The Los Angeles Rams are preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft in a much larger way than they’ve had to in the current era of Les Snead and Sean McVay. This is because, for the first time since 2016, L.A. figures to have a first-round draft pick.
They are slated to pick at No. 19, and met with prospective players at the NFL Draft combine, including Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze.
Odunze, a four-year player who will be 22 when the 2024 season kicks off, has had a stellar last two college campaigns for the Huskies and was one of the best receivers in all of college football in 2023. As part of Washington’s path to the National Championship game, Odunze had 92 catches for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns. He is slated to be one of the first receivers taken in the 2024 Draft.
Plenty of teams have met with Odunze at the Combine, including the Rams, although their ability to land him may require some maneuvering, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:
“Let’s take a look at some of the teams that he met with. The Patriots, the Cardinals, the Giants, the Titans and the Bears are among the intruiging ones for me because those are all the top-10 teams. Also spent some time with the Colts, Jaguars, Rams and Steelers. The reason why those are interesting is those would be potential trade-up teams. Rarely do you see a huge trade up for a receiver, but not never. Obviously, that is something to keep an eye on.”
The Rams are in no position to draft Odunze if they stay at No. 19. And as stated, trading up for a wide receiver is a rarity in the NFL Draft. However, Odunze is starting to climb on draft boards and show himself to be a potential Year 1 impact receiver and the Rams have shown that they are not afraid to take big swings so it could be something worth monitoring leading up to the draft.
Rams had interest in Mike Evans
Wide receiver may be an area of focus for the Rams this offseason as they try to pair a deep threat with Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. In addition to meeting with Odunze at the Combine, the Rams also reportedly were one of the teams in on Mike Evans before he re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
On Monday, it was announced that Evans is staying in Tampa Bay after signing a two-year deal worth up to $52 million with $35 million guaranteed.
