If there is one thing that is very evident about the Los Angeles Rams’ future, it is that they must locate their franchise left tackle and someone on whom they can rely long-term. Joe Noteboom hasn’t provided much stability at the position, while Alaric Jackson has demonstrated that he’s more of a sixth-man on an offensive line.
With a weak free agent class at left tackle, the Rams’ greatest opportunity to address this need will be during the 2024 NFL Draft. Jordan Reid of ESPN presented his most recent mock draft, in which he had the Rams selecting Houston offensive tackle Patrick Paul with the 18th overall choice.
With the Rams now sitting at 3-4, they are most likely out of reach for Notre Dame’s Joe Alt or Penn State’s Olumuyiwa Fashanu. Reid had both players going inside the top six, with Alabama’s JC Latham going to the Green Bay Packers at ninth overall. Amarius Mims of Georgia was drafted 14th overall by the New York Jets.
According to Pro Football Focus, Paul is the top-rated pass-blocking offensive tackle this season, with only one pressure allowed in seven games. The Big-12 isn’t known for its defense, but Paul has faced some quality competition when the Cougars played Texas.
It will be intriguing to see how the Rams fare in the 2024 NFL Draft. Sean McVay will be picking in the first round for the first time. Along with the quarterback, left tackle will undoubtedly be at the top of the list of needs. Few people would be surprised if the Rams signed Paul next April.
Leave a Reply