2023 la rams draft class

The Los Angeles Rams entered the 2023 NFL Draft with 11 picks which was tied for second in the league. With a little bit of moving, a little bit of shaking, and the Rams ended up picking 14 players. Most in the NFL.

It is important to remember the Rams also entered the draft with only 45 players on the roster. Which is good for exactly half of what you expect to enter the preseason with. So even without picking in the top 35, it was critical for the Rams to add as many pieces as possible.

Needs were in no short supply throughout the roster entering Friday night, and the Rams draft strategy seemed to echo a ‘best player available’ style.

Overall the Rams 2023 draft class feels like it could be full of guys who can make a legitimate impact immediately. Down the entire list, it’s difficult to think that any of these guys will be cuts when it comes to the final roster and fans are in store for what might be the most exciting preseason in this franchises history. We will get plenty of opportunity to see these guys on the field in those exhibition match ups as I’m sure we will see the veterans sit out as we have seen since the arrival of Sean McVay.

As we dive into the Rams draft class, I want to first point out that as it is still the weekend of the draft, we don’t actually know how any of these guys will do when it comes to the big leagues. Things don’t translate straight across and if they did, draft busts wouldn’t exist. The wrong system or usage can ruin a players career. The right coach can bring the best out of a late round pick or a locker room can have a moral that is just perfect for someone’s personality. There are so many factors that will play into the career of each of these players who all have different personalities and backgrounds and will be forced now to mix with players like Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Tyler Higbee, Rob Havenstein, Aaron Donald, Jordan Fuller, and Brian Allen. Veterans who have proven to be incredible leaders, but all have personalities of their own. Time is the only true storyteller on each draft class. Whether this goes down as an incredible or terrible draft can’t be known for a few years, but I’m excited to find out. Now let’s meet the rookies.

1 - 36 Overall | G Steve Avila | TCU

Who is he? Steve Avila played at TCU where he was able to secure a solid number of starts at multiple positions along the offensive line. The Rams sure do love themselves a versatile offensive lineman who can play at multiple positions. Avila played guard last season, but does have starting experience at the center position and even has a few starts at right tackle.

What to expect: Avila finds himself in a pretty strong situation with the Rams. Last year the Rams started 14 different offensive linemen (shout out Havenstein, we know you’re invincible) and found themselves struggling to find continuity until late in the season. Not only can you fully expect Avila to make the roster, he’s got a chance to start. Last season felt kind of like some sort of reset of the Rams especially when it comes to the offensive line. It’s very much a clean slate feeling right now and jobs are up for the taking. Logan Bruss and Steve Avila could very realistically be the Rams starting guards, but Coleman Shelton might have something to say about that. If I’m letting my personal opinions leak in, my vote goes to Avila, Shelton, and Bruss filling out the interior of the offensive line. Keep an eye on Avila’s playing time in preseason. That could be telling on how fresh the coaches are trying to keep him entering week 1.

Best/Worst: At the top of expectations, Avila could be one of those long time starters for the Rams. He’s got all of the makings to make an impact on the Rams interior offensive line for many years to come. At worst, we get too excited about an early (in Rams standards) offensive lineman again and he struggles with injuries or picking up the NFL game.

Pronunciation: Ah-Vee-Lah

2 - 77 overall | olb Byron Young | Tennessee

Who is he? Byron Young’s story makes it so easy to root for him. By now you’ve likely heard about the gap in his playing career where he worked at a Dollar General before trying out for the team at Georgia Military College. He started hot at the military college and was one of the top junior college players following the Covid season where his team didn’t play. Young was a first-team All-SEC LB as a senior.

What to expect: Not only is Young easy to root for, but the Rams certainly have a need at OLB. Entering the draft, it would be difficult to name who the Rams best edge rusher is. My vote goes to Daniel Hardy even with limited reps. Young truly has a chance to start week 1 with the simple instructions “get to the QB”. I would expect him to begin as part of a rotation, but if he shows he can produce right away, he’ll be sitting at 95% snap counts in no time.

Best/Worst: Byron Young seems hungry which leads me to think that his best case scenario is that he turns into an awesome edge rusher for the Rams and we see it immediately in week 1. For Young, his worst case seems to feel like it would be as a rotational player who just doesn’t have the same fire, but again, I’m not exactly expecting that. Young truly does seem to have a legitimate shot to be a serious contributor this season, but anything can happen.

3 - 89 overall | DL Kobie Turner | Wake Forest

Who is he? Kobie Turner has had quite the collegiate journey on his way to the big leagues. As a walk-on at Richmond in 2017, he slowly worked his way to Wake Forest where he nabbed third-team All-ACC even though he didn’t start in any of the 13 games that he played in. Notched a couple of sacks and had a knack for forcing fumbles.

