Rams 2023 draft

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  • #143342
    Avatar photoBilly_T
    Participant
    #143343
    Avatar photoBilly_T
    Participant

    Apologies for flooding the zone here, but multiple links per post will likely trigger the software.

    Wanted to post an aggregate site for the Big Boards. There’s never consensus among the scouts for all players, of course, and the differences grow the further down the list of players you get. All over the map sometimes. Wildly different, etc.

    https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/big-boards/2023/consensus-big-board-2023

    Click on the individual players and you get an extensive breakdown of those differences from the major draft sites.

    #143344
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Apologies for flooding the zone here,

    Flood away!

    #143345
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    I can see that view. But the O-line draft is really loaded this year, even late into the draft. The Rams have the opportunity to get more athletic there, and at least find better depth. But in the real world, they probably have other priorities, at least early. I’d rather they get a couple of edges and two corners early, and go Defense. They need safeties too. But I’d be shocked if McSnead avoid the Offense. Likely a receiver or two. Abanikanda (RB), as mentioned (and Mitchell) would be great picks, IMO

    Well I agree with that. Odds are they don’t just pass OL up completely.

    #143348
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    #143355
    Avatar photoBilly_T
    Participant

    Here’s another of my mock drafts, from . . .

    https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/

    Trade Recap
    Los Angeles Receives:
    2023: Round 2, Pick 43
    2023: Round 4, Pick 112
    New York Receives:
    2023: Round 2, Pick 36
    Los Angeles Receives:
    2023: Round 2, Pick 45
    2023: Round 5, Pick 170
    Green Bay Receives:
    2023: Round 2, Pick 43
    Los Angeles Receives:
    2023: Round 2, Pick 49
    2023: Round 4, Pick 120
    Pittsburgh Receives:
    2023: Round 2, Pick 45
    Los Angeles Receives:
    2023: Round 4, Pick 128
    2023: Round 5, Pick 172
    2023: Round 7, Pick 240
    2023: Round 7, Pick 243
    2023: Round 7, Pick 254
    New York Receives:
    2023: Round 4, Pick 120
    2023: Round 6, Pick 189

    My Selections
    49
    Trenton Simpson
    LB | Clemson LogoClemsonTRADE

    69
    Gervon Dexter
    DL | Florida LogoFlorida

    77
    D.J. Turner
    CB | Michigan LogoMichigan

    112
    Blake Freeland
    OT | BYU LogoBYUTRADE

    128
    Israel Abanikanda
    RB | Pittsburgh LogoPittsburghTRADE

    167
    Jonathan Mingo
    WR | Mississippi LogoMississippi

    170
    Braeden Daniels
    IOL | Utah LogoUtahTRADE

    171
    Jon Gaines
    IOL | UCLA LogoUCLA

    172
    Carrington Valentine
    CB | Kentucky LogoKentuckyTRADE

    177
    Jason Taylor II
    S | Oklahoma State LogoOklahoma State

    182
    Keaton Mitchell
    RB | East Carolina LogoEast Carolina

    191
    YaYa Diaby
    EDGE | Louisville LogoLouisville

    223
    Brandon Hill
    S | Pittsburgh LogoPittsburgh

    240
    Elijah Higgins
    WR | Stanford LogoStanfordTRADE

    243
    Yasir Abdullah
    LB | Louisville LogoLouisvilleTRADE

    251
    Rejzohn Wright
    CB | Oregon State LogoOregon State

    254
    Bryce Baringer
    P | Michigan State LogoMichigan StateTRADE

     

    #143356
    Avatar photoBilly_T
    Participant

    I did my best to make every trade comply with the standard trade value chart. Again, on that particular mock simulator, unlike most of them, you get flooded with amazing offers that tend to be far too generous. Even later in the process, all kinds of offers for 2024 early round swaps for late 2023 picks, which I’d jump on if I were GM.

    I ignored all of those and made my own trades.

