It is Mock Draft Monday on theRams.com, where we will be taking a look at various experts' projections for who the Rams will select in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Although Los Angeles does not have a first-round pick in this year's draft, there are still some outlets which produce mock drafts that go beyond the top 32 selections. Those are what we will be using to highlight predictions for L.A. The Rams' first pick in the draft will be No. 57 overall in the second round.
With the calendar turning to March, these updates will become weekly.
Date: Feb. 26
Expert: Drae Harris, Senior NFL Draft Analyst (also a seven-year scouting veteran in the NFL, former Cal Golden Bear and San Francisco 49er)
The pick: Ohio State LB Baron Browning
Notes: A Third Team All-Big Ten choice by conference coaches, Browning produced 30 total tackles (13 for loss) two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in seven games to help the Buckeyes reach the College Football Playoff National Championship.
"If a team can feel comfortable with featuring a similar role inside, he's physically capable of fulfilling an ILB role," writes The Draft Network's Director of Scouting Kyle Crabbs. Length, burst, and tackling are Browning's best features and it is up to you to figure out how to best showcase them.
Date: Feb. 24
Expert: Eddy Brown, NFL Draft Expert
The pick: Washington EDGE Joe Tryon
Notes: Opted out of the 2020 season, but produced 27 total tackles (12.5 for loss), eight sacks and one pass breakup the year before to earn Second Team All-Pac-12 recognition.
"Tryon opted out, but his 2019 tape and production — eight sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss in 13 games — plus his versatility and explosiveness could make him a borderline first-rounder," writes Brown.
Date: Feb. 24
Expert: Anthony Treash, College Football Analyst
The pick: Texas EDGE Joseph Ossai
Notes: Posted 55 tackles, 16.0 tackles for loss, five sacks, three forced fumbles, two quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and recovered one fumble in 2020 – his 16.0 tackles for loss, five sacks and three forced fumbles were all team-highs – en route to First Team All-Big 12 recognition and All-American honors from CBS Sports/247Sports, ESPN, and USA Today (second team). Ossai was also a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, presented annually to college football's best defensive player by the Maxwell Football Club.
"Ossai is not in the same tier athletically (as pending free agent OLB Leonard Floyd), but he has the movement skills, flexibility and high-motor that allows him to win. At the same time, he's going to struggle with the strength of NFL tackles," writes Treash. "Ossai was still productive in his first full year as an edge rusher in 2020 after playing off-ball, recording an 80.5 pass-rush grade."
Take a look at experts' projections for the Los Angeles Rams first draft pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.