Great Mock!

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Deadpool
I decided 9 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 adding a 7th round comp pick. Its either that or a 6th. I'll go 7th, not that it really matters.
2.I'm going on the assumption that Stafford is back.
3. I think Curl is gone in FA. There are multiple extensions to get to including Puka, The Conductor, BY0 and Avila. That makes it seem like Curl is odd man out, esp. with the Lake extension.
4. CB is at the top of the FA needs list. The Rams are not going into next season relying on the current CBs and a rookie or 2 to stabilize the CB room. I'm throwing some cash at Jamel Dean, perfect fit.
5. I won't do trades, but the Rams will move around and I think there is a strong possibility they trade out of 29 to get more draft capital.

The Rams needs going into the draft depending on FA are CB, WR, S, OC (as always lol), OL depth esp. OTs
Let's get into this thing:

1.13 Kenyon Sediq - TE- Oregon - 6'-3" 241 lbs. - I know what you all are thinking? Oh heck no. Just hear me out. With the Rams going more into 3 TE sets, the Rams are using alot less 3 WR sets. And with Higbee's uncertain future, you have Parkinson, Ferguson and Davis Allen, Allen is OK, but Sediq is a freak of nature. I think you could legit use him as a WR in 11 personnel as well. He's one of, if not the best blocking TEs in the draft as well. And we know the Rams wanted Bowers, and we know the Rams like Oregon TEs, they said as much. He is a nightmare on an offense with a ton of nightmares. Go get a WR later, knowing that next years WR class is stacked to the ceiling. I also think Delane is gone, McCoy has medicals and no other CB is worth 13. I am also assuming Tate is gone and Tyson has medicals. So with that said, its Sediq, Lemon or a trade down to get picks and better value. Since I'm not doing trades, lets go Sediq. Plus I am curious if heads explode lol. On Sediq himself, his film last year was better, so if you are looking at him, look at his whole body of work. But he is a size/speed matchup nightmare, he is a plus blocker, smooth route runner with strong hands and excellent after the catch. Megatron was 6'-5" 239 lbs and ran a 4.4 flat at the combine, Sediq is 6'-3" 241 lbs and ran a 4.39...Both are complete units.

I can bet anything that right now Sean McVay cannot get Sadiq out of his head. It wouldn`t surprise me one bit if he is the pick here. It`s McVay and Snead`s (played TE at Auburn) favorite position. It will be interesting to see if Lemon is here and they pass on him for Sadiq. I honestly don`t think the Rams want to draft a CB here, maybe I`m wrong. And I think Delane is also off the board on top of it. Carnell Tate is definitely off the board here. Personally, I would be more inclined to take Lemon here if he`s available, but I can make the argument for either. I like to trust McVay with his TE`s, and he did a great job using them in a TE by committee approach last season. I would just hope that he can keep Sadiq on the field often and make him their go to TE (Jordan Reed WR type). My guess is if they were successful in trading up for Brock Bowers in 2024, they would have featured him, so maybe they can do the same with Sadiq. WEAPON!

Previous pick: Makai Lemon - WR - USC - 5'-11" 195 lbs. - Advanced route runner that specializes in creating separation. Knows where to find the soft spots in zone and dangerous with the ball in his hands. Tough and willing blocker in the run game. A dynamic weapon McVay will absolutely love. 4 drops on 170 targets throughout his college career...wow. I am still not sure on the fit with Lemon.

Who else makes sense:

CB: Mansoor Delane - top CB in college this season, has CB1 skills and is aggressive in run support. Has played man and zone and excels in both. Smooth athlete and the speed to stay with faster WRs. Jerod MCCoy from Tenn. tore his ACL and didn't play this season, if he can somehow workout and prove he is fully healthy, he was the best CB in college in '24. As I said, I think Delane is gone, the Rams met with him at the combine though. McCoy is a tough sell at this point and rumor has it Dallas has already removed him from their draft board.

S: Caleb Downs is a franchise SAF and a perfect fit in the Rams defense. SAF is a need, and he's a true bluechipper. If he has a torn meniscus and a degenerative ACL, he might slide. I'd do some serious work on his medicals if I'm the Rams.

RB. Jeremiah Love is another bluechipper, but at a position the Rams seem set at. I don't see it, but he would give the Rams a true HR threat from the RB spot. Another player the Rams met at the combine. I see no scenario where he is there at 13, maybe trade up?...

WRs: Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson, Tyson is a silky smooth 6'-1" X WR, Tate is a 6'-4" contested catch master X WR. Tyson has an injury history that needs vetting, Tate makes sense as a bigger target in redzone situations and Lemon is just a beast all over, esp. intermediate routes. OF the 3, I like Lemon as the best fit. After the combine, both guys are now 6'-2", Tyson is actually heavier. I still think Tate is gone.

