Winners and losers from the NFC West for the 2024 NFL draft
By Jake Luppino
Winner: Los Angeles Rams
The momentum the Los Angeles Rams were riding into the off-season was somewhat derailed when Aaron Donald announced his retirement. I say somewhat because I believe the Rams were expecting it. Regardless, it is going to be very hard to replace the generational talent that was Donald. The good news was that the Rams finally had a first-round pick for the first time under Sean McVay.
The expectation (and reality) was that the Rams would look to address the defensive line with their first-round pick. Although, there was speculation that they were interested in trading up, specifically for tight end, Brock Bowers. Nonetheless, I liked the overall selections by the Rams, addressing multiple aspects of this team. I think they will continue to build off the success of last year's draft class with this one.
RD (PK) | SELECTION | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|
1 (19) | EDGE Jared Verse | Florida State |
2 (7 via CAR) | DT Braden Fiske | Florida State |
3 (19) | RB Blake Corum | Michigan |
3 (36) | S Kamren Kinchens | Miami |
5 (19) | EDGE Brennan Jackson | Washington State |
6 (20) | DT Tyler Davis | Clemson |
6 (33) | PK Joshua Karty | Stanford |
6 (37) | WR Jordan Whittington | Texas |
6 (41) | C Beaux Limmer | Arkansas |
7 (34) | OG KT Leveston | Kansas State |
With the first 14 selections being offensive players, it allowed the Rams to stay put and still draft one of the best edge rushers in this class. While that specific position was a weaker one, Jared Verse is going to make an immediate impact on this team. Verse, Kobie Turner, and Braden Fiske is a nice start to revamping that defensive front.
Surprising, but adequate selection: DT Braden Fiske
I was surprised to see the Rams use this pick on Verse's teammate, Braden Fiske. With some question marks in the secondary, I thought it would be a good chance for them to select a cornerback here. Four straight cornerbacks were actually selected after this pick, including Cooper DeJean and Kool-Aid McKinstry. Even though Fiske is on the smaller size for his position, like Aaron Donald, he is very quick. I do think he has an impactful rookie season.
Best Value Pick: RB Blake Corum
Many thought Blake Corum would land in Los Angeles, just not with the Rams. Having the Michigan ties to Jim Harbaugh, it was shocking to see them pass up on him. The running game is an incredibly important aspect of McVay's offense. After an explosive season from Kyren Williams, the Rams decided to double down on this position and select Blake Corum, who was one of the most productive running backs in college football. I expect him to finish off a lot of drives for the Rams this season.
Grade: B+