big draft thread #2

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I think this is going to be one of the more fascinating drafts in a while. Grades for Day 1-2 players after first 10 or so are so similar.

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 19, 2017

Fact that mocks are all over the place says this will be one of most unpredictable drafts ever. Throw out the script. https://t.co/U2MKcFAH8r

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 24, 2017

While there's depth, I'm not sure I've seen a poorer collection of offensive linemen in one draft..

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 21, 2017

As we wait for schedule release, remember that in 2016 more games were decided by TD or less 53% of the time, largest % since at least 1960.

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 20, 2017

Last time two tight ends were taken in Round 1: 2006 (Vernon Davis, Marcedes Lewis). That feat should be matched this year.

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 19, 2017

On this date in 2010: the first NFL draft broadcast in prime time.

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 22, 2017

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Rams could target defensive prospects in draft with Wade Phillips’ help

Gary Klein

http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-draft-defense-20170425-story.html

Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is scheduled for upcoming book-signing appearances for “Son of Bum,” his memoir about football and growing up with his father, former NFL coach Bum Phillips.

But in the months since he was hired — and during the run-up to this week’s NFL draft — Phillips spent hours evaluating the Rams’ defense and identifying the kinds of defensive players coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead should pursue.

Phillips, 69, has been coaching in the NFL since 1976 and was the defensive coordinator for Denver when the Broncos won the Super Bowl two seasons ago.

“He’s been doing it at a such a high level for such a long time, he knows what it looks like when you get certain players in his system and they’re able to flourish,” McVay said Tuesday. “Wade is a guy that you definitely want to listen to.”

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Phillips does not say a lot in draft meetings, Snead said, but his offerings are apparently memorable.

“A few one-liners that come out of Wade’s mouth are brilliant,” Snead said. “You do know when he likes a player. And how he phrases it, it’s definitely must-listen.”

The Rams do not have a first-round pick but they have eight in rounds two through seven.

How they utilize the picks, especially the 37th overall, will be determined in part by what occurs in Thursday night’s first round and the first four picks of the second.

McVay is an offense-minded coach. And with glaring immediate needs at receiver and tight end — and questions along the offensive line — the Rams no doubt want to address what has been the NFL’s worst offense.

The defense, for the most part, was not to blame for a 4-12 record in 2016. It ranked ninth in the NFL. Late breakdowns at home against Miami and San Francisco fell on the defense — but only after the offense failed to gain critical first downs.

Under Phillips, the Rams are switching from the 4-3 scheme run by former coordinator Gregg Williams to the hybrid 3-4 that Phillips has deployed for years.

During the offseason, the Rams traded end William Hayes to the Miami Dolphins, released end Eugene Sims and let safety T.J. McDonald sign as a free agent with the Dolphins. The Rams signed free-agent cornerbacks Kayvon Webster and Nickell Robey-Coleman, linebackers Connor Barwin and Carlos Thompson and defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker.

Cornerback is the Rams’ most pressing defensive need going into the draft, especially with Trumaine Johnson’s future in question.

Johnson intercepted seven passes in 2015, so the Rams put the franchise tag on him and let cornerback Janoris Jenkins sign with the New York Giants.

Last season, Johnson sat out two-plus games because of an ankle injury. He intercepted only one pass, but the Rams put the franchise tag on him again, guaranteeing Johnson a salary of nearly $17 million this season.

The Rams have made Johnson available for trade but have found no takers. Asked if the Rams were still open to trading him, Snead said, “No, right now, I think we’re more into [organized-team activities] and let’s see if we can get something done by the end of this thing. That’s where we’re at right now.”

McVay said Johnson has “done a great job” and “handled himself like a true pro” since the Rams began offseason workouts.

“He’s a leader and that’s what you expect from a top-caliber corner like he is,” McVay said. “And we’re fortunate to have him.”

Johnson said Tuesday that he would like to remain with the Rams and was hopeful of getting a long-term contract.

“Of course — I love these guys, man,” he said. “I’m here because I love my teammates. I don’t want to leave and hopefully we get a long-term deal.”

If the Rams and Johnson do not come to terms, he would become a free agent after the season. The Rams would gain a compensatory pick in the 2018 draft if he signed elsewhere.

Snead said the Johnson’s situation would not affect the Rams’ draft.

“We’ll try to rank the corners from top to bottom,” he said. “You can always use more than one or two or three good corners. His situation won’t affect it, but right now he’s a Ram, and we plan to go from there.”

The Rams also need help at safety. Cornerback Lamarcus Joyner is working this offseason at free safety, enabling Maurice Alexander to move to strong safety. Cody Davis is the only other experienced safety on the roster.

