Los Angeles Rams mock draft: Rams trade down, rack up two extra picks
By Jason Reed
Round 4, pick 3: Justin Strnad, LB, Wake Forest
With the Detroit Lions’ fourth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams improve the depth of the linebacker unit and select physical playmaker, Justin Strnad. Strnad is lacking some of the skill set to be an early-round selection but has the raw athleticism to get excited about with a fourth-round pick.
On the Los Angeles Rams, Strnad would best fit as an inside linebacker and would be a rotational backer in his first few seasons. Strnad is better against passing attacks, so his use would likely be on third and medium downs.
Another excited aspect of Strnad is just how good he is on special teams. Strnad has the potential, because of his athleticism and ability to pursue the ball carrier, to be an above-average special teams player as early as his rookie season.
That alone is enough reason to get the Rams excited. Throw in the fact that he would help the team on third downs and gives the team a long-term linebacker option that could blossom into something special with the right coaching and Strnad is really easy to sell to the Rams.
The hope is that the team can at least bring back Cory Littleton, and if so, Strnad would help the Rams create a deep and athletic linebacker unit.