Jrry32's First Mock Off-Season of the Year

[jrry32]

Well, it is that time of year again. I was hoping I'd be making these with us picking #32, but I guess that gives me the motivation to really knock this mock out of the park.
Cut
ILB Mark Barron

There's not much to say here. I think we're all agreed on this one. Barron stepped up in the playoffs, but we need somebody who offers more in terms of run fits.

Re-sign
OG Rodger Saffold
CB Sam Shields
ILB Bryce Hager
S Blake Countess
ILB Cory Littleton - Second Round RFA Tender
CB Dominique Hatfield - ERFA Tender
RS Jojo Natson - ERFA Tender
DL Morgan Fox - ERFA Tender
CB Kevin Peterson - ERFA Tender
OLB Garrett Sickels - ERFA Tender
WR KhaDarel Hodge - ERFA Tender

I doubt there are too many surprises here. I would say the only two possible surprises are not re-signing Ndamukong Suh or Dante Fowler Jr. I think Suh wants his final multi-year contract. That will make it not feasible to bring him back. I like Fowler Jr., but I am wary of his price tag as a former top pick. I think we all expect Joyner to go.

Free Agency

Shaquil Barrett OLB

I wanted us to pursue Barrett last year when he was a RFA if Denver gave him an original round tender. Unfortunately, Denver gave him a second round tender. He lost a lot of snaps this year with Bradley Chubb playing lights out as a rookie. Still, Barrett is a guy who has looked good whenever he has gotten on the field in Denver. He has experience playing for Wade, and he's a solid all around edge defender who has upside.

Darian Stewart SS

Former Ram Darian Stewart returns home after Denver releases him. I know some of us are still a little peeved at Stewart for injuring Kupp, but I like us having vets in the secondary. When Talib went out, we had a lot of communication issues with the young guys in the secondary. Having a veteran leader like Stewart will help us. Plus, Stewart has played very good football in Wade's scheme in the past, and he offers the sort of tone-setting hitting I'd like to see more of out of our defense.

Danny Shelton NT

We need some beef in the middle. I've said in the past that Wade doesn't like space-occupying NTs, but I think Wade will accept Shelton because he offers more than that. Shelton was a first round pick after posting 94 tackles, 17 TFLs, and 9 sacks in his final year at Washington. Shelton's disruptive ability hasn't consistently manifested itself in the NFL, but the potential is still there. He had a good Super Bowl against us as a run defender. He offers us the sort of size and anchor our run defense needs in the middle with the potential to be the disruptive interior defender that Wade likes.

Ryan Groy C/OG

We tried to sign Groy after the 2016 season when McVay and Kromer had just been hired. The Bills matched our offer and kept him. Groy hasn't played as well away from Kromer's system, so I think we can sign him now cheaper than what we offered a couple years ago. He'll provide quality depth at Center and Guard.

Trade
Rams trade Round 1 Pick #31
Giants trade Round 2 Pick #5, Round 4 Pick #30, and Round 7 Pick #6

Giants trade up to get the fifth-year option for Eli's successor at QB, Daniel Jones.

Rams trade Round 3 Pick #31 and Round 3 Pick #37
Browns trade Round 3 Pick #16 and Round 4 Pick #17

Rams move up for a guy they're targeting.

NFL Draft
Round 2 Pick #5 - Devin Bush Jr. ILB Michigan

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocgeFPaoh2Y

Analysis: The one thing I expect we can all agree on is that we lacked a force at ILB this year. Littleton flashed at times, but he was inconsistent. Devin Bush Jr., the son of former Rams safety Devin Bush Sr. (starter on the 1999 Super Bowl Champion Rams), is the force we need. Bush is undersized at 5'11" 235, but don't let size fool you. He hits like a truck, runs like a deer, and is fearless filling gaps. Bush has the athleticism to handle HBs out of the backfield along with the instincts, strength and physicality to fill gaps in the running game. He's a tone-setter.

