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Hey Mods, how about putting up the Rams 2024 draft order instead of last years picks. (right side of the home page) I've been all over this board trying to find how many picks the Rams have and in what rounds.
When Merlin joked with me about Farrah Faucett, it reminded me of a poster that I had of her fellow co-star Jaqueline Smith on Charly's Angels tv show. I kept it for years on my wall. Later, I had posters of Pat Benatar and Teri Nunn of Berlin.
But there were knick knacks that I loved. I had a blue wax figurine of Frankenstein's monster from Universal Studios (pressed in a machine). I think I also had a crushed penny by a machine. My parents bought me a tin (?) metal sailing ship that I would think is cheap today, but nothing bought in Solvang was all that cheap. I also had my beloved catcher's mitt and Dodger's cap. I had a kid's size Rams blue and white horns helmet. When we moved to Texas at 12 years old, I became a Robert E Howard fan and read every Conan the Barbarian book I could find. I also collected Marvel Comics back when they were good and still have them today.
How about you guys? What were your cherished things as a kid?
I'm sitting here with my beer haunted by my memories of this day February 21, 1972. The day I lost my closest friend, a guy closer to me than my own brother. We weren't supposed to be there. Officially we weren't. So we were on our own. I can still hear the bullets as they tore through the floor of the chopper. The screams and yells, the sound of the M60 machine gun of our crew chief. It took at most maybe 20 seconds,
Then I found myself laying on my back in a rice paddy. I could see the chopper not far from me burning and the screams of my friends still trapped inside. A part of me died that day with them. But I promised them that I would never forget.
So now I'm drinking my yearly toast to all of them. I have not forgotten nor will I ever. But most of all I will keep the faith and my promise Ron. Your son is a great man, generous to a fault, but most of all a good father. Be forever at peace my brother.
Never take your life for granted. Cherish your life and keep your loved ones close. Our lives are a gift not to be taken lightly. Just cherish and enjoy your lives and try your best to live without regrets. We never know how long we have so we must make the most of it.
The Chicago Bears' impending quarterback decision has been a focal point of this early NFL offseason, where Chicago has to make a choice between Justin Fields and, most likely, Caleb Williams. It sounds like the Bears are expected to finalize their quarterback plans in time…
Jacksonville Jaguars Quinyon Mitchell
Toledo · CB · Senior
The Jaguars need to get better in the secondary. Mitchell provides a nice mix of consistency, elite speed, toughness and instincts.
Pick
18
Cincinnati Bengals Brock Bowers
Georgia · TE · Junior
File this under fits that I selfishly want to see happen. It’s highly unlikely Bowers falls this far in Round 1, but let’s just pause and dream for a moment about seeing him joining forces with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.
Pick
19
Los Angeles Rams Jackson Powers-Johnson
Oregon · IOL · Junior
The Rams get one of the steadiest players in the draft. Powers-Johnson can anchor their offensive line for the next decade.
I enjoyed this podcast. They talk about players in the draft at each position and Spielman names some of his favorites. He also talks about the scouting process and what GMs and scouts would be doing right now. He said they stack the board based on BPA order only, so it’s like a top 300 list. Then the coaches get involved later and they discuss which guys fit their schemes and it’s a process of elimination. They also go through and try to match players to other teams to try to get a handle on who would want certain players and where they’d take them. Snead screwed this up early in his career when he felt Bobby Wagner would be available in a trade back. He nailed with Kupp though. (However, I’d still argue that it was risky waiting on Kupp until round 3).
I know a lot of you are aware of this process but it is still a good listen. I listen to pods when I’m tinkering at the work bench or doing things like laundry and dishes. It helps pass the time, especially if I am doing something
boring.
Here are my recommendations for spending the Rams cap dollars and draft picks to bolster the roster. I’m putting each position into one (or two) of four categories:
PRIORITY SPENDING: Invest significant cap dollars.
BARGAIN HUNTING: Search for moderately/low priced veterans.
DRAFT PRIORITY: Targets for days 1 and 2 of draft.
BARGAIN FUTURES: Targets for day 3 of draft/undrafted FAs.
QB: BARGAIN HUNTING
I don’t agree with the idea, expressed by some commentators, that the Rams should make QB2 (or “QB” of the future) a draft priority. I’d like to find an experienced veteran (I’d start with Carson Wentz) who can be the emergency contingency at a reasonable price.
