I think drafting for need is a bit underestimated
| April 21, 2021 04:05AM |
I've heard it too many times from teams' GMs....including Snead....... that need plays a huge role in drafting. And too often draft boards (and in no way am I saying this as concern's Deadpool's draft board) and especially mock draft's ignore a team's needs or completely misunderstand what a team's needs are.
Snead is going to draft for need because the Rams have some definite needs. So here is what I think the Ram's needs are based on priority:
1) Center
2) Secondary (mainly outside C
3) Dline
4) Edge
Here's why: unless the Rams are holding some dark secret about a Center or about-to-become-Center on the roster, they NEED a Center and I think if a guy they like is there at 57, they'll take him. My bet is on Meinerz because of his toughness, size, and power.
Secondary: They have their starters, but they're thin on depth and I'm sure they are thinking ahead as regards D Williams. They have to be asking themselves that if he continues to improve from last year when he became not just a good defender but a weapon, they MUST find a way to afford him. Or if not, to replace him because guys like that don't grow on trees and if they let him go FA it's going to leave a big hole in the Secondary.
Dline: They lost a very good starter and a pretty much starter in Brockers and Fox. Unless they have some great confidence in guys that were deep on the roster or PS, they need another 5 technique potential starter/rotation player. And I think there are going to be some pretty interesting guys in the 3rd round.
Edge: The cupboard is not bare. They have a terrific SSLB in Floyd, and several prospects on the WSLB position. I think they love Lewis and are just crossing their fingers that he can stay healthy.... and I think they also have some love for Obo (again, staying healthy). Hollins was not awful. But, Edge guys are so important that they are like wild cards. And if someone you think is really going to be an impact Edge falls into your lap, you take him at any point.
I don't think they're all that concerned at LOT, as much as fans and media are. Whit simply continues to play at a B+ level. And when Noteboom was in there for several games, he certainly wasn't a flop. Then again, much like Edge, if one they rate very highly falls into their lap, they many override other needs to take him.
In the end, the draft doesn't complete the team. But they will draft to fill needs and not just take guys because they are good players. There are many FAs still out there that can fill some depth needs, maybe even a starting Center. I still like the idea of signing Richard Sherman if'll he'll play for like $4 mil plus incentives. He's like Big Whit. What he has lost in speed and quicks he makes up for in smarts and experience.
Snead is going to draft for need because the Rams have some definite needs. So here is what I think the Ram's needs are based on priority:
1) Center
2) Secondary (mainly outside C
3) Dline
4) Edge
Here's why: unless the Rams are holding some dark secret about a Center or about-to-become-Center on the roster, they NEED a Center and I think if a guy they like is there at 57, they'll take him. My bet is on Meinerz because of his toughness, size, and power.
Secondary: They have their starters, but they're thin on depth and I'm sure they are thinking ahead as regards D Williams. They have to be asking themselves that if he continues to improve from last year when he became not just a good defender but a weapon, they MUST find a way to afford him. Or if not, to replace him because guys like that don't grow on trees and if they let him go FA it's going to leave a big hole in the Secondary.
Dline: They lost a very good starter and a pretty much starter in Brockers and Fox. Unless they have some great confidence in guys that were deep on the roster or PS, they need another 5 technique potential starter/rotation player. And I think there are going to be some pretty interesting guys in the 3rd round.
Edge: The cupboard is not bare. They have a terrific SSLB in Floyd, and several prospects on the WSLB position. I think they love Lewis and are just crossing their fingers that he can stay healthy.... and I think they also have some love for Obo (again, staying healthy). Hollins was not awful. But, Edge guys are so important that they are like wild cards. And if someone you think is really going to be an impact Edge falls into your lap, you take him at any point.
I don't think they're all that concerned at LOT, as much as fans and media are. Whit simply continues to play at a B+ level. And when Noteboom was in there for several games, he certainly wasn't a flop. Then again, much like Edge, if one they rate very highly falls into their lap, they many override other needs to take him.
In the end, the draft doesn't complete the team. But they will draft to fill needs and not just take guys because they are good players. There are many FAs still out there that can fill some depth needs, maybe even a starting Center. I still like the idea of signing Richard Sherman if'll he'll play for like $4 mil plus incentives. He's like Big Whit. What he has lost in speed and quicks he makes up for in smarts and experience.
