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Rams' 2015 draft grade improves on Kiper's second look
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...015-draft-grade-improve-on-kipers-second-look
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The Los Angeles Rams had a meat-and-potatoes 2015 NFL draft, stocking up on offensive linemen and adding running back Todd Gurley to try to make coach Jeff Fisher's run-first philosophy take off.
When it was over, ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. wasn't all that impressed, giving the Rams a 'C' in his initial draft grades. That's about as average as it gets. On Wednesday, Kiper looked back on each draft class and offered a new grade for every team, including the Rams.
Upon further review, Kiper saw enough to boost the Rams up to a B-minus. Kiper gave the Rams credit for Gurley's selection and the work he did in 2015, but also noted that if you draft a running back at No. 10 overall, you had better get a lot of production. Of course, he also pointed out that the Seattle Seahawks got talented rookie running back Thomas Rawls as an undrafted free agent.
Beyond Gurley, Kiper also praised the work of rookie right tackle Rob Havenstein, who steadily improved as the season progressed.
Overall, it's hard to argue with Kiper's assessment, though I think the Rams found some talented young offensive linemen with some upside that will become more evident as they gain experience. Havenstein should only get better and guards Jamon Brown and Cody Wichmann flashed potential at various points. One of those two guards, if not both, should be able to develop into a solid starter.
If the Rams can get anything long-term from quarterback Sean Mannion, it would undoubtedly improve how this class is viewed.
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...015-draft-grade-improve-on-kipers-second-look
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The Los Angeles Rams had a meat-and-potatoes 2015 NFL draft, stocking up on offensive linemen and adding running back Todd Gurley to try to make coach Jeff Fisher's run-first philosophy take off.
When it was over, ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. wasn't all that impressed, giving the Rams a 'C' in his initial draft grades. That's about as average as it gets. On Wednesday, Kiper looked back on each draft class and offered a new grade for every team, including the Rams.
Upon further review, Kiper saw enough to boost the Rams up to a B-minus. Kiper gave the Rams credit for Gurley's selection and the work he did in 2015, but also noted that if you draft a running back at No. 10 overall, you had better get a lot of production. Of course, he also pointed out that the Seattle Seahawks got talented rookie running back Thomas Rawls as an undrafted free agent.
Beyond Gurley, Kiper also praised the work of rookie right tackle Rob Havenstein, who steadily improved as the season progressed.
Overall, it's hard to argue with Kiper's assessment, though I think the Rams found some talented young offensive linemen with some upside that will become more evident as they gain experience. Havenstein should only get better and guards Jamon Brown and Cody Wichmann flashed potential at various points. One of those two guards, if not both, should be able to develop into a solid starter.
If the Rams can get anything long-term from quarterback Sean Mannion, it would undoubtedly improve how this class is viewed.
