The 2022 NFL draft is rapidly approaching, with less than two weeks until the first round begins. The Los Angeles Rams won’t go on the clock until the end of the third round at No. 104 overall, but they’ve been busy studying prospects who could be there when they finally do make their first pick.
And for as often as its said that they skip the draft because of all the trades they make, the Rams still have eight picks this year, seven of which come on Day 3.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid put together a complete seven-round mock draft, including all eight of the Rams’ selections. Right away, he has the Rams addressing the offensive line by adding two interior blockers with their first two picks: UT-Chattanooga’s Cole Strange at No. 104 and Boston College’s Alec Lindstrom at No. 142.
Both players are listed as centers, which is where they played most of their college careers, but Strange has versatility at both center and guard; Lindstrom is likely to only play center in the NFL. Here’s what Reid wrote about the selection of Strange in Round 3.
A perfect fit in the Rams’ zone scheme, Strange played mostly guard during his career but looked good during his first stint at center during the week of practices at the Senior Bowl. His strength at the point of attack is underrated, and he has the quick feet to develop into a starter.
Reid then had the Rams adding pass-rush help in the fifth round by taking Jeffrey Gunter out of Coastal Carolina with the 175th overall pick. He’s a great fit in a 3-4 defense like the Rams’, bringing some juice to the pass rush off the edge.
In the sixth round, things get interesting. Reid has the Rams taking Notre Dame QB Jack Coan, North Carolina RB Ty Chandler and Penn State punter Jordan Stout. The Rams do need a punter, even after signing Riley Dixon, but running back and quarterback aren’t high priorities.
In Round 7, the Rams select Northern Iowa WR Isaiah Weston and Ohio TE Armani Rogers with their final two picks. It wouldn’t hurt to add some depth at those spots, but again, they’re not pressing needs – certainly not more than cornerback.
You’ll notice the Rams didn’t take a single cornerback, which would be a mistake given the complexion of their secondary. Right now, they have Robert Rochell and David Long Jr. behind Jalen Ramsey, but their depth is seriously lacking.
How would you rate this mock draft? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
