Who Are Rams Top NFL Draft Targets at Edge Rusher?
The Los Angeles Rams have several needs to address in the 2023 NFL Draft, and one of the biggest is at edge rusher.
The Rams' pass rush already wasn't great, as they had just 38 sacks in 2022. This offseason, they released their top pass rusher in Leonard Floyd, who led the team with nine sacks last season. Other important pieces of the pass rush like Bobby Wagner and Greg Gaines, who had six and four sacks, respectively, have also moved onto greener pastures. Looking at the roster, the pass rush doesn't have much outside of Aaron Donald and Michael Hoecht.
It comes as no surprise that many experts have suggested that Los Angeles will take a pass rusher in the draft, particularly on the edge. But what exactly are the Rams looking for in an edge rusher? Well, linebackers coach/pass rush coordinator Chris Shula has the answer.
"You want guys that jump off the tape, and basically when I say that, it's just, when the tape is running, you don't even know you're watching, you could just pick out the guy easily," Shula said Friday. "So the first thing we look at is guys that are violent and explosive. You want playmakers, you want guys that are game wreckers, right? Always the thing you look for is guys that can rush the passer. That's just kind of standard."
With those criteria in mind, which players in the draft might be a good fit for the Rams? If they decide to address it with their first pick, No. 36 overall, then the top choice would likely be Iowa State's Will McDonald IV. The Milwaukee native had 34 sacks in his collegiate career, and scouting reports have praised his explosiveness. Georgia Tech's Keion White, who had 7.5 sacks in 2022 and has similar athleticism, could be a good choice as well.
The Rams also have two picks in the third round, No. 69 and No. 77, and could also select a pass-rusher then. Ohio State's Zach Harrison isn't the fastest pass rusher but uses his 6-6, 274-pound frame very well. By contrast, Army's Andre Carter III could bulk up a bit but has the explosiveness down. There are also plenty of other edge rushers who should be available on Day 3.
No matter when the Rams decide to address this need, they will have plenty of options to choose from.
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