2019 NFL Draft Mock 3.0: What if the Redskins traded back?
By Ian Cummings
The Rams’ defense received lots of scrutiny over the course of the 2018 season. Much like the Chiefs, the Rams were often caught up in high-scoring affairs.
Unlike the Chiefs, however, the Rams invested a treasure trove of assets into their defense in 2018. It wasn’t all for naught; Ndamukong Suh became a valuable part of a stacked interior line rotation, but Marcus Peters underwhelmed as a boundary corner, and voids at linebacker and edge rusher were revealed.
The Rams could address one of those two positions at this NFL Draft pick, but another need on the other side of the ball revealed itself in the Super Bowl: Offensive guard. With their line failing to come through on the big stage, the Rams’ offense was inert through four quarters, and Jared Goff’s poise was derailed by consistent pressure.
It’s still unclear whether or not Austin Blythe is a long-term solution at right guard, and veteran Roger Saffold is set to enter free agency this offseason. With how important offensive line play is for success in the NFL, the Rams can’t sneak around this. By drafting Dalton Risner at the tail end of Round 1 of the NFL Draft, they’ll acquire a mauler with a mean streak, one who can be further mentored by Robert Whitworth and John Sullivan.