Truly impactful draft class

[WestCoastRam]

I feel like Kupp deserves a ton of credit for Puka's early success. I'm guessing that was a pretty unique level of off season coaching and mentoring, and I don't hear it mentioned much.

By being hurt.

 

[WestCoastRam]

In The Athletic’s new article on best rookies so far… Puka, Avila, Young and Evans are all first team and Kobie Turner had an honorable mention.

That’s amazing for a class with No first round pick.

It’s fun to see smart publications recognize how great the kids are.

You got any of them... uh... links?

 

[snackdaddy]

No first or second round picks in 2022. No first round pick in 2023. I think they've done well with what they have. Looks like their 3rd round pick in 2022 isn't working out. But he did grade out to be an eventual starter. It happens. The fact that the contributors are 4th round or lower in that draft says they do well with later round picks.

 

[Kupped]

You got any of them... uh... links?

I'm pretty sure there's a paywall.

Which 2023 NFL Draft picks have excelled so far? Our early All-Rookie Team

C.J. Stroud, Jalen Carter and Bijan Robinson are among the rookie standouts so far. Who else is thriving early in their careers?

theathletic.com

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Yes and I think he is a solid NFL receiver now which is great to see. Question is what is his ceiling. I don't blame him for that reversed TD for example, but a top wideout is gonna convert that. He has left points on the field over the first three games.

I am wondering whether he will be one of those guys whose breakout season happens to be timed with his FA year. So as happy as I am to see him doing the job I'd like to see more explosive plays and TDs in these coming games and him being a guy DCs need to gameplan to contain.

I agree, but his stature will always be a hindrance that keeps him from being much more than he already is.

He was open on a deep pass but Stafford didn’t have the time to see him or wait for the deep pass to open up. He has proven to have good hands.

 

[Kupped]

No first or second round picks in 2022. No first round pick in 2023. I think they've done well with what they have. Looks like their 3rd round pick in 2022 isn't working out. But he did grade out to be an eventual starter. It happens. The fact that the contributors are 4th round or lower in that draft says they do well with later round picks.

Bruss looked bad before being hurt.. but he had a catastrophic knee injury.
If they want to get an impact player or two next offseason in FA.. it's right there for them.
Draft strategy next year will be interesting. I think there's a growing chance Morris finally gets his shot.. so there's a bonus 3rd rounder.

Me? Unless there was a real difference maker available at a position of need.. I'd probably be trading back to the end of the first and possibly out of the first round.
First pick would be either an Edge, OT or corner and those would be my top three picks.. followed by DL and RB.

 

[WestCoastRam]

I'm pretty sure there's a paywall.

Which 2023 NFL Draft picks have excelled so far? Our early All-Rookie Team

C.J. Stroud, Jalen Carter and Bijan Robinson are among the rookie standouts so far. Who else is thriving early in their careers?

theathletic.com

I find the cost of the Athletic pretty reasonable and a great deal if you want NFL content (and Jordan's Ram's stuff is gold) so I gots it.

 

[AvengerRam]

View: https://x.com/nflrookiewatxh/status/1714302909637177753?s=46

 

[thirteen28]

View: https://x.com/nflrookiewatxh/status/1714302909637177753?s=46

Grand Theft Edge Rusher

 

[RamsSince1969]

Rams are now the team of envy. Somehow, hitting on many quality draft picks that make a difference for the franchise and a quick turn around when losing good players to free agency and retirement.

 

[TexasRam]

I've gained a ton of respect for Les and his staff after this draft. Previously I thought of him as a bit overrated.

It was clear what positions we were needing going into this draft i.e. DE, DT, Guard, etc. and the staff came out with what looks like homerun pick after pick. Just Puka and Avila alone with made this a solid draft, but they came away with what looks like a A grade draft.

Then there is Dotson, Witherspoon and other 2nd-3rd year dudes really materializing. Kyren, Jonah, Shelton, Tutu, Lake, Yeast.

 

[Merlin]

I've gained a ton of respect for Les and his staff after this draft. Previously I thought of him as a bit overrated.

I have to agree. I think Les has improved as a GM, he's probably better than he was in the beginning. If he can put up another draft like this last one in this offseason he's going to cement his position for sure.

Felt like this draft was important for his job too btw. Because simply put McVay isn't going anywhere unless he wants to go take a TV job, so if this past draft was bad we'd be sitting somewhere around maybe one or two wins and Snead's ass would be on the burner. But he killed it clearly. They have a defense built to stop the pass and an offense that can throw it on most defenses, which is a pretty damn nice combo.

