Why LA Rams Round 2 was the most vital round of the 2023 NFL Draft

The LA Rams talked at great length about the way this team was going to go about their business throughout the 2023 NFL Draft. Of course, that was a bit out of necessity, as the LA Rams continued to pare down the roster as other teams were growing their rosters. So the Rams fanbase understandably had to be told something to assuage their fears.

The Rams talked about the 2023 NFL Draft as though it had become some sort of safe harbor for the Rams fans that were getting nervous over the state of the team. As other teams grew, and as LA Rams jumped ship and swam to the higher ground of signing contacts with other teams, the Rams fans were stuck on the ship.

That is why the announcement of "With the 36th pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams select Steve Avila, offensive lineman, from TCU . . ." was announced, there was a collective sigh of relief from all of the LA Rams fans who had tuned in to witness the Rams make their earliest pick since hiring on Rams head coach Sean McVay.

A huge step in the right direction

Avila was an offensive lineman, which of itself is a bit of a rarity to say when discussing the LA Rams recent drafts. But in a way he was more than that. He was a fulfillment of a promise made by the LA Rams organization that ensured the fans to be patient, don't panic. Help is on the way.

Indeed it is. I never expected the LA Rams to have their pick from the entire offensive guard draft class at the 36th overall pick, yet that is how this draft board fell to the Rams. And it was a pleasant surprise to find the Rams making good on their word, and avoiding the temptation to add an offensive weapon when the true challenge was giving veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford enough time to throw.

The Rams have never replaced Pro Bowl guard Rodger Saffold since he tested his value in the 2019 NFL Free Agency market. But that may be the plan in selecting IOL Steve Avila. One step back to take two steps forward. Sounds like a plan after all.