The Rams waited until the fourth round to add a run stuffer for the middle of their line in defensive tackle Greg Gaines out of the University of Washington.
General manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay specifically mentioned using Gaines at the nose tackle spot in base packages, putting emphasis on the former Huskie's ability to stay disciplined and stop the run.
Here are three things to know about Gaines:
1. CALI NATIVE
Gaines joins fellow draftee, cornerback David Long, as a Southern California native returning home for his first professional season as Ram. The young D-lineman was born in La Habra, Calif., and played four years at La Habra High School — just an hour from the L.A. Memorial Coliseum.
2. FIRST NFL GAME… EVER
In his conference call with Los Angeles media after he was drafted No. 134 overall, Gaines disclosed that his first game with the Rams will have special significance.
"I've never personally been to an NFL game, so my first NFL game — I'll be playing in it hopefully," Gaines said. "I grew up in L.A. and there were no teams anywhere nearby, so we just never got to go to an NFL game."
The Los Angeles Rams select Washington defensive tackle Greg Gaines with the 134th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Idaho quarterback Matt Linehan, left, is sacked by Washington defensive lineman Greg Gaines (99) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington defensive lineman Greg Gaines runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine on Sunday, March 3, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Washington defensive lineman Greg Gaines stands on the sideline during an NCAA college football game against Idaho, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, in Seattle. Washington beat Idaho 59-14. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
EUGENE, OREGON -- FBS: University of Washington Huskies vs. University of Oregon Ducks.
Oregon Ducks top rival Washington Huskies 30-27, in an instant college football classic.
Photo: Alika Jenner
The University of Washington football team defeats BYU 35-7 on September 29 2018. (Photography by Scott Eklund/Red Box Pictures)
Photo: Alika Jenner
Washington at Oregon State Football Sept. 30, 2017
The University of Washington football team plays Ohio State University in the 105th Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California on January 1, 2019. (Photography by Scott Eklund/Red Box Pictures)
EUGENE, OREGON -- FBS: University of Washington Huskies vs. University of Oregon Ducks.
Oregon Ducks top rival Washington Huskies 30-27, in an instant college football classic.
Photo: Alika Jenner
Photo: Alika Jenner
The 2018 University of Washington football team head shots on August 22, 2018. (Photography by Scott Eklund/Red Box Pictures)
3. THE PAC-12's BEST
Gaines was voted as the top defensive lineman in the Pac-12 by his conference opponents in his final season at Washington, earning the Morris Trophy. In 14 games as a redshirt senior, Gaines posted 55 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception — a statline good enough for First Team All-Pac 12 honors.
