According to my Kung Fu, the Rams can write a contract that contains an approximate salary cap hit of 4 million this year without making any other moves and still have comfortable cushion to take care of all roster expenses for 2015. They can do this without cutting any players or doing any restructuring. I assume that JT is right about the current 11 million dollar cap space.

The fact that they paid Quinn his roster bonus indicates that they aren’t going to spend a lot more money in free agency. imo

They are talking to Barnes and they will talk with Barksdale. If they sign them, I don’t see them talking with any other free agents until after the draft and then that will probably be for close to minimum wage. imo

• This reply was modified 10 years, 11 months ago by Agamemnon.
• This reply was modified 10 years, 11 months ago by zn.
• This reply was modified 10 years, 11 months ago by zn.

InvaderRam wrote:

yeah. i would like cooper. even a 4.42 cooper. plus he’s got the big hands! ha!

I don’t think Cooper drops. But then, I didn’t think Donald would drop.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

2015 NFL Draft Outlook
Feb. 21, 2015

Based on interviews with executives in personnel for five teams, it is possible to narrow down just a little bit the pool of players that might be considered by the Green Bay Packers regardless of position if they exercise their current 30th selection in the first round of the NFL draft April 30.

Prospects are conservatively divided into three categories: As Good As Gone — barring negative developments, these players have virtually no chance of reaching No. 30; Probably Gone — players who appear to have no better than a 50-50 chance of remaining on the board at No. 30; and The Next Level — players who figure to fall next.

The Packers have their own selection in all seven rounds. They’re also likely to be awarded at least one compensatory pick next month for the losses of center Evan Dietrich-Smith (Tampa Bay) and wide receiver James Jones (Oakland).

Here’s an early look at 55 players who figure to fit into these layers of the draft (underclassmen are denoted by asterisk).
AS GOOD AS GONE (10)

Amari Cooper*, WR, Alabama: 6-1, 211. In 2014, he broke the Southeastern Conference single-season record for receptions (124) and was second all-time in receiving yards (1,727). “Dynamic player,” one scout said. “Quick, fast, agile, good hands. Difference-maker.” Third-year junior with 228 receptions for 3,463 yards (15.2) and 31 TDs. “One of the better route runners to come out in a long, long time,” another scout said. “Very skilled, explosive and fast.” On Saturday, he ran 40 yards in 4.42 seconds.

Kevin White, WR, West Virginia: 6-3, 215. Junior-college player for two years. “He’s more of a Larry Fitzgerald-type receiver in that he doesn’t have great speed,” said one scout. “I never see him beat people deep. But if he is even with them he’s going to get the ball. Very good player.” Caught 35 passes in 2013 for Mountaineers before breaking out with 109 for 1,447 yards (13.3) and 10 TDs in ’14. “He’s got another level to his game that I don’t think we’ve seen yet,” another scout said. Admits that he loves trash-talking opponents. Made a ton of money with 40 time of 4.35.

Brandon Scherff, T, Iowa: 6-4 1/2, 319. Part-time starter at LG as a redshirt freshman in 2011 before starting at LT from 2012-’14. “I like (Bryan) Bulaga, but I think this guy is better,” said one scout. “I didn’t think Bulaga could play left tackle, but I think this guy can. Everybody thinks he’s the best guard, but I’d keep him at tackle and have him disprove he can’t play there. He got hurt early last year and never missed a practice or a game.” Like Bulaga, his arm length (33 3/8 inches) will be an issue for some teams. Massive hands (11 inches). “Real tough guy and can really run,” another scout said. “Good technician. Little stiff. Kind of straight-line. Not real good change of direction. But when he gets you he mauls you. This guy is a lot stronger than Bulaga. He’s tight and can’t use his length. I think guard will be his best position.” His 40-yard dash time was 5.05.

Andrus Peat*, T, Stanford: 6-7, 313. Third-year junior rotated at LT in 2012 before starting the past two years. “He’s the most talented (O-lineman),” one scout said. “His dad was really talented but fat. The dad was probably 6-2.” Todd Peat was a squatty guard for the Cardinals and Raiders from 1987-’93. “Ready-made NFL player,” another scout said. “Left tackle or right tackle. Little bit like Jake Matthews. He won’t be an overly dominating type athlete but just sound. Bigger than Jake. A very good, solid player, no question about it.” Arms were 34 3/8, hands were 10 5/8.

Marcus Mariota*, QB, Oregon: 6-3½, 222. Heisman Trophy winner in 2014. “Kid’s a good athlete,” one scout said. “I kind of like him. But he’s not a passer right now. He’s a thrower. He’s like a better Colin Kaepernick. Not that there’s anything wrong with it, but this kid is kind of quiet. He’s going to be a project the first year. But, other than Andrew Luck, all those guys are.” Finished with a phenomenal NFL passer rating of 121.3, and also rushed for 2,237 yards (6.6) and 29 TDs. “You know he’ll put the time in to be a good pro,” said another scout. “That’s about as big an obstacle as there is at the position: guys that are willing to put in the time.” Hands were 9 7/8. Vertical jump of 36 inches. Ran 4.52.

Jameis Winston*, QB, Florida State: 6-3½, 231. Led Seminoles to national championship in 2013 and won the Heisman Trophy. “Has an uncanny ability to know what’s around him and get himself out of trouble,” one scout said. Finished with NFL passer rating of 107.9, and also rushed for 284 yards (2.0) and seven TDs. Has had numerous run-ins with the legal system. “Someone will take him in the first round, but how could you even let that guy in the building?” another scout said. “The second law of thermodynamics basically is the more ways something can happen, the more likely it is to happen. That’s true of players. The more ways they can (expletive) up, the more chances they (expletive) up. This guy’s got a lot of stuff that would lean him more likely to be a bust than a good player.” Played two seasons of baseball at FSU as a closer-outfielder. “If he doesn’t (mature) he won’t be playing football,” a third scout said. “Knows how to play the position. I don’t think he’s Andrew Luck. He’s not a John Elway arm coming out, but he’s a talented kid.” Tested poorly with 4.97 40, 28½ vertical jump.

