I’m No draftnik, but here’s how a good start to Rams draft might look…

[Rams43]

Let me first say that I’ve tried very hard NOT to fall in love with any one player or insisting on any one position. Just too many needs for that kind of bias.

There will be 20 or so near-elite prospects that will be sitting there at 36. Based on opinions of pundits plus our own Alyo and Dead this is inevitable, and that spells terrific opportunity.

So Snead should do a trade down of 10-12 picks if he can possibly find a trade partner. This should yield an extra late 3rd or an early 4th, depending. Such a trade would be a coup, imo.

At 36 (or our first pick, depending on trade possibility) Snead should take best/most difficult to replace player at either Edge or CB, our two most screaming needs. I don’t care which, tbh, and then take the other position at our pick 69.

I think Rams would greatly benefit from an upgrade over Shelton at OC (I’ve already written off Allen). Somebody that can beat out Shelton at OC would help the entire O immensely. Stafford, Akers, and all WR’s and TE’s. I don’t think the positive impact can be overstated. I also think that pick 77 might be our last realistic opportunity to get such a player. So I’d draft our future starting OC here at 77 while we still can.

IF Snead pulled off that trade down I would invest that pick in best available TE from this rich draft. Some really good ones will be sitting there and the positive impact on this O and increased opportunities for McVay would be incalculable. The 12 sets alone should turbocharge our running game and that extra receiving weapon would cause significant problems for opposing D’s. Stafford might feel rejuvenated.

I would take a RB that they like in the 5th. Another need/value gem of a matchup at this point.

Well, that takes us to our second 5th through the 7th round in the home stretch. That 7 more picks, y’all. I leave those players and positions to the Rams brain trust. Personally, I would understand if they chose to invest a late pick or even two in a kicker and/or punter that they REALLY alike, but I would also understand if they preferred to spend the picks on other depth/development prospects and just rely on udfa for those specialists.

Needless to say, Snead/McVay must have an amazing draft and udfa, plus some shrewd FA signings to fill in the cracks after the draft. This roster is gonna churn at the bottom probably right up to opening day. But I do think that the above suggested position picks would kick this draft off to a great start.

Thoughts?

 

[Allen2McVay]

...

There will be 20 or so near-elite prospects that will be sitting there at 36. Based on opinions of pundits plus our own Alyo and Dead this is inevitable, and that spells terrific opportunity.
...
Thoughts?

Sorry man but you kind of lost me right there.

 

[AvengerRam]

Don't know who "Alyo" or "Dead" is (seems like you may be cutting and pasting from another site).

As for the approach, I think this year calls for more of a BPA strategy. I think we should be looking for players who are expected to be able to make a big impact in 2023 and beyond. While that may eliminate certain positions where a rookie is not likely to have a very high snap count (QB, ILB, for example), it opens the door to a number of possibilities.

 

[Rams43]

Don't know who "Alyo" or "Dead" is (seems like you may be cutting and pasting from another site).

As for the approach, I think this year calls for more of a BPA strategy. I think we should be looking for players who are expected to be able to make a big impact in 2023 and beyond. While that may eliminate certain positions where a rookie is not likely to have a very high snap count (QB, ILB, for example), it opens the door to a number of possibilities.

Yeah, these 2 guys are draftniks from another board. I should have edited their names out. But I can assure you that both are highly respected on that other board when it comes to the Rams pov on the draft.

I don’t see a disconnect between the positions I projected from 36 through first 5th round pick of a RB, tbh.

All 5 positions seem to be great value/need intersections to me. I would be thrilled if Rams draft unfolded more or less in this way.

But I understand that drafts are inherently subjective and that 100 different fans are gonna have 100 different opinions.

 

[AvengerRam]

Yeah, these 2 guys are draftniks from another board. I should have edited their names out. But I can assure you that both are highly respected on that other board when it comes to the Rams pov on the draft.

I don’t see a disconnect between the positions I projected from 36 through first 5th round pick of a RB, tbh.

All 5 positions seem to be great value/need intersections to me. I would be thrilled if Rams draft unfolded more or less in this way.

But I understand that drafts are inherently subjective and that 100 different fans are gonna have 100 different opinions.

You seem to be focused on filling the CB and EDGE spots with the first two picks (not necessarily in that order). If, however, the Rams believe that the top prospect at #36 is a RB, or a TE, or a DT, or even a WR, I'd rather they go for an impact player.

 

[WestCoastRam]

I think the word "Elite" might be doing a lot of work here. There will be some good players for sure, and a wonderful opportunity to trade down if a guy we like doesn't fall but most draftniks (take that what you will) don't even see 20 elite players in this draft - or to put it another way - 20 players with a 1st round grade. That doesn't mean there isn't depth at some positions, just that this draft is really lacking in elite talent.

