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- Jan 14, 2013
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I made some big changes including no restructure for Bradford. Just wanted to see how things would pan out if we have to keep him on his current deal. I'm working with the estimated $140 million salary cap. The focus in this mock is fixing this damn OL. I'm so beyond frustrated with it. This is what I'd do currently if I were in charge.
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: $30.1 million
Re-signed Players
Joe Barksdale - 5 years $30 million($5 million first year)
Kenny Britt - 3 years $15 million($5 million first year)
Lance Kendricks - 2 years $6 million($3 million first year)
Alex Carrington - 1 year $1.5 million
Shaun Hill - 1 year $1.5 million
Cory Harkey - ERFA($645,000)
Tim Barnes - RFA($1.4 million - Original round)
Johnny Hekker - RFA($1.4 million - Original Round)
Rodney McLeod - RFA($1.4 million - Original Round)
Total Cap Spent: $18.8 million
Total Cap Room: $11.3 million
Free Agency
C.J. Mosley DT
1 year $1.7 million
Rotational DT known for his run stuffing ability to replace Kendall Langford.
Trades
St. Louis trades HB Zac Stacy
Tennessee trades 6th round pick
St. Louis trades Pick #14
Carolina trades 2nd(#9), 2016 1st
St. Louis trades 3rd round(#14)
Denver trades 3rd round(#30) and 5th round(#30)
St. Louis trades 2015 5th and 2016 conditional 4th(becomes a 3rd if Glennon throws 20+ TDs)
Tampa Bay trades QB Mike Glennon
We trade Stacy because he's fallen behind Cunningham and Mason but still has value and could be a good HB on another team. Tennessee wants to replace Shonn Greene and Stacy offers them a better version of Greene to pair with Sankey.
It seems like there's usually an opportunity to move down that surprises folks. This is a total shot in the dark but Ron Rivera is on the hot seat so Carolina makes a gutsy move. They already have their franchise QB and they trade up in order to spend two top 15 picks this year on help for Newton. I don't like the QBs after Winston and Mariota in this draft. This is the last year of the Bradford experiment unless he earns an extension, we might as well have ammunition if we are going to move up in the draft in 2016. I think that QB class has more potential to have depth than this one with Jared Goff, Christian Hackenberg(I know he's struggled), Jeremy Johnson, Jacob Coker, Cardale Jones/J.T. Barrett, Gunner Kiel, and potentially more names. While some of these guys have not broken out yet, they have sky high potential. Hopefully, enough will break out.
The trade with Denver is just recouping a pick because I think my guy will fall to the end of the 3rd.
After watching 3 of the 5 games that Glennon started, I came away with the opinion that he's definitely worth the trade here. If Bradford does get hurt, we'd be in capable enough hands. I think Glennon fits the mold for our offense well. Had some bad moments but also made some wow throws. Overall, I thought his pocket awareness, presence, and movement was good although he's not mobile so he'll need to be protected. Arm strength is solid but nothing special. Like I said, I think he's a good fit for our system and still has upside worth developing.
NFL Draft
Round 2 Pick #9 - A.J. Cann OG South Carolina
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlwRR2-tr_w
Analysis: I took time today to really watch some of Brandon Scherff and La'el Collins. My opinion is that Cann is just as good as both at OG. While, we sacrifice versatility, I think it's a smart idea to move down and pick up the value here with Cann in the 2nd rather than spending a mid first on one of those two. Cann doesn't have outstanding feet or lateral movement. However, that does not hinder him because he's so adept at identifying targets on the move, reading the defense, and getting a hat on his man. He's extremely technically sound with the strength and leg drive to move defenders off the LOS and put them on their back. Cann also is one of the best I've seen at maintaining leverage as an OL despite his 6'3"/6'4" size. He shoots off the ball low and gets underneath defenders. When pass blocking, he sits back in his stance comfortably with easy bend at the knees and hips. He's very difficult to move with a bull-rush and is very active and aggressive with his hands. He needs to get quicker off the LOS and has some issues with quick DTs that get skinny when pass blocking. He also needs to keep his head up as he gets a tad over-aggressive as a pass blocker. Still, this guy is a plug and play NFL LG and a great overall prospect. He demolishes people in the running game.
Round 2 Pick #14 - Cameron Erving C/OG/OT Florida State
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=os95Ie_HqPE
Analysis: I had issues with him at LT this year and last. However, FSU moved him to Center against Miami and he jumped back onto my board. He's an athletic kid with good size at 6'5" 310 but had some issues with his kick-slide and punch timing on the edge. That all said, he's really turned the corner since he moved to Center. I have had enough of Wells. Erving packs a punch that Wells simply doesn't have with great athleticism for a Center. He's still learning the position but his upside is through the roof and he offers versatility because he can play any position on the OL. Perfect guy to have as a 6th OL until he's ready to start.
