2020 NFL Draft: Los Angeles Rams preview

Los Angeles Rams capsule TEAM DRAFT NEEDS

Center Brian Allen and Austin Blythe did not adequately fill the void created by the departure of John Sullivan. Allen missed much of the season. Blythe's more natural position is guard. Tyler Biadasz is a name to watch from the Wisconsin offensive line factory, but the 2020 center class is very deep.

Left tackle Re-signing Andrew Whitworth, 38, was a priority because there is no clear replacement. His three-year deal includes two option years, so the Rams must consider a long-term solution. As the Rams don't have a first-round pick, Auburn's Prince Tega Wanogho would be an excellent value if available in the second round. He screams upside but could use a year or two of mentoring behind Whitworth.

Cornerback David Long Jr., a 2019 third-round pick, and Darious Williams are expected to compete for the nickel job after the departure of Nickell Robey-Coleman.

Running back The Rams moved on from Todd Gurley, but Malcolm Brown and Darrell Henderson make a solid tandem. LSU's Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Florida State's Cam Akers and Utah's Zack Moss are names to watch on Day 2.

Linebacker The Rams brought in former ninth overall pick Leonard Floyd on a one year "prove-it" deal. The team released Clay Matthews.

Wide receiver Cooper Kupp is in a contract year and without Brandin Cooks (traded to the Houston Texans), the Rams face a void in an offense that fancies multiple-WR sets.

--FIVE-YEAR DRAFT HISTORY The Rams have found some stars and haven't had many busts, but that doesn't mean it's been perfect. The investment in Todd Gurley was risky, and even though he delivered immediately, he was released because of his outsized contract and arthritic knee. Likewise, Jared Goff has been good, but will he ever be worth the trade-up and huge contract? That said, the Rams have found contributors everywhere, especially Rounds 2 (Rob Havenstein, Gerald Everett, Taylor Rapp), 3 (Cooper Kupp, John Johnson, Joseph Noteboom, Bobby Evans) and 4 (Tyler Higbee, Josh Reynolds, Samson Ebukam, Brian Allen). That's a credit to both the scouting department (for evaluating) and coaching staff (for developing). Development from the 2018 class would be a cherry on top.

Best pick: WR Cooper Kupp, R3 2017 -- Humble, fundamentally sound and hard-working, Kupp is the perfect kind of star. He'll be due a major extension soon. Worst pick: QB Sean Mannion, R3 2015 -- The Rams don't have many whiffs, but a third-round pick is a lot to spend on a mid-to-low level backup.

--2019 STATISTICS TOTAL OFFENSE: 374.9 (7th)

RUSHING: 93.7 (26th) PASSING: 281.2 (4th)

TOTAL DEFENSE: 339.6 (13th) RUSHING: 113.1 (19th)

PASSING: 226.6 (12th) --Field Level Media