Zooey wrote:

Billy_T wrote:

It’s weird that it worked out this way for me, but I’m a diehard SF Giants fan, since the days of Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, and Juan Marichal. In baseball, the Dodgers are the bad guys for me, and this year I can’t stand that they’re buying a championship. Not fair!!

I get the “buying a championship” accusation, but it’s not really true. The Dodgers currently stand at 4th in MLB for homegrown talent (i.e. from their own farm system) on their roster. And the Dodgers did not outbid other teams for Ohtani and Yamamoto. For both players, there were larger offers on the table that they declined in order to sign with LA. Just sayin’. JoeMad is also a Giants fan, btw. And maybe OzoneRanger. The 9ers may have a down year next year. We can always hope so. It takes a lot out of a team to work their butts off for one goal from July through February, only to have it crumble in seconds. For some guys, hitting the weight room and film study with the same amount of energy might be hard to do. It would be different if you weren’t expected to be there in the first place, but the 9ers had this thing in their reach all season long, and they all believed it was their year. That has to be harder to bounce back from.

Yeah, I have to admit the Dodgers have a very strong farm system, and have for a long time. The Giants can’t really compete with them there, at least not yet. And they were in the running for both Ohtani and Yamamoto too. But they keep losing out on the big names, year after year.

I can understand it for hitters. Giants stadium isn’t very friendly. But pitchers should want to come to SF. And the Giants have a good track record of getting strong, come-back years from slightly older pitchers . . . but they also tend to sign them to two-year contracts with one year being optional — and then lose them again.

Anyway, the Dodgers are arguably the best team in baseball going into this season, at least on paper. My Giants are looking like a slightly better than middling team, with a frustratingly long road to hoe, even within that division.

It is what it is. Hope you and yours are well.

Oh, and I watched the game via regular, old-school TV. Rabbit ears, etc. Made me feel somewhat virtuous. At least in an immediate sense, it was “free,” and the picture quality was actually better than streaming the game.

Anyone else wonder about KC’s issues on the sidelines? They seem to have a lot of outbursts between players, or players and coaches. That tends to be the case with losing teams, not contenders for the crown.

InvaderRam wrote:

Billy_T wrote:

Also: If the Rams want to take a gamble on greatness at tackle, there’s Kingsley Suamataia (BYU), who may be the most athletically gifted, freakish linemen his size in a generation. Right now, he’s probably a late 1st, early 2nd rounder, so McSnead might hear some screams from the fanbase if they stick and pick him at #19. Trade down, and it makes a ton of sense. He may need a redshirt year, but you just don’t find many human beings who can beat 21mph on the GPS tracker at 6’6″, 318. He did that last year, according to Bruce Feldman’s freak list . . . and is up to 325 now. Incredibly strong, agile, etc.

if he is that i don’t think he’ll be available late first or second. but then. maybe someone will be willing to trade up to get him giving the rams the opportunity to pick up another draft pick. or they just pick him at 19.

____

This is pre-Combine, of course, so it’s highly provisional. But here’s the average slotting for offensive tackles at the moment:

https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/big-boards/2024/consensus-big-board-2024?pos=OT

Joe Alt OT Notre Dame

Olumuyiwa Fashanu OT Penn State

Taliese Fuaga OT Oregon State

JC Latham OT Alabama

Amarius Mims OT Georgia

Troy Fautanu OT Washington

Tyler Guyton OT Oklahoma

Jordan Morgan OT Arizona

Kingsley Suamataia OT BYU

____

Obviously, they’re not all gonna be chosen in the 1st round. Several will fall to the 2nd. Also, Latham is basically only a right tackle, unless he drops 30 pounds or so. He’s freakish, too, at 360. Suamataia and the rest should be able to play either tackle spot.

Again, I’m not sure if teams still use this, but here’s a pretty good trade value chart, based on the Jimmy Johnson model:

https://www.drafttek.com/nfl-trade-value-chart.asp

Also just a guess: The team that calls around to make a trade is probably at a bit of a disadvantage, when it comes to making deals. The team fielding calls probably gets the better deal, especially in Round One.

InvaderRam wrote:

Billy_T wrote:

Just a guess, but they’re not gonna all go in the 1st. Too many of them.

you know who i like on that list? tyler guyton. converted from defensive tackle. probably a bit of a project but had a fantastic senior bowl practice. don’t know about his speed but big and long.

Ageed. Guyton has a lot of fans among scouts too. He’s very athletic as well. But, yes, some are saying he’s a bit of a project, as you mention. He might do well playing initially as a right tackle, then switching over to the left side. Who knows?

I just wish this was the year the Rams had three 1st rounders, like in 2001, when they picked Lewis, Archuleta, and Pickett. They could draft a franchise tackle, edge, and corner — arguably their top needs. If one of those picks were early enough, they could probably trade down, pick up another second, and have five picks in the first two rounds. :>) With that bounty, they could double up on corners, and go with best available safety, running back, or wideout, perhaps.

