Will LA Rams trade or use picks to restock 2022 roster?

Draft Scenario

If the Rams can’t pull the trigger on some of these trade scenarios, what would the Rams seek in the 2022 NFL Draft?  In April, the Rams’ needs will likely include OLB, OL, TE, WR, and DT help. With the third-round pick, the Rams might take a look at Velus Jones Jr (WR) out of Tennessee.

During the combine, Jones ran a 4.34-sec 40-yard dash. That speed is exactly what the Rams need in their explosive offense. After the Rams waived WR Desean Jackson, their deep threat option was very inconsistent. With WR Cooper Kupp running the underneath routes and drawing all the attention, Jones can easily blow by one-on-one coverage.

Jones also brings deep special teams experience with him. In my opinion, that would be a huge pick-up if the Rams can land Jones in the draft.

Bulldog IOL

With Ram’s fourth-round pick, look for them to take a look at interior offensive lineman Justin Shaffer out of Georgia. The Rams will almost certainly lose veteran IOL Austin Corbett at right guard, likely lose Brian Allen at offensive center, and will risk losing both veteran LT Andrew Whitworth to retirement and backup LT Joseph Noteboom to free agency. The Rams’ offensive line will need reinforcements.

Shaffer stands 6-foot-4, weighs 314-pounds, and brings a lot of physicality and toughness to the table. He’s a bonafide bulldozer. If he gets a bead on a defender, he can move them to the next county. But he struggles to process stunts and will need a lot of work with his technique, comprehension, and agility to shift to the proper assignment. He is definitely a powerhouse and could develop into a solid starter for the Rams with patience and coaching.

Win Now

Winning now is the only thing on the LA Rams’ mind. With all the later picks the Rams currently hold, looking at trade options would be the most productive solution to repeat. Look for the Rams to reach out to teams that are trying to rebuild within the draft. Teams like the New York Giants, New York Jets, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans will be searching for more draft picks to rebuild their rosters.

LA Rams General Manager, Les Snead, will certainly inquire with teams as he tries to solve depth issues with a lack of high draft picks. The key to winning now is retaining some of the team’s draft picks. That ensures that the talent pipeline does not go dry and interrupt the roster for future success.

For the LA Rams, the team is pretty set with starters. So complimenting the current roster with players acquired through trading some late-round picks isn’t the end of the world. Look for the Rams to make some trade noise leading up to the 2022 NFL draft on April 28, 2022.