Rams 2012 NFL Draft

[libertadrocks]

Alshon Jeffrey had his pro day today. He measured very well. He ran in the 4.4s and had a 10 foot 2 inch broad jump while maintaining his weight at 213.

Some are speculating he has re-injected himself into the 4th best WR(after Black, Floyd, Wright) conversation and could potentially go late 1st early 2nd round. Kinda interesting. Should we not take Blackmon in round one, Jeffrey seams like a prototypical Fisher pick at the 33 or 39.

Wasn't he playing at 230 plus?

Yeah. Listed at 229 and was rumored to be 249lbs early in the off season.

 

[Ramhusker]

Would the Rams draft Blackmon in the first and Jeffrey in the 2nd? How would that stack up on the field?

 

[-X-]

Would the Rams draft Blackmon in the first and Jeffrey in the 2nd? How would that stack up on the field?

Not likely. A DT is getting drafted first or second (just a feeling, not a fact). Unless Kalil falls (also not likely).

 

[libertadrocks]

Would the Rams draft Blackmon in the first and Jeffrey in the 2nd? How would that stack up on the field?

Not likely. A DT is getting drafted first or second (just a feeling, not a fact). Unless Kalil falls (also not likely).

Agreed X. This draft is deep in 2 positions, in particular. WR and DT. One would have to figure we would like to walk away with one of each in the first 2 rounds.

Amini Silatolu, the OT/OG out of Midwestern state, has peaked my interest as a potential pick at the top of the 2nd. He was a OT in college, but talent evaluators think he'll move inside in the NFL. He is extremely gift, but raw. He would be the mauling LG we are looking for.

Upside:
• Looks the part with nice arm length and big hands
• Explosive, strong and athletic
• Quick out of his stance — fires off with urgency and hip snap
• Quick, heavy hands
• Anchors in pass protection and creates movement in the run game
• Tenacious and nasty

Downside:
• Below-average foot speed
• Can be overaggressive and lose balance and body control
• Tends to clutch and grab
• Unrefined technique
• Average instincts and anticipation
• Occasionally lets football temperament leak off the field

The Way We See It:
Big, thickly built, raw, physical college left tackle with brute Polynesian strength. Brings consistent intensity and seeks to bury opponents. Punisher who is still rough around the edges, but old-school, brawler’s disposition will appeal to power running teams.

 

[Memento]

Alshon Jeffrey had his pro day today. He measured very well. He ran in the 4.4s and had a 10 foot 2 inch broad jump while maintaining his weight at 213.

Some are speculating he has re-injected himself into the 4th best WR(after Black, Floyd, Wright) conversation and could potentially go late 1st early 2nd round. Kinda interesting. Should we not take Blackmon in round one, Jeffrey seams like a prototypical Fisher pick at the 33 or 39.

Wasn't he playing at 230 plus?

Yeah. Listed at 229 and was rumored to be 249lbs early in the off season.

He was actually rumored to be 249 lbs during the season. Either way, it's a major red flag.

As fro the bolded part, I don't buy that at all. There are six wide receivers (Blackmon, Floyd, Wright, Hill, Sanu, Randle - and I would personally rank McNutt, Streeter, Criner, Toon, and Marvin Jones ahead of him as well) who are clearly in front of Jeffery, and some teams might not have him on their boards at all. He refused do anything at the Combine when he was healthy, and he bombed his team interviews.

I absolutely wouldn't touch him at this point, and I hope to fate that Fisher has the same thoughts. You can't teach motivation, and it's much more likely that Jeffery will flat out bust than become a good pro.

 

[libertadrocks]

Alshon Jeffrey had his pro day today. He measured very well. He ran in the 4.4s and had a 10 foot 2 inch broad jump while maintaining his weight at 213.

Some are speculating he has re-injected himself into the 4th best WR(after Black, Floyd, Wright) conversation and could potentially go late 1st early 2nd round. Kinda interesting. Should we not take Blackmon in round one, Jeffrey seams like a prototypical Fisher pick at the 33 or 39.

Wasn't he playing at 230 plus?

Yeah. Listed at 229 and was rumored to be 249lbs early in the off season.

He was actually rumored to be 249 lbs during the season. Either way, it's a major red flag.

