The 2023 season dawned with markedly diminished expectations for the Los Angeles Rams. Following a disappointing 5-12 campaign in 2022, their first losing season since 2016, both fans and analysts doubted their playoff prospects for the upcoming year.
With a lackluster 3-6 record to kick off the season, those doubts seemed justified. However, the Rams rediscovered their winning form and surged to victory in seven of their next eight games, securing a spot in the playoffs.
Although their postseason journey ended with a first-round exit to Stafford's former team, the Detroit Lions, there's plenty of reason for optimism for the Rams' future.
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What Draft Picks Do The Los Angeles Rams Own?
The Rams currently hold six draft picks, although they are expected to receive four compensatory picks during the offseason. Their first-round pick is 19th overall, marking their return to the first round for the first time since 2016.
The Rams managed to land rookie sensation Puka Nacua in the fifth round of the 2022 draft, so who knows what they'll be able to do with a first-rounder. Their selections in the last three first rounds -- Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, and Aaron Donald -- are some noteworthy names. If they opt to stay at 19, there's a good chance this upcoming pick will be another significant addition to the Rams' franchise in the years ahead.
Meanwhile, they do have a pick in each of the next five rounds, providing many opportunities for them to further strengthen their roster.
Who Could The Los Angeles Rams Draft In The First Round?
The Rams are fortunate in that they lack any glaring deficiencies on their roster. While there are areas that require attention, as with any team, the absence of urgent fixes gives them the flexibility to chart their own course.
The primary areas that require attention are the secondary and offensive lines. Plenty of mock drafts suggest the Rams selecting CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, which would be a great help in bolstering a young secondary set to lose a few key pieces this offseason.
While Kool-Aid McKinstry boasts an all-time name, there do seem to be some potentially better options at corner ahead of him, including his teammate Terrion Arnold (if available). Other DB choices include Iowa's Cooper DeJean, Clemson's Nate Wiggins, and Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell.
If the Rams choose to go the offensive line route, there are plenty of options there as well -- Alabama's OT JC Latham, Oregon State's OT Taliese Fuaga, and Washington's G Troy Fautanu.
There's also a small chance the Rams seek Stafford's future replacement at QB, but they'll probably wait until later in the draft if they do.
As the Rams approach the draft, their past success offers hope for another impactful selection, hinting at a promising future ahead.
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