Are all of you comfortable having Wolford backing up Stafford for a potential (God Forbid) extended injury or season ending injury to Staff? This is my biggest concern for the upcoming season, and it’s not even close. Every time Wolf goes in at the end of a blow out, McVay has him handing off. No confidence? Puzzling to me, that he gets no game time experience throwing the ball. Thoughts?

Hope this doesn't mean OBJ won't be back...

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I might be jumping the gun on this but lots of talk already so might just be easier to have one thread for other team rumors?

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MOD EDIT / ADD​

Lets make this the ROUND 1 Thread!

Rams Picks:
Round 3, Pick No. 104
Round 4, Pick No. 142
Round 5, Pick No. 175
Round 6, Pick No. 211
Round 6, Pick No. 212
Round 6, Pick No. 218
Round 7, Pick No. 238
Round 7, Pick No. 253

What time does the NFL Draft start today?​

• Date: Thursday, April 28
• Round 1 start time: 8 p.m. ET
• TV channels: ABC | ESPN | NFL Network
• Live stream: ESPN app | NFL app | fuboTV | DAZN (in Canada)

Thursday's Round 1 will start in the primetime slot at 8 p.m. ET. The draft in 2022 is in Las Vegas, with 21 players in attendance — up from 13 draft attendees in Cleveland from last year. Considering teams have 10 minutes per draft pick, the first round of the NFL Draft can be expected to end at roughly midnight.

What channel is the NFL Draft on today?​

• TV channels: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network

ABC, ESPN and NFL Network all will carry the NFL Draft.

NFL Network's broadcast group will feature host Rich Eisen, who will be joined on set by Charles Davis and Daniel Jeremiah for the duration of the draft. Stanford coach David Shaw will join the broadcast during Thursday's Round 1. Joel Klatt and Kurt Warner will man the NFL Network's secondary set; Ian Rapoport will handle news as the event unfolds.

ESPN's broadcast will feature draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. and Louis Riddick for the duration of the draft. Booger McFarland and host Mike Greenberg will be on for the first two nights. Chris Mortensen will report on draft-day rumblings throughout the event. Adam Schefter will not be in attendance for this year's NFL Draft. He will be attending his son's college graduation.

On ABC, Todd McShay and analysts Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard will be on set Thursday and Friday. Rece Davis will host on the primary ABC set while Sam Ponder, Jesse Palmer and Robert Griffin III will provide coverage from the Beer Park set. Pete Thamel will serve as draft reporter throughout the telecast.

NFL Draft TV schedule​

All three networks will be carrying all three rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft from first pick to last, starting on Thursday, April 28 and ending on Saturday, April 30.

Round 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft should end around midnight ET, with teams taking 10 minutes per pick.

IMO that could mean:

1. They are looking at an OG that can start at RG
2. A punter who is not a developmental type, i.e. Stout
3. An edge capable of playing in rotation as a situational rusher

These positions could be addressed in their first 3 rounds. If they don't take an edge then IMO they might be looking to trade for one either Hunter or someone like him.

The problem with DBs is that playing in the secondary is technique heavy and the only position they would be looking at is CB to play as a nickel or dime and a backup on the outside. Also, STs players are normally overlooked but their 6th and 7th round picks could be targeted there.

Rams look for more late-round knockouts in NFL draft​

When a team goes into an NFL draft with no early picks, it’s encouraging to know Super Bowl-caliber players can be found in any round.

The Rams know, because their Super Bowl-winning team last season featured starters from every round.

General Manager Les Snead might be more famous for trading first- and second-round draft picks for established stars, as he did last year for quarterback Matthew Stafford and outside linebacker Von Miller.

But the other hallmark of the success that Snead, Coach Sean McVay and their brain trust have enjoyed at deploying draft picks is their knack for finding useful players in the middle to late rounds.

The Rams were rare, though not unique, in how much they counted on unheralded players to win a Super Bowl.

“There’s so many different guys that contributed. That’s where you take a lot of pride,” McVay said Wednesday as he and Snead held a pre-draft virtual press conference.

The three-day NFL draft, in Las Vegas this year, begins Thursday. The Rams, based at the team’s rented “draft house” in the Hollywood Hills, aren’t scheduled to make their first pick until the third round on Friday, with the 104th overall pick. Then they’ve stockpiled seven more picks in rounds 4 through 7, ending with the 253rd.

In the past they’ve found pearls at every level of the draft, as a look at key Rams starters in the 2021 regular season and postseason shows:

Round 1: Defensive tackle Aaron Donald. The Rams drafted him 13th overall in 2014. He was underrated.

Round 2: Running back Cam Akers (52nd overall, 2020), wide receiver Van Jefferson (57th, 2020) and right tackle Rob Havenstein (57th, 2015) all started in the Super Bowl, and safety Taylor Rapp (61st, 2019) started all 17 regular-season games before getting hurt in the playoffs.

Round 3: Wide receiver Cooper Kupp (69th, 2017) and running back Darrell Henderson (70th, 2019). Also linebacker Ernest Jones (103rd, 2021) and cornerback David Long (79th, 2019); both made their first postseason starts in the Super Bowl.

Round 4: Tight end Tyler Higbee (110th, 2016), center Brian Allen (111th, 2018) and nose tackle Greg Gaines (134th, 2019).

Round 5: Left guard David Edwards (169th, 2019).

Round 6: Safety Jordan Fuller (199th, 2020) was a defensive leader and nose tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day (195th, 2018) was having a solid year when injuries curtailed their 2021 season.

Round 7: After Fuller’s injury, safety Nick Scott (243rd, 2019) was trusted to play 100% of defensive snaps in the playoffs. Linebacker Travin Howard (231st, 2018) made the NFC championship game-clinching interception against the San Francisco 49ers.

There have been plenty of picks, in almost every round, that didn’t work out as well as hoped in Snead’s 10 years as GM and McVay’s five years as coach. They picked Greg Robinson ahead of Donald. The wisdom of Tutu Atwell in the second round a year ago has yet to be demonstrated.

