Rams & the media on the Rams draft

Stu Jackson@StuJRams
Rams GM Les Snead on selecting RB Cam Akers, WR Van Jefferson, OLB Terrell Lewis and DB Terrell Burgess:

“We definitely wanted to address those four positions.”

The first two picks were exactly who they wanted, Snead said.

Rams use NFL draft to try to fill voids left by departures of Cooks and Gurley

GARY KLEIN

https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2020-04-24/rams-make-their-first-picks-of-the-nfl-draft

The Rams parted ways with star running back Todd Gurley and wide receiver Brandin Cooks to get out from under monster contracts.

On Friday, with their first two picks in the NFL draft, the Rams moved to address the void left by the stars’ departures — and also possibly filled other needs.

The Rams chose Florida State running back Cam Akers in the second round with the 52nd pick, and five picks later they selected Florida receiver Van Jefferson. The Rams also chose Alabama outside linebacker Terrell Lewis and Utah safety Terrell Burgess in the third round with the 84th and 104th picks, respectively.

The Rams go into Saturday’s conclusion with one pick each in the fourth, sixth and seventh rounds.

“We had a game plan to start and the good thing is our first two picks were the first two picks we wanted to get done,” general manager Les Snead said. “That doesn’t happen all the time. But as we prepared for this draft, planned for it, felt like those two players were realistic targets for us.”

Coach Sean McVay and Snead are remaking a team that, a year removed from a Super Bowl appearance, finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs in 2019. McVay hired three new coordinators — Kevin O’Connell (offense), Brandon Staley (defense) and John Bonamego (special teams) — and is attempting to put together a roster that can challenge the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks and improving Arizona Cardinals in the NFC West.

“To be able to have the players that were there at 52, 57 at the running back and receiver spots were instrumental to start the day off on the right foot,” McVay said. “Our coaches, scouts felt really good about all four of these players and that’s instrumental in having a good day. And then tomorrow we expect the same.”

The Rams made their picks a few hours after announcing that edge rusher Leonard Floyd and defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson signed free-agent contracts they agreed to in March.

Neither player has taken a team physical, a person with knowledge of the situation said. The Rams created salary-cap space in part by restructuring the $134-million contract quarterback Jared Goff signed before last season and the $32.5-million deal offensive lineman Rob Havenstein signed before the 2018 season.

After cutting Gurley on March 19, McVay and Snead said they were confident that veteran backup Malcolm Brown and second-year pro Darrell Henderson could replace a three-time Pro Bowl running back who was the 2017 NFL offensive player of the year.

But after watching a slew of receivers and offensive tackles taken in the first and second rounds, the Rams used their first pick to nab Akers, one of only three Florida State running backs to rush for more than 1,000 yards in multiple seasons.

“I’m somebody who can come in and be a game-changer,” Akers, the fourth running back selected in the draft, said on a videoconference with reporters. “Be everything this team and the fans need me to be and everything they’re expecting me to be.”

McVay and Snead also said they were confident that the receiver corps would be fine with Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds. But with Kupp and Reynolds entering the final year of their rookie contracts, they used the pick they acquired in the Cooks trade with the Houston Texans and made Jefferson the 12th receiver selected in the draft.

“There’s a lot of great receivers that went before me, a lot of great receivers that got to hear their names called, but I’m just here to prove I can the best player I can be,” he said. “I’m excited to get the call from the Rams. It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to play in the NFL.”

Jefferson is the son of former NFL receiver Shawn Jefferson, a coach for the New York Jets. He began his college career at Mississippi and then transferred to Florida.

Jefferson said he underwent foot surgery in March but was 90% healed and looking forward to learning from Rams receivers.

“I’m excited to come to the office and learn from the guys that are there,” Jefferson said. “Get up under a veteran’s wing and just try to learn the offense as quick as I can.”

Lewis was sidelined for much of his career at Alabama because of injuries. But he is capable of providing an effective edge-rushing presence for a team that must make up for the loss of Dante Fowler and the career-best 11½ sacks he produced last season. The Rams also released veteran linebacker Clay Matthews.

