Los Angeles Rams mine great O-line value in 7-round mock draft

The Los Angeles Rams will have to find value in the 2021 NFL Draft if they want to fill holes without a first-round pick. 

Trading for Matthew Stafford has been the biggest move of the Los Angeles Rams‘ 2021 offseason thus far and, to be sure, it’s a big one. The upgrade from Jared Goff to Stafford is substantial and could very well allow head coach Sean McVay to get the offense back to a Super Bowl-caliber form. However, it does make the job in the 2021 NFL Draft a bit more difficult.

As is becoming the norm, the Rams don’t have a first-round pick in 2021 (or any time in the foreseeable future). This is a roster that has been constructed to be a proverbial stars-and-scrubs team and that extends to the draft. But the curious part for Los Angeles is that they also have some pretty big holes to fill without a first-round pick.

Luckily for the Rams, they can find some great value in the 2021 NFL Draft class on Day 2, specifically as it pertains to their big need on the offensive line with Austin Blythe’s departure and Andrew Whitworth nearing retirement. So how can they fare? Let’s dive into a 7-round 2021 mock draft for the Los Angeles Rams and find out.

Los Angeles Rams 7-round 2021 mock draft

Round 2, Pick 57: Quinn Meinerz, IOL, Wisconsin-Whitewater

If you didn’t watch Quinn Meinerz play at Division III Wisconsin-Whitewater in his career, you’re not alone. But don’t let that negatively color your perception of the offensive lineman.

Meinerz played guard in his college career and, though he’s not a great athlete, he showed the ability to bully players on the interior. Moreover, after transitioning to center with Division III football sidelined in 2020, he showcased his skills and power while at the Senior Bowl and was ready for that level of competition.

The Rams might be best served to start 2018 fourth-round pick Brian Allen at center to begin the 2021 season but, with some NFL coaching and practice experience, Meinerz has the tool to be the starting center in LA for the long haul.

Round 3, Pick 88: Spencer Brown, OT, Northern Iowa

Even on the offensive line, there aren’t many players built like 6-8.5, 314-pound Spencer Brown. Not only does he have gargantuan length that allows him to control matchups with a strong punch and keeping them at bay but he’s also a good athlete who translates to the NFL. He also plays with a strong feel for the tackle position (he played on the right side in college) and should be fine there.

Brown does need to prove himself further against NFL-caliber competition but Brown checks the boxes of a developmental player who could start in year two if necessary and if things progress well. That would be terrific for the Rams given the situation with Whitworth they’re facing in the near future.

Round 3, Pick 103: Hunter Long, TE, Boston College

Tight end isn’t necessarily the focal point of the Rams offense and they do have Tyler Higbee on the roster after he’s flashed some great potential. However, McVay does like to utilize 12-personnel to open up play-action and the departure of Gerald Everett means that they need a running mate with Higbee. Hunter Long could be that player.

Long proved to be a key cog in the Boston College passing offense as he led FBS in tight end receptions last season, going for 685 yards and five scores. He’s a good route-runner and capable with his hands but also offers ability as a blocker. He’s not a plus athlete but he could be a versatile and valuable piece to pair with Higbee in this offense.

Round 4, Pick 141: Patrick Johnson, EDGE, Tulane

The Rams inked Leonard Floyd to a long-term extension this offseason but their depth on the edge is less than stellar. They hope Terrell Lewis can come along and stay healthy and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo does some things well. That’s not a lot to hang a hat on. Thus, they should take an early Day 3 flier on someone like Patrick Johnson.

While at Tulane, Johnson was wildly productive and is a natural fit for a 3-4 outside linebacker role, especially as a rotational player in the Rams mix. He’s not a case of untapped potential of a great athlete as he’s likely maxed out but he’s a smart, skilled player who can both rush and drop into coverage with effectiveness. That’s a great value pickup at this point of this mock draft.

Round 6, Pick 209: Justin Hilliard, LB, Ohio State

Linebacker has been a sore spot for the Los Angeles Rams defense but they have pieced things together well enough with guys like Micah Kiser and Kenny Young. While that may get the job done, it does require some necessary depth around those players, something that Justin Hilliard could add.

While he wasn’t featured at Ohio State amid a deep position group, Hilliard showed his ability to crash down effectively against the run and be a quality tackler. His coverage ability is in question, which does limit his versatility. But as a depth/rotational piece with a clear special teams role, he offers nice value at this spot.

Round 7, Pick 252: Deommodore Lenoir, DB, Oregon

We know Jalen Ramsey is one of the best cornerbacks in the league while Darious Williams played extremely well last season. But with Troy Hill’s departure, the Rams need to add some more talented bodies to the defensive back room.

Deommodore Lenoir is a perfect late-round player to fill that role. He’s a good tackler and has nice fluidity and technique in coverage. He’s available late due to some athletic limitations but his mental prowess and reliable style should allow him to come in and play a role in defensive-back heavy alignments.