Rams' Draft Strategy: Versatile Tackle or Elite Corner?

0:00On March 21st, the Los Angeles Rams hold the thirteenth overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, and their projected targets have shifted big time. After free agency. Early mocks from Mel Kuiper, Jr. linked them to wide receivers like Jordan Tyson from Arizona State, especially with talks around Devonte Adams and AJ Brown. But roster moves changed everything, pushing focus away from just adding another pass catcher behind Puka Nakawa and Adams. Right after trading for cornerback McDeffey and signing Jalen Watson, the Rams dropped to one first round pick. They beefed up the secondary, easing pressure there, and landed Adams, so the receiver room looks solid for an all-in push with Matthew Stafford. Analysts are buzzing with options that fit coach Sean McVey style. Some see a versatile tight end like Kenyan Sadiq from Oregon to mix up the offense with his speed and size, creating tough matchups. Others push a big-bodied wide-out like Denzel Boston from Washington as Adams' long-term successor, given his age and contract.

1:04The hottest recent projection is offensive tackle Frances Mauigoa from Miami, a plug-and-play starter to replace retiring Rob Havenstein, Kuiper's latest mock-backs this, calling it a smart luxury pick now that urgent needs are covered. There's even talk of gambling on injured corner Dramad McCoy from Tennessee for elite upside down the road. As the draft nears, the Rams are layering their roster thoughtfully, boosting offense creativity, planning transitions, protecting Stafford, or snagging defensive gyms, showing a flexible front office ready for contention.