Rams' Top 2023 NFL Draft Targets
The one positive aspect of a tough season for an NFL team is the reward of an early draft pick the following year. However, the Los Angeles Rams aren't getting that benefit despite coming off a 2022 campaign in which they went 5-12.
The Rams don't own their first-round selection in the 2023 NFL draft, which is set to take place Thursday-Saturday in Kansas City. They traded that No. 6 pick to the Detroit Lions as part of the package for quarterback Matthew Stafford in March 2021.
Although Los Angeles may not get into the draft action until Friday, it will be heavily involved over the final two days of the event. The Rams own 11 picks, with their earliest selection coming at No. 36 in the second round.
Here's a look at several players L.A. may want to consider targeting with its top picks in this year's draft.
Will McDonald IV, DE, Iowa State
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Last month, the Rams released edge-rusher Leonard Floyd, weakening a unit that already didn't have a ton of depth. Los Angeles recorded only 38 sacks during the 2022 season, which was tied for the 11th fewest in the league. And Floyd led the team with nine.
So, it wouldn't be surprising if the Rams take a pass-rusher when they're on the clock at No. 36. If they decide to go that route, then Iowa State's Will McDonald IV would be a great target if he's still on the board at that point.
The 23-year-old spent five years with the Cyclones, and he put up some impressive sack totals. He finished his career with 34 in 48 games, 27 of which came over his final three years.
The Athletic's Dane Brugler believes McDonald's "natural length, flexibility and explosiveness are an enticing combination." He has the potential to develop into a great NFL edge-rusher, and he could take some of the pressure off star defensive tackle Aaron Donald on the D-line.
Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
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Tyler Higbee has been an inconsistent performer throughout his seven-year NFL career with the Rams. At times, it's seemed like he was going to take the next step and become a top-tier tight end, but that hasn't quite been the case.
The Los Angeles offense would become much more dangerous with a higher-impact player at tight end. That's why Georgia's Darnell Washington could be an intriguing prospect for the Rams to consider taking in the second round.
The 21-year-old didn't put up huge numbers during his three years with the Bulldogs, as his best showing came in his final season in 2022, when he had 28 catches for 454 yards and two touchdowns. But his size (6'7", 264 pounds), athleticism and skills could allow him to develop into a strong NFL tight end.
With Higbee still in the fold, Los Angeles could be patient in developing Washington to help him reach his full potential.
It may even be possible for the Rams to trade down a few spots from No. 36, acquire even more draft capital and still come away with Washington.
Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
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Since Andrew Whitworth retired following the 2021 season, the Rams have struggled to fill his spot at left tackle.
At this point in the offseason, it appears likely Joe Noteboom and Alaric Jackson will be battling for the starting job there heading into 2023.
However, it would be a surprise if Los Angeles didn't take an OT during the draft, and it seems likely to do so early on. Then, the incoming rookie can compete with Noteboom and Jackson for immediate playing time.
A potential Day 2 target for the Rams could be Matthew Bergeron. Although the 6'5" lineman began his time with Syracuse as a right tackle, he moved over to the left side midway through his collegiate career, making eight starts there in 2020, 12 in 2021, and 11 in 2022.
Because Bergeron may not get drafted until the third round, he's a great sleeper prospect in this year's class. If the Rams are able to snag him, they could be getting their starting left tackle for the upcoming season at a tremendous value.
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