Los Angeles Rams mock draft 2023: Rebuild starts for Les Snead and Co.

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. 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.

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 below.

Los Angeles Rams draft needs 2023

Here is a list of the Los Angeles Rams’ draft needs heading into the 2023 offseason and NFL free agency.

Everything

2023 Los Angeles Rams draft picks

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

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, 53rd overall: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

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

Trade: Rams deal 36th pick and 5th-round pick to the Bears for 53rd and 61st picks

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. Hence, why this Rams mock draft has them acquiring an additional second-round selection in a move down 17 spots or so. It gives Snead and Co. some cover in case Los Angeles wants to find a quarterback of the future to replace Matthew Stafford.

Hooker is 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 2, 61st overall: Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn

los angeles rams mock draft: derick hall — Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Did we mention that the Rams have needs all up and down the roster? None are more pressing than out on the edge following the release of Leonard Floyd. Right now, Keir Thomas, Daniel Hardy and Michael Hoecht are slated to be Los Angeles’ top three edge rushers. Of that group, only Hoecht (4.5) recorded a sack last season. Ouch!

The 6-foot-3, 254-pound Hall is an ideal fit in defensive coordinator Raheem Morris’ scheme. He’s better with his hands up in a 3-4 defense and was uber productive during his final two seasons with Auburn, recording 24 tackles for loss to go with 15.5 sacks.

Round 3, 69th overall: Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA

NFL: Combine — Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Cam Akers fell out of favor under head coach Sean McVay last season. It got to the point that the former Florida State standout requested a trade. In the end, Akers tallied less than 800 rushing yards a year after suffering an Achilles’ injury. Realistically, it’s hard to imagine him returning to pre-injury form. At the very least, with the Rams.

This is where a local prospect in that of Charbonnet comes into play. He’s a between-the-tackles runner, boasts absolutely ridiculous strength and can be a true three-down back. That was magnified last season with Charbonnet putting up 1,359 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. He’d be an ideal fit with a more shifty Kyren Williams with the Los Angeles Rams.