OVERVIEW
Even though Smart grew up in Baton Rouge and was a first-team all-state pick, he did not get a chance to play SEC football, so he went to nearby Tulane to show his wares. Playing in every game as a freshman, he was credited with 14 tackles. Then he was rewarded with a starting role each of the next three seasons, increasing his production from his sophomore (47 tackles, 6.5 for loss, two sacks), junior (62 stops, 15 for loss, two sacks), and senior (67 tackles, 18.5 for loss, 5.5 sacks) seasons. He was a first-team All-American Athletic Conference pick in both 2015 and 2016 for his efforts.

STRENGTHS
Excited to play football on every single rep. Times up snap and is quick into the neutral zone. Always searching for the ball. Uses hand quickness to disengage and tackle on time. Good football instincts and quick to recognize and react to screens. Plays with quick hands and quick feet that get him in position to make plays. Gets to blocker's edge with low center of gravity to drive up the field and disrupt. Able to fill a stat sheet up against both run and pass. Feet and hands are a whirlwind of action that never stop looking for improved positioning. Catches blockers under their pads and has the leg drive to bull them back into the pocket.

WEAKNESSES
Short and squatty frame. Matched up against below average competition on most weeks. Plays straight-legged which limits his change of direction. Lack of length causes him to swing and miss in tackle attempts against shifty runners. May not have enough raw power to make up for his lack of size. Long-armed guards can stab his chest and stick him in neutral.

NFL COMPARISON
Rakeem Nunez-Roches

BOTTOM LINE
He's a three-technique only who lacks desired size and length, but his quickness and disruptive nature lead to consistent production week in and week out. Smart needs to be in an upfield scheme that takes advantage of his ability to play in the gaps. His draft stock will take a hit due to his lack of measurables, but he has NFL backup potential thanks to his ability to rush the passer.-Lance Zierlein

Had a few thoughts that sort of come together under that topic so wanted to put them together...

1. Kromer likes his OL talent. No way around this, really, as I feel that if that was not the case the Rams would have addressed it with a pick collection of 2nd, 2x 3rd, and 2x 4th picks which is the wheelhouse for linemen.

Where this is particularly surprising is Center. I don't see Sullivan as a starter, I think he's a backup at best. Also I'm not certain it's wise to bank on one of the holdovers moving there and succeeding at the level they need. But inevitably they must be high on one of these guys and think they have their answer in-house and will use Sullivan as fallback if it doesn't work out.

It's also a little bit surprising to me at RT. My rationale is they wanted to move Havenstein inside which probably means they don't think he has the feet for how much passing they're gonna do. So now they're depending on GRob, which, well, I don't like. Maybe they like another OT on the depth chart? Must be it, I don't know.

2. Upheaval in the WR room. First off the focus on route running that comes with McVay and that offense is going to dictate guys don't get on the field without being exactly the right depth and position for a given play, and the influx of two guys is going to make that room a pressure cooker.

I'm not sure Tavon is ever going to adjust to the route running requirements, so if he doesn't improve he might find himself sulking on the bench. Trade is unlikely as is an outright cut, given how much he's going to be making. Assuming he gets it together and improves there, he's still looking at reduced targets. As I mentioned in a previous post where we discussed Tavon and predictions of his production, I believe lower target amounts will increase his big plays per touch. So it's a good thing IMO.

CKup has a mix of size, hands, and route consistency/excellence that is going to get him "starters" snaps with Woods. While McVay mentioned he's going to move guys around I would guess by snap percentage those two guys end up on the field a LOT. Which suggests that Tavon finds himself in a deeper rotation in the slot, and when I consider that against a higher amount of 12 and 13 personnel and/or some of the TEs simply rotated into Y from time to time it makes me wonder if Tavon might be phased out barring a big jump in performance. Competition for playing time is going to be significantly increased IMO, and if Tavon's contract wasn't so bad I'd swear they're planning on trading him.

3. Special teams. One thing I noticed was that special teams was considered with the additions. JJ might push for playing time as a rook, but regardless he is a very high level teams producer. His film is loaded with him making plays on teams and Ebukam also has range, explosiveness and the right mindset to carry his weight from the bottom of the roster.

Teams were something I was a little concerned with under McVay; wasn't sure he'd be willing to sacrifice potential in order to give a roster spot to the better special teams player among the guys fighting for spots. Not worried about that any longer.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2088431/samson-ebukam

PLAYER OVERVIEW
Record-breaking wide receiver Cooper Kupp earned most of the attention from NFL scouts traveling to tiny Cheney, Washington but Ebukam was nearly as dominant over his career on the defensive side of the ball for the Eagles.

