As they often do, the Los Angeles Rams put positional value and talent ahead of need during the draft this year. They prioritized the players who were highest on their draft board rather than reaching for someone who played a position of need.

That’s the way a lot of the best teams draft, but it does limit the potential impact of rookies in Year 1. For instance, the Rams didn’t draft an inside linebacker or offensive lineman early, despite the fact that those players would’ve had a great chance to start right away.

That being said, the Rams brought in players who will contribute some as rookies, and even more in Years 2 and 3. But which draft picks will have the biggest impact on the Rams as rookies?

We ranked them one through nine in terms of who will contribute the most to the Rams in 2020.

1. RB Cam Akers (52nd pick) The selection of Akers may have felt redundant with Darrell Henderson already on the roster, but… The selection of Akers may have felt redundant with Darrell Henderson already on the roster, but Akers fits the mold of a three-down back more than Henderson does. Sean McVay will find ways to get him the ball early, with Henderson possibly working as a complementary back on third downs. The Rams loved Akers heading into the draft and he’ll get plenty of chances as a rookie – unlike Henderson last year. more

2. DB Terrell Burgess (104th pick) Burgess has a chance to be the Rams’ starting nickel corner in Week 1, in addition… Burgess has a chance to be the Rams’ starting nickel corner in Week 1, in addition to playing free safety in “big nickel” and dime packages. His versatility will get him on the field right away, leading to a lot of playing time in Year 1. It may not be as much as Taylor Rapp a year ago, who stepped in as a starter when John Johnson got hurt, but Burgess will have an impact in 2020. more

3. OLB Terrell Lewis (84th pick) Pass rushers don’t often transition quickly to the NFL game, let alone those taken in the… Pass rushers don’t often transition quickly to the NFL game, let alone those taken in the third round. However, Lewis had first-round potential if not for injuries. He’ll compete right away with Samson Ebukam and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo for the starting job opposite Leonard Floyd, and at the very least, he’ll be in rotation as a backup with those three players. more

4. WR Van Jefferson (57th pick) Jefferson was the Rams’ second pick, but finding playing time as a rookie might be tough… Jefferson was the Rams’ second pick, but finding playing time as a rookie might be tough for the Florida product. Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods and Josh Reynolds are all ahead of him on the depth chart, and the Rams rarely go to 4-WR sets. Still, McVay is excited about Jefferson’s potential, so he’ll find ways to work him in. more

5. K Sam Sloman (248th pick) Sloman might not even be on the roster in September, but we’re betting that he’ll win… Sloman might not even be on the roster in September, but we’re betting that he’ll win the kicking competition. If he does, he’ll have a big impact as a rookie – for better or worse. Kickers play key roles for all 32 teams each week, whether it’s with clutch field goals or missed attempts late in games. Sloman hopes to be on the right end of those pivotal situations. more

6. TE Brycen Hopkins (136th pick) Hopkins is behind Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett on the depth chart, and it’ll stay that… Hopkins is behind Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett on the depth chart, and it’ll stay that way unless Everett is traded. But Les Snead said the Rams will use Hopkins in “exotic personnel packages” as part of their attempt to use their tight ends more. His production won’t be off the charts, but Hopkins will find playing time as a rookie. more

7. LB Clay Johnston (234th pick) Johnston is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in October, which will put him behind the… Johnston is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in October, which will put him behind the eight ball a bit. But he plays a position of need for the Rams and if healthy, he’ll be given every opportunity to start. At minimum, he’ll be a special teams contributor and possibly an option in obvious running situations. more

8. S Jordan Fuller (199th pick) Fuller’s path to playing time isn't nearly as clear as Burgess’, despite them both being listed… Fuller’s path to playing time isn't nearly as clear as Burgess’, despite them both being listed as safeties. Snead said Fuller is more of a traditional free safety, and the Rams already have John Johnson in that role. Fuller will have to prove himself on special teams first before he makes an impact on defense. more

9. OL Tremayne Anchrum (250th pick) Anchrum is a seventh-round pick joining a crowded group at guard. He’ll have to beat out… Anchrum is a seventh-round pick joining a crowded group at guard. He’ll have to beat out the likes of Joseph Noteboom, Austin Corbett, Austin Blythe and David Edwards, which seems unlikely – especially given the unorthodox offseason rookies will be going through. He’ll be a backup at best in 2020. more