So, which position group should Snead/McVay really go ‘all in’ on in this draft?

[So Ram]

I've been saying it for a while now. The only position worth trading up for is edge and this will be dependent upon what they think of Lewis long term and Jonah Williams as a rotational player. IMO Lewis has flashed enough to show he has the first round talent evaluators saw in his draft but his injuries are troubling.

I still think the most likely scenario is a trade-up about 10-12 spots in the second round. The way things look it could include Hekker and either their 2nd or one of their 3rd round picks. That potentially could get them a good edge player who is a fit for the type of defense the Ram's like to run.

That's about as all in as I see. The Ram's starters are pretty set except at the edge opposite Floyd. I think their cap limits much more than a draft day scenario.

I guess I have a Hard one for Landon Dickerson.I think he would be the perfect fit.I mean I haven’t seen a Center ever like him.In your post I’d say I Love Bama.
Reggie Scott will have T.Lewis ready for 2021.He played hurt & through injury.Was shut down for the Playoff run & enough time to heal.
A” Robinson should be ready to take over that DT spot.SJD69 is smallish.Maybe he can play more of a DE/DT like AD on opposite side ?
—Landon Dickerson a trade up to DALLAS at 44. Just a Dallas drafted Fredricks in 1st rd.He could be a Top Center for years.Trading Johnny,#57.103, or 144 ?
If not ‘d agree with a DE/OLB.

 

[So Ram]

As it stands today we need a guard, assuming Corbett to center, and a LT. So if I am answering the question correctly I would say Oline.

But I would like to poop on the question. I think best strategy is we best available player. We could use so many positions. lets get one or two of them right.

BAD IDEA all around. First I’ll give you Corbett at Center,but if that happens ?
THERE IS NO WAY THE RAMS DRAFT A OFFENSIVE LINEMAN!!!

 

[So Ram]

Based on the players we have, and thinking about what could go wrong, it makes WR the biggest priority.

I don't think a single one of us think Jackson will be healthy in the playoffs. Kupp has missed half of his potential playoff games.

We would not be in good shape if our three WRs come playoff time were Woods/VJ/Webster or Jackson. But this potential rookie WR would get to take some time before DJax gets hurt to get acclimated.



After WR, it's EDGE - ideally we could draft someone who can platoon with Lewis, and allow Hollins to be solid depth.



After EDGE it would be CB - however, I think the need here is not a rookie - I wouldn't be surprised if we added a vet after the draft.



For the future it would be OL - I'd love for a center to start as a rookie, but I doubt it will happen. With four more OL likely leaving next year (five if Hav gets traded like so many on this site try to do), we probably need to draft at least two to let them develop.




After OL, for the future, it's CB - but the Rams might already know whether we will be able to re-sign Williams, if they've spoken to his agent. If they're confident we can re-sign him, this isn't as much of a need.





When talking the injuries to the WRs, it's because they've happened frequently. Obviously any player that gets hurt, you can argue you need depth there. But with the Rams, we've had a starting WR miss time every year since McVay has been here.

I like The WR thinking.I don’t know the value though.Not sure what’s there at #58 ? Van Jefferson was a steal.

I like Quinn Mienerz at #58.his Senior week was top notch.

Defense is what I’m thinking though.There a couple players that should be circled if there.

 

[Juice]

To me, the offensive line is the biggest need, but don't you think the new defensive coordinator will want some more of his caliber of players? I realize this year he has committed to shaping the D with the players on the roster, but I'm sure they are going to want to get the players that fit his scheme moving forward.

 

[12intheBox]

I guess I have a Hard one for Landon Dickerson.I think he would be the perfect fit.I mean I haven’t seen a Center ever like him.In your post I’d say I Love Bama.
Reggie Scott will have T.Lewis ready for 2021.He played hurt & through injury.Was shut down for the Playoff run & enough time to heal.
A” Robinson should be ready to take over that DT spot.SJD69 is smallish.Maybe he can play more of a DE/DT like AD on opposite side ?
—Landon Dickerson a trade up to DALLAS at 44. Just a Dallas drafted Fredricks in 1st rd.He could be a Top Center for years.Trading Johnny,#57.103, or 144 ?
If not ‘d agree with a DE/OLB.