But finding postseason stars in the seventh round makes up for a lot of mistakes.

McVay said the secret is looking for draft prospects who can fill specific roles for the Rams.

“I think the key is identifying guys that we have a vision for, that fit within our culture but also fit for some of the voids that we might have or areas of need,” McVay said. “There’s certain players that all 32 teams would agree that this is an elite fit. But (for the rest it’s) being able to have a vision, as you get later, identifying certain traits and characteristics that fit within the framework of how you envision utilizing them and helping them reach their highest potential.

“In a lot of those situations, you’re betting on the human being, looking at the history and the way they’re wired and their background and some of the things they bring to the table.”

Snead said effectively scouting for traits that fit what the Rams need is only the first step.

“It’s one thing to identify (players). It’s another thing to acquire. It’s another thing to develop,” Snead said. “I give Sean and his staff credit.”

Rams draftees aren’t often pressed into starting roles as rookies, but they can move up quickly.

“They’ve actually determined that they’re going to rely on players in key roles who are in their rookie contracts,” Snead said of the coaches, “and that’s maybe the hardest part of that equation.”

The Rams don’t pigeonhole prospects and selections by their draft round, Snead said.

“When Sean and his staff is penciling in the 48-man roster, draft round is never mentioned,” the GM said. “What we try to do in draft prep is, with each player, what specific role can they fill? What can they do to help the Rams in 2022, and then what might they be able to do in years beyond that?”

A year ago, defensive coordinator Raheem Morris introduced the Rams’ front office to the concept of “pool-party grade” prospects – players worthy of celebration if the Rams snagged them. They started drafting in 2021 with the 57th overall pick, and they start in 2022 with the 104th. But Snead said a party is still possible.

“The phrase is definitely still alive and well in the draft room. Now, maybe the pool’s a little shallower. Maybe we shouldn’t dive into it,” Snead said. “(But) I think this is a relatively deep draft.

“As the draft (proceeds), there’s going to maybe be players of less talent, but there’s still players who might have specific skill sets that can contribute and fill a role and develop into something.”

the Rams bringing back Robert Quin?alway loved him as a Ram, maybe if its reasonable why not? Cant have enough pass rushers.

If we were to pick players based on the likelihood that they will not only make the team but could emerge (fairly quickly) as plus starters or impact players in key situations (and on special teams) then where does value meet a need?

I know many here would like to see us draft an Edge but I just do not see value where we pick. Is there really a prospect who will challenge to play ahead of what we have on the roster?

These below positions are where need and value should meet but please argue otherwise or for better prospects that you prefer:

1. Cornerbacks - This draft is stacked with enough quality prospects that a potential future starter should be available when we pick first

I am impressed by the following SRs who have played a ton of snaps and all looked great during the senior bowl (which we know the Rams value highly)

Zyon McCollum (Sam Houston) 6-2 199; Joshua Williams (Fayetteville State) 6-3 195; & Coby Bryant (Cincinnati) 6-1 199

One of the above should be available around where we pick (we might need to trade up depending on whether there is a run)

2. Guards - The draft is stacked with Sr OL, who play with power, have plenty of experience (and solid technique), including plenty who might usefully transition inside

Here are three potential guards, all of who may be available when we pick in round 4 and one of whom might be available in round 5. They each fit our scheme and could become instant starters depending on how they transition

Logan Bruss (Wisconsin); Justin Shaffer (Georgia) and Zachary Thomas (San Diego State)

3. TE/H-backs - The draft is loaded with prospects who should be available in rounds 5 through 7

This draft is deep, seriously deep, and I know that many of you have TEs in your mocks. I believe a few will come off the board before we pick but that the true value lies through rounds 5, 6 and 7. It would not surprise me in the least if the best TE in this class eventually emerges from later in the draft...

Who do you like?

There are even two FB prospects that look like they might garner late-round picks in Zander Horvath (Purdue) and Connor Heyward (Michigan State)

Horvath is being compared to another alumnus, Mike Alstott, and could emerge as a pro-bowl talent

4. Punter

I know, give me a break right! That said Jordan Stout (Penn State) and Matt Araiza (San Diego State) look awesome and can both flip the field

Don't want to draft one? Jake Camarda (Georgia) and Ryan Wright (Tulane) are plenty talented and should be UDFAs

I do not see us drafting: DT (they take a long time to develop and we would be better resigning our own); or LB unless we now place a high value on ILB (if so, there are some intriguing prospects but I am not sure they will be available later and so decided the position doesn't meet need and value); or WR for obvious reasons (we have too many already) but we probably will anyway or DE (though this might be something we look at addressing after the draft through FA - Morgan Fox?)

I am looking forward to the draft and excited to see who we come away with

. . . and how each player fared.

Try not to get too lost.

I know this will make a lot of people sad But she's leaving NFLN and trying to get the main seat at Amazon for their pregame show.

Celebrating 35 years married to my best friend and adventure buddy.

1. The Rams just won a championship and, despite some losses, still have a championship roster.

2. Given that, how significant would it be if the Rams could find just one "diamond in the rough" who can make an impact as a rookie in 2022?

3. Admittedly, I tend to overthink the "position of need" side of the analysis. Last year, I, along with many, thought the Rams NEEDED an OL. And, while there are some who would say they missed the boat by not drafting one (who's name rhymes with "Greed Mumphrey," for example), they, in fact, had enough on the OL to win it all.

4. So, while my draft board and mock is heavy on EDGE rushers and DBs, I recognize that the Rams may, once again, throw us a curve ball.

5. Could the Rams, for example, start with a WR (and would that signal that, perhaps, they're not expecting OBJ back?)

6. Or, maybe, the Rams could take a TE... preparing for a post-Higbee era.

7. Or, perhaps, could the Rams take a DT who could rotate in and lighten Aaron Donald's regular season workload, leaving him fresh for another monster postseason?

