The rams should trade up to pick twice in the in the 2nd Round

[Memento]

Thing with this is that it's likely the only reason we saw Evans, Edwards & Corbett this season is because of injuries, McVay tends to shy off starting his rookies unless there is an emergency. So those new 2020 draftees you think will have an impact are just as likely to never see the field next season.
The Rams might choose to use 2020 as more of a developmental year than to go for it with a few key free agents as was done in 2018, if so, we should just call it that, but if they believe they are only a few players from going deep into the play-offs again, then I would suspect they may look more towards free agency to turn things around in a quicker manner. jmo.

If a rookie is good enough, they'll start. McVay's proven that as well (Kupp, JJ3, Rapp in the big nickel role), although you are right that he does tend to shy from starting most rookies. As for developing, I think that they have enough pieces to bounce back, especially if Noteboom comes back healthy and with a vengeance.

I agree that they'll use free agency to turn things around quicker, if they want to go into the playoffs immediately. I just don't believe it's the right move to sign big-name free agents to long-term contracts that can potentially screw with our cap further.

Again, just my honest opinion.

 

[Riverumbbq]

He should be a year after Everett since he was from the next draft.

Thanks for the correction, you are right, he becomes a free agent in 2022.

Still, the TE position is being listed as a team need, so I have to assume some problem exists for them.

2020 NFL Draft: Dolphins team needs, draft picks, prospects to watch for Miami

With their 2019 season over, it's time for Dolphins fans to turn their attention to the draft

www.cbssports.com

 

[WestCoastRam]

The wild card with drafting OL talent or even signing some probably comes down to Havenstein. I suspect the Rams keep him but I also bet they float his name at the scouting combine to see what they might get for him.

If he goes, I bet we try to resign Blythe to be the center. At that point, I think we stick pat on the OL in the draft... maybe a late flyer on someone.

All this is predicated on Whit coming back which sounds like it's a done deal already.

 

[Memento]

The wild card with drafting OL talent or even signing some probably comes down to Havenstein. I suspect the Rams keep him but I also bet they float his name at the scouting combine to see what they might get for him.

If he goes, I bet we try to resign Blythe to be the center. At that point, I think we stick pat on the OL in the draft... maybe a late flyer on someone.

All this is predicated on Whit coming back which sounds like it's a done deal already.

No. No matter what happens, but especially if we trade Havenstein, I think that we go for a center at the mid-round, at the very least, if not with our second. An offensive tackle and guard would likely be taken as well, in that scenario.

And I can't see Blythe get re-signed unless it's cheap. And some team who needs a vet center will try to pick him up.

Here's hoping that Whitworth re-ups with us.

 

[WestCoastRam]

No. No matter what happens, but especially if we trade Havenstein, I think that we go for a center at the mid-round, at the very least, if not with our second. An offensive tackle and guard would likely be taken as well, in that scenario.

And I can't see Blythe get re-signed unless it's cheap. And some team who needs a vet center will try to pick him up.

Here's hoping that Whitworth re-ups with us.

Well, there's what I want and what I think will happen. I would not complain at all with a center high with our 2nd if one is worth it there. I'm no sure I see a scenario where we go guard or tackle late.

But again, my post is what I believe will probably happen.

And I think outside of something insane happening, Whit is back, his own words back that up.

 

[Memento]

Well, there's what I want and what I think will happen. I would not complain at all with a center high with our 2nd if one is worth it there. I'm no sure I see a scenario where we go guard or tackle late.

But again, my post is what I believe will probably happen.

Fair enough. I still think that McVay realizes that the offensive line was the weakness, particularly center.

 

[Riverumbbq]

I agree that they'll use free agency to turn things around quicker, if they want to go into the playoffs immediately. I just don't believe it's the right move to sign big-name free agents to long-term contracts that can potentially screw with our cap further.

The Rams have a smaller available CAP for 2020 than we might wish, but 2021 and beyond looks excellent, it's why I have little fear for extending Ramsey, Kupp & JJ3 for 2021. Besides the already attractive future numbers, the Cooks contract may also be dealt with following the 2020 season, the same may be likely for Gurley after the 2021 season. Restructuring Goff & Donald can also add to the bottom line if needed as a last resort. Then we should also consider what may become another big CAP boost following the renewal of TV contracts which I believe come in 2022.

 

[Memento]

The Rams have a smaller available CAP for 2020 than we might wish, but 2021 and beyond looks excellent, it's why I have little fear for extending Ramsey, Kupp & JJ3 for 2021. Besides the already attractive future numbers, the Cooks contract may also be dealt with following the 2020 season, the same may be likely for Gurley after the 2021 season. Restructuring Goff & Donald can also add to the bottom line if needed as a last resort. Then we should also consider what may become another big CAP boost following the renewal of TV contracts which I believe come in 2022.

Ramsey's contract will likely eclipse 80 million overall. Then we have Kupp and JJ3 whom we should also look to re-sign (Kupp will likely eclipse 60 million overall; JJ3's will go over 40 million overall), along with maybe Reynolds and others who impress. If Cooks sustains another injury, his trade value will slip to nothing. Gurley's value is higher to us than other teams, especially given the controversy around whether his knee is arthritic or whatever the hell is up with it. And then there's Havestein's contract.

