Memphis Rams Mock Offseason 1.0

[Memphis Ram]

WARNING: Many are going to REALLY HATE THIS ONE.

TRADES:
1) Rams trade one of their 3rd round compensatory selection received to the Jacksonville Jaguars for QB Gardner Minshew.
2) Rams trade QB Jared Goff to the Indianapolis Colts for their 2nd round draft choice in 2021 & a conditional selection in 2022 which ranges from 1st (Super Bowl) to 4th rounder (similiar to 2020 results).

Here the team gets rid of another bad contract, adds $22.2 million in dead money for 2021, but also frees up approx. $12.4 million in extra cap space in 2021.
We have a open competition at QB between Wolford, Minshew, and Perkins with players on rookie deals who are able to make off-schedule plays.

3) Rams trade DT Michael Brockers to the Detriot Lions for their 4th round draft selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Rams lose a team leader to Lions new GM, but they have to save some cap space somehow. A'Shawn Robinson is younger and cheaper and this moves saves another $6.1 million in cap space.

4) Rams trade WR Cooper Kupp to the Washington Redskins for Franchised OG Brandon Scherff. The Rams then make him the highest paid OG in the NFL.

This is my Adam Timmerman like move to shore up the OLine with at least one stud veteran. Trading Kupp saves $10 million against the salary cap and provides the Redskins with another weapon for whomever plays QB. Besides, he production may decrease minus Goff and his frequency of his knee injuries are becoming concerning. (Note: if the Redskins don't franchise him then the Rams get a 2nd rounder and the Rams sign him without draft compensation)

NOTABLE FREE AGENT DEPARTURES
Leonard Floyd, OLB
John Johnson, S
Gerald Everett, TE
Morgan Fox, DL
Josh Reynolds, WR
Austin Blythe, C
Troy Hill, CB


FREE AGENCY
Darious Williams, CB - Gets 1st Round Tender

Rams free up remaining necessary cap space by restructuring contracts and relying upon bargin basement vet minium and/or prove it deals for the rest of free agency. This includes one of the Jaguar free agent WRs Chris Conley, Keelan Cole, and/or Dede Westbrook.

NFL DRAFT
NOTE: This mock draft assumes that OT Andrew Whitworth comes back for one more year allowing the Rams to gamble and kick that OT can down the round until they have a 1st rounder in 2022.

1) Traded to Jaguars for CB Jalen Ramsey

2) (from Colts for Goff) - Josh Myers, Center, Ohio State

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mI5fYF431zE&feature=emb_logo

Many have had Austin Corbett making the move to center since he was drafted. Don't know what has happened in practice since, but from what I've read he absolutely stunk at the position in Cleveland. Myers gives the team an experienced pivot who was a vocal leader for the Buckeyes. Methinks he has enough girth and movement skills to fit in with Kromer and the Rams and start immediately.

2) Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-QnR0NJRmM

Rams go the FSU route with the son of another former NFL star with this one. Here the Rams replace Troy Hill with another FSU prospect (which should also make Ramsey happy). Gotta have at least 3 good CBs as David Long hasn't shown me anything yet.

3) D’Wayne Eskridge, WR/CB/KR, Western Michigan

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4hxASGk6RA

Hopefully this FWAA 2nd team All-American All-Purpose Player doesn't show out too much at the Senior and is still available at this spot. Speed, athleticism, toughness needed for Rams roster. Brandon Cooks replacement.

3) (Compensatory for GM Holmes) - Traded to Jaguars for QB Gardner Minshew

3) (Projected Comp pick for Fowler) - Joe Tryon, Edge, Washington

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLuuiZTup7I

Tryon sat out his redshirt junior season after finishing up with 10 TFL and 6 sacks as a sophomore. Staley is gone, but if the team plans to continue his defense, this kid seems to have the measurables to fit the scheme.

4 (from Lions) - Tommy Tremble, TE, Notre Dame

View: https://twitter.com/JamesThomasHT/status/1310194369840939009


Got to go with @jrry32 on this one. This kid doesn't have the college receiving production you'd expect this high, but he is athletic and his blocking is outstanding. He just has IT. Instead of having WRs go in motion blocking so much, let this kid do it and really clear some space for Akers.

4) Traded to Jaguars for CB Jalen Ramsey

4 (Comp - Littleton) - Sam Ehlinger, QB, Texas

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8-chZyoPPo

McVay wants competition at all positions and while many may scoff, I really like this kid as a developmental prospect. I like his grit, toughness, leadership, and upside potential. He's even big and physical enough to play on special teams if kept on the active roster.

6) Walker Little, OT, Stanford

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPNzLZp4rSo

I've seen mock drafts that have this kid as a day one or two prospect, but he hasn't played since 2018 so I find that highly unlikely. Anyway, he was highly thought of back then so he's worth a flier here. Maybe he and Chandler Brewer turn out to be Witworth's replacement in 2022.

