So, what should we reasonably expect coming out of this draft?

[Ram Ts]

Hope springs eternal. What I love about the draft is the possibilities of greatness no matter what round (even UDFAs). Come training camp and the actual games, sure that hope usually turns to reality and you got a bunch of JAGs. But hey, for now, I’m dreaming of 4-6 future starters & all-pros. That’s what the draft is for me. I’ll wait to take my dose of reality & pain later (it’s coming).

 

[rams1fan]

Reasonably speaking I say minimum two starters. multiple spots at lb and ol (and possibly nickel cb and rb) are currently slated to be manned by guys on the team that have little starting experience and were late round picks or udfs. So I think 2 of the picks between our first 4 picks turn out as starters or play significant snaps.

 

[tklongball]

Let’s temper our expectations a bit. It’s highly unlikely any starters will come out of pucks from R2.52 or later. They could trade up a bit to get a starter at ILB or a serious contributor at RB. Otherwise I think we are looking at future impact players and depth. Not sure the Cap relief but unless it’s for a starting RT I don’t see trading Hav for a draft pick. I think we need Hill and Everett this year so I don’t see them being traded. I love the draft but I won’t expect much impact this year on the starting lineup.

Wait, you really think we won't get any starters without trading up? Or do you mean Immediate Starters?

 

[Ram65]

Obviously the first four picks have the best shot but, others can help by year two.

A RB could become a contributor right away with Henderson getting more reps. Brown is a good fill-in but, he gets hurt running as hard as he does. The value would be to find an every-down RB that can take over for Henderson should he get injured and replace Brown when they let him go. I think Henderson is the real deal but, you need insurance at the RB position. A drafted RB could take over backup duty ahead of Brown.

An OC/OG can compete and take over a starting spot this year. The right one could become a long-term starter.

WR that can get some reps this year and move in as the 3rd WR next year. One that can return KOs and punts could contribute more this year.

ISLer would get a chance to start this year. More so because there are question marks on the current roster.

Edge/CB/Safety are possibilities to contribute more next year depending on when they are drafted. The Rams special teams could use some competition as they seemed to falter last year. That's were this year's picks can contribute right away.

 

[PhillyRam]

Mostl

They have 5 picks total in rounds 2-4 which puts them in good position to really get some quality players. If they can trade Havenstein and Hill to clear cap it will also give them a 6th pick in that range.

A true SAM OLB, i.e. 6'4" - 6'5" - 245-255 lbs, running in the upper 4.4 to upper 4.5 range. Someone who can be a true blitz threat and still set a hard edge with coverage ability. All the things Ebukam does right now. He's in his contract year and have zero behind him. This will allow them to move Samson to replace Brockers in 2 years.

An edge at about 6'4"-6'5" with 33" arms and true 4.5 speed at 250 lbs. If they intend to keep Ebukam at SAM.

RB maybe 5'9"-5'10" and 200-215 lbs running 4.4 to the low 4.5 range. One cut downhill runner with good vision and with enough evasiveness and burst to exploit inside holes. I can easily see them adding a FB into the mix if they don't move Mundt into a H-back role.

Unlike most I think they are set at ILB. They seem very high on Kiser and they had a reason for trading for Kenny Young. Reeder showed he can play at this level as did Travin Howard. I see those two as the rotational backups.

I see them picking up another CB, with good length (5'11" - 6'1" with at least 32" arms) and at least 4.4 speed. They need a 3rd boundary man coverage capable CB. I can easily see them taking a CB with a second-round pick.

I also think they will pretty much stand pat on the o-line except for late round (6th & 7th round) type developmental picks for the PS.

I think they will draft a WR, and I would think he would be at least 6' tall and run a 4.4. Shorter WRs like shorter boundary CBs take too much of a pounding to stay healthy. I think that is the lesson from Cooks. Webster isn't tall but neither is he a smurf at 5'10". I think we will see a lot more of Webster, with his good hands. Not just as a returner but as a slot receiver. I don't see them taking a WR until the 4th round. I honestly think they will play Everett in the slot where he will be a nightmare matchup for most slot CBs. Their 3 receiver sets probably will be Woods & Kupp outside, with Everett in the slot and Higbee at TE. With Henderson at RB that's 5 potential receivers. That's why any receiver they take is likely to be later in the draft as a developmental player.

Recap: 2nd rd - OLB, CB 3rd rd - Edge, RB 4th rd - RB/FB But I really think they will get another 2nd or third for trading Havenstein and Hill and they can pick up a WR with that 4th round pick.

Mostly agree, but I can see them jumping on a legit C if Cushenberry is there at 52 or 57, or Hennessey at 84 or 104.

This teams achilles heel the last few yrs were big DTs like Cox or Hicks, dominating our interior line. A more physically gifted C would be a big help there as it would keep the pocket cleaner instead of allowing pressure up the gut on most dropbacks. That kills Goff's effectiveness.

 

[PhillyRam]

I’m not totally sure, just going by what Spotrac shows as $6.15 million in dead money if traded or cut vs. $7.8 million salary cap if he’s on the team. Spotrac said his $3.75 million 2020 roster bonus was guaranteed on March 15. Big cap savings after the 2020 season though, per Spotrac.

Cut vs traded matters. Pre June 1st trade $5.4M savings.

Post Jun 1st trade, $7M savings.

That is always a possibility too, because the Rams need picks next yr. So if a guy goes down in camp for another team, he could get moved then, assuming the Rams RT position looks solid.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I could see them taking two RBs in this draft. One early and one late. Henderson didn't block well last year. They need a star that can block consistently. I don't know which RBs at the top are known to be good at picking up the blitz. That may factor into who they like the most. I think the other RB would be to compete with Malcolm Brown. He's a hard runner and can pound it for extra yards, but his injuries have to be a concern. If not a late rounder on a Running back then I'd expect them to try to get a few as UDFAs.

