LA Rams 2020 NFL Draft grades: Day 2 picks

Second Round draft grades:

Pick 52 overall

Cam Akers running back (Florida State).- Akers started his career with the Seminoles in good fashion, breaking Dalvin Cook’s freshman school record, running for 1,025 yards and 7 scores, and finished his junior season with career highs in yards (1,144) and touchdowns (14). His sophomore season was a slump one, but he recovered to be a top RB in the 2020 draft.

The Rams drafted Derrell Henderson inside the top 100 as well, and trading two third-round picks in order to secure him. Henderson’s rookie season was unspectacular, to say the least, but we have spoken before about the dip the whole team took. Still, it just feels as if the front office doesn’t see him as a three-down back, and went for a top prospect, searching for the 2018 glories.

I really thought the Rams needed a running back, and I’m glad that we got Akers, as he was amazing with an awful Seminoles team. Maybe the Rams could’ve trade back around 10 spots and still find him while racking some more day 3 picks.

If my grade is not an A, it’s because I think there where bigger needs to be covered, and the potential players to do so where available. Still, a good pickup to try to replace Rams legend, Todd Gurley.

Grade: B+

Pick 57 overall

Van Jefferson wide receiver (Florida).- Jefferson is the son of former NFL wide receiver Shawn Jefferson, current New York Jets WR coach. Clearly, he has the pedigree and the knowledge, as he grew side-by-side with a professional player.

Maybe not the flashiest name, and certainly not the most productive prospect in college, but Jefferson can run crisp routes, and possess amazing hands. His floor is super high, so you don’t have to worry about him being a bust, but his ceiling is not as high as others. Still, Jefferson could be a soon contributor, especially from the slot, where Cooper Kupp plays the most. Sean McVay has to have a new scheme in mind, in order for them to play together.

Another very unpopular pick for the most, and again, not because of the player but because of the needs. A solid, depthwise pick, that could contribute as a role player from day one and could be a serviceable starter in the future.

BTW, my pro-comparison for him was Robert Woods; a solid receiver with great character and determination.

Grade: B-