Memphis Ram's Mock 1.0 (Goes to Pick #68)

[Memphis Ram]

JackPMiller threw down the guantlet so I gave it a shot. Here are the results.

FIRST ROUND

1. Kansas City Chiefs - Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Reid started Philly tenure with McNabb. Goes QB again to start his tenure in KC.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars - Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah*
29th ranked run defense. Dead last in sacks. Jaguars need help fast on Dline.

3. Oakland Raiders - Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri*
This kid is expect to show out at the combine. Selection probably make sense if true.

4. Philadelphia Eagles - Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M*
Eagles go BPA. Jason Peters eventual replacement. Might be sooner rather than later.

5. Detroit Lions - Bjoern Werner , DE, Florida State*
Need/Value pick. Vanden Bosch is done and Avril is set to hit the free agency.

6. Cleveland Browns - Damontre Moore, DE/LB, Texas A&M*
Switch to 3-4 Defense means a need for a rush OLB. Moore fit’s the bill well here.

7. Arizona Cardinals - Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
OTs almost averaged 1 sack per game. And their best OT (Brown) needs to be at OG.

8. Buffalo Bills - E.J. Manuel, QB, Florida State
Ponder / Tannehill surprise QB pick. If this 6’4” 237 QB can still run a 4.6/40 ……...

9) New York Jets - Barkevious Mingo, DE/LB, LSU*
Ryan hasn’t been able to find a legit pass rusher since he came to Jets. Trying again.

10. Tennessee Titans - Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama*
Shut down CB? No. But a good 40 time at his size will get him into the top 10.

11. San Diego Chargers - Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
Minus protection, Rivers can’t return to form. Johnson will solidify spot at combine.

12. Miami Dolphins - Keenan Allen, WR, California
A Greg Jennings signing and Hartline re-signing kills this idea. But, that hasn’t happened yet.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
Ten years ago this kid’s brother parlayed a strong off season into a high selection, too.

14. Carolina Panthers - Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama
Panthers have a huge hole in the middle of the Dline. Williams fills part of it.

15. New Orleans Saints - Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia*
Medical risk might make him even slide past this spot, but worth risk for D needy team.

16. St. Louis Rams - Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama
Still not sold on this kid going higher. Not w/o him being better in pass protection.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers - John Jenkins, NG, Georgia
Casey Hampton will be 36 years old and his replacement may not be on the roster.

18. Dallas Cowboys - Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida*
Kiffin’s 4-3 Defense calls for a defensive overhaul. Not sure what’s gong on with Ratliff.

19. New York Giants - Ezekel Ansah, DE, BYU
Umenyiora is leaving and Tuck has only had 9 combine sacks the past couple of seasons.

20. Chicago Bears - Manti Te’o, MLB, Notre Dame
Urlacher turns 35 in a few months and may not be long for the Windy City.

21. Cincinnati Bengals - Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama*
Green-Ellis is solid, but the Bengals need better in order to go to a higher level.

22. St. Louis Rams - Kenny Vaccaro, FS, Texas
Craig Dahl grimaces. Rams fans celebrate. One safety position down. Another to go.

23. Minnesota Vikings - Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee*
If he isn’t gone by draft day, Percy Harvin will be elsewhere by the end of the draft.

24. Indianapolis Colts - Johnathan Hankins, DL, Ohio State*
Team has to continue to get bigger and better across their defensive front.

25. Seattle Seahawks - Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
It’s going to take one of the more unpredictable teams on draft day to make this pick.

26. Green Bay Packers - Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama
Saturday struggled to replace the departed Scott Wells at Center and has since retired.

27. Houston Texans - Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee*
Team has been looking for a speedy compliment to Andre Johnson for years now.

28. Denver Broncos - Kawann Short, DT, Purdue
A sure-fire 1st rounder to start the season. Needed a strong Senior Bowl to reinforce it.

29. New England Patriots - Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor
Tom Brady hasn’t had a legit deep threat since Moss left the team.

30. Atlanta Falcons - Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU
For years now, if Abraham didn’t rush the passer it wasn’t going to get done.

31. San Francisco 49ers - Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State*
Rich continue to get richer. Carlos Rodgers isn’t getting any younger.

32. Baltimore Ravens - Alex Okafor, DE/LB, Texas
Newsome will probably trade out of the round again, but not in this mock draft.