RT: Caleb Lomu is a great fit if the Rams aren't bringing back Havs (they won't) and aren't happy with McClendon (they are happy)

EDGE: Rueben Bain. If his arm length makes him slide, he is hard to pass up. The Rams met with him at the combine, so there must be some interest.

1.29 Avieon Terrell - CB - Clemson - 5'-11" 186 lbs. - Back on track with a CB that has inside/outside size, is aggressive in run support, 8 forced fumbles in college. To me, he is the best zone CB in the draft, with Johnson and Cisse right behind. His 31" arm length is 1" longer than Delane's arms. So he has some length to him. And lets be real here, the Rams are not scared of sub 6' CBs, McCreary is 5'-11", Durant is 5'-11" and 4 lbs. lighter than Terrell and Darious Williams is 5'-9". Recent Rams draft picks Tomlinson and Yeast were also sub 6', so was David Young. As was Joyner, EJ Gaines and CB Bryant.

This is my pick and who I would mock to the Rams at #29, obviously hoping for that offensive weapon at #13. I love his physicality and all around game. Another master of the, "peanut punch" with 8 career forced fumbles (3 in 2024 & 5 in 2025). I just don`t know if Terrell makes it all the way to #29. Maybe a slight trade down at #13 for Sadiq and a slight trade up from #29 for Terrell? I know trades are never easy. WEAPON!

Previous Pick: Chris Johnson - CB - SDSU - 6'-0" 190 lbs. - Had a massive season this year with 4 ints. He has an oily lower half and plays with a high IQ. Obvious ball skils and has played everything from cover 2 to cover 3 to press man and off man. Was good all week in Senior Bowl and we know the Rams love that.

Who else makes sense:

CBs: Colton Hood, Brandon Cisse and the aforementioned Chris Johnson all work here. All 3 are 6' and about 190 lbs give or take a pound or 2. I worry about Hood's fit, but the other 2 are excellent in zone. Cisse I think has the highest ceiling, but is the most raw. One last thing on Hood: He has played for 3 colleges in 4 years and they are not bad schools, Auburn, Colorado and Tenn., why has he moved around so much. He also has only 1 full year of starting.

WR: Omar Cooper should be in serious contention here. 4.41 at 6' and 200 lbs., tough as nails and can do it all from the outside to the slot. Daniel Jeremiah called him the "Ramsiest" WR in the draft and Lance Zierlein comps him to Deebo. He makes a ton of sense at 29. KC Conception makes sense if the Rams go CB with 13, smaller slot guy that is an explosion with the ball in his hands. Problem is his hands. Denzel Boston is a guy we all love, but I just cannot see him getting to 29. Big X that plays fast and has great hands.

OT: Kayden Proctor from Ala., Caleb Lomu from Utah and Brett Freeling from Georgia are all 2nd half of the 1st round LT prospects. Blake Miller from Clemson and Max Iheanachor from ASU are RTs that also would work. Freeling may have tested himself into the top 25 picks.

QB: Ty Simpson is a nice scheme fit that could learn. There is almost no chance he gets to 29.

SAF: Dillon Thieneman from Oregon does alot of things well and can play all over, he's a great frit in a Rams defense.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren from Toledo is a small school kid I've seen very little of, but is an absolute playmaker from what I have seen. Both these guys are studs and I am not sure either makes it to 29.

2.61 Gennings Dunker - OL - Iowa - 6'-5" 319 lbs. - Forget the mullett, well, don't forget it. Just dive deeper, he was a stud at the Senior Bowl, looked good not amazing in drills at the combine. He is RT/OG at the next level. Arms a tad under the 34" threshold for OTs, but as a depth piece super sub and eventual starter, he fits what the Rams want, an absolute mauler that is looking to finish you and then flex over top of you. He is nasty as all get out. Iowa OL are always rock solid.

Can never go wrong with a solid Iowa OL prospect, but I want LB Jacob Rodriguez here. He is a sure 2nd round, but does he make it to #61?

Previous Pick: Isaiah World - OT - Oregon - 6'-8" 318 lbs.- A mauler that needs technical refinement, but his size and athleticism can't be taught and has a finishers mentality.

Who else makes sense:

OT Caleb Tiernan makes a bunch of sense if you are looking for a true OT.

Keionte Scott a DB that plays alot like Lake and has position flexibility that the Rams covet in the secondary. Return stud to boot.

Edge: Derrick Moore would fit nicely in a Rams rotation.

WRs Elijah Sarratt is a nice fit IMO, Malachi Fields is your big X and should have strong consideration. Ja'kobe Lane should be another option as a X. He looked good at combine, was mixed at Senior Bowl. Skyler Bell should be an option as well.

