2023 Los Angeles Rams mock draft heading into Day 2: Finding Matthew Stafford's replacement

The Los Angeles Rams are finally looking to build through the draft after so many years of ignoring it as a team-building method.

While the Rams’ draft doesn’t include a first-round pick, they do have a total of 11 selections heading into Day 2. For a team that’s coming off a disastrous and injury-plagued 2022 season, this is no small thing. The mass exodus of veteran players adds another layer to the belief that general manager Les Snead must hit big time with some of these selections.

The backdrop here is quarterback Matthew Stafford‘s status following the 2023 season. While he opted against retiring, there is a chance that the veteran will not be back in Los Angeles following next year. Perhaps, Snead looks to hit on a quarterback with a couple first-round talents still available.

Below, we provide you with our final Rams mock draft for 2023 with an explanation about the top picks and a full list of their projected selections on Day 2 and 3 below.

Los Angeles Rams draft needs 2023

Here is a list of the Los Angeles Rams’ draft needs heading into Day 2 of the NFL Draft.

Everything

2023 Los Angeles Rams draft picks

los angeles rams mock draft — Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Round 2 – 36th overall
Round 3 – 69th overall
Round 3 — 77th overall
Round 5 – 167th overall
Round 5 – 171st overall
Round 5 – 177th overall
Round 6 – 182nd overall
Round 6 (via TEN) – 189th overall
Round 6 (via GB) – 191st overall
Round 7 (via DET) – 223rd overall
Round 7 – 234th overall

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2023 NFL mock draft Day 2: Will Levis, Hendon Hooker come off the board early

Los Angeles Rams mock draft: Rebuilding a broken roster

Sportsnaut used Pro Football Focus’ NFL Draft simulator, which provides the flexibility to trade and work through a variety of scenarios. Let’s dive into our Rams mock draft.

Round 2, 36th overall: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

los angeles rams mock draft: hendon hooker — Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Given the vast amount of needs the Rams have in order to merely field a somewhat competitive team in 2023, it doesn’t make a ton of sense to go quarterback with their first pick. But that’s just on the surface.

Hooker was among the most divisive NFL Draft prospects of the cycle. He was putting up a Heisman campaign for the Vols before suffering a torn ACL last season. He has the arm strength and accuracy to be dynamic. With concerns over a lack of experience in a pro-style offense, Los Angeles can afford to take him in Round 2 and sit behind Stafford for a season or two.

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2023 NFL Draft QB rankings: Bryce Young leads best quarterback prospects in NFL Draft

Round 3, 69th overall: Jordan Battle, S, Alabama

los angeles rams mock draft: jordan battle — Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Rams have needs up and down the roster heading into Day 2 of the NFL Draft. Why not get value when combining with need? The 6-foot-1, 209-pound Battle can be a single-high safety at the next level. That would help Los Angeles counteract the growing number of receiving threats in the NFC West after Seattle landed Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the first round of the NFL Draft.

Round 3, 77th overall: Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina

los angeles rams mock draft; darius rush — Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

General manager Les Snead opts to fill multiple holes in the secondary with the Rams’ two third-round picks. We couldn’t envision a better fit under defensive coordinator Raheem Morris than Rush. First off, Los Angeles dealt away star cornerback Jalen Ramsey earlier in the offseason. Secondly, the team lacks any real talent at cornerback to be competitive in 2023.

The 6-foot-2 Rush has a history as a wide receiver and displayed solid ball skills for South Carolina recently (15 passes defended, 3 interceptions in 2021). He could step in and play a role immediately with an eye on a future as a starter in Southern California.