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- Nov 9, 2014
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Disclaimer: Draft made mostly with PFF's draft mock simulator (coded the best by far) and it's Pre-Combine so obviously this changes a ton after combine and fuckery before the draft in round where prospects are drafted. I prefer to look at prospects and players with a sliding grading scale of performance rather than production versus undergunned teams.
I'd like to first point out:
A. The last couple of years I've been pretty good of guessing at least one draft prospect we've taken which is pretty good considering we haven't had first day and sometimes 2nd round picks.
B. When we moved from STL, it was obviously going to happen way before. No one listened. When we were going to get rid of Fisher very few at the time wouldn't consider it until it happened. Trading Goff? It was thick in the air and made a mock of it and many were upset and said there was no chance etc etc.
This year I have a very strong feeling we are going to move on from Ramsey and/or Donald. Obviously Ramsey is the more ideal candidate for a trade but AD I feel could be had for a decently valued price. I'd say the Steelers or New England would be good matches for an AD trade and the Raiders or Detroit for Ramsey since they've had the leagues worst passing defense for what 3 seasons now?
I smell change in the air again...
With that being said
(stole some resigns and restructures from @jrry32 )
Restructure
WR Cooper Kupp
Re-sign
QB Baker Mayfield
DL Greg Gaines
DL A'Shawn Robinson
CB Troy Hill
K Matt Gay
All ERFAs
OL Ty Nsekhe
RS Brandon Powell
LS Matt Orzech
Estimated even on the cap in 2023 but in 2024 50 million plus free with the potential of cutting/trading Haventstein/Noteboom of 25 million extra
Trades
Jalen Ramsey to Detroit for picks 18,48,55,
Aaron Donald to New England for picks 14,46,76,107 and 2024 2nd Rd.
Bengals 14 for 28,60,131,165
NO 18 for 29,71
Rams 32 for Steelers 36,136,252
Rams 85 for Chargers 107,131,172,182,211
NFL Draft
(5th year option draft picks)
All I have to say is Imagine McVay having both Higbeast and Baby Gronk aka Mayer together? He's been trying to find a cheap version of a dual dominating TE for a while since he became our head coach.
Round 1 Pick #28 - Michael Mayer TE Notre Dame
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7H9WNTug7w
Where he wins: Physicality
Mayer’s entire game stems from being the aggressor. Whether it’s his work as a blocker, the subtle shove to get away from coverage or an ill-intentioned stiff arm in the open field — Mayer is going to take the fight to defenders.
What’s his role: Inline tight end
If you want a tight end who can go head-to-head with defensive ends in the run game while being an option route savant over the middle of the field, Mayer is your guy. That’s what he was put on this Earth to do.
What can he Improve: Speed
I know, I know: speed is not something that can usually improve. However, Mayer is very young for a top tight end prospect coming out and doesn’t have to be 265 pounds. There’s some excess weight there he could trim to add a little more dynamism to his game.
Round 1 Pick #29 - O'Cyrus Torrence G Florida
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wELcYVXpNtI
Where he wins: Easy power
Torrence makes moving people against their will look like child’s play. He can move defensive tackles off the line with his lower body or torque them out of the hole with his upper body.
What’s his role: Guard
There’s never been a more “guardy” guard prospect. Torrence was built in a lab to play guard.
What can he Improve: Very little
Physical limitations are the biggest thing holding Torrence back at this point. There’s not much else on tape that I’d call a glaring issue.
Round 2 Pick #32 - B.J. Ojulari EDGE LSU
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVwEkrTH5SM
Where he wins: Pass-rush plan
Ojulari has answers for almost everything an offensive tackle can throw at him. He already has a repertoire that’s well beyond his years.
What’s his role: 3-4 OLB/designated pass-rusher
Ojulari’s skill set is tailor-made to be a stand-up outside backer on the line. He can’t fill too many other roles.
What can he Improve: Play strength
There’s so much to like about Ojulari’s game at the moment, but it’s glaringly obvious on tape how much his moves need a little more “oomph” to them. In fairness, he at least flashes some speed-to-power. It’s not dissimilar a problem to his brother Azeez, who’s struggled to transition to the NFL because of it.
