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I think we’re really talking about 2 different teams here.
There’s the early pre-bye version where everybody was learning to play with each other on the fly:
Stafford hurt.
KW hurt.
Dotson not yet starting.
Whole OL slowly gelling.
Demarcus Robinson still riding the pine.
Higbee sputtering.
Davis Allen still an unknown.
Kupp hurt
And, frankly, McVay making some puzzling decisions along the way.
At least 3 winnable games were lost during that ‘learning/growing’ curve. Namely, Bengals, Packers (but for a Wentz caliber backup Q
, and that excruciating Steeler game.
But now this current version has really come together.
Better all around health.
Offense firing on all cylinders.
Some youngsters playing like 1st rounders.
Defense is doing a good job of holding the opponents scoring down, despite weaknesses at several positions.
McVay calling much better games lately.
Took the Ravens into overtime on their field after their bye week.
ST continues to be a minefield but can’t be fixed until next year.
Bottom line?
This current Ram team is a genuine threat if it makes the playoffs. It’s truly a team that nobody wants to play right now.
It’s also a team that all Ram fans can be very proud of and extremely entertaining and easy to root for.
Finalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 revealed
The Pro Football Hall of Fame revealed its modern-era finalists for the Class of 2024 on Wednesday, highlighted by two standouts in their first year of eligibility: tight end Antonio Gates and defensive end Julius Peppers.
The 2024 modern-era player finalists with their positions, years and teams, as announced on NFL Network:
Eric Allen, DB -- 1988-1994 Philadelphia Eagles, 1995-1997 New Orleans Saints, 1998-2001 Oakland Raiders
Jared Allen, DE – 2004-2007 Kansas City Chiefs, 2008-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014-2015 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina Panthers
Willie Anderson, OT -- 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Ravens
Jahri Evans, OL -- 2006-2016 New Orleans Saints, 2017 Green Bay Packers
Dwight Freeney, DE -- 2002-2012 Indianapolis Colts, 2013-14 San Diego Chargers, 2015 Arizona Cardinals, 2016 Atlanta Falcons, 2017 Detroit Lions, 2017 Seattle Seahawks
Antonio Gates, TE -- 2003-2018 San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers
Rodney Harrison, DB -- 1994-2002 San Diego Chargers, 2003-2008 New England Patriots
Devin Hester, PR/KR/WR -- 2006-2013 Chicago Bears, 2014-2015 Atlanta Falcons, 2016 Baltimore Ravens, 2016 Seattle Seahawks
Torry Holt, WR -- 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars
Andre Johnson, WR -- 2003-2014 Houston Texans, 2015 Indianapolis Colts, 2016 Tennessee Titans
Julius Peppers, DE -- 2002-2009/2017-2018 Carolina Panthers, 2010-2013 Chicago Bears, 2014-2016 Green Bay Packers
Fred Taylor, RB -- 1998-2008 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2009-2010 New England Patriots
Reggie Wayne, WR -- 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts
Patrick Willis, LB -- 2007-2014 San Francisco 49ers
Darren Woodson, S -- 1992-2003 Dallas Cowboys
The modern-era player finalists are determined by a vote of the Hall's Selection Committee, a process that began with 173 nominees announced in September. That group of nominees was trimmed to 25 semifinalists in November.
In addition to the modern-era finalists will be senior finalists Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael and Art Powell, and contributor/coach finalist Buddy Parker.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 will be inducted during NFL Honors, which takes place at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 8, and airs on CBS, NFL Network and streams on Paramount+ and NFL+.
Tom Smothers, half of the Smothers Brothers and the co-host of one of the most socially conscious and groundbreaking television shows in the history of the medium, has died at 86. The National Comedy Center, on behalf of his family, said in a statement Wednesday that Smothers died Tuesday at...
This is a dangerous question to ask (having not made the playoffs yet), but seeing as it might become irrelevant after week 17, the time to weigh in is now.
