Why is the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine so vital for LA Rams

The time is now for the LA Rams. Whether the Rams' front office is merely nudging the Rams roster to get deeper and younger or making wholesale changes to do so, the Rams are in the business of adding plenty of talented rookies this year. In order to do so effectively, the LA Rams will need to pay close attention to the participants at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.

This is a solid class that has been described by ESPN's draft guru Mel Kiper as a 'devil to find a Top 60 in this draft class, let alone Top 100.' While that could mean a disaster for teams that have loaded up on 2023 first-round draft picks like the Houston Texans (1,12), Seattle Seahawks (5,20), and the Detroit Lions (6,18). Disastrous in the sense that these teams have multiple early draft picks, while the draft class itself does not compare to other drafts in terms of the quality of those early players.

But this is a draft class that is truly full of so many good rookies that NFL starters may be plentiful on Day 3, and that is a day when the LA Rams have plenty of picks. The big question is, which positions might the LA Rams be targeting in the draft? Well, that is a huge discussion after all, isn't it? Some blindly insist that the only position worth discussing in this draft is the offensive line. I don't give that much concern. The Rams not only have the tools to address the line, but a number of key contributors are returning to health in 2023.

Today, the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine begins live drill coverages of NFL rookie prospects. Those drills begin today, Thursday, March 2nd, and will be televised by the NFL Network starting at 12:00 noon PT. The drills will occur over the next four days, and the results could be the deciding factor in how the rookies are ultimately ranked. So what is the schedule?

• Thursday, March 2nd, 12:00 noon PT – Defensive Linemen and Linebackers
• Friday, March 3rd, 12:00 noon PT – Defensive Backs
• Saturday, March 4th, 10:00 am PT – Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers, Tight Ends.
• Sunday, March 5th, 10:00 am PT – Running Backs, Offensive Linemen.
• (bolded positions are areas Rams may need to address in this draft)

It's an exciting time for NFL fans of all 32 teams. But this year, with the LA Rams holding quite valuable draft picks, is especially sweet for Rams fans.

Rams need depth and starters

The Rams need depth as much as quality starters. Curiously though, the LA Rams continue their trend of not attending the NFL Scouting Combine as readily as other teams. While scouts will attend, the Rams as a rule do not send their coaches or their personnel executives. to the event. Instead, the Rams gather as they always do and have the combine streamed to their offices.

This is the first step for all 32 NFL teams to begin showing their hand for the 2023 NFL season. What might the Rams do? A strong interest in bigger running backs, tight ends, and powerful offensive linemen could show an indication that the Rams are re-emphasizing their rushing offense. Conversely, a strong interest in defensive linemen, edge rushers, and defensive backs could indicate that the team is interested in prioritizing the defense in 2023, and perhaps turning to the offense in 2024.

There are no shortages of opinions over what the Rams should do among fans in the 2023 NFL. Personally, I believe that there ae many solutions, and the trick is trying to determine which will be the Rams strategy this year?

If you need some names to get you started, Ramblin Fan contributor Justin Frazier has a couple of key edge rushers you should track at the combine. Another contributor, Reese Evans, has his own recommendations for you to track at the combine. But keep in mind that the Rams may have their own Big Board, and it's critical for the Rams to stay true to their board and address the team's positional needs, rather than chase the one or two prospects that we hold above all others.

The time is now. The LA Rams, however the team wishes to retool, refurbish, restock or rebuild the roster for 2023, that begins now. Will the Rams front office be successful? The team has proven to be quite capable in the past of returning to postseason competition in the past. I see no reason why that will not be the case this season as well.