Melvin Gordon*, RB, Wisconsin: 6-1, 215. Finished second in Heisman Trophy voting as fourth-year junior. “Unique runner,” one scout said. “He’s got a little bit of Jamaal Charles in him. Upright, fast runner. He’s quick and has very good feet.” Surpassed 100 yards in 22 of his 45 games. Also fumbled six times in his last five games. “He’s good, but against those slow (expletive) Big Ten guys,” said another scout. “That’s what bothers me a little bit.” Played at Kenosha Bradford. Ran 4.52.

Leonard Williams*, DT, Southern California: 6-4½, 302. Nicknamed “Big Cat.” “Probably the most talented player on the defensive side of the ball,” said one scout. “He’s an end and a three-technique. He’s quick, strong and plays athletic.” Has been compared to former Patriot Richard Seymour. Dominating presence for three seasons, finishing with 21 sacks and 36½ tackles for loss. “He’s not a gigantic guy,” another scout said. “He’s not (Ndamukong) Suh. He’s athletic. He moves around good. He played inside and was getting doubled and held and everything else.”

Randy Gregory*, OLB-DE, Nebraska: 6-5, 235. Played two years of junior college and two seasons at Nebraska, where he piled up 17½ sacks and 29 tackles for loss. “I think he’s better than Ziggy Ansah,” one scout said. “He’ll be pretty good. I think he could stand up, too.” Sidelined for two games and playing sparingly in two others last season due to injury. “He’s a run-around guy,” another scout said. “Athletic. Can chase things down. I can’t see him playing the point real well. He’s not that big. (Wisconsin’s Rob) Havenstein did a hell of a job against him.”

Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson: 6-3, 246. Fifth-year senior. “He’s a rusher,” one scout said. “He’s a better football player right now than (Shaq) Thompson. “He’s just running around being an athlete. If you played him as a 4-3 ‘will’ (weak-side LB) you’d take away what he does best. He can really run. He understands leverage. They don’t crush him.” Two-year starter with 33 sacks and 52½ tackles for loss.
PROBABLY GONE (8)

DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville: 6-2½, 209. Hauled in 156 passes for 2,775 yards (17.8) and 33 TDs in four seasons. “He’s a large, smooth, play-making receiver who has average speed,” said one scout. “Very good hands. Has run after the catch.” Dogged by injuries as a senior. “He’s got size, speed and was dominating at the end of the season,” said another scout. “He looks a little faster than (Kevin) White.” Ran 4.45.

Ereck Flowers*, T, Miami: 6-6, 329. Third-year junior. “Big frame, good technician, good with his hands, good bulk and anchor,” one scout said. “Has ability to hold up against power rushes but also can handle speed. Physically and athletically, probably more of a right tackle in the NFL.” Started 2½ years at LT. Arms were 34½. Led O-line with 37 bench-press reps.

Arik Armstead*, DE, Oregon: 6-7, 292. Three-year player didn’t start until 2014. “He plays like a man,” said one scout. “Can be a five-technique. Damn right he has pass rush. Really a good player.” Finished with 10 sacks. “A little bit like Datone Jones but much taller and bigger,” said another scout. “Same kind of player. He has the athleticism but production has been minimal. When you’re a really tall player you have to have either really good strength or play with really good technique and fundamentals. He doesn’t have either yet. He plays hard. He’s got the ability. It’s just not totally there yet. He’s going to be a rusher on the inside.”

Mario Edwards*, DE, Florida State: 6-3, 279. Registered 7½ sacks in three seasons, including two as a starter. “Still kind of a project,” one scout said. “Big athletic guy. Just didn’t have much production or feel as a rusher. You hope he’d be a better rusher to take him in the first round but he’s got size and is athletic.” Father, Mario, played cornerback for the Cowboys after being drafted in the sixth round (2000). Also played some LB and FB. “Huge D-end but could even bounce inside and rush as a three-technique,” another scout said. “Very, very strong upper body. Plays the run extremely well but also can rush the passer.” Huge hands (10 7/8).

Shane Ray*, DE, Missouri: 6-3, 245. Declared a year early after being named Southeastern Conference defensive player of the year. “Tough, fast,” one scout said. “He’s better than the guy (Kony Ealy) from there last year. Little straight-line.” Posted a school-record 14½ sacks in 2014 to go with 22½ tackles for loss. “I don’t like him,” said another scout. “People see who he is, they’re going to fall off him quick. The body structure. No way in hell he can be an outside backer. Competitive, smart and reliable. Wins with effort, urgency and great first step. He has a degree of stiffness. He’s got to win with quickness because of his lack of size and strength.” Tiny hands (9).

Danny Shelton, NT, Washington: 6-1, 339. Three-year starter with 208 tackles (24 for loss) and 11½ sacks, including 9 as a senior. “True nose tackle,” one scout said. “Big body. Big noses go (early).” Another scout said Shelton moved as well as Green Bay’s B.J. Raji. Patterns his game after Baltimore’s Haloti Ngata. Dominated at the Senior Bowl.

Eddie Goldman*, DT, Florida State: 6-4, 336. Third-year junior. “He’s a powerful, explosive guy,” one scout said. “Strong at the point.” Two-year starter with 62 tackles (12 for loss) and 6 sacks. “Three-technique,” another scout said. “He can do it all. Plays hard.”

