The Los Angeles Rams’ defensive line has undergone some significant changes in the last two years. Gone are Aaron Donald, A’Shawn Robinson and Greg Gaines, who were all starters in 2022 and during the team’s Super Bowl run the year prior.
Braden Fiske and Kobie Turner have done a stellar job stepping up as the team’s top interior defenders but outside of those two studs, the Rams are lacking some depth – specifically a run defender in the middle.
That’s why NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah has the Rams picking a defensive lineman in his latest first-round mock draft. At No. 26 overall, Jeremiah mocked Toledo defensive tackle Darius Alexander to the Rams.
Here’s what he wrote about the selection.
The Rams continue to add dynamic players to their young defensive line. Alexander put on a show at the Senior Bowl and he’s starting to generate some first-round buzz in league circles.
Alexander would help the Rams in the middle of their defensive line, especially if Bobby Brown III leaves in free agency. But he wouldn’t necessarily be an ideal selection in Round 1. The 26th pick feels a bit early for him but after a strong week at the Senior Bowl, Jeremiah believes he’s rising up draft boards.
He’s 6-3 and 304 pounds, bringing good length to the position. He’s not a big space-eating nose tackle, however, which could be what the Rams need. They don’t have much size on the interior of their defensive line, particularly if Brown isn’t in the picture. Alexander may not solve that problem.
As a complete defensive lineman, though, he offers upside as a pass rusher and can also hold up against the run on first and second down.