Dynasty fantasy football is a year-round affair. A Sharp manager will be thinking about all aspects of the dynasty season. Those managers keen enough to look ahead will be the ones who can grab themselves an edge over the competition. Industry professionals and content creators will spend most of the dynasty off-season discussing incoming rookies and the related topic, the NFL draft.
We easily fall in love with the next workhorse running back or prototypical alpha wide receiver. But, a manager in tune with the entire draft class will find themselves ahead of the game. Whether it is the next road-paving interior offensive lineman or genetic freak edge rusher, we can find ourselves at quite the advantage come April by building an entire picture of how the 2023 class will play out. Those who prepare ahead of time are not often surprised at the outcomes.
Credit for the draft simulations goes to the NFL Mock Draft Database. Team needs are also generated from this site. Compensatory picks have not been assigned or included in this exercise, as the official totals have yet to be released. However, as a heads-up, the Rams stand to land several high-end picks for losing both players and coaches.
2023 Season Recap
The 2023 Los Angeles Rams were one of the biggest surprises in the league. Heading into the season, most pundits and prognosticators had the Rams picked to finish near the bottom of the league. They certainly weren’t picked to make the playoffs on the back of a strong season. However, as the old saying about the best-laid plans of mice and men goes. The Rams shot right out of the gate and never looked back.
The biggest storylines for the 2023 Rams from a dynasty fantasy football perspective were the emergence of wide receiver Puka Nacua and running back Kyren Williams. The two players were the primary weapons for franchise quarterback Matt Stafford and company. Puka, in particular, was a big surprise, although we at Dynasty Nerds were early to the party on the dynamic playmaker.
Heading into the 2024 NFL draft, the Rams have fewer needs than last season. While conducting this mock draft, I hit on many of the needs the Rams must cover in the upcoming draft. However, it is also important to note that the Rams will have several additional picks once compensatory selections are handed out. With those picks, Los Angeles will be able to hit on a couple of other areas, including a potential luxury pick on a quarterback to develop behind Stafford in the coming years.
1.19 – Chop Robinson, EDGE – Penn State: 6’3″ 254 lbs. 21 yrs. old
The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Love how Chop Robinson consistently flattens is pass rush (arch) once he has a step on the tackle. No wasted movement and closes in the blink of an eye. #NFLDraft2024pic.twitter.com/DlLBkqy2Hd
— CPGM Juice 🏈 (@cpgm_juice) February 18, 2024
With the 19th pick in the draft, the Los Angeles Rams addressed their needs at EDGE by taking Penn State’s dynamic defensive playmaker, Robinson. While his numbers at Happy Valley are far from gaudy, he did flash some serious potential and made plays in both the running game and as a pass rusher. Robinson is a projection pick who looks to be a cornerstone of the Rams’ front seven for some time.
2.52 – Cooper Beebe, OG – Kansas State: 6’4″ 335 lbs. 22 yrs. old
Trying to watch Kansas EDGE Austin Booker but K-State OG Cooper Beebe (#50) keeps ending folks pic.twitter.com/LVzQDwEC7A
— JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) February 12, 2024
The offensive line is another area where the Rams could significantly improve. You can never go wrong in a draft by selecting quality linemen on either side of the ball. In this, the first draft in some time where the Rams have early picks, they address both sides of the line in the opening rounds. Beebe is a mauling guard who should be an immediate starter for the Rams. He will help them in the passing and running games. This feels like an excellent fit.
3.83 – Kiran Amegadjie, OT Yale: 6’5″ 326 lbs. 22 yrs. old
Kiran Amegadjie is a legit OT prospect
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) February 19, 2024
Length – Plays Long ✅
Quick/Light Feet – Redirect ✅
Vice Grip Hands – Rework ✅
Start/Stop Balance✅
Anchor Power ✅
Movement Power✅
Great profile today from @dpbrugler – must read. And then a must watch! pic.twitter.com/v6v27qT9iV
The Rams could use some help on both the inside and outside of their offensive line unit. I had them return to the offensive line to address that area and select Yale OT Amegadije. He is a big, physical kid who may need time to adjust to the NFL game. However, once he gets his feet under him, he has the potential to be a quality starter in Los Angeles for years to come. This could be an amazing addition relative to the cost for the Rams. Keep an eye on this kid; he has recently been making waves in the draft community.
5.152 – Dallin Holker, TE Colorado State: 6’5″ 241 lbs. 23 yrs. old
Colorado St Dallin Holker is an intriguing pass catching TE in the 2024 class.
— Couch Potato General Manager 🏈 NFL Draft (@cpgmNFLDraft) February 15, 2024
He regularly makes catches like this look easy. Holker has some things to work on as a blocker but if a team needs a pass catching TE he can be a late round steal.#NFLDraft
pic.twitter.com/Hqt9IKQqCi
With the late-season loss of starting tight end Tyler Higbee to a torn ACL, this felt like an excellent selection for the Rams in the fifth round. Holker is a dynamic weapon in the passing game. He is a bit older due to his Mormon mission, but he showed in 2023 that he has all the tools to succeed at the next level. He stood out at the East-West Shrine Bowl and would pair nicely with Davis Allen to ensure that Matt Stafford and company have quality tight end play, no matter the outcome, for the recuperating starter.
