Jerry Tillery @ 31?

[PressureD41]

Simmons would be a dream

 

[BonifayRam]

Leans heavy to being 5 tech than NT.In addition he more 3 tech DT in him tha NT. Rams have three really good 5 tech DE's in Brockers/ Fox/ Franklin-Myers & Two 3 techs (one is the DPOY) Donald & Smart. Rams also have several Edge Rushers who can go 3 points 5 tech DE in a moment if needed (Fowler/ Lawler/ Young).

Thus there is no need here for 5 tech DE. I would prefer a NT/ CB/ LT/ OG instead. Tillery would be a solid Ram #31 draft selection however.

7. Jerry Tillery, Notre Dame

1. 
   
   
   STRENGTHS
   
   —Productive leader of the Notre Dame defensive line with scheme-versatile traits and size at 6'6", 295 pounds with 34¼-inch arms and 10⅝-inch hands.
   
   —Offers an athletic frame with good traits to play in multiple positions and alignments; has the quickness to play as an interior rusher, but his length and height are ideal for a 5-technique role.
   
   —Has the upper-body power to rip through blockers on his way to the quarterback; will drop his weight and bull-rush with good quickness and pad height but is at his best going to the outside shoulder of a blocker where his speed works in space.
   
   —Awesome productivity as a pass-rusher, notching eight sacks in 2018 while receiving consistent attention from extra blockers chipping him and looking to frustrate his moves.
   
   —Still has room to grow, physically and in terms of technique; has a body that could easily add 15 pounds and still has room in his game to add more pass-rushing moves and more of a fight when the offense runs the ball. Will get a developmental label from some teams, but he offers immediate play potential.
   
   WEAKNESSES
   
   —Disappeared against the run; Tillery was easily washed down by blockers who used his upfield movement against him.
   
   —Suspended for violating team rules as a freshman (Fiesta Bowl).
   
   —Doesn't always play to size and power, leaving us frustrated with his lackadaisical style, especially when asked to shed blockers and attack in the run game.
   
   —Doesn't always look agile and athletic when asked to move down the line in pursuit. Can get heavy and tall too quickly, which allows him to be easily blocked.
   
   —Needs to get much better at using his upper-body strength to shed blockers in the run and pass game.
2. 
   OVERALL
   Tillery was one of the best defensive tackles in the nation early in the college football season but seemed to fade as the season wore on. He's a physically ideal lineman with the traits to play in various schemes and offers instant-impact ability, especially as a 3-4 defensive end (5-technique). If teams can capture his attention and round out his game, Tillery could be a stud pass-rusher from anywhere on the defensive line.
   GRADE: 6.80 (ROUND 2 - ROOKIE IMPACT)
   PRO COMPARISON:Chris Wormley

 

[jrry32]

For me it's Lawrence or bust at 31 and NT or DL. He is the piece that fits us perfectly. If he's gone, there are plenty of other options to include guys like Saunders and Wren plus some others later.

But yeah IMO Lawrence would be an impact addition. Him next to AD would be terrifying for opposing defenses from day one of preseason on. Most lines would struggle badly with those two next to each other.

I think Simmons is a better fit than Lawrence. He even played NT in a Phillips 3-4 variant in 2017.

 

[rams1fan]

While it’s easy to make the argument that we should focus on immediate contributors, you have to remember good teams plan with the long term prospects in mind. Simmons when healthy is a top 5-10 pick in this draft. Imagine getting that value and steal potential at #31! Now imagine him fully healthy next year alongside AD- NASTY! I think we have the depth on the line bw returning starters and last year’s draft class to really fortify the DL. Maybe add a vet or undrafted rookie to the mix while we let Simmons heal, then release the demon next year after Brock walks.

I’ll take Simmons all day long and twice next Thursday!

And hope he doesnt end up like Dominic Easly.

 

[wolfdogg]

Interesting that PFF has him rated number 7 overall

 

[Merlin]

I think Simmons is a better fit than Lawrence. He even played NT in a Phillips 3-4 variant in 2017.

Yep. But I want a starter day one in our push for home field in the NFC. Waiting on him plus a knee prob on the interior meh.

 

[NERamsFan]

And hope he doesnt end up like Dominic Easly.

lol you can make that pessimistic comparison for any two injured players coming into the draft.. Easley btw had multiples surgeries.

 

[dang]

Yep. But I want a starter day one in our push for home field in the NFC. Waiting on him plus a knee prob on the interior meh.

Concerns over the severity of the knee injury could be a show stopper but waiting until he is ready should be low to no concern. Pretty sure if the Rams have Simmons graded significantly higher than Tillery - Simmons would be their choice. This is a 5 year commitment if it works out.

 

[Ram_Rally]

Like others have said, raw and inconsistent . And he's kind of a bad apple based on some of his dirty play .that said, I like his pass rush ability .give me Simmons or Lawrence over him though .

 

[Ram_Rally]

Interesting that PFF has him rated number 7 overall

It's worth nothing that PFF grades on a play by play basis despite who you play against . I know nothing about Notre Dame and their competition though .

 

[TSFH Fan]

Eh, since I posted Tillery doing things to guys on the ground, I might as well post Jeffery Simmons doing something to someone on the ground . . . . (inserting the "he was young" and "defending his sister" excuses here, like she didn't already have a massive mass advantage there . . .)


