Draft Grade

[NorCal RF]

There are quite a few posted. This is the lowest one I’ve Seen. Most have them either a C plus or a C. I think USA Today graded them a B plus.

[harkin]

Not enough detail to even be considered a serious take.

This is same guy last year:

[harkin]

Also worth noting he rated the Hags’ draft superior to ours (by one spot) and they only had three picks.

[Timking124]

Not that it matters anyway but Mel Kiper gives us a B+

"Los Angeles took Round 1 off after using its first-round pick in the Jalen Ramsey trade. This organization is used to it; it hasn't had a first-rounder since Jared Goff in 2016 and won't have another one until 2024. The Rams' next two Round 1 picks are headed to Detroit as part of the deal that sent away Goff for Matthew Stafford.

I like nearly all of the prospects general manager Les Snead took, especially without having a pick until the end of Round 2. They their first pick on a diminutive weapon who could be an outlet for Stafford. Tutu Atwell (57) is 5-foot-7, but he knows how to get open out of the slot. He led the ACC with a school-record 1,276 receiving yards in 2019. He can learn how to avoid big hits from another small, quick receiver in DeSean Jackson, whom the Rams signed this offseason. Jackson is a better deep threat, but I think Atwell will make an early impact on short routes and jet sweeps.

Ernest Jones (103) will compete to start at middle linebacker. I thought he could have snuck into the second round, so the Rams got value. Bobby Brown (117) will get snaps at nose tackle. Robert Rochell (130) went under the radar because he played at Central Arkansas, but he had five picks in 2019. Jacob Harris (141) is a 6-foot-5 receiver who hasn't played much football -- he's a former soccer player -- but had eight touchdowns and averaged 18 yards per catch last season. Running back Jake Funk (233) is going to make this team.

This is an impressive haul for a team without a first-round pick, and it's a case of drafting for value and not reaching for needs. What keeps it from an A is the lack of an offensive linemen, however, and I was surprised they didn't try a late-round flier or two."

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2021/insi ... -teams#LAR

[Raminec]

Most of the grades have been in the C to C+ range which isn’t too bad considering the Rams had no number 1 pick this year. It was a depth and special teams draft that replenished the D line depth and gave the Rams some speedy athletic players to help improve special teams.

[Raminec]

Chad Reuter NFL Network


Grade
A

Los Angeles Rams
Draft picks

Louisville WR Tutu Atwell (No. 57 overall)
South Carolina LB Ernest Jones (No. 103)
Texas A&M DT Bobby Brown III (No. 117)
Central Arkansas Robert Rochell (No. 130)
UCF WR Jacob Harris (No. 141)
Northwestern DE Earnest Brown IV (No. 174)
Maryland RB Jake Funk (No. 233)
Notre Dame WR Ben Skowronek (No. 249)
Concordia OLB Chris Garrett (No. 252)

Day 1 grade: A
Day 2 grade: B+
Day 3 grade: A

Analysis: While I’m usually not a big fan of parting with multiple first-round picks for a non-quarterback, cornerback Jalen Ramsey is an exception to the rule as one of the top defenders in the NFL. His presence is one reason the Rams have one of the top defenses in the league, so allowing the Jaguars to pick at No. 25 (and in the fourth round, as well) this year was a worthwhile deal. Atwell’s an explosive player whose extremely small frame (5-9, 155) is a bit worrisome. GM Les Snead traded one of the Rams' two third-round picks for two fourths, which made sense, given the team’s lack of overall draft capital. Using their third-round comp pick on Jones addressed a big need on defense.

The Rams picked two defensive lineman with the last name Brown (Bobby in the third, Ernest in the fifth) to help replace Michael Brockers (traded to the Lions). Rochell was expected to go in the fourth round, and the Rams needed depth at the position; that’s a good marriage of need and value. Harris won over teams at his pro day and projects as a stand-up receiving tight end. Garrett is an edge rusher prospect who will bring it hard in training camp.