    The above draft makes the Rams faster, far more athletic, and fills most of their needs. The only spot I probably missed is the TE position, which I thought I could deal with later. Davis Allen is often still there late but wasn’t this time. So I picked Elijah Higgins instead . . . a really big wideout who probably should convert to a smallish move TE. He’d be the Rams’ Gerald Everett, etc.

    Also, I think most of the picks are possible for their timing, except for DJ Turner. He’s likely gone in the 2nd round. Mingo is another one who may go earlier. Big receiver, with speed, toughness, and athleticism. He could be the Rams’ Deebo.

     

    #143357
    Avatar photoBilly_T
    Participant

    Quick sidenote: I’ve seen some reports that the Rams are high on Calijah Kancey, at DT.

    Personally, I’d much rather wait and take Gervon Dexter instead. Most boards have the latter going a round or two later than Kancey. Much bigger, taller, and has more upside, IMO. I think they should grab the best edge first, IMO — unless Deonte Banks falls to them at 36.

    It’s also interesting to me that Adetomiwa Adebawore, an edge, is basically the same size as Kancey, roughly 6’1″, 280, but far more athletic, quicker, faster. Strong, too. Put up 27 for the bench. Makes sense to me to move him to DT. Get him to add a bit of good weight, and you have your Donald clone.

    #143358
    Avatar photoBilly_T
    Participant
    Adetomiwa Adebawore’s numbers are truly freakish.
    4.49
    Seconds
    10-Yard Split
    1.61
    Seconds
    Vertical Jump
    37.5’’
    Broad Jump
    10’ 5’’
    3-Cone Drill
    20-Yd Shuttle
    Bench Press
    27
    Rep
    _____
    Jonathan Mingo’s numbers are crazy,  too. Much better than Deebo’s. He’s 6’2″, 225:
    40-Yard Dash
    4.46
    Seconds
    10-Yard Split
    1.54
    Seconds
    Vertical Jump
    39.5’’
    Broad Jump
    10’ 9’’
    3-Cone Drill
    20-Yd Shuttle
    Bench Press
    22
    #143375
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator
    Brett Kollmann@BrettKollmann
    I’ve been trying to finalize my edge rankings for like a week and I just can’t. At this point, just throw a dart. It doesn’t even matter that much who you take among the top 10 guys they are all good.
    #143396
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    #143397
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    One way to stabilize a team that needs to restock its defense and also needs to fix its OL after injuries is to bolster the running game, and that would include drafting a back this year.

    And as it turns out, if you don’t have a first round pick, you draft a back in rounds 2 or 3.

    There’s a persistent belief that you can draft backs lower than that. But the numbers don’t bear that out.

    I will look at 10 years, ending in 2021 (far enough back to get a good picture) and starting in 2012. I will count as a “hit” anyone who was productive at RB for at least 2 years.

    Rounds 2 & 3. Backs drafted: 54. Hits: 22. Percent: 41%

    Rounds 4-7. Backs drafted: 158. Hits: 20. Percent: 12.6%

    You’re more than 3 times more likely to get a productive back drafting them in rounds 2 and 3.

    #143399
    Avatar photoBilly_T
    Participant

    One way to stabilize a team that needs to restock its defense and also needs to fix its OL after injuries is to bolster the running game, and that would include drafting a back this year. And as it turns out, if you don’t have a first round pick, you draft a back in rounds 2 or 3. There’s a persistent belief that you can draft backs lower than that. But the numbers don’t bear that out. I will look at 10 years, ending in 2021 (far enough back to get a good picture) and starting in 2012. I will count as a “hit” anyone who was productive at RB for at least 2 years. Rounds 2 & 3. Backs drafted: 54. Hits: 22. Percent: 41% Rounds 4-7. Backs drafted: 158. Hits: 20. Percent: 12.6% You’re more than 3 times more likely to get a productive back drafting them in rounds 2 and 3.

    As you can probably tell, I’m high on Israel Abanikanda. A 4.3 back with excellent size. Roughly 5’11”, 216. Probably can carry 225 and still be fast. Want the Rams to draft him. But it’s going to take some great chess from McSnead, IMO. Gotta make some really good trades. Trade down a few times and bank some extra picks, cuz they have to get a coupla edges and corners too.