Dante Fowler*, OLB, Florida: 6-3, 261. Third-year junior, two-year starter. “Played on a very average football team but stood out,” one scout said. “You saw offenses (slide) his way. Double-teaming and chipping. Definitely a pass rusher first. He has the athleticism and skill to play outside linebacker.” Voted team MVP in 2014 after registering 8½ of his 14½ career sacks. “Probably has to be an outside backer for a 3-4 team,” another scout said. “Edge guy. He’s got those first two steps.”
THE NEXT LEVEL (37)

Devin Funchess*, WR-TE, Michigan: 6-4, 232. Enrolled as a WR, played 2012-’13 as a TE and went back to WR last year as a third-year junior. “He’s a wide receiver,” one scout said. “He’s not physical enough as an inside blocker. He’ll be like a hybrid player. He drops a lot of balls.” Terrific high school basketball player in Michigan; declined invitation as a freshman to double as a basketball player. “Not crazy about him,” said another scout. “He won’t block. He’s got good hands but he drops balls. He can’t play tight end. He’ll get drafted high, too high for me.” Disappointing 40 of 4.70.

Jaelen Strong*, WR, Arizona State: 6-2, 217. Junior-college transfer caught 157 passes for 2,287 yards (14.6) and 17 TDs in two seasons for Sun Devils. “(Plays) like his last name,” said one scout. “Average to above-average speed. He’ll probably play early. His ceiling isn’t high, but he’s going to be a good, solid, starting wide receiver with good hands. Physical frame. Really good field awareness. Very good in the red zone. Just not a stretch-the-field vertical receiver. More of a short to intermediate type.” Ran surprisingly fast (4.44).

Dorial Green-Beckham*, WR, Oklahoma: 6-5, 237. “He’s the wild card of all of them,” said one scout. “He’s a first-round talent, no question. He may even be better than (Amari) Cooper. He’s that talented. But is there a team that will take a chance on him there?” Kicked out of Missouri after drug-related issues, transferred to Oklahoma but wasn’t eligible in 2014. Started 15 of 25 games at Mizzou, catching 87 passes for 1,278 yards (14.7) and 17 TDs. Ran 4.49.

Nelson Agholar*, WR, Southern California: 6-0, 198. Third-year junior coming off 2014 season in which he caught 104 passes for 1,313 yards (12.6) and 12 TDs. “Very similar to Marquise Lee,” one scout said. “Slender build. Good speed, not special speed. Good hands. Probably will make his mark early as a returner. He can line up in all the spots inside and outside.” Returned four punts for TDs. Ran 4.42.

Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State: 6-0½, 196. Consummate deep threat. “A vertical receiver,” one scout said. “That’s where he’s at his best. Hands are average. Route running was average. But a really good stretch-the-field vertical type. Probably not as fast as (Miami’s) Mike Wallace.” Three-year starter with 121 receptions for 2,503 yards (20.7) and 30 TDs; his 33 catches in 2014 averaged an astounding 28.2 (12 TDs). Ran 4.42.

Sammie Coates*, WR, Auburn: 6-1, 212. Fourth-year junior. “Once he runs fast they’re all going to drool over him,” one scout said of his fellow personnel men. “I’m not on board. He’s a large, explosive, stiff, inconsistent guy with big hands. I wouldn’t touch him, but I think he goes late second (round).” Finished with 82 receptions for 1,757 yards (21.8) and 13 TDs. Labored on a bad knee in 2014. Ran 4.43.

Maxx Williams*, TE, Minnesota: 6-4, 249. Third-year sophomore with 61 catches for 986 yards (16.2) and 13 TDs. “He’s one of those guys that jumps over people and stiff-arms,” said one scout. “Real good hands. He blocks downfield and can get on linebackers. He’ll (block) better in-line.” His father, Brian, also played for the Gophers and generally started at center for the Giants from 1989-’99. “I would not put him in the category of an athlete like Jimmy Graham or someone like that,” another scout said. “You’re not talking about a dominating type player. Need at the position and lack of players there could move him up to the top of the second (round). If he’s bottom of the first round it’s an overreach.” Ran 4.78.

La’el Collins, T-G, Louisiana State: 6-4 1/2, 305. Started at LG in 2012 and at LT the past two seasons. “I think he has to move to guard,” one scout said. “Big and strong. His effort wanes at times.” Voted team MVP in 2014. Impressive week at the Senior Bowl. “Very talented, athletic,” another scout said. “Good size, good strength and a lot of production. Really effective at guard.” Arms were just 33¼.

T.J. Clemmings, T, Pittsburgh: 6-4 1/2, 309. Spent three seasons at DE (six starts in 2012) before starting at RT in 2013-’14. “An athlete first,” said one scout. “He has the athleticism to start. Just going to take a little bit of time. Still developing his technique, fundamentals and understanding the position.” Long arms (35 1/8). Scored 15 on the Wonderlic intelligence test. Turned down offers to play basketball at Providence and Seton Hall.

Cameron Erving, T, Florida State: 6-5, 313. Fifth-year senior moved from D-line to O-line in spring 2012. “He’s athletic,” said one scout. “Not a very good technician. Still learning the position.” Three-year starter at LT but forced to start the last five games at center in 2014. Arms were 34 1/8. “He’s a lot like Collins,” another scout said. “He could be a left tackle, center or guard. Very versatile second-round pick.”

D.J. Humphries*, T, Florida: 6-5, 307. Third-year junior. “He’s a smaller guy who has gotten bigger each year,” one scout said. “He’ll still need to continue adding weight and growth. He lacks anchor on bull rushes and isn’t going to generate a lot of movement with his drive blocks.” Missed half of the 2013 season with a knee injury and two games in ’14 with an ankle injury. “Talented kid,” another scout said. Arms were 33 5/8.

A.J. Cann, G, South Carolina: 6-3, 313. Started 51 games at LG. “He has size, length, mass, toughs and he’s competitive,” said one scout. “He’ll need a little bit of work in pass pro, and the mental part will scare you a little bit.” Two-time captain. Arms were just 32 5/8. “Second round probably,” another scout said. “Good player. He’s got enough strength and he can move, too.”

Laken Tomlinson, G, Duke: 6-3 1/2, 323. Really helped himself during Senior Bowl week. “He’s a big, square, flexible athlete,” one scout said. “He’s got good movement. He needs to work on his technique and balance.” Four-year starter at guard. Arms were 33 5/8.

