NFL draft: Rams’ defensive line picks on Day 3 eager to play with Aaron Donald
Bobby Brown, Earnest Brown and Chris Garrett played at different colleges, but they share one quality:
All admire Rams star defensive tackle Aaron Donald — and cannot wait to be on the field with him.
Bobby Brown, a defensive tackle from Texas A&M, Earnest Brown, a defensive end from Northwestern, and Garrett, an edge rusher from Division II Concordia-St. Paul, were among the players the Rams selected Saturday as the NFL draft concluded with Rounds 4 through 7.
Asked what they thought about joining a defensive front that includes Donald, a three-time NFL defensive player of the year, the draftees beamed.
“It feels like an out-of-body experience,” Bobby Brown said, laughing, during his videoconference.
Said Earnest Brown: “It’s the best feeling in the world, especially Aaron Donald.” Added Garrett: “To say I’m excited would be an understatement.”
Despite the retirements of Drew Brees and Philip Rivers, the Saints and Colts were well-stocked at quarterback before adding more in the NFL draft.
A day after drafting wide receiver Tutu Atwell in the second round and linebacker Ernest Jones in the third, the Rams executed trades with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans to move back and increase their number of picks from five to seven. They chose Bobby Brown, Central Arkansas cornerback Robert Rochell and Central Florida receiver Jacob Harris in the fourth round, Earnest Brown in the fifth round, and Maryland running back Jake Funk, Notre Dame receiver Ben Skowronek and Garrett in the seventh round.
“Their skill sets are different, but I think they really fill out the [position-group meeting] rooms that they’re going into,” coach Sean McVay said. “There’s a vision that we have for them and how they fit.”
The Rams addressed needs at many positions but did not draft an offensive lineman. That came a year after they drafted only one — Tremayne Anchrum — with their final pick in the seventh round .
“It’s a reflection of the confidence of the group that we do have in place,” McVay said, “and just kind of how things shook out.”
The departure of center Austin Blythe via free agency to the Kansas City Chiefs left the Rams without a starting center. McVay and general manager Les Snead have said that Brian Allen and Coleman Shelton could start at the spot and that others were versatile and capable of moving to the position.
Allen, a fourth-year professional, started nine games in 2019 before suffering a season-ending knee injury. He did not play last season.
Rams general manager Les Snead wouldn’t say if the team tried to trade for Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers earlier this offseason.
McVay cited the 2019 season, when multiple Rams linemen suffered injuries, as a time when young players gained experience that is paying off now. He noted that Chandler Brewer, who opted out last season, has opted back in.
There are 11 offensive linemen on the roster. Snead said the line was “probably as deep a group that’s played as I’ve ever been a part of.”
Although the Rams chose not to draft an offensive lineman, they selected three players — Atwell, Harris and Skowronek — who might provide McVay with more wrinkles for a passing attack that features new quarterback Matthew Stafford and new receiver DeSean Jackson.
“I expect us to be much better and I expect us to be one of the better ones in the league,” McVay said.
The Rams entered the draft with a need to create depth along the defensive front. In March, the Rams traded veteran lineman Michael Brockers to the Detroit Lions, and lineman Morgan Fox signed with the Carolina Panthers.
On Saturday, they moved to address those voids by selecting Bobby Brown with their first pick.
“I would say my game is disruptive, period, point blank,” Brown said.
A round later, they chose Earnest Brown.
“I feel like I’m a versatile player,” he said. “I could play outside, inside. I think that’s what Northwestern had me do to get prepared for the next level, so I feel like I could play anywhere.”
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Rochell, who could compete to replace Troy Hill at slot cornerback, and Harris were was among the picks that might also fill special teams roles for new coordinator Joe DeCamillis.
“I’m open to playing and being used wherever I’m needed,” said Harris, who could be developed into a hybrid tight end role. “And that’s just kind of my mindset going into this, is wherever I’m needed to play, whether that’s receiver, tight end, I’m open to doing that and diving in.”
Etc.
The Rams announced they agreed to terms with nine undrafted free agents: receivers Landen Akers (Iowa State) and Jeremiah Haydel (Texas State), offensive linemen Alaric Jackson (Iowa) and Jordan Meredith (Western Kentucky), defensive lineman George Silvanic (Air Force), outside linebacker Max Roberts (Boston College) and safeties Paris Ford (Pittsburgh), Jovan Grant (Merrimack) and Troy Warner (Brigham Young). The Rams are expected to agree to terms with more undrafted free agents.
Draft picks
TUTU ATWELL, wide receiver
5 feet 9, 155 pounds, Louisville, Round 2, Pick 57
Notable: Atwell played quarterback in high school in Florida. His father, Tutu Atwell Sr., played wide receiver at the University of Minnesota.
Last season: Atwell caught 46 passes for 625 yards and seven touchdowns in nine games. He averaged 13.6 yards per catch.
