Rams Bolster Defense In Latest 2-Round Mock Draft
After the NFL Scouting Combine last week, it's officially the home stretch of draft season and more and more mocks are coming out by the day.
One of the more interesting teams to watch in said mock drafts are the Los Angeles Rams, as they can go in several different directions come late April. The Rams have an overall solid roster but certainly have needs at a few key positions.
In ESPN's latest two-round mock draft, L.A. addresses perhaps its two biggest needs, both on defense. First up is cornerback, which the Rams solve by adding Clemson's Nate Wiggins at No. 19 overall.
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"Weighing in at 173 pounds at the combine wasn't ideal, but running a 4.29 in the 40 sure quieted those concerns quickly. A patient and sudden corner, Wiggins is routinely able to stick with targets in man coverage, and he has good instincts in zone," ESPN writes. "The Rams' defense severely lacks building blocks in the secondary, but Wiggins can be an immediate starter."
A first-team All-ACC selection last season, Wiggins put on quite the show with 29 total tackles, six passes defended, and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. He's also coming off a strong performance at the combine, where his speed and explosiveness were on full display.
Next up, the Rams address their other biggest need in edge rusher, selecting Western Michigan's Marshawn Kneeland at No. 52 overall.
"The Rams got great early returns from rookie defensive linemen Kobie Turner and Byron Young last season. Let's keep it going," ESPN writes. "Kneeland can play off the edge or reduce down inside to play along the interior, and he is coming off a solid combine showing."
A second-team All-MAC selection in 2023, Kneeland has been a force for Western Michigan over the last three years, recording 26 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in that time. Going from the MAC to the NFL is obviously a massive jump, but if the Rams see potential in him, he could be worth taking a chance on.
For the Rams to knock out their two biggest needs right away would be a good bit of drafting by general manager Les Snead, though the draft itself is obviously still weeks away.
