Day 3: Rams’ draft profiles
The Rams selected California quarterback Jared Goff with the first pick of the NFL draft Thursday, and did not have a pick Friday on Day 2, which included Rounds 2 and 3. Players they selected Saturday on Day 3:
TYLER HIGBEE, tight end
6 feet 6, 249 pounds, Western Kentucky. Round 4, Pick 110. Notable: Higbee was among the most productive tight end prospects in the draft but probably fell when he was arrested after an altercation April 10. Why Rams drafted him: After releasing Jared Cook, the Rams need tight ends who can catch passes and help franchise quarterback Jared Goff transition to the NFL. Last season: Higbee, playing in one of college football’s most prolific passing offenses, caught 38 passes for 563 yards and eight touchdowns. He had 68 career receptions, 14 for touchdowns.
PHAROH COOPER, receiver
5 feet 11, 203 pounds, South Carolina. Round 4, Pick 117.
Notable: Multipurpose standout was All-Southeastern Conference as a receiver and all-purpose back in 2015.
Why Rams drafted him: The Rams ranked last in the NFL in passing in 2015 and had only 11 touchdown receptions. Cooper said if he and Tavon Austin are on the field at the same time it could be “dangerous” for opponents.
Last season: Cooper caught 66 passes for 973 yards and had eight touchdown receptions. He also rushed for a touchdown and passed for another. He eclipsed 100 yards receiving five times, giving him nine 100-yard games in his career.
TEMARRICK HEMINGWAY, tight end
6 feet 4, 244 pounds, South Carolina St. Round 6, Pick 177.
Notable: Hemingway had never caught more than 26 passes in a season before increasing his total by 12 as a senior.
Why Rams drafted him: After selecting Higbee in the fourth round, the Rams focused on assembling depth in a position group that needs reliable receiving threats.
Last season: Hemingway caught 38 passes for 418 yards and a touchdown. He played in the NFLPA Bowl and then impressed during the NFL scouting combine. He clocked 4.71 seconds in the 40-yard dash, fifth-fastest among tight ends.
JOSH FORREST, linebacker
6 feet 3, 249 pounds, Kentucky. Round 6, Pick 190. Notable: Started his college career as a wide receiver, moved to a hybrid safety/linebacker position and finished as an inside linebacker.
Why Rams drafted him: Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has a knack for getting the most out of versatile defensive players such as Forrest.
Last season: Recorded a team-best 93 tackles, including six for losses. He had 31⁄2 sacks and intercepted two passes. He also broke up five passes and forced a fumble.
MICHAEL THOMAS, receiver
6 feet 1, 200 pounds, Southern Miss. Round 6, Pick 206. Notable: Thomas did not receive an invitation to the NFL scouting combine, a slight that he said motivated him even more to continue working toward getting drafted. Why Rams drafted him: The receiving corps needed a major upgrade, so the team’s brain trust focused on augmenting a position group that lacked consistent playmakers other than Tavon Austin. Last season: Thomas caught 71 passes for 1,391 yards and 14 touchdowns. The junior college transfer finished his two-year career at Southern Mississippi with 112 catches and 19 touchdowns.