Lewis said his injuries played a factor in where he was drafted but he looked forward to showing what others missed out on.

Burgess, from San Marcos, Calif., converted to safety from cornerback. He was largely projected as a slot cornerback but said he was able to play wherever he was asked. Mainly, he was ecstatic about playing in Southern California.

“I didn’t get a chance to get everyone’s reaction,” he said of his family’s response to being drafted by the Rams. “I was crying so much.”

Cam Akers, running back
5 feet 10, 217 pounds, Florida State, Round 2, Pick 52

Notable: Akers played quarterback in high school in Mississippi. He joined Dalvin Cook and Warrick Dunn as the only Florida State players to have multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons.

Last season: Akers rushed for 1,144 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also caught 30 passes, four for touchdowns.

Why Rams drafted him: After cutting star running back Gurley, McVay and Snead said they had confidence in Henderson and Brown to fill the void. But they obviously believed they needed another weapon. Akers is another affordable option for a team that will try to do running back by committee.

Van Jefferson, wide receiver
6 feet 1, 197 pounds, Florida, Round 2, Pick 57

Notable: Jefferson’s father, Shawn, played wide receiver for 13 seasons in the NFL. He is now the receivers coach for the New York Jets. Van Jefferson caught 175 passes for 2,159 yards and 16 touchdowns in his college career.

Last season: Jefferson caught 49 passes for 657 yards and six touchdowns.

Why Rams drafted him: The Rams needed a receiver after trading deep-threat Cooks to the Houston Texans for the No. 57 pick in the draft. They used it to select Jefferson, who joins a receiver corps that includes Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds. Kupp and Reynolds are in the final years of their rookie contracts.

Terrell Lewis, linebacker
6 feet 5, 262 pounds, Alabama, Round 3, Pick 84

Notable: Lewis was sidelined the final 10 games of the 2017 season because of an upper-arm injury and all of 2018 because of a torn ligament in his right knee.

Last season: Lewis recorded 11½ tackles for loss, six sacks and two pass breakups in 11 games.

Why Rams drafted him: After recording a career-best 11½ sacks for the Rams last season, edge rusher Dante Fowler signed a $45-million free-agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons. To replace Fowler, the Rams signed Floyd, a former first-round pick of the Chicago Bears, to a one-year, $10-million prove it contract. Lewis could be a situational pass rusher and, in a best-case scenario, a longer-term, cheaper alternative to Floyd.

Terrell Burgess, safety
5 feet 11, 202 pounds, Utah , Round 3, Pick 104

Notable: Lewis converted from cornerback to safety. He has been projected as a nickel back.

Last season: Burgess made 81 tackles, 7½ for losses.

Why Rams drafted him: Burgess could help fill the void left by the departure of slot cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman, and also play as a rotational safety in the wake of Marqui Christian’s departure and Eric Weddle’s retirement. Burgess said he has been in contact with Weddle throughout his career.

Los Angeles Rams NFL Draft Picks 2020: Round-by-Round Results, Grades

https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/04/23/la-rams-nfl-draft-2020-results-picks-grades

The Los Angeles Rams entered the 2019 season as the defending NFC champions, but they failed to reach the postseason entirely. Los Angeles went just 9-7 last year, and were officially eliminated from playoff contention in Week 16. 2019 marked the first non-playoff season under head coach Sean McVay.

In the 2019 NFL draft, the Rams did not have a first-round pick and instead selected safety Taylor Rapp with their first selection, No. 61 overall. They added running back Darrell Henderson early in the third round and cornerback David Long and offensive tackle Bobby Evans later in the third round. Between rounds four and seven, the Rams made four selections. They drafted defensive tackle Greg Gaines, offensive tackle David Edwards, safety Nick Scott and linebacker Dakota Allen.

According to The MMQB’s NFC West team needs, linebackers are critical in new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s scheme, which is built on disguised matchup zone concepts, and the team has a depth shortage at the aforementioned position. Safety is another area of possible need. The team’s draft capital will likely be spent predominantly on defense, but if the team does elect to make any offensive selection, look for Los Angeles to try and bolster its offensive line.

