Checking in on the Rams' 2020 draft class after Buc game

[ROD-BOT]

Checking in on the Rams' 2020 draft class at the bye week

Checking in on the Rams' 2020 draft class at the bye week

Back in late April, the Rams used nine picks to assemble their draft class this year, but that number is now down to seven after linebacker Clay Johnston was signed by the Panthers before the regular season and kicker Samuel Sloman was released following Week 7.

Like last season, some of those rookies have been able to see action immediately, while others have have had to wait because of the depth and experience around them.

Here's how each of those remaining seven selections have fared at the midway point of the season:

RB CAM AKERS (ROUND 2, NO. 52)

Akers has played in six of the Rams' eight games, missing two due to a painful rib injury he sustained in Week 2 against the Eagles. Los Angeles head coach Sean McVay said Monday that injury set Akers back and contributed to him missing some opportunities he likely would've received in the following weeks.

Still, when healthy, he's shown flashes of what L.A. liked so much about him coming out of the draft. In his first game back from injury (Week 5 at Washington), Akers posted nine carries for a season-high 61 yards, including a 46-yard attempt that remains his longest of the year. Two weeks later, he tallied nine carries for 35 yards and added a 19-yard reception against the Dolphins.

Overall, Akers has played 64 of the team's 563 offensive snaps (11.3 percent). The majority of those reps came against the Cowboys in the season-opener (24) and last week against the Dolphins (20). He has 35 carries for 148 yards, plus two catches for 23 yards, across those six games.

WR VAN JEFFERSON (ROUND 2, NO. 57)

With experienced receivers around him, Jefferson's opportunities have been somewhat limited. After seeing 33 of 73 offensive snaps in Week 1 and 26 of 69 in Week 2, he received single-digit snaps in four of the Rams' next five games, the exception being Week 5 at Washington (18).

That said, Jefferson, like Akers, has flashed at times this season. Jefferson hauled in a 31-yard reception on 3rd and 5 from the Rams 48 against the Cowboys which set up a field goal that extended the Rams' lead to 13-7. One week later, he had his best statistical game of the season with four catches for 45 yards against the Eagles, including a 21-yard grab that set up a 5-yard rushing touchdown by wide receiver Robert Woods.

Collectively, Jefferson has played 108 of the team's 563 offensive snaps, also playing 35 special teams snaps, posting nine receptions for 121 yards while playing in all eight games.

OLB TERRELL LEWIS (ROUND 3, NO. 84)

Lewis' debut was initially put on hold after infection concerns from a previous procedure caused the team to place him on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury List in Week 1 for precautionary reasons. Eventually, he was able to return against Washington in Week 5.

The former University of Alabama standout played 14 defensive snaps in his first game back, then saw a season-high 20 against the Bears two weeks later. He has played 55 of the team's 512 defensive snaps overall, as well as four special teams snaps, with one tackle in four games.

S TERRELL BURGESS (ROUND 3, NO. 104)

The Rams used their compensatory selection on Burgess, whose versatility made him an intriguing piece to the defense. However, it wasn't until Week 3 – he was used exclusively on special teams in Week 1 and Week 2 – when he saw action with that unit.

While his highest usage came in Week 4 against the Giants, when he played 19 snaps each on defense and special teams, his best performance of the season was three weeks later against the Bears on Monday Night Football, making crucial third down stops and covering well on special teams. Unfortunately, Burgess also suffered a season-ending broken ankle in that contest.

TE BRYCEN HOPKINS (ROUND 4, NO. 136)

Similar to Jefferson, sharing a position room with established veterans has also limited Hopkins' opportunities.

He was inactive for the first six games, and when starter Tyler Higbee's hand injury afforded the Rams the opportunity to elevate him to the active gameday roster, he only saw three offensive snaps as Gerald Everett and Johnny Mundt handled the bulk of the work. When Higbee returned in Week 8, Hopkins was once again inactive.

S JORDAN FULLER (ROUND 6, NO. 199)

Fuller immediately earned a starting role alongside John Johnson and made one of the plays of the season with his 4th down red zone stop against the Cowboys in Week 1.

A shoulder Week 3 shoulder injury and subsequent re-aggravation in Week 5 have limited him to four games played, but he has still produced 21 combined tackles and two pass breakups when healthy. Currently on injured reserve, he is expected to return in Week 10.