As fro the bolded part, I don't buy that at all. There are six wide receivers (Blackmon, Floyd, Wright, Hill, Sanu, Randle - and I would personally rank McNutt, Streeter, Criner, Toon, and Marvin Jones ahead of him as well) who are clearly in front of Jeffery, and some teams might not have him on their boards at all. He refused do anything at the Combine when he was healthy, and he bombed his team interviews.

I absolutely wouldn't touch him at this point, and I hope to fate that Fisher has the same thoughts. You can't teach motivation, and it's much more likely that Jeffery will flat out bust than become a good pro.

I think he has put himself in consideration to be a late 1st early 2nd round pick. He has the size, speed, and production you look for in a college prospect. The only reason he isnt considered a top 15 pick is because of his "motivation" issues.

Id take Hill over him, but if he interviews well he will almost certainly be the 3rd-5th WR off the board. We can only speculate about the way he has conducted himself in those interview till information leaks.

 

[libertadrocks]

NFP posted its ranking of the DT prospects by tiers.

Tier 1

Michael Brockers: Louisiana State (6-6, 306)
He might be a little raw and could have used some more work at the college level. However, he's an NFL talent with "plus" upside but can also come in and play vs. the run at a high level right away. Should get looks at both the three and five-technique spots and in my mind has the ability to become one of the better defensive lineman in the NFL down the line.

Tier 2

Devon Still: Penn State (6-5, 310)
Put it all together as a senior. If you can keep him motivated, Still has the talent to mature into a very good starting caliber lineman at a number of positions in the NFL.

Alameda Ta'amu: Washington (6-3, 337)
This is the kind of guy who has the ability to anchor the middle of an NFL defense in either a 3-4 or 4-3 front. Needs to do a better job finding the football, but overall he looks like a starter who you eventually will be able to win with in the NFL.

Brandon Thompson: Clemson (6-2, 310)
A guy who should be able to come in and be a lineman who can win inside vs. the run game. Looks a bit limited as a pass rusher, but will be able to push the pocket and threaten gaps off the ball. A starting caliber 43 nose inside.

Tier 3

Fletcher Cox: Mississippi State (6-4, 295)
I think his best spot might be as a 34 five technique who is able to penetrate and make plays off the ball. He's raw and needs to learn to play with his pad level lower. However, as a potential five technique he's a guy who has the skill set to earn a starting role.

Dontari Poe: Memphis (6-5, 350)
Has a rare physical skill set due to his combination of flexibility, power and get off burst. However, he's still learning the nuances of the position. If he's willing to put in the time, Poe can mature into one of the leagues better interior presences. Nevertheless, because he's raw his floor isn't overly high either.

 

[DR RAM]

NFP posted its ranking of the DT prospects by tiers.

Tier 1

Michael Brockers: Louisiana State (6-6, 306)
He might be a little raw and could have used some more work at the college level. However, he's an NFL talent with "plus" upside but can also come in and play vs. the run at a high level right away. Should get looks at both the three and five-technique spots and in my mind has the ability to become one of the better defensive lineman in the NFL down the line.

Tier 2

Devon Still: Penn State (6-5, 310)
Put it all together as a senior. If you can keep him motivated, Still has the talent to mature into a very good starting caliber lineman at a number of positions in the NFL.

Alameda Ta'amu: Washington (6-3, 337)
This is the kind of guy who has the ability to anchor the middle of an NFL defense in either a 3-4 or 4-3 front. Needs to do a better job finding the football, but overall he looks like a starter who you eventually will be able to win with in the NFL.

Brandon Thompson: Clemson (6-2, 310)
A guy who should be able to come in and be a lineman who can win inside vs. the run game. Looks a bit limited as a pass rusher, but will be able to push the pocket and threaten gaps off the ball. A starting caliber 43 nose inside.

Tier 3

Fletcher Cox: Mississippi State (6-4, 295)
I think his best spot might be as a 34 five technique who is able to penetrate and make plays off the ball. He's raw and needs to learn to play with his pad level lower. However, as a potential five technique he's a guy who has the skill set to earn a starting role.

Dontari Poe: Memphis (6-5, 350)
Has a rare physical skill set due to his combination of flexibility, power and get off burst. However, he's still learning the nuances of the position. If he's willing to put in the time, Poe can mature into one of the leagues better interior presences. Nevertheless, because he's raw his floor isn't overly high either.

