The 2020 NFL draft is rapidly approaching so it is finally time to give the people what they want, a full Rams Mock Draft! Now, we all know that Rams General Manager Les Snead likes to wheel and deal on draft day. He has done it every single year he has been the GM and this year should be no different. That being said, here is what the Rams 2020 draft class could look like if they don’t make a trade.
Round 2, Pick 52
Jordyn Brooks | Inside Linebacker| Texas Tech
The role that Cory Littleton played was vital to the Rams’ success the past few seasons, one can’t deny that. Even as Taylor Rapp slowly started taking away his coverage responsibilities, notably against tight ends, Littleton was a huge factor in stopping the run and stopping the screen game. Littleton left for Oakland so the Rams are now looking to replace him via the draft.
Jordyn Brooks is the most consistent linebacker in this draft, racking up more than 80 tackles in each of his 4 years on campus. Durable, strong, and attacking, Brooks is a powerful downhill tackler. While occasionally lacking in coverage, the Oklahoma game in particular, he makes up for it with above average athletic ability.
Round 2, Pick 57
KJ Hamler | Wide Receiver | Penn State
The Rams should be on the lookout for a speedy wide receiver who can stretch the field with this pick. The element of a deep threat is so important in Sean McVay’s offense because it opens up the middle of the field for Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, and their tight ends. Not having Brandin Cooks for the game against Pittsburgh might have cost the Rams a shot at the playoffs last year. Now that Cooks has been dealt to Houston, the team will most likely look to replace him in the draft.
KJ Hamler is a fast riser in the draft community, so Snead may have to work his magic here and trade up. Hamler can take the top off of a defense, much like Cooks did, but is better in space with the ball in his hands. Hamler comes with size limitations as he stands just 5’9 and weighed in at 178 at the combine, but at this point in the draft, the size/speed guys might be all gone. Also, keep an eye on TCU star wideout Jalen Reagor.
Round 3, Pick 84
Prince Tega Wanogho | Offensive Tackle | Auburn
The Rams re-signed Andrew Whitworth to a multi-year deal and that was much needed. Throwing a first-year rookie out there would be awful for Jared Goff, but Whitworth won’t play forever. That means they are still in search of their left tackle of the future. Joseph Noteboom was once considered the heir apparent to Whitworth, but he struggled at guard before going on injured reserve. Picking at 52 and 57 in the second round, the Rams will most likely be missing out on the first wave of tackles. They might, however, be able to find a diamond in the rough in the third round.
Prince Tega Wanogho possesses all the athletic traits that you want in a star left tackle. He bends well, has strong hands, and quick feet. His only issue is consistency. He gets sloppy in his footwork and can be slow off the ball. He also needs to build a little more strength. The Rams love projects on the offensive line, and Wanogho can be their newest one to work on.
Round 3, Pick 104
Zach Moss | Running Back | Utah
When the Rams let go of Todd Gurley it signaled the end of Sean Mcvay’s one-back offense. Darrell Henderson is still around to provide the lightning quickness and big-play ability to the backfield. The question now is who will provide the Thunder? Some would suggest that Malcolm Brown could be that guy, but he has never shown the ability to hold up over a full season. He hasn’t done much to show he is a capable 1A or 1B back, so the Rams should look to the draft.
Zach Moss is a load. He’s physical, downhill, with short area quickness, and absorbs contact with the best of them. While he has been injury prone, he hasn’t played a full season yet, The value in the fourth round is too good to pass up. Moss can step into the NFL today and become one of the game’s best short yardage backs. There are shades of Mark Ingram in his game, but also shades of Marion Barber. Moss will need to stay healthy for this pick to pan out, but there is hope that getting him to an NFL training staff will help keep him fresh.
Round 4, Pick 126
Saahdiq Charles | Offensive Tackle | LSU
Rob Havenstein was a liability last year and was replaced in the lineup by rookie Bobby Evans. Havenstein originally went down with an injury, but even when he returned Evans remained the starter. This happening despite the fact that Evans graded out negatively across most metrics. Evans is improving, and Havenstein is under contract, but the Rams could still look to address the offensive line here.
Saahdiq Charles is a super athletic tackle who also has guard potential because of his size and ability to move bodies. He needs a year to build up core strength and there are some off-field disciplinary issues (He missed 6 games last year for violating team rules), but the upside here is tantalizing. Fans will love the grit that Charles plays with and when you combine that with his potential, this is an easy pick if he is still available.
Round 6, Pick 199
Derrek Tuszka | Defensive End | NDSU
While this may not be the perfect fit from a scheme standpoint, I love this kid’s motor. He never takes a playoff and seems to have the most stamina on the field. Tuszka has only played as a hand in the ground defensive end but will have to prove he can play outside linebacker to make it in the NFL. He had 29.5 sacks in three years as a starter and also knocked down 5 passes in 2019. The worst-case scenario for Tuszka is that he’s a long-term special teams standout. He is also known as a fast riser in the draft community, so the Rams may need to trade up to get him.
Round 7, Pick 234
Nathan Rourke | Quarterback | Ohio
Jared Goff had a miserable 2019, but this pick isn’t about replacing him. This comes down to who the Rams have on the roster behind him, and that is no-one. Blake Bortles is gone and the team doesn’t even have a million dollars to give to any free agent. That means that Goff’s backup for 2020 will be a battle between a “Camp-arm” and a rookie.
Nathan Rourke is a mobile, tough QB prospect who rarely turned the ball over at Ohio. He doesn’t have a huge arm, but makes up for it with his intelligence and feel for the game. He always maximized the talent around him and plays with an edge. His ceiling may be limited to that of a number two, but he should be able to have a long career if he can stay healthy. The issue for the Rams here might be that Rourke could get more lucrative offers from the CFL. A native of Canada, Rourke will see plenty of interest up north; although a selection in the draft could change his mind.
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