Rams continue to rebuild offense with Van Jefferson in 2nd round
The Los Angeles Rams selected wide receiver Van Jefferson out of Florida in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, 57th overall.
Los Angeles already drafted running back Cam Akers in the second at No. 52 overall.
The Rams are in the process of remaking their offense after surprisingly releasing star running back Todd Gurley - who signed with the Atlanta Falcons - and trading wideout Brandin Cooks to the Houston Texans.
Jefferson, who started his college career at Ole Miss, had 657 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 49 catches in 2019. He'll likely battle to serve as L.A.'s third wideout behind Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp.
Prospect Profile
School: Florida
Height: 6-1
Weight: 200 lbs
Positives
- Fantastic route-runner at all levels of the field
- Exceptional foot speed and quick in his routes
- Sells fakes and separates from defenders like a pro
- Separates vertically by pressing and selling the route
- Strong hands in traffic
- Attacks the ball in the air and wins contested catches
- Good size and length
Negatives
- Can't rely on his speed alone to separate vertically
- Not especially dynamic after the catch
- Underwhelming production
- Will be 24 as a rookie
Bottom Line
Jefferson is perhaps the most interesting sleeper pick in this receiver class. He won't get much hype because, in a loaded group of playmakers, he lacks both the production and any sort of elite athletic trait. But all that means is a team is going to end up with a steal. Second only to Jerry Jeudy among the draft's top route-runners, Jefferson already separates like an NFL receiver. Some of the best cornerbacks in the country were hard-pressed to deal with his combination of foot speed, nuance, and general route savvy, and his length, strong hands, and competitiveness in contested situations allow him to finish plays even when he doesn't manage to give his quarterback a gaping throwing window. The polish in all the finer points of his game does more than enough to make up for what he may lack in straight-line speed. Jefferson is one to watch.