What to expect: Well similar to the above picks, and pretty much every pick for the Rams, Kobie enters a position group where he can make an immediate impact. The Rams do have depth at this position, but are looking for the best to rise to the top. Turner has a chance to do that alongside Aaron Donald. In the same room as Aaron Donald is a great place to be as an undersized defensive lineman who could use the peer pressure of AD to help his athleticism go to the next level. Turner should get plenty of opportunities to display his skillset.

Best/Worst: At best Kobie seems like the perfect little side project for Aaron Donald and the rest of this defense. Saying ‘the next Aaron Donald’ is quite the stretch and seems to be thrown around far too willy-nilly. If he can gain some of those skills and continue to get better though, the Rams might have themselves a solid long term starter. At worst, Kobie enters a pretty heavy room in terms of number of players, and fails to rise from the group and he slowly becomes one of those names that in 15 years guys like me will bring up to show off how closely I follow the Rams (I had a Joe Klopfenstein tweet over draft weekend and I’m way more proud of that than I need to be).

4 - 128 overall | QB Stetson Bennett | Georgia

Who is he? Stetson Bennett is a well decorated QB from Georgia which is the part that makes him difficult to judge. He had quite the supporting cast in his time as a Bulldog and it’s difficult to tell how much of it was him, and how much of it was the roster. For the talk around Hendon Hooker’s age, Bennett seemed to steer clear of those conversations despite entering the NFL at age 25 and a few months older than Hendon. Bennett has a pretty loose style and has often been compared to Baker Mayfield who was able to win a few AFC West match ups for the Rams last year on a beat up roster.

What to expect: With Matthew Stafford on the roster, we know that Stetson Bennett is here to serve as the QB2. Now that John Wolford and Bryce Perkins are gone, the need was there and we get to have the cool conversation that both our quarterbacks went to Georgia. It’s not THAT cool, but it’s something. It’s difficult to tell right now if there’s that killer instinct in Stetson Bennett or if he’ll serve as the backup for Matthew Stafford and then for the Rams next quarterback. If we’re lucky, we will only see him in preseason for the next two seasons anyway and wouldn’t even know if he’s actually any good.

Best/Worst: Stetson Bennett is certainly the most polorizing of the Rams draft picks. Reactions online varied from severe disappointment and claims of a ‘wasted pick’ to crazy excitement and references to all those dubs he stacked in college. At worst, Bennett gets exposed and we all talk about how he basically had nothing to do with Georgia’s success. On the opposite end, I feel like his best case scenario is coming in as a back up here and there for Matthew Stafford and I’d guess right now that Bennett would also be the back up for the Rams next starting QB after Stafford. My favorite comment from him so far is “I can’t wait to learn from Matt and all the other quarterbacks in the room.” Oh, Stetson. You are the other quarterbacks in the room. Buckle up. Overall I think Bennett doesn’t have one of those crazy emerging stories, but I think he’s got the skills to come in for a game or two here and there and make some exciting splash plays that are likely ultimately the work of a Cam Akers or Cooper Kupp takeover.

5 - 161 overall | olb nick hampton | Appalachian State

Who is he? When looking at Hampton’s career, it is clear to see he is a great pass rusher. He’s undersized which does translate into some struggles against the run, but there’s no denying his ability to get after the QB. This could lead to an intriguing, but limited role in the Rams defense. I’m not sure what his versatility looks like in terms of being able to play different roles, but without that skillset at this level, that’s a tough spot to be in. Hampton’s motor is the unsung hero here and could be the secret ingredient to long term success.

What to expect: Hampton might make a living off of his motor, but questions about his size do hold water. I’m really interested to see Hampton take reps against some of the older guys in camp like Havenstein. That could be the real key to bringing his game to the level it needs to be to make it at this level. I can’t truly give you an explanation on what to expect when it comes to Hampton. This is very much a ‘wait and see’ pick in my opinion.

Best/Worst: Hampton has what I’d consider one of the biggest ‘windows’ as far as ceiling and floor. Hampton’s motor could be what gets him not only on the field, but better in practice each day. I don’t know if 2023 is the year to really watch out for Hampton, but maybe 24 or 25 he can develop into one of those main contributors. At worst, his motor isn’t enough to match up with the NFL level talent and he is lucky to make it to and through season one.

