Saturday, May 18, 2024

Los Angeles Rams NFL power rankings post-draft roundup

Throughout the 2024 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a post-NFL draft roundup for the Los Angeles Rams in our consensus 2024 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 14

Most improved: Secondary

The Rams did a lot to improve their defensive front in the draft, but they still had Aaron Donald on their roster at the end of the 2023 season. Last season, Los Angeles had 10 interceptions -- tied for 23rd in the NFL. Improving the secondary was a focus during free agency and the draft, with the Rams signing cornerbacks Tre'Davious White and Darious Williams and safety Kamren Curl and selecting safety Kamren Kinchens in the fifth round. -- Sarah Barshop

NFL.com -- Rank: 17

This figured to be a blue-collar draft of sorts, especially when it came to rebuilding the post-Aaron Donald defensive line. I sat next to Rams linebacker Olakunle Fatukasi on my flight back from the draft and asked him about GM Les Snead's haul. "D-line, my goodness," Fatukasi said. "That's how you do it." Four picks, because no one man can replace A.D., with two inside (Braden Fiske in Round 2 and Tyler Davis in Round 6) and two on the edge (Jared Verse in Round 1 and Brennan Jackson in Round 5). The cost to move up for Fiske (a 2025 second-rounder) was steep, but he and his former running mate at Florida State, Verse, could be terrific alongside last year's strong rookie duo of Byron Young and Kobie Turner. I also loved L.A. grabbing running back Blake Corum in Round 3 as a complement to Kyren Williams; that pair will be a pain in the rump for defenses to corral. The Rams couldn't check off every box, but I can't find much fault in their overall approach.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

CBS Sports -- Rank: 9

They had a terrific draft, but the retirement of Aaron Donald will be felt by the defense. Even so, Sean McVay will have them pushing the 49ers for the division title.

USA Today -- Rank: 12

Though it seems like this team is getting increasingly younger on the heels of what could be a banner draft — and Aaron Donald's retirement — its two oldest players are QBs Matthew Stafford (36) and Jimmy Garoppolo (32).

The Athletic -- Rank: 12

Jared Verse must feel special. That's whom Los Angeles picked with its first first-round pick since 2016 (which it spent on Jared Goff). Verse, and his former Florida State teammate Braden Fiske, a defensive tackle, will help a defense that finished 22nd last year in points allowed (22.2). Now if they can keep quarterback Matthew Stafford happy (he wants a contract adjustment with more guaranteed money, NFL Network reported during the draft), they'll be a sleeper NFC title game candidate.

Fox Sports -- Rank: 11

I love so much about what the Rams have done this year. Re-signing Kevin Dotson and bringing in Jonah Jackson has their offensive line looking formidable. Kamren Curl and Tre'Davious White are nice, affordable signings on defense. They added some exciting draft picks. But you're just not going to climb in the power rankings when a legend like Aaron Donald retires. Even if the young talent on defense looks promising, there's no replacing a force like Donald.

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