different takes on Rams draft

This topic has 33 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 9 months, 1 week ago by zn.

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May 6, 2023 at 4:35 pm #144061

Billy_T
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ZN,

Thanks for posting that. But I was talking about the article that focused on UDFAs.

Anyway, the one you posted seems to be saying Covid had a big impact on getting the Rams into a more virtual mode, and they’ve pretty much decided to stick with that, even after the worst of the situation is over. They see it as more efficient. I get that — to a point. It probably is. Must save a ton of time, and so on. Might even make sense to expand the virtual realm more than they have so far. But, to me, there’s no substitute for true face to face, and going to as many places as possible.

Both/and, not either/or.

Their new method sounds like it may rely too much on the collection of data from other sources, outside their control. I’d want far more direct control in the process before the film reaches the analysts, etc. etc.

May 6, 2023 at 6:12 pm #144062

zn
Moderator

Billy_T wrote:

Thanks for posting that. But I was talking about the article that focused on UDFAs.

I know. Just adding this one.

May 10, 2023 at 5:11 pm #144116

zn
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ESPN ranked the 100 best draft picks of 2023 and the Rams landed nearly half their class (6 players) on the list https://t.co/vPISKeNCcz

— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) May 10, 2023

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[link above]

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Count ESPN’s Matt Miller as an expert who likes the Rams’ haul, at least based on his recent post-draft ranking. He ranked the top 100 picks in the draft this year, which isn’t just highlighting the best players, but the best selections made by teams – accounting for positional need and scheme fit.

The Rams landed a whopping six players in Miller’s top 100, which is nearly half of their 14-player class. Avila ranked the highest on the list, coming in at No. 35.

The Rams skipped their early-round selections for many years, trading them away. But keeping No. 36 overall to bolster the offensive line was a nice change of direction. Avila can play guard or center, and the Rams need him to hit the starting lineup as a rookie. This checks off a massive need and achieves good value, forming a great beginning to the Rams’ draft.

Evans, who the Rams drafted 215th overall, was the 60th-best pick in the draft, according to Miller. He was the second-highest-ranked Rams player on the list, followed closely by Davis Allen (No. 63).

Byron Young (No. 74), Hodges-Tomlinson (No. 75) and Puka Nacua (No. 91) all made Miller’s rankings, as well. Miller called Hodges-Tomlinson “one of the best value picks on Day 3,” writing the following about the Jim Thorpe Award winner.

One of the best value picks on Day 3, Hodges-Tomlinson will bring his quickness and confidence to a secondary undergoing a renovation. Projected as a nickel defender in the pros, the sixth-rounder has the talent and ball skills to push 2022 fourth-rounder Cobie Durant for a starting job.

Obviously, it’s fun to look at the value the Rams got with each pick based on pre-draft rankings, but if the players themselves don’t pan out and become future starters within the next four years, those rankings won’t mean anything.

February 11, 2024 at 12:38 am #149317

zn
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from NFL rookie grades, NFC West: https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-rookie-grades-nfc-west-2023-nfl-season?campaign=Twitter_atn

The Rams haven’t had a first-round pick since they took Jared Goff first overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, but general manager Les Snead scored a highly productive haul with his 2023 rookie class, which was studded with multiple first-year standouts.

That group was led by Nacua, who authored one of the greatest rookie seasons ever by a wide receiver and has a chance to take home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Catching 105 passes for 1,486 yards and six TDs, along with 12 rushes for 89 yards, Nacua was a shocking source of offense, earning Matthew Stafford‘s trust immediately and providing stability while Cooper Kupp battled injuries. Nacua stayed healthy (which wasn’t always the case for him in college) and has all the earmarks of a star if he can continue doing so.

Avila was a rock at left guard, playing every offensive snap this season. He committed only two penalties and steadily improved throughout the season, especially in pass protection. Allen was barely heard from early in the season, but he earned starter’s reps in two games and opened eyes in both. He even had a 22-yard catch in the playoff loss to the Lions and could be in line to take early-season snaps from Tyler Higbee in 2024 if Higbee has not yet recovered from a torn ACL.

The Rams’ defense also received major rookie help. Turner and Young were two of the best defensive rookies in the league this season and helped breathe life into a Rams DL that had become far too Aaron Donald-dependent.

Turner tied Donald’s franchise rookie sack record with nine (also leading all NFL rookies this season), playing in every game (starting four) and becoming a true force in the second half of the year as the Rams made their playoff push. He was named a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Young was nearly as good, notching eight sacks, 19 QB hits and two forced fumbles as a 16-game starter. He energized the unit with his hell-on-wheels play style, proving Sneed’s instinct right on using a Day 2 pick on a 25-year-old rookie. Johnson also provided help down the stretch and could be a rotational contributor next season.

Making the jump from D-II Wingate, Evans proved to be a capable rookie punter — even with one attempt blocked and the Rams’ coverage units failing to help his net average — as well as a kickoff guy. The remainder of the Rams’ rookies mostly contributed on special teams, with mixed results. Bennett was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list for unspecified reasons in September, and in January, head coach Sean McVay said he doesn’t know if Bennett will be on the team in 2024.
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