Donovan Smith*, T, Penn State: 6-6, 338. Fourth-year junior. “Big guy who is more athletic than his peers,” one scout said. “He has to work through some natural laziness.” Started for three years at LT. Arms were 34 3/8. “Looked good in the Senior Bowl,” one scout said. “Now he’s got to get through the interviews. He’s kind of a different kid. Not bad. Just different.”

Cedric Ogbuehi, T, Texas A&M: 6-5, 306. Started for 3½ years, including both tackles and guard. Followed Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews at LT in 2014. Suffered a torn ACL in third quarter of a bowl game and had surgery about five weeks ago. “He did everything as well as those two (Joeckel, Matthews),” one scout said. Arms were 35 7/8. He still has hopes of being drafted in the first round and playing this season. “He is really talented but soft and doesn’t play very strong,” another scout said. “I’ve been in there three years in a row and have never seen him practice. Guy’s always hurt.”

Brett Hundley*, QB, UCLA: 6-3, 226. Three-year starter redshirted in 2011. “The physical tools are there,” one scout said. “He’s going to need time. He’s going to have to go to a team that will need to have patience with him and just continue teaching him the game. A team at the top of the second (round) that needs a quarterback might throw him to the fire too early, and he’s not ready for that.” Operating a zone-read offense similar to the Eagles’, his NFL passer rating was 103.7. He also rushed for 1,747 yards (3.6) and 30 TDs. Idolizes Donovan McNabb. “I don’t think he can mentally process,” another scout said. “His arm and talent are OK. He’s got a lot of flaws in his game.” Ran 4.63.

T.J. Yeldon*, RB, Alabama: 6-1, 226. Shared carries with Eddie Lacy in 2012 before taking on the featured role the past two years. “He’s different than Lacy,” one scout said. “Lacy’s more power. This guy can run with power, but he also has some moves. I’d take Lacy over him. Only question I have on Yeldon, is he beat to hell and back? All those guys down there (Alabama) get beat up.” Carried 576 times for 3,322 yards (5.8) and 37 TDs, and caught 46 passes. “He’ll go right around 30, 35,” said another scout. “He and Gordon will fight for first back. He probably has the best feet of any back in the draft.” Ran just 4.61.

Todd Gurley*, RB, Georgia: 6-1, 222. Suffered a torn ACL Nov. 15 but expressed confidence he would play in 2015. “That guy is good,” said one scout. “He’s a man among boys. If you’re a deep team why wouldn’t you take a bona fide Pro Bowl back and just shelve him?” Finished with 510 carries for 3,306 yards (6.5) and 36 TDs, and also caught 65 passes. Won’t be 21 until August. “You’re talking about a running back that you will never see run (the 40),” said another scout. “You know he’s fast. You see it on film. The second combine (medical) recheck will be very important for him. He’s a top-10 talent, but he could easily go outside the first round because there’s a lot of backs in this draft.”

Jay Ajayi*, RB, Boise State: 6-0, 221. Fourth-year junior. “Big back with very good speed,” one scout said. “Really came on at the end of the year. He’s just a guy that runs hard. Very physical.” Carried 678 times for 3,796 yards (5.6) and 55 TDs. Ran 4.57.

Jeremy Langford, RB, Michigan State: 6-0, 208. Redshirted, then carried just nine times in 2011-’12 behind Le’Veon Bell. “He’s not Le’Veon Bell,” said one scout. “He’s a step below. But he can run, catch and do everything well. I’d take him over (Indiana’s) Tevin Coleman because he makes NFL runs. He has to pick and show vision and contact balance. When you spread out all over the damn field and they pitch you the ball and you pick a running lane (as Coleman did), that’s a little different (easier).” Carried 568 times in 2013-’14, gaining 2,944 yards and 40 TDs. Led all RBs with 40 time of 4.42.

Alvin “Bud” Dupree, DE-OLB, Kentucky: 6-3½, 269. Started 36 of 45 games at both end and linebacker. “Very good athlete,” one scout said. “Has played both up and down. As he’s gotten better the defense has gotten better. Pass rusher. Great kid. He can be a physical player.” Finished with 21½ sacks. “Athletic, but he’s got no instincts,” another scout said. “I just don’t think he’s real smart.” Scored 13 on the Wonderlic. Extremely soft-spoken.

Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA: 6-3, 267. Fifth-year senior who sat out all 2013 after undergoing hip surgery. “Kid’s got instincts and agility and strong hands,” one scout said. “Question is, how much bigger is he going to get? He wins with power.” His father, Peter, is serving three life sentences for a triple homicide shooting at Appalachian School of Law (Va.) in 2002. “Really athletic,” another scout said. “Tough. Just doesn’t have great instincts.” Huge hands (11).

Danielle Hunter*, DE-OLB, Louisiana State: 6-5, 252. Third-year junior. “LSU has these type players every couple years,” said one scout. “Barkevious Mingo was one. Really tall and long. Looks like a football player. He will run like a deer. Hasn’t had consistency of production yet. He was a 1½-sack guy this year, but that’s kind of been the norm. Mingo came out (early) and had 6 sacks and went top 10 (in 2013). Hunter is that type of player.” Two-year starter with 4½ sacks.

Malcom Brown*, DT, Texas: 6-2, 319. Started two of three seasons. “Typical Texas guy,” said one scout. “Has talent but little bit of an underachiever. He has more ability than he’s showing. He can be a three-technique or a shade. Has some upside.” Last season, he became the first Longhorn DT since Tony Degrate in 1984 to lead the team in both sacks (6½) and tackles for loss (15).

Jordan Phillips*, DT, Oklahoma: 6-5, 329. Started four games in 2013 before suffering a back injury that required surgery. Came back to start all 13 in ’14 before declaring early. “He has a bad back,” said one scout. “He has quickness and he can run, but he plays so damn high and he cannot get off a block. It could be back-related. If that’s not an issue, he has something that you can’t coach, and that’s physical talent. I think he’s tough enough. He’s just not a good player. He does not dominate. He’s not effective. That bothers me. Character-wise, everything’s positive about him.” Finished with 58 tackles (nine for loss) and 3½ sacks.

