LA Rams 2020 NFL Draft grades: Day 3 selections

Round seven

PICK 234
Round seven opened for the LA Rams when they selected Clay Johnston who played linebacker at Baylor University of the Big-12 Conference. A 6-foot-1 227-pound defender, he made a total of 237 tackles. He is a thinker on defense, the type of player whose greatest contribution is diagnosing what he sees and choreographing his teammates into the right scheme to make plays.  He fell in the draft due to a 2019 knee injury, but Johnston did manage to play in six games last season due to a knee injury. Rams need intensity on their defense, and Johnston brings that with plenty to spare.

The Rams made choices in the 2020 NFL Draft which eliminated opportunities to add to the linebacker depth. They take the plunge here, and it did persuade former Rams safety Eric Weddle to sound in with a ringing endorsement

Whether or not he sees defensive snaps, Clay Johnston will definitely contribute on special teams. And he has a bit of skill as a pass defender, where he had one interception and five pass breakups in six games. Don’t underestimate Johnston. He could likely grow to a starting inside linebacker in a couple of years. Completely undervalued addition.

Grade: B