmyr Gibbs, Zay Flowers, Loaded Offense Group

If you are not giddy about the LA Rams 2023 NFL Draft just yet, perhaps you should be. The earliest that the LA Rams have selected a player in any NFL draft since hiring Sean McVay as the LA Rams head coach in 2017 was the 44th overall pick used to select current starting tight end Gerald Everett.

Right now, the LA Rams are projected to select the 45th overall prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft, and that position could improve even more if the team drops future games.

1  Jahmyr Gibbs, Running Back, Alabama

If the LA Rams want to put a tiger in the tank of their running back room then they will want to give serious consideration to 5-foot-11 200-pound Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs. He has almost unlimited athleticism and a background as both a runner and receiver that creates a uniquely attractive skillset.

He has the power to dish out punishment as a power-back option, making him a viable potential complement to LA Rams rookie RB Kyren Williams. Every rookie arrives in kit form, and Gibbs is no exception. The Rams will need to get him into the weight room to build muscle mass, as well as pay close attention to help improve his pass-blocking techniques.  He has been described as a faster Deebo Samuel, which would be a good thing to have in the Rams roster going forward.

2  Zay Flowers, Wide Receiver, Boston College

If the LA Rams have not soured on smallish wide receivers who can stretch the field, then Boston College’s wide receiver Zay Flowers might hear his name called pretty early in the draft by the Rams on draft day.  Flowers is a 5-foot-10 172-pound receiver who has the entire battery and skills that gave so much upside to LA Rams WR Tutu Atwell but in a slightly perceptible heavier frame.  That is both a boon and a bane for Rams fans, who have yet to shake off the team’s selection of Atwell rather than fan favorite IOL Creed Humphrey.

Flowers is not a clone of Tutu Atwell, however. He is gifted with an amazing ability to start, stop, and change his direction in such a way that makes him nearly impossible to defend. Flowers have been most frequently compared to Seattle Seahawks veteran WR Tyler Lockett, and I can see the similarity. Will the Rams call Zay Flowers’s name? Well, he is a receiver, so that makes it about a 50/50 probability.

3  Jalin Hyatt, Wide Receiver, Tennessee

We know that the LA Rams love to select a wide receiver with their first selection of the draft, and if that track record holds true in the 2023 NFL Draft, then 6-foot-0 185-pound Tenessee wide receive Jalin Hyatt could be the first rookie added to the Rams roster.  He has been projected by some early draft profiles as the top receiver projected in the 2023 NFL Draft. Of course, that all gets reshuffled based on the final 2022 college statistics and the results of the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.

But he has shown throughout his 2022 season that he can dominate on the football field against tough secondaries. He has dominated at the college level but has done so with superior athleticism, creating questions about his ability to expand his route tree. He is a speedy catcher, a receiver who outraces coverages to create separation. Is that a direction the Rams offense wants to take in 2023? If so, then Jalin Hyatt is an ideal choice.

2023 NFL Draft Big Board: 4-6 features B.J. Ojulari, Drew Sanders Loaded Defense Group

How do you size up the LA Rams’ defense at this point in the season? Perhaps it’s the few loud and proud fans who dominate social media, but there continues to be an unrequited thirst for the LA Rams to fire current defensive coordinator Raheem Morris at the end of this season.

And the data simply does not support that.

The Rams’ defense needs reinforcements, that’s for certain. But the team could turn the corner in the secondary simply if the rookie defensive backs come back improved for their second NFL season.

4  B.J. Ojulari, Edge, LSU

Now we’re getting to the part of the draft where I really get intrigued. A solid pass rusher from a draft class is always a plus. The challenge is trying to find the right guy who can come in and make a positive impact in his rookie season. I think that the 6-foot-3 250-pound LSU outside linebacker/defensive end, B.J. Ojulari, has as good of a chance of delivering out of the gate as anyone.

Ojulari checks all of the boxes. He simply has not yet assembled them all into consistent production. He does not possess those long grapple hook arms, which forces him to rely on his speed, flexibility, and agility. So far, he has been up to the task, as he explodes out of the gates. He needs to bulk up a bit more for the NFL line of scrimmage work, but he is someone who could start in his first season and never look back.

5  Drew Sanders, Edge, Arkansas

Another prospect who makes me sit up and take notice is the 6-foot-5 232-pound Arkansas outside linebacker Drew Sanders. While a bit on the svelte side, Sanders has those long arms that are so impossible to keep off the quarterback for an entire game. Because he is a bit lighter, he has the versatility and flexibility to play at all four LA Rams linebacker spots. That versatility becomes huge over the course of a season when he can essentially help the Rams manage limited roster slots to cover so many diverse roles.

That is not to say that this guy is all utility infielder and can’t make a big impact on the football field. He is a headsy type of defender who covers sideline to sideline, stays home on misdirection plays, sets an ideal edge to contain mobile quarterbacks, and has the solid speed to close on ball carriers from behind. He can shed blocks, rush the passer, and offer adequate pass coverage, Sanders still needs to refine his pass rush moves, but if he is there when the LA Rams make a selection, I would be thrilled to hear his name called.

