Although the Los Angeles Rams finished with a winning record of 9-7, that final record was not good enough for them to make the NFL Playoffs last season. Being in such a stacked NFL West Division means that the Rams must find more talent in the NFL Draft. Let’s take a look at who they picked.
Round 2, Pick 20: Cam Akers – RB – Florida State (5’10”, 217 lbs). He becomes the new starting running back for Los Angeles. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards for the past two seasons in a row.
Round 2, Pick 25: Van Jefferson – WR – Florida (6’2″, 200 lbs). Jefferson will compete to be the 3rd wide receiver on the Rams. His height will also help in the red zone.
Round 3, Pick 20: Terrell Adams – OLB – Alabama (6’5″, 262 lbs). Adams will see time in the rotation as a pass-rusher.
Round 3, Pick 40: Terrell Burgess – S – Utah (5’11”, 202 lbs). Burgess could see time as either a safety or a nickel corner in the slot. His versatility means that there will be two Terrell’s on the field for LA.
Round 4, Pick 40: Brycen Hopkins – TE – Purdue (6’4″, 245 lbs). Hopkins will see some time as a pass-receiving tight end in multiple offensive sets. He will be valuable in the red zone as well.
Round 6, Pick 20: Jordan Fuller – S – Ohio State (6’2″, 203 lbs). Help needed at safety is definitely a trend.
Round 7, Pick 20: Clay Johnston – ILB – Baylor (6’1″, 227 lbs). Johnston should see some time at special teams and will compete for a spot as a back-up at the inside linebacker position.
Round 7, Pick 34: Sam Sloman – PK – Miami (OH) (5’8″, 205 lbs). Sloman will compete for the kicking spot.
Round 7, Pick 36: Tremayne Anchrum – OG – Clemson (6’2″, 314 lbs). Anchrum will be developed as a back-up on the offensive line.
Grade: The Rams really stepped up in this draft even though they did not have a first-round pick. Akers is a first-round talent. Adding help to the defense and to special teams could mean the difference in close games down the road. I give them a B+.