River's 1'st 2024 Mock pre-season ...

[Riverumbbq]

As mentioned previously in another thread, i'm all about a top EDGE & CB during free agency next year, also add a decent ILB to play next to Ernest Jones, so I've basically scratched those positions as early draft picks. With our new CAP situation, we can certainly afford to go this route. I anticipate having Havenstein playing thru 2024 for us, meaning a drafted OT can probably wait one more year unless someone great falls to us. Admittedly, I do waver somewhat between a WR and a LT for our 1'st rounder. As you'll see, this draft leans heavily towards the offense. I'm contemplating a 6'th round draft pick by trading away Van Jefferson once Cooper Kupp returns from IR, ... and receiving 7'th round compensation for trading Akers.

Currently, I'm going with :

1'st round - WR (Xavier Worthy, Tx.). McVay gets a new top quality receiving toy while Kupp still has a few years of good value left in him. Kid only needs to add some weight to his 6'1" frame.

2'nd round - RB (Braelon Allen, Wis). Akers is gone, ... so Allen, Williams, Rivers & Evans take us to the next level.

3'rd round - TE (Cade Stover, Oh. St.). Higbee & Hunter Long will be gone, although I won't be surprised if Hopkins is re-signed on the cheap.

4'th round - C/RG (Bryce Foster, Tx. A&M). Brian Allen is likely off our books & Shelton will be moving into his 'contract' year, and who knows what the ultimate outcome is for Noteboom. Anchrum also becomes a free agent following this season. We don't really know what we have in UDFA McAllister yet. Foster is a big strong multiple IL player much in the same vein as Steve Avila imo.

5'th round - QB (Jayden Daniels, LSU). Security against whatever is going on with Bennett.

6a) Safety - Jalen Catalon, Texas

6b) Safety - Cam Hart, N.D.

7'th round - DT (Fabien Lovett, Fl.St.)



jmo.

 

[Riverumbbq]

https://www.si.com/nfl/rams/news/los-angeles-rams-2024-nfl-draft-picks-les-snead-sean-mcvay

After looking over our future 2024 Compensatory picks, it appears we should actually have three 6'th round picks and two 7'th round picks coming to us, and this without trades for Akers or Van Jefferson. I'll readjust my mock draft accordingly, but will likely wait until Akers is dealt with.

 

[Flatlyner]

Didn't Braelon Allen get benched this week? Also, he's supposed to be slow. IF we are taking a RB in the 2nd, I'd prefer Benson, Corum, Edwards and likely a few other backs. Allen isn't my thing I guess. And I'm admittedly a bit sour on RB's in the 2nd round

 

[Riverumbbq]

Didn't Braelon Allen get benched this week? Also, he's supposed to be slow. IF we are taking a RB in the 2nd, I'd prefer Benson, Corum, Edwards and likely a few other backs. Allen isn't my thing I guess. And I'm admittedly a bit sour on RB's in the 2nd round

4.40 speed for a big man like Braelon sounds pretty good to me, if it's accurate. And quite a change of pace from Kyren Williams.

Braelon Allen Running Back Wisconsin | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Rating: 83.1 Rank: #6 Forty: 4.40 Braelon Allen enters the NFL draft as a physical force out of Wisconsin, with a profile that screams traditional power back. His college tape shows a back ...

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

 

[Flatlyner]

i'd be stunned if he ran a 4.40 at the combine. Dude is like 245 lbs. He is talented, I'll give him that. I'm unsure why the Badgers decided to reduce his touches however. Guess it will play out, but, I'm still not sold on him being a 2nd rounder and certainly prefer many backs above him.

 

[Riverumbbq]

i'd be stunned if he ran a 4.40 at the combine. Dude is like 245 lbs. He is talented, I'll give him that. I'm unsure why the Badgers decided to reduce his touches however. Guess it will play out, but, I'm still not sold on him being a 2nd rounder and certainly prefer many backs above him.