10 people rank the same players 10 different ways. That is why mock drafts are never perfect. Every team falls in love with a guy, who is hopefully compatible with their system.

 

[libertadrocks]

We have lined up some private workouts:

LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers (?/?).

Memphis guard Ronald Leary (?/?).

*Alabama running back Trent Richardson (?/?) - Not a visit to facilities

*San Diego State punter Brian Stahovich (3/17) - Not a visit to facilities

Michigan State defensive tackle Jerel Worthy (4/?).

 

[DR RAM]

We have lined up some private workouts:

LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers (?/?).

Memphis guard Ronald Leary (?/?).

*Alabama running back Trent Richardson (?/?) - Not a visit to facilities

*San Diego State punter Brian Stahovich (3/17) - Not a visit to facilities

Michigan State defensive tackle Jerel Worthy (4/?).

Anyone have an opinion on Worthy?

 

[Memento]

We have lined up some private workouts:

LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers (?/?).

Memphis guard Ronald Leary (?/?).

*Alabama running back Trent Richardson (?/?) - Not a visit to facilities

*San Diego State punter Brian Stahovich (3/17) - Not a visit to facilities

Michigan State defensive tackle Jerel Worthy (4/?).

Anyone have an opinion on Worthy?

I'm not a fan. He disappears way too often for a pass-rusher, doesn't always give consistent effort, lacks a motor, and in his final year, he never produced against NFL prospects like Michael Brewster.

Wolfe and Winn are much more intriguing prospects at the three technique.

 

[DR RAM]

We have lined up some private workouts:

LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers (?/?).

Memphis guard Ronald Leary (?/?).

*Alabama running back Trent Richardson (?/?) - Not a visit to facilities

*San Diego State punter Brian Stahovich (3/17) - Not a visit to facilities

Michigan State defensive tackle Jerel Worthy (4/?).

Anyone have an opinion on Worthy?

I'm not a fan. He disappears way too often for a pass-rusher, doesn't always give consistent effort, lacks a motor, and in his final year, he never produced against NFL prospects like Michael Brewster.

Wolfe and Winn are much more intriguing prospects at the three technique.

Thanks. I like Winn and Wolfe, both are very underrated pass rushers from that position. You don't hear many people talk about them...

 

[Yamahopper]

http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/20 ... ouis-rams/

Draft Grader: St. Louis Rams
April 4th, 2012 | Author: Khaled Elsayed
Continuing this Pro Football Focus series, we’re going back to look at three years worth of draft classes for each team (2008 through 2010, with it being too soon to look at 2011) and putting the picks through our own grading scheme with our Draft Grader.

Every draft pick (this does not include undrafted free agents) will get a grade between +2.0 and -2.0 (in 0.5 increments) that depends upon;

• Where they were drafted
• Their performance
• Their contribution (how many snaps their team got out of them)
• Other factors such as unforeseen injuries and conditions that could not have been accounted for

We started with the Colts, which means next up is the team that should have been choosing second this year: the St. Louis Rams. The Rams have spent an eternity (it seems) picking near the top of the draft, so why is it that they continue to be among the worst franchises in the league? We’ll break down all their picks to see just what is going wrong.




+2.0: You’ve just found Tom Brady in the 6th round!

Unfortunately, Keith Null didn’t follow in Brady’s footsteps.



+1.5: Getting much more than you bargained for!

These weren’t the drafts where the Rams found many steals.



+1.0: The scouts nailed it!

Chris Long, DE (2nd overall pick in 2008): The debate may rage as to whether a No. 2 overall pick should be a more complete player. Truth is, Long is such a good pass rusher that you can look past his shortcomings in run defense. His 156 combined sacks, hits and hurries over the past two years are more than any defender not named Tamba Hali.

James Laurinaitis, LB (35th overall pick in 2009): Seen as something of a bargain after falling in the drafts, he probably ended up going around where he should have. A good-but-not-great player, Laurinaitis has proven himself a capable starter in this league even if he isn’t always the most consistent of performers. Good value to get the QB of your defense here.



+0.5: Never hurts to find a solid contributor

Chris Chamberlain, LB (228th overall pick in 2008): No longer on the roster, Chamberlain started making an impression on special teams in 2009 with a team leading 12 tackles (a feat that he repeated in 2010). More than just a special teams player, the former seventh round pick saw significant action (621 snaps) on defense where he earned a +3.6 grade.

