My first post on this just does Friday. This one does the whole draft.
Frankly, I can’t remember the last draft where I saw something interesting and exciting in practically every pick.
Everett. The skills are all there, but what sold me was an interview I saw with him. He just has the mind and mentality of a serious and passionate pro. A very impressive guy, but not in an over the top way–he’s just quietly intense and bright, yet down to earth. So if nothing else I am rooting for him. If he can master the Jordan Reed role, that would be very valuable. He’s also very good in the open field, very physical. Kind of a unique type for a receiving tight end when it comes to that.
Johnson. Word around is, he just fits what Wade wants from his free safeties. This was a deep, deep draft for safeties–as deep a draft for safeties as anyone can remember–and so basically Wade just had his pick at that point. I just trust that. Both Rams safeties are FAs next year so this pick matters.
Kupp. I can see why the draftniks are so into him. At minimum you get a taller Amendola, I think.
Reynolds also inspired enthusiasm among the draftniks, and looking into him a bit, I can see why. He can make freaky Brandon Lloyd style gumby body adjustments and has a lot of tenacity.
Ebukam. Wade again. They needed another OLB/rusher and there is a lot to like about this guy, plus Wade knows what he wants in a defender. This draft was not only deep at safety, it was deep at edge rusher too, and once again, Wade had his pick of what was there.
Smart. Listening to the DL coach, they see him playing at all 3 DL positions (DT, NT, DE). He may be short but he has long arms and good leverage. They just see him as a playmaker, always in the backfield.
Rogers is a crowd favorite, and rightly so. A good pass and run blocking FB they can line up anywhere, from in-line to in the backfield, plus he can catch and run some. Think of all the old original great WCO teams and their FBs. Same thing. Versatile.
Price is kind of just a role player for passing downs but a very good one. If Smart and Price and Ebukam ALL work out, then, added to Donald, Quinn, and Barwin–plus Ogletree, I think–they are going to be drowning in pass rushers.
If Everett, Kupp, and Reynolds can come through they will obviously get lots of playing time now and more in the future but it will probably be hard to name who are the “starters” among the skill players…they will just all get time. Rogers will probably be the FB, when they use a FB, and how much they do that remains to be seen. I see Johnson and Ebukam as starters, maybe as soon as 2018. Price will be situational unless they convert him to ILB and that would be down the road. Smart is rotational. The only one I have any doubts about making the squad is Smart.
This is just a hunch/opinion in its early stages of forming, but, I have to say, it is clear how they ranked this draft. Forget about the normal ways of assessing picks. They add something–they want smart, dedicated, productive guys with great character. A type. And from what I can see, all of these guys fit that. If someone has all those things they will cut slack on other thins like level of competition and measureables. This was a McVay Rams draft from top to bottom. If you use THEIR criteria then this is an “A” draft.
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Agamemnon