If things go really well, we'd face three of them in the playoffs, but who would you want in the WC round?
As I gleefully watched the whiners lose last night, a broadcaster brought up an interesting point about rat boy. He is 0-37 anytime the whiners are down by 8 or more points in the 4th quarter.. Make that 0-38 now.
I might add that he is the only head coach I know of that has blown 10 point 4th quarter lead in the super bowl. He is also the only coach to blow a 10 point lead in the NFCCG.
And the only OC who managed to blow a 28-3 lead in the super bowl with like 3 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.
First Look: Rams head to East Coast for New Year's Eve matchup with Giants in Week 17
The Rams are bound for the East Coast this week for a road game against the Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Kickoff on Sunday is scheduled for 10 a.m. pacific time on FOX.
In advance of the contest, here is your First Look at Rams-Giants:
Notable Giants additions
Signed K Mason Crosby to Practice Squad:Crosby spent a week with the Rams competing with Lucas Havrisik in practice during Week 14 before Los Angeles ultimately decided to stick with Havrisik. Now, he's suiting up for the Giants after Cade York was placed on Injured Reserve.
Acquired TE Darren Waller in a trade with the Raiders in mid-March: A hamstring injury in Week 8 sidelined Waller for five games and put him on IR before being activated and making his return in Week 15 against the Saints. He has 42 catches for 456 yards and one touchdown in 10 games played this season.
Top Performers in Week 16
QB Tyrod Taylor completed 7 of 16 pass attempts for 133 yards with 1 touchdown against 1 interception in the Giants' 33-25 loss to the Eagles; Taylor replaced starter Tommy DeVito, who was benched at halftime after starting the Giants' last six games (including Week 16).
RB Saquon Barkley controlled New York's backfield with a team-high 23 carries for 80 yards and one touchdown.
WR Darius Slayton led the Giants receivers with three catches for 90 yards and 1 touchdown.
DB Adoree' Jackson's 76-yard interception return for a touchdown highlighted New York's defensive efforts, as well as LB Bobby Okereke's 10 total tackles.
On special teams, Crosby made his lone field goal attempt (52 yards) and both of his extra point attempts, while P Jamie Gillan averaged 39.5 yards per punt across four punts.
Early storylines to watch, and what they mean for the Rams
First and foremost, the chance to clinch a playoff berth.
The Rams need a win over the Giants, plus a Seahawks loss to the Steelers, or a win over the Giants and a Packers-Vikings tie, to earn a playoff spot in Week 17.
But which New York quarterback will Los Angeles be preparing for?
Giants head coach Brian Daboll was noncommittal on whether it would be Taylor or DeVito this week. Daboll told New York reporters going to Taylor was done to try to spark the team (Giants were trailing the Eagles 20-3 at halftime Monday night), so that remains a development to watch as the rest of the week plays out.
Santa got me a Rams Uniform history framed picture. Pretty cool, even has the color rush ones we wore a few years back.
I got my son some awesome Rams pins from Amaze Them Pins. Not sure if you know about that guy but he puts out some awesome Rams stuff. Name is Vince, I dont know him but seems like a huge Rams fan and does a lot for the fans. Seems like a good dude.
Going to get myself a Rams #17 OHTANI jersey as well.
After reading Memento making the case for Cooper Beebe, I thought I would open a thread for everyone to state who they would love to see the Rams draft next April.
They could be household names or relatively unknown players; the only stipulation for this thread is that you can name a maximum of three.
Mine, in potential draft order, are as follows:
Dallas Turner Edge Alabama- okay, he’s probably long gone by the time we pick but if he somehow falls, I would try to trade up for him. He would be a bookend across from Young for years to come.
Kiran Amegadjie OT Yale- I hope he makes it to our third round pick. Because he’s from a smaller school, in football terms at least, he’s flying under the radar a bit, but he has all the tools to be a top level starter in the league.
