big draft thread #2

[zn]

NFL Draft Big Board: Questions remain for Corey Davis, Bolles after missed pro days
Injuries have prevented two potential first-round picks from making their cases in front of teams

Rob Rang
The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com
Apr 05

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/big-board/

Scouts can be left in paralysis by over-analysis with all of the data generated by workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine and pro days.

But the data and results serve a purpose, and this information is greatly preferred over an incomplete evaluation.
Due to injury, Western Michigan wide receiver Corey Davis and Utah offensive tackle Garett Bolles have been unable to answer key questions, leaving their stock a bit fluid even with the draft only weeks away. Meanwhile, a stellar performance by Florida linebacker Jarrad Davis has his stock rising at just the right time.
The following is not a mock draft. No attention is paid to team needs. It simply is my personal ranking of the top 64 prospects, with at least a brief look at every one of them.
Players are listed by name, position, school, year, height, weight and 40-yard dash time

1. Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M, Jr, 6-4, 272, 4.64
If possible, Garrett exceeded expectations at the combine, registering eye-popping numbers in every drill, including 33 repetitions in the bench press despite his 35 1/2-inch arms. Garrett’s production (33 tackles, including 15.5 for loss and 8.5 sacks) was way down in 2016 in comparison to his first two seasons (53-14-11.5 in 2014 and 59-19.5-12.5 in ‘15) but that was due to a nagging ankle injury which robbed him of his trademark explosiveness. Garrett has an ideal blend of burst, bend and power off the edge, projecting as a future All-Pro regular.
2. Solomon Thomas, DL, Stanford, rSoph, 6-3, 273, 4.69
Thomas was the runaway winner of the Pac-12’s Morris Trophy as the most dominant defensive lineman in 2016 by a vote of the conference’s blockers. He was as impressive on a snap-to-snap basis as any prospect in the country, demonstrating the initial burst, power and advanced hand usage to earn comparisons to Rams star Aaron Donald.
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Thomas has emerged as the draft’s second-best pass rusher. USATSI
3. Jamal Adams, S, LSU, Jr, 6-0, 214, 4.56
It is easy to mistake Adams for former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu, given their similar instincts and highly aggressive playing style. Like Mathieu, Adams possesses the agility and speed to handle coverage duties on slot receivers, soft hands for the interception and is a tenacious run defender. Adams’ kamikaze style of play can lead to occasional mistakes but he is always around the ball.
4. Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama, Sr, 6-2, 286, 5.00
Allen slips two spots following a less-than-sterling workout but maintains his year-long perch as my top-rated senior prospect regardless of position. Capable of creating havoc while lining up inside or out, Allen reminds me a little of Seahawks Pro Bowl lineman Michael Bennett, winning with an explosive upfield burst and powerful, coordinated hands.
5. Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State, rSoph, 6-0, 193, 4.36
The only thing more impressive than Lattimore’s performance at the combine (including his 4.36-second 40-yard dash and 11-foot broad jump) is his 2016 tape. A history of leg injuries will give teams pause but Lattimore is an easy athlete capable of blanketing receivers and shutting down half of the field.
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Lattimore checks in as this year’s top cornerback prospect. USATSI
6. O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama, Sr, 6-6, 251, 4.51
Howard is the most gifted pass-catcher in the class of 2017. He was not featured at Alabama but was the best player on the field at the Senior Bowl and only built upon that momentum in Indianapolis, showing off a remarkable combination of size, speed and explosiveness.
7. Malik Hooker, FS, rSoph, Ohio State, 6-1, 206, 4.47
Nicknamed “Malik the Freak” because his size and athleticism stand out even among the talented Buckeyes, Hooker exploded onto the scene in 2016, finishing tied for second in the country with seven interceptions while wowing with his instincts and sideline-to-sideline speed. Hooker only has one season as a starter and is prone to over-aggression as an open-field tackler but scouts are giddy about his upside.
8. Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State, Jr, 5-10, 210, 4.49
Cook’s shuttle times caused consternation at the combine but what timed tests cannot take into account are anticipation and vision, which make him such a dynamic runner. Cook has soft hands as well as the toughness and selflessness to block, making him a fit in today’s NFL offense. Cook’s character will have to be fully vetted by scouts due to several run-ins (no convictions) with police over his career.
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Cook hasn’t tested well, but his tape speaks for itself. USATSI
9. Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee, Jr, 6-3, 259, 4.88
Barnett deserves kudos for fighting through a virus to compete at the combine, showing the intangibles as well as the athleticism to justify this lofty ranking. His 6.96-second time in the three-cone drill was fourth fastest among 59 defensive linemen tested in Indianapolis and it wouldn’t be surprising to see his 40-yard dash time drop at his pro day Friday. A more polished defender than even the top-rated Garrett, Barnett varies his attack, incorporating quickness, power and refined technique to wreak havoc against the run and pass, alike. His 33 sacks over the past three seasons led the country and he passed Reggie White in the Music City Bowl to become Tennessee’s all-time sack king.
10. Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt, rJr, 6-3, 234, 4.67
Listed 18th overall on my initial Big Board in August, Cunningham only reinforced my opinion throughout the regular season that he warrants top-20 consideration. Instinctive, aggressive and athletic, Cunningham offers an exciting and versatile skill set sure to intrigue any creative defensive coordinator in the NFL. Cunningham led the SEC with 125 tackles in 2016 — 22 more than he posted a year ago, when he earned All-SEC honors despite not starting until the fourth game.
11. Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina, rJr, 6-2, 221, 4.67
Though the only 13 starts of his college career came in 2016, Trubisky is my top-rated quarterback. As you would expect given his limited experience, Trubisky is a work in progress reading defenses and he lacks ideal size. Trubisky grades very well in many of the areas that I believe to be the greatest indicators of future success, including mobility in and out of the pocket, arm strength and, most important, accuracy to all levels of the field, which he demonstrated during solid workouts at the combine and his March 21 pro day. Trubisky completed 68.2 percent of his passes in 2016 for 3,748 yards and tossed 30 touchdowns to just six interceptions.
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Which team will hitch their wagon to Trubisky as a franchise passer? USATSI
12. Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU, Jr, 6-0, 240, 4.51
Fournette tumbled down my board after a disappointing showing at the combine but will get a chance to boost his stock at his April 5 pro day. The undeniably gifted back weighed in five pounds heavier than he played at LSU and his 28.5-inch vertical is further indication that he was out of shape, raising real questions about how seriously Fournette will take the challenge he is facing in the jump to the NFL.
13. Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama, Sr, 6-0, 229, 4.72
If Fournette’s combine performance was disappointing, Foster’s expulsion for an altercation (reportedly verbal) with a medical official during the medical checks is downright disturbing. Nick Saban’s quips won’t keep scouts from fully vetting Foster’s character. Like Fournette, Foster is an exceptional talent. He might be the most intimidating hitter in the entire draft with the fluidity and speed to cover but like most teams, I’m more wary of players with character red flags than ever.
14. Jabrill Peppers, SS/OLB, Michigan, rSoph, 5-11, 213, 4.46
Whether at safety or linebacker on defense, wide receiver or wildcat quarterback on offense or even punt returner until the coaches realize where he fits best, Peppers is one of the elite players in the 2017 draft. Jim Harbaugh and his staff at Michigan correctly identified that Peppers is an exceptional open-field tackler with the instincts and courage to attack, prompting the move to linebacker last season, but he proved his ability to handle coverage duties earlier in his career and can make the transition back there in the NFL — should that be what his future NFL team asks of him.
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Where Peppers will line up in the pros is still up in the air. USATSI
15. Haason Reddick, LB, Temple, rSr, 6-1, 237, 4.52
Reddick starred as an undersized edge rusher for the Owls (recording 22.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks in 2016) but it was the agility and acceleration he showed playing off the ball in Mobile, Alabama, at the Senior Bowl and during drills at the combine that has his stock skyrocketing. Reddick isn’t just a ridiculous athlete, he comes with a chip on his shoulder as a former walk-on.
16. Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin, rJr, 6-6, 310, 5.29
The Badgers are well known for producing quality offensive linemen but Ramczyk (pronounced Ram-check) comes with a unique back story as a transfer from D-III Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Possessing uncanny agility and balance for a player his size, Ramczyk has the agility that appeals to zone-blocking schemes and was the most consistent pass protector I saw in 2016, his only season at the D-I level. Ramczyk was unable to participate fully at the combine or his March 15 pro day after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip.
17. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford, Jr, 5-11, 202, 4.48
Despite Stanford’s struggles, McCaffrey was every bit as dynamic as in past seasons — quietly again leading the Pac-12 in rushing (145.7 yards per game) and all-purpose yards (211.5) in 2016. His splashy performance at the combine was no surprise. With his easy agility, instant acceleration and soft hands, he reminds scouts of another former Pac-12 star, Reggie Bush. Like Bush, McCaffrey lacks the bulk to be a true bell-cow back at the next level but his ability as a returner and as a potential slot receiver adds to his value.
18. John Ross, WR, Washington, rJr, 5-10, 188, 4.22
In precisely 4.22 seconds, Ross silenced critics who dared suggest that his 17 touchdowns last season were the result of Chris Petersen’s spread offense. For all of his game-breaking speed, however, Ross comes with plenty of medical concerns, including two surgically repaired knees and a torn labrum which will require surgery before the draft. If teams believe he can remain healthy over a full NFL season, however, the DeSean Jackson clone could wind up as the first receiver off the board this year.
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Ross will bring game-breaking speed to his new NFL team. USATSI
19. Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama, rSoph, 6-0, 197, 4.41
Teams prioritizing size and physicality like Humphrey, the son of former Alabama star and NFL first-round pick Bobby Humphrey (Denver, 1989). Just a redshirt sophomore, Humphrey remains a work in progress from a technique standpoint but he possesses the length (including 32 1/4-inch arms) that scouts covet, as well as top-notch athleticism and an aggressive mentality, including in run support.
20. Mike Williams, WR, Clemson, rJr, 6-3, 218, 4.52
After a sluggish performance while running routes at the combine, Williams showed better than expected speed (4.51, 4.53 in the 40-yard dash on his two attempts) at his March 16 pro day, easing concerns about his ability to stretch the field. Scouts know that Williams is not a speedster — his game is posting up cornerbacks and using his height and excellent body control to box them out to win contested passes.
21. Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama, Jr, 6-6, 322, 5.15
As his monstrous size implies, Robinson can be a road-grader in the running game while his quickness and length can make him very effective in pass protection. He reminds me in many ways of recent early first-round picks Ereck Flowers (Giants, No. 9 overall, 2015) and D.J. Fluker (Chargers, No. 11 overall, 2013), each of whom are highly regarded by scouts, though often criticized by the media and fans. Robinson, honored as this year’s Outland Trophy winner, has starred at left tackle for the Tide since earning the job as a true freshman but his NFL future might be on the right side or even inside at guard. Robinson also comes with significant off-field concerns after an arrest before the season involving a gun and marijuana.
22. Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan, Sr, 6-3, 209, 4.48
With his FBS-record 5,212 career receiving yards (and 51 touchdowns), a prototypical frame and polished route-running there is a lot to like about Davis, the most well-rounded receiver in this class. A shoulder injury kept him from competing at the Senior Bowl, and he missed both the combine and his March 15 pro day after suffering an ankle injury during postseason workouts that required “minor” surgery. Given Davis’ already impressive resume, he does not have to work out prior to the draft to warrant first-round consideration, but teams must be satisfied with his recovery.
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Davis has been unable to show teams what he can do this offseason. USATSI
23. Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson, Jr, 6-2, 221, 4.66
Just as he did against Alabama in each of the past two national championship games, Watson shined under the bright lights of Indianapolis, showing surprising polish in the five- and seven-step drop throws that he rarely (if ever) attempted at Clemson. He followed that up with a solid showing at his March 16 pro day. He was the most accurate passer at the combine, which was a surprise for a quarterback who threw an FBS-high 30 interceptions over the past two seasons. Watson remains a polarizing prospect but his dual-threat talents and poise under pressure are undeniable.
24. Charles Harris, DE, Missouri, rJr, 6-3, 253, 4.82
Harris looked better during his positional workout than in measured drills but performing at his best late in the process is nothing new for the two-time second-team All-SEC pick, who recorded 30.5 tackles for loss (including 16 sacks) the past two seasons after first joining the sport as a junior in high school. Agile, physical and tough, the arrow is pointing up with Harris.
25. Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State, Jr, 6-6, 295, 4.85
McDowell’s highlight reel would be as impressive as any defensive lineman’s in this draft (including Garrett’s) but it’s his troubling tendency to disappear for long stretches and get nicked up with various injuries that have him ranked this low. If the light ever turns on, McDowell could be a monster.
26. Takkarist McKinley, OLB/DE, UCLA, Sr, 6-2, 250, 4.58
McKinley is set to undergo shoulder surgery (torn labrum and broken glenoid) that could keep him sidelined through training camp but I am among those intrigued by his combination of length (34 3/4-inch arms) explosiveness and tenacity. McKinley recorded 10 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in just 11 games in 2016 and is not “just” a pass rusher, showing the awareness and closing speed to drop into coverage or spy mobile quarterbacks as well.
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McKinley has shown he is more than just a pass-rushing specialist. USATSI
27. David Njoku, TE, Miami, rSoph, 6-4, 246, 4.64
Njoku is a gamble on sheer athleticism. Despite only starting five of 13 games for the Hurricanes in 2016, the redshirt sophomore emerged as one of the nation’s most productive tight ends, hauling in 43 passes for 698 yards and eight touchdowns. He will drop an occasional easy pass but his agility and acceleration are top notch for the position, helping Njoku project as a legitimate matchup nightmare in the NFL.
28. Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan, Sr, 6-5, 277, 4.92
In a class loaded with exciting edge rushers, Charlton’s upside stands out. A twitchy athlete with prototypical length, burst and bend off the edge, he registered a career-high 9.5 sacks in 2016 and scouts are optimistic that he might just be scratching the surface of his potential.
29. Forrest Lamp, OG, Western Kentucky, rSr, 6-4, 309, 5.00
Lamp shined at left tackle the past four years, proving himself against top competition like Alabama and LSU during that time. Due to below-average arm length (32 1/4 inches), Lamp projects best inside at left guard but this is a role that he has proven able to handle, quickly and successfully acclimating there at the Senior Bowl. Lamp even snapped the ball at his March 27 pro day. Agile, powerful and smart, Lamp might just be the most versatile lineman in the 2017 draft.
30. Dion Dawkins, OG, Temple, Sr, 6-4, 314, 5.11
Dawkins starred at left tackle for the Owls but it was the power he showed when he slid inside to guard at the Senior Bowl that really caught my eye. Dawkins proved his strength at the combine, starring in the bench press with 26 repetitions despite 35-inch arms. A battle-tested three-year starter capable of playing inside or out, Dawkins projects as one of the few relatively “sure things” among offensive linemen in this class.
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Dawkins is a safe pick on the interior of the offensive line. USATSI
31. Garett Bolles, OT, Utah, Jr, 6-5, 297, 4.95
In terms of sheer athleticism and upside, Bolles is the most gifted tackle in this class and he plays with the brawler’s mentality that will appeal to offensive line coaches. Questions about his upper body strength and ability to anchor were not addressed at the combine or Utah’s pro day, as Bolles was unable to participate in the bench press, citing a strained left pectoral muscle. Bolles comes with undeniable upside but he is far from a sure thing, only playing one year at the FBS level and lacking the refined technique and football intelligence of most his peers.
32. Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado, Sr, 6-0, 202, 4.43
Perhaps because he played for a team few outside of the West Coast watched until late in the season, Awuzie has not generated as much national attention as his talent warrants. He was an immediate standout for the Buffs, starting as a true freshman and earning second-team All-Pac 12 honors each of the past two years. Agile, instinctive and physical, Awuzie is arguably the top nickel corner in this class and has the length to play outside.
The Next 32:
33. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech, Jr, 6-2, 225, 4.80
A classic gunslinger with literally a MLB arm, Mahomes could wind up being the best of this quarterback class — but he will need time to acclimate to a pro-style offense.
34. Budda Baker, FS, Washington, Jr, 5-09, 195, 4.45
Whether as a nickel corner or centerfielder, Baker’s agility and ball skills deserve first-round consideration.
35. Dorian Johnson, OG, Pittsburgh, Sr, 6-5, 300, 5.27
Mr. Reliable among offensive line prospects as a former five-star recruit turned four-year starting left guard with the athleticism and length (35 1/4-inch arms) that project well to NFL.
36. Jarrad Davis, OLB, Florida, Sr, 6-1, 238, 4.68
Unable to work out at the combine due to the ankle injury that caused him to miss three games in 2016, Davis enjoyed a terrific pro day. He clocked in at 4.58 in the 40 and showed off a 38 1/2-inch vertical jump. It was a workout that confirmed the raw explosiveness that epitomizes Davis’ game when he’s healthy — and could make him a first-round pick.
37. DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame, rSoph, 6-4, 233, 4.83
Kizer possesses the arm, size and intangibles to project as a future starter (which makes him worthy of first-round consideration) but he showed a frightening lack of technique at the combine and needs to perform much better at his March 23 pro day.
38. Evan Engram, TE, Mississippi, Jr, 6-3, 234, 4.42
Jordan Reed clone who projects best to the NFL as an H-back or slot receiver rather than a traditional in-line tight end.
39. T.J. Watt, OLB, Wisconsin, 6-4, 252, 4.69
Instinctive, tenacious pass rusher despite playing tight end until 2016. Watt is still growing into his body and may ultimately become a 4-3 defensive end.
40. Curtis Samuel, RB/WR, Ohio State, Jr, 5-11, 196, 4.31
A Percy Harvin-caliber athlete with the versatility to be a matchup nightmare in the NFL.
41. Adoree’ Jackson, CB/WR/RS, Southern Cal, Jr, 5-10, 186, 4.42
Among the draft’s best overall athletes but is currently more polished as a returner than a cornerback, surrendering seven touchdowns in 2016. Watch out when his technique catches up to his talent, though.
42. Teez Tabor, CB, Florida, Jr, 6-0, 199, 4.62
Tabor’s route awareness, agility and competitiveness stand out on tape but so does his below average speed, as shown at the combine (4.62) and his March 28 pro day (4.75), raising significant concerns about his ability to remain on the outside against the NFL’s speed merchants.
43. Caleb Brantley, DT, Florida, rJr, 6-2, 307, 5.15
Flashes the burst and power to warrant first-round consideration but struggled with consistency throughout his career.
44. Kevin King, CB, Washington, Sr, 6-3, 200, 4.43
Long, athletic and a proven difference-maker at cornerback and safety, alike, in the pass-happy Pac-12, King’s reign may be just beginning.
45. Tarell Basham, DE, Ohio, Sr, 6-4, 269, 4.70
MAC Defensive Player of the Year who stood out at the Senior Bowl and combine. Long arms (34 1/4-inch) and powerful hands is a recipe that often leads to success in NFL.
46. Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State, rJr, 6-0, 195, 4.44
Overshadowed by talented teammates in the secondary but in comparison, Conley is a relatively proven commodity with the length, feet and hips to handle man to man cover duties.
47. Tre’Davious White CB, LSU, Sr, 5-11, 192, 4.47
Elite feet and loose hips make this LSU star erase or “white-out” receivers in coverage; he is not the most physical tackler, though.
48. Josh Jones, S, North Carolina State, rJr, 6-1, 220, 4.41
A hyper-aggressive defender with the closing speed and size to be an intimidating presence – when he doesn’t over-run the ball-carrier, that is.
49. Obi Melifonwu, S, Connecticut, rSr, 6-4, 224, 4.40
Despite starting four years for the Huskies, Melifonwu is not the most instinctive defender but he stood out at the Senior Bowl and owned the combine with his freakish speed and explosive leaping ability (44-inch vertical led all participants in 2017).
50. Quincy Wilson, CB/S, Florida, Jr, 6-1, 211, 4.54
Wilson starred at corner but his bulk, big-hitting ability (and average feet) project better to safety.
51. Taylor Moton, OT/OG, Western Michigan, 6-5, 319, 5.18
Mauler in the running game whose game may be best suited inside at guard in a power-based scheme.
52. Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee, rJr, 5-10, 214, 4.56
Twitchy athlete with the wiggle, burst and hands to be effective on all three downs, but Kamara was never was asked to be “the bell cow” at either Alabama or Tennessee due to various injuries and suspensions.
53. DeMarcus Walker, DT, Florida State, Sr, 6-4, 280, 4.86
Some ‘tweener traits which contributed to his running hot and cold but times the snap well, showing good coordination in his initial burst and over-arm swim to wreak havoc, especially when inside.
54. Carl Lawson, OLB/DE, Auburn, rJr, 6-2, 261, 4.67
Power-packed edge rusher with good initial burst, strength and aggressiveness but has struggled with health and possesses short arms (31 1/2-inch).
55. Tim Williams, OLB, Alabama, Sr, 6-3, 244, 4.68
Boasts a first-round combination of burst, bend and snap anticipation but disappears for long stretches (especially against the run) and comes with off-field concerns, as well.
56. Jordan Willis, DE, Kansas State, Sr, 6-4, 255, 4.53
Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year whose hustle and technique stood out at the Senior Bowl and raw athleticism wowed at the combine.
57. Pat Elflein, C, Ohio State, Sr, 6-2, 303, 5.32
Alpha-male type with the square frame and aggression to project as a longtime standout inside in the NFL; best suited to center in a power-based scheme due to just average quickness.
58. Dan Feeney, OG, Indiana, rSr, 6-4, 305, 5.24
Pro-ready right guard with agility and awareness that projects best to a zone-blocking scheme.
59. Larry Ogunjobi, DT, Charlotte, rSr, 6-3, 305, 4.97
Stood out against top competition at the Senior Bowl, using his thick lower body and initial quickness to plug running lanes. An ascending talent in a relatively weak year for defensive tackles.
60. Marcus Williams, FS, Utah, Jr, 6-0, 202, 4.56
Overshadowed by some of the “top” safeties in this class in part due to his spindly frame but has terrific instincts, hands and underrated overall athleticism.
61. Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson, Sr, 6-0, 199, 4.40
Long, physical press corner with a knack for making big plays (eight interceptions over past two seasons) despite possessing less-than-ideal instincts and grabby hands in coverage.
62. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Southern Cal, Jr, 6-1, 215, 4.54
The most physical receiver in the draft, winning with body positioning, strength and simple want-to. May never prove a true No. 1 in the NFL but should prove a solid No. 2 for a long time.
63. Isaac Asiata, OG, Utah, Sr, 6-3, 335, 5.34
Intimidating run blocker with the competitiveness, bulk and strength (combine-best 35 repetitions of 225 pounds in 2017) to project as a starting OG early in his NFL career. Made winning the Morris Trophy as the Pac-12’s top OL a goal for 2016 and earned it.
64. Dalvin Tomlinson, DT, Alabama, 6-3, 310, 5.19
Tomlinson lacks the quick-twitch movements to threaten quarterbacks but is a powerful and tough run-plugger with the frame to appeal to 4-3 and 3-4 teams.

