So far in this series, we've examined breakout candidates among rookies, as well as the Classes of 2021 and 2020.
Now we land on the fourth-year pros, which is often a high leverage season for a player, due to their expiring rookie contracts. A career-best showing this fall could turn free agency into a very profitable endeavor.
For the Rams, their 2019 draftees already have been very productive. And while it's still too early to "grade" the class, the fact that seven of the eight players selected are still on the roster and boast starting experience is a healthy indicator – even more so considering Los Angeles did not draft in the first 60 picks, per usual.
In preparation for this year's NFL Draft, take a look back at the Rams 2019 Draft class!
Safety (24) Taylor Rapp of the Los Angeles Rams run onto the field during pregame introductions as the Rams win 17-7 against the Chicago Bears in an NFL Week 11 football game, Sunday, November 17, 2019, in Los Angeles, CA. (Will Navarro/Rams)
Safety (33) Nick Scott of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before the Rams 24-10 victory over the Bengals in an NFL Week 8 regular season football game, Sunday, October 27, 2019, in London, England. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (24) Taylor Rapp of the Los Angeles Rams enters the field before the Rams 31-24 victory over the Cardinals in an NFL Week 17 regular season game, Sunday, December 29, 2019, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis)
Running back (27) Darrell Henderson of the Los Angeles Rams huddles with teammates before the Rams 31-34 loss to the 49ers in an NFL Week 16 regular season game, Saturday, December 21, 2019, in Santa Clara, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tackle (73) David Edwards of the Los Angeles Rams faces off against the Arizona Cardinals, the Rams win 31–24 in an NFL Week 17 football game in the last game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, December 29, 2019, in Los Angeles, CA. (Will Navarro/Rams)
Cornerback (25) David Long, Jr. of the Los Angeles Rams before the Rams 31-34 loss to the 49ers in an NFL Week 16 regular season game, Saturday, December 21, 2019, in Santa Clara, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Los Angeles Rams running back Darrell Henderson Jr. (27) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019 in Los Angeles. (NFL LCC/NFL)
Safety (33) Nick Scott of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before the Rams 31-24 victory over the Cardinals in an NFL Week 17 regular season game, Sunday, December 29, 2019, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis)
Tackle (71) Bobby Evans of the Los Angeles Rams faces off against the Arizona Cardinals, the Rams win 31–24 in an NFL Week 17 football game in the last game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, December 29, 2019, in Los Angeles, CA. (Will Navarro/Rams)
Cornerback (25) David Long Jr. and Long Snapper (44) Jake McQuaide of the Los Angeles Rams faces off against the San Francisco 49ers, the Rams are defeated 31–34 in an NFL Week 16 football game at Levi's Stadium, Sunday, December 21, 2019, in Santa Clara, CA. (Will Navarro/Rams)
Tackle (73) David Edwards of the Los Angeles Rams faces off against the San Francisco 49ers, the Rams are defeated 31–34 in an NFL Week 16 football game at Levi's Stadium, Sunday, December 21, 2019, in Santa Clara, CA. (Will Navarro/Rams)
Tackle (71) Bobby Evans of the Los Angeles Rams against the Chicago Bears during the Rams 17-7 victory against the Bears in an NFL Week 11 regular season football game, Sunday, November 17, 2019, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (24) Taylor Rapp of the Los Angeles Rams intercepts a pass and runs against the Arizona Cardinals during the Rams 31-24 victory over the Cardinals in an NFL Week 17 regular season game, Sunday, December 29, 2019, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis)
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Greg Gaines (91) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (NFL LCC/NFL)
Cornerback (25) David Long, Jr. of the Los Angeles Rams in coverage against the Arizona Cardinals during the Rams 31-24 victory over the Cardinals in an NFL Week 17 regular season game, Sunday, December 29, 2019, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis)
Safety (33) Nick Scott of the Los Angeles Rams before the Rams 12-17 loss to the Steelers in an NFL Week 10 regular season game, Sunday, November 10, 2019, in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (91) Greg Gaines of the Los Angeles Rams faces off against the San Francisco 49ers, the Rams are defeated 31–34 in an NFL Week 16 football game at Levi's Stadium, Sunday, December 21, 2019, in Santa Clara, CA. (Will Navarro/Rams)
Defensive tackle (91) Greg Gaines of the Los Angeles Rams against the Arizona Cardinals during the Rams 31-24 victory over the Cardinals in an NFL Week 17 regular season game, Sunday, December 29, 2019, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis)