Conner Lew OC from Auburn is the top OC, torn ACL in Oct would mean a redshirt year I think as he gets back to full strength. OC of the future type pick.

3.93 Ted Hurst - WR - Georgia St. - 6'-4" 206 lbs. - A long, fast X WR that showed out at the Senior Bowl, then wowed at the combine, he has an advanced release package and amazing hands. There could be some growing pains early, but he looks like a field stretching fit with size that the Rams currently do not have. He needs to play more physical, but Coach Woods and Puka will teach him that for sure.

YESSSSS! Love me some Teddy Hurst. I think someone will grab him before pick #93 though. WEAPON! If Hurst is off the board, and the Rams don`t take a LB or Safety earlier, than Kyle Louis is my pick here. I think he is a great fit and a jersey boy!.

Previous Pick: Bud Clark - SAF - TCU - 6'-1" 185 lbs.- He's a ballhawking SAF that just makes plays on the ball in zone coverage. Needs to get stronger/bigger for the NFL, but he is a sure tackler. A 3 time captain and was in the Senior Bowl. In short, a Rams type of guy.

Who else makes sense:

Romello Height is a smaller EDGE that is an absolute speed demon that would add some juice to the Rams pass rush.

Lance Bryce a long, playmaking WR from NDSU that plays the X. Josh Cameron a beefy WR that plays alot like Puka as far as physical toughness and strong hands with only 1 drop last season. Punter returner as well.

Darrell Jackson a run stuffer DT from FSU would look good in the middle of the Rams DL. Domonique Orange is a run stuffer that further locks up the interior run defense.

Austin Barber OT from Florida is a nice swing OT that would add nice depth with starting upside down the road.

Sam Roush is a big inline TE that can actually block and works the intermediate part of the field well.

I have been a fan of Roush for a while and thought the Rams could steal him on day 3, but I also had a feeling he would have a very good combine and he did! He was definitely underutilized in the passing game during his career at Stanford. I wouldn`t take him in round 3 though, the Rams don`t have a 4th rounder and he will be gone by the time the Rams pick in round 5, Not to mention, if the Rams are taking Sadiq at #13, its definitely not a need.

5.167 Cole Payton - QB - NDSU - 6'-3" 232 lbs. - Big, athletic lefty with an NFL arm and the ability to move the chains with his legs. 1 year starter that needs development time but thats ok. Rams have met with him, he looked at home at the Senior Bowl against the bigger named QBs. Snead admitted that having a mobile QB is a cheat code. The next Rams QB will be able to move. Payton can.

My favorite QB in the draft. Being a left hander, I`ve always had a bias towards left handed QB`s. And if you can find ones that can run for first downs, even better! Of course he`s just a late 5th round project, so no harm no foul here if he doesn`t pan out. We seem to have the right coaches in place to help develop him at least.

Previous Pick: Domani Jackson - CB- Alabama - 6'-1" 197 lbs. - Elite speed in an ideal frame and good athleticism with a willingness to get dirty in the run game. Not much ball production and struggles in man coverage, esp. press man. He'll be fine in a zone and off man system.

6.205 Ephesians Prysock - CB - Washington - 6'-3" 196 lbs. - A long zone CB that has plenty of upside, he could replace Witherspoon as the Rams bigger CB. He tested really well at the combine, and was solid at the Senior Bowl. Not a bad option for a CB 4 or 5 depending on free agency.

Previous Pick: Desmond Reid - RB - Pitt. - 5'-8" 175 lbs. - Undersized, but lightning quick and sub 4.4 speed. Is an excellent pass catcher and an electrifying return man. His size is what holds him back. He can line up anywhere and is a HR threat. WR, RB, Return man.

6.208 Kayden Wetjen - WR - Iowa - 5'-9" 195 lbs. - Under-used at Iowa, he's an elite return man that just needs an OC that can utilize his skill set. He's an undersized RB/slot type WR that has shown he can separate with massive ST returner baked in.

That`s my guy! My favorite day 3 pick for the Rams, but he won`t be here this late. Not sure we can even get him with that late 5th #167. I`m looking to trade up for him on day 3. If the Rams can trade up in the 4th for Hunter last year, they should trade up for Wetjen. He will make an immediate impact returning kicks and punts. He is such a much needed weapon for the Rams! WEAPON!

Previous Pick: Wetjen. The Rams need to improve their ST return game and he fits the bill.

7.232 Cole Wisniewski - SAF - Texas Tech - 6'-3" 214 lbs. - He was a stat stuffer at SAF for NDSU that transferred to Texas Tech and played very well. He's better around the LoS as a run enforcer and coverage, but has the range to play in a split SAF look as well. Rams could use some SS depth with the impending loss of Curl. He fits the bill to a T.

