2024 NFL Draft Odds: Rams Have A First-Round Pick?! Which Position Will McVay Go?
L.A. Rams fans will get a rare (for them) treat in the 2024 draft: a first-round pick. Incredibly, the franchise has not made a first-round selection since Jared Goff in 2016. Eff them picks, indeed. Thus, Rams NFL Draft odds present an interesting opportunity. Bettors do not have a recent frame of reference as far as Les Snead’s management team will go here. Uncertainty can create value. Can we find any in Rams draft odds?
Is Offensive Line Rightfully Favored In Rams Draft Odds?
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Position
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Offensive Line
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DL/Edge
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Wide Receiver
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Quarterback
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Tight End
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Cornerback
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Linebacker
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Safety
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Running Back
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The betting markets reflect an interesting situation, with Caesars Sportsbook a clear outlier. Unlike the other betting sites, Caesars believes there’s a strong chance the Rams go for a defensive lineman/edge rusher here. Everyone else stands firm that the Rams will select an offensive lineman.
I like the underdog money on the defensive line prop quite a bit.
First, let’s rewind to the big headline of the Rams’ offseason: Aaron Donald retired. The future Hall of Famer has propped up a sketchy supporting cast for years, somehow putting tons of pressure on opposing quarterbacks while also soaking up all of the blocking attention.
That has allowed the Rams to get away without a ton of investment in the defense in general. Those days are over, however, and I think the Rams brain trust is well aware.
Second, while the Rams entered 2023 with an awful offensive line situation, things have improved markedly. Alaric Jackson turned in a surprisingly competent season at LT. The team signed premium free agent G Jonah Jackson. They traded for another premium guard performer in Steelers product Kevin Dotson. Steve Avila kept his head above water and will presumably keep improving, hopefully sliding to C without an issue. RT Rob Havenstein remains a rock.
Overall, the team ranked 20th in PFF pass blocking and should land around average again. That’s plenty good enough given the weapons and coaching on hand.
By EPA/play, the Rams had a top-10 offense but a 20th-ranked defense. It makes sense to invest on the defensive front, with projected starter Michael Hoecht a notable weak link. I expect them to do so, and they should have nearly the pick of the litter in a draft expected to be very offense-heavy at the top.
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