    Looks like the consensus has Bijan Robinson as the only first-round-worthy back, but that may not stop some teams from going for others early. Personally, I think the next group of runners are too small or too slow. Hoping the Rams go in another direction.

    https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/big-boards/2023/consensus-big-board-2023?pos=RB

    You mention Kendre Miller. He’s not “fast,” but has good size and good tape as a Junior. Just 21 for the season is another big plus.

    #143400
    Avatar photoBilly_T
    Participant

    I also like Chase Brown, but he’s supposed to go before Israel. I’d rather have the latter.

    Late in the draft, likely in the 170-192 range, hoping the Rams snag Keaton Mitchell. Gives them a speed back, good receiver, big play guy. Small. But that late in the Draft is where you should take that kind of chance. That’s where you draft a Tutu as well. Not in the 2nd round.

    Hunter Luepke for a throwback fullback would help them too. Also in that range.

    #143402
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    That’s where you draft a Tutu as well. Not in the 2nd round.

    Truth.

     

    #143407
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    #143411
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Rams 2023 NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Cornerback, safety and wide receiver in focus in latest predictions

    Stu Jackson

    https://www.therams.com/news/rams-2023-nfl-mock-draft-roundup-cornerback-safety-wide-receiver-in-focus

    It is Mock Draft Monday on theRams.com, where we will be taking a look at experts’ projections for who the Rams will select in the 2023 NFL Draft.

    Given the departures in the secondary since the start of the new league year, it’s no surprise that cornerback is one of the most widely-projected positions for the Rams to address in this year’s draft, with a couple safety projections in there as well. Wide receiver also pops up in two of the projections.

    Here’s a roundup of the latest predictions:

    230403_MockDraftRoundup_1600x900
    AP/Artie Walker Jr.
    Pro Football Focus
    Date: April 3

    Expert: Gordon McGuinness, analyst

    The pick(s): South Carolina CB Cam Smith (Round 2, No. 36 overall, pictured above); Illinois S Sydney Brown (Round 3, No. 69 overall); Stanford WR Michael Wilson (Round 3, No. 77 overall)

    Notes: Smith (6-foot-1, 180 pounds) had 27 tackles, five pass breakups and one interception while starting nine of 11 games played last season, missing some time reportedly because of a concussion.

    The 5-10, 2-11 Brown tied for third in the FBS in interceptions with six, also added 59 tackles and seven pass breakups in 12 starts to earn First-Team All-Big Ten recognition.

    Wilson also missed time due to injury in 2022, missing the second half of the season, but managed to produce 26 catches for 418 yards and four touchdowns in six starts for All-Pac 12 honorable mention recognition.

    NFL.com
    Date: March 24

    Expert: Chad Reuter, draft analyst

    The pick(s): Notre Dame edge Isaiah Foskey (Round 2, No. 38 overall in projected trade with Seahawks); Kansas State CB Julius Brents (Round 3, No. 69 overall); Illinois’ Brown (Round 3, No. 77 overall)

    Notes: Foskey (6-5, 264) led the Fighting Irish with 14 tackles for loss, and his 11 sacks tied for sixth-most in the FBS as he started 12 games and earned Second-Team All-American recognition. He was also a finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award, given annually to the nation’s top defensive end.

    A First-Team All-Big 12 performer in 2022, Brents led the Wildcats with four interceptions, also adding 45 tackles and four pass breakups in 14 starts.

    See the PFF section for notes on Brown.

    CBS Sports
    Date: April 3

    Expert: Chris Trapasso, NFL Draft analyst

    The pick(s): Oklahoma OT Anton Harrison (Round 2, No. 36 overall); Tulane LB Dorian Williams (Round 3, No. 69 overall); Iowa State WR Xavier Hutchinson (Round 3, No. 77 overall)

    Notes: Harrison (6-4, 315) was selected First-Team All-Big 12 by conference coaches and The Associated press after starting all 12 regular season games on the Sooners’ offensive line. He started the 2022 season-opener at right tackle before moving over to left tackle for the remaining 11 games.

