Along with the rest of the NFL, the Los Angeles Rams are preparing for the 2022 NFL Draft. However, they'll have to sit through a lot of selections before finally making a splash.

Los Angeles was awarded the 104th overall pick in the third round as a special compensatory pick and the 142nd overall in the fourth round as a compensatory pick. But, if it wasn't for compensatory and special compensatory assigned picks, their first pick wouldn't come until the fifth round.

According to Rams staff writer Stu Jackson, there are many reasons for these incentives. Compensatory picks are assigned “via a formula that weighs the number of players a team lost via free agency versus the number of free agents it signed,” while also considering a player's salary, playing time, and postseason awards.

Meanwhile, special compensatory picks are awarded because of a 2020 amendment to the Collective Bargaining Agreement that promotes equal employment opportunities and an inclusive workforce in the league.

Despite receiving four compensatory picks and one special compensatory pick, the Rams don't have any early draft engagement.

This isn't much of a surprise, since the team is coming off of its first Super Bowl-winning season since 1999-2000. And, the Rams gave up a lot of future draft picks to win the 2022 Super Bowl.

*Watch NFL games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*

Rams Predictions for the 2022 NFL Draft

3. Sign a cornerback second

This offseason, the Rams have showed a lot of interest in star cornerbacks. Of course, the team is locked in with Jalen Ramsey as their top guy. However, the Rams recently expressed interest in Stephon Gilmore and Tyrann Mathieu, both free agents.

Gilmore ended up signing with the Indianapolis Colts. Mathieu, the former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback, also has the Philadelphia Eagles and the New Orleans Saints pining after him.

If Mathieu ends up with either the Eagles or the Saints, or anywhere other than Los Angeles, expect the Rams to draft a cornerback second.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Rams News
Sean McVay has three hidden gem players on his 2025 Rams roster
3 Los Angeles Rams hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowLorenzo J Reyna ·
Mystery player in the middle, Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua around him, Rams logo in the background
1 Los Angeles Rams rookie who stood out most in 2025 minicampEnzo Flojo ·
Rams news: LA bolsters offense with ex-Vikings, Titans tackle, Davis Quessenberry
Rams bolster offense with ex-Vikings, Titans tackleChris Spiering ·
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay watches offensive drills during organized team activities at Rams Practice Facility.
What Sean McVay said about Jalen Ramsey trade at Rams OTAsBen Strauss ·
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick reacts to his team losing the lead to the Minnesota Timberwolves late in the fourth quarter during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Lakers’ JJ Redick link up with Les Snead at Rams campMiguel La Torre ·
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) tracks a deep pass as Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) defends in the first quarter during Super Bowl 56, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.
NFL rumors: Insider dumps cold water on Rams’ Jalen Ramsey trade pursuitBen Strauss ·

2. Sign an offensive tackle first

If the Rams use their second draft pick on a promising young cornerback, how will they use their first pick?

The answer is simple, the Rams need to sign an offensive tackle.

Andrew Whitworth retired following the team's Super Bowl win after 16 seasons in the NFL. His retirement left a huge hole in the Rams' offensive line, and they need to fill that vacancy. Ideally, the Rams would capitalize on the potential of either Evan Neal out of Alabama or Ikem Ekwonu of North Carolina State.

1. Cut in line

To win the Super Bowl this year, Les Snead said “F them picks” and built a win-now team. However, he'll be reaping the consequences of that decision come draft time with no picks in the first or second round.

Don't be surprised if Snead cuts in line a little bit and trades some of his later picks for a late second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. This would give the Rams a much better opportunity at filling the minimal vacancies in their 53-man roster much more efficiently.