Rams Substituting Jalen Ramsey with a ‘Significant Impact Player.
The Los Angeles Rams are currently in contention for a Wild Card spot in the NFC playoffs during the last two weeks of the season. Simultaneously, they are anticipating the upcoming NFL Draft with particular interest.
Having not had a first-round pick since 2016, when they traded up to select quarterback Jared Goff (later traded for Matthew Stafford, contributing to a Super Bowl victory), the Rams are now slated to choose in the first round. According to Sports Illustrated’s latest mock draft, they are expected to focus on bolstering their defense by selecting Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell with the No. 23 pick.
Acknowledging the absence of Jalen Ramsey’s impactful plays in the secondary, Sports Illustrated suggests that the Rams might break their first-round drought by targeting another standout cornerback. Despite Mitchell not being widely recognized due to playing in the MAAC rather than a major school, his skills are lauded as showcased in film, indicating his potential to become a shutdown player in the NFL.
While Mitchell may not be a household name yet, he is regarded as one of the rising stars among cornerbacks in this year’s draft class. In the Sports Illustrated mock draft, Mitchell is listed as the fourth cornerback selected, following Clemson’s Nate Wiggins (No. 12), Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry (No. 16), and Terrion Arnold (No. 20).
Currently, Mitchell is gearing up for what could be his final collegiate game, representing the Toledo Rockets against the Wyoming Cowboys in the Arizona Bowl. The kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. PT on CW.
