Jrry32 New Year's Eve Mock

[jrry32]

I'm a day early but Happy New Year, everyone! This mock will be familiar in some aspects but with a few twists thrown in.
Extension
Sam Bradford - 2 years $20 million($10 million first year)

As a quick explanation, we extend Bradford's contract by adding a second year but move money around to lower his cap his by $4 million this year. He agrees to this because we guarantee all $10 million in 2015 and give him $4 million of the $10 million in the form of a roster bonus the day after signing. He gets money upfront and guaranteed money, we lower his cap figure and get a team friendly deal in 2016. If Bradford has a strong comeback season, we get him in 2016 at a team friendly $10 million to see if he can put together back to back strong years. If he does not, there's no guaranteed money in 2016 so we cut him with no dead money. It's a fair deal all around.

Released
Jake Long - $8 million in cap savings
Kendall Langford - $6 million in cap savings
Scott Wells - $3.8 million in cap savings
Eugene Sims - $1.9 million in cap savings
Isaiah Pead - $900,000 in cap savings
Total Cap Savings: $20.6 million
Total Cap Room: $26.0 million

Re-signed Players
Joe Barksdale - 4 years $24 million($5 million first year)
Kenny Britt - 3 years $15 million($5 million first year)
Mike Person - 1 year $745,000
Cory Harkey - ERFA($645,000)
Rodney McLeod - RFA($1.4 million - Original Round)
Total Cap Spent: $12.7 million
Total Cap Room: $13.3 million

Free Agency
C.J. Mosley DT

1 year $1.7 million

Rotational DT known for his run stuffing ability to replace Kendall Langford.

Leger Douzable DT

2 years $3.0 million($1.5 million first year)

Another rotational DT that can step in and stuff the run when needed. Takes Carrington's spot in the rotation. Can also play DE.

Clint Boling OL

4 years $16 million($3.0 million first year)

Boling is capable of playing tackle or guard and can do it at a solid level. He's only 25 years old. And he offers the Rams a great 6th OL that can start if one of the rookies are not ready to go. With our propensity for getting injured on the OL, I think this is money well spent.

Trade
St. Louis trades HB Zac Stacy
Tennessee trades 6th Round(#2)

St. Louis trades 5th Round(#10)
Tampa Bay trades QB Mike Glennon

St. Louis trades 3rd Round(#8)
Denver trades 3rd Round(#30), 5th Round(#30), 2016 5th

Stacy is traded due to his falling down the depth chart but still having value.

I've watched all Glennon's starts this year on Rewind, I think he's our best backup option behind Bradford. Don't know what TB was thinking not playing the kid. And best of all, if he did play, he's actually capable of getting the ball to Tavon because this guy is 6'7"...taller than any of our starting OLs. I really don't know what to say...TB should have started him. The guy has 29 TDs to 15 Ints in just over 1 season worth of games/attempts. And he actually shows a lot of the abilities a NFL QB has to have.

The Denver trade recoups a 5th round pick because I think my guy will still be there.

NFL Draft
Round 1 Pick #10 - Kevin White WR West Virginia

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpNVPq2XUKo

Analysis: T.J. Clemmings is off the board and we don't have an enticing trade down offer here. So I take the guy at the top of my board. While I feel good about our WRs without White, he's the best value here. White is around 6'3" 215 with outstanding hands and athleticism. He'll need development coming out of WVU's offense because he did not run a NFL route tree and does not have experience running a variety of routes. However, White is an extremely hard working kid with a great attitude. On the field, he has the speed to run by defenders deep, he is difficult to tackle after the catch due to his suddenness and physicality as a runner, and White is excellent at going up and getting the football. I think he's got a lot in common with Dez Bryant in terms of skill-set but White does not have any attitude issues. He's a big WR that runs hard after the catch, can run by defenders deep, and has the quickness/suddenness to become an effective route runner. White shows the ability to win 50/50 balls and go up and get the ball at its highest point. I think a lot of this kid. I have him rated as the 1B WR in this class behind Amari Cooper. He's nowhere near as polished as Amari but I think he has a higher ceiling because of all his physical gifts.

