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Paxton Lynch And 4 Other Prospects Los Angeles Rams Should Target In 2016 NFL Draft

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The Rams are making the move back to Los Angeles in time for the 2016 season, with a talent-laden defense and plenty of shortcomings on the offensive side of the ball.

Here are five prospects the Rams should target during the 2016 NFL Draft.

5. Iowa C Austin Blythe

Iowa C Austin Blythe Matthew Holst - Getty Images
Blythe was a four-year starter at Iowa, with consistently good run blocking grades from Pro Football Focus during the 2015 season. He played all three interior line spots during his college career, but he fits the bill for the Rams if they want to add competition at center.

Blythe was a four-year starter at Iowa, with consistently good run blocking grades from Pro Football Focus during the 2015 season. He played all three interior line spots during his college career, but he fits the bill for the Rams if they want to add competition at center.

4. UMass WR Tajae Sharpe

UMass WR Tajae Sharpe Getty Images
Sharpe was injured during Senior Bowl practice, but it does not seem to be serious. His production during his final season at UMass (111 receptions for 1,319 yards), size (6-foot-4, 200 pounds) and reliability (three drops in 2015, via Pro Football Focus) make Sharpe a legit NFL prospect, despite concerns about level of competition in college, and the Rams need plenty of wide receiver help.

Sharpe was injured during Senior Bowl practice, but it does not seem to be serious. His production during his final season at UMass (111 receptions for 1,319 yards), size (6-foot-4, 200 pounds) and reliability (three drops in 2015, via Pro Football Focus) make Sharpe a legit NFL prospect, despite concerns about level of competition in college, and the Rams need plenty of wide receiver help.

3. Virginia CB Maurice Canady

Virginia CB Maurice Canady Mike Ehrmann - Getty Images
The Rams' starting cornerbacks, Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson, are headed for free agency and it will likely be tough to retain both. Canady has enough perceived shortcomings to likely fall to the middle rounds, but with good size (6-foot-2) and ball skills the Rams could get a potential immediate contributor at a discount.

The Rams' starting cornerbacks, Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson, are headed for free agency and it will likely be tough to retain both. Canady has enough perceived shortcomings to likely fall to the middle rounds, but with good size (6-foot-2) and ball skills the Rams could get a potential immediate contributor at a discount.

2. Pitt WR Tyler Boyd

Pitt WR Tyler Boyd Brett Carlsen - Getty Images
Boyd finished his three-year run at Pitt with school records for receptions (254) and receiving yards (3,361), along with 21 touchdowns, and he produced consistently despite playing with three different starting quarterbacks. He is seen as a fit for the slot at the next level, due to strong route running and reliable hands, but the Rams should not be too choosy as they look to add weapons to an anemic pass offense.

Boyd finished his three-year run at Pitt with school records for receptions (254) and receiving yards (3,361), along with 21 touchdowns, and he produced consistently despite playing with three different starting quarterbacks. He is seen as a fit for the slot at the next level, due to strong route running and reliable hands, but the Rams should not be too choosy as they look to add weapons to an anemic pass offense.

1. Memphis QB Paxton Lynch

Memphis QB Paxton Lynch Wesley Hitt - Getty Images
The buzz surrounding Lynch has diminished a bit, particularly after a bad bowl game, but the Rams at No. 15 overall is a popular destination for him in mock drafts right now. Things will surely shift again between now and draft time, but Lynch can be the quarterback of the future the Rams need.

The buzz surrounding Lynch has diminished a bit, particularly after a bad bowl game, but the Rams at No. 15 overall is a popular destination for him in mock drafts right now. Things will surely shift again between now and draft time, but Lynch can be the quarterback of the future the Rams need.

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