2018 Recruiting Recap: Offensive Linemen

Nicholas Petit-Frere was drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans
Petit-Frere, a former top recruit in the Class of 2018, started 16 games as a rookie for the Tennessee Titans in 2022.

Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 NFL Draft recap

Nick Herbig OLB-Pittsburgh Steelers
Wisconsin OLB Nick Herbig was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 132nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
March 29, 2024

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Los Angeles Rams 2023 NFL Draft Recap

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The LA Rams drafted back-to-back national champion quarterback Stetson Bennett IV

New LA Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett IV was drafted with the 132nd overall pick in this year's draft.

The Los Angeles Rams went into yet another draft without a first-round pick but they may end up getting top value with their 36th overall pick in center Steve Avila, who we spotlighted during the college football season.

TCU Steve Avila practicing center snap vs. SMU in 2022
TCU offensive lineman Steve Avila, pictured, has started at all of the three interior line spots for the Horned Frogs. He moved to center for a couple of snaps against SMU when starter Alan Ali went down to injury.

But the fun was just getting started for the team. They not only drafted 14 players, they also signed 24 as undrafted priority free agents. Of the latter, Rhode Island’s Jordan Jones, UCF long snapper Alex Ward, Boston College’s Jaiden Woodbey, NC State’s Christopher Dunn, Louisville’s Tiyon Evans, Florida’s Rashad Torrence, West Virginia’s Sam James and NC State’s Tanner Ingle were all featured in our 2023 NFL Draft Guide. But it was another undrafted free agent who took the top spot as the representative for the club’s No. 1 undrafted free agent signing.

Regardless of any analysis, it was clear that the Rams know that they need to add depth and competition to improve its roster. Their undrafted free agents made up two more draft classes.

LA Rams 2023 NFL Draft Recap
Los Angeles Rams
SelectionPlayer SelectionPosition- SchoolDN Big Board Rank/ GradeNotesValue (1-5):
2 (36)Steve Avila 6’3 330OC-OG-TCU36/2nd RoundAvila, a left-handed snapper at center, may slide into the left guard spot initially but brings value at all three interior line spots if needed. 5
3 (77)Byron Young 6’2 250OLB-Tennessee94/3rd RoundYoung’s final career game in the 2022 Orange Bowl exhibited his range, motor and pass rush capability. He still needs to gain a better feel as a pass rusher, as he often negates his 4.4 speed by stopping his feet too early in the rush.l exhibited his range, motor and pass rush capability. He still needs to gain a better feel as a pass rusher. 4.5
3 (89)Kobie Turner 6’2 288 DT-Wake Forest, RichmondN/ATurner’s one-gap penetration capability worked well at Richmond and translated as a disruptor at Wake Forest in his only ACC campaign. 3
4 (128)Stetson Bennett IV 5’11 192 QB-Georgia 156/3rd RoundBennett IV has a number of similarities to John Wolford coming out of Wake Forest, but he may be a better athlete. This is a player who should fit well in Sean McVay’s system behind fellow Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford. Bennett IV, a Heisman finalist, threw for 4,127 yards in 2022. 4.5
5 (161)Nick Hampton 6’2 236OLB/Appalachian State172/3rd RoundHampton’s length shined as a pass rusher at the collegiate level and also on special teams running down on the kickoff team. The two-time All-Sun Belt performer finished his career with 40 tackles for loss and contributed six forced fumbles. 5
5 (174)Warren McClendon 6’4 306OT-Georgia202/4th RoundHis technique has been adequate against SEC pass rushers partly because he frequently slides his feet well enough laterally to win to a spot. This has created a cup for the quarterback in the pocket. He is going to have to improve in getting his second step in the ground when man blocking. 4.25
5 (175)Davis Allen 6’5 250TE-Clemson181/3rd RoundAllen’s best season catching the ball came at a time when he also continued his stellar work on special teams (nine career tackles). He was a major factor in the Red Zone during his career. 5
5 (177)Puka Nacua 6’1 206 WR/BYU207/4th RoundNacua, who is capable enough of the contested catch, often lined up as a running back to run off-tackle. The foot speed reveals a build into it type of gear that still presents turnover. 4.75
6 (182)Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson 5’8 178CB-Nickel-TCU122/3rd RoundThe Jim Thorpe Award winner has more than enough competitiveness to last on the outside, if need be, but he could grow into an All-Pro player at the interior nickel back spot due to his vision, awareness and toughness.5
6 (189)Ochaun Mathis 6’5 250DE-OLB-Nebraska188/3rd RoundIt was not as if he dominated the Big Ten by any stretch, but games like the fourth quarter of the Rutgers contest illuminate his overall upside. Mathis could become a better pro than collegian.5
6 (216)Zach Evans 5’11 202RB-Ole Miss, TCU88/3rd RoundEvans, a former four-star recruit, has all of the skills but injuries and an inability to unseat No. 1 RB Quinshon Jenkins at Ole Miss resulted in a Day 3 slide. He could become a find for the Rams. 5
7 (223)Ethan Evans 6’3 5/8” 233P-Wingate359/5th RoundOur No. 1 ranked punter has a number of physical similarities to his idol was Thomas Morstead. Evans excelled at the Kohl’s Kicking Combine and was outstanding in the postseason. The best athlete in the draft at the position (700-pound squatter), Evans can kickoff and punt and boasts hang times clearing 5 seconds with 70-yard distances.5
7 (234)Jason Taylor II 6’0 208S-Oklahoma State144/3rd RoundAngles were an issue for Taylor as either an eighth man in the box or in the open field, but he has been a playmaking safety since 2020 and finished with touchdowns on a fumble return, kickoff return and interception in school. 5
7 (259)Desjaun Johnson 6’2 285DT-Toledo592/6th RoundJohnson got up into the 285-pound range during pre-draft workouts and sacrificed some quickness. But he still has produced as a one-gap penetrator who can play the 6i-DE spot. The first-team All-MAC performer has frequently battled interior linemen in school at the three-technique defensive tackle position. 4
No. 1 UDFA signing: Quindell Johnson 6’0 207S-Memphis200/4th RoundJohnson’s game is defined by film study, eye speed and overall instincts from the safety spot. There were questions about his pure speed, but he answered most of those in the postseason. 5
Draft Grade: 4.64

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Heston Kjerstad OF/1B-Bowie Baysox (Baltimore AA affiliate)

Heston Kjerstad throwing in the outfield during the 2019 SEC Tournament
2020 Baltimore Orioles second overall pick Heston Kjerstad is currently batting .298 with eight home runs for the Bowie Baysox (Baltimore AA affiliate) in the Eastern League.

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