 

[Rams43]

You seem to be focused on filling the CB and EDGE spots with the first two picks (not necessarily in that order). If, however, the Rams believe that the top prospect at #36 is a RB, or a TE, or a DT, or even a WR, I'd rather they go for an impact player.

I see your point.

But who’s to say that the right Edge or CB couldn’t be just as much of an impact player or difference maker for these ‘23 Rams?

It’s so subjective and with no crystal ball, who knows?

All I can say is that Edge and CB are my current biggest needs and this draft is rich in both positions. So, why overthink it?

Incidently, one of those draftniks replied to my post on the other board and he recommended that I change ’near-elite’ to ‘very, very good’ at pick 36. Semantics, I guess.

 

[muggmeister]

Let me first say that I’ve tried very hard NOT to fall in love with any one player or insisting on any one position. Just too many needs for that kind of bias.

There will be 20 or so near-elite prospects that will be sitting there at 36. Based on opinions of pundits plus our own Alyo and Dead this is inevitable, and that spells terrific opportunity.

So Snead should do a trade down of 10-12 picks if he can possibly find a trade partner. This should yield an extra late 3rd or an early 4th, depending. Such a trade would be a coup, imo.

At 36 (or our first pick, depending on trade possibility) Snead should take best/most difficult to replace player at either Edge or CB, our two most screaming needs. I don’t care which, tbh, and then take the other position at our pick 69.

I think Rams would greatly benefit from an upgrade over Shelton at OC (I’ve already written off Allen). Somebody that can beat out Shelton at OC would help the entire O immensely. Stafford, Akers, and all WR’s and TE’s. I don’t think the positive impact can be overstated. I also think that pick 77 might be our last realistic opportunity to get such a player. So I’d draft our future starting OC here at 77 while we still can.

IF Snead pulled off that trade down I would invest that pick in best available TE from this rich draft. Some really good ones will be sitting there and the positive impact on this O and increased opportunities for McVay would be incalculable. The 12 sets alone should turbocharge our running game and that extra receiving weapon would cause significant problems for opposing D’s. Stafford might feel rejuvenated.

I would take a RB that they like in the 5th. Another need/value gem of a matchup at this point.

Well, that takes us to our second 5th through the 7th round in the home stretch. That 7 more picks, y’all. I leave those players and positions to the Rams brain trust. Personally, I would understand if they chose to invest a late pick or even two in a kicker and/or punter that they REALLY alike, but I would also understand if they preferred to spend the picks on other depth/development prospects and just rely on udfa for those specialists.

Needless to say, Snead/McVay must have an amazing draft and udfa, plus some shrewd FA signings to fill in the cracks after the draft. This roster is gonna churn at the bottom probably right up to opening day. But I do think that the above suggested position picks would kick this draft off to a great start.

Thoughts?

I couldn't care less if they traded back 3 times, TE is NOT even close to the biggest needs on this team. Higbee, Hopkins and newly acquired Long are adequate enough when we don't have NFL caliber starting guards. When you're roster is playoff ready you have the luxury of drafting BPA, but, when half the roster is made up of reserves and depth players you must address the specific areas of need. Guard, edge (x2), center, ILB, and safety and CB competition all deserve bodies before TE and early RBs in this draft. Grab a RB and TE in the 6th after addressing the above mentioned needs would sit just fine with me. But then again, who the hell am I besides a man with an opinion.

 

[AvengerRam]

I see your point.

But who’s to say that the right Edge or CB couldn’t be just as much of an impact player or difference maker for these ‘23 Rams?

It’s so subjective and with no crystal ball, who knows?

All I can say is that Edge and CB are my current biggest needs and this draft is rich in both positions. So, why overthink it?

Incidently, one of those draftniks replied to my post on the other board and he recommended that I change ’near-elite’ to ‘very, very good’ at pick 36. Semantics, I guess.

EDGE or CB absolutely could be the best choice at 36.

If there is an early run on those positions, though, while higher ranked players at other spots fall, I'd rather the Rams stay true to their board and not draft based on "need."

 

[TheTackle]

I like the idea of trading down but it depends on the value and more importantly who is on the board. Who can forget the Bobby Wagner disaster. As someone here pointed out, the Seahawks probably weren’t even aiming for him before their potential pick came off the board just before they picked! Disaster is perhaps an understatement

 

[AvengerRam]

I like the idea of trading down but it depends on the value and more importantly who is on the board. Who can forget the Bobby Wagner disaster. As someone here pointed out, the Seahawks probably weren’t even aiming for him before their potential pick came off the board just before they picked! Disaster is perhaps an understatement

I'm not following you. How was Bobby Wagner an example of a misguided trade down?