6 - 174 overall | OT Warren McClendon | Georgia

Who is he? This two-time national champ joins his former QB on the Rams roster. McClendon should be able to settle in behind Rob Havenstein and hopefully pick up a few traits. McClendon has plenty of starting reps at the RT spot in college and saw some of the best pass rushers not only in practice every day, but also throughout the SEC where therre is no shortage of NFL talent. McClendon’s versatility makes him one of those obvious Rams choices with even some center experience in high school.

What to expect: Before seeing him touch a field, McClendon does feel like a guy that with the right coaching can develop into a starter along the line. Maybe a Joseph Noteboom-like career path. We still have some good years out of Havenstein as he is not yet reaching that age where we need to believe he’s retiring at any second, but he is only one of two remaining St. Louis Rams on the roster. I’m really interested in seeing McClendon take preseason snaps. Expect McClendon to make the roster, but maybe be one of those guys who is inactive most weeks. Not in a negative way, but McClendon in 2024 might be ready to make that push. And who knows, maybe he unseats Noteboom.

Best/Worst: McClendon gets helped quite a bit here that he does have some versatility and he’s got plenty of starts on his resume. at his best, I think McClendon develops into a starter on the line. Maybe given a few years to really refine those skills, he takes over for an aging Havenstein (who still has some good years in him). Maybe he’s our next invincible RT. At worst McClendon turns into a Bobby Evans type player. Someone who seems to be more talented than they play and sits on the roster as a back up for a few years before eventually getting wedged out by another rookie in a few years. Which could be what happens to Evans with McClendon this season.

7 - 175 overall | TE Davis Allen | Clemson

Who is he? Davis Allen has basically been an awesome tight end since high school. He got playing time immediately at Clemson as a true freshman. Allen ended with 5 touchdowns in 14 starts last season. At 6’6”, Allen enters the building as a legit red zone threat. Another preseason player to keep an eye on.

What to expect: Another player who is difficult to predict when it comes to what their true impact will be. As a person who is unnecessarily pulling so hard for Hunter Long just because a good portion of Rams fans have already written him off and him being a preseason cut would lead to a Twitter flood that I just don’t think I’m ready for yet. The Ramsey trade looks so much more lame if the return player doesn’t even make the roster. Is Davis Allen awesome enough to push Hunter Long off the roster? Kind of feels like that answer is yes, but let’s not get to counting chickens just yet.

Best/Worst: Davis Allen enters the Rams roster while the best to ever do it for this team at his position is here, Tyler Higbee. If that makes your forehead scrunch, well you name me a better all-time Rams TE! The Rams don’t historically have the most decorated TE group. Higbee, Hopkins, Long, and Allen. It’s hard to think that all of those names will make the roster. Best case scenario, Allen bumps Long off the team and makes some appearances helping out the Chase Blackburn grouping on special teams. Worst case scenario, Allen enters just too loaded of a group and we see in camp and preseason that Hunter Long just wasn’t used right in Miami and he’s got a nice role in the Rams offense. Hard to tell, but the battle between those two in preseason is certainly a topic.

8 - 177 overall | WR Puka Nacua | BYU

Who is he? Puka Nacua is one interesting prospect that is probably at the top of my list of offensive players I’m excited to watch in preseason. Nacua spent some time at Washington before returning to his hometown BYU Cougars where he was the teams best target the last two seasons. Puka brings an element to his game that has an obvious role in the Rams offense as he also scored 5 rushing touchdowns with 209 ground yards making him essentially the mold for what makes the Rams offense tick. Which is jet sweeps and versatile weapons that can get yards in the air with creative routes and screens plus the ability to find holes in the ground game.

What to expect: The optimist in me really wants to take over here and say we just found our next Robert Woods, but I am going to temper those expectations and there are a few reasons. Nacua isn’t extremely quick in and out of his routes and there are plenty of things with his release and ability to create space that he can work on. If Nacua finds his place under the wing of Cooper Kupp and refines those skills, this guy could be really awesome to watch. Nacua’s success feels like it comes down to how bad he wants it. The framework of the ideal Rams wide receiver is there, but will he improve the parts that currently lack a bit?

Best/Worst: Puka Nacua is another player with a wide ceiling and floor gap. Nacua has all the makings to be pretty much the perfect Rams WR for a Sean McVay offense. With McVay, Stafford, and Kupp all in the building, Nacua would be wise to bring that sponge energy to the offseason program and soak in all that he can. Best case scenario, Kupp and Nacua is the next sick Rams WR duo. At worst, Nacua struggles to get open and has an Allen Robinson type season and we discover that the scheme fit wasn’t as snug as we thought.

