2020 NFL Draft: Los Angeles Rams post-draft grades

The 2020 offseason saw the Los Angeles Rams make some significant changes to their roster, with the most notable being the release of Todd Gurley. His absence leaves a huge question mark at the running back position for LA, as their depth is now highlighted by Malcolm Brown and 2019 third-round pick, Darrell Henderson.

Well, after a run on the top backs in the class, the Rams decided to answer that question with the selection of Cam Akers out of Florida State.

Akers shows a nice mix of power and speed in college but was shackled behind an atrocious offensive line with the Seminoles. Even with that being the case, he was able to make something out of nothing more often than not and proved to be an every-down option at the next level.

With the top-tier of backs being off the board by the time the Los Angeles Rams were on the clock, I think the team probably felt pressure to nab their man earlier than some expected. I for one respect the aggressive approach to improving an important position in that offense.

Grade: B

The Los Angeles Rams made one of the more notable trades this offseason after dealing Brandin Cooks to the Houston Texans for another second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. This extra pick certainly eased the pain of not having a first-rounder but I don’t love how the Rams used it.

They selected Van Jefferson out of Florida, and while he is a talented receiver, I was surprised that the team didn’t use one of their two second-rounders to land depth off the edge or the offensive line.

Jefferson is a skilled route-runner with excellent hands but doesn’t necessarily add anything that the Rams don’t already have. While I’m sure he will fit nicely into the offense, I would have taken advantage of the deep receiver class and addressed it later to focus on more immediate needs.

Grade: C+