8. Speaking of my draft board... every year I feel (usually right about this time) that there are a few players I left off who I should have included. Here are 5 who fit that description: Velus Jones, Jr., WR, Tennessee, Jalyn Armour-Davis, CB, Alabama, Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia, James Cook, RB, Georgia and Sean Rhyan, OL, UCLA.

9. I'm expecting some big trades between now and the end of Round 1. We all know about the WRs (Deebo Samuel, in particular) who are currently disgruntled, and there's also Baker Mayfield and Jimmy Garoppolo presumably on the block. I also think the lack of a clear "elite" class in this draft crop could cause teams to move up and down for guys they particularly like.

10. Meanwhile, Les and Sean will be chilling in the Rams' draft house. Not a bad gig!

11. It will be interesting to see how high punter Matt Araiza will go. Not that its fair to put this on a rookie, but if you knew he'd turn into the next Johnny Hekker, how high would you take him?

12. The Seahawks traded what would have been the 10th pick in a deal that brought them Jamal Adams, then traded Russell Wilson for a package that included this year's 9th pick. So... Adams for Wilson, to an extent? No wonder Seahawks fans are pissed!

13. I don't particularly expect the Rams to trade any players this week but, if they did consider moving anyone, I'd say Taylor Rapp is the most likely candidate.

14. The Rams also won't be signing any FAs this week... FAs signed next week don't adversely impact the comp pick formula so, even if we're talking to some of the vets still out there, they won't do anything for a week.

15. I won't be at all shocked if the Rams sign Tyrann Mathiew next week.

16. My "Most Likely to Succeed" prospect: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

17. My "Most Likely to Bust" prospect: Travon Walker, DL, Georgia

18. If I'm an EDGE rusher expected to go in the late-3rd/4th round, I'm praying that the Rams take me. As a mid-round rookie, do you want to be on a team that is hoping you'll help them establish a pass rush as a rookie, or a team with Aaron Donald and Leonard Floyd guaranteeing that you'll pretty much never see a double team?

19. Anyway... let those other teams scramble around for a couple of days. The Rams can sit back, relax, and look for a bit of gravy!

20. Its good to be at the top of the mountain!

So who is your favorite sleeper that Les needs to take this year? Here's mine, a 6'4" smooth mover who was converted from wideout to corner. I love the idea of the Rams coaching this dude up...

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Sunday USFL game TV channel, live stream

Breakers at Bandits

Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Live stream: Peacock, fuboTV (free trial)

There's nothing quite like a little regional rivalry to spice up a Sunday afternoon. The Breakers and Bandits are both coming off Week 1 wins, and they look like the best two teams in the league after Week 1. Jordan Ta'amu was benched in part of Tampa Bay's Week 1 blowout of the Maulers, and he threw for 185 yards. The Bandits may need even more out of him this week, as he goes up against a Breakers team that put up 23 points in Week 1.

The Breakers were led by quarterback Kyle Sloter, who threw for 150 yards, and Jordan Ellis, who rushed for 89 more. New Orleans had the most balanced attack in the USFL in Week 1, and look for it to leverage that against Tampa Bay team against whom ball control will undoubtedly be important.


New Orleans Breakers (1-0) vs. Tampa Bay Bandits (1-0)

Sunday, 3 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock

Last week: The Breakers' pass rush was a force, notching six sacks in a 23-17 win over Philadelphia. They also scored both on defense and on special teams — talk about being impressive in all three phases of the game!

The Bandits were the only team to win by double digits in Week 1 (17-3 over Pittsburgh), earning the top spot in RJ Young's USFL Power Rankings.

Players to watch:

For New Orleans, watch the backfield duo of Jordan Ellis and T.J. Logan Jr., who combined to rush for 145 yards on 33 carries (4.4 yards per carry).

For the Bandits, much of the early buzz has been around QB Jordan Ta’amu, who passed for 185 yards last week and looked in complete control of the offense.

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sorry, can't seem to post video from nfl.com.

5 - Keenan Allen
4 - Stephan Diggs
3 - De'andre Hopkins
2 - Tyreek Hill
1 - Devante Adams

Haha, oh man.

This guy is living in the past.

.

Well , if you happen to be in Anaheim on the 29th


Meet Vince Ferragamo in person! The college football star and incredible NFL legend will be greeting fans & signing autographs at the Anaheim Home, Garden & Tiny House Show, Friday April 29th between 1:00pm-3:00 pm. Meet Vince at the Open Mortgage booth #147 at the show. Tickets only $5-$10 at the door or Eventbrite.com. Military, first responders & children under 18 with paid adult admitted free. Please ride share to avoid City of Anaheim garage delays and on-site parking fees. While you're at the show see what's new in home improvement products, services and visit the tiny house village! Anaheim Home & Garden Show Los Angeles Rams News Los Angeles Rams For more info and discount admission coupons visit www.anaheimhomeshows.com.

Any cigar aficionados on ROD? Tonight I had a Diesel. Good cigar, great even burn and smoke, very easy draw, just typically a bit stronger flavored for my preference. Usually prefer a Maduro or Cameroon. What's good ROD?

Matthew Stafford: "I want to continue to gain ownership of what we're doing as an offense"​

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – By most statistical measures and the end result, quarterback Matthew Stafford's first season as a Ram was a success.

He finished third in the NFL in passing yards and second in passing touchdowns, and later threw the go-ahead touchdown pass in Los Angeles' Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Yet Stafford believes there's still more for him to grasp when it comes to L.A.'s offense.

"From a mental aspect, obviously, it's not my first time hearing these things," Stafford said during a video conference Wednesday. "So I want to continue to just gain ownership of what we're doing as an offense."

Stafford grasped the Rams' system so well that his 4,886 passing yards not only were good for third-most in the NFL, but also set a franchise record during the league's first season of its 17-game era. Meanwhile, his 41 passing touchdowns also tied Kurt Warner's single-season franchise record.

