The Los Angeles Rams have taken a unique approach to the NFL Draft over the past five years, often trading away high picks for proven veterans while finding value in the mid-to-late rounds under the leadership of General Manager Les Snead and Head Coach Sean McVay. From 2020 to 2024, the Rams balanced a “win-now” philosophy with the need to replenish talent, especially after their Super Bowl victory in 2021 and the retirement of Aaron Donald in 2024. This article dives into the Rams’ draft classes over this period, analyzing key selections, their impact, and the overarching strategy that has shaped the franchise.
2020 NFL Draft: Building Depth for a Super Bowl Run
Draft Context: Coming off a 9-7 season in 2019 that missed the playoffs, the Rams traded their first-round pick (No. 20) to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 for cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Without a first-rounder, they entered the 2020 draft aiming to bolster their roster with depth pieces to complement stars like Aaron Donald and Jared Goff.
Key Picks:
- Round 2, Pick 52: Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
Akers was seen as a potential feature back with a blend of speed and power. In his rookie year, he rushed for 625 yards and 2 touchdowns, showing promise as a lead back. However, a torn Achilles in 2021 limited his role, and after a solid 2022 (786 yards, 7 TDs), he fell out of favor with the emergence of Kyren Williams and was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 2023. Grade: B- (Solid early production, but short tenure with the team). - Round 2, Pick 57: Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
A polished route-runner, Jefferson added depth to a receiving corps led by Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods. He recorded 802 yards and 6 touchdowns over three seasons but never became a primary option. Traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, his impact was modest. Grade: C+ (Reliable depth, limited ceiling). - Round 3, Pick 104: Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama
Lewis brought athleticism to the edge but struggled with injuries and consistency, tallying just 2 sacks in three seasons before being waived in 2022. Grade: D (Minimal impact). - Round 4, Pick 136: Terrell Burgess, S, Utah
Burgess provided depth in the secondary, playing sparingly (108 defensive snaps in 2021) before being waived in 2022. Grade: C- (Depth piece, no lasting role).
Analysis: The 2020 draft class contributed to the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI win in 2021, with Akers and Jefferson playing supporting roles during the playoff run. However, none of these picks became long-term cornerstones, reflecting a strategy of prioritizing immediate help over future stars. The lack of a first-round pick limited their ability to land elite talent, but the class earned a B- for its role in the championship season.
2021 NFL Draft: The Stafford Trade and a Thin Class
Draft Context: In January 2021, the Rams traded their 2021 and 2022 first-round picks, along with Jared Goff, to the Detroit Lions for Matthew Stafford, signaling an all-in approach. This left them without a pick until Round 2, with only seven total selections.
Key Picks:
- Round 2, Pick 57: Tutu Atwell, WR, Louisville
A speedy but undersized receiver (5’9”, 165 lbs), Atwell struggled to carve out a role early, managing just 483 yards and 3 touchdowns through 2024. His speed adds a dimension, but his impact remains limited. Grade: C (Niche contributor). - Round 3, Pick 103: Ernest Jones, LB, South Carolina
Jones emerged as a steal, becoming a starting linebacker by 2022. He led the team with 145 tackles in 2023 and was a defensive leader until his trade to the Tennessee Titans in 2024 amid a contract year. Grade: A- (Excellent value, significant impact). - Round 4, Pick 141: Bobby Brown III, DT, Texas A&M
Brown has been a rotational defensive lineman, recording 86 tackles through 2024. He’s a solid depth piece but not a game-changer. Grade: C+ (Reliable backup).
Analysis: The 2021 class was overshadowed by the Stafford trade, which paid off with a Super Bowl title. Ernest Jones stands out as a home run, anchoring the defense for three seasons, while Atwell and Brown have been serviceable but unspectacular. With only seven picks and no early selections, this class grades out at a C+, buoyed by Jones’ excellence but hampered by limited overall impact.
2022 NFL Draft: Finding Gems in a Post-Championship Reload
Draft Context: Fresh off their Super Bowl win, the Rams had traded their 2022 first-round pick for Stafford and lacked selections until Round 3. After a 12-5 season, they aimed to maintain competitiveness despite an aging roster.