Ebukam's path to the NFL is a long one that started in Nigeria, where he was born and lived until the age of nine, not learning English until after he arrived in the United States. He focused more on soccer, as well as track and field (shot put and javelin) before football and was only offered scholarships by two programs - EWU and Portland State.

Rather than redshirt to acclimate to the new surroundings and sport, however, Ebukam (pronounced "ay-boo-com") proved an immediate difference-maker for the Eagles, earning Second Team Freshman All-American honors as an edge rusher despite not starting a single game. Earning post-season honors became the norm for Ebukam, who was recognized with All-Big Sky accolades each year of his career with the Eagles, ultimately capping it off with career-highs in tackles (68), tackles for loss (13.5), sacks (8.5), fumble recoveries (three) and forced fumbles (two) as a senior, splitting time between "Buck" defensive end, outside linebacker, inside linebacker and even defensive tackle.

Though his lack of ideal size and level of competition are obvious concerns, scouts will be intrigued by Ebukam's raw athleticism and upside.

STRENGTHS: Boasts undeniable athleticism, including the quickness and mobility to potentially handle the conversion to an off-the-line linebacker role. Has a compact, well-built upper body with disproportionately long arms, which helps him generate power as a bull rusher, as well as slip blocks. Good initial quickness off the snap out of the three-point stance to cross the face of tackles and shows the agility and awareness to be quite effective looping back inside on stunts. Appears comfortable dropping back into coverage, showing the body control to change directions quickly as well as good speed and effort in pursuit. Good length and strength for the drag down tackle. May be only scratching the surface of his potential.

WEAKNESSES: Lacks the desired length and bulk to remain as a full-time defensive end in the NFL and is very raw as a linebacker, relying on his athleticism and motor to make plays. Too often is out of control as an edge rusher, allowing himself to get off-balance and knocked to the ground. Wasted motion as a pass rusher, flailing his arms rather than swiping away at the efforts of blockers to slow him. Needs to do a better job of anticipating and protecting himself against cut blocks.

IN OUR VIEW: Ebukam plays with a Tasmanian devil style of aggression and relentlessness that could earn him a spot on special teams while learning the nuances of the game. Until then, his burst off the edge could help as a pass rush specialist.

COMPARES TO: Marquis Flowers: Like the 6-3, 245 pound third year pro out of Arizona, Ebukam has athleticism, motor and frame to warrant a late round flyer in the hopes of developing.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/josh-reynolds?id=2558194

6'3" 194LBS

DRAFT PROJECTION
Round 3-4

NFL COMPARISON
Marvin Jones

BOTTOM LINE
Long and tall, Reynolds is a dangerous vertical threat thanks to his ball tracking and ball skills over eye-popping deep speed. Reynolds is a menace in the red-zone and can mismatch smaller cornerbacks in the air. He lacks play strength which could cause problems for him early in his career against physical corners, but his toughness, work ethic and football intelligence should overcome those concerns and help him carve out a career as a second or third receiver in the league.

Five players the Rams should decide between at pick No.112

https://www.downtownrams.com/single...-the-Rams-should-decide-between-at-pick-No112

George Kittle, TE, Iowa

The Rams just picked a tight end in the second round, so why on earth would the Rams double up on the position? Why? Because, George Kittle is the best blocking TE in the class and he would instantly be not only the best blocking TE on the roster, but the most athletic as well. Kittle, at just under 250 pounds ran a 4.52 at the combine, and a vertical jump of a 37 inches. I have been in love with him throughout the entire pre-draft process since the combine and he is going to be a real good player. He can fit in right away since McVay wants to run some 13 personnel’s. The 13 personnel allows there to be three tight ends which would be Everett, Higbee and Kittle and a running back which would be Gurley. On top of that Kittle could play fullback if need be. Yes, the Rams drafted Temarrick Hemingway last year, but he can flex out to wide receiver in my opinion and if he can’t, he honestly isn’t that big of a player to pass on a freak show like Kittle.

Carl Lawson, OLB, Auburn

No edge rushers thus far in the draft, but Lawson who I graded out as a borderline first round talent could be the pick. He is a stout pass rusher and that’s really all he can do at a high level. He would fit right into a rotation early on and when the linebacker coaches got down to business with him they could teach him the ways of coverage and run stopping. Bottom line is, Lawson can come in right away and get you six-to-eight sacks off the bench in a rotational pass rusher role. I had a vividly awkward dream the Rams selected Lawson, but perhaps it ends up coming to fruition.

