Los Angeles Rams NFL Draft Grades
Rams 2023 NFL Draft Grade
Round 2, Pick 36: Steve Avila, G, TCU
The Rams’ first pick was Steve Avila in the second round and he is solid. Avila is a versatile and technically sound offensive lineman who excels in both pass protection and run blocking. He possesses good size and strength, allowing him to anchor against powerful defenders. Avila’s addition to the Rams’ offensive line adds depth and competition, which is always valuable. He should fit well into the Rams’ scheme and I expect him to be a day 1 starter.
Grade: B+
Round 3, Pick 77: Byron Young, EDGE/LB, Tennessee
Byron Young in the third round is a steal for the Rams. Young is an explosive edge rusher with great speed and athleticism. He has a quick first step and a variety of pass-rushing moves to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. With the departure of some key edge rushers in the offseason, Young fills a significant need for the Rams as I expect him to step into a starting LB position immediately. He has the potential to make an immediate impact and contribute to the team’s pass-rush rotation. Young’s ability to generate pressure off the edge will complement the Rams’ strong defensive front.
Grade: A
Round3, Pick 89 Kobie Turner, DT/DE, Wake Forest
The selection of Kobie Turner in the third round is a bit of a reach for the Rams. While Turner is a solid interior defensive lineman with good size and strength, other prospects might have provided better value at this pick. Also, the Rams will most likely have Turner playing end in their 3-4. Can Turner make the transition to a different position?
Turner’s pass-rushing skills are still developing, and he needs to refine his technique to become more disruptive in the NFL. However, the Rams might see potential in his physical tools and believe they can develop him into a more impactful player. Turner’s fit in the Rams’ scheme will likely be as a rotational player on the defensive line, providing depth and support against the run.
Grade: C-
Round 4, Pick 128 Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia
The selection of Stetson Bennett in the fourth round is puzzling for the Rams. Bennett is an undersized quarterback with limited arm strength and average athleticism. While he showed some promise in college, he lacks the tools and upside to be a long-term starter in the NFL. The Rams want a young quarterback behind Stafford, that makes sense. However, there are so many other quarterbacks I would rather have. Bennett’s fit in the Rams’ scheme is uncertain, as he will likely compete for a backup quarterback role. I’m sorry Los Angeles and Georgia fans, Stetson Bennett isn’t an NFL quarterback.
Grade: D
Round 5, Pick 161 Nick Hampton, EDGE/LB, Appalachian State
The selection of Nick Hampton in the fifth round is a solid value pick for the Rams. Hampton is a versatile edge defender who can contribute both as a pass rusher and against the run. He has good size, athleticism, and a relentless motor that allows him to make plays in the backfield. Hampton’s skill set complements the Rams’ defensive philosophy, and he has the potential to provide depth and contribute on special teams as a rookie. While he may not be an immediate starter, Hampton offers promising upside and fits well into the Rams’ defensive scheme.
Grade: B+
Round 5, Pick 174 Warren McClendon, OT, Georgia
Warren McClendon is a steal for the Rams in the fifth round. He is a talented offensive tackle with good size, strength, and footwork. McClendon excels in pass protection and has the ability to handle powerful edge rushers. While he could improve his run-blocking technique, he has the potential to develop into a starting-caliber tackle in the NFL. McClendon’s addition provides valuable depth to the Rams’ offensive line and ensures they have reliable options in case of injuries or future departures.
Grade: A-
Round 5, Pick 175 Davis Allen, TE, Clemson
The Rams aren’t the Greatest Show on Turf anymore, they need weapons. Davis Allen is a solid pick in the fifth round for Los Angeles. He is a well-rounded tight end who can contribute as a receiver and a blocker. Allen has good size, reliable hands, and runs precise routes, making him a reliable target in the passing game. He is also a willing and effective blocker, which is essential in the Rams’ offensive scheme that heavily relies on the running game. While Allen may not be an elite playmaker at the position, his versatility and reliability make him a valuable addition to the Rams’ tight end group.
Grade: B
Round 5 Pick 177 Puka Nacua, WR, BYU
I like this pick of Puka Nacua in the fifth round. Nacua is a talented wide receiver with good size, athleticism, and ball skills. He has the ability to make contested catches and provide a red zone threat. However, Nacua lacks elite speed and route-running polish, which could limit his effectiveness against top NFL cornerbacks. At the very least, he provides depth and potential upside as a developmental receiver, and the Rams could find creative ways to utilize his skills in their offensive scheme.
Grade: B+
Round 6 Pick 182: Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU
Excellent pick here for the Rams as Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson in the sixth round is a great value. Hodges-Tomlinson is an instinctive cornerback with good ball skills and coverage ability. He has quick feet, fluid hips, and the agility to stick with receivers in man coverage. While he lacks ideal size, Hodges-Tomlinson makes up for it with his competitiveness and awareness on the field. He could contribute as a nickel corner and on special teams as a rookie. The Rams’ secondary depth will benefit from his addition, and he fits well into their defensive scheme.
Grade: A+
Round 6, Pick 189 Ochaun Mathis, EDGE, Nebraska
Ochaun Mathis in the sixth round is a decent pick for the Rams. Mathis is a long and athletic edge rusher who possesses good speed off the edge. However, he needs to refine his pass-rushing moves and develop more consistent technique to become a more impactful player at the NFL level. Mathis may need time to develop and could benefit from coaching and refining his skills. He will likely compete for a rotational role and contribute on special teams. While Mathis has potential, other prospects might have provided better immediate value at this pick.
Grade: C
Round 7, Pick 215 Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss
The selection of Zach Evans in the seventh round is a solid pick for the Rams. Evans is a talented running back with good size, agility, and vision. He has the ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact. While he may not have elite speed, Evans is a well-rounded back who can contribute in both the running and passing game. He’s not going to challenge for the starting spot but Evans provides depth and potential upside as a complementary back.
Grade: B+
Round 7 Pick 223 Ethan Evans, P, Wingate
Here’s where you pick your kickers San Francisco. Evans is a punter with a strong leg and good hang time, which can help in flipping field position. I strongly expect Evans will be the Rams’ starting punter this year. He was also Wingate’s kickoff guy, so he can fill that role as well.
Grade: B
Round 7 Pick 234 Jason Taylor II, S, Oklahoma State
Grade: A-
The selection of Jason Taylor II in the seventh round is a great value pick for the Rams. Taylor is a versatile safety who can play deep coverage and come up in run support. He has good instincts, ball skills, and the physicality to make plays all over the field. While he may not have elite speed, Taylor’s intelligence and versatility make him effective in multiple defensive schemes. He adds depth to the Rams’ safety group and could contribute on special teams as well.
Grade: A-
Round 7 Pick 259 Desjuan Johnson, EDGE, Toledo
Johnson is an athletic edge rusher with good burst off the line of scrimmage. However, he’s a bit raw. He needs to refine his pass-rushing moves and overall technique to be more effective at the NFL level. Johnson’s best chance of making an impact will likely come on special teams initially, where his athleticism and pursuit skills can be utilized. He can also be a situational pass rusher, as that’s his greatest strength.
Grade: B
Overall, the LA Rams had a solid draft class in 2023, addressing key needs and adding talented players to their roster. They needed to as they came into the 2023 NFL Draft with the most open roster spots. Even with all their picks, they also finished the 2023 draft with the most open spots. Still, the Rams have a ton of youth on their team all of a sudden. I would give them a B+ overall for the draft.
Rams 2023 NFL Draft Grade Overall: B+