[InvaderRam]

i still say take engram if he’s there at #37.

he’s not an in line tight end? who cares? why would you even waste him as an in line blocker. he’s going to catch 90-100 passes in this offense.

if you need an in line tight end, you could just line him up as a receiver and bring in an in line blocker.

i’m going to compare his numbers to julio jones.

julio jones
6’3″ 220 pounds
33.75″ arms
9.75″ hands
40 yard dash – 4.39
vert – 38.5″
broad – 135″
3-cone – 6.66
20 yard ss – 4.25
60 yard ss – 11.07

evan engram
6’3″ 234 pounds
33.5″ arms
10″ hands
40 yard dash – 4.42
vert – 36″
broad – 125″
3-cone – 6.92
20 yard ss – 4.23
60 yard ss – 11.44 (pro day)

elite athlete. this guy could line up at any of the skill positions outsisde qb and rb. out wide. in the slot. h-back. joker tight end.
he’s even lined up in line at mississipi.

i think he’s got a chance to be the second best tight end out of this strong tight end class. someone’s going to overdraft njoku and hopefully engram falls down to the rams.

[zn]

Here’s a name that keeps coming up in relation to the Rams.

***

C Chase Roullier, Wyoming
6’4″, 312LBS.

STRENGTHS Thick lower body with big calves and thighs. Body is built to anchor. Well-schooled and technically sound. Dips and strikes opponent with upward blow from his hips at point of attack. Bends better than expected and unlocks his leverage potential. Gritty worker who uses body control and hand strength to sustain blocks. Generates momentum into down blocks and fork-lifts defensive tackles off their spots. Good power as drive blocker, but functional in space as well. Has starting experience at both guard and center. Plays to and after whistle. Physical and tough.

WEAKNESSES Short arms will force him to work overtime for his NFL blocks. Wasn’t challenged enough by NFL-caliber power in conference. Below average snap-to-step initial movement. May lack foot quickness to handle penetrating 1-techniques as center. Can improve balance in pass protection. Has to play with better awareness and instincts against twists. Gets caught up on first twister and can be slow to pick up the looper into his gap.

SOURCES TELL US “I took a quick peek at him and he’s interesting because he finds ways to stay on top of his blocks. That’s hard for short arm guys to do but he does a pretty good job of it. I guess we’ll find out more about him at the Shrine (Game) practices.” – NFC offensive line coach

BOTTOM LINE Lack of length will hurt his cause for some teams, but his ability to handle both guard and center duties should add to his overall draft standing. Roullier is a power-based run-blocker who plays with good leg drive and leverage to open running lanes. He could struggle to handle athletic interior linemen, but should still appeal to teams looking for a scheme flexible, power player in the later rounds.

-Lance Zierlein
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/chase-roullier?id=2558037

[InvaderRam]

he seems to fit into a kromer type center. my impression is he prefers bigger centers as opposed to the smaller quicker and more athletic centers. that’s just my impression.

[snowman]

CBs Kevin King and Gareon Conley both ranked in the mid 40s, but I have seen several mocks with both of them going in the high to mid first round. I don’t think either one will be available when the Rams pick.

[zn]

With no first-round pick, Rams keeping an eye on NFL draft dominoes

Lindsay H. Jones , USA TODAY Sports

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2017/04/11/los-angeles-rams-nfl-draft-plan-les-snead-picks/100347506/

In his first five years as the general manager of the Rams, Les Snead was used to being in the center of the action during the first round of the NFL draft. Twice, his teams had two first-round picks. Last year, the Rams owned the No. 1 overall pick after swinging a blockbuster trade with the Tennessee Titans.

So now that the Rams don’t have a first-round pick this year — part of the price the team paid to move up to select quarterback Jared Goff last year — Snead finds himself wondering exactly what he and his staff are going to do, and what they’re going to wear, while the rest of the league works on April 27.

“We’ve been trying to come up with something creative to do on that Thursday night,” Snead told USA TODAY Sports. “That’s been one of the stress points for me. I’ll be walking down the hall and go, ‘Wait do we wear suits on Thursday night or not?’ I don’t know the answer to that. I do think it’s a time to be more casual, right?”

Snead figures he and his personnel staff, as well as new head coach Sean McVay and his assistants, will watch the start of the draft in the same fashion as many fans: eagerly awaiting the Cleveland Browns’ pick at No. 1, as well as seeing which teams draft quarterbacks – and how high.

“But we’ll know as each domino falls, that might be affecting our strategy in the second round,” Snead said. “I think what will be important for us is, we’ll be really, really interested once we get to about pick 25 knowing there’s seven or so picks left in the [first round], and 10 or 12 away from us picking. We’ve got 37, and that’s pretty early on Friday. The work for us will really start later Thursday night, and especially once that round’s over.”

The Rams enter the draft with eight picks, including four picks by the end of the fourth round despite continuing to pay for last year’s deal.

With the 2016 draft being remembered for that trade and the arrival of Goff, this year could be defined by the moves the Rams make to improve the offense around the young quarterback.

Offensively, the Rams have needs at wide receiver and tight end as well as along the offensive line, despite the additions of 35-year-old left tackle Andrew Whitworth and 31-year-old center John Sullivan in free agency.

“Obviously the offense and where it’s been ranked the last two, three, four years, we’ve got to fix the offense. But just because we’ve got to fix the offense, that doesn’t mean when we go to pick there is actually going to be a player there that is going to help us fix it. We’ve got to fix it, but we can’t force the issue. If we force it, we’re hurting it. You want to be disciplined there,” Snead said. “Yes, we need to fix the offense. Could that be skill players? Could that be offensive linemen? We have to take that one pick at a time, because we know that is a goal. We need to fix it immediately, we want improvement next year for sure, but we know this could be one to two, maybe three, year process.”

The Rams signed a cornerback (Kayvon Webster) and outside linebacker (Connor Barwin) in free agency, and used the franchise tender to keep cornerback Trumaine Johnson. But several holes remain on defense after losses at safety (T.J. McDonald) and defensive end (William Hayes and Eugene Sims).

“Our strength has been our defense, and let’s keep that strong, so that as we’re in the construction project over here, we’ve got a chance for team success,” Snead said. “That’s as good for all of us, including Jared.”

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from 2017 NFL Draft: One burning question for each NFC team

Elliot Harrison

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000798837/article/2017-nfl-draft-one-burning-question-for-each-nfc-team

Los Angeles Rams: How much can be done with “limited” draft resources?

Putting that word in quotes up there is not a mistake. The Rams don’t have a first-round pick — because of last year’s trade for the No. 1 overall pick — leading many analysts and fans to think L.A. has no capital to build a team for Sean McVay. Dude, the Rams have eight picks. And before you ask, only one is in the seventh round. GM Les Snead still owns five selections in the top 150. The Rams need talent at receiver, tight end, offensive line, pass rusher and corner. Given the presence of Todd Gurley, here’s hoping they can further upgrade the line following the brilliant signing of veteran Andrew Whitworth. Spending at least two picks on wideouts — or a WR and a TE — makes sense. Bottom line: Let’s stop crying for the Rams. They’re fine.

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http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/4/12/15279494/todd-mcshay-2017-nfl-mock-draft-los-angeles-rams-adoree-jackson-taywan-taylor

With just over two weeks remaining until we kick off the 2017 NFL Draft, there will be no shortage of mock drafts for your viewing pleasure. Some will be completely inaccurate. Others…well…also inaccurate.

But it’s fun to prognosticate, and ESPN’s Todd McShay is one of the best in the business.

On Wednesday, he dropped his latest three-round mock. No In$ider? No Problem. Here’s how McShay foresees the Los Angeles Rams using their first two picks (37 and 69) on April 28th:

Round 2 (37): Adoree’ Jackson, CB/RS, USC

Round 3 (69): Taywan Taylor, WR, Western Kentucky

Jackson has a chance to have an immediate impact as a returner. His technique in coverage still needs polishing, but he has elite ball skills and the versatility to make an impact in a number of ways (including on offense). The Rams’ starting wide receivers right now are Robert Woods and Tavon Austin. In other words, it’s a position Los Angeles should be looking at on Day 2. Taylor led all FBS players with 3,197 receiving yards and 34 touchdown catches the past two seasons. He’s tough to bring down after the catch.

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RAMS DRAFT: SECOND ROUND NFL PROSPECTS FOR LOS ANGELES AFTER PRO DAYS

link: http://www.inquisitr.com/opinion/4138259/rams-draft-second-round-nfl-prospects-for-los-angeles-after-pro-days-opinion/

The Los Angeles Rams do not have a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, so they must explore many options in the second round. Los Angeles’ first selection in the 2017 NFL Draft occurs at No. 37 overall. Therefore, they will need to address one of their many needs on offense or defense via their top draft selection.

Zay Jones

Eastern Carolina receiver Zay Jones is my favorite for the Rams second round pick in the NFL Draft. He was my ideal fit in a recent seven-round Mock Draft. Jones brings the size and production that Los Angeles needs at receiver. A recent ESPN article detailed that the Rams are one of the most undersized receiver groups in the NFL. Adding Jones would give them a possession receiver to compliment the quick and shifty guys that they already have at the position.

Additionally, Jones has an NFL pedigree and he set a tone of collegiate records. He also answered questions about the competition that he played in college by impressing at the NFL Combine and Senior Bowl against the Draft’s top prospects. Jones has all the makings of a can’t miss second-round selection for the Rams.

Moreover, Penn St. receiver Chris Godwin deserves some consideration from the Rams at No. 37. Los Angeles needs to add some offensive firepower. Remember, their offense ranked as the worst unit in the league. Giving young quarterback Jared Goff some capable targets will be critical to his development. The Rams may find a pass catcher in the second round at tight end, but they should strongly consider Godwin if he is available.

When we last saw Godwin, he torched the USC defense for 187 yards and two touchdowns in the Rose Bowl. Godwin followed that by testing well at the NFL Combine. In fact, he and Jones have a very similar athletic profile. Godwin does not have the gaudy production of Jones, but he did play in bigger games. Los Angeles would be lucky to grab Jones or Godwin. Both could become a starting receiver from Day One.

Budda Baker

Washington safety Budda Baker might deserve a first round selection. He was highly productive in college and he tested well by all accounts. There are some questions about his size and this NFL Draft safety class is deep. Thus, Baker could fall to the Rams in the second round.

For Los Angeles, they’ve lost a starting safety in the last two free agency classes. In 2015, Rodney McLeod bounced and T.J. McDonald left this past free agency period. Now, the Rams are trying LaMarcus Joyner at safety. Therefore, the Rams could use an instant starter at safety like Baker. Baker also played some corner in college, so he could play the slot corner position too.

Cam Robinson

Los Angeles did address the offensive line by signing free agents Andrew Whitworth and John Sullivan. However, they still need young offensive linemen for depth. They may add one in the second round with the hopes that he can develop as a long term protector for Goff and running back Todd Gurley.

Insert Cam Robinson as one of the most logical options for Los Angeles in the second round. Robinson was productive at Alabama and played in some big games. However, there are questions about his ability to finish blocks and protect the quarterback’s blind side in the NFL. This could make Robinson available in the second round. He is an ideal prospect for the guard or right tackle position as he is a mauler who can open running lanes. The Rams need as much blocking help as they can get, so they should be happy to get Robinson. He could develop into a really good NFL starter.

Adoree Jackson

USC corner Adoree Jackson may be available for the Rams due to questions about his size and a deep class of corners in the 2017 NFL Draft. That would be an ideal situation for the Rams. Los Angeles needs another starting corner opposite Trumaine Johnson. Jackson has the speed and ball skills to be an ideal man-coverage corner with the Rams.

Plus, the Rams could use Jackson as a returner. Jackson returned four kicks for a touchdown in college, so Los Angeles will gladly take Jackson’s big-play ability on special teams. Not to mention, Jackson’s USC connection would make him an instant fan favorite for the Rams. Jackson may be too tempting for the Rams to pass on in the second round of the NFL Draft.

At the end of the day, the Rams may not wait until the second round to make a selection. Los Angeles could trade back into the first round. Otherwise, they may find that none of these players are available in at No. 37. Regardless, Los Angeles should consider Zay Jones, Chris Godwin, Budda Baker, Cam Robinson, and Adoree Jackson during Day Two of the 2017 NFL Draft which begins April 28.

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Deadpool wrote:

Deadpool’s 2017 Bigboard

Some notes:

I expanded from 100 to 125 this year due to the Rams not having a 1st rounder. Don’t get used to it, because in my opinion, they all get jumbled after around 75.

The QBs are ranked combinationally (is that a word? ) by where they should be ranked against everyone else and where they will probably get drafted due to the importance of the position.

I do take character issues into account, but I don’t know everything so I am sure I have missed a ton.

Same goes for injuries. Without inside knowledge, we have no idea how serious these injuries are.

Lastly, I have seen everyone of these guys play actual football from games I recorded, to youtube to draft breakdown.

Deadpool’s 2017 Big Board

1. Myles Garrett – DE – Texas A&M – Top edge rusher in the draft. No real holes in his game. Just an explosive, smooth athlete.