Carl Davis, DT, Iowa: 6-4½, 320. Fifth-year senior and two-year starter. “He has some ability, but he’s lazy,” one scout said. “He was off the field (late in the season) on passing downs and didn’t seem real upset about it. Nice kid.” Played extremely well in the Senior Bowl. “He plays like he is, a nice guy,” said another scout. “Never finishes things. He has talent but wasn’t very consistent. His character is impeccable. He’ll get drafted pretty high, but he scares the hell out of me.” Massive hands (11).

Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State: 6-2, 293. Two-year starter with 18 sacks and 31½ tackles for loss. “His true position is three-technique,” one scout said. “Good football player.” Both of his parents graduated from West Point. “I thought he disappeared too often in games,” another scout said. “Enough athletic ability. Not sure if he’s quick enough for a smaller guy to win on a consistent basis. Doesn’t always finish plays. He’s not as talented as Jurrell Casey. Not even close to Aaron Donald.”

Shaq Thompson*, OLB, Washington: 6-0, 228. Winner of the Paul Hornung Award as the nation’s most versatile player. “Really good athlete,” one scout said. “Not great instincts. He’s the best athlete on that team. He could be the best running back. He’s a rusher. He can play on and off the ball.” Third-year junior scored six TDs in 2014, including three on fumble returns and two as a running back.

Eli Harold*, OLB-DE, Virginia: 6-3, 247. Third-year junior, two-year starter. “Good athlete, not elite,” one scout said. “Just a solid, productive football player. He’ll get six, seven, eight sacks a year. Probably never reach double digits, but you’ll like him because he plays the run well and rushes the passer well.” Finished with 17½ sacks.

Benardrick McKinney*, ILB, Mississippi State: 6-4, 246. Fourth-year junior, three-year starter. “He’s like a Dont’a Hightower,” one scout said. “Big, physical guy. I think he can (play every down).” Led Bulldogs in tackles past two seasons. “We don’t know if he can run yet,” another scout said. “I don’t know if he’s a dinosaur or he’s a new-breed backer.” Tiny hands (9).

Denzel Perryman, ILB, Miami: 5-11, 236. Started 37 games over four seasons. “Explosive tackler,” one scout said. “Physical. Tough. He’s second or third round. It will be interesting to see how he runs.” Generally played middle linebacker but started all 13 games outside in 2013. “We’ve got people who love him,” another scout said. “I think he’s gotten too big. I talked to those guys (coaches) there and he doesn’t want to lose the weight. Doesn’t look like he can run as well as he should. Got some stiffness to him.”

Paul Dawson, ILB-OLB, Texas Christian: 6-0, 235. Two-year starter. Ideally suited for weak side in a 4-3 but also might be able to play inside in a 3-4. “Very instinctive football player,” one scout said. “Little bit of a freelancer. Kind of does his own thing, which coaches don’t love. But he’s got a lot of ability.” Regarded as a character risk by some teams. “He’s late for meetings, all that kind of stuff,” another scout said. “He’s just never done the right things.”

Trae Waynes*, CB, Michigan State: 6-0, 186. Melvin Gordon’s teammate at Kenosha Bradford. “He’s probably the best (corner) of the bunch,” one scout said. “He can press and play off. He can run. He’s got length. Very even-keeled. Good teammate. He’s not going to talk trash. He does a lot of good things, but he doesn’t have rare athletic traits. He could walk in and be a starter.” Fourth-year junior played 36 games in three seasons and intercepted six passes. “Those guys there have really been well-coached,” another scout said. “Kind of a weird built kid. He’s long, but he’s kind of thin. He can be a press guy but not very good playing off. At the right place he’ll have a chance to be a player.”

Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest: 6-0, 188. Redshirted in 2010 before starting 41 games in four seasons. “He could be gone by 30 based on need,” one scout said. “Somebody’s got to go and if it’s going to be anybody it’s probably going to be him because he’s the most steady. I’d really have a hard time taking any corner in the first round. Very good technique, awareness, instinct, ball skills. All that good stuff. But he’s not a burner and he’s thin. Just a good, solid, all-around corner.” Intercepted seven passes.

Alex Carter*, CB, Stanford: 6-0, 196. Started for 2½ years and had two interceptions. “Tall, good-sized corner,” said one scout. “Solid speed, not special. Still developing his game. Fundamentally raw. I don’t know if he can step right in and start early in his career. He’s got man-to-man skill.” Tom, his father, was a Notre Dame cornerback drafted in the first round by Washington in 1993.

Jalen Collins*, CB, Louisiana State: 6-1, 203. Started in 2014 after serving as a nickel back for two seasons. “He won’t run well enough to be a first-rounder,” one scout said. “Real good size. Little raw. His ceiling is as a No. 2 type corner.”

Landon Collins*, S, Alabama: 6-0, 228. Played alongside Green Bay’s Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in 2013 before leading the Crimson Tide in tackles (103) as a junior. “Where did the Packers get Clinton-Dix (21)?” one scout asked. “He’s the same guy. Same grade. He’s OK. I’m not going to say sure-fire great. I think he’s smart and physical. He’s the best safety.” Added another scout: “I thought he was better than the guy in Green Bay. Little better movement.”

Find this article at:
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/2015-nfl-draft-outlook-b99448618z1-293321531.html

Let’s make a rough list of the Rams future expenses.
1.x million when the roster goes from 51 to 53
5.x million for the draft (we get some pay back cause we cut some of the 53 players to add the rookies.) ?3.x million
~5.0 million for the practice squad and injured reserve.
OK, that is 8.x million gone, we get through the season.
We have ~3.x million excess. imo
Anything else? I know Tackledummy watches this stuff.

