NFL Mock Draft: Rams Pick High-Ceiling Edge Rusher Will McDonald
Could the Los Angeles Rams go defense first with the No. 36 overall pick?
While some may argue that the Rams have bigger needs on the offensive line than they do on the defensive line, the latest mock draft from Dane Brugler has them making an intriguing pick.
At No. 36, Brugler projects the Rams to select Will McDonald IV, the Iowa State edge rusher.
While fans may not be comfortable waiting until their third-round pick to select an offensive lineman, seeing as they will already have to wait until Day 2 before the Rams even send in a pick, McDonald would be a good pick.
The ex-Cyclone finished his collegiate career with 34 sacks and 125 total tackles, 40.5 of which were for a loss while forcing 10 fumbles. He was a productive player, to say the least, despite only producing five sacks this past season.
While McDonald flashes on tape with unreal athleticism and bend. Yet some concerns may hold him out of the first round.
For one, his NFL.com profile lists him at 6-foot-4, 239 pounds, which makes him undersized. In addition, while McDonald has proven production in the pass-rushing department, there are concerns about how he can hold up against the run.
Maintaining his "positioning" as a run defender is listed as a con in his scouting report from Lance Zierlan. Yet, he did give the Iowa State product the comparison to Randy Gregory of the Denver Broncos.
But why would it make sense for the Rams?
McDonald is listed as a prospect who fits into the Rams' 3-4 defense that will employ an outside linebacker/edge rusher hybrid. And after releasing veteran Leonard Floyd, maybe that is the role the Rams could mold McDonald into.
As for the rest of the mock draft, Brugler has the Rams filling other needs like safety with Illinois safety Quan Martin with one of their third-round picks, along with adding Auburn running back Tank Bigsby at No. 77 to pair with Cam Akers. Then selecting Jordan McFadden out of Clemson to fill a need on the interior of the offensive line with the No. 171 pick.
Could the Rams justify going defense with their first pick?
Absolutely, especially if a prospect like McDonald is still on the board.
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