NFL draft season is in full swing, and analysts are busy projecting how the first round might unfold. This year’s draft is expected to be heavily focused on offensive talent, with quarterbacks, wide receivers, and offensive tackles dominating the top selections. For the Los Angeles Rams, a team with clear defensive needs, most mock drafts have pointed towards bolstering their defense at pick No. 19. Edge rushers, cornerbacks, and defensive tackles have been frequently linked to the Rams.
However, Peter Schrager of NFL.com has thrown a curveball in his latest mock draft. Instead of following the expected path, Schrager predicts the Rams will select Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton with their first-round pick. This projection diverges from the consensus and raises eyebrows, especially considering the Rams’ apparent need to reinforce their defense.
Schrager didn’t just casually suggest this pick; he strongly implied it would happen if the Rams stay at No. 19. “I’ll go on record with something of a guarantee here: If the Rams do not trade back, you better believe Sean McVay’s first-ever first-round selection will be an offensive player.” He further elaborated on the rationale, stating, “Los Angeles shored up its interior O-line in free agency. Guyton — a bit of a project, but someone who can play either tackle spot — gives Matthew Stafford another promising young guy to protect him in his 16th NFL season.” This bold prediction from Schrager carries weight, particularly because of his well-known close relationship with Rams head coach Sean McVay. This connection suggests Schrager’s mock draft pick might be informed by inside knowledge, making it more than just speculation.
While the Rams’ defense arguably has more pressing needs in the immediate future, addressing the offensive tackle position is a smart long-term strategy. Veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein is approaching the later stages of his career and has only two years remaining on his contract. On the other side, Alaric Jackson is playing under a second-year tender and is set to become a free agent in 2025. Looking ahead, the Rams could potentially be in the market for two new starting offensive tackles as early as next offseason. Currently, their roster lacks clear-cut future starters at tackle behind Havenstein and Jackson.
Drafting Tyler Guyton would provide the Rams with a valuable solution to this looming issue. Guyton could spend his rookie year as a swing tackle, learning the ropes and developing his skills before potentially stepping into a starting role at either left or right tackle in 2025. This approach aligns with the Rams’ history of drafting with a forward-thinking mindset, as seen in their previous selections of Joe Noteboom and Brian Allen, who were drafted with future starting roles in mind. Selecting Guyton would be a similar move, albeit with a higher draft pick, emphasizing the Rams’ proactive approach to roster management and their commitment to protecting quarterback Matthew Stafford. Peter Schrager’s mock draft highlights a potentially surprising direction for the Rams, prioritizing long-term offensive line stability over immediate defensive reinforcements.