Previous Pick: Patrick Payton - EDGE - LSU - 6'-6" 255 lbs. - a long, bendy, high motor edge rusher that has a non-stop motor and is excellent in backside pursuit. He lacked sack production this year, his get off isn't exactly explosive. Can play up or down. Nice developmental piece.

7.250 - Xavian Sorey Jr. - ILB - Arkansas - 6'-3" 225 lbs. - Ultra athletic and excellent in coverage. Goes sideline to sideline with ease and has plenty of ST upside. A STer and a LBer that can cover TEs and RBs is just what the Rams need.

Previous Pick: Sorey Jr.

7.256 Eli Heidenreich - RB - Navy - 6'-0" 198 lbs. - He's a RB/Slot WR with tremendous ST upside. A guy that will do all the dirty work. High character, high work ethic kid that can be a RB4 and improve the ST units.

Liked him before the combine and he definitely helped himself there. Would be a steal here and improve the Rams ST`s. I could totally see him on ST`s coach Bubba Centrone`s radar!

Previous Pick: Jack Strand - QB - Minn. St. Univ. Moorhead (MSUM) - 6'-5" 240 lbs.[/size][/b] - DII QB in a town right across the river from Fargo, ND. So about 110 miles from me. Big arm, athletic, mobile. Played in the American Bowl. He needs work on his mechanics and cut down the ints, but the tools and framework are all in place.

As you can see, I set out to do 3 things here:
1. Improve the secondary, esp. the CB room. I added 2 CBs and a safety.
2. Fix the STs. I think I accomplished that.
3. Add some speed and playmaking ability to the offense. They have route runners, they have size and toughness, they lack HR ability and danger in the open field, I think I fixed some of that. The Rams offense with Williams and Corum in the backfield, Adams, Nacua and Hurst at WR and Parkinson, Ferguson and Sediq weaponized the offense to levels the NFL has rarely seen. You can't focus on just one of these guys and erase them, you have at least 2 weapons at literally every level of the field.

The draft changes if the Rams fail do anything impactful at CB in FA IMO. You have to have a CB1 if you are serious about contending. So for as much as I like Lemon, I'm grabbing a top 2 CB. Value is still there, it wouldn't be reaching and it starts to fix a glaring weakness. At that point, I'm trading out of the 1st with pick 29 to get more ammo and getting better value on a WR like a Elijah Sarratt, Omar Cooper, and a guy I think works really well in this offense after missing Boston and Tate, Malachi Fields. He's an absolute monster at 6'-4" 220 ls with vice grips for hands and plays a physical brand of football. Senior Bowl attendee and was a captain at Virginia before transferring. He checks a ton of Rams boxes.

WR Omar Cooper, Jr. is my first choice at #29 if the Rams go CB at #13, but I really think Cooper goes a little before #29, and WR Malachi Fields is the pick at #29. Not sure if I would risk trading down at all to get him. There will be lots of teams sitting at the top of round 2 looking for a WR.

What I missed on:
A run stuffer NT. There were options at pick 29 and the 2nd and 3rd rounds, but I bypassed them to accomplish my 3 goals. Kayden McDonald and Lee Hunter at the end of round 1 work well, but I just don't value run stuffers in round one, unless they are elite talents and have some pass rush juice. Domonique Orange at the end of round 2 would be another name.

I would have loved to have added an edge defender as well. One guy I think the Rams will look long and hard at is Derrick Moore from Michigan. He is somewhere from end of round 2 to end of round 3. He is just a Rams style edge.

I really wanted an OC. Conner Lew from Auburn will need a redshirt, but he's a rock solid fit in the Rams scheme. Jake Slaughter from Florida somewhere in day 2 fits. Logan Jones would be the target at OC for me in round 4. I just love Iowa OL and he's pretty rock solid at 6'-4" 303 lbs., but needs to get stronger.

That`s my center target, but the Rams also do not currently have a 4th. Jones is pretty darn strong for his size (705 squat, 425 bench), and also ran the fastest 40 for OL at the combine @4.90, 2nd fastest 3 cone and 2nd fastest short shuttle. at 299lbs, I would sacrifice a little of that speed for another 10lbs of bulk though. He`s a little undersized.

Lastly would have loved to add a sideline to sideline Inside Backer with excellent coverage skills. CJ Allen at the end of round 1 fits the bill. But Kyle Lewis from Pitt would have been the pick had the Rams had a 4th round pick. He is absolutely what the Rams are lacking next to Landman.

Anyhow, thanks for reading, questions, comments and thoughts are always welcome.