LA Rams: The five greatest 52nd overall picks since the NFL/AFL merger

The LA Rams’ first selection in the 2020 NFL Draft is 52nd in the draft order and the team is looking to have as much success as these past picks.

The LA Rams do not have a first-round pick in the NFL Draft for the fourth consecutive year and after a 9-7 season do not have a high second-round pick, either. The Rams have the lowest draft pick location of any non-playoff team and the team’s first selection in the draft won’t come until 51 players are off the board.

There is obviously far less of a chance of landing a stud with the 52nd overall pick as there is with a first-round pick, but it is not unthinkable. Every year there are great second-round picks that blossom into something special and there have even been some great 52nd overall picks in the draft.

We took a look back at every 52nd overall pick since the NFL/AFL merger in 1970 and are bringing you the five greatest.

5. Jamie Collins, LB, New England Patriots

Jamie Collins was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2013, played three and a half seasons with New England, was traded to the Cleveland Browns, played there for two and a half seasons and then re-signed with the Patriots on a one-year deal.

Collins is now with his old defensive coordinator from the beginning of his career in Matt Patricia as he signed a three-year deal with the Detriot Lions this offseason. Collins’ best years and his only Pro Bowl year came in his first three seasons, although he enjoyed another great season in 2019 back in New England.

The fifth spot on this list was a toss-up between Collins and wide receiver Chris Chambers. Both players have one Pro Bowl nod and Chambers finished his career with one more season as a starter than Collins has currently.

Overall, Chambers has a very slight edge in terms of career impact. However, Collins is not finished and gets the edge over Chambers.