Round 2 Pick #46 - Luke Wypler C OSU
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vPsra0MepM
Where he wins: Leverage
Wypler understands line-of-scrimmage play. He’s so good at establishing and re-establishing leverage. His game is what you’d expect from a fifth- or sixth-year player.
What’s his role: Center
Wypler doesn’t have an ideal frame to move to guard. He’s going to be a center at the next level.
What can he Improve: Anchor
This isn’t too surprising considering he’s a third-year player declaring early. One can expect this to improve in the coming years, but it’ll likely still be an issue early on in his NFL career.
Round 2 Pick #48 - Garrett Williams CB Syracuse
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwHa6zEPzNI
Where he wins: Feet
Williams can really pick ’em up and put ’em down. He can match a receiver’s every move with relative ease — a great starting point for a corner.
What’s his role: Outside corner
He’s played enough off-zone in his career to get by, but he’ll really shine in man coverage. Teams that play a lot of off-man should be coveting Williams’ services.
What can he Improve: Mentality
Williams could use a little dog in him. Tools-wise, he’s not all that dissimilar to PFF’s CB1 Devon Witherspoon, but he is on opposite ends of the spectrum playstyle-wise.
Round 2 Pick #55 - Sydney Brown S Illinois
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sexlE6MfL4E
Where he wins: Athleticism
Brown is smooth and explosive in the open field. He has range on the back end and the hips to track receivers in man coverage.
What’s his role: Versatile safety
Brown’s tackling and take-on skills would probably make him a better fit as a deep safety in single- or two-high shells, but he’s good enough in coverage if you want to drop him down closer to the line of scrimmage in man.
What can he Improve: Tackling
This one is obvious.
Round 2 Pick #61 - Eli Ricks CB Alabama
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwfC20LTYy4
Where he wins: Length
Ricks’ long arms and long strides make him one of the tougher cornerbacks in college football to beat deep despite average speed. He well understands how to use contact to stick with receivers.
What’s his role: Press cornerback
Don’t overthink this one. More than half of Ricks’ college snaps came in press. And he was spectacular on them. He allowed nine catches on 34 targets for 171 yards on 347 press snaps in his career.
What can he Improve: Pay strength
To keep his same playstyle at the next level, Ricks needs to add serious mass to his frame. There aren’t any 6-foot-2, 190-pound cornerbacks who consistently impose their will on NFL receivers
Round 3 Pick #69 - B.J. Keanuu Benton DT Wisconsin
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ityy7J67uEs
Where he wins: Hands
Benton’s hands are strong and violent. His wins on tape come almost exclusively from a strong shock to an offensive lineman’s shoulder pads.
What’s his role: Versatile DT
Benton has split his time almost evenly between the A- (698 snaps) and B-gap (612) over the course of his career. He can easily fill the same role in the NFL.
What can he Improve: Hand placement
When Benton plays with tight hands and low pad level, it’s a sight to behold. However, those reps are too few and far between for the big fella.
Round 3 Pick #71 - Darnell Wright RT Tenn
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwO3qlvSyPg
Where he wins: Power
Few tackles in college football were more awe-inspiring when they engaged in the run game. He overpowered defenders everywhere he lined up across from.
What’s his role: Right tackle/guard/gap scheme
Wright’s skill set is traditionally placed on the right side, although that’s fairly antiquated thinking. It also wouldn’t be a surprise if some wanted him to move inside.
What can he Improve: Playing on balance
Wright can get a little out over his toes and leave himself exposed to getting knocked off balance when he does catch defenders cleanly. He’ll end up on the ground a lot more doing that in the NFL.
Round 3 Pick #76 - Jaelyn Duncan LT Maryland
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWp3t6Gx9lc
2/11/23: Duncan has a good skill set and improved throughout his college career. For the NFL, he looks like he has starting left tackle potential. Duncan is quick out of his stance and does a nice job of moving his feet to glide with edge rushers. To maintain proper leverage, Duncan bends at the knee and shows the agility to move. Duncan could stand to improve his hand placement, but he has starting skill set of size, athleticism and strength. Duncan had some issues against Ohio State late in the 2022 season, illustrating that he is raw and needs some development, but Duncan is talented with the physical skills to be a starter. At the Senior Bowl, Duncan was uneven in his performance, but he displayed he has a good skill set to work with.
