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RockRam
I'd like to hear from the draft guys on this board.
From a strategy standpoint, and looking at what Phillips does, I don't believe he'll go ILB in round 1. He tends to use "good enough" inexpensive guys there.
I also have big doubts that they will take an Edge Rusher at 23. The Edge Rushers are not impressive. Other than Chubb, they all have warts.
WR? No way. This is not a year to get a top WR. None are elite players.
What does that leave as more likely? OT. All of the top 3 OTs could be there at 23, and probably at least 1. I cannot accept that the Rams would take an interior Olineman at 23.
Of course, Trader Snead might trade down or completely out of the 1st round unless somebody he has his eye on lands at 23. But more likely, if he trades it would be to the end of round 1 and picks up a 2nd rounder.
But if I had to guess at this point, just looking at the many mocks and the evaluations of some pretty good draft guys, and what Phillips values and what the Rams need, I'd say if the Rams stay at 23 OT will be the pick provided they think with a year backing up Whitworth the guy has starting LT potential.
I agree on the ILB. Phillips rarely drafts ILBs at all and he hasn't drafted one in the 1st round in at least the last 20 years.
This is further supported by the fact that they haven't scouted - no private visit or pro day visit - one ILB yet.
However, I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss WR. They are heavily scouting that position and there are several good ones available in the mid 1st to 2nd.
Calvin Ridley is very similar to Amari Cooper. He may be elite and he may be there at #23.
The WR class is just as good as the OT class. Several of the OTs are only expected to be RTs. Who do you feel are the top 3?
Only Mike McGlinchey seems certain to have LT starting potential and there's a great chance he's gone by #23.