Round 3 Pick #16 - Chase Winovich OLB Michigan

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtMk8KU7hyI

Analysis: With all of the talent at EDGE in this class, I think Winovich is flying under the radar. He won't wow you with athleticism, but he's a relentless player who plays every down like it's his last. Winovich has a great first step, plays with outstanding leverage, has a powerful punch, use his hands well, and converts speed-to-power very effectively. He's not an edge bender, but he has the first step, balance, and leverage to threaten the corner. He has advanced pass rush plans, has great screen recognition, and plays the run well. He probably won't ever lead the NFL in sacks, but he's a guy who will play the run well, make very few mistakes, and consistently make the QB uncomfortable.

Round 4 Pick #17 - Rodney Anderson HB Oklahoma

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utferOWkERo

Analysis: The rumors are that Anderson will fall to Day 3 due to medical. He tore his ACL this year, he broke his leg in 2015 as a freshman, and broke a bone in his neck in 2016. Thus, he's only had one healthy year in college. Still, I will dance a jig if we land him in the fourth round. Coming into the year, Anderson was considered a potential first round pick. At 6'1" 220, he's an explosive runner who has both shiftiness and power. He also has soft hands as a receiver and great vision and patience. The closest thing to a weakness right now, outside of his injury history, is his inconsistencies in pass protection.

Round 4 Pick #30 - Brett Rypien QB Boise State

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoNPjimzCB4

Analysis: Brett Rypien, the nephew of former Rams QB Mark Rypien, was a four year starter at Boise State. In his senior year, Rypien threw for 30 TDs to 7 Ints. Rypien's physical skill-set is very average. He has average mobility, average arm strength, and average size (6'2" 205). However, Rypien is an intelligent QB who sees the field well, throws with anticipation, and moves seamlessly through his reads. During his career, he has had a tendency to make bad decisions under pressure, I don't think he feels pressure well, and I don't like his tendency to fumble the football. However, we're talking about the 4th round here, you're not getting another Jared Goff in the 4th round. Rypien is a guy who could execute our offense effectively if Goff ever went down. He's a game manager, but he is solid in that role. Also, Rypien has an outstanding play-action fake, which is definitely a positive for our offense.

Round 4 Pick #31 - Cortez Broughton DL Cincinnati

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY_kzrNN3aU

Analysis: I really like the potential Cortez Broughton brings to the table. As a senior, he posted 52 tackles, 18.5 TFLs, and 7.5 sacks. At 6'2" 290, Broughton is undersized, but he has an explosive first step, great natural leverage, and a nasty bull rush. He also uses his hands well for a guy his age, but I would like to see him develop better counters and a go-to move. As a run defender, he is very disruptive due to his get-off and ability to get skinny through gaps. He holds up better than expected against double teams for his size due to his leverage and strength, and he lined up all over the DL for Cincy. He did have a tendency to fatigue late in games, but I really like him as a rotational option on our DL. He could learn a lot from AD.

Round 5 Pick #31 - David Long CB Michigan

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THsOp5mR-x0

Analysis: Honestly, I'm not a big fan of this CB class thus far. However, I do like Long. He has some limitations. He's undersized at 5'11" 187. He doesn't possess great long speed, so he isn't a guy you'll want to play consistently on an island. That all said, Long can play both outside and in the slot (and did so in college). He has great press-man technique. He's accurate with his hands and patient with his footwork. He is a sound and aware zone defender who doesn't freelance, and he tackles well when needed. I was a bit disappointed with how passive he is as a run defender. He seems content to stay glued to his blocks. But in coverage, he's very sticky, very physical, and consistently pesters the WR. On the down side, he can get bullied by bigger WRs and can be a bit grabby at times. Still, he's a guy who could step in and provide solid play if Talib, Peters, or NRC suffers an injury.

Round 6 Pick #31 - Jalen Hurd WR Baylor

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79WToPycmbE

Analysis: Jalen Hurd is one of the most intriguing players in this draft. Hurd started his career at Tennessee as a HB. He rushed for 1200+ yards and 12 TDs as a sophomore. He even started over Alvin Kamara. However, Hurd ended up transferring after some issues with Butch Jones' staff and decided to play WR at Baylor. In his lone season at WR, he posted a near-1000 yard receiving season. At 6'5" 230, Hurd is a stellar athlete. He has quick feet for his size, good overall speed, and soft hands. He's very raw due to his late transition to WR, but he's incredibly intriguing because he has all the tools, competitiveness, and work ethic to be great. One thing that also intrigues me with Hurd would be asking him to put on a little weight and playing him as a TE. Hurd is a competitive and physical blocker, so that might be an option. It's also possible we could move him back to HB and use him as a third-down HB.

