Deep dive into complex LA Rams draft needs in the 2024 NFL Draft

Enough depth, not enough stars

The LA Rams are ahead of schedule in terms of postseason competition. But to take the next step, the Rams will need to get better at shutting down explosive plays. It's not enough to expect the Rams pass rush to do all of the heavy lifting for the defense. This Rams secondary has been

Cornerbacks - The LA Rams have held their secondary in the highest regard and addressed the secondary with game-changing veterans. But at the end of the 2022 NFL season, the Rams traded All-Pro DB Jalen Ramsey and essentially entered the 2023 NFL season prepared to 'make do,' with inexpensive defensive backs. In 2023, the LA Rams were dead last in spending on cornerbacks, per Over the Cap.com, coughing up a pitiful $4 million for the cornerback room.

Sometimes, you get what you pay for.

That is pittance in the NFL, and a red flag for the Rams front office that this group needs to receive a serious investment in terms of players in 2024. One of the ways to upgrade the secondary is to shoot for a top-tier cornerback prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Rams are in an ideal position at the 19th overall pick to land a very good NFL prospect at the position.

The Rams are losing both Duke Shelley and Ahkello Witherspoon due to expiring contracts. Since Witherspoon was the main pass defender in the Rams secondary in 2023, the Rams cannot avoid addressing the position in the 2024 NFL Draft. I believe that the Rams will need at least one cornerback by Round 3, and perhaps multiple cornerbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft

Safeties - The LA Rams safety position is another hot spot that will need attention in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Rams spent just $2.96 million on the position in 2023, and the team must find replacements for the expiring contracts of both Jordan Fuller and John Johnson III. The Rams will welcome back Russ Yeast, Quentin Lake, and Jason Taylor II. But the team will need more depth, and will likely need at least one rookie addition who can compete for a starter role.

Perhaps the Rams may be expecting both Yeast and Lake to assume starting roles in 2024, which would allow the team to consider Day 3 selections to round out the roster. But I'm not convinced that both players have the durability to start 17 games for the Rams in 2024. The Rams front office may be wise to add an additional safety or two, if not to compete for a staring role, at least to ensure adequate depth for the new season.