Pronunciation: Poo-Kuh Nah-Koo-Uh

9 - 182 overall | CB Tre’vius Hodges-Tomlinson | TCU

Who is he? Well I wouldn’t be a true media person if I didn’t mention that LaDanian Tomlinson is indeed related to Tre’vius. He is his uncle. I’m guessing you heard this, but just to make sure I am doing my duty, I have to pass it along. Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson is an undersized, but straight up sick cornerback. Tre’Vius is definitely athletic and when you feel like the need to say that when talking about NFL players, it means he’s not just athletic he’s athletic. Probably the top of my list of defenders I’m excited to see in preseason.

What to expect: Hodges-Tomlinson does need some coaching and some discipline with penalties. While he allows a crazy low completion percentage (34.6% - PFF) he also had 14 penalties. As Rams fans, we know how fast that can make us turn on a player (looking at you Alex Barron and Greg Robinson).

Best/Worst: Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson does actively need to cut out some of those penalties, but the style of his game is exciting. He seems like a little bit of a raw version of Cobie Durant, but with a higher upside. If the penalties are an issue and the size of the NFL wide outs show to be too much, Tre’Vius could have a short career. On the flip side, if his passion stays at the current level it’s at and he can continue to eat up knowledge from guys like Aubrey Pleasant and grow with the young guys that make up the Rams CB room, this kid could be incredible. With his size, he likely sits in a nickel role for the bulk of his career, but good nickel play is certainly appreciated.

10 - 189 overall | OLB Ochaun Mathis | Nebraska

Who is he? Mathis began his playing career at TCU but transferred to Nebraska for his final season where he played in 12 games and started in two. A player who has many similar traits to Nick Hampton. Strong motor and great pass rush, but strength is a concern and I’m really curious to see how much of an obstacle the NFL level offensive linemen are for them. Mathis has a lot of experience on the field, but has seen his hype levels drop off since over the last few years. Has the athletic framework to be awesome, but does need to get stronger for this level of football.

What to expect: We should get the opportunity to see plenty of reps for Mathis in the preseason. I think we will get a good gauge on Mathis pretty early on. He’s very talented and if he enters the season much stronger, that will tell us a lot about what kind of player he is.

Best/Worst: While with any player, Mathis enters the offseason program with things to work on, he does get the advantage of playing a position that Rams need someone to step up at. Mathis and Hampton feel like they are in such similar spots it will be interesting to see which of the two grabs the ram by the horn and works on their game enough to be a regular contributor. At worst, Mathis gets a little buried in the depth chart and maybe sticks around for 2 or 3 seasons on and off the practice squad. At best, he hops on an Aaron Donald like work out program and comes into the preseason displaying the gun show and finds his way into the Rams pass rush rotation.

Pronunciation: O-Shon

11 - 215 overall | RB Zach Evans | Ole Miss

Who is he? Evans seems to be what you’re looking for from a RB. He’s fast, strong, has good vision, and solid size. His injury history and position do make the eye brows increase in altitude just a bit, but overall Evans feels like a solid pick. Cam Akers and Kyren Williams figure to be the top two guys at the spot right now, but maybe Evans can find a spot himself on the game day roster.

What tooo expect: With the names mentioned above, I’m not sure how much of Evans we see this year. To be completely honest, I’d be surprised if it were a noteworthy amount of playing time. That’s not intended to be a knock or anything on Evans, it just feels like Akers and Williams have the position in good hands as is. Depth at the spot was necessary and hopefully we get to see some splashy surprises with him and Stetson Bennett in the preseason games.

Best/Worst: Zach Evans is in a position to get a whole bunch of preseason reps, but I really feel comfortable saying that he probably won’t get much regular season action, if any this season. First, he has to stay healthy. Reggie Scott and the medical/training staff will be a nice resource for him early in his career. Best case scenario for Evans is he wiggles his way into a game day roster here and there and shows some sweet flashes. Talent is definitely there, but like I’ve said plenty of times before, running backs are everywhere. To stand out at that position, you really have to STAND OUT. Worst case scenario for Evans is a preseason cut. I’m not sure I really expect that to happen, but if he does make the roster I think realistic expectations are that we just don’t see much of him this season.

12 - 223 overall | P Ethan Evans | Wingate

Who is he? Well he’s a punter. The Rams entered the draft with no specialists on the roster at all. Coming in at 223 just feels so much better than picking a kicker in, let’s just say hypothetically, the top 100. That would be ridiculous… Ethan Evans is a strong punter and even helped Wingate on kicks last season making all 35 of his PAT attempts and went 9/15 on FGs. Evans is a first-team All-SAC punter for the second straight year at Wingate; which I definitely knew existed before this pick. Chase Blackburn is playing NO GAMES in his first season as the Rams Special Teams Coordinator.