Round 7 Pick #6 - Evan Worthington S Colorado

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISkPnkxa8YQ

Analysis: Remember when I said I wasn't a big fan of the CB class, well, I am even less a fan of the safety class thus far. Outside of the top safeties (who won't last past the second round), I haven't found a single safety I love. Worthington is the closest thing to that, but his inconsistencies frustrate me. Still, at 6'2" 205, he has the potential to be a quality starter in our system if he irons out his issues. Worthington shows the potential to be a rangy middle-fielder while also being a guy who shows no fear as a box defender in run support or in man coverage against TEs. That all said, Worthington takes inconsistent angles in coverage and in run support (too often taking bad angles), misses too many tackles for my liking, and is a leggy athlete who lacks the hips and short-area quickness to match up well with slot WRs or scat backs in coverage. The reason I'm willing to bet on his potential is because I think he has a skill-set that will play well on special teams.

Projected Starters
QB: Jared Goff
HB: Todd Gurley
XWR: Brandin Cooks
ZWR: Robert Woods
SLWR: Cooper Kupp
TE: Tyler Higbee or Gerald Everett
LT: Andrew Whitworth
LG: Rodger Saffold
C: John Sullivan
RG: Austin Blythe
RT: Rob Havenstein

5T: Michael Brockers
NT: Danny Shelton
3T: Aaron Donald
WOLB: Shaquil Barrett
Mo LB: Cory Littleton
Mike LB: Devin Bush
SOLB: Samson Ebukam
RCB: Aqib Talib
LCB: Marcus Peters
SLCB: Nickell Robey-Coleman
FS: John Johnson
SS: Darian Stewart

K: Greg Zuerlein
P: Johnny Hekker
LS: Jake McQuaide

 

[jrry32]

And I promise that drafting all those Michigan players is not an apology for the ass-whooping my Gators put on U of M haha. Those guys can play.

 

[1maGoh]

If you and Memento like Chase Winovich, I'm sold. What's keeping Hurd from being affected a lot sooner? If he's a stellar athlete with 2 possible positions to play, I feel like he would go a lot earlier than where you have him.

 

[jrry32]

If you and Memento like Chase Winovich, I'm sold. What's keeping Hurd from being affected a lot sooner? If he's a stellar athlete with 2 possible positions to play, I feel like he would go a lot earlier than where you have him.

He could. That's where he's projected now. It's a very deep WR class, and he's only spent one year at the position. His entire game is very, very raw.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

You should title this the @Corbin draft.


As a PSU fan it would be hard to root for Winovich. I'm fine with Bush though. He'd be a good pick.

I think with the Saints use of Kamara getting so much attention, someone will take Hurd earlier.

Have you looked at Amani Oruwariye at corner or safety? Just wondering what your opinion was.

 

[jrry32]

You should title this the @Corbin draft.


As a PSU fan it would be hard to root for Winovich. I'm fine with Bush though. He'd be a good pick.

I think with the Saints use of Kamara getting so much attention, someone will take Hurd earlier.

Have you looked at Amani Oruwariye at corner or safety? Just wondering what your opinion was.

He's on my list, but if I'm thinking of the right guy, he's expected to be a top 50 pick. When I talk about the issues at those positions, I'm talking about the guys available on Day 3.

 

[nighttrain]

Thanks for doing this @jrry32, love reading your takes on draftable players and trade scenarios
train

 

[Memento]

Nice mock offseason. Can't complain about much. I'd love to get Shelton myself.

I'm guessing that you aren't a fan of Joejuan Williams, Rock Ya-Sin or Hamp Cheevers?

Also, I think that Daniel Jones is long gone before pick #31.

 

[jrry32]

Nice mock offseason. Can't complain about much. I'd love to get Shelton myself.

