The Rams have traded up for the first time in this year's NFL Draft, sending their No. 183 and No. 217 sixth-round picks to the Broncos, in order to select outside linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo.
Okoronkwo was a menace on the edge of the Sooner defense for four seasons, earning the starting job in 2015. In the following year, the linebacker got his first chance to rush the passer, earning a second-team All-Big 12 honor for his 67 tackles, 9.0 sacks, and three pass breakups. And though he was moved to the backfield in his senior season, Okoronkwo was still a disruptive force on the defense.
Last season, he shared the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Award posting 76 tackles, a team-high 17.5 for loss, and 8.0 sacks. He was also named a second-team All-American and ranks second in Oklahoma history in sacks recorded by a linebacker, with 21.0 all-time.
While Okoronkwo doesn't possess the measurables of some linebackers drafted ahead of him, he is an explosive player with natural athletic ability on the outside. And with the Rams expected to be without both of their starting outside linebackers from 2017, Okoronkwo should have the opportunity to make an immediate impact.
For more on Okoronkwo and the 2018 NFL Draft, stay with www.therams.com.
