2024 NFL Mock Draft: Los Angeles Rams Select Potential Offensive Line Star Patrick Paul
Left tackle Andrew Whitworth was a key cog for the Los Angeles Rams team that won Super Bowl LVII. In a new 2024 NFL Mock Draft, general manager Les Snead and coach Sean McVay try to replicate that formula, using the franchise's first pick in the first round of the NFL Draft since 2016 on a blindside blocker.
The Athletic recently released their latest 2024 NFL Mock Draft, which features the Rams using the No. 17 overall pick on Houston offensive tackle Patrick Paul.
"Wide receiver was tempting here. However, Les Snead has been outstanding historically at finding receiver value later in the draft. (Rookie Puka Nacua isn’t the only example)," The Athletic wrote.
"Instead, the Rams could add one of the longest humans on the planet to hold down the left side of their line. Through six games this season, Paul hasn’t allowed a sack, hurry, pressure or QB hit."
Could Houston left tackle Patrick Paul be a target of the Los Angeles Rams in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Michael C. Johnson/USA Today
As noted, Paul is a mountain of a human being at 6-foot-7, 305 pounds (weight varies depending where you look). He was a First-Team All-AAC selection in both 2021 and 2022, and there's a good chance he'll be selected again in 2023. The redshirt junior presumably will choose to enter next April's NFL Draft.
If the Rams were to take Paul or another left tackle, it would allow them to lock down the left side of their offensive line for perhaps the next decade. After being selected by the Rams in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, left guard Steve Avila has earned a 71.0 grade from Pro Football Focus through the early part of his rookie season.
Obviously, there will be other areas of the roster to consider in the first round for the Rams. Cornerback and edge rusher could be considerations, as could an interior defensive lineman with the future of three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald uncertain. But it would be hard to be upset with taking a player that can protect quarterback Matthew Stafford for the remainder of his career, and then eventually block for whoever succeeds him.
