Los Angeles Rams: Way too early 2018 NFL mock draft

The Los Angeles Rams have three picks in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. They have their own, they have the Buffalo Bills’ and the Detroit Lions. The first of the three, which is the Lions’, the Rams selected offensive tackle Nick Gates out of Nebraska.

The 6’5″ offensive tackle definitely has the frame to succeed in the NFL. The junior tackle has been named to the All-Big Ten Third-Team as well as setting a school record for 26 consecutive starts at left tackle.

The Rams may already have their left tackle in Andrew Whitworth, but a transition to right tackle is not inconceivable for the rookie. Learning under Whitworth, Gates can develop into a great NFL tackle in just a few seasons.

Another pick out of Clemson, the Rams selected linebacker Kendall Joseph one pick later with the Buffalo Bills’ sixth round pick. Joseph made 96 total tackles, five for loss, with one interception in his junior year at Clemson.

Joseph has the talents and a long frame that will help him in the passing game. Overall, Joseph just needs to learn to trust his abilities and not be hesitant at the NFL level. If he can make that transition, Joseph certainly has starting potential and could quickly make his way into the starting unit.

Finally, with their own pick in the sixth round, the Rams finally shy away from defense and the offensive line and pick a skill player in Byron Pringle. Pringle, a junior out of Kansas State, brings multiple talents to the Los Angeles Rams.

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First things first, Pringle can develop into another one of Jared Goff’s weapons next season. Sammy Watkins is set to be a free agent, and if the Rams cannot sign him, that opens a spot in the receiving core. Thus, Pringle could receive more playing time than he would have without Watkins leaving.

He definitely deserves it, as well. Pringle was the Wildcats’ best receiver last season. In 12 games, Pringle made 30 receptions for 724 yards and six touchdowns. Not only can he be a threat in spread packages, he is a great kick returner that could help an already great Rams’ special teams.

Pharoh Cooper was sensational for the Rams all season but had a few too many blunders in the playoff game that ultimately may have taken the air out of LA’s tires. With that in mind, the Rams may want to draft a “back-up” plan in Pringle.

Next: Rams' 2017 Defensive MVP's

The Los Angeles Rams also a conditional seventh round pick from the Baltimore Ravens. However, those conditions are still undisclosed and it is yet to be known if the Rams will indeed receive that draft pick. Thus, for now, we will assume that they only had six rounds worth of selections.