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

A full list of Los Angeles' picks will be updated below as the draft progresses.

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+

Round 4, No. 135 overall: Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue

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

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

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

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

This story will be updated.