The LA Rams have a long history of drafting players from small colleges. NFL hall of famer David Jones was drafted in 1961 out of Mississippi Valley State. In 1972, quarterback Ron Jaworski of Youngstown State was taken in the second round.
“Deacon” Jones and “Jaws” went on to have fabulous NFL careers. They did not seem to be at a disadvantage by playing against lesser talent. Somethings never changes in life.
Small college players have to work harder to overcome the perception of being a lesser talent. Sometimes, playing at powerful conference football is a numbers game.