Why 2020 NFL Draft day 3 is most critical for LA Rams

The LA Rams found players to fill their most urgent needs, but what sets this team apart is the ability to find diamonds in the rough on day 3

The LA Rams are not finished with the 2020 NFL Draft by a long shot. While they had no round one pick this year, unless you do as many have done and look at CB Jalen Ramsey as the round one return, the team made up for it with a vengeance in rounds two and three.

While we applauded some picks and scratched our heads over others, the Rams quietly and systematically went about filling the roster holes with talent. The team lost some incredibly talented players this off-season and did find players whose potential at worst will fill their roster spots. But optimistically, each player selected has enough upside to allowing for an optimistic hope that the Rams have found four starters in the draft so far.

Yes, its too soon. But the skillsets of running back Cam Akers, wide receiver Van Jefferson, edge rusher Terrell Lewis, and safety Terrell Burgess are such that even the NFL scouting report consensus is that the Rams landed potential starters. Yes, some had injuries. But all have been reported with a clean bill of health.

More from Rams Draft

• 4 needs that Rams must address in 2023 NFL Draft
• LA Rams projected to be awarded 4 comp picks in 2023 NFL Draft
• 4 reasons why LA Rams trading back in 2023 NFL Draft seems likely
• Latest PFF mock draft exhausts rookie QBs before LA Rams pick
• LA Rams last game carries huge impact on their 2023 NFL Draft

So now, our attention turns to NFL Draft day three and the three remaining picks that the Rams have yet to make. Which position should the Rams consider?

Well, the shopping list for the Rams remains huge. As expected, the Rams did not jump on the offensive line early in this draft.  But the team has starters who can hold the role down while younger players already on the roster earn playing time.  But the Rams do not yet have a solid replacement for interior linebacker Cory Littleton.

There are still quality coverage linebackers on the board, and if the Rams can select one of them, then I will be incredibly happy with this draft so far.  That is not to say that raw talent is not there. It still is.  I compiled a list of talented players I’d expected to go in round two who were still on the board at the end of round three:

If you notice, there are seriously talented prospects remaining on the board even this late into the draft.  While the Rams only have one fourth-round pick, and then do not pick again until the sixth-round, the team can still find a potential starter among the list above.

The Rams will get to choose 20th in round four, and with so many talented running backs and wide receivers still available, there is an excellent chance that many of the names listed will be there. The team really needs to grab a contributor in that round. If the Rams fail to select a linebacker, then re-signing former Rams linebacker Bryce Hager becomes a legitimate option.

For rounds six and seven, the team will likely look at special teams players or depth players who can develop on the roster and be ready to contribute more significantly in 2021.