6  Antonio Johnson, Safety, Texas A & M

It’s been two years since the LA Rams enjoyed the dominant play of defensive back John Johnson, but if the team calls out the name of the 6-foot-3 195-pound Texas A & M safety Antonio Johnson, the LA Rams secondary’s upside shoots through the roof. Unlike the current complement of deep-playing DBs, Johnson has all the coverage skills of a cornerback.

Johnson can do it all, and that’s certainly worth considering for this Rams’ defense.  A true CB/S hybrid, Johnson can play the slot, play deep center field, and even close in to give solid run support in the box. He has a history of playing wide receiver in high school, a huge plus that aids him in diagnosing routes and targets on each play.

Antonio Johnson is the type of player that I used to covet but knew had zero chance of falling to the Rams selection. But the Rams are stepping up to make their first selection as early as the 36th overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, and Johnson very likely could be there. Rebounding for the 2023 NFL season means adding fundamentally sound rookies who truly have the upside to challenge earning a nod for the NFL Pro Bowl. Antonio Johnson is such a player.

2023 NFL Draft Big Board: 7-10 features Jordan Battle, Anton Harrison, solid offensive tackles

The Rams have plenty of options in the 2023 NFL Draft. One such option is the likelihood of trading back if their desired targets are not on the board when the team is scheduled to step up to the podium. If that scenario plays out, the Rams could trade back for two draft picks, say with the Detroit Lions for their 62nd, 75th, and 146th picks?

That would keep the Rams in the second round (albeit late in that round) but would allow the team to pick up additional third and fifth-round picks.  That is simply one of a myriad of scenarios that could find the Rams choosing late in the second round. Is it worth it? That depends on just how badly the Rams covet players on their draft board. So let’s discuss some more intriguing prospects:

7  Jordan Battle, Safety, Alabama

Even with the 36th overall pick, the LA Rams cannot allow themselves to fall in love with a single player. Rather, the team must assess a number of players for a position who have equal potential to give the team equivalent positive impacts. One such player who would upgrade the Rams’ secondary at the safety position is the 6-foot-1 206-pound safety out of Alabam named Jordan Battle. (Bonus points for the name, right?)

Jordan Battle is a hybrid S/LB that has never failed to capture the attention of Defensive Coordinator Raheem Morris, and Battle is a prospect that is 100 percent worthy of such interest.  He has solid coverage skillsets, which allows him to shave big cushions and play much closer to his receiver. But he is incredibly physical, playing like a linebacker in the box and in run support. He has the ability to split blockers, making him a devastating defender on screens and sweeps. He needs to refine his tackling, though, as he tends to put his head down and fails to wrap up the ball carrier.

8  Anton Harrison, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma

After the challenges of trying to coach up Oklahoma Sooners OT Bobby Evans, do the Rams dare to revisit Oklahoma for an offensive tackle? I think the outstanding qualities of 6-foot-5 315-pound Oklahoma offensive tackle Anton Harrison are simply too irresistible to pass up. The LA Rams may be shopping for a bonafide franchise left tackle in the 2023 NFL Draft, and Anton Harrison has the makings of one.

The LA Rams need a big body on that blind side of QB Matthew Stafford, and Harrison is every bit big enough and more importantly, powerful enough, to hold his own against NFL edge rushers. He is the type of offensive lineman that plays powerful football until the final whistle and loves engaging in blocks again any and every defender around him.  Power? This guy has truckloads of it, and that gives him the ability to handle even the toughest bullrushes. He rides defenders around the horn, which could spell trouble if the Rams go with a mobile quarterback.

9 Rashee Rice, Wide Receiver, SMU

There will always be the likelihood for a wide receiver in the crosshairs of the LA Rams in each round of each NFL draft. While I for one am no fan of the team’s appreciation of loading up each year with new young talent, only to have them sit on the bench, 6-foot-2 203-pound SMU wide receiver Rashee Rice could be the exception to the rule. Will the salary cap cash-strapped Rams entertain thoughts of trading injured veteran WR Allen Robinson as they had traded injured WR Robert Woods the previous year? If they do, then Rahee Rice is an ideal addition to the Rams’ offensive arsenal.

Rice is a natural fit for the LA Rams receiver room, blessed with soft hands, superb route running, and the blocking ability that rivals that of tight ends.  He has good route-running skills, and his ability to pile on yards after catch will make even the most skeptical Rams fan smile and applaud. He is a muscular plug-and-play physique that is already NFL-worthy. His only drawback is a limited route tree.

10  Blake Freeland, Offensive Tackle, BYU

If you want a big blindside blocker who reminds you of the manner of Andrew Whitworth, then look no further than the 6-foot-8 305-pound offensive tackle behemoth out of BYU, Blake Freeland.  Because he towers at 6-foot-8, he has those long powerful tentacles that can lock onto the pass rusher and keep them away from his body.

Freeland is more than just height and long arms. He is a high-IQ blocker who quickly reads stunts and twists, and has a surprising natural balance for such a big offensive lineman that allows him to settle back and absorb even the most powerful pass rushers. He has great lateral movement, gliding to ensure that he remains between the defender and the quarterback. His strength is those powerful hard-hitting hands, delivering rocking blows to the defender with such force that he keeps them off-balance and unable to generate momentum or leverage.

He can get beaten inside by exceptional quick pass rushers, and his pre-Combine projection ranges anywhere from Round 1 to Round 5. I think his draft stock climbs rapidly after his workouts are recorded and published. But if he falls, so much the better for the Rams.

