With Greg Zuerlein signing the Dallas Cowboys, the Rams are in need of a new starting kicker.

Los Angeles already has two candidates following the March signings of former XFL kicker Austin MacGinnis and former CFL kicker Lirim Hajrullahu.

It added a third on Saturday with the selection of Miami (Ohio)'s Samuel Sloman during the seventh round of the NFL Draft.

"I mean, it meant everything," Sloman said on a video conference Saturday. "Everybody hopes to get their name called. Through this process, we talked about putting ourselves in the best situation and the Rams were one of those teams. It just meant the world. I'm excited for the opportunity to come in and compete for a wide-open job. I'm excited for that."

Initially, Sloman was prepared for the prospect of going undrafted. The additions of MacGinnis and Hajrullahu made him think the Rams would not be interested in him come draft weekend.

"(Rams Special teams coordinator John Bonamego) was up front and honest with me the whole time," Sloman said. "So, I was kind of thinking free agency and then they started trading back a little bit and I thought there might have been a chance there."

Both the Rams organization and the city of Los Angeles are familiar to Sloman.

Rams head coach Sean McVay is also a Miami (Ohio) alum. Sloman also came out for the 2018 Rose Bowl game between Georgia and Oklahoma.

"That was the only time I've been there," Sloman said. "I didn't really go around the city too, too much. I was out there for two days. I just know that the weather is a lot better there than it is here, which I'm excited about. I know there's always a lot going on there, which is pretty cool."

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic forcing the closure of public spaces throughout the country, it hasn't impacted Sloman's preparation too much. He is still able to practice at his school's field, and has gym access that allows him to do private workouts.

All of it will go into competing for the starting kicker job. Sloman said he doesn't think Zuerlein's successful eight-year run with the franchise creates added pressure for him.

"I just got to go out there and do my job," Sloman said. "Greg Zuerlein was a lot of fun to watch, I love watching him kick the ball. So, I think it's pretty cool to get the opportunity to try follow in his footsteps."