Each weekday, theRams.com will be taking a look around the internet for the top Rams headlines of the day. Here's a look at what's out there for Friday, May 3 about your Los Angeles Rams.
DEFENSIVE POWER RANKINGS
Bleacher Report's Maurice Moton ranked each NFL defense following the draft, and points to an aging secondary and question mark on the defensive line for the Rams' No. 21 mark heading into 2019.
No. 21 Los Angeles Rams - "Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has to figure out how to optimize the talent in the front seven around Donald. The front office likely won't re-sign nose tackle Ndamukong Suh, which adds pressure on the star interior pass-rusher to beat double- and triple-teams. Dante Fowler Jr. has to produce on the edge; he inked a one-year, prove-it deal in March." 2018 Points Allowed Rank: No. 20; 2018 Yards Allowed Rank: No. 19
For the full defensive power rankings post-draft, click here.
STRONG TACKLER
According to Pro Football Focus, the Rams drafted a strong tackler in safety Taylor Rapp. His 2018 tackling grade stands up next to his fellow safeties John Johnson and Eric Weddle.
WON'T START, BUT SHOULD
The Rams drafted cornerback David Long at No. 79-overall out of the University of Michigan, and BR's Brent Sobleski says the young DB should start, but won't in the Los Angeles defense.
"Long allowed a 24.3 career passer rating into his coverage, according toPro Football Focus. He also finished his final season on campus with thelowest reception rateof any draft-eligible cornerback. Long is fast (4.45-second 40-yard dash), athletic and fantastic with route anticipation."
But Long is low on the Rams depth chart as of now, awaiting his opportunity behind cornerbacks Tory Hill, Nickell Robey-Coleman, Marcus Peters, and Aqib Talib.
For more rookies who 'should start, but won't' around the league, click here.