2023 NFL Draft Big Board: 11-13 RBs features Chris Rodriguez Jr, Sean Tucker, and Deuce Vaughn

Why are we paying so much attention to the running back position? Well, let’s not kid ourselves, in the past three drafts, the Rams have added a running back to the roster in each of the past three NFL drafts. The Rams added Cam Akers with the 52nd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft,  Jake Funk with the 233rd pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and Kyren Williams with the 164th pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.

How important is the running game to the LA Rams right now?  If you have a definitive answer, please share. The Rams traded up in the 2022 NFL Draft to select Notre Dame RB Kyren Williams. But that was sandwiched by the team allowing competent RB Sony Michel to walk away in free agency, and outright releasing RB Darrell Henderson Jr. With those mixed signals, do the Rams intend on drafting a running back?  If they do, they have an excellent assortment of prospects to choose from:

11  Chris Rodriguez Jr., Running Back, Kentucky

Perhaps one of the most logical fits for this LA Rams offense is the 5-foot-11, 224-pound Kentucky Wildcats running back named Chris Rodriguez Jr. He has the size and power that this Rams offense has so desperately needed. While he does not flash elite speed, he has excellent vision to find, pivot, and burst through practically any seam he gets. He has great balance, is extremely productive between the tackles, and is the go-to guy on short-yardage scoring opportunities.

669 of his 904 yards came after initial contact, a quality that the Rams need to acquire in their backfield. While he has plenty of power, he needs to exhibit more patience with his blocks and try to extend his career by not abandoning his offensive linemen to take on defenders directly and single-handedly. His best season came when he played in Rams OC Liam Coen’s offense. Could history repeat itself, this time for the LA Rams?

12 Sean Tucker, Running Back, Syracuse

The LA Rams had lost two running backs, Darrell Henderson Jr. and Jake Funk, through the course of the 2022 NFL season. Now, the team needs to restock the running back room, as the team will need more options One legitimate prospect to join the ranks is 5-foot-10 205-pound Syracuse RB Sean Tucker. A bit like Henderson, Tucker has the ability to run big when need-be between the tackles, but he can get small and slither through like a smaller runner.

Tucker truly excels in the passing game, where his soft hands combined with his grab-and-go burst make him very effective. He is a former track star, and those powerful strides learned and mastered as a sprinter are evident when he kicks in the overdrive. If the Rams insist on smallish running backs who are true assets as receivers, then Sean Tucker leads them all and checks all the boxes.

13  Deuce Vaughn, Running Back, Kansas State

The LA Rams have gravitated to smaller running backs, so I don’t want to ignore viable small prospects due to my own bias. One of the more dangerous running back prospects in this draft class is 5-foot-6 176-pound Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn. While he has all of the expected limitations of a small running back, that is, not reliable on pass blocking and durability concerns, this young man is awfully productive with the football in his hands.

As good as he is as a running back, he possesses nearly elite skillsets if he becomes a receiver. He has an excellent command of a robust route tree, and he has those soft dependable hands that will outclass all but the best receivers. He often makes the first defender miss, and if he sees daylight he truly is off to the races. He is not a three-down offensive weapon, but his ability to scamper through even small creases makes him an ideal candidate for a return specialist on special teams as well.

2023 NFL Draft Big Board: 14-16 features Bralen Trice, Garrett Williams, and Jacob Cowing

The Rams could add to their lone Round 3 pick if the team opts to trade back with their Round 2 pick. While that may unsettle some fans who get emotionally attached to a single prospect rather easily, it makes sense from the Rams’ perspective.  Rookies, even those who are among the Top-10, are no sure thing. To defeat the risk of whiffing, many teams simply choose more often. So if the Rams opt to multiply picks by taking more picks of lesser value the next 15 or so prospects may be ideally positioned to hear their names called by the Rams:

14  Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington

I would not be the least bit surprised to find the LA Rams selecting multiple edge rushers in the 2023 NFL Draft. Not only did the team run the position razor thin over the past two seasons, but the edge position in this draft class is already being lauded as one of the most talented and deepest in quite some time. 6-foot-4 269-pound Washington edge rusher Bralen Trice is one of the second-tier candidates who does not show much dropoff from the best-projected edge rushers in this class.

Raw? Yes. He has only two years of collegiate football on his resume. But he possesses incredible power, flexibility, and speed necessary to turn some heads. He has the ability to drop into pass coverage and manages that well enough. But he has the right skillsets that, if coached up correctly, could prove to be a dominant quarterback threat throughout his career.

15  Garrett Williams, Cornerback, Syracuse

What about the LA Rams’ secondary? It’s hard to prioritize defensive backs in this draft, particularly after the Rams drafted four DBs in 2022. But 6-foot-0 189-pound Syracuse cornerback Garrett Williams could be talented enough to lure the Rams into calling out his name. On his surface, he is not particularly impressive in either his ability to backpedal or his track speed. But his ability to play the football, break up passes, and time his jumps to reach his apex as the ball arrives, are phenomenal.

Williams is quite adept as quickly changing direction, a must for NFL DBs. He plays the position with confidence and has the ability to shake off a bad play to make a tremendous defensive play on the next snap. While standing 6-foot-0, he seems to play larger, a bigger version of former LA Rams DB Darious Williams.