2. Jonathan Allen- DL – Alabama – Could play a 4-3 end in base set, move inside on passing downs or could be a 3-4 end. Serious pass rush from the inside.

3. Leonard Fournette – RB – LSU – A hammer between the tackles and enough speed to take it to the house. Rare athleticism for his size at the position. Just a punisher. Going to have to watch his weight.

4. Malik Hooker – S – Ohio State – A ballhawk with a ton of range and instincts. One of my altime safety favorites since I started doing this.

5. Jamal Adams – S – LSU – a rare heat seeking missle SS that has very good coverage skills. Great instincts and an absolute hammer. Not your typical in the box safety.

6. Marshaun Lattimore – CB – Ohio State – Very fluid cover corner with great feet. Is active in run support and is more then willing to stick his nose in the middle of things.

7. Christian McCaffery – RB – Stanford – Multiple position threat. Slot, RB, PR, KR you name it. Best pass catching RB in draft. 4.48 speed with incredible feet, is patient with burst. Just lacks some bulk.

8. Derek Barnett – Edge – Tennessee – A terror off the edge that was a sack machine. Not a liability against the run. More athletic then given credit for and plays with an edge.

9. Soloman Thomas – Edge – Stanford – Quick first step, strong and more of an athlete then we are used to seeing from Stanford lineman. A tad raw and size wise a tweener but his skill set is just too much to ignore.

10. O.J. Howard – TE – Alabama – A gifted pass catcher with the ability to block. A true size/ speed TE.

11. Haasan Reddick -OLB – Temple – I like him more then most. But he is your new age 4-3 OLB. Smooth sideline to sideline with the speed to match up with these weapon TEs.

12. Mike Williams – WR – Clemson – Not a homerun hitter, but has great size and is a master at going up and getting the ball. Not a plodder though.

13. Reuben Foster – ILB – Alabama – A thumper that has learned to stop leading with his head. Instinctive, agile, sideline to sideline and nasty. Can cover. Questionable character IMO.

14. Corey Davis – WR – Western Michigan – A favorite of mine for a few years now. He’s a size/speed/weight WR that has great hands and super college production. Level of Competition doesn’t botehr me.

15. Ryan Ramczyk – OT – Wisconsin – (pronounced Ram check) Top LT in a weak OT class. Great build for the position. Good bend and a decent hand punch. Tad raw and prolly starts on the right side.

16. Jabrill Peppers – SS – Michigan – Was fun to watch play all over at Michigan, but in reality, he is a SS only and a to return guy with freakish athletic ability. Smooth and fast, but lacks the weight to be a OLB in the pros.

17. Mitch Trubisky – QB – North Carolina – 1 spot lower then I had Goff last year. Has all the tools, a tad short at 6-2″ but that isn’t a big deal to me. 13 college starts tells me he needs time to develop. Good mobility, good arm, few interceptions with a 68% completion %.

18. John Ross – WR – Washington – An obvious speed freak (4.22) but undersized at 5-8 and 188. Vertical threat, can take the top off a defense, whatever term you like. A Desean Jackson type WR.

19. Dalvin Cook – RB – Florida State – Here’s your homerun threat. Incredible balance and feet. Just an amazingly athletic RB that has pass catching skills. Off the field red flags.

20. David Njoku – TE – Miami – Athletic freak with great size for the position but only 13 starts. A serious mismatch TE.

21. Cam Robinson – OT – Alabama – A natural RT where speed won’t affect him as much. Could be an OG. A mauling run blocker that has had issues against athletic, quick rushers in the passing game.

22. Takkarist McKinley – OLB – UCLA – IMO a 3-4 OLB that is at his best going forward. Explosive, quick and pretty smooth. A natural edge rusher.

23. Zach Cunningham – ILB – Vanderbilt – A 3 down ILB. Love his insticts, ability to cover (watch the Engram Ole Miss game) and ability to shed. A tad narrow framed and never had a int. in

24. Charles Harris – Edge – Missouri – An athletic, speed rusher. More of a 3-4 OLB then a 4-3 end. Played with and without his hand in the dirt.

25. Marlon Humphrey – CB – Alabama – Here’s where it gets fun as far as CB rankings. I like his size/ speed combo along with his agressiveness in run support. He had a few hiccups in pass coverage this year, but nothing alarming IMO.

26. Caleb Brantley – DT – Florida – A 3 tech in a 4-3 defense. A very disruptive interior lineman. Excellent quickness off the snap. Interviewed poorly at the combine.

27. Deshaun Watson – QB – Clemson – Althetic QB that thrives in high pressure situations and seems like a natural leader. I question his accuracy and decision making with the football. The system he comes from will make for an adjustment period.

28. Taco Charlton – DE – Michigan – A riser on my personal board all year. A classic, long 4-3 end that can get after the QB.

29. Quincy Wilson – CB – Florida – Another bigger (6′-1″ 210 lb) CB that is physical. Faster than quick. Needs to stay focused.

30. Tre’Davious White – CB – LSU – 5′-11″ so average size, a 4 year starter that got better every year, including his level of aggresiveness. Smooth CB trending upward IMO.

31. Forrest Lamp – OG – Western Kentucky – could also be a OC. Prolly goes much higher then I have him but too much depth at CB and edge rushers puch him down. A OT with average arm length moving him inside. Uses his hands well and is aggresive in run blocking. Kinda narrow lower half.

32 . Gareon Conley – CB – Ohio State – 6′-0″ 195 CB that has good length to play against bigger WRs and enough speed to match up with quicker WRs.

33. Malik McDowell – DT – Michigan State – 6′-6″, 295 lbs. – played inside and out. Great length and hand use. Can play with a high motor (can also disappear)

34. Kevin King – CB – Washington – 6′-3″, 200 lbs. A lanky CB. Hass played slot and outside as well as starting his career as a FS. Smooth with nice speed and a willing tackler. A tad raw from moving around the defense so much.

35. Evan Engram – TE – Ole Miss – At 6′-3″ 235 lbs. with a 4.4 40 time is he a WR a slot WR or a TE? At TE he has elite speed that could create matchup issues. At WR not so much. Have heard his work ethic is second to none.

36. Garett Bolles – OT – Utah – Good feet with a nice punch that allows him to mirror opponents. A tad older then other prospects at 24, was out of football for 2 years.

37. Obi Melifonwu – S – UConn – 6′-4″ 225 lb. rangy safety that is ultra athletic and can work in the box or play man. In any normal year, would be the top S off the board.

38. Budda Baker – FS – Washington – plays bigger then his 5′-10″ 195 lb frame. Plays fast, plays sideline to sideline and is a willing tackler. Poor hands…

39. TJ Watt – OLB – Wisconsin – either a 4-3 SSLB or more likely a 3-4 OLB. Excellent edge rusher who also does well setting the edge. (get ready for a run on OLB )

40. Jordan Willis – OLB – Kansas State – 3-4 OLB. Another good pass rusher that can set the edge and is more athletic then he gets credit for.

41. Tyus Bowser – OLB – Houston – 3rd 3-4 OLB. Exposive first step and good bend get him to the QB. Missed a month of his senior year after breaking an orbital bone fighting a teammate…

42. Pat Mahomes II – QB – Texas Tech – The gunslinger in this class that has tons of ability and like every other QB, needs time. Confident, mobile and a huge arm. Decision making can be iffy.

43. Jarrad Davis – ILB – Florida – Sideline to sideline finisher. Athletic and decent in coverage. Only hole is he can be over aggresive and get washed out.

44. Curtis Samuel – WR – Ohio State – A combo WR/RB in college. Will be a WR in the pros. Good hands, good route runner and as dangerous as anyone in the draft in the open field.

45. Adoree Jackson – CB – USC – undersized at 5-10″ 186 lbs. More athlete then football player at this point. Going to start in the slot and will need technique work, but has ball skills.

46. Dan Feeney – OG – Indiana – I like him as a RG. Plays with a nasty streak.+ pass protecter that came from a zone scheme. Can pull. Plays with patience, ie, doesn’t lunge.

47. Tim Williams – OLB – Alabama – Gets after the QB as an OLB. Explosive with bend that makes him an excellent pass rusher. Needs work setting edge in run game.

48. Sidney Jones – CB – Washington – A smooth corner with tremendous ball skills and is decent in run support and can blitz. Narrow frame may be a concern, but IMO he plays bigger then he is. NOTE: injury at proday keeps him from playing his season.

49. DeShone Kizer – QB – Notre Dame – Built well for a QB, athletic, a good arm to make all the throws. Shows some touch at times. I wish I liked him more, but he teases you one game with his talent and then it disappears. Needs some time (like every other QB this year) to develop.

50. Dion Dawkins – OG/OT – Temple – Excellent balance to go along with good technique. I like him inside as a guard where he can use his power.

51. Derek Rivers – OLB/DE – Youngstown State – I really like this FCS kid as a 3-4 OLB. He is what I like to call a speed to power converter. Can set an edge. Should be a better pro then college player. Needs to develop some pass rush moves.

52. Chidobe Awuzie – CB – Colorado – 6′, 200 lb corner that is smooth with loose hips and plays inside and out. Can get a tad handsy at times.

53. Alvin Kamara – RB – Tennessee – Explosive with some wiggle and good balance. Not as instinctive as the first 3 RBs on my list.

54. Fabian Moreau – CB – UCLA – Another smooth athlete with elite top end speed. Good size for the position. Inexperienced due to position change and it shows at times. Torn pectoral at Pro Day.

55. Carl Lawson – DE/OLB – Auburn – Explosive off the edge, also good at setting the edge. Injury history and needs to develop more pass rush moves.

56. Teez Tabor – CB – Florida – Prototypical size for position, athletic and mirrors well and has recovery speed. Had some lapses in coverage this season and a miserable 40 time is concerning.

57. Adam Shaheen – TE – Ashland – Rare size, speed, athleticism for the position. 6′-6″ 278 lbs and ran a 4.78. Can block but needs work. Major step up in competition.

58. Raekwon McMillan – ILB/OLB – Ohio State – Downhill with instincts. Plenty of speed and shows some pass coverage ability. Struggles taking on blocks.

59. JuJu Smith-Schuster – WR – USC – Strong, physical WR. Hands catcher and wins contested balls. Good route runner. Troubles with seperation.

60. Chris Wormley – DT – Michigan – Played inside and out. good bullrush. Quick but not explosive. Athletic for his size. Lacks what I would call a suddenness to his game.

61. Desmond King – S- Iowa – Played corner for the Hawkeyes but lack of speed will move him to safety. Instictive with ball skills. Physically limited.

62. Josh Jones – S – NCST – Size/speed combo with ball skills that can be over aggressive at times.

63. Gerald Everett – TE – South Alabama – Another WR in a TE body that plays fast and eats up turf. Willing blocker. Needs route running work.

64. Chris Godwin – WR – Penn St. – Excellent route runner with good hands. Plays slower then his timed speed.

65. Cooper Kupp – WR – Eastern Washington – Route technichian with excellent hands playing in the slot. Can he play outside?

66. Tarell Basham – DE – Ohio – Another speed to power athlete. High motor and can set an edge. Needs pass rush moves.

67. Cordrea Tankersly – CB – Clemson – Nice length for the position. Does well to mirror WRs and good production. Concerned about instincts / too handsy for my liking.

68. Marcus Maye – S – Florida – Prototypical size for position. Makes plays on the ball and plays sideline to sideline. Can get lost in coverage at times.

69. Marcus Williams – S – Utah – Another prototype sized S that has instincts and plays sideline to sideline. needs to get stronger.

70. ArDarius Stewart – WR – Alabama – WR that gets it done. Nothing flashy, plays tough, wins contested balls and tough to tackle.

71. Ahkello Witherspoon – CB – Colorado – 6′-3″ 200 lb. size/speed combo with loose hips but needs to add weight.

72. Taylor Moton – OT/OG – WEstern Michigan – Big and strong and needs to be a guard. has played OG and OT. Footwork and balance issues force him inside.

73. Dorian Johnson – OG – Pitt – Big, strong with an excellent lower body for a OG. Needs to stay engaged in blocks longer at times.

74. Zay Jones – WR – East Carolina – High production with good hands. Has played inside and out. Competes. Average play speed IMO. Lots of production came after team was desperately behind.

75. Montravius Adams – DT – Auburn – Disruptive, plays low and explosive. Lets blockers get into his body too often.

76. Pat Elfein – OC/OG – Ohio State – Strong lower body, plays with patience. Good hands. A little stiff .

77. Ryan Anderson -OLB – ALabama – Excellent hand work and sets a mean edge. More of an effort pass rusher. Not explosive, not real rangy.

78. Larry Ogunjobi – DT – Charlotte – 6′-3″ and plays low with decent explosiveness off the snap. Short arms and could use more size in his game.

79. Antonio Garcia – OT – Troy – very athletic with +feet. Needs to add some weight, short arms not ideal.

80. Chad Hansen – WR – Cal – good size @ 6′-2″ and deceptive speed. Plays smooth and physical. Good hands. needs to create more seperation.

81. Cameron Sutton – CB – Tennessee – Instinctual CB with good hands and smooth feet that needs to add some size.

82. Isaac Asiata – OG – Utah – has played OG/OC – A flat out non-stop mauler thjat can be over aggressive at times.

83. Davis Webb – QB – Cal – Big arm, big body. Comes from a air raid offense so needs to sit and learn…

84. Ethan Pocic – OC – LSU – Tall and athletic for a center. Good hand usage. Not strong and can get leveraged.

85. Justin Evans – S – Texas A&M – Some of the best ball skills in the draft and is always around the ball. Likes to hit, but doesn’t tackle. Needs more size.

86. DeMarcus Walker – DE – Florida – Has excellent hand work, nice array of pass rusah moves and finds ways to get to the QB. Very inconsistant when you watch him from game to game.

87. Joe Mixon – RB – Oklahoma – does it all. Excellent burst, can thump between the tackles, excellent pass catcher and has excellent feet. As a human being, the guy is a repeat offender dirtbag I wouldn’t touch.

88. Dalvin Tomlinson – DT – Alabama – Big, thick space eater in the middle. Not very athletic, but does the dirty work.

89. Jordan Leggett – TE – Clemson – Good length for the position at 6′-5″. Hands catcher that really puts pressure on the seam. Can block. Stiff and needs to put in consistant effort.

90. Amara Darboh – WR – Michigan – Excellent size and ran a 4.45 but doesn’t play to that speed. Physical, heady player.

91. Eddie Jackson – S – Alabama – Rangy S that has played CB. Has good ball skills and is a +punt returner. Average athlete.

92. D’Onta Foreman – RB – Texas – excellent feet and athleticism for a big back. Needs to work on ball security.

93. Taywan Taylor – WR – West. Kentucky – Slot WR that gets seperatuion with his athleticism and speed. Does let the ball get into his body.

94. Jourdan Lewis – CB – Michigan – undersized nickel CB that plays much bigger then he is. Great feet. Good speed and athletic. Just lacks size.

95. Carlos Henderson – WR – Louisiana Tech – Under-rated WR that has top end speed, ok runner, good hands and has returner experience. Is he a slot guy in the NFL? Step up in competition.

96. Charles Walker – DT – Oklahoma – Strength and quickness is very good. Consistancy is not. When is is is right, he is tough to stop. Concussions could be an issue.

97. Nathan Peterman – QB – Pitt – Average physically, inc. his arm. Came from a pro style offense so can drop back. mechanics need work, but he is accurate.

98. Dede Westbrook – WR – Oklahoma – Smooth route runner that is dangerous with the ball in his hands. Extremely light in the weight deptartment.

99. Kendall Beckwith – ILB – LSU – Physical, old school MLBer that is willing to take on blockers. Average athletically. torn ACL may have him drop.

100. George Kittle – TE – Iowa – Good blocker, +hands that can press the seams and is more of a reciever then your typical Iowa TE. needs route work.

101. Rasul Douglas – CB – West Virginia – Big, physical CB at 6′-2″. Excellent awareness with OK speed. Burner WRs will give him trouble. Serious concerns about his smarts.

102. Alex Anzalone – OLB – Florida – Can play inside and out, 3-4 or 4-3. Good moving forward or backward. Injury history concerns.

103. Tanoh Kpassagnon – DE – Villanova – A tall, long 3-4 DE that uses his athelicism and long arms to get to the QB. Good at setting the edge and holding his ground. Not explosive.

104. Eddie Vanderdoes – DT – UCLA – Athletic and powerful. Looked better pre-ACL tear. Played all last year and seemed off. Knee is an issue.

105. Anthony Walker Jr. – ILB – Northwestern – instinctive middle LBer works best going downhill. A little limited athletically.

106. Jake Butt – TE – Michigan – A tough in-line chain moving TE with strong hands. OK as a blocker. Tore his ACL in bowl game.

107. Trey Hendrickson – DE – Florida Atlantic – Good burst with good arm use. Uses a couple of rush moves. Force fumble machine. A little small and can have issues setting the edge.

108. Roderick Johnson – OT – Florida State – Tall OT with long arms and uses them well with a solid punch. Strong. Balance and movement issues make him a RT.

109. Malachi Dupree – WR – LSU – good size at 6′-2″ 200 lbs, solid hands with excellent body control. QB play makes him a hard eval. Doesn’t play to his 4.5 speed.

110. Jaleel Johnson – DT – Iowa – Athletic with a revved up motor for a big kid. Excellent hand use. Gets upright at times and issues once a blocker gets into his body.

111. Bucky Hodges – TE – Virginia Tech – Tall, smooth TE with 4.57 speed. Will work the seam and the redzone. Needs route work. Hands can be iffy at times.

112. Duke Riley – OLB – LSU – Downhill read and react LBer. Average athlete.

113. Blair Brown – OLB – Ohio – Instictive, downhill LBer that finishes. A tad undersized.

114. Josh Reynolds – WR – Texas A&M – Long WR with 4.5 speed that wins jump balls. Wins contested balls and is a vertical threat. Thin framed that has problems with the jam.

