Rams Select Versatile Starter in Mel Kiper Mock Draft

The Los Angeles Rams don't plan on wasting time picking up the pieces after the disappointment of last season. And in Mel Kiper's latest mock draft, they land a player that can help expedite the process.

After experiencing one of the worst Super Bowl hangovers of all time, the Los Angeles Rams are looking to contend for a playoff spot again next season behind a roster that remains full of talent.

But there's still tons of work to do this offseason in order to get the personnel necessary to make a bounce-back season possible, and it starts with the 2023 NFL Draft.

Luckily for the Rams, they'll be picking just outside the first round at No. 36 overall after not having their first selection until the second-to-last pick of the third round last year.

A pick of this value can give LA someone that can come in and contribute instantly as a rookie. And in Mel Kiper's latest mock draft from ESPN, the Rams are projected to get just that.

No. 36 - Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech

Kiper has White landing with the Rams after sliding out of the first round, listing his versatility as a major reason for the selection.

But White's versatility isn't limited to the defensive side of the ball. He began his college career as a tight end.

More on that later ...

Having been listed as a linebacker, defensive end and defensive tackle, White totaled an impressive 11 sacks during his three-year collegiate career. This included 7.5 last season with the Yellow Jackets.

White seemed to bring the big guns the better the opposition was. In an impressive 21-17 comeback win on the road for Georgia Tech over No. 13 North Carolina on Nov. 19, White sacked potential 2024 No. 1 overall pick and Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye three times.

Behind White's efforts, North Carolina was shutout in the second half at home.

But even in a blowout loss earlier in the season, White showed that the competition brought his game to another level. In a 41-10 loss to No. 4 Clemson on Sept. 4, he sacked Tigers standout quarterback DJ Uiagalelei twice in what was one of the only bright spots for Tech that day.

All of this becomes even more impressive when considering that White began his college career at Old Dominion as a tight end. This comfort and ability to make plays on the ball as a pass-rusher gives White even more value should he land on a Rams defensive line alongside superstar Aaron Donald.

White caught 11 balls for 124 yards as a freshman before making the switch to defense. While these numbers from a tight end would be overlooked by most, it's significant considering White's sudden rise to being a potential second-round prospect as a pass-rusher.

When Kiper mentioned White's versatility, he certainly wasn't kidding, despite forgetting to mention his experience on offense.

The Rams are trying to rebuild their defense on the fly -- there aren't many starters left from their 2021 Super Bowl-winning season. At 6-5, 285 pounds, White is a nice fit as an end in L.A.'s 3-4 defense. He played both tackle and end in college, putting up 7.5 sacks last season. The Rams need a defender who could contribute immediately.

The Rams have multiple routes they could go with their first pick of the draft, but White has proven he'd be an excellent choice.

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You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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