Rams Draft Picks 2017: Results, Grades and Analysis for Each Selection

The 2017 NFL draft is in its third and final day. The high-profile picks are off the table but there's still plenty of excitement left for the fans.

Due to last year's blockbuster trade to acquire No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff, the Rams were without a first-round selection. Even so, the Rams have been able to add key weapons for their young quarterback, as well as some pieces on defense. 

It has been interesting watching new head coach Sean McVay and the new regime in Los Angeles tackle the draft and noticing the differences compared to the former leadership. It appears the Rams are aiming towards a new direction and the latest picks have helped them take the proper strides. 

How will the remainder of the draft unfold? Which positions will the Rams address to close out the draft?

Stay tuned to find out. And as you watch the draft unfold, be sure to check back here for up-to-date grades and analysis of each pick.

Round 2, Pick 44: TE Gerald Everett, South Alabama

We knew the Rams were entering this draft without a first-round selection. We knew the Rams needed a game-changer in the second round to make up for that fact. 

Apparently, the front office feels South Alabama tight end Gerald Everett is that guy. The Rams need to surround second-year quarterback Jared Goff with better targets. At 6'3" and 239 pounds, Everett has the build to be a mismatch nightmare and a threat in the red zone. That's the potential Everett possesses, but whether or not he peaks that high is still a big question mark. 

Everett had decent production during his time at South Alabama. In 2015, he caught 41 passes for 575 yards and eight touchdowns. He followed that up with 49 grabs, 717 yards and four scores in 2016. 

His production was respectable, but as a small-school prospect, he'll be facing a huge adjustment at the NFL level. He only faced two power-conference schools (Nebraska, Mississippi State) during his time at South Alabama. 

In particular, his route running and grasping the playbook will be huge issues at the next level. In the NFL, both those concepts are far more advance than what small-school prospects are used to. 

If he grasps the playbook and adjusts to the NFL spotlight, this could end up being a big addition to the Los Angeles offense. 

However, we've been down this road before with the Rams. Using high picks on "potential" players instead of Week 1 starters has rarely panned out for this team. Look at Greg Robinson, Brian Quick and Isaiah Pead, just to name a few. 

At first glance, the Rams appear to be re-enacting their past sins. Hopefully, Everett can be the exception.  

Grade: C

Round 3, Pick 69: WR Cooper Kupp, Eastern Washington

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The theme for this draft—and the whole offseason for that matter—seems to be improving the offense around Goff. And that's the correct approach, given the massive investment the Rams made to secure Goff as their long-term quarterback. 

Los Angeles used its first third-round selection to provide Goff with another much-needed weapon. Cooper Kupp of Eastern Washington is the latest addition, and he's an exciting pickup if he can pan out. 

Kupp absolutely shredded the Big Sky Conference during his four collegiate seasons. Kupp's least productive season was in 2014, when he caught 104 passes for 1,431 yards and 16 touchdowns. In his other three seasons, he surpassed 1,600 yards receiving and caught at least 17 touchdowns each year. 

Overall, Kupp ended his college career with 428 catches, 6,464 yards and 77 total touchdowns, not including his four career passing touchdowns. 

In terms of pure production, you won't find a receiver with better career numbers in this draft. Kupp managed to light up the field year after year during his time in college. He makes things happen on the field. 

Kupp has great hands and will make the tough catches. That's exactly the kind of reliability Goff needs in his new go-to target. 

However, there are some things Kupp will have to overcome before he becomes an asset for the Rams. 

Again, the Rams decided to settle on a small-school prospect. That's not always a bad thing, but it means that Kupp may be facing more of an uphill battle as he adjusts to the NFL. 

Also, speed could be a huge issue with Kupp moving forward. He lacks elite breakaway speed, and his quickness leaves something to be desired. If he can smooth out his technique and mechanics, he may be able to overcome this issue at the next level. 

Overall, Kupp is a good pickup for the Rams at a much-needed position. 

Grade: B+

Round 3, Pick 91: DB John Johnson, Boston College

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The Rams used their first two picks to improve the aerial game. That's not a surprise, given McVay's background as an offensive coordinator and his desire for a healthy passing game. However, the Los Angeles secondary is also a mess and needed some attention. 

For that reason, the Rams used their second third-round selection to grab safety John Johnson out of Boston College. 

The best attribute that Johnson brings to the table is versatility. He's a well-rounded defensive back capable of lining up at safety or corner. He's a great tackler both on defense and special teams, but he's also smooth in coverage. 