7) Avery Williams, PR/CB, Boise State

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

Enough is enough. I don't know if this kid can play CB and quite frankly I don't care. Special teams freaking matter!!! And this team has needed a quality return specialist since McVay got here and this kid may be the best in the country with 9 TD (6 on punts, 3 on kickoffs).

 

[jrry32]

Well, you're right about me not liking it. Respect for the time you put into it, but it feels to me like we gutted a team that could contend next year. I'd rather retool and run it back.

 

[Memphis Ram]

Well, you're right about me not liking it. Respect for the time you put into it, but it feels to me like we gutted a team that could contend next year. I'd rather retool and run it back.

Didn't take that much time.

While we don't know the actual numbers just yet, I think I took into consideration the projected decrease of the 2021 salary cap far more than the others I've read so far.

 

[jrry32]

While we don't know the actual numbers just yet, I think I took into consideration the projected decrease of the 2021 salary cap far more than the others I've read so far.

We'll see how much it decreases. I'm projecting something around $190 million. But I have no basis for that other than guesswork. If it decreases too much, a third of the NFL is in deep trouble. I expect we'll restructure some players and push money into future years because of the looming new TV deals.

 

[Memphis Ram]

We'll see how much it decreases. I'm projecting something around $190 million. But I have no basis for that other than guesswork. If it decreases too much, a third of the NFL is in deep trouble. I expect we'll restructure some players and push money into future years because of the looming new TV deals.

Even at $190 million, that's an awful lot of restructuring. I guess I'm just not a fan to doing that too much.

 

[jrry32]

Even at $190 million, that's an awful lot of restructuring. I guess I'm just not a fan to doing that too much.

It's a decent amount of it. I used to be opposed to it, but after seeing teams get away with it for years, I'm less concerned over it. Do it while you have your window. Then, eventually find a year where you aren't likely to contend, dump a bunch of dead money in that year, take your lumps, and emerge from it okay. I think we still have a window right now.

 

[JonRam99]

"open competition for QB" vs. a franchise QB (albeit one with mobility limitations) traded for a 2nd round Center? a franchise WR for a franchise OG? did Scherff help Haskins develop? because that's what we're asking him to essentially do, build an OL that helps one of the unproven / rookie QB's develop into a franchise QB, which would be the only reason to do this trade.
I think I liked the idea of trading Goff + a bevy of other stuff for Deshaun, who IS a franchise QB with plus mobility skills. It would have to be an epic, historical trade tho.
I do like your Ehlinger pick, he made really good throws under pressure & knew when to bail + pick up yards. Big kid, reminds me a bit of Josh Allen who I really like. I think we still can accomplish that without your proposed trades, build a decent OL, keep Goff & Kupp, and develop Ehlinger / Wolford to push Goff.

 

[FrantikRam]

I like it. I can totally see McVay hulking out on multiple fronts and demanding these moves be made.

 

[Memphis Ram]

"open competition for QB" vs. a franchise QB (albeit one with mobility limitations) traded for a 2nd round Center? a franchise WR for a franchise OG? did Scherff help Haskins develop? because that's what we're asking him to essentially do, build an OL that helps one of the unproven / rookie QB's develop into a franchise QB, which would be the only reason to do this trade.
I think I liked the idea of trading Goff + a bevy of other stuff for Deshaun, who IS a franchise QB with plus mobility skills. It would have to be an epic, historical trade tho.
I do like your Ehlinger pick, he made really good throws under pressure & knew when to bail + pick up yards. Big kid, reminds me a bit of Josh Allen who I really like. I think we still can accomplish that without your proposed trades, build a decent OL, keep Goff & Kupp, and develop Ehlinger / Wolford to push Goff.

Sorry. But, while he's being paid like one, I don't believe that Jared Goff is a franchise QB.

I agree with Jalen Ramsey's definition of a franchise QB he gave awhile back.

Per Ramsey:
"A "franchise quarterback" is a guy capable of delivering wins, regardless of situation and circumstance. These special signal-callers can play without the support of a star receiver or a sturdy offensive line, and they don't need an elite play caller to elevate their game."

That's not Jared Goff.

 

[Memento]

Can't imagine seeing Walker Little fall to the sixth round. Yes, he had a bad year, but this guy is still a legit left tackle, and those don't tend to fall to the sixth.

Not a fan of Ehlinger. His accuracy is scattershot, and he doesn't have the arm strength to make up for it.

I've made my opinions on Scherff known, but I like the rest of the class. Tryon, Myers, Tremble, Samuel Jr., and Little make up for it.

 

[Giles]

Sorry. But, while he's being paid like one, I don't believe that Jared Goff is a franchise QB.

I agree with Jalen Ramsey's definition of a franchise QB he gave awhile back.

Per Ramsey:
"A "franchise quarterback" is a guy capable of delivering wins, regardless of situation and circumstance. These special signal-callers can play without the support of a star receiver or a sturdy offensive line, and they don't need an elite play caller to elevate their game."

That's not Jared Goff.

Uh goff has the second most wins since 2017. Worst record was 9-7. So I'll say that sounds just like goff.