Audric Estimé RB Notre Dame- would be a steal in the fourth round, and a quality complement to KW. He is not only a solid runner but also an excellent receiver out of the backfield.
niners getting their asses handed to them by a team that we had on the ropes after 4 qtrs...
hey, ill tell you, i thought the rams were gonna be better than all the 5 win predictors... but i did not see it playing out this way, where a bunch of youngsters were gonna come of age, and literally take the NFL by storm... talking heads are scrambling for those i knew it , or saw it takes... but they are all so hollow...
i know a lot of you hate colin cowherd... but he was leaning our way 3-4 weeks ago with a "don't sleep on the rams" take...
the d-line ... not a lot of pass rush, but no one is really running on these guys...
the offense... elite
the team surprises me, because it wasn't how i predicted... i was thinking the old guys (staff kupp donald higgs jj ) were gonna get us there... with contributions from the youngsters...
but to think the youngsters were going to be dominant this year? surprise surprise...
i have to say it again, i'm most impressed with the D-Line... they are coming on... and can be better next year with help..
MOCK DRAFT
In this mock draft, I’m guessing that the Rams 2024 1st rounder winds up in the #24 - #25 range.
1. Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa 6010, 207 Iowa CB Cooper DeJean 2023 Highlights ᴴᴰ - YouTube
The Star Position is back and DeJean fills that spot allowing for Quentin Lake to return to safety full time to replace free agent departee Fuller.
2. Jackson Powers Johnson, C/G, Oregon 6021, 320 Jackson Powers-Johnson Center Highlights - YouTube
This powerful 1st Team All-American and Rimmington Award Winner could bring more power and nasty onto the Rams interior Oline.
3. Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame 6026 207 Cam Hart Notre Dame Highlights (youtube.com)
Snead double dips in the secondary with a big physical CB who is said to just allowed 15 completions on 28 targets for 137 yards this season to date.
5. Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky 5086, 216 Ray Davis Top RB in College Football ᴴᴰ - YouTube
The Rams struck gold with Kyren in the 5th round a couple years back. Perhaps lightning could strike twice giving the team a capable bell cow in case of injury.
5. Kamal Hadden, CB, Tennessee 6011, 197 Kamal Hadden Tennessee CB Highlights ᴴᴰ (youtube.com)
Snead triple dips for secondary help. Prior to a season ending shoulder surgery, this redshirt senior was perhaps one of the best CBs in the SEC this year with 7 passes defensed and 3 interceptions.
TRADE Rams trade their 6th rounder obtain from the Broncos along with one of their 6th round comp selections to a team to move up into the bottom of the 5th round.
5. RICKY PEARSALL, WR, FLORIDA 6005, 190 (via above mock trade) Ricky Pearsall Florida Highlights - YouTube
Snead takes advantage of nabbing another 5th round find in a DEEP WR draft class. Pearsall would provide the team speed with the size that Tutu can’t offer.
6. Brevyn Spann-Ford, TE, Minnesota 6071, 270 (compensatory) Brevyn Spann-Ford Minnesota Highlights (youtube.com)
With Hopkins gone via free agency and Long’s inability to stay healthy the Rams take a flier on this giant.
Seattle winning last week and today is giving me a touch of anxiety, so partially creating this thread to make myself feel better. Had they lost either game - and both games they trailed with less than 2 minutes to go - we would be able to clinch solely with a win next week against the Giants.
For the purposes of this thread I will assume we beat the Giants and fall to the Niners. Obviously if we win our were the 6 seed.
Seattle vs Pittsburgh (week 17)
Seattle at Arizona (week 18)
Pretty simple - if Seattle loses one of these, we clinch. Both are loseable games, but games Seattle will be favored to win. If we beat the Giants at 1pm eastern next week, my eyes will be on the Seahawks/Steelers at 4 for the entire game.