115. Carlos Watkins – DT – Clemson – Big and athletic. Good hand use. Can get leveraged by OGs, needs to play lower.

116. Samaje Perine – RB – Oklahoma – A bruiser back with yards after contact power. Not much wiggle.

117. Nico Siragusa – OG – San Deigo State – A muscular fire hydrant. Excellent run blocker. Needs work on pass pro.

118. Elijah Qualls – DT – Washington – A 6′-1″ space eating fire hydrant. Short arms and legs make it difficult for him to make plays.

119. Daeshon Hall – DE – Texas A& M – High motor guy that has played as a LB and DE. IMO a 4-3 DE. Can set the edge against the run and has shown he is athletic enough to rush the passer. 1 yr as a DE makes him raw.

120. Jonnu Smith – TE – Florida International – Another seam pressing TE with 4.6 speed. Decent blocker. Doesn’t have natural hands.

121. – Vince Biegel – OLB – Wisconsin – 3-4 OLB with a high motor. Plays the run well. At his best playing downhill. Needs to get stronger (once he gets engaged, tough to disengage)

122. Eric Magnuson – OL – Michigan – Gets the OL designation because I feel he could play multiple positions. Experience at OG and OT. I think he ends up inside. Needs to get stronger.

123. -Dawuane Smoot – DE – Illinois – 6′-3″ 265 lb DE/OLB tweener with 4.77 speed. High motor, good athlete with some speed to power that I like. Can have issues against the run.

124. Noah Brown – WR – Ohio State – A big, physical WR that wins contested catches and moves the sticks. Really raw and young.

125. John Johnson – S – Boston College – Has played CB and S. Smooth with +footwork. Excellent ball skills and gets sideline to sideline. Needs to play more physically as a S.

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Wildflecken wrote:

This is the deepest draft class in years. I think this class will exceed the norm by leaps and bounds and will put a significant number of players into the NFL who end up making it a living and signing second contracts. Teams seeking qb and offensive line talent will need to pull the trigger early when draft arrives, but nearly every other position is very rich in talent. When is the last time you seen a draft have two prospects who will in all likelihood contribute on both sides of the ball at the next level in Peppers and Jackson? For a team like the Rams who fielded a capable defense but are converting to a new defensive scheme this offseason, this draft alone could complete the transition and add the talent Phillips needs to take it to the elite level. A level that results in a championship similar to the 2013 Seahawks or 2015 Broncos.

McVay will groom and evaluate the wr’s added last offseason, in the draft and as UDFA’s, and give them an opportunity in 2017. Look for the remainder of the draft to address building the defense to Phillips liking.

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from Rams, NFL Mock Draft 2017: Predicting picks in rounds 1-7

Howard Balzer, NFLDraftScout.com

http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/NFL/2017/04/14/Los-Angeles-Rams-NFL-Mock-Draft-2017-Predicting-picks-in-rounds-1-7/1611492181542/

…

MOCK DRAFT

Below is a list of every pick for the Rams in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Round and overall pick number listed, along with player, position, school, height, weight and 40-yard dash time. (* – indicates compensatory pick)

2/37: Takk McKinley, DE/OLB, UCLA (6-2, 250, 4.59)

3/69: JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC (6-1, 215, 4.54)

4/112: Tyler Orlosky, OC, West Virginia (6-3, 298, 5.37)

4/*141: Danny Isidora, OG, Miami (Fla.) (6-3, 306, 5.00)

5/149: Jadar Johnson, S, Clemson (6-0, 206, 4.60)

6/189: Nate Hairston, CB, Temple (6-0, 196, 4.52)

6/207: Tanner Vallejo, LB, Boise State (6-1, 228, 4.65)

7/234: Cethan Carter, TE, Nebraska (6-3, 241, 4.65)

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from 2017 NFL Draft Outlook

Bob McGinn

http://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2017/03/04/2016-nfl-draft-outlook/98698342/

Here’s an early look at the top 50 players.

MIKE WILLIAMS*, WR, Clemson: 6-4, 218. Huge possession receiver. “He’s a big-body, Dez Bryant mold,” said one scout. “He fits that profile well. If you sit there and try to make him a guy that wins on immediate separation, there may be an issue.” Started 30 games over portions of four seasons. “Reminds me of Mike Evans,” another scout said. “He’s really good in traffic. He is talented, big. Thing that worries me, I don’t see him separating from people.” Disappointing vertical jump of 32½ inches.

COREY DAVIS, WR, Western Michigan: 6-3, 209. Similar in many ways to Williams. “He’s more fluid than Michael Irvin was,” said one scout. “Works hard. Loves football. Smart (31 on the Wonderlic intelligence test). Attacks the football. Concentrates in traffic. Got vertical tracking skills.” Four-year starter with 326 receptions in an emerging program. “He’s good, but he’s not like some of the top guys from the past few years,” another scout said. “He’s like the kid from the Eagles (Jordan Matthews). Little better hands. He’s a big, strong guy who can catch the ball really well.”

O.J. HOWARD, TE, Alabama: 6-6, 251. Most complete tight end in the draft. “Nothing wrong with him at all,” said one scout. “Big-time basketball player in high school. Just a country boy. Big, fast, athletic. Receiving tight end or every down.” Played extensively for four seasons. “There’s no dominant in-line guys anymore but he’s probably as good as you’re going to get coming out,” a second scout said. “As a receiver he’s still a little untapped. Only two years did he play with a pro-style quarterback. He’s a phenomenal human being. His upside is through the roof.” Ran a speedy 4.51 in the 40-yard dash Saturday at the combine.

RYAN RAMCZYK*, T, Wisconsin: 6-6, 310. One scout was shocked to see this former UW-Stevens Point LT play so well in his Badgers debut against Louisiana State at Lambeau Field. “LSU has edge guys and I was saying, ‘Who the heck is the left tackle?’ ” he said. “He stood out. He matches up with people stride-for-stride athletically.” Underwent hip surgery in January. Arms measured just 33¾ inches but hands were immense (10 7/8). “Balanced and strong and steady,” said a second scout. “He goes 15 to 25. He’ll be fine.” Aggressive run blocker. “You’re just betting a lot on this guy who in one year worked his way into being a productive blocker toward the end of the year,” said a third scout. “He just comes out of nowhere, he plays, now he’s hurt and he can’t work. Lot of red flags for me. I hope they take him early.”

GARETT BOLLES*, T, Utah: 6-5, 297. Bounced around from high school to high school, played in junior college and spent just one season at Utah. “Checkered past,” said one scout. “He’s the most talented of all of them (tackles). Really athletic and tough. Plays hard. He’s got to get stronger.” Will be 25 as a rookie. “He’s more of a traditional mauler,” said another scout. “He’s athletically gifted and plays the game dirty tough. He is an LDS Mormon guy that’s kind of recaptured his life. He ran with gangs earlier in his life. He’s pretty good.” Arms were 34, hands just 9 3/8.

CAM ROBINSON*, T, Alabama: 6-6, 322. Three-year starter at LT. “He is aggressive, he’s physical, he’s big,” one scout said. “There’s nothing he can’t do physically. I think someone like (Seattle’s) Tom Cable might say, ‘Hey, I can coach him up.’ They’ll buy into the upside aspect of it.” Whiffed frequently in pass protection and had too many penalties. Arms measured 35½. “Very, very erratic,” another scout said. “Off the field is a little bit of a question mark, too.”

MITCHELL TRUBISKY*, QB, North Carolina: 6-2, 222. One-year starter. “You’ve got to try with him,” said one scout. “He’s the best of the bunch. You just wish he played more. He started one year, and the guy he played behind last year was terrible (Marquise Williams, who was in Green Bay’s camp). It’s kind of a concern. As far as the physical gifts, he’s got everything you look for. And he’s got the poise. He works hard.” Asked reporters to be known as “Mitchell” in the NFL. “Five-time Punt, Pass and Kick champion,” said a second scout. “Mr. Ohio in football out of high school. Has athletic feet and good feel for the game. As the season progressed he got better. Strong enough arm.” Hailed by a third scout as a “Marcus Mariota-type athlete.” He added: “He had his worst game against Stanford when he locked on twice and the safety picked off two passes. I wanted to compare him to (Brett) Favre but he’s a much better athlete than Favre and he’s faster than Favre. The amazing thing is he can run so well. Excellent competitor. He’s probably my best player (in the draft).” Clocked 4.67 in the 40.

DALVIN COOK*, RB, Florida State: 5-10, 210. Rushed for 4,464 yards in three seasons while adding 79 receptions. “He reminds me of Marshall Faulk so much because he can catch the ball,” said one scout. “You can stick him in the slot. He goes downfield, catches the ball, runs hard. But he’s had three shoulder operations.” Ran an ordinary 40 (4.49). “Fast, explosive runner,” another scout said. “Boy, he would add something to our offense. He’s a back who can go for 60 (yards) every now and then. He’s everything.”

LEONARD FOURNETTE*, RB, Louisiana State: 6-0, 240. Burst onto the scene as a pure freshman in 2014, rushed for a career-best 1,953 yards in ’15 and struggled playing on a high ankle sprain for most of ’16. “He’s the real deal,” said one scout. “He’s head and shoulders above everybody else.” Compared by scouts to Bo Jackson, Jonathan Stewart and Derrick Henry. “There’s similar things to Bo: size, twitch, explosion, burst, power,” said a second scout. “I could have written his report as a freshman. It didn’t take long to see he was a different bird. He’s not normal. Last year he had some of the most dynamic 2-yard gains you will ever see.” Ran 4.51 to go with a lousy 28½-inch vertical jump. “Big, strong, physical player but he really takes some hits,” a third scout said. “Like Derrick Henry.”

MYLES GARRETT*, DE, Texas A&M: 6-4, 272. Three-year starter with 32½ sacks. “He’s a freak,” said one scout. “This guy is bigger and longer than Von Miller (6-2½, 246). He’s the best player in the draft.” Projects to DE for 4-3 teams and OLB for 3-4 teams. “He will not let teammates down,” said another scout. “He’s committed. He’s all in.” His arms measured an imposing 35¼. Several scouts questioned his effort and toughness. “This guy is supposed to be the certain first pick in the draft but he leaves a lot to be desired,” said one. “He’s a good athlete but there are stretches of him not being productive. He’s not really a tough guy. He’s not strong. He’s a flash player. Everything is solid off the field but I don’t think he plays hard. I’d take (Joey) Bosa.”

11-20

JONATHAN ALLEN, DT, Alabama: 6-3, 286. Overcame multiple shoulder surgeries and made his senior season his best. “He was damn near unblockable in a lot of games,” said one scout. “He’s a difference-maker. Not a special athlete but extremely strong and an outstanding technician. He can play hurt and be productive. He just looks like a pro. He’s the perfect base end that moves inside on third down.” Three-year starter with 28½ sacks. “He doesn’t really stand out in any particular area but he just plays so hard,” another scout said. “He’s quick, active, strong. I’d want him on my team.”

REUBEN FOSTER, ILB, Alabama: 6-0, 229. Follows in the footsteps of Crimson Tide MLBs C.J. Mosley and Reggie Ragland. “He’s better than Ragland from last year but Mosley is a little bit more athletic,” said one scout. “This guy has a little more thump to him (than Mosley). He’s good, not tremendous. He’s had some issues.” Foster’s difficult past came into focus Saturday when it was reported by ESPN that he was sent home from the combine after a “heated argument” with a hospital worker in Indianapolis. “This guy is fast, explosive, the real deal,” another scout said. “He may slide because of background. He’s got all kinds of stuff.”

MARSHON LATTIMORE*, CB, Ohio State: 6-0, 193. Third-year sophomore who in effect played just one season. “He’s really quick,” said one scout. “Loose hips and good feet, and he has a burst. Faster, quicker than Gareon Conley. I just didn’t see him challenge (receivers).” Four interceptions this season and then declared two years early. “Not a true leader but teammates love him,” another scout said. “Good ball skills.”

JAMAL ADAMS*, S, Louisiana State: 6-0, 214. Two-year starter with exceptional arm length (33 3/8). “Top-10 pick,” said one scout. “Phenomenal player. He’s one of the best safeties I’ve done. That’s Earl Thomas but bigger.” Father, George, was a running back drafted in the first round by the Giants in 1985. “The whole world is excited about him but I liked him more last year (2015),” said another scout. “He’s a box guy. Breaks down well and is a good tackler. He’s a tight-hipped guy who has some problems changing direction. He struggles out in space. He’s impressive physically. He is tough.”

JOHN ROSS*, WR, Washington: 5-11, 188. Deep threat. Broke unofficial combine 40 record with 4.22 clocking. “He’s completely different from the other two (Williams, Davis),” said one scout. “He’s small. If you want that speed element, more of a playmaker, a vertical threat, he’s the guy.” Fourth-year junior routinely praised for his character. “Very clean off the field,” a second scout said. “Dangerous after the catch. But he may get a surgery after the combine. Shoulder.” Also underwent microfracture procedure around the time of his season-ending knee injury in 2015. Compared by a third scout to DeSean Jackson.

DAVID NJOKU*, TE, Miami: 6-4, 246. Renounced his final two years of eligibility. “It was a little bit surprising,” said one scout. “Very smart kid with a goofy personality but no issues off the field. In high school he was a 7-1 high jumper. Really good athlete and run after the catch.” Arms measured 35¼ at the combine. Started nine of 26 games. “I don’t know how you can take an unproductive backup guy from an average team in the first or second round,” a second scout said. “He’s going to blow the combine out and he’s a track guy. As far as a football player, he is a long ways away.” Ran 4.67 with a vertical jump of 37 1/2.

DESHONE KIZER*, QB, Notre Dame: 6-4, 233. Third-year sophomore. “He should have gone back,” said one scout. “I think it’s all there. He’s gifted. But that team won five games this year. They have talent.” Two-year starter with a career passer rating of 98.6. “He cranks the ball through the tight windows,” said a second scout. “Big dude. He’ll stand tall in the pocket. It’s between his ears more than anything … and when he’s under pressure he doesn’t move in the pocket as well as you would like.” Compared by a third scout to Jay Cutler because “he doesn’t win.” Added a fourth scout: “The guy got benched. He had a lot of bad games. Doesn’t win. He’s a mess.” Ran 4.83.

DESHAUN WATSON*, QB, Clemson: 6-2, 221. Started for 3½ years, leading Tigers to national title over Alabama in January. “He’s No. 1,” said one scout. “He’s played the best in the biggest stages. His best thing is leadership and he’s a winner. He has to develop into a pocket passer.” Compared by a second scout to Robert Griffin III. “He’s not as fast and isn’t as good a pure athlete but he’s like Griffin in that he beats you on the edges and not out of the pocket,” he said. “He’s not a pure passer. You have to admire the way he brings teams back. That’s something you can’t discount.” About the same size as Teddy Bridgewater. “Better athlete than Bridgewater,” said a third scout. “Arm strength? Probably similar. You don’t see him throwing the same pro kind of routes that Teddy did. He does make some NFL throws but he’s not going to be a guy who will wow you physically. Kind of lean-boned. There will be some concerns about withstanding because he hasn’t been hit a lot. Great athlete for the position.” Ran 4.66.

CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY*, RB, Stanford: 5-11, 202. Two-year starter and ex-teammate of Green Bay’s Ty Montgomery. “This guy is a better runner than Montgomery, a better catcher, he’s more explosive, more agile and he’s probably faster,” said one scout. “Montgomery is more of a straight-line guy.” Far from a workhorse back. “He’s a jack-of-all-trades guy,” another scout said. “He can be your returner and give you 15 snaps a game (at RB). Once he tests and runs 4.38 (he ran 4.49) guys will fall in love with his personality and his genetics.”

SOLOMON THOMAS*, DE, Stanford: 6-3, 273. Third-year sophomore. “Great kid,” one scout said. “Team captain. Top worker. Explosive athlete. Plays hard. Runs and chases. Strong hands.” More of a 3-technique than a 5-technique, although weight could be a problem at either position. “He reminds me of John Randle,” said another scout. “Excellent quickness and motor.”

21-30

ZACH CUNNINGHAM*, ILB, Vanderbilt: 6-3, 234. Started 27 of 36 games over three seasons. “He’s pretty (expletive) good but it’s not even close to (Reuben) Foster,” one scout said. “He’s a modern-day linebacker. He goes sideline to sideline. Led the SEC in tackles. Tough, very athletic.” Arms were 34 3/8. “He’s either a long-levered ‘sam’ backer on the line, kind of that Scott Fujita role, or he’s an inside guy,” a second scout said. “Solid, productive football player. I don’t see the dynamic play. I guess K.J. Wright was a lot like that coming out (Mississippi State, 2011). If it’s third and 8 and you’ve got to get off the field, (Cunningham) is not the guy to make that play consistently.”

TAKKARIST MCKINLEY, ILB, UCLA: 6-2, 250. Former junior-college player who had a 10-sack season as a stand-up DE last season. “He’s an outside linebacker in a 3-4,” said one scout. “Loves football. He’ll work at his weaknesses. He’s got a great first step. He could sneak into the first (round).” Arms measured 34¾. “He does have an explosive takeoff but he’s a stiff, straight-line guy,” said another scout. “OK athlete. I thought he was soft. He’s not close to Anthony Barr. Barr had loose hips.”

MARLON HUMPHREY*, CB, Alabama: 6-0, 197. Third-year junior, two-year starter. “He is the most complete corner I’ve seen come out of there,” said one scout. “I’ve done Dre Kirkpatrick, Dee Milliner, Kareem Jackson. He can be a big-time player. He’s as violent as I’ve ever seen a corner be. He comes up to smack people. It’s rare to see a corner of his caliber that seeks contact. I guess a little of that comes from his dad. … Looks the part. Track guy. He’s got to get some eye discipline. He likes to jam but his eyes will lose discipline.” Father, Bobby, was a running back drafted in the first round of the 1989 supplemental draft by the Broncos. “He’s super-talented,” said another scout. “He just doesn’t make plays on the ball. If he made plays on the ball he’d go higher.”