[Cornell29]

SI

[Cornell29]

Nfl.com

[Cornell29]

Honest question, but was Tutu the smallest guy in the draft? I have not seen anyone under 155. Not even the kickers. I know size doesn’t matter ... but just wondering.

This kid better be special. You would think when you use your first pick, that the player is going to be used a ton. But I just don’t see Tutu being used a whole lot. I get why we got him, but I don’t get why we did it at 57 is all.

Tutu was just a few pounds smaller then Marquise Hollywood Brown, when he was drafted in the 1st round by the Ravens.

[Ants]

And also, just realized, we made the final installment payment on our "layaway plan" on Jalen Ramsey yesterday. The "mortgage" is now paid in full and this baby is all ours.

Wish pundits would put into their Draft "grades" the Major League players acquired for Draft Picks. Isnt it only fair? So our 20 + 21 Drafts should include 50% each of Jalen Ramsey.

That’s really it Mike. This is the most important part of it. If you throw this into the equation, it was an A.

But I was simply posting on our pics alone not throwing Ramsey in it. To me w no Ramsey, still a solid C, maybe C+. Some of the guys really excite me. Been watching some tape. Funk, Jones seem to be the best of the bunch. Some of the others I’m still puzzled with. I’m really puzzled we just didn’t get a top notch center... there were a few on the board when our shots came up.

Also, Last years drafts I think were accurate being low, for none of us really knew that Cam would be so lights out his rookie season. Lewis did what I expected and fell apart and missed most of the season. Sloman, well we know that story.

The thing is, as far as draft grades go - I don't care what the pundits and experts think.
I don't care what YOU GUYS think.
And I don't care what I think. :?

What matters is how these guys pan out in real life.
But this is a forum, so of course all of us can and should give our opinions. I'm just saying that at the end of the day, none of our opinions are going to determine how these guys pan out.

My opinion?
I figure Atwell will have about the same career arc as Tavon Austin. YES, I UNDERSTAND HE ISN'T THE PROPER COMP.
All I'm saying is that I expect him to have some moments, but I don't see him as a guy we're going to rely on much.
I have hopes for the Browns and Jones...but I'm not sure these guys will do any better than what we have on the roster. Then again, NOBODY is sure of anything - I'm just spilling some thoughts.

And I don't expect the late WR picks to stick around for long.

I imagine we'll have Funk or a FA RB stick around.

[RGtheFirst]

Tu Tu does seem to have some tude with his diminutive style...

Tu Tu Tudy...

Or Tudy Tu Tu...

[Ramsfan08ny]

Honest question, but was Tutu the smallest guy in the draft? I have not seen anyone under 155. Not even the kickers. I know size doesn’t matter ... but just wondering.

This kid better be special. You would think when you use your first pick, that the player is going to be used a ton. But I just don’t see Tutu being used a whole lot. I get why we got him, but I don’t get why we did it at 57 is all.

I think differently. I don't think McV is going to draft his new offensive weapon that early, and not make him an instant contributor.

[NorCal RF]

That’s really it Mike. This is the most important part of it. If you throw this into the equation, it was an A.

But I was simply posting on our pics alone not throwing Ramsey in it. To me w no Ramsey, still a solid C, maybe C+. Some of the guys really excite me. Been watching some tape. Funk, Jones seem to be the best of the bunch. Some of the others I’m still puzzled with. I’m really puzzled we just didn’t get a top notch center... there were a few on the board when our shots came up.

Also, Last years drafts I think were accurate being low, for none of us really knew that Cam would be so lights out his rookie season. Lewis did what I expected and fell apart and missed most of the season. Sloman, well we know that story.

My biggest issue with so many draft “grades” is that they’re based in outside opinions of a team’s needs.

Akers is a hell of a player.
Jefferson is very good.. showed up very well in the playoffs especially.
Burgess was really coming on and will play a ton this year.
Lewis is a wild card. Everyone knows that. So grading it without acknowledging the Rams understand the risk is incomplete. They know he’s a rotational guy who might not play.
Hopkins was a red shirt drafted to replace Everett this year. He’ll play a ton.
Fuller is a day one starter.