OL TREMAYNE ANCHRUM JR. (ROUND 7, NO. 250)

Anchrum was inactive for the first two games, and though he was active for the third game, he did not play. The former Clemson University standout eventually saw his first action of the season in Week 4 and has played in every week since, though it's been exclusively on special teams (19 snaps).

This also seems to be a "redshirt" year for Anchrum, considering the returning depth and experience of Los Angeles' offensive line heading into this season. Of note, while he projects as a guard, he has been getting reps at left tackle when Andrew Whitworth has had his veteran rest days.

 

[Mister Sin]

I'm a little confused about the lack of Jefferson. He was so well spoken of. I though he would unseat Reynolds.

Burgess was talked about like he was going to be the star and Fuller came in and played like our best safety.

Im not at all impressed with this draft outside of Fuller and Lewis. The others could just be lack of opportunity. Ive said since the draft, they drafted to replace players they knew would be gone next season. So basically redshirting them for this year.

 

[CGI_Ram]

I'm a little confused about the lack of Jefferson. He was so well spoken of. I though he would unseat Reynolds.

Akers I can sorta chalk up to his injury, but yeah... the Jefferson buzz was so strong out of camp, I was hopeful for a little more to this point.

But, WR rookies have the big task of learning an NFL playbook and Reynolds has been mostly solid in front of him.

I wonder if we see more, however with the trade deadline passed... and McVay looking for a spark?

 

[Reddog99]

I thought Jefferson and Akers looked good in their limited amount of snaps. Until injured I thought Fuller and Burgess had been outstanding. Lewis has shined when playing. We haven't seen Hopkins or Anchrum play yet so there's not much to say about them at this point. Sloman is the only one with playing time thats been remotely close to a let down.

So far imo the 2020 draft has been successful. Akers and Jefferson will get going its just a matter of time.

 

[Zodi]

I can understand Jefferson not getting many snaps due to the crowded receiver room, but man, I'm tired of watching Brown run the ball outside. He's too slow. Hes the best pass protector of the groupby far, but I would love to see Akers more-- especially in the screen game.

 

[thirteen28]

I really don't understand why Jefferson isn't getting more snaps. It's not like he's played badly in the limited amount he's had.

Also, what happened to that LB from Baylor - isn't he on the practice squad?

 

[Zodi]

I really don't understand why Jefferson isn't getting more snaps. It's not like he's played badly in the limited amount he's had.

Also, what happened to that LB from Baylor - isn't he on the practice squad?

Reynolds is higher on the depth chart, but I wonder how long that'll last after coach sees Reynolds' effort during that Goff fumble for a TD.

 

[Mister Sin]

I really don't understand why Jefferson isn't getting more snaps. It's not like he's played badly in the limited amount he's had.

Also, what happened to that LB from Baylor - isn't he on the practice squad?

He signed with Carolina.

 

[fearsomefour]

Too early to tell of course but Jefferson and Akers can play.
That is clear enough.
Fuller was impressive overall and Burgess was showing as a very good tackler.
Don’t see a whole lot of down with this draft.
Will be interesting to see if the TE and OL develop into players or not.

 

[thirteen28]

He signed with Carolina.

Damn, kinda liked the kid, was hoping we could keep him on the PS and potentially develop him into something. Oh well ...

 

[BonifayRam]

If you could pick any Rams rookie to breakout in second half, who would it be?
What do the Rams need the most right now?

By Kenneth Arthur@KennethArthuRS Nov 9, 2020, 9:52am CST

If you could pick any Rams rookie to breakout in second half, who would it be?

What do the Rams need the most right now?

www.turfshowtimes.com

The LA Rams experienced more lows over their first eight games than you might expect from a team that is one win away from first place, but that is nevertheless the case and head coach Sean McVay knows what it is like to win the division and take a bye week; it happened less than two years ago. So the only type of person who I believe would count the Rams out of being the best team in the conference over the next eight weeks is someone who’d fall under the category of “Fool” or “Dunce” or “a real Howie Mandel.”

The 6-2 Seattle Seahawks might have the NFL’s worst defense.

The 6-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers feature a 43 year old quarterback.

The 6-2 Green Bay Packers are two weeks removed from a loss to the mediocre Vikings and four weeks removed from a 28-point loss to the 43 year old quarterback.