6/27/22: Duncan has been solid for Maryland and received a quality grade from NFL advance scouts. Duncan is a team leader and captain with good size and athleticism. If Duncan does well against top opponents, he could be a riser. Duncan broke into the starting lineup as a redshirt freshman in 2019 and has been a mainstay at left tackle for the Terrapins.
Round 3 Pick #85 - Keandre Miller RB TCU
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ6SYpjTAZM&t=28s
Where he wins: Flexibility
Miller runs like a world-class slalom skier. He makes it look so easy when he bounces left and right without losing any speed.
What’s his role: Bell cow
Miller has the size, speed and burst to handle a full workload in the league. He did just that for TCU last season.
What can he Improve: Short yardage
Miller still could stand to lower a shoulder and take what is available a little more often. He can get antsy searching for holes even when there’s none to be found.
Round 5 Pick #165 - Luke Shoonmaker TE Michigan
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeUPIPVb9jM
Round 6 Pick #189 - Thomas Incoom Edge Central Michigan
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOqzfW2GGWI
Round 6 Pick #191 - Michael Turk P Oklahoma aka punting GOAT (Matt Turks nephew)
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKL2j2iNYr0
Round 7 Pick #222 - Jaren Hall QB BYU
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-ODefWo0jM
Projected Starters
QB: Matthew Stafford
HB: Keandre Miller
WR: Cooper Kupp
WR: Allen Robinson
WR: Van Jefferson
TE: Tyler Higbee
LT: Joe Noteboom (until he gets injured)
LG: O' Cyrus Torrence
C: Luke Wypler
RG: Alaric Jackson
RT: Rob Havenstein
DE: Greg Gaines
NT: A'Shawn Robinson
DE: Keanuu Brown
OLB: Leonard Floyd
ILB: Bobby Wagner
ILB: Ernest Jones
OLB: BJ Ojulari
CB: Garrett Williams
CB: Troy Hill
CB: Eli Ricks
S: Sydney Brown
S: Jordan Fuller
K: Matt Gay
P: Michael Turk
LS: Matt Orzech
RS: Brandon Powell
I'd like to first point out:
A. The last couple of years I've been pretty good of guessing at least one draft prospect we've taken which is pretty good considering we haven't had first day and sometimes 2nd round picks.
B. When we moved from STL, it was obviously going to happen way before. No one listened. When we were going to get rid of Fisher very few at the time wouldn't consider it until it happened. Trading Goff? It was thick in the air and made a mock of it and many were upset and said there was no chance etc etc.
This year I have a very strong feeling we are going to move on from Ramsey and/or Donald. Obviously Ramsey is the more ideal candidate for a trade but AD I feel could be had for a decently valued price. I'd say the Steelers or New England would be good matches for an AD trade and the Raiders or Detroit for Ramsey since they've had the leagues worst passing defense for what 3 seasons now?
I smell change in the air again...
With that being said
(stole some resigns and restructures from @jrry32 )
Restructure
WR Cooper Kupp
Re-sign
QB Baker Mayfield
DL Greg Gaines
DL A'Shawn Robinson
CB Troy Hill
K Matt Gay
All ERFAs
OL Ty Nsekhe
RS Brandon Powell
LS Matt Orzech
Estimated even on the cap in 2023 but in 2024 50 million plus free with the potential of cutting/trading Haventstein/Noteboom of 25 million extra
Trades
Jalen Ramsey to Detroit for picks 18,48,55,
Aaron Donald to New England for picks 14,46,76,107 and 2024 2nd Rd.
Bengals 14 for 28,60,131,165
NO 18 for 29,71
Rams 32 for Steelers 36,136,252
Rams 85 for Chargers 107,131,172,182,211
NFL Draft
(5th year option draft picks)
All I have to say is Imagine McVay having both Higbeast and Baby Gronk aka Mayer together? He's been trying to find a cheap version of a dual dominating TE for a while since he became our head coach.
