3 Rams on Thin Ice Following the NFL Draft

The Los Angeles Rams had a fruitful 2024 NFL Draft, adding ten prospects, mostly on the defensive side of the ball.

After playing above expectations last season, the Rams will enter the 2024 season with heightened expectations. This year's rookie class will be a huge factor in how far the Rams go this season. If they can replicate what they got out of Puka Nacua, Kobie Turner, and Byron Young last season, the Rams will be heard from in the postseason.

This also means that a few of the veterans are at risk of losing their roles on the team. Let's take a look at a few Rams who are on thin ice with the incoming rookie class.

Michael Hoecht, OLB

With Aaron Donald's retirement, the Los Angeles Rams knew that they needed to address the defensive side of the ball. So, they used their first two draft picks in the 2024 NFL Draft on two defenders from Florida State.

Their second-round pick Braden Fiske will likely get the start on the opposite side of Kobie Turner, while first-round pick Jared Verse is projected to be the starter at strong side linebacker. He has enough versatility to play multiple positions on the defensive line, however.

These high-end additions will likely push last season's starter Michael Hoecht further down the depth chart.

Undrafted out of Brown, Hoecht finally became a full-time starter in his third year in 2023 after key departures in the offseason. Playing every game and over 85% of snaps, Hoecht was a big part of the Rams defense last season.

However, it's clear that Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead wanted an upgrade over him. Pro Football Focus graded him as the 90th-best edge defender out of 112 qualified players, making him one of the weakest links on the team. He will likely be a backup to Verse to start the season and is even at risk of losing his roster spot in 2024.