Rams’ picks
GERALD EVERETT, tight end/wide receiver
6 feet 3, 239 pounds, South Alabama, Round 2, Pick 44.
Notable: Everett was a basketball standout who played only one year of football in high school before he turned himself into an All-Sun Belt Conference football player. He began his college career at Alabama-Birmingham, but transferred when the school dropped its football program.
Why Rams drafted him: The Rams released veteran tight end Lance Kendricks, leaving them thin at tight end. With Everett’s jumping ability, he is the kind of receiver who can make plays in the red zone.
Last season: Everett caught 49 passes for 717 yards and four touchdowns. He was third nationally in college football in receiving yards for a tight end. He caught five passes for 103 yards in one game.
COOPER KUPP, wide receiver 6 feet 2, 204 pounds, Eastern Washington, Round 3, Pick 69. Notable: Kupp set NCAA Football Championship Subdivision records with 428 receptions, 6,464 receiving yards and 73 touchdown catches. He caught 40 passes for 716 yards and 11 touchdowns in four games against Pac-12 Conference schools. Why Rams drafted him: The Rams let 1,000-yard receiver Kenny Britt leave as a free agent. Cupp provides a sure-handed complement for Tavon Austin and Robert Woods. Last season: Kupp caught a Big Sky Conference record 117 passes for 1,700 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also passed for two touchdowns, rushed for another and scored on a punt return. JOHN JOHNSON, safety 6 feet, 208 pounds, Boston College, Round 3, Pick 91. Notable: Johnson played safety and slot cornerback in college, versatility that could help him as he competes for a spot in the 3-4 scheme of defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.
Why Rams drafted him: The Rams lack quality depth at safety and cornerback. With the departure of T.J. McDonald, Lamarcus Joyner is moving from cornerback to free safety. Maurice Alexander and Cody Davis are the only safeties with significant experience.
Last season: Johnson intercepted three passes, broke up nine others and made 77 tackles. He finished his career with 12 tackles in the Quick Lane Bowl.