Round 3 Pick #30 - Devontae Booker HB Utah
View: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:11602362
Analysis: Booker is the definition of the word decisive and that's a great thing(it's what I said about Le'Veon Bell as a prospect). 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 5'11" 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 - 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 6 Pick #4 - Ryan Russell DE Purdue
Analysis: With Owa flying up the charts, I needed a new developmental DE and I think I found one in Russell. He's been miscast the last two years as a 3-4 DE in Purdue's defense which has stifled his production but he definitely passes the eye test. I saw him chase down Everett Golson from behind. He showed some serious get-off and closing speed for a guy who is listed at 6'5" 275. Also showed the strength to get movement with a bullrush and a strong punch. Needs to improve his awareness and pass rush moves but he has a great motor and will chase plays down 10 yards down the field. I think this is definitely a good upside pick as this kid is athletic, has a NFL frame, and has had his production stifled by a system he doesn't fit. IMO, if he were on a better team in the 4-3, based on what I've seen of him so far, he could go 3 rounds higher than this.
Round 7 Pick #31 - J.J. Nelson WR/KR UAB
View: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:11760552
Analysis: With this being the late 7th round, I usually look for a player that can fill a certain role for our team. J.J. Nelson returned FOUR kickoffs for TDs in 2014. He led the NCAA in average yards per kickoff return. Nelson is listed at 5'11" 160 but possesses breathtaking speed. I wouldn't be surprised if he flirts with a 4.2 40. I saw him run right by Phillip Gaines who ran in the mid 4.3s in a game. Nelson has rare speed, impressive cutting ability, and good balance which makes him a very dangerous returnman. However, the guy also actually has some WR skills that could allow him to challenge Givens's role as the situational deep threat. Even if he doesn't, this kid has potential to be a special teams dynamo. Bennie has done a great job on KRs this year but I'd love to get a guy who could take it to the house.
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
KR: J.J. Nelson
PR: Tavon Austin
I still don't feel comfortable enough with any QB in this draft outside of the top two to choose one in the early rounds.
Some might be upset with Eugene Sims being cut but I just don't think he's worth the price in the role he has.
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: $30.1 million
Re-signed Players
Joe Barksdale - 5 years $30 million($5 million first year)
Kenny Britt - 3 years $15 million($5 million first year)
Lance Kendricks - 2 years $6 million($3 million first year)
Alex Carrington - 1 year $1.5 million
Shaun Hill - 1 year $1.5 million
Cory Harkey - ERFA($645,000)
Tim Barnes - RFA($1.4 million - Original round)
Johnny Hekker - RFA($1.4 million - Original Round)
Rodney McLeod - RFA($1.4 million - Original Round)
Total Cap Spent: $18.8 million
Total Cap Room: $11.3 million
Free Agency
C.J. Mosley DT

1 year $1.7 million
Rotational DT known for his run stuffing ability to replace Kendall Langford.
Trades
St. Louis trades HB Zac Stacy
Tennessee trades 6th round pick
St. Louis trades Pick #14
Carolina trades 2nd(#9), 2016 1st
St. Louis trades 3rd round(#14)
Denver trades 3rd round(#30) and 5th round(#30)
St. Louis trades 2015 5th and 2016 conditional 4th(becomes a 3rd if Glennon throws 20+ TDs)
Tampa Bay trades QB Mike Glennon
We trade Stacy because he's fallen behind Cunningham and Mason but still has value and could be a good HB on another team. Tennessee wants to replace Shonn Greene and Stacy offers them a better version of Greene to pair with Sankey.
It seems like there's usually an opportunity to move down that surprises folks. This is a total shot in the dark but Ron Rivera is on the hot seat so Carolina makes a gutsy move. They already have their franchise QB and they trade up in order to spend two top 15 picks this year on help for Newton. I don't like the QBs after Winston and Mariota in this draft. This is the last year of the Bradford experiment unless he earns an extension, we might as well have ammunition if we are going to move up in the draft in 2016. I think that QB class has more potential to have depth than this one with Jared Goff, Christian Hackenberg(I know he's struggled), Jeremy Johnson, Jacob Coker, Cardale Jones/J.T. Barrett, Gunner Kiel, and potentially more names. While some of these guys have not broken out yet, they have sky high potential. Hopefully, enough will break out.