Round 2 Pick #9 - A.J. Cann OG South Carolina

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlwRR2-tr_w

Analysis: Cann is one of my favorite prospects in this draft. I think he's a very NFL ready prospect with the tools to be a very good NFL LG. I have compared him to Josh Sitton. Cann has very flexible hips and ankles with a good sized frame at 6'4" 320. He shows the power to get movement in the running game and consistently shoots off the ball low to the ground which allows him to win the leverage battle. Cann also shows a good understanding of position and angles because South Carolina, unfortunately, has him sealing, reaching, and hooking far more often than he should in their zone heavy scheme. Cann shows the ability to be devastating while down blocking and drive blocking. Still, I wish he had more of a mean steak as I don't think he finishes blocks like he should. He doesn't look to bury defenders at all time and doesn't play through the whistle like Scherff and Sambrailo do. As a pass protector, Cann has some flaws that he needs to improve upon. He's very comfortable mirroring in his stance although he does sometimes cheat on his position step. Cann shows impressive lateral agility, is smooth when forced to redirect, sits comfortably in his stance with great bend/flexibility in his hips and ankles, and Cann has outstanding balance. He also understands how to position himself to protect his QB and open up passing lanes. Cann's hand strength and grip are extraordinary. Once he gets his hands locked in on the chest, defenders rarely are able to disengage even when they seem to have him beat. However, Cann's biggest issues with his pass protection are related to his arm position while setting, his punch timing, and his hand placement. Cann doesn't keep his elbows tight when setting off the LOS and rarely ever lands the first punch. He often relies on counter-punching after the DL has gotten his hands on him. Cann also does not do a good job of targeting his punches inside the shoulders and is often sloppy with his placement. These are all issues that I think should be corrected with NFL level coaching but they are a problem right now. If he fixes the problem, though, due to his hand strength and grip, he'll be one hell of a pass protector.

Round 3 Pick #30 - Devontae Booker HB Utah

View: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:11845552

Analysis: Booker is the definition of the word decisive and that's a great thing. He doesn't dance in the back-field and he doesn't waste time. He gets the ball and he knows exactly where he's going. He does a really nice job of pressing the line of scrimmage before making his cut up-field. Even when forced to bounce it outside, Booker wastes no time in getting N-S. At 5'10" 205, he's not a power HB and shouldn't be mistaken for one. Booker has outstanding feet and explosive burst. He doesn't possess great long speed but in those first 5-10 yards, he's very fast. Booker uses his cuts well to setup defenders and blocks. He is shifty with quick feet and a nice jump cut. Booker also possesses impressive balance which makes him a slippery runner and tougher to knock off his feet than you'd expect. And probably the biggest thing for me with Booker is his ability to catch the football. He has outstanding hands and body control. He can adjust to poorly thrown balls and will make his mark in the NFL as a receiver out of the back-field. I love Booker's versatility and the urgency in his running style. He'll get the yards that are blocked and he can create some on his own with his cutting ability and slipperyness as a runner. Some scouts have compared him to Arian Foster.

Round 5 Pick #30 - Rob Havenstein OT/OG Wisconsin

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTftkxEBw0U

Analysis: Havenstein is a massive man at 6'8" 330 but I think he's one of the few really big guys that can play OG. He seems to do a nice job of getting leverage in the run game and is your typical Wisconsin OL. He's a blue collar guy that can get some movement in the run game. Doesn't have overpowering strength but is able to generate movement while drive blocking and does a solid job with his positioning and angles. Also seems to have good burst off the LOS for his size and is relatively fast in a straight-line. He won't be a backup LT for us as he doesn't have the lateral agility to play there in the NFL. I think he could be a backup RT but he'd likely need some help with chipping on more athletic OLBs and DEs as his lateral agility is mediocre and he can struggle to hold the corner against faster rushers. However, as an OG, I think he has potential. He has a wide base in pass pro and controls players when he gets his hands on them. He had to compensate for his lateral agility in space which affected his anchor but I think at OG, his anchor will be fine. Only thing that concerns me is leverage and flexibility but I think he can get away with it. Like Alex Boone, I think he's a big guy that can passable at OT but might have a future at OG. He'll provide depth behind Saffold, Cann, Clemmings, and Robinson.(if Robinson goes down, Clemmings or Saffold would likely slide over to LT)

Round 6 Pick #2 - A.J. Derby TE Arkansas

View: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:11722579

Analysis: A.J. Derby was Arkansas's backup QB last year but moved to TE in the spring this year before his Senior year. While his stats don't seem elite, I think he's a kid who has a lot of upside to him. Derby is listed at 6'5" 255 and still has some weight to gain at the TE position. He shows off good athleticism as a receiver and has made some really nice circus catches this year. But most of all, despite being new to the position, Derby is a very willing blocker who shows a lot of promise in that department. Arkansas has used him all over the formation including at FB, in the slot, split out wide, and inline at TE. Derby is a high effort kid who plays through the whistle. His blocking and receiver skills all need polishing but this is a good kid to develop behind the TEs we have.

