Rams Upgrade Multiple Spots on Defense in Latest Three-Round Mock Draft

The Los Angeles Rams need to bolster their defense if they are going to enter the next tier of NFC contenders. Can they address those needs in April's NFL Draft?

Moral victories are nice, but division titles are sweeter.

Capitalizing on the last few years of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford’s career means competing for a Super Bowl title. Making life easier in the playoffs is a necessity, and that means winning the NFC West.

That’s a tall task when the San Francisco 49ers rule over the conference, but with the advantage under center, it will be on Los Angeles to find the necessary defensive upgrades to make the division race worth running.

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In the 33rd Team’s recent mock draft, general manager Les Snead puts the weight of his draft capital behind a defense in desperate need of reinforcements.

With the Rams’ first-round pick – 19th overall – they select Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean.

DeJean entered the season as one of the highest-rated players in the country and maintained his stock by leading Iowa to one of the best defensive performances in the nation.

“They have a significant need at cornerback and safety,” Connor Livesay wrote. “DeJean can kill two birds with one stone thanks to his versatility and athleticism. He is a pure cornerback for me, but some teams will want him to tap into his versatility to paint different pictures for opposing defenses.”

Unfortunately, DeJean can’t improve both spots at the same time, but he would allow new defensive coordinator Chris Shula to be flexible in the construction of his defense. DeJean may not be the best pure cover corner in this class, but his physicality and willingness to get his hands dirty against the run stand tall next to his athletic profile.

At 51, Los Angeles adds a rotational piece to the trenches. Aaron Donald is incredible but won’t be around forever, so pairing defensive tackle Kobie Turner with a young running mate makes a lot of sense.

There’s little doubting Turner’s natural talent, but letting him marinate for a season with limited playing time may be the best course of action. He’s incredibly strong and has the explosiveness to match but is raw with his hands and feet, leaving him vulnerable to more experienced linemen prepared to take on his overpowering presence.

Allowing him to rotate in and provide relief for the Rams’ strong defensive tackle duo could keep their collective legs fresh and ultimately add to the unit’s effectiveness.

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Finally, Los Angeles spent its third-round pick on Georgia safety Javon Bullard.

Bullard is an athletic safety who can either step in as a starter or find time as the team’s third safety. If he participates in drills at the NFL Combine, fans can anticipate a strong showing that his reputation precedes.

The Rams struggled with explosive passing plays all season long. Adding DeJean is a start, but securing a rangy safety with the burst and fluidity of Bullard adds an extra layer of security.

With both Jenkins and Bullard, Los Angeles would be welcoming championship pedigree in its pursuit to bank on athletic traits.