The Los Angeles Rams were supposed to be rebuilding after going 5-12 in 2022. Instead, they nailed their 2023 draft haul and posted a 10-7 record. Now, the Rams hope to earn honors from their 2024 NFL Draft grades to rise to the top of the NFC West.
Los Angeles Rams NFL Draft Grades
Round 1, Pick 19: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Welcome back to the first round, Los Angeles! It’s been nearly 3,000 days since the Rams’ last first-round pick, but they ended the drought with Jared Verse.
Verse brings speed and power to a young Rams defensive line post-Aaron Donald. pic.twitter.com/yYRHj7qREf
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) April 26, 2024
LA has needed a premium EDGE for years, and that need was exacerbated with Aaron Donald retiring. Verse joins a young defensive line with Kobie Turner and Byron Young, bringing the speed and power to be disruptive early on.
Grade: A
Round 2, Pick 39: Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
The Rams already bolstered the DL with Verse in Round 1, but they traded up with Carolina to dip back in the well to draft his former teammate. Braden Fiske has a quick first step and a never-ending motor, making him a handful up front.
Like the future Hall of Fame DT he is replacing, Fiske is slightly undersized, but his explosiveness makes up for it.
Grade: B
Braden Fiske’s constant motor could make him an every-down playmaker on the #Rams‘ defensive line. 💪#NoleFamily | #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/lWtzoV92J1
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) April 26, 2024
Round 3, Pick 83: Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
Blake Corum is an exceptional RB prospect who fits Sean McVay’s offense like a puzzle piece. The only problem is the Rams already had Kyren Williams. Of course, they like to rotate their backs and ride the hot hand, but there were other directions they could’ve gone in the top 100.
Corum famously made Michigan history with a touchdown in 25 straight games, capping his illustrious career with a National Championship in 2023. His vision and contact balance were no match for college defenders a season ago.
Grade: B-
Round 3, Pick 99: Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami (FL)
With Kamren Curl and Russ Yeast currently the starting safeties on the depth chart, the Rams were wise to bring in Kamren Kinchens. His vision and ball skills make up for his poor long speed, and his physicality will energize the defense.
That vision was on display on multiple occasions as Kinchens joined just Sean Taylor and Ed Reed as safeties in Miami Hurricanes history with double-digit interceptions.
Grade: B+
Round 5, Pick 154: Brennan Jackson, EDGE, Washington State
The Rams’ No. 1 priority entering the 2024 NFL Draft was clearly upgrading the defensive line.
Brennan Jackson isn’t the most flexible or powerful pass rusher, but he is quick off the line and knows how to use his hands.
Grade: B-
Round 6, Pick 196: Tyler Davis, DT, Clemson
The Rams have taken four defensive linemen in their first six selections.
There are higher upside DTs than Tyler Davis, but he can serve as a rotational nose tackle right away and not look out of place.
Grade: C+
MORE: 2024 NFL Draft Grades For All 32 Teams
Round 6, Pick 209: Joshua Karty, K, Stanford
Tanner Brown is the only kicker on the Rams’ roster, and he hasn’t kicked in a game (NFL or college) since 2022 at Oklahoma State.
Joshua Karty was one of the best kickers in the nation last season and should earn the starting spot in camp.
Grade: A
Round 6, Pick 213: Jordan Whittington, WR, Texas
Jordan Whittington is a Rams WR through and through. He has battled adversity in his career and was buried on the depth chart behind Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy last season, but he has the physical skill set McVay covets at the position.
Grade: B
Round 6, Pick 217: Beaux Limmer, C, Arkansas
Beaux Limmer fortifies LA’s interior with the ability to play all three positions.
His road-grading mentality and athletic foundation are best at center, and he can start down the road.
Grade: A
Round 7, Pick 254: KT Leveston, OG, Kansas State
KT Leveston’s power profile should hold up in the NFL, and with some technical refinement, he good see significant snaps down the line.
Grade: B+
Los Angeles Rams 2024 NFL Draft Summary
Another NFC West team, another A.
Sure, I may not be the toughest grader, but look at the Rams’ draft class and point out a clear miss.
KEEP READING: Rams UDFA Signings and Rookie Camp Invites
It was a defensive-focused haul until Day 3, and GM Les Sneed has proven they know how to scout and develop late-round selections.
Overall Grade: A