The Rams are thin at linebacker but fairly deep along the defensive line. In Phillips’ system, end Robert Quinn is transitioning to an edge-rushing outside linebacker.

The Rams are looking for players who can “create explosive plays,” McVay said.

“Defensively, the guys that can get to the quarterback and can cover are at a premium,” he said.

At what point does filling a need override taking the best player available?

Snead said there was “a blend of common sense” that comes into play.

“There’s some definite needs that will help us as a team in 2017 and the future,’ he said. “Then, there are some times where, guess what, a really good football player falls that may not be your A or B need, but you can always use a really good football player, especially if there’s buy-in and he’s going to start and help us.”

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PLENTY OF OPTIONS FOR RAMS TO GET AN OUTSIDE WR IN THE DRAFT

https://www.profootballfocus.com/draft-plenty-of-options-for-rams-to-get-an-outside-wr-in-the-draft/

Los Angeles will need to find an outside receiver in this year’s NFL draft, but luckily for them, PFF shows there should be plenty of chances to get one.

PFF ANALYSIS TEAM

Head coach Sean McVay’s offense targeted the outside receiver on 43.6 percent of targets in 2016.

Josh Reynolds and Chad Hansen both ran 17 or fewer routes from the slot in 2016. Both had less than 4 percent of their snaps lined up in the slot.

Dede Westbrook was targeted in the slot 26 times, Taywan Taylor was targeted 28 times, and Amba Etta-Tawo was targeted 16 times. All three had more production on the outside than Hansen and Reynolds.

Hansen’s 16 receptions on passes 20-plus yards down the field (for 721 yards) was sixth-most among this year’s WR draft class, followed up by Westbrook with 15.

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Rams Mock Draft Roundup 5.0

By Mark Bodenrader

http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Rams-Mock-Draft-Roundup-50/cb216460-43cd-435f-aa14-25cf09fbfd8f

We’ve hit the home stretch. This week the 2017 NFL Draft will finally commence. The first round gets underway Thursday, but since the Rams don’t have a first-round pick this year it won’t get interesting for them until Friday when they make their first selection at No. 37 overall. Although, you can be sure the Rams and their fans will be keeping a close eye on what transpires in the first round to see who might drop and fall into their lap in the second round in what has been deemed a deep Draft.

As we count down the final days it’s time to do one last mock draft check-in and find out what the sports media landscape is thinking when it comes to the Rams and their selections.

We start with the two well-known Draft Insiders over at ESPN — Mel Kiper and Todd McShay. Recently, Kiper and McShay did a three-round mock, alternating the picks between them. Kiper ended up having to make both of the Rams’ selections in the three rounds.

Mel Kiper Todd McShay, ESPN Insider (subscription required)

Kiper’s pick: Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina

“The Rams have a bunch of needs and no first-round pick. I’m sticking to my board. Jones has No. 1 wideout potential.”

Kiper’s pick: Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA

“Moreau tore a pectoral muscle at his pro day, but he should be OK for the season. The Rams have needs across the roster, and so I’m sticking to my board.”

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Kiper separately did his “Grade: A” mock draft for each team. For his “Grade: A” mock draft he’s not necessarily concerned with projecting who the Rams will draft, but noting what picks he would make if he was the club in order to assure an “A” grade for the Draft.

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.”

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McShay also did his own three-round mock draft for readers. In this case he was attempting to project who the Rams are zeroing in on.

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.”

Going back to the Kiper/McShay combo draft, Kiper ended up slotting East Carolina’s Zay Jones to the Rams at No. 37. Jones to the Rams ended up being a popular selection in the latest roundup of mocks. That’s not surprising since he’s one of the top wide receiver prospects available.

Adam States, SB Nation

37. Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina

“The Rams sought to provide Jared Goff with some help in the offseason, but Robert Woods alone isn’t going to cut it. Jones is FBS’s all-time leader in receptions after racking up huge stats at East Carolina and should be able to immediately contribute for the Rams, which is a must for an offense that can’t afford to slowly groom any additional young talent.”

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Connor Riley, SEC Country

37. Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina

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Eddie Brown, San Diego Tribune

37. Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina

“Jones produced at a big-time level — he set a NCAA record for most receptions in a career (399) — and has excellent hands. Scouts rave about his character. His father, Robert, won three Super Bowls with the Cowboys in the 1990s. Top needs: OL, S, WR”

69. Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA

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Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

37. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC

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The close proximity to the Draft has some of the experts going a little deeper in their projections. Over at CBSSports.com, R.J. White mapped out all eight picks for the Rams in 2017, while NFL.com’s Chad Reuter also came through with a full seven-round assessment.