Round 7 Pick #31 - Blake Sims QB Alabama

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sRgotw58Bg

Analysis: Taking a shot on a developmental backup QB here. Sims is still learning the nuances of the QB position as a first year starter and there's no guarantee that he'll ever get them down but he has a NFL caliber arm, throws a good deep ball, has a quick release with the ability to change platforms, and is the same caliber of athlete as Russell Wilson (but clearly not the same caliber of passer). Heck, he might even be faster than Wilson. He's on the short side at 6'0" 210 but with his athleticism, flashes of talent, and overall tools...why not? My big concerns right now are that he doesn't find his checkdowns effectively(locks onto deeper routes), will give away his intentions with his eyes which can lead to picks, short arms throws leading to inaccuracy, doesn't throw accurately on the run(due to mechanics), and he's short which will limit his ability to climb the ladder in the pocket. But it's a 7th rounder. Plus, Sims kind of reminds me of Seneca Wallace.

Starting Line-up
QB: Sam Bradford
HB: Tre Mason
FB: Cory Harkey
XWR: Brian Quick
ZWR: Kenny Britt
SLWR: Tavon Austin
TE: Jared Cook
LT: Greg Robinson
LG: A.J. Cann
C: Barrett Jones
RG: Rodger Saffold
RT: Joe Barksdale

LDE: Chris Long
LDT: Aaron Donald
RDT: Michael Brockers
RDE: Robert Quinn
WLB: Alec Ogletree
MLB: James Laurinaitis
SPUR: Mark Barron
LCB: Trumaine Johnson
RCB: Janoris Jenkins
NCB: E.J. Gaines
FS: Rodney McLeod
SS: T.J. McDonald

K: Greg Zuerlein
P: Johnny Hekker
LS: Jake McQuaide

 

[FRO]

I'm all in. I'm not sure I want to jump on the Barrett Jones bandwagon fully though. Love White, Cann, and Sims. I wonder how Sims stock will look like after the senior bowl.

 

[jrry32]

A couple nice Glennon plays from the Saints game:

View: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000407148/Glennon-finds-Jackson-for-34-yards

View: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000405477/Q2-Murphy-with-leaping-TD

 

[den-the-coach]

You had me at Happy New Year!

 

[lockdnram21]

I don't like the draft at all. Wouldn't take receiver in the first unless Cooper fell to 10. And don't really like Glennon either. Also Barksdale is one of the most overrated if not Most overrated player on team. Would Rather Draft a Tackle and use that money some where else

 

[jrry32]

I don't like the draft at all. Wouldn't take receiver in the first unless Cooper fell to 10. And don't really like Glennon either. Also Barksdale is one of the most overrated if not Most overrated player on team. Would Rather Draft a Tackle and use that money some where else

White is worth it.

I'm not going to draft an OT to draft an OT. Clemmings is off the board...not going to reach there for an OT.

Trust me, you would not be unhappy with the White pick. He'll need a year or two to develop but he's going to be really good. Has physical tools out the wazoo, outstanding hands, and a great attitude. Amari is more polished but White is more talented.

It's a lot like A.J. vs. Julio a few years ago. I had them rated equally. My opinion was that if I had to choose, I'd draft A.J. first because he was more polished and NFL ready but Julio had more physical talent and upside. And both of them have turned out quite well. White won't make the same sort of Year 1 impact that Amari will(at least I don't expect it) but down the road, I won't be a bit surprised if he's every bit as good...or even better.

He's a lot like Dez. May not run in the 4.3s or 4.4s but he plays fast, he's very strong, and he catches almost anything in his radius.

 

[lockdnram21]

So Your saying we're good enough to pick receivers in the first round that need to develop. In that case I would trade down get extra picks. Then rake Ty Montgomery or Duke Williams in second to take Givens spot. Or Take Marcus Peters. Jenkins has been very disappointing and neither Gaines or Tru is a #1 corner but that's just me

 

[jrry32]

So Your saying we're good enough to pick receivers in the first round that need to develop. In that case I would trade down get extra picks. Then rake Ty Montgomery or Duke Williams in second to take Givens spot. Or Take Marcus Peters. Jenkins has been very disappointing and neither Gaines or Tru is a #1 corner but that's just me

Yep. And even if we weren't, I'd still do it.

Duke Williams isn't entering the draft and Ty Montgomery is not good.

And I find it a bit odd that you think we shouldn't take a WR but want to draft a CB...a CB that was booted off his team. We have Johnson, Jenkins, Gaines, and Joyner. We're just as set at CB as we are at WR.

Not to mention the fact that our defense is actually a strong unit while our offense is still the weak link.

No thanks to Peters...even in a trade down. And that's if we get offered a decent trade down...which isn't a sure thing either.

 

[Dodgersrf]

I still think we need to be more aggressive with the oline.
If Jones couldn't get onto the field this season, he may never see it. We had to suffer with Wells playing with a bad arm most of the season.
It seems if Jones was even serviceable, he would have been given a shot.

 

[jrry32]

I still think we need to be more aggressive with the oline.
If Jones couldn't get onto the field this season, he may never see it. We had to suffer with Wells playing with a bad arm most of the season.
It seems if Jones was even serviceable, he would have been given a shot.