16  Jacob Cowing, Wide Receiver, Arizona

The fact is that no matter how hard I try, I cannot convince myself that the LA Rams will emerge from Day 2 without adding a wide receiver. And so, a bit of an undervalued WR from the nearby school of Arizona finds his way onto the LA Rams Big Board. This 5-foot-11 175-pound wide receiver named Jacob Cowing is only beginning to get noticed, and many draft profiles have him among Day 3 prospects. But don’t let that fool you.

If the Rams can get WR Tutu Atwell unleashed before the end of the 2022 NFL season, Jacob Cowing is a bigger and sturdier version who makes the ideal alternative to the Rams’ offense that needs a bigger receiver to take the lid off defensive secondaries. He is a pure vertical threat, a receiver whose speed is often underestimated to the quarterback’s delight. He is a willing blocker but needs to add a bit of muscle mass to develop his full NFL potential in that area. Cowing can run the 40-yard dash in 4.40 seconds. His stock will skyrocket after the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine numbers are posted.

2023 NFL Draft Big Board: 17-21 features Grayson McCall, Ryan Hayes, Tyler Steen

17  Grayson McCall, Quarterback, Coastal Carolina

Is this the year when the LA Rams draft a quarterback? If so, then keep 6-foot-3 215-pound Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall on your radar. He would be an ideal quarterback for the LA Rams offense this season. He gets the ball out quickly, has the ability to scramble and run for positive yards, sprays the ball everywhere, and can zip the ball 20 yards from the line of scrimmage with pinpoint accuracy.  He is not going to be the guy who wins games consistently with Hail Mary bombs, but he is awfully good at negating turnovers.  He is very accurate, and with the Rams’ complement of receivers who optimize YAC, he could be an ideal successor for the Rams after veteran Matthew Stafford.

18  Ryan Hayes, Offensive Tackle, Michigan

When I begin to look for solid offensive linemen, I typically begin to scan the rosters of Utah, and any Big Ten university. 6-foot-7 305-pound Michigan offensive tackle Ryan Hayes continues that trend of outstanding offensive linemen emerging from Big Ten competition.  Because he has such a huge height, he has the complement of long arms that are vital for the success of NFL blindside blockers. And better yet, Hayes has the oft-sought mean streak that is necessary to win consistently on the line of scrimmage. But because of his height, he needs to improve his balance/center of gravity. That means playing with a wider bass in pass protection, and ensuring that he keeps his feet sliding laterally. He has all the makings of an outstanding run blocker. But he will need to refine his pass blocking in training camp to be a Day 1 starter.

19 Tyler Steen, Offensive Tackle, Alabama

The options for a viable starting left tackle include the 6-foot-5 315-pound Alabama offensive tackle, Tyler Steen. A powerful offensive lineman, Tyler Steen is already capable of setting into his pass-blocking stance and absorbing powerful bull rushes.  He has excellent hands, delivering powerful rocks into the defender to keep him off balance. On run blocking, he willingly engages his primary defender, then willingly moves downfield to block secondary defenders as well. Because he is eager to initiate contact, he can ignore the need to remain balanced. That could result in lunging or becoming off-balance, both scenarios limit his effectiveness downfield.

20  Isheem Young, Safety, Ole Miss

The LA Rams could be in the market for a solid safety in the 2023 NFL Draft, and they could follow that to the doorstep of 5-foot-10 215-pound safety out of Ole Miss, Isheem Young. Young is a defensive back who lives to be physical in run support. In pass coverage, he is optimally suited in Cover-2 schemes (like the Rams use) to keep the action in front of him where he can see the play develop in front of him and make a play on the football. He has adequate speed and can close on the play when he tracks the football in the air. If he makes contact with the runner or receiver, they will remember that hit.

21  Habbakuk Baldonado, EDGE, Pittsburgh

Another edge rusher who deserves consideration late in Round 3 or early in Round 4 is a 6-foot-5 260-pound Edge rusher out of Pittsburgh named Habbakuk Baldonado. Hailing from All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald’s alma mater, Baldonado has the wingspan and athleticism to drop into pass coverage out of the gate. But the Rams call out his name in the 2023 NFL Draft to get those long meat hooks working against opposing quarterbacks. Baldonado has a knack for anticipating the snap count, allowing him to beat offensive linemen to the edge and close in on the passer. But he is not all ears pinned back in his methods, as he can set a solid edge to turn running plays inside as well. Born in Rome, Italy, he would immediately find a friendly face in OL Max Pircher.

2023 NFL Draft Big Board: 22-24 features Willie Lampkin, Demani Richardson, Devon Witherspoon

While the LA Rams do not currently project to have any picks in Round 4, the team could trade back and acquire a selection, trade up and acquire a selection, or even trade a player or two and end up with a draft pick in the round.

22  Willie Lampkin, Interior Offensive Lineman, Coastal Carolina

Do not let the fact that Coastal Carolina interior offensive lineman Willie Lamkin stands 6-foot-0 and weighs just 275 pounds be the only thing about the guy that you notice. If it is, you will miss out on one of the most intriguing and powerful interior offensive linemen in the 2023 NFL Draft. Whenever you automatically get discounted from height and weight, the rest of your game needs to be top-notch, and Lamkin’s is all of that and more. A former state wrestling champion, Lampkin boasts technical precision, loves to maul defenders, does not stop until the whistle blows, and demonstrates superior hand and footwork on nearly every play. He has natural leverage against defensive linemen and is both quick and powerful at engaging as soon as the football is snapped. So why does he fall so far? How many NFL GMs will go out on a limb for a 6-foot-0 interior offensive lineman?

