Rams 2021 NFL Draft Primer: Matthew Stafford to the rescue

Top targets in 2021 NFL Draft

Prospect # 1, Quinn Meinerz, Center, Wisconsin-Whitewater

While it is quite rare to see a Division III player discussed this high in the draft, Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Quinn Meinerz is a rare prospect.  While dominating, as one might expect, in terms of pass protection as well as opening massive holes in his team’s rushing attack, Meinerz possesses both the movement and fluidity of a plus athlete at the position as well as ideal size (6-foot-3, 320 pounds) for an interior offensive lineman in today’s NFL. Having impressed with his play at center in this year’s Senior Bowl, Meinerz projects as a top guard/center prospect among a talented 2021 class.  In Los Angeles, Meinerz could be deployed as needed even as he continues to develop.

Prospect # 2, Shaun Wade, Cornerback, Ohio State

Ohio State’s Shaun Wade has become known primarily for what amounted to a disappointing final collegiate season in his turn at boundary corner, which is unfortunate in that it takes away from the fact that Wade is an exceptional talent whose talents could be of great value to a team at the next level.

A physical player who acquitted himself quite well as a slot defender prior to the 2020 season, Wade could easily project as a starter in an NFL team’s nickel defense and/or a hybrid safety-type in particular sub-packages.  Given the Rams loss of a slot corner and a safety this offseason, adding Wade could make a lot of sense for the Rams in 2021 and beyond.

Prospect # 3, Cameron McGrone, Linebacker, Michigan

An active player with a knack for disrupting plays in an opponent’s backfield, Michigan’s Cameron McGrone is a dynamic and impressive athlete at the linebacker position.  His experience as a MIKE linebacker in Ann Arbor should lend itself well to an off-ball position in the middle of the Rams’ defense, as he displays plus instincts and an ability to process what he sees developing before him.

While not a dynamo in terms of pass coverage in college, his athleticism and feel for zone drops should preclude him from being a liability in the passing game at the professional level, with a great deal of potential to grow in that area with help on NFL coaching.