    Williams (6-1, 228) tied for ninth in the FBS last season with 132 total tackles, adding a team-high five sacks, plus two interceptions, seven pass breakups and a pair of forced fumbles for the Green Wave to earn First-Team All-AAC recognition.

    Hutchinson (6-2, 203) broke his own single-season record with 107 catches for the Cyclones in 2022, also finishing with 1,171 receiving yards which ranked second-most in a single season in program history. Topped off by six touchdown catches, his 2022 campaign garnered First-Team All-American recognition from The Associated Press and Pro Football Focus, in addition to First-Team All-Big 12 recognition from conference coaches and the AP.

    #143421
    Avatar photoBilly_T
    Participant

    Another recent mock from me. Again, I know in the real world there aren’t going to be all of these trades . . . mostly cuz the Rams won’t find the trade partners they need, even if they wanted to make them. But I do hope they move down a few times early, in small increments, pick up extra picks, and then, perhaps, move back up later. There’s a ton of value to be had after the 1st round, and, unfortunately, in the part of the draft without any Rams’ picks. As it stands now, there’s a void between #77 and #167. I hope they fill it.

    The other issue is . . . I’m guessing . . . the Rams might not be able to pay all the guys I draft. They might prefer UDFA contracts instead. But I do think it would be great if they could draft more than a dozen. No team has fewer players under contract right now, etc.

    ____

    48
    Drew Sanders
    LB | Arkansas LogoArkansasTRADE

    75
    Gervon Dexter
    DL | Florida LogoFloridaTRADE

    77
    Julius Brents
    CB | Kansas State LogoKansas State

    119
    Jonathan Mingo
    WR | Mississippi LogoMississippiTRADE

    135
    Kendre Miller
    RB | TCU LogoTCUTRADE

    147
    Dontayvion Wicks
    WR | Virginia LogoVirginiaTRADE

    152
    Kobie Turner
    DL | Wake Forest LogoWake ForestTRADE

    158
    YaYa Diaby
    EDGE | Louisville LogoLouisvilleTRADE

    167
    Jon Gaines
    IOL | UCLA LogoUCLA

    171
    Brenton Strange
    TE | Penn State LogoPenn State

    174
    Riley Moss
    CB | Iowa LogoIowaTRADE

    177
    Israel Abanikanda
    RB | Pittsburgh LogoPittsburgh

    182
    Keaton Mitchell
    RB | East Carolina LogoEast Carolina

    184
    Jay Ward
    S | LSU LogoLSUTRADE

    189
    Chandler Zavala
    IOL | NC State LogoNC State

    191
    Braeden Daniels
    IOL | Utah LogoUtah

    223
    Carrington Valentine
    CB | Kentucky LogoKentucky

    224
    Yasir Abdullah
    LB | Louisville LogoLouisvilleTRADE

    228
    Andrei Iosivas
    WR | Princeton LogoPrincetonTRADE

    231
    Jason Taylor II
    S | Oklahoma State LogoOklahoma StateTRADE

    245
    Adam Korsak
    P | Rutgers LogoRutgersTRADE

    251
    Anfernee Orji
    LB | Vanderbilt LogoVanderbilt

    #143422
    Avatar photoBilly_T
    Participant

    I think there are more than ten immediate or eventual starters in the haul above, and several depth-players would beat out current depth-players. The Rams get bigger, faster, more athletic. Athleticism is a major key to my choices.

     

    Your comments are welcome, etc.

    #143425
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    I think there are more than ten immediate or eventual starters in the haul above, and several depth-players would beat out current depth-players. The Rams get bigger, faster, more athletic. Athleticism is a major key to my choices. Your comments are welcome, etc.

     

    Who is Drew Sanders

    I will just pretend like I’m not a deeply and widely well-informed draft guru, and let you have the floor.

    😎

    #143427
    Avatar photoBilly_T
    Participant

    I responded, ZN. But the post didn’t go through. Probably didn’t like one of the links. Will check back tomorrow.

