This is what I think the final 53 will look like at this point. The Wildcard on the o-line is Allen and his health. Assuming he's 100% as he claims, I think he reclaims his job. Blythe did not outplay him during his tenure at C. I think the Rams pick up a returner in Brandon Polk. He times in the mid 4.2 to 4.3 range. He's only 5'9" but has blazing speed.
I also think Mundt's time is over with the drafting of Hopkins. I see Anchrum on the PS as one of the only 2 drafted players, not on the active roster. Noteboom starts the season on PUP and Blythe gets cut when he returns to the active roster. This is why I don't think Blythe starts at C if Allen is healthy. Even if Allen isn't healthy I think he will battle Shelton for the spot. If the competition is fair and unbias I think Shelton beats out Blythe. If they move to a power gap scheme like I think they will the C will be expected to execute second level blocks, something Blythe struggles with. It's why IMO Anchrum isn't a good scheme fit until he improves his ability to execute on the second level. Otherwise, he's an interesting pick with more upside than you would think for such a late pick.
Jefferson will clearly be ahead of Reynolds if not at the start of the season but early on. He's simply too good not to play. They took him in the second round and they won't sit him. He was taken with the pick they got for Cooks and IMO he's the replacement for Cooks. He's an excellent fit for a ball-control offense, like what I expect O'Connell to install getting open in the short to medium ranges quickly.
I expect the Rams to play more 12 personnel with the second TE (probably Hopkins) as the lead blocker. either in motion or as a half-back. Both Henderson and Akers are good scheme fits for that kind of offense. This is why I would be surprised if they kept Mundt. He struggled when they tried to use him that way last year. Their receiving corps is really improved. They have multiple options now with their TEs and WRs.
On defense, I think it was a mistake to sign Brockers. Lewis is a far better and more versatile player. The fact they signed Brockers to what is essentially a 2 year contract will retard Lewis' development IMO. I think Brockers will be nothing more than a 2 down player. I think at this point Lewis will be a rotational player behind both Brockers and Floyd. I think he's insurance in case they can't resign Floyd which I think would be a huge mistake. A defensive front of edge Lewis, 1T Robinson, 3T Donald, edge Floyd is a championship caliber d-line capable of getting really good fast pressure on passes, and good penetration on runs. As much as I liked Fowler, Floyd is better in that he's far more versatile.
Lewis IMO could be the biggest gem in the draft when considered where he was taken. He's good enough to be a true SAM like Ebukam, and an outstanding edge as well. He has two areas that need improvement. He needs to hit the weight room and build up his body as he struggles to set a hard edge in the run game. Ebukam was originally the same way but his training room work allowed him to be a very good SAM with the ability to set a hard edge and to stack and shed. Lewis can do likewise. His other area is to simply to continue to develop and polish his technique. He has average long speed but a very good first step and very good arm length giving him a good play radius. Once he improves his technique he definitely will be a player OC's must account for.
I think despite his flashes, Okoronkwo has slipped in the eyes of the coaching staff. I think they still see potential in him but he needs to prove this year that he can live up to the hype and if he can't I see him released or traded next year. His battle is to prove he can be a solid rotational edge for Floyd and Lewis once Brockers is gone.
Personally I loved this draft. To get 7 (maybe 8 if Sloman can beat out the other two guys, but I think he ends up on the PS this year) guys who can contribute in their rookie years is outstanding drafting.
Offense:
LT Whitworth
LG Corbett
C Allen
RG Edwards
RT Havenstein
Reserve: Evans OT/OG
Shelton OG/C
Brewer OT/OG
Blythe OG/C
Noteboom on PUP (Blythe released when he returns)
QB Goff, Wolford
RB Henderson, Akers, Brown, Kelly
WR Woods, Kupp, Jefferson, Reynolds, Webster, Brandon Polk
TE: Higbee, Everett, Hopkins
24
Defense:
DE: Brockers, Lewis, Okoronkwo
NT: Robinson, Gaines
DT: AD, Brockers, Robinson
WIL: Floyd, Lewis, Okoronkwo
Mike: Kiser, Johnston
MO: Young, Howard
SAM: Ebukam, Reeder
RCB: Ramsey, Burgess, Hill
LCB: Long, Burgess, Alexander
Slot CB: Burgess, Williams, Deayon
FS: Johnson, Scott, Gervase
SS: Rapp, Fuller
26
K: TBD ( I think Hajrullahu probably wins the job. But Sloman makes the PS to work on his consistency and improve his technique his run up is too slow for the NFL and must be improved IMO)
LS: McQuaide
P: Hekker
Returners: Polk & Webster
