The Los Angeles Rams entered the 2023 NFL draft with 11 total picks and came away with 14 new rookies after trading back multiple times and moving up once. With a massive draft class and several roster spots to fill, the Rams have addressed many of their primary needs: cornerback, edge rusher, offensive line, and tight end.
The Rams under McVay haven’t been known to throw rookies immediately into starting roles, but this year might be a different story. Let’s break down each pick, and predict what role they’d have with the team.
2023 Rams Draft Picks
Steve Avila, OL, TCU
Esteban Avila is a versatile offensive lineman who has experience playing multiple positions. His strong base in pass protection and proficiency in the run game makes him a valuable addition to the Rams’ offensive line. He is likely to see significant playing time and could become a starter along with Logan Bruss at guard.
Role Prediction: Starting Guard
Byron Young, OLB, Tennessee
As an impressive athlete with a strong combination of speed and power, Byron Young has the potential to make an impact early in his career. He fills a position of need for the Rams and should contribute as a pass rusher early on.
Role Prediction: Heavy Rotation edge rusher with a high likelihood to earn a starting role
Kobie Turner, DT, Wake Forest
Kobie Turner is a disruptive force on the defensive line, with the agility to create problems for opposing offenses. While he may not see a lot of playing time initially due to playing the same position as Aaron Donald, he can be a valuable rotational player at other spots on the defensive line.
Role Prediction: Rotational defensive lineman (Replacing Greg Gaines)
Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia
Stetson Bennett projects as a career backup in the NFL, given his lack of size and advanced age. He has decent anticipation and athleticism, which should allow him to stick around as a QB2 for years.
Role Prediction: Backup quarterback
Nick Hampton, OLB, Appalachian State
Nick Hampton is an athletic pass rusher who can generate pressure on the quarterback. Though slightly undersized for an edge defender, his ability to create havoc should earn him playing time, particularly on third downs.
Role Prediction: Rotational pass rusher
Warren McClendon Jr., OT, Georgia
Warren McClendon excelled as a right tackle at Georgia and could potentially replace Rob Havenstein in the future. However, he may need to move inside to guard due to his size.
Role Prediction: Depth offensive lineman with the potential to become a starter.
Davis Allen, TE, Clemson
Davis Allen is a big-bodied tight end with a large catch radius and good hands. He could become a valuable red zone target for the Rams and contribute as a rotational player.
Role Prediction: Rotational tight end, red zone threat
Puka Nacua, WR, BYU
Depth Chart Prediction: 4th or 5th wide receiver, the potential for more snaps if injuries occur
Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU
Depth Chart Prediction: 2nd or 3rd cornerback, likely to see significant playing time due to position needs.
Ochaun Mathis, DE, Nebraska
Depth Chart Prediction: Rotational pass rusher, depth behind starting outside linebackers
Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss
Depth Chart Prediction: 2nd or 3rd running back, providing depth behind Cam Akers and Kyren Williams.
Ethan Evans, P, Wingate
Depth Chart Prediction: Starting punter, replacing Riley Dixon who signed with the Denver Broncos
Jason Taylor II, S, Oklahoma State
Depth Chart Prediction: 3rd or 4th safety, providing depth in the secondary and possibly contributing on special teams
Desjuan Johnson, DL, Toledo
Depth Chart Prediction: Depth defensive lineman, potential rotational player depending on performance and need
These depth chart predictions are based on the players’ skill sets and the Rams’ needs at each position. However, keep in mind that these roles can change due to injuries, performance, or coaching decisions throughout the season.