    #143428
    JackPMiller
    Participant

    I ended up with this draft, with a mock draft simulator

    R2-36: Steve Availa G/C TCU

    R3-69: Zach Harrison Edge Ohio State

    R3-77: Eli Ricks CB Alabama

    R5-167: Davis Allen TE Clemson

    R5-171: Jaxson Kirland OT/OG Washington

    R6-177: Johnathan Mingo WR Mississippi

    R6-182: Branden Joseph S Notre Dame

    R6-189: Mekhi Garner CB LSU

    R7-191: Chris Rodrigues RB Kentucky

    R7-223: Brayden Willis TE Oklahoma

    R7-251: Jake Moody PK Michigan

     

    This would be an A+ Draft in my mind, if we got this draft.

    #143426
    Avatar photoBilly_T
    Participant

    I think there are more than ten immediate or eventual starters in the haul above, and several depth-players would beat out current depth-players. The Rams get bigger, faster, more athletic. Athleticism is a major key to my choices. Your comments are welcome, etc.

    Who is Drew Sanders I will just pretend like I’m not a deeply and widely well-informed draft guru, and let you have the floor. 😎

     

    Drew Sanders is a linebacker for Arkansas, 6’4″, 235, but the Rams could use him as Edge . . . and/or. Good size, excellent athlete. Sub-4.6 speed. Will turn 22 late in his rookie year. Still time to grow, etc. Usually the top linebacker in most mocks/boards, he slots in at #40 on average.

    Good breakdown here:

    2023 NFL Draft Player Profiles: Arkansas ILB Drew Sanders

    As others have mentioned, this is a pretty good draft for guys who can play Edge. So the Rams could do as I did, trade down a few times, and still get someone like Sanders, Uzomah, McDonald, Adebawore, White, Simpson, Foskey, or Wall. Any one of them could fall to them, even after moving down in the 2nd. On a coupla of my mocks, I lucked into two Edges. Sanders and Foskey in one. Foskey and Wall in another. I’ve kinda lost track at this point. ;>)

    A general feeling, though, about the edge position this year: I think guys who can play all three downs and have an impact will mostly be off the board by the early 70s. So there’s a limit to trading down, if the Rams want one. They also need corners, badly, so they’re probably going to have to use their first three picks for them. Might be pretty smart to draft two corners and an edge, or two edges and a corner, early. If they don’t garner extra picks, they’ve got a long wait for another chance.

     

    #143430
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    I think there are more than ten immediate or eventual starters in the haul above, and several depth-players would beat out current depth-players. The Rams get bigger, faster, more athletic. Athleticism is a major key to my choices. Your comments are welcome, etc.

    Who is Drew Sanders I will just pretend like I’m not a deeply and widely well-informed draft guru, and let you have the floor. 😎

    Drew Sanders is a linebacker for Arkansas, 6’4″, 235, but the Rams could use him as Edge . . . and/or. Good size, excellent athlete. Sub-4.6 speed. Will turn 22 late in his rookie year. Still time to grow, etc. Usually the top linebacker in most mocks/boards, he slots in at #40 on average. Good breakdown here:

    2023 NFL Draft Player Profiles: Arkansas ILB Drew Sanders

    2023 NFL Draft Player Profiles: Arkansas ILB Drew Sanders” — Steelers Depot”

    As others have mentioned, this is a pretty good draft for guys who can play Edge. So the Rams could do as I did, trade down a few times, and still get someone like Sanders, Uzomah, McDonald, Adebawore, White, Simpson, Foskey, or Wall. Any one of them could fall to them, even after moving down in the 2nd. On a coupla of my mocks, I lucked into two Edges. Sanders and Foskey in one. Foskey and Wall in another. I’ve kinda lost track at this point. ;>) A general feeling, though, about the edge position this year: I think guys who can play all three downs and have an impact will mostly be off the board by the early 70s. So there’s a limit to trading down, if the Rams want one. They also need corners, badly, so they’re probably going to have to use their first three picks for them. Might be pretty smart to draft two corners and an edge, or two edges and a corner, early. If they don’t garner extra picks, they’ve got a long wait for another chance.

    Thanks, and that all makes sense.

