For the past 10 years, the Rams’ defense has revolved around Aaron Donald. That’s what happens when a defensive lineman commands as much attention as the future Hall of Famer did, sometimes drawing three or even four blockers on a given play.
But Donald upended that normal with his decision to retire last month. Suddenly, the Rams’ center of gravity is gone, and the defense has to be reimagined.
That process could begin Thursday with the first round of the NFL draft, with further refinements coming in the final six rounds Friday and Saturday.
Though going offense in the first round aligns more closely with the Rams’ modus operandi historically, the surplus of offensive talent in this year’s draft could work in the Rams’ benefit if they decide to go defense Thursday night. As quarterbacks, receivers and offensive tackles fly off the board, premium defensive players could be pushed down the board to No. 19, where the Rams are scheduled to select.
Perhaps the dream for the Rams would be for Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II to fall to them. The clear top DT prospect in this class, Murphy brings some versatility that could help paired next to Kobie Turner, the runner-up for defensive rookie of the year last season. Murphy can play both nose and three-technique.
Turner said Monday he plans on working on three-tech this offseason after primarily playing nose next to Donald a year ago, so the combo of Murphy and Turner could be interchangeable and give the Rams options to mix up their fronts.
If Murphy isn’t available at 19, Illinois’ Jer’Zhan Newton is defensive tackle No. 2, known for his athleticism and ability to beat blocks.
The Rams could opt to focus on an edge rusher in the first round instead of tackle. Two expected to be in their range at No. 19 are Florida State’s Jared Verse and UCLA’s Laiatu Latu. The former Bruins star is an explosive prospect, with 23.5 sacks in two seasons with the Bruins, but his history with a neck injury could give teams pause. Verse has a good combination of speed and strength that, paired with his football IQ, make him a dangerous edge rusher.
The one prospect the Rams have been reported to meet with this month is Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson, who is one of the fastest prospects in this draft in time to pressure.
The Rams could still get value along the defensive front with pick No. 52 in the second round; Florida State DT Braden Fiske, Michigan DT Kris Jenkins, Alabama edge Chris Braswell and Utah edge Jonah Elliss come to mind. The options thin out a bit in the third round, where the Rams are selecting at No. 83 and No. 99, but Clemson edge Xavier Thomas and Troy edge Javon Solomon could be worth monitoring.
The Rams also have a need at corner that could be addressed with their first four picks. Free-agent additions of Darious Williams and Tre’Davious White helped raise the floor for the group, but aren’t long-term answers at the position.
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There will be a lot of value at corner in the second half of the first round. Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry is a cunning coverage guy, able to keep step with receivers and make good plays on the ball. He recently had foot surgery for a Jones fracture, but is expected to be ready for training camp. Clemson’s Nate Wiggins had nine pass breakups and two interceptions in 2023 and plays with elite speed.
Georgia’s Kamari Lassiter, Kentucky’s Andru Phillips, Oregon’s Khyree Jackson and Florida State’s Renardo Green are intriguing options in the second and third rounds.