That’s nowhere close to a C.

Agree!

A year ago though in here some were screaming “epic” failure” lol. That term hmm I think I heard it again just recently............

[toast49]

Takes a couple seasons to really grade a draft, so maybe we should be grading the 2019 draft at this point.

[NorCal RF]

Agree!

A year ago though in here some were screaming “epic” failure” lol. That term hmm I think I heard it again just recently............

Of course 2020 draft isn’t a C...now. I was speaking on draft wkend w immediate grades then, NorCal.

Wasn’t referencing you dm..........

[Cornell29]

Takes a couple seasons to really grade a draft, so maybe we should be grading the 2019 draft at this point.

Since it takes at least 3-4 full years. 2017 is the draft that should be re-graded.
The Rams without a 1st round pick should get a A for that draft. I believe nearly every player in that draft is still in the nfl. That's rare after 4 seasons of football.

[Virginia_Rams_Fan]

If the depth at O line does not protect Stafford this year, we can look back at the draft failure and ask....Why?

[Cornell29]

Mel Kiper gives the rams a B+ and said he likes nearly everyone of the rams picks.

[Virginia_Rams_Fan]

It looks like the Rams have depth this year, but after 2021-22 season, I don't know. The prevalent feeling for the Rams is "Win Now!" So...they better win this year.

[Commish]

I think differently. I don't think McV is going to draft his new offensive weapon that early, and not make him an instant contributor.

Agreed--if the McVay/Snead regime wanted him that much, I'm expecting Sean McVay to be using the guy on the field.

However, I'm figuring that how much Tutu Atwell plays may depend on how effectively DeSean Jackson performs, and of course if he can stay healthy, over the upcoming season.

I wouldn't have selected Atwell at #57 overall myself, however I understand the logic of exploiting Matthew Stafford's purported deep-passing ability... :P :geek:

ram pathos...

--The Commish

[Skyhook]

Honest question, but was Tutu the smallest guy in the draft? I have not seen anyone under 155. Not even the kickers. I know size doesn’t matter ... but just wondering.

This kid better be special. You would think when you use your first pick, that the player is going to be used a ton. But I just don’t see Tutu being used a whole lot. I get why we got him, but I don’t get why we did it at 57 is all.

I think Sean will use him a lot actually and why wouldn't he? 4.3 speed, very good hands and extremely explosive after the catch.

And we all know how excited he gets with his new toys on offense and after going on and on, gushing about Brandon Cooks bazing speed during his first few practices at training camp 2018 I'm guessing Sean with use him in many different ways in multiple formations.

He'll get used every way possible....and especially when DeSean inevitably will miss games.

No more Woods Jet sweeps for minus two yards. Or the fake jet sweep to Woods. Those plays were awful the last couple of years. Now he can do what he does better than any other WR in the league. Block his ass off on running plays. Now he gets to show us his skills blocking on jet sweeps too.

This offense is now completely transformed with Stafford and Jackson aboard and a really nice class of rookie skill players.

This O is absolutely loaded now.

[Raminec]

It looks like the Rams have depth this year, but after 2021-22 season, I don't know. The prevalent feeling for the Rams is "Win Now!" So...they better win this year.

That sums up about every NFL team. If you’re not in it to win now you’re never going to win.

[Cornell29]

It looks like the Rams have depth this year, but after 2021-22 season, I don't know. The prevalent feeling for the Rams is "Win Now!" So...they better win this year.

That sums up about every NFL team. If you’re not in it to win now you’re never going to win.

Agreed

Good teams are usually always in win now mode. Rams been in win later mode for 13 years before Mcvay. Good teams always seem to be able to retool and immediately compete.

For example the rams retooled the offense and defense since 2017 and is still in the race to win a Super Bowl.
When compared to 2017
New qb, New rb core, All New secondary, 3 New OL, All new LB core, 2 new DL, a few new wrs. A new kicker.