SECOND ROUND

33. Jacksonville Jaguars - Matt Barkley, QB, USC
34. Kansas City Chiefs - DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson*
35. Philadelphia Eagles - Dion Jordan, DE/LB, Oregon
36. Detroit Lions - Datone Jones, DE, UCLA
37. Cincinnati Bengals - Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia*
38. Arizona Cardinals - Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas
39. New York Jets - Matt Glennon, QB, North Carolina State
40. Tennessee Titans - Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina
41. Buffalo Bills - Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech
42. Miami Dolphins - Johnathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
43. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
44. Carolina Panthers - Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon State
45. San Diego Chargers - Robert Woods, WR, USC
46. St. Louis Rams - Da’Rick Rodgers, WR, Tennessee Tech
47. Dallas Cowboys - Eric Reid, S, LSU*
48. Pittsburgh Steelers - Larry Warford, OG, Kentucky
49. New York Giants - Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford*
50. Chicago Bears - Travis Frederick, C/G, Wisconsin
51. Redskins - Matt Elam, S, Florida*
52. Vikings - Robert Alford, CB, Southeast Louisiana
53. Dolphins - Darius Slay, CB, Mississippi State
54. Cincinnati Bengals - Khaseem Greene, LB, Rutgers
55. Green Bay Packers - Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
56. Houston Texans - Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU*
57. Denver Broncos - Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina*
58. Seattle Seahawks - Bennie Logan, DT, LSU
59. Atlanta Falcons - Travis Kelce, TE, Cincinnati
60. New England Patriots - Logan Ryan, CB, Rutgers*
61. San Francisco 49ers - Phillip Thomas, FS, Fresno State
62. Baltimore Ravens - Bacarri Rambo, FS, Georgia

THIRD ROUND

63. Kansas City Chiefs - Margus Hunt, DE, SMU
64. Jacksonville Jaguars - Devin Taylor, DE, South Carolina
65. Detroit Lions - Steadman Bailey, WR, West Virginia
66. Oakland Raiders - Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina
67. Philadelphia Eagles - Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State
68. Cleveland Browns - Corey Lemonier, LB, Auburn
69. Arizona Cardinals - Dallas Thomas, OG, Tennessee
70. Tennessee Titans - Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
71. Buffalo Bills - Brennan Williams, OT, North Carolina
72. New York Jets - Stepfan Taylor, RB Stanford
73. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State
74. San Francisco 49ers - Brandon Williams, DT, Missouri Southern
75. New Orleans Saints - Chase Thomas, OLB, Stanford
76. San Diego Chargers - LeVeon Bell, RB, Michigan State*
77. Miami Dolphins - Chris Faulk, OT, LSU
78. St. Louis Rams - Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State

 

[bluecoconuts]

I like it. I might take Eifert at 46 instead of Rodgers, but I admit I don't know much of anything about Rodgers, so I'm not really sure on his upside. I like the size and ability, but I'm iffy on getting too many guys with character problems. A few young guys isn't an issue but too many can be trouble.

I don't think Warmack falls to us, but if he does I'm okay with that pick. If he doesn't, I'd love it if Lane Johnson fell to us though, I like the potential there.

 

[CGI_Ram]

RE: Rams... I love it! Absolutely!

I agree with blue, I might be tempted to take one of those TE's!

RE: Other notables... Fisher and Allen rise. I could see that happen too.

Geno Smith #1?

It looks like a defense top-heavy class... but I bet we see some offensive players rise as you've done.

 

[Memphis Ram]

IMO, TEs like Eifert and Ertz fill the same role as Kendricks / Keller do or did in Schottenhiemer's offense.

One move TE (Kendricks/Keller)
One inline blocking 3rd OT type ( Mulligan, Hartsock, Harkey).

And Kendricks isn't going anywhere so....

 

[-X-]

I will be SO pissed if Tavon Austin goes to the Seahawks instead of the Rams. I like the Vaccaro pick, but I'd take one of the TE's at 46 (assuming either of them drop that far). Kendricks, unfortunately for him, is probably one of the better blocking TE's out there. I don't think that pigeon-holes him into being strictly an inline blocker only, but it does make him more valuable as such. Ertz/Eifert and Kendricks would make a nice little duo, IMO. Like Gronk/Hernandez. Only not as douchebaggish.

 

[RamFan503]

I see what you did there. Whiners lose the SB. Might be my favorite part.

 

[CGI_Ram]

I will be SO pissed if Tavon Austin goes to the Seahawks instead of the Rams. I like the Vaccaro pick, but I'd take one of the TE's at 46 (assuming either of them drop that far). Kendricks, unfortunately for him, is probably one of the better blocking TE's out there. I don't think that pigeon-holes him into being strictly an inline blocker only, but it does make him more valuable as such. Ertz/Eifert and Kendricks would make a nice little duo, IMO. Like Gronk/Hernandez. Only not as douchebaggish.