Another draft like this one and we will be a contender for sure. They really need to fill the cornerstone positions: LT, Edge, CB. Corners have played well but none of these guys have grown into a shutdown type so I think that's still in play for the draft. But if they draft a LT with that early pick then Jackson is available elsewhere on the line plus Boom if they don't move him and things are looking pretty damn good up front. So I'm hoping they go LT but of course the draft board will dictate there.

 

[Kupped]

Just looking at some PFF grades…
Man, Nacua, Avila, Turner and young aren’t just good for rookies.. they’re just GOOD.

Bummed we didn’t see more Zach Evans.

The punter is a win… and we see other rookies getting sprinkled in.

 

[LARAMSinFeb.]

Just looking at some PFF grades…
Man, Nacua, Avila, Turner and young aren’t just good for rookies.. they’re just GOOD.

Man's probably the best of the bunch.

 

[Malibu]

Historic draft I contend one of the best of any team in a decade based on 2gere we started drafting You all need to remember drafts netting one maybe no players this is more the typical. We can't count on getting that lucky as an example look at all those OLBs and WRs drafted before Young and Puka.

 

[XXXIVwin]

Time for Snead to be on T-shirts and coffee mugs that say "Love them picks"

 

[PARAM]

We can be pretty sure they hit on Avila and Puka, probably Young, Turner and E.Evans. But we should keep in mind the fact it takes a couple of years to truly evaluate the draft. ZEvans, Mathis, Tomlinson or any other pick could develop and make this class more phenomimal. I'm not writing off any of them just yet.

 

[fanotodd]

Just looking at some PFF grades…
Man, Nacua, Avila, Turner and young aren’t just good for rookies.. they’re just GOOD.

Bummed we didn’t see more Zach Evans.

The punter is a win… and we see other rookies getting sprinkled in.

I guess I’m the wet blanket here when it comes to our rookie punter, Mr Evans. I like the kid and see so much potential, but he desperately needs someone to work with him. He’s not flipping the field like he should/could if he had more finesse.

What has been underscored regarding the Rams struggles this season is the their TOP. They are generally good, and it goes hand in hand with their low pct. of 3 and outs. The problem is 2-3 first downs when you’re starting at/behind your own 20 barely gets you to midfield before you have to punt or worse, you have a kicker who struggles with kicks over 50 yds. This is what the Rams should be doing to other teams. Evans has the leg, he just needs to control it.

Out kicking coverage or lack of hang time, I dunno, but there have been too many decent returns given up. There have also been some missed opportunities to pin a team deep. Last game, for example, Evans booted a 68 yard kick into the end zone. Net 48. A 60 yarder would have been a helluva lot better. I/we were fortunate to have seen Johnny Hekker literally win games or keep the Rams in them, despite no serious offense. Evans could be something similar, but he’s got a ways to go.

In general, the STs have been lousy. I don’t know much about our STs coach, but I’m not impressed. Nearly halfway through the season and the kick coverage is shit, FG unit is shit, punter is kicking the crap out of the ball over the field without any real strategy, and there is absolutely no return game. When you have so much young, raw, talent, coaching matters. He’s not getting it done IMO.

…but I do agree on the other players you mentioned. Those guys are doing a great job. You can already see they are legit pros.

 

[oldnotdead]

Avila - Starting LG
Nacua - Starting XWR (Kupp v.2.0)
Young - Edge on the rise (2nd best pass rusher)
E. Evans - Punter on the rise
Turner - IDL flashing his potential
A. Ward - LS - The forgotten starter who has been very good (UDFA)

That is an outstanding draft by any standard.
Hold potential as depth and potential future starters:
Tomlinson CB
Allen TE
Taylor S
Mathis DE
Hampton OLB

That is 10 of fourteen players. I think Z Evans and Bennett don't have futures on this team. Both because of personal issues more than being talent related. Rumors are Z. Evans isn't playing because of a poor attitude, i.e. lack of commitment. Don't be surprised if he gets dumped on the PS when Williams returns or they promote Henderson to the active roster.

Now add the good acquisitions like:

Witherspoon - CB - Best CB on the roster
Dotson ROG - Looks to be the starting RG going forward
Freeman RB - Looks better than Henderson
Long TE - Jury out but the guy has talent
Shelley CB - Young journeyman SCB with legit talent

Also young players on the rise:

Jackson LT
Lake S
Yeast S
Shelton C
Atwell WR
J. Williams DE

There is a lot to like about this team. A few holes to be filled but nothing that can't be done next year.

 

[CanadaRam]

Usually, it is 2-3 years before you can evaluate a draft class.
In this case, it is already an A and could get better.

Rams are a legit playoff contender due to the draft class. This without a #1.