2018 NFL Mock Draft: Impact of recent trades and signings

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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The Los Angeles Rams have a solid defense, but the area in which it’s lacking is linebacker. Aaron Donald is a one-man wrecking crew along the defensive line, but maximizing his Hall of Fame talent will require an improvement at the position directly behind him.

The player who’s best equipped to fill that role for the Rams in 2018 and beyond is Alabama Crimson Tide inside linebacker Rashaan Evans.

For perspective on just how good he could be, Evans could go as early as No. 11 to the Miami Dolphins. He’s an athletic tackler with the sideline-to-sideline range that coordinators covet, as well as the strength to meet a running back in the open field and win the one-on-one battle.

Evans may not blow many away with his playmaking ability in coverage, but he should develop into a solid player in that regard, as well.

What makes Evans such an intriguing player is that he knows how to find an opening and power his way into the backfield. He recorded 14.0 sacks between the 2015, 2016, and 2017 campaigns, and should be able to translate that success to the NFL.

Evans is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft, and the Rams are the perfect team to help him realize his Pro Bowl potential.