I have a sneaking suspicion that this draft will be similar so when Forrest Lamp somehow fell to us in the second round - we all began to rejoice and the universe was right - and then we didn’t take him.

I too - like the idea of LD in round 2 so much that it feels like we will pass on him for a D back.

 

[ReddingRam]

I guess I have a Hard one for Landon Dickerson.I think he would be the perfect fit.I mean I haven’t seen a Center ever like him.In your post I’d say I Love Bama.
Reggie Scott will have T.Lewis ready for 2021.He played hurt & through injury.Was shut down for the Playoff run & enough time to heal.
A” Robinson should be ready to take over that DT spot.SJD69 is smallish.Maybe he can play more of a DE/DT like AD on opposite side ?
—Landon Dickerson a trade up to DALLAS at 44. Just a Dallas drafted Fredricks in 1st rd.He could be a Top Center for years.Trading Johnny,#57.103, or 144 ?
If not ‘d agree with a DE/OLB.

Dickerson just reminds me so much of former Rams C - by way of Bama - Barrett Jones. Same exact resume almost. Same school. Same "accolades" from his college career at Alabama. And also a very long list of injuries. We can't afford to use a high pick on a guy who just may not ever get over that injury history. Just like Terrell Lewis last yr... If he wasn't so injury prone, we might not be talking about needing an Edge this year .. but here we are. Something about the Boyz from Bama with injury histories. It seems to follow them for the rest of their careers.

 

[So Ram]

I have a sneaking suspicion that this draft will be similar so when Forrest Lamp somehow fell to us in the second round - we all began to rejoice and the universe was right - and then we didn’t take him.

I too - like the idea of LD in round 2 so much that it feels like we will pass on him for a D back.

LMAO - I was NEVER that RAMS Fan.

— I was about a WR & TE.I liked the trade back,but D.Cook was my first choice.There were a few really good draft guys on this site. -Looking back getting Copper Kupp & Josh Reynolds was huge.I really liked George Kittles with D-Town. In all my Life I’d never seen a 40’ time like Kittles.It was like a 50 yard dash.Dude was so Powerful. You watch him today & no 5 11” DB wants to get in his way with a head of steam.
John Johnson was a surprise & for some reason not 100% sold.The pick was Wade’s.Just shows by his contract that his value was less than Rodney Mcclouds.
—2017 imo was awesome.2020 Draft I think will be even better after 3 more seasons. — L.Dickerson won’t fall to The Rams.He Quinn & Humphries are the only other Offensive Lineman I think The Rams should draft.
If not WR,CB or OLB/DE.

 

[So Ram]

Dickerson just reminds me so much of former Rams C - by way of Bama - Barrett Jones. Same exact resume almost. Same school. Same "accolades" from his college career at Alabama. And also a very long list of injuries. We can't afford to use a high pick on a guy who just may not ever get over that injury history. Just like Terrell Lewis last yr... If he wasn't so injury prone, we might not be talking about needing an Edge this year .. but here we are. Something about the Boyz from Bama with injury histories. It seems to follow them for the rest of their careers.

An Edge Rusher The Rams have always needed IMO. Last year though Perfect finding T. Lewis. I don’t get all the concerns there.
L.Dickerson is a different player & had a different injury.He is a True 1st Rd talent. B.Jones wasn’t all that highly rated. Bama had a different team back then.

 

[Dodgersrf]

This is my second post requesting a Center/CB hybrid!

Ill take 2, please.

 

[Dodgersrf]

I don't know about all in, but 2 CB are a possibility.

 

[Rams43]

Dickerson is too big an injury risk at 57 for the Rams, much less trading up to get him.