His 7.1 yards per carry is pretty impressive, and so are his reported receiving skills. I like him as a real change of pace guy when comparing him to players like Williams & Rivers. I've read where other sites have him closer to a 4.6 40 time, so the Combine will tell the real story. I'm guessing his drop in carries may be attributed to a new coach this season. His measurables are close to those of Steven Jackson, although I'm not claiming he'll have that kind of success.

 

[Memento]

I don't know if I want to take a receiver in the first round. I've gained a lot of trust in Atwell and Nacua, while Kupp still has a good few seasons left. Personally, my feelings is either spend the pick on an edge rusher - whether it's a rookie or dealt for a long-term signed Brian Burns.

Personally, my second round pick would go for a stud tight end (I love Davis Allen's potential, but Higbee and Hopkins likely won't be re-signed, and I don't trust Hunter Long.) or a stud center to pair with Zachary Thomas and Warren McClendon (Havenstein, Noteboom, and Allen will be dealt in his scenario. I love how Thomas played in the preseason, I think McClendon is a shorter Havenstein in his strengths and weaknesses, and I want to see what Logan Bruss can do with a healthy season.)

My thoughts are that this wide receiver class is ridiculously deep, and that a solid one can be found in the later rounds, much like running backs. Look at Nacua or Kupp or Skowronek or Tyler Johnson.

And there's no way I spend a first or second on a running back unless he's like Gurley or S-Jax or Faulk or Dickerson (i.e., someone extremely special). Braelon Allen isn't it, and I don't see S-Jax in him. He's big, but not especially fast for his size like S-Jax was.

 

[Riverumbbq]

I don't know if I want to take a receiver in the first round. I've gained a lot of trust in Atwell and Nacua, while Kupp still has a good few seasons left. Personally, my feelings is either spend the pick on an edge rusher - whether it's a rookie or dealt for a long-term signed Brian Burns.

Personally, my second round pick would go for a stud tight end (I love Davis Allen's potential, but Higbee and Hopkins likely won't be re-signed, and I don't trust Hunter Long.) or a stud center to pair with Zachary Thomas and Warren McClendon (Havenstein, Noteboom, and Allen will be dealt in his scenario. I love how Thomas played in the preseason, I think McClendon is a shorter Havenstein in his strengths and weaknesses, and I want to see what Logan Bruss can do with a healthy season.)

My thoughts are that this wide receiver class is ridiculously deep, and that a solid one can be found in the later rounds, much like running backs. Look at Nacua or Kupp or Skowronek or Tyler Johnson.

And there's no way I spend a first or second on a running back unless he's like Gurley or S-Jax or Faulk or Dickerson (i.e., someone extremely special). Braelon Allen isn't it, and I don't see S-Jax in him. He's big, but not especially fast for his size like S-Jax was.

It's early in the college season and I'm sure several adjustments will be made to my mock over the next months. My feeling at this time is that the Rams will be drafting later than previously anticipated, perhaps somewhere in the 18'th thru 23'rd area of each round.
I've already mentioned my preference for going after a top Edge rusher in free agency rather than the draft as I don't wish to spend the developmental time getting him up to full speed, I believe 2024 is a Super Bowl year for us if we handle free agency & the draft right.

Kupp, Nacua & Atwell make for an excellent starting trio at WR, although I must admit some concern for Kupp's future health, Atwell will also be entering his 'contract' year in 2024, so with the potential loss of much of our speed with Van Jeff being history and the danger in losing Atwell, I've chosen Xavier Worthy, perhaps the fastest man in the upcoming draft. As mentioned earlier, I still waver between a LT and WR with our first pick, but I think McVay would love another top WR being added to his arsenal.

I love the Davis Allen pick myself this year, and with Higbee gone, I'm guessing, trust him or not, that Long returns as TE2 or TE3 since he's still under contract for 2024. Stover is projected as a 3'rd rounder and has an excellent catch radius. I'd still like to add a TE/FB blocking specialist in free agency or steal him (Ben Mason) off another practice squad.

