Rams will draft a defensive lineman, but will it be at No. 31?

[BonifayRam]

• Rams will draft a defensive lineman, but will it be at No. 31?
  Lindsey ThiryESPN

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Rams addressed their most pressing needs in free agency when they signed outside linebackers Dante Fowler and Clay Matthews and safety Eric Weddle.With about $4.8 million remaining in their salary cap, according to ESPN Roster Management, the Rams must supplement a roster primed to make a repeat Super Bowl run.

The Rams have seven selections in the 2019 draft and are expected to pick in the first round for the first time since 2016, when they moved from the 15th pick to first overall to select quarterback Jared Goff.

A look at the defensive linemen whom the Rams will -- and won't -- have a shot to select with the 31st pick:

No chance:
Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
Josh Allen, OLB, Kentucky
Montez Sweat, DE, Miss. State
Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan

There's a chance, but not a good one:

Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
Ed Oliver, DT, Houston

It's a possibility:
Jeffery Simmons, DT, Miss. State
Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
Brian Burns, DE, Florida State
Jaylon Ferguson, DE, La. Tech

It remains a possibility -- and wouldn't be surprising, given their recent history -- that the Rams could trade out of the 31st pick. Last year, they sent their first-round pick (23rd overall) to the New England Patriots in exchange for receiver Brandin Cooks. Then the organization engaged in a flurry of draft-day moves to acquire a bundle of late-round selections.

In 2017, the Rams waited until Round 2 to make a pick after sending their first-round choice in the trade for Goff.

If the Rams hold on to their first-round pick on April 25, it seems increasingly likely that they will use it to fill the void left by defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who played last season on a one-year deal worth $14 million and whom general manager Les Snead said was unlikely to be re-signed because of budgetary constraints.

"I do think because it's a good defensive line draft, our goal is to come out of the draft with probably a young defensive lineman," Snead told ESPN at the NFL's annual meetings in Phoenix. "That can happen, or guess what, I'll say there are 31 other enemies that may decide to hinder our vision."

A late first-round pick doesn't leave much room for planning, and Snead certainly left open the possibility that the team could pick a lineman with any of its later picks. The Rams have two third-round picks, as well as a fourth-, fifth-, sixth- and seventh-round pick.Regardless of which pick the Rams use to bolster their line, their current personnel situation, coupled with a draft deep in defensive line prospects, could create a fortuitous situation.

The Rams return two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, who last season led the league with 20.5 sacks and is under contract through the 2024 season after he signed a six-year, $135 million extension in August. Michael Brockers, a first-round pick in 2012, also returns in the final season of a three-year, $33.25 million

While Donald is a one-man wrecking crew who last season faced more double teams than any other defensive player in the league, Brockers has a proven ability to play multiple positions, including the five-technique and nose tackle, and that could be key for the Rams as they prepare for the draft.

"What [Brocker's] flexibility allows you to do is maybe pick the best player, and not necessarily we have to have a nose tackle, but you can pick maybe the best five-technique," Snead said. "It does give you some flexibility, and it's looking like that's what we're going to do there."

Brockers' contract situation and the uncertainty of whether he'll return in 2020 could prompt the Rams to invest a first-round pick in a long-term solution on the line.

The Rams also return several players who are expected to play supplemental, if not larger, roles, including Morgan Fox, who tore his ACL during offseason workouts last year and was sidelined for the season, John Franklin-Myers, who had a promising rookie season, and Sebastian Joseph-Day, who was inactive every game last season but whose development the Rams continue to invest in.

Snead said each could be in the plan in 2019, though roles are far from settled. "A lot of that is going to be determined draft, post-draft, OTAs, into training camp," Snead said. "Because you're not going to decide all those things in OTAs."

 

[wolfdogg]

I know there's a bunch of us who see DT as the obvious choice, especially since there are probably 6 starters in the first round, but I'm still surprised that snead would be so open about it.

 

[Akrasian]

I know there's a bunch of us who see DT as the obvious choice, especially since there are probably 6 starters in the first round, but I'm still surprised that snead would be so open about it.

It means the Rams are hoping another position falls to them - but will take DT if that's the best value.

