[theramswire.usatoday.com] Rams' rookie class ranked 29th in NFL

Cameron DaSilva
February 17, 2023 12:53 pm PT
The Rams rarely get much out of their rookies in Year 1. They’re a team that emphasizes drafting for the future rather than seeking immediate impact players, choosing not to reach to fill a need on the roster.

It doesn’t help that the Rams are typically drafting outside the first round, and in 2022, they didn’t make a pick until the third round. They selected Logan Bruss with their first pick, followed by Cobie Durant and Kyren Williams in Rounds 4 and 5.


As a whole, the Rams’ draft class has been a major disappointment. Bruss missed the entire season, Williams was sidelined for the first seven weeks and Quentin Lake sat out eight games due to a knee injury of his own. Durant and Derion Kendrick were the only rookies who made any sort of meaningful impact, which is why the Rams rank so low in CBS Sports’ rookie class rankings.

Los Angeles came in at No. 29, ahead of only the Vikings, Raiders and Eagles.

The Rams were ravaged by injuries in 2022, and their rookie class was part of the wreckage. Durant saved the class with three interceptions, including a pick-six. The former South Carolina State star was around the football frequently with five pass breakups in limited action.

Durant showed promise as a rookie corner in Raheem Morris’ scheme and should be a starter in 2023, but he didn’t get the experience he probably should have as a rookie. He only played defense in seven games and was only a special teams player in six others. Still, he led the NFL with 151 interception return yards, picking off three passes in Year 1.

The Rams will need much more from their 2022 draft class next season, particularly when it comes to Bruss, Lake, Kendrick and possibly Daniel Hardy. There’s a chance all of them could be starters in 2023.