Packers at Vikings (week 17)
A tie would prevent either team from getting to 9 wins, and as such we would clinch even if Seattle beats Pittsburgh. There has not been a tie in the NFL yet so we're due (talking to you football Gods). Assuming a tie is off the table, the question becomes: who would we rather win? Because the loser of this game is eliminated which means we would need the winner of this game to lose in week 18 in case Seattle wins out.
Packers vs Bears (week 18)
Vikings at Lions (week 18)
On the surface this may seem like an easy choice.....however....the Lions are locked into the 2 or 3 seed, and the Eagles play the Giants in week 18 and will likely need to win that game to either win the division or lock in the 2 seed. We have seen teams make odd decisions in the past when having clinched the division - but it's possible that if they lose to Dallas next week, they'd be locked into the 3 seed no matter what. Or it may be likely enough that Campbell decides to rest. Meanwhile the Bears are playing inspired football and want to win every week since they dont have their first rounder. As bizarre as it may seem, I think I like the Bears to beat the Packers more than the Lions to beat the Vikings because the Lions may be testing. Root for the Lions to beat Dallas because that will likely keep them driving toward the 2 seed. I just don't see them winning in Dallas. That game is before GB/Min though, so:
If Detroits beats Dallas - root for Minnesota to beat GB. If Detroits loses, root for GB. And root against Seattle.
THE LATE GAMES
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 4:05 p.m., CBS
Arizona Cardinals vs. Chicago Bears: 4:25 p.m., Fox
Dallas Cowboys vs. Miami Dolphins: 4:25 p.m., Fox
THE EARLY GAMES
Indianapolis Colts vs. Atlanta Falcons: 1:00 p.m., Fox
Seattle Seahawks vs. Tennessee Titans: 1:00 p.m., CBS
Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings: 1:00 p.m., Fox
Washington Commodes vs. New York Jets: 1:00 p.m., CBS
Green Bay Packers vs. Carolina Panthers: 1:00 p.m., Fox
Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans: 1:00 p.m., CBS
SNF
New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos: 8:15 p.m. ET, NFL Network
Monday, December 25, 2023
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs: 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS
New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles: 4:30 p.m. ET, Fox
Baltimore Ravens vs. San Francisco 49ers: 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN+
———
ALREADY PLAYED
Thursday, December 21, 2023
New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Rams: 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video
Saturday, December 23, 2023
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: 4:30 p.m. ET, NBC
Buffalo Bills vs. Los Angeles Chargers: 8:00 p.m. ET, Peacock
THE EARLY GAMES
Indianapolis Colts vs. Atlanta Falcons: 1:00 p.m., Fox
Seattle Seahawks vs. Tennessee Titans: 1:00 p.m., CBS
Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings: 1:00 p.m., Fox
Washington Commodes vs. New York Jets: 1:00 p.m., CBS
Green Bay Packers vs. Carolina Panthers: 1:00 p.m., Fox
Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans: 1:00 p.m., CBS
THE LATE GAMES
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 4:05 p.m., CBS
Arizona Cardinals vs. Chicago Bears: 4:25 p.m., Fox
Dallas Cowboys vs. Miami Dolphins: 4:25 p.m., Fox
SNF
New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos: 8:15 p.m. ET, NFL Network
Monday, December 25, 2023
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs: 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS
New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles: 4:30 p.m. ET, Fox
Baltimore Ravens vs. San Francisco 49ers: 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN+
———
ALREADY PLAYED
Thursday, December 21, 2023
New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Rams: 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video
Saturday, December 23, 2023
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: 4:30 p.m. ET, NBC
Buffalo Bills vs. Los Angeles Chargers: 8:00 p.m. ET, Peacock
Puka had his coming out party on Thursday Night Football. Sure, we know him and fantasy football geeks know him, but did the wider Football fan base know of him? He is 140 ish yards from breaking the all time receiving record for a rookie withe two games left. CJ Stroud has been the presumptive leader for OROY, but he has been out for December with a concussion and availability matters. Remember Carson Wentz was a shoe-in for the award before he was injured at the LA Coliseum near the end of the season?
