LA Rams draft AJ Arcuri: Here are 2 prospects left on the board

With the 261st overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams selected offensive tackle AJ Arcuri from Michigan State. Here are two prospects that they left on the board. The Rams used their final pick of the NFL Draft on Michigan State offensive tackle AJ Arcuri, adding themselves depth at the offensive line. I spoke about Arcuri and what he can bring to the next level.

What if the LA Rams had gone with a quarterback with their final pick? What if they had selected a developmental three that reminds you of Matthew Stafford and could be potentially a solid backup quarterback?

Let’s speculate.

QB Carson Strong, Nevada

Nevada QB Carson Strong had impressive tape in the 2022 NFL Draft, leading some NFL Draft analysts to declare him as the best quarterback in the class. Unfortunately, his medical ratings were not positive from an ACL tear he suffered in 2020 and the truth was that he wasn’t that great of a quarterback prospect. But, if you want to talk about a prospect that could be a very good backup or even a low-end starter, Strong fits that bill.

My basic summary of Strong was that he has tools, but needs a lot of work;

"Strong is a big-armed quarterback coming out of the Mountain West who has recently produced several NFL quarterbacks (Josh Allen, Jordan Love, etc). His deep ball accuracy flashes incredible at times, but his consistency hitting it has not been there. While some of his mechanics are sloppy, Strong’s upside as a project player at the next level is legitimate. If he can learn to control his arm talent better, he can be a suitable starter at the next level."

The Rams could use a true development third backup quarterback right now. Right now, Bryce Perkins is in that spot. The issue with Perkins is that he doesn’t fit the type of quarterback the Rams have in Matthew Stafford or John Wolford. Strong has the big arm, like Stafford, and would have been an interesting pick. Instead, Strong signed as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles.

OT Kellen Diesch, Arizona State

The Arizona State product Kellen Diesch was one of the highly regarded tackles in the media side of scouting. Diesch was very impressive at the Shrine Bowl, where he outperformed expectations. He was only a two-year starter at Arizona State, starting just 17 games in his college career.

My notes on Diesch were pretty positive, as I did an extensive look at him over the summer when I reviewed the Arizona State team preparing for the 2021 season;

"Heavy feet, but immense power. Handles pass rushers with ease. Really holds the perimeter well with his quickness. Nasty when he wants to be. Shows good hand placement. Hand strength is exemplary."

Diesch was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent and guaranteed $140,000. Obviously, the Rams loved Arcuri and thought he would be a better fit for their offense.

Inexperience may have played into it as well, but as I’ve said many times on this website in the last couple of days – always trust your board. Clearly, the Rams did that here.