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

Andy Benoit’s analysis: Explosive 2019 third-round pick Darrell Henderson still has much room to develop and may not be ready for a full-time role in 2020. Soon-to-be 27-year-old Malcolm Brown is a very serviceable rotational back but is in the final year of his contract. And so the Rams used their first pick on a more direct replacement for Todd Gurley, whom they likely expect to compete for a starting job right away. Akers was a mature, gliding runner at Florida State, showing nuance and an understanding of how to read defensive fronts. If that translates to the NFL, he’ll be a perfect fit in Sean McVay’s outside zone running game. Grade: A

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

Andy Benoit’s analysis: What many scouts like most about Jefferson is his route running prowess. Not coincidentally, that happens to be one of the traits L.A. values most in a wide receiver. Some see Jefferson more as a slot weapon, though it’s hard to envision the Rams moving Cooper Kupp out of that role. But remember, the slot designation does not matter quite as much in this scheme, as so many of its passes come on play-action and off route combinations that all originate from tight splits inside. Grade: B

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

Andy Benoit’s analysis: Lewis has a long body and the desired traits to be a quality NFL pass rusher. Injuries were a concern at Alabama, which is why the Rams are finding the talented specimen so late in the draft. He fills one of several needs for this defense. Grade: A

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

Andy Benoit’s analysis: Don’t be at all surprised if Burgess plays significant snaps right away. The Rams are very thin at linebacker and, in recent years, have preferred to play a three-safety dime package, keeping just one LB on the field. With Taylor Rapp being a dynamic box player, John Johnson being better down near that area as well and no proven depth behind those two, the runway is clear for Burgess to slide in as the centerfielder on passing downs. Grade: A+

Snead, McVay recap third and final day of 2020 NFL Draft

Stu Jackson

https://www.therams.com/news/snead-mcvay-day-3-nfl-draft-recap

Rams general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay met with local media Saturday evening to put a bow on the 2020 NFL Draft. Here is a recap of some of the most important topics they covered:

Addressing eight different positions – RB, WR, OLB, S, TE, S, LB, K, OG – with nine picks by the end of Day 3

Snead said it wasn’t necessarily the goal to spread out their approach in that manner, but when the Houston Texans called and presented an opportunity for the Rams to move back and acquire a pair of additional seventh-round picks, they felt it was the right move. It allowed them to get linebacker Cody Johnston, kicker Samuel Sloman and offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum, who Snead felt the Rams may not have been able to get had they just stayed put.

Such a spread-out approach reflects the competitiveness of the team, according to McVay.

“All these players give us the ability to do that with a unique blend of things coming together, where they added value and they happen to fulfill needs as well,” McVay said.

As for earlier in the draft, the intent was to get players who could potentially step in to fill roles of the players they lost in free agency, according to Snead. However, sometimes with the way the draft board falls, it forces a team to go from Plan A to Plan B.

The Rams found themselves in that situation when Purdue tight end Brycen Hopkins was still available after they traded back with the Texans to pick No. 136.

“We really like our tight end room right now, but we had him highly rated and felt like he could come in and carve out a role early but also later,” Snead said. “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.’

Confidence in the offensive line

While some experts believed Los Angeles would look to address its offensive line early, it instead waited until much later in the draft to do so, using its final pick to take Clemson offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum in the seventh round.

Snead said that approach reflected their confidence in the younger offensive linemen the Rams have taken in previous drafts.

“When Sean mentioned yesterday trading for Austin Corbett, it was just a couple of years ago that he was the 33rd pick in the draft,” Snead said. “Even this year, we wouldn’t have been able to pick an Austin Corbett. We’ve been adding those players, and fortunately or unfortunately a lot of them got to play last year, with David Edwards and Bobby Evans in particular. They got a chance to play when we were really going to spend a year developing them as backups. We felt confident that if we continued grooming and developing these players, they’d have a chance to become a very solid offensive line.”

Other positions to address?