Safety (24) Taylor Rapp of the Los Angeles Rams against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 44-21 loss to the Cowboys in an NFL Week 15 regular season game, Sunday, December 15, 2019, in Arlington, TX. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tackle (73) David Edwards of the Los Angeles Rams stands for the National Anthem before the Rams versus the Dallas Cowboys, the Rams are defeated 44-21 in an NFL Week 15 football game at AT&T Stadium, Sunday, December 15, 2019, in Arlington, TX. (Will Navarro/Rams)
Running back (27) Darrell Henderson of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before the Rams 24-10 victory over the Bengals in an NFL Week 8 regular season football game, Sunday, October 27, 2019, in London, England. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tackle (73) David Edwards of the Los Angeles Rams blocks against the Seattle Seahawks during the Rams 28-12 victory over the Seahawks in an NFL Week 14 regular season game, Sunday, December 8, 2019, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (24) Taylor Rapp of the Los Angeles Rams intercepts a pass and scores a touchdown for a pick 6 against the Arizona Cardinals during the Rams 34-7 victory over the Cardinals in an NFL Week 13 regular season game, Sunday, December 1, 2019, in Glendale, AZ. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tackle (73) David Edwards of the Los Angeles Rams stands for the National Anthem before the Rams 34-7 win against the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL Week 13 football game, Sunday, December 1, 2019, in Glendale, Arizona, CA. (Will Navarro/Rams)
Tackle (71) Bobby Evans and Guard (67) Chandler Brewer of the Los Angeles Rams against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 14-10 loss to the Cowboys in an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, August 17, 2019, in Honolulu, HI. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tackle (71) Bobby Evans of the Los Angeles Rams against the Arizona Cardinals during the Rams 34-7 victory over the Cardinals in an NFL Week 13 regular season game, Sunday, December 1, 2019, in Glendale, AZ. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Running back (27) Darrell Henderson of the Los Angeles Rams against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 14-10 loss to the Cowboys in an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, August 17, 2019, in Honolulu, HI. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tackle (71) Bobby Evans of the Los Angeles Rams run onto the field during pregame introductions as the Rams win 17-7 against the Chicago Bears in an NFL Week 11 football game, Sunday, November 17, 2019, in Los Angeles, CA. (Will Navarro/Rams)
Defensive back (41) David Long Jr. of the Los Angeles Rams against the Houston Texans during the Rams 22-10 victory over the Texans in an NFL football preseason game, Thursday, August 29, 2019, in Houston, TX. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (91) Greg Gaines of the Los Angeles Rams enters the field before the Rams 10-6 victory over the Denver Broncos in an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, August 24, 2019, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Running back (33) Nick Scott of the Los Angeles Rams goes through pregame warms ups, the Rams are defeated 44-21 in an NFL Week 15 football game versus the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, Sunday, December 15, 2019, in Arlington, TX. (Will Navarro/Rams)
Cornerback (25) David Long, Jr. of the Los Angeles Rams against the Chicago Bears during the Rams 17-7 victory against the Bears in an NFL Week 11 regular season football game, Sunday, November 17, 2019, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tackle (73) David Edwards of the Los Angeles Rams against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the Rams 12-17 loss to the Steelers in an NFL Week 10 regular season game, Sunday, November 10, 2019, in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tackle (71) Bobby Evans of the Los Angeles Rams against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 14-10 loss to the Cowboys in an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, August 17, 2019, in Honolulu, HI. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tackle (71) Bobby Evans of the Los Angeles Rams runs onto the field before the Rams 34-7 win against the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL Week 13 football game, Sunday, December 1, 2019, in Glendale, Arizona, CA. (Will Navarro/Rams)
Safety (24) Taylor Rapp of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before the Rams 10-6 victory over the Denver Broncos in an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, August 24, 2019, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Running back (27) Darrell Henderson Jr. of the Los Angeles Rams against the San Francisco 49ers during the Rams 20–7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in an NFL Week 6 football game, Sunday, October 13, 2019, in Los Angeles, CA. (Will Navarro/Rams)
