Yes, the LA Rams could emerge from Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft with 3 starters

Perhaps I'm a bit too eager to breathe that sigh of relief. But after weeks (if not months) of witnessing the LA Rams roster put it into reverse as 31 NFL teams raced to fill their 90-man roster, I'm more than happy to cut myself some slack. The scariest section of the 2023 NFL Draft is over. The Rams survived the spectator portion of the draft and are in pretty good shape right now.

Well, saying that the LA Rams are in pretty good shape is relative. The Rams need 46 additional players, need depth at every position, and have 11 draft picks to get there. So yes, this definitely is a situation that could be far better than it currently is. But that was all part of the background, the journey that led the LA Rams to the 2023 NFL Draft.

The LA Rams currenly have three picks in Day 2. Those three picks all far among the Top-80 selections of the 2023 NFL Draft:

• Day 2- Round 2  36th Overall
• Day 2 - Round 3   69th Overall
• Day 2 - Round 3  77th overall (via Dolphins)

Of the first 80 prospects on the Big Board at NFL.com's Draft tracker, 50 remain available. Since Day 2 starts with Pick 32, that means that if this draft falls correctly, the Rams should emerge with 3 of the Top 80 prospects.

Draft boards will begin to have significant disagreements on Day 2

The Detroit Lions, with the 18th pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, was the only team to 'reach,' for a prospect, as they chose the 90th prospect on the board in LB Jack Campbell. I'm not accusing Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes of screwing up their draft. On the contrary, he is a shrewd judge of character, and his approval is as much of an endorsement within the NFL Draft as the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval is an endorsement for household supplies.

But the point is to illustrate that the LA Rams will get some quality options in this draft. And to be truthful, I am beginning to believe that this team could land three Day 1 starters if they choose wisely.

The LA Rams will have very difficult choices at each selection. The first test of the LA Rams wo;; be to quickly distinguish whether to use their selection to choose a player at that spot, or to trade back in the hope of adding additional picks to increase their draft chances of landing starter.

Once the Rams choose to stand pat or trade back, the team must next decide how to use that pick Should the team pick a quarterback or receiver whose true value to the team won't be realized until 2024 or beyond? Or should the team grab an edge rusher, a defensive back, a defensive lineman or any other number of position that can start from the get-go?

It's tough to be decisive this year, because the Rams have so many urgent needs. Hopefully, the Rams front office does not feel the same way.