It’s officially NFL Draft season! To celebrate, we here at OTH are bringing as many four-round mock drafts as possible. Leading off, we have the Los Angeles Rams.
Simply put, the Rams were in win-now mode last season, and they continue to be so. The Rams have only two selections in the first four rounds of the 2022 draft, and both happen to be compensatory picks.
Their first-round pick was sent to the Lions for Matt Stafford, and their second and third-rounders were dealt to Denver. That said, the Lombardi Trophy in the Rams’ locker room definitely softens the blow, however.
The Rams’ first selection in this year’s draft comes at 104 overall and their second at 142. The team was able to maintain a large portion of their team following the championship run, leaving just a few holes in the depth chart.
Two main positions of need stick out to me for the Rams. Interior offensive line, aka guards and/or centers, could use some work and the secondary craves depth. Even with few early-round picks, Les Snead should be able to address both areas of need well.
3.39 (104 Overall)
Dohnovan West, C, Arizona State
The Rams have a major need for depth pieces on the offensive line, and a bruiser like Dohnovan West would fit right in. He has experience playing both center and guard, but last season played center for the most part. He weighed in at six-foot, three-inches and 296 lbs at the NFL Combine.
While his size leaves some to be desired for an NFL interior lineman, West makes up for that deficiency in a few ways. He’s an incredibly smart lineman, known for making good reads and taking the best angles at the point of attack. However, his mind and body don’t always sync up.
One of the main cons for his game is his technique/posture. He has shown the tendency to lean in while on pass pro. With that said, West has a handful of strengths that an innovative offensive mind like Sean McVay could utilize from the pivot spot should West be thrust into action.
4.36 (142 Overall)
Cordale Flott, CB, LSU
While the Rams’ secondary boasts arguably the best cover corner in the NFL, it is seriously lacking in depth. That’s where a project like Cordale Flott steps in. Flott is a long, lanky, athletic corner from LSU who has his work cut out for him.
Simply put, Flott is small right now. He’s only about six feet tall (sources have him listed from 6′ to 6’2″) and weighs maybe 175 lbs. That is just too lean for the NFL level. He also struggles with his anticipation on routes, play recognition, and separation control.
With that said, Flott has a TON of athletic upside. He’s got long arms and great speed that could make him a solid perimeter corner. He runs well and has the speed that can help make up ground when he gets beat one-on-one. Flott also plays the game with a toughness and tenacity that is truly commendable.
Rams’ 4-Round Recap
If these two players are available for the Rams where they pick, Snead would be hitting a home run with his limited options. Both West and Flott are project players, but the Rams are in a position to select players based on upside.
West has upside in his football IQ on the line and Flott is one of the more purely athletic corners in this year’s draft class. The Rams are still in win-now mode, and even though teams would like their rookies to come in and make an impact on day one, the Rams don’t necessarily need that.
The Rams have a roster ready to compete right now, and they have the space to keep players buried on the chart or on the practice squad. With their limited selections, the Rams can’t have their cake and eat it too.
Players like West and Flott may not be the most polished, but they can make strides through the season and carve out spots later on.
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