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1mOnT-0kjM


View: https://youtu.be/sIXqqv-uYbY?t=79

 

[Riverumbbq]

Finding a player that will take pressure off of Donald & stuff the middle of the D”Line could be priceless & not worth playing games.

I always like trading down, but not worth missing an elite prospect for.

For me, the real problem with not taking Simmons at #31 as opposed to a small trade down for an extra pick & Simmons, is about losing the 5'th year option on him. On a trade down, and with his lack of participation during the 2019 season due to the ACL injury, we are only guaranteed 3 more years out of him. With him at #31, we can extend his stay at least for 1 more year at a fairly reasonable salary, and with Donald in the line-up at top dollar, the Rams need all the financial breaks they can find for the guy playing next to him. jmo.

 

[So Ram]

For me, the real problem with not taking Simmons at #31 as opposed to a small trade down for an extra pick & Simmons, is about losing the 5'th year option on him. On a trade down, and with his lack of participation during the 2019 season due to the ACL injury, we are only guaranteed 3 more years out of him. With him at #31, we can extend his stay at least for 1 more year at a fairly reasonable salary, and with Donald in the line-up at top dollar, the Rams need all the financial breaks they can find for the guy playing next to him. jmo.

How dominate will Simmons be ? If injury is a concern? Why not draft a CB . I look at franchise tag as a value. The Rams paying Joyner vs Tru was a big difference in cap space.

 

[Ram65]

Writer's "truthfully not sure," then quotes Jeremiah on precisely why there's a distinct lack of hype. Too funny.

So why the distinct lack of hype? Truthfully, I’m not sure. The NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah notes that ‘he is a very streaky player on tape…he just needs to become more consistent’ as his biggest knock. Lance Zierlein notes that Tillery is ‘raw with his hands and hasn’t learned to properly weaponize them in his rush attack.’ Reading those criticisms only makes me like Tillery more. If Tillery truly is inconsistent and raw yet still produced at the highest level we’ve seen from a college interior defender, just think what he could become if coaches can fix those issues at the NFL level.

I get what PFF is saying here. His flaws can be corrected. Even with them he was productive. Some good coaching and desire could jump his play a couple of notches. He could become a force if he is all in.

It will be interesting to see where he gets drafted and by which team. I read he likes to party which isn't the ideal Rams type of player. I think he fits what Wade likes as far as size at DE with the fact that he can be moved around on pass rush downs. He seems like a player that could improve greatly if he is willing to put in the work.

Wonder if the Patsies take him if available at 32?

I'm more into drafting Lawrence too.

 

[OldSchool]

He’s not my ideal pick but if McVay and Wade want him who am I to argue?

 

[Merlin]

He’s not my ideal pick but if McVay and Wade want him who am I to argue?

Yeah I'd get behind it of course. But I think Tillery has a very high bust risk, he's not really what we need, and I simply don't like the dude from his antics to his interviews. Something about him just rubs me the wrong way.

So I'm gonna settle for hoping we don't take him.

 

[Merlin]

Concerns over the severity of the knee injury could be a show stopper but waiting until he is ready should be low to no concern. Pretty sure if the Rams have Simmons graded significantly higher than Tillery - Simmons would be their choice. This is a 5 year commitment if it works out.

There is zero doubt they have Simmons graded significantly higher than Tillery. Not only does the film show it, but I suspect the off field interview and background stuff of people who know them will factor in as well. And I do think the Rams are willing to accept waiting on Simmons given what they're getting at 31. Just comes down to the medical side.

But I do think there's a concern, that being who plays the nose. And it won't be Brock, unless you want to see us put together yet another season of weak run defense. So taking Simmons means they need to get a nose a bit later, which is fine, but there is an effect.

 

[NERamsFan]

Call me crazy and maybe this is a stretch, but with what I believe is a pretty nice schedule rolling out, maybe we can afford to take a guy like Simmons even more now that things look favorable on paper..

Yea yea, I know.. any given Sunday...

But I’m trying to find as many reasons as possible to convince everyone Simmons is the pick! Mr. Demoff if you’re reading this please let Mr. Snead know we want SIMMONS!

(Rumors are that Browns and Colts hot for him too.. could be Colts’ r.1 target )

 

[Riverumbbq]

How dominate will Simmons be ? If injury is a concern? Why not draft a CB . I look at franchise tag as a value. The Rams paying Joyner vs Tru was a big difference in cap space.

I'd say very dominant, just watch as much tape as you can on the guy as it will tell the full story. NFL.com has him listed as the #2 overall ranked player for the upcoming draft, his only reason for sliding is the ACL injury which will knock him out of participation for most of the 2019 season. Not to push the already expensive Brockers out the door, but Simmons is the perfect young replacement to fill his position as he becomes a free agent following the 2019 season, and Simmons will be 75% less expensive. Donald & Simmons working next to each other is a dream scenario for us and a nightmare for the opposition.

NFL Analyst Lance Zierlein calls Simmons an "impressive physical specimen offering rare combination of strength and athleticism for future dominance in a variety of defensive schemes. Simmons has All-Pro potential and should become an early starter and star".

Getting a top 5 player at #31 or potentially later in a trade down is robbery, and these kind of steals don't present themselves all that often. It's a position of need and if he's still available, there is no doubt about him being the BPA. jmo.

 

[Kevin]

Neither Simmons nor Tillery are on the list of official Rams visits. I doubt the Rams choose either one without a visit to discuss Simmons' injury and Tillery's attitude.