Jermaine Eluemunor, OT, Texas A&M

This physical talent has little football experience coming from the UK. Eluemunor had himself rising up the draft boards and could go early in the fourth round. He is somewhat of a project at tackle, but the Rams would be getting a stellar guard if they picked Eluemunor. At 6-foot-4 and 332 pounds he has raw power and his core strength is unmatched in this draft. He would likely start with Havenstein in the interior and maybe open up the door for a trade to get a fifth round pick back or possibly another fourth round pick.

Malachi Dupre, WR, LSU

Dupre was never used at LSU, well at least to my liking. Still though, he is a real good prospect who could make some noise in the NFL. There was a reason LSU didn’t use him or his teammate Travin Dural and that is because of the fact LSU had the craziest running game with Derrius Guice complimenting No.4 overall pick Leonard Fournette. Make no mistake Dupre gives the Rams a big WR target and with late 4.4 forty yard dash speed, he could be in play for the Rams as they need a deep threat.

Blair Brown, ILB, Ohio

I love Blair Brown, I mocked him to the Rams in the fourth round of my mock draft. He’s a phenomenal player who is going to be around the league for a while. I compared his game to Gary Brackett with a little Dexter Coakley in his compact small frame. He is small, but make no mistake about it he is a powerful and fast man. Brown has the sideline to sideline speed that you love to have in an inside linebacker, but what I love about Brown is his ability to power through blocks. I think this is another player that may not start right away, but he could be in an inside linebacker rotation with Mark Barron and maybe even open up the door for a trade with Barron. Brown would have a role in Wade’s defensive system, no doubt about it and this would be a sneaky good pick for the Rams who have already selected two small-school studs early on.

What are your thoughts Rams fans? Who do you want the Rams to get? Who are you targeting as a potential Ram at pick 112? Let us know! Also, be sure to stay tuned as we will have a pick 141 top five article as well as the draft progresses.

Here we go. I don't know how much updating will happen but here's a thread to talk about it.....Let's do it. Go get us some football players, Coach!

There wasn't really anything indicating who they were interested in. NFL Network never knows shit but, beat writers kind of came in with last minute tidbits in past seasons. Like the Quick visit and the Tavon visit, etc...

Are LA writers just not that interested, lazy, or what?

Breaking down the Rams day two draft selections

https://www.downtownrams.com/single-post/2017/04/29/Breaking-down-the-Rams-day-two-draft-selections

Draft day two is in the books and the Rams have now added three new former college players to their roster. We will break them each down with what they bring to the table, who the Rams left on the board leading up to the selection, the draft grade and player comparisons.

2nd round, 44th overall pick (via trade w/ Buffalo Bills): Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama

Let me just start off by saying this shocked me, I heard rumblings that they were very interested, but had no idea he was that high on their list. With Everett you are getting a great player, but I did not like how early they picked him. The Rams originally passed up the opportunity of picking first round talent that can play every position on the line in Forrest Lamp. Instead he went to the Chargers and the Rams traded down with the Bills making a nice move to recoup a third round pick in exchange for a fifth. It was an overall good move.

Now looking at Everett’s game, Sean McVay sees him as his version of Jordan Reed. Everett was reportedly rated one or two on their board at the tight end position. Everett is not a great blocker, but he has the strength to do it and more so has the potential to grow in that area. With McVay, you are looking at a former tight ends coach that will be able to teach Everett the fundamentals and the proper technique to be a well-rounded blocker. What you like about Everett is the fact he is a tough and athletic player with or without the ball in his hands.

Everett ran a 4.62, benched 22 reps on the bunch press, and had a 37.5 vertical jump, well over 10 foot broad jump, 6.99 second three-cone drill and a 4.33 in the 20-yard shuttle. He is a freaky talent and is considered an Evan Engram consolation prize. Although, Engram lacks the pure strength and toughness that Everett gushes.

He can come in and right away offer the ability to be an instant impact player for Jared Goff and Sean McVay on day one. Everett and Higbee will likely run a split TE set and maybe even three TE set as confirmed by McVay. Everett is faster and stronger than any tight end on the Rams roster. To be quite honest Everett is a total freak and while he did run a 4.62, that is real good for a TE. Everett will be able to flex out wide, play inline and h-back. The Rams get themselves a real nice weapon in Everett and Goff has to be happy about it.