RB: BARGAIN FUTURES
I believe we can find a RB2 in Rounds 4-7 who can help keep Kyren Williams fresh and healthy. Two I really like are Marshawn Lloyd (USC) and Dylan Laube (New Hampshire). I see no value in paying FA money (which could exceed what Williams is paid) for a retread.
WR: DRAFT PRIORITY
The Rams need (at least) three high-end WRs to ensure that the offensive machine keeps churning. I can’t imagine bringing in a high-priced FA with Cooper Kupp receiving top dollar and Puka Nacua potentially being our WR1 on a rookie salary. In this draft, which is very deep at WR, I’d look at Day 2 prospects, including Ladd McConkey (Georgia), Roman Wilson (Michigan), Jalen McMillan (Washington) and Malachi Corley (Western Kentucky).
TE: BARGAIN FUTURES
Tyler Higbee’s injury makes this one difficult to evaluate, but I think that Davis Allen showed enough flashes to make him Plan A if Higbee starts the year on PUP. I believe that there will be good options for depth on Day 3 of the draft. Ben Sinnott (Kansas State) and Dallin Holker (Colorado State) are two I like.
OL: PRIORITY SPENDING/DRAFT PRIORITY
The importance of OL play cannot be overstated. Unless his demands are entirely unreasonable given the market, I’m in favor of spending to retain Kevin Dotson (and, at lower prices, RFA Alaric Jackson and potential UFA Coleman Shelton). If we don’t – or if there is a perceived significant upgrade available at pick 19 (Jackson Powers Johnson, Oregon, intrigues) – I’d make the OL a draft priority.
INTERIOR DL: BARGAIN FUTURES
I could change my mind if a top DT (i.e. Byron Murphy, Texas) slips to pick 19, but I think we’re in good shape with Aaron Donald, Kobie Turner and Bobby Brown. Certainly, I’d look for a depth/rotation player on Day 3, but otherwise, I think we’re good here.
PASS RUSHER (DE/EDGE): PRIORITY SPENDING/DRAFT PRIORITY
While I like the effort of guys like Jonah Williams and Michael Hoecht, its clear we need another top pass rusher. There are several who could hit FA who I’d love to have (Brian Burns, Josh Allen, Danielle Hunter) and a few who I think would be worth the 19th pick (Laiatu Latu, UCLA; Dallas Turner, Alabama; Jared Verse, FSU). I’m interested to see if more emerge as potential Day 2 prospects at the Combine. One way or another, though, we need someone who can consistently make teams pay for double-teaming Aaron Donald.
INSIDE LB: BARGAIN FUTURES
I definitely think we need to upgrade the ILB spot along side Ernest Jones, but I also believe players of that type can be obtained in Rounds 4-7. Marist Liufau (Notre Dame), Tommy Eichenberg (Ohio State) and Jalan Ford (Texas) are a few I’m watching.
CB: DRAFT PRIORITY
We need a top-end CB1, but FAs at the position often don’t live up to their high price. If Ahkello Witherspoon has played his way into a premium contract, I’d pass. This draft has several prospects who could step in immediately step in as high-end starters. On my list are Nate Wiggins (Clemson), Cooper DeJean (Iowa), Quinyon Mitchell (Toledo), Terrion Arnold (Alabama), Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama) and Ennis Rakestraw (Missouri).
SAFETY: BARGAIN HUNTING/BARGAIN FUTURES
At a reasonable price, I’d be in favor of bringing back John Johnson and/or Jordan Fuller. If not, I’d look for competition for guys like Russ Yeast and Quentin Lake on Day 3 of the daft.
SPECIAL TEAMS: BARGAIN FUTURES
We definitely need to draft a PK, and I’d also like to add a punt returner and players who can help on the coverage units. Day 3 is where I’d shop.
We all know all this but I wanted to write it down. And what he has done is impressive.
He arrived in 2017 as the youngest head coach in the modern era and immediately made a franchise crawling in the gutter of the NFC West, a playoff team. A franchise that hadn't won 8 games since 2006 and hadn't made the postseason since 2004....with an 8-8 record. He starts by going 24-8 the first two years. Todd Gurley was a 3rd year RB when he arrived and McVay made him a star. Utilizing his unique skill set he was just short of unstoppable. In 2017 and 2018, 2556 rushing yards on 535 carries (4.8 ypc), 1368 receiving yards on 123 receptions (11.1), almost 4,000 yards from scrimmage (135.3 yds/g) and 40 TDs. He took Jared Goff and made him an up and coming star. A trajectory he's continued on because of McVay IMHO. Aaron Donald was already a dominant D lineman, DROY in 2014 and 28 sacks his first 3 years. With Goff, Gurley and the offense putting up big numbers, AD got to showcase his talents as a pass rushing demon. 57 1/2 sacks, 74 TFL, 129 solo tackles from 2017-2020, DPOY 3 of the 4 years and the next year, a Superbowl Champion who iced both the CCG and SB with pressure. (It also made McVay the youngest SB winning coach in history IIRC) Everybody who saw AD play, knew how good he was but once McVay arrived the national audience saw a lot more of him. Matt Stafford comes to town 0 for 3 in the postseason over his first 12 years in Detroit. He throws 51 TD passes, 9 more in 4 games of the postseason, ending with the Lombardi. Cooper Kupp wins the triple crown of receiving, with the second highest total receptions (145) in history to one guy and the second highest receiving yards (1947) to another guy. Puka Nacua comes into the league and set the rookie record for most receptions and most receiving yardage. He's also got Kyren Williams scoring TDs every game. And Kobie Turner leading all rookies in sacks. Does it happen without McVay? There's serious doubt there. The assistant coaches would be among the first McVay credits but let's face it, it's him. And he hired them. Along the way the team wins one of the most impressive all around games I've ever seen a visitor play in Seattle. A phenominal punch-counter punch game vs Minnesota. The highest scoring and possibly the most exciting and entertaining MNF game in history vs KC. An CCG OT win vs the Saints. The total dismantling of Kyler Murray and the Cardinals. The divisional game in Tampa with the love of the game finish. A very tough NFCCG vs SF. And an exciting SB, that required everything of Stafford and Kupp and wouldn't have happened without guys stepping up like the #4 WR, #3 TE and AARON DONALD. AND this year he takes a 5 win team, the pundits were convinced wouldn't win more than 6 and wins 10 making the postseason. These things aren't accidents. One or two, maybe. Not this many. This is magic. And we've had a front row seat. That kind of shit is what makes me a fan.
79 Rams get shafted big-time. They could stand with a lot of teams but these young
people didn't see them play and just look at the 9-7 record and QB stats
NFL Throwback YouTube channel ranks every Super Bowl winner, and loser in two seperate videos.
For winners I'm surprised the '76 Raiders made it as high as 5th. Over teams like the '91 Redskins, and '89 49ers.
They actually had the '94 49ers above '89, which I can't get behind, but it's just an opinion.
"The reality is, how many balls did he (Purdy) complete outside the numbers or vertical throws... He completed 1 against man to man, which is the easiest throw to make against man to man... He is a system QB."
Brian Allen just makes sense at this point to move on from Allen.
Trade:
Joe Noteboom to Buffalo for a 6th round pick (our pick back from them)
Buffalo lacks a swing tackle and trade a day 3 pick for somebody to backup at both RT and LT. Boom negotiates a 2 year extension and lowers his cap hit for them.
Free agency:
Resign: Carson Wentz (thinking a 2 year deal to backup #9) Demarcus Robinson
John Johnson III
Duke Shelly
Kevin Dotson (personally hope he doesn't try to break the bank) Alaric Jackson (same as Dotson) Jonah Williams
Ronnie Rivers
Za'Darius Smith (2 years $25 million) We sign a vet to bring some experience to the pass rush.
Kristian Fulton (3 years $20 million) At one time he was a good CB for the Titans. Talk is after a surgery he rushed back and wasn't fully healthy having some issues in the recovery period. He never regained his form and was put on IR for the Titans last season. Rams roll the dice with some experience at CB. In the end roughly $7 million a year isn't a huge risk that this guy can return to form.
Noah Fant TE (3 years $25 million) Unlike the Rams Seattle doesn't have any cap space. And with a regime change there we could se roster turnover. Fant is a good and athletic TE and with Higbee being out for a while with only Allen backing up McVay brings in somebody he can pair with Allen to help the offense.
Antonio Gibson RB (2 years $7.5 million) McVay brings in a vet to team up with Williams, Evans and Rivers and/or a draft pick? Gibson is a McVay type of back IMO. Running less and less the last couple years but a receiving threat out of the backfield.
Chase McLaughlin K (4 years $9 million) McVay gives Blackburn a kicker finally.
Draft:
Round 1 pick 19:
Quinyon Mitchell CB Toledo: He's got a lot of attention in the pre combine build up after a stellar Senior Bowl week. For those that don't know about him he has good size at 6'0" 195 lbs. Very good speed especially the short area burst which we know the Rams prioritize over 40 time. Not the best tackler in the run game but we'll trust the Rams coaches to again improve a DB in this area. He is very good in both man and zone coverages. He steps in day one as CB1 on the roster with the vet Fulton at #2 and Durant, Shelley, Thomlinson and Witherspoon as depth.
Trade: Rams send 2-52 and 5-177 (Bakers comp pick) to Houston for 2-59 and 4-128. For those that follow it the trade value chart is the Rams giving up 117 points and Houston giving up 120. This puts us back in the 4th round for only moving down 7 spots and gives up one of our 3 5th round picks.
Round 2-59: Calen Bullock S USC: Historically the Rams haven't put a lot of resources into Safety. Bullock is a playmaker at S I envision him and Yeast teaming up on the back end with JJ3 3rd safety.
Round 3-83 Sedrick Van Pran C Georgia The #2 center in the draft and a massive upgrade over a decent player in Shelton (Who I think comes back by not triggering free agency. They battle it out in camp for the starting job and I think Van Pran wins it and Shelton becomes IOL #1 off the bench with his experience at Center and Guard in the Rams offense. (Highlight reels are always iffy on OL)
Round 3-101 Tyler Davis DT Clemson: Big man at 6'1" 300 lbs but an immensely strong man. His weight lifting numbers are quit disgusting :o A very good run stuffer and sure tackler when he gets a paw on somebody. Not the best in pass rush but in 55 games for Clemson he has 16 sacks so he will be opportunistic. He upgrades the run defense on day 1 likely rotating to start starting out rotating with Bobbie Brown but taking over more snaps as the year progresses. Him with Turner and the GOAT is a formidable front 3.
Round 4 pick 128 Cedric Gray LB North Carolina Back to back picks to upgrade the run defense. Good run defender and tackler who is also capable in pass coverage. Not the best as a blitzer at ILB but had 6 sacks in 3 season for NC.
Round 5 pick 153: Ainias Smith Texas A&M Not the biggest (but he's no Tutu) at 5'10" 191 lbs but with 4.4 speed backed up by excellent short area quickness and ability to come out of breaks quick he's got the game to be an X deep threat for the Rams. Add to that he's a punt returner the Rams upgrade special teams again in a big way with this off season so far. I like this kid a lot especially with his return game.
Round 5 pick 154: Grayson Murphy Edge UCLA Even with the vet signing of Smith adding another young body to the OLB room. Murray is a good motor guy with a good spin move. We add him in the 5th to work on his game as a situational pass rusher and contribute on ST coverage teams.
Round 6 pick 190 Cam Hart CB Notre Dame: Adding another body to the CB room to push Durant, Shelley, Thomlinson and Witherspoon and at worst again contribute on ST. We need better athletes on the coverage teams.
Round 6 pick 211 Nathan Thomas OT Louisiana Ragin Cajuns Big man at 6'4" 330 lbs. Left tackle starter for the last 2 and a half years. Battles Anchrum for the 4th tackle on the roster after Havenstein, Jackson and McClendon, could end up on PS.
Round 6 pick 216 Malik Mustafa S Wake Forest I said months ago this guy will be in my mocks this year. Center fielder type safety that could use a year or two on teams behind Yeast, Bullock Johnson and Taylor.
Round 6 pick 217 Aaron Casey ILB Indiana Good run defender who's brought in as depth and a contributor on special teams.
Recap:
Added a CB1, FS, a Center upgrade, a guy to play next to Jones at ILB, a return guy and at least 4 contributors to our special teams coverage units that desperately need help. Also kept our OL mostly intact with just an upgrade to Center. I didn't address the QB position long term which may bight us in the ass eventually but in this scenario I think McVay will want to ride Stafford for 2 more years with Wentz backing him up and address QB when Stafford retires.
Good Article. The article states that rat boy and the whiners are showing cracks and why they could implode.
Aiyuk hinting he might not be back.
Feliciano blaming a teammate
When the team has a culture where the players don't trust each other, or blame each other, it's a problem.
Rat boy firing the DC after they were ranked in the top 3. In essence, not taking responsibility as the head man. (We know McVay would have said the blame was on him)
Word is out! The Rams are back. More people are believers now. They can see that the Niners are good but people are expecting a decline. IMO their cap situation limits what they can do. Their drafts are average so it will be difficult to be better than they were in 2023. This article is right, there won't be any sneaking up on anyone this coming year.