Yeah, I know. Draft nerd stuff. But it’s fun to play amateur GM.

zn wrote:

Thanks for that though personally, I’m not up enough on this draft to be able to say much. I do have a question. I’ve heard that this is an unusually loaded draft. Have you hear that?

Yes. So far, it appears to be very strong, with a lot of talent available mid to late when the Rams usually do their best work. But this is the year to have multiple early picks, too. Cuz there seems to be a fall off in elite talent quickly at edge and tackle, especially, which is actually kinda normal. A fall off for tight ends, too. Really just two special guys: Brock Bowers and Ja’Tavion Sanders.

The Rams can find starters at corner and safety, most likely, through 4 rounds . . . Later may get dicey. Linebackers through five. I think some promising edges will still be there in the #160-170s, like Cedric Johnson and Brennan Jackson. And if the Rams want to get some Braveheart action, there’s the aptly named Braiden McGregor from Michigan.

Of course, it’s still too early to know how teams will stack their boards. They change dramatically after the Combine and Pro Days — generally speaking, more outside the Top 50 than inside it, with a few exceptions. One of the players I’m seeing making a crazy jump up boards already is Darius Robinson, from Missouri, who’s gone from a likely 4th or 5th rounder to a possible 1st, with a lot of help from the Senior Bowl. He’d be excellent for the Rams cuz he can play all across the line, including edge. A legit 6’5″, nearly 290. Probably could lose or gain weight as needed.

Also: If the Rams want to take a gamble on greatness at tackle, there’s Kingsley Suamataia (BYU), who may be the most athletically gifted, freakish linemen his size in a generation. Right now, he’s probably a late 1st, early 2nd rounder, so McSnead might hear some screams from the fanbase if they stick and pick him at #19. Trade down, and it makes a ton of sense. He may need a redshirt year, but you just don’t find many human beings who can beat 21mph on the GPS tracker at 6’6″, 318. He did that last year, according to Bruce Feldman’s freak list . . . and is up to 325 now. Incredibly strong, agile, etc.

Anyway, yeah, this is looking like a very good draft, and it would have been even deeper if several top 100 prospects had entered the draft, as expected. The Portal and NIL money have changed things a good bit for college kids.

Burton gives them a true vertical threat, with Brandin Cooks speed. A bit bigger, but still should add some good weight.

Drafted two corners in a row cuz the Rams need them, and the “value” was there. My guess is the Rams won’t do that.

Braelon Allen is a monstrous running back. Roughly 6’2″, 245. Should run under 4.5. Could really help Rams in short yardage/goal line, and punish defenses late in the game, especially. Drafted another RB, Jaylen Wright, primarily cuz he’s a 4.3 guy and just 21 for the season. Decent size at 210. Rams haven’t had that kind of back since Gurley.

James Williams is a huge safety, nearly 6’5″, and I think the Rams would love moving him around, playing DB and linebacker. Good athlete for his size, too.

Trevin Wallace is a freakish athlete, which they need at linebacker. Big enough to play some edge, too, though I drafted two of them.

I think they likely get 10 guys from this group, at least, who can contribute as rookies. The two corners should start. Williams and Wallace, too.

I liked it better when the Rams were supposed to have 60 million in cap space.

On the surface, this isn’t an “exciting” choice. But it seems like a smart one. Shula, as others have mentioned, will provide continuity, and I like the promotion from within. Aubrey Pleasant might have been the better choice along those lines, but we’ll see. Shula definitely has the DNA for coaching, and the experience. The key will be if he can innovate and adjust on the fly, and inspire the players.

This is a big switch for McVay, in that he’s known for finding/hiring wunderkind coaches outside the building, and then they get poached by other teams soon after. Shula, apparently, was being sought after as well, but there wasn’t the same kind of buzz as we’ve seen with other Rams coaches, past and present.

Main thing is that the Rams load up on defense this off-season. They desperately need upgrades at both corner spots, at least one safety, and at least one edge. I’d prefer two or three. Edge depth in this draft is solid, and they can find some high upside folks late, like Cedric Johnson, Austin Booker, Jaylen Harrell, Brennan Jackson, and Braiden McGregor, though time will tell if “sleepers” move up in the draft and lose that status. One player who is drawing a lot of interest, primarily because he’s athletic enough to play DT and Edge, is Darius Robinson. His slotting is all over the map in recent mocks. Anywhere from 3rd to 6th round grades, with one pundit saying if he tests well, he could move into 1st round territory.

Anyway . . . the Shula pick is solid, not spectacular, at least on paper. Shula, McVay, and the rest of the Rams can make it a fantastic choice come September.

Good sign for Morris. A second interview probably means it’s gone beyond just going through the motions.

He’s a good coach, but I think the Rams can find his replacement, and his departure means extra 3rd rounders this year and next. Good for his career, and the Rams, etc.

