GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 16: Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams reacts in the first half against the Green Bay Packers during the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 16, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Trading for Matthew Stafford is the Rams’ biggest move of the offseason, but here’s what Los Angeles projects to do in the 2021 NFL Draft.
It’s fair to say the Rams aren’t an organization overly concerned with hanging onto their draft picks. Los Angeles enters the 2021 draft with just three total selections. The team has one pick to make in Round 3, Round 6, and Round 7.
That doesn’t give the Rams’ front office enough draft capital to really remake their roster. The good news is that Los Angeles doesn’t need to overhaul the group that won 10 games last year.
The big offseason headline is clearly the team’s decision to swing a trade for Matthew Stafford. He projects to be a massive upgrade over what Jared Goff has given the team in recent years. The team’s ability to go from playoff team to legitimate Super Bowl contender will hinge on what he can do in Sean McVay’s offense.
The Rams do need to find some help at edge rusher and linebacker with their trio of draft picks. Look for them to use their Day 2 selection on a defensive end capable of helping take some pressure off Aaron Donald.
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Payton Turner
Edge Houston
Turner projects as an excellent option to play defensive end in the Rams’ normal three-man front. He’s not going to suddenly replace Donald or Michael Brockers at crunch time next season, but he can contribute meaningful snaps as a rookie.
Adding defensive depth is crucial for Los Angeles’ hopes of containing the high-powered offenses they face in the NFC West. Turner may not be a household name after playing his collegiate career at Houston, but he has the potential to become an above-average starter at the next level.