The Rams have so many needs - certainly by 2020 - that they could take all sorts of positions here - I could see CB, free safety, DT, TE, OL, edge - at the very least, some more likely than others. Or a tradedown, depending on the offer, who is available still, etc

 

[BonifayRam]

I know there's a bunch of us who see DT as the obvious choice, especially since there are probably 6 starters in the first round, but I'm still surprised that snead would be so open about it.

With drafting so late in the first round & the fact that this draft is once in decades type DL draft loaded with blue-chip prospects ........ it's far from being any kind of a secret from NFL GM's. Silly to state otherwise especially after the losses of four DL'ers .....Ndamukong Suh, Ethan Westbrooks, Dom Easley & Matt Longacre.

If there was ever a time that you are in need of 34 DL'ers to replace previous starters ....it's this upcoming draft. Hard for me to see a way that Snead/McVay & Wade does not find a true Blue Chip DL prospect or Edge Rusher & not be very pleased about it.

It's possible that Snead may be looking for the best 5 tech DL even with both John Franklin-Myers & Morgan Fox both already here at least for the next two seasons....I would guess he is speaking of the chance that a Rashan Gary from Michigan might fall. I am sure he not speaking of Jerry Tillery or Zach Allen neither of them is first-round talents IMO.

The best of possibilities as far as I am concerned is if Jeffery Simmons falls close...the Rams will get twitchy..... Snead is highly likely to go get him even if it hurts. Simmons is a great fit here for Wade (much more than Dexter Lawrence or Christian Wilkins) and will certainly help Aaron Donald for at least his first five NFL seasons. Simmons is an every down NT. That torn ACL in January has no barring on his status IMO.

Like @Akrasian said if all of these big DL & ER talents are off the board it would leave several outstanding options available in other areas that will improve this team in the future.

 

[OldSchool]

This draft is going to be very interesting in an analysis of Snead. He’s had two years of drafting without Fisher and in those two years there has only been one rookie starting and contributing a lot as a rookie and that was Kupp as a rookie. How many draft picks this year are we looking at to contribute this year?

Also what are our needs next year? CB with Talib aging and Peters in his last year and not much hpbehind them.

DT with Brockers in his last year plus we don’t know what the plan is other than JFM at the other starting spot and not a lot of depth.

Safety with Weddle aging and only signed for two years.

IOL with Blythe in his last year, Whitworth retiring and not much depth.

ILB with Littleton likely only signing his one year tender, a young Kiser plus our projection of Matthews playing there some and not signed long term.

Edge with Fowler signed for one year and not much known depth.

QB backup with Bortles signed for one year.

So there is seven positions and we have seven picks. Going to be interesting to see how it plays out. I for one love that we can draft for depth and long term succession, it’s the sign of not only a good roster but faith in our good coaches.

 

[wolfdogg]

It means the Rams are hoping another position falls to them - but will take DT if that's the best value.

The Rams have so many needs - certainly by 2020 - that they could take all sorts of positions here - I could see CB, free safety, DT, TE, OL, edge - at the very least, some more likely than others. Or a tradedown, depending on the offer, who is available still, etc

I think they prefer that one of the DTs falls to them. Simmons would be very nice. There's only one TE id take at 31 and he'll be long gone. Whever it is I'll bet he's rated higher than 31 on their board.

 

[Akrasian]

I think they prefer that one of the DTs falls to them. Simmons would be very nice. There's only one TE id take at 31 and he'll be long gone. Whever it is I'll bet he's rated higher than 31 on their board.

These are positions I could see them using #31 at - but yeah, TE is unlikely to have the talent and value there. I could see an edge, CB or DT as most likely to have value there. They might feel that they can get a DT who fits Wade's scheme later - while a good edge would replace Ebu immediately and could slide over to replace Fowler in 2020. And of course, Wade really likes his impact CBs - and both are free agents after the season, and a good rookie would get playing time even without any injuries.

 

[BonifayRam]

This draft is going to be very interesting in an analysis of Snead. He’s had two years of drafting without Fisher and in those two years there has only been one rookie starting and contributing a lot as a rookie and that was Kupp as a rookie. How many draft picks this year are we looking at to contribute this year?

Also what are our needs next year? CB with Talib aging and Peters in his last year and not much hpbehind them.

