Solid Starter
Logan Bruss, G, Wisconsin – Round 3 
The Rams’ offensive line suffered a big loss this offseason with the retirement of left tackle Andrew Whitworth. While Los Angeles shuffles players around to protect Matthew Stafford’s blind side, the team also needed some help on the inside of the line. At pick No. 104, they were fortunate to come away with a guard the caliber of Bruss. While he is not a world-beater, Bruss has the talent to turn into a solid right guard and could compete quickly.
The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Bruss has developed strength to anchor against bull rushes while showing good enough athleticism and feet to handle interior speed rushers. Having played in a passing-oriented offense, Bruss has the ability to handle interior protection responsibilities. While he is not an overwhelming bull in the ground game, Bruss will steadily lean on defenders and tie them up. He can manipulate and turn defensive linemen to help open holes at the point of attack.
The Rams have an open depth chart at guard, and Bruss should compete immediately. All rookies need time to adjust to the speed of the NFL, but practicing against Aaron Donald should speed up Bruss’ adjustment period. While Bruss may never be a Pro Bowler, he could turn into a solid starter before too long.
2021: Tutu Atwell, WR
2020: Van Jefferson, WR
2019: Greg Gaines, DT
2018: Joseph Noteboom, OT
2017: Cooper Kupp, WR
2016: Pharoh Cooper, WR
2015: Jamon Brown, G
2014: Aaron Donald, DT
2013: Stedman Baily, WR
Most Likely To Bust
NONE The Rams were without a first-round pick thanks to trading for Matthew Stafford, and without a second-round pick thanks to the Von Miller trade. The majority of picks in the third round or lower don’t pan out for NFL teams. Los Angeles did not have a pick high enough to quality as a true bust if they don’t stick in the NFL.
2021: Bobby Brown, DT
2020: Terrell Lewis, DE
2019: Bobby Evans, G
2018: Brian Allen, C
2017: John Johnson, S
2016: Jared Goff, QB
2015: Rob Havenstein, OT
2014: Tre Mason, RB
2013: T.J. McDonald, S
Potential Boom Pick
NONE The Rams were without a first-round pick thanks to the Matthew Stafford trade, and they also didn’t have a second-round pick due to trading for Von Miller. Thus, I do not see a draft selection who has true boom potential. The one exception might be sixth-round pick Derion Kendrick, as he has a good skill set but slid late because of massive character concerns. If Kendrick can stay out of trouble and dedicate himself to football, he could be a late-round steal for the Rams, but given his serious off-the-field issues there is no way to project him as a boom pick.
2021: None
2020: Cam Akers, RB
2019: Taylor Rapp, S
2018: Micah Kiser, LB
2017: Gerald Everett, TE
2016: Mike Thomas, WR
2015: Todd Gurley, RB
2014: Greg Robinson, OT
2013: Tavon Austin, WR
Future Depth Player
Kyren Williams, RB, Notre Dame – Round 4 
The Rams had to draw on their running back depth in 2021 when Cam Akers was injured last preseason. While Akers came back for the postseason, Los Angeles could use more running back depth to rotate with Akers. Backup Darrell Henderson is entering the last year of his contract as well, so Williams is in a good position to be the No. 3 back and work his way into being a No. 2. While Williams is not overly big or fast, he runs hard and has quality instincts. He should be a nice scheme fit for the Rams and easily could end up being a solid depth player.
2021: Robert Rochell, CB
2020: Terrell Burgess, S
2019: Darrell Henderson, RB
2018: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, LB
2017: Josh Reynolds, WR
2016: Josh Forrest, LB
2015: Sean Mannion, QB
2014: E.J. Gaines, CB
2013: Zac Stacy, RB
Walt’s 2022 NFL Draft Grades:
104. Logan Bruss, G/OT, Wisconsin – B+ Grade
The Rams need to keep Matthew Stafford upright, especially now that he’s entering his mid-30s. Logan Bruss can help make that happen. He played tackle at Wisconsin, but will likely have to move to guard in the NFL. That’s fine, as Bruss should be able to find his way into the starting lineup at some point.
142. Cobie Durant, CB, South Carolina State – C Grade
The Rams are reaching here, as Cobie Durant never entered any of my mock drafts. I considered him in the seventh round, but he never made the cut. I get the Rams picking a cornerback though, as they have a thin secondary that had to be addressed.
164. Kyren Williams, RB, Notre Dame – B- Grade
I don’t know why the Rams traded up for a running back, but at least there’s some value with this pick. Kyren Williams struggled at the combine, but he figures to be a solid receiver out of the backfield in the NFL.
211. Quentin Lake, S, UCLA – B Grade
It makes sense that the Rams would strengthen their safety depth after what happened in the playoffs. They’re doing so with Quentin Lake, whom I believe should be chosen around this range.
212. Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia – A Grade
Derion Kendrick is a talented cornerback, but he has character concerns that caused him to slip. I like the Rams taking a chance on him this late in the draft. Why not? There’s barely any risk, and Kendrick could become a good player who fills a need.
235. Daniel Hardy, DE, Montana State – A Grade
I love this value for the Rams. I had Daniel Hardy pegged as a fifth-round prospect, as he was a highly productive player at Montana State. The Rams needed a replacement for Von Miller, so perhaps Hardy can contribute at some point.
253. Russ Yeast, S, Louisville – B Grade
Russ Yeast may have been chosen earlier in the 2022 NFL Draft if he didn’t have a knee concern, but he’s worth a shot toward the seventh round.
261. A.J. Arcuri, OT/G, Michigan State – B- Grade
I didn’t think A.J. Arcuri was a draftable prospect. He started at tackle at Michigan State, but may have to move to guard because of his expected issues with pass rushers. I don’t know if he has the strength to do that.
2022 NFL Draft Team Grade: C+. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.
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