If there was a surefire elite edge in this draft like Will Anderson from last year, maybe they would be. But given Latu's medical concerns, it's arguable that this class doesn't have an elite edge. Many experts say Turner is the top guy in this class but is not Will Anderson's equivalent.
One does not have to be Will Anderson (a top 5 guy) to be worthy of being picked at 19, if Turner is there. There are impact edges that are not top 5 guys. I am not saying Rams should trade up to top 5 to have a chance to take him
I've only said that if he's there are 19 it would be great.
I don't know anyone here, not me anyway, that says Turner is as good as Anderson - a bit of a straw man there.
Anderson being better does not mean Turner is bad (for example). Rams and other teams will evaluate him on what he can do and if his game translates to the NFL. So far, if the reports we are talking about can be believed he's an elite talent.
Finished product? No. But he's considered one of the best available. Do I KNOW that for sure? No. Just like no one KNOWS Bowers will be great either.
Of course, need is a part. I would add, though, since they use Tiers that means talent is a larger part of the equation. Say Edge is Need #1 and WR is Need #4. A Tier 1 WR is > Tier 2 Edge.
That is all I have been saying. Need is PART.
There is always going to be a question of what greatest needs are since we're fans. We're not privy to young player development and other pertinent info.
Of course. It applies to me and it applies to you and to all the draftniks. If we are going to go that route no one can say anything about anything concerning football. No Walter Football, no Kiper, no Mayock, etc.
But we have people around here saying Rams 2-gapped the NT, or other aspects of the defense they were totally wrong about. Didn't stop them from discussing it. Fans were not privy to the Tutu/Humphrey decision or the Isiah Pead decision.
No one had Rams taking Kobie Turner in round 3---was called a reach by many. but they knew what they were doing on that one.
What I see is fans on all chat boards, including me, who don't know anything compared to what Rams coaches, draft guys, McSnead know.
So, not sure what you are trying to say --- we shouldn't discuss? Or one idea from one poster has more merit than others?
Also, team building strategy dictates need. And we're not in the room when team discussions are going on. What if the Rams had a discussion earlier this year that essentially states: 'Let's build an elite offense this year and work on defense next year. This year, we'll win games like 35-28. Further, Kupp is declining, Stafford will retire soon. Let's go get another load bearing wall on the offensive side of the ball and plug defensive holes very cheaply - i.e. cheap vets and later in the draft.'
Agree. I have always maintained that. yes, that could be what they are saying, let's win 35-28. OR----they could be saying if we can keep teams to 20 points (McVay's philosophy has been just that since the Fangio-style defense was installed in 2020.
So, yes, Kupp is getting hurt and they need to get a developmental QB --- and like you say---maybe they will address them in later rounds. They don't have to get then in round 1 or 2.
Maybe they want a load-bearing wall on defense...and edge, or DT or CB .... and edges particularly, historically come higher in the draft. There are few successes past 2nd round than there are good TEs. Good TEs can be had later more easily than edges, just look at the results.
Also, as far as plugging holes----yes, they did that ... and brought in 2 CBs ... so, to me, that lowered the need to get a CB but if they did get one and he was a top 7-8 that dropped to 19 and all the good edges are gone, I'd be fine with it.
But the fact is Rams did not address edge in FA this year in that way, which further argues that an edge in the premium picks will happen and it could be as high as 19 or a trade down or up. All are possible.
In this strategy, an X receiver, RB #2, and maybe some IOL depth may then be considered high needs since they could be deemed necessary to have the top offense in the NFL.
Yes, and also edge, CB, WR, DT could also be considered high needs by the Rams.
Don't assume you or I know what THEY feel their greatest need is.
Never assumed I know what they think internally. But I can see that the lack of production on the edge is a problem. And Jourdan has reported that are looking that way as well as others.
If the Rams consider them of equal value, then yeah I think most agree that Turner would be the pick. The debate is over whether Turner is as much of a difference-maker as Bowers. I see Bowers rated higher by most supposed experts but who knows what the Rams' eval is.