The 6-2 New Orleans Saints needed overtime to win two of their last four prior to Sunday night’s blowout and the other two wins were close contests against below average teams.

With a win over Seattle on Sunday, the Rams would improve to 6-3 and the Seahawks would fall to 6-3. That’s how close Los Angeles is to getting back on top, but they are going to need more from their roster than what they’ve seen up until now. The Rams are 21st in points per game and that number has only been dropping in the last four games. Since Week 4, Jared Goff ranks 21st in passer rating — below the recently benched Gardner Minshew and the recently benched Ryan Fitzpatrick — and is 23rd in adjusted yards per attempt.
These were not issues early in the season but weapons and options as weapons have seemed to subside, not appear.

On the other side of the ball, the Rams are second in points and yards allowed, first in net yards per pass attempt allowed and sixth in yards per carry allowed. They are also first in points per drive allowed. It is a good defense, but even in a year like 2020, giving up 28 to the Dolphins, 24 to the 49ers and 35 to the Bills is more than what a truly elite defense allows over an eight-game span of a season.

If we want to ask the question, “Do the Rams have a championship defense” then we’d need to compare them to championship defenses. The 2002 Bucs never allowed more than 26 points. Including playoffs, they went 3-4 when they gave up more than 14 points, but 12-0 when they didn’t. The Bucs held 11 of those teams to 10 points or less. This season, LA has held Football Team, the Bears and the Giants to nine or 10 points.

The 2000 Baltimore Ravens held 15 of their opponents to 10 points or less. They only once allowed more than 23. The Ravens went 11-0 when holding a team to seven points or less. They did that 11 times.

The Rams are never going to do that in an era like today’s but they are second in points allowed. Does LA even have as good of a defense right now as the 8-0 Pittsburgh Steelers, a team that is fourth in points allowed but first in turnovers forced? The Rams are 14th in takeaways and they’ve only forced four turnovers in the last four games.

McVay needs more players to step up and while this could come via some veteran options (A’Shawn Robinson, as one example), the best scenario is that players from the Rams’ 2020 rookie class begin to consistently prove what made them NFL draft picks this year. The bad news is that LA has not had much help from them yet.The good news is that means there is so much opportunity left on the table.

My curiosity today does not so much lie in the question of who do you believe has the best chance to contribute in the next eight games (and hopefully more) but who you think the Rams would need the most over the next eight games. Who is going to move the needle the most for McVay’s quest to win the most coveted prize in pro football’s regular season: the number one seed.

There are options.
Cam Akers, RB
Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown have combined for 170 carries and 772 rushing yards with six touchdowns, plus 24 catches for 199 yards and another score. They have yet to fumble the football. The Rams might be fine at running back, but they don’t have their 2017-2018 “Todd Gurley” back there yet.

Van Jefferson, WR
I can’t quite explain it but Robert Woods’ average total of yards per game is down more than 20 yards from the last two seasons. Cooper Kupp’s 7.4 yards per target is a career-low and he has too many drops. LA’s biggest need is not at receiver but contributions by a deep threat could change the dynamic for everything else.

Terrell Lewis, LB
Aaron Donald has nine sacks, Leonard Floyd has four and Troy Reeder still has those three he had in one game. Lewis stepping into a pass rushing role and succeeding in the second half could be what vaults the defense closer to “elite” territory.

Terrell Burgess, S
Unfortunately, Burgess will not be returning this season.

Brycen Hopkins, TE
It would be the most shocking if Hopkins became the difference-maker, but a weapon is a weapon and it’s not as though Tyler Higbee or Gerald Everett are making it impossible to consider putting him on the field. However, he’s fourth on the depth chart and maybe years away from contributing, if ever. The tight end class was not supposed to be good and thus far that has proven to be accurate. At least as receivers.

Jordan Fuller, S
Fuller already was the team’s breakout rookie. I can’t say when he will return from a shoulder injury but Week 10 has been floated as a possibility and Fuller could be the guy who makes things easier on everyone else; the Rams allowed 15 points per game in his three complete outings and 21 points per game without him.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I'm a little confused about the lack of Jefferson. He was so well spoken of. I though he would unseat Reynolds.

Burgess was talked about like he was going to be the star and Fuller came in and played like our best safety.

Im not at all impressed with this draft outside of Fuller and Lewis. The others could just be lack of opportunity. Ive said since the draft, they drafted to replace players they knew would be gone next season. So basically redshirting them for this year.

