Raheem Morris and Atlanta Falcons To Use Los Angeles Rams Draft Strategy?

The Atlanta Falcons are looking at what the Los Angeles Rams did in last year's NFL Draft, and could be using that as a blueprint in 2024.

Jan 14, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) runs after a / David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

Despite not having a first round pick in 2023, the Los Angeles Rams had arguably the best and most impactful NFL Draft haul of any team.

And the Atlanta Falcons - who are now led by former Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris - want to replicate that success for themselves in the 2024 Draft.

“Raheem (and the Rams) showed that with players (they were) able to draft in L.A.,” Falcons GM Terry Fontenot said, via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.“They had a lot of success. We have a lot of confidence in our scouting staff. So we’re going to add in those areas, and we’re going to make sure we get the most of those players.”

Jan 14, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) runs after a / David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

The Rams started off the 2023 class by selecting offensive guard Steve Avila, who is firmly entrenched as a starter, despite his move to center.

But the headliner of that class for the Rams, of course, was receiver Puka Nacua, who had a historically dominant rookie season hauling in 105 catches for 1,486 yards - both NFL rookie records - with six touchdowns.

Not to mention, in addition to Nacua looking like a legitimate star for the Rams, third-round picks Byron Young and Kobie Turner were also elite for L.A. last season.

Young has 60 combined tackles, 18 quarterback hits, seven sacks, seven tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles from his outside linebacker position. Meanwhile, Turner, a defensive tackle, has 57 combined tackles, 15 quarterback hits, nine sacks, and eight tackles for a loss in his rookie campaign. 

And Morris wants to find something similar for Atlanta.

“You’ve got depth in all areas of the draft,” Morris said. "I think I learned that last year with the Rams with our ability to find what we found on the line. In our ability to find (Byron Young). We found Kobie Turner and some of those guys who could rush the passer.”

Obviously, that will be easier said than done for the Falcons.

But with Morris, offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake all bringing what they know from L.A. to Atlanta, they will have as good a shot as anyone to replicate that success.