Rams Mock Draft: Team add elite run stuffer and pass rusher in latest mock

With the 196th pick

. . . the LA Rams select Khristian Boyd, defensive tackle, from Northern Iowa. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 317 pounds, Boyd is a solid defensive down lineman who immediately becomes a vital depth piece to the team, with the potential to become so much more. Because he is a powerful young man, he could become a backup nose tackle for the the team. But he has enough agility to slide over to the defensive tackle or defensive end spot on the 3-4 defense as well.

Boyd is a huge defender who will likely make his initial mark in the NFL as a run stuffer who keeps the linebackers free to roam and make plays. But he has a bit of twitchiness to him that could result in some pass rush over time. The Rams need plenty of beef on that defensive line, and Boyd is an excellent option to add to the teams DL rotation.

With the 209th pick

. . . the LA Rams select Sione Vaki, safety, out of Utah. While almost all analysts and fans are mesmerized by the upside of Utah safety Cole Bishop, almost no attention is levied to his teammate, Sione Vaki. But Vaki is very much worth paying attention to. He stands 5-foot-11, weighs a burly 210 pounds, and he is a physical safety who excels in run support but also is versatile enough to assume a slot defensive back role.

Vaki is an excellent value at 209, as he has real potential to become an NFL starter, but can immediately contribute on special teams in coverage units. Because he played on the Utah Utes, he also had to practice against TE Dalton Kincaid, and you can explain much of Vaki's physicality from those practice matchups. In terms of power, Vakie bench pressed 225-pounds 20 times at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. He also put up a 4.62-second 40-yard dash time. He even flipped to running back to help out his team due to injuries, putting up 42 carries for 317 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught 11 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns.

Vaki has some collegiate experience at returning kickoffs too. In the end, he brings a swiss army knife's versatility to the team.