Round 1 Pick #28 - Michael Mayer TE Notre Dame
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7H9WNTug7w
Where he wins: Physicality
Mayer’s entire game stems from being the aggressor. Whether it’s his work as a blocker, the subtle shove to get away from coverage or an ill-intentioned stiff arm in the open field — Mayer is going to take the fight to defenders.
What’s his role: Inline tight end
If you want a tight end who can go head-to-head with defensive ends in the run game while being an option route savant over the middle of the field, Mayer is your guy. That’s what he was put on this Earth to do.
What can he Improve: Speed
I know, I know: speed is not something that can usually improve. However, Mayer is very young for a top tight end prospect coming out and doesn’t have to be 265 pounds. There’s some excess weight there he could trim to add a little more dynamism to his game.
Round 1 Pick #29 - O'Cyrus Torrence G Florida
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wELcYVXpNtI
Where he wins: Easy power
Torrence makes moving people against their will look like child’s play. He can move defensive tackles off the line with his lower body or torque them out of the hole with his upper body.
What’s his role: Guard
There’s never been a more “guardy” guard prospect. Torrence was built in a lab to play guard.
What can he Improve: Very little
Physical limitations are the biggest thing holding Torrence back at this point. There’s not much else on tape that I’d call a glaring issue.
Round 2 Pick #32 - B.J. Ojulari EDGE LSU
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVwEkrTH5SM
Where he wins: Pass-rush plan
Ojulari has answers for almost everything an offensive tackle can throw at him. He already has a repertoire that’s well beyond his years.
What’s his role: 3-4 OLB/designated pass-rusher
Ojulari’s skill set is tailor-made to be a stand-up outside backer on the line. He can’t fill too many other roles.
What can he Improve: Play strength
There’s so much to like about Ojulari’s game at the moment, but it’s glaringly obvious on tape how much his moves need a little more “oomph” to them. In fairness, he at least flashes some speed-to-power. It’s not dissimilar a problem to his brother Azeez, who’s struggled to transition to the NFL because of it.
Round 2 Pick #46 - Luke Wypler C OSU
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vPsra0MepM
Where he wins: Leverage
Wypler understands line-of-scrimmage play. He’s so good at establishing and re-establishing leverage. His game is what you’d expect from a fifth- or sixth-year player.
What’s his role: Center
Wypler doesn’t have an ideal frame to move to guard. He’s going to be a center at the next level.
What can he Improve: Anchor
This isn’t too surprising considering he’s a third-year player declaring early. One can expect this to improve in the coming years, but it’ll likely still be an issue early on in his NFL career.
Round 2 Pick #48 - Garrett Williams CB Syracuse
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwHa6zEPzNI
Where he wins: Feet
Williams can really pick ’em up and put ’em down. He can match a receiver’s every move with relative ease — a great starting point for a corner.
What’s his role: Outside corner
He’s played enough off-zone in his career to get by, but he’ll really shine in man coverage. Teams that play a lot of off-man should be coveting Williams’ services.
What can he Improve: Mentality
Williams could use a little dog in him. Tools-wise, he’s not all that dissimilar to PFF’s CB1 Devon Witherspoon, but he is on opposite ends of the spectrum playstyle-wise.
Round 2 Pick #55 - Sydney Brown S Illinois
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sexlE6MfL4E
Where he wins: Athleticism
Brown is smooth and explosive in the open field. He has range on the back end and the hips to track receivers in man coverage.
What’s his role: Versatile safety
Brown’s tackling and take-on skills would probably make him a better fit as a deep safety in single- or two-high shells, but he’s good enough in coverage if you want to drop him down closer to the line of scrimmage in man.
What can he Improve: Tackling
This one is obvious.
Round 2 Pick #61 - Eli Ricks CB Alabama
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwfC20LTYy4
Where he wins: Length
Ricks’ long arms and long strides make him one of the tougher cornerbacks in college football to beat deep despite average speed. He well understands how to use contact to stick with receivers.
What’s his role: Press cornerback
Don’t overthink this one. More than half of Ricks’ college snaps came in press. And he was spectacular on them. He allowed nine catches on 34 targets for 171 yards on 347 press snaps in his career.