Grade: (B-) I gave it this grade because I felt like the Rams could have traded down again or taken him later on. There were definitely other guys there, but there is no denying the talent he possesses so he gets a B-.

Who I would have taken: Tyus Bowser, OLB, Houston

Player Comparison: (Jordan Reed, TE, Washington Redskins) Both players are smaller, but speedy and are physical freaks.

Other players passed up: CB Quincy Wilson, Florida, LB Tyus Bowser, Houston, S Justin Evans, Texas A&M, Obi Melifonwu, UConn, S Josh Jones, NC State, CB Chidobe Awuzie, Colorado, C Ethan Pocic, LSU

3rd round, 69th overall pick: Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington

The Rams get another day one instant impact starter in Cooper Kupp. Kupp, was a little bit of a surprise, but I had a feeling they were taking him over my top WR available Chris Godwin. Kupp is older than Odell Beckham Jr. and he’s the most polished receiver in this class. There isn’t really a weakness to his game besides the fact he ran a 4.62 which is below average for a wide receiver. Kupp brings versatility to the Rams receiving core as he can play both inside as a slot receiver or outside as a No.1 or No.2 receiver.

Kupp has ideal height at 6-foot-1 and he is just over 200 pounds. One thing I have always liked about Kupp going back to when I studied his game film was his ability to catch everything thrown his way, he doesn’t drop any passes, he makes sharp and quick cuts in the middle of the field and is an acrobat who dives and puts his body on the line to make the grab.

Like I said, I wanted Godwin so that hurts my grade of this pick a little bit seeing as I felt Godwin had the higher ceiling and was a better prospect, but I will say that Kupp is going to be a confidence booster with Jared Goff. He is going to give Goff the feel good confidence to throw all over the field to him because he will know that even when Kupp is covered he is going to be open. Rams landed another really good player in their first two picks.

Grade: (B+) This gets a grade of a B+ because simply there was a higher rated WR on my board that they passed on. Kupp is still a great addition and the Rams did well in getting Goff some weapons to work with.

Who I would have taken: Chris Godwin, WR, Penn State

Player Comparison: (Keenan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers) Kupp is a carbon copy of Allen, can win on the inside and outside, fell in the draft because of their forty times, both have ideal size for the position, both have great hands and both can fight for the contested catch.

Other players passed up: WR Chris Godwin, Penn State, C Pat Elflein, Ohio State, G Dan Feeney, Indiana, WR Taywan Taylor, Western Kentucky, DE Jordan Willis, Kansas State, LB Duke Riley, LSU, LB Alex Anzalone, Florida, DE Daeshon Hall, Texas A&M, LB Tim Williams, Alabama, WR ArDarius Stewart, Alabama, CB Fabian Moreau, UCLA

3rd round, 91st overall pick (via trade w/ Buffalo Bills): John Johnson, S, Boston College

The Rams as previously mentioned traded down at the top of the second round and acquired the 91st pick in the process. They used that pick on, in my opinion, the biggest reach quite possibly of the draft. John Johnson is a defensive back from Boston College that is versatile, he can play either safety or corner in the NFL.

He’s a former three-year starter at corner that they moved to safety and the Rams reportedly had been targeting him for quite some time. He’s a player just like Kupp that took a pre-draft visit with the Rams and they really liked what they saw. I think this is, in all honesty, the worst pick in the last half decade as far as an initial reaction. That’s not to say he can’t play and we won’t show up and play well, but I feel like if you truly wanted this guy that badly you could easily have traded back into the fourth round and grabbed another pick.

What does Johnson bring to the table? Well, I mentioned he was versatile, but he is a guy that can instantly come into a special teams unit and compete since he played some real good special teams at BC. He has some real loose hips that allow him to improve and shows that he has some potential there. He’s a player that will go and jump in front of a route and make a big game-changing interception. However, what I don’t like about this pick is the fact you could have got him easily in the fourth and maybe in the fifth. He is a bad tackler, he’s a slow safety running a 4.61 and he really doesn’t put all his body and his leverage into his hit with cause’s guys to bounce off him often.

Johnson, I just don’t see him playing a ton early on, the Rams moved LaMarcus Joyner to free safety, the have Cody Davis, Brian Randolph, Marqui Christian, Isaiah Johnson and likely Blake Countess at the position. I don’t get this pick, but at least they knew about him and did their homework, it sounds like the coaches just love the player and feel like he can be a stout player at the next level, I just saw that there were better players and you could have picked through a crop of safeties that have some impressive day three talents in Fish Smithson from Kansas, David Jones from Richmond, Montae Nicholson from Michigan State and even Rayshawn Jenkins from Miami who all would have been better picks for the value.

Grade: (D) Too early for this player, there were much better talents on the board and there are more valuable talents at the position on day three.

Who I would have taken: Desmond King, CB/S, Iowa

Player Comparison: (Micah Hyde, S, Buffalo Bills) Both players have great versatility and the ability to make significant plays on special teams, but both are not elite safeties or Pro Bowl type safeties. I like Hyde a lot, but I wouldn’t spend a third rounder on a guy who is lacking in too many areas early on.

Other players passed up: CB Jourdan Lewis, Michigan, DT Montravius Adams, Auburn, CB Cameron Sutton, Tennessee, S Delano Hill, Michigan, WR Kenny Golladay, Northern Illinois, CB Cordrea Tankersley, Clemson, WR Chad Williams, Grambling St., CB Rasual Douglas, West Virginia, TE Jonnu Smith, FIU, CB Brendan Langley, Lamar, DE Trey Hendrickson, FAU, RB James Conner, Pittsburgh

Overall day two draft grade: (C) The Rams got some starters, but the grade goes down to a C because of the fact John Johnson was a reach. The Rams arguably may have reached on every pick, but they were two great players that were only slight reaches. The 91st pick the Rams used on a guy that wasn't even ranked by Pro Football Focus. With a C to their report card and the rest of the division hitting some home runs. The Rams need to finish strong today on day three.

What are your thoughts Rams fans? How do you grade this draft? Let us know!

I came by here this morning and the first thing I saw was the Rams war room, and all I could think was, "Sean, please shave your beard. It looks awful."

So... what famous people have awful beards that need to die?

I'll start with Johnny Depp:



And conversely, what famous people have absolutely epic beards that need to live forever?

It obviously starts with Billy Gibbons:

My son has not been thrilled with the draft thus far and I can kind of see why he thinks that. You see a small school TE and a small school WR and a S that is not a killer as far as being a hitter.

However I told him that he has to look at this class different as opposed to recent drafts because of the new staff.

Under Fisher I would not have high hopes that these small school pass catchers would ever contribute in year one in that archaic offense. The past has shown that many times, but of course that should be different now.

I said to him "If the Eagles (who we both despise) drafted these two guys for Wentz you would be saying how they just got him some good weapons and you would not be thrilled with that because you know their staff always seems to do a good job with their passing schemes."

Well now the Rams should have a staff that makes these two kids players and threats and we as fans should expect them to make an impact.

And I agree that seeing them going away from the OL in this draft early, shows that they saw scheme issues last year more than a talent deficiency as being the major cause of their offensive struggles.

As far as the safety goes, we are used to defenders excelling as hitters on this team under Williams, but I think now being a bit more cerebral might be as or more important under Phillips than the physicality was under Williams and this kid fits that mold.

Anyway just my thoughts on how our mindset needs to change.

round and beyond ?

I wasn't really expecting a 3'rd round safety, but Joyner will become a free agent following this season, and John (JJ) Johnson looks like a sound pick. While I was hoping for TE Njoku, the Rams appear to have found their Jordan Reed clone in Gerald Everett, someone rated higher by PFF than the highly desired Evan Engram. Our team landed a highly touted threat in WR Cooper Kupp, so our young offense led by Goff & Gurley will develop chemistry at a similar pace, and hopefully play well together for many years to come. We brought in a couple vets during free agency to balance out our troubled OL & added an additional receiving threat at RB with Lance Dunbar. We can expect a very different look on offense under McVay, ... to our great relief.

I'll assume our new safety was hand picked by Wade Phillips, but now i'd like to hear how Rams fans would like to proceed with the remainder of the draft. We have two 4'th round picks, zero 5'th rounders, two 6'th round picks and one in the 7'th. With the 5 picks, if we can find our future (2018 & beyond) starting Center, a couple reserve LB'ers, a reserve DE and a back-up NT, i'll be quite satisfied to call it a successful draft, at least at this stage of development. So i'm going with one more offensive player and the rest to our defense as answer for depth issues.

What direction would you have the Rams take on the final day of our 2017 draft ?

Everett and Kupp both regarded as having sure hands. Along with Spruce and if they get signifigant snaps, rams should not see as many dropped passes.