TRE’DAVIOUS WHITE, CB, Louisiana State:5-11, 192. Four-year starter. “Hell of a player,” one scout said. “Quick, agile. All football.” Some scouts question his speed. “He is really quick,” another scout said. “Really good one-on-one cover. Good ball react and hands. Has red-zone problems against tall receivers.”

JABRILL PEPPERS*, S-CB, Michigan: 5-11, 213. Possibly the most multi-dimensional player in the draft. “He’s one of my top five players,” said one scout. “You can line him up at receiver, running back, slot, free safety, strong safety, kick returner. The worst thing he is is a safety who can cover the slot. I’d start him (off) at corner.” Weighed 213, eight more than his program weight and befitting teams that view him as a hybrid LB. “He’s a utility safety for us,” said another scout. “People seem confused what to do with the guy. Just put him out there. Guy’s a winner.” Two-year starter with merely one interception. “I don’t think he’s a natural defensive guy in space,” another scout said. “He has issues in space. Everybody’s all over the board. I got him as an offensive player, a slot-running back.”

CURTIS SAMUEL*, WR-RB, Ohio State: 5-11, 196. Third-year junior almost equally valuable as a receiver, runner and returner. “He’s Percy Harvin,” said one scout. “Urban (Meyer) ran him from the tailback spot more than he ran Percy Harvin but that’s because the game has changed. Every time he touches the ball it’s a potential touchdown.” Described as a faster Randall Cobb by a second scout. “Unique player,” he said. “Physically tough. Playmaking ability.” Averaged just 11.7 yards per catch in 2016. “He’s supposed to be this big-play speed guy but he doesn’t make any big plays,” a third scout said. “He’ll run fast but he’s just more of an athlete than a player right now.” Ran extremely fast (4.31), vertical jump of 37, 18 reps on the bench press.

EVAN ENGRAM, TE, Mississippi: 6-3, 234. Four-year starter with 162 receptions. “He’s a receiving tight end, not an in-line blocker,” one scout said. “He can play slot. Smooth athlete, good speed. This is where the modern-day offense is going.” Compared by one scout to former Saints WR Marques Colston. “Not as fast or quick-footed as Marques but more of a big slot receiver,” he said. “He could probably be 245 but he’ll never be a point-of-attack guy. He’ll have to be a back-side flex guy if you want to get any kind of production out of him.” Led tight ends in the 40-yard dash Saturday with a blazing 4.42.

FORREST LAMP, G-C, Western Kentucky: 6-4, 309. Started most of his four-year career at LT but projects inside. “He’d be the best inside guy,” said one scout. “He’s technique, good athlete, balance, competitive. He’s a center-guard.” Short arms (32¼), large hands (10 5/8). Ran a fast 40 (5.00). “Western Kentucky is a good program,” said another scout. “He is really good on the move and can get to the second level and downfield. Not real strong or powerful but really is a nice athlete.”

PATRICK MAHOMES*, QB, Texas Tech: 6-2, 225. Started for 2½ seasons. “You (remember) how John Elway could scramble around and at the last second just square up and throw the ball the length of the field?” said one veteran scout. “This guy can do the same thing. He didn’t play in a bowl game this year but, remember, John Elway never played in a bowl game. (Texas Tech) had the worst defense in the nation. He had no backs and receivers this year. Excellent athlete and arm strength. He’s got a gunslinger mentality.” Played in a simplistic spread offense with limited reads. “He plays in that junk offense and has a lot to learn,” another scout said. “A lot. He’s got quick feet and a (big arm). 4.0 student. Good kid.” Arm strength might give him the edge over recent Texas Tech passers. “He could (develop) but I don’t see it,” a third scout said. “He has no vision, no mechanics. He’s erratic as hell. Makes a lot of mistakes.” Ran 4.80.

ALVIN KAMARA*, RB, Tennessee: 5-10, 214. Redshirted at Alabama and spent time in junior college before starting eight of 24 games for Volunteers. “He can do it all,” said one scout. “He’s quick. Got good balance and vision. Catches the ball extremely well out of the backfield. Just hasn’t been a lead dog.” Ran 4.56 with a vertical jump of 39½. “When Jalen (Hurd) went down (in 2016) he had a chance to step up and be that guy and you just never saw it,” another scout said. “He’s not really a between-the-tackles, wear-you-down, take-the-bull-by-the-horns guy. He needs to get out in space. He can be a good player in a niche role.”

31-40

DEREK BARNETT*, DE, Tennessee: 6-3, 259. Led the nation in sacks with 13. His career total of 33 broke Reggie White’s school mark by one. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes to the combine and bombs out athletically,” said one scout. “If he works out well and runs 4.7, he’s first round. If he runs 5-flat, 4.9, no. Little overhyped. He’s not going to be a foot athlete or a special guy.” Opted out of drills Saturday because of illness. Weight was an unexpectedly low 259. “He can do stand-up (linebacker) but I wouldn’t want him dropping,” said one scout. “You’ll want him putting his hand in the dirt and being a base DE. He plays hard when it’s time to rush the passer.”

TACO CHARLTON, DE, Michigan: 6-6, 277. Blossomed as a senior starter after being a rotational player for three years. “Loved by his teammates and loves the game of football,” one scout said. “Things come easy to him. You could almost compare him to Chandler Jones.” Arms were 34. “He won’t be dominant but he’ll be a good, solid player,” one scout said. “Not dynamic or anything. He’ll start as a rookie and be good.”

CHARLES HARRIS*, DE, Missouri: 6-3, 253. On the small side for 4-3 teams but might be athletic enough to stand up in a 3-4. “I think he’s one of the better defensive players in the draft,” said one scout. “He’s athletic, physical, tough and can rush the passer like those other Missouri guys.” Two-year starter came into his own in 2016. “This is the kind of guy that gets you fired,” another scout said. “Physically soft. Does not play strong. Once they get their hands on him it’s over. He’s a finesse rusher. I could see where you could be excited about the guy but I’d be afraid to draft him (high).” Arms were 32 5/8.

CALEB BRANTLEY*, DT, Florida: 6-3, 307. Two-year starter with just 2½ sacks. “He probably fancies himself as a 3-technique,” one scout said. “He’s got to be more consistent anchoring down and playing the run. Even as a 3-technique, you’re going to have to take on a double every now and then. Otherwise, they just keep running the ball at you all damn game. He wants to rush the passer.” Arms measured just 32. “Fake tough guy,” said another scout. “He understands how to edge the blocker and has balance and control. Doesn’t always finish the play. I like the athlete.”

DALVIN TOMLINSON, DT, Alabama: 6-3, 310. Rotational backup for two seasons before replacing NFL draftees A’shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed as a senior. “Tough, physical,” said one scout. “Not great. Just a good, solid pro. Could develop into a quality nose tackle.” Outstanding prep wrestler. “Strong at the point of attack,” said another scout. “He’s got strong hips, good hands, hard to move on run blocks. Not a dominant pass rusher but can get push and is athletic enough to edge the blocker. One-technique or 3-technique.”

MALIK MCDOWELL*, DT, Michigan State: 6-6, 295. Physical specimen with 34¾ arms and 10½ hands. “It won’t be because of lack of talent,” said one scout. “Good feet. Flashes twitch. Going to need lots of work, though.” Departed after disappointing junior season in which he had 1½ sacks in nine games. Played a lot inside but was more productive outside. “He does have a takeoff when they move him on the edge and he can up field,” another scout said. “Talented but inconsistent. I question his toughness, shed, instincts. I’m scared because he doesn’t play hard. High opinion of himself. They question if he loves football.”

RAEKWON MCMILLAN*, ILB, Ohio State: 6-2, 240. Third-year junior, two-year starter in the middle. “Excellent leader,” said one scout. “Everybody listens to this guy. He’s a zone coverage guy. He’ll need some work in man-to-man. Has feel, has vision, easy mover. He’s a perfect football guy.” Surpassed 100 tackles in each of the past two seasons. “I’m not a fan,” said another scout. “He’s tough and plays the game the right way, but he’s a little bit small and plays small. He’s not as athletic as a guy that size needs to be.”

JARRAD DAVIS, ILB, Florida: 6-1, 238. Missed four games with an ankle injury in an oft-injured career. “I don’t see how he gets out of the first (round),” said one scout. “Too fast, too athletic, too good of a player over his career there.” Arms were 33 1/2. Wonderlic of 21. “He can run and he’s rangy,” another scout said. “He’s got great leadership intangibles. Now he’s often-injured, too. He’s got to go first round.”

HAASON REDDICK, ILB, Temple: 6-1, 237. Enrolled as a cornerback but spent almost entire career as a boundary DE. Looked good at the Senior Bowl in move to the middle. “The Senior Bowl helped him a lot because he was off the ball a lot more,” one scout said. “You could see he could handle that. He’s skyrocketed. Coming into the year he was just a reject. He’s had a hell of a year. He is productive, tough, fast.” Posted 10½ of his 18 sacks as a senior. “He plays relentless and has speed,” said one scout. “Very tough. He’s a leader. Has a good feel for the game.”

TIM WILLIAMS, OLB, Alabama: 6-3, 244. Four-year player who didn’t see much action until 2015 and ended up starting just two games. “Not a special athlete, just a hell of a football player,” said one scout. “Knows how to play.” Designated pass rusher whose background will require scrutiny. “He’ll get pushed down to the second round because of his character,” another scout said. “He’s a dynamite pass rusher. He gets off the edge.”

41-50

RYAN ANDERSON, OLB, Alabama: 6-2, 253. Fifth-year senior finally worked his way into the lineup as a senior. “Very steady,” one scout said. “He doesn’t look pretty but he makes plays. Outside linebacker in a 3-4. He is (short), but he does everything good and makes plays.” Arms were just 31 1/2. “He’s thick built,” another scout said. “He’s more like the big guys they’ve had play that edge. Tough guys.”

T.J. WATT*, OLB, Wisconsin: 6-4, 252. Overcame string of injuries to forge 13-sack season in 2016, his first as a starter, and then declared a year early. “This guy just plays his tail off,” said one scout. “Boy, does he have technique. He’s Clay Matthews. Probably more explosive. Uses his hands well. He finishes things better than his brother (J.J.) did. I think he’s special.” Weighed in at 252, nine pounds more than his program weight, and had 33 1/8 arms and 11-inch hands, which might be the longest at the combine. “I don’t see him in the first round,” another scout said. “He’s a solid backup-rotational type player. I don’t think he’s a definite starter on any team. He may eventually because of the intangibles, effort, the way he plays the game. But not just on pure talent.”

QUINCY WILSON*, CB, Florida: 6-1, 211. Two-year starter with six picks. “He’s got really nice length,” said one scout. “He’s got body control and passion for the game. He will need some work on his tackling. He wants to be physical with receivers. Press corner.” Expected to run much faster than his teammate, CB Teez Tabor. “He’s much more aggressive than Tabor but I think he’ll have to be a safety,” said another scout. “He’s a little bit bulky (for cornerback). Safety is where he’ll end up.”

SIDNEY JONES*, CB, Washington: 6-0, 186. Three-year starter with nine picks. “Very good player,” said one scout. “Good arm length (31½). Adequate tackler.” On the thin side and appears to lack growth potential. “Good worker, willing to do extra,” another scout said. “Really smart. Doesn’t get rattled. I question his long speed. Never missed a game. Good hands and eyes at the line of scrimmage.”

ADOREE JACKSON*, CB, Southern California: 5-10, 186. Three-year starter and terrific return specialist. “Only negative is his height,” one scout said. “He’s always in the right spot at the right time. He knows how to keep position and break on the ball. Reminds me of Darrell Green, who was just 5-8. He’s so instinctive. Excellent one-on-one cover.” Registered six interceptions. “He’s a really good player but he’s small,” said another scout. “He’s a first-round player for me but he’s got to be penalized because he’s a midget. Second round.”

GAREON CONLEY*, CB, Ohio State: 6-0, 195. Played extensively as a true freshman and started two years. “Very confident,” one scout said. “Everybody loves the kid. Really a good teammate. Leader of the group. Smooth. Makes it look easy. Good in press man. Short-area burst. Likes to jump routes. He can track the ball deep.” Average strength affects him as a tackler. Arms were 33. “Got that long body,” another scout said. “More of a press guy. He might get in the first (round).”

MARCUS WILLIAMS*, S, Utah: 6-1, 202. Started 28 of 37 games, intercepting eight passes. “He’s like Eric Weddle in terms of his ability to work,” said one scout. “True professional. Great tester. Rare athlete. Very good ball skills. May be a corner.” Biggest negative is tackling. “He’s just not very aggressive playing the run,” said another scout. “Just doesn’t show up enough on tape.”

MALIK HOOKER*, S, Ohio State: 6-1, 206. Used his massive hands (10¾) to intercept seven passes in 2016, his only season as a starter. “He’s got great range,” one scout said. “Can he run after he catches the ball. He certainly has the feet and hips and change of direction to play corner. The guy is a first-rounder, but it bothers me that he doesn’t tackle.” That personnel man certainly wasn’t the only one to think that. “I’m not as sold on Hooker as everyone else,” said another. “I don’t think he’s going to run very well and he’s very inconsistent against the run. He is opportunistic.”

OBI MELIFONWU, S, Connecticut: 6-4, 224. Four-year player with 48 games and 48 starts. “He reminded me of Deone Bucannon because he can play in the box and in space,” said one scout. “Physical. Square tackler. I was shocked. He’s big and he can run. I think he’s too big for corner. He can replace a ‘backer in the box because he can cover.” Arms were 32½. Eight career interceptions. “He looks the part,” said another scout. “He’s more of a downhill type but he brings a presence.”

BUDDA BAKER*, S, Washington: 5-10, 195. Started all 40 games of his three-year career. “The coaches will tell you that’s the best player on their team,” said one scout. “They love that guy. He’s more like Earl Thomas. Small guy that can run.” Finished with five picks and three forced fumbles. “He’s kind of like a Bob Sanders,” a second scout said. “Big-time hitter. Around the ball. Covers the slot. Only negative I had was his height.”

[zn]

Rams must build depth at secondary, talent at wide receiver through draft

Alden Gonzalez

http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/33529/rams-must-build-depth-at-secondary-talent-at-wide-receiver-through-draft

LOS ANGELES — Les Snead, entering his sixth season as the Los Angeles Rams’ general manager, has said he is keeping an open mind in the weeks leading up to the 2017 draft, which is probably wise.

This draft is deep at several positions, and his team has several positions of need.

The Rams still have six players on their roster who were drafted between 2011 and ’13, tied for the third-highest total in the NFL according to numbers compiled by ESPN’s Ben Goessling. Sustainability like that is a good thing, but that number is a bit deceiving. Under Snead these last five years, the Rams have been unable to adequately build up the offensive line or the receiving corps. They’ve done pretty well on defense, but a lot of their key players from that defense are now less than a year away from free agency.

So the Rams — without a first-round pick, but still with four picks within the first four rounds — can basically load up on any position through the draft and it would seem justified. Well, almost any position.

Below is a ranking of their most urgent needs heading in, based more so on long-term outlook than immediate, impact talent.

1. Cornerbacks/safeties: It’s time for the Rams to replenish some depth here, and this draft is deep enough in defensive backs to do it. Since the end of the 2015 season, the Rams have lost their two starting safeties, Rodney McLeod and T.J. McDonald, and their primary cornerback, Janoris Jenkins. The man who filled Jenkins’ spot, Trumaine Johnson, is on his second franchise tag and may leave via free agency next offseason. Their projected safeties for 2017, Maurice Alexander and Lamarcus Joyner, are also a year away from free agency. All of them can’t get extensions. The Rams haven’t taken a defensive back in any of the last two drafts.

2. Wide receivers/tight ends: The only reason this isn’t the most pressing draft need is because the Rams at least have some controllable players here. Their two starting receivers, Tavon Austin and Robert Woods, are signed through 2021. Their primary tight end, Tyler Higbee, was drafted last year. So were Pharoh Cooper, Mike Thomas and Temarrick Hemingway. The Rams need more overall talent here than at any other position, but they also need to let their young guys develop.

3. Offensive linemen: The Rams filled needs here by signing a couple of veteran free agents, left tackle Andrew Whitworth and center John Sullivan. But Whitworth is 35 and Sullivan signed a one-year deal. The Rams drafted seven offensive linemen from 2014 to ’15, but still need to identify both their left tackle and center of the future. Their former left tackle, 2014’s No. 2 overall pick, Greg Robinson, is moving to right tackle. The Rams are not expected to pick up the fifth-year option of his rookie contract.

4. Linebackers: The change in defensive coordinators, from Gregg Williams to Wade Phillips, might have heightened the need at this position. The Rams will run a 3-4 base set now, and two of their starting linebackers, Alec Ogletree and Connor Barwin, will be free agents next offseason (though the Rams will surely look to lock Ogletree up long term). Another starting linebacker, Robert Quinn, is transitioning from defensive end. And another, Mark Barron, is a converted safety. The Rams also haven’t drafted a linebacker higher than the sixth round since 2013, so their depth is lacking.

5. Defensive linemen: It’s crazy to think this is even a need, but it actually is. In some way. Aaron Donald, the game’s best interior pass-rusher, will be a free agent after the 2018 season, but the Rams will make sure he doesn’t go anywhere. Nose tackle Michael Brockers signed an extension through the 2019 season last September, but the Rams have yet to identify a third starting down lineman for 2017. And three key backups — Dominique Easley, Ethan Westbrooks and Tyrunn Walker — are free agents next offseason.

6. Running backs: The Rams drafted Todd Gurley 10th overall in 2015 and still consider him one of the NFL’s premier running backs, regardless of his struggles last year. His backup, Lance Dunbar, who will be used heavily in the passing game, signed only a one-year contract. But the Rams also like a couple of their young players in Malcolm Brown and Aaron Green. They’re fine here for now.

7. Quarterbacks: The Rams’ hope is that they won’t have to worry about this position for … well, a decade, really. They traded up 14 spots to draft Jared Goff first overall last year and have made an assortment of offseason moves — from the coaching staff to the offensive line — to help him recover from a catastrophic rookie season. His backup will be Sean Mannion, a third-round pick from 2015 who they want to take a long look at.

