Scouting top-10 prospects for Rams fans following Michael Penix Jr.'s injury

Anthony Licciardi

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Top-10 prospects for Los Angeles Rams fans to scout after Michael Penix Jr.'s injury image

TL;DR

The Los Angeles Rams are top contenders, with Matthew Stafford in MVP contention and a strong position for the No. 1 seed.
The Atlanta Falcons' struggles and potential top-15 pick could benefit the Rams significantly.
Potential Rams draft picks include Jeremiyah Love (RB), Fernando Mendoza (QB), Spencer Fano (OT), and Caleb Downs (SAF).
The Rams may draft a luxury player or address long-term needs like offensive line sustainability or a future quarterback.

Things are going well in Inglewood. The Los Angeles Rams appear to be the top team in football, holding a strong position for The No. 1 seed, with Matthew Stafford in MVP contention and several defenders showing remarkable improvement.

They are Super Bowl favorites, and if that wasn't enough, they also have a top-15 pick on the way.

The Atlanta Falcons sent their initial first-round selection to Los Angeles to draft edge rusher James Pearce Jr. This move was predicated on quarterback Michael Penix Jr. And an overhauled defense. However, the defense is performing averagely, Penix has faced difficulties, and following a season-ending knee injury, Atlanta appears set to stagnate.

Should Kirk Cousins fail to sustain the Falcons' performance, the Rams stand to gain, possibly acquiring a top-tier prospect for their already formidable squad. What player might Los Angeles select in April?

Jeremiyah Love, a running back from Notre Dame

The Rams could afford to make a luxury selection, and choosing Love would be the complete opposite of the Las Vegas Raiders's top 10 strategy last year. Ashton Jeanty was brought in to establish a presence, lead an offense, and compensate for a lack of talent elsewhere. It's not surprising to many that it hasn't succeeded, even with his considerable abilities.

Love, in the interim, would enhance an offense that's already formidable. The offensive line remains intact. The quarterback (currently) is performing exceptionally well. There are minimal urgent requirements and few individuals possessing greater talent than Love within this group.

Imagine if the Kansas City Chiefs took Jonathan Taylor instead of Clyde Edwards-Helaire in 2020.

Adding Love would bring a powerful dimension to the ground attack, something Kyren Williams hasn't delivered, while avoiding the dangers of selecting a running back during a rebuilding phase.

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

You're familiar with the sensation of repeating a word until it sounds like a nonsensical string of noises, right? A discussion between Fernando Mendoza and Sean McVay could evoke a comparable experience. Their personalities are remarkably alike, and Mendoza's abilities position him as a prime contender to succeed Stafford.

While Mendoza has consistently been considered the top quarterback prospect, Dante Moore, Ty Simpson, and Arch Manning are still vying for the top spot. Should Mendoza's draft position slip towards the tenth pick rather than the first, the Los Angeles team is likely to make a move.

Stafford's potential decline or retirement poses the greatest risk to the Rams' ongoing success. A top-tier quarterback would revitalize McVay's coaching and ensure the Rams remain competitive.

Mendoza's passing style is characterized by aggression, accuracy, and decisiveness, positioning him as a promising player ready for immediate success.

Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

While the Los Angeles offensive line has performed admirably, persistent long-term concerns remain regarding the unit's sustainability, especially at the tackle positions.

With right tackle Rob Havenstein sidelined due to injury and in his thirty-third year, selecting a Day 1 starter to succeed him appears logical. Fano has emerged as a top contender for the initial tackle selection, notwithstanding his experience solely on the non-blindside.

Fano excels as a run blocker, demonstrating athleticism and technical skill in pass protection. Should one favor building offensive foundations prior to securing a franchise quarterback, investing in the offensive line should be the priority.

Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State

Ideally, Arvell Reese, an Ohio State linebacker/edge rusher, would be available when Los Angeles makes its selection. Yet, with each passing week, this scenario appears increasingly improbable.

Even if it's not the top choice, securing the Buckeyes' second-best prospect remains an honor. Downs stands out as the premier safety prospect since Kyle Hamilton, and he might even be selected sooner in the draft.

MORE: Rams predicted to take Ohio State's Caleb Downs after Falcons mistake

Downs offers versatility, bringing experience from various top-tier collegiate defenses. His instincts enable him to make plays in coverage, complemented by elite athleticism and the toughness to occasionally contribute near the line of scrimmage. Although cornerback presents a greater need than safety, a clear top-10 prospect at cornerback might not be readily available.

The mathematical outcome is altered by the positional value, yet McVay will likely have limited chances to acquire another player of this high caliber.