It’s too soon to tell. Snead said they planned to let the draft settle, then sit down and look at their roster.

Part of the reason for the patient approach is because Snead said they will do what they’ve done every year – evaluate the roles of young players who didn’t see the field much or at all as rookies, then were elevated into larger roles to address needs.

The example Snead used was defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day, a 2018 sixth-round pick who was inactive for all 16 games and three postseason games in 2018, then helped fill the void left by the departure of Ndamukong Suh by taking on a bigger role in 2019.

“So that’s what we’ve discussed about some of our younger players that may have less playing time, but you’re always going to look to see, ‘Hey, how can you make a more competitive or add someone to be more competitive any time you get that chance.'”

Draft analysts grade Rams’ 2020 class

Stu Jackson

https://www.therams.com/news/grades-nfl-draft-analysts

Running back Cam Akers, wide receiver Van Jefferson, outside linebacker Terrell Lewis, safety Terrell Burgess, tight end Brycen Hopkins, safety Jordan Fuller, linebacker Clay Johnston, kicker Samuel Sloman and offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum represent the newest group of Rams rookies.

What do experts make of L.A.’s nine-member 2020 draft class which addressed eight different positions? We take a look at some of their grades below.

Chad Reuter, NFL.com: A

Draft analysis: For the fourth straight draft, GM Les Snead didn’t have a first-round pick. But the savvy decision-maker was able to make the most out of the four Day 2 picks (two second-rounders, two third-rounders) he did have in his arsenal. He added future contributors at running back (Akers) and receiver (Jefferson) while getting excellent value at edge (Lewis) and nickel (Burgess). Finding Hopkins in the fourth was an excellent value, while Fuller could be another Kurt Coleman-type pickup at safety. The loss of Cory Littleton in free agency, might make room inside for Johnston to fit in. Although it makes sense for the Rams to want competition at kicker, it is interesting that they opted over Georgia’s Rodrigo Blankenship. Anchrum excelled at tackle for Clemson but will transition inside for the Rams.

Andy Benoit, Sports Illustrated: A

Cam Akers was a mature, gliding runner at Florida State, showing nuance and an understanding of how to read defensive fronts. If that translates to the NFL, he’ll be a perfect fit in Sean McVay’s outside zone running game.

They also found a receiver who fits the passing game. What many scouts like most about Van Jefferson is his route running prowess. Not coincidentally, that happens to be one of the traits L.A. values most in a wide receiver. Some see Jefferson more as a slot weapon, though it’s hard to envision the Rams moving Cooper Kupp out of that role. But remember, the slot designation does not matter quite as much in this scheme, as so many of its passes come on play-action and off route combinations that all originate from tight splits inside.

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: B+

The Rams got their replacements for Todd Gurley, Brandin Cooks and Dante Fowler Jr. right off the bat. Lewis was the best pick of the three, but Akers and Jefferson have good opportunities to improve on their college production. Hopkins was a steal later for some depth. There was no early linebacker to help replace Cory LIttleton, but Burgess can be useful in coverage. Les Snead and Sean McVay finish right in the middle.

Darryl Slater, NJ.com: B+

Second-round running back Cam Akers will have to step in immediately for Todd Gurley. Second-round receiver Van Jefferson is a sneaky good pick. The Jets could’ve used him, but they traded back.

Nate Davis, USA TODAY: B

They haven’t picked in the first round since 2016, when QB Jared Goff was the No. 1 overall pick. But surrendering this year’s first-rounder brought CB Jalen Ramsey, and GM Les Snead appeared to pick up four players Friday – RB Cam Akers (Round 2), WR Van Jefferson (Round 2), OLB Terrell Lewis (Round 3) and S Terrell Burgess (Round 3) – who could contribute early to a squad little more than a year removed from the Super Bowl.

Luke Easterling, The Draft Wire: B

Another team not far removed from a playoff run, the Rams put together a solid start to their draft, despite not having a first-rounder. There were bigger needs to address, but taking Florida State running back Cam Akers late in the second round to replace Todd Gurley was a solid pick.

