Los Angeles Rams land Taysom Hill 2.0 in latest 2020 NFL mock draft
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Rams have a compensatory pick in the 2020 NFL Draft thanks to Rodger Saffold signing with the Tennessee Titans last offseason. This grants them a late fourth-round selection, which is the perfect time to draft a depth safety option to replace Eric Weddle.
Weddle announced his retirement after just one season with the Los Angeles Rams in which he played all 16 games. Ram fans should not fret Weddle’s retirement too much, though, as the team picked up one of the more exciting safety prospects in last year’s draft, Taylor Rapp.
Rapp showed some promising signs in his rookie season and should be ready to take over the starting job alongside John Johnson. With Rapp moving to the starting role, however, the Rams need to look to add depth.
That is where Jared Mayden comes in as the perfect late-round safety that could be a reliable depth option and special teams player when called on.
Mayden played in 11 games for the Alabama Crimson Tide in his senior season, recording 59 tackles, four interceptions and three pass deflections.
Mayden showcased a good football IQ with athleticism that would be below average in the NFL, which does not make him a bad option as a deep safety in a nickel or dime package where he just needs to recognize the deep routes.
Walter Football ranks Mayden as the 20th-best safety prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft.