Why it's so hard to find developmental QBs in the NFL draft's middle rounds​

METAIRIE, La. -- Myth 1: Teams can readily find top-quality quarterbacks like Tom Brady, Russell Wilson and Dak Prescott in the middle rounds of the NFL draft.

Myth 2: Teams such as the New Orleans Saints can draft a QB on Day 2 or 3, let him sit behind Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill, then develop him to be their future starter.

Those ideas sound nice, especially for the Saints, who pick 28th and would have to pay a fortune to trade up for one of this year's top five prospects.

And it’s not impossible. Especially not with one of the greatest offensive coaches in league history in Asshole Face, who once helped discover and develop an undrafted Tony Romo with the Dallas Cowboys.

But the actual track record of teams selecting a quarterback outside of the top 40 picks, then adding some time and seasoning into the recipe to produce a future starter, is rarer than you might expect.

Over the past 15 years, only eight quarterbacks who weren’t drafted in the top 40 have won more than eight games as a starter for the team that chose them: Wilson (98), Prescott (42), Kirk Cousins (26), Nick Foles (21 in two stints with the Philadelphia Eagles), Trent Edwards (14), Chad Henne (13), Trevor Siemian (13) and Tarvaris Jackson (10).

Jimmy Garoppolo should also be mentioned as a success among this group, because he won two games for the New England Patriots after being selected 62nd overall in 2014 -- then won another 24 after being traded to the San Francisco 49ers. And 2020 second-rounder Jalen Hurts could join the list is he locks down the Eagles' starting job.

But you get the point. The idea of “drafting and developing” works only if you find the golden ticket.



“There’s just not that many people on the planet that ... have every box checked, so to speak,” said ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky, who was part of a 2005 draft class that produced better than most. It included Charlie Frye (7-16 record in games started) in Round 3, Kyle Orton (42-40) in Round 4, Orlovsky (2-10) in Round 5, Derek Anderson (20-29) in Round 6, Matt Cassel (36-45) and Ryan Fitzpatrick (59-86-1) in Round 7.

“It’s a good question [why the successes are so rare],” Orlovsky said. “... And I try to tell people, there’s a reason Patrick Mahomes gets $40 million a year or Dak Prescott gets $140 million.

“While a person like me or a quarterback that’s drafted in Round 3, 4, 5, 6, they have some of the boxes checked, they don’t have all the boxes checked. And that box might just have the initial dash of that check. So physical talent does come into play. And how well you perform with that physical talent at the highest level on a consistent basis comes into play.

“While I could make a decision in 2.4 seconds, Matt Ryan, who’s more physically talented, makes the decision in 2.2 seconds. That is a career of a difference, essentially. And I know that sounds small and silly, but that’s just the reality. And while Matt does it 65 out of 66 snaps, I might do it 61 out of 66 snaps. That is a career of a difference. ... And that’s why the position is so hard.”

'Often poorly evaluated'

There are plenty of factors that go beyond the quarterbacks themselves, including poor coaching fits, poor scheme fits or teams that lack patience. But Orlovsky’s explanation is the simplest:

It’s just really hard to be a successful NFL quarterback.

That goes for first-round picks, too. Only three of the 19 QBs drafted in Round 1 from 2010 to '16 lasted more than five years with their original team (Cam Newton, Andrew Luck and Ryan Tannehill). Only Newton lasted more than six.

“I think it's a position that oftentimes is poorly evaluated,” said Payton, who mocked the “mock drafts” that tend to skew expectations for quarterbacks.

Even Payton’s own team has had more success developing undrafted QBs, including Hill and Chase Daniel, than it did with 2015 third-round choice Garrett Grayson, who lasted just two years with the team.

“I think there’s so much that goes into it that it’s not perfect relative to a science,” Payton said. “Look, more of them are found in the early rounds, no question. And yet there are great exceptions where guys were taken a little bit later and had great success. So, it's, ‘What you are looking for, what’s the vision for your club, what do you think they do well?’ And then, ‘Can they win?’

“Clearly we spend a lot of time on that position, and for good reason.”

Another popular explanation for why it has become harder to develop midround quarterbacks is because so many QBs with midround grades are actually being drafted in Round 1.

“Our draft-and-develop guys have almost become Round 1 instead of Rounds 2 and 3,” ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller said.

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. gave a similar explanation, as did multiple team executives or scouts who said they have to select a quarterback much higher than their own team grades suggest if they want to get him.

One scout pointed out that teams have been more willing to take a chance on shorter quarterbacks, such as Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, at No. 1 overall in recent years, whereas in years past shorter QBs like Drew Brees and Wilson fell to Rounds 2 and 3.

“The five quarterbacks [projected to go in the top 10] this year, a lot of them in previous years wouldn’t be drafted that highly,” said Miller, who pointed to North Dakota State’s Trey Lance as a developmental prospect. “Players like [Wilson, Prescott and second-round pick Derek Carr] would likely be first-round picks in this day and age because of supply and demand. … You feel like you have to get one.”

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik, who now works as an analyst for SiriusXM NFL Radio, said teams are also more willing to reach for QBs above their grade level in the middle rounds.

“Because if you strike gold or strike silver, for four years you’re gonna have a real bargain on your football team,” Dominik said.

'More quality No. 2s'

Dominik, former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum and one current AFC GM all suggested another reason for the developmental struggles of all QBs: It’s much harder to read defenses and process information in the NFL than in college, where many have information relayed from the sidelines through pictures or hand signals.

Grayson, for one, admittedly struggled with absorbing the Saints’ lengthy play calls and relaying them with confidence in the huddle.

Dominik and Hall of Fame personnel executive Gil Brandt also added how hard it is to measure things like heart and work ethic.

But Dominik said success doesn’t just have to come in the form of home runs like Wilson or Prescott. Dominik experienced some middling success with midround QB picks Chris Simms, Bruce Gradkowski, Josh Johnson and Mike Glennon when he was a personnel executive with the Bucs from 1997 to 2013.

“I think I’ve seen players get developed, but more into quality No. 2s,” said Dominik, who listedDrew Stanton and Colt McCoy, in addition to Cousins and Foles. “I think talent has kept their ceiling from exploding to being an elite talent -- but I do think clubs and coaches are still developing them.”

This year, there are a handful of prospects who could tempt the Saints outside of those top five prospects. Orlovsky said Stanford’s Davis Mills “intrigues me a lot” and said he could see Mills being successful with a “really good surrounding football team.” It’s possible Mills won’t last until the Saints’ second-round pick at No. 60 overall, though.

And it’s obvious from talking to various analysts that there isn’t universal agreement on whether Mills, Florida’s Kyle Trask, Georgia’s Jamie Newman, Texas A&M’s Kellen Mond or others are likely to pan out.

Payton stressed that the position is not a “must” for New Orleans this year, though Saints general manager Mickey Loomis did say during the Senior Bowl that he thinks “there’s a number of good quarterback prospects in this draft.”

“For you to draft a player in the second or third round, you have to love the player, you need to have a vision for him,” Loomis said. “I think playing the position, No. 1, and being successful at it is a difficult proposition in the NFL. So there's that part of the development.

“But it can certainly occur and has occurred.”

Rams look inside and outside for linebackers​

The last time the Rams had an first-team All-Pro or Pro Bowl linebacker was so long ago, they were playing in Los Angeles — before the moves to St. Louis and back.

Rams linebackers Jack Reynolds, Jim Collins, Carl Ekern and Kevin Greene earned end-of-season honors in the 1980s. Since then, the Rams have had good players at inside and outside linebackers, but not great ones. Robert Quinn made the Pro Bowl in 2013-14, but as a defensive end, and Cory Littleton did it in 2018, but as a special-teams standout.

Here’s one explanation, at least recently: The Rams haven’t drafted a linebacker in the first or second round since they took future second-team All Pro Alec Ogletree with the 30th pick overall in 2013, making it the team’s longest-ignored position group.

This might be the year to change that.

Several promising linebackers should be available when the Rams draft in the second round with No. 57 overall, and then twice in the third with Nos. 88 and 103, among their six scheduled picks April 29-May 1.

They need upgrades at inside linebacker, where the Rams have Micah Kiser and Travin Howard returning from injuries along with Troy Reeder and Kenny Young.

They need help at outside linebacker too after re-signing Leonard Floyd but losing free agent Samson Ebukam to the 49ers, leaving Ogbonnia Okororonkwo, Justin Hollins and often-injured 2020 third-round pick Terrell Lewis next on the roster.

Here’s a look at some of the intriguing college linebackers who might be available when the Rams draft:

Inside linebackers​

Jabril Cox, LSU​

Cox played on three FCS champions at North Dakota State before transferring to LSU in 2020 and excelling at college football’s top level, moving into the second or third round in many forecasts.

The 6-foot-3, 232-pounder played quarterback and several other offensive and defensive positions in high school and will contribute to someone’s run and pass defense.

Jamin Davis, Kentucky​

Davis didn’t become a starter until his senior season at Kentucky, but the talent he showed there and a strong pro day performance moved him up in the ratings.

As with many inexperienced players, there’s a range of opinion about how soon Davis would be ready to start in the NFL, so he could slide into the Rams’ draft range.

Chazz Surratt, North Carolina​

Not only did Surratt play quarterback in high school in North Carolina— winning the Parade National Player of the Year Award — he started his Tar Heels career at that position before moving to linebacker as a junior and being named All-ACC.

He’s another who might still be learning to play linebacker. But that’s the sort question mark that can land a talented prospect in day two of the draft, when the Rams get active.

Among others to watch: Cameron McGrone, Michigan; Pete Werner, Ohio State.

Outside linebackers​

Joe Tryon, Washington​

The Rams might not obsess about hundredths-of-second differences in draft prospects’ 40-yard times, but Tryon’s 4.5-second clocking at Washington’s pro day was impressive for a linebacker.

The question is how much the 6-foot-5, 259-pounder was set back in his development by opting out of the 2020 season after the Pac-12 announced its pandemic postponement.

Joseph Ossai, Texas​

The Nigeria-born Ossai was named first-team All-America in 2020, tying for fourth in the nation with 16 tackles for loss.

That was his first year on the edge after he switched from inside linebacker for his junior (final) college season.

Ronnie Perkins, Oklahoma​

There are questions about whether he’d be better as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense (like the Rams’) or a defensive end in a 4-3, but overall there are raves for his pass-rushing effectiveness.

If the Rams are interested, no doubt they’ve looked into Perkins’ off-the-field life. He was suspended for six games after reportedly testing positive for marijuana. He has called the drug use a “bad decision.”

Among others to watch: Quincy Roche, Miami; Rashad Weaver, Pitt.

So I have to ask. Does anyone else watch this? When it first came on my wife and I started watching it. It is much better now than the first season. But damn, it hard to pick out some of these singers.

My buttons are not displaying any reason why?

Okay... maybe for some of you youngsters... it hasn’t happened. Lucky bastards. Anyway...

The first time you felt “old”.

Do you remember a moment?

Or... A time when you were still young... but you were doing something and you couldn’t do it like you used to be able? It hit you and you realized it in that moment.

I remember feeling this. Here’s the short story;

I played in a volleyball league. I’m not super tall, but I could jump, spike, and really good at outrageous digs. One season... I was 31. I remember several games not being “as good”.

Maybe because it was volleyball I had a good point of reference... But I remember thinking “crap I’m getting old”. It was fractions of a second, but something happened.

My athletic prime ended.

Damn.

Projected first-round quarterback Justin Fields informed NFL teams this week he is battling epilepsy, a neurological disorder that often causes seizures, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports. Fields shattered several single-season program records with the Buckeyes over his two-year stint in the Big Ten and is widely-regarded as one of the top prospects available in next week's NFL Draft.


"It has not affected football and doctors believe he’ll outgrow it as his other family members have," Rapoport tweeted on Wednesday. "The prognosis from doctors is that Fields should be in the same situation. Fields’ symptoms have shorter and less frequent over the past few years."


ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said this week he expects the New England Patriots to be one of the teams in the running for Fields, who has been slotted anywhere from No. 3 overall to just outside of the Top 10.


“They absolutely have to make the move up,” Kiper said to NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah. “This isn't the Tom Brady era. Tom Brady is now a Tampa Bay Buccaneer winning the Super Bowl. You have to get that quarterback, close that gap. DJ talked about Josh Allen’s emergence as a superstar in this league. Tua in Miami and (soon to be) Zach Wilson with the New York Jets. You gotta get out of that cellar in that quarterback situation. If it's Justin Fields, if he slides, go get him. If it's Trey Lance, go get him. Mac Jones, go get him. Whoever that third quarterback is you have a chance to go up and get. If that third quarterback becomes, say, (Mac) Jones, two of them are gonna land.


“You know three are gone, two are probably going to be there if Atlanta passes on one. I think DJ, you have to be aggressive. I projected a trade from 15 to seven with the Detroit Lions...if it's Justin Fields, you can go up to seven, or a Trey Lance or a Mac Jones. Figure out which one you love the most and go get him.”



In a recent interview with The Mercury News, Steve Mariucci, the 49ers’ fourth-winningest coach (57-39 from 1997-2002), said he thinks the 49ers should draft Fields with the No. 3 overall pick. Mariucci was also Fields’ coach during the 2018 Under Armour All-American Game.


“If you want to take a little chance and have a sensational athlete, it’s Justin Fields,” Mariucci said. “He’s a rare athletic quarterback, plus he’s a heck of a passer. He’s big enough, strong enough, terrific runner. He is more of a passing quarterback, that can run like crazy. He’s so strong in the pocket and played sensational games.

4COMMENTS
“He just doesn’t have the consistency of others. That’s OK. He transferred from Georgia, was going through the pandemic last year.

Trade: Browns trade 89, 91 and 169 for pick 57 - this trade could happen because the Browns have too many picks. I saw an article that suggested they should make a move like this because with the talent they have, it will be hard for 9 rookies to make their roster. From the Rams side, we seem to consistently trade down.

Picks: 88, 89, 91, 103, 141, 169, 209, 252

88 - Quincy Roche, EDGE, Miami - I consider pass rush to be the number one priority on defense, so adding Roche will help with that. While he doesn't have the size, he possesses intangibles similar to Floyd

89 - Josh Myers, C, OSU - should solve the center position for years - could start right away if he can pick up the playbook

91 - D'Wayne Eskridge, WR, Western Michigan - need more explosion on offense and the return game

103 - Shaun Wade, CB, OSU - I've seen him going anywhere from the 2nd to 5th round. I've watched every snap he played and last year was bad, no two ways about it. But prior to last year, he played with relative comparable talent to what we have in the secondary (the best secondary in college and best in the NFL) - and he was really good. Give me a guy with the physical tools and positional flexibility all day. He would compete for the nickle right away, and has the size to play outside - it was a disaster last year, but get him in a room with Ramsey and I think he will end up being a steal

141 - Jaylon Moore, T, Western Michigan - adding more pieces to the OL - could play G or T, which is good with the players likely leaving next year

169 - Jacob Harris, WR, UCF - developmental WR with size and speed - potentially brings an element we do not have

209 - Jonathon Cooper, EDGE, OSU - this pick would be similar to Fuller last year - off the field he's super impressive, but he's athletically limited. Difference being that Cooper has no chance to start. But he provides another pass rushing option and has a good first step - despite the limitations athletically, get him with AD for a year and he should develop into quality depth

252 - Derrick Barnes, LB, Purdue - special teams - given that Howard and Kiser are coming off injury, adding another special teams contributor is a good idea

Rams know how to develop players into top NFL performers​

There are a lot of qualities about the LA Rams team that are not getting enough discussion right now. And for the life of me, I have no idea why. First and foremost is the fact that the LA Rams have been one of the five youngest teams in the NFL in four of the past five seasons. In fact, the team has not fallen worse than the tenth youngest team in the NFL in any of the past five seasons. That information is provided by Jimmy Kempski over at Philly Voice.com.

That’s just one of the unusual factoids about this LA Rams team.

It’s a strange characteristic for a team that is often represented by venerable offensive left tackle Andrew Whitworth, who at the age of 39 years old, is one of the oldest offensive linemen, as well as one of the oldest NFL players actively starting in the league today.

The funny thing is, youth and inexperience are typically qualities that are associated with teams trying to rebuild to win. The LA Rams have been winning all along, and boast a 43-21 record over the past four seasons. Isn’t it ironic, don’t you think?

NFL incubation chamber​

Of course, there are other little-known qualities about the LA Rams team. For one thing, did you know that the Rams are one of the most successful teams at developing players from within? Just check out this little known fact:

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View: https://twitter.com/jason_otc/status/1385003764717957126?s=21

If you pause and ponder on that a moment, you will see that it truly does make a lot of sense on two fronts. On one hand, the LA Rams haven’t the same amount of spending money when the team enters the NFL Free Agency market as other NFL teams. So if you can’t buy your groceries at the market, you become a farmer and grow what you need at a fraction of the cost.

No first-round pick? No problem​

But perhaps nearly equally responsible is the fact that the team does not pick in round one of the NFL Draft. Picking in later rounds has forced the team to develop better methods and protocols for assessing the inherent talent in draft prospects. And the team has learned how to key their draft strategy to have a better chance of succeeding in getting NFL starters for future years.

Sure, it’s easy to think of the LA Rams as a veteran team, loaded with experience and free agents from other teams. But the reality is that this is a young team with players who developed with the Rams organization. The Rams are one of the most adept at turning late-round drafted players, or even those who never heard their name called, and growing them into NFL starters.

Success is not about drafting the most first-round picks. NFL success is about getting the most quality NFL starters out of the draft class. Even without a first-round pick, the Rams prove that a successful draft is about starters, not about headlines. The 2021 NFL season will put that theory to the test once more. Will the Rams be able to fill the starting offensive center position, reinforce the edge, cornerback, and offensive line areas, and emerge with 2021 impacts players from this draft?

Examining the Rams' use of compensatory picks since 2017​

What have they typically done with compensatory selections since 2017, the beginning of general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay's partnership? Here's a historical look back:

2017

The Rams were awarded two compensatory picks after losing Nick Fairley, Janoris Jenkins and Rodney McLeod in free agency the previous year: One in the third round (No. 100 overall) and one in the fourth round (No. 141 overall).

• The third-round compensatory selection went to the Titans as part of the trade for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
• The fourth-round choice would be packaged with the 197th overall pick (acquired from the Bears after trading down) and traded to the Jets for the 125th overall pick, which was used to select outside linebacker Samson Ebukam.

2018

Although Los Angeles did not receive any compensatory picks through the NFL's formula, they would trade linebacker Alec Ogletree and a 2019 seventh-round pick to the Giants in exchange for the Giants' 2018 compensatory fourth-round pick (No. 135 overall) and a sixth-round pick (No. 176).
The fourth-round compensatory pick was used to select defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers.

2019

The Rams received two compensatory selections in the third-round (Nos. 98 and 99 overall) and another in the seventh-round (No. 251) following the free agency departures of Derek Carrier, Cody Davis, Trumaine Johnson and Sammy Watkins the previous offseason.

• Pick No. 98 went to the Jaguars as part of the finalized package for the trade made in middle of the previous season for outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr.
• Then, as part of a draft-day swap, they packaged pick No. 99 with their 94th overall pick (original selection) and traded both to the Buccaneers in exchange for pick 70, which was used to select running back Darrell Henderson Jr.
• The Rams also acquired pick No. 97 – one of the Patriots' compensatory third-round choices – in a trade with the Patriots in exchange for picks No. 101 (the Patriots' other original compensatory third-round pick) and No. 133 (the Rams' original fourth-round pick). Pick No. 101 had originally been acquired by the Rams by trading back from 45 to 56. The newly-acquired No. 97 overall pick was used on offensive lineman Bobby Evans.

2020

This was a light year for comp picks via the NFL's formula, as the Rams received just one – a third-round choice, No. 104 overall. Rodger Saffold and Lamarcus Joyner were free agency departures during the previous offseason, but Los Angeles also added Clay Matthews in 2019.

• In a departure from previous seasons, the Rams actually held on to this pick and used it to draft Utah safety Terrell Burgess.
• The Rams also acquired both of the Texans' 2020 compensatory seventh-round picks as part of the package received from the Texans in exchange for pick No. 126. Those seventh-round choices were used on kicker Samuel Sloman and offensive lineman Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

In summary

From 2017-2020, the Rams in the Snead-McVay era were awarded five compensatory selections through the league's formula. Of those five, four were included in trades – until 2020, when the Rams kept their lone comp pick and drafted Burgess with it.

At the same time, 2018 and 2020 showed the Rams have also gone out and acquired compensatory selections, albeit very late in the draft, suggesting compensatory picks are just as valuable to go out and acquire as they are to deal.

This year, they'll have two to work with – one in the third round (No. 103 overall) and one in the fourth round (No. 141 overall).

I panicked :alol::alol:

Top cornerbacks projected to be on the board when the Rams pick

Various experts, whether through mock drafts or other projections, have identified offensive line (both interior and tackles), linebacker, edge rusher, defensive line, and cornerback as positions of needs for the Rams heading into this year's draft.

As part of our coverage leading into it, theRams.com will be compiling lists of the top prospects available at each position, focusing primarily on the ones that will likely be on the board when Los Angeles is on the clock throughout the NFL Draft.

Having already covered interior offensive line, edge, linebacker and defensive line, we continue the series with a look at the best cornerback options, based on experts' rankings.

Florida State's Asante Samuel Jr. (5-foot-10, 180 pounds)

NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks' No. 4 cornerback
The Athletic NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler's No. 9 cornerback (subscription required to view rankings)
Pro Football Focus lead draft analyst Michael Renner's No. 5 cornerback

With Troy Hill departing in free agency, it's reasonable to think the Rams could look to add another body to the cornerback rotation and shore up the depth there. Hill played inside (in the slot) and outside for the Rams last year; similarly, Samuel has experience playing outside with traits to play slot/nickel cornerback.

Samuel led FSU in interceptions (3) and pass breakups (6) last year while starting eight games before opting out of the remainder of the season. A quick browse of recent mock drafts show him going in the second round, though a couple also project him potentially going in the first.

Washington's Elijah Molden (5-9 1/2, 192)

Brooks' No. 4 cornerback
Brugler's No. 5 cornerback
Not ranked by Renner

A First Team All-Pac-12 selection for the second consecutive year, Molden logged 26 total tackles, one interception and one pass breakup in four games in his 2020 senior season. According to NFL Media analyst Lance Zierlein's writeup, Molden has the skillset to play either safety or nickel cornerback. He's been projected as a second-round pick in most mock drafts, though one has him going in the third.

Syracuse's Ifeatu Melifonwu (6-2 1/2, 205)

The Draft Network's No. 7 cornerback
Brugler's No. 10 cornerback
Renner's No. 9 cornerback

Melifonwu popped up as a second-round projection for the Rams in the latest mock draft roundup, so it's only fitting to also include him here.

An 11-game starter as a redshirt junior for the Orange in 2020, he tallied 55 total tackles (three for loss), plus one interception and nine pass breakups on his way to Third Team All-ACC recognition. According to Zierlein's evaluation, Melifonwu is built like a safety but has the skillset to develop into a press-man cornerback on the outside.

Central Florida's Aaron Robinson (5-11 1/2, 186)

The Draft Network's No. 13 cornerback
Brugler's No. 11 cornerback
Renner's No. 6 cornerback

Robinson is another cornerback prospect who has popped up as a possible second-round option for the Rams in mock drafts. The redshirt senior was a Second Team All-AAC selection in 2020 after leading the Knights with seven pass breakups and chipping in 41 total tackles while playing the slot.

Standford's Paulson Adebo (6-1, 198)

The Draft Network's No. 9 cornerback
Brugler's No. 12 cornerback
Not ranked by Renner

Like Robinson and Melfonwu, we've seen Adebo's name come up as a possible option for the Rams in Mock Drafts, but as a third-round option. Adebo opted out of the 2020 season, but in 2019, he collected 33 tackles, 10 pass breakups and four interceptions en route to First Team All-Pac-12 recognition.

Other prospects

Georgia's Eric Stokes (6-1, 194): The Draft Network's No. 5 cornerback, Brugler's No. 6 cornerback, Renner's No. 10 cornerback

Michigan's Ambry Thomas (6-0, 191): The Draft Network's No. 14 cornerback, not ranked by Brugler, not ranked by Renner

Minnesota's Benjamin St-Juste (6-0, 202): The Draft Network's No. 12 cornerback, not ranked by Brugler, not ranked by Renner

It's not quite what you think.

I'm talking about the ladies who spend an hour layering makeup upon make up, reshaping and hiding their true face. I'm talking about guys who wear toupees and hats to hide that bald dome. Some women actually change their face significantly, so much so that it might as well be a Halloween mask.

I heard a lady anectdotally relate her experience that guys react better to her if she goes the whole nine yards with thick makeup, instead of just a little blush and lip gloss and ready to go in 5 minutes. Sooner or later, the guy has to take off the cap and the makeup will ruin the joint shower scene as it melts off your face....

Do you like being fooled by the make up or do you prefer seeing a person as they are?

Very interesting

To all -

As per our update announcement (LINK) RamsOnDemand will be offline Wednesday April 21 at 11am EST for 1-2hrs as we apply a site-wide update.

If you attempt to log on at this time you will see a 'blank" page indicating the site is updating and to check back. It is also possible it will simply not render and time out.

Sometime between 12pm EST and 1pm EST the site will be restored and changes in effect.

The site will not visibly appear much different, however as you explore around you will bump into new things... among the biggest the new Thread Types (as explained in the update announcement). If you haven't read about these changes, now is the time to review.

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Some settings need to be applied after update... That's an unfortunate part of this particular update so we appreciate your patience as things are tweaked for 12-36hrs.

Thank you, CGI and your Admin Team

Not the nicotine or devils lettuce kind. The meat smoking. I recently got a pellet grill/smoker and have been wanting to get more into the smoking. If anyone here is willing to share some secrets and info with me, I would be greatly appreciative. Just send me a PM if u dont wanna do it here. Any help is appreciated.

There are many positions that could be perceived as needs - but setting aside injuries for a second, because you can't predict them, what is our most troubling position group?

Offensive line, hands down.

Why would they trade him?



How would we absorb $18 million and then be able to afford to pay him $20 million per year? We have $7-8 million right now and could probably clear the rest by extending Stafford.

We could trade a 2nd and some players - Taylor Rapp for example. Or a 2nd and Havenstein.

That's probably the compensation they're looking at - doubt any team would give up a first considering he's 29 and will get over $20 million per year.




But if we did - even if we gave up Havenstein, Rapp or even Higbee (which would make TE the biggest need), they could just ship the Lombardi to us. Corbett can play Center, and our OL would be dominant.

I know it's unlikely, but I'd at least explore it.

Rams must make most of mid-to-late round picks to fill out star-studded roster

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Rams will be packed with star power in 2021, including quarterback Matthew Stafford, three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald and All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

But whether the Rams appear in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium in February could depend on how well Rams general manager Les Snead supplements their top-tier talent with mid-to-late round selections in the upcoming NFL draft.

For a fifth consecutive year, the Rams will not make a first-round pick. Their 2021 first-round pick (along with a 2020 first-round pick and a 2021 fourth-round selection) was used as part of a package sent to the Jacksonville Jaguars to acquire Ramsey ahead of the 2019 trade deadline.

The Rams own six picks going into the April 29 draft:

Round 2, No. 57 overall

Round 3, No. 88

Round 3, No. 103 (Compensatory pick)

Round 4, No. 141 (Compensatory pick)

Round 6, No. 209

Round 7, No. 252

Despite not owning a first-round pick, ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said it remains possible to have a standout draft class, while adding that in many aspects making a first-round selection can be overrated.

"I don't care how you build [a team], the bottom line is to be able to build a team that is a Super Bowl champion, that's what this whole exercise is about," said Kiper Jr. "It's not about just building a bunch of names and worried about collecting draft picks, or whatever, it's about building a personnel base that can get you to a Super Bowl and if they can do that, it doesn't matter how many draft choice you have in the first round."

Several position groups need reinforcement after the Rams, along with the rest of the NFL, were forced to navigate an unprecedented drop in the salary cap -- from $198.2 million to $182.5 million -- ahead of free agency.

With limited cap space and cash available, the Rams-re signed free agent outside linebacker Leonard Floyd to a four-year, $64 million contract and also added wide receiver DeSean Jackson on a one-year, $4.5 million deal but were unable to address any other position needs -- such as center, defensive back and inside linebacker.

Kiper predicts that, despite the addition of Jackson to a group that also includes Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and Van Jefferson, the Rams will target a wide receiver with their first selection in the draft, adding that several promising prospects are expected to remain available late into the second round.

Some receivers Kiper said should be monitored when the Rams make their pick include Auburn's Anthony Schwartz, Louisville's Tutu Atwell, Western Michigan's D'Wayne Eskridge, Jaelon Darden from North Texas and Florida State's Tamorrion Terry.

Here's a look at other position needs the Rams must address:

Offensive line

It's not a flashy position and wouldn't generate buzz, but the Rams need a center. After stabilizing the position the past two seasons, Austin Blythe signed in free agency with the Kansas City Chiefs, leaving the Rams with Brian Allen and Coleman Shelton. Allen suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2019 and did not play last season and some degree of uncertainty remains regarding how his surgically-repaired knee will endure. An undrafted free agent in 2018, Shelton has no NFL experience at the position.

Inside linebacker

The Rams were thin at the position last season, and will remain so in 2021 unless it's addressed. Micah Kiser and Kenny Young return are expected to start, but both are in the final season of their contracts and Kiser was sidelined for seven games last season because a knee injury. Travin Howard and Troy Reeder can provide backup, but Howard missed last season because of a knee injury and also is in the final season of his contract.

Outside linebacker

Floyd's return was key to maintain an established pass rush, but the sixth-year pro needs a counterpart to also apply pressure from the edge. The Rams selected Terrell Lewis in the third round last year with the hope that he would remain healthy and capitalize on what some considered first-round talent. However, Lewis was slowed throughout training camp and at times during the season because of injury issues. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and Justin Hollins remain as reinforcements, but have not proven that they can provide consistent pressure.

Defensive backs

Ramsey and Darious Williams, who is coming off a breakout season, will again seek to wreak havoc at cornerback, but the departure of Troy Hill leaves a hole in the slot. David Long Jr., a third-round pick in 2019, will have the opportunity to step up, but depth is needed. At safety, Taylor Rapp is expected to return as a full-time starter following John Johnson III's departure, and will play alongside Jordan Fuller. Terrell Burgess, who broke his ankle as a rookie last season, also will compete for time, but again, the Rams could benefit from more depth at the position.

Defensive line

Donald will anchor a group that also includes Sebastian Joseph-Day, A'Shawn Robinson and Greg Gaines, but depth must be built after the departures of Michael Brockers -- Donald's long-time counterpart, and Morgan Fox -- who provided a dependable spark off the bench.

Why I like betting on Aaron Donald for 2021 NFL MVP

If you think a guy could be the best player in the NFL or if you keep hearing that a guy is the best player in the NFL, then at some point shouldn’t that be player be considered for an award that arguably should go to the best player in the NFL? We have all heard many times before that “Aaron Donald might be the best player in the NFL” but because he doesn’t play quarterback, Aaron Donald does not stand a good chance of ever winning MVP.

Donald’s odds of winning the MVP award in 2021 are currently 100-to-1, and while those are long, I like his chances more than the many player who will never be associated with the phrase: “Best player in the NFL.”

Last season, Donald won his third AP Defensive Player of the Year award and he hasn’t even turned 30 year. (Donald’s birthday is this Friday.) He received 27 of 50 first place votes, beating out Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt, who had 20, and Miami cornerback Xavien Howard, who received three. Yes, three people chose Howard for Defensive Player of the Year over Donald and Watt.

And now is as good of a time as any to say that AP voters can be trusted to do the right thing no better than 94-percent of the time. Or maybe no better than 60-percent of the time.

But maybe 2021 could be Donald’s year or some other non-quarterback.

Aaron Rodgers received 44 of 50 first place votes for MVP, beating out Josh Allen (4 votes) and Patrick Mahomes (2) easily. It was Rodgers’ second MVP, also winning in 2014, but it seems as though we could be approaching a moment in time when the ways in which we do everything is being reconsidered.

Why not reconsider the value we place on the quarterback position in relation to the value we give to the NFL’s other most valuable players?

The last time a non-quarterback, non-running back won the award was Lawrence Taylor in 1986. It’s a phrase that’s been timed innumerable times since, whenever a defensive player might be considered for the award. Such as in 2018, when Donald led the NFL with 20.5 sacks and took 45 of 50 first place votes for Defensive Player of the Year but ran into Mahomes’ breakout campaign; or 2017, when Donald had 32 of 50 votes but the MVP trophy went to Tom Brady for the third time.

That year, it was Todd Gurley, not Donald who received the most MVP attention: Brady received 40 votes, Gurley received eight, and Carson Wentz had two.

So forget a moment about whether or not Donald should win an MVP trophy over Brady or Mahomes or Rodgers — if a running back on the Rams can still get into the conversation despite so many people being vehemently against drafting backs early or paying them free agent contracts, then why not “the best player in the world”?

It may not be nearly as “100-to-1” as you think.

J.J. Watt received 13 MVP votes and was runner-up to Rodgers in 2014. Linebacker Bobby Wagner received one MVP vote that year also.

Linebacker James Harrison had three MVP votes in 2008, Ray Lewis had two votes in 2003, Derrick Brooks had one vote in 2002, and Brian Urlacher had two votes in 2001.

Don’t those votes hold up a lot better years later than ones cast for Chad Pennington, Michael Turner, DeMarco Murray, or Wentz?

How is it even possible that Aaron Donald has been in the NFL for seven seasons, winning three AP Defensive Player of the Year awards, making every first team all-pro roster since 2015, and shattering records for defensive tackles by dominating box scores and redefining how often a player can be double and triple-teamed because of his relentlessness and strength — hasn’t even received one vote for MVP in his career?

Fewer career MVP votes than Bobby Wagner, Chad Pennington, and Michael Turner.

Last season, we saw Donald lead the NFL’s number one defense — points allowed, yards allowed, first downs allowed, passing yards allowed, passing touchdowns allowed, yards per pass attempt allowed, points per drive allowed — and once again create a monster by his side (this time that monster being Leonard Floyd) in the process. If a player making players around him infinitely more valuable over and over again isn’t the definition of “most valuable” then what else is?

Especially when that defense is the “most effective” of any defense in the NFL?

Then, when Donald was injured in the final game of the year and became limited in the postseason, the Rams defense allowed season-highs in total yards, passing yards, and rushing yards in a divisional round loss to the Packers, giving up over 30 points for only the second time all season. The only other time came in Week 3 against Josh Allen, the number two player in MVP voting.

Next season Donald should be a much better bet for MVP than 100-to-1, but that would only be true if we were living in a rational world. Rationally and logically, there should be fewer better players to win MVP than “the best player in the NFL.” Now, let’s hope that he’s motivated to beat those odds ... and everybody else who tries to stop him.

Cameron DaSilva

April 19, 2021 10:31 am
There was a lot of talk on social media about the draft war rooms of NFL coaches and general managers last year as representatives of each team worked remotely during the pandemic. Klif Kingsbury took the cake with a luxurious setup at his home, sitting on a couch with his feet up on the coffee table.
This year, the Los Angeles Rams are sure to get a lot of attention for their draft headquarters. In a partnership with Rocket Mortgage, they converted a massive 9,000-square-foot Malibu mansion into their draft pad, with an infinity pool and views of the Pacific Ocean.
The league is allowing a select number of people from each team to be together for the draft this year, with a maximum of 10 fully vaccinated individuals able to be in the room at once. The Rams have plenty of space to spread out at their luxurious remote location, and they’ll be the only team in the NFL to make their picks away from their headquarters.


Fans can also enter to win a three-day stay at the Malibu home two weeks after the draft from May 14-16. And it sounds like this won’t be the first time the Rams pull something like this off for the draft.
“To complement the bold leadership of Les and Coach McVay, we continue to push the envelope in how we operate and collaborate with our partners,” said Rams Vice President of Partnership Marketing Lexi VonderLieth. “We are thrilled to work with Rocket Mortgage to build this stunning and first-of-its-kind Draft headquarters and set the foundation for drafting a little differently for years to come.”
Check out photos of the home below, courtesy of the Rams.

Photo credit: Los Angeles Rams


Photo credit: Los Angeles Rams


Photo credit: Los Angeles Rams


Photo credit: Los Angeles Rams


Photo credit: Los Angeles Rams


Photo credit: Los Angeles Rams


Photo credit: Los Angeles Rams


Photo credit: Los Angeles Rams


Photo credit: Los Angeles Rams

Have to say, they look pretty sweet.
Some times simple is better....

Free Agent signing EVER!

Two Trojan offensive linemen dead just days apart. Tuerk's cause of death was an enlarged heart; I'm not sure about Brown yet. Tuerk was twenty-six; Brown, twenty-four.

I know that they made it to the NFL, but I don't know if people will know them in the NFL rather than the college team.

Will there be any interest in OL Deonte Brown by the Rams in the 2nd or 3rd rounds? He is Huge and supposedly moves very well for a player of his size.

This is the DSV Limiting Factor. She was built about 5 miles from where I live. Since 2019 it has been used in 13 dives of the Challenger Deep. (the deepest spot in the ocean) To put that in perspective, prior to 2019 only two other dives had ever been made that deep prior to 2019. One in 1960 with Jaques Cousteau and one in 2012 with James Cameron. Triton also make personal subs for those that can afford them.