Sad news: Rams miss out on signing their favorite QB on NFL draft
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams selected Jared Verse with the 19th overall pick, but it doesn’t mean other players weren’t selected before him on their big board. One draftnik claims that if Bo Nix had been available to the Rams in the first round, they would have selected him.
NFL Media’s Chad Reuter, an NFL Draft researcher and analyst since 2011, stated on Denver Sports Radio that the Rams “absolutely” would have picked Nix at 19 if he had been available.
Did the Los Angeles Rams try to make a trade-up?
In response to a query about whether or not the Denver Broncos might have acquired Nix through trade back, Reuter answered. Reuter gave a direct response.
“Quarters aren’t taken by teams in the first round. It doesn’t occur. They’re advancing in their quest for a quarterback.
Regarding trading up, Diana Russini revealed that the Rams were making a concerted effort to move up into the top 10.
Would the Rams have taken Nix if they had completed the trade? It’s obvious that the Rams were higher on Bo Nix than most believed, but finding the reason will require traveling to a parallel universe.
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Falcons are attempting to emulate the Rams’ pass rusher draft success.
The Falcons have clear needs at the most critical spots on the roster heading into the offseason.
The most significant one had a total redesign. After securing the biggest free agent deal of the NFL offseason with Kirk Cousins, Atlanta selected Michael Penix with their first pick.
Whatever your thoughts on the procedure, the Falcons responded by overcommitting to the quarterback position.
The next most critical need on the squad was a receiver, so Terry Fontenot signed Darnell Mooney as soon as possible after reaching an agreement with Cousins. The pass rush, which many anticipated would be addressed with Atlanta’s first-round selection, was the only issue left to handle.
That, as we all know, never happened, but the Falcons clearly saw the Los Angeles Rams as their target when they used their next three selections to strengthen the defensive line.
Raheem Morris moved to Atlanta from Los Angeles and intends to carry some of that magic with him. The Rams have been extremely successful recently, in contrast to the Falcons, but no one anticipated that they would qualify for the postseason in 2023. Puka Nacua led a fantastic rookie class that well exceeded expectations.
Still, there are many excellent selections from the Rams’ 2023 draft class aside from the Day 3 diamond in the rough. Although Los Angeles selected Kobie Turner and Byron Murphy in the third round, their tale is centered around the second-round pick Steve Avila, who became an instant starter on the offensive line.
Turner’s nine sacks topped all rookies and tied a Rams franchise mark set by Aaron Donald, helping him finish third in the Defensive Rookie of the Year competition. Along with those nine sacks, he finished with 57 total tackles, eight for loss, 16 quarterback hits, and two passes defended.
However, Young was not far behind his classmate. In addition to recording 61 total stops, eight of which were for loss, 18 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles, he finished with eight sacks, which ranked second among all rookies.
For as long as I can recall, the Falcons pass rush has been a weakness. However, if Raheem Morris can repeat his LA success in Atlanta, then we can all feel confident in Brandon Dorlus, Bralen Trice, and Ruke Orhorhoro.
Because of his incredible athleticism, Orhorhoro lined up for the Clemson Tigers last season in every technique from the zero to the nine. Orhorhoro’s movement talents and sheer might are what create excitement around him, even in spite of his lack of college production. Imagine him as a lump of clay. Look out if Raheem Morris and his coaching staff can expedite his progress.
Nearly the opposite of the team’s second-round selection, Trice was selected by Atlanta in the third round. Although his athletic profile isn’t as outstanding as Orhorhoro’s, he was quite productive at Washington, leading the country in pressures the previous season. Another adaptable defender who can play a variety of roles is added to the Falcons roster.
The player selected on the third day of the NFL Draft is the most intriguing of the three. Dorlus is bigger than a typical outside linebacker but smaller than a typical defensive lineman. He can move up and down the line of scrimmage, though, much like Ruck Orhorhoro, and he could be the best pass rusher of them all. In 2023, he recorded 46 total pressures and 11 quarterback knockdowns.
The Falcons pass rush might no longer be a weakness if two of the three can emerge alongside to Grady Jarrett, David Onyemata, Arnold Ebiketie, and the other defensive linemen from Atlanta.