Breaking down the Los Angeles Rams' class in the 2019 NFL draft.
Round 2, No. 61 overall: Taylor Rapp, DB, Washington
My take:Rapp will provide immediate depth behind veteran Eric Weddle and John Johnson III and could quickly develop into a starting-caliber safety.
There were rumors after the draft started that Rapp was not fully healthy after he suffered a hip injury before Washington played Ohio State in the Rose Bowl, but Rapp confirmed to reporters shortly after he was selected Thursday night that he is healthy, and that the injury is no longer an issue.
Round 3, No. 70: Darrell Henderson, RB, Memphis
My take: The Rams needed to build depth at running back as uncertainty looms over Todd Gurley II and his left knee. Henderson was projected by some as the top running back prospect in the draft and rushed for 31 touchdowns in three seasons at Memphis. Expect Henderson to earn the third spot on the depth chart behind Gurley and Malcolm Brown, who the Rams matched an offer sheet for as a restricted free agency.
At Memphis, Rams running back Darrell Henderson led the nation with 2,328 all-purpose yards and scored 25 total touchdowns during his junior season.
What’s next: The Rams traded up to select Henderson, sending their 94th and 99th picks to the Buccaneers. They will select again with the 79th and 101st overall picks. Offensive and defensive linemen remain positions of need.
Round 3, No. 79: David Long, CB, Michigan
My take: Long returns to his hometown Los Angeles to provide depth at cornerback behind Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters. A two year starter at Michigan, Long intercepted three passes, including one last season. It is unlikely Long will be called upon his rookie season, but his development will be critical given Talib is entering the final season of his contract and the Rams must negotiate an extension with Peters.
David Long is a cornerback from Michigan who was named first-team All-Big Ten in 2018.
What’s next: After trading the 94th and 99th picks to the Buccaneers in exchange for the 70th overall pick, the Rams will make their next pick at No. 101.
Round 3, No. 97: Bobby Evans, OT, Oklahoma
Bobby Evans is an offensive tackle out of Oklahoma who earned second team All-Big 12 honors during his senior year.
My take:Evans played right and left tackle at Oklahoma and will learn at the elbow of Andrew Whitworth and Rob Havenstein as a rookie. After losing veteran starters Rodger Saffold and John Sullivan, the Rams went into the draft needing to build depth on the line. Evans is a versatile selection.
What's next: The trade-happy Rams, who moved up from the 101st pick to the 97th pick to select Evans, will make their next picks in the fifth round with the 162nd, 167th and 169th selections.
Round 4, No. 134 overall: Greg Gaines, DL, Washington
My take:The Rams entered the draft needing to fill a hole on the defensive line caused by the departure of Ndamukong Suh , who is not expected to be re-signed. Gaines, who the Rams traded up to select, is a candidate to play immediately at the nose tackle position, which would allow veteran Michael Brockers to remain at defensive end.
Round 5, No. 169 overall: David Edwards, OT, Wisconsin
My take: Edwards is the second offensive tackle selected by the Rams following Oklahoma's Bobby Evans. The Rams continue to not only build depth on the line after losing veterans Rodger Saffold and John Sullivan, but continue to build for the future. Edwards will be brought in to learn from veterans Andrew Whitworth and Rob Havenstein, who also played at Wisconsin.
Round 7, No. 243 overall: Nick Scott, S, Penn State
My take: Scott is the second safety selected by the Rams after they picked Rapp in the second round. In a secondary that features veteran Eric Weddle and John Johnson III, Scott could make an immediate impact on special teams.
Round 7, No. 251 overall: Dakota Allen, LB, Texas Tech
My take:Allen starred on the Netflix series "Last Chance U" in the middle of his college career after he was kicked out of Texas Tech after an arrest for second-degree felony burglary. Allen redeemed himself at East Mississippi College and was re-admitted into Texas Tech to play the remainder of his career. Allen adds much-needed depth at linebacker, where the Rams released veteran starter Mark Barron.