Trades galore! The Rams moved up and down the Draft like a high-rise elevator. Los Angeles started the Draft with seven total picks including their first rounder and no second round pick. When the dust settled, the Rams made six trades, including moving out of the first round and had eight total picks. The Rams did a good job addressing team needs with high caliber players. This post draft report will look at what each pick means for the Rams and Fantasy teams in 2019. I am not going through all of the trades because they do not matter and have no impact on how the player selected performs for Los Angeles. The number in parenthesis is the overall pick number.

ROUND 2, PICK 29 (61): SS Taylor Rapp (Washington) is one of the top safeties in this Draft but a bad 40-time dropped him down to the lower end of the second round. Good move by GM Les Snead acquire more picks while still grabbing someone Los Angeles considered with the 31^st pick. For the Rams this pick is about immediate depth in the defensive backfield while getting a player who could develop into a long time starter. For Fantasy leagues with IDP, Taylor has no value in redraft leagues and potential value in Dynasty Leagues that require defensive backs.

ROUND 3, PICK 6 (70): RB Darrell Henderson (Memphis) is one of the most explosive running backs in this Draft class. Darrell is on the shorter side but he has a compact build and was durable in college. HC Sean McVay likes the potential of another weapon for his offense and says the selection had nothing to do with RB Todd Gurley’s health. The Rams traded up to select Henderson so that tells me they do have concerns about Gurley and Henderson provides added insurance. Fantasy wise, Todd is still the main man but Henderson should be his handcuff even though Los Angeles resigned RB Malcom Brown.

ROUND 3, PICK 16 (79): CB David Long (Michigan) had a very successful college career and was one of the top performers at the Combine. Long was the ninth cornerback chosen but he has the potential to be one of the top corners of his Draft class. Like Rapp, Long provides solid depth in 2019 and could be a solid starter as soon as 2020. Long has the same type of Fantasy value as Rapp.

ROUND 3, PICK 34 (97): OT Bobby Evans (Oklahoma) was a three year starter on a title contending Oklahoma team so he brings a lot of talent as well as experience. Bobby has played tackle on both sides of the line and that versatility should help him get on the field if needed. Currently the Rams have 2019 Draft pick OT Joseph Noteboom filling the left guard spot vacated by Roger Saffold so if Noteboom thrives at that position, Evans could be groomed to take over the left tackle spot when OT Andrew Whitworth decides to retire (hopefully after winning a Super Bowl with the Rams). This was a solid pick for Los Angeles but Evans has no individual Fantasy Value.

ROUND 4, PICK 32 (134): DT Greg Gaines (Washington) was voted by his peers as the top defensive lineman in the PAC 12 and has a chance to replace Ndamukong Suh in the starting lineup. Greg might not have the measurables and athletic traits of the top defensive linemen, but he gives great effort and had a successful college career. He will challenge for a starting spot for the Rams but has no Fantasy value.

ROUND 5, PICK 31 (169): OT David Edwards (Wisconsin) is a former High School quarterback who started three years on the Wisconsin offensive line. He has great size but needs to improve on his strength and technique, which is not surprising since he has only played the position a few years. Wisconsin has a good reputation for producing solid offensive linemen and hopefully Edwards follows in the footsteps of current Ram starting RT Rob Havenstein. He was no Fantasy value but good be a good investment for Los Angeles.

ROUND 7, PICK 29 (243): FS Nick Scott (Penn State) started his college career as a running back but moved to defense when Saquon Barkley arrived on campus. Scott has a reputation as a special teams standout and Special Teams coach John Fassel is very high on him. Look for Scott to contribute on all special teams but have no Fantasy value.

ROUND 7, PICK 37 (251): LB Dakota Allen (Texas Tech) was nearly gone from football after getting arrested and thrown off the Texas Tech team. After being featured on Last Chance U, Allen cleaned up his act and was allowed back to Texas Tech. Dakota is a high effort player with decent skills, but like Scott, will have to make his mark on special teams. Allen has no Fantasy value for the foreseeable future.

Les Snead continues to make trades to add more picks and get value for his pick selections. It might not have been an exciting or "sexy" draft, but the Rams took players who should provide immediate depth with potential to develop into future starters. I love the Rapp selection and I am looking forward to my fellow Chinese brother making plays for the Rams. Keep an eye on Darrell Henderson as he could be a Fantasy sleeper if Gurley continues to struggle with his knee. Happy belated Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there, especially my Mom who is the best Mom ever! (I might have a biased opinion). Love and blessings to my family. Miss you Pops! Aloha!

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