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Deadpool
I decided 6 years ago I was going to change the way I operated as far as my half assed scouting. I would still do 3 mocks, but it would be post senior bowl, post combine, and pre-draft. The senior bowl answers some questions, like can a D2 player compete with the big guys. How do they handle a pro style offense? How do they interview? The combine can confirm some stuff you think you see or don't see, but the combine is more for the interviews, drug tests and weigh ins.
As with any mock some assumptions have to be made. Here are mine:
1. I'm going to add the 4 comp picks. I'll assume they are at the end of rounds 4,5,6 and 7. So these picks are obviously fluid.
2. Free Agency is going to be important and tricky, with the limited (or negative cap space). I expect some contracts to be monkeyed with.
3. I think Rapp is gone for sure and probably Scott as well. They drafted 2 kids last year and should have a fully healthy Jordan Fuller.
4. ARob or Gaines is gone. I expect the Rams to resign Gaines.
5. David Edwards is gone or brought back on an extremely cheap deal. That is team friendly in a way he can be cut at any time. He just cannot stay healthy.
6. Mayfield is gone.
7. As far as FA signings, and or trades. I have my doubts the Rams move Ramsey. I can see Noteboom and/or Allen being cut or moved though.
8. I think the Rams try and get a vet edge rusher. Fowler, Houston, Ingram and my favorite Winovich are a few names.
9. I also think they try and improve at CB. No idea who, but they need a solid starter.
10. LG is the other spot they try to improve.
11. Akers I think survives for 1 more year.
So, with that all figured in, the Rams need help at OG, Edge, CB, OC, TE and DL. And maybe OT depending on Noteboom and Jackson.
2.36 Cody Mauch IOL - NDSU - 6'-5" 305 lbs. - He checks alot of boxes, he played LT for the Bison, but played LG and OC at the Senior Bowl. His arm length is an issue, but inside it isn't. The Rams love Senior Bowl guys and they also love moving OTs in college inside. He also plays with a mean streak and to the echo of the whistle. He makes a ton of sense in too many ways.
Other guys to keep an eye on:
John Michael Schmitz - OC/OG Minn - another Senior bowl guy, the top OC in the draft IMO, and adds size and nasty to the inside of the OL. I'm just tired of mocking OCs to the Rams and being wrong.
Edge - This is probably where the Rams are heading in round 2. Foskey from ND at 6-5" 262 is a guy that fits what the Rams need, I question if he gets out of round 1, but I like him. McDonald Iowa State would be a great pick as well. Only 6'-3 1/2" and 241, but love his game. Andre Carter, all the tools and size you want at 6'-6" 252. He may grow into a 43 DE. All 3 guys were at the Senior Bowl. Felix Anudike-Uzomah is another guy I love, but he is a tad raw and may need a year. B.J. Ojulari is a name to keep an eye on as well. I like him more that most. I wish he had more production in college. Edge wildcard: Nolan Smith, a tad undersized and lacked production on a stacked Georgia team, but he is all effort and a team leader. Lots of upside.
Lastly, Jahmyr Gibbs, RB from Alabama. Undersized as a 3 down back, but he is an offensive weapon. And Snead has said that they like to draft impact players early. 5'-11" 200 lbs and should run in 4.32 range. Rams could deploy him anywhere on the field. In motion, at HB, out of the slot. He's dangerous.
3.69 - Will McDonald - Edge - Iowa State - 6'-3 1/2" 241 lbs. - He's got alot going for him, impressed at the Senior Bowl, so why is he a 3rd round pick? He is almost 24 years old, and is looking at a position switch from DL to standup edge rusher. But he is a plus athlete, big motor kid. And I think the Rams are gonna love him.
Other names to look for:
CBs should be up on the list, Julius Brents KSU, is a big zone corner that would add some needed size to the DB room. Banks from Maryland is also in that range. Can play both man and zone.
Zach Charbonnet - has bellcow size and I think enough juice to be a HR threat. I like him a lot in the 3rd round. A big combine might ruin that thought though. Same goes for Roshon Johnson from Texas.