The Lewis gamble was worth it at the time, but it’s looking like we lost on that gamble so far due to health.

After Gurley and Cooks, haven’t we learned our damned lesson about taking chances on injury plagued college players when we have so few picks?

Dickerson’s size and injury history scares the hell out of me. We can do better at 57, IMO.

 

[Merlin]

I don't think any of our position groups require an all-in type approach. We're better than average all over the place except for maybe ILB, but then again there's quite a few teams with souped up safety types playing ILB. Seems to me they should be able to take the top guy on their board with exception of RB in most rounds.

Center is our most glaring need but what if they like Corbs or someone else there. We just don't know what they think of their returning guys but it is hard for me to imagine them not drafting a center. Also it's hard for me to imagine a prospect like Creed not starting if they take him. He's got his warts but probably less than the other options. I've come around on Dickerson to where I agree he's too much a risk but there's so many center options.

5T and CB both need attention and both it's hard for me to think they love their internal options but that may be the case. Personally 5T looks worse to me. I think if they don't address 5T in fact we are going to regress badly vs the run this season. But stopping the pass is how you keep points down in the NFL and they may have already written Williams off like they did with JJ plus we may need a slot coverage option if they don't like Long and Burgess.

IMO just focus on difference makers. Get as many impact guys as you can. There will be impact types in round 3 too. Take one of them. I guarantee Rashad Weaver will be a year one impact player wherever he's taken and he might be there round 3. Round 4 there's wideouts still who have all kinds of upside and potential for impact. I'm really excited about this draft because our need areas are the deepest areas of this draft. OL are just crazy good there's guys slated well into the midrounds that look like they can help us.

The Rams may play the strengths of the draft here. As in taking the weakly repped positions first. Knock out the edge type or DL for example early since both are weaker groups then use the depth of the draft to shore up stuff like corner or OL or WR which are all insanely well stocked. IMO this year's draft is a great chance to load up on difference makers though because of the deviation you see with these rankings. The wise teams are gonna get a leg up, hope we're one of them.

 

[snackdaddy]

No position group - you don’t go into the draft absolutely needing anything - especially with as little draft capital as we have. There is nothing we absolutely have to have in this draft - if there is something you absolutely have to have, you get it in free agency. This team is too talented to be relying on a must have piece with only day 2 and 3 picks.

I agree. If your roster is in that bad shape where you need rookies to start, you're probably drafting a lot higher than the 24th position of each round. Our roster is in good shape aside from center. I think guys like Edwards, Corbett, Evans and Noteboom will continue to improve. Center is the biggest need in my opinion. And I would not feel comfortable relying on a rookie to be that guy. I'd like to see a vet center in case that rookie needs more time. After that, look for positions we likely have to replace next offseason.

 

[So Ram]

I don't know about all in, but 2 CB are a possibility.

The Rams Specialty is udrfa players.I’m watching Wolford just get blasted on a QB draw design. Tyler Higbee missed the block on Allen.He ran a 8 yard route & was in front of him.All he has to do is touch Allen at all.Totally whiffs.My point being Gerald Everett was The Rams best blocking TE.
—Who Replaces Everett as at FB/TE?
Hopkins will add to 12 man & zero backfield.

The Rams offensive line was ranked like 10th rushing & 14th passing offense.
I don’t understand those numbers if you look a need for Offensive lineman. You add Brewer,Anchrum,Evans & Noteboom.
I LMAO WHEN RAM FANS SAY OLINE in 2021. I Know I’m a little Crazy even saying Center,but L.Dickerson & Quinn just upgrade The OLine.
I’d cut Brewer,Allen & Anchrum right now for that pick. The cool thing will be having all 3 in The Preseason.Somebody has to play ?

 

[Rams43]

I don't think any of our position groups require an all-in type approach. We're better than average all over the place except for maybe ILB, but then again there's quite a few teams with souped up safety types playing ILB. Seems to me they should be able to take the top guy on their board with exception of RB in most rounds.

