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2018 NFL Mock Draft: Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen top first round

By Brad Weiss

PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 19: USC (14) Sam Darnold (QB) passes the ball during an NCAA football game between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins on November 19, 2016, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. USC defeated UCLA 36-14. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 19: USC (14) Sam Darnold (QB) passes the ball during an NCAA football game between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins on November 19, 2016, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. USC defeated UCLA 36-14. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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TALLAHASSEE, FL – APRIL 8: Defensive Back Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles warms-up before the annual Garnet and Gold Spring Football game at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on April 8, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL – APRIL 8: Defensive Back Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles warms-up before the annual Garnet and Gold Spring Football game at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on April 8, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
5

Derwin James

Defensive Back, Florida State

The Los Angeles Rams need a big season from quarterback Jared Goff in 2017, or else this pick could be another signal-caller. The team traded a lot away to nab Goff with the first overall pick in 2016, and after a sub-par rookie season, the Rams are expecting big-time growth this year. New head coach Sean McVay seems to be meshing well with Goff, so it will be interesting to see if there is development in 2017.

The offense for Los Angeles, if Goff can mature into a franchise quarterback, has some talent. Todd Gurley II was the best running back in the NFL during his rookie season, though teams were able to keep him in check last season due to a lack of a passing game. Still, this Rams team is going to struggle in 2017, which means they should find themselves in the top-5 of the 2018 NFL Draft.

In Aaron Donald, the Rams have a star up front, though he is still holding out due to his contract. Los Angeles needs help in a lot of places, but bringing in a star safety would give them the balance they need in the secondary. Derwin James is arguably the best player in college football, and would be a perfect fit for the Rams if he is still available at No. 5.

James battled back from a bad knee injury in 2016 to make his return for the Seminoles this past weekend. While Florida State lost to Alabama, James showed why he is regarded as the most versatile defensive back in the country. The Rams need to stockpile elite talent on the defensive side of the ball, and James could wind up fitting that bill perfectly.

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