23  Demani Richardson, Safety, Texas A & M

We know that the LA Rams want to restock their safety position, particularly in the offseason where both Taylor Rapp and Nick Scott face testing their value in the NFL Free Agency market. The loss of multiple players simultaneously from the Rams roster could pose some problems. But it’s a problem that 6-foot-1 210-pound Texas A & M safety named Demani Richardson is perfectly equipped to resolve quickly. He has an extensive background in multiple roles in secondary coverage, including single-high safety, slot corner, and run-support in the box. He loves to tackle and has solid coverage skills. Because he has a good football IQ, he is most effective in zone coverages as he baits the quarterback well, tracks the ball in the air, and arrives in time to pilfer the pass or at least break up the play.

24  Devon Witherspoon, Cornerback, Illinois

The LA Rams secondary may have plenty of young talented defensive backs on the Rams roster right now, but based on the way the Rams embraced deep buffers, there is room for improvement in the group. Improvement begins with competition, and that is exactly what 6-foot-1 180-pound Illinois defensive back Devon Witherspoon brings to the NFL as a rookie prospect. He has the qualities to enable him to excel in the zone, man, and press-man coverage schemes. He is the type of defensive back who won’t hear his name much when he is playing his best, simply because the quarterback is throwing anywhere but to his receiver. He has good instincts, knows where the receiver must be to get a first down and tracks both the ball and the quarterback’s eyes to anticipate when and where the football will be.

2023 NFL Draft Big Board: 25-27 features DeMarco Hellams, Zakhari Franklin, Ainias Smith

At this point in the draft, the LA Rams enter the point in the draft where the team has the majority of the draft picks and oftentimes does the best work at selecting key contributors to the roster. Will that happen this year?

25  DeMarcco Hellams, Defensive Back, Alabama

The LA Rams need secondary help, and a 6-foot-1 208-pound versatile defensive back out of the University of Alabama named DeMarcco Hellams is a great place to start. Because the Rams have a severely limited number of picks on Day 2, some of even the more urgent needs on the roster will fall to Day 3. Hellams is the type of play who projects to Day 3 and could still make a solid impact in a contributing role in the Rams’ secondary. Because Hellams has filled a number of roles in the Alabama secondary, he is versatile enough to play as both a safety and a slot corner. His coverage skills are quite a debate, as he is cited in multiple draft profiles as better in either zone or better in man, but not both. Be safe and expect that he will slowly ease into a rotational role for the Rams in his rookie season.

26  Zakhari Franklin, Wide Receiver, UTSA

If the LA Rams have not added a wide receiver in the draft, yet, they will find it very difficult to pass over the 6-foot-1 185-pound wide receiver out of UTSA named Zakhari Franklin. He possesses all of the receivers attributes most prized by the LA Rams offense. He is a great blocker. He can run precise routes and in doing so generate plenty of separation from defensive backs. Because he does not possess elite speed or power, he can get jammed at the line of scrimmage which throws off the timing of his routes. He makes the most of his opportunities, scoring over 10 touchdowns in each of his past two seasons. The Rams roster is deep enough at the WR position to sit Franklin long enough to allow him to bulk up for the NFL if necessary. But don’t get me wrong, he has the chops to earn playing time from the get-go.

27  Ainias Smith, Wide Receiver, Texas A&M

There is a lot to unpack when sitting down to cover the potential of the 5-foot-10 190-pound wide receiver out of Texas A&M named Ainias Smith. For starters, mentioning the fact that his background includes playing wide receiver, free safety, cornerback, and running back positions in high school. So using the word versatile seems like a drastic understatement. Although just 5-foot-10, this young man is an expert at timing his jumps, climbing the ladder, and catching the football at its high point, outjumping much taller DBs in the process. He is excellent at making adjustments to catch underthrown passes.  He can get open quite frequently, becoming a go-to receiver when moving the chains is a must. With his height and lack of off-the-charts speed and athleticism, some teams simply won’t be interested. But the LA Rams could be.

2023 NFL Draft Big Board: 28-30 features Connor Galvin, Chris Braswell, Charlie Jones

The Rams’ roster has far more needs than their two early picks can address. Because the Rams have been effective at picking contributors from as late as the fifth round in past drafts, don’t discount the potential of any rookie prospect chosen on Day 3.  Who might the Rams choose? Here are some prospects who have jumped out:

28  Connor Galvin, Offensive Tackle, Baylor

Part of the reason that offensive linemen chosen even as late as middle to late Day 3 in an NFL Draft can be quite effective in the NFL is due to the simple fact that blocking, for all of its nuances, is essentially the same task from peewee football through the NFL Pro Bowl. Different players mature a different pace, which changes the timeline and upside of some young offensive linemen even as they enter the NFL. 6-foot-7 302-pound offensive tackle out of Baylor named Connor Galvin is one such example. He has good football sense, and a wonderful mean streak. He has been exclusively a left tackle for Baylor and should project to that role in the NFL. Galvin is not without the need for improvement, as he must improve the use of his hands to win line-of-scrimmage battles consistently. He infrequently overextends in run blocking, allowing defenders to skirt past him. He needs to get a bigger base to help lower his overall center of gravity. But he is a solid mauler and offers starting potential even into Day 3.

