Los Angeles Rams' 5 Biggest Needs in 2024 NFL Draft

The Los Angeles Rams exceeded all expectations in 2023. What was initially seen as a rebuilding season saw a surprise postseason appearance. This was largely done thanks to the incredible job the front office did in the NFL Draft, finding gems in Kobie Turner and Puka Nacua.

Now, the Rams need to nail the 2024 NFL Draft to go a step further next season. Fortunately, for them, they will have ten picks in the draft to help upgrade the roster. Here are their most pressing needs for the future.

5. Quarterback

The Rams certainly don't have an immediate need at quarterback as they have their utmost faith in their Super Bowl-winning QB. However, Matthew Stafford is about to turn 36 and how many more years he has in him remains an uncertainty.

There is a similar type of uncertainty for the backup quarterback role. The Stetson Bennett situation is unresolved and he is yet to debut in the NFL. Carson Wentz is likely gone. Not only do the Rams need insurance behind Stafford, but they also need to find their quarterback of the future.

4. Wide Receiver/Tight End

The Rams should try to find another Puka Nacua in this year's draft. After nailing their wide receiver selection in last year's draft, the Rams should continue to add more offensive weapons. Demarcus Robinson and Austin Trammel are on expiring contracts, so a new WR3 would be an excellent choice in the draft.

Tight end is another position that was hard hit as veterans Tyler Higbee and Hunter Long will both be returning from serious injuries. Adding more depth to the receiver corps will help get the Rams offense to the next level.

3. Cornerback

The Rams' defense overachieved relative to their overall talent last season. Under Raheem Morris' leadership, the defense didn't miss any of the veterans who left in the offseason. The pass defense was especially impressive given the lack of high-level personnel on the secondary.

Now, it's time to fix this issue. And cornerback is a good bet for the Rams to use their first-round pick on. The team lacks a clear CB1 and perhaps even more depth at the position considering the potential departures of Duke Shelley and Ahkello Witherspoon.

2. Safety

The LA Rams safety position is another hot spot that will need attention in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Rams spent just $2.96 million on the position in 2023, and the team must find replacements for the expiring contracts of both Jordan Fuller and John Johnson III. The Rams will welcome back Russ Yeast, Quentin Lake, and Jason Taylor II. But the team will need more depth, and will likely need at least one rookie addition who can compete for a starter role.

Perhaps the Rams may be expecting both Yeast and Lake to assume starting roles in 2024, which would allow the team to consider Day 3 selections to round out the roster. But I'm not convinced that both players have the durability to start 17 games for the Rams in 2024. The Rams front office may be wise to add an additional safety or two, if not to compete for a staring role, at least to ensure adequate depth for the new season.

1. Kicker

This is an issue that needs to be tackled in later rounds, perhaps Round 6 or 7, but it is a glaring need, nonetheless. Most teams don't draft placekickers, but the Rams might be an exception because of how dire the situation was last season.

The Rams had one of the least reliable kicking units in the NFL last year. They had to make three different changes to their kicker, with Brett Maher losing the job mid-season to only win it back later. The unreliability of the kicking unit was clearly impacting Sean McVay's play-calling in the postseason and the Rams can't enter next season in a similar situation.

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