LA Rams Mock Draft: Elite WR and dominating D are theme of this draft

With the 155th overall pick

the LA Rams select MarShawn Lloyd, running back, out of USC. Lloyd has shown up in a previous mock draft, and is chosen here as a natural fit for the offense. Standing 5-foot-9 and weighing 220 pounds, Lloyd adds powerful strides and durability to the smallish running back that this team seems to favor.

He not only runs with authority, but he is a gifted receiver out of the backfield as well. He may not see much action at first, because he does need to refine his pass blocking skills, a hurdle that he must overcome to get a steady diet of carries and offensive snaps. Lloyd is not just a bench warmer, as his blend of speed and power will be given opportunities as soon as he masters blocking skills. Once that happens, he could take over as the second running back onto the football field.

With the 196th overall pick

the LA Rams select Khristian Boyd, defensive tackle, out of Northern Iowa. Boyd is a stout and compact nose tackle/defensive tackle prospect who is emerging from a six-season college career. He is a versatile defensive lineman who has experience in both the 1-tech and 3-tech. Because he was not invited to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, his height ranges from 6-foot-2 to 6-foot-4. His weight ranges from 317 pounds to 320 pounds. But what doesn't vary is the fact that Boyd is a powerful defensive lineman who can play multiple roles on an odd-man defensive front.

Players selected in Round 6 often need additional coaching and patience to optimize their talents for NFL competition, and Khristian Boyd is no exception. He showed marked improvement year over year, generated 10.0 sacks in his final four seasons as an interior defensive lineman. He put up 43 tackles in 2023, and 6.5 tackles for a loss.

The defense needs bit bodies who are productive to maintain high levels of competition in training camp and sustain a solid rotation this season. Boyd delivers that, and more.