Top-10 prospects for Los Angeles Rams fans to scout after Michael Penix Jr.'s injury originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Life is good in Inglewood. The Los Angeles Rams look like the best team in football, with a path to the No. 1 seed, an MVP campaign from Matthew Stafford and breakout performances from a handful of defenders.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThey are Super Bowl favorites, and if that wasn't enough, they also have a top-15 pick on the way.
The Atlanta Falcons traded their first-round pick to Los Angeles to take edge rusher James Pearce Jr. It was a bet on quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and a new-look defense. Instead, the defense is average, Penix has struggled and after a season-ending knee injury, Atlanta looks destined to flatline.
If Kirk Cousins can't keep the Falcons afloat, the Rams will be the beneficiary, potentially adding a blue-chip prospect to an already-elite roster. Who might Los Angeles add in April?
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Rams are in a position to make a luxury pick, and taking Love would be diametrically opposed to what the Las Vegas Raiders did in the top 10 last season. Ashton Jeanty was drafted to set a tone, carry an offense and make up for talent deficiencies elsewhere. Few are surprised it hasn't worked out, despite his immense talent.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLove, meanwhile, would amplify an already awesome offense. The offensive line is in place. The quarterback (for now) is operating at a high level. There are few pressing needs and few players more talented than Love in this class.
Imagine if the Kansas City Chiefs took Jonathan Taylor instead of Clyde Edwards-Helaire in 2020.
Love would add an explosive component to the ground game that Kyren Williams hasn't provided, without the risks of picking a running back during a rebuild.
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
You know that feeling of saying the same word repeatedly until it becomes a meaningless jumble of sounds? A conversation between Fernando Mendoza and Sean McVay might have a similar effect. These are incredibly similar personalities, and Mendoza's talent makes him a strong candidate to replace Stafford.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMendoza has long been viewed as the class' QB1, but Dante Moore, Ty Simpson and Arch Manning are still making cases to hear their name called first. If Mendoza gets pushed closer to No. 10 than No. 1, Los Angeles can be expected to strike.
The biggest threat to the Rams' continued prowess is Stafford declining or retiring. A high-level quarterback would give McVay new life and keep the Rams viable.
As a passer, Mendoza is aggressive, accurate and decisive, making him a strong candidate to succeed from the jump.
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Los Angeles's offensive line has played well, but there are still long-term questions about the unit's viability, particularly at tackle.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRight tackle Rob Havenstein is hurt and in his age-33 season. Drafting a Day 1 starter to replace him makes sense, and Fano has made a strong case to be the first tackle off the board, even without protecting the blindside.
Fano is a proficient run blocker who is athletic and technically sound in pass protection. If one believes in prioritizing offensive infrastructure before finding a franchise quarterback, investing up front should take precedence.
Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State
In an ideal world, Ohio State linebacker/edge rusher Arvell Reese would be available when Los Angeles is on the clock. However, each passing week seems to make that less likely.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSettling for the Buckeyes' second-best prospect is still a privilege. Downs is the best safety prospect since Kyle Hamilton, and he has a chance to get drafted earlier.
MORE: Rams predicted to take Ohio State's Caleb Downs after Falcons mistake
Downs is versatile and has experience in multiple high-level collegiate defenses. He has the instincts to make plays in coverage, elite athleticism and enough toughness to make occasional plays in the box. While corner is a bigger need than safety, there may not be a consensus top-10 pick at the former.
The positional value changes the math, but McVay won't have many opportunities to add a difference-maker of this caliber.
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