Rams 2021 NFL Draft Primer: Matthew Stafford to the rescue

Team needs entering 2021 NFL Draft

Team Need #1: Center

Though a position along the interior of the offensive line does not often top these sort of lists, and while suggesting a high pick based largely on need is seen as bad form, I am nonetheless tempted to ask countless mock drafters just whom they expect to play center for the Rams in the 2021 season.

In light of Austin Blythe’s departure, the current roster in Los Angeles yields few options at the position outside of Brian Allen, who has missed most of the last two seasons after suffering a knee injury. Well-traveled former UDFA Coleman Shelton has some experience and could perhaps be counted upon to add depth at the position, but neither he or Allen are likely seen at this point as preferred options to line up directly in front of prized acquisition Stafford.

Team Need #2: Secondary

Unlike the center position, the Rams’ secondary heading into 2021 is fairly settled. The team’s re-signing of Darious Williams should allow him to man the starting cornerback position opposite Jalen Ramsey, one of the game’s best at the position. Troy Hill’s loss will certainly be felt, as he was among the league’s top slot defenders, though recent third round pick David Long Jr. will almost certainly be given the chance to claim a spot in the team’s nickel sets.

Despite the loss of another top defensive back in safety John Johnson, the Rams’ starting duo on the back end figures to include Jordan Fuller and Nick Scott, with Taylor Rapp taking turns as a safety/‘backer hybrid in dime sets.

Though, as above, one can sketch out the potential 2021 regulars among L.A.’s defensive backfield, danger looms just off-screen in form of a perilous lack of depth at each level.

Add to it the amount of overall playmaking from last season that now resides in Cleveland (Hill and Johnson), and the situation in the Los Angeles secondary could be much less rosy than it appears on paper.

Team Need # 3: Linebacker

As far as roster building is concerned, one could infer that the inside linebacker position is not one in which the Rams are particularly invested.

Despite the return of L.A.’s top three linebackers from the 2020 season, the fact remains that the second level of new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris’ unit is in need of a talent infusion.

The existing trio made up of Micah Kiser, Kenny Young, and Troy Reeder has emerged primarily as the result of the club’s unwillingness to adequately replace the likes of Mark Barron, Cory Littleton, and Bryce Hager in seasons past.

Though there are holes to fill elsewhere on the defensive side of the ball, team decision-makers could be well served to avail themselves of one of the talented off-ball linebackers in this year’s class.