MemphisRam's Mock Draft 4.0 - Most will hate 2nd rounder

[Memphis Ram]

I didn't think I was going to make another one this offseason, but I had some time to kill and wanted to try something a little different.


1. Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana 6’0” 199

View: https://youtu.be/sfRNZktCDiw


The most “Ramsiest WR” in the draft according to former scout and NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah. Physical blocker, YAC monster, good hands and speed. Who knows? He might eventually prove to be a protection against Puka having more issues.

2. Zachariah Branch, WR/PR, Georgia 5’9” 177

View: https://youtu.be/nstpkQTO7JU?si=6NFTzVXBOr5-4l3L


I would prefer a pass rusher here, but not sure one worth the selection makes it so………….third time’s a charm???

Branch is just as fast as Tutu, but bigger and much stronger (20 reps of 225) with actual PR skills. And he might be as shifty and jitterbug like as Tavon, but is an actual WR instead of a tiny RB trying to learn the position.

Both Cooper and Branch could also be great fits for the screen game Kingsbury is probably going to have McVay add to the offense. Good-bye Xavier.

3. J.C. Davis, OT, Illinois 6’4” 322

View: https://youtu.be/sOmKHndvf2I


Enough with the toys. Teams shouldn’t go through the first two days without addressing the trenches. Especially a team where 4 of its OLine starters are set to be free agents after the season. Davis gives the team a potential depth piece that may develop into a future starter at OT or Guard.

6. Michael Heldman, EDGE, Central Michigan 6’4” 260

View: https://youtu.be/lz9KF6s7zn0?si=wIi7VtCuCfWVpPi-


Here the Rams take a flier on a smaller school kid with a high motor and good RAS score to see if he can add more umph to the pass rushing rotation. Might have to trade up for him, but I’m not sure. More special teams help.

7. Riley Nowakowski, TE/FB/H-Back, Indiana 6’2” 250

View: https://youtu.be/jICpF5JlXFc


Rams go back to National Champions and nab one of the key players in their rushing attack who can also be a physical presence on special teams. It’ll probably never happen, but hopefully this is the year someone in the building emphasizes to McVay how much a good physical blocker can help the team.

7. DeCarlos Nicholson, CB, USC, 6’ 3 ¼, 200

View: https://youtu.be/XmhimeTjo9I


Haven’t seen his name mentioned much, but this transfer from Mississippi State who played one year at USC has 33’ ½” arms, 4.50/40 pro day, 6.54 3 cone drill. Hopefully, he could push Forbes off the roster.

7. James Thompson Jr., DT, Illinois, 6’5” 310

View: https://youtu.be/UG3Cn83pUBA?si=HJ4-f6yTAk-cMXxR


Former Wisconsin product that could compete for a DT spot to unseat Hamilton or just eventually hone his craft on the practice squad.

 

[Ram Ts]

I hate your 2nd round pick

Beyond that, excellent job. Cooper really does seem like the safest and most likely scenario of a player being available at 13 who fits our team/need/system.

 

[FrantikRam]

I don't mind that second rounder.

Ironically the only picks I don't love are most of the late ones. It's paramount that we draft for special teams and I don't think the edge or DT helps us much there. I think we will end up taking a LB and S who we evaluate specifically for teams

 

[jrry32]

Not a fan of the Zachariah Branch pick. If we're looking for a top-tier return specialist, we can get one later. If we're drafting Branch to be a WR, I don't see the fit.

 

[Memphis Ram]

I don't mind that second rounder.

Ironically the only picks I don't love are most of the late ones. It's paramount that we draft for special teams and I don't think the edge or DT helps us much there. I think we will end up taking a LB and S who we evaluate specifically for teams

Not so sure. Players have to make the active gameday roster to contribute anything special teams. Besides, special teamers can be had via the undrafted free agency process.

BTW, barring injury, I believe that Dolac, Speights, Stuard, and Landman are going to be those LBs. At least I can't recall the last time they've kept more than 4 off ball LBs on the team with the 3-4 defense.

A physical high motor EDGE like Heldman can help quite a bit on teams taking Hampton's place. I'd love to see more physical player blocking for kickoffs.

The DT? Well he'd be the tallest one on the team and potentially useful for FG block attempts.

 

[Memphis Ram]

Not a fan of the Zachariah Branch pick. If we're looking for a top-tier return specialist, we can get one later. If we're drafting Branch to be a WR, I don't see the fit.

I figured most would not. I'm really hoping for a pass rusher at #61.

The fit on offense? He'd be the speed threat taking over the Smith/Atwell role. The main difference would be with his shiftiness and jitterbug abilities to go along with great speed he could also be effective on end around plays, quick passes, and even the screens Kingsbury will be bringing with him. Atwell is fast, but not slippery at all and not as big and strong. Smith is not as fast or slippery.

 

[radjohns]

I love both Cooper and Branch and would be thrilled with if the first two rounds unfolded this way.

 

[FrantikRam]

Not so sure. Players have to make the active gameday roster to contribute anything special teams. Besides, special teamers can be had via the undrafted free agency process.

BTW, barring injury, I believe that Dolac, Speights, Stuard, and Landman are going to be those LBs. At least I can't recall the last time they've kept more than 4 off ball LBs on the team with the 3-4 defense.

A physical high motor EDGE like Heldman can help quite a bit on teams taking Hampton's place. I'd love to see more physical player blocking for kickoffs.

The DT? Well he'd be the tallest one on the team and potentially useful for FG block attempts.

I think if there was ever a year to keep five LBs, its this one. My preference would be to use a day two pick on a LB like Jake Golday to give Speights competition. I don't really want Stuard or Dolac seeing the field on defense if we can avoid it.

But you very well may be right - one could argue signing Stuard was the Rams telegraphing that the LB room is set.

I do think there will be a safety drafted for sure, but we'll see.