2021 NFL Draft: One perfect prospect for all 32 teams
By Randy Gurzi
Los Angeles Rams: Jordan Smith, EDGE, UAB
The Los Angeles Rams hate draft picks, so they’re always trading them. Okay, maybe they don’t hate them, but they do believe in trading picks for veteran talent that has been groomed by other teams.
Even so, they do have to find some of their own raw talent to coach up and this draft has a perfect prospect for them in Jordan Smith from UAB. According to Joe Marino from The Draft Network, this kid’s “toolbox is loaded” and he’s an ideal fit in a 3-4 defense such as the Rams run.
"“Smith’s blend of size, length, effort, and athleticism makes him an appealing edge defender at the next level that best fits in a base 3-4 defense that incorporates hybrid fronts. With that said, there is some notable rawness to his game when it comes to having a rush plan, deploying pass rush moves, and processing. Smith is a highly appealing piece of moldable clay, but there is plenty of room for him to grow and he’ll need to in order to become an impact playmaker in the NFL on every down and not just a situational guy.” — Marino, The Draft Network"
The fact that he needs time to develop is fine with L.A. since they already have a strong defense. Smith would be able to take his time getting used to the NFL and he has the ability to start when they inevitably have to move on from some of their expensive starters such as Dante Fowler.