Rams Draft Grades

Fresh off a Super Bowl victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, the Los Angeles Rams entered the NFL Draft with few glaring needs. They had spent their early draft capital to acquire many of key pieces that factored into their playoff success and were one of only two teams without a selection in the first 100 picks. In fact, the Rams are set to go seven straight seasons without making a first round selection. Finding gems in the later rounds and finding depth on the second and third days of the event, is essential in building a perennial contender. Let’s explore the eight selections they made and the Rams Draft Grade.

104th Overall Selection (RD3-40) Logan Bruss, G, Wisconsin

After losing right guard Austin Corbett to the Carolina Panthers in free agency, the Rams needed to add depth along the interior. With their first selection of the draft, Los Angeles selected versatile interior offensive lineman with the flexibility to play on the edge. Bruss profiles as an intelligent, athletic lineman with the awareness and play strength necessary to operate effectively in Los Angeles’s system. If he can find an improved level of consistency, especially in regards to his technique and balance, Bruss should be able to contribute immediately. I expect him to compete for the starting job at right guard this offseason, while providing depth at either tackle spot.

Grade: B

142nd Overall Selection (RD4-37) Decobie Durant, CB, South Carolina State

Adding depth in the defensive backfield was clearly a priority for the Rams. The selection of Decobie Durant marked the first of four selections in that area. The biggest concern with Durant is his size. Standing at only 5’10” and 180 lbs, Durant will struggle against bigger opponents and lacks the length to be relied upon in run support. Despite this, the FCS standout has proven to be a turnover machine at the collegiate level. He routinely uses his plus athleticism, and polished technique to make plays on the ball and has the necessary demeanor to play in the slot or outside the numbers. Durant was not my highest ranked corner on the board at the time, but given Los Angeles’ track record of developing corners as well as their need at the position, I can understand the selection.

Grade: B

164th Overall Selection (RD5-21) Kyren Williams, RB, Notre Dame

Despite their numerous weapons already in tow, the Rams decided to add to their offense with the selection of Kyren Williams. Williams, once considered a possible Day 2 pick, saw his stock fall steadily after testing poorly at the NFL Combine. Though he may lack the size or burst to thrive as a workhouse back, Williams is a tough player who will provide value as a receiving threat out of the backfield. He shows good awareness at the point of attack and is an above average blocker for the position. Ultimately, running back was not a significant need for Los Angeles entering the NFL draft. Although Williams will be able to contribute in some fashion on offense, I believe Los Angeles would have been better suited looking elsewhere with their selection.

Grade: C

211th Overall Selection (RD6-33) Quentin Lake, S, UCLA

With their first of two sixth round picks, the Rams selected local UCLA product Quentin Lake. Throughout his four years in college, Lake showcased the leadership and positional awareness to thrive on the back end. He is a willing tackler with adequate size for the position who showed the instincts necessary to contribute immediately. There are, however, concerns with his overall athleticism. He lacks the quickness and physicality to serve as an imposing figure in coverage and will likely serve predominantly on special teams early in his career.

Grade: B

212th Overall Selection (RD6-34) Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia

It seems as though every team wanted a piece of Georgia’s championship defense and the Rams were no different. With the 212th overall pick, Los Angeles selected Derion Kendrick. Kendrick’s wide receiver background can be seen through his fluid footwork and ball skills. Additionally, his experience in a variety of schemes gives Kendrick a unique awareness for the position. In coverage, Kendrick tended to struggle against receivers with elite traits, failing to flash the play strength or athleticism of a true number one corner. Unfortunately, significant concerns surround the former Clemson transfer’s maturity and character. He was dismissed from the Tigers’ program last spring which likely scared off a few suitors. If Kendrick can remedy his off-field concerns, he could provide immense value for this pick.

Grade: B

235th Overall Selection (RD7-14) Daniel Hardy, EDGE, Montana State

Another key departure from the Rams’ Super Bowl squad was edge rusher Von Miller. While options still remain along the defensive line, it was important for Los Angeles to find talented depth options at the position. With their first of three seventh round picks, the Rams selected edge rusher Daniel Hardy out of Montana State. Hardy, who profiles as an athletic 3-4 OLB, was incredibly productive at the FCS level this past season. He is technically raw and will require proper coaching before contributing on the field. As a 7th round pick, Hardy provides solid value as a developmental prospect. However, he clearly isn’t the immediate contributor the Rams will likely need in their rotation.

Grade: C

253rd Overall Selection (RD7-32) Russ Yeast, S, Kansas State

If the Rams 2022 draft class made anything clear, it was their desire to find reliable depth contributors on the back end. The selection of Yeast with the 253rd overall selection, marked the fourth defensive back taken by Los Angeles. Yeast is a versatile safety, who routinely showcases good anticipation and ball skills for the position. His experience at cornerback makes him a versatile chess piece with adequate athleticism to play anywhere on the back end. He is likely in line to contribute on special teams, while providing the Rams with much needed depth. Though he may lack the consistency in both run support in coverage to contribute in a significant role, Yeast was a solid selection this late on Day 3.

Grade: B

261st Overall Selection (RD7-40) A.J. Arcuri, OT, Michigan State

With the penultimate selection in this year’s draft, Los Angeles selected a second Big Ten offensive lineman, nabbing A.J. Arcuri with the 261st overall pick. Following Andrew Whitworth’s retirement, the Rams were due to add some depth at the tackle position. Arcuri is a physical tackle with the size and discipline to effectively block in space. He is a smart player who understands his role, however he lacks the agility and quickness desired for the position. He will likely struggle against athletic speed rushers at the NFL level, and will be hard-pressed to secure playing time in Los Angeles.

Grade: C

Rams Draft Grade Overall: C+

Overall, I have the Rams draft graded as a C+. Without a top-100 pick it’s hard to make an incredible impact on draft night. While they were able to secure some added depth at positions of need, many of their selections fail to truly move the needle. As reigning Super Bowl champions, it’s clear Los Angeles placed an emphasis on scheme fit rather than elite traits. Their first three picks – Bruss, Durant, and Williams – all project to contribute immediately in some fashion. However, all three have limitations that may cap their ceilings as professionals.

On the bright side, the Rams have proven capable of finding value in the later rounds. For example, I wouldn’t be surprised if players like Derion Kendrick greatly outperformed their selections in the coming seasons. Ultimately, this draft lacks the blue-chip prospects necessary for a higher grade. However, as the Rams will certainly agree, a ring is a lot more valuable than a first round pick.

LA Rams Draft Grade Analyst- Ryan Kalukin.