I'm not claiming to be a draft "guru" by any means, but I'm curious to know who agrees and disagrees with my thoughts about the combination of available players and team needs for this year's draft. My scenario may not be 100% realistic, but it's reasonable. I did several mock drafts so see how trade backs worked out and who would be available after trade backs. One really never knows and I have my own philosophy about how to improve the offense. I do think this draft would bring improvement to the team with some instant impact and some guys that would have a legit chance to make the team as back-ups and PS players to replace guys who've been on the team and not progressed well enough, fast enough to keep a spot on the team.
I'm open to differing opinions to both the philosophy and the picks, but please bring some insight and maybe even another choice of player that's likely available in a similar position.
Round 2 Pick 5- Trade back to middle of 2nd round (13-17) - Pick up Mid 3rd round and early 4th round pick in trade.
- The rams may fare better to use a 2nd round pick on a move TE this year and then look to grab the best WR available when they get to the 4th round. There are 3-4 TE that are going to create match-up nightmares and 1-2 of them should be available in the middle of the 2nd round. I don't think their will be WR with the same value to the Rams offense still there in middle of the 2nd and to me, it doesn't matter where they improve their passing game and create match-up problems for opposing defenses, as long as they do it. I like
Gerald Everett here. If Higbee is truly ready to step up then he and Everett on the field at the same time may be the way for the Rams to look at stressing the opposing defenses for the time being.
Round 3 Pick 5- Trade back to middle of 3rd round (13-17) - Pick up Mid 4th round pick in trade.
Round 3 Picks 15/16 (These are to picks remaining from trading back from 2(5) and 3(5))
- Here's where I go ahead and reach a bit for need and I grab either
Elflein (C) or Pocic (C) so I'm sure to get my starter at center. My preference is Elflein.
- With my second mid-round pick in the 3rd round.... there's a legit shot that
Sidney Jones (CB Washington) may be there. This kid was a first round talent before injury at his Pro Day. Grabbing him in the 3rd with an understanding he's going to rehab all year and not be ready until 2018 would allow the Rams to deal from a position of strength when deciding what to do with TruJo.
Round 4 Pick 5- There's going to be a solid WR available here who should be able to compete this year for reps. Unless there's someone better, I like
Chad Hansen out of Cal here. But what I'd like to see here is simply the
best WR option that the Rams' staff thinks can have impact on the team earliest
Round 4 Pick 10 (Added from trading back with Round 3 Pick 5)
- The WR corps on the Rams needs significant help. I'm doubling down here and getting the
best WR still available with one caveat, this WR
needs to play ST and have a chance to replace Marquez if he can be similar on ST but is a better WR. (
Stewart from Alabama, maybe?)
Round 4 Pick 15 (Added from trading back with Round 4 Pick 5)
- At this juncture I'm feeling like I've improved my offense for the 2017 season and the CB situation for the 2018 season. I'd be fine with the best CB or RB available or just the BPA on the Rams' board. But, I'd like to grab up another CB to see if I can improve the DB competition this year. My pick is either
Corn Elder of Miami (an instant starter option to handle slot duties) or
Howard Wilson out of Houston who would be more of a guy with big upside to help on the outside.
Round 4 Pick 34 (COMP)
- Since I went with a CB with the previous pick in the 4th round, I'm going to add the RB now. But I want a specialist because that's where the league is going. Ram's have their every down guy in Gurley, their "slasher" with this year's addition of Dunbar and of course their "scatback' guy when TA is used in the backfield. I want a true bruiser. Not sure who that guy is for sure, perhaps
James Connor out of Pitt. He has the attitude but would need to be able to add 12-15 pounds to his frame.
Round 5 Pick 5- Time to start building some additional depth on the DL. BPA available here, to help the DL works. I'd like to see the Rams take a flyer on
Eddie Vanderdoes out of UCLA. He's a bit risky because of previous injury and weight issues. However, when he's been healthy, he's been an absolute game changer.
Stevie Tu'ikolovatu of USC would be an option here too. He'd play on run downs as he's not only a space eater. He'll get after RBs and QBs a bit.
Round 6 Pick 5- At this juncture, I'm pretty much BPA and/or best guy that can be a special teams impact and improve team depth this year or next. I know I've already drafted 2 DBs but
Jadar Johnson (Clemson) is an interesting pick up to help with Safety depth and on ST.
Round 6 Pick 22- Sticking with BPA or best guy that can be ST animal and improve depth. I like
Jordan Evans (Oklahoma) here for depth at MLB. He's a little light but has a frame to add 5-10 pounds and he's excellent in coverage. I don't know if he made the calls for the Sooners or not. His pro day was solid (4.5 in the 40 and an exceptional vertical) so he could very well be gone by this point.
Round 7 Pick 16- Still looking for ST or guys to challenge for playing time this year or next. We could use another 3-4 DE to keep the current roster of guys honest and working hard.
Deatrich Wise Jr. is a bit of a project but he has the size and athleticism for the position.
