Los Angeles Rams: What’s more important, cornerback or center?
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Rams must use the NFL Draft wisely to plug the few holes the team has. Which raises the question: what position is the most important?
The Los Angeles Rams had a breakout season in 2017. Head coach Sean McVay and defensive coordinator Wade Phillips brought a winning culture. A smart off-season and offensive-heavy draft gave sophomore Jared Goff enough tools to play like a first overall pick.
The results were evident. The Rams finished with an 11-5 record, blowing teams out in the process. However, that same youth and intensity that made them so successful ultimately backfired. The inexperienced Rams fell to the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the playoffs.
Now, the Los Angeles Rams enter the postseason with more questions than answers. Tremaine Johnson already has one foot out the door. Aaron Donald has negative history when it comes to contract talks and may require a franchise tag. Sammy Watkins could walk away, unless the Rams tag him.
The defense could still use some work. Phillips did a wonderful job at putting the defense in a position to over-perform. That same level of play is not a guarantee in 2018, especially if Johnson does decide to walk away.
Thus, the 2018 NFL Draft becomes extremely important. With the 23rd overall selection, the Rams have the chance to add a difference maker that can solve some of their problems. However, many draft experts have different opinions on what the Rams need.
So, what is most important for the Rams with the 23rd overall pick, a cornerback or a center?
Several mock drafts I have seen have the Los Angeles Rams selecting a cornerback in the first round of the draft. ESPN’s Mel Kiper and CBS Sports’ R.J. White have two of the latest mock drafts to include a corner. Sure, it may be different corners, but they agree on the position nonetheless.
However, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated has the Los Angeles Rams selected Ohio State center Billy Price. Price is a really good center and will undoubtedly go in the first round. But this is the first time I’ve seen him going to the Rams in any mock draft.
More from LA Sports Hub
- Lakers: 5 Players to Target Through Trades to make another championship run
- LA Chargers: Week 8 against Denver Broncos is a must-win
- LA Rams: Jared Goff wants to keep the Los Angeles title streak going
- Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Clippers interested in Rajon Rondo
- LA Chargers: Justin Herbert wins AFC Rookie of the Month
The answer is simple: cornerback. This cornerback class is so deep and talented that there is absolutely no reason why the Los Angeles Rams should draft anything other than a corner. Unless multiple teams decide to plot a scheme against the Rams solely to steal all of the cornerbacks, the Rams will get a great talent no matter who is on the board.
I understand the concern that John Sullivan is a free agent and is 32, I get that. The Rams, being a young team, may not want to re-sign Sullivan with other priorities in mind.
However, chances are that the Rams will indeed re-sign Sullivan, and even if they don’t, they will be just fine drafting a center in the later rounds.
However, the Rams cannot afford to draft a corner in the later rounds. Even if they pick up a guy like Malcolm Butler in free agency; the Rams need secondary depth. Without it, they may never be able to take that extra step towards the Super Bowl.
Next: Free agent options to replace Tremaine Johnson
Thus, the answer that you all probably expected is our conclusion: cornerback is far more important for the Los Angeles Rams to draft in the first round than center. Root for that, Rams’ fans.