The 2024 NFL Draft is getting closer – 17 days away, to be exact.
As we continue to pass the time, here's what experts think the Rams will do. Projections are for their first-round pick (19th overall) unless noted otherwise.
Date: April 2
Expert: Field Yates, NFL Draft Analyst
The pick: Penn State EDGE Chop Robinson (pictured above)
Notes:Standing 6-foot-3 and 254 pounds, Robinson produced 15 total tackles (7.5 for loss) plus 4 sacks, one pass breakup and two forced fumbles while starting 10 games for the Nittany Lions in 2023.
"There is a sudden hole in the Rams' defense after the retirement of Aaron Donald, so defensive tackle has certainly moved up their priority list," Yates wrote as part of his analysis. "That made Texas' Byron Murphy II an intriguing consideration here. But the Rams' need for a pass-rush boost led me instead to the explosive Robinson."
Date: April 2
Expert: Lance Zierlein, Draft Analyst
The pick: UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu
Notes:Unofficially, Latu might be the most popular projection for the Rams since mock drafts began publishing this offseason.
"The Rams really need to find an edge rusher to complement 2023 third-round hit Byron Young," Zierlein writes. "This pick could come down to Latu vs. Chop Robinson. If everything checks out medically for Latu, it will be hard to pass on his game-ready rush talent."
The 6-5, 259 Latu had the most tackles in the FBS last season (21.5) and tied for fourth in sacks (13) while starting all 13 games for the Bruins last season.
Date: April 4
Expert: Bruce Feldman, National College Football Insider
The pick: Latu
Notes:See above for notes on Latu.
"Replacing the great Aaron Donald is impossible, but to get a player of Latu's ability and character at this point in the first round should be a big win for Sean McVay's defense," Feldman wrote as part of his analysis, which also included intel from a college coach.
Date: April 4
Expert: Maurice Jones-Drew, NFL.com Analyst
The pick: Latu
Notes: See Zierlein's projection for notes on Latu.
"The football gods are truly looking over me when the Rams select the UCLA edge defender," Jones-Drew wrote. "Los Angeles needs pass-rush help after Aaron Donald's retirement, and Latu is an instant-impact QB hunter who can win in a multitude of ways. I can't wait to provide live color commentary on his sacks!"
Date: April 3
Expert: Ryan Wilson, NFL and NFL Draft writer
The pick: Illinois DT Jer'Zhan Newton
Notes: Newton, 6-2, 304, paced the Fighting Illini with a team-high 7.5 sacks while starting in 11 of 12 games played. He also had an FBS-leading four blocked kicks (a program record), plus 52 total tackles (8.5 tackles for loss), two pass breakups and one forced fumble.
