2019 NFL Draft: Los Angeles Rams 7-round mock
By Joe Romano
Round 5 – Pick 169
Derrek Thomas, CB, Baylor
The Rams are going to have to pick between Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters next offseason the way it is currently shaping up. Either way they will have a hole to fill at corner. Being a smart team, that is a spot they will look to address in this draft.
Baylor’s Derrek Thomas is an interesting case. He is a very big and long corner who ran a 4.44 at the combine. His jumps also show that he is an explosive athlete. There are clear signs that Thomas can be a successful corner. Where he struggles is the little things of playing corner.
A former receiver, Thomas has the ball skills and athleticism to play in the NFL. He will need to get stronger, more aggressive in the run game and learn the position better before that happens. With Talib and Peters there he may be able to get his traits maximized because those two will not mix words if he fails to do his part. There just are not many 6-foot-2 corners with that speed and length. His traits will get him drafted but his brain will determine how early, if at all, he plays.
Round 6 – Pick 203
Alex Bars, G, Notre Dame
An underrated interior offensive lineman who should be monitored is Notre Dame’s Alex Bars. A knee injury ended his season in September and it is causing a fall down draft boards. He is not some elite-level prospect but he should find a role in the NFL. His technique could be refined but his strength and football IQ are off the charts.
With good development he could turn into a starter. Los Angeles is going to desperately need help on the interior if they misjudged their talent on-board. Losing John Sullivan and Roger Saffold is going to leave a mark. Bars may not be able to fill that hole right away but there is a chance he grows into that in year two.
Next: Best NFL player from each state
Round 7 – Pick 251
Ryan Davis, WR, Auburn
This draft is going to cause talented wide receivers to fall. There is just too many of them that are good for every one to be taken. With one of the final picks of the draft, Los Angeles could grab another receiver. Now Ryan Davis of Auburn won’t beat out Robert Woods, Brandin Cooks or Cooper Kupp but he can contribute.
A gadget player for the Tigers offense, Davis has great speed and agility. His sticking point with a roster might be as a return man. For Los Angeles he can help be a gadget player early in his career but progress to an inside receiver. With Kupp’s injury causing major problems to the offense the Rams may look at adding another weapon to prepare for one to go down again. Davis is a good flier who can stick on special teams.