The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine prospects have LA Rams fans excited. Here's why:

Group III

Group III is typically the group of offensive skill players. While the excitement over running backs is in a bit of a lull, there are many talented rushers in this class to warrant paying attention. Of course, there is conversation about the LA Rams and what they will do to address their backup quarterback situation. I believe that if the team wishes to do so, there are solid prospects throughout the draft. Let me show you what I mean:

Quarterbacks

• Day 1- Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
• Day 2 - Michael Penix, QB, Washington
• Day 3 - Sam Hartman, QB, Notre Dame

1. LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is getting a lot of positive buzz right now, and I do not expect that to subside throughout the NFL Scouting Combine. It may increase significantly. But the 6-foot-4 210-pound dual-threat quarterback is not one of the prospects who I view as an immediate starter in the NFL. He has tremendous upside, but I view him as a prospect who would benefit most by sitting a year out and learning behind a solid veteran. Still, I have seen some mocks projecting Daniels off the board within the Top 5.
2. Washington quarterback Michael Penix may be the best pure passer of this draft class. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 212 pounds, he has the right size to play NFL quarterback and uses that size to launch the football for long distances effortlessly. He is a natural leader, remaining calm, cool, and collected in the pocket, and instilling confidence in his receivers in the process. He truly has the feel of a Matthew Stafford understudy. But he is a southpaw thrower, which could dissuade teams from selecting him as it could require flipping their offensive plays.
3. Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman may not show up on everyone's draft board, which is all the more reason why I love this guy on Day 3. He stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 209 pounds, which is ideal for the NFL. He has the potential to be a solid NFL quarterback even as quickly as his rookie season with the right training camp. He is one of the participants in this year's combine that I expect will see his stock on the rise. Keep Hartman on your radar.

Running backs

• Day 1 - Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas
• Day 2 - Trey Benson, RB, Florida State
• Day 3 - MarShawn Lloyd, RB. USC

1. Texas running back Jonathon Brooks is the best runner in the 2024 NFL Draft, but even that may not warrant his selection in Round 1. Standing 6-foot-0 and weighing 202 pounds, Brooks offers an offense a three-down, durable runner who is as gifted when taking a handoff as he is when slipping across the line of scrimmage as a receiver. He is an all-purpose running back who could easily put up 1000+ yards in his rookie season if allowed to carry the lion's share of the rushes.
2. Florida State running back Trey Benson is an even bigger bodied rusher than Jonathon Brooks, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing a burly 223 pounds. He has deceptive speed, oftentimes kicking in the afterburner to pull away from pursuers. He is also an effective receiver, able to slip through and gain critical yards through the air. He has a questionable medical history that could allow him to freefall a bit. He also will need to improve his blocking skills in training camp.
3. The LA Rams have a bias toward shorter running backs. Well, USC RB Mar'Shawn Lloyd is right up their alley in that case. Standing 5-foot-9 and weighing 210 pounds, Lloyd is a powerful runner who has a surprising burst of speed to gain huge chunks of ground quickly. He can run effectively between the tackles but also can threaten defensive perimeters with his agility and speed. An ACL suffered in 202o cold limit interest in him from NFL teams.

Wide receivers

• Day 1 - Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
• Day 2 - Malachi Corley, WR, West Kentucky
• Day 3 - Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama

1. Washington WR Rome Odunze may not be Marvin Harrison Jr., but he is a solid prospect who deserves Round 1 consideration. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 215 pounds, he is tall target who boasts the ability to put up plenty of yards after the catch (YAC). He truly adds another dimension to an offense, and combines size, speed and catch radius to become a clear target for NFL quarterbacks.
2. Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley is a wide receiver whose stock is already skyrocketing. Standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 215 pounds, he is a small school weapon with big game impact. He is a true Swiss Army knife type of player, who fits at almost any position in the offense (not OL or QB, of course). He has an unmatched ability to put up yards after the catch, which has earned him the nickname 'YAC King.' I would love to see how Rams HC Sean McVay might use Corley.
3. Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton has been mocked by some higher that I expect him to be selected, but the 6-foot-0, 194-pound receiver is almost certain to be selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. He can push secondaries deep, but possesses a limited route tree. And unfortunately, he shows inconsistency in effort. If the ball is going elsewhere, he does not sustain the same energy and effort in plays. But you can fix those issues by coaching, and you can't coach speed. Burton could flirt with an eye-popping time on the 40-yard dash.