From his perspective, the way to achieve a greater command of the offense is by teaching it to new players, whether it be veterans like wide receiver Allen Robinson or the rookies who will arrive next month.

"Just being in those situations where mentally you're challenged is what makes you sharp and makes you on this thing," Stafford said. "So that's kind of my mindset when it comes to the mental aspect of what we're doing as an offense."

That process will also involve working with a new offensive coordinator in Liam Coen and a somewhat-new quarterbacks coach in Zac Robinson, who was assistant quarterbacks coach working under former offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell last season. Coen is back for a second stint on the coaching staff while Robinson will enter his fourth season on staff, so they have a strong understanding of how the Rams' offense operates and what head coach Sean McVay wants to run.

Stafford's interactions with Coen and Robinson have been "pretty casual" so far, given Phase I of the offseason program is limited to just meetings and strength and conditioning workouts, but he is enjoying working with them.

"Today was kind of our first day and Liam got up there and did a really nice job, just kind of talking through some of the things we're going to do and be as an offense," Stafford said. "I think his relationship with Sean is a really strong one, obviously having some past and been here before with him, so they understand how each other work. That's great for us as a team and great for us as an offense. And then Zac, like you said, I've known him for quite a while. Just watching him grow in his role is going to be great. I think he's a really talented coach, and a guy that's got a bright future. So it's been a lot of fun, both last year with Zac and now this year was he and Liam kind of running the show."

The Rams seek to evolve their offense in order to help themselves repeat as Super Bowl champions. During that time, Stafford will also be as involved as he possibly can in helping others learn it.

"Just continue to be around the guys, continue to lead and try to immerse myself here as much as I possibly can," Stafford said.

Even after remarkable return from injury in 2021, Cam Akers still sees plenty to work on in 2022​

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – It was enough to help the Rams win Super Bowl LVI. It was not enough, though, to satisfied his own standards.

Running back Cam Akers made a remarkable same-season return from a torn Achilles last season, managing to return in time for the Los Angeles' playoff run. Yet those five games played left him unsatisfied with his performance.

"We won the games, so they went well," Akers said during a video conference Thursday, when asked by a reporter to assess his performance during that span. "It went well at the end of the day, but a lot of clips to learn from, a lot of plays to learn from, and that's exactly what I'm doing, learning from them. I don't feel like I played my best games, the five games that I returned."

Akers tore his Achilles on July 20, making his return less than six months later in the Rams' Week 18 matchup against the 49ers. Re-introduced into the offseason with a light workload – he had eight offensive touches in total between his five rushing attempts for three yards and three receptions for 10 yards – Akers was virtually unrestricted for the Rams' playoff opener eight days later, posting 17 carries for 55 yards and adding one reception for 40 yards in their 34-14 Wild Card win over the Cardinals.

Between the regular season finale and those four postseason games, Akers collectively tallied 72 carries for 175 yards and 11 receptions for 86 yards.

"I feel like God prepared me for the moment," Akers said. "I was ready. I wasn't behind mentally. Obviously I was behind a little bit physically, maybe conditioning-wise, but mentally, which is probably the most important for me, I wasn't behind. I knew what I what I was supposed to be doing. I was able to hit the ground running."

Production being what it was, the seemingly improbable return was not lost on Akers' teammates who also know his true potential.

"He's a freak," Rams center said. "He's an awesome running back. When he really is 100 percent healthy, the sky's the limit for him."

Akers will look to return to that form working under a new position coach in Ra'Shaad Samples, who was hired to replace Thomas Brown, who is still assistant head coach but now coaches the tight ends instead of the running backs. So far that transition has been seamless given the traits Akers and Samples share – and of course, Brown is still around if Akers needs anything from him.

"Coach Samp is a great guy," Akers said. "From out little interactions, we had a few meetings, we talked, real down-to-earth, real detail-oriented, and so am I. I think we can just help each other help this team be successful, that's the goal. And as far as coach Brown, he's still around, you know, so I can go talk to him anytime I need to. It's kind of the same."

In 2020, Akers was the Rams' leading rusher with 625 yards as a rookie. He also accounted for their longest run of the season with his 61-yard carry against the 49ers.

In 2022, he will look to return to that form, knowing the brief 2021 season didn't meet his own expectations.

"I did what I was supposed to do, but that was not enough for me," Akers said.

USFL schedule Week 2: What football games are on today? TV channels, times, scores​

Saturday USFL games TV channels, live streams​

Here's how to watch every USFL game that will be played on Saturday.

Maulers at Stars​

• Kickoff: 12 p.m. ET
• TV: Fox
• Live stream: Fox Sports Go, fuboTV (free trial)

The Maulers and the Stars are also looking to notch their first respective wins, after their defense gave up 23 points in Week 1 to the Breakers. They'll be looking to bounce back against the Maulers, who put up just three points in Week 1 against the Breakers. Bryan Scott will have to start better for the Stars after his brutal first half against New Orleans, but he showed flashes of talent in Week 1.

The Maulers, meanwhile, are trying to figure things out. After they went viral for cutting running back De'Veon Smith, they couldn't muster up any offense against the Bandits. That kind of outing simply will not stand in Week 2, as they go up against a Stars team that is clearly extremely talented and got off to a bad start.

Stallions at Gamblers​

• Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
• TV: FS1
• Live stream: Fox Sports Go, fuboTV (free trial)

The Stallions are another example of a team doing exactly what it needs to to win. After an injury sidelined quarterback Alex McGough, Birmingham turned to backup J'Mar Smith, who put together a masterful second-half performance that featured a game-winning drive late. The Stallions have a high ceiling, and their 28-24 win over a seemingly very good Generals team proved that.

For the Gamblers, their Week 1 win came via an opponent clearly still working the kinks out. Quarterback Clayton Thorson threw for just 73 yards, but three second-quarter turnovers put Houston up 17-0 going into the half. While the Panthers nearly made a comeback, coming up just short in a 17-12 final, Houston's offense needs to get to work early to ensure the Stallions don't run them off the field.

Been a crazy couple months at work and away from work. Haven't taken the time for this until now and haven't done as much as I did in years past to look at some of these prospects but we'll give this a shot. The only free agent of note I think we'll sign going forward will be Kyle Fuller. He signed with Denver last year and there were very high expectations for him but he never lived up to that and was benched. I think opposite Ramsey he can shine and allow Rochell another year to grow, we also learned recently he played most of last year hurt so hope for big things from him too. I do also think we bring back OBJ but we'll see how that goes and when he's available.

Round 3: No. 104 overall

James Cook RB Georgia

We just met with him and while I think he's likely a 4th round pick we know that the Giants met with him at the combine, his pro day and brought him in for a visit so if we want him we may have to pull the trigger here. He's right now going to be a rotational guy with Akers and Hendo(who I think he replaces eventually) and Funk. Good speed in game good hands and will be perfectly suited for our zone scheme. Not sure he ever becomes the man but with Akers he makes a very nice 1-2 punch.

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Round 4: No. 142 overall

Isaiah Thomas Edge Oklahoma

We all know there is a need at edge and I think Thomas can come in be a rotational guy and be coached up. Needs some work but the game is there to grow.

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Round 5: No. 175 overall

Spencer Burford G/T UTSA

Has starting experience at both tackle spots and guard. Has all the physical traits to start at RG just has to go in and earn the job. Looks to be a good pulling guard and getting to the second level in the NFL.

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Round 6: No. 211 overall

Derrick Deese Jr San Jose St

Son of Niner OL Derrick Deese. As you'd expect being the son of a very good NFL OLine he can block and he's good at it. Adequate in the pas game but has ability just needs coaching and IMO needs body work maintaining better fitness.

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Round 6: No. 212 overall

Cobie Durant CB South Carolina St

My intention was to take a CB in the 3rd and still think we might but with the recent visit with Cooks and the likelihood he's gone very soon after our 3rd round pick I pivoted. This kid reminds me of Courtland Finnegan I think he could be a gem on day 3. Can play inside in the slot our out and will be good behind Ramsey, Fuller, Long and Rochell.

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Round 6: No. 218 overall

Chris Paul G/T Tulsa

Big man that knows how to block and how finish blocks. Started at tackle the last two years but should kick into guard in the NFL. Biggest things about him that Snead and McVay will love is his character and leadership. I've seen this talked about in almost every draft profile and interview/discussion about him. He's the prototype McVay lineman just need to work on getting to the 2nd level but has a year or two to grow and eventually take over for Edwards at LG (we can't pay all the OL free agents like we learned with Corbett).

Round 7: No. 238 overall

Bubba Bolden S Miami

Good in coverage but can use some work learning from Nick Scott on some tackling. He'll have a year or two playing behind our starting three basically with Rapp as the 3rd safety. Biggest thing with him is he'll come in day one and be on teams, had 2 blocked FG in 2020 vs Clemson.

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Round 7: No. 253 overall

Zyon Gilbert CB FAU

Rounding it out with a project corner. Very possible he could be a UDFA but this late in the 7th round does it make a big difference? Good size at 6'1" 180lbs and a good athlete and isn't afraid to tackle a running back. CB/DB is my top need and I round out this mock with a 3rd selection there.

Priority UDFA:

Julian Diaz P Nevada
We just brought him in for a workout and I think he's one of the targets at punter to compete in camp.

Zakoby McClain LB Auburn
Snead brings in an Auburn alum but as an UDFA this time. Smaller LB that we seem to like and gets a chance to come in an earn a ST spot and learn.

Isaiah Weston WR Northern Iowa
Decent speed but has had some injury issues in college. Another guy who will likely be a PS candidate but could grow and surprise.


That's all I'm going with for now. Whatcha think?

Damn watching this game I can’t help but think this is a classic Fisher team!

Pretty good team game with some good D.

Get it done Les

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Well, I gotta get this in before I totally forget stuff. I'm leaving for a boccia tournament around draft day. so this'll be my last mock draft for this year. I'm assuming, first and foremost, that we sign Odell Beckham Jr. and Tyrann Mathieu (as much as I don't want to sign the latter) in this mock, which makes things...interesting. Here's my trades:

A'Shawn Robinson to the Houston Texans for a third round pick (#80 overall).

(I get why people don't want to do this, I really do. A'Shawn is a fantastic player, a brilliant run-stuffer. But honestly, there's only one defensive lineman (Donald aside) whom I'd sign for the future, and that's Greg "Grizzly" Gaines, who is younger and better than A'Shawn is. We can't sign more than one of them. Aside from that, Robinson's value is never going to be higher than it is right now. We're coming off of a Super Bowl win that he helped win. And finally, Bobby Brown III, Earnest Brown IV, and a draft pick deserve a shot to see what they are. I'm especially hyped for BB3; he reminds me of a young Haynesworth with none of the bad that Haynesworth had. As for why the Texans do it, they have two thirds, and their defensive line is atrocious. Blacklock looks like a bust, and nobody else stands out.)

Van Jefferson to the Atlanta Falcons for a third round pick (#82 overall).

(With OBJ coming back, Allen Robinson signing here for the foreseeable future, and a bunch of young wide receivers in the fold (Skowronek, Harris, and maybe even a draft pick or two), Van is expendable. I'm sorry, he had a fantastic year, but he's expendable, and honestly, despite being a deep threat, he doesn't have the ability to bully cornerbacks like others could. But in Atlanta, where their current targets are Kyle Pitts and...nothing else? Van would be a great player.)

Taylor Rapp to the Denver Broncos for a 2022 sixth round pick (#206 overall).

