Things can't get much better for the Los Angeles Rams. They finished the season with a Super Bowl title, and followed that up with one of the best off-seasons in the entire NFL. General manager Les Snead managed to keep the core of his team intact while adding key pieces, such as wide receiver Allen Robinson and linebacker Bobby Wagner.

Los Angeles didn't have too much draft capital to work with in the draft, but they still managed to put together a decent draft class. There are a couple of guys who could make an instant impact.

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

Rams Rookie Sleeper for 2022 NFL Season

RB Kyren Williams

Rams running back Kyren Williams is the best sleeper to make a serious impact in 2022. There are a number of reasons Williams is the most likely rookie to make an impact on this contending roster.

First of all is the availability of snaps at the running back position. Cam Akers, a former second-round pick, currently sits atop the depth chart. However, throughout his time with the Rams, Akers has been plagued with injury. Darrell Henderson, the backup running back, has the same problem.

In addition to the injury concerns, neither of those backs played particularly well in 2021. Akers nearly fumbled away the game in the NFC Divisional Round against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Henderson lacked the consistency that teams are looking for out of starting running backs. So, there should be some open competition for snaps at the position. Williams should at least be able to capture some sort of role as a third-down back at the very least.

Williams' skill set aligns perfectly with what the Rams need at the position. Akers is a classic two-down back who isn't a great pass-catcher. Henderson is a decent pass-catcher, but he just isn't all that good of a back. Williams showed great route-running during his time at Notre Dame, and his skills in blitz pickup are already NFL-ready. Those skills should pretty much guarantee that Williams locks up the role of third-down back in a Rams offense that sorely needs one.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Los Angeles Rams first round pick draft pick Jared Verse

Peter Sampson ·

cG9zdDoyODE2OTIz-thumbnail

Dan Fappiano ·

GM Les Snead in the middle, Amarius Mims, Bo Nix, Xavier Thomas around him, and Los Angeles Rams wallpaper in the background

Enzo Flojo ·

It helps that the skill gap between NFL running backs and college running backs is relatively small. There are plenty of late-round running backs that have successfully transitioned to the pros as soon as they came into the league. Elijah Mitchell of the San Francisco 49ers was a sixth-round pick, and he earned the starting job in his rookie year.

Austin Ekeler is one of the most dynamic, powerful running backs in the entire NFL. He was also drafted in the sixth round. It's clear that it's much easier to transition to the NFL level as a running back. That should help Williams immediately make an impact as a rookie.

Williams can also contribute in other areas besides offense. As a rookie sixth-round pick, he will be expected to contribute on special teams. His athleticism and speed should help him contribute either as a return man or a gunner, two positions that the Rams desperately need help at.