Mazi Smith - IDL - Mich. if the Rams need DL help. 325 plus run stuffer with some pass rush upside. Love him in the Rams scheme.
Jayden Reed - WR Mich State - he just gets open. Crafty route runner, good speed, soft hands. Medicals will be big for him. (cut his back slamming into the bench, he should be 100%)
4. 137 - Payne Durham - TE - Purdue - 6'-5" 258 lbs. - The Rams need another TE and they need one rather quickly. Not the greatest athlete, but he can block inline and is a seam mismatch. He doesn't scream TE1 to me, but a serious TE2.
Other names to watch: Josh Whyle is another TE that makes a ton of sense.
RB Tank Bigsby from Auburn had a rough year behind a crap line, but if he slides to the end of the 4th, he'd be tough to pass on.
Safety help: I'm looking at you Trey Dean from Florida.
CB: Darrel Luter Jr from S. Alabama is a nice developmental CB.
OCs: take your pick from Wypler from OSU and Oluwatimi from Mich if either is there. Both scheme fits.
5.173 - Andrei Iosivas - WR - Princeton - 6'-3" 212 lbs. - This is probably a round too low. Haven't gotten too deep into my boards yet. Track speed, a bit stiff, and raw. But plenty of upside on a frame you can't teach.
Other names to watch: WR Jonathan Mingo makes some sense with the luck they had with Skow. TEs should be pretty decent in this round. RB Israel Abanikanda makes a ton of sense if he slides here. DL like Dante Stills.
6.183 - Clayton Tune - QB - Houston - 6'-2" 216 lbs. - not a dual threat exactly, but he can run, extend plays off script and isn't a statue in pocket. Has enough arm to make all the throws. 3 time team captain.
Who else makes sense: at this point in the draft, get depth and ST help, CB really shows up, as does safety. More OL depth as well. Obviously Mad Max Duggan QB TCU is a target, depending on his medicals (heart surgery).
6. 189 - Darius Rush - CB - South Carolina State - 5'-11 1/2" 196 lbs. - I loved watching the gamecocks and Beamer ball this year, and Rush was one of the reasons. Nice size and length, and he looked very instinctual. Now his technique is raw and needs work, but the stuff he has cannot be taught, what he lacks can be. I'm probably way low on him after the Senior Bowl.
Who else makes sense?
CB Anthony Johnson from Syracuse, good length and he is at his best in zone coverage.
6. 192 - Daniel Scott - S - Cal - 6'-0 1/2" 210 lbs. - He can in time replace Rapp. Size and willingness in the run game, likes to smack WRs around (sometimes illegally) Love his intensity, and made plays on the football in the passing game.
Who else makes sense? Evan Williams FSU (the good FSU) is a nice target if you are looking for more of a FS type.
6. 212 - Hunter Luepke - RB - NDSU - 6'-1" 236 lbs. - Doubling up on Bison (never happen) He works in motion, as a RB between the tackles and has incredible ball skills for a guy his size. He could easily work as a 2nd TE, RB, FB and core STer. Complements what the RB room currently has.
7. 226 - PJ Mustipher - DT - Penn State - 6'-4" 320 lbs. - power, size and length. The Rams are gonna need to replace some size and power this off season, and Mustipher isn't super exciting to watch, but has a big motor and size you can't teach.
7. 253 - D'Jordan Strong - DB - Coastal Carolina - 5'-11" 190 lbs. - can play a mix of man and zone, plays with an attitude I like in my DBs. A bit undersized. I think he could work as a boundry CB, a slot corner or move to safety. Either way, he adds depth to the secondary and with his attitude, should contribute to STs.
I like the way this draft shook out. I met needs with value early, took some swings late and filled holes throughout. I really think the Rams go some combo of OL and Edge with their top 2 picks, but would not be shocked to see them snag a weapon if they fall (i'm looking at your Gibbs).
IF the Rams lose Gaines and Robinson, I could see DL jump to the top of the list, esp. considering AD is basically year to year. I think Mazi Smith would really get the Rams attn. and is a really nice fit. He is one guy I really wanted to get into this mock.
Anyhow questions, comments and critiques are always welcome.
