As the 2024 NFL Draft looms on the horizon, the Los Angeles Rams are poised to make significant strides in strengthening their roster following a season that ended in a heart-wrenching 24-23 Wild Card loss to the Detroit Lions.
Despite finishing the regular season on a 7-1 streak and boasting the eighth-best scoring offense in the league, the Rams find themselves at a crucial juncture, needing to address several key areas to remain competitive.
The Los Angeles Rams’ Draft Strategy: Building a Robust Team for 2024
Laiatu Latu: A Beacon of Hope for the Los Angeles Rams’ Defense
With the first pick in the draft (19th overall), the Rams have chosen to bolster their defense by selecting UCLA’s edge rusher Laiatu Latu.
Latu, a formidable force on the field, has been recognized as the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year thanks to his impressive tally of 85 total tackles, 81 hurries, and 23.5 sacks over the last two seasons.
His advanced hand techniques, explosive quickness, and relentless drive make him the perfect candidate to enhance the Rams’ pass rush, which ranked 22nd in hurries and 23rd in sacks last season.
Kingsley Saumataia: Solidifying the Offensive Line
The Rams’ second-round pick, Kingsley Saumataia from BYU, addresses the urgent need for a replacement at right tackle, particularly following the likely departure of starting guard Kevin Dotson. Saumataia’s versatility and experience at both tackle positions, combined with his impressive speed and mobility, make him an ideal selection to fortify the Rams’ offensive line.
Which home opponent are you looking forward to the most in 2024?! 👀#RamsHouse 🎟️ » https://t.co/vRG20KRmUu pic.twitter.com/xPiFagwqPw
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) February 18, 2024
A Focus on Defense and Future Prospects
The subsequent rounds saw the Los Angeles Rams concentrating on defensive reinforcements and planning for the future. Dwight McGlothern, a cornerback from Arkansas selected in the third round, brings excellent cover ability and ball skills, addressing the potential departures of Ahkello Witherspoon and Duke Shelly.
In the fifth round, the selection of Johnny Dixon from Penn State and Jordan Travis, a quarterback from Florida State, highlights the Rams’ intent to build depth and prepare for the future, with Travis potentially being groomed as a successor to Matt Stafford.
Late-Round Gems: Building Depth Across the Board
The Los Angeles Rams’ strategy of utilizing their late-round picks to add depth and address specific needs is evident in their selections of Trevin Wallace (linebacker, Kentucky), Andrew Raym (center, Oklahoma), Kenny Logan (safety, Kansas), and Miyan Williams (running back, Ohio State). Each player brings unique attributes to the team, from Wallace’s quickness and athletic ability to Williams’ prowess in short-yardage situations.
The Rams’ Vision for 2024 and Beyond
As the Los Angeles Rams prepare for the 2024 NFL season, their draft strategy reflects a clear vision of building a balanced and competitive team. By addressing key areas of need and investing in prospects, the Los Angeles Rams are laying the groundwork for sustained success.
With $35 million in cap space, the team has the flexibility to enhance its roster through free agency further, ensuring that the Los Angeles Rams remain a formidable force in the NFL.
The 2024 NFL Draft represents a pivotal moment for the Los Angeles Rams as they seek to capitalize on their recent momentum and position themselves as perennial contenders.
With a strategic blend of immediate impact players and promising prospects, the Rams are well on their way to crafting a roster capable of achieving greatness in the years to come.