DT with Brockers in his last year plus we don’t know what the plan is other than JFM at the other starting spot and not a lot of depth.

Safety with Weddle aging and only signed for two years.

IOL with Blythe in his last year, Whitworth retiring and not much depth.

ILB with Littleton likely only signing his one year tender, a young Kiser plus our projection of Matthews playing there some and not signed long term.

Edge with Fowler signed for one year and not much known depth.

QB backup with Bortles signed for one year.

So there is seven positions and we have seven picks. Going to be interesting to see how it plays out. I for one love that we can draft for depth and long term succession, it’s the sign of not only a good roster but faith in our good coaches.

I would think that the Rams pending UFA's in 10 months will play a major part in what Snead does in this draft in 2 weeks. Snead must be ready to replace both starters ER Dante Fowler, Jr. & DL'er Michael Brockers in the front five DL. Maybe more of a problem is the upcoming issues @ outside corner with Aqib Talib, Marcus Peters & Troy Hill being UFA's.

Then the last of the big three units of concerns is the loss of two starting OL'ers Andrew Whitworth & Austin Blythe also being UFA's. Yes, Noteboom is the probable replacement of AW but that would leave two vacancies @ starting LG & RG. Protection of Goff is paramount due to his lack of ability to perform @ a high level when under any kind of duress.

Oh, by the way, both QB's Goff & Bortles will be a UFA's too. Goff will burn up most of the available cap space for the next half-decade. Greg the Leg Zuerlein a premier kicker & outstanding offensive weapon is a UFA along with starting TE Tyler Higbee & WR Mike Thomas.

The other defensive UFA issues are starting ILB Cory Littleton (if Cory signs his 1 yr contract offer sheet on 4-19-2019) along with both top reserve safeties Blake Countess & Marqui Christian are UFA's.

Do I need to mention the 11 RFA's that will also be in need of a pay raise.....will this be the time the big picture window slams shut on Snead & the Rams? Snead's job is about to get very serious & will get harder & harder to keep this present Ram core together ...the other NFC western division teams first 9ers then Cards then Seahawks failed.

 

[OldSchool]

I would think that the Rams pending UFA's in 10 months will play a major part in what Snead does in this draft in 2 weeks. Snead must be ready to replace both starters ER Dante Fowler, Jr. & DL'er Michael Brockers in the front five DL. Maybe more of a problem is the upcoming issues @ outside corner with Aqib Talib, Marcus Peters & Troy Hill being UFA's.

Then the last of the big three units of concerns is the loss of two starting OL'ers Andrew Whitworth & Austin Blythe also being UFA's. Yes, Noteboom is the probable replacement of AW but that would leave two vacancies @ starting LG & RG. Protection of Goff is paramount due to his lack of ability to perform @ a high level when under any kind of duress.

Oh, by the way, both QB's Goff & Bortles will be a UFA's too. Goff will burn up most of the available cap space for the next half-decade. Greg the Leg Zuerlein a premier kicker & outstanding offensive weapon is a UFA along with starting TE Tyler Higbee & WR Mike Thomas.

The other defensive UFA issues are starting ILB Cory Littleton (if Cory signs his 1 yr contract offer sheet on 4-19-2019) along with both top reserve safeties Blake Countess & Marqui Christian are UFA's.

Do I need to mention the 11 RFA's that will also be in need of a pay raise.....will this be the time the big picture window slams shut on Snead & the Rams? Snead's job is about to get very serious & will get harder & harder to keep this present Ram core together like the other NFC western division teams first 9ers then Cards then Seahawks.

Trades down to accumulate late round picks and even picks next year to replace those fringe RFA’s imo are a very real possibility.

 

[wolfdogg]

These are positions I could see them using #31 at - but yeah, TE is unlikely to have the talent and value there. I could see an edge, CB or DT as most likely to have value there. They might feel that they can get a DT who fits Wade's scheme later - while a good edge would replace Ebu immediately and could slide over to replace Fowler in 2020. And of course, Wade really likes his impact CBs - and both are free agents after the season, and a good rookie would get playing time even without any injuries.

Sinead has said they have a group of positions they're going to pick the higjhest rated player available from. I suspect this group is what you said; edge, DT and CB.