(Rapp has no place left on our defense with the signing of Wagner and the emergence of Scott. We deal him to Denver for a sixth round pick. because they need a strong safety on their defense. They're relying on an aging Kareem Jackson on a one year deal, and Rapp could do a whole lot better.)

Darrell Henderson to the Baltimore Ravens for a 2022 sixth round pick (#196 overall).

(Henderson is on the last year of his contract, and I'm planning on taking a few running backs, so he goes to the Ravens, where all of their running backs have injury concerns. Yes, Henderson does as well, but he at least stayed healthy during this season, unlike the Ravens' backs. Aside from that, the Ravens have mostly power-backs, whereas Henderson is a back with speed and receiving ability - something they lack.)

Chatarius Atwell, 2022 seventh (#238 overall), and 2022 seventh (#253 overall) to the Philadelphia Eagles for 2022 fifth round pick (#162 overall) and 2022 fifth round pick (#166 overall).

(Sorry, not sorry for trading Atwell. I'll add in the two sevenths to hopefully balance out the Eagles losing the lower two of the three fifth round picks they have. But they need wideout help, since Reagor and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside haven't worked out at all. Maybe Atwell gets his potential there. I don't know.)

Bobby Evans, 2022 third round pick (#80), 2023 fifth (original), and 2024 fourth (original) to the Tennessee Titans for 2022 third round pick (#90 overall), 2022 fourth round pick (#131 overall, and 2022 fourth round pick (#143 overall).

(Evans is valuable since offensive linemen who can block are a rare commodity, but given his struggles, I doubt he returns much - and I don't trust him to protect Stafford at right guard. Aside from that, I trust our depth players like Anchrum, Shelton, A-Jax, and Pircher (yes, I'm high on Pircher because of his potential. Could I be wrong? Sure, but I like the kid.) But Evans, in addition to the picks in the next two years that we'll have a lot of, should get us the extra picks this year. In addition to moving down ten spots, we get two fourth round picks to play with.)

#104 overall to the New York Jets for #111 overall and #117 overall.

(The Jets move up for a falling wide receiver, while we move back for more picks.)

#211 overall pick , #212 overall pick, and #218 overall pick to the Las Vegas Raiders for 2022 fifth round pick (#165 overall).

(The Raiders trade down to recoup more picks, while we move up for a pick.)

Draft:

#82 overall (Falcons) - Eyioma Uwazurike, DT, Iowa State. (6'6", 316 lbs.)

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(I know you're questioning me at this point. "Memento, why the fuck are you taking a defensive tackle with the first pick when we could have a cornerback or an edge rusher, you stupid, crazy bitch?!" Because I see the same in Uwazurike that the Rams saw in Aaron Donald. Yes, I think he's our eventual successor to AD, and I'll be honest: the retirement rumors spooked me. AD's not going to be around forever, and he's thirty-one next month, so we absolutely have to consider replacing his production. Uwazurike is a big, tall man with a lot of length to him, but he's surprisingly quick off the ball, his technique is good (with more room to learn, of course), his motor is constantly running, and he can play all three of our positions on the line, so he could end up being moved around a lot to get him into the game. Uwazurike would be an amazing pick for us.)

#90 overall (Titans) - Jalyn Armour-Davis, CB, Alabama. (6'1", 197 lbs.)

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(Here's our first corner! Armour-Davis is a speedy, lengthy cornerback, but he's very much a raw prospect who will have to be coached up. He has production, he has the gifts, he even has the necessary physicality, but he's lacked consistency in using them. He needs improvement on the technical side most of all, just unlocking the toolbox. But he could push Rochell for time spent on the opposite side of Ramsey.)

#111 overall (Jets) - DeAngelo Malone, OLB, Western Kentucky. (6'3", 243 lbs.)

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(Here's our outside linebacker, and he's apparently a fan favorite for some! Malone reminds me a bit of a smaller Robert Quinn; he won't win with size, and he struggles against a downhill rushing attack, but he can bend around the corner easily, is fast, has a plan to attack offensive linemen, forces a lot of fumbles, and quarterbacks who scramble have no chance of evading him. Malone could absolutely be special.)

#117 overall (Jets) - Logan Bruss, OG/OT, Wisconsin. (6'5", 309 lbs.)

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(Another lineman from a school that seems to clone them, Bruss is a solid tackle who should probably move to guard in the pros. He's country strong and a decent athlete, but while he has some technical know-how, his technique in games can be somewhat lacking. His hands are the main problem; they're often not in the right place for punching. Still, this is a guy who could probably start at guard for the next four years, if Anchrum isn't the answer and/or if Edwards leaves/gets injured again.)

#131 overall (Titans) - Luke Goedeke, OG/OT, Central Michigan. (6'5", 312 lbs.)

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(A former tight end-turned-offensive-tackle, Goedeke has a major mean streak and will absolutely maul defenders in the running game. He's strong, athletic, and has good technique for the most part. His length and the competition are the concerns; he has short arms, and needs to improve his footwork. Still, he could end up starting at guard for the next four years, depending on Anchrum/Edwards as well as fellow guard Logan Bruss.)

#142 overall (John Johnson comp.) - Tyler Badie, RB, Missouri. (5'8", 197 lbs.)

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(I've made no secret that Badie is my draft crush this year, and I think he could absolutely be an elite running back. He's shifty, elusive, and yet runs with power behind him and rarely goes down with arm tackles. He's also arguably the best receiving back in the draft, and while his pass protection is below-average, it's not what he's here for. He's built quite solidly for his size, and yes, he is small, I get it. But I see a lot of Jamaal Charles in him; a smaller elusive back with surprising power. I'd love to have a Jamaal Charles on our team. Wouldn't you?)

#143 overall (Titans) - Cordale Flott, CB, Louisiana State. (6'0", 175 lbs.)

