7 players who are commonly mocked to Rams in first round

One of most helpful outcomes of the exploding popularity of the NFL Draft is the arrival of consensus boards that aggregate the thousands of mock drafts across the internet. These consensus boards allow for tracking of stock for individual prospects, and help build a list of targets for each team in the first round.

NFL Mock Draft Database lists these seven players as the targets for the Los Angeles Rams at 26th overall followed by their consensus big board ranking:

LB - Jihaad Campbell, Alabama (19)

The three most attractive parts of Campbell’s draft profile are his size, athleticism, and ability to chase ball carriers sideline to sideline. He projects as a plus coverage linebacker, which is not a skillset the Rams currently have at the position.

Campbell had surgery in March to repair a labrum tear and has a tendency to miss games here and there.

Photo by Sarah Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

WR - Matthew Golden, Texas (20)

Part of the appeal of Golden is the fact he ran the fasted 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine. Lending too much credit to results at the combine can get you into trouble quickly as a general manager, though there is also a lot to like from Golden on film.

At 5-11, 191 lbs., Golden often plays bigger than his size suggests. He also has flexibility to win from the slot or on the outside. There might not be a single offense in the NFL that wouldn’t benefit from a player with this skillset, though he might not ever become a true WR#1.

OT - Josh Simmons, Ohio State (22)

One advantage that Simmons has over some of the other top tackle prospects in this class is that there is two years of film of him playing left tackle at a major program. You don’t have to wonder whether he can move from the right side and maintain his effectiveness.

That’s a double-edged sword for the Rams, because they just extended Alaric Jackson’s contract and made him the starting left tackle for the foreseeable future. The more immediate tackle need for LA would be on the right side, where veteran Rob Havenstein is on the wrong side of 30 and entering a contract year. It’s not irrational to say that it’s easier to move from the left side to the right than the opposite.

For those reasons, is Simmons the right guy for the Rams?

QB - Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss (26)

It will be a tough journey to the NFL for Dart after playing in a simplified Ole Miss offense, especially if he lands with someone like Sean McVay. His college scheme also makes for a tough draft projection.

There’s a lot to like. Dart is an accurate passer and adept in the short and intermediate areas of the field. There is inconsistency in his deep ball but he played with bigger receivers and is willing to let guys go up and get the ball.

Can Dart make the jump to the NFL where windows are more narrow and you are forced to throw with more anticipation? That’s the major question mark with him.

Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images

WR - Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State (33)

In my view Egbuka is one of the more underrated players in this draft class. He has great instincts and a lot of production.

Is Egbuka limited to the slot as a professional player, or will he be able to win on the outside? That complicates his fit specifically with the Rams, and his play style may overlap some with Puka Nacua.

WR - Luther Burden, Missouri (34)

If you had Luther Burden on a mock draft to the Rams in January you would have been laughed at. He was tracking as a top 10 player around that time and since his stock as cratered to around the top of the second round.

There’s still a lot to like about Burden, however. Some will be scared off by his drop in production during his senior season, but QB Brady Cook and his backup were highly inconsistent and the Missouri offense fell off a cliff. Burden is an elite separator and excels in run after the catch opportunities.

It’s not hard to envision Burden in royal and sol. Teams might have to get creative and manufacture touches for him, but you’ll be glad once you get the ball in his hands.

OT - Josh Conerly, Jr., Oregon (35)

Conerly also has experience playing left tackle at a major program. He improved over time at Oregon and has squarely entered the first round conversation.

The same concerns from Simmons also exist for Conerly. Can he relocate to the right side if needed? Some analysts also consider Conerly more of a fit for the interior, though he doesn’t have meaningful experience there.

Do you find the idea of one of these players landing on the Rams exciting? Let us know what you think or any alternative selections you’d make in the comments.