Los Angeles Rams NFL Draft Scouting Report: Tremaine Edmunds

The Los Angeles Rams have the 23rd overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft. With it, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds must become a priority.

The Los Angeles Rams had a surprising defense last season. However, after the organization focused on the offense last offseason, it is apparent that the defensive side of the ball needs work.

Defensive tackle Aaron Donald could walk away from the team (however the Rams are going to do everything in their power to stop it). Mark Barron is a free agent as is Trumaine Johnson. Thus, the Los Angeles Rams could have potential holes to fill at defensive tackle, linebacker and cornerback in the 2018 NFL Draft.

One of those holes, linebacker, can be filled with an immensely promising talent; inside linebacker Tremaine Edmunds from Virginia Tech University.

Edmunds is a freak of nature that is as gifted athletically as he is talented at the game of football. In 13 games at linebacker last season Edmunds recorded 108 total tackles; 14 of which were for a loss and 5.5 were sacks. On top of that, Edmunds also forced three fumbles, averaging one just over every fourth game.

Edmunds is highly regarded on most experts’ draft boards heading into the 2018 NFL Draft. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com has Edmunds as high as the third-best player in this year’s draft class. Walter Football has Edmunds as the second-best outside linebacker in the 2018 NFL Draft.

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While Edmunds falling to the 23rd overall selection may be hard to imagine, I would not rule out the Los Angeles Rams trading up in the draft (with a future third-round pick) to land Edmunds. He would be the perfect piece to replace Barron in the linebacking core and has all the tools for a fast and easy transition to the NFL.

Edmunds biggest drawback is his football IQ and recognizing plays and even that is still NFL average at worst. With the proper coaching, especially behind Aaron Donald in Wade Phillips’ defense, Edmunds is going to be just fine developing that football IQ and instincts.

The rest is just gravy. He has a huge six-foot-five, 250-pound build yet is quick enough to keep up with virtually every tight end and most receivers in the NFL. Just having Edmund’s presence in the middle of the field is going to disrupt opposing offenses.

Running backs are going to struggle to get around Edmund on the inside or outside and receivers always drop the ball when they hear footsteps.

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Overall, Tremaine Edmunds is one of the most intriguing options to watch for in the 2018 NFL Draft, wherever he lands. For the sake of the fans, hopefully, it is on the Los Angeles Rams.