[snowman]

I would hope/expect the Rams to draft the best available DB, OL, WR with their first three picks. Maybe filling one position more than once. Linebackers late on day three.

[zn]

NFL Draft Needs: Rams

Rotoworld
Evan Silva

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl-draft-needs-rams-121800816–spt.html

Evan Silva (@EvanSilva) is the Senior Football Editor for Rotoworld’s NFL Page, and Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) leads Rotoworld’s college football and NFL draft coverage. Together, they’re breaking down every team’s biggest needs and offering potential draft-day solutions.

Rams No. 1 Team Need: Offensive Line

Silva’s Analysis

The Rams’ line couldn’t block anyone last year. Andrew Whitworth solidifies left tackle in the short term, but he turns 36 during the season. After a sophomore step back, RT Rob Havenstein is converting to guard. Cement-footed LT failure Greg Robinson will apparently be auditioned on the right side. With 22-year-old stringbean Jared Goff at quarterback, it is imperative that Los Angeles finds at least one new offensive line starter. The most pressing up-front needs are center and tackle.

Rams No. 2 Team Need: Pass Catcher

Silva’s Analysis

The Rams used nine draft picks on wide receivers and tight ends during the five-year Jeff Fisher era. Today, their No. 1 wide receiver is Robert Woods and their No. 1 tight end is Tyler Higbee.

Rams No. 3 Team Need: Defensive Back

Silva’s Analysis

In LCB Trumaine Johnson, slot CB/FS Lamarcus Joyner, and SS Maurice Alexander, each of the Rams’ top-three defensive backs are entering contract years. Los Angeles made the mistake of letting Janoris Jenkins (Giants) walk a year ago, and lost FS T.J. McDonald (Dolphins) in 2017 free agency. This secondary is hanging by a thread.

Other Considerations: Defensive Line, Linebacker, Quarterback, Running Back

Norris’ Mock Draft

Round 2 (37): C/G Pat Elflein, Ohio State – Elflein is an immediate starter at center or guard, spots where he starred at Ohio State. His testing was well below average, which could keep him out of the first round. Despite spending eight picks over the last three drafts on offensive linemen, the Rams’ front five is a mess outside of free agent pickup Andrew Whitworth. Elflein would help anchor it.

Round 3 (69): WR Taywan Taylor, Western Kentucky – I am Taywan’s biggest fan. He can win outside and inside, big and small, as well as after the catch. He is the type of player the Rams need on offense.

Round 4 (112): CB Shaquill Griffin, UCF – An outstanding athlete who might be available on the third day due to the depth of this corner class. As Evan mentioned, the Rams’ corners look quite different than two years ago, and might look even more different in 2018.

Round 4 (141): EDGE Joe Mathis, Washington – Pass rushers are difficult to find, and Wade Phillips likes to rotate at the position. Mathis could still be on the board due to previous injuries.

Round 5 (149): CB Bernard Langley, Lamar – Former Georgia Bulldog who is listed as many evaluators’ “gem” at the corner position.

Round 6 (189): T Storm Norton, Toledo – Norton will likely stay at tackle in the NFL.

Round 6 (206): WR Trent Taylor, Louisiana Tech – I love Trent Taylor. I have no idea if he is drafted due to size limitations, but McVay could see Taylor in a Jamison Crowder type role. I’d bet on him to succeed.

Round 7 (234): S Leon McQuay, USC – East West Shrine invite.

[zn]

Hot 150: Gil Brandt’s top-ranked prospects for 2017 NFL Draft

Gil Brandt

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000800363/article/hot-150-gil-brandts-topranked-prospects-for-2017-nfl-draft%5B

This is the 57th year I have produced rankings of NFL draft prospects. In the early years when I was with the Cowboys, we had only a fraction of the information we have today, with very few confirmed measurements and times for prospects.

But that has all changed. I can now look at my database and pull the confirmed short-shuttle or three-cone time of the 947th-ranked prospect instantaneously … and in a matter of seconds have on my computer screen in front of me all the third-down-and-short run plays he was involved in at his Div. III school.

It makes an evaluator’s job easier and harder at the same time. There’s so much more to consider with the overload of information, but ultimately it’s more accurate info, which should (in theory) make draft boards around the league more informed and precise.

With that said, here are my “Hot 150” prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft.

RANK
1
Myles Garrett – DE, Texas A&M
Three-year player with the Aggies. Has long arms (35 1/4 inches) and is very strong (33 bench lifts at the combine). Had 31.0 career sacks at A&M, with only 12 coming against SEC competition. Can be a game-changer, but needs to learn pass-rush moves. Just turned 21 last December.
RANK
2
Leonard Fournette – RB, LSU
Three-year player at LSU. First player in Louisiana history to win national high school player of the year honors twice. Started six games in 2014, rushing for 1,034 yards and 10 touchdowns, with a 5.5-yard average. He also had a 26.0-yard average as a kick returner. Led nation in 2015 with 1,953 rushing yards (6.5-yard average) and 22 touchdowns, finishing sixth in Heisman voting. Suffered left ankle injury in 2016 fall camp and did not play well, finishing with 843 yards and eight TDs in seven games. In two career games vs. Alabama, rushed for just 66 yards. Very explosive runner. Had best 20-yard time of any running back at the combine. Looks like a linebacker when you meet him in person.
RANK
3
Solomon Thomas – DE, Stanford
Spent three years at Stanford, but only played two after being redshirted in 2014. Strong (30 bench lifts at combine) and explosive (35-inch vertical). Has great short-area quickness. Very tough. Outstanding character, intelligence and leadership skills; could one day hold political office if he so chooses. Best position could be left defensive end, but will be a very good tackle because of speed and quickness.
RANK
4
Marshon Lattimore – CB, Ohio State
Was at Ohio State for three years but missed 2014 season with a hamstring injury that required surgery. After limited play in 2015, started 12 games. Was targeted 35 times last season, with 14 burns (40 percent), allowing only one touchdown. Had four interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. Ten of his burns came against receivers between 6-feet and 6-3. Had 74 plays on special teams. Has great ball skills with outstanding speed. Very fluid. Small hands (8 7/8 inches).
RANK
5
Jamal Adams – S, LSU
Three-year player at LSU. Played nickel cornerback as a freshman in 2014. Started 24 total games at strong safety in 2015 and 2016 when he was targeted 36 times with 12 burns (33 percent). Last season, he allowed only one touchdown, had an interception, and made 73 tackles. Had 124 plays on special teams. Never had a holding or interference called against him. Good NFL bloodlines: father, George, played running back at Kentucky and was 19th overall pick of Giants in 1985. Tremendous pro day; ran 4.45-second 40-yard dash.
RANK
6
Malik Hooker – S, Ohio State
Three-year player with the Buckeyes. Outstanding athlete. High school team in Pennsylvania won two state championships — the only two years he played as a prep. Redshirted as a freshman at Ohio State and used primarily as a backup in 2015. Had big year in 2016. Targeted 36 times, with 16 burns (44 percent), only one TD allowed, seven interceptions, including three returned for scores. No interference or holding calls against him. Had 74 tackles last season, and played 96 snaps on special teams. Great recovery speed. Tough and competitive. Limited playing experience but has tremendous upside as a player.
RANK
7
Jonathan Allen – DT, Alabama
Four-year player in Tuscaloosa, and even got experience as a true freshman. Very strong. Had 28.5 sacks during his time at Alabama, second-best total in school history. Very quick. Played defensive end in Alabama’s 3-4 front. Makes plays in big games. Blocked PAT in one-point victory over Arkansas. Named SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2016. Very good use of hands. Great instincts. Outstanding character. Reminds me of the Buccaneers’ Gerald McCoy.
RANK
8
Mitchell Trubisky – QB, North Carolina
Redshirted in 2013, and played very little the next two seasons. When he did play in 2015, he played well, completing 40 of 47 passes for 555 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions. Had a breakout year last season, completing 68 percent of his passes for 3,748 yards, 30 TDs and six INTs. Has very good accuracy. Moves around well. Quick release. Has traits that usually translate to NFL success. Led back-to-back come-from-behind victories vs. Pitt and Florida State. Poorest game came in loss vs. Virginia Tech when he completed just 13 of 33 passes with two INTs. Was sacked 20 times in 13 games in 2016. Had good success in the red zone.
RANK
9
Deshaun Watson – QB, Clemson
Three-time Georgia high school player of the year. Started five games as a true freshman in 2014. Completed 60 percent of his passes and won 90 percent of his starts in his three years at Clemson. Reminds me of Alex Smith, the No. 1 overall pick of the 49ers in 2005; he doesn’t have the strongest arm, but he has great character, is accurate, and is a proven winner. Grew up in house built by Warrick Dunn’s foundation for single mothers.
RANK
10
John Ross – WR, Washington
Played wide receiver, kick returner, and some at cornerback as a true freshman in 2013. Made four starts at wide receiver in 2014, before suffering a torn ACL in spring of 2015 that forced him to redshirt the entire season. Came back in 2016 for a breakout year in which he was targeted 131 times, with 81 catches and 17 touchdowns and only three drops. Fifty-one of those receptions were for first downs. Will willingly go over the middle to catch the ball. Very tough. Tracks ball well. Has great speed and explosiveness. Very athletic. Hands are on the small side (8 3/4 inches).
RANK
11
Gareon Conley – CB, Ohio State
Three-year player at Ohio State who started 26 games over the last two seasons. Of the 44 times he was targeted in 2016, he was burned only 16 times (36 percent), gave up only one touchdown, and had four interceptions. He also had only one third-down defensive holding call against him. Outstanding athlete; had a 37-inch vertical jump at the combine. Has long arms (33 inches). Needs to get stronger. Day 1 starter in the NFL.
RANK
12
Christian McCaffrey – RB, Stanford
Good NFL bloodlines: father, Ed, played 13 years in the NFL and has three Super Bowl rings; brother, Max, is on the Packers roster. Three-year player at Stanford who was used in many capacities. Tough matchup for opponents. Can run, catch and return kicks. Has outstanding work habits and is an exceptional athlete (37.5-inch vertical and 6.57-second three-cone at combine). Great character. Outstanding, but small, hands (9 inches). Needs to increase upper-body strength.
RANK
13
O.J. Howard – TE, Alabama
Four-year player at Alabama who returned for senior season to improve his blocking. Had 45 catches in 2016 on 55 targets, with only two drops with a freshman QB; 24 receptions were for first downs. Played 150 special-teams snaps. Very athletic (4.16-second short shuttle, 6.85-second three-cone, and an exceptional 1.52-second 10-yard dash). Has big-play ability; averaged 26.5 yards on four catches in last season’s national title game against Clemson.
RANK
14
Reuben Foster – LB, Alabama
Four-year linebacker who played regularly as a true freshman in 2013. Won Butkus Award in 2016 when he finished with 115 tackles. Very tough, competitive player. Very athletic. Was targeted 40 times in 2016 and opponents caught the ball 23 times. No one plays harder, but style of play has led to injuries; he’s currently rehabbing from shoulder surgery. Can he stay healthy at 230 pounds? Has overcome a lot in his life to get where he is today.
RANK
15
Cam Robinson – OT, Alabama
Father is Steve Foley, who played in the NFL for seven years. Started 43 consecutive games in his three seasons at Alabama. Team captain. Has 35.5-inch arms. Very good initial quickness (1.77-second 10-yard dash at combine). Very good competitor. Allowed only one sack in 2016 — against Tennessee’s Derek Barnett, who also had three pressures in the game. Big, strong hands (10.5 inches). Called for only one holding penalty but had 10 false starts. Should play long time in the NFL at a high level.
RANK
16
Derek Barnett – DE, Tennessee
Three-year player at Tennessee who had more sacks (33, including 13 in 2016) than Reggie White did with the Vols. Participated in everything at the combine despite being ill. Had 29 of his 33 sacks vs. SEC teams. Played 76 snaps on special teams. Plays with energy and outstanding effort. Highly motivated. Has body frame to put on additional weight. Great character.
RANK
17
Charles Harris – DE, Missouri
Played four years at Mizzou, but his junior season was stronger than his senior year, mostly due to a change in defense. Very good athlete. Has bend and burst off end of the line. Had nine sacks and 54 pressures in 2016. Very good initial quickness. High-effort player. Can develop into a very good pass rusher in the NFL.
RANK
18
Parick Mahomes – QB, Texas Tech
Three-year player at Texas Tech. Very strong arm; threw the ball 60 mph at the combine. Set NCAA record vs. Oklahoma in 2016 when he passed for 734 yards, completing 52 of 88 attempts, with five touchdowns and adding 87 yards rushing. Had 41 passing TDs in his final season at TTU. Good athlete; son of Major League pitcher Pat Mahomes. Would have been a high MLB draft pick coming out of high school were it not for his commitment to football at Tech. Will need time to develop in the NFL, maybe two years. With a good work ethic and a team’s patience, he could play in the NFL for a long time.
RANK
19
Ryan Ramczyk – OT, Wisconsin
Only played one year at Wisconsin after transferring from Div. III UW-Stevens Point and being redshirted in 2015. Took unusual route to NFL but great story of perseverance. Played great in 2016, allowing only one sack, with no holding penalties and just two false starts. Played in more than 900 snaps in 14 games. Very good competitor. Needs to work on upper-body strength. Very good feet. Recovering from hip surgery.
RANK
20
Jarrad Davis – LB, Florida
Two-year starter at Florida. Can play middle or outside ‘backer. Very competitive. Had 14 tackles vs. Vanderbilt. Missed four of last five games in 2016 with an ankle injury, which forced him to sit out the Senior Bowl and combine. However, he showed off his athleticism at the Gators’ pro day. Plays well in space. Very explosive tackler. Very good on special teams. Tough, smart player.
RANK
21
Jabrill Peppers – S, Michigan
Three-year player who came into his own in 2016. Won four state titles at two different high schools in New Jersey. Played multiple positions on both offense and defense at Michigan, but his best is probably safety. Can return kickoffs and punts. Dropped some passes that should have been intercepted at UM’s pro day. Was burned nine times on 14 targets in 2016 — not good. Peppers is a pure football player. You need to figure out how to use him; and if you can’t, don’t draft him. Otherwise, you’ll be doing him and yourself a huge disservice.
RANK
22
Garett Bolles – OT, Utah
Played only one year at major-college level after transferring from a junior college. Started 13 games at left tackle in 2016 and gave up just two sacks. Had seven holding and seven false start penalties. Will be 25 years old next month. Has elevated stock because of the lack of quality linemen in this draft, but he has a good chance to find success in the NFL. Good pick with some risk.
RANK
23
Mike Williams – WR, Clemson
Four-year player at Clemson. Reminds some of Keyshawn Johnson, the first player taken in the 1996 draft. Had 98 catches in 2016. Has good size and body control needed for success at position. Not the fastest receiver or best blocker. Former basketball player. Had five drops on 145 targets in 2016, and 63 of his catches went for first downs. Will win most 50-50 balls thrown his way. Exceptional receiver on back-shoulder throws.
RANK
24
Takkarist McKinley – DE, UCLA
Transferred to UCLA from junior college. Long arms (34 3/4 inches) and quick get-off to rush passer. Had 10 sacks and 54 pressures in 2016. Most sacks/pressures came against lowly regarded offensive linemen. At combine, did not perform well in short shuttle or three-cone — drills that show short-area quickness. Has some pass-rush ability.
RANK
25
Dalvin Cook – RB, Florida State
Three-year player at FSU, where he became the school’s all-time leading rusher in yards (4,464) and touchdowns (46). Exceptional vision as a runner, a trait Bill Parcells believes is the most important for a running back. Has strength and is tough. Plays fast. Good but not great hands, and some questions linger about his pass-protection skills. Has had some off-field problems in past, but seems like a good kid when you meet him. Has had three shoulder surgeries since high school.
RANK
26
Adoree’ Jackson – CB, USC
Three-year player who started 10 games in 2014 as a true freshman, including some at wide receiver. Very athletic. Outstanding kick-return skills; returned eight for touchdowns at USC. Has outstanding burst. High burn percentage in 2016 (52 percent), burn yards (499) and touchdowns allowed (7). Needs to play one position and forget about track. Teams are betting on speed and athletic ability with him. He’s either a slot corner or wide receiver, and a kick returner.
RANK
27
Quincy Wilson – CB, Florida
Three-year player for Gators. Has the size needed to match up with the new breed of NFL receivers. Strong, can re-route receivers. Smart, quick and competitive. Ran incredible 4.02-second short shuttle at the combine. Was targeted by opposing quarterbacks 47 times and had a very respectable burn rate of 34 percent (16 catches), plus nine passes defensed. Had three career INT returns for touchdowns. Father, Chad Wilson, was a corner at the University of Miami.
RANK
28
Kevin King – CB, Washington
Played safety first two years with the Huskies, moved to corner last two seasons. Was targeted by opposing quarterbacks 51 times in 2016, with 23 burns (45 percent) and did not surrender a touchdown. Had a very good combine. Has exceptional short-area quickness (3.89-second short shuttle, 6.56-second three-cone). Can play both safety and cornerback. Played 92 snaps on special teams.
RANK
29
David Njoku – TE, Miami
Played just two seasons at Miami, with only nine starts. Grew up in Nigeria, where parents still live. One of nine children. Only 20 years old. Uber-athletic; was national high jump champion in high school, and had a 37.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-1 broad jump at the combine. On 74 targets in 2016, he had four drops and eight TDs. Has unlimited potential. A risk because he’s still somewhat raw, but one worth taking because of upside.
RANK
30
Tre’Davious White – CB, LSU
Started 11 games in 2013 as a true freshman. Has started 47 games in four years at LSU. Good ball skills. Can return punts (three for touchdowns at LSU). Very athletic; was an outstanding high school basketball player. Hard worker in offseason. Not flashy but dependable. Had 20 burns on 51 targets (respectable 39 percent), with two TDs allowed and 17 passes defensed, in 2016. Played 155 special teams snaps.
RANK
31
Corey Davis – WR, Western Michigan
Four-year player with the Broncos who played as a true freshman in 2013 (67 catches). WMU was only Division I offer he had coming out of high school. Only player in FBS history with more than 300 catches, 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns. Very good hands, but had seven drops on 142 targets in 2016. Biggest question: Will he be able to separate against NFL defensive backs? A lot like Cowboys WR Terrance Williams. Didn’t face a lot of top competition, and struggled some vs. Ohio State in 2015.
RANK
32
Chidobe Awuzie – CB, Colorado
Started seven games as a true freshman in 2013. Did not play well vs. Oklahoma State in bowl game (turf toe injury). Had an exceptional 1.50-second 10-yard dash at the combine. Very good tackler. Smart and tough. Can play corner, nickel and safety. Great character. Comes from a strong family. In 2016 he was targeted 63 times, with 31 burns (49 percent) and two touchdowns allowed.
RANK
33
DeShone Kizer – QB, Notre Dame
Three-year player for the Irish, with 23 starts after being redshirted in 2014. Didn’t start Week 1 last fall vs. Texas, but entered in reserve and nearly brought Notre Dame back to win. Has tremendous upside, maybe more than any quarterback in this draft. Very good arm strength. Has quick release, but his accuracy needs improvement. Did not play as well in 2016 as he did in 2015, but that was due to a lack of talent around him after losing key weapons. Has talent and athletic ability. Needs time with top quarterback coach like Kyle Shanahan at San Francisco.
RANK
34
Evan Engram – TE, Ole Miss
Started six games as a true freshman in 2013. Will be a matchup nightmare for opponents. Has wide receiver speed. Tracks the ball well. Not sure how big he will get (240 pounds?). Natural leader; two-time captain. Four drops on 40 targets in 2016. Played big vs. Alabama and Florida State, with 18 combined catches for 259 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Had exceptional pro day workout.
RANK
35
Curtis Samuel – RB, Ohio State
Three-year player for the Buckeyes. Played mostly running back. Will be a Percy Harvin-type of player in the NFL. Very fast. Will catch going across the middle. Despite lack of experience, more advanced than you might think at receiver. Started at H-back in 2016. Look at Michigan tape and you see a future NFL star in the making.
RANK
36
JuJu Smith-Schuster – WR, USC
Very young; won’t turn 21 until November. Started 12 games as a true freshman. Did not have a good quarterback at the start of the 2016 season (only one catch vs. Alabama in opener). Needs work as a route runner. Very strong and has big hands. Wins most 50-50 balls.
RANK
37
Haason Reddick – DE, Temple
Came to Temple as a defensive back walk-on, and redshirted his first season. Played linebacker in 2013 before settling in at defensive end in 2014. Had breakout season in 2016 with 10.5 sacks and 29 pressures. Good quickness and burst. Very tough and competitive. Biggest question: Is he better with his hand in the ground or as a 3-4 ‘backer? Wore No. 7 at Temple; defensive players are given single-digit numbers for toughness. Had off-campus fight in 2015 and was able to avoid a trial by agreeing to be placed in a diversionary program. Played 121 special teams snaps.
RANK
38
Marcus Williams – S, Utah
Started six games in 2014 as a true freshman. Very athletic; had 43.5-inch vertical, 10-foot-9 broad jump, and 6.85-second three-cone drill at the combine. Very instinctive as a free safety. Very good hands. He was targeted 19 times by opposing quarterbacks in 2016, with five INTs and five burns for a very low burn rate of 26 percent. Participated on 98 special teams snaps. Will start as first-year player in NFL, might even play corner for certain teams.
RANK
39
Josh Jones – S, N.C. State
Entered N.C. State as a running back out of high school. Redshirted in 2013. Played strong safety in 2014 and 2015, moved to free safety last season. Physical player, very aggressive. Had impressive 37.5-inch vertical jump at the combine. Was burned on 24 of 44 targets in 2016 (55 percent), three touchdowns allowed and three interceptions. Had 78 special teams plays. Impact tackler; had double-digit tackles in six games this past fall, 109 for season.
RANK
40
Jordan Willis – DE, Kansas St.
Four-year player who was highly respected by coach Bill Snyder at K-State. Will compete hard from snap to whistle, and beyond. Against West Virginia last season he had two sacks and nine pressures in a game he had to come off the field twice with injuries, only to return both times. Had 11.5 sacks for the season and was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Has great first-move quickness to go along with a 39-inch vertical. Team captain. Player whose stock rose through testing and as teams got to know him.
RANK
41
Forrest Lamp – G, Western Kentucky
Five-year player at WKU who started 51 games, 48 at left tackle. Very strong; had 34 lifts at the combine. Good quickness off the ball. Had good short shuttle and three-cone times. History of wrist injuries is concerning. Very smart with good character. Try-hard player who is better suited at guard and could even end up at center.
RANK
42
Taco Charlton – DE, Michigan
Four-year player who had only started four games going into 2016 season. Had best game of college career against Ohio State (2.5 sacks, 3 pressures, 9 tackles), a performance that opened many eyes among NFL scouts. Finished with 10 sacks in 2016. Ran better at his pro day (4.85-second 40) after running 4.92 at the combine. Has long arms (34 1/4 inches). Looks the part, but does not always play the part. Very inconsistent. Underachiever label. Has size you want for position. Might be best suited to play left end.
RANK
43
Marlon Humphrey – CB, Alabama
Spent three years at Alabama, but played only two, with 29 starts. Has size, speed and intelligence needed for position. Has trouble finding the ball, which might not be correctable. Was targeted 58 times by opposing quarterbacks, with 28 burns (48 percent), and 492 yards and four touchdowns allowed in 2016. Had two interceptions, one he returned for a touchdown vs. USC. Father, Bobby Humphrey, was a first-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 1989 and played five years in the league.
RANK
44
Marcus Maye – S, Florida
Five-year player with the Gators. Injured and didn’t work out at the combine. Had a great pro day workout; ran the 40 in 4.46 seconds, had a 4.16-second short shuttle, and a 7.07-second three-cone drill. Played free safety at Florida. Was targeted 16 times by opposing quarterbacks in 2016, with just four burns (25 percent) and one TD allowed. Very good special teams player (113 snaps in 2016). Has quick feet and very good anticipation. Can play slot corner. Very smart. Has shot to be a first-year starter in the NFL.
RANK
45
Malik McDowell – DT, Michigan State
Three-year player for the Spartans who had 22 starts in two years. Missed three games with an ankle injury at end of 2016 season. Very athletic. Plays tall; difficult to change this. Only 20 years old. Very immature and did not interview well at the combine. Can run down opposing players. Had just 1.5 sacks and 17 pressures in nine games in 2016. Classic boom-or-bust player.
RANK
46
Zach Cunningham – LB, Vanderbilt
Entered Vandy at 200 pounds and redshirted first year. Started five games in 2014, and has been the SEC’s leading tackler the past two seasons. Looks lean at 234, but has the body frame to add another 20 pounds. Not real strong; only had 15 strength lifts at the combine. Had 35-inch vertical and 10-foot-5 broad jump. Very smart. Hands are a question. Had no interceptions in his three years of playing. High-character person. Patriots coach Bill Belichick came to his pro day.
RANK
47
Tim Williams – LB, Alabama
Four-year player at Alabama who was never a full-time starter. Pass-rush specialist. Very explosive. Will need to become stronger. A lot like Bruce Irvin, the 15th overall pick by Seattle in 2012. Has history of character problems. Will compete on the field. Not sure he can play in space.
RANK
48
Chris Wormley – DE, Michigan
Five-year player at Michigan who redshirted in 2012 and finished with 30 starts. Team captain. Named Michigan’s best defensive lineman in each of past two seasons. Had 18 career sacks. Terrific pro day; sister, mother, and grandmother all traveled from Toledo to attend. Will be good, steady player for team that drafts him.
RANK
49
Ryan Anderson – OLB, Alabama
Five-year player who didn’t start until last season. Best as a 3-4 linebacker. Very competitive player. Had 8.5 sacks in 2016, with one interception and four forced fumbles. Was targeted by opposing quarterbacks 10 times last season, giving up just 33 receiving yards on four receptions. Strong tackler. Had 117 snaps on special teams. Some off-field problems in 2015.
RANK
50
Dan Feeney – OL, Indiana
Started 12 games as a true freshman in 2012, but was redshirted in 2013 with foot injury. Finished with 46 career starts at Indiana. Played center in Senior Bowl. One NFC East team thinks he is a better defensive line prospect. Allowed just two sacks in four years. Very tough. Does a good job vs. blitz. Smart player and good leader; was a captain for two years. Played both tackle and guard at IU. All-Big Ten First Team in 2015 and 2016.