I'm guessing that you aren't a fan of Joejuan Williams, Rock Ya-Sin or Hamp Cheevers?

Also, I think that Daniel Jones is long gone before pick #31.

Williams and Ya-Sin are currently projected to go on Day 2 (see above). I haven't individually evaluated Cheevers yet, but I didn't like what I saw from him while watching Harris and Denis.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

And I thought the Rams traded round 3 pick #31 for Fowler.

 

[OldSchool]

And I thought the Rams traded round 3 pick #31 for Fowler.

We traded a conditional third. When we get a comp pick they get the highest of those picks.

 

[thirteen28]

Will the Patriots let Shelton get away? I know they don't like to pay guys other than Brady.

I like the pickup of the two soon-to-be-former Broncos.

Haven't followed college at all this year, so not much comment on the draft, other than I like trading out of #31 to get extra picks.

 

[jrry32]

Will the Patriots let Shelton get away? I know they don't like to pay guys other than Brady.

I like the pickup of the two soon-to-be-former Broncos.

Haven't followed college at all this year, so not much comment on the draft, other than I like trading out of #31 to get extra picks.

Yes. Shelton's playing time in NE wasn't very consistent.

 

[FrantikRam]

I'd take it, although I have a feeling that we will spend more resources on the OL. Sullivan should not be starting next year.

I'd be good with Groy - he was a solid player for Kromer in Buffalo, and if we get him I imagine he will end up starting.

 

[iamme33]

nice draft jrry I really like the rypien pick cause i'm a big boise state fan. also wonder if we should have a late round ol man or 2.

 

[Ram65]

Like the free agent pickups a lot. They make a lot of sense. Rams have to find some answers in free agency that fit the budget. I think the Rams have a decent shot at resigning Fowler.

Always wonder about draft position. Seems like Bush could go earlier. Hurd looks good for a first year WR. Rams could use some height but, he could go earlier too. Just getting started on the draft but this looks good.

 

[Noregar]

Good Start

But not sold as Rypien as the projected backup QB?

 

[jrry32]

nice draft jrry I really like the rypien pick cause i'm a big boise state fan. also wonder if we should have a late round ol man or 2.

My outlook is that if we sign Groy, we have 8 OLs (Whit, Saffold, Sully, Blythe, Hav, Noteboom, Allen, and Groy). We may not keep more on the roster. But if we do, I doubt we'll keep more than 9. I'm comfortable with some UDFAs competing with Demby and the others.

 

[Rainram]

I like the FA moves. I like Barrett a bunch. Good with Stewart next to Johnson.

(Not re-signing Fowler made him an expensive mid-season acquisition, but I can stomach it because he was part of a good run for our team.)

I like trading out of our first rounder...it’s the smart move if we can get a good offer. And what I’d really like to see is Snead get us a pick in 2020 as well.

I like the players in your draft, but I’m looking at some other strategies. I agree LB was a weak spot for us this year. However, while considering the personnel we use the most, with your moves and our current roster, our LB core would include: Littleton, Barrett, Bush, Ebukam, Okowronkwo, Winovich, Kiser, Lawler...not re-signing Hager or Wilson (who were serviceable). At some point I hope we can develop a player like Ebukam, Kiser, Obo.

I’m just looking real hard too see if there’s an OL or DL I’d rather have with one of our first two picks. I agree with you on the safety class, but I’m still digging hard at the CB position.

 

[den-the-coach]

Being an Ohio State fan having the Michigan players right off the bat could be unsettling, but those guys can play and are relentless rushing the passer so I'm on board. Love Danny Shelton, loved him at Washington (college) and would be ecstatic if the Rams got him.

Brett Rypien well, he's small, wish he was built more like his Uncle Mark, however, accurate and intelligent is a good start for a young field general. Another Wolverine in David Long, but a very solid CB that would be a nice addition and I'm not over what Darian Stewart did especially not getting flagged for it, so I'm not sure how that would play in the locker room either, but would be solid on the back end and is Rodney Anderson durable or just bad luck? To this point, he's missed a ton of time, but less tread on the tires.