 

[Memphis Ram]

Uh goff has the second most wins since 2017. Worst record was 9-7. So I'll say that sounds just like goff.

Uh, read the entire statement and not just the first 10 words.

A franchise QB healthy enough to play would have started the Seahawks playoff game.

 

[iamme33]

i like the williams and tremble picks but don't understand the minshew trade unless its just a cap savings thing. any way thanks for the work on this draft.

 

[Giles]

Uh, read the entire statement and not just the first 10 words.

A franchise QB healthy enough to play would have started the Seahawks playoff game.

I did read the entire statement....did you? Everything he said goff has done.

 

[Memphis Ram]

I did read the entire statement....did you? Everything he said goff has done.

So McVay is not an elite play caller? One in his ear up until they turn off the mike in his helmet?
Most everyone I read here tells me that the OLine is the reason for his struggles. I'm sure that Ramsey meant play well and not just play given the context.

Hey. Jimmy Garoppolo's 49ers are 24-8 in his starts. I guess he's a franchise QB, too.

 

[Giles]

So McVay is not an elite play caller? One in his ear up until they turn off the mike in his helmet?
Most everyone I read here tells me that the OLine is the reason for his struggles. I'm sure that Ramsey meant play well and not just play given the context.

Hey. Jimmy Garoppolo's 49ers are 24-8 in his starts. I guess he's a franchise QB, too.

As of right now no he's not. That title goes to reid/Payton. If mcvay was truly elite the offense wouldn't have gotten worse 2 years in a row.
We dont know what Ramsey ment but given what he said and you quoted. Goff has done those things like it or not. If we upgrade the oline this offseason I'm sure mcvay/goff will look elite again.

 

[Memphis Ram]

As of right now no he's not. That title goes to reid/Payton. If mcvay was truly elite the offense wouldn't have gotten worse 2 years in a row.
We dont know what Ramsey ment but given what he said and you quoted. Goff has done those things like it or not. If we upgrade the oline this offseason I'm sure mcvay/goff will look elite again.

One could argue that the offense has gotten worse partially because of his QB.

And what else could Ramsey mean? If it's just play then that would include everyone who plays which wouldn't make any sense.

Ramsey is describing a player that metaphorically carries a team on his back. If he sits, the team doesn't have a chance. Those guys are few and far in between. And Goff is not one of them.

BTW, a couple years ago Ramsey said Goff was average to above average.

 

[Giles]

One could argue that the offense has gotten worse partially because of his QB.

And what else could Ramsey mean? If it's just play then that would include everyone who plays which wouldn't make any sense.

Ramsey is describing a player that metaphorically carries a team on his back. If he sits, the team doesn't have a chance. Those guys are few and far in between. And Goff is not one of them.

So you trying to tell me if wolford started the last four years he would have a similar record to goff? The chiefs won a playoff game while mahomes was in concussion protocol. So I guess he's not a "franchise quarterback" either because they should've lost that game going by what you're saying. They also went won 3 games without him due to injury last season. Going by what Ramsey said goff has done it. I dont see how you can say he hasnt.

 

[Memphis Ram]

So you trying to tell me if wolford started the last four years he would have a similar record to goff? The chiefs won a playoff game while mahomes was in concussion protocol. So I guess he's not a "franchise quarterback" either because they should've lost that game going by what you're saying. They also went won 3 games without him due to injury last season. Going by what Ramsey said goff has done it. I dont see how you can he hasnt.

No. I'm not trying to tell you any of that hyperbole.

And we have no idea what Wolford would have done, or is right not for that matter.

An average to above average player can be the QB on a good winning team, but not be a franchise QB. Nevermind Garapolo. I saw the Vikings win double digit games with Case Keenum. I think the Patriots did the same with Matt Cassel. Trent Dilfer even got a Super Bowl ring. But, I never heard of any being considered a franchise QB.

And I repeat. Two years ago, Ramsey said that Goff was average to above average. Two years ago was his best season. Doesn't this help put his definition in some context? Or should I be agreeing that average to above average QBs = Franchise QBs?

 

[Giles]

No. I'm not trying to tell you any of that hyperbole.

And we have no idea what Wolford would have done, or is right not for that matter.

An average to above average player can be the QB on a good winning team, but not be a franchise QB. Nevermind Garapolo. I saw the Vikings win double digit games with Case Keenum. I think the Patriots did the same with Matt Cassel. Trent Dilfer even got a Super Bowl ring. But, I never heard of any being considered a franchise QB.

And I repeat. Two years ago, Ramsey said that Goff was average to above average. Two years ago was his best season. Now what do you think Ramsey meant regarding what is a franchise QB?

Idk what he ment I'll have to talk to him personally for that info. I'm just going by what you quoted and based of that goff is a franchise quarterback. Guy has never had a losing season while losing very talented players. Made the playoffs 3/4 years. Did Keenum/cassel/dilfer do that? No they didn't so those are bad comps imo.