LA Rams mock 2022 NFL Draft, grabbing OL and Edge value

LA Rams likely draft needs

The first stop to shopping wisely in any NFL Draft is to determine what the Rams’ needs will be in 2022. Of course, an easy answer is to plop in wide receivers, running backs, and tight ends, because we have learned through experience that what head coach Sean McVay wants in the draft, Sean McVay gets. And each year, he wants new wide receivers, running backs, and tight ends.

So let’s rise above the obvious and create a true shopping list of depth needs. To start off, thanks to the capologists at Spotrac.com, we know that the team will have 44 players signed to contracts, and just over $5.3 million to spend.  Of the players whose contracts end this season, two are currently on IR (DT Sebastian Joseph Day and TE Johnny Mundt).

Potential Rams 2022 Free Agents

The hardest-hit positions in the 2022 Free agency departure are as follows:
UFA = Unrestricted Free Agent RFA=Restricted Free Agent ERFA=Exclusive Restricted Free Agent

CB (2)  – Darious Williams (UFA), Donte Deayon (UFA)
DT (1)  – Sebastian Joseph Day (UFA)
ILB (2)  – Travin Howard (ERFA), Troy Reeder (RFA)
OL (4) – Coleman Shelton (RFA), Brian Allen (UFA), Austin Corbett (UFA), Joseph Noteboom (UFA)
OLB (2) – Von Miller (UFA), Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (UFA)
PK (1) – Matt Gay (RFA)
QB (1) – John Wolford (ERFA)
RB (2) – Sony Michel (UFA), Buddy Howell (UFA)
S (1) – Juju Hughes (ERFA)
TE (1) – Johnny Mundt (UFA)
WR (1) – Odell Beckham Jr. (UFA)

That is 18 players potentially leaving the team on free agency.  But before you begin to be concerned, we have already examined methods for the organization to extend a number of critical veteran free agents here.  For simplicity’s sake, it’s worth presuming that the LA Rams will likely retain any RFA or ERFA at this juncture.

Now, where does that really leave us? The Rams will no doubt need offensive linemen, edge rushers, defensive backs, and perhaps a restocking of offensive weaponry. Is that all? Well, if the Rams encounter a true bargain or BPA, they can also be expected to scoop up anyone of exceptional value to their draft board. So are we ready to pick yet? Well, let’s revisit the vault of 2022 NFL Draft picks.