Key Picks:
- Round 3, Pick 104: Logan Bruss, OL, Wisconsin
Bruss tore his ACL and MCL in the 2022 preseason, missing his rookie year. His injuries derailed his career and was waived in 2023. Grade: D (Injury derailed potential). - Round 4, Pick 142: Cobie Durant, CB, South Carolina State
Durant has developed into a solid slot corner, recording 3 interceptions and 87 tackles through 2024. Grade: B+ (Emerging contributor). - Round 5, Pick 164: Kyren Williams, RB, Notre Dame
A fifth-round steal, Williams became the Rams’ lead back in 2023, rushing for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns despite injury setbacks. His vision and agility earned him Pro Bowl honors. Grade: A+ (Franchise Cornerstone). - Round 6, Pick 211: Quentin Lake, S, UCLA
Lake transitioned into a full-time starter in 2024, playing every snap and recording 89 tackles. Grade: A (Late-round gem).
Analysis: The 2022 class is a testament to the Rams’ ability to find talent late. Kyren Williams and Quentin Lake have become foundational pieces, while Durant adds secondary depth. Logan Bruss was a total miss, but the class earns an A- for its high-upside contributors who have kept the Rams competitive post-Super Bowl.
2023 NFL Draft: Rebuilding After a Down Year
Draft Context: After a 5-12 season marred by injuries, the Rams entered 2023 with 14 picks—the most in the NFL—but no first-rounder (traded for Stafford). The focus was on building around Matthew Stafford and Aaron Donald.
Key Picks:
- Round 2, Pick 36: Steve Avila, OL, TCU
Avila started all 17 games at left guard as a rookie, shifting to center in 2024. His versatility and durability have bolstered the offensive line. Grade: A- (Immediate starter). - Round 3, Pick 77: Byron Young, EDGE, Tennessee
Young led all rookies with 8 sacks in 2023, pairing with Donald to revitalize the pass rush. He’s a high-motor player with a bright future. Grade: A (Impact starter). - Round 3, Pick 89: Kobie Turner, DT, Wake Forest
Turner’s 9 sacks in 2023 made him a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate. His versatility has been vital post-Donald. Grade: A+ (Star potential). - Round 5, Pick 177: Puka Nacua, WR, BYU
Nacua set rookie records with 105 receptions and 1,486 yards in 2023, becoming a primary target alongside Cooper Kupp. Grade: A+ (Elite talent).
Analysis: The 2023 draft was a masterclass in value, producing four instant starters who fueled a 10-7 playoff season. Nacua and Turner are budding stars, while Avila and Young solidified key positions. This class earns an A+, arguably the best of the five-year span for its immediate and long-term impact.
2024 NFL Draft: Post-Donald Era Begins
Draft Context: With Aaron Donald retiring, the Rams had their first first-round pick since 2016 (No. 19) and 10 total selections. The focus shifted to reinforcing the defensive front and adding offensive depth.
Key Picks:
- Round 1, Pick 19: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Verse, with 9 sacks in 2023 at FSU, won AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024 with 4.5 sacks through midseason. Grade: A (Promising starter). - Round 2, Pick 39: Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
Traded up for Fiske, who has paired with Verse to form a dynamic duo. His quickness has added 3 sacks so far in 2024. Grade: A- (High-upside addition). - Round 3, Pick 83: Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
Corum backs up Kyren Williams, rushing for 304 yards as a rookie. His vision complements the run game. Grade: B+ (Strong depth). - Round 6, Pick 209: Joshua Karty, K, Stanford
Karty has been a reliable kicker, addressing a 2023 weakness with a 90% field goal rate in 2024. Grade: A- (Special teams upgrade).
Analysis: The 2024 class reflects a clear post-Donald strategy, prioritizing the defensive line (Verse, Fiske) while adding offensive support (Corum) and stability (Karty). Early returns are promising, with Verse and Fiske stepping up. This class earns an A-, with the potential to rise as rookies mature.
Overall Assessment and Trends
The Rams’ draft strategy from 2020-2024 has been a mix of short-term roster support (2020-2021) and long-term talent acquisition (2022-2024). Their willingness to trade first-round picks—most notably for Stafford—paid off with a Super Bowl, but the lack of early selections limited early classes’ ceilings. However, their scouting prowess shines in the mid-to-late rounds, producing stars like Kyren Williams, Puka Nacua, and Kobie Turner.
Five-Year Grade: A-
The Rams have adeptly navigated draft limitations, finding elite talent late and maintaining competitiveness. The 2023 and 2024 classes signal a successful transition into a new era, balancing youth and veteran leadership as they aim for another title run.
For more discussion on the Los Angeles Rams, please visit The Rams Forum
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.