NFL.com released its rankings for each team’s 2022 rookie class. At least the Rams aren’t the worst?
After a disappointing 5-12 record and missing the postseason, the Los Angeles Rams and their young talent left a lot to be desired in 2022-23. The Rams had zero selections within the top 100 in the 2022 NFL Draft, after trading away picks to acquire star talent.
The youth movement is strong in the NFL, with multiple rookies making major impacts in crucial moments. Unsurprisingly, the New York Jets had the best rookie class, according to NFL.com, with rookies Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson each earning a Rookie of the Year Honor.
How does the Rams rookie class compare? Los Angeles’ 2022-23 class ranked No. 31 of the 32 teams. Here is what NFL.com said of the Rams’ rookies:
The biggest development was finding depth in the secondary. After sitting quite a bit early, Cobie Durant shined late in the season, intercepting three passes (with a pick-six) and shockingly leading the NFL in INT return yardage. Is he a budding star or a flash in the pan? The Rams seem to like him quite a bit.
Derion Kendrick was picked on as an early-season starter and eventually benched, but he should get another crack at earning time. Russ Yeast and Quentin Lake both had brief late-season auditions and could be in the mix for regular playing time with several DBs headed for free agency.
One big disappointment was the preseason ACL injury to their top pick, Logan Bruss, who would have been in line for starting on a beat-up Rams offensive line had he not been hurt. Kyren Williams, the only offensive contributor of note, had some later-season chances but still must prove he is capable of being the team’s third-down option in a muddled backfield picture.
The Rams are currently scouting the NFL Combine in search of bettering their next class. However, Coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead aren’t expected to be among them. The combine runs from Feb. 27 to March 6 in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium. Former Alabama quarterback Bryce Young is the favorite (-175) to be drafted No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Chicago Bears own the first pick, however, there are multiple quarterback-needy teams who may desire to trade up. The draft will take place at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. with the first round beginning on April 27.
L.A. will have 10 picks in the upcoming draft but the majority of those selections will come on day three. The Rams hold the No. 36 overall pick, the seventh consecutive year in which they won’t have a first-round selection.
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