There are a few RB's currently projected as later 2'nd round picks, right now it's between Braelon Allen and Fl.State's Trey Benson for me.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Ok, after our week 3 debacle in Cincinnati, it's time to slightly revise my original mock. Akers is now gone & Alaric Jackson is injured, our OL depth appears less than first envisioned and both Anchrum & Dotson become free agents after this season. My free agency remains the same, although the draft changes some at the top. Our need at LT is currently greater than our need at WR, even with a 2023 deadline trade with Van Jefferson for a 6'th, and my desire for another quality young Center/RG prospect supersedes that of keeping Havenstein & maintaining his rising CAP number, ... so I look to trade Havenstein and a later round 2025 pick for a second 2024 3'rd round draft pick.

2024 Rams Draft :

1'st round - LT (Joe Alt, N.D.) Our new decade long LT.

Joe Alt Offensive Tackle Notre Dame | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Rating: 92.0 Rank: #1 Forty: 5.05 Joe Alt's stature as an early Round 1 prospect reflects his NFL-ready attributes and immediate starter potential. With elite physical tools and a consi...

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

2'nd round - RB (Trey Benson) Akers is gone, ... so Benson, Williams, Rivers & Evans take us to the next level.

Trey Benson Running Back Florida State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Rating: 85.1 Rank: #3 Forty: 4.39 Trey Benson from Florida State stands out as a robust, explosive running back with the essential traits of an RB1 at the next level. His 6'1", 223-pound fr...

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

3a - TE (Cade Stover, Oh. St.). Higbee & Hopkins will be gone, expect the untested Hunter Long at TE2 or TE3.

Cade Stover Tight End Ohio State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Rating: 84.7 Rank: #3 Forty: 4.65 Cade Stover presents a nice blend of toughness and explosiveness, making him a quality tight end prospect despite his relative inexperience. His transit...

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

3b) From Havenstein trade - C/RG (Bryce Foster, Tx. A&M). Brian Allen is likely off our books & Shelton will be moving into his 'contract' year, and who knows what the ultimate outcome is for Noteboom. Anchrum also becomes a free agent following this season. We don't really know what we have in UDFA McAllister yet. Foster is a big strong multiple IL player much in the same vein as Steve Avila imo.

Bryce Foster Center Kansas | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Rating: 82.2 Rank: #31 Forty: 4.95 Foster fits the mold of a potential starting center with upside at the next level. His combination of size, strength, and elite athleticism provides a...

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

4'th round - CB (Jason Marshall, Fl.)

5'th round - QB (Jayden Daniels, LSU). Security against whatever is going on with Bennett.

6a) WR - J. Michael Sturdivant, UCLA

6b) DT - Shemar Turner, Tx. A&M

6c) from Van Jefferson trade - (Safety) - Jalen Catalon, Texas

6d) Safety (Cam Hart, N.D.)

7a - DT (Fabien Lovett, Fl.St.)

7b - TE (Trey Knox, So. Car.)


OL (9) :
LT) Alt*, A. Jackson
LG) Avila, Miller
C) Shelton, McAllister, Foster*,
RG) Noteboom, Foster*
RT) A. Jackson, Bruss

jmo.

 

[Memento]

I am very disappointed that you don't have Kris Abrams-Draine instead of Jason Marshall. I'd rather pick Zakhari Franklin as my wideout instead of Sturdivant myself, and I'd double down on cornerback with Rakestraw; the Mizzou corners are going to be really good pros, and Franklin is probably the best route runner in this class. But I'm good with everything else.

 

[Riverumbbq]

I am very disappointed that you don't have Kris Abrams-Draine instead of Jason Marshall. I'd rather pick Zakhari Franklin as my wideout instead of Sturdivant myself, and I'd double down on cornerback with Rakestraw; the Mizzou corners are going to be really good pros, and Franklin is probably the best route runner in this class. But I'm good with everything else.

Abrams-Draine may actually be an easier get as Marshall is currently projected as going a round earlier. Same is true for Sturdivant & Franklin. I'd be happy with either. Also, keep in mind that I'm taking a top available free agent CB as well as an elite EDGE rusher since we'll have the CAP room ... taking one of CB Jeff Okudah or CJ Henderson are high on my free agent list.