The hard part about peters is he was rated 8th over the last 7 games, I think including the playoffs, but how much of that was due to the return of talib and will talib be back next year or would they use peters differently in 2020. If peters picks up where he keft off than of course they want to extend him.

I don't see how the rams can afford brockers in 2020 especially if Meyers continues to build on his rookie production. Getting a DT this draft will save the cost of keeping brockers, unless of course, he accepts a significant pay cut.

 

[BonifayRam]

Trades down to accumulate late round picks and even picks next year to replace those fringe RFA’s imo are a very real possibility.

Lets hope this does happen & the teams interested in attaining our first round pick are many.

 

[Rams43]

Yeah, the Rams definitely have their fair share of players contracts expiring at season’s end.

What will Snead do?

Well, I agree that he will strongly consider trade-down offers that make sense to assist in reloading this roster as inexpensivley as possible.

He must continue to draft well, also. This can’t be overstated.

UDFA’s, maybe a trade or two, and 2nd-3rd tier FA’s when available must be added where possible.

IOW, all of the above will be necessary to keep our cap under control while maintaining a quality roster in the years to come. It won’t be easy, that’s for sure.

 

[dang]

There will be a number of high quality players available at 31st pick of the first round but I believe the Rams will trade down unless an absolute stud (e.g. top 15 on their board) falls to them.

 

[BonifayRam]

Yeah, the Rams definitely have their fair share of players contracts expiring at season’s end.

What will Snead do?

Well, I agree that he will strongly consider trade-down offers that make sense to assist in reloading this roster as inexpensivley as possible.

He must continue to draft well, also. This can’t be overstated.

UDFA’s, maybe a trade or two, and 2nd-3rd tier FA’s when available must be added where possible.

IOW, all of the above will be necessary to keep our cap under control while maintaining a quality roster in the years to come. It won’t be easy, that’s for sure.

Keeping the Rams window from shutting soon will be a true test for Snead. Very few teams have succeeded in keeping that window open. How the Pats have done it is something to behold & understanding how they did it is way beyond my one working brain cell's ability. However I do have faith in Snead doing a better job than most others.....:yess:

 

[Rams43]

Keeping the Rams window from shutting soon will be a true test for Snead. Very few teams have succeeded in keeping that window open. How the Pats have done it is something to behold & understanding how they did it is way beyond my one working brain cell's ability. However I do have faith in Snead doing a better job than most others.....:yess:

Amen, Bonifay.

The cap mastery needed will require Snead to continue to get bang for his buck via draft, FA, and trades.

AND require McVay and his staff to continue to excel at quickly developing those incoming players.

As you say, something that few have been able to stay on top of for extended time. Fingers crossed.

 

[Corbin]

I’m starting to fall in that camp of trading up to draft Wilkins. Starting to get that sold on him in ‘our’ defense. That’s the biggest weakness I see we have now... up the gut and AD can’t be everywhere all at once. Plug that hole with an athletic pressure machine.

 

[BonifayRam]

I’m starting to fall in that camp of trading up to draft Wilkins. Starting to get that sold on him in ‘our’ defense. That’s the biggest weakness I see we have now... up the gut and AD can’t be everywhere all at once. Plug that hole with an athletic pressure machine.

I would not be upset if he was the pick. I prefer another dozen prospects over Wilkins myself. I would have heartburn with any trade up & the cost it would take to do that to secure him.

Wilkins would be an instant plug & play but his ceiling is not as high in the end product as I would prefer with that #31.

 

[dang]

I’m starting to fall in that camp of trading up to draft Wilkins. Starting to get that sold on him in ‘our’ defense. That’s the biggest weakness I see we have now... up the gut and AD can’t be everywhere all at once. Plug that hole with an athletic pressure machine.

I agree Wilkins would be an excellent plug and play. If he happened to fall to R1.31 then that would be excellent but I believe there are a number of quality players that will be available and the Rams have too many needs to give up draft picks to move up.

 

[Ramhusker]

DT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Flatlyner]

I'm actually warming to the idea of Winovich at 31, but much more with a small trade down to the 2nd. He is fairly elite athletically and really someone who could contribute day one. Another option for me is Tillery. I think both of these players are being underrated and are 1st round talents.