Los Angeles Rams Draft Grades
How did the Rams do in the 2021 NFL Draft? Let’s assign the Los Angeles Rams Draft grades for every pick they made.
Round 2 (No.57 Overall) WR, Tutu Atwell
Considering this was the Rams first pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, I don’t think it was a good one. Many people question whether Devonta Smith is too small, so why wouldn’t you be worried about the speedster from Louisville? Atwell is the lightest player in the class. He may have play making ability, but that’s only if he is on the field. I saw bigger needs that needed to be addressed at this point.
Grade D
Round 3 (No.103 Overall) LB, Ernest Jones
The Rams have holes on the defensive side of the ball after losing some players, and linebacker is one of them. They still haven’t replaced Corey Littleton, but I don’t believe Jones from South Carolina is the answer. Especially when players like Baron Browning and Jabril Cox were still on the board.
Grade D
Round 4 (No.117 Overall) DT, Bobby Brown
This is the first pick Los Angeles hasn’t blown so far this draft. Bobby Brown is a solid interior defender. Some saw him as a third round pick out of Texas A&M. He should step into the rotation early, and add some disruption alongside Aaron Donald. After trading Brockers, it didn’t take long to fill that void.
Grade B+
Round 4 (No.130 Overall) CB, Robert Rochell
The Rams turned to the secondary with the Central Arkansas DB. Rochell has good ball skills and above average size. The Los Angeles secondary coaches tend to coach up talent, and I’m actually excited to see what they do with Rochell. This could be one of the picks we look back at in a year or two as a really solid late round addition.
Grade B+
Round 4 (No.141 Overall) WR, Jacob Harris
The Rams go wide receiver again, and it’s another pick I will bemoan. I’m beginning to wonder if the Rams just want an extra challenge. Why are they passing up bigger needs and better players? Harris averaged just 1.64 yards per route run on 49 receptions during his entire college career! Horrible value at this point. Grade D-
Round 5 (No.174 Overall) EDGE, Earnest Brown IV
Northwestern usually coaches players up very well, and Brown should continue to prove that. Considering the Rams added a depth edge rusher in the fifth round that may actually contribute is a win. Brown was an impact player in some big moments during college. Hopefully, the Rams staff can keep getting good play from him. I don’t hate this one! Grade B-
Round 7 (No.233 Overall) RB, Jake Funk
Sorry but who? Why? What the heck just happened? Unless he is the next Mathew Slater, I doubt he even has a shot at the roster. No need to have drafted him. I’m willing to bet he could have been signed post draft if you really wanted him.
Grade F
Note from Jonah- I actually love Jake Funk. The Rams certainly don’t have a need at running back, but he’s a player I’m going to be keeping an eye on. I think he’s a diamond in the rough.
Round 7 (No.249 Overall) WR, Ben Skowronek
I think the Rams want to see if they can start mini camp with as many receivers as the Jets. Skowronek is a big bodied receiver who could maybe add something as a red-zone target, but he too will struggle to make the 53 man roster. The Rams continue to not address offensive line, causing me to dislike their draft more and more. Grade C-
Round 7 (No.252 Overall) OLB, Chris Garrett
Another linebacker with the Rams last pick. At this point I think the Rams realize they have been throwing darts at the wrong dart board, and at least add depth at a position they need. Garrett played at Concordia-St. Paul, where he was dominant racking up 14 sacks in 2019. He is a small school standout. Can he be the next DII player to stand out in the NFL? Grade C
Analyst- Ken Noble
Overall Grade D+
