Final Rams Mock Draft: Defense dominates in this outstanding Rams draft haul

With the 128th overall pick

The Los Angeles Rams select Audric Estime, running back, out of Notre Dame. In keeping with the enhancement to the team's Red Zone proficiency, RB Audric Estime is a natural selection for the team. Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 221 pounds, GM Les Snead reunites two Fighting Irish running backs in the backfield, and their complementary skillsets give an immediate B-12 booster shot to the offense.

Even as RB Kyren Williams has proven to be a capable featured NFL running back, he should not be expected to be the workhorse for the team. But with Estime added to the running back room, this offense gets the flash of lightning plus the roar of thunder that could prove to be devastatingly effective in 2024.

What I love about Estime is the fact that he is a punishing juggernaut who cannot be brought to the ground with arm tackles. While he is best at running north and south with the football, he is surprisingly effective as a receiver as well, a quality that you can count on this offense making use of.

Estime could be a starter in 2024, but even with all that he brings to the table, the most he can hope for is to share the load. But it will be difficult to keep him off the field. He is a powerhouse runner whose strides replicate those of a Clydesdale, and his legs continue to churn even after contract with defenders. Because he is both strong and built low to the ground, he is ideally suited for short-yardage and red zone runs.

But he is a solid blocker in pass protection, which adds a bit of trickery to the offense in terms of fooling the defense. In 2023, he ran 210 times for 1,341 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also caught 17 of 18 passes for 142 yards. The team needs red zone weapons, and Audric Estime is top of the charts in that category.