51. Chris Godwin, WR, Penn State
52. Pat Elflein, C, Ohio State
53. Justin Evans, S, Texas A&M
54. Ethan Pocic, C, LSU
55. Budda Baker, S, Washington
56. Dorian Johnson, OL, Pittsburgh
57. Daeshon Hall, DE, Texas A&M
58. Davon Godchaux, DT, LSU
59. Tedric Thompson, S, Colorado
60. T.J. Watt, OLB, Wisconsin

61. Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan
62. Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina
63. Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington
64. Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma
65. Teez Tabor, CB, Florida
66. Dion Dawkins, OL, Temple
67. Tyus Bowser, OLB, Houston
68. Obi Melifonwu, S, Connecticut
69. Desmond King, CB, Iowa
70. ArDarius Stewart, WR, Alabama

71. Dalvin Tomlinson, DT, Alabama
72. Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State
73. Jordan Leggett, TE, Clemson
74. Dawuane Smoot, DE, Illinois
75. Josh Malone, WR, Tennessee
76. Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn
77. Duke Riley, OLB, LSU
78. Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee
79. Sidney Jones, CB, Washington
80. Brian Hill, RB, Wyoming

81. Davis Webb, QB, Cal
82. Joshua Dobbs, QB, Tennessee
83. Isaac Asiata, OG, Utah
84. Cam Sutton, CB, Tennessee
85. Zach Banner, OT, USC
86. Jeremy Sprinkle, TE, Arkansas
87. D’Onta Foreman, RB, Texas
88. Josh Reynolds, WR, Texas A&M
89. Vince Biegel, LB, Wisconsin
90. James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh

91. Roderick Johnson, OT, Florida State
92. Alex Anzalone, LB, Florida
93. Shaquill Griffin, CB, Central Florida
94. Jaleel Johnson, DT, Iowa
95. Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE, Villanova
96. Julie’n Davenport, OT, Bucknell
97. Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma
98. Nathan Peterman, QB, Pittsburgh
99. David Sharpe, OT, Florida
100. Caleb Brantley, DT, Florida

101. George Kittle, TE, Iowa
102. Ricky Seals-Jones, TE, Texas A&M
103. Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA
104. Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama
105. Ishmael Zamora, WR, Baylor
106. Bucky Hodges, TE, Virginia Tech
107. Chad Hansen, WR, Cal
108. Taylor Moton, OL, Western Michigan
109. Nazair Jones, DT, North Carolina
110. Nico Siragusa, OL, San Diego State

111. DeMarcus Walker, DL, FSU
112. Brad Kaaya, QB, Miami
113. John Johnson, S, Boston College
114. Kendell Beckwith, ILB, LSU
115. KD Cannon, WR, Baylor
116. Kenny Golladay, WR, Northern Illinois
117. Jake Butt, TE, Michigan
118. Danny Isidora, OG, Miami
119. Adam Shaheen, TE, Ashland
120. Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson

121. Carlos Watkins, DT, Clemson
122. Montravius Adams, DT, Auburn
123. Carlos Henderson, WR-KR, Louisiana Tech
124. Amara Darboh, WR, Michigan
125. Anthony Walker, LB, Northwestern
126. Tarell Basham, DE, Ohio
127. Taywan Taylor, WR, Western Kentucky
128. Derek Rivers, DE, Youngstown St.
129. Donnel Pumphrey, RB, San Diego St.
130. Antonio Garcia, OT, Troy

131. Howard Wilson, CB, Houston
132. Kareem Hunt, RB, Toledo
133. Jehu Chesson, WR, Michigan
134. Jessamen Dunker, OG, Tennessee St.
135. Fadol Brown, DE, Ole Miss
136. Collin Buchanan, OT, Miami (Ohio)
137. Avery Gennesy, OT, Texas A&M
138. Larry Ogunjobi, OT, UNC-Charlotte
139. Jonnu Smith, TE, Florida International
140. Shelton Gibson, WR, West Virginia

141. Jeremy McNichols, RB, Boise St.
142. Mack Hollins, WR, North Carolina
143. Tarik Cohen, RB-KR, North Carolina A&T
144. Jalen Myrick, CB, Minnesota
145. Zane Gonzalez, K, Arizona State
146. Brandon Barnes, TE, Alabama St.
147. Ben Gedeon, ILB, Michigan
148. Ahkello Witherspoon, CB, Colorado
149. C.J. Beathard, QB, Iowa
150. Deatrich Wise, DE, Arkansas

[zn]

Kiper Has Three Round Blueprint For LA Rams In 2017 NFL Draft

ESPN’s lead NFL draft analyst has his “Grade A” mock for every team through three rounds. What does he think makes the most sense for the Rams?

by Joe McAtee

http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/4/19/15355400/2017-nfl-draft-la-rams-espns-kiper-mock-draft-grade-a

Grading NFL draft classes is an exercise in near-impossibility.

You’re projecting scheme fit, chemistry, health, development, level of difficulty and the unknown swells of the personnel tides often within days of the draft. But people click on it, so the world turns.

Here’s ESPN’s Mel Kiper (insider sub required), the undeniable king of the draft grade, 11 months ago as the Los Angeles Rams wrapped up their headlining 2016 NFL Draft class:

They traded a mint to move into place to get Jared Goff, and then they did a pretty good job of getting weapons in the passing game despite the fact that they didn’t have any picks in Rounds 2 or 3. I’m a fan of Goff — he is my No. 1 quarterback in this draft — but this is not a slam-dunk future franchise quarterback. They’ll need to be extremely patient and find ways to protect him. What they did do is hand him a couple of useful weapons in the passing game, a little reminiscent of how the Jags tried to add pass-catchers when they drafted Blake Bortles. Tyler Higbee is a second-round talent who got into trouble off the field and landed in the fourth. If you get the talent and not the drama, that’s a steal. Pharoh Cooper could be a stud in the slot. He is sudden in his movements, competitive after the catch and should have been drafted earlier. Ultimately, this draft is all about Goff. They gave up SO much for him, it has to work.

Nothing wrong with the assessment, but you can see the fallacy pretty easily. A year removed and we’re nowhere closer to having any of the answers to the questions raised.

So with a week and some hours ahead of the 2017 NFL Draft beginning, Kiper has his “Grade A” mock up (insider sub required) with the best course of action for each of the NFL’s 32 teams. Here’s what he charts for the Rams:

Round 2 (37): Antonio Garcia, OT, Troy
Round 3 (69): ArDarius Stewart, WR, Alabama

With no first-round pick (traded to the Titans in last year’s Jared Goff deal), a new coach and several holes on their roster, the Rams must hit on their first pick. Adding to the offensive line could be the safest bet here. Los Angeles brought in Andrew Whitworth and John Sullivan as short-term solutions at left tackle and center, respectively, after giving up the second-most sacks in the league (49) last season, but this is still a need. Garcia started 42 games on the left side in college, and I think he could start at tackle immediately in the NFL. Stewart, my eighth-ranked receiver, is undersized (5-foot-11, 204 pounds), but he’s an all-around player and willing blocker.

It’s certainly comfortable to add a pair of offensive prospects coming out of a season in which you put up the NFL’s worst offense. Even with the signings of Whitworth and Robert Woods, the tackle and wide receiver positions for the Rams offer little long-term comfort. I don’t think there’s anything strange, then, with the Garcia pick. I’ve got a similar lack of criticism of the Stewart pick. Without a great build, he’s an impressive athlete who has some versatility across the field and on the boundaries.

What’s perhaps uncomfortable is the totality of Kiper’s mock when you look at it in order and not team-by-team.

Kiper has Clemson QB Deshaun Watson going 39th overall. I’m not saying it won’t happen, but that seems like the kind of slide that is going to make a lot of teams look very bad, the kind that happens every year. Miami TE David Njoku is someone we’ve consistently seen out of reach for the Rams with the 37th overall pick. Kiper mocks him at #44.

Into the third round past the Rams taking Stewart with the 69th overall pick, there’s just a ton of names we’ve seen go much, much, much higher quite frequently. At #70, Kiper sends Indiana G Dan Feeney to the New York Jets. Could the Rams pass on him twice? USC WR JuJu Smith-Schuster comes off three picks later. Ohio St. ILB Raekwon McMillan heads to the Arizona Cardinals at #77, a pick that would gut me. And Alabama OLB Tim Williams at #102 to the Seattle Seahawks?!

The draft never shakes out in line with projections. The opportunity costs for the Rams who hold just two picks in the first 111 selections of the draft feel overwhelming.

As Kiper’s mock shows, there are easy fits all over the place. Charting a course to turn around a franchise that hasn’t had a winning campaign in their last 13 seasons is going to take more than a pair of draft picks. But it’s going to be a hell of a starting point.

[zn]

Rams hoping for that rare find at 37th overall

By Alden Gonzalez

http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/33548/rams-hoping-for-that-rare-find-at-37th-overall

LOS ANGELES — Seven decades ago, the Los Angeles Rams took a flyer on a T-formation quarterback named Norm Van Brocklin. This was December of 1948. Van Brocklin had just led Oregon to a tie for the Pacific Coast Conference championship, but he still had another year of eligibility remaining and teams believed he would go back to school. He slipped all the way to the 37th overall selection, which at that time took place in the fourth round.

