8 2021 LA Rams rookies who could surprise in 2022

VII: Taking the edge off

The stage for second-year outside linebacker Chris Garrett is all set for him to make a grand entrance in 2022. The LA Rams need him to step up, and I believe this year he will do just that. How much of a role will he play in 2022?

Well, the Rams added veteran FA Von Miller to reinforce the injury-riddled group of outside linebackers last year but lost both him and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo to free agency. Worse yet, the team also lost emergency outside linebacker Justin Lawler as well.

So, I think that it is safe to project Garrett as an in-house replacement for Obo’s production, at a minimum. But what makes me believe that he can deliver this year? Keep in mind that he arrived raw, and then tested positive for COVID-19 and was forced into quarantine as per the NFL health protocols.

Garrett was on such a roll, too. In the preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, he entered the game and literally took over. Not just one play, but a series of plays that ignited the Rams’ defense. How did that look?

That was a flash of what could be coming for the 2022 NFL season. Right now, many expect the LA Rams to sign a veteran to the roster, or draft multiple players. I’m not so sure. While the roster needs depth, the Rams started in a similar spot just one year ago. I could see an outside linebacker added for depth in the draft, but I believe that the team truly expects Garrett to step up in 2022.

And admittedly, I do too.