Welp, been a while since I've done one of these, hasn't it? Oh, well, time to get back in the game (This mock is assuming we win the Super Bowl.):
Coaching Moves:
Raheem Morris is hired by the Atlanta Falcons.
(It just makes sense because Arthur Smith is a dead coach walking (as evidenced by his refusal to use Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts), and Atlanta has familiarity with Morris. In exchange, we get a third-round pick for the next two years.)
Eric Henderson PROMOTED to DC.
(I love Aubrey Pleasant. I'm assuming he goes over to Atlanta. But Coach Henderson deserves a shot to run a defense.)
Practice Squad Signings:
Tyler Johnson
Tanner Ingle
Zachary Thomas
Logan Bruss
A.J. Arcuri
Mike McAllister
Xavier Smith
Cameron McCutcheon
(Johnson should be re-signed, no ifs ands or buts. Ingle, Smith, and McCutcheon showed a bit in preseason. Thomas, Bruss, Arcuri, and McAllister are O-line depth.)
Re-sign:
Alaric Jackson - RFA (1st round tender)
Michael Hoecht (RFA (2nd round tender)
Jonah Williams (RFA (original round tender)
Christian Rozeboom (RFA (original round tender)
Kier Thomas (ERFA)
Ronnie Rivers (ERFA)
(Jackson gets a huge raise as a right of refusal first round tender (which could happen, but I doubt it). Hoecht gets a second round tender; if he's given an original round, someone will get him for free. Williams and Rozeboom are solid pieces who should be retained. Thomas and Rivers are ERFAs.)
Release:
Kevin Dotson
Demarcus Robinson
Akhello Witherspoon
John Johnson III
Jordan Fuller
Coleman Shelton
Royce Freeman
Larrell Murchison
Tremayne Anchrum
Duke Shelley
Carson Wentz
Earnest Brown IV
Carson Tinker
Austin Trammell
Troy Reeder
Brycen Hopkins
(It'll suck to lose Dotson, but he'll cost a lot of money that I'd use for an edge rusher and cornerback. It will suck to lose Robinson, Witherspoon, and JJ3 as well, but they'll likely garner us fantastic compensatory picks. I doubt Carson Wentz re-ups with us, given that he'll try to be a starter somewhere else. Fuller, Freeman, and Shelton are solid players, but not irreplaceable. Murchison, Anchrum, Shelley, EB4, and Tinker are depth pieces. Trammell, Reeder, and Hopkins can go far, far away.)
Free Agents (what I really mean is two big free agent signings and wait until after the signings to get players like we did this year):
Chase Young - five years, 20 million per year.
(Yeah, I'm thinking of Chase Young's potential with this, along with him being only twenty-five, and since I bet Burns and Allen will be franchised, I think he's one of the best out there. I don't think the 69ers use a franchise tag on him, so I believe he could be in play for us. Imagine the two Youngs on the edge. Beautiful.)
Jeff Okudah - five years, 19.5 million per year.
(You wanted a cornerback upgrade? Here's one. Okudah is big, physical, has solid speed and coverage skills, and he's only twenty-five. He'd be perfect for our system.)
Trades:
Rob Havenstein to the Chicago Bears for 2024 third round pick.
(Yes, I'm dealing Havenstein. I'm sorry, but he's our best true trade chip (since Stafford, AD, and Kupp are all basically unmovable with their contracts). Anyway, the Bears could use a right tackle, and Havenstein is one of the best in the league. Third round pick makes sense.)
Tyler Higbee to the Cincinnati Bengals for 2024 fourth round pick.
(The Chargers have lacked a good tight end for fate knows how long (Antonio Gates?. Higbee is older, but he can still produce, and I feel that Davis Allen is more than ready to take the reins...along with a draft pick or two.)
Chatarius Atwell and Ben Skowronek to the Atlanta Falcons for 2024 fifth round pick and 2024 sixth round pick (Browns).
