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NFL Draft Power Rankings: Can 2023 Haul Be Foundational Class for Rams?

The Los Angeles Rams look to bounce back after the worst season ever by a defending Super Bowl champion.

The Los Angeles Rams look to bounce back after the worst season ever by a defending Super Bowl champion, by making many roster moves, including adding 14 rookies in the 2023 NFL Draft. Rookie minicamp is about to begin and it's an exciting time of possibilities around the franchise.

Now that the dust has settled on post-NFL Draft rosters, Sports Illustrated has released new power rankings and the Rams land at No. 25. Why?

The Rams hope this will be a foundational draft for the franchise. More than a first-round pick, they needed to bring in a massive nougat center to their roster to offset its top-heaviness. Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson might have been my favorite cornerback in this draft not named Julius Brents. The Horned Frog was an analytical darling this year and, despite being 5'9" and 180 pounds, found himself constantly putting his body in the right position to swat away passes. 

Is No. 25 too low? The retooling Rams still boast a now-healthy quarterback, Matthew Stafford, receiver Cooper Kupp and defensive tackle Aaron Donald. L.A. didn't have a pick in the first round but did draft the most players of any team. The Rams draft class is highlighted by offensive guard Steve Avila, who can make an impact right away and edge rusher Byron Young

L.A. has a long way to go before competing with the Philadelphia Eagles, who take the No. 1 spot in the rankings after drafting Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith in the first round.

SI says, 'The Eagles appear to be the best all-around team in the NFL right now."

Oddsmakers don't agree, giving the Kansas City Chiefs the best odds to win Super Bowl LVIII.

Nothing stokes a season more than an Eagles team trying to usurp the champion Chiefs and an L.A. team looking to be relevant again. And the fun is just beginning …

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