The 2018 NFL Draft is just three days away and by this time next week the Rams will have several new players on their roster. In anticipation for one of the most important events of the NFL offseason, we're taking a look back at the team's previous draft class — one that contributed significantly to Los Angeles' overall success last season.
Here's a breakdown of the Rams 2017 Draft Class:
TE Gerald Everett: Â Round 2, No. 44
— 16 receptions | 244 receiving yards | Two touchdowns
Everett joined Tyler Higbee to form the Rams' primary tight-end tandem in 2017. Although the club did not employ two tight-end sets very often last season, Everett still showcased flashes of his solid pass-catching abilities — including an impressive 69-yard reception in Week 2.
**
WR Cooper Kupp: Â Round 3, No. 69**
— 62 receptions (Set Rams rookie record) | 869 receiving yards | Five touchdowns
The Eastern Washington product was one of the league's standout rookies. From the onset of training camp, Kupp established himself as both a reliable receiver and a crisp route runner — building an early chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff. His 18 third-down receptions ranked among the top-ten of all receivers in the league and his 869 yards were good for second among all rookie receivers. Â
S | John Johnson III | Round 3, No. 91
— Third on the Rams with 91 total tackles || 11 pass breakups || One interception
Johnson established himself as a starter on the Rams defense by Week 5, picking off Seahawks' quarterback Russell Wilson in his first-career start. Plus, his versatility and aggressiveness in the defensive backfield gave him an 85.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus — the second-highest of all rookie safeties in 2017.
WR | Josh Reynolds | Round 4, No. 117
— 11 receptions | 104 receiving yards | One touchdown
Though Reynolds did not receive too many snaps in his rookie season, he made the most of every opportunity given. The Texas A&M product's solid hands and ability to stretch the field were often praised by head coach Sean McVay, and he should continue to develop nicely throughout 2018.
**OLB | Samson Ebukam | Round 4, No. 125
**
— 38 tackles | 2.0 sacks | Three QB hits | Tied for team lead with eight special teams tackles
Ebukam showed promise as a consistent special teams performer throughout 2017 and was a solid player on the outside as well. In the latter half of the season, Ebukam stepped up his level of play — recording 22 tackles, 2.0 sacks, and one forced fumble through the last eight games.
DT | Tanzel Smart | Round 6, No. 189
— 18 total tackles | One quarterback hit and one pass breakup
Smart was an important depth piece on the line, stepping in well at nose tackle throughout 16 games and four starts. The year also provided him with necessary experience at the NFL level, as he learned from veterans like Michael Brockers and Aaron Donald.
FB | Sam Rogers | Round 6, No. 206
— Signed a futures contract with the Rams in January
Rogers was one of just two fullbacks drafted in 2017. He was cut in the club's roster reduction to 53 players at the start of the season, but began the 2018 offseason on the active roster after signing a futures contract with the Rams.
DE | Ejuan Price | Round 7, No. 234
— Signed a futures contract with the Rams in January
Rounding out the 2017 draft class, Price spent the first 12 weeks on the Ram's active roster. And though he was active for just one game last season, Price — like Rogers — was also on the team for the start of of the offseason program.