10 draft targets for Rams who stood out at NFL combine

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BonifayRam

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https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2019/03/05/nfl-combine-draft-rams-prospects-winner-stock/
10 draft targets for Rams who stood out at NFL combine
By: Cameron DaSilva


The 2019 NFL combine wrapped up on Monday with the final group of prospects taking the field in Indianapolis. The “Underwear Olympics,” as it’s sometimes called, featured a number of players who stood out for good and bad reasons, while others reaffirmed their statuses as top draft prospects.

With regards to the Rams, several potential draft targets opened some eyes with excellent performances, primarily on the defensive side of the ball. Here are 10 prospects who helped their stock at the combine and could be possible picks by Los Angeles.

Florida State EDGE Brian Burns
Burns came away as one of the biggest winners at any position, elevating his stock immensely at the combine. He came in bulked up with about 15 added pounds, while maintaining the speed and explosiveness that made him dangerous at Florida State.

It’s possible he’s pushed himself out of the Rams’ range at 31, but if he were to fall the way Harold Landry did, Los Angeles would have a hard time passing him up.

Florida S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
Gardner-Johnson will probably be on the Rams’ shortlist for prospects to target in the first round if Lamarcus Joyner doesn’t return. He can play free safety, strong safety or cover the slot, providing excellent versatility in the secondary. Gardner-Johnson timed well in the 40 with a 4.48 and while his 7.03 three-cone leaves some to be desired, it’s not a stock-killer.

Johnson looked great in the limited on-field drills showed on NFL Network, particularly in the backpedal.

Gardner-Johnson with a tight backpedal and turn. I like it. pic.twitter.com/sdLbzUL1Nf

— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) March 4, 2019

Virginia S Juan Thornhill
Thornhill can play either safety spot at the next level, and after seeing him test at the combine, there’s no doubt he has the speed and athleticism to play the deep middle. He jumped out of the gym with 44 inches in the vertical jump and 11-9 in the broad, while also clocking a tremendous 4.42 in the 40-yard dash.

He’ll be an option in the first round like Gardner-Johnson, assuming the Rams move on from Joyner.

OKAY. @Juan_Thornhill just jumped 44" in the vertical!

Iowa S Amani Hooker
Hooker is a versatile player in the secondary, as well, and has the requisite speed with a 4.48 40-yard dash. At 5-foot-11, 210 pounds, he’s certainly not undersized, but the Rams would probably prefer to keep John Johnson on tight ends if Hooker were added.

He timed well in the three-cone drill (6.81) and short shuttle (4.1), which only helps his stock. Hooker would likely be a trade-back target because he’s unlikely to make it to No. 94 for the Rams.

Houston CB Isaiah Johnson
Unless the Rams cut Marcus Peters or Aqib Talib, they likely won’t be spending a first-round pick on a cornerback, but with both players’ contracts expiring next year, it’s still possible. Johnson going in the first round is probably too rich, but if Los Angeles trades down from 31 or up from 94, he should be a top target.

He’s tall (6-2), thick (208 pounds) and long (33-inch arms), but none of those traits hurt his speed or quickness. He cruised to a 4.4-second 40-yard dash and posted a stellar time of 6.81 seconds in the three-cone drill.

Top official short shuttles for cornerbacks at #NFLCombine:

1. David Long, @UMichFootball, 3.97
2. Isaiah Johnson, @UHCougarFB, 4.06
t3. Kris Boyd, @TexasFootball, 4.08
t3. Montre Hartage, @NUFBFamily, 4.08
5. Justin Layne, @MSU_Football, 4.09

— NFL Draft (@NFLDraft) March 4, 2019

Clemson NT Dexter Lawrence
Lawrence’s day ended early on Sunday after suffering a minor quad strain during his 40-yard dash, but he still ran a 5.05 at 342 pounds, which is astonishing. His 36 reps in the bench press were also impressive, and while it’s disappointing we didn’t get to see him go through other drills, the athleticism is clearly there.

He’d be a perfect Day 1 target for the Rams at the end of the first round if he gets there, slotting right in at nose tackle and replacing Ndamukong Suh.

Dexter Lawrence with a 5.05 (1.76 10-yard split) LET’S GO

He’s 342 pounds pic.twitter.com/zuFoJ1ZRZ4

— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) March 3, 2019

Texas LB Gary Johnson
Johnson is one of the fastest linebackers in the draft, as evidenced by his 4.43-second 40-yard dash. He also jumped 121 inches in the broad and posted a respectable 7.15 in the three-cone drill – 10th at his position. He’d be a nice complement next to Cory Littleton as a potential Day 3 selection.

There’s no question he helped himself in Indianapolis.

Gary Johnson clocks a 4.43 on his first 40 attempt. @_GaryJohnson @nflnetwork #ThisIsTexas #HookEm #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/bWDqXrqkSx

— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) March 3, 2019

Boston College OL Chris Lindstrom
Rodger Saffold may not be back and as it stands right now, the Rams don’t have a comfortable replacement for him. Lindstrom would fit in at left guard and after running a 4.91 40-yard dash, there’s no question he has the athleticism to pull and get to the outside and set blocks for Todd Gurley.

He played tackle in college and can also fit in at center, as well, in the event that John Sullivan doesn’t return or retires after next season.

N.C. State OL Garrett Bradbury

Another potential guard target for the Rams, Bradbury would probably have to be picked in the first round if Los Angeles wants him. He’d also be a good target if they trade out of Round 1, but there’s no chance he’ll reach No. 94.

He also stood out at the combine with a 4.92 40-yard dash and could be an immediate starter at guard for the Rams.

Notre Dame DL Jerry Tillery
The Rams met with Tillery at the combine so there’s definitely interest, but he may not be available to them at No. 31 anymore. He ran an impressive 4.93 40-yard dash at 6-foot-6, 293 pounds with a broad jump of 115 inches. He’d likely play defensive end in the Rams’ 3-4 scheme, but if needed, he could also move down to nose tackle in some situations.

Having him next to Aaron Donald would be a nice combination, especially in the event that the Rams cut Michael Brockers to save $10 million.

Jerry Tillery with an excellent 4.94 and even better 1.71 10-yard split pic.twitter.com/bQncvnR4ml

— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) March 3, 2019
 

OldSchool

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Some very good options in there and a few not to be impressed with.
 

JonRam99

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ya this lineup looks great. Good value at positions of need. Glad CGJ did well in the underwear olympics, I think he's a guy we really want, though D Lawrence would be amazing also. I'm confident that, after the underwear olympic champs get over-valued & after a few reaches, we'll have some nice options at #31, or maybe even later if we trade down.
 

Ram65

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Florida State EDGE Brian Burns
Burns came away as one of the biggest winners at any position, elevating his stock immensely at the combine. He came in bulked up with about 15 added pounds, while maintaining the speed and explosiveness that made him dangerous at Florida State.

It’s possible he’s pushed himself out of the Rams’ range at 31, but if he were to fall the way Harold Landry did, Los Angeles would have a hard time passing him up.

Another one that showed well and looks like he will be gone before #31.

Virginia S Juan Thornhill
Thornhill can play either safety spot at the next level, and after seeing him test at the combine, there’s no doubt he has the speed and athleticism to play the deep middle. He jumped out of the gym with 44 inches in the vertical jump and 11-9 in the broad, while also clocking a tremendous 4.42 in the 40-yard dash.

He’ll be an option in the first round like Gardner-Johnson, assuming the Rams move on from Joyner.

OKAY. @Juan_Thornhill just jumped 44" in the vertical!

Saw him projected to the Rams in round 3. I guess not with those numbers.