To this day, Van Brocklin remains the only 37th pick to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

2017 NFL DRAFT

Round 1: April 27, 8 p.m. ET
Rds. 2-3: April 28, 7 p.m. ET
Rds. 4-7: April 29, noon ET
Where: Philadelphia

NFL draft home page »

• 2017 NFL draft order »
• Mel Kiper Jr.: Mock 3.0 »
• Todd McShay: Mock 3.0 »
• Todd McShay’s Top 32 »
• Mel Kiper Jr.’s Big Board »
• McShay: Top prospects by position »
• Mel Kiper Jr.: Top 10 by position »
• Pro day schedule for prospects »
• Underclassmen who have declared »
• NFL draft player rankings »
He now signifies hope. Hope for teams scrambling to find that franchise cornerstone with the fifth pick of the second round. Hope for an organization like the present-day Rams, who, nearly 70 years later, won’t make their first selection in the 2017 draft until, yep, 37th overall.

That pick will take place next Friday night, on April 28, probably a little after 4:30 p.m. PT. And there is really no telling which direction the Rams will go, because so many picks will be made before them and because so many of their positions need fixing. They badly need talent at receiver and tight end, but they also need depth at cornerback and safety. They need to identify their left tackle and center of the future, but they also need to start building the next wave of defensive linemen and linebackers.

If you had to narrow it down — based on the Rams’ biggest needs and this draft’s greatest strengths — you would probably go with a receiving threat or a defensive back. The Rams have been linked to an assortment of both. And on a conference call with NFL Nation reporters on Tuesday, ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. identified East Carolina receiver Zay Jones as someone who could slip to the Rams at 37.

“It would make sense, if he gets to that point,” Kiper said of Jones, the FBS record holder for receptions in a career and in a single season. “I thought at one point Kansas City might take him. But there’s a chance he can get into the second round and go in that early-round, two area to the Rams.”

From 2000 to ’16, the 37th overall pick produced three players who were invited to at least one Pro Bowl: guard Andre Gurode, defensive back Eric Weddle and tackle Jon Stinchcomb. They combined for 10 Pro Bowl invites and two All-Pro selections. All 17 of those picks have combined to serve 60 seasons as the primary starters for their respective teams, as defined by Pro-Football Reference.

Which picks perform the best?
A look at the number of Pro Bowlers, Pro Bowl invites and first-team All-Pro selections in the first 40 picks of the NFL draft since 2000:

SELECTIONS PRO BOWLERS PRO BOWL INVITES FIRST-TEAM ALL-PRO SELECTIONS
1-8 68 216 56
9-16 65 194 66
17-24 42 115 24
25-32 38 98 18
33-40 26 52 9

The No. 1 overall pick since 2000? Eleven Pro Bowl players, 30 Pro Bowl invites, three first-team All Pro selections and 95 seasons as primary starters.

No. 2? Eight Pro Bowl players, 33 Pro Bowl invites, 12 first-team All Pro Selections and 84 seasons as primary starters.

No. 3? Nine Pro Bowl players, 47 Pro Bowl invites, 12 first-team All Pro Selections and 100 seasons as primary starters.

As you might have guessed, the overall success of players declines as one moves further down the draft. But it isn’t necessarily a straight line south. Since 2000, the No. 11 overall selection has produced 16 first-team All-Pro selections; 24th overall has combined for 33 Pro Bowl invites; 35th overall has recorded 77 seasons as starters. Picks 9 to 16 produced a combined 66 first-team All-Pro selections, 10 more than picks 1 to 8. But slots 33 to 40 only produced a combined 26 Pro Bowl players over these last 17 years — 12 fewer than slots 25 to 32, 16 fewer than slots 17 to 24, 39 fewer than slots 9 to 16, and 42 fewer than slots 1 to 8.

The Rams hope to someday add No. 27.

Les Snead has made five second-round picks in five prior drafts as the Rams’ general manager. Two (Janoris Jenkins and Lamarcus Joyner) turned out well. Two (Brian Quick and Isaiah Pead) did not. And one (Rob Havenstein) is still to be determined. This will be the eighth time in franchise history that the Rams are drafting 37th overall. The other seven selections …

RB Robert Holcombe, 1998

QB Ron Jaworski, 1973

LB Fred Brown, 1965

LB Johnny Baker, 1963

DB Dewey McConnell, 1952

Van Brocklin

C Roger Harding, 1945

Only the two quarterbacks — Van Brocklin and Jaworski — spent more than three seasons as starters.

[zn]

Rams’ top five needs, best fits on the clock at No. 37

Who should the Rams take with their first pick? We break down all their options

Frank Cooney NFLDraftScout.com

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2017-nfl-draft-los-angeles-rams-top-five-needs-best-fits-on-the-clock-at-no-37/

This is one in a series that covers each team, offering viewers information for homework, suggestions and then the opportunity to make a draft pick.

When the NFL Draft begins selections in Philadelphia April 27, the Los Angeles Rams will wait until the next day to make their initial pick at No. 37 overall in the second round.

Here is an in-depth look at the team’s needs, offseason changes, potential best fit and the selections by NFLDraftScout.com’s experts.
Who would you pick and why?

Top five needs

1. No. 1 receiver: It’s a been a well-established problem for the Rams, but they just haven’t been able to uncover a game-changing wideout. And while they added veteran Robert Woods in free agency, he isn’t the elusive big-time downfield threat they sorely need.

2. Center: The Rams released Tim Barnes during the early stage of free agency, and while they chased Buffalo restricted free agent Ryan Groy with a contract offer sheet, the Bills wasted little time matching the offer. That leaves the Rams still in the market for a starting center even after the signing of John Sullivan.

3. Safety: Veteran T.J. McDonald will not be brought back — he signed as a free agent with the Dolphins — leaving the Rams with only Maurice Alexander as a starting safety. With precious few desirable free-agent possibilities, the Rams figure to address the position in a draft fairly deep at the position.

4. Cornerback: The Rams are open to locking up Trumaine Johnson to a long-term contract, but part of that is dependent on Johnson wanting to be in Los Angeles long term and whether he’s a good fit for Wade Phillips’ new defensive scheme. Point being, there is a chance Johnson might not be with the Rams beyond this season. Drafting a fill-in option — or a future starter opposite him — is a strategy they will consider.

5. Outside linebacker: The Rams signed veteran Connor Barwin as a 3-4 outside linebacker, but it remains to be seen if he’s a long-range answer. Even with defensive end Robert Quinn moving to the position, drafting and developing a future asset at rush linebacker is critical.

Best fit

Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan: The Rams need to improve the infrastructure around young quarterback Jared Goff, and desperately need a big, fast, dependable receiver who can put fear into the heads of opposing defenses. Davis fits that bill, and if he is available at No. 37 the Rams should jump at the chance to bring him in. Davis is a four-year starter and one of the most productive players in the draft, having capped his impressive career with 97 catches, 1,500 yards receiving and 19 touchdowns in 2016.

The pick will be …

Rob Rang: Evan Engram, TE, Mississippi. The Rams still need to add more weapons to help quarterback Jared Goff and at 6-foot-3, 234 pounds, Engram has similar size and athleticism as Jordan Reed, who become a star under new Rams head coach Sean McVay in Washington.

Dane Brugler: Takk McKinley, OLB, UCLA. The Rams have needs all over the roster and might be able to steal McKinley at a discount due to the shoulder issue that might force him to miss training camp.

Jim Miller: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama.

(Pat Kirwan, Miller picks based on last Friday’s mock on SiriusXM Radio. Listen to their next mock Friday, April 21, on SiriusXM NFL Radio channel 88).

Frank Cooney, IMO: Plenty of needs here, but a pass-catcher will help ignite Jared Goff’s career. I’ll be surprised if wide receiver Corey Davis is still around, which might make Mississippi tight end Evan Engram a good addition to new head coach Sean McVay’s offense for Goff.

[zn]

JuJu Smith-Schuster says Cowboys and Rams have shown the most interest

Posted by Mike Florio

JuJu Smith-Schuster says Cowboys and Rams have shown the most interest

As USC receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster prepares for the 2017 draft, he says two teams have shown the strongest desire to secure his services.

The Cowboys and the Rams have shown the most interest, Smith-Schuster said on Friday’s PFT Live.

While Smith-Schuster said he doesn’t have a wish list of teams for which he’d like to play (although he seems to believe players should be able to pick their NFL teams and not vice-versa), he said last month he’d like to play for the Chargers.

On PFT Live, he admitted that he has sent “a message” to the Raiders via his selection of them for the virtual JuJu in his Madden 2017 franchise.

In Madden 2018, Smith-Schuster will be assigned to one of the 32 teams, and he’ll be available to add to your Madden Ultimate Team, if that’s how you choose to play the game. Smith-Schuster and the rest of us will find out where that will be within the next week

[zn]

Rams Probably Need to Eye More TE Depth in the Draft

The Rams are woefully thin at tight end right now. PFF shows some options for them come draft day, with a handful of names they might want to target.

https://www.profootballfocus.com/draft-rams-probably-need-to-eye-more-te-depth-in-the-draft/

After the Los Angeles Rams hired Sean McVay, they released their longest-tenured TE, Lance Kendricks. The Rams’ only listed TE with any receptions is Tyler Higbee, who saw just 26 targets in 2016, catching 11.

Since 2015, McVay’s offense in Washington targeted the TEs in the slot 80 times, which resulted in 58 catches for 620 yards and five touchdowns.

2016 saw Washington’s TEs targeted 18 times on deep passes 20-plus yards down the field, third-most in the league. Those targets went for nine catches and 273 yards.

McVay’s offense targeted TEs 148 times in 2016. In 2016, Evan Engram led the draft class with 92 targets. Gerald Everett was fourth with 75, David Njoku was seventh with 69, and Michael Roberts was 11th with 64.

Engram, Njoku, and Everett were all in the top five for yards per route ran in 2016, with Engram leading the draft class with 2.59, followed by Njoku with 2.34, and Everett rounding out the top five with 2.31.

[Agamemnon]

I liked Engram from last year, but he didn’t come out.

Agamemnon

[zn]

2017 NFL Draft: Los Angeles Rams’ top five needs, best fits on the clock at No. 37
Who should the Rams take with their first pick? We break down all their options

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2017-nfl-draft-los-angeles-rams-top-five-needs-best-fits-on-the-clock-at-no-37/

This is one in a series that covers each team, offering viewers information for homework, suggestions and then the opportunity to make a draft pick.

When the NFL Draft begins selections in Philadelphia April 27, the Los Angeles Rams will wait until the next day to make their initial pick at No. 37 overall in the second round.

Here is an in-depth look at the team’s needs, offseason changes, potential best fit and the selections by NFLDraftScout.com’s experts.

Who would you pick and why?

Top five needs
1. No. 1 receiver: It’s a been a well-established problem for the Rams, but they just haven’t been able to uncover a game-changing wideout. And while they added veteran Robert Woods in free agency, he isn’t the elusive big-time downfield threat they sorely need.

2. Center: The Rams released Tim Barnes during the early stage of free agency, and while they chased Buffalo restricted free agent Ryan Groy with a contract offer sheet, the Bills wasted little time matching the offer. That leaves the Rams still in the market for a starting center even after the signing of John Sullivan.

3. Safety: Veteran T.J. McDonald will not be brought back — he signed as a free agent with the Dolphins — leaving the Rams with only Maurice Alexanderas a starting safety. With precious few desirable free-agent possibilities, the Rams figure to address the position in a draft fairly deep at the position.

4. Cornerback: The Rams are open to locking up Trumaine Johnson to a long-term contract, but part of that is dependent on Johnson wanting to be in Los Angeles long term and whether he’s a good fit for Wade Phillips’ new defensive scheme. Point being, there is a chance Johnson might not be with the Rams beyond this season. Drafting a fill-in option — or a future starter opposite him — is a strategy they will consider.

5. Outside linebacker: The Rams signed veteran Connor Barwin as a 3-4 outside linebacker, but it remains to be seen if he’s a long-range answer. Even with defensive end Robert Quinn moving to the position, drafting and developing a future asset at rush linebacker is critical.

Best fit

Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan: The Rams need to improve the infrastructure around young quarterback Jared Goff, and desperately need a big, fast, dependable receiver who can put fear into the heads of opposing defenses. Davis fits that bill, and if he is available at No. 37 the Rams should jump at the chance to bring him in. Davis is a four-year starter and one of the most productive players in the draft, having capped his impressive career with 97 catches, 1,500 yards receiving and 19 touchdowns in 2016.

The pick will be …

Rob Rang: Evan Engram, TE, Mississippi. The Rams still need to add more weapons to help quarterback Jared Goff and at 6-foot-3, 234 pounds, Engram has similar size and athleticism as Jordan Reed, who become a star under new Rams head coach Sean McVay in Washington.

Dane Brugler: Takk McKinley, OLB, UCLA. The Rams have needs all over the roster and might be able to steal McKinley at a discount due to the shoulder issue that might force him to miss training camp.

Jim Miller: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama.

Frank Cooney, IMO: Plenty of needs here, but a pass-catcher will help ignite Jared Goff’s career. I’ll be surprised if wide receiver Corey Davis is still around, which might make Mississippi tight end Evan Engram a good addition to new head coach Sean McVay’s offense for Goff.

[zn]

zn wrote:

Top five needs

1. No. 1 receiver

2. Center:

3. Safety:

4. Cornerback:

5. Outside linebacker:

They don’t need a safety. I think the combo of Joyner and Alexander will be about the best safety tandem the Rams have had since Lyle and Wright and it could be better than that was. The draft is deep at safety so I can see them adding depth late.

I would scratch Center off that list too. They have a center and can add a developmental guy later. That’s of course assuming that they don’t think they have anything in Rhaney or Arkin (which they probably don’t.)

Their 5 needs IMO include (not in order) WR, CB, and OLB/edge rusher. So the Outsiders at CBS Who Don’t Know the Team Like We Do got those 3 right.

Add TE and DE. Right now they may not have a suitable LDE who can play across from the tackle in a 3/4 D. Unless they use Brockers there, in which case what they need is an NT.

[Agamemnon]

This year’s cornerback class is one of the best we’ve ever seen, so expect to see a lot of these defensive backs to be selected in the first round.

Agamemnon

[Agamemnon]

White was a guy I liked last year.

Agamemnon

[zn]

Drew’s Draft Rules

By Drew Boylhart

http://www.thehuddlereport.com/thr/draftrules.shtml

1. Workouts should confirm what you already know.

2. How a player plays the game is just as important as any stat.
3. Numbers don’t lie, but they don’t tell the whole story.

4. Character is as important as talent.

5. Your team will not win if they draft criminals.

6. The Combine should be for medical evaluations and for coaches to interview players on coachability — not to evaluate talent or second guess scout evaluations

7. Scouts evaluate talent; they do not draft, or slot, players.

8. Coaches coach talent. History proves most, if not all are not good talent evaluators.

9. GM’s & coaches place the value of a player to the team; scouts cannot because they are too close to the player’s profile.

10. Many times, scouts plant “inside” details to manipulate and gather more information.

11. Don’t just draft a guard. Draft centers who can play guard and guards that can play center.

12. Drafting a franchise left tackle improves three positions: LT, LG & QB. Drafting a franchise center improves, center, guards and
confidence on the rest of the line as well as the offensive coordinator and QB. I love drafting offensive linemen!

13. I love drafting offensive lineman, but you should be able to find a RG standing in the check-out line at Walmart. If he doesn’t play center or left guard, let the other teams draft him.

14. Pass rushing is not a specialty. It should be included in the evaluation of the DE or LB position in their totality.

15. Tackling, or lack thereof, is a priority and the first skill I look for when evaluating all defensive positions. A CB can cover like a blanket, but if he doesn’t want to tackle, he is worthless.

16. Insisting your team has to draft a certain player or the whole draft is a failure is a trap. The 2-board system shows you the talent in every round. No need to panic.

17. Every round must be looked at like it is as important as the first round. The goal must be to draft talent and value in every round. No more Mr. Irrelevant. It’s an insult to the player selected.

18. Bad teams in top ten should trade down whenever possible for more picks in the “present” draft and not for future picks. Future picks are for future GM’s and coaches.

19. Never trade out of the top ten when you need a QB.

20. Sell the farm (mother, wife included) to move up in a draft if you think a QB is a franchise QB and your teams needs one. Just ask for visitation rights for mom and a conjugal visit for the wife!

21. Drafting BPA is nice to say, but don’t believe it; pretty much everyone is drafting for needs.

22. If a Head Coach blows a top ten selection because of character issues, you can bet he will be fired in about three years — sometimes sooner.

23. Don’t believe the crap that this is a passing league. There are maybe five franchise QB’s in the league. The rest need the threat of a good RB to be effective.

24. WR’s and RB’s can be found in any round in the draft, but there are exceptions to every rule.

25. LB’s do not have to run a 4.30 forty. They just have to be smart enough to not to get beat by an opponent who can run a 4.30 forty.

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alyoshamucci wrote:

I have close to 20 draftable TEs that weren’t even invited to the combine

Because the position is so packed … Drafting two TEs is something all 32 teams could do, literally, and end up with value.

… the simulations I’m doing and lists I’m making… there will be a skill position player or impact defender at 37. Heck even likely at 57.

…

Greg Gabriel‏ @greggabe

In this draft after about #20 there is a large group of players that could easily go bottom 3rd of 1st or top 3rd of 2nd. Similar talent

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merlin wrote:

WR and CB. WR because they have to get some weapons outside to deter teams from doing what they did last year. CB because Tru clearly is going to hit the FA market next offseason which means he’s gone and some of the guys they’ll be depending on even this season are questionable due to either talent or injury history.

Where it gets interesting is both positions have good depth, CB is deeper but teams are going to get help into round 4 at the least at both positions. So I do think it’s likely they suck it up and take the WR there at 37 even if he isn’t the highest graded option. If the guys who project to playing outside are gone, then they’ll probably go CB and target the next tier there in round 3.

There are some wildcard positions/players, granted, like the TE position, who the Rams might not want to pass up. But again at TE since that player will slide into a depth role and since it is very, very deep as a position in this draft I doubt they address it early.

Center should still be there round 4. Not an ideal situation but I think they can find someone who can help them out there.

DE and LB both loom as needs too and depending on who slides where might end up being picked at any point. But still overall the strengths of this draft line up pretty well with our needs, so I think we’re going to be pretty happy come this weekend.

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