29  Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama

I believe that the LA Rams could target the EDGe position multiple times in the 2023 NFL Draft, and the 6-foot-3 240-pound outside linebacker from Alabama named Chris Braswell could be one such rookie prospect selected by the Rams in this draft. Braswell is athletically freakish, squatting 705 pounds and power-cleans 405 pounds. Braswell is adept at coverage, getting to his spots quickly, anticipating the throws, and having enough power and speed to stay close when covering tight ends over the middle. But the question is, can this guy get after the quarterback? The answer is yes, but he relies on his burst at the snap and his power too much. He needs some refinement in his pass-rush techniques. But he is healthy, powerful, and fast. So he seems like a great investment.

30  Charlie Jones, Wide Receiver, Purdue

The LA Rams are currently not expecting to lose more than KR/PR/WR Brandon Powell this offseason due to an expiring contract. But the Rams often draft with the next season’s attrition in mind, and in 2024 contracts for both J.J. Koski and Van Jefferson expire. One such young prospect, a 6-foot-0 180-pound Purdue wide receiver named Charlie Jones could be added to the team to allow sufficient time to grow into a significant rotational player for the 2024 NFL season. Jones has soft dependable hands and an excellent focus, allowing him to follow the ball’s trajectory right into the catch. He is a playmaker, offering the potential to also excel at either a kick returner or punt returner role as well. Jones is a solid possession type of receiver but has flashed the ability to make contested catches.  The Rams love receivers, and there is plenty to love about Charlie Jones.

2023 NFL Draft Big Board: 31-33 features Nick Brocker, Carter Warren, Robert Beal Jr.

At this point on the draft board, the LA Rams will be looking to add sufficient depth to positions, as well as try to target young prospects who could contribute positively to special teams as well.

31  Nick Broeker, (Interior) Offensive Lineman, Ole Miss

6-foot-5 315-point interior offensive lineman Nick Broeker out of Ole Miss is a solid young prospect for the Rams’ offensive line. While he played offensive tackle at the college level, his radius of optimal play is small enough to give serious consideration to sliding him inside. He has good athleticism, good hands, and an excellent mean streak that makes him the type of offensive lineman that fans love to see on the football field. While he plays with physicality, he could use additional time in the weight room to truly unlock beast mode.

32  Carter Warren, Offensive Tackle, Pittsburgh

The LA Rams look to the far Eastern time zone once more, this time to target a 6-foot-5 325-pound offensive tackle from the University of Pittsburgh named Carter Warren. Warren is adept at both pass and run blocking. He has powerful hands, squares his shoulders to his opponent, and sits back with a wide base that allows him to absorb the rush but maintain the balance to move laterally.  So why does he fall? He will enter the NFL at 25 years of age, potentially limiting the length of his NFL career.  But at least one draft profile asserts that his stance gives a tell to defenders whether the play is pass or run, and even which direction the play is going. I was unable to detect that, but perhaps scouts have.

33  Robert Beal Jr., EDGE, Georgia

If getting to the quarterback is the only objective in getting an outside linebacker, then 6-foot-4 250-pound Georgia outside linebacker Robert Beal Jr. may not be your cup of tea. But if you want to get a functionally well-round outside linebacker who can defend the run, play solid pass coverage, set the edge, and get after the quarterback, now you are talking about Robert Beal Jr.’s wheelhouse. Beal has surprising quickness in rushing the passer, but he uses that speed to set up a nice spin move that is very effective as well. He has a good nose for the football and wraps up his tackles with textbook precision. He is a bit raw, thanks to limited opportunities on a deep Bulldog defense. But he has all of the tools, great instincts, and a fundamental understanding of the role.

2023 NFL Draft Big Board: 34-36 features Re’Mahn Davis, Antonio Mafi, Mekhi Garner

If the picks are not used to move up the board, the LA Rams will enter the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with four picks, a number that equals the number of picks originally used to this point. If the team is still looking, the depth at running back, cornerback, EDGE, wide receiver, and even interior defensive line is such that starters can be found this late in the draft.

34  Re’Mahn Davis, Running Back, Vanderbilt

The LA Rams’ lust for running backs may or may not have been satiated before this, but if the position lingers on the shopping list until the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, then Vanderbilt’s 5-foot-9 205-pound running back Re’Mahn Davis could be selected by the LA Rams. Davis fits the mold of Kyren Williams and Ronnie Rivers, slightly smaller rushers who have the ability to be three-down backs. He has sufficient speed to elude defenders, and the ability to make unexpected cuts to daylight to either side and take it to the house.  While I believe the Rams have saturated the roster with runners under 6-foot-0, the team may feel otherwise. He has been productive at the college level, and his reported 4.6-second 40-yard dash time should ensure that he remains just as productive in the NFL.

35  Atonio Mafi, Interior Offensive Line, UCLA

There is plenty of excitement, but not much written about the 6-foot-4 355-pound UCLA interior offensive lineman Atonion Mafi. He once tipped the scales at 411 pounds but has since shaved off a lot of weight, even being reported at 339 pounds in some reports.