I cut way back on the trades, and cuz Verse was on the board, stopped at just one:

Los Angeles Receives:

2024: Round 1, Pick 25
2024: Round 3, Pick 88
2024: Round 6, Pick 203

Green Bay Receives:

2024: Round 1, Pick 19

My Selections
25
Jared Verse
EDGE | Florida State LogoFlorida StateTRADE

52
Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
CB | Missouri LogoMissouri

83
Brenden Rice
WR | USC LogoUSC

88
Braelon Allen
RB | Wisconsin LogoWisconsinTRADE

152
Sione Vaki
S | Utah LogoUtah

153
Darius Robinson
DL | Missouri LogoMissouri

190
Beaux Limmer
IOL | Arkansas LogoArkansas

203
Omar Speights
LB | LSU LogoLSUTRADE

211
Trey Knox
TE | South Carolina LogoSouth Carolina

213
M.J. Devonshire
CB | Pittsburgh LogoPittsburgh

216
Malik Mustapha
S | Wake Forest LogoWake Forest

217
Jordan Travis
QB | Florida State LogoFlorida State

_

I think the Rams need a tackle, but the draft fell in a different way for me. I prioritized two freakishly athletic skill players, Brenden Rice and Braelon Allen, instead. Rice has the potential to be a true #1 receiver, with crazy speed and good size. He’s the perfect 1b to Puka’s 1a. Allen is Derrick Harvey-size, but faster, and just 21 for his rookie year.

It’s more fun to have a host of draft picks, cuz I wanted to fill all the Rams needs plus backups. But that’s not going to happen. So a more realistic way to go is to maximize at least the first three or four picks, and hope for some hidden gems later.

*Hoping the Baker Mayfield comp turns into a 5th, and Morris is hired as HC. That gives the Rams two more shots.

Lotsa what ifs to deal with, but aside from the glaring need to fix Special Teams, DBs, and passrush . . . I think they still need to get a home game for a successful playoff run. The Detroit game was case in point. The Lions don’t win that tight match if the game is in LA. Not that SoFi gives them the kind of home field advantage that other teams enjoy. Too many fans from the other side show up, typically. But it at least eliminates a deafening crowd roaring against the Rams, which they had in Detroit. Apparently, it screwed up communications to Stafford several times.

Anyway, immediate needs for this offseason: two corners, two safeties, at least one edge, running back, TE, and a bigger receiver to replace Robinson. Longer term: LT, guard, center, DT, QB.

Invader,

It is weird. Now click on his name, over there on the left, next to his pic.

It will say 23.

Quite the mystery. Where is The Thin Man when you need him?

I wouldn’t spend an early pick on TE, either. But they should use one of their 5th or 6th rounders, IMO.

Personal preference would be for a true TE type, not an H-back. So someone at least 6’4,” 250. Good blocker, solid hands, some speed.

Draft boards will shift a dozen times before the big day, but a way-too-early look at (possible) late-rounders to watch for:

Dallin Holker,  Colorado State
Ben Sinnott, Kansas State
Theo Johnson, Penn State
Trey Knox, South Carolina

Soon after the Combine, sports media will make things easier for us by compiling lists of small college standouts, too. Folks we likely didn’t get a chance to see at all on TV, but pundits did, etc. That will change things yet again. I’ve always liked the idea of rolling the dice on small college players late in the draft. I’d generally rather take a size/speed wonderkind from Western Apple Valley State than a smaller, lesser athlete from Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, etc.

InvaderRam wrote:

Billy_T wrote:

Speaking of age: Nacua is listed as 23 on the official Rams site, but 22 elsewhere. Wiki has him with a 2001 DOB and 22. A few other sites do as well. Weird that they can’t get a consensus age for players.

he’s listed as 22 on the official website. it might not be the worst idea to trade down. just add volume and see what sticks. i would like to see them make one major fa signing outside bringing their own players back – preferably a pass rusher.

I may be mistaken in considering this site “official,” but it’s the one that lists him as 23. No big deal, one way or another. But in my nerdy way, 22 seems better than 23, when it comes to finite peak years/contracts, etc.

https://www.therams.com/team/players-roster/puka-nacua/

Have been playing around more with the Mock simulator. It was giving me too many ridiculously good trade offers, so I stopped using them. Did manual trades instead, and stuck to the old value chart. No way to really get all the spots upgraded that need ’em. So it’s gotta be triage. I’m probably on the same page as most fans in putting corner, edge, tackle at the top, but the Rams need another receiver and running back, too, plug a big, athletic guard to play opposite Avila, if they can’t re-sign Dotson.

If I had the picks, I’d double up on corner, edge, safety, and guard, and make sure I found a legit starting LT. Also want a hogmolly at DT. This draft is deep in freakishly athletic D-linemen, wideouts, and corners, especially. So far, looks weak on tight ends, which the Rams need too.