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(Flott is another interesting prospect. He's got sticky coverage, can disrupt the pass easily, and he won't ever give up on a play, but as you can clearly see from his weight...he needs to start eating the cheeseburgers and steaks, if he can even put on and keep on the weight. Despite his height, he's probably better off in the slot, but he'll struggle against receivers who can big-body him. Still, Flott is a good prospect who should be able to contribute from the first day.)

#162 overall (Eagles) - Verone McKinley III, FS, Oregon. (5'10", 198 lbs.)

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(McKinley has amazing tape, but the size will make him fall. He's got mitts for hands (eleven interceptions in his career, including six this year), is a smart communicator, has fantastic coverage skills...and yet his size betrays him. He's definitely physical, but he'll struggle with bigger players, and he's inconsistent at tackling. Still with a fifth round pick, McKinley could be an absolute steal.)

#166 overall (Eagles) - Erik Ezukanma, WR, Texas Tech. (6'2", 209 lbs.)

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(Ezukanma is a runaway freight train of a player. He's big, fast, physical, has solid hands, and was a productive team captain. However, his routes need serious work. Like, from-the-ground-up sort of work. It's disappointing that he doesn't sell his routes like you'd expect, but it's not due to unwillingness to learn; he just needs more practice. He could absolutely be an elite wide receiver for us.)

#175 overall - Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M. (6'4", 255 lbs.)

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(Wydermyer is going to take a huge tumble after he bombed his Pro Day, but this kid could absolutely be an elite receiving tight end. He's lacking in his blocking; you'd expect him to be better with his size, but to be fair, it's not as bad as Hopkins' blocking was. Wydermyer's not going to make money blocking, though. He is a dominant receiver who can run good routes, snag the ball out of the air easily, has a huge catch radius, and is very much a YAC threat. Wydermyer could end up being our starting tight end before long.)

#196 overall (Broncos) - Smoke Monday, SS/LB, Auburn. (6'2, 207 lbs.)

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(Monday is more than a name; he's an absolutely physical strong safety who will knock you into next month and let you know it. He's a physical, alpha-mentality safety who will struggle in coverage if he's used wrong. He's great if you put him in the box, and he'll get a few interceptions, but his average speed, below-average coverage ability, and inconsistent form tackling will do him no favors. Monday could definitely work as a special teams player, though, so I believe that's where you're going to find his best fit.)

#206 overall (Ravens) - Romeo Doubs, WR, Nevada. (6'2", 201 lbs.)

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(Doubs is fast. Like, deep threat fast, and unlike most height/weight/speed guys, he has insane route running potential. He's smooth into his breaks. But his hands. Dear holy fucking fate, his hands are maddening. He absolutely needs work on trying to actually catch balls instead of just body-catching, so time spent on the Juggs machine would help. Still, Doubs has great potential to be a solid contributor; he's also a punt returner with gunner ability.)

#211 overall (Gerald Everett comp.) - Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Maryland. (6'2", 238 lbs.)

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(Okonkwo is one of my favorite tight ends in this draft, but he has his flaws. He's short and light, suffered from myocarditis, and his route tree needs work. Now for the good: he is a physical ball of energy, able to block well despite lacking length, able to bounce off tackles, able to be a YAC threat, and his hands, while not as good as some of the tight ends in this class, are solid enough. I don't know if he makes the roster, given how raw he is, but he's got a shot at being a solid tight end in the league.

#212 overall (Troy Hill comp.) - Jordan Stout, P, Penn State. (6'3", 209 lbs.)

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(Honestly, while Araiza may be the better punter, I think Stout fits our team better. He's got a strong leg, but unlike Araiza who tries to kick it as far as he can every time with zero regard for hangtime, Stout has surprising touch, will likely never outkick our coverage, and has great hangtime. He's not exactly a directional punter, but he's good enough, and probably the second best punter in the draft behind Araiza, who will definitely go in the mid rounds.)

#218 overall (Samson Ebukam comp.) - Isiah Pacheco, RB, Rutgers. (5'10", 216 lbs.)

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(Pacheco is a physical runner who plays with constant urgency, which works for and against him. He's durable, rarely ever fumbles, and he always seems to fall forward. He needs to learn to set up his blockers, be a touch more patient. His third down value is nonexistent at the moment; he'll need to learn how to pass block effectively because he's not a natural hands catcher at all. Still, with a late sixth, Pacheco could be good.)

UDFA:

Kaylon Geiger, WR/KR/PR, Texas Tech. (5'10", 180 lbs.)

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(Geiger is absolutely electric. He's a dynamite player in the slot, on returns, everywhere. He even has experience outside, although I doubt he'll be outside in the NFL. But in the slot, you have a polished route runner with quickness, and while he isn't the fastest, he has enough juice to make a lot of corners look absolutely silly. Geiger is also here to back up Powell, in case he gets hurt or turns ineffective.)

Andrew Rupcich, RT/OG, Culver-Stockton College. (6'6", 318 lbs.)

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(Rupcich really stood out at the Collegiate Bowl, and he could be an interesting project. He needs to get stronger, sure, but he makes the most out of his talents, and he's kept improving, so he could be interesting as an UDFA.)

Luke Wattenberg, OC, Washington. (6'4", 299 lbs.)

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(Wattenberg is not strong against power, let's put it that way. He's probably not going to get any stronger either. But he's an experienced starter with good technique, and given our lack of centers, could end up making an NFL roster.)

Clint Ratkovich, FB/HB/TE, Northern Illinois. (6'0", 231 lbs.)

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(Ratkovich, ever since @jrry32 introduced him, has been one of my favorite prospects to watch. He could be our answer to Kyle Juszczyk: a fullback who is a top receiving and running option. Ratkovich is also a solid lead-blocker; it's fun to watch him demolish linebackers who think they can run him over to get to the ball carrier. Still, he's a fullback, and fullbacks tend to fall on draft day. I'd gladly take him here, though.)

Mario Goodrich, CB/FS/SS, Clemson. (6'0", 176 lbs.)