(The Falcons literally have nothing outside of Drake London and Kyle Pitts at receiver. Morris gets two old friends to help the rebuild, while Atlanta gives up a fifth and sixth.)
Derion Kendrick to the Indianapolis Colts for 2024 fifth round pick.
(Kendrick has his faults, but he is still very young. That's the only reason why Indy takes a chance on him, as well as them having one of the worst secondaries in the NFL; they really are struggling there with very few names. A cheap contract like Kendrick with what he can do is well worth a fifth.)
Joseph Noteboom to the New York Jets for 2026 seventh round pick.
(Yeah, we're selling on Noteboom, but the Jets have zero good left tackle options; they're literally starting a thirty-eight-year-old Duane Brown at left tackle. Noteboom gives them an option for next year to protect Rodgers, while we escape his salary.)
Brian Allen to the Los Angeles Chargers for 2026 seventh round pick.
(Shelton may be leaving in this mock, but there's no way I'm keeping Allen either; he hasn't been the player we thought we'd have with his contract. I'd rather move on. The Chargers center position just got thrown for a loop with Linsley having a heart condition; they obviously can't risk it next year with Herbert.)
2024 1st round pick (ours) and 2025 sixth round pick to the Green Bay Packers for 2024 second (Jets), 2024 second (Packers), and 2024 third (Packers)
(Yes, McVay trades out of the first round! Shocking, I know! Definitely going to be a draft based on quantity again, but I trust Snead to find the right players. Green Bay trades up for a receiver (thinking Johnny Wilson). Why are we not taking a receiver after losing Atwell, Robinson, Skowronek, and Trammell? Well...reasons.)
2024 third round pick (Packers) and 2024 5th round pick (Steelers) to the Houston Texans for 2024 third (Eagles), 2024 fourth (Browns), and 2024 fourth (Texans).
(Getting more picks to play with. Houston jumps up for an D-lineman.)
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(Yes, I'm still taking a quarterback as the first pick, and yes, it's Quinn Ewers (whom is in limbo, but I'll believe he's not going when I see it)! Ewers may be slight of frame, but he has an absolute big-time arm, is a smart processor, accurate, able to maneuver through the pocket, oh, and did I mention that he can outrun a lot of linebackers as well? I know that Stafford's going to play until his arm falls off, but we'll be prepared if or when it does with Ewers, and there won't be a drop-off.)
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(Quite frankly, if we get Beebe here, it would be an absolute steal in the mold of another Steve Avila, only for right guard. Simply put, Beebe is a beast in the running game. He may not dominate with athleticism or length, but he moves people out of the fucking way with power, technique, and a mean streak the length of Mother Russia. But what impresses me most about him is not the running game. He is a wall, plain and simple. You will not go through him, you will not go around him, you will not do anything when he's in pass-protection. Mizzou almost learned that the hard way twice.)
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(Ignore the measurables for a moment. KAD plays three inches taller and thirty pounds heavier than his size; I would know this, as I've watched him since he was a young cornerback just fresh from being a wide receiver. And speaking of receiver, he has the best ball skills of any defensive back in this class, being a former receiver; he will make plays on the ball with closing speed, active - yet not grabby - hands, and long arms. Right now, he's more of a zone/off-man corner, but he's shown promise in press-man coverage. Honestly, I'd be very happy if he's the pick here.)
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(Mitchell seemingly came out of nowhere to be an amazing ballhawk and a solid, if unspectacular, run support stuffer, but he's been steadily improving since he started as a true freshman. Toledo's had some interesting defensive players come through, including our own Desjuan Johnson, but Mitchell may be the best of the lot. Quarterbacks throwing in his direction have a 32.4 rating. 32.4. Miniscule. He had nineteen PBUs, including five picks, two of them for six in his junior year, and while he didn't have the interceptions for this year (only one), he had a solid eighteen PBUs. Just a solid ballhawk of a cover corner.)