Florida wide receiver Van Jefferson came off the board a little early as a second-rounder himself, but he’s one of the most polished route runners in the class, and will replace Brandin Cooks well. A pair of third-round steals for the defense in Alabama edge rusher Terrell Lewis and Utah safety Terrell Burgess were the strength of this class.

Purdue tight end Brycen Hopkins was a solid value in the fourth round, even if it wasn’t a glaring need. Clemson offensive lineman Tremayne Anchurm was a strong addition in the seventh round given his versatility and experience against top competition.

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: B

They didn’t have a first-round pick after trading it away to the Jaguars in the Jalen Ramsey trade. But they did a nice job with what they did have. I think they got great value in the third round, taking defensive end Terrell Lewis and safety Terrell Burgess.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: B-

The draft for the Rams this year was about getting pieces to help fix their offense. The team’s first pick was used on running back Cam Akers in the second round. With Todd Gurley gone, a running back was a must in this draft. In Akers, the Rams have a big but quick running back who can get out to the second level in a hurry.

Wide receiver Van Jefferson, the team’s other second-round pick, is basically Jerry Jeudy lite. He’s a very good route runner, shrugs off press coverage, and has good hands. He’s not a speedy receiver, but he fits the Rams’ offense.

The Rams built up the back seven of their defense with Terrell Lewis, Terrell Burgess, and Jordan Fuller. If they can get one starting safety out of Burgess and Fuller, this is a good draft.

This grade would be better if the Rams targeted a guard at some point before the seventh round.

Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: B-

cbs sports

2020 NFL Draft: Ranking every team’s draft class

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-draft-ranking-every-teams-draft-class-packers-picks-raise-questions-ravens-crush-it/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

8. Rams
This might have been one of our favorite drafts. Cam Akers is a cheaper upgrade over Todd Gurley; Van Jefferson is one of the best route runners in this class. Terrell Lewis is a first-round talent if he can stay healthy and Terrell Burgess is a versatile defensive back. And Brycen Hopkins is another athletic tight end who’ll likely find success in Sean McVay’s offense. Grade: A-

and johnston too. he just exudes enthusiasm and passion. maybe he’s the inside linebacker the rams need.

ESPN analyst Matt Bowen on how the Rams’ newest rookies fit into their offense and defense

Stu Jackson

https://www.therams.com/news/espn-analyst-matt-bowen-on-rookies-fits

Last month, the Los Angeles Rams added new pieces to their offense and defense by drafting running back Cam Akers, wide receiver Van Jefferson, tight end Brycen Hopkins, offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum, outside linebacker Terrell Lewis, safety Terrell Burgess, safety Jordan Fuller and linebacker Clay Johnston.

For more on how their skillsets fit what Los Angeles like to do on both sides of the ball, theRams.com spoke with ESPN’s Matt Bowen, who writes about the NFL for ESPN.com and is an analyst on the network’s NFL Matchup show. Bowen is also a former NFL defensive back who played seven seasons in the league with the Rams (2000-01), Green Bay Packers (2001-02), Washington Redskins (2003-05) and Buffalo Bills (2006).

Cam Akers

Bowen said he has already written about Akers a couple of times for ESPN.com, recently including him on his list of 10 rookies who landed with perfect teams in terms of scheme fit (ESPN+ subscription required to read).

“I was very impressed with Cam Akers,” Bowen said in a phone interview with theRams.com last week. “I love the fit here. I called him a professional runner because that’s what I believe he is. When you watch his film at FSU, he has the traits of a pro running back. It’s the contact balance, the size, the power, he’s got enough wiggle and shake to make defenders miss at the second level.”

According to Bowen, Akers also showed he could be an asset as a receiver out of the backfield – for example, on screen passes – due to his vision in the open field. Akers also has a “natural feel” for finding the endzone from inside an opponent’s five-yard line.

From a scheme standpoint, Akers will see some similarities between Florida State and the Rams. According to Bowen, Florida State used both power and zone running schemes. While Rams head coach Sean McVay’s offense is more zone-based, Bowen said Akers will still be a fit for that.

