Rams' projected depth chart heading into 2022 NFL draft

[theramswire.usatoday.com] Rams' projected depth chart heading into 2022 NFL draft


Cameron DaSilva
April 25, 2022 11:16 am PT

One of the best ways to predict which direction the Rams will go in the draft is by looking at their current depth chart. A quick glance will show holes at edge rusher and cornerback, which are lacking both depth and overall talent.

The defensive line could use some help, too, as could safety, guard and punter. With eight total picks in the draft, the Rams have the ammo to address nearly every position of need.

Here’s a look at their projected depth chart leading up to the draft.

Offense
Starter Backup Third-string Reserve Reserve
Quarterback Matthew Stafford John Wolford Bryce Perkins
Running back Cam Akers* Darrell Henderson Jr. Jake Funk Xavier Jones Raymond Calais/Javian Hawkins
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp Van Jefferson Tutu Atwell Landen Akers Brandon Powell
Wide receiver Allen Robinson* Ben Skowronek J.J. Koski Jacob Harris Warren Jackson
Tight end Tyler Higbee Kendall Blanton Brycen Hopkins Jacob Harris Kyle Markway
Left tackle Joe Noteboom* Alaric Jackson Max Pircher Chandler Brewer
Left guard David Edwards Jeremiah Kolone
Center Brian Allen Coleman Shelton
Right guard Coleman Shelton* Bobby Evans Tremayne Anchrum Jr.
Right tackle Rob Havenstein Alaric Jackson Tremayne Anchrum Jr. Adrian Ealy
There are some pretty notable differences on offense heading into this year’s draft compared to where the Rams stood before Week 1 last season. Akers is back as the RB1 after missing most of the year with an Achilles tear, Robinson replaces Robert Woods, Noteboom takes Andrew Whitworth’s place and Shelton could replace Austin Corbett.

If it’s not Shelton at right guard, there are other options: Evans, Anchrum and maybe even Kolone. The core of the offense is still there with Stafford, Kupp, Higbee and Havenstein, but there are some new faces, too.

And there will be even more arriving in the draft. Guard, running back, wide receiver and tight end could all get an injection of talent in the draft, though it’s unclear when the Rams might address those positions.


Defense
Starter Backup Third-string Reserve
Defensive tackle Aaron Donald Marquise Copeland
Nose tackle Greg Gaines Bobby Brown III
Defensive end A’Shawn Robinson Michael Hoecht Jonah Williams Earnest Brown IV
Outside linebacker Leonard Floyd Chris Garrett
Inside linebacker Bobby Wagner* Travin Howard Anthony Hines
Inside linebacker Ernest Jones* Christian Rozeboom
Outside linebacker Justin Hollins Terrell Lewis
Cornerback Jalen Ramsey Grant Haley
Safety Jordan Fuller Taylor Rapp Antoine Brooks Jr.
Safety Nick Scott* Terrell Burgess Jake Gervase
Cornerback Robert Rochell* Tyler Hall
Nickel David Long Jr. Terrell Burgess
Darious Williams’ departure and Taylor Rapp’s potential demotion could lead to a new-look secondary around Jalen Ramsey and Jordan Fuller. Scott was awesome in the postseason, and Rochell has the makeup of a starting outside cornerback. Long still looks like the best option in the slot, though that could change after the draft.

Wagner solidifies the second level at linebacker, alongside Jones in the middle, but there are major questions on the edge. Just look at the depth chart. There isn’t much talent at outside linebacker besides Floyd. Expect the Rams to address that in the draft.

The Rams could get by with their current defensive line group, and the starters are likely set, but if Brown and Brown don’t improve, the Rams will need a better rotation.