Rams Picks Go O-Line and D-Line First
Avila allowed zero sacks last season at TCU, showing excellent ability in pass protection in what was a high-powered offense.
By Earl Heath, Contributing Sports Writer
Los Angeles Rams have not had a first-round pick in the draft since 2021so they went with lineman for the first two selections and 36th overall pick, standing pat and making their first selection of 2023. With that pick, the Rams selected TCU guard/center Steve Avila, one of the top interior offensive linemen in the class.
Avila started three seasons for the Horned Frogs, playing everywhere from center to guard to right tackle. Depending on how the Rams view him, he could either be a guard or center in their scheme, though with Brian Allen returning, it’s likely that he’ll begin his career at guard.
Avila allowed zero sacks last season at TCU, showing excellent ability in pass protection in what was a high-powered offense.
Tennessee defensive lineman Byron Young was selected by the in the third round (No. 77 overall).
Young played defensive line at Tennessee from 2021-22.
He began his career at Georgia Military College and signed with Tennessee as the No. 1 weak side defensive end in the country.
Young finished his Tennessee career with 83 total tackles, 23.5 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks, one interception, two pass breakups and 22 quarterback hurries.
The team took Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive tackle Kobie Turner in Round 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft with the No. 89 overall pick (via trade with the New York Giants).
“Were not going to punt.” Said Rams GM Les Snead after the first three pics were lineman. “I don’t know who’s kicking off its going to be cool.”
