LA Rams: 2022 pre-combine Mock Draft

With the 174th pick

of the 2022 NFL Draft, the LA Rams select Tyler Badie, Running back, from the University of Missouri

With the expected departure of Sony Michel in free agency and Darrell Henderson Jr. in the last year of his contract, the LA Rams bring in another running back to fill the role of third-down running back.

Even if Michel and Henderson Jr. were on long-term deals, the LA Rams 2021 running back situation proves the group needs improvement. Cam Akers back at full health helps, but a rotation keeps him healthy.

Tyler Badie adds a versatile weapon to the LA Rams backfield that can provide a change of pace for Cam Akers and afford the Rams the ability to move on from Michel and potentially Henderson.

At roughly 5-foot-8 200-pound, Badie is on the smaller side of the running back position, but he plays with physicality and explosiveness. He’s a dynamic runner and receiver with the ball in his hands and good ball security to keep it there.

Badie went for almost 2,000 scrimmage yards and eighteen touchdowns last year at Mizzou, which showcases big-play ability against quality competition. He even adds an element as a returner if that is the role he needs to play.

Adding Tyler Badie makes sense for a LA Rams offense that prides itself on being dynamic, even if his immediate role is unclear. Still, he brings enough ability to compete for the third-down role now and start in the future.

For a team looking to repeat as Super Bowl champions, having adequate running back depth is critical, even if the running backs are not playing traditional roles. Too many playmakers is an excellent problem to have for the LA Rams.

The LA Rams are likely to see the majority of the key departures on the offensive side of the ball, so drafting offense early in the draft is crucial. Still, the defense could use a boost with some of the remaining selections.