Rams 3rd round draft grade: What do people think of these defense-focused needs?

Terrell you the truth, the LA Rams may have done enough to improve the makeup and future of their defense in round three by picking an edge rusher and a safety.

The Rams picked linebacker/edge rusher Terrell Lewis out of Alabama with the 84th pick on Friday, then came back at pick 104 to select safety Terrell Burgess out of Utah. There is more of a need at edge because of the free agent departure of Dante Fowler, Jr and the release of linebacker Clay Matthews, whereas at safety the team saw the retirement of Eric Weddle this offseason.

It would seem the plan at that position would of course involve Taylor Rapp first and foremost, as well as former third round pick John Johnson. That’s one second round pick and two third round picks spent at the position since 2017 and Burgess seems a good fit who will allow others on LA’s defense to more freely roam their areas.

In asking fans what you thought of the Burgess pick, the vote was a strong “B” grade, slightly leaning A. But 20 picks before that, the Rams added a different Terrell at a different position.

Terrell Lewis of Alabama.

Having barely played for the Crimson Tide because of injuries, Lewis always drew high praise for what he is when he’s healthy and what he could be if he was healthier. Hence why he was drafted before hundreds of others (many of whom won’t be drafted) in spite of his lack of film. As well as comfort that he’s got a long and consistently healthy future ahead of him.

However so long as he has simply gotten injuries out of the way and is ready to play full-time, Lewis could be a day two steal. In asking fans to vote, it was the most overwhelmingly positive result so far: 43% say A and 40% say B.

As previously mentioned, I still think it’s insane to give a judgment on a draft pick moments after it has happened, but if I’m grading the Rams on finding players who would adequately fit and help their defense in a best case scenario, clearly round three was a 100.

Cam Akers draft grade

Van Jefferson draft grade

Terrell Lewis draft grade

I’ve created a poll with a similar grading system, including 21-60, known as “The Large Chunk Of Oh No.”