Rams Bolster Pass Rush, Skill Positions in ESPN 7-Round Mock Draft

Kansas State pass rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah would provide the Los Angeles Rams with an explosive defensive centerpiece.

Author:
Mike D'Abate
Publish date:
Mar 31, 2023 11:01 AM EDT

In this story:

Los Angeles Rams

While much attention is being paid to the Los Angeles Rams' need for offensive improvement heading into 2023, the team would also benefit from an upgrade to its pass rush.

Despite their lack of a first-round choice in the upcoming draft, L.A. is still expected to have several options from which to choose for bolstering their front seven.

Though LSU’s B.J. Ojulari and Auburn’s Derick Hall have been discussed as potential fits within the Los Angeles system, ESPN, in their latest seven-round mock draft offering, opted for Kansas State EDGE rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah.

During his three years with the Wildcats, Anudike-Uzomah has proven himself as a force on the edge.

He compiled 100 tackles, 20 sacks, and eight forced fumbles. For his efforts, Anudike-Uzomah has received his share of accolades, including being named 2021-2022 Big-12 First-Team All-American, 2022 Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year, and 2022 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.

Anudike-Uzomah is a powerful rusher, who catches the eye with an explosive first step, as well as impressive strength and agility, and checks the boxes in all major categories, thus making him a welcome addition to Los Angeles.

In Round 3, ESPN has the Rams electing to help the secondary, picking Michigan corner D.J. Turner out of Michigan with the No. 69 overall pick.

The Rams secondary took a major hit this offseason following the trade of Jalen Ramsey, and the loss of David Long at corner, as well as safeties Nick Scott and Taylor Rapp, and is set to look wildly different in 2023.

And with cornerback Troy Hill also currently still an unrestricted free agent, addressing that need on the outside will be a big priority for the Rams this spring.

Turner fits that bill, being described by scouts as an explosive athlete that is scheme diverse and can play inside or outside in coverage.

He recently ran a 4.26 40-yard dash and has a 38.5-inch vertical leap as well.

In his final year at Michigan, Turner was named a Second-Team All-Big 10 selection, finishing the year with 10 pass breakups, 36 tackles, and one interception in 14 games.

However, ESPN was not done adding explosion to the Rams roster there, either, mocking hyper-productive SMU wideout Rashee Rice to LA just eight picks later.

Rice finished his career with 233 catches for 3,111 yards and 25 touchdowns in four seasons with the Mustangs - 96 catches, 1,355 yards and 10 touchdowns of which came in his senior campaign.

Considering the lack of depth in the Rams' wide receiver corps, and the uncertainty surrounding the future of Allen Robinson, Rice would make an interesting project for McVay and company to take a high-ceiling gamble on in Round 3.

You can view the full set of Rams picks from ESPN below:

Round 2, Pick 36 - EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State

Round 3, Pick 69 - CB D.J. Turner, Michigan

Round 3, Pick 77 - WR Rashee Rice, SMU

Round 5, Pick 167 - RB Israel Abanikanda, Pitt

Round 5, Pick 171 - QB Jake Haener, Fresno State

Round 5, Pick 177 - EDGE Nick Hampton, Appalachian State

Round 6, Pick 182 - S Anthony Johnson, Iowa State

Round 6, Pick 189 - OL Jaxson Kirkland, Washington

Round 6, Pick 191 - WR Charlie Jones, Purdue

Round 7, Pick 223 - CB Mekhi Blackmon, USC

Round 7, Pick 251 - K Chad Ryland, Maryland