The Los Angeles Rams prioritized the future over the present in Round 1 of the draft on Thursday night, which was a surprise to many. They took quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th pick, adding a player they hope will be their franchise signal caller after Matthew Stafford retires.
For those disappointed by the selection, there’s good news: The draft isn’t over.
The Rams have two more picks on Friday night, one in the second round and one in the third. This is where they can target instant-impact players at positions of need.
We ran a Day 2 mock draft using PFF’s simulator and came away with two guys who can help right away.
Round 2, No. 61: LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
The Rams can go in a lot of different directions with this pick. Wide receiver is an option, and I considered De’Zhaun Stribling. But Hill’s upside is almost too good to pass up at this spot. He’s a terrific athlete who can cover a ton of ground, which is exactly the type of player the Rams need next to Nate Landman.
Their linebackers were exposed in coverage and on outside runs last season, so adding a rangy linebacker like Hill will solidify the position for years to come. He’d help right away alongside Landman and could be a long-term replacement if the Rams ever cut ties with the veteran.
In three years at Texas, he had 17 sacks, 31.5 TFLs, eight forced fumbles and three interceptions. He did it all for the Longhorns.
Round 3, No. 93: WR Malachi Fields, Notre Dame
Fields scored five touchdowns in three straight seasons from 2023-2025, finishing each year with between 630 yards and 811 yards. He was a consistent receiver in terms of production despite never racking up big yardage numbers.
He’s the type of receiver who can win down the field thanks to his 6-4 frame, despite a lack of speed (4.61). The Rams could target a receiver with more speed but they also don’t have a big-bodied wideout like Fields on their roster.
Opposite Puka Nacua, he’d be a nice fit as a boundary receiver whenever Davante Adams and the Rams part ways. He doesn’t have the upside that some of the other Round 1 receivers have, of course, but for what the Rams need in the years to come post-Adams, he’d be a good fit.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Day 2 NFL mock draft: Rams take explosive LB and big WR in Rounds 2-3
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