The 2020 NFL Draft has come and gone, and despite not having a first-round pick, the Los Angeles Rams were able to improve in a number of areas.
Their biggest focus seemed to be giving Jared Goff weapons on offense, using their first two picks in the second round on potential replacements for Todd Gurley and Brandin Cooks.
While they also had plenty of needs on the defense side of the ball, those weren’t addressed until later on Days 2 and 3. All in all, the Rams added nine new young players to their organization, and without further ado, here is analysis and letter grades on all of them:
No. 52: Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
With their first selection of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams wasted no time in finding Gurley’s replacement as they selected Florida State running back Cam Akers. Despite poor offensive line play, Akers ran for 1,144 yards and 14 touchdowns while also adding 225 receiving yards on 30 receptions and four more touchdowns in 2019.
Akers is a dynamic athlete who is able to juke defenders in open space and break tackles, but his most enticing trait is his ability to pick up yards after contact. The Rams offensive line improved down the stretch during the 2019 NFL season, so the former Seminole should see more success in Sean McVay’s offense.
Grade: B
No. 57: Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
After Cooks was traded to the Houston Texans, the Rams addressed their need at wide receiver by taking Van Jefferson of Florida. Jefferson was one of the older prospects in the draft, but his pristine route running skills and speed are undeniable.
His lack of volume in college, however, is a bit concerning as the pass catcher amassed 84 receptions, 1,160 yards, and 12 touchdowns in two seasons with the Gators. Los Angeles could have arguably waited to pick up a receiver, but Jefferson will be a solid third option in a Rams offense that features Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods.
Grade: B-
No. 84: Terrell Lewis, LB, Alabama
The departures of Dante Fowler Jr. and Clay Matthews left the Los Angeles pass rush bare, but the team filled that need with edge rusher Terrell Lewis of Alabama. Lewis slid down draft boards due to his injury history, but his combination of length, athleticism, and speed makes him a terror for opposing offensive tackles to contain.
Lewis can also hold his own in pass coverage as he possesses short area burst and speed, making him a natural fit in today’s NFL. This was definitely a risk worth taking for the Rams.
Grade: A
No 104: Terrell Burgess, DB, Utah
Parting ways with Nickell Robey-Coleman left a hole in the secondary, so Los Angeles opted to go with versatile safety Terrell Burgess. The Utah product started full-time for the first time his senior year and recorded 50 solo tackles, one interception, and five passes defensed.
At 5’11” and 202 pounds, Burgess has the ability to play both nickel corner and deep safety, but his lack of size leaves a bit to be desired in the pros. Still, a player of his caliber this late in the third round is a worthy selection.
Grade: A-
No. 136: Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue
The Rams were able to trade back from No. 126, and with the 136th pick they decided to go with tight end Brycen Hopkins. It is a bit of a surprise pick as Los Angeles already has Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett as the featured tight ends on offense, but apparently McVay was looking for more threats in the passing game from the position.
Hopkins is quick for his size at 6’4″, 245 pounds and is a good route runner who can make plays in the middle of the field. However, he has issues with drops and is not that great at blocking, capping his upside at the pro level. He is a similar player to Everett, who is entering the final year of his contract and could depart in free agency in a year.
Grade: C+
No. 199: Jordan Fuller, S, Ohio State
At this point in the draft, it is important for teams to start building secondary depth and that is exactly what the Rams did by taking Jordan Fuller out of Ohio State. The former Buckeye had an excellent season, amassing 62 tackles, two interceptions, four pass breakups and one fumble recovery.
While his leadership and on-the-field production is impressive, his lack of quickness and size will make his life difficult when going up against NFL talent. Still, he should be a solid contributor down the line in a rotational role.
Grade: B-
No. 234: Clay Johnston, LB, Baylor
Linebacker was a glaring need for the Rams after losing Cory Littleton and Matthews, but the Rams were fortunate to see Clay Johnston fall to them in the seventh round. Johnston suffered a knee injury his last season at Baylor but still managed to put up 58 tackles, 2.5 sacks, five pass breakups and one interception.
The injury history is concerning, but his instincts and anticipation on the field pop out and he should be able to carve out a role on special teams and maybe a third down role in the future.
Grade: B+
No 248: Sam Sloman, K, Miami (Ohio)
After Greg Zuerlein left for the Dallas Cowboys, the Rams found a possible solution with Sam Sloman. The kicker had a great season, nailing 26 out of 30 of his field goal attempts and showing his leg strength by hitting on 4-of-5 attempts from 50 yards and beyond. He also converted on all 34 of his extra point attempts.
He will join a kicking competition that includes former CFL kicker Lirim Hajrullahu and former XFL kicker Austin MacGinnis.
Grade: C+
No. 250: Tremayne Anchrum, OL, Clemson
With their final pick of the draft, the Rams finally did what most expected them to do earlier and addressed the offensive line by taking Tremayne Anchrum. At 6’2″ and 314 pounds, the former Tiger will provide interior depth to a line that struggled for most of last season.
Anchrum does well in pass protection and moves well in space, but may struggle with the strength of opposing defensive linemen. Still, his versatility inside is much-needed and may prove dividends for Los Angeles going forward.
Grade: B