 

[Memento]

Abrams-Draine may actually be an easier get as Marshall is currently projected as going a round earlier. Same is true for Sturdivant & Franklin. I'd be happy with either. Also, keep in mind that I'm taking a top available free agent CB as well as an elite EDGE rusher since we'll have the CAP room ... taking one of CB Jeff Okudah or CJ Henderson are high on my free agent list.

For me, my free agency would be for Greg Gaines, internal signings like Ernest Jones and A-Jax, and trade-signings like Jonathan Taylor and Chase Young, and supplement them with minor signings. I want to build through the draft, mostly. Okudah isn't high on my list at all; isn't he coming off of another major injury? I'd rather just get two rookie corners, deal Kendrick, get Durant out of the STAR position and back on the outside where he thrived last year, and roll with Durant, THT, the two rookies, and a small signing at cornerback like Witherspoon was.

 

[Riverumbbq]

For me, my free agency would be for Greg Gaines, internal signings like Ernest Jones and A-Jax, and trade-signings like Jonathan Taylor and Chase Young, and supplement them with minor signings. I want to build through the draft, mostly. Okudah isn't high on my list at all; isn't he coming off of another major injury? I'd rather just get two rookie corners, deal Kendrick, get Durant out of the STAR position and back on the outside where he thrived last year, and roll with Durant, THT, the two rookies, and a small signing at cornerback like Witherspoon was.

Jones & A. Jackson are under contract in 2024, although AJ will be an RFA, so he'll be getting something extra. The Gaines era for the Rams is likely done, Bobby Brown is still only 23 years old and is under contract for 2024, so if we see another NT brought on-board, I'm thinking it will be in 2025.
I believe 2024 is a potential Super Bowl year for us, so I'm going all in for next years free agency.
jmo.

 

[Memento]

Jones & A. Jackson are under contract in 2024, although AJ will be an RFA, so he'll be getting something extra. The Gaines era for the Rams is likely done, Bobby Brown is still only 23 years old and is under contract for 2024, so if we see another NT brought on-board, I'm thinking it will be in 2025.
I believe 2024 is a potential Super Bowl year for us, so I'm going all in for next years free agency.
jmo.

They may be under contract, but I absolutely don't want to wait before they hit unrestricted free agency. I get the huge feeling we'll regret it if they do, and we have the money to sign them, as well as a running back and edge rusher (I'll have a long, long trade deadline, offseason, and draft awaiting.)

 

[fanotodd]

River:

There’s still a lotta football ahead and I’m one of those on the Davis Allen train, so I’m not sure where to prioritize the TE need. There WILL be one because Hopkins and Higbee could both be gone. I don’t think you can be that aggressive in FA if you’re spending $$ on too many jags like Hopkins or extending Higbee.
If Allen doesn’t emerge, then TE not only becomes a priority, but might have to be handled in FA.

RBs: I will echo sentiments that unless this guy is another Gurley type, the position can wait until day 3.

WR: I fully expected this to be the front runner for our first pick in ‘24…until seeing the emergence of Atwell and the talent of Nacua. I’m not ruling it out but it is more unlikely based on what I’ve seen after 3 games. I would expect one to be drafted at some point nonetheless.

QB: yes, it is time. Watched the Oregon/Colorado game. There’s heisman talk over the duck’s QB. He looked good. I’ll need to see more, of course, but what are the chances the Rams make a serious play and move up, if necessary, to snag a legitimate starting prospect who could be ready to take the reins as early as 2025?

OL: the Rams have been so reluctant to draft a starting Center over the years that it almost seems like a blind spot. The need has been there and yet multiple prospects have been passed over.
Currently they have another in house and being developed on the PS, so I’m not so sure another is drafted very high.