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(Goodrich is going to tumble down draft boards, in my honest opinion. Not only is he a tweener (too light to be a true safety, but not fast enough to be a cornerback in the NFL), but he tested poorly at the Combine and has only one year of experience starting at Clemson. The good news is that I think he has potential as a backup safety. He has good ball skills, he's a willing and decent tackler, and he's smart. I'd love to take him as an undrafted player.)

Jeremiah Gemmel, ILB, North Carolina. (6'1", 226 lbs.)

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(Gemmel doesn't have any one trait that stands out. His tape is good, but he's more like a jack-of-all-trades sort of player. He doesn't have the talent necessary for the NFL, but he has not ever played special teams, so there's a disconnect there. I'd sign him to my practice squad, see if he can learn special teams. He's got all the potential in the world to be an ace special teams player.)

Esezi Otomewo, DE, Minnesota. (6'5", 282 lbs.)

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(Otomewo is a huge defensive end who checks all of the physical boxes...but has lacked the production. Still, with UDFAs, sometimes the light goes on a little later. He's smart with assignments, which helps, but he needs to be coached properly. I think we could do that.)

Roster:

QB - Matthew Stafford, Bryce Perkins

(Sorry, Wolford, but there's no room for you. Perkins has so much potential as a player, and I think he could back up well if Stafford - fate forbid - gets injured. But backup quarterbacks like Wolford grow on trees.)

RB - Cam Akers, Tyler Badie, Jake Funk.

(I get that there's not a real power option, but Funk plays special teams, and Akers is a power option in himself. I'm gambling that he'll be fully recovered from injury and that Badie can contribute more than Henderson did.)

WR - Cooper Kupp, Allen Robinson, Odell Beckham Jr., Jacob Harris, Ben Skowronek, Erik Ezukanma, Brandon Powell.

(Wide receiver has so many options, it's scary. This is why I feel comfortable trading away Van and Atwell; nobody is going to stop our top three when healthy, Harris has oodles of potential, and Skowronek could definitely improve from his rookie season. Then you have Ezukanma, Doubs, Powell, Geiger, and Warren Jackson (I'm calling it now; he stays on the practice squad for us.) to back up every conceivable position. I put Ezukanma and Powell in because the former is likely getting poached if we put him on the practice squad and the latter is our top returnman.)

TE - Tyler Higbee, Kendall Blanton, Jalen Wydermyer.

(Sorry, Brycen, I couldn't find room to fit you. Honestly, I wanted to include Hopkins, but the roster crunch is too much to fit a fourth tight end in. Higbee is your obvious starter, although I could see Blanton taking a few snaps as well. Wydermyer is your pass-catching option, but given Higbee's injury history, don't be shocked to see Okonkwo, Ratkovich and W-Jax in the mix as well.)

OL - Joseph Noteboom, David Edwards, Brian Allen, Tremayne Anchrum, Rob Havenstein, Alaric Jackson, Coleman Shelton, Max Pircher, Logan Bruss, Luke Goedeke.

(I believe Anchrum wins the right guard spot out of camp, although I could see Shelton, Pircher, or one of the two rookies winning it as well. I've heard that Pircher is cross-training at center, so he could be a very good backup, able to play all five offensive line positions. A-Jax is your swing tackle and likely successor to Havenstein after this year (as he and David Edwards are both free agents after this year). Bruss and Goedeke sit and learn from the best.)

DL - Aaron Donald, Greg Gaines, Bobby Brown III, Earnest Brown IV, Eyioma Uwazurike.

(Yes, I believe that BB3 wins the starting 5-tech job. AD is AD. Gaines deserves an extension, but I don't know if he'll get it. Both EB4 and Uwazurike back up the line: EB4 backs up 5-tech and 3-tech, while Uwazurike backs up every position on the line.)

LB - Leonard Floyd, Justin Hollins, Bobby Wagner, Ernest Jones, DeAngelo Malone, Terrell Lewis, Chris Garrett, Travin Howard, Christian Rozeboom.

(Three of the starters are set. I think Hollins wins the job opposite Floyd with Lewis and Garrett subbing in. Malone will likely sit on the bench and learn from them. Behind Wagner and Jones, there's Howard and Rozeboom as special teams players, although Howard could see snaps in obvious passing downs.)

DB - Jalen Ramsey, Robert Rochell, Tyrann Mathieu, Jordan Fuller, Nick Scott, David Long, Jalyn Armour-Davis, Cordale Flott, Terrell Burgess, Verone McKinley, Smoke Monday.

(Ramsey is Ramsey. I believe that Fuller and Scott are our best safety lineup. Rochell wins the job opposite Ramsey, although Long and Armour-Davis put up a good fight to get it. I believe that Burgess could see snaps in the slot if Mathieu isn't signed; he's played slot corner before. Flott, McKinley, and Monday will be key backups and special teams.)

ST - Matt Gay, Jordan Stout, Matthew Orzech.

(No surprises here. Stout takes the punting job, while the other two are rock solid.)

Practice Squad:

Romeo Doubs, WR/PR
Kaylon Geiger, WR/KR/PR
Warren Jackson, WR/TE
Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE
Clint Ratkovich, FB/HB/TE
Isiah Pacheco, RB
Andrew Rupcich, RT/OG
Luke Wattenberg, OC
Esezi Otomewo, DE
Mario Goodrich, CB/FS/SS
Jeremiah Gemmel, ILB

(Yes, I have mostly offense because our defense is solid in most areas (with the exception of defensive line, but while we lack depth, we have guys who can move around, including Otomewo, who can play 3-tech and 5-tech.) Wattenberg and Rupcich are interesting offensive line projects who could definitely get a spot on the practice squad. Goodrich is a potential safety option, and Gemmel could eventually take Rozeboom's place. I like Warren Jackson more than most; I think he could definitely make a Darren Waller move to tight end. Ratkovich is a solid fullback option, and Doubs and Geiger should have eventual roles as well.)