Wild Card Loss Cements Rams' 1st Round NFL Draft Position

The Los Angeles Rams have turned their attention to the offseason after a devastating Wild Card Round exit. Where are they picking, and who could they pick?

It’s been a long eight years. Five playoff appearances, two conference championships, and one Lombardi Trophy later, the Los Angeles Rams finally have control of their first-round pick at the end of the season.

Of course, it came in a brutally ironic fashion. Los Angeles lost its Wild Card contest to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, visiting Ford Field and coming up a point short. Quarterbacking the Lions was Jared Goff, the Rams’ most recent first-round pick – the first overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Rams general manager Les Snead has proven his competence, if not excellence, as an executive for his ability to build a roster without the benefit of making his selections on Day 1. Barring a trade, he’ll finally return to the draft’s first day.

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With Sunday’s 24-23 loss, the Rams are officially slated to pick 19th overall – the earliest of the playoff teams. Before compensatory picks come into play, they are slotted in at 19, 52, 83, 147, 148, and 173.

The emergence of young stars like receiver Puka Nacua and running back Kyren Williams has taken the pressure off of Snead. Los Angeles is no longer devoid of young talent like it was during its Super Bowl run. A healthy Matthew Stafford likely takes the quarterback position off the board, too.

A top-20 pick gives the Rams their best chance at a Pro Bowl-level talent in recent years, even if they’ve already found success on later picks. The three most likely options seem to be edge rusher, cornerback, and offensive line – at least before free agency shifts everyone’s board.

Los Angeles’ offensive line exceeded expectations across the board but remains uncertain moving forward. Right tackle Rob Havenstein isn’t getting any younger and dealt with injuries this season. Right guard Kevin Dotson was a nice surprise but is headed to unrestricted free agency. Left tackle Alaric Jackson is a restricted free agent, and Joe Noteboom isn’t locked in for a starting spot. Getting younger on the offensive line could pay dividends, even if said prospect doesn’t make an immediate impact.

On the other side of the ball, fans can expect Snead to invest legitimate resources, including (potentially) the 19th pick. Rookie edge rusher Byron Young was solid, but far too often did this defense lack a second edge rusher with any potency.

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Aaron Donald isn’t going to soak up attention forever. Names like Florida State’s Jared Verse and UCLA’s Laiatu Latu could find themselves in Rams mock drafts in the coming months.

Similarly, a pass rush lacking punch left an inconsistent secondary out to dry. The next rendition of this Los Angeles defense could use a cornerback that can match up with opposing top targets and rue their day. Defensive backs Ahkello Witherspoon and Derion Kendrick were liabilities at different points this season. Some prospects that fit this billing are Clemson’s Nate Wiggins, Georgia’s Kamari Lassiter, and Penn State’s Kalen King.

Wherever Snead decides to allocate the pick, fans can get excited about an infusion of young talent with pedigree other rookie classes have lacked for nearly a decade.