David Vobora, LB (252nd overall pick in 2008): The greatest shame about Vobora might be the fact the Rams never really appreciated the player they had. His excellent start to 2009 was hampered by a suspension which resulted in Vobora successfully suing a company for producing a supplement that contained substances not on the label. That seemed to derail his Rams career, but turning a ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ into a constant performer on special teams who managed 691 snaps on defense is a good value. This is especially true since that player earned a +16.6 grade in those snaps.

Dorell Scott, DT (103rd overall pick in 2009): While Scott hasn’t started any games since his rookie year (where he started five), he has always contributed. Scott has proven to be a good body to have in a defensive tackle rotation. The Rams said goodbye to more tackles than they said hello to this offseason, so he could be in line for more than his standard 200-odd snaps on defense.

Michael Hoomanawanui, TE (132nd overall pick in 2010): Not just a man with a cool name, while “Illinois Mike” has had some problems staying healthy he has looked good when he’s been on the field. A capable blocker, he does offer something as a receiver and, when fit, certainly plays like he belongs on an NFL field.


0.0: Nothing ventured, nothing gained (It could have been worse)

Keenan Burton, WR (128th overall pick in 2008): For a sixth round pick, the Rams got a receiver who failed to set the world on fire. However he did manage 425 yards in two years before a serious knee injury cut his 2009 season short, marking the end of his Rams career.

Bradley Fletcher, CB (66th overall pick in 2009): When Fletcher has played, he’s looked like a competent starter. Two serious injuries have limited his snaps and left some question marks over whether he can develop into the player that he promised to be.

Brooks Foster, WR (160th overall pick in 2009): Something of a miss, the Rams largely get a pass on Foster because of an ankle injury he suffered in the 2009 preseason that played its part in him never catching on.

Keith Null, QB (196th overall pick in 2009): The Rams gave up on Null after giving him plenty of game time as a rookie. What is his redeeming feature? His poor play helped the Rams earn the No. 1 overall pick and a chance to draft a franchise quarterback.

Chris Ogbonnaya, RB (211th overall pick in 2009): Very little was expected out of Ogbonnaya and very little was delivered with just 49 snaps on offense. He found himself on the Texans’ practice squad before being picked up by the Browns last year.

Sam Bradford, QB (1st overall pick in 2010): The jury is very much out on Bradford, who received more credit than he deserved for the Rams’ turnaround in 2010. In addition to the durability concerns, Bradford has struggled to stretch the field and rarely made the kind of big time throws that inspire confidence. Will a better supporting cast bring out the best in him?

Jerome Murphy, CB (65th overall pick in 2009): Murphy is entering a big third year after looking out of his depth as a rookie, and missing his entire sophomore year with a fractured ankle.

Fendi Onobun, TE (170th overall pick in 2010): A low risk/high reward pick, Onobun was a project that just didn’t work despite his athletic abilities. You can’t fault St. Louis for trying to find the next Antonio Gates even if it didn’t pan out.

Eugene Sims, DE (189th overall pick in 2010): A sixth round pick that is still on the roster, Sims hasn’t shown much talent in the NFL. The Rams have been able to use him to spell their better defensive ends, though.

Marquis Johnson, CB (211th overall pick in 2010): Another player still on the roster, Johnson has had problems making the field with injuries being the chief reason.

George Selvie, DE (226th overall pick in 2010): Selvie saw considerable action in 2010, even notching two sacks. He failed to generate consistent pressure, though, and found himself waived after a year.

Josh Hull, LB (254th overall pick in 2010): A career special teamer, Hull has had both his years in the NFL cut short by injuries.



-0.5: That pick was not put to good use

Donnie Avery, WR (33rd overall pick in 2008): As a rookie it looked like Avery may become the downfield threat to make Rams fans forget about Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce. 2009 proved a big step backwards as passes were dropped and big plays were down, with questions emerging whether Avery was over-drafted. A serious knee injury in 2010 ended a disappointing Rams career.

John Greco, G (65th overall pick in 2008): The frustrating thing about Greco is we always saw talent when he was on the field. Maybe he just stunk it up on the practice field. We’ve always believed Greco was a player who needed someone to make him a stater and stick to their guns but in the end he managed just 606 snaps before being traded away.