During the last few offseasons under Jeff Fisher, the Rams we focused on stockpiling hard-hitting, run-stopping safeties, such as T.J. McDonald, Mo Alexander and Mark Barron. So the Rams were well overdue for finding a well-rounded safety with pass-coverage skills. 

Johnson also knows how to make plays. He has six interceptions and two forced fumbles over the last two seasons. If he can continue to create turnovers in the pros, he'll fit right in with the Los Angeles defense. 

On the downside, Johnson isn't quite as physical as some teams like to see out of a safety. The Jeff Fisher and Gregg Williams regime sought after hard hitters who put fear into opponents. Johnson brings more finesse than violence. As long as he can compensate for that, he'll have a role to play on this defense.

Also, the third round might be a little high for Johnson. It's not a huge reach by any means, but there's a good chance Johnson would have been available still in Round 4.  

Still, this was a smart selection overall at this point in the draft. Not only did the Rams add solid depth at a much-needed position, but Johnson also offers a significant boost on special teams. 

Grade: B

Round 4, Pick 117: WR Josh Reynolds, Texas A&M

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The Rams used their second third-round selection on defensive back Johnson—the first defensive pick for Los Angeles in this draft—but the team moved its focus back to offense to start Day 3. 

The Rams got their fourth round started off by grabbing Texas A&M receiver Josh Reynolds. Los Angeles already grabbed tight end Everett in the second round and wide receiver Kupp in the third, so Reynolds is yet another weapon the Rams are adding to Goff's arsenal.

At 6'3" and 194 pounds, Reynolds gives the Rams some much-needed height at the position. The Rams lost two of their taller receivers—Kenny Britt and Brian Quick— in free agency, so the offense was in desperate need of a replacement. 

Kupp had massive production in college, and Reynolds was wildly productive himself in the SEC. So far, it seems that numbers and on-field production are things the new regime values greatly, at least at the wide receiver position. 

Reynolds was a key part of the Aggies offense during all three of his seasons with Texas A&M. He put up numbers in the toughest college division. In 2014, he caught 52 passes for 842 yards and was a red-zone threat with 13 touchdown grabs. 

Reynolds continued his impressive production during his final two years. He put up 907 yards with five scores in 2015 and a career-high 1,039 yards, along with 12 touchdowns, in 2016. He also averaged 17 yards per catch throughout his college career. 

In the red zone, Reynolds will provide Goff with a tall target capable of winning jump balls. Reynolds also has the speed and height to get vertical and beat cornerbacks downfield.

However, Reynolds lacks the bulk and physicality teams look for in an outside receiver. He needs to add strength before he can beat NFL corners in press coverage. 

Overall, Reynolds is a nice addition to the passing game and will give McVay a capable weapon.

Grade: A-

Round 4, Pick 125: OLB Samson Ebukam, Eastern Washington

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While offense is Los Angeles' greatest weakness by far, new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips told ESPN he plans on converting the Rams from a 4-3 front into a 3-4 base defense. Such a transition requires a number of personnel changes, including the addition of outside linebacker pass-rushers. 

Robert Quinn should see a smooth transition to outside linebacker, but the Rams need another body there to add depth. Los Angeles' latest pick—Samson Ebukam of Eastern Washington—should fill that role nicely. 

Ebukam, a Nigerian-born prospect who came up in Oregon, is yet another small-school prospect for the Rams, just like Everett and Kupp. He's also an interesting athlete with a lot to offer. 

He was his team's most lethal pass-rusher during the 2016 season, finishing with nine sacks and five quarterback hurries, per his school's website. He ended his college career with 24 sacks in four seasons. 

Clearly, Ebukam has the instincts of a pass-rusher. The major question is whether he'll be able to continue that at the NFL level and solidify other aspects of his game, such as coverage and run defense. 

He may need a few years to develop, but Ebukam is an athlete through and through. In addition to football, Ebukam also played basketball and competed in shot-put. His versatility as an athlete will allow the Rams to get some immediate use out of him on special teams. 

If Ebukam can be a special teams contributor Year 1 and provide reliable depth early in his career, this will be considered a successful pick. 

Still, the Rams are a raw team, so it might have made more sense to find a more polished player at this point over a project. 

Grade: B-

Round 6, Pick 189: DT Tanzel Smart, Tulane

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The Rams were in need of additional depth behind Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers. More importantly, they needed another defensive lineman capable of lining up at end for the new 3-4 system. 

At 6'1" and 296 pounds, Tulane's Tanzel Smart is a perfect size to play defensive end in Phillips' new system. 

Smart had a breakout season at Tulane in 2016. He ended the year with 68 total tackles and 5.5 sacks—both career highs—and ended his career with 9.5 total sacks 39.5 tackles for a loss. He knows how to chase down quarterbacks, which is something the Rams greatly covet. 

Smart is about the same size as Donald, and like Donald he has speed and quickness. This helps him to get around blockers, pressure and chase down the quarterback—three things the Rams like to see in a defensive lineman. 

Unfortunately, while he may possess similar speed and size to Donald, he does not have Donald's pure raw power. Not even close. And that's the major concern here. 

As a rookie, expect to see Smart frequently overpowered by competent NFL blockers. He'll be incapable of overcoming double-team blocks and isn't strong enough to throw NFL players around like rag dolls. If he gradually improves his strength, this is something Smart should be able to overcome. 

Even though his strength is a huge question mark, Smart makes up for it with his passion. He's a high-motor player and gets after it every single play. We saw the Rams quit and give up plenty of times last season, so Smart possesses the type of attitude Los Angeles is hoping to add to the roster. 

The Rams are hoping to get Smart involved in special teams immediately. If he becomes a reliable part of the defensive line rotation in his first year, he will have exceeded initial expectations. 

Grade: B

Round 6, Pick 206: FB Sam Rogers, Virginia Tech

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The Rams used their second sixth-round selection to strengthen the backfield. Todd Gurley is the primary ball-carrier and Malcolm Brown is a capable backup, but apparently the front office felt Gurley was in need of a lead blocker. 

Los Angeles used this selection to grab fullback Sam Rogers out of Virginia Tech. It's an interesting selection but one that could strengthen the offense. 

Rogers was a capable multi-role weapon for Virginia Tech. He ended his career there with 692 rushing yards and 802 receiving yards, along with 11 total touchdowns. The Rams are likely hoping he can play a similar role in their offense. 

McVay probably wants Rogers to serve as a Swiss army knife. He's capable of catching passes out of the backfield, running up the gut or lead blocking for Gurley. 

Rogers is also an enthusiastic player. He plays with an edge, which will make him an asset on special teams. He has the potential to be a contributor from day one on special teams, which is what teams typically look for this late in the draft. 

Rogers has the skills to make plays with the football, but his athleticism leaves a lot to be desired. It's possible he'll be completely overwhelmed against next-level athletes. He won't be outrunning anyone in the NFL. 

Also, you have to question why the Rams felt a fullback would benefit this offense. 

In 2016, there was only one fullback—Joe Kerridge—at the Redskins training camp on McVay's offense and he didn't make the cut. McVay wasn't the head coach and didn't make final roster decisions, but he certainly had a say. If a fullback wasn't a necessity for his 2016 offense, why would it suddenly become a need in Los Angeles? 

Gurley and Brown are both big, bruising runners. It seems the Rams would have been better served grabbing a speedy, change-of-pace back instead of a bulky power runner. 

But even if Rogers doesn't pan out on offense, he should be able to help the Rams on special teams. 

Grade: C

Round 7, Pick 234: DE Ejuan Price, Pittsburgh

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Upgrading the offense was the No. 1 priority entering this draft, but this is still the Rams we're talking about. Hunting quarterbacks has been the top priority for this organization in recent years, and it's something the team would like to continue under the new regime. 

For that reason, the Rams spent their final pick of the draft on defensive end Ejuan Price out of Pittsburgh—one of Aaron Donald's former teammates. 

After Donald graduated to the NFL, it was Price who eventually picked up the torch and become Pittsburgh's most feared pass-rusher. 

According to ESPN.com, two chest injuries and a back injury forced Price to miss the entire 2012 and 2014 campaigns, as well as half of the 2013 season. He played in just six games during that three-season stretch. 

Some sources, such as Walter Football and NFL.com, felt Price could go as high as Round 5. He certainly has the talent. In fact, if not for the rough history with injuries, Price could have easily been a Day 2 selection. 

Price dominated quarterbacks during his final two seasons with Pittsburgh. He finished 2015 with 11.5 sacks and followed that up with 13 in 2016. Overall, he ended his career with 29.5 sacks and 53 tackles for a loss. 

He has a nose for the quarterback, and at 5'11" and 241 pounds, he's an ideal size as an edge-rusher in Los Angeles' new 3-4 scheme. 

This is a great value pick for the Rams. He's a power-conference player with insane productivity and a high ceiling. If he can overcome his injuries, he'll be a complete steal. 

Not a bad bargain for a seventh-round selection. 

If Price can increase his intensity and stay healthy, he'll fit in nicely alongside his former teammate as part of the Los Angeles defensive line rotation. 

Grade: A