With the Rams' offseason here and them having a pick in the first round for the first time since 2016, as well as the pick slot getting finalized, 2024 NFL Mock Draft projections are already underway.
Rams general manager Les Snead in his end-of-season press conference last week left all options on the table and said it's too early tell what direction they go with the pick – which makes sense with the draft a little over three months away. Understanding that context, here's a look at what draft experts think Los Angeles might do with the selection should they choose to hold on to it:
Jeremiah writes that he could see the Rams going in the direction of quarterback with this selection.
"The Rams could follow the Packers' Aaron Rodgers-to-Jordan Love blueprint and begin developing a passer behind Matthew Stafford," Jeremiah writes. "If they don't go that route, continuing to add pass rushers would be a smart move."
Latu, 6-foot-5, 265 pounds, started in all 12 games for the Bruins in 2023 and was the program's first-ever winner of the Lombardi Award, the Ted Hendricks Award and the Polynesian Defensive Player of the Year honor after leading the country in tackles for loss per game (1.8) and ranking fourth nationally and second in the Pac-12 in sacks per game average (1.08).
"As Matthew Stafford heads toward his age-36 season, the Rams could target his eventual replacement early in the 2024 draft," Brooks writes. "Nix's experience and maturity fits a locker room that takes a business-like approach to preparation."
Nix, 6-2, 217, ended his five-year college career breaking the NCAA's single-season record for completion percentage at 77.44%, surpassing former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones' 77.36% in 2020. Nix also threw for 4,508 yards with 45 touchdowns against just three interceptions in his final collegiate season.
"The Rams got outstanding play from two rookie defensive linemen in edge rusher Byron Young (8 sacks) and tackle Kobie Turner (9 sacks), but they're relatively thin along the defensive line," Kiper wrote as part of his analysis. "Can they find another impact edge rusher, this time in Round 1, to help a defense that finished 30th in takeaways (15)?"
Verse, 6-4, 253, had nine sacks, 41 total tackles, 11 QB hits, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one blocked kick for the Seminoles in 11 games played in 2023.
A unanimous consensus All-American, the 6-1, 203 DeJean posted 41 total tackles, two interceptions and five pass breakups while starting the first 10 games before suffering a season-ending injury in practice.
Fuaga, 6-6, 334, graded out by Pro Football Focus as the country's best run blocker (90.7) and helped the Beavers offensive line average 180.8 rushing yards per game. Oregon State's offense averaged 426.9 total yards per game overall in 2023.
