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NFC West Rival Stole Rams’ Preferred First-Round Pick

The Los Angeles Rams reportedly had their eyes on Byron Murphy II, who was selected with the No. 16 overall pick by the Seattle Seahawks.

By Jovan Alford

Nov 19, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) and
Nov 19, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) and / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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The Los Angeles Rams had a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft for the first time since the 2016 NFL Draft (Jared Goff – No. 1 overall pick). 

Los Angeles used their first-round pick last month to address the defensive line, taking former Florida State pass rusher Jared Verse. Verse was the perfect fit for the Rams’ defense as they needed some EDGE rushing help to help combat the loss of Aaron Donald in the middle.

However, the Rams had a different plan with their first-round pick. But the Seattle Seahawks ruined those plans as they took another defensive lineman, who would’ve been the perfect replacement at No. 16 overall.

Rams Rumors: Los Angeles Had Its Eyes on Byron Murphy II At No. 19

Former NFL running back Maurice Drew-Jones, who is the color analyst for the Los Angeles Rams preseason games, told Seattle Sports-based podcast Bump and Stacy that the Rams would’ve taken Murphy, if the Seattle Seahawks didn’t draft him at No. 16 overall.

“I know the Rams were going to take Byron Murphy if you guys didn’t,” Jones-Drew said (h/t Zac Hereth for Seattle Sports). 

“He has the body type (and) the potential to be what Aaron Donald was for the Rams, a guy that can be disruptive, take over games from the inside,” the former NFL running back continued. “The guard position in the National Football League isn’t the best right now. So you get a piece that can really penetrate the pocket and put pressure on the quarterback. … To me, he was (one of) the top three pass rushers up there.”

The Rams would’ve loved to add Murphy in the middle of the defensive line to pair with Kobie Turner, who had an outstanding rookie season in 2023 (57 combined tackles, 16 quarterback hits, nine sacks, and eight tackles for loss).

However, the Rams took the next best defensive lineman on the board in Verse, who should pay major dividends in Year 1. Meanwhile, the Rams offensive line will have a tough task of trying to block Murphy II twice a season with the Seahawks.

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