3-Round NFL Mock Draft: Rams Address Pass Rush, Secondary
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The Los Angeles Rams haven't made a pick in the first round of the NFL Draft since 2016, and that's not scheduled to change this April.
However, what the Rams lack in premium draft picks, they've overcome with on-field success, logging four playoff berths and a Super Bowl title - largely due to aggressive trades from general manager Les Snead and the ability to hit on mid-to-late-round draft picks.
Los Angeles will aim to make the 2023 NFL Draft much the same, as it's fresh off a 5-12 season marred by injuries that was, in many ways, doomed from the start.
But that was then, and this is now ... and NFL Network's latest three-round mock draft provides the Rams with a much-needed infusion of young talent.
At No. 36 overall, the Rams were tabbed to select Georgia outside linebacker Nolan Smith, later adding Boise State safety JL Skinner at No. 69.
Smith was viewed as the best outside pass rusher on the Bulldogs' National Championship-winning team and had three sacks and seven tackles for loss in eight games before suffering a season-ending pectoral injury.
In Los Angeles, Smith would add a consistent pressure player opposite Leonard Floyd, ideally uplifting a pass rush that ranked No. 21 league-wide in sacks with 38.
Skinner provides a lanky, athletic presence in the Rams' secondary and is coming off a stout week at the Reese's Senior Bowl in which he was named the top safety on his team.
The NFL Draft starts Thursday, Apr. 27, with the Chicago Bears set to make the first overall pick.
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft
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