 

[Neil039]

I'd like to see 2 starters and 2-3 others who get playing time throughout the season. The rest being developed on the team or practice squad. JMT

 

[PhillyRam]

I could see them taking two RBs in this draft. One early and one late. Henderson didn't block well last year. They need a star that can block consistently. I don't know which RBs at the top are known to be good at picking up the blitz. That may factor into who they like the most. I think the other RB would be to compete with Malcolm Brown. He's a hard runner and can pound it for extra yards, but his injuries have to be a concern. If not a late rounder on a Running back then I'd expect them to try to get a few as UDFAs.

I can see a bigger every down type back early (2-4), and a smaller return guy like McFarland out of Maryland, late.

Would be nice to add some juice to the return game and that kid is legit.


View: https://youtu.be/thlKLUJwvUw

 

[snackdaddy]

I've seen some people who think because of the offensive line problems last year the Rams will draft more linemen early. I don't see it. They have a stable of young linemen that need to be developed. Some of them got some unexpected experience due to injuries. So the development process is already underway with them. I don't see them starting it all over again. They should be deeper and better prepared for the inevitable injuries this season.

IMO, edge rusher should be the top priority. Aaron Donald is one of those generational talents. I would hate to see them waste his best years because of the double/triple teams he'll face if they don't have legit outside rushers. Fowler was ok, but aside from those 3 games where he got 7 sacks, he played 13 other games with 4.5 sacks. I'm thinking teams weren't convinced he had to be accounted for.

After edge rusher I'd like to see a thumper at linebacker. Someone who can play the run. For once, I wouldn't mind seeing a team that is pretty good at stopping the run. We were not that team with Wade Phillips.

Then maybe a WR and RB. We could always use depth. After Kupp/Woods/Reynolds, we're pretty thin if we go 4 or 5 receiver sets once in a while. I like Henderson and Brown, but I wouldn't mind another RB in the mix.

 

[TheTackle]

At least two starters followed by some talented developmental types - most of who should be able to play on special teams

Winning now is the best formulae for winning the following season

 

[FarNorth]

I've seen some people who think because of the offensive line problems last year the Rams will draft more linemen early. I don't see it. They have a stable of young linemen that need to be developed. Some of them got some unexpected experience due to injuries. So the development process is already underway with them. I don't see them starting it all over again. They should be deeper and better prepared for the inevitable injuries this season.

IMO, edge rusher should be the top priority. Aaron Donald is one of those generational talents. I would hate to see them waste his best years because of the double/triple teams he'll face if they don't have legit outside rushers. Fowler was ok, but aside from those 3 games where he got 7 sacks, he played 13 other games with 4.5 sacks. I'm thinking teams weren't convinced he had to be accounted for.

After edge rusher I'd like to see a thumper at linebacker. Someone who can play the run. For once, I wouldn't mind seeing a team that is pretty good at stopping the run. We were not that team with Wade Phillips.

Then maybe a WR and RB. We could always use depth. After Kupp/Woods/Reynolds, we're pretty thin if we go 4 or 5 receiver sets once in a while. I like Henderson and Brown, but I wouldn't mind another RB in the mix.

This is a very plausible analysis, maybe even the correct one, but we really just don't know how Snead and McVay are looking at the situation. Are they ok with our young players at center? future left tackle? Running back? Imo we just don't know how they will play their cards yet.

 

[Ants]

Mostl

Mostly agree, but I can see them jumping on a legit C if Cushenberry is there at 52 or 57, or Hennessey at 84 or 104.

This teams achilles heel the last few yrs were big DTs like Cox or Hicks, dominating our interior line. A more physically gifted C would be a big help there as it would keep the pocket cleaner instead of allowing pressure up the gut on most dropbacks. That kills Goff's effectiveness.

What Oldnothead proposed sounds right to me - my only disagreement would be trading Havs and Hill, and what you mention here.
I could see them jumping on Cushenberry if he's there.
...Then again, I think I imagined them jumping on a top C the past few years and they didn't, so...

 

[FearsomeFears]

I'd say what is reasonable is to get a few to several young players who will come in and compete to win starting jobs.

 

[dang]

Wait, you really think we won't get any starters without trading up? Or do you mean Immediate Starters?

I mean immediate starters when the season begins. At a minimum I hope to get an eventual long time ILB and OC starter out of this draft.

 

[Deac]

Herpes, it's the only thing guaranteed with that many people in one place.

 

[PressureD41]

NOT sure on Henderson, or the RB room as a group so I want to add Moss (3rd) & Deejay Dallas (6th)
ILB hoping for two, but settle for 1 Harrison / Logan / Gay
OC Hennessy or Cushenberry

 

[CGI_Ram]

I was curious what team fans were saying, of the teams picking around us... might be a good thread topic... hmm.

Anyway...

Eagles fans DEFINITELY expect a WR with either 21 or 53.

 

[Ram Ts]

I’m starting to get intrigued a bit about Chinn. Not sure he makes it to 52. Previously I thought he’s not a need. But I’m beginning to change my thinking a bit. He can seemingly play multiple positions and be moved around. He might be too good to pass on if there at 52.

Others I like after 2nd round (underrated types): WR Van Jefferson, OL Robert Hunt (seems to be moving way up boards now), WR Gabriel Davis, WR Brian Edwards, OL Hakeem Adeniji, RB Anthony McFarland, TE Jacob Breeland