As a whole, I liked the draft quite a lot. We picked some potential studs at positions we were certainly weak in. My biggest collective gripe is that we probably had the oldest draft class in the NFL. I doubt that was by accident. The Rams want mature and ready to play guys to that we can compete this season. In addition, a lot of these guys were team captains. I voted B+ and thought they had a great draft.
OL - Avila - A
Mine, and many others, top rated IOL (outside of Skoronski as he was drafted at OT). Huge get for the team as he can play any interior position well. That will allow us to have more of just "the best 3 guys" out there on the interior at any given time.
Edge - B.Young - B+
He was by no means my favorite edge going in the draft, but, the edge position was just hammered in the first 2 rounds, so, what are you going to do? I think they best edge that was on the board. After more research on the guy, he has as much potential as any of them and is likely the most athletic edge that was in the draft. Young has a real shot of being productive on this team.
DL - K.Turner - B
PFF loves this kid for a reason (top rated DL prospect in the nation, even over Carter). He's an all around Dl with ability in the pass and the run. I'm not a fan of his size or age, but, I love the dog he has in him and look forward to seeing him next to AD.
QB - Bennett - B+
I was certainly higher on other QB’s that were still on the board, however, after hearing that the Rams had Bennett as their top QB option and realizing he is actually a perfect backup to Stafford, I’m much more on board with this. The guys is a straight up winner. Is he our QB of the future, probably not but he could be our cheap capable back up QB for the next 7-8 years. I also love that he is very mobile.
Edge – Hampton – C+
Another undersized very athletic player. Unlikely to every be a real edge setter, but, with his crazy first step quickness, he is likely going to rotate in on passing downs and contribute. Didn’t know much about him when he was picked, but, Brugler had him rated above Young and a 3rd round prospect, so do love the value.
OT – McClendon – C+
A swing tackle prospect that could develop into a potential starter. Might have gotten a steal with this guy as he had an MCL issue and couldn’t test on proday or combine. Probably will be back up depth at tackle for his career, but, we needed some of that.
TE – Davis Allen – B+
Pretty big fan of this pick. He was easily the best TE prospect on the board when they took him and some had him as high as 3rd round projections. He’s an around TE who can block fairly well. Hope that he can develop into our starter after this year, but, he has to leap over the ever dynamic Long. Great value pick.
WR – Nucua – A
Honestly love this pick. This guy is exciting and can block very well for a WR, something you know that the Rams covet. Has a injury riddled background so that is concerning, but, he is one of the younger guys we drafted, which is a bonus! This guy will be a fan favorite if he can crack into some playing time. Had he not had the injury history, I feel like he would have gone 2 rounds sooner, perhaps more.
CB – Hodges-Tomlinson – A+
Easily one of the best picks of the entire draft, all teams considered. Absurd athlete. Will work well in our scheme and I can’t see any way that he won’t be at least starting in the slot this season. The literal only reason we can get him in the 6th is his size. He’s bigger then Atwell, but still very small for a CB.
Edge – Mathis – D
Don’t get this pick really. Already added 2 edge rushers and this guy is a project at best. I liked every pick they made after Mathis considerably better, including the punter. This guy has PS written on him and, unless he has a ton of untapped potential, is unlikely to see playing time IMO.
RB – Z.Evans – A
Really love this pick. He was my 5th RB in the entire draft and we got him at the end of the 6th! I did hear that he has some character concerns, which is the only reason he is still there in nearly the 7th round. We moved up to grab him, so you know that the staff feels good about him. Evans could be our RB1 of the future if the concerns are alleviated. Thought this guy would be gone in the 3rd honestly.
P – E.Evans – A
From all accounts, he’s a great punter. Big dude that can make that tackle if needed. Has a great leg. We needed a punter and it looks like we got a good one.
S- Jason Taylor II – B
Probably drafted to be on ST, but there is some potential a safety. He got his hands on a LOT of balls in coverage. He dad is a great player, so I wouldn’t bet against him.
DE – D.Johnson – A
Another fantastic value pick. He, along with Turner are PFF darlings and ranked in the top 5 of all defensive lineman per their metrics. He’s undersized for being on the line, but that has worked for us in the past. Great DL depth pick
