With the Los Angeles Rams handing out lucrative contracts to players like Jalen Ramsey, Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods this past offseason, the importance of drafting young talent can not be stated enough.
Fortunately, it looks like the Rams’ 2020 NFL Draft picks have paid off as many contributed to the team’s impressive win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football in Week 11. Jordan Fuller, Cam Akers and Van Jefferson all made their mark during the night, giving Los Angeles a glimpse into what the future may hold.
Fuller, who was recently activated off injured reserve, has been a revelation in his rookie year and against the Buccaneers, he flashed what he could do, recording the first two interceptions of his career. According to Stu Jackson of Rams, Fuller recounted the first interception he nabbed against Tom Brady:
“I was just in my zone, eyes on the quarterback, and he ended up throwing it in my direction,” Fuller said. “I was just telling myself, ‘don’t drop it, don’t drop it, don’t drop it.’”
His second interception sealed the game and he explained that he was able to read Brady’s eyes on the play:
“Second one, kind of the same thing, I was just reading the quarterbacks eyes,” Fuller said. “He threw it up there, and I was able to go get it.”
Rams head coach Sean McVay had high praise for the trio of rookies, but especially Fuller after his big night:
“What I’ve been really proud of is a lot of these guys are part of our draft class, they’re just great football players that have really exceeded the expectations given their draft slot,” McVay said. “You look at Jordan Fuller, we knew he was a great player. It was amazing that he was available when he was. But he came in and continued to demonstrate why we probably waited too long to get him when we did, actually. Cam Akers and Van are going to continue to get better.”
While Fuller earned most of the headlines, Akers and Jefferson finally saw their roles on offense increase. Jefferson and Akers both caught their first NFL touchdowns, flashing what they can do when given the opportunity to contribute.
As the rest of the season progresses, McVay would be wise to give his young players more playing time to help their growth and development. It is early, but the Rams’ future certainly looks bright.
