Rams Address OL, Pick Potential Starters in CBS NFL Mock Draft
When the start of the NFL season finally comes around in the fall the Los Angeles Rams will hope to bounce back from a disappointing 5-12 record and into the playoffs after a one-year absence.
Doing so, of course, will be easier said than done. Not only is the NFC a tough conference to win in but they reside in arguably the strongest division - the NFC West.
However, the offseason is still young and they have plenty of time to bring in free agents. Not only that, but they do have draft picks to work with. In CBS Sports' latest three-round mock draft, they give the Rams a trio of potential key depth pieces.
With their first pick in this mock, the Rams fortify the offensive line, selecting offensive lineman Anton Harrison out of Oklahoma with the No. 36 overall pick.
Even though the Rams already have their pair of tackles in Joe Noteboom and Rob Havenstein, last season's injury issues show that having depth along the offensive line could be the difference between a 5-12 record and vying for a playoff spot.
After the No. 36 pick, the Rams have a pair of third-round picks at No. 69 and 77 overall which they use on Tulane linebacker Dorian Williams and Iowa State receiver Xavier Hutchinson respectively.
In his senior season for Tulane Williams wreaked havoc on opposing defenses, recording 132 total tackles with 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. He also created his share of turnovers with two interceptions and forced fumbles each.
As for Hutchinson, he had a career year for the Cyclones last season. He recorded 1,171 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 107 receptions and could provide Sean McVay with another receiving threat to pair with superstar Cooper Kupp.
While replacing a talent of Kupp's level is far from easy, last season showed just how reliant on the superstar receiver the Rams offense has become. Drafting Hutchinson, though, could alleviate some of that pressure and open up the offense.
When the Rams finally find themselves on the clock there are several directions in which they could go. Whichever direction that is, though, could help them get back into the playoffs.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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