“Running an outside zone scheme where he can press the ball on the edge, look for a cutback lane or head straight up inside,” Bowen said. “So it’s a really good pick and with Todd Gurley moving on, allows them to have great competition there with (Malcolm) Brown and Darrell Henderson from last year’s draft.”

Van Jefferson

Widely regarded as one of the best route-runners in his draft class, Jefferson’s ability to create separation from defensive backs and get open is one of the traits which immediately made him stand out to Bowen.

“We talk about all these traits – athleticism and movement skills, that stuff all matters,” Bowen said. “But the number one thing in the National Football League is, can you get open? Can you beat man coverage? Do have a feel for zone coverage? Do you have strong hands at the point of attack to catch balls outside of your frame? That’s what Van Jefferson gives you. So much detail to his game.”

Jefferson’s game isn’t that of a receiver who will stretch the field vertically with his speed, according to Bowen, but rather one who excels at getting open on short to intermediate routes.

“Now let’s put that in Coach McVay’s offense,” Bowen said. “What do we see? A lot of play-action, middle-of-the-field throws, running those skinny posts, those deep square-in routes, running the isolation routes versus off-man coverage. I think he’s an excellent fit.”

Brycen Hopkins

Although the Rams already had Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett and Johnny Mundt in their 2020 tight end room, Hopkins was so highly-rated that they couldn’t afford to pass on him at pick No. 136 in the fourth round. Bowen said Hopkins’ skillset is most similar to Everett as a move tight end who can stretch the middle of the field vertically.

“Really, you’re drafting him to improve your passing game, create matchups in the passing game,” Bowen said. “You can get him open on boot(legs), you can get him open on crossers. Especially in the Rams offense, you can get him open stretching the seams on those high-percentage throws from (quarterback) Jared Goff where he can catch it and run with the football afterwards.”

Bowen said Hopkins will need to work on his drops – Hopkins also previously said this himself during the Rams’ Day 3 post-draft show – and while he won’t be a tight end blocking at the point of attack in the run game like Higbee, the hope is that he can see the backside of a zone run.

Most importantly, though, Hopkins will at least provide depth to a key position.

“You need depth to positions to get through a 16-game season,” Bowen said. “You need multiple tight ends on your roster.”

Tremayne Anchrum

The No. 250 pick and seventh-round selection primarily played offensive tackle at Clemson but spent time learning both guard spots during the Tigers’ bowl practices.

“You’re looking at a guy who played at a championship program, that’s the first thing you see,” Bowen said.

Bowen said Anchrum projects as a guard – an evaluation also shared by Rams Director of College Scouting Brad Holmes, who sees him fitting at center as well – who will fit into the offensive line as a run-blocker and provide depth to the offensive line.

“I think he needs to develop a little bit more, in terms of his hand placement and his ability to mirror pass-rushers,” Bowen said. “But the foundation is there for someone that can work with pro coaching and start developing and see a career, and wait for that opportunity, to where he becomes a guy that’s active on gameday and can provide depth to the offensive line.”

Terrell Lewis

What first stands out to Bowen about Lewis is that he came from a championship program at Alabama coached by Nick Saban and played in a pro-style defensive scheme. Despite his injury history in college, his traits as a pass rusher make him an intriguing player.

“Did have some injuries in college, but in terms of the athletic traits, he’s got everything you want,” Bowen told theRams.com in a phone interview last week. “He’s 6-5, 262, he’s got the length, he’s got speed off the edge. I think he’s got great flexibility and bend off the edge.”

Even with the addition of outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, Bowen said he could still see Lewis finding his way onto the field during his rookie season as a situational pass rusher in sub packages. Bowen also said he sees traits in Lewis that are similar to former Rams outside linebacker Dante Fowler, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an unrestricted free agent last month.

“(Fowler) had a great first step, he had the twitch, the flexibility to bend off the edge,” Bowen said. “I think Lewis checks those boxes and he’s a good scheme fit as well. I think he’s a very solid draft pick, especially with the draft value where they got him in the third round.”