Mafi is a former defensive lineman who was converted to the offensive line out of need, but his performance at the position now has many draft analysts scratching their heads at how to analyze his college work: Defensive lineman, offensive tackle, or interior offensive lineman?

Even at a large 339 pounds, Mafi appears to be fit and ready to go. Mafi first appeared as the Bruins starting right guard in 2021 and has since never looked back. The Bruins have played to a 17-7 record over the past two years, partially thanks to Mafi’s ability to block. Mafi has a solid punch, a mindset that loves to engage defenders, and a motor that doesn’t quit. Because he converted from the defensive line, he is not a topic of many draft profiles. But his stock could skyrocket quickly once he gets noticed.

36  Mekhi Garner, Cornerback, LSU

I love the idea of adding tall defensive backs to the LA Rams’ secondary. I suppose that is just a personal bias. But it does help me to appreciate the upside of a 6-foot-2 217-pound defensive back out of LSU named Mekhi Garner. Because of his size, he has a huge wingspan that can be very effective in blocking the sight of a receiver, as well as getting a hand into the path of the football to break up the pass. He follows the football well from the time it leaves the quarterback’s hands until it arrives at its destination, allowing him to sometimes play the football for the interception. He has good tackling skills and can bring down a runner even if matched up one on one. While he holds a 4.59-second 40-yard dash time, he can get fooled by a double move and struggles to make up ground if trailing a receiver.

2023 NFL Draft Big Board: 37-40 features Brenton Cox Jr., Cam Hart, Tiawan Mullen

By the time the LA Rams near the end of Round 6, the objective begins to pivot from roster needs to player potential. At this point in the draft, the team can be less worried over how quickly a prospect will be able to make a positive contribution to the Rams roster and more focused upon how easy it will be to bring them patiently to a productive NFL level of play.

37  Brenton Cox Jr., EDGE, Florida

If you want to roll the dice, then the 6-foot-3 252-pound outside linebacker from the University of Florida named Brenton Cox Jr. is likely to be in your crosshairs.  The son of former Miami Dolphin standout Brian Cox, Brenton Cox was dismissed by the Florida Gators in October 2022. Details for that dismissal have not been readily available, but he was arrested in the spring of 2019 due to possession of marijuana, and promptly transferred from Georgia to Florida. Reports that surfaced out of Georgia following his transfer cited repeated clashes with the coaching staff. That pattern seems to fit the reasons for his release from Florida, where the only confirmed details were a ‘cumulative effect.’

If you can get comfortable with off-field concerns, Brenton Cox Jr. will give you plenty to cheer on the football field. He is technically sound, a productive and downright punishing tackler. He understands the role and can provide adequate pass coverage, defend the run, set the edge, and rush the quarterback as well as you can hope for.  He is a huge risk/reward prospect. He could live up to his potential and be a rookie NFL Pro Bowler. Or he could cause conflict with coaches and teammates.

38  Taylor Grimes, Wide Receiver, Incarnate Word

If you like digging into small school football programs for a potential diamond in the rough, then you will be drawn to a 5-foot-10, 190-pound wide receiver out of Incarnate Word named Taylor Grimes. While you may not have heard of him, even casual football fans will appreciate his 2022 production of 60 catches for 1,002 yards and 13 touchdowns. While not overly fast, he did record a 4.55-second 40-yard dash.

There is not much scouting being done on Grimes just yet, and that may stay the same until draft day. If I had to sum up his potential, I would compare him to a young and shorter Cooper Kupp. He has great hands, good speed, a solid route tree, the ability to create separation, and an instinctive way to feel his way into the soft spots of zone coverage. His skillset translates to both offensive and special team return specialist roles.

39  Cam Hart, Cornerback, Notre Dame

You should be interested in any defensive back who has a background as a former wide receiver, which is one of several reasons why a 6-foot-2, 198-pound defensive back out of Notre Dame named Cam Hart catches the eye of the LA Rams scouting department. A former teammate of RB Kyren Williams at the Fighting Irish, Hart is another tall-bodied DB who has impressive speed at a 4.45-second 40-yard dash combined with solid size and wing span. He has the ability to play man on swift slot receivers, can analyze the route options, and jump the route occasionally. So what doesn’t he do well? He is not a natural back-peddler, sometimes getting caught in his own stride. He is also not a great tackler, which is surprising due to his size. He has a solid upside but will need patience and coaching to get there.

40  Tiawan Mullen, Cornerback, Indiana

Another defensive back who could be intriguing enough to lure the LA Rams into calling out his name is a 5-foot-10, 181-pound defensive back out of Indiana named Tiawan Mullen. Mullen burst onto the scene his freshman season, as he opened his career with 13 pass breakups. He has the skill set to play either outside or the slot, and he flourishes in zone coverage (all huge plusses). He can jam at the line of scrimmage, and then shadow that receiver throughout the route, allowing him to succeed in man and press-man coverages as well. Great ball skills, balance, and a natural ability to flip his hips when backpedaling to running in any pursuit are all solid. The hurdle is his lack of NFL size and the concerns over durability in the NFL. But 28 passes broken up in a four-year NCAA college football career is tough to pass up this late in the draft.