After seeing what happened Monday night, I think a Tackle is certainly in play. Both Jackson and Noteboom have had issues staying on the field. That’s another reason why I think Havs plays out his contract. Avila is gonna break the bank when he re-ups and I think the FO knows it; therefore, I don’t see anybody currently on the roster getting another contract unless it’s backup/depth $$. The Rams will need to spend a couple picks on the OL, including a premium day 1 or 2 pick.

Edge: there’s a need. It comes down to just how good You g looks by season’s end. If he’s the real deal, rinse and repeat. If he’s still a ways to go, it’s FA.

CB: Kendricks is in a tough spot this year. There are gonna be ups and downs. He’s holding his own, but I don’t see a CB1 in him just yet. Witherspoon is a one year rental, I believe, so there is definitely a need. This position has been changed out multiple times in the McVay era. Having Ramsey allowed the Rams to use a committee at CB2/slot—multiple players were used, but Ramsey was a fixture. The Rams need that again. A top end, shutdown CB is definitely in play with one of the first 2 picks/FA.

IDL: the Rams need some beef. A big body in the middle to occupy 2 blockers and clog everything up.

And my one blasphemous call:
I’m not seeing what others are seeing in EJones this year. Between him and Rozeboom, the Rams can do better.

Just my 2 cents after 3 games.

 

[Riverumbbq]

River:

There’s still a lotta football ahead and I’m one of those on the Davis Allen train, so I’m not sure where to prioritize the TE need. There WILL be one because Hopkins and Higbee could both be gone. I don’t think you can be that aggressive in FA if you’re spending $$ on too many jags like Hopkins or extending Higbee.
If Allen doesn’t emerge, then TE not only becomes a priority, but might have to be handled in FA.

RBs: I will echo sentiments that unless this guy is another Gurley type, the position can wait until day 3.

WR: I fully expected this to be the front runner for our first pick in ‘24…until seeing the emergence of Atwell and the talent of Nacua. I’m not ruling it out but it is more unlikely based on what I’ve seen after 3 games. I would expect one to be drafted at some point nonetheless.

QB: yes, it is time. Watched the Oregon/Colorado game. There’s heisman talk over the duck’s QB. He looked good. I’ll need to see more, of course, but what are the chances the Rams make a serious play and move up, if necessary, to snag a legitimate starting prospect who could be ready to take the reins as early as 2025?

OL: the Rams have been so reluctant to draft a starting Center over the years that it almost seems like a blind spot. The need has been there and yet multiple prospects have been passed over.
Currently they have another in house and being developed on the PS, so I’m not so sure another is drafted very high.

After seeing what happened Monday night, I think a Tackle is certainly in play. Both Jackson and Noteboom have had issues staying on the field. That’s another reason why I think Havs plays out his contract. Avila is gonna break the bank when he re-ups and I think the FO knows it; therefore, I don’t see anybody currently on the roster getting another contract unless it’s backup/depth $$. The Rams will need to spend a couple picks on the OL, including a premium day 1 or 2 pick.

Edge: there’s a need. It comes down to just how good You g looks by season’s end. If he’s the real deal, rinse and repeat. If he’s still a ways to go, it’s FA.

CB: Kendricks is in a tough spot this year. There are gonna be ups and downs. He’s holding his own, but I don’t see a CB1 in him just yet. Witherspoon is a one year rental, I believe, so there is definitely a need. This position has been changed out multiple times in the McVay era. Having Ramsey allowed the Rams to use a committee at CB2/slot—multiple players were used, but Ramsey was a fixture. The Rams need that again. A top end, shutdown CB is definitely in play with one of the first 2 picks/FA.

IDL: the Rams need some beef. A big body in the middle to occupy 2 blockers and clog everything up.

And my one blasphemous call:
I’m not seeing what others are seeing in EJones this year. Between him and Rozeboom, the Rams can do better.

Just my 2 cents after 3 games.

Agree with most here, although :

1) I'd prefer to draft another young TE to pair with Davis Allen, I'm just not seeing the position as a free agent priority, not the way McVay uses them.

