The Rams went into this Draft needing to address ILB, OLB and the OL for both depth and future starters. They seemingly did that (and more, with 11 total picks) while not having a pick until #89 overall.
Where were their best values? Worst? My own opinions:
1. OLB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Oklahoma: Using the aggregated draft list I created and posted he was the 12th best value pick in the draft- ranked 92nd overall but taken 160th. He is a great fit for what Phillips wants. I personally think Phillips will always use "LBs by committee" so while he might not ever be on the field 50+ snaps per game he absolutely could give them 400 off the edge as a rookie and more from there.
2. ILB Micah Kiser, Virginia: Similar to Okoronkwo, Kiser was both strong value (I had him ranked 116th, taken 147th) and joins an ILB group where he can contribute immediately. May only be a two-down ILB but he's a very smart, instinctive player that can play a very positive role.
3. RB John Kelly, Tennessee: A tough runner with good balance who can be a capable backup to Gurley. Provides immediate competition for Malcolm Brown. Can catch. I put him here as at pick #176 I considered him a top 130-150 player.
4. OT Joseph Noteboom, TCU: Logical if unsexy pick for their future. I had him as the 100th ranked player on my aggregated list. At least 5 sites rated him in the 90s or better (Gil Brandt 72nd). Have to admit I thought the Rams would go defense first. Good to see they maintained a long-term view in this Draft. He immediately should be an upgrade over Darrell Williams as the backup LT and they'll develop him with an eye on starting in 2019. 16 months of focus in an NFL weight training program will help prepare him.
5. DE/OLB Justin Lawler, SMU: As far as value I thought this was a great late round choice. Definitely better potential to stick than Young or Howard. Great tenacity. Similar to Longacre. I can see him being a special teams contributor as a rookie. Two-time All Conference player and did really well in the East-West Shrine Game.
6. C Brian Allen, Michigan State: Allen ticks a lot of boxes for interior OL. 38 starts, Big Ten, wrestling background, NFL family (can help him acclimate faster), unquestioned toughness. His versatility is a big plus (16 starts at LG, 17 at C, 5 at RG). But the flip side to that is 17 or fewer starts at any one position. He's not in my top 5 values because he simply barely appeared on any draft list in the top 200, so taking him 111th seems early. Is he a top interior backup for the Rams? Definitely. Will he grow into Sullivan's successor at C? TBD.
7. OG/T Jamil Demby, Maine: A tackles with 29 college starts at LT who seems destined to play guard in the NFL. Comes from a 2nd tier program but played well during Senior Bowl week and is strong. Two-year captain. Played for new Rams assistant Liam Coen which was certainly a factor in the selection. Not great value at 192, but not bad either.
8. DT Sebastian Joseph, Rutgers: Probably a little higher than expected in my opinion but that's probably nitpicking here. Can compete with Tanzel Smart at NT. Not a pass rusher. Could become a situational run stopper over time.
9. OLB Trevon Young, Louisville: Decent potential if he's healthy but bad hip injuries have a tendency to linger worse than ACLs these days.
10. DE John Franklin-Myers, Stephen F. Austin: I didn't like this pick (at this spot) at all. To me he was taken close to 100 picks too high. Developmental player who can sit on the back end of the roster for a year but they would like him to replace Westbrooks and Easley as a 3-4 DE in 2019. Not sure he will.
11. LB Travin Howard, TCU: SS/LB tweener. Probably no more than special teams potential. Practice squad candidate. Could have been an UFA as easily as he was a 7th rounder.
Bonus: I think LB Tegray Scales is their best UFA signing by far. Could definitely have warranted a late round selection ahead of their last two picks. Could push someone like Hager off the roster.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/30/2018 04:45AM by LMU93.