Im a firm believer that they all get a few years to prove their worth. But overall it wasn’t my favorite draft either. Burgess was the best value in my initial opinion. But Fuller has changed my mind.

 

[Psycho_X]

McVay has always been very hesitant if not completely against playing rookies on offense. Every year there's a rookie we expect to be an integral part of our offense and every year they are completely unused until year two at earliest. It actually bodes well imo that Jefferson and Akers have been used at all and speaks to their talent that McVay used them since game 1. Especially having no preseason.

But I think that also explains Jefferson's dip in production. I don't remember what game it was but there was a very noticeably incorrect route ran by Jefferson that resulted in an interception. Or at least that was the perception by most based on reactions and how the play looked. After that his time on the field dropped considerably. McVay expects precision and rookies usually aren't capable of that no matter how talented. But like I said, the fact he is still getting any playing time at all says what McVay thinks of him. I expect his role to grow again in the second half... unless he does something to lose trust at least lol.

As for breakout stars I'm hoping for, Lewis is the obvious answer. Putting in a legitimate pass rusher outside of AD would send this defense into the ability to carry us deep into the playoffs on its own.

 

[Merlin]

The Rams have always called Reynolds a starter but I think by now they have a better grasp of the fact he's a low end starter vice a plus starter. Jefferson probably needs to improve a bit on the blocking when he's not getting the ball (Rams have high expectations there) and knowing the offense but I have to think he's due to seize that job soon.

Jared needs help at that third WR spot IMO. Goff to Jefferson is going to be a long and storied association I hope.

 

[GoodBadUgly]

...
On the other side of the ball, the Rams are second in points and yards allowed, first in net yards per pass attempt allowed and sixth in yards per carry allowed. They are also first in points per drive allowed. It is a good defense, but even in a year like 2020, giving up 28 to the Dolphins, ... is more than what a truly elite defense allows over an eight-game span of a season.

I immediately stopped reading here, since the Rams defense would have shut out the Fins if it weren't for turnovers. 28 points my arse. And then claim that "truly elite defenses" wouldn't do that. Do some research, bro.

 

[shovelpass]

McVay has always been very hesitant if not completely against playing rookies on offense. Every year there's a rookie we expect to be an integral part of our offense and every year they are completely unused until year two at earliest. It actually bodes well imo that Jefferson and Akers have been used at all and speaks to their talent that McVay used them since game 1. Especially having no preseason.

Not really, I think people believe this because Noteboom and Allen sat their rookie year. They sat because there was better talent ahead of them and you don't really sub in olineman. Maybe with Henderson, but he was stuck behind Gurley and Brown, injured, and we know that McVay isn't going to give a rb snaps if he can't protect the QB.
2017
Everett- 16 games, 29% of snaps, TE2 behind Higbee
Kupp- 15 gm, 71%, Slot WR
Reynolds- 16 gm, 27% WR 4 behind Watkins, Woods, Kupp

2018
Noteboom- 16 gm, 7%, LT2 behind Whitworth
Allen- 13 gm, 3%, C2 behind Sullivan
Kelly- 4 gm, 5%, Currently on the Browns PS. He actually played more as a rookie than any other point in his career.
Demby- 0, Currently on our PS

2019
Henderson- 13 gm, 8%, RB3 behind Gurley and Brown
Evans- 7 starts, 43%, played for an injury
Edwards- 10 gs, 62%, played because of an injury

 

[Psycho_X]

Not really, I think people believe this because Noteboom and Allen sat their rookie year. They sat because there was better talent ahead of them and you don't really sub in olineman. Maybe with Henderson, but he was stuck behind Gurley and Brown, injured, and we know that McVay isn't going to give a rb snaps if he can't protect the QB.
2017
Everett- 16 games, 29% of snaps, TE2 behind Higbee
Kupp- 15 gm, 71%, Slot WR
Reynolds- 16 gm, 27% WR 4 behind Watkins, Woods, Kupp

2018
Noteboom- 16 gm, 7%, LT2 behind Whitworth
Allen- 13 gm, 3%, C2 behind Sullivan
Kelly- 4 gm, 5%, Currently on the Browns PS. He actually played more as a rookie than any other point in his career.
Demby- 0, Currently on our PS

2019
Henderson- 13 gm, 8%, RB3 behind Gurley and Brown
Evans- 7 starts, 43%, played for an injury
Edwards- 10 gs, 62%, played because of an injury

Well I did use the word hesitant but probably should have left off the completely against. I'd say Kupp is the only outlier to him not using rookies on offense. Everyone else played very little except when injury forced the matter. In 2017 we were moving from an offense purge from 2016's horrendous year which gave extra opportunities i'd say. Point being, he doesn't play rookies unless they can be trusted, or he's forced to, despite them possibly being more talented than those over them.

