The Rams must flip the script; go all defensive in 2018 NFL Draft

The Los Angeles Rams went all-in on the offensive side of the ball in the 2017 NFL Draft and it paid off. Now, it is time to flip to defense for the 2018 NFL Draft.

At the time, the Los Angeles Rams‘ selections in the 2017 NFL draft were good, but not among the best choices in the NFL. Chad Reuter of NFL.com gave the Rams an overall grade of “B-” for the draft, stating, “The Rams needed to find a cornerback (or two), but couldn’t meet all their needs in eight picks.”

Los Angeles’ strategy definitely was bold and left many unsure of how the team would perform. Here they had this guy in Jared Goff with a ton of upside, however, he sucked in his rookie year. Instead of trying to find a plan B if Goff were to fizzle out, the Rams went all-in on their first overall pick.

As they should have. Goff bounced back, proving the Rams’ offensive-minded strategy correct. The second-year quarterback completed 62.1% of his passes for 3804 yards, 28 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. Were Goff to have played in week 17, he easily could have hit the 4000-yard, 30 touchdown mark. Tom Brady was the only one to accomplish the feat this season.

Now, except for needing to fill the potential hole Sammy Watkins could leave behind, the Rams are set offensively. They could use a better right tackle, something they can hit the free agent market for (like they did with Andrew Whitworth).

Now, that same focus turns to the defense, which in turn should lead to a very, very, heavy defensive draft.

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The first round is simple; draft a corner. The cornerback class in this year’s draft is pretty good, Walter Football has six different guys that could land in the first round alone. Denzel Ward, Carlton Davis and Donte Jackson are all guys the Rams’ should be looking at should they fall to the 23rd overall pick.

The second round is about drafting a defensive end. Regardless of the shape of the offseason, LA needs to bring in an edge-rusher to the defense. If Aaron Donald stays, the Rams create a dynamic similar to the Chargers.

If Donald leaves, they have a guy that can soften the blow. LA may not be able to find that past the second round.

From then on out the team should continue to focus on the defensive side of things. The secondary isn’t the best heading into next year, so another corner selection in the third round may be in the cards. Los Angeles could use a safety selection after that; perhaps even a nose tackle if Donald does leave.

If LA cannot re-sign Watkins, then they should go ahead and spend a fifth or sixth round pick on a receiver; much like they did with safety John Johnson in last year’s draft. However, that should be the only offensive selection the team makes in the draft.

Next: Rams' complete mock draft

Defense, defense, defense. It is what wins championships and keeps teams alive in the playoffs. That is why three of the final four quarterbacks were not considered impact players. LA needs to build up that defense, and with their great quarterback, the rest will fall into place.

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