The trade with Denver is just recouping a pick because I think my guy will fall to the end of the 3rd.
After watching 3 of the 5 games that Glennon started, I came away with the opinion that he's definitely worth the trade here. If Bradford does get hurt, we'd be in capable enough hands. I think Glennon fits the mold for our offense well. Had some bad moments but also made some wow throws. Overall, I thought his pocket awareness, presence, and movement was good although he's not mobile so he'll need to be protected. Arm strength is solid but nothing special. Like I said, I think he's a good fit for our system and still has upside worth developing.
NFL Draft
Round 2 Pick #9 - A.J. Cann OG South Carolina
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlwRR2-tr_w
Analysis: I took time today to really watch some of Brandon Scherff and La'el Collins. My opinion is that Cann is just as good as both at OG. While, we sacrifice versatility, I think it's a smart idea to move down and pick up the value here with Cann in the 2nd rather than spending a mid first on one of those two. Cann doesn't have outstanding feet or lateral movement. However, that does not hinder him because he's so adept at identifying targets on the move, reading the defense, and getting a hat on his man. He's extremely technically sound with the strength and leg drive to move defenders off the LOS and put them on their back. Cann also is one of the best I've seen at maintaining leverage as an OL despite his 6'3"/6'4" size. He shoots off the ball low and gets underneath defenders. When pass blocking, he sits back in his stance comfortably with easy bend at the knees and hips. He's very difficult to move with a bull-rush and is very active and aggressive with his hands. He needs to get quicker off the LOS and has some issues with quick DTs that get skinny when pass blocking. He also needs to keep his head up as he gets a tad over-aggressive as a pass blocker. Still, this guy is a plug and play NFL LG and a great overall prospect. He demolishes people in the running game.
Round 2 Pick #14 - Cameron Erving C/OG/OT Florida State
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=os95Ie_HqPE
Analysis: I had issues with him at LT this year and last. However, FSU moved him to Center against Miami and he jumped back onto my board. He's an athletic kid with good size at 6'5" 310 but had some issues with his kick-slide and punch timing on the edge. That all said, he's really turned the corner since he moved to Center. I have had enough of Wells. Erving packs a punch that Wells simply doesn't have with great athleticism for a Center. He's still learning the position but his upside is through the roof and he offers versatility because he can play any position on the OL. Perfect guy to have as a 6th OL until he's ready to start.
Round 3 Pick #30 - Devontae Booker HB Utah
View: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:11602362
Analysis: Booker is the definition of the word decisive and that's a great thing(it's what I said about Le'Veon Bell as a prospect). 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 5'11" 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 - 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 6 Pick #4 - Ryan Russell DE Purdue
Analysis: With Owa flying up the charts, I needed a new developmental DE and I think I found one in Russell. He's been miscast the last two years as a 3-4 DE in Purdue's defense which has stifled his production but he definitely passes the eye test. I saw him chase down Everett Golson from behind. He showed some serious get-off and closing speed for a guy who is listed at 6'5" 275. Also showed the strength to get movement with a bullrush and a strong punch. Needs to improve his awareness and pass rush moves but he has a great motor and will chase plays down 10 yards down the field. I think this is definitely a good upside pick as this kid is athletic, has a NFL frame, and has had his production stifled by a system he doesn't fit. IMO, if he were on a better team in the 4-3, based on what I've seen of him so far, he could go 3 rounds higher than this.
Round 7 Pick #31 - J.J. Nelson WR/KR UAB
View: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:11760552
Analysis: With this being the late 7th round, I usually look for a player that can fill a certain role for our team. J.J. Nelson returned FOUR kickoffs for TDs in 2014. He led the NCAA in average yards per kickoff return. Nelson is listed at 5'11" 160 but possesses breathtaking speed. I wouldn't be surprised if he flirts with a 4.2 40. I saw him run right by Phillip Gaines who ran in the mid 4.3s in a game. Nelson has rare speed, impressive cutting ability, and good balance which makes him a very dangerous returnman. However, the guy also actually has some WR skills that could allow him to challenge Givens's role as the situational deep threat. Even if he doesn't, this kid has potential to be a special teams dynamo. Bennie has done a great job on KRs this year but I'd love to get a guy who could take it to the house.
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
KR: J.J. Nelson
PR: Tavon Austin
I still don't feel comfortable enough with any QB in this draft outside of the top two to choose one in the early rounds.
Some might be upset with Eugene Sims being cut but I just don't think he's worth the price in the role he has.