 

[Rams43]

EDGE or CB absolutely could be the best choice at 36.

If there is an early run on those positions, though, while higher ranked players at other spots fall, I'd rather the Rams stay true to their board and not draft based on "need."

Agreed. It all depends on how the picks unfold.

 

[MadGoat]

I'm not following you. How was Bobby Wagner an example of a misguided trade down?

He was the Rams pick. They traded back expecting him to still be there and the Seahawks took him.

The Rams ended up with Pead and Rok Watkins instead.

 

[AvengerRam]

He was the Rams pick. They traded back expecting him to still be there and the Seahawks took him.

The Rams ended up with Pead and Rok Watkins instead.

Gotcha. Thanks.

Calculated risk that definitely didn't work out.

That's why, on my draft board, I have a "trade line." Any of the players above the line available - no trade back. If they're all gone, then I'd consider it.

I suspect the Rams have a similar approach. Hopefully, they stick to it.

 

[Rams43]

I couldn't care less if they traded back 3 times, TE is NOT even close to the biggest needs on this team. Higbee, Hopkins and newly acquired Long are adequate enough when we don't have NFL caliber starting guards. When your roster is playoff ready you have the luxury of drafting BPA, but, when half the roster is made up of reserves and depth players you must address the specific areas of need. Guard, edge (x2), center, ILB, and safety and CB competition all deserve bodies before TE and early RBs in this draft. Grab a RB and TE in the 6th after addressing the above mentioned needs would sit just fine with me. But then again, who the hell am I besides a man with an opinion.

Obviously, we see the Rams TE situation differently, and that’s fine.

Here’s my thought process:

Rams TE position has been neglected for literally years in terms of results. Probably been among league’s worst, tbh.

McVay could barely run 12 sets last year which was highly effective when used even with decimated OL.

This is Higbee’s final contract year and I don’t think he’ll be extended.

This is a rich TE draft class. VERY rich, especially at or near the top, so value is certainly there.

We’ve seen how quality TE’s can turbocharge an O throughout last years playoff run. I want that for our Rams. Hell, Rams NEED that.

A quality TE will help Stafford, Akers, and all WR’s by simply adding a threat for D’s to worry about.

Get the Edge, CB, and OC (if still available) and then pounce on a TE and then RB in that order.

Anyway, that’s how I see it.

 

[JonRam99]

wait..... are the Rams STILL struggling at OC???
how dumb. thought Allen was the answer, guess not.
years it's been since Humphries was available. thought they'd learn their lesson.

 

[PARAM]

I couldn't care less if they traded back 3 times, TE is NOT even close to the biggest needs on this team. Higbee, Hopkins and newly acquired Long are adequate enough when we don't have NFL caliber starting guards. When you're roster is playoff ready you have the luxury of drafting BPA, but, when half the roster is made up of reserves and depth players you must address the specific areas of need. Guard, edge (x2), center, ILB, and safety and CB competition all deserve bodies before TE and early RBs in this draft. Grab a RB and TE in the 6th after addressing the above mentioned needs would sit just fine with me. But then again, who the hell am I besides a man with an opinion.

So are you saying, if there's an excellent tight end on the board and nothing but projects at G and C, they should pass on the TE and take the project while grabbing another project TE in the 6th? Having "an order to things" can screw up your whole draft.

 

[ArkyRamsFan]

He was the Rams pick. They traded back expecting him to still be there and the Seahawks took him.

The Rams ended up with Pead and Rok Watkins instead.

MadGoat,
It was actually WORSE than that. There were 3 LBers available in the 2nd round that year and the Rams figured they could easily trade down and at least one of 'em would be available when they picked.
The three were Bobby Wagner, Lavonte David and Michael Kendrick.
Somehow the worst case scenario happened and ALL three were taken by the time we were on the clock, and we got stuck with Isaiah Pead.

P.S. Man, this was painful to recollect. Although it's one of my most painful draft memories but still not as bad as Tavon and Tutu. But that's a topic for another thread.
( I do so hope that Snead and Co have learned their lessons. )

~ArkyRamsFan~

 

[OldSchool]

Wait did I miss the players you're taking? Where's the list?

 

[Steve808]

The Rams need OL. A good offense can cure a lot of ills on the defensive side of the ball.

Under Fisher, we had a pretty good defense, but when your punter gets more yards than your offense, you're a pile of rubbish.

I'm not sure but I believe Fisher's defenses gave up fewer points per game than Morris's defenses.