RJ White, CBS Sports

2/37. Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan

3/69. Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE, Villanova

4/112. Jessamen Dunker, OG, Tennessee State

4/141. Jamaal Williams, RB, BYU

5/149. Shelton Gibson, WR, West Virginia

6/189. Storm Norton, OT, Toledo

6/206. Jeremy Sprinkle, TE, Arkansas

7/234. JoJo Mathis, OLB, Washington

“The Rams underwent plenty of change this offseason, and the need to bring new personnel in to fill spots up and down the roster should preclude any thought of a trade up into Day 1. They need all these picks. The team still lands a Day 1 talent in Peppers, a playmaker in the secondary whose questionable NFL fit could see him slide. The Rams will have faith that Wade Phillips will put him to good use, likely at strong safety next to Lamarcus Joyner.

“Kpassagnon has drawn plenty of interest in the predraft process, and he could be a great fit at defensive end with the team switching to the 3-4. That would give them Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers and Kpassagnon on the line in base sets, with Robert Quinn and Connor Barwin out wide at linebacker. The Rams then turn their attention to Sean McVay’s offense, adding a potential starter in Dunker who could kick Rob Havenstein out to tackle if Greg Robinson flops there. Williams helps address the lack of depth behind Todd Gurley.

“Gibson could be a steal this late if the depth at receiver this year pushes potential Day 2 picks further than expected. Norton provided more line depth, while Sprinkle gives the team a nice option behind Tyler Higbee and in two-tight end sets. Mathis could turn into a steal for Phillips’ defense if his talent can be developed.”

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Chad Reuter, NFL.com

Los Angeles Rams

Round 2 (37) Dan Feeney, C, Indiana


Round 3 (69) KD Cannon, WR, Baylor


Round 4 (112) Vince Biegel, OLB, Wisconsin


Round 4 (141) Brendan Langley, CB, Lamar


Round 5 (149) Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma


Round 6 (189) D.J. Jones, DT, Ole Miss


Round 6 (206) Ben Braden, G, Michigan

Round 7 (234) David Jones, S, Richmond

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Over at Turf Show Times they take it one step further, not only attempting to project all of the Rams’ selections, but also envisioning what deals they might make as the events unfold in order to stockpile picks and target their needs. That’s why their board doesn’t exactly match those above. Ultimately though they see the Rams going after some receiver help with their first selection.

Misone Adiasor, Turf Show Times

Rams Rd 2-7

2/15. Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma
3/5. Anthony Walker, ILB, Northwestern
3/14. Marlon Mack, RB, South Florida
4/5. Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE, Villanova
4/34, Howard Wilson, CB, Houston
5/15. Lorenzo Jerome, S, Saint Francis
5/38. Jon Toth, C, Kentucky
6/5. Darreus Rogers, WR, USC

“The Rams get the ball rolling with the selection of Oklahoma WR Dede Westbrook. Westbrook has the deep speed and ball skills to really flourish as a deep threat. His entire skill set is eerily similar to that of Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Desean Jackson. Both players lack body mass but are tough and fast and display game speed that appears to be the fastest on the field every week. Westbrook is one of the most explosive players in this years draft and can force teams to loosen up the box.”

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WR or defensive back? Needy Rams enter draft open-minded

Alden Gonzalez

http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/33626/wr-or-defensive-back-needy-rams-enter-draft-open-minded

The Los Angeles Rams’ draft board … well, it’s complicated.

For the first time since 1987 — yes, 1987 — the Rams do not have a first-round pick. An entire day will go by without them. By the time they make their first selection, sometime around 4:30 p.m. PT on Friday, 36 players will have come off the board. The draft begins 23 1/2 hours before that, at 5 p.m. PT on Thursday. When it does, the Rams will have very little idea of what to expect.

“It’s going to be foggy on Thursday night when the bell rings,” Rams general manager Les Snead told reporters from the team facility this week, “but it’ll be a lot clearer when those 32 picks are made. We’ll have plans. We’ll sit here, I’m sure, a lot — talk about what might occur, the scenarios, who’s left.”

The Rams have needs all over their roster, enough so that pinning it down to one position for this draft seems injudicious. They badly need more impact talent at wide receiver, but are also very thin at tight end. They need to find their center of the future, but can’t forget about left tackle. Their secondary needs a lot more depth, but they can’t really ignore their front seven, either.

