Fansided
Fansided

Los Angeles Rams 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Fixing The Trenches

By Jacob Schyvinck

PROVO UT- OCTOBER 15: Blake Freeland #71 of the Brigham Young Cougars moves to block Landon Jackson #40 of the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half of their game on October 15, 2022 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
PROVO UT- OCTOBER 15: Blake Freeland #71 of the Brigham Young Cougars moves to block Landon Jackson #40 of the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half of their game on October 15, 2022 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next

The Los Angeles Rams finally have a couple day two selections in the 2023 NFL Draft, and they need to reload after a very down season.

It hasn’t been the honeymoon that the Los Angeles Rams fans expected after winning Super Bowl LVI back in February. Even with a majority of the squad returning, minus Von Miller and Andrew Whitworth, many believed that the Rams would still be a contender in 2022.

Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Adding Allen Robinson didn’t return the investment many hoped he would, Darrell Henderson probably didn’t get as many carries as he should have, and Matthew Stafford and the offensive line sustained key injuries. Injury luck aside, this is a unit that needs a major overhaul this offseason, and most of it will come via the 2023 NFL Draft.

Los Angeles Rams 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Fixing The Trenches

It feels weird to say they have a top 40 pick, especially because general manager Les Snead would rather use top picks to trade for star talent. But, they have a couple day two picks here, and that’ll help refill the cupboard.

Let’s look at what the Los Angeles Rams could do in the 2023 NFL Draft in this seven round mock, featuring important upgrades in the trenches.

Note: this mock was completed using the NFL Mock Draft Database simulator, and the pick numbers are courtesy of Tankathon.

Round 2, 35th Overall: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State

The absence of Miller has really left Aaron Donald on an island getting after the quarterback in 2022. They haven’t gotten enough production on the edge, and in a deep edge class, that’s the direction in the second round. Felix Anudike-Uzomah is a talented rusher from Kansas State. He’s had 86 pressures and 21 sacks in the last two seasons, along with 70 run stops.

When it comes to rushing the passer, Anudike-Uzomah isn’t the most bendy rusher who will win the outside track. Rather, Anudike-Uzomah wins with long strides of explosion off the snap and can drive opponents back with power at the contact point. He’s creative enough to find ways to soften his angle to the quarterback and win in the contact phase. Not to mention, he does a great job setting the edge against the run with his power and length.

Round 3, 68th Overall: Blake Freeland, OT, BYU

Losing Andrew Whitworth was tough for the Rams offensive line, and injuries didn’t make things better. They still have both Joe Noteboom and Rob Havenstein for the long haul, but staying proactive is a good call in case either see a decline in play. The sweet spot for the tackle class is going to be on day two, and Blake Freeland would be a great addition to this offensive line.

Freeland is a taller tackle at 6’8″, which could potentially have issues with staying low to maintain leverage as a pass protector and handle bendy rushers. At BYU, it didn’t bother him, as he has the foot speed, balance, and strength to mirror and stick in front of rushers. He’s even looked better at latching on to defenders and driving off the ball better in the run game.

Home/Mock Drafts