The Rams face the possibility of picking in the first round of this week's NFL Draft for the first time since the franchise made a dramatic move for a quarterback and drafted Jared Goff No. 1 overall in 2016.
Should the Rams hold on to their No. 31 pick, the club's needs could once again be satisfied in the opening round. The defensive line in L.A. thinned a bit with the departure of defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, and with just a handful of young replacements in house, a deep 2019 defensive line class could pay off with an exciting pick Thursday night in Nashville.
But is the class deep enough to reach the late first round?
"The problem for us is, it's a very deep defensive line class, but it could get really thin even before we pick at [No.] 31. So, there's some good and bad to being a deep defensive line class," Snead said. "But, I do think we'll remember this draft as one where more of those guys were drafted earlier than probably ever, and then now it's up to the kid and the teams to get them to reach their potential."
The class features names like Mississippi State edge rusher Montez Sweat, Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, Notre Dame's defensive tackle Jerry Tillery, or Ed Oliver — the defensive tackle out of Houston, who's drawing comparisons to defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
Check out photos from day five of the Los Angeles Rams Phase 1 of the offseason program.
Running back (34) Malcolm Brown of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Center (55) Brian Allen of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (17) Robert Woods of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Quarterback (5) Blake Bortles of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (43) John Johnson III of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Quarterback (16) Jared Goff of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (13) Austin Proehl of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (13) Austin Proehl of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (99) Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tackle (77) Andrew Whitworth of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (17) Robert Woods of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (19) JoJo Natson of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Quarterback (16) Jared Goff of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (90) Michael Brockers of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
The Los Angeles Rams work out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (32) Eric Weddle of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Quarterback (5) Blake Bortles of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Offensive lineman (62) Darrell Williams of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Cornerback (23) Nickell Robey-Coleman of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (41) Marqui Christian of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Linebacker (52) Clay Matthews of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (12) Brandin Cooks of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (88) Michael Thomas of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (32) Eric Weddle of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (19) JoJo Natson of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive back (31) Darious Williams of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tight end (89) Tyler Higbee of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (32) Eric Weddle of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (99) Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (90) Michael Brockers of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Running back (34) Malcolm Brown of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive back (27) Dont'e Deayon of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Linebacker (59) Micah kiser of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Running back (42) John Kelly of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Quarterback (16) Jared Goff of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (12) Brandin Cooks of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (12) Brandin Cooks of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Running back (42) John Kelly of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (90) Michael Brockers of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Running back (42) John Kelly of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (17) Robert Woods of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (13) Austin Proehl of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (99) Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (25) Kevin Peterson of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive back (38) Steven Parker of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (90) Michael Brockers of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (18) Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (18) Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (17) Robert Woods of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Cornerback (23) Nickell Robey-Coleman of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (88) Michael Thomas of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (88) Michael Thomas of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (12) Brandin Cooks of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Quarterback (16) Jared Goff of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (12) Brandin Cooks of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (19) JoJo Natson of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (88) Michael Thomas of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Quarterback (9) John Wolford of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (13) Austin Proehl of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (92) Tanzel Smart of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (88) Michael Thomas of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (94) John Franklin-Myers of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (13) Austin Proehl of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Linebacker (52) Clay Matthews of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (99) Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (90) Michael Brockers of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tackle (77) Andrew Whitworth of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tackle (77) Andrew Whitworth of the Los Angeles Rams leads a huddle during work outs on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (17) Robert Woods of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tight end (89) Tyler Higbee of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (18) Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (12) Brandin Cooks of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (90) Michael Brockers of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Linebacker (52) Clay Matthews of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive back (38) Steven Parker of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Cornerback (20) Troy Hill of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (43) John Johnson III of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (99) Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Offensive lineman (62) Darrell Williams of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (32) Eric Weddle of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (32) Eric Weddle of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Offensive lineman (64) Jamil Demby of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Running back (33) Justin Davis of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (94) John Franklin-Myers of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Offensive lineman (72) Aaron Neary of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (43) John Johnson III of the Los Angeles Rams works out on day 5 of Phase I of the offseason program workouts, Monday, April 22, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
In a recent mock draft from NFL.com’s Charles Davis, 11 of the first round's 32 picks were defensive linemen and edge rushers. And while the speculation in mock drafts are far from a sure thing, Snead and head coach Sean McVay seem to have all possible draft options planned for the No. 31 pick and beyond — but it's worth noting defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is in the loop.
"I was joking with Wade, the benefit of not having one the last couple years is we're used to, let's call it, really focusing on this area of the draft," Snead said on Tuesday, after speaking to the value of trading back and his current players who prove the move pays off. "There's not a lot of difference between [No.] 31 and where we [drafted] when Sean came in, that early second round. We've been swimming in these waters."
"There's going to a lot of quality players that we find in this draft, like the last couple, that are going to be key contributors," McVay said when asked about the possibility of a first-round selection. "Once they get in the building for us, if they're a caliber of player that we expect to contribute, that's the most important thing. I think we can find guys in the first round and outside of that, depending upon how it shapes up."
