NFL Mock Draft: Rams to Pick Versatile Defensive Back at No. 19?

The Los Angeles Rams are set to select with a first-round pick since 2016, who will they be taking at No .19?
NFL Mock Draft: Rams to Pick Versatile Defensive Back at No. 19?
NFL Mock Draft: Rams to Pick Versatile Defensive Back at No. 19? /

Approximately three months remain until the 2024 NFL draft and the interest in quarterbacks is evident, with the possibility of five signal-callers to be selected in the opening round. 

Although, the Los Angeles Rams could be looking elsewhere for their first-round pick. 

For the first time since selecting Jared Goff in 2016, the Rams have a first-round pick. After eight years of waiting for their first-round selection, it is expected the Rams will target a defensive player at No. 19 to add to the growth the defense saw in 2023.  

Cooper DeJean
© Lily Smith/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK

To compensate for struggles in pass defense and interceptions selecting a skilled cornerback is top of mind and USA Today believes cornerback Cooper DeJean could be a Rams pick in their latest mock draft. 

In 2023, DeJean demonstrated impressive defensive prowess, tallying two interceptions and five pass breakups in 10 games. Notably, he did not allow a touchdown in 388 snaps of coverage. 

Excelling as a returner, he averaged 11.5 yards on punt returns and scored a 70-yard touchdown against Michigan State. Another touchdown against Minnesota was overturned due to what officials deemed an invalid fair catch signal.

Unfortunately, DeJean suffered an injury during mid-November practice, causing him to miss Iowa's final two regular-season games and the Big Ten championship.

Football analyst Mel Kiper ranked DeJean at No. 12 on his Top 25 list and had this to say about the young prospect:

How Many Compensatory Picks Will the Rams Have in the 2024 NFL Draft?

"Iowa's defense produced two first-round picks (Lukas Van Ness and Jack Campbell) and a third-rounder (Riley Moss) in the 2023 draft, and yet it was DeJean who kept catching my eye when I went back through the 2022 film. He had five interceptions, including three that he returned for touchdowns. But it wasn't just the big plays -- I was impressed with his technique on a snap-to-snap basis. He played in the slot and out wide, showing off tremendous speed to stick to receivers. He's just silky as a cover man."


Published