LA Rams Mock Draft: How to make best with no early picks
By Jason Reed
Jessie Bates, S, Wake Forest
In the third-round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the LA Rams should be looking to add help at the safety position by selecting a guy with a ton of upside in Jessie Bates.
Right now, the Rams are not lacking too much in the safety position. John Johnson overperformed in his rookie season last year and the Rams franchised tagged LaMarcus Joyner; guaranteeing at least one more season in Los Angeles.
However, the Rams’ need for depth at safety is still an issue to be tackled. With Joyner on the franchise tag, the chances of him being a long-term Ram seems slim and team should be looking to add depth as soon as possible.
Bates would be a great selection in that regards as he could serve as a solid safety to interchange with Johnson and could be the guy in line to replace Joyner if he does indeed walk away from Los Angeles.
Bates’ NFL Draft & Combine Profile has him going in either the second or third-round, making him a great option for the Rams in the third. With a ton of upside, Bates could be a serious sleeper in this draft class if he reaches his full potential.
If he does not reach his full potential, the Rams will still be adding some solid depth and a great special teams player for the future. There is little downside and a ton of upside to this selection.