NFL Draft expert gives Rams offensive tackle in first round of 7-round mock draft

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler projects what the Rams will do in his 7-round mock draft

We are just over a week away from the NFL Draft and the first round kicking off next Thursday at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. For a second consecutive season, the Los Angeles Rams will have a first-round pick. Between now and then, draft experts from around the NFL media will be releasing their final mock drafts. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, who releases The Beast, put out his only seven-round mock draft this season.

Below were Brugler’s selections for the Rams as well as my takeaways:

• 26 – OT Josh Conerly, Oregon
• 90 – CB Quincy Riley, Louisville
• 101 – LB Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
• 127 – QB Kyle McCord, Syracuse
• 190 – WR Ricky White III, UNLV
• 195 – DL Cam Horsley, Boston College
• 201 – TE Jalin Conyers, Texas Tech
• 202 – EDGE Que Robinson, Alabama

Would the Rams go tackle at 26?

Offensive tackle is certainly not out of the question for the Rams with the 26th overall pick. That’s especially the case if a few starting caliber tackles fall to them at the end of the first round. At the same time, it may not be a priority and Conerly may not be the best overall fit.

The Rams like their offensive linemen to be versatile and all 28 of Conerly’s starts have come on the left side. Moving Alaric Jackson to the right side or developing Conerly there is a risk either way. With Josh Simmons still on the board in this scenario, he may be the better fit and has double-digit starts on both sides. Additionally, Malaki Starks was still available and went to the Buffalo Bills at 30.

Good Fits on Day Two

If you checked out my Snead’s Snacks for cornerback and linebacker, you’ll know that Quincy Riley and Danny Stutsman are both two players that I see as good fits for the Rams. Riley is a feisty cornerback while Stutsman is a good read-and-react linebacker with upside in coverage.

The Rams also get a quarterback that is a perfect fit in the Sean McVay offense. There has been a lot of talk about the Rams and Jaxson Dart and Jalen Milroe. However, Brugler had Jaxson Dart going 33rd overall and Jalen Milroe going 34th overall. The best fit at quarterback for the Rams offense in this draft is likely Kyle McCord. McCord gives the Rams what Stetson Bennett didn’t, which is a long-term backup option and potential bridge into the next era.

Tight End and Wide Receiver Late

It wouldn’t be a surprise for the Rams to go tight end or wide receiver within their first four picks. However, in this scenario, Brugler has them addressing the positions later in the draft. Ricky White III is a solid fit along with Jalin Conyers. White has the potential to be another late-round find for the Rams at wide receiver. With Isaac TeSlaa still available, he may be the better option, but White is still a good fit. Conyers would be a great depth addition to the tight end room after losing Hunter Long in free agency.

Finishing with depth additions on the defensive line and at edge also helps fill a need. The Rams may not need starters at either spot, but adding more rotational depth to a talented group is a good thing.

Overall a Solid Haul

It would be hard to be too upset if this ended up as the Rams haul after draft weekend. Brugler filled many of the Rams needs while giving them a future at tackle, cornerback, and quarterback.

When it comes to mock drafts from the national media, Brugler’s mock draft is pretty realistic and several of the players would be good fits that meet many of the traits that the Rams tend to look for at individual positions. We’re getting closer to the draft and if one thing is certain with the Rams on draft night, it’s to expect the unexpected.