I'm not saying all bad things will happen, but I'm trying to be prepared if they do. We have to be prepared if they do.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Ramsey's contract will likely eclipse 80 million overall. Then we have Kupp and JJ3 whom we should also look to re-sign (Kupp will likely eclipse 60 million overall; JJ3's will go over 40 million overall), along with maybe Reynolds and others who impress. If Cooks sustains another injury, his trade value will slip to nothing. Gurley's value is higher to us than other teams, especially given the controversy around whether his knee is arthritic or whatever the hell is up with it. And then there's Havestein's contract.

I'm not saying all bad things will happen, but I'm trying to be prepared if they do. We have to be prepared if they do.

I'm not even considering a Cooks trade at this point, he would become a 2021 CAP Casualty more likely, anything else would be gravy, ... and future savings are substantial since he's on the books through the 2023 season. The Rams are currently showing $90mil in available CAP for 2021, so even using your contract numbers and no future gains from trading NRC, cutting Matthews, or shelving Cooks in 2021, the 2021 CAP is likely to use less than half of what's currently on-hand after extending Ramsey, Kupp & JJ3. jmo.

 

[Memento]

I'm not even considering a Cooks trade at this point, he would become a 2021 CAP Casualty more likely, anything else would be gravy, ... and future savings are substantial since he's on the books through the 2023 season. The Rams are currently showing $90mil in available CAP for 2021, so even using your contract numbers and no future gains from trading NRC, cutting Matthews, or shelving Cooks in 2021, the 2021 CAP is likely to use less than half of what's currently on-hand after extending Ramsey, Kupp & JJ3. jmo.

@flv , you think you could clarify this? Is River right?

 

[Riverumbbq]

The wild card with drafting OL talent or even signing some probably comes down to Havenstein.

Being the guy who first proposed trading Havenstein to a collective of jeers at the time, while I see the potential possibility, it seems it might be wiser to try and rehab his career in 2020 for not only a better draft pick for 2021, but also because his Dead CAP drops substantially and helps us all the more. The sensitivity currently revolving around our troubled OL likely keeps him safe for another season, it also gives Evans or another drafted OT time to prove their value. If he can get back to his 2017/2018 standards, he'll make for much improved trade bait imo.

 

[Riverumbbq]

@flv , you think you could clarify this? Is River right?

If you want a right or wrong, you'll need to clarify the number of contract years for each of those players, and also take into consideration that the 1'st year of long term contracts are often far less than the average of the total.
jmo.

 

[Memento]

If you want a right or wrong, you'll need to clarify the number of contract years for each of those players, and also take into consideration that the 1'st year of long term contracts are often far less than the average of the total.
jmo.

Very well. Was assuming five years for Ramsey and Kupp, and four years for JJ3.

 

[WestCoastRam]

@Riverumbbq I tend to agree that the net positive outcome is keeping Hav and expecting him to regain his form. It was a bad season after two good ones so it may be a blip. What was worrisome was how much he fell off.

My guess is Whit comes back, Hav stays and Edwards and Evans take the two guard spots. The question will come with center. I honestly don't imagine they draft a center and start him unless he's an absolute stud and I just don't see that likely to happen. I think they go into the season with Corbett and Allen battling it out at Center. I suspect Corbett wins there.

I think draft capital ends up going to DL, ILB, Edge, and prob WR or RB since it's such a deep class at those two spots.

 

[Riverumbbq]

@Riverumbbq I tend to agree that the net positive outcome is keeping Hav and expecting him to regain his form. It was a bad season after two good ones so it may be a blip. What was worrisome was how much he fell off.

My guess is Whit comes back, Hav stays and Edwards and Evans take the two guard spots. The question will come with center. I honestly don't imagine they draft a center and start him unless he's an absolute stud and I just don't see that likely to happen.

Agree on Whit and Hav, not sure about Evans starting at OG though as he looked pretty bad during the pre-season camp series and I don't believe he had an opportunity to play anywhere else other than RT during the regular season. I do believe Edwards did enough to prove he is quite capable of moving into a starting OG role, and i'd prefer he went back to LG to help Whitworth with the blind side as he's looking better in pass protection so far.
Evans should be competitive as an OG with more work, he certainly looked far better during the regular season at OT than he did in camp, so whose to say he can't turn it around at OG also. A few of us predicted that Brewer would also be in play at OG as he was the camp bright spot along the OL with Edwards, but he ended up only playing LT as a reserve behind Whitworth during the regular season.
Without being able to witness regular season practices, it's pretty difficult to determine where some of these guys are with their development, and even as awful as Demby looked during camp and this past regular season, who knows if he'll still be in play as a realistic competitor for a starting OG role along with Evans & Brewer. Corbett wasn't around for our camp last season, and he also appears to be a good fit for either LG or Center, although I believe he was initially brought in to play Center, his being forced early into the LG role due to Allen's injury changed previous plans in an instant.
I suppose if I have a question for the Rams, it would revolve around whether Edwards starts at LG or RG, and will Corbett start as a LG or Center ? Basically, this brings me back to what position the Rams emphasize highest in free agency and the draft, ... will they draft a quality Center high with a very early pick, or will they look towards free agency for a starting OG ? I've made my preference known with the following on a few occasions :

LT) Whitworth, a highly drafted OT like Niang, and Noteboom as swing OT once he returns.
LG) Edwards, with Evans & Brewer in reserve.
C) Corbett, Allen, and both a later round drafted C/OG and Trewyn on the practice squad.
RG) Scherff, with Brewer & Evans in reserve.
RT) Havenstein, with Evans & Noteboom in reserve.