2) Akers was a 2'nd round pick who ultimately disappointed, we should certainly be able to improve on him in a similar draft slot. Kyren Williams is not a 'bell cow', I don't think the Rams would be averse to actually draft one. I believe the Gurley affair left a bad taste and we'll be reluctant to spend big money on a top free agent RB.

3) If we get a healthy Kupp back, and he can remain that way, I love our WR depth. The likely departure of Van Jefferson can easily be replaced by a day 3 draftee.

4) As expensive as he is, Stafford is under contract for 3 more seasons, ... and while older, he's healthy and appears to still love the game. Unless someone who McSnead really loves in the draft should fall to us, I give Stafford another two years with us. I've got us taking a day 3 QB as insurance/competition for Bennett, but we may have another year or two before getting desperate to replace our current leader. Just give him the tools to remain one of the best, and this means improving on our OL and Rushing game.

5) With both Anchrum & Dotson becoming free agents following this season, and Shelton moving into his 'contract' year in 2024, that and not knowing how Noteboom might progress or stay consistently healthy, investing in another quality Center/OG like we did this year with Avila seems of upmost importance. UDFA Mike McAllister might eventually make for a nice back-up Center, but I'm not counting on much more than that just yet.

6) Trading Havenstein (Our most expensive OLman) could be justified by moving A. Jackson to RT. The unproven Bruss is also in play here along with Arcuri & McClendon, so depth at the position doesn't appear a problem. What we need is a quality LT, and this next draft should provide that.

7) Edge is where I break the bank during the 2024 free agency period, a young vet who doesn't need development and is ready to be paired with Aaron Donald and Byron Young. The Rams have the CAP, it's time to start spending it.

8) Agree with you, our next big free agent acquisition after an Edge should be for a top rated CB.

9) I give the young Bobby Brown his 2024 'contract' year to answer that call at NT, if not I might look for a top free agent or higher draft pick in 2025.

10) Not mentioned, but my 3'rd free agent brought in would be a quality ILB to couple with Ernest Jones.

jmo.

 

[fanotodd]

Agree with most here, although :

1) I'd prefer to draft another young TE to pair with Davis Allen, I'm just not seeing the position as a free agent priority, not the way McVay uses them.

I really liked what I saw in Allen during preseason, but I’m not sure he’s gonna see the field much unless the season looks lost or either Higbee or Hopkins gets hurt. Too bad, really, because the sooner he hits the field the sooner we can rule out TE as a priority. Just my opinion, but, the kinds of catches Allen made during preseason work against first stringers too.

2) Akers was a 2'nd round pick who ultimately disappointed, we should certainly be able to improve on him in a similar draft slot. Kyren Williams is not a 'bell cow', I don't think the Rams would be averse to actually draft one. I believe the Gurley affair left a bad taste and we'll be reluctant to spend big money on a top free agent RB.

I’m all for bringing in a RB or two every year. But yes, unless he’s special, I’m not pulling the trigger early. I still can’t see akers as a 2nd round pick. What a waste.

3) If we get a healthy Kupp back, and he can remain that way, I love our WR depth. The likely departure of Van Jefferson can easily be replaced by a day 3 draftee.

It all depends on the chemistry of the Kupp, Nacua, Tutu trio.
…and the on again off again saga of Cooper Kupp’s health.

4) As expensive as he is, Stafford is under contract for 3 more seasons, ... and while older, he's healthy and appears to still love the game. Unless someone who McSnead really loves in the draft should fall to us, I give Stafford another two years with us. I've got us taking a day 3 QB as insurance/competition for Bennett, but we may have another year or two before getting desperate to replace our current leader. Just give him the tools to remain one of the best, and this means improving on our OL and Rushing game.

