The Rams have had an eventful offseason.

They parted ways with two players that had been an integral part of their prior success in wide receiver Brandin Cooks and running back Todd Gurley; naturally, heading into the 2020 NFL Draft, filling those holes was at the top of their list.

Los Angeles needed the added benefit on the field and more flexibility with its salary cap. The Rams’ goal was to address needs at EDGE, linebacker and defensive back. With nine picks, there were good opportunities to add some quality players.

Los Angeles' 2020 draft picks:

No. 52: Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
No. 57: Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
No. 84: Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama
No. 104: Terrell Burgess, S, Utah
No. 136: Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue
No. 199: Jordan Fuller, S, Ohio State
No. 234: Clay Johnston, LB, Baylor
No. 248: Sam Sloman, K, Miami (OH)
No. 250: Tremayne Anchrum, G, Clemson

Best Pick: Terrell Burgess

The Rams got a good value for Burgess. He will likely become their starting safety by Year 2 but an immediate contributor at the nickel slot. Burgess is a former cornerback who has coverage upside. He will be a four-phase core special team player, if necessary.

Biggest Surprise: Van Jefferson

The 2020 draft had a deep wide receiver class, and picking up Jefferson in the second round was a mistake. While he is a smooth, fluid route runner, he lacks suddenness. Jefferson does a sufficient job of setting up his routes and creating separation, but there were far better options at that point in the draft.

Day 3 Sleeper: Brycen Hopkins

Hopkins is a player that can become a starter if he develops some consistency. He is a good athlete who is fluid and smooth as a route runner. Hopkins can flex out and be Los Angeles’ move tight end, or he can align inline as its blocking or Y tight end, reserved for bigger players like Hopkins.

Overall, he is talented and athletic with good movement skills. Hopkins brings big-play potential to the passing game. I would be shocked if he didn’t do everything in his power to excel in the NFL.

X-Factor: Addressing The OL

Protecting quarterback Jared Goff and being able to control the line of scrimmage in the run game should be at the top of the Rams’ priority list. Their best lineman, Andrew Whitworth, is almost 40 years old. Although Los Angeles didn’t have a first-round pick, the tackle class was also deep and the Rams selected a player who could have developed for a year and contributed significantly thereafter.

Summary

I’m disappointed the Rams drafted and paid their franchise passer but didn’t prioritize protecting him by acquiring younger assets on the offensive line. There were opportunities to find meaningful prospects on Day 2 and 3, but Los Angeles took a different route.