LA Rams draft edges a pass rusher in Daniel Hardy in Round 7

The LA Rams apparently were in no rush to add pass rush talent to this team. The team addressed the need for help at the offensive line, running back, and all over the secondary. But the team’s pass rush seemed to be one of the higher needs, but the Rams waited until Round 7 to add talent to the roster at that position.

With the 235th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the LA Rams selected outside linebacker Daniel Hardy, out of Montana State University. After previously playing a role on special teams and being rotated around at linebacker, Hardy settled on the edge in 2021 and burst into life, amassing 16.5 sacks, 24.5 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles.

At 6-foot-2, 235-pounds, he is a reliable tackler, possessing good get off, burst and bend, and a quick change of pace, enabling him to attack the outside shoulder of blockers which allows him to pursue from the backside. His excellent reading of the game, allied with a swift ability to react, helps him make a positive impact when in space.

Though he struggles somewhat against the run, being overpowered by offensive tackles due to his smaller size and relative lack of experience, if the Rams can get him and coach him up, he could be a solid rotational contributor.

He needs to develop a better arsenal of pass rush moves, and learn how to use his length in more efficient ways.  Eventually, he could develop a good power rush thanks to his innate speed and explosiveness. That, and the chance to gain knowledge and experience on a Super Bowl-winning team should help improve him dramatically.

Similar in style to current Rams edge Chris Garrett, Hardy may just have the potential to be better than his new teammate. his hand fighting skills are of a very high caliber, though criminally underused. This is something his new coaches need to quickly address. If they can harness his passion and potential, the Rams will have picked up a very good player indeed.

The 2022 NFL Draft is in the books, but stay tuned as we size up who the LA Rams have signed and who they plan to sign as undrafted rookies.