A few months after April’s virtual NFL draft, the Los Angeles Rams are starting to announce the official signings of their class of 2020. The Rams utilized this year’s NFL draft to good effect, bringing in nine new collegiate recruits, making selections in all but the first and fifth rounds of the draft. The top-four draft recruits to the Rams have been secured on rookie contracts in advance of their preseason camp.
Ian Rapoport, a reporter at the NFL Network, has confirmed that Cam Akers, Van Jefferson, Terrell Lewis and Terrell Burgess are now formally part of the Rams’ roster for 2020. Historically, the Rams’ hierarchy inducts all rookie recruits into a course of financial counselling, equipping them to be fiscally responsible once their first NFL pay checks hit their accounts. Whether or not this has been completed in the current climate is anyone’s guess, but if you are a Rams fan that’s keen to know whether this year’s draft has been kind to your franchise, read on as we tell you all you need to know about Akers, Jefferson, Lewis and Burgess.
Cam Akers – a very capable running back
Akers spent his college football days with Florida State having played for Clinton High School, Mississippi, as both a quarterback and running back. Akers was cemented as a running back for Florida State, having been considered a five-star recruit among the collegiate scene. A rookie season amounting to 1,025 rushing yards followed, underlining his potential. Desperate for his big break in the NFL, Akers announced his intention to miss out on the Sun Bowl game against Arizona State to focus his efforts on the 2020 NFL draft.
Van Jefferson – an exceptional route runner
Jefferson spent time with both Ole Miss and Florida at college level and this wide receiver demonstrated his potential during his sophomore season with Ole Miss, registering 42 receptions for 456 yards, including a touchdown. He subsequently moved from Ole Miss to Florida following a waiver from the NCAA. It is a mark of how far he has developed since Ole Miss that his senior season saw him claim 49 passes for 657 yards, as well as six touchdowns – a marked improvement on his sophomore days at Ole Miss.
Terrell Lewis – a risky move, but one which could pay off in a big way
Photo by Gamecock Central / CC BY 2.0
Outside linebacker Terrell Lewis was one of the hottest prospects at Alabama. He was considered a five-star recruit having received college offers to play for Ohio, Maryland, Florida State and Mississippi, as well as Alabama. Injuries have hampered Lewis’ progress ever since, with ACL issues still very much a concern. Nevertheless, if the Rams can manage his condition this former first-round draft prospect could become a first-rate pass rusher if all goes to plan.
Terrell Burgess – a low-risk safety option
During three years of his college career with Utah, Terrell Burgess failed to pull up too many trees, if any at all. That’s because he spent limited time on the football field, making only a trio of appearances in three seasons. Fortunately for Burgess, he was able to demonstrate his potential during his senior year, becoming a powerhouse at strong safety. He registered 81 tackles, one interception and even five pass breakups to underline his versatility. That flexibility is sure to come in handy on the Rams’ roster.
What’s the reality for the Rams in NFL 2020?
The postseason playoffs still look like something of a pipe dream for Rams fans and most leading US sportsbooks would agree. However, FOX Bet has priced them as short as +137 in their futures NFL betting markets to make the playoffs, so there are some sports traders that have faith in the project of head coach Sean McVay.
Of course, it’s common knowledge that the Rams failed to register a notable winning record for 12 years straight. However, since 2016, the Rams have now recorded a winning record above .500 for three successive years. The main hope for McVay and the Rams’ hierarchy is that their defense can continue to shine. It’s been even more dependable than the Chargers’ backline, which has recently added 2016 Super Bowl winner Chris Harris Jr. to its ranks. The likes of Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey are superstars in the making. If they can allow the same number of points as they did last year, but improve their offensive output, the Rams could be laughing all the way to the postseason.
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