<
>

Los Angeles Rams' 2020 NFL draft analysis for every pick

play
Cam Akers' NFL draft profile (0:54)

Watch the highlights from former Florida State RB Cam Akers, who Todd McShay calls the "most underrated running back in the class." (0:54)

The 2020 NFL draft is in the books, and the Los Angeles Rams' draft class is complete.

The draft, which had been scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, was successfully completed virtually from the homes of coaches, general managers and other front-office staff because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Analysis of every pick | Updated depth charts

Here's a pick-by-pick look at how each player the Rams have selected will fit:


play
0:59
Van Jefferson's 2020 NFL Draft profile

Take a look at former Florida WR Van Jefferson's skills as he catches and dashes his way through goal lines and into the NFL Draft.

Round 2, No. 52 overall: Cam Akers, RB, Florida State

My take: After releasing Todd Gurley, it was expected that the Rams would select a running back on Day 2 of the draft, where they own four picks between the second and third rounds after not having a first-round pick thanks to the Jalen Ramsey trade. Akers rounds out a running back room that also includes Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown, and the trio is anticipated to share the load next season. The 5-foot-10, 217-pound Akers is known for his ability to run between the tackles, which should provide a complement to Henderson's style. Last season as a junior at Florida State, Akers rushed for 1,144 yards and 14 touchdowns in 231 carries. With Akers' selection, the Rams have now taken five running backs in the first three rounds since 2012, the most in the NFL during that span, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. Last year, the Rams selected Henderson in the third round.


play
0:44
Terrell Lewis' NFL draft profile

Check out some highlights from former Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis making him a top prospect in the upcoming NFL draft.

Round 2, No. 57 overall: Van Jefferson, WR, Florida

My take: Drafting a receiver became a priority for the Rams after they traded Brandin Cooks to the Houston Texans earlier this month. Jefferson will provide depth at a position group that includes Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds, who is expected to start or play a significant role following Cooks' departure. Jefferson spent five seasons in college, spending his first three at Ole Miss before playing his final two seasons of eligibility at Florida. As a fifth-year senior, Jefferson 49 passes for 657 yards and six touchdowns. He is considered an elite route runner.


play
0:43
Terrell Burgess' NFL draft profile

Former Utah safety Terrell Burgess is versatile enough to play high, drop into the box or line up over the slot.

Round 3, No. 84 overall: Terrell Lewis, OLB, Alabama

My take: Before the draft, Rams coach Sean McVay said a team could never have enough players with the ability to rush the passer. The Rams needed to strengthen their pass rush following the departure of Dante Fowler Jr. in free agency and the release of Clay Matthews. Lewis joins a position group that includes Samson Ebukam, Ogbo Okoronkwo and Leonard Floyd, who signed in free agency. The 6-foot-5, 252-pound Lewis was a standout at Alabama when he was available. Lewis was sidelined for nearly two seasons because of various injuries, making durability a concern. In 10 games last season, Lewis had six sacks.


Round 3, No. 104 overall: Terrell Burgess, S, Utah

My take: The Rams needed to build depth in their secondary following the retirement of safety Eric Weddle and the release of cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman. Burgess provides versatility as a cornerback who was converted into a safety at Utah. According to NFL scouts, the 5-foot-11, 202-pound Burgess projects as a nickelback at the pro level. Burgess could provide depth behind starting safeties John Johnson and Taylor Rapp, or if the Rams choose to utilize him at corner, he could take over for the departed Robey-Coleman in a group that includes star Jalen Ramsey. As a senior last season, Burgess had five pass deflections and an interception.


Round 4, No. 136 overall: Bryce Hopkins, TE, Purdue

My take: If there was any position group going into the draft that didn't appear to need reinforcements, it was tight end. The Rams appear stacked at the position with Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett and Johnny Mundt. But, the 6-foot-4, 245-pound Hopkins could be another big target for quarterback Jared Goff. He averaged 75.5 yards per game in 2019, which ranked second among FBS tight ends.


Round 6, No. 199 overall: Jordan Fuller, S, Ohio State

My take: Following the retirement of Eric Weddle and departure of Marqui Christian in free agency, the Rams are building depth at safety. Fuller will play behind starters John Johnson and Taylor Rapp. As a three-year starter at Ohio State, Fuller intercepted five passes. NFL scouts consider him to be a solid run stopper.


Round 7, No. 234 overall: Clay Johnston, ILB, Baylor

My take:The Rams are young and inexperienced at inside linebacker following Cory Littleton's departure in free agency. Johnston joins a position group that includes Micah Kiser, Travin Howard, Kenny Young and Troy Reeder -- none of whom have significant starting experience. The 6-foot-1, 227-pound Johnston played six games in 2019 and had 2.5 sacks and an interception before he suffered a season-ending knee injury. Johnston could provide depth at linebacker as well as fill a need on special teams.


Round 7, No. 248 overall: Sam Sloman, K, Miami (Ohio)

My take: Veteran kicker Greg Zuerlein departed for the Dallas Cowboys in free agency, and the Rams are now on the hunt to replace him. Sloman will join a competition that also includes former CFL kicker Lirim Hajrullahu and former XFL kicker Austin MacGinnis, who both signed in free agency. Last season, Sloman converted 87 percent of his field goal attempts, and was 4-of-5 on attempts of 50-plus yards, which included a 53-yard long. He converted all 34 of his extra point attempts.


Round 7, No. 250 overall: Tremayne Anchrum, G, Clemson

My take: The Rams' offensive line remains a work in progress following a season of injuries and inexperience. Anchrum will have the opportunity to provide depth as an interior lineman. The 6-foot-2, 314-pound pound Anchrum started six games as a sophomore before he became a full-time starter his final two seasons at Clemson. He was named first-time All-ACC as a senior.