Terrell Burgess

Dubbed by his college head coach as a “football swiss-army knife,” the No. 104 pick provides Staley with a versatile defensive back to use in his defense. That skillset also mirrors what safeties are being asked to do in the NFL right now, based on how Bowen evaluates them.

“I always look at three things with a safety in today’s game: Can you play the post? Can you cover down in the slot? Can you play in the run front?” Bowen said. “He checks all three of those boxes.”

Having a player like Burgess who can play multiple positions in the secondary is valuable for defensive playcallers like Staley because it allows Staley to do different things, according to Bowen.

As an example, Bowen said a playcaller could employ a bigger nickel package – a sub package which swaps the weakside linebacker for a fifth defensive back – by using a third safety as the fifth defensive back instead of a smaller slot corner. Now, the playcaller has a run-defending safety like Burgess who can also cover the slot, something that gives said playcaller an advantage.

“Again, another very good value pick based on draft position, where they drafted him, and how he fits their scheme as that multi-dimensional defensive back,” Bowen said.

Jordan Fuller

The sixth-round pick and 199th overall selection from Ohio State plays faster than his combine results may have shown.

“I don’t have his testing numbers in front of me, but I know when I watched him on film, he gets to the ball fast,” Bowen said. “And if you’re a defensive backs coach, that’s what matters, right?”

Fuller’s 6-2, 203-pound frame also stood out to Bowen, as well as his football intelligence because of how he plays on the field. Bowen said Fuller is at his best when playing downhill with speed, and is physical enough to play in the run front because of his tackling ability.

That skillset should allow him to carve out a role on special teams.

“If he makes the team, he should be one of your top cover guys on special teams,” Bowen said. “If I’m the head special teams coach of the Rams, on the first day of camp, when we go into kickoff coverage and punt coverage, I want to see him getting down the field and making plays.”

Clay Johnston

Similar to Fuller, Johnston was another Day 3 selection by the Rams, going off the board at pick No. 234. A late-round draft pick himself, Bowen as a former sixth-round selection said Johnston projects as an inside linebacker who will have to make the team through special teams.

That said, it’s a good developmental path to allow him to build on the traits he already possess, according to Bowen.

“I think he’s very instinctive, I think he sees the field very well, I think he’s a good tackler, and I think he has upside at the position in terms of coverage traits the more experience he gets as a pro athlete,” Bowen said.

Given that Les Snead did not have a first round pick in the 2020 NFL draft, the #Rams added a pretty damn impressive class, including legitimate Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year candidates. https://t.co/R09bgJTtQl

— Rob Rang (@RobRang) May 16, 2020

Link is in the tweet.

Rang:

Overview of the Rams’ 2020 draft

Fans of the 2020 Los Angeles Rams may need a program given all of the turnover on the roster. Some of the iconic Rams of recent years, like Todd Gurley, Cory Littleton, Brandin Cooks and Greg Zuerlein are all playing elsewhere now, along with several other recognizable names like Clay Matthews, Jr., Dante Fowler, Jr., and Eric Weddle. As such, much of general manager Les Snead’s focus in the 2020 draft was filling holes in the roster at these positions with younger, cheaper options. That process began last season when Snead shipped the club’s 2020 and 2021 first round picks to Jacksonville to nab Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Interestingly enough, they then chose another former standout Florida State Seminole in running back Cam Akers, who should immediately challenge as the Rams’ lead runner. The ultra-polished Van Jefferson was a bit of a surprise just a few picks later given that receiver is a relative strength on this roster and that the former Gator has a similar gliding style as current Rams’ standouts Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp than the elite straight-line speed that left along with Brandin Cooks. The most important pick for the Rams this year may have been Terrell Lewis in the third round, a first round talent whose struggles with durability made him one of this year’s biggest boom or bust prospects. Day Three safeties Terrell Burgess and Jordan Fuller were important additions for depth behind solid young starters John Johnson III and Taylor Rapp, as was tight end Brycen Hopkins, who could find playing time hard to find given the flashes shown by Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett. Of the Rams’ Day Three picks, it may very well be field goal kicker Sam Sloman who makes the most significant impact as a rookie.