5.153 – Will Putnam, OC Clemson: 6’4″ 307 lbs. 23 yrs. old
Clemson may have lost, but Will Putnam and Walker Parks looked exceptional on the interior offensive line yesterday. https://t.co/rUDcY7QGFc
— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) September 5, 2023
With the 153rd pick in the fifth round, the Rams delve back into the trenches and select Putnam. Nearly every team needs list has the Rams needing help across the entire offensive line. Putnam is a multi-year recipient of All-ACC honors at the Center position. He has a ton of starting experience and could develop into an every-week starter for the Rams.
5.176 – Tarheeb Still, CB Maryland: 6’1″ 196 lbs. 22 yrs. old
Maryland’s Tarheeb Still was all over this route at the East-West Shrine Bowl, and then made an incredible INT. Having a strong week. pic.twitter.com/NK5Ccc2SRd
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) January 28, 2024
At this point in the draft, the Rams have done nothing to address their needs in the secondary. They fix that issue by selecting Still out of Maryland in the fifth round. He is a long, physical corner willing to mix it up in the run-and-pass games. He will likely take some time to develop but has the raw skills to play in the league if given the proper coaching.
6.190 – Garret Greenfield, OT South Dakota State: 6’7″ 320 lbs. 24 yrs. old
South Dakota St RT Garrett Greenfield… You have my attention, sir@GoJacksSDSU pic.twitter.com/PhnGyPgSi5
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) December 7, 2021
In the sixth round, the Rams return to the offensive line and select the monster offensive tackle out of South Dakota State. Greenfield has flown under the radar due to his FCS pedigree and his advanced age for a rookie. He is a massive and highly decorated tackle who could become an absolute steal if he adjusts to the professional game. As a multi-year All-American at the FCS level, I would not bet against this kid making the squad and fighting for a role at some point—a true sleeper in the trenches.
6.211 – Carson Steele, RB UCLA: 6’1″ 225 lbs. 21 yrs. old
Dante Moore in a 27-13 win vs. Coastal Carolina : 7/12 for 143 yards, 2 TD's, 1 INT & a 196.8 QB Rating (CFB debut)
— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) September 3, 2023
Carson Steele : 13 carries for 76 yards; 4 catches for 20 yards & a TD (Transferred from Ball State) pic.twitter.com/rZoFsQooFy
The Rams suffered last year when Kyren Williams went down with an injury during the middle of the season. The team quickly realized their in-house options needed to be improved and had street-free agents starting within a week. To add quality depth to the backfield, I have the Rams taking UCLA runner Steele. He is a big, physical runner who could provide Williams with a nice change of pace.
6.216 – Charles Turner, OC LSU: 6’4″ 300 lbs. 23 yrs. old
LSU’s Charles Turner continues to show off his bend, balance, and anchor at the Senior Bowl. Rising prospect. pic.twitter.com/hrARizeJiK
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) February 1, 2024
Having already taken a center earlier in the fifth round out of Clemson, I have the Rams adding some open competition in their draft class by bringing in Turner. He was a multi-year starter who allowed only a single sack all season. He was a team player who performed his role perfectly in the bayou. A fifth-year COVID player, Turner is slightly older for a prospect. However, it is not out of the realm of possibility that he could develop into a long-term starter or significant contributor to the Rams.
6.217 – Jalyx Hunt, EDGE Houston Christian: 6’4″ 248 lbs. 22 yrs. old
Ladies and gentlemen …
— HCU Athletics (@HCUAthletics) October 1, 2023
ＪＡＬＹＸ ＨＵＮＴ
Sack and the fumble recovered by Ho Ching …
BIG STOP for the Huskies.
2Q: Lamar 14, Huskies 3 (3:02)@HCUFootball / #DawgsUp pic.twitter.com/NgDlqlnBvh
For the Ram’s final pick, I have them return to the small school scene and select Houston Christian edge rusher Jalyx Hunt. This kid is undoubtedly raw but does have some tools that the Rams could mold like clay into a usable rotational pass rusher at the next level. He had 15 sacks over his last two years and could play an interesting role for the Rams.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Rams are set up to have their best draft in years. This is the first time in quite a while that they have a first-, second-, or third-round pick in an NFL draft. Now, while the names I have listed above aren’t the sexy and flashy picks, they address some of the significant needs that Sean McVay and the Rams find themselves in.
As I detailed earlier in the piece, the Rams will almost certainly receive several compensatory selections. When those picks are added to the tally, I could see the Rams addressing some other needs on the squad, including potentially shopping for a successor at the QB position. Someone like Spencer Rattler in the late third or early fourth would be an exciting outcome for all involved. One thing is sure: draft prognosticating for NFL franchises is risky business. Look for the Rams to help fill in the cracks and get their squad back to the playoffs again. Thank you for reading, and good luck this draft season and beyond.
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