Rams' Biggest Draft Needs Heading Into NFL Scouting Combine

What are the Rams' biggest draft needs with the NFL Scouting Combine on the horizon?

Author:
Nicholas Cothrel
Publish date:
Feb 28, 2022 10:00 AM EST

In this story:

The Los Angeles Rams' all-in appraoch gifted them a Super Bowl championship. But with their recent success now in the rearview, the team's focus must shift towards assembling a roster ahead of next season in which they’ll navigate the waters of free agency and the 2022 NFL Draft.

The NFL Scouting Combine is scheduled to take place this week in Indianapolis inside Lucus Oil Stadium. With a healthy dose of evaluations on the horizon – featuring in-person interviews, medical checks and on-field drills – here are the Rams' top draft needs.

Left Tackle

Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth (77) blocks against Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) in the second quarter during Super Bowl 56, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. NFL Super Bowl 56 Los Angeles Rams Vs Cincinnati Bengals Feb 13 2022

Rams left tackle Andrew Whitworth has not yet made an official announcement, but he's hinted that he's leaning in favor of calling it a career, telling NFL Total Access "I'm definitely leaning towards probably being done. I think that that's probably best for me at this time in my career."

If Whitworth hangs up his cleats after 16 seasons, the Rams would find themselves with a notable hole on the blindside of quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Rams would save $17.6 million in cap space per Over The Cap, so they could in theory address the postion in free agency. But nonetheless, left tackle is a postion the Rams should monitor closely at the combine.

Cornerback

The Rams used a rotation of cornerbacks throughout the 2021 season due to a wide range of injuries and inconsistent play on the backend. Certainly, Jalen Ramsey performed at an All-Pro level, but the team needs more from the cornerback postion opposite of his efforts.

Darious Williams is set to hit the free agent market, leaving a potential hole along the outside cornerback position. Given the Rams' status in where they sit in available cap space, Williams is likely to end up elsewhere unless he's willing to take a below the market contract to remain with the Rams.

After drafting Robert Rochell in the fourth round last year, the Rams are poized to monitor the cornerback prospects throughout this year’s draft process.

Inside Linebacker

Oct 7, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Troy Reeder (51) and linebacker Ernest Jones (50) celebrate following a missed field goal by the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The Rams received promising contributions from rookie linebacker Ernest Jones following the trade of Kenny Young, which sent him to Denver. While Jones flashed as a three-down linebacker, who thrived agasint the run and pass, his counterparts at the postion struggled to do so consistently.

Troy Reeder is a restricted free agent, who could be an option the Rams re-sign. But his liability in coverage combined with Travin Howard, who still has plenty to prove, makes the Rams' inside linebacker postion a top need this offseason.

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