I've got a little crush on Austin right now. For the Rams, he fits a need; offensive weapon / match up problem.

The other thing that jumps out to me; this draft looks deep. It might be void of "sure fire blue chippers", but damn it's loaded into the 2nd.

 

[den-the-coach]

Love Da’Rick Rodger IMO this kid is going to be special and agree on Warmack regardless of pass protection because on draft day..Guards slide and tackles move up.

 

[RamFan503]

I will be SO pissed if Tavon Austin goes to the Seahawks instead of the Rams. I like the Vaccaro pick, but I'd take one of the TE's at 46 (assuming either of them drop that far). Kendricks, unfortunately for him, is probably one of the better blocking TE's out there. I don't think that pigeon-holes him into being strictly an inline blocker only, but it does make him more valuable as such. Ertz/Eifert and Kendricks would make a nice little duo, IMO. Like Gronk/Hernandez. Only not as douchebaggish.

I've got a little crush on Austin right now. For the Rams, he fits a need; offensive weapon / match up problem.

The other thing that jumps out to me; this draft looks deep. It might be void of "sure fire blue chippers", but damn it's loaded into the 2nd.

So what do you think the chances are we trade out of one of our #1s for additional picks?

 

[Memphis Ram]

Methinks making Kendricks the inline blocker in this offense would be a HUGE mistake. He's good at traps and sealing the edge on running plays. But as an inline blocking pass protector he would get Bradford killed, IMO.

Austin is just a faster Dexter McCluster to me. And I'm still waiting for him to live up to all the hype he got.

 

[CGI_Ram]

I will be SO pissed if Tavon Austin goes to the Seahawks instead of the Rams. I like the Vaccaro pick, but I'd take one of the TE's at 46 (assuming either of them drop that far). Kendricks, unfortunately for him, is probably one of the better blocking TE's out there. I don't think that pigeon-holes him into being strictly an inline blocker only, but it does make him more valuable as such. Ertz/Eifert and Kendricks would make a nice little duo, IMO. Like Gronk/Hernandez. Only not as douchebaggish.

I've got a little crush on Austin right now. For the Rams, he fits a need; offensive weapon / match up problem.

The other thing that jumps out to me; this draft looks deep. It might be void of "sure fire blue chippers", but damn it's loaded into the 2nd.

So what do you think the chances are we trade out of one of our #1s for additional picks?

I commented on this a week or so ago; I worry the Rams did so well with the trade down in 2012 they may force it (I don't think they will, they are smart guys... just saying the concern out loud). Not that getting more picks is a bad thing, but recently we've seen Bellichick trade down a lot and I'm not so sure it's always worked out for them.

Obviously, the Rams deserve some credit after last year's moves. So, if they trade down, I trust them. But I hope it's for multiple picks inside the top 64. 3rd round and lower feels like a bigger compromise.

But what do I know? Just my opinion on the matter.

 

[-X-]

Methinks making Kendricks the inline blocker in this offense would be a HUGE mistake. He's good at traps and sealing the edge on running plays. But as an inline blocking pass protector he would get Bradford killed, IMO.

Austin is just a faster Dexter McCluster to me. And I'm still waiting for him to live up to all the hype he got.

I wouldn't necessarily rely on him to be a pass protector either. It's not his strong suit, but he's no slouch either. Dude's incredibly strong. We have to carry 3 (sometimes 4) tight-ends anyway, so Harkey or Mulligan, or whoever could be the situational pass blocker. Having Kendricks on the line as the defacto inline blocker, and letting him release or chip, would be just fine by me. He could also continue to motion on the line with someone like Ertz or Eifert on the other side. It doesn't have to be a "one or the other" kinda thing in certain packages. I just like the idea of having two TE's who are like that in order to create mismatches and keep defenses guessing.

And hell, why does it even have to be 2 TE's? Put in 3 with either Mulligan or a swing tackle. I want receivers who are capable of beating the man in front of them. Whether it's a slot receiver like Dolamite or Tavon. Or a TE like Eifert/Ertz/Kendricks. Just want more of a passing game no matter how they go about it.

 

[CGI_Ram]

Just want more of a passing game no matter how they go about it.

Co-sign.

The good thing is; the Rams know this too.

 

[libertadrocks]

Really well thought out draft Memphis. I really cannot argue with any of your first round picks(Rams and otherwise). I do find it interesting that you think Smith goes number one overall. Certainly plausable, but wow that's a reach.