Disagree. This is something Titans fans brought up in a conversation about Fisher recently. They said he stubbornly plays vets who have no business being on the field. And that was the case this year. Both Jones and Person should have been starting over Wells and Joseph.

Jones can get it done. If he can't, we'll see if Rhaney can. If not, we'll figure something out(we'd likely bring in a UDFA or veteran Center on top of those two after the draft). But I don't think it'll come to that.

 

[Dodgersrf]

Disagree. This is something Titans fans brought up in a conversation about Fisher recently. They said he stubbornly plays vets who have no business being on the field. And that was the case this year. Both Jones and Person should have been starting over Wells and Joseph.

Jones can get it done. If he can't, we'll see if Rhaney can. If not, we'll figure something out(we'd likely bring in a UDFA or veteran Center on top of those two after the draft). But I don't think it'll come to that.

Vermiel was the same way.
We've witnessed it with Fisher as well with players like Stacy and AD.
However, he did get them in their first year.
We've also seen him start rookies right away. Many of them
I just can't see him not playing Jones over Wells this year if Jones was better. Fisher may be stubborn, but I don't think he's stubborn enough to watch his qbs get pummeled over and over again if there was a better option on the team

 

[jrry32]

Vermiel was the same way.
We've witnessed it with Fisher as well with players like Stacy and AD.
However, he did get them in their first year.
We've also seen him start rookies right away. Many of them
I just can't see him not playing Jones over Wells this year if Jones was better. Fisher may be stubborn, but I don't think he's stubborn enough to watch his qbs get pummeled over and over again if there was a better option on the team

Fair points but we did see Jones and Person in games this year...and watching those games, I came away with the impression both were better. Impossible to prove now but both held their own...more than I could say for those two.

 

[Dodgersrf]

Fair points but we did see Jones and Person in games this year...and watching those games, I came away with the impression both were better. Impossible to prove now but both held their own...more than I could say for those two.

I like the idea that our future center is already on the team. Jones was the player I was most interested in when camp started.
What a disappointment.

I hope your correct jrry. It would be great for the team

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I like the idea that our future center is already on the team. Jones was the player I was most interested in when camp started.
What a disappointment.

I hope your correct jrry. It would be great for the team

I recall the Rams seemed excited about Rhaneys potential at Center. I thought they considered Kones a Guard.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Of all of your mock offseasons over the years this is my favorite. I said that s top notch receiver helps put the offense over the edge. A guy like White would free up Britt, Quick (if he comes back as good as before), Bailey and Tavon. White will be a force that teams won't be able to ignore.

You hit on QB with Glennon and Sims, OG with McCann and Havenstein ( I like that choice), and even keep the both lines bolstered thru free agency.

I would not ditch Eugene Sims though. I think you underrate him.

Overall bravo!

 

[Rams and Gators]

I especially like that it fulfils our need to waste a top 3 round pick on a RB, spot on with Fisher drafting.

 

[Athos]

Prolly my favorite of yours. White will be the new Fitz.

But while I'm coming around on your idea for a RB that can actually catch the ball more successfully out of the backfield, I think BPA again for OG or even LB may be a better idea. Then getting that RB in the 5th.

 

[lockdnram21]

Yep. And even if we weren't, I'd still do it.

Duke Williams isn't entering the draft and Ty Montgomery is not good.

And I find it a bit odd that you think we shouldn't take a WR but want to draft a CB...a CB that was booted off his team. We have Johnson, Jenkins, Gaines, and Joyner. We're just as set at CB as we are at WR.

Not to mention the fact that our defense is actually a strong unit while our offense is still the weak link.

No thanks to Peters...even in a trade down. And that's if we get offered a decent trade down...which isn't a sure thing either.

I have no more patience for Jenkins and imo Tru and Gaines are not top flight cb. We need a #cb. With better line play and Qb play Britt would have been over 1000 yards easy Bailey would have had better stats and then take into account were still trying to figure out how to use TA. Then Quick is coming back. The only way I would pick White is if Britt doesn't resign. Which I think he probably want. In that case I would like the pick

 

[Athos]

TY Montgomery seems like a super cheap Tavon Austin BTW. Most defo no thanks.

Sims is great, would be hard to let go.

I don't think what we have on roster may be enough for Center. Fisher erred in not playing Jones/Barnes to see what they'd hold up long term at C.

Gotta use that 3rd rounder on a Center.

 

[Merlin]

Appreciate the effort that took to put together and it was a good read. I could live with almost all of it, to include trading for Glennon even though I am not nearly as high on him as you are. But there is one thing I don't like, and that's the lack of a QB prospect with real upside.

If the Rams don't get a QB in the first few rounds I'm gonna be pi$$ed.