Analysis: Yet another Rams draft without a first-round pick, this time it was to acquire Jalen Ramsey from the Jaguars. With two second-round picks, acquiring the second via the Brandin Cooks->Texans trade, the Rams selected two much needed offensive weapons in Cam Akers and Van Jefferson. Akers had a solid rookie year with a lot of promise, but tore his Achilles right before training camp and missed most of the 2021 season, but returned late in the season for the Super Bowl run. His 2022 season was full of underwhelming performances and trade requests. There was definitely tension between the Rams and Akers, which led to his benching in Week 2, which led to Kyren Williams’ breakout, and was traded to the Vikings, where he’d tear his other Achilles in Week 9. Jefferson had a great second season with 802 yards, but dealt with injuries in ’22 and was traded mid-’23 to the Falcons, and barely played. Both players produced for the Rams, but got traded for late-round picks, not what you want out of two promising second-round picks.
Terrell Lewis was mainly a backup before getting released in 2022, and has spent time with the Bears and Saints. Terrell Burgess was also released in ’22, and has been with the Giants and Commanders. Brycen Hopkins has only been a backup with only 13 career catches. Clay Johnston is a career practice squadder, Sam Sloman didn’t make it through his rookie season, and Tremayne Anchrum has only been a backup, but has stuck around thru his rookie deal.
The star of the class is Jordan Fuller, who has started 46 of 48 games played at safety, but missed most of the 2022 season. A very good player his four seasons should command a very solid market this free agency, if not re-signed by LA.
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