Basically everything except quarterback and running back are prime targets heading into the 2017 draft, which will mark Snead’s sixth as GM and Sean McVay’s first as head coach. Snead called McVay “a very instinctive evaluator,” and McVay credited Snead’s assessment of players in helping him grow.

The 49ers’ draft war room is named after McVay’s grandfather, former coach and executive John McVay.

“With my grandfather being in a similar role, you have an appreciation of the dynamic that is vital to exist between the head coach and the general manager,” McVay said. “Ultimately, it’s about us being on the same page. Once decisions are made, decisions are final and we’re all on board and moving in the same direction. That’s exactly how it’s felt ever since I was fortunate enough to get here.”

How long Snead and McVay will work together remains to be seen. Jeff Fisher, the former head coach who arrived right around the time Snead was hired at the start of 2012, is gone. So are the vast majority of his coaches. This month, the Rams also let go of a handful of Snead’s scouts, including Ran Carthon, their director of pro personnel. Snead is one of few who survived what has been an organization-wide reconstruction, and now there is increased pressure on him to get this right.

Rams’ Recent Draft History

How the Rams have fared in the past five drafts compared to their division rivals.

TEAM PICKS FIRST-ROUNDERS APPROXIMATE VALUE OF PICKS
L.A. Rams 43 7 360
San Francisco 51 6 202
Seattle 48 2 372
Arizona 36 5 275

Source: Pro Football Reference

Under Snead from 2012 to ’16, the Rams have had seven first-round picks, the most in the NFC West, and have gone only 31-48 in that five-year stretch — the sixth-worst mark in the NFL during that time. But their overall draft success hasn’t been terrible. They had 43 picks over the past five years, third-most in the division, and those picks have accumulated a weighted career approximate value of 360, second-highest in the group. Only the Seahawks — approximate value of 372, with 48 picks but only two first-rounders — have done better. The 49ers — 51 picks, including six first-rounders, but an approximate value of only 202 — have done a lot worse.

In back-to-back drafts, Snead selected the Defensive Rookie of the Year (defensive tackle Aaron Donald) and the Offensive Rookie of the Year (running back Todd Gurley). He also whiffed on his second overall pick from 2014, left tackle Greg Robinson, and his 33rd overall pick from 2012, wide receiver Brian Quick. In five years, the Rams have failed miserably to build an adequate receiving corps or offensive line. They found several talented defensive players — Alec Ogletree, Trumaine Johnson, Lamarcus Joyner, E.J. Gaines and Maurice Alexander — but none of them have been signed to a second contract. Two others, Janoris Jenkins and T.J. McDonald, left as free agents.

Which brings us to the key question of this year’s draft: Do the Rams go heavy on receivers or defensive backs?

It’s easy to make a case for both. The Rams need weapons for Jared Goff, the No. 1 overall pick from 2016, but they have young players like Tyler Higbee, Pharoh Cooper, Mike Thomas and Nelson Spruce that they can develop. They have talented defensive backs in Johnson, Joyner, Alexander and Gaines, but they could all be gone by this time next year.

The Rams have been linked to a bevy of receivers for that 37th overall pick, including East Carolina’s Zay Jones, USC’s JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mississippi’s Evan Engram, but their dream scenario would be that injury concerns cause Western Michigan’s Corey Davis or Washington’s John Ross to fall into the second round. The draft is also deep at defensive back, and the likes of LSU’s Tre’Davious White, Connecticut’s Obi Melifonwu, Alabama’s Marlon Humphrey and USC’s Adoree’ Jackson could emerge as Day 2 options.

The Rams have expressed interest in signing Johnson, their primary cornerback, to a long-term extension, but Snead said his pending situation is “not necessarily going to affect the draft at all.”

“We’ll try to rank the corners from top to bottom,” he added. “You can always use more than one or two or three good corners.”

As for the available receivers?

“It is a class with depth,” Snead said. “Maybe not deep in terms of guys who just tilt the field and defensive coordinators are up at night. But I think where the depth goes is, ‘Hey, this guy fits this role. This guy’s, you know, slot. Outside guy. Go-deep guy.'”

The Rams, coming off a 4-12 showing in their first season back in Los Angeles, will still have eight picks, four of which will come within the first four rounds. On the left side of their war room, in bold, blue letters, is the word “explosive.”

Heading into this draft, that might be the only real qualification.

“We want to be explosive; we want to attack people,” McVay said. “You’re always looking for players that can play fast, especially skilled guys that can offer the opportunity to create big plays. Those guys with the ball in their hands that can make things happen are invaluable. I think defensively, the guys that can get to the quarterback and can cover are at a premium.”

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