 

[shovelpass]

Well I did use the word hesitant but probably should have left off the completely against. I'd say Kupp is the only outlier to him not using rookies on offense. Everyone else played very little except when injury forced the matter. In 2017 we were moving from an offense purge from 2016's horrendous year which gave extra opportunities i'd say. Point being, he doesn't play rookies unless they can be trusted, or he's forced to, despite them possibly being more talented than those over them.

I don't know I think both Everett and Reynolds played plenty for where they were on the depth chart. Who would you sit to give them more snaps? No one. Again Henderson might be the only case, he still isn't the primary choice in pass protection. But after that there's a bunch of lineman who were drafted for depth and possible future starters, and a rb who's basically out of the league. Kupp is an outlier in that he's the only good/great player, Henderson and Edwards might be. Our offense was/is filled with proven veterans, not every player is going to get/earn snaps, especially on the line.

 

[BonifayRam]

Rookies lead Rams to Monday night win over 43 year old Tom Brady - Turf Show Times
Rams rookie report: Big plays from Jordan Fuller, Cam Akers and Van Jefferson
Touchdowns and interceptions galore from these first year players

By Brady Klopfer@BradyKlopferNBA Nov 24, 2020,

The Los Angeles Rams climbed to the top of the NFC West on Monday night with a mighty impressive 27-24 road victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

It was a tremendous team performance, with plenty of great individual plays by the team’s veteran leaders. But some of the biggest plays in the game were made by rookies, who provided quite a spark while also setting some career firsts.

Jordan Fuller
Perhaps the biggest star of the game was the Rams sixth-round pick, who returned after missing three games with a shoulder injury.
Fuller won’t go down as the greatest No. 199 pick in NFL Draft history, but he got the better of the man who will. Twice.
Yes, Fuller has his first career interception in the third quarter against Tom Brady, a fellow 199er.

Rookie safety Jordan Fuller snags his first career INT! #RamsHouse

: #LARvsTB on ESPN
: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/TIcsVC5VZ1 pic.twitter.com/IbJ2iw9M8P
— NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2020

And then, with Tampa Bay marching the field late in the fourth quarter, and another Brady comeback feeling inevitable, Fuller all but sealed the game with his second interception.

Jordan Fuller's second INT of the night! @RamsNFL take over with 1:49 left.

: #LARvsTB on ESPN
: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/TIcsVC5VZ1 pic.twitter.com/ymAbEIrzSV
— NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2020

Having your first and second career interception coming in the same game, against Tom Brady? That’s not one Fuller — or his coaches — will soon forget.
And he was mic’d up! So we’ll be getting a lot of footage and mileage out of this game.

.@j_fuller4 checkin’ in after a TWO pick game!

Watch til the end for a surprise pic.twitter.com/tOhiuxuNFD
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) November 24, 2020

Cam Akers
Fuller wasn’t the only Rams rookie to have a career first. Second-round pick Cam Akers also had a memorable play, with his first career touchdown. Akers was mediocre on the ground, picking up just 15 yards on five carries. And he only had one reception for four yards.
But those four yards were enough for his first career touchdown.

@thereal_cam3 with his first NFL touchdown! pic.twitter.com/YDgSBGvtWJ
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) November 24, 2020

Van Jefferson
It was a good day for Rams second-round picks to have their first career touchdowns. Wide receiver Van Jefferson was only targeted once all game, but that one target went for a seven-yard touchdown to tie the game in the second quarter.

.@VanJefferson12 with his first NFL touchdown!!! pic.twitter.com/NMUukWhlWP
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) November 24, 2020

All around it was a highly successful game for Rams rookies, and they were a huge part of why LA came away with a huge win, and a spot atop the division.

 

[OldSchool]

And due to injuries our backup LT was our last draft pick(I think he was last).