**I would like to see a thread just on this particular question. You and a couple others follow college more during the season and I would be interested in hearing some opinions and evaluations on what the collegiate QB landscape is looking like as the season unfolds.
My thoughts are twofold on why I think drafting a potential heir to the starting job should be a priority in 2024:
1) worst case scenario is Staffords health. After seeing what an injured OL did to him in ‘22 and Monday night, he might limp into ‘24 like he did in ‘22 and that means a capable backup/potential starter should be on the roster.
2). Best case scenario is the plan for ‘24 works! The Rams go back to the SB and win it. If I’m Stafford or Donald, I take my two rings and ride off into the sunset. The only thing left to do is go get measured for a gold jacket. Someone new will have to take the reins in ‘25 and he will be possibly inheriting a pretty good offense.
Otherwise, what’s the problem with drafting and developing a guy under Stafford? Stafford might not see the end of that contract.

5) With both Anchrum & Dotson becoming free agents following this season, and Shelton moving into his 'contract' year in 2024, that and not knowing how Noteboom might progress or stay consistently healthy, investing in another quality Center/OG like we did this year with Avila seems of upmost importance. UDFA Mike McAllister might eventually make for a nice back-up Center, but I'm not counting on much more than that just yet.

The Rams just don’t seem to take that position (Center) as seriously as most on this board. Every year we pound the table and end up getting pissed off. A LT, however, was rumored to be something they coveted in this draft had they had a 1rst rounder or a chance to move up for the right guy. Besides, trying to land a good LT in FA is tough. There usually aren’t a lot of options.

6) Trading Havenstein (Our most expensive OLman) could be justified by moving A. Jackson to RT. The unproven Bruss is also in play here along with Arcuri & McClendon, so depth at the position doesn't appear a problem. What we need is a quality LT, and this next draft should provide that.

This is where we split. I’m not trading a longtime above average, reliable, RT only to replace him with a guy who is currently injured and only played a handful of games last year before going on IR.

7) Edge is where I break the bank during the 2024 free agency period, a young vet who doesn't need development and is ready to be paired with Aaron Donald and Byron Young. The Rams have the CAP, it's time to start spending it.

This or CB. Landing a game changer on the Edge makes the entire defense better. It was the ONE position I said the Rams needed to help this young, inexperienced defense. Surprisingly, they’re playing well despite not having a formidable pass rush.

8) Agree with you, our next big free agent acquisition after an Edge should be for a top rated CB.

Just like an Edge, a top CB would make a world of difference. We saw that with Ramsey.

9) I give the young Bobby Brown his 2024 'contract' year to answer that call at NT, if not I might look for a top free agent or higher draft pick in 2025.

This is another position that we can just monitor throughout the year. Those guys in the middle are doing a good job right now, but I am curious how they are going to hold up.

10) Not mentioned, but my 3'rd free agent brought in would be a quality ILB to couple with Ernest Jones.

No problem with that as long as there’s enough $$.

jmo.

 

[Riverumbbq]

No problem with that as long as there’s enough $$.

Young free agents at Edge & CB signing new 4-5 year deals will be highly discounted on back-loaded contracts that first year, we won't really start feeling the pain until 2025. Signing an additional sidekick ILB to Ernest Jones will be childsplay, and this includes re-signing a few guys we'll want to keep.

 

[Riverumbbq]

OK, OK, ... I certainly wasn't expecting for Higbee to sign a newly extended contract today. This changes two things with my mock, we'll no longer be drafting a higher round TE, and my trading of Havenstein for a 3'rd is no longer necessary to keep our original 3'rd and using it to draft Center/OG Bryce Foster. This is all very good news and makes for a better off-season than I originally anticipated.

 

[fanotodd]

OK, OK, ... I certainly wasn't expecting for Higbee to sign a newly extended contract today. This changes two things with my mock, we'll no longer be drafting a higher round TE, and my trading of Havenstein for a 3'rd is no longer necessary to keep our original 3'rd and using it to draft Center/OG Bryce Foster. This is all very good news and makes for a better off-season than I originally anticipated.

I concur.
With Higbee coming back, it makes no sense NOT to get Allen on the field. The Rams have their TE1. The TE2 isn’t getting that many snaps and certainly shouldn’t warrant an extension for Hopkins—a TE2.who doesn’t play much.
…and Havs stays!