The draft has come and gone, and for better or worse, the Rams only selected one Offensive Guard in the 7th round. This left a bitter taste in the mouths of many fans but does not mean that the draft was a failure. The Rams were able to add depth at some key positions and may have found some late value as well.
Let’s break down how the roster will shape up now that the draft is over.
Draft Overview
Round 2, Pick 52: RB Cam Akers – Florida State
Round 2, Pick 57: WR Van Jefferson – Florida
Round 3, Pick 84: OLB Terrell Lewis – Alabama
Round 3, Pick 104: Safety Terrell Burgess – Utah
Round 4, Pick 136: Tight End Brycen Hopkins – Purdue
Round 6, Pick 199: Safety Jordan Fuller – Ohio State
Round 7, Pick 234: LB Clay Johnston – Baylor
Round 7, Pick 248: Kicker Samuel Sloman – Miami(OH)
Round 7, Pick 250: OG Tremayne Anchrum – Clemson
Who Stands Out?
It’s clear that the focus of the draft was to get better through depth. The Rams already have a solid receiving core and depth at positions like Tight End and Running Back, but they still drafted difference makers at each of these. Cam Akers, especially, has a chance to earn the starting job early on. His powerful running game should help him adapt to the NFL level quickly and his explosiveness will be exciting to watch.
Van Jefferson will also be a welcome addition for Jared Goff, as he has some of the best hands in the draft and can catch almost everything. He will be competing for the third-string receiver spot with Reynolds and has a chance to earn regular playing time.
Brycen Hopkins was a curious draft decision, as the Rams have plenty of depth at tight end. GM Les Snead said it perfectly though, “We didn’t have to make that pick, but sometimes when you make those types of picks, there’s an element of drafting in a microscope, but also with a telescope and you feel like, ‘Hey, the guy can make plays.” They clearly believe in his potential and expect him to earn some playing time next season and beyond. The Rams offense is now fully loaded with veteran experience and youthful energy, making it a lethal combination for other teams to worry about.
What About the Offensive Line?
If you notice, the Rams only used their final selection of the draft to address the offensive line. Tremayne Anchrum will most likely serve as a backup to Austin Corbett and see minimal playing time as a rookie. So why didn’t the Rams draft more help? Ram’s insider Lindsey Thiry breaks down Snead’s thinking.
On Rams OL, which is a concern for many: GM Les Snead emphasized how many of their young guys gained experience last year, and how they think they have some good potential to build with.
Will be interesting to see how the group develops this season, and who emerges as future LT.
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) April 26, 2020
Last season was definitely not how the team expected it to play out. Key injuries forced young players to step up, and most weren’t ready for that responsibility. However, the unit did come together towards the end of the season as they found their footing and changed their offensive schemes to fit the personnel. The Rams seem content to take the same group into the new season after some maturation and growth over the past year. Only time will tell if this is the right move, but for now the team is happy where they are.
Best Reactions from Draft Weekend
The Ram’s newest Safety couldn’t hold in his emotions anymore:
And on the other side of the call… 😭pic.twitter.com/nGsnj7EViB
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) April 25, 2020
Linebacker Clay Johnston is definitely ready to bring the energy:
.@C_Johnston4… you freakin' pumped or what?! 😂 pic.twitter.com/929VYtj1pl
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) April 26, 2020
Wide Receiver Van Jefferson is ready to help LA:
🗣 “THIS IS REAL!”
The Jefferson fam fired up! @VanJefferson12 https://t.co/NjxgrlxEB8
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) April 25, 2020
Who was your favorite selection from the draft? Leave your reply in the comments below!
