LA Rams: 2022 pre-combine Mock Draft

With the 141st pick

of the 2022 NFL Draft, the LA Rams select Cameron Jurgens, an offensive center out of the University of Nebraska.

Speaking of overhauling the offensive line, free agents Brian Allen and Coleman Shelton could leave a gaping hole at the center position. The LA Rams are unlikely to lose both in free agency, but the possibility exists, especially with Austin Corbett and Joseph Noteboom also free agents.

Cameron Jurgens projects best as an NFL center but could see reps at guard if necessary. Jurgens is another raw prospect whose best football could be ahead of him.

Jurgens saw almost exponential growth at Nebraska, entering the university as a tight end and finishing as one of the best centers in the Big 10 after four years. At times, he still moves like a tight end, which comes with advantages and disadvantages.

Most of his flaws stem from transitioning into the center’s role but becoming the third-best center in a conference that produces pro-caliber centers is noteworthy. Moreover, he has proven intelligent enough to continue the transition.

Cameron Jurgens adds to that intelligence with a high-motor and relentless play style. He may get outplayed by more technically sound players, but practicing against Aaron Donald will help him learn how to play against more gifted players.

At 6-foot-3 and 290-pounds, Cameron Jurgens still has room to develop NFL mass and mobility. Having Jurgens working in an offseason program with Kellen Diesch could result in two franchise offensive linemen in one draft class.

Adding two offensive linemen at the beginning of the draft class could be a risk, but the LA Rams get two high-upside, mid-ceiling linemen with back-to-back picks. The key for both will be the player development process.

If LA Rams offensive line coach Kevin Carberry can continue to be effective as the LA Rams offensive line coach and the strength and conditioning department can polish them both up, then the move is worth it.

Still, the LA Rams can only spend so much draft capital on offensive linemen when there are other needs and a drop-off in quality in the later rounds. The offensive linemen are part of keeping the offense dynamic, but so is adding playmakers.