Rams sign Cam Akers, three other 2020 draft picks to rookie contracts

It took longer than usual, but the Rams have begun signing their 2020 draft picks.

It took longer than usual, but the Los Angeles Rams have finally begun signing their 2020 draft class, getting their top four rookies under contract before the start of camp. The Rams added nine players in the draft this year, making picks in each round except the first and fifth.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the team signed Cam Akers, Van Jefferson, Terrell Lewis and Terrell Burgess to their rookie deals on Monday, just as rookies arrived for the initial round of COVID testing.

Akers was the team’s top selection, going 52nd overall in the second round. Jefferson was selected five picks later at No. 57. Lewis and Burgess were their third-round picks, coming within 20 selections of each other at No. 84 and 104, respectively.

Lewis appeared to break the news of his signing on Twitter Monday.

In the fourth round, the Rams selected TE Brycen Hopkins. In Round 6, safety Jordan Fuller was the pick at No. 199 overall out of Ohio State. The Rams wrapped up their draft with three seventh-rounders: Clay Johnston, Sam Sloman and Tremayne Anchrum.

The Rams typically sign their rookies after putting them through a financial counseling class during minicamp, preparing them for the money they’re going to receive with their first NFL contracts. It’s unclear if the Rams continued that tradition this year, but if they did, it would have had to come over video conference due to social distancing guidelines.