Rams’ 2017 draft class is extremely interesting, here are more reasons why

John Johnson | Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images

Safety John Johnson was a high-value pick in the third round

The LA Rams didn’t have a first round draft pick in 2017 as part of the 2016 blockbuster trade that resulted in them drafting quarterback Jared Goff at No. 1. Their first pick in that draft — tight end Gerald Everett in the second round — has just 86 catches in three seasons.

Yet, three years later, the Rams can say they have gotten some excellent value out of the 2017 draft class. We were recently reminded of that when SB Nation did a second-round re-draft of the 2017 draft. Safety John Johnson was the first pick of the round, taken by the Cleveland Browns at No. 33.

Johnson was the No. 91 overall pick in that draft, late in the third round. Johnson has developed into an excellent player for the Rams and he is a key to the back end of their defense. Fellow Rams’ 2017 third-round pick, receiver Cooper Kupp, was taken at No. 21 in the first round of SB Nation’s 2017 re-draft.

Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images

The Rams are hoping to be able to give contract extensions to both Kupp and Johnson in the next year.

The Rams also got solid value by drafting receiver Josh Reynolds in the fourth round and linebacker Samson Ebukam in the fifth round. Both of those players are expected to have key roles in 2020.

After a slow start to the draft, the Rams have gotten good value from the 2017 draft class.

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