The Los Angeles Rams finished day two of the NFL Draft with a starting right guard in Wisconsin offensive lineman Logan Bruss. With seven picks to go, however, Les Snead and co. had plenty of work to do. Here are the players that the Rams ended with on Day three.
142nd Overall – CB Decobie Durant, South Carolina State
There was some criticism about this pick with players like Zyon McCollum still on the board. With that said, it’s time to stop talking about pick value in the NFL Draft and start talking about pick fits. The fact of the matter is, Decobie Durant fits the bill for what the Los Angeles Rams have looked for in the past when it comes to smaller cornerbacks.
In this case, size doesn’t matter. It’s not one of the main things that the Los Angeles Rams look at. While Durant is only listed at 5’9, he ran a 4.38 40-time and still has a 30.75 inch arm length. This very similar to Darious Williams. Additionally, he adds the ball production that the Rams look for as he had 12 career interceptions. Durant should be able to come in and depth in the secondary while also having potential to contribute in the nickel.
164th Overall – RB Kyren Williams, Notre Dame
It should be no surprise that the Rams drafted a running back and 164 was the perfect place to do so. Williams tested poorly, but the speed was evident on tape. Additionally, he’s very good in pass protection and a good pass catcher. This is someone who is versatile and can really do it all.
Darrell Henderson‘s contract expires at the end of next season. On top of that, the Rams running back room suffered it’s fair share of injuries last year. Williams will provide good depth after the team didn’t re-sign Sony Michel in free agency. He’ll be a good compliment to Cam Akers as a third down back and in short-yardage situations. However, he also has the ability to carry the load.
211th Overall – S Quinten Lake, UCLA
Quentin Lake is a perfect fit for the Los Angeles Rams. He’s a versatile piece on defense and has the football intelligence and leadership. He’s a solid tackler as well and will contribute on special teams immediately. The Rams like ball skills in their cornerbacks and Lake has shown that. He compares very favorably to Jordan Fuller who the Rams drafted in the sixth round two years ago. It was not surprising to see the Rams end up with Lake.
212th Overall – CB Derion Kenrick, CB Georgia
Kendrick was the first pick that was genuinely confusing. He tested very poorly in speed tests and has had his share of off of the field issues. However, in the sixth round, it’s a low-risk high reward situation. If Kendrick works out, he’s a starting cornerback that should have been drafted in the third round. If not, it’s one sixth round pick that might not have panned out anyway.
Kendrick is a zone corner with good ball skills and isn’t afraid to come up and make the tackle. He needs to be coached up, but there is some potential here.
235th Overall – EDGE Daniel Hardy, Montana State
Everyone should love this pick for the Los Angeles Rams. It’s very reminiscent of the Jacob Harris pick last year. He’s a very good athlete that will need to be coached up to unleash his full potential. Last season with the Bobcats, Hardy had 16.5 sacks and 24.5 tackles for loss. Simply put, this was an impact player. Hardy is a developmental player, but the sky truly is the limit.
253rd Overall – S Russ Yeast, Kansas State
Someone like Leon O’Neal Jr. or Elijah Hicks were good fits and may have been better picks. Yet, the Rams opted for Russ Yeast. This is one where we’re going to have to trust the Rams front office because I don’t know a lot about him. If anything, hopefully he can be a contributor on special teams.
261st Overall – OT AJ Acuri, Michigan State
AJ Acuri excels in the run game and is a physical tackle who is a good mover to the second level. With that said, he’s not versatile and will strictly be a right tackle for the Los Angeles Rams. Additionally, he’ll need to get quicker to deal with speed rushers at the NFL level.
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