Stock check on Rams' 2024 NFL Draft class, pick-by-pick review

The Rams didn’t just reload in the 2024 NFL Draft -- they rebuilt the identity of their defense from the inside out.

To kick if off at No. 19 overall, they struck gold with Jared Verse, the explosive edge rusher out of Florida State who went on to win Rookie Defensive Player of the Year.

A violent, power-based pass-rusher with a relentless motor, Verse has quickly become the tone-setter for Los Angeles’ front seven. His presence has elevated the rest of the Rams’ young defenders, and already, he’s viewed league-wide as one of the most dominant young pass-rushers in football.

General manager Les Snead's pick in the second round doubled down on that philosophy.

At No. 39 overall, the Rams reunited Verse with his college teammate Braden Fiske, a twitchy, explosive defensive lineman who transferred from Western Michigan to Florida State before skyrocketing up draft boards.

Fiske’s first-step quickness and ability to penetrate from both 3-tech and shaded alignments make him a nightmare in one-on-one scenarios. He slashes through gaps, wins with leverage and effort, and brings a nasty edge that fits perfectly next to Verse.

As far opening statements go on draft weekend, Verse and Fiske were about as emphatic as it gets.

The Rams held two third-round selections, starting with running back Blake Corum at No. 83 overall. The former Michigan standout has operated in more of a rotational capacity early in his career, battling through some durability hiccups, but his vision and compact running style still offer value within head coach Sean McVay’s committee-back approach.

Late on Day 2, Los Angeles added safety Kam Kitchens, the instinctive Miami safety who didn’t test as fluidly in coverage during the pre-draft process -- even struggling mightily at times at the Senior Bowl -- but has since carved out a role as a downhill playmaker with real ball production. He may not be a prototype athlete, but he’s quickly developed into one of the more promising young safeties in the league, thanks to his instincts and physicality.

From there, the Rams added depth while identifying tools and traits that could potentially excavate a diamond on Day 3.

Brennan Jackson, selected in the fifth round out of Washington State, appeared in just five games -- the second-fewest of any player in the class -- and failed to solidify a clear role. He is now with the Las Vegas Raiders where all of his 47 snaps in 2025 have come on special teams.

Sixth-round defensive tackle Tyler Davis (Clemson) has rotated in with key snaps on the interior, offering sturdy depth. He's nearly matched his pass-rush production from his rookie season (five pressures, one sack), through just six appearances this fall.

At No. 209, Los Angeles added Joshua Karty, the booming-legged Stanford kicker who’s started in every game since he heard his name called. He’s had his inconsistencies, as most young kickers do, but his range makes him a weapon anywhere past midfield (7-of-9 from 50-plus yards).

The Rams sprinkled in multiple offensive depth pieces late in the sixth.

Wide receiver Jordan Whittington (Texas) has notched 30-plus receptions in his first year and a half -- a physical, versatile receiver who fits McVay’s multi-role usage patterns.

Interior offensive lineman Beaux Limmer (Arkansas) logged 16 starts across the interior offensive line in his rookie campaign, flashing both competence and volatility, but has since become a common inactive in year two. While he initially looked like a heck of a find from Snead late in the process, and you could still classify it as so, he's been relegated to an emergency role.

Finally, the seventh-round pick, offensive tackle KT Leveston (Kansas State) failed to make an appearance in a Rams uniform, and has since joined the Cleveland Browns where he's appeared in five games in 2025 with 18 pressures and five sacks allowed.