Center is our most glaring need but what if they like Corbs or someone else there. We just don't know what they think of their returning guys but it is hard for me to imagine them not drafting a center. Also it's hard for me to imagine a prospect like Creed not starting if they take him. He's got his warts but probably less than the other options. I've come around on Dickerson to where I agree he's too much a risk but there's so many center options.

5T and CB both need attention and both it's hard for me to think they love their internal options but that may be the case. Personally 5T looks worse to me. I think if they don't address 5T in fact we are going to regress badly vs the run this season. But stopping the pass is how you keep points down in the NFL and they may have already written Williams off like they did with JJ plus we may need a slot coverage option if they don't like Long and Burgess.

IMO just focus on difference makers. Get as many impact guys as you can. There will be impact types in round 3 too. Take one of them. I guarantee Rashad Weaver will be a year one impact player wherever he's taken and he might be there round 3. Round 4 there's wideouts still who have all kinds of upside and potential for impact. I'm really excited about this draft because our need areas are the deepest areas of this draft. OL are just crazy good there's guys slated well into the midrounds that look like they can help us.

The Rams may play the strengths of the draft here. As in taking the weakly repped positions first. Knock out the edge type or DL for example early since both are weaker groups then use the depth of the draft to shore up stuff like corner or OL or WR which are all insanely well stocked. IMO this year's draft is a great chance to load up on difference makers though because of the deviation you see with these rankings. The wise teams are gonna get a leg up, hope we're one of them.

Outstanding post, Merlin.

I might add that it’s just possible that Snead and his crack scouting team are more knowledgeable about their Covid season evals than many other teams. If so, they may be like the one-eyed cat peeping in the seafood store at each pick.

Hopefully, after a couple of shrewd trade downs.

 

[So Ram]

I don't think any of our position groups require an all-in type approach. We're better than average all over the place except for maybe ILB, but then again there's quite a few teams with souped up safety types playing ILB. Seems to me they should be able to take the top guy on their board with exception of RB in most rounds.

Center is our most glaring need but what if they like Corbs or someone else there. We just don't know what they think of their returning guys but it is hard for me to imagine them not drafting a center. Also it's hard for me to imagine a prospect like Creed not starting if they take him. He's got his warts but probably less than the other options. I've come around on Dickerson to where I agree he's too much a risk but there's so many center options.

5T and CB both need attention and both it's hard for me to think they love their internal options but that may be the case. Personally 5T looks worse to me. I think if they don't address 5T in fact we are going to regress badly vs the run this season. But stopping the pass is how you keep points down in the NFL and they may have already written Williams off like they did with JJ plus we may need a slot coverage option if they don't like Long and Burgess.

IMO just focus on difference makers. Get as many impact guys as you can. There will be impact types in round 3 too. Take one of them. I guarantee Rashad Weaver will be a year one impact player wherever he's taken and he might be there round 3. Round 4 there's wideouts still who have all kinds of upside and potential for impact. I'm really excited about this draft because our need areas are the deepest areas of this draft. OL are just crazy good there's guys slated well into the midrounds that look like they can help us.

The Rams may play the strengths of the draft here. As in taking the weakly repped positions first. Knock out the edge type or DL for example early since both are weaker groups then use the depth of the draft to shore up stuff like corner or OL or WR which are all insanely well stocked. IMO this year's draft is a great chance to load up on difference makers though because of the deviation you see with these rankings. The wise teams are gonna get a leg up, hope we're one of them.

I was just watching the SeaHags playoff game.The Rams had Reeder on the bench for a 3-8. Holland’s was in as MLB.Howard is back ? Kiser will be back. Turner was the starter.Your looking at MLB I could see an upgrade. OBO has never done it for me.He is a JAP if that ? Lewis I think needs to stay of the Edge.He is a guy on film you see is quick,but not good getting off the ball.He secures the Edge & can fill the gap as good as anyone talent wise.
MxSnead has a special way of finding those DB’s of value. Burgers & even Juju. The kid from Georgia as well.