What to expect: As a drafted punter, Evans is basically guaranteed to make the final roster where he will be the Rams punter. Evans has had a fine leg attached to his person for years now. I think he can handle the job.

Best/Worst: Ethan Evans is in an awesome position because reports say that Chase Blackburn is a big fan of his. Which means he’s probably locked in to being the Rams punter for the next few years at least unless he comes in and is terrible. Johnny Hekker may have ruined what we Rams fans want out of a punter and it’s a lot more realistic to just want a guy who can shift the field position and put your defense in a good spot. Best case he’s the Rams punter for the next 20 years. Worst case, the NFL pressure is too much and he’s only here for maybe 3 or 4 years. Either way, it feels like the Rams punter for the meantime is Ethan Evans.

13 - 234 overall | S Jason Taylor II | Oklahoma State

Who is he? Taylor II seems to be the kind of guy who gets better when the moment requires it. Or.. as a great coach once said “Being your best when your best is required”. Taylor is a kind of raw secondary player who I kind of think is the perfect project for a coach like Aubrey Pleasant who I am absolutely thrilled is back on the staff. Pleasant has a way to get the very best out of secondary players and Jason Taylor II has all the athleticism and framework to be great, but does need refining. Let the development begin!

What to expect: Jason Taylor II should be able to find his way onto thhe roster simply because of the lack of depth the team entered the draft with. He does seem like a bit of a project and without Aubrey Pleasant I’m probably a lot less optimistic, but the Rams also don’t like to pay safeties so if Jordan Fuller only has until his contract runs out, maybe Taylor will be firing on all cylinders by then.

Best/Worst: The Rams secondary is down to just one true veteran in Jordan Fuller. While Quentin Lake seems to be an obvious choice for a starting safety, if someone were to show up and start just absolutely crushing souls, that person could find their way onto the field often. Jason Taylor II definitely has that fire in his eyes and is certainly a candidate for that role. Simply put, at best, Jason Taylor II could be an awesome addition and work his way into the starting line up. At worst, he doesn’t have those moments when a play is needed and he’s the one making it like in college and his career fizzles out. Even with being a late pick, my money tends to lean towards the former.

14 - 259 overall | DL Desjaun Johnson | Toledo

Who is he? Johnson snagged first-team All-MAC last year for the Golden Rockets with 16.5 tackles for loss. With the unfortunate title of “Mr. Irrelevant”, Johnson now has to do his best to live up to the hype of last years final pick QB Brock Purdy. The way the media treats this position, if Desjaun Johnson ever sacks Brock Purdy, it could reach the level of media tension of Michael Sam sacking Johnny Manziel in that one preseason game. Back on topic, Johnson is a fine pass rusher and enters a team that was looking for just that. With a strong camp and preseason, Johnson could absolutely see himself as part of a rotation come week 1.

What to expect: Desjuan Johnson is likely thrilled that it was the Rams who selected him with plenty of opportunity for people who can get to the quarterback. With this pick, the Rams feel like they went from not enough players, to wondering who of all these players will stick out? The job is up for grabs. Who’s going to grab it? The last Rams Mr. Irrelevant (LB David Vabora.. I think. I’m not going to look it up. I trust myself) did make the roster and also got a number of starts. The possilbities with the youth and depth on this defense are truly endless. Will Desjuan Johnson be the one to stand out?

Besst/Worst: I know people love the glamorize the last selection of the draft, but from the player perspective that has to be a little bit of a bummer right? Like you were one pick away from being able to choose your team out of the UDFA offers. With the Rams adding to this position earlier in the draft, Johnson has an uphill battle and I think most realistically finds himself as an inactive player most weeks if he’s not looked at more as a practice squad type guy. Best case scenario, getting drafted lights that fire and he comes in on an absolute tear. Worst case scenario he fails to rise up from the group and finds himself clinging to the roster always just one bad rep away from the team finding someone else.

Pronunciation: Deh-Shon

To be completely clear here, none of us have any idea how the careers of these players will unfold. This could go down as one of the best drafts in team history, or one of the most useless. More realistically, with 14 picks, the Rams would be really lucky to have 5 truly long term contributors to this roster. Any more than that is really just a nice bonus. The Rams did have plenty of jobs to fill and the way the class shaped up seemed to address many of the questions and positions that Rams fans have been vocally concerned about.

Who are YOU most excited to see when the preseason begins? Let me know @SheriffJoeBags/@RamsShowcase

A ‘Meet The Rookies’ podcast is certainly on the way and be sure to catch Rams Showcase everywhere you already listen to your favorite podcasts. Check out our MERCH as well. That’s the absolute best way to support the show if that’s something you are interested in!