The Los Angeles Rams caused a stir when they made Kevin Dotson the fourth-highest-paid right guard in the league. All hell broke loose when they signed former Detroit Lion Jonah Jackson to an even bigger contract. But The Athletic’s new ‘Re-ranking the 2020 NFL Draft class,’ vindicates the Rams’ decision-making.
Rams Guards Top 2020 Draft Class
According to the article’s author, Nick Baumgardner, Jackson is the second-best guard from the draft class and Dotson is the third-best. They trail only the Carolina Panthers Robert Hunt in the rankings.
Originally, Jackson was the third drafted offensive guard in the class. He was drafted 75th overall in the 3rd round behind Hunt (39th overall) and Damien Lewis (69th). Lewis was placed in the 4th position by Baumgardner.
Dotson was the 8th guard selected when he was picked in the 4th round, 135th overall. Tyre Phillips (106th), John Simpson (109th), Solomon Kindley (111th), and Logan Stenberg (121st) were all selected ahead of Dotson. None of these made the top 5. That was rounded out by Ezra Cleveland, who was drafted as an offensive tackle 58th overall.
Los Angeles Rams Could Have Drafted Both Guards
None of the top 5 guards were re-signed by the team that drafted them, despite their high level of play.
The Rams had their chance to draft both Dotson and Jackson. They drafted RB Cam Akers and WR Van Jefferson ahead of Jackson. They also drafted OLB Terrell Lewis and DB Terrell Burgess before Dotson. Tight end Brycen Hopkins was selected one spot after Dotson.
None of those players were retained by the Rams beyond their rookie contract. But, of course, hindsight is 20-20.
