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.

2020 NFL Draft: Los Angeles Rams team preview

Draft Wire’s Gavino Borquez breaks down everything Los Angeles Rams fans need to know about the 2020 NFL Draft.

Everything Los Angeles Rams fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Sean McVay

General Manager: Les Snead

2019 record: 9-7

2020 DRAFT PICKS

2 (52)

2 (57)

3 (84)

3 (104)

4 (126)

6 (199)

7 (234)

TEAM NEEDS

Linebacker

The Rams lost a key play-maker in Cory Littleton, who signed with the Raiders earlier this offseason. Micah Kiser, Kenny Young and Travin Howard will all be fighting for a starting job, but adding a premiere linebacker who has proven to do it all should be a priority.

Offensive Line

The interior part of the line is made up of David Edwards, Austin Blythe, Austin Corbett, Joseph Noteboom and Brian Allen. While they will all be fighting for starting jobs, the Rams could benefit from a surefire starter. A tackle could be prioritized, as well. Rather than hanging up the cleats, 38-year old Andrew Whitworth signed a three-year deal. There’s still the possibility of Whitworth retiring after this upcoming season, so planning to find his successor could be near the top of the to-do list.

Edge Rusher

In 2019, the Rams only had two players in double-figures for sacks, and three players over five sacks for the season. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald led the team in sacks by no surprise, and edge rushers Dante Fowler and Clay Matthews were the next two in the category. The Rams added Leonard Floyd, and they also have Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and Samson Ebukam on the roster, but it’ll be hard to replicate Fowler and Matthews’ production from last season.

Wide Receiver

With the loss of Brandin Cooks, who was traded to the Texans, the Rams could use another wide receiver to stretch the field and draw defenders away from the box to join Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods.

TOP TARGETS

Terrell Lewis | EDGE | Alabama

Julian Okwara | EDGE | Notre Dame

Lloyd Cushenberry | OL | LSU

Matt Peart | OT | UConn

Hakeem Adeniji | OT | Kansas

Jordyn Brooks | LB | Texas Tech

Akeem Davis-Gaither | LB | Appalachian State

Devin Duvernay | WR | Texas

John Hightower | WR | Boise State

[vertical-gallery id=616154]