Expect Goff's completion % to go up.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/john-johnson?id=2558183

John Johnson (S)
HT: 6'0" WT: 208LBS.

POSITION: S

SCHOOL: Boston College

ARM LENGTH: 32"

HANDS: 9 7/8"


Overview
Johnson's career with the Eagles ended on a high note, beating his home-state team, Maryland, in the Quick Lane Bowl. He had 12 tackles (11 solo) in the contest, capping off an excellent senior season (77 tackles, 2.5 for loss, three interceptions, nine pass breakups). In 2015, Johnson got on scouts' radars as a first-year starter (63 tackles, 1.5 for loss, three INT, three PBU). He may have done so as a sophomore, but missed the last five regular season games of the year with an arm injury before coming back for the bowl game (25 tackles on the year, two PBU). The second-team all-state pick from Maryland contributed in all 12 games as a freshman, picking up four tackles and a fumble recovery.


COMBINE STATS

• 40 YARD DASH: 4.61 SEC
• BENCH PRESS: 14 REPS
• VERTICAL JUMP: 37.0 INCH
• BROAD JUMP: 119.0 INCH
• 3 CONE DRILL: 6.72 SEC
• 20 YARD SHUTTLE: 4.18 SEC

ANALYSIS
Strengths
Has starting experience as cornerback and safety. Can play high safety or cover the slot. Plays with smooth hips and above average mirror and match footwork for the safety spot. At ease with directional changes in space. Adequate instincts in coverage. Will shade his coverage from high safety based on play development and quarterback's glances. Winning ball skills with very good ball tracking and soft hands. Interceptions don't just come his way, he goes and gets them. Has agility to take zig-zag downhill track to running backs. Bounces into run fits with lively feet and a tackle-ready base. Special teams monster with 30 tackles over the last three seasons on cover teams.

Weaknesses
Tends to take passive routes to the ball when he's the last line of defense. Leverages to the sideline while drifting backwards rather than closing downhill. Features a small delay at top of his transition when triggering. Needs to improve physicality as a tackler. Feet deaden near point of impact. Needs to drive through his target and finish with his feet.

Draft Projection
Round 3-4

Sources Tell Us
"He's really caught my eye out here. Had to go look him up with one of our scouts to find out more about the kid. Way more athletic than a lot of the safeties you see out at this game." -- NFC secondary coach

NFL Comparison
Aaron Williams

Bottom Line
Ascending defender with the experience, athleticism and ball skills to play as a high safety or in man coverage. Johnson is well above average as a ball-tracker and has the soft hands to finish at the catch-point against receivers. He has decent size but won't be a banger as a tackler, however, his ability in coverage has NFL personnel men buzzing as a potential early starter in the league

Jordan Reed was McVay's secret weapon but the Deadskins were pathetic in the red zone. Goff's best friend is the running game. He CAN'T be an elite QB the next two years. He must develop. But if a TE is all in during plays where he can't get a catch yet still lay it out while blocking...the defense can't key on him. McVay doesn't want that issue going forward. I have NO IDEA what their evaluation of Higbee is, but you dont make your first pick ever a TE If Higbee were valued as able to be special at that spot. It's the Jordan Reed flaw he won't accept. Allow me to say...McVays ability to process info and absorb old dude's wisdom while combining it with youthful energy is his most unique trait.

He loved Everett BECAUSE he has the talent to learn how to run better routes, yet more than that, he will sell out when nobody else is looking.

Fisher's first move was Finnegan. Loyal, nasty, physical...slightly undisciplined. I knew he was trying to rebuild the 99 Titans with that signing. McVay's formula, passionate effort ALL the time for the Team. He trusts his coaches to get the most out of those kind of men because they are EFFECTIVE TEACHERS! Fisher wasn't wrong about much...only his trust in coordinators who regularly lost chess matches on the grass. Fisher's OC's were patently overmatched and his DC was too much of a gambler. I see a young Vermeil in McVay in some ways, but very different in others. McVay processes faster. Vermeil feels deeper. Similarities? Humility, drive, and effective communication. Count me excited.

Draftniks will NEVER understand this pick. Though I wanted Lamp and Zay, I see they trust coaching competence to fix the OL and there is someone later they think can handle the boundaries and deep threat at WR. I doubt it so it means McVay will focus his cognitive efforts on being a complete OC developing the run game. This offensive team was heavily invested to run dominantly, but incompetence of the coaches and players mitigated that effort. They trust Sonofbum to improve the D and Demoff to keep the players they need home. The Everett pick is ALL about drafting a selfless man who will give it all when his number isn't called to catch and get recognition but still have the talent to fill the Reed role with little recognition.

