LOS ANGELES RAMS POST-DRAFT TEAM GUIDE

The Los Angeles Rams faced a critical offseason under general manager Les Snead. After trading away their franchise quarterback Jared Goff for veteran Matthew Stafford, it was clear they are effectively in win-now mode.

In fact, most of Los Angeles’ needs were addressed prior to the 2021 NFL Draft, except for the one glaring need to add more youth to the offensive line. The Rams didn’t have a first-round pick, but they had a total of seven selections through draft weekend.

Let’s take a look at the Rams' 2021 draft class.

Round 2 (No. 57 overall): Chatarius “TuTu” Atwell, WR, Louisville

In terms of value, this pick definitely felt like a reach. Chatarius “TuTu” Atwell is a dynamic and explosive player who will be an immediate contributor to what is becoming a very explosive offense. The Rams just added more to their arsenal by picking Atwell to pair with the offseason addition of wide receiver DeSean Jackson. While Atwell is extremely small, he certainly has the explosive capabilities to give Stafford another deep threat.

Round 3 (No. 103 overall): Ernest Jones, LB, South Carolina

The linebacker was a position of need for the Rams. They selected Ernest Jones, who should be an immediate contributor, especially if the holdovers don’t prove that they can remain healthy. Jones is a physical player on run downs but needs to prove that he can be a three-down player in the NFL.

Round 4 (No. 117 overall): Bobby Brown III, IDL, Texas A&M

Bobby Brown III is a big-bodied run defender who will ease the absence of Michael Brockers. Brown should be in the rotation from Day 1 and should be a force on the Rams’ defensive line on all three downs. He is a load up front and can be a versatile defender, particularly when they go to their hybrid front.

Round 4 (No. 130 overall): Robert Rochell, CB, Central Arkansas

Robert Rochell is a small-school prospect who tested very well at his Pro Day. He is a raw prospect, who will need to improve his overall technique in order to maximize the potential he has. However, he has redeeming attributes in his size, explosive abilities, and ball skills to challenge for a significant role by Year 2.

Round 4 (No. 141 overall): Jacob Harris, WR, UCF

This is a head-scratching pick. Jacob Harris is listed at wide receiver; however, the plan is to seemingly bulk his 211-pound frame up to eventually play tight end. He is extremely raw, having only played football for five years. While the upside is there, Harris would have likely been available as an undrafted free agent (UDFA).

Round 5 (No. 174 overall): Earnest Brown IV, DE, Northwestern

Earnest Brown is another player who could ease the sting of losing Brockers up front. Earnest Brown hadn’t shown much upside on passing downs but figures to be a two-down player initially. He will provide another big body for the Rams’ 3-4 defensive front.

Round 7 (No. 233 overall): Jake Funk, RB, Maryland

Jake Funk will help fill the lacking depth at running back. He figures to challenge for a special teams role by Year 2. He may need that long as he has had consecutive ACL tears that shortened his junior and redshirt junior seasons.

Round 7 (No. 249 overall): Ben Skowronek, WR, Notre Dame

Ben Skowronek is another player that could have been added as a UDFA. He will have a challenging time making the practice squad due to the depth at receiver. He will have to cut his teeth on special teams.

Round 7 (No. 252 overall): Chris Garrett, LB, Concordia University St. Paul

Chris Garrett brings some pass-rush upside as a small-school prospect. He’s the type of developmental player that will have value on the practice squad. Pass rushing and getting to the quarterback will always be a coveted skill in a passing league; however, he will have to stay healthy and earn a spot as a core special teams player in order to roster by Year 2.