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

Summing up Draft priorities by day

Are you a bit confused? The LA Rams front office does not simply focus on an NFL draft exclusively. Rather, the team must blend an optimal combination of free agency, draft, and development to ensure that the Rams roster has adequate competition at an affordable coast and is staggered in successive seasons so as not to paint the team into a corner in any given season.

So how does that all break down for the LA Rams draft strategy? Let's sum it all up:

Day 1 - 1 pick

The shopping list for the 2024 NFL Draft Round 1 far exceeds the ability of the Rams to fill the growing list of positional needs. So here is my ranking of draft priorities in Round 1:

1. Franchise QB - A QB prospect who projects as a future starter for the team
2. Blindside LT - If Rams fail to extend Alaric Jackson, a left tackle is the next highest priority.
3. Shutdown CB - The Rams secondary needs a true CB1.
4. Tight end/Wide receiver - if a top-tier offensive weapon falls to the Rams at 19, they will become an opportunity priority

Day 2 - 2 picks

1. DB - The Rams' secondary needs immediate help. A safety or cornerback by the end of Day 2 is a must.
2. Offensive line - If the Rams fail to extend players, offensive linemen will become a Day 2 priority.
3. TE/WR - The Rams will need more offensive weapons. Ideally, the Rams will target a tight end. More realistically, the Rams will land a talented WR.
4. QB - If the Rams fail to draft a top QB talent in Round 1, the team could still land a quality QB prospect on Day 2.
5. Defensive line - The Rams could land an ideal defensive lineman on Day 2.
6. Edge Rusher - The Rams may target an edge rusher on Day 2. I do not share the view of many regarding the state of the Rams pass rush, as I believe the team has many players who will step up in a huge way in 2024.
7. Running back - if a top running back prospect falls in the draft, I could see the Rams targetting one in Round 3.

Day 3 - 7 picks

1. Edge rusher - I believe that the Rams will want to add depth to the OLB position. I could see that depth being added on Day 3.
2. Offensive linemen - The Rams may add an offensive lineman for depth
3. Defensive backs - The Rams may want to add additional secondary help on Day 3.
4. Inside linebacker - Depth and special teams players on Day 3.
5. Kicker - I could envision the Rams drafting a kicker in Round 6 or 7.

In the end, the Rams have far more identified needs than picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. But that is where the Rams front office earns its worth, not only in identifying which positions are the top needs of this team, but which option of addressing that need are the optimal method.

While we can project and anticipate how the Rams will work the 2024 NFL Draft, keep in mind that the Rams will be limited by the players who remain on the draft board when the Rams step up to the podium to make their picks.