McVay has a clear as crystal vision for this team. Approximately 2/3 will be gone 3 years from now (he has to praise the dross until that happens). Kroenke hired Fisher for the similar long range approach he used to build his business empire, Fisher/Snead tried to mimick the Pats. McVay has a similar mindset but a modern perspective on offense. Fisher trusted Williams who could outthink average OC's but was increasingly ineffective against brilliant OC's. McVay will trust Sonofbum and get him a couple pieces tomorrow,

The Bad news, fellow Ram lovers: Fisher's vision was inferior to McVay"s, therefore many current players will not fit. Your favorite previous draft picks have flaws that McVay will hide but cut out of necessity (Barnes).

The good news? Study the men they acquired in FA and those they get in the draft...study their dominant traits, and ONLY THEN Will you be able to predict McVay's personnel convictions.

To trade down ... and go after a tier 3 TE instead of a tier 2 WR or Tier 1/2 CB is not to my liking. They just lost my interest in this draft.

Didn't hear anything - I was on my way home when it happened.

Name: Gerald Everett

School: South Alabama

Position: Tight end

Stat to know: Led all tight ends with 24 forced missed tackles in 2016, nine more than any other tight end. Also led in 2015 with 22.

What he does well:

Moves well for a guy his size, agile. Looks like a wide receiver with the ball in his hands.
Averaged 9.1 YAC/reception in each of the last two years.
No fear of contact over the middle.
Can drag a defender for extra yards.
Effectively changes speeds with the ball in his hands, nice short-area burst.
Going to be a legitimate mismatch against linebackers and safeties one-on-one.
Can line up all over the field, saw snaps inline, in the slot and out of the backfield.
Good balance.
Basketball instincts, uses body well to box out defenders at catch point.
14 deep targets last season ranked second among draft-eligible tight ends.
Good cut blocker.
Had an excellent week as a receiver during Senior Bowl practices.
Biggest concern:

Can get flat-footed in pass protection; susceptible to hesitation moves.
Can take poor angles as a blocker offline.
Struggles to locate assignment on pull blocks.
Rounds his routes.
Inconsistent hands, makes some spectacular catches in tight spaces but 9.26 drop rate last season needs to come down.
Weighed in at only 228 pounds at the Senior Bowl. Playing at the 240-pound range should help with his limitations in the run game.
Player comparison: Antonio Gates, Los Angeles Chargers

Everett may never reach Gates’ Hall of Fame status, but both players entered the NFL draft with limited football experience after growing up on the basketball court rather than the football field. Everett, like Gates, is just exploding with athletic ability at 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds as he enters the draft, but his technique – both as a blocker and as a route-runner – needs to be polished up, likely due mostly to a lack of experience.

Bottom line: Everett is big, athletic and elusive with the ball in his hands. He provides an impressive presence in the middle of the field and all his physical traits, along with his basketball instincts, make him capable of shielding defenders away at the catch point even when he doesn’t create a ton of separation. He needs to clean up his technique a bit, but he shows an obvious willingness to block and it’d be tough to find an instance on film where he shies away from contact. He’s one of the more raw tight ends in the class – maybe the most — but his physical tools are so great that with some good NFL coaching he has the chance to be one of the better tight ends in all of football.

Round 1;

1. CLE - Myles Garrett, DE
2. CHI - Mitchell Trubisky, QB
3. SF - Solomon Thomas, DE
4. JAX - Leonard Fournette, RB
5. TEN - Corey Davis, WR
6. NYJ - Jamal Adams, S
7. LAC - Mike Williams, WR
8. CAR - Christian McCaffrey, RB
9. CIN - John Ross, WR
10. KC - Patrick Mahomes, QB
11. NO - Marshon Lattimore, CB
12. HOU - Deshaun Watson, QB
13. AZ - Haason Reddick, LB
14. PHI - Derek Barnett, DE
15. IND - Malik Hooker, S
16. BAL - Marlon Humphrey, CB
17. WAS - Jonathan Allen, DE
18. TEN - Adoree' Jackson, CB
19. TB - OJ Howard, TE
20. DEN - Garett Bolles, OT
21. DET - Jarrad Davis, LB
22. MIA - Charles Harris, DE
23. NYG - Evan Engram, TE
24. OAK - Gareon Conley, CB
25. CLE - Jabrill Peppers, S
26. ATL - Takkarist McKinley, DE
27. BUF - Tre'Davious White, CB
28. DAL - Taco Charlton, DE
29. CLE - David Njoku, TE
30. PIT - TJ Watt, LB
31. SF - Rueben Foster, LB
32. NO - Ryan Ramczyk, OT