I could write a contract with a ~4 million cap hit this year and not make another move. I wouldn’t have to cut any players or restructure Quinn’s roster bonus. imo

Auburn players that Fisher can draft.

http://walterfootball.com/ProspectMeetings/ByTeam
http://walterfootball.com/ProspectMeetings/ByProspect
http://www.walterfootball.com/mocks/nfl/2015/st-louis-rams

• This reply was modified 10 years, 11 months ago by Agamemnon.
• This reply was modified 10 years, 11 months ago by zn.

Cosell Talks: The Mock Draft
From the Desk of Greg Cosell, Greg Cosell, Inside the Game

Posted: April 23rd, 2012

Here it is – my first mock draft. A moment I will savor forever. Here’s how I am doing it: I will choose players based on my film study and my sense of team needs. I have no idea what different teams draft boards look like, nor will I try to speculate what a team might be thinking. The main objective of my mock is to further discuss the top players by putting them in a draft format. One other caveat: I am disregarding documented off-field problems, character issues, anything that is not a function of on-field play. I understand that teams significantly factor that into the equation, but I am solely basing my player evaluations on what’s on the tape. That’s what I do. I watch tape.

Drum roll please . . . . .

Robert Griffin III (AP)

1. Indianapolis (I know they are taking Andrew Luck but that’s not important for this exercise): My highest rated quarterback is Robert Griffin III. Projecting college quarterbacks to the NFL demands an understanding of the attributes needed to play on Sunday. I presented those earlier this week. My conclusion: Griffin is a superior arm talent and better natural passer than Luck. This debate will rage for a long time, but that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.

2. Washington: There are similarities between the offense Mike and Kyle Shanahan run, and the Houston Texans offense of Gary Kubiak. Andrew Luck fits very well into that scheme. He’s a bigger, more physical and more talented Matt Schaub, with the same kind of short to intermediate passing efficiency and more athleticism to get outside the pocket on designed rollouts. Luck would be outstanding in that offense.

3. Minnesota: The Vikings play in the same division with Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Jay Cutler. You cannot compete in the NFC North without quality corner play. For the Vikings in 2012, a corner is more important than a left tackle. Minnesota takes the best corner prospect in this draft: South Carolina’s Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore has a chance to be a Charles Woodson type player down the road: athletic, physical and competitive, playing outside in the base defense and in the slot in the sub-packages.

Trent Richardson (AP)

4. Cleveland: The Browns select my highest rated player, RB Trent Richardson. Richardson is a special runner, the best to enter the NFL since Adrian Peterson. Cleveland will not compete in the AFC North trying to outscore Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Cincinnati. They will not sustain offense throwing the ball. They must shorten the game, limit the number of snaps their defense is on the field, and try to win 17-14. You need a foundation back to do that.

5. Tampa Bay: Remember what I said about Minnesota. It applies to the Bucs as well. In the NFC South, they must defend Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Cam Newton. If they expect to be competitive, they must cover on the perimeter. They select the best pure man-to-man cover corner in the draft, Janoris Jenkins. If you watched him at Florida in 2010 matched against AJ Green, Julio Jones and Alshon Jeffery, you know what I mean.

6. St. Louis: In a division that features 2 ground and pound offenses, San Francisco and Seattle, the Rams go defense and select the best overall defensive linemen in the draft, Fletcher Cox of Mississippi State. Cox fits the Jeff Fisher profile: he can play both defensive tackle and defensive end, and he has the natural athleticism and body flexibility to develop into a quality pass rusher.

Morris Claiborne (AP)

7. Jacksonville: The Jaguars select the third corner in the top 7 picks, Morris Claiborne. Claiborne played both press and off coverage at LSU, and he also played in the slot. Claiborne was more of a mirror or shadow press man corner, much like Champ Bailey has been in his career. Claiborne was a smooth efficient mover, but he was not as physical as Gilmore, and I don’t believe he provides the same slot versatility as a blitzer and run support defender.

8. Miami: What I’m about to say certainly applied to Cleveland as well, but I could not pass on such a special player as Richardson at #4. If you have a top 15 NFL quarterback (give or take) you can compete for division titles and by extension, championships. If you don’t, it’s very difficult. Think about the top 15 in the NFL right now, and you’ll realize it’s a fair statement. That logic leads me to Ryan Tannehill for the Dolphins. In fact, over time, I believe he has a chance to be significantly better than Top 15.

9. Carolina: The Panthers have a quarterback with a chance to be special. They have 2 excellent running backs, both still young. They just re-signed Steve Smith, following his best season in a number of years. They have an excellent offensive line. How about adding Michael Floyd to the equation? The idea: Make one side of the ball outstanding, and then gradually build the defense. That was Bill Polian’s approach with the Colts when they drafted Peyton Manning back in 1998.

Justin Blackmon (AP)

10. Buffalo: The Bills select the second receiver in the top 10, Justin Blackmon. Blackmon fits very well in Chan Gailey’s multiple formation passing game. Gailey runs a fast-break offense with Ryan Fitzpatrick getting the ball out quickly like a quarterback version of a point guard. Many will argue left tackle, and Matt Kalil is still available in my mock, but in Buffalo’s offense, I believe a receiver like Blackmon, with his size, alignment versatility and excellent run-after-catch ability, is a more necessary component than a left tackle.

11. Kansas City: The Chiefs under Romeo Crennel are quietly building an excellent defense. Focus on linebacker: It’s a very good group that features Tamba Hali and Justin Houston on the outside, and Derrick Johnson inside. You add Luke Kuechly to the mix, and you may well have the best 3-4 linebacking unit in the NFL. I’m tired of hearing about Kuechly’s average athleticism. I watched game after game after game and he played fast with urgent reaction speed. He played with his eyes better than any linebacker I can remember evaluating. His so-called inability to play physically? Watch the NFL as extensively as I do, and you’ll know that very few linebackers take on blocks. That’s a time-worn cliché that really has little practical application.

