Experts continue to project defense for Rams as draft week approaches

Expert: Vinnie Iyer, NFL Writer

The pick: Iowa CB Cooper DeJean (pictured above)

Notes: The Rams have signed Darious Williams and Tre’Davious White this offseason, but Iyer still thinks they could go cornerback at 19.

“The Rams should be on the radar for a quarterback if one of the top five slip, but they also need to address defense for new coordinator Chris Shula, Morris’ successor,” Iyer writes. “They could think tackle with Aaron Donald retiring, but DeJean can clean up nicely for their secondary as a hybrid inside-outside playmaker.”

The 6-foot 1/2, 203-pound DeJean produced 41 tackles, 2 interceptions and 5 pass breakups in 10 games before suffering a season-ending leg injury (broken fibula), but it was still a strong enough performance to earn First-Team All-American recognition from the Associated Press.

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., Football Analyst

The pick: UCLA OLB Laiatu Latu

Notes: Latu continues to show up as a potential option for the Rams to add to their pass rush through the draft. Kiper notes the production from nose tackle Kobie Turner and outside linebacker Byron Young, but

“Latu is the best pure edge rusher in this class, and he already has an array of pass-rush moves,” Kiper wrote as part of his analysis.

The 6-5, 259 Latu led the FBS last season in tackles for loss (21.5) and tied for fourth in sacks (13) while starting all 13 games for the Bruins last season.

Expert: Bleacher Report Scouting Department (Alex Ballentine, Brandon Thorn, Brent Sobleski, Cory Giddings, Derrik Klassen, Kris Knox and Matt Holder)

Notes: See above for notes on Latu.

“This has been a popular pick in B/R’s recent mock drafts and for good reason,” Holder said. “The Rams needed another edge-rusher before Aaron Donald retired and that only intensifies now that the defense can’t rely on an interior defender racking up, or at least flirting with, double-digit sacks every year.

“Latu is the best pure pass-rusher in this year’s class as he already has a wide array of moves to win with in one-on-one matchups.”

Expert: Steve Palazzolo, Senior Analyst

The pick: Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner

Notes: While some mocks have Turner off the board before pick 19, Palazzo has him being on the board for the Rams here.

“Although…