And yes, i'm willing to carry 10 offensive linemen in 2020.

jmo.

 

[WestCoastRam]

@Riverumbbq, I just don't see us having the cash for Scherff but I agree with the rest. I could see them maybe taking a swing at a OT/G prospect in the 2nd round if they found a guy valued high enough that they'd let compete for a spot and create insurance for LT or G in 2021.

Keeping 10 OL seems like the way of the past these days especially with the change in kickoff/onside kicks this last year or so. We have to remember that olinemen played a bigger role in ST before the changes when wedge blocks were allowed. Now I think it's harder - not impossible - to justify keeping more OL.

 

[Riverumbbq]

@Riverumbbq, I just don't see us having the cash for Scherff but I agree with the rest. I could see them maybe taking a swing at a OT/G prospect in the 2nd round if they found a guy valued high enough that they'd let compete for a spot and create insurance for LT or G in 2021.

I think the Rams can swing both Scherff & Whitworth, although it will be tight. I don't expect Whit to get paid any more than $8.mil in 2020, including incentives. Weddle is already gone and i'd trade NRC & Everett, then cut Matthews & Brown to free up more. That's nearly $10mil. in additional 2020 CAP savings. For 2021 I'd trade Havenstein and CAP cut Cooks if he can't be traded. Even if dipping into restructure money on Goff's contract becomes a necessary evil to get it done this year, I would do it.

Doubtful signing our draft class gets beyond $6.mil.

If Scherff's salary projection made by Sportrac is fairly close, something in the neighborhood of 5 years @ $62.5mil, then his year one CAP hit on a long term contract may not rise over $10.mil. for 2020.

Brandon Scherff

Brandon Scherff contract and salary cap details, full contract breakdowns, salaries, signing bonus, roster bonus, dead money, and valuations.

www.spotrac.com

 

[TheTackle]

In FA the Rams need to find some help on the line/s.

Center is thin in FA (only guy I like as an add is McGovern) but options are there in the draft.

5T options are there in FA (I would be all over Armstead but don't think we can afford him) and the draft although the rangy type I would be after will require careful positioning in the draft.

Guard has quality and depth in FA and in the draft. Could be either or both tbh. FAs options are Scherff, Glasgow, Thuney and Vaitai, I think any of those would upgrade us.

OLB is gonna be too pricey in FA for us, that's a draft position IMO.

ILB will have good options in FA and the draft. Fits in FA are Kwiatkoski (underrated IMO) and Correa. I also like Matakevich as a depth/teams/competition addition if they go cheap but want to add to the room.

Out of those I would sign:

Armstead because it weakens a rival and because his career got off to a slow start and so that might lower his price. Any players that shone against us should be on our radar. He fits that. IMO you cannot rely on rookie DTs as they take time to adjust

Kwiatkoski, as we discussed on the board already. I am onboard with your view and think he fits our scheme extremely well. He is ascending and is a plus MLB vs the pass. I hate to see Cory go, but if so, you highlight a solid replacement

As for the draft. We have great depth. We will have some difficult decisions to make in the final cut. We need to target players who will compete to start. Signing Kwiatkoski doesn't rule out Murray (they both might end up being our future)

 

[TheTackle]

@Riverumbbq, I just don't see us having the cash for Scherff but I agree with the rest. I could see them maybe taking a swing at a OT/G prospect in the 2nd round if they found a guy valued high enough that they'd let compete for a spot and create insurance for LT or G in 2021.

Keeping 10 OL seems like the way of the past these days especially with the change in kickoff/onside kicks this last year or so. We have to remember that olinemen played a bigger role in ST before the changes when wedge blocks were allowed. Now I think it's harder - not impossible - to justify keeping more OL.

RG is the least important position on an OL - not JMO - we would be mad to tie up so much money in that position. Does he play there to cover his pass blocking deficiencies? I would much prefer we draft Ruiz, who has pro bowler in his future IMO

 

[TheTackle]

I really hadn't looked at him much as I mainly watch Notre Dame football. I'm catching up on the draft. Reading and looking at highlights he seems to be a very possible 1st round pick. One of the problems estimating projecting players for the Rams is that generally speaking, we underestimate when they will be picked. There is a good chance that both Ruiz and Murray will be gone by pick #52. Seems like Murray has a high ceiling but also has some growing to do. Sure he would be a good pick at #52.

That is why I am suggesting trading up, providing the players they target are available in spots that make sense. I wouldn't condone giving up the house, but believe we been starters over depth