Rams NFL Draft Plans: 2 Standout WRs 'Closely Linked' to Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Rams have experienced what general manager Les Snead dubbed a "boring" offseason and aren't currently slated to make a pick in the 2023 NFL Draft until the second round.
However, seeking to bounce back after a disappointing 5-12 campaign that was marred by injuries, the Rams will be active in this year's draft, as they hold 11 selections.
But how will Los Angeles use those picks? According to ESPN, two needs have emerged above the rest.
"Sources close to the Rams say the team will be trying to add pass-rushers and pass-catchers," ESPN writes. "Los Angeles knows it needs younger players who can rush the passer alongside Aaron Donald, but one of its bigger needs is on offense.
"The Rams lack reliable receivers who can take some of the workload off Cooper Kupp, which is especially important with him returning from a serious ankle injury."
Donald and Kupp are two of the most decorated players not only on the Rams but at their respective position across the league - and will look to rebound after injury-shortened 2022 campaigns.
One way to help ease the load is to add impact players around them, which is where the intent to add pass rushers and pass catchers comes into play.
But who could those players be?
ESPN mentioned a pair of wideouts in Michigan State's Jayden Reed and LSU's Kayshon Boutte as having been "closely linked to the Rams as middle-round picks."
Reed was an All-American in 2021 as an all-purpose player and punt returner and earned second-team All-Big Ten honors this past season after catching 55 passes for 639 yards and seven touchdowns for the Spartans.
As for Boutte, there are no concerns as to whether he can handle the L.A. spotlight - the 20-year-old had a stellar showing at the Coliseum against UCLA in 2021, hauling in nine passes for 149 yards and three touchdowns.
When speaking with SI's Ram Digest at the NFL Combine, Boutte expressed confidence in the idea that he can contribute from the start of his professional career.
"I feel like I can have an instant impact in the NFL because I honestly feel like nobody can guard me," Boutte said, before citing his standout freshman campaign. "It had a lot to do with my speed, my route running - I was in the tip-top shape of my life, so that kind of helped me."
Boutte was a Freshman All-American for the Tigers and closed his opening season with a single-game SEC record 14 receptions for 308 yards against Ole Miss.
Now two years removed, Boutte's still the same playmaker he was then ... and is eager to prove it at the next level.
And now, he - or Reed - may get a chance to do exactly that alongside Kupp this fall.
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft
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