LA Rams draft rounds out roster needs in Round 7

Pick 235

Before this draft, the LA Rams felt as though three positions needed to be addressed at some point. Not just to add a warm body, but to add significant competition to those spots on the roster that had suffered depletion due to offseason free agency. Those positions were the offensive line, the secondary, and the pass rush. The Rams handled business with the offensive line and with the secondary relatively quickly. But that pass rush? Well, it had to wait until the first pick of Round 7.

With the 235th pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the LA Rams selected Montana State EDGE Daniel Hardy. Now the question is, was he worth the wait? Well, I suppose that depends on what you expect from a seventh-round rookie pass rusher, now doesn’t it?

If you are looking for a starter opposite veteran OLB Leonard Floyd? Well, you’re likely to be disappointed.  But if you look at the Rams roster at the outside linebacker position. Then this guy is a solid addition.  He is a bit on the smaller side in terms of NFL ready, set, go, but he’ll have time to muscle up for the Rams before the 2022 NFL season begins.  He is listed at 6-foot-2 and 239 pounds. He’ll need to show up and play awfully hard because he has given as much as two inches in height to each of his future teammates at the position.

But that’s all he is willing to give up. And based on the LA Rams’ own discussion when they are looking when they get to the seventh round, they are looking for players with strong character and above-average athleticism who can be developed over time.

Athleticism aside, this young man is more than just a track star.

Character? Check. Athleticism? Check. The last part of this equation is opportunity. I expect that he will have his chance to take the field with the LA Rams defense this year. And I have to admit, I’m looking forward to his debut.

Now onto pick 253.