NEWSLETTER
The Los Angeles Rams entered the 2024 NFL Draft in an unfamiliar situation. They had a first-round pick for the first time since 2016 and it couldn’t have come at a better time. They surprisingly made the playoffs last year while riding a potent offense led by the emergence of wide receiver Puka Nacua and running back Kyren Williams. Their defense was mediocre by past Rams teams’ standards and in the offseason lost its most impactful player Aaron Donald to retirement. This made their NFL Draft strategy clear, but did they execute it? Let’s examine LA’s draft and give them a grade.
Los Angeles Rams NFL Draft Grade: A
The Los Angeles Rams’ 2024 NFL Draft saw General Manager Les Snead focus on rebuilding a formally stout defense and attempting to fill the shoes of recently retired future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald. Coming off a 2023 season that saw the Rams rekindle their offensive firepower yet play mediocre defense, their strategy was clear. Find the players necessary to improve defensively and get back to championship-level football.
They did exactly that early and often using five of their first six selections in the draft on defensive players. The Rams didn’t ignore the offensive side of the ball completely though. Drafting Michigan’s Blake Corum in the 3rd round and adding depth at wide-out and offensive line with their final three picks. Overall, most of the Rams’ top NFL Draft priorities were addressed, and with players that should have an immediate positive impact on the team. LA gets an A.
| Draft Pick | Selection |
|---|---|
| Rd 1 – pick 19 | Jared Verse, Edge – Florida State |
| Rd 2 – pick 39 | Braden Fiske, DT – Florida State |
| Rd 3 – Pick 83 | Blake Corum, RB – Michigan |
| Rd 3 – pick 99 | Kamren Kinchens, S – Miami |
| Rd 5 – pick 154 | Brennan Jackson, Edge – Washington State |
| Rd 6 – pick 196 | Tyler Davis, DT – Clemson |
| Rd 6 – pick 208 | Joshua Karty, K – Stanford |
| Rd 6 – pick 213 | Jordan Whittington, WR – Texas |
| Rd 6 – pick 217 | Beaux Limmer, C – Arkansas |
| Rd 7 – pick 254 | KT Leveston, G – Kansas State |
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Replacing Aaron Donald Early
![Florida Gators quarterback Max Brown (17) gets stopped by Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Jared Verse (5) and Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Braden Fiske (55) during first half action as Florida takes on Florida State at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 25, 2023. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]](https://www.bleachernation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/USATSI_21973684-copy.jpg)
Their first-round pick sent a clear message. With the 19th overall selection, they grabbed Florida defensive end Jared Verse, a relentless pass rusher known for his explosiveness off the edge. This move bolstered a defensive line that was already formidable, aiming to generate even more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The focus on defense continued in the second round with the selection of another Seminole, defensive tackle Braden Fiske, whose athleticism will definitely help fill the void left by Donald in the middle.
You Never Have Enough Running Backs
However, the Rams didn’t neglect the offensive side of the ball entirely. In a bit of a surprising move, the Rams selected running back Blake Corum out of Michigan with their third-round pick. He joins Kyren Williams in the Rams backfield that now has two interchangeable players at the position. With their second pick of the third round, LA drafted corner Kamren Kinchens from Miami hoping he can help improve a poor secondary.
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Depth, Depth, More Depth
Los Angeles had a plethora of picks on the final day, six to be exact over the final three rounds. They used these selections to add additional depth to their defensive line, receiving corps, and offensive line.
Les Snead and Sean McVay Crushed the Draft
The Rams’ 2024 draft class is one that could propel them back into the NFC conversations. By prioritizing immediate defensive impact, they’ve, at least on paper, improved their areas of greatest weakness. And if all goes according to plan, the Rams could be a force to be reckoned with once again. The selections of Verse, Fiske, and Kinchens, were all good picks but made even more impactful by the Rams’ needs. This is why we’ve graded them so high, and given them an A.