Why the Rams drafted him: The Rams are aiming to surround new quarterback Matthew Stafford with as many weapons as possible. The speedy Atwell joins a receiving corps that includes veterans Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and DeSean Jackson and second-year pro Van Jefferson, a second-round pick last season. Atwell also could be valuable for new special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis if he can improve as a kick returner.
ERNEST JONES, linebacker
6 feet 2, 230 pounds, South Carolina, Round 3, Pick 103
Notable: Jones started two seasons at middle linebacker and was the leading tackler in both.
Last season: Jones made 86 tackles in nine games. He recorded more than 11 tackles four times and had a season-high 19 tackles against Louisiana State.
Why the Rams drafted him: The Rams return all of their inside linebackers from last season — Micah Kiser, Kenny Young, Troy Reeder and Travin Howard — but several are in the final year of their contracts. Jones can serve as backup and contribute on special teams.
BOBBY BROWN III, defensive line
6 feet 4, 321 pounds, Texas A&M, Round 4, Pick 117
Notable: Brown was voted to the All-Southeastern Conference freshman team in 2018 and was named All-SEC in 2020.
Last season: Brown made 22 tackles, including 7½ for losses. He recorded 5½ sacks.
Why the Rams drafted him: After trading Michael Brockers to the Detroit Lions and watching Morgan Fox sign with the Carolina Panthers, the Rams were in need of depth along the defensive front. Brown joins a line that includes star Aaron Donald, A’Shawn Robinson and Sebastian Joseph-Day.
ROBERT ROCHELL, cornerback
6 feet, 193 pounds, Central Arkansas, Round 4, Pick 130
Notable: Rochell caught the eye of NFL scouts in 2019 when he intercepted five passes and broke up 13 passes and was voted All-Southland Conference.
Last season: Rochell played in seven games and broke up three passes.
Why the Rams drafted him: Jalen Ramsey and Darious Williams are the starting cornerbacks but Rochell could compete with David Long and, perhaps, Terrell Burgess to replace Troy Hill at slot cornerback. Williams is playing on a one-year contract, so Rochell could be groomed for a larger role.
JACOB HARRIS, receiver
6 feet 5, 219 pounds, Central Florida, Round 4, Pick 141
Notable: Harris played only one season of high school football and arrived at Central Florida after playing soccer at Florida Gulf Coast and football at Western Kentucky. He averaged 23.6 yards per catch in 2019.
Last season: Caught 30 passes for 539 yards and eight touchdowns.
Why the Rams drafted him: Harris brings height and could play a hybrid role or develop as a tight end. He joins a receiver group that includes Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, DeSean Jackson, Van Jefferson and second-round pick Tutu Atwell. He also has experience on special teams.
EARNEST BROWN IV, defensive lineman
6 feet 5, 270 pounds, Northwestern, Round 5, Pick 174
Notable: Brown did not become a starter until his senior season.
Last season: Returned after an injury-shortened junior season and made 8½ tackles for losses, including one sack. He has had practice time against offensive tackle Rashawn Slater, a teammate who sat out last season and was selected with the 13th pick of the draft by the Chargers.
Why the Rams drafted him: After taking defensive tackle Bobby Brown in the fourth round, new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris continued to add depth . The Rams anticipate that defensive line coach Eric Henderson can develop Earnest Brown into a versatile contributor.
JAKE FUNK, running back
5 feet 10, 205 pounds, Maryland, Round 7, Pick 233
Notable: Funk overcame wrist and knee injuries during his career to finish with a strong senior season.
Last season: In four games, he rushed for 516 yards and three touchdowns in 60 carries, and also caught a touchdown pass. He rushed for 221 yards and a touchdown and caught a touchdown pass against Minnesota.
Why the Rams drafted him: Funk’s road to a spot on the roster will be determined by his play on special teams. Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson are the top running backs with unproven Xavier Jones and Raymond Calais also on the roster.
BEN SKOWRONEK, receiver
6 feet 3, 220 pounds, Notre Dame, Round 7, Pick 249
Notable: Transferred after senior season at Northwestern to play a graduate year with the Fighting Irish.
Last season: Caught 29 passes for 439 yards and five touchdowns.
Why the Rams drafted him: Coach Sean McVay has noted that he wants as many weapons as necessary for quarterback Matthew Stafford. Skowronek is capable of playing tight end and as a blocker out of the backfield.
CHRIS GARRETT, Outside linebacker
6 feet 3, 243 pounds, Concordia-St. Paul, Round 7, Pick 252
Notable: Garrett amassed 36½ sacks and established an NCAA Division II record by forcing 15 fumbles during his career.
Last season: Concordia-St. Paul did not play last season. Garrett had 14 sacks in 2019.
Why the Rams drafted him: The Rams, as with all teams, are forever in search of effective edge rushers. That is why the Rams re-signed Leonard Floyd during the offseason. Garrett will have the opportunity to demonstrate the skills he showed at a small school translate to the NFL.
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