Yes, mock drafts are silly. In February — before NFL free agency — they’re silly and premature. But for the Los Angeles Rams, there’s no debating that acquiring cornerback depth this offseason is critical for success in 2017.

Coincidentally, a starting-caliber corner prospect who played college football in the Rams’ backyard could be available when the team selects in the second round (No. 37 overall) of the 2017 NFL draft: UCLA’s Fabian Moreau.

The Rams’ top corner Trumaine Johnson will be an unrestricted free agent in March. General manager Les Snead told the Los Angeles Times in January that new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’ input will factor into how the organization approaches Johnson’s contract.

But let’s say everything works out and Johnson is back in ’17: Los Angeles still has a corner problem. Lamarcus Joyner and E.J. Gaines both have had injury issues early in their NFL careers. Joyner performed well in the slot in ’16, but is only 5 feet 8 inches tall. Gaines graded out as Pro Football Focus‘ (subscription required) 107th-ranked corner last season at 40.7.

Moreau’s intrigue goes beyond where he played his college football. With the NFL Scouting Combine fast-approaching, let’s examine how the UCLA Bruin may be a fit for the Rams.

NFL draft profile

At 6 feet tall and 205 pounds, Moreau’s size is on par with Aqib Talib, Chris Harris Jr. and Bradley Roby — the corners that made up Phillips’ “No Fly Zone” secondary in Denver. Moreau suffered a season-ending Lisfranc foot injury in 2015 only to return last season to earn an All-Pac-12 honorable mention. Here’s what NFL.com’s Lance Zeirlein says about Moreau’s strengths:

Former running back with a thick frame and great speed. Showed off his ability to jam and reroute receivers at Shrine Game practices. Patient from press. Fluid athlete with good lateral quickness and agility to press and match against plus athletes. Maintains good feel for the route as it progresses. Early accelerator with recovery quickness and “makeup” long speed. Good physicality inside the route. Shows enough reactive twitch to challenge slants. Uses size and speed to crowd vertical routes and fight off receivers’ attempts to stack him on their hips. Showed noticeable improvement in confidence and coverage skills from 2014. Has upper body strength to stack and shuck most receivers. Break-down, wrap-up tackler with the build to challenge NFL runners with size.

High praise from draft analysts

Moreau’s performance at East-West Shrine Game practices in January turned heads, including those of NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah and Mike Mayock.

Jeremiah said he wouldn’t be shocked if Moreau was a first-round selection. Mayock agreed, and said Moreau’s size and speed makes him no worse than a second-round pick.

"I won't be shocked if @UCLAFootball CB Fabian Moreau goes in the first round." – @MoveTheSticks #ShrineGame

— CollegeFootball 24/7 (@NFL_CFB) January 21, 2017

Moreau had only three career interceptions at UCLA, but NFL Network producer Ben Fennell notes that his experience in press man coverage and number of college starts shouldn’t be overlooked:

Fabian Moreau is ideal size (6'1, 202 32.25in arms). Tons of press man experience at UCLA. 40 career starts. Don't just look at INT totals!

— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) February 14, 2017

Fennell also listed several attributes to describe Moreau that Phillips’ corners in Denver possessed:

Press saavy, physical, long, competitive, grabby, annoying.. He'll fit right into the NFL

UCLA CB Fabian Moreau.. pic.twitter.com/1x6bxmYmHd

— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) February 14, 2017

Rams connections

It always helps if someone is banging the drum for you. Rams new wide receivers coach Eric Yarber held the same position with UCLA for the past five seasons, the same amount of time Moreau spent with the Bruins. Few coaches in the country have been closer to Moreau, who lined up against Yarber’s receivers daily in practice.

Snead also has connections to Bruins head coach Jim Mora. Mora coached the Atlanta Falcons from 2004-06, the same time Snead was a scout there. Last August, Mora told ESPN’s Kevin Gemmell that Moreau displays a “standard of excellence.”

Make no mistake, the Rams could go in a number of directions with their first selection in this year’s draft. Offensive line, linebacker, safety and wide receiver are all pressing needs. But regardless of what happens with Johnson this offseason, corner cannot be ignored. Westwood has one, and he makes a lot of sense.