Best Player of the Rams’ 2020 Draft: RB Cam Akers

It goes without saying that replacing Gurley is not going to be easy. Even last season, when it was obvious that he was not the same caliber of player he was just a few years earlier when named the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year, the Rams still rode their workhorse. Gurley’s rushing attempts (223 for 857 yards) and receptions (31 for 207 yards) greatly surpassed LA’s top backups Malcom Brown (69-255, 2-16) and Darrell Henderson (39-147 and 4-37), a celebrated third round pick a year ago. With all due respect to Brown and Henderson, Akers is the superior talent whose experience carrying the load and production (2,874 yards and 27 TDs as a three-year starter) against elite competition suggests that he could step into Gurley’s role and become an instant star. Akers signed with FSU as one of the elite prep talents in the country, regardless of position. Once there, however, it didn’t take long for opponents to realize that the Seminoles are no longer a juggernaut and they crowded the box, limiting Akers’ effectiveness. With his burst to and through the hole and excellent lateral agility to elude, the rocked-up 5-10, 217 pound Akers has the juice of a much smaller back. He not only clocked in at a very impressive 4.47 seconds in the 40-yard dash, his 10-yard split was a full tenth of a second faster (1.47) than any other back who ran at this year’s Combine. With defenses spread out wide to slow down the Rams’ aerial assault, don’t be surprised if Akers takes full advantage of the increased spaces, running acres and dramatically boosting LA’s 26-ranked rushing attack as a rookie.

Best Value of the Rams’ 2020 Draft: K Sam Sloman

There are some who believe no specialist is ever worthy of an NFL draft pick, citing the Rams and their four-time All-Pro punter Johnny Hekker (a former undrafted free agent out of Oregon State) as a prime example of why teams can wait. It is hard to argue that Zuerlein, the 171 pick back in 2012, did not provide the Rams great value over his eight seasons, however. Still, up against the salary cap, the Rams allowed “Greg The Leg” to walk when Dallas offered a three-year deal for $7.5 million on the heels of the least accurate 16-game season of his career (72.7% FG accuracy rate). Zuerlein’s accuracy has declined each of the past three years, in fact, which is the exact opposite of the three-year improvement Sloman showed with the Redhawks, converting 75% of his field goal attempts (12/16) in his first season as a starter, 77% (10/13) in 2018 and capping his career with 26/30 (86.7%) as a senior, including 4 of 5 from 50+ yards. Sloman had previously struggled with long distance kicks, a Zuerlein specialty, but his improved accuracy as a senior and success as a kickoff specialist earlier in his career suggest that the leg strength and work ethic is there to project him as a quality NFL starter. If that indeed occurs, Sloman certainly would have provided the Rams terrific value given that only seven other players were selected after him in the 2020 draft.

Best Project of the Rams’ 2020 Draft: DE/OLB Terrell Lewis

It is perhaps appropriate that Los Angeles drafted Lewis as he has the 6-5, 262-pound frame and Alabama pedigree straight out of a Hollywood casting call. A five-star recruit out of Washington D.C., Lewis flashed throughout his time in Nick Saban’s football factory but could not stay healthy, missing most of the 2017 season due to a right elbow injury and all of 2018 with a torn right ACL. Mostly healthy in 2019, Lewis showed off his disruptive potential, exploding for 11.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks to earn Second Team All-SEC honors despite starting just three games for the Tide. He did miss a game (Southern Miss) due to a bone bruise in the right leg and, predictably, some teams flagged Lewis’ medical at the Combine despite a solid showing at the Senior Bowl. Lewis did not run or participate in many of the on-field drills in Indianapolis but did post an eye-popping 37” vertical jump, the best of anyone this year over 250 pounds. The vertical is an illustration of Lewis’ unique explosiveness for a man of his size. He can beat tackles upfield with just his initial burst and has impressive core flexibility for his muscled-up frame, showing the ability to win with quick spins back inside, as well as loops, making him a potentially lethal combination with Aaron Donald.

Overall Grade for the Rams’ 2020 Draft: B+