 

[BonifayRam]

When you will soon invest most of your team's salary cap & have already invested most all your valuable draft capital this season & many other future drafts in a veteran 34 yr old QB (who has a ton of mileage on him) ....there is no other priority going into the draft but to fortify his front OL protection for the future. Butt-Monkey coming...................

Selection of Ol'ers with your very little top draft capital is far more dangerous for a GM. For any GM it's a very big gamble to really fully expect any dividends on the field of play the first several seasons in the NFL. Normally these drafted OL have little impact before they hit UFA'cy & depart. Do you guys want me to give you any examples? ?? The conclusion is to spend your Salary Cap funds on proven solid FA OL'ers of need. We will see if Snead will do that in the next 10 months.

Now to respond directly to the title of this thread.....If I were Snead I would have given instructions early to his Scout Department to invest heavily in time in researching "All In" on three Defensive Positions. Pass rushers @ OLB/DE & outside Corners. The return on the field on defensive prospects usually pays off much earlier & results come in dividends by a better collection of wins. After the conclusion of the 2nd evening of the draft, on the 3rd-day focus fully on the OL-(LT & OC).

There's a good chance that Snead has his primary Nickle DB already secured in last season in a 3rd round selection of DB Terrell Burgess. Snead also invested a 3rd rd. 2019 selection in CB David Long who has yet to figure how to make plays like he did every Saturday in College. So he does have two prospective unknowns signed under contract in a highly needed postion.....CB!

 

[FarNorth]

As it stands today we need a guard, assuming Corbett to center, and a LT. So if I am answering the question correctly I would say Oline.

But I would like to poop on the question. I think best strategy is we best available player. We could use so many positions. lets get one or two of them right.

I think that's it. Rams will identify and take the top impact player they can get for one of possibly several positions.

 

[FarNorth]

As it stands today we need a guard, assuming Corbett to center, and a LT. So if I am answering the question correctly I would say Oline.

But I would like to poop on the question. I think best strategy is we best available player. We could use so many positions. lets get one or two of them right.

I would add that imo that being flexible about position is the correct approach to get high value at no. 57. There will still be impact players available but which ones at which positions may not be predictable. You could undermine the value of the pick if you force it to a particular positional need.

 

[Merlin]

Selection of Ol'ers with your very little top draft capital is far more dangerous for a GM. For any GM it's a very big gamble to really fully expect any dividends on the field of play the first several seasons in the NFL. Normally these drafted OL have little impact before they hit UFA'cy & depart. Do you guys want me to give you any examples? ?? The conclusion is to spend your Salary Cap funds on proven solid FA OL'ers of need. We will see if Snead will do that in the next 10 months.

I favor defense this year too Boni. I want a dominant defense.

But re: the OL a good example would be Samuel Cosmi. If they like him as a LT, well even if they don't, they could draft him and start him at RG immediately in year one with Corbs at Center. Corbs was a solid RG, but Cosmi is an enormous body of an OL and would give us a power right side run game that would be very nice to see. In fact our OL as a whole would be dominant IMO. That's with one pick and assuming Corbs can play center which is an assumption.

Or they simply draft Creed and he would start year one. Without a doubt in my mind. The guys who tend to impact quickly are OGs provided they have the strength to hold up. Which a lot of guys in this draft do. IMO they can find a starter at OG in this draft into midrounds.

Re: Center I keep saying this and will again: the QB change makes a difference in their Center choice. They don't need a super cerebral guy now with Stafford managing the protections. This means guys who are more OG-ish are in play, guys like Meinerz. There is no way Meinerz starts at Center for us year one if Goff is the QB. But with Stafford, well, I think it's possible. He'd still probably start at OG for us but if he jives well with Stafford on the exchange and isn't too lost in calls I could see him actually starting right out the gate. The key is he would need to be able to make good calls at times, with Stafford correcting here and there. Vice needing corrections on every call.