Los Angeles Times' Rams beat writer Gary Klein examines every NFL draft pick by the team:
Logan Bruss — Offensive lineman
6 feet 5, 308 pounds, Wisconsin, Round 3, Pick 104
— Notable: Bruss played at Wisconsin, which produced Rams right tackle Rob Havenstein and left guard David Edwards.
— Last season: Bruss played a lot at right tackle but also has experience at guard.
— Why the Rams drafted him: With the departure of Austin Corbett to the Carolina Panthers, the Rams are in need of a starting right guard. Havenstein and Edwards both played as rookies and the Rams are counting on Bruss to be another "player" from the Wisconsin program.
Decobie Durant — Cornerback
5 feet 10, 180 pounds, South Carolina State, Round 4, Pick 142
— Notable: This is the second year in a row the Rams selected a cornerback from an FCS school. Last season, they chose Robert Rochell from Central Arkansas.
— Last season: Durant intercepted three passes and broke up 12. He and was voted first-team FCS All-American and the MEAC defensive player of the year.
— Why the Rams drafted him: The Rams needed depth in the secondary in the wake of Darious Williams' departure as a free agent to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He joins a position group that includes cornerback Jalen Ramsey, David Long and Rochell.
Kyren Williams — Running back
5 feet 9, 194 pounds, Notre Dame, Round 5, Pick 164
— Notable: The Rams traded two picks to the Las Vegas Raiders to move up and select Williams, who grew up in St. Louis as a Rams fan. He said he dressed up as former Rams running back Steven Jackson for Halloween.
— Last season: Williams rushed for 1,002 yards and 14 touchdowns, and caught 42 passes for 359 yards and three touchdowns.
— Why the Rams drafted him: The Rams did not re-sign Sony Michel, so Williams gives the Rams depth behind Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson, who is entering the final year of his contract.
Quentin Lake — Safety
6 feet 1, 201 pounds, UCLA, Round 6, Pick 211
— Notable: Lake, who played at Santa Ana Mater Dei High, is the son of former Pro Bowl defensive back Carnell Lake.
— Last season: Lake had three interceptions and broke up six passes.
— Why the Rams drafted him: The Rams wanted more depth in a position group that includes Jordan Fuller, Taylor Rapp, Nick Scott and Terrell Burgess. Rapp and Scott are in the final year of their contracts.
Derion Kendrick — Cornerback
6 feet 1, 194 pounds, Georgia, Round 6, Pick 212
— Notable: Kendrick began his career as a receiver at Clemson before switching to cornerback and becoming an All-Atlantic Coast Conference performer. He was removed from the program, reportedly for repeated violations of team rules, and transferred to Georgia before the 2021 season.
— Last season: Kendrick intercepted four passes, including two in a College Football Playoff semifinal victory over Michigan.
— Why the Rams drafted him: The Rams apparently can't have enough cornerbacks. On a day when they drafted Decobie Durant and traded for Troy Hill, they added depth to the secondary and special teams.
Daniel Hardy — Defensive end
6 feet 2, 239 pounds, Montana State, Round 7, Pick 235
— Notable: Hardy played on a Montana State defense that also featured linebacker Troy Andersen, a second-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons.
— Last season: Hardy ranked second in the Football Championship Subdivision with 24½ tackles for losses and 16 1/2 sacks.
— Why the Rams drafted him:With the departures of Von Miller and Obo Okoronkwo, the Rams wanted depth opposite Leonard Floyd. Hardy will compete with Justin Hollins, Terrell Lewis and Chris Garrett.
Russ Yeast — Safety
5 feet 10, 192 pounds, Kansas State, Round 7, Pick 253
— Notable: Yeast began his career at Louisville, where he played with Rams receiver Tutu Atwell, but played his final season at Kansas State and was selected All-Big 12 Conference.
— Last season: Yeast intercepted four passes and led the conference with 14 passes defended.
— Why the Rams drafted him: Yeast is expected to help augment special teams and provide the Rams with depth at safety along with fellow draftee Quentin Lake.
AJ Arcuri — Offensive line
6 feet 7, 308 pounds, Michigan State, Round 7, Pick 261
— Notable: Arcuri played both tackle spots, which could make him a versatile piece behind Joe Noteboom and Rob Havenstein.
— Last season: Injuries sidelined Arcuri early in his career but in 2021 he played every game for a Michigan State team that finished 11-2.
— Why the Rams drafted him: Offensive line depth was not a pressing issue, but Andrew Whitworth's retirement created an opportunity for the Rams to develop more linemen.