Justin King, CB (101st overall pick in 2008): You don’t expect an awful lot from guys picked outside the Top 100 players from any draft but King has been so bad when he’s been on the field that he has to get a negative grade. King was our worst ranked cornerback in 2011 just as he was back in 2009.

Roy Schuening, G (157th overall pick in 2008): You kind of hope a fifth round pick ends up managing more than five special team snaps and one year on the roster.

Rodger Saffold, T (33rd overall pick in 2010): There was some talk of Saffold as a potential Rookie of the Year candidate after he gave up just three sacks in 2010. Unfortunately that’s exactly the kind of misleading stat you need to avoid as Saffold also gave up 10 QB hits, 27 hurries and nine penalties. So (for those who read PFF at least) it wasn’t much of a surprise when Saffold stunk it up a year later. He will need to take a huge step forward after giving up 11 sacks, 10 penalties, four QB hits and 17 hurries in just nine games in his sophomore season.

Mardy Gilyard, WR (99th overall pick in 2010): The Rams have been (and continue to be) wide receiver needy. Gilyard was so underwhelming he managed just 63 yards and 182 snaps before the Rams cut him loose after one season with the team.

Hall Davis, DE (149th overall pick in 2010): How unimpressed were the Rams with Davis? So much so they tried to get around the ‘85 % rule’ so they could get out of paying him … just four months after drafting him.



-1.0: What a waste!

The Rams didn’t really waste any picks. Except for one which they really whiffed on …



-1.5: The scouts failed, big time!

Jason Smith, OT (2nd overall pick in 2009): It doesn’t get much worse than this when you look at wasted draft picks. The Rams spent an awful lot of money on a player who has continually underperformed when he hasn’t been injured. Graded negatively in 16 of the 29 games he’s taken the field since being drafted, Smith was quickly replaced (by a rookie second-rounder) at left tackle after the Rams deemed him untrustworthy there. With a huge salary, Smith hasn’t just hurt this team with his performance on the field but financially as well.



-2.0: You just drafted the love child of JaMarcus Russell and Ryan Leaf!

There were no Russell/ Leaf hybrids to pick from.



Summary

Jason Smith aside, the Rams haven’t really whiffed on many picks; but that’s not the problem. The real issue is they just haven’t got enough of a sustained contribution from their middle and lower round picks. Even players who have flashed talent and looked like long term role players (Vobora and Greco for example), haven’t been given the playing time to really make their mark. It means while they haven’t failed with their drafts, neither have they stockpiled and developed the kind of talent that bolsters a roster. That’s particularly true of 2008 and 2009 draft classes, while the 2010 class will be largely defined by the development of Sam Bradford. Fundamentally you’d just like to see much more impact from their choices.

=======================================================================
I really question a few of these opinions.

 

[libertadrocks]

Sources tell Sporting News draft analyst Russ Lande that Alabama RB Trent Richardson is the Rams' "first choice" with the No. 6 overall pick.

It's worth noting that Lande is a former St. Louis Rams scout. Richardson may be off the board by the time St. Louis goes on the clock, of course, as both the Browns at No. 4 and Buccaneers at No. 5 have running back needs. It does sound like the Rams want to implement a more run-heavy approach, perhaps to keep Sam Bradford healthy. They could look at Boise State's Doug Martin or Virginia Tech's David Wilson with the 33rd overall pick

 

[Ramhusker]

Speaking of the 33rd pick, how much is it worth in a trade? How many picks could be gained? How far do you think the Rams could move down and still get a starter?

 

[Ramhusker]

 

[-X-]

That "chart" has no value anymore. Some say it's more accurate now than it was a few years ago, but with the trade we pulled off recently, it's really not. We can basically ask for whatever we want, and if a team is desperate enough, they'll come close to our asking price.

But to more specifically answer your question:

The following chart is used by NFL general managers and coaches when making trades on draft day.

If a team wants to move up from No. 3 to No. 1, it'll cost them 800 points. That means it'll have to trade its second- and third-round picks (550 + 255 = 805) to make the move.

[chart][/chart]

 

[steferfootball]

Fun fact of the day, 1,500 Mr. Irrelevants are equal to one first overall selection.

 

[-X-]

Fun fact of the day, 1,500 Mr. Irrelevants are equal to one first overall selection.

And yet I'd still take David Vobora over Jamarcus Russell. Straight up.

 

[Ramhusker]

:sly: :sly: :sly: