3 moves LA Rams must make following 2022 NFL Draft

Must-Do I: Sort out the RB depth chart

Right now, the LA Rams roster is literally bursting with running backs. The team entered the 2022 NFL Draft with six running backs, none of whom were both healthy and experienced. Now, following the draft, that number is up to seven players. Even in the uncertain future of which player will be able to hold up during training camp, the LA Rams appear to be about two players too heavy at the position.

The LA Rams roster includes:

Cam Akers
Darrell Henderson Jr.
Jake Funk
Xavier Jones
Raymond Calais
Javian Hawkins
Kyren Williams

So now the question is, who goes and who stays? Well, by rights, the LA Rams have stood behind RB Cam Akers, so it’s likely fair to conclude that he will be here for the season. The team has just drafted RB Kyren Williams, so he is likely in a safe harbor as well. The team just added RB Coach Ra’Shaad Samples, a coach who has a history with RB Xavier Jones. I don’t think the Rams hire him just to turn around and release Jones.

Right now, my best projection leads me to believe that the Rams have three running backs on the bubble. RB Javian Hawkins was signed to a Reserve/Futures contract, which is the equivalent of an off-season practice squad. RB Raymond Calais was targetted for his special teams functionality, but in his absence, the Rams signed and are satisfied with WR Brandon Powell in that role.

Finally, there is Darrell Henderson Jr. It was clear during the 2021 NFL season that the Rams were a bit frustrated with the extreme measures needed to protect Henderson for game day, to the point of not getting any practices with him in game preparation.  That eventually led to promoting Sony Mitchell to the starting role.  But that left a bad taste in the Rams’ mouth. If Henderson had stepped up, would the Rams have activated Cam Akers so quickly?

While the market for running backs is not what it once was, there are a number of former coaches from Sean McVay’s staff who are heading NFL teams or offenses right now. The Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, LA Chargers, Seattle Seahawks, and even the Green Bay Packers could all be tempted to acquire Henderson for a 2023 draft pick. Perhaps the team might even be able to recoup a fifth-round pick?

However else you see it, the LA Rams roster feels too heavy with RBs right now. After clearing a roster spot or two, what then?