Rams Mock Draft: Full 7-rounds eclipses others by filling hidden roster holes

With the 154th overall pick in Round 5, the LA Rams select

Isaac Guerendo, running back, out of Louisville. While there is a mounting frustration over the Rams lack of attention for the edge rusher need, the team continues to load up on playmakers by selecting this Louisville slugger at running back. This 6-foot-0 221-pound rusher is an ideal blend of fast and elusive play intermingled with powerful strides of a Clydesdale. While the Rams have not exactly shown a great deal of interest in big ole backs, Guerendo makes a strong case on several fronts to alter the Rams choice of quality runner from this draft.

Guerendo brings those powerful legs to bear on his runs, forcing defensive backs to bound off him like sleet off the windshield. He has road runner-like speed, able to accelerate to a 4.33-second 40-yard dash, capable of outrunning even angle pursuers. He is also a dangerous receiver out of the backfield, able to become an additional target capable of averaging over 10 yards per catch.

He even brings solid experience to the team as a special team return specialist, a role that the Rams must address purposefully this season. With his size, speed, power, and burst to daylight, Guerendo on this roster is instantly in play for a starting role as a punt and kickoff returner.

The Rams had some success with former Louisville RB Darrell Henderson Jr., so the path from the Louisville Cardinals offense to the Sean McVay offense is well established. Guerendo is among the Top 10 running backs on many draft boards. He falls to the team here in Round 5 because the position has devalued over time, and many teams in need of rushers have already addressed those needs in free agency.