The Rams won the Super Bowl in 2022, so that meant they were set to have the final pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft as a result. But if you know anything about the Rams, you knew that was never going to happen.
Los Angeles has embraced an aggressive philosophy surrounding draft capital under general manager Les Snead and coach Sean McVay. The strategy can be summed up in one simple phrase that has grabbed the attention of the NFL world: "F— them picks!"
Snead wore that motto on a shirt at the Rams' Super Bowl parade, further giving credence to the notion that the Rams do not value high-end draft picks as much as they value proven veterans. As a result, they have been willing to sacrifice draft capital in recent years.
In 2022, the Rams' decisions leave them without a pick until the 104th selection of the NFL Draft. They are one of the eight teams not scheduled to pick in the first round this year, along with the Bears, Broncos, Browns, Colts, Dolphins, 49ers and Raiders.
Here's what happened to the Rams' first-round pick and why they are, certainly, happy they surrendered it.
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Why don't the Rams have a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft?
The Rams don't have a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft because of the Matthew Stafford trade. They sent two first-round selections to the Lions as part of the package to acquire Stafford during the 2021 NFL offseason.
At the time of the trade, the Rams didn't own their own 2021 first-round selection. As such, they had to send two future first-round picks to the Lions to acquire Stafford. Below are the full details of the trade that saw Jared Goff and three draft picks head to Detroit.
Rams receive:
- QB Matthew Stafford
Lions receive:
- QB Jared Goff
- 2021 third-round pick (CB Ifeatu Melifonwu)
- 2022 first-round pick
- 2023 first-round pick
The cost proved worth it for the Rams, as they were able to win a Super Bowl in Stafford's first year with the team. He completed 70 percent of his passes for 1,188 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions during Los Angeles' four postseason games.
Who is picking in the Rams' position?
The Lions own the rights to the No. 32 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. They acquired the pick as part of the package for the Matthew Stafford trade. It became the 32nd overall selection because the Rams won Super Bowl 56.
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Are the Rams competitive without this pick?
Yes, the Rams are still competitive without this pick. They still have Stafford at quarterback and while they have lost some key pieces like Von Miller, Andrew Whitworth and Darious Williams to free agency and retirement, they have added Allen Robinson and Bobby Wagner to the fold.
The Rams have also done a great job of adding high-end talent late on Day 2 and during Day 3 of the draft in recent years. So, if you can trust anyone to operate without a bevy of early round picks, it's Les Snead.
Even if the Rams weren't set to be competitive in 2022 because of this trade, they still would have made it. They already won one Super Bowl in part due to the Stafford trade. That's exactly what they needed to make sure that hefty price tag would be paid off.
Rams' 2022 NFL Draft picks
The Rams only possess two of the draft picks originally awarded to them in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, they will still make eight selections because of the team's compensatory pick strategy.
Los Angeles picked up four compensatory picks as a result of free agents it lost during the 2021 NFL offseason. It also has a seventh-round pick it acquired from Miami and a third-round pick it acquired as a result of Resolution JC-2A. Under this rule enacted in 2020, teams receive third-round picks for developing minority candidates who are hired to fill head coaching and general manager positions.
The Lions hired former Rams director of college scouting Brad Holmes to be their general manager in 2021. Los Angeles is receiving its second third-round pick as a result of that hiring, No. 104 overall.
| Round | Pick (Overall) |
|---|---|
| 3^ | 104 (2020 Resolution JC-2A) |
| 4* | 142 (Compensatory pick) |
| 5 | 175 |
| 6* | 211 (Compensatory pick) |
| 6* | 212 (Compensatory pick) |
| 6* | 218 (Compensatory pick) |
| 7 | 238 (from MIA) |
| 7 | 253 |
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Rams' 2022 NFL Draft needs
The Rams have a fairly complete roster, but there are a few holes that they could address. They also need to replenish some of their general roster depth to ensure they aren't too thin at any position.
Edge rusher
The Rams traded for Von Miller to help themselves to a Super Bowl title in 2022, but he signed with the Bills during the offseason. Los Angeles has some recent draft picks to help fill in across from Leonard Floyd, but they need to add a potential starter.
Nik Bonitto and Myjai Sanders are two players to keep an eye on with their third-round pick should teams pass on them in the first 100 picks.
Cornerback
Over the last couple of seasons, the Rams have lost Darious Williams and Troy Hill at cornerback. They drafted Robert Rochell last season to develop into a starter, but they need to add more depth at the position.
Perhaps the Rams would take a chance on a physical freak like Tariq Woolen in the middle rounds of the draft. If not, a strong four-year college producer like Coby Bryant could end up being a late Day 2 steal.
Offensive tackle
The bad news: Andrew Whitworth retired. The good news: Joe Noteboom is ready to step in and start in his place. However, the Rams don't have much tackle depth, so they seem likely to pick up a potential swing tackle in this year's deep tackle class.
The Rams could hold out hope that either Abraham Lucas or Luke Goedeke makes it to their pick in the third. They could also look at Austin Deculus on Day 3.
Running back
The Rams traded for Sony Michel last season but haven't yet brought him back. Cam Akers will be fully healthy after returning from an Achilles tear late last season but adding depth behind him to challenge Darrell Henderson and Jake Funk would be a smart move.
Jerome Ford, Kyren Williams and James Cook should all draw consideration from the Rams.