That is all I have been saying.
Maybe none of the edges in this class are elite.
And maybe they are. I don't know.
Snead has never drafted in the mid 1st round since 2012. Both times pre-McVay he had a mid-round 1st he traded up. Tavon Austin and Goff.
In the McVay era, they haven't had 1st round picks because they always traded them for impact players. Hence, the 'fuck them picks' motto. Those actions do match what I'm suggesting and they are strong evidence they like to use 1st round picks for elite players. Every way they use draft capital is relevant evidence, not just what they do on draft day.
No, disagree here with the last part. I agree with the trading part but that is not the discussion. If they were going to do that, they'd have already done it. This year, they are going to draft.
The discussion is if to trade up for Bowers and there is as much evidence that they move back (if not more) than move up.
Yes, they use 1st round picks for impact players---Goff, for example, Austin for example, but also trade down, Rapp, they used their top pick to trade down. And did it with Brockers.
I am not a fan of saying "Rams do this, and when it's pointed out that that is not the case, the debate changes to "well Snead has not drafted mid 1st since 2012"
What we know is when it comes to the draft he has move up and down, 1st round ... so there is no track record of going after any brand of impact player in round 1. In 2013 they did both --- up for Austin, down for Ogletree.
That is the disagreement. I know I don't have Snead pegged as a guy who does what you said he did. I do agree Rams have used a lot of #1 to get guys they need. And I fairly aware of the "F them picks" moniker. I may have heard it before.
But they are not doing it this year---unless it's draft day ... and some elite player become available.
Agreed. BPA among needs. It doesn't sound like you believe that though because you keep strenuously arguing that there is no way they would trade up for someone like Bowers.
I do believe that and have said it multiple times and for years on another board. Just because you cannot see that I have said it...does not make it false.
Let me say it again----so folks understand --- I think philosophy should be BPA among needs. I will say it again "BPA among needs"
Tutu was never an impact player. Are you mixing the term "impact player" with "skill player?"
Tutu was CONSIDERED an impact player. He was taken in the 2nd round. He was not just some skill player. He was supposed to be the new toy. Just because he failed does not mean Rams didn't think he was an impact player. You don't take someone outside the mainstream (too small) unless you think he is an impact player.
Disagree with you on that.
No one is saying they are panicking. I was saying you sound like YOU are panicking. Maybe you are not; it just sounds that way to me with your very narrow focus on needs.
You are simply mischaracterizing what I am saying.
I could very easily say others are panicking so as to trade up for a TE, no matter how good, for fear of missing out. And calling THAT a "very narrow focus" on BPA. I am not doing that, but it seems like this may be projection "We cannot miss on Bowers, he's greatest think since sliced bread". I've only maintained -- yeah maybe. And maybe not. I don't know and I've seen a lot of hype on a lot of players and nothing says this might end up being a good TE who does not average 70-80 catches for 1000 yards and 10 TDs...and that is the only kind of TE you would want to draft in the top 10 or so (of wherever he goes). You can get good protection from 2nd, 3rd, 5th round.
BPA among needs --- is all I have maintained.
But
Agreed. I expect to see an edge and DT, maybe multiple ones, in the first 100 picks. But that doesn't mean 19 will be used on one.
No one said DT or edge would be used at 19. I said it could be. It could be a WR, or a CB or an Edge. But they NEED one and will get one in the premium rounds, IMO. They won't reach for one nor will the skip one. It's pretty simple to me.
So, if they do address those in the premium picks they are filling needs. And that is all I have been maintaining. I have never, ever, nor would I ever say overdraft or reach for anyone.
BPA among needs ... no over-drafting, no reaching, no Tutus ... (a luxury thought-to-be impact guy) Same with Austin. Was going to be a "weapon".
Could be a WR, slot, RB, kick returner, punt returner ... All of it. yes, he did all that. They were right. But how WELL did he did them overall?