2023 NFL Draft Big Board: 41-45 features Cory Trice, Jahleel Billingsley, and Stetson Bennett

Round 7 (1 pick plus projected 1 comp pick)

41  Cory Trice, Cornerback, Purdue

The first thing that jumps off the page when researching Purdue cornerback Cory Trice is that incredible height at 6-foot-3 and a weight of 215 pounds. But where his size is so enviable, he has not developed the type of pass defense that warrants an early selection. He is a willing run defender and pass defender, and possesses solid fundamentals. But he needs a bit more muscle to play with more oomph. And his coverage skills must get rid of the tendency to grab at receivers. He has all the necessary tools but just needs to have time in the weight room and coaching in training camp to make use of them.

42  Tyler Lacy, Defensive Lineman, Oklahoma State

The LA Rams will likely look for defensive linemen on Day 3, and 6-foot-4 285 Oklahoma State defensive end Tyler Lacy is a solid get. The Rams will award Lacy bonus points for his ability to effectively line up anywhere on the defensive front. He is an incredibly powerful defensive lineman, able to take on and shed even double teams. But that power comes at a cost of speed, and he will struggle in pursuit. He can shoot gaps, consistently tackling for losses. He provides solid run defense. But he is not going to tack on 10+ quarterback sacks. That could be perfectly okay.

43  Dontayvlon Wicks, Wide Receiver, Virginia

Another wide receiver? Yes, because this is the LA Rams draft board after all. This 6-foot-2 208-pound Virginia wide receiver named Dontayvlon Wicks has excellent body control. That allows him to run precision routes just inside the sideline boundaries, stop and cut on a dime, and even ensure that he gets his feet down in bounds. He has incredible burst speed and can defeat press man simply by exploding past the DB. He struggles to catch the football with his hands, allowing passes to hit his chest and sometimes bounce away.

44  Jahleel Billingsley, Tight End, Texas

A bit on the lighter side, 6-foot-4 219-pound Texas tight end Jahleel Billingsley is a speedy deep-threat receiver very much like current TE/WR Jacob Harris. And much like Jacob Harris, he will arrive in need of coaching on how to block at the NFL level. He has all of the potential upside of Harris, including the chance to be nearly undefendable in the Red Zone. But much like Harris, the Rams have to scheme specifically how to use him, a task that the coaching staff has failed at miserably so far.

45  Stetson Bennett, Quarterback, Georgia

A quarterback who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs just 190 pounds does not even sound feasible in this LA Rams offense. But Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is 5-foot-10 and weighs just 207 pounds, and Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson is 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds,  so there is a precedent to give Bennett some consideration. If you can get past his size, Bennett has incredible football IQ, is mobile, can throw to any receiver anywhere on the field, and is a well-respected team leader. He makes excellent coverage reads, possesses a quick release, is innovative and can improvise, and is competitive to his last breath.

Priority Free Agent signings

46  Jaylon Thomas, Interior Offensive Lineman, SMU

6-foot-5 311-pound offensive lineman Jaylon Thomas may not hear his name called in the 2023 NFL Draft, but he is definitely worth a training camp roster spot. He is deemed a bit slow, but offensive linemen do not sprint downfield.

47  Jaxson Kirkland, Offensive Tackle, Washington
Once considered a sure-fire Day 2 prospect, 6-foot-7 310-pound Washington offensive tackle Jaxson Kirkland’s stock has fallen a bit. But he is an offensive lineman who is a son of an offensive lineman. Never ignore a legacy player if you can avoid it.

48  Xavier Thomas, EDGE, Clemson

There is plenty of depth at edge rusher, and 6-foot-2 255-pound Clemson outside linebacker/defensive end Xavier Thomas is a very good prospect who falls due to such a crowded field. He has a solid spin move and can make plays. He is too inconsistent with handwork and gets ridden around the arc too often.

49  Darrell Luter Jr, CB, South Alabama

The 6-foot-0 186-pound cornerback named Darrell Luter Jr. out of South Alabama may not appear on every NFL team’s radar. I do expect the LA Rams to know who he is, and be prepared to sign him if he is not drafted. He literally smothers the receiver, allowing just 26 percent of passes to be caught when targeting his receiver. But he has to prove that he is every bit as NFL-worthy as prospects from larger football programs.

50  J.J. Weaver, LB, Kentucky

Rams OC Liam Coen will no doubt have plenty to say about 6-foot-5 242-pound Kentucky outside linebacker J.J. Weaver. He has great length and coverage skills, which alone make him worth signing to the roster. But he has good balance, is quite flexible, and has the ideal power and length to play the position. He gets lost in traffic against the run, and his tackles do not always bring the player down immediately.

I would like to thank NFL Mocks.com and particularly site expert Hunter Haas for all of his help in tackling such an ambitious project.  Rather than just toss darts blindly at a random dart board, we tackled this Rams Big Board by setting where and how often the Rams can make selections, comparing that to their historic tendencies (whether we loved them or hated them) and then overlayed it all with the teams most likely roster needs.

There you have it. 50 players across all rounds and even into undrafted players who could join the LA Rams for the 2023 NFL season. Do you like any of the players named here? Did we miss someone you like who could be on the board for the Rams when the team steps up to the podium? Let us know in the comments section.