I also tend to agree with the consensus that the top two TEs, especially Ertz, dont last as long as you have them lasting but... Not a major deal.

Great job

 

[…..]

Yeah...Memphis historicly has covered the draft pretty well and goes deep into the league with educated commentary.....

case in point- comment made about Atlanta at #30 is spot on...I live in Atlanta and attend several games a year, including the playoff game against Seattle, and I can tell you with absolute surity that there will be a riot if they dont get some pass rushing out of this draft.

My gut feeling is that the Rams will not go WR before day 3 of this draft. I'd rather see OL or OLB at 46.

I'm also not convinced we're settled at the RB position. If they find thier guy, wouldnt suprise me to see them go that way.

Pretty brave calling on Detroit to go DE, DE with thier 1st two picks, although those would be two good ones to have.

 

[Username]

I could live with this for sure. I'm hearing vaccaro is top 10 now though. Idk why, but then again I'm definitely no "expert."

 

[nighttrain]

I will be SO pissed if Tavon Austin goes to the Seahawks instead of the Rams. I like the Vaccaro pick, but I'd take one of the TE's at 46 (assuming either of them drop that far). Kendricks, unfortunately for him, is probably one of the better blocking TE's out there. I don't think that pigeon-holes him into being strictly an inline blocker only, but it does make him more valuable as such. Ertz/Eifert and Kendricks would make a nice little duo, IMO. Like Gronk/Hernandez. Only not as douchebaggish.

I've got a little crush on Austin right now. For the Rams, he fits a need; offensive weapon / match up problem.

The other thing that jumps out to me; this draft looks deep. It might be void of "sure fire blue chippers", but damn it's loaded into the 2nd.

So what do you think the chances are we trade out of one of our #1s for additional picks?

I commented on this a week or so ago; I worry the Rams did so well with the trade down in 2012 they may force it (I don't think they will, they are smart guys... just saying the concern out loud). Not that getting more picks is a bad thing, but recently we've seen Bellichick trade down a lot and I'm not so sure it's always worked out for them.

Obviously, the Rams deserve some credit after last year's moves. So, if they trade down, I trust them. But I hope it's for multiple picks inside the top 64. 3rd round and lower feels like a bigger compromise.

But what do I know? Just my opinion on the matter.

If we trade one or both of our #!'s, i would like a first and 2nd rounder for each :mrgreen:
train

 

[CGI_Ram]

I will be SO pissed if Tavon Austin goes to the Seahawks instead of the Rams. I like the Vaccaro pick, but I'd take one of the TE's at 46 (assuming either of them drop that far). Kendricks, unfortunately for him, is probably one of the better blocking TE's out there. I don't think that pigeon-holes him into being strictly an inline blocker only, but it does make him more valuable as such. Ertz/Eifert and Kendricks would make a nice little duo, IMO. Like Gronk/Hernandez. Only not as douchebaggish.

I've got a little crush on Austin right now. For the Rams, he fits a need; offensive weapon / match up problem.

The other thing that jumps out to me; this draft looks deep. It might be void of "sure fire blue chippers", but damn it's loaded into the 2nd.

So what do you think the chances are we trade out of one of our #1s for additional picks?

I commented on this a week or so ago; I worry the Rams did so well with the trade down in 2012 they may force it (I don't think they will, they are smart guys... just saying the concern out loud). Not that getting more picks is a bad thing, but recently we've seen Bellichick trade down a lot and I'm not so sure it's always worked out for them.

Obviously, the Rams deserve some credit after last year's moves. So, if they trade down, I trust them. But I hope it's for multiple picks inside the top 64. 3rd round and lower feels like a bigger compromise.

But what do I know? Just my opinion on the matter.

If we trade one or both of our #!'s, i would like a first and 2nd rounder for each :mrgreen:
train

4 picks in the top 64? Train for Snead assistant!

 

[fearsomefour]

If that first round happens I will stoked pretty much no matter what happens behind it. I still would either take Ertz or trade that second rounder down and take my boy Hunt. I also think Brown is gone mid to late second....but, if they could get an OLB like Brown that late it would be beautiful. The differences of opinion is what makes these conversations so much fun. A pervious poster said he thought the WR that Memphis had the Rams taking in the 2nd could be special....that is how I feel about Magnus Hunt (even with some of his obvious drawbacks)....havent seen the WR at all.

 

[A55VA6]

I like the Warmack pick. For some reason I have a good feeling about Cordarrelle Patterson. How would you guys feel if the Rams took him at 22? I know everyone is salivating over Tavon Austin.. I guess I'll have to watch the tape.