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HOW DO GRADE THE RAMS DRAFT?

A+
No votes
0%
A
2
7%
A-
5
19%
B+
7
26%
B
7
26%
B-
4
15%
C+
No votes
0%
C
No votes
0%
C-
No votes
0%
D OR WORSE
2
7%
 by river
5 years 2 months ago
 Total posts:   111  
 Joined:  May 04 2017
United States of America   LA Coliseum
Practice Squad

Dick84 wrote:I’d say Joseph-Day. I actually think he’s more suited to that than Nose.


That might even be worse than having Brockers as a 3 down lineman, SJD has never displayed much of a pass rushing skillset either.

Pretty difficult for me to see how the Defensive front 7 depth chart shakes out right now with our current roster.
My preference on this date has SJD taking over Tanzil Smart's role as Donald's 3T DT rotational back-up, with Smart eventually being cut. Robinson takes the NT position with Gaines in rotation. Brockers would rotate with Lewis. The 7'th defensive lineman should be the winner between Marquise Copeland, Tanzel Smart & Justin Lawler, although Lawler may also be in contention as depth at OLB.
I've got our OLB'er Depth currently penciled in as : SLB - Leonard Floyd, Jachai Polite & Lawler, with our 'Buck' RDE/ROLB depth as Samson Ebukam, OBO & Jeff Holland.
Other than Kiser as one starting ILB, the competition should be rather fierce for Littleton's old role, and both Holland & Natrez Patrick might play inside or outside, so i'm not sure how that plays out.

I could be way off, but from what i'm reading it seems somewhat reasonable. jmo.

 by river
5 years 2 months ago
 Total posts:   111  
 Joined:  May 04 2017
United States of America   LA Coliseum
Practice Squad

Dick84 wrote:I guess I don’t see the drop off you do when it comes to SJD from Fox on passing downs. I also expect a lot of 2 DL lineups on passing downs.
I wouldn’t be surprised by Copeland winning a spot in the rotation.


I hope Copeland does win a spot on the roster, his 2019 pre-season wasn't bad from what I recall.
The drop-off from Fox to SJD may not be much, but Fox hasn't been asked back, so that's not a comparable offering much success. I'd be much more inclined to seek 5T DE stat numbers more in line with what Fanzio's DE's produced in Denver last season.
The Rams very well may now have better personnel for more 2 DL Lineups, same is true on offense with 11 & 12 Personnel, we'll just have to see if McVay, O'Connell & Staley are up to the challenge with their coaching & game planning in the tough NFC West Division. Watching Special Teams coming together under Coach Bonamego is going to be another adventure for our new-look Rams, ... i'm very much looking forward to it.
jmo.

 by Zen_Ronin
5 years 2 months ago
 Total posts:   2440  
 Joined:  Sep 26 2016
Canada   Edmonton, AB
Pro Bowl

If you're interested, PFF's grading for the Rams draft rounds 1-3. (should be cued up to the right time, if not, skip to 1:40ish)


 by Elvis
5 years 2 months ago
 Total posts:   41506  
 Joined:  Mar 28 2015
United States of America   Los Angeles
Administrator

I can only assume the recently banned JPATTER132880 will be demanding many of these analysts let him in to their FF league...

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

Draft analysts grade Rams' 2020 class

Stu Jackson
STAFF WRITER

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- (ESPN+ subscription required)

Pro Football Focus Staff: C

 by PARAM
5 years 2 months ago
 Total posts:   13217  
 Joined:  Jul 15 2015
Barbados   Just far enough North of Philadelphia
Hall of Fame

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.


Yeah, lots of stacks and motion, so not a big deal.

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36 posts Jul 06 2025