LA Rams Draft: Deep dive analysis into 11 top rookie roster additions
By Bret Stuter
Pick 261
With the 261st overall pick, the LA Rams added 6-foot-7 308-pound offensive tackle A.J. Arcuri out of Michigan State. Arcuri is a huge offensive tackle who faced some of the best pass rushers in college football throughout his collegiate career. He has substantial college starting experience as both a left and right offensive tackle.
What does the team need for this position?
The LA Rams just promoted swing tackle Joseph Noteboom to the starting left tackle position, so a swing tackle would be a huge ‘get’ in the seventh round of the draft. The Rams have sufficient depth to manage the needs of the 2022 NFL season. But expiring contracts for the 2023 NFL season make depth at offensive tackle a must.
What does this rookie deliver?
AJ Arcuri is a versatile and under-the-radar prospect who could be an excellent value. He has huge size and power and has a solid body of work at the college level. In terms of what the Rams typically add via the draft, he has the makings of a solid offensive lineman who could leapfrog other linemen on the roster in training camp. He needs refinement, but he has proven the ability to deliver in both run and pass blocking.
Who else was available?
LA Rams draft AJ Arcuri: Here are 2 prospects left on the board
Instant reaction: LA Rams quick reaction NFL Draft grades 2022: AJ Arcuri
Draft Grade: B+. The LA Rams needed a swing tackle and found an ideally suited player with the 261st pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. Whether perseverance, wisdom, or just simple luck, the Rams found a solid player at an excellent value late on Day 3.