While some teams are putting a draft emphasis on acquiring their franchise skill position players, both the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers spent their day selecting the guys who will keep them on their feet.
The Chargers got things rolling in the 2nd round by selecting USC linebacker Uchenna Nwosu with the 48th overall pick. Nwosu was a standout for the Trojans, operating in a linebacker/ defensive end position, termed a predator. The Bolts then went back to support Nwosu and the rest of the defense by selecting defensive end Justin Jones out of North Carolina State with the 84th overall pick.
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The Chargers have now used all three of their picks on the defensive side of the ball after drafting safety Derwin James out of Florida State with the 17th overall selection Thursday. The Chargers have one pick remaining in each of the final four rounds Saturday.
The Rams, however, added support to their offensive line.
After not having a pick in either of the first two rounds, the Rams finally made their first selection at No. 89 by choosing offensive tackle Joe Noteboom. Noteboom, a 6-foot-5, 309-lb product of Texas Christian University has played both right and left tackle during his collegiate career. The Rams have all five of their linemen from 2017 returning, but Noteboom is poised to serve as a valuable backup as the franchise prepares for its next rotation.
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“I can tell that you that from a mental standpoint to be active on gameday, number one, you’re going to have to be able to learn two positions - that’s right and left tackle. He can do that," said general manager Les Snead on whether or not Noteboom could contribute immediately. "That’s no problem for him. From that point forward, it’s going out and earning a job on the field.”
The Rams will conclude the Draft with three fourth-round picks and five sixth-round picks Saturday.