Still in the mix for a SB

[RadRacerRams]

Per New York post:

Any other grades out there?

Don’t kill the messenger here boys... just relaying what I read...

Ryan Dunleavy is a Moron that's fact He doesn't even know that TuTu runs a 4.27-40 ...... the guy has been sucking on cow balls way to long...... he can't see talent..... Mel Kiper even had TuTu Atwell rated as the 4th best player on his big board when the Rams were working on who to pick in the 57 spot......

Go RAMS : we did fine in this Draft : Only half of players ever Picked actually make it in the NFL.......and the 1's who don't are usually gone with in 2 years.....!!! Sad but True.......!!! Injuries play a part in this

[ocram23]

That’s really it Mike. This is the most important part of it. If you throw this into the equation, it was an A.

But I was simply posting on our pics alone not throwing Ramsey in it. To me w no Ramsey, still a solid C, maybe C+. Some of the guys really excite me. Been watching some tape. Funk, Jones seem to be the best of the bunch. Some of the others I’m still puzzled with. I’m really puzzled we just didn’t get a top notch center... there were a few on the board when our shots came up.

Also, Last years drafts I think were accurate being low, for none of us really knew that Cam would be so lights out his rookie season. Lewis did what I expected and fell apart and missed most of the season. Sloman, well we know that story.

My biggest issue with so many draft “grades” is that they’re based in outside opinions of a team’s needs.

Akers is a hell of a player.
Jefferson is very good.. showed up very well in the playoffs especially.
Burgess was really coming on and will play a ton this year.
Lewis is a wild card. Everyone knows that. So grading it without acknowledging the Rams understand the risk is incomplete. They know he’s a rotational guy who might not play.
Hopkins was a red shirt drafted to replace Everett this year. He’ll play a ton.
Fuller is a day one starter.

That’s nowhere close to a C.

the Lewis pick after 1 year, I know that it isn't fair, is a D. He had zero impact with the team last year so you can't sit here and tell me he's a wild card. It won't be fair to give him an actual grade until year 3 IMO but if you did give him one after a year it is a D.

[ocram23]

the Lewis pick after 1 year, I know that it isn't fair, is a D. He had zero impact with the team last year so you can't sit here and tell me he's a wild card. It won't be fair to give him an actual grade until year 3 IMO but if you did give him one after a year it is a D.

He didn't have zero impact.. he had two sacks.. that's more than K'Lavon Chaisson... who the Jags drafted in the first round.
He only played 8 games.. but was better than any of the Rams Edge players other than Floyd when he did.. at least rushing the passer.

He's not an A.. but he's not a D.

ok C- then. he has to be on the field to get a higher grade than a C IMO

[Cornell29]

He didn't have zero impact.. he had two sacks.. that's more than K'Lavon Chaisson... who the Jags drafted in the first round.
He only played 8 games.. but was better than any of the Rams Edge players other than Floyd when he did.. at least rushing the passer.

He's not an A.. but he's not a D.

ok C- then. he has to be on the field to get a higher grade than a C IMO

Lol

Judging a draft before 3 years. Leaves no time for the player to develop or get over previous injuries.
The only draft that realistically can be judged imo is 2017. JMHO

[ocram23]

ok C- then. he has to be on the field to get a higher grade than a C IMO

Lol

Judging a draft before 3 years. Leaves no time for the player to develop or get over previous injuries.
The only draft that realistically can be judged imo is 2017. JMHO

I did say that judging after 1 year isn't fair but if I had to after 1 year I would give him a D. yes we all know this guy was a first round talent but we also know he has trouble getting on the field.

[Truth]

How can anyone say Van Jefferson is a "very good" player? What did he show at Florida or last year that tell you he's "very good"?

The guy was drafted in the 2nd round.

He was 14th among ROOKIE WRs in yards..

https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/rookie ... e-nfl-2020

[My2Cents]

Here is a composite listing of draft grades by many writers/insiders for all teams. Hey, at least were not rated last!