Los Angeles Rams: 7-Round 2018 mock draft for early April

Besides edge rusher, inside linebacker may be the Rams’ biggest need heading into the 2018 NFL Draft. After trading away Alec Ogletree, one starting inside linebacker spot will be wide open next season. Bryce Hager or Ramik Wilson could fill the spot, but I would like to see the Rams look to find a legitimate starter in the draft.

Josey Jewell falls a bit in this mock draft and would be a strong fit for the Los Angeles Rams in the compensatory fourth round.

Jewell is a smart and productive linebacker prospect who had an impressive college career at the University of Iowa. Jewell is a real asset as a run defender, showing an incredible nose for the ball and a knack for making plays both inside and outside. Jewell also shows impressive natural instincts in pass coverage and the ability to create pressure as an inside blitzer.

Jewell is not an elite athlete who can defend from sideline-to-sideline in the NFL. However, he is a guy who can come in and do everything well right away. Plus, he has more speed and quickness on the inside than he is given credit for.

Simply put, the Rams need a playmaker at the inside linebacker position and Jewell could immediately fit the bill. Snagging him in the late fourth round would be an ideal selection.