ADDED AFTER ROUND 2:

Round 2
33. GB - Kevin King, CB
34. JAX - Cam Robinson, OT
35. SEA - Malik McDowell, DE
36. AZ - Budda Baker, S
37. BUF - Zay Jones, WR
38. LAC - Forrest Lamp, G
39. NYJ - Marcus Maye, S
40. CAR - Curtis Samuel, WR
41. MIN - Dalvin Cook, RB
42. NO - Marcus Williams, S
43. PHI - Sidney Jones, CB
44. LAR - Gerald Everett, TE
45. CHI - Adam Shaheen, TE
46. IND - Quincy Wilson, CB
47. BAL - Tyus Bowser, LB
48. CIN - Joe Mixon, RB
49. WAS - Ryan Anderson, LB
50. TB - Justin Evans, S
51. DEN - DeMarcus Walker, DE
52. CLE - DeShone Kizer, QB
53. DET - Teez Tabor, CB
54. MIA - Raekwon McMillan, LB
55. NYG - Dalvin Tomlinson, DT
56. OAK - Obi Melifonwu, S
57. HOU - Zach Cunningham, LB
58. SEA - Ethan Pocic, C
59. KC - Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE
60. DAL - Chidobe Awuzie, CB
61. GB - Josh Jones, S
62. PIT - JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR
63. BUF - Dion Dawkins, G
64. CAR - Taylor Moton, OT

End of round 2.

I don't know if We can TRUST Les Snead in the 2nd & 3rd rounds. I have no idea what he's going to do tonight but somebody should Post his below TRACK RECORD in The War Room Tonight on the Draft Board.

If Les Trades back some slots from #37 because his Top 2 guys are gone, I'm fine with that. If he trades up a few spots because they think a player like Lamp is a plug and play pro-bowler, I'm fine with that.

If he does trade back, I hope he considers trading back up into the 2nd round if some good players continue to slide that nobody expected.

If for what ever reason he does NOT trade back up into the 2nd round, I hope he trades back up into the 3rd round.

I've said before that in this particular draft, I'm not on board with keeping the 5th and two 6th's and selecting band-aid need picks that will take 3 years to develop or possibly not even make the team outside of the practice squad.

If they do stay put with #37 & #69 and do not come away with 3 selections tonight, it will tell us they value the 4th round, which is risky business imo..

If that's the case, I sure hope they obtain extra 4th rounders and this draft is as deep as the hype train says it is. Obtaining more 4th rounders is not at all my first choice regardless of how many holes people see on this Roster.

We all know how fast the odds dip for success rate as each round passes.

I would really like to see 3 total selections before the night ends. With two 4th's a 5th and two 6th's, there are enough chips to upgrade the Quality of this draft in a number of different ways.



LES SNEAD's TRACK RECORD

2016 Second & Third Round
#No selections
_______________________________________________________

2015 Second Round
#57 Rob Havenstein - did Not like the pick. He showed me up in his rookie season. Last season

2015 Third Round
#72 Jamon Brown- did Not like the pick
#89 Sean Mannion- did Not like the pick
_______________________________________________________

2014 Second Round
#41 Lamarcus Joyner- did Not like the pick. He has been scrappy and fairly productive

2014 Third Rround
#75 Tre Mason- did Not like the pick
_______________________________________________________

2013 Second Round
# No selection

2013 Third Round
#71 T.J. McDonald-was Okay with the pick
#92 Stedman Bailey- was Okay with the pick
_______________________________________________________

2012 Second Round
#33 Brian Quick- did Not like the pick
#39 Janoris Jenkins- Liked the pick. was a stud at Florida. Troubles transferred to N.Alabama
#50 Isaiah Pead- did Not like the pick

2012 Third Round
#65 Trumaine Johnson- was Okay with the pick. Turned out to be a better than I thought.



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And now for ROD's Joke Of The Day.

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Who is your favorite second round Rams pick? Which one still pisses you off?

I think a reason I'm leery of using a second rounder on a pass catcher is the recent history of guys like Brian Quick, Lance Kendricks, and Donnie Avery. Although that Isaac Bruce was an ok pick.