Los Angeles Rams: 11 Targets in 2018 NFL Draft after Ndamukong Suh signing

9. Arden Ley, OLB, LSU

I doubt the Rams have any major concerns about “character guys”, which is one the reasons why Arden Key’s draft stock is lower than expected. The other, of course, is his 2017 film where he was healing from shoulder surgery and a knee injury that kept him sidelined early in the year.

Still, the 6-6, 238-pound edge rusher was a terror when it mattered — just ask Auburn and Alabama, both teams couldn’t get a hand on him. The way Key dominated those SEC teams earned him the praises of NFL.com scout Lance Zerlein who had this to say:

"“He put together impressive games against Mississippi State, Auburn and Florida. Key made a sack to clinch the comeback win over Auburn. He was very good against Alabama, and the Crimson Tide couldn’t block him.”"

Key’s ability to get off the edge and shrink as he turns the corner to get to the quarterback is what makes him an excellent prospect. He’s a natural athlete with a suddenness to his game that can’t be be taught. In a defense that has speed up front and on the back end, a player like Key would be an ideal fit.

If Michael Brockers lines up at the 5-tech, Key’s ability to match-up one-on-one with tight ends and backs will be exploited. There’s not an edge rusher in this class who can bend and shrink like Key can, which makes him special. Like so many others in the draft, there will be a transition period, but he did look ver comfortable when asked to stand up and move around like a linebacker.  There’s a chance that Key can come in off the bench early on in his career as a specialist, which could mean double-digit sacks for him and a steal for the Rams.