Rams Address 3 Big Roster Holes In Kiper and McShay's Joint ESPN Mock Draft
LOS ANGELES - The 2023 NFL Draft is eight days away, and ESPN experts Todd McShay and Mel Kiper have released a joint three-round mock draft that includes the Los Angeles Rams filling some big holes with their Day 2 picks.
The Rams' pass rush struggled last season ranking 21st in the NFL with 38 total sacks. Their two leaders in total sacks, linebackers Leonard Floyd and Bobby Wagner, were released this offseason.
And in the mock, McShay has the Rams addressing one of those issues right away, selecting Kansas State defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah with the No. 36 overall pick to fill the vacancy of Floyd’s departure.
"Their draft begins here with a speed rusher off the edge," McShay said. "Los Angeles has needs all over the place, but the lack of support for Aaron Donald in the front seven is pretty concerning. Anudike-Uzomah should provide immediate help."
Anudike-Uzomah has been a dominant force at Kansas State, totaling 19.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles in the last 2 years.
For the Rams' next pick, Kiper has LA selecting Illinois safety, Jartavius Martin, with the No. 69 pick, bolstering their safety unit after the departure of Taylor Rapp.
"Martin is my third-ranked player at the position," Kiper said. "He played a bunch of corner snaps last season, but I see him as more of a center fielder in the NFL."
Next, with the No. 77 overall selection, Kiper switches to the other side of the ball, picking UCLA running back Zach Charbonnet. And once again, Kiper's pick helps fill a major need for the Rams.
“Check out the Rams' running back depth chart," Kiper said. "Does that fire you up? Charbonnet might not break off many 50-yard runs in the NFL, but he can break tackles. He also has some potential as a pass-catcher. And he can stay local in this scenario.”
Running back Cam Akers's rookie deal is set to expire after this season, and Kyren Williams with 35 career carries has yet to prove himself as an NFL starter. If Akers leaves, Charbonnet could have a shot to become the Rams starter in the 2024 season based on his strong four-year college career.
At the end of the day, Kiper and McShay have the Rams coming away with three contributors who can provide short-term help and possibly earn their role as starters for the foreseeable future. And when it comes to roster building in the NFL Draft, that is a solid starting point.
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