12. Seattle: The most intriguing front-7 player comes off the board to the Seahawks. Melvin Ingram is remarkably athletic for his body type (6’1½”, 264 pounds at the Combine). He aligned all over the South Carolina defense: DE, DT, LB. He was the movable chess piece looking for matchups to exploit. At times he moved like a running back with his lateral agility and nimble feet. Don’t overreact when I say this, but his spin move was reminiscent of Dwight Freeney. He had that kind of explosive quickness.

Matt Kalil (AP)

13. Arizona: This is where Matt Kalil comes off the board in my mock. I know the Cards re-signed Levi Brown, but trust me, I watched every game on tape last season, and Brown is not a quality starting NFL left tackle. They can move him to the right side, and start Kalil at left tackle from day one. Kalil is a much better pass protector at this point; the tape clearly shows he needs work as a run blocker, but in the final analysis, he’s the best left tackle in this draft. In addition, with either Kevin Kolb or John Skelton taking the snaps, two quarterbacks who struggle with pocket movement, it is imperative that pass protection be a priority.

14. Dallas: The pick here is Alabama safety Mark Barron. Barron is easily the best safety in this draft class. His tape showed a complete and multi-dimensional skill set, perhaps the most impressive attribute being his man-to-man coverage ability versus tight ends. He also played man-to-man against the inside slot receiver in 3×1 sets. The larger point is that Barron can play man coverage, and that has become increasingly important for safeties in today’s NFL. Overall Barron offers tremendous scheme and position versatility. Safety has still not reached premium status in terms of NFL draft value, but I would argue that Barron is one of the 5 to 7 best players in this draft.

15. Philadelphia: I look at the Eagles defense, and see the need for an inside pass rusher in their sub-package personnel groups. Remember, in the final 4 games of 2011, the coaching staff expanded the alignment and personnel concepts, often utilizing Jason Babin and Trent Cole in 2 point stances as moveable linebackers. With that said, the pick is Chandler Jones from Syracuse. Jones has an intriguing combination of size, length and athletic movement. I think of Eagles defensive line coach Jim Washburn, and I could easily envision Washburn looking at Jones, and seeing a better version of Jason Jones, whom Washburn coached in Tennessee for 3 years.

16. Jets: There’s no question the Jets need to rush the quarterback to implement one critical element of Rex Ryan’s team profile: a dominant turnover-fueled defense. The pick here is Courtney Upshaw from Alabama. Upshaw transitions best as a 3-4 OLB. When I studied him, he reminded me in some ways of Steelers LB Lamar Woodley: similar size, similar body type. In addition, Upshaw showed the natural strength to be an effective power rusher. There were also snaps in which he bent the edge and closed with speed. Upshaw also has the versatility to put his hand on the ground and rush from a 3 point stance.

17. Cincinnati: In my mock, Stanford’s David DeCastro is still available. He’s the pick for a Bengals offense that needs to run the ball effectively to achieve consistency. They signed two 30+ year old guards in free agency, Travelle Wharton and Jacob Bell, along with back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, but DeCastro would be a critical component of a revamped offensive line playing next to former first round RT Andre Smith. I know the Bengals have never drafted a guard in the first round, but, with Andy Dalton at quarterback, a balanced, efficient offense is a necessity.

18. San Diego: Norv Turner’s offensive modus operandi has always been balance, a consistent power run game setting the table for an intermediate and downfield passing game. It now looks as if Ryan Mathews can become the foundation back (three 20+ carry games in his last 5 in 2011) that Turner desires. What’s needed to carry out the plan? Offensive line help. Cordy Glenn from Georgia is the pick. Glenn could transition to the NFL at 3 positions: LT, RT and inside at guard. Keep in mind the Chargers lost Kris Dielman to retirement. He was the most important piece in San Diego’s power run game.

Kendall Wright (AP)

19. Chicago: The pick here is Kendall Wright. Wright’s vertical explosiveness is a strong scheme fit with Jay Cutler. Cutler is a see it, throw it passer who often waits for his receivers to get open at the intermediate and deeper levels. Many will argue that offensive tackle is a pressing need, but having watched every 2011 Bears game on tape, I believe LT J’Marcus Webb has the physical skill set to play the position and showed improvement as the season progressed. In addition, Chicago drafted Gabe Carimi in the first round last year; he will be the right tackle. In a division that features Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford, the Bears will need to score to compete.

20. Tennessee: One of the most intriguing players I watched on tape was DE Whitney Mercilus. He rarely aligned wide in Illinois’ defense, which significantly limited his pass rush space and minimized his initial burst off the ball and his overall athleticism. The Titans need to rush the quarterback better (only 28 sacks in 2011), and they will select Mercilus and line him up wide to maximize his pass rush ability. At this point, Mercilus is a little bit of a straight line rusher with a limited repertoire but there’s no question he has burst and closing speed.

21. Cincinnati: The Bengals need help in the secondary. They have a lot of age and a number of question marks. That’s why it makes sense to select Dre Kirkpatrick. Under the demanding eye of Nick Saban, Alabama corners are taught, and therefore are experienced playing in, all coverage concepts. What I liked evaluating Kirkpatrick was his understanding of different coverages, and his role in playing them properly. He knew when he could undercut routes in man coverage; he was aware of where his help was, whether it was underneath or over the top. There’s no question he didn’t always play to his physical and athletic attributes but the skill set to be both an effective press man corner and off zone corner is there.

Rueben Randle (AP)

22. Cleveland: The pick here is LSU WR Rueben Randle. Having chosen Richardson at #4, the Browns now select the big (6’3”, 210 pounds) and athletic Randle. He pairs with another big WR, Greg Little, Cleveland’s second round pick a year ago, to give the Browns a young and physically imposing tandem that is a nice scheme fit in the Pat Shurmur/Brad Childress version of the West Coast offense. Randle, as I’ve said before, showed some similarities to the Giants’ Hakeem Nicks in terms of athletic movement and deceptive vertical speed. There were times watching tape I felt he was the quicker more athletic than both Justin Blackmon and Michael Floyd.

