LA Rams: 2022 post-free agency Mock Draft

With the 104th selection of the 2022 NFL Draft

In the third round, the LA Rams select

Some believe that cornerback is not the top need of the LA Rams going into the 2022 NFL Draft, but few cornerbacks are built like Zyon McCollum. While McCollum is an athletic specimen and a cornerback who put on a show at the NFL Combine, his tape could cost him come draft day.

The LA Rams’ future at the cornerback position is critical given the league’s push to become even more offensive-driven. As the receiving talent in the NFL continues to rise and teams’ try to match the LA Rams’ weapons, there’s an opportunity to focus on adding defensive backs. The Rams have lost Darious Williams, and have made no effort to re-sign Donte Deayon. So depth is an issue.

Zyon McCollum has the raw potential to be a legitimate weapon for the LA Rams defense because he is exceptionally athletic. McCollum is one of the most athletic cornerbacks from a testing standpoint in a long-time.

While he is a super athlete at the cornerback position, his tape does not show an unstoppable prospect, which is why his draft stock is so volatile. McCollum was also coming out of Sam Houston State and did not face the highest caliber of completion during his tenure.

His status as a workout warrior is going to elevate his draft stock and force the LA Rams to take him if he is available at the end of the third round. Other needs could be a priority, but there is not another Zyon McCollum later in the draft.

Since the LA Rams are defending Super Bowl champions and had a strong offseason, they can risk taking a prospect with a high developmental ceiling. Securing McCollum allows the front office to take advantage of the depth at other positions in the 2022 NFL Draft.