Defensive tackle (91) Greg Gaines of the Los Angeles Rams against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 14-10 loss to the Cowboys in an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, August 17, 2019, in Honolulu, HI. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (33) Nick Scott of the Los Angeles Rams catches a pass on a fake punt against the Atlanta Falcons and runs for a first down during the Rams 37-10 victory over the Falcons in an NFL Week 7 regular season football game, Sunday, October 20, 2019, in Atlanta, GA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive back (41) David Long Jr. of the Los Angeles Rams against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 14-10 loss to the Cowboys in an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, August 17, 2019, in Honolulu, HI. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Los Angeles Rams running back Darrell Henderson (27) during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Rams 40 - 55 loss to the Buccaneers in a Week 4 NFL football game, Sunday, September 29, 2019, Los Angeles, CA. (Jevone Moore/Rams)
Tackle (71) Bobby Evans of the Los Angeles Rams against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 14-10 loss to the Cowboys in an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, August 17, 2019, in Honolulu, HI. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (91) Greg Gaines of the Los Angeles Rams stands for the National Anthem before the Rams 27-9 victory over the Saints in a Week 2 NFL football game, Sunday, September 15, 2019, in Los Angeles, CA. (Will Navarro/Rams)
Safety (33) Nick Scott of the Los Angeles Rams enters the field before the Rams 17-7 victory against the Bears in an NFL Week 11 regular season football game, Sunday, November 17, 2019, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
In addition to the drafted players from 2019, the Rams claimed Justin Hollins off waivers from Denver. Likewise, they picked up Matt Gay via Tampa Bay and the Indianapolis practice squad. Therefore, we'll include them in this exercise.
Also of note: as of this writing, none of those seven draft picks plus Hollins and Gay have received contract extensions (the kicker signed his original-round tender in April).
Translation: they're all entering the most important season of their careers.
Who's ready to become a Rams House-hold name?
Leading Draft Picks: S Taylor Rapp, RB Darrell Henderson Jr., CB David Long Jr., DT Greg Gaines, G David Edwards
Other Candidates: OL Bobby Evans, S Nick Scott, EDGE Justin Hollins, K Matt Gay
The Favorite: DT Greg Gaines
I like the opportunity in front of both safeties. Scott, in particular, has ascended from a special teams ace to perhaps the hardest-hitting safety in the league. Nonetheless, the very fact that he and Rapp are together on this list, and playing next to captain Jordan Fuller, makes it nearly impossible to single either out.
If Henderson were to have a career campaign, the only surprise would be that he did it despite our hopes and expectations for Cam Akers.
Edwards should be coming into his prime at left guard. And it's Hollins's job to lose at right edge opposite Leonard Floyd. Gay's already been selected to a Pro Bowl.
This was really difficult; probably the toughest choice I've had to make in this series so far.
Therefore, I defaulted to arguably the fastest man in the National Football League. Gaines not only became a fan favorite and a viral Sounds of the Game sensation, he also graded as the 35th-best interior defensive lineman in the league last year, according to Pro Football Focus. Forming a trio with Aaron Donald and A'Shawn Robinson, they made life miserable for opposing offenses, and I like Gaines's chances of taking it to another level at age 26.
One to Watch: CB David Long Jr.
I hinted at this in a prior installment, leaning linebacker Ernest Jones over corner Robert Rochell as my pick to break out from the Class of 2021. The thinking being that Rochell had more competition around him at corner.
A few players I've spoken to this offseason, asked who they like to thrive in 2022, have pointed to Long. Among his high points last season were interceptions in the opening triumph over Chicago and a pick-six of Kyler Murray's Cardinals in the Wild Card win. Between those season bookends were various highs and lows.
With Darious Williams moving on, there's a critical role to be claimed opposite Jalen Ramsey. And a few of those closest to that void are confident Long can fill it.
Up next: The last group we'll look at before getting to the pool of seasoned veterans is the Class of 2018, where the Rams found their heir apparent to Andrew Whitworth at left tackle.
