Rams Draft 2018: NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Prospects to Watch

The Rams Draft 2018 would be smart to search the NFL Collegiate Bowl for prospects. The game is literally held in the Rams backyard and it will feature some noteworthy players worth watching.

Defense

National Team No. 91 Ade Aruna, DE, Tulane

The Rams need some pass rush outside of Aaron Donald. Donald’s contract status is still in the air. Veterans Michael Brockers and Robert Quinn have battled their own injuries over the years, despite being productive. Still, the Rams could use some youth on the defensive line.

Insert Ade Aruna from Tulane. The Nigerian born defensive edge has ideal size to be an edge rusher at the NFL. At about six-foot-four and 270 pounds, the lean hybrid backer can be what the Rams need on the edge. He’s raw enough to learn to put his hand in the ground or rush from a standup position. Walter Football gave him a grade of round 3-5.

He finished his senior year with two sacks but he had five in 2016. A good game here could propel him up draft boards including the Rams.

National Team No. 43 Sean Chandler, DB, Temple

The Rams also have some uncertainty on their backend. LaMarcus Joyner is a free agent as is Bradley Robey-Coleman. They could use a playmaker who can play safety and create takeaways.

Sean Chandler finished his career with 265 tackles, 10 interceptions and four forced fumbles. After four productive years, he is the highly productive prospect that is worth a roster spot. At six-foot and 195 pounds, Chandler has solid size to play safety and possibly cover the slot.

A good showing in the NFLPA game could definitely have scouts revisit his tape. OurLads currently has him listed as the No. 10 Free Safety.

Offense

Running backs

Finding a backup running back for Todd Gurley will be a priority. The Rams should look to find someone who is a great catcher out of the backfield. Tavon Austin is too expensive to keep as a backup runner and fourth receiver.

The 2018 NFLPA game features several running backs worth a look. Some names to look out for include:

• National Team No. 32 Detrez Newsome, RB, Western Carolina
• American Team No. 35 Martez Carter, RB, Grambling
• American Team No. 31 Dalyn Dawkins, RB, Colorado

All three of these players were highly productive as runners and passers. They earned their way into this game and it will be interesting to see who earns the most carries. That could be the difference betwenn being a late pick or not.

The Rams have a solid group of talent in their backyard at the NFLPA Collegiate Game. They would be smart to give a few of these players a look.

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