What can he Improve: Pay strength
To keep his same playstyle at the next level, Ricks needs to add serious mass to his frame. There aren’t any 6-foot-2, 190-pound cornerbacks who consistently impose their will on NFL receivers
Round 3 Pick #69 - B.J. Keanuu Benton DT Wisconsin
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ityy7J67uEs
Where he wins: Hands
Benton’s hands are strong and violent. His wins on tape come almost exclusively from a strong shock to an offensive lineman’s shoulder pads.
What’s his role: Versatile DT
Benton has split his time almost evenly between the A- (698 snaps) and B-gap (612) over the course of his career. He can easily fill the same role in the NFL.
What can he Improve: Hand placement
When Benton plays with tight hands and low pad level, it’s a sight to behold. However, those reps are too few and far between for the big fella.
Round 3 Pick #71 - Darnell Wright RT Tenn
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwO3qlvSyPg
Where he wins: Power
Few tackles in college football were more awe-inspiring when they engaged in the run game. He overpowered defenders everywhere he lined up across from.
What’s his role: Right tackle/guard/gap scheme
Wright’s skill set is traditionally placed on the right side, although that’s fairly antiquated thinking. It also wouldn’t be a surprise if some wanted him to move inside.
What can he Improve: Playing on balance
Wright can get a little out over his toes and leave himself exposed to getting knocked off balance when he does catch defenders cleanly. He’ll end up on the ground a lot more doing that in the NFL.
Round 3 Pick #76 - Jaelyn Duncan LT Maryland
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWp3t6Gx9lc
2/11/23: Duncan has a good skill set and improved throughout his college career. For the NFL, he looks like he has starting left tackle potential. Duncan is quick out of his stance and does a nice job of moving his feet to glide with edge rushers. To maintain proper leverage, Duncan bends at the knee and shows the agility to move. Duncan could stand to improve his hand placement, but he has starting skill set of size, athleticism and strength. Duncan had some issues against Ohio State late in the 2022 season, illustrating that he is raw and needs some development, but Duncan is talented with the physical skills to be a starter. At the Senior Bowl, Duncan was uneven in his performance, but he displayed he has a good skill set to work with.
6/27/22: Duncan has been solid for Maryland and received a quality grade from NFL advance scouts. Duncan is a team leader and captain with good size and athleticism. If Duncan does well against top opponents, he could be a riser. Duncan broke into the starting lineup as a redshirt freshman in 2019 and has been a mainstay at left tackle for the Terrapins.
Round 3 Pick #85 - Keandre Miller RB TCU
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ6SYpjTAZM&t=28s
Where he wins: Flexibility
Miller runs like a world-class slalom skier. He makes it look so easy when he bounces left and right without losing any speed.
What’s his role: Bell cow
Miller has the size, speed and burst to handle a full workload in the league. He did just that for TCU last season.
What can he Improve: Short yardage
Miller still could stand to lower a shoulder and take what is available a little more often. He can get antsy searching for holes even when there’s none to be found.
Round 5 Pick #165 - Luke Shoonmaker TE Michigan
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeUPIPVb9jM
Round 6 Pick #189 - Thomas Incoom Edge Central Michigan
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOqzfW2GGWI
Round 6 Pick #191 - Michael Turk P Oklahoma aka punting GOAT (Matt Turks nephew)
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKL2j2iNYr0
Round 7 Pick #222 - Jaren Hall QB BYU
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-ODefWo0jM
Projected Starters
QB: Matthew Stafford
HB: Keandre Miller
WR: Cooper Kupp
WR: Allen Robinson
WR: Van Jefferson
TE: Tyler Higbee
LT: Joe Noteboom (until he gets injured)
LG: O' Cyrus Torrence
C: Luke Wypler
RG: Alaric Jackson
RT: Rob Havenstein
DE: Greg Gaines
NT: A'Shawn Robinson
DE: Keanuu Brown
OLB: Leonard Floyd
ILB: Bobby Wagner
ILB: Ernest Jones
OLB: BJ Ojulari
CB: Garrett Williams
CB: Troy Hill
CB: Eli Ricks
S: Sydney Brown
S: Jordan Fuller
K: Matt Gay
P: Michael Turk
LS: Matt Orzech
RS: Brandon Powell