    #143437
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    #143463
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    #143465
    Avatar photoBilly_T
    Participant

    Latest mock I’m happy with. As per usual, I know the number of trades here would never happen in the real world, but I did stick to “fair” for all of them, rejecting offers that were far too generous in my favor. All of them landed roughly in the middle of “not enough and too much” range, left to right, and garnered “accepted.”

    My Selections
    48
    Rams Logo
    Trenton Simpson
    LB | Clemson LogoClemsonTRADE

    75
    Rams Logo
    Cedric Tillman
    WR | Tennessee LogoTennesseeTRADE

    77
    Rams Logo
    Gervon Dexter
    DL | Florida LogoFlorida

    112
    Rams Logo
    Jonathan Mingo
    WR | Mississippi LogoMississippiTRADE

    116
    Rams Logo
    Jartavius Martin
    S | Illinois LogoIllinoisTRADE

    135
    Rams Logo
    Riley Moss
    CB | Iowa LogoIowaTRADE

    147
    Rams Logo
    Israel Abanikanda
    RB | Pittsburgh LogoPittsburghTRADE

    152
    Rams Logo
    Chandler Zavala
    IOL | NC State LogoNC StateTRADE

    159
    Rams Logo
    YaYa Diaby
    EDGE | Louisville LogoLouisvilleTRADE

    167
    Rams Logo
    Brenton Strange
    TE | Penn State LogoPenn State

    170
    Rams Logo
    Keaton Mitchell
    RB | East Carolina LogoEast CarolinaTRADE

    171
    Rams Logo
    Nick Saldiveri
    OT | Old Dominion LogoOld Dominion

    177
    Rams Logo
    Yasir Abdullah
    LB | Louisville LogoLouisvilleTRADE

    182
    Rams Logo
    Ricky Stromberg
    IOL | Arkansas LogoArkansas

    183
    Rams Logo
    Cameron Mitchell
    CB | Northwestern LogoNorthwesternTRADE

    189
    Rams Logo
    Daniel Scott
    S | California LogoCalifornia

    191
    Rams Logo
    Keondre Coburn
    DL | Texas LogoTexas

    194
    Rams Logo
    Clayton Tune
    QB | Houston LogoHoustonTRADE

    223
    Rams Logo
    Carter Warren
    OT | Pittsburgh LogoPittsburgh

    224
    Rams Logo
    Dylan Horton
    EDGE | TCU LogoTCUTRADE

    225
    Rams Logo
    B.J. Thompson
    EDGE | Stephen F. Austin LogoStephen F. AustinTRADE

    251
    Rams Logo
    Anthony Bradford
    IOL | LSU LogoLSU

    #143466
    Avatar photoBilly_T
    Participant

    I know it sounds crazy for any draft, but I think there are more than a dozen immediate or future starters from the above haul.

    Simpson, Tillman, Dexter, Martin, Zavala, Diaby, and Stromberg all have a good shot at starting right away. Mingo should play a lot as a rook (as the Rams’ Deebo), as will Moss, Abanikanda, and Strange. I think Saldiveri is a future starting tackle, Bradford a future starter at guard, and Scott at safety. Abdullah should be a part of the linebacker/edge rotation early. Same with Coburn at DT.  Mitchell at corner, and the other Mitchell as a gadget guy/RB/slot receiver should also contribute early.

    BJ Thompson is a freakish edge and may get some reps after some weight gain.

    Overall, a very strong draft. Though I missed a few. Wanted Trevor Reid at OT, for example, and Korzak and Moody for punter and kicker, respectively. But ran out of picks, despite the huge numbers. I got greedy, I suppose.

    ;>)

    Comments are welcome.

    #143467
    Avatar photoBilly_T
    Participant

    This is the site I’ve been using:

    https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/mock-draft-simulator

    Am now in the habit of doing the mocks while I rewatch episodes of Friday Night Lights. Sorta fits the mood.

    #143472
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    I know it sounds crazy for any draft, but I think there are more than a dozen immediate or future starters from the above haul.

    Thanks for doing all this and communicating about it.

     

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