23. Detroit: The Lions must upgrade their offensive line. Detroit is a team built on explosive offensive plays with the strong-armed Stafford and the unique receiving talents of Calvin Johnson. You cannot ignore the importance of offensive line play to that team, and its profile. That leads me to Ohio State’s Mike Adams. Adams is the most purely athletic of the offensive tackles in this draft class: long arms, quick and light feet, outstanding size and body length, excellent balance and body control. For a team that throws the ball as much as the Lions do, Adams is the right fit. His overall skill set transitions well to pass protection in the NFL.

24. Pittsburgh: The Steelers select one of my favorite players to watch on tape, Wisconsin guard Kevin Zeitler. Guard is clearly a position of need for Pittsburgh. I’m sure many will disagree, but I believe Zeitler is a better athlete than DeCastro. He has quick and active feet that allowed him to be very effective in the zone run game. He squared up well as a puller in the power run game, showing strength on contact. Zeitler was not as purely physical and nasty as DeCastro, but I saw a more athletic and complete OG.

Coby Fleener (AP)

25. Denver: This is now Peyton Manning’s team. The profile begins with offense, just as it did in Indianapolis. Certainly there are needs on the defensive side of the ball, but the pick here is Coby Fleener. Fleener is a more athletic Dallas Clark, a tight end that can align all over the formation and get down the vertical seam. Seam routes off play action are critical in the Manning offense, and Fleener is a fluid route runner with deceptive speed. I remember Fleener beating Notre Dame corner Robert Blanton for a touchdown with a beautiful route, one that showed a great understanding of how to set up a defender. His ability to beat linebackers, safeties and even corners at times will give the Broncos offense the extra dimension Manning desires.

26. Houston: The pick is Riley Reiff, the left tackle from Iowa. Reiff would transition to RT for the Texans. He was a very efficient and controlled player, assignment disciplined snap after snap. He showed the lateral quickness and movement needed when executing the zone run game at Iowa. That, of course, is the staple of the Texans offense. As a pass protector, he was smooth out of his stance with good knee bend, balance and body control. He was robotic and repetitive, in a positive way. He’ll need some work and seasoning, as there were times the bull rush got inside of him due to slow hand movement. But Reiff’s deficiencies can be cleaned up with coaching.

27. New England: This is where Shea McClellin comes off the board. He was one of my original diamonds in the rough, but now, as we approach the draft, everyone seems to be acknowledging what has always been there on the tape. He showed the ability to get low and bend the edge as a pass rusher. He also had an instinctive feel as an inside rusher for getting skinny, and getting through small cracks. He shed blocks and made plays in the run game. He was a smooth change of direction athlete with excellent balance and body control. My sense is he will get better in the NFL with a chance to be a dynamic edge pass rusher. He’s not as purely explosive as Clay Matthews, but I see some similarities as McClellin matures and develops.

28. Green Bay: Defensive coordinator Dom Capers has a bit of mad scientist in him. He likes defenders he can tinker with in a larger grand scheme. That leads Green Bay to Andre Branch from Clemson. One of the first things that struck me watching Branch was how he was deployed by the Clemson coaching staff. He was what I call a “Joker”, a movable chess piece who aligned all over the defense, in both 2 and 3 point stances. That’s a Capers kind of player. There’s a lot to work with. Branch is long and athletic, and he showed at times the ability to get low and bend the edge and close with burst. There’s no question Branch has a chance to develop into a quality NFL pass rusher.

29. Baltimore: The pick is Dont’a Hightower from Alabama. Hightower was both a fascinating and frustrating watch. He was a multi-positional player in Nick Saban’s pro style defense, aligning at both inside and outside linebacker, and also at DE as a pass rusher in some sub-packages. He was effective in that pass rush role. At inside linebacker, he was an enigma. He took on lead blocks with physicality but he did not do it with good balance and often lost all his natural strength in the process. He was a little stiff and tight as a mover but yet at times showed deceptive build up speed. Overall there was enough on tape to see Hightower as a good prospect with some position and scheme versatility.

30. San Francisco: The 49ers team profile will not likely change in 2012. Run the ball, play outstanding defense and special teams and win with fundamental execution as opposed to occasional splash. While it might not be sexy, the pick here is Peter Konz from Wisconsin. Konz played center for the Badgers but could easily slide to guard in the NFL. Another highly disciplined Wisconsin offensive lineman, Konz played with an excellent combination of movement and strength. He was not a road grader but in tandem with his active and constantly moving feet he was effective moving defensive linemen. The other attribute that stood out: Competitiveness.

Michael Brockers (AP)

31. New England: This is where Michael Brockers comes off the board. Brockers is a development player with great size, long arms and natural power. When he stayed low and played with leverage he could be dominating. He also flashed quick and violent hands. Are there similarities down the road to Richard Seymour, clearly a better player coming out of college than Brockers? Will Brockers have the explosive strength and leverage to win the battle for the neutral zone? Will he establish a new line of scrimmage? The key for Bill Belichick is how impactful that kind of player is for other defenders. I can see Belichick looking at Brockers and seeing a raw, less refined Seymour; a piece of fresh clay that he can mold.

32. Giants: Tom Coughlin still wants to run the ball. Never forget that. Boise State’s Doug Martin is the pick. Martin has a feature back mentality. He attacked downhill with decisiveness, determination, toughness and competitiveness. There was a blue collar, workingman element to his game that was more appealing and captivating with each tape I watched. He ran with velocity, and that translated into natural power. There were some elements of Ray Rice in Martin’s running style. Martin was one of the last players I re-watched late in the process, and I liked him more each time I saw him.

To see how Greg’s picks compare to other NFL.com experts, check out Mock Draft Central.

For more thoughts from Greg Cosell, follow him on Twitter at @gregcosell.
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http://nflfilms.nfl.com/2012/04/23/cosell-talks-mock-draft/

I find it interesting to go back and see how people did in previous drafts. It gives me a gage on how trustworthy their opinions are.