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(The more I look at Brenden Rice, the more I'm impressed. Yes, this is the son of Jerry. No, I don't care that Jerry was an archrival; his son is worth the price of admission as a deep threat who can and will win with excellent route running. He's blazing fast. Like, 4.3 flat fast. Sticky hands. Silky-smooth routes. He may not even be here. He may even end up as a surprise first round pick, in which case, I'll have to go back to the drawing board. But I hope we get him. He's my favorite Day 2 receiver.)
3rd (Rams) - Jackson Powers-Johnson, OC, Oregon. (6'3", 320 lbs.)
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(JPJ is definitely on my radar, considering that the Eagles are most likely going to take Sedrick Van Pran Granger in the first round to replace Jason Kelce. Them or someone. But JPJ far from a consolation prize; he's a huge center with a strong base, perfect for our new gap-power scheme. He will climb to the second level with ease, bury the linebackers, double-team the defensive tackles, snap the ball without miscues, and if SVPG and Graham Barton aren't there, I'd gladly take him, see our center problem disappear.)
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(First off, this guy earned his scholarship to Yale; he's finishing up a B.A. of Economics and had to decline two internships for football. But the main thing is that this guy is a physical specimen when it comes to being an offensive tackle. 36-inch arms. Power. Quick feet. Honestly, the only reason I think he falls this far is because this offensive line - and tackle class, in particular - is insanely skilled. This kid could be our left tackle of the future, and I mean absolutely no offense to A-Jax when I say this; he could be that elite.)
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(Elliss, like Quinyon Mitchell, came on rather late in his career and decided to jump to the NFL after a great junior year. He used to be a 210 lbs. linebacker when he was first recruited, and he's still got the coverage skills of one. He has the best spin move in this class, a few other moves, but given that he's just so raw in the technical regard, he's been relying on that spin move and speed off the edge (which he has, but it's about it). He really struggles with the run defense part of the edge rusher place as well, which adds to why he won't go too highly right now; you can tell that he's underweight and definitely not a 4-3 end. But twelve sacks are twelve sacks, and that's pretty good for college, let alone the NFL.)
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(Liufau hasn't made a lot of statisticians happy about his tackles, but he just creates splash play after splash play. He has a checkered injury history, possibly due to the style he plays (full-throttle all the time), and while you worry about that, much like you'd worry about Nacua, Liufau makes it work for him. He's smart, diagnoses plays quickly, and shoots into the gap to get the running back, spy on the quarterback as a rover, come on a blitz, or drop into perfect coverage. Basically, he's what you'd get if you took Reeder, Rozeboom, and Hummel's best qualities and made them better.)
4th (Browns) - Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa (6'6", 253 lbs.)
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(Lachey (and Erick All, for that matter; don't be surprised if he gets drafted as well) helped with Iowa's legacy as Tight End-U. He had an amazing year last year, and was coming on strong this year...until he had a gruesome and brutal ankle injury that kept him on IR the entire season. I don't know if he'll declare. If he does, you have to look at his 2022 tape and think that you're getting the second-best tight end in the class. He has it all: blocking, size, hands, even underrated wheels.)
5th (Falcons) - Jordan Burch, DE, Oregon. (6'6", 290 lbs.)
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(I urge you to check out this video. Burch - a former five-star prospect - is going up against a potential first round pick in Taliese Fuaga on some of those snaps , and for a man his size to move this quickly while retaining strength...there's a lot to work with here, even if he happens to be sushi-raw with his technique. He goes hard on every snap, gets pressure, but just hasn't gotten home. A year under Coach Henderson and learning from AD could do wonders for this kid.)
5th (Colts) -Malik Mustapha, SAF, Wake Forest. (5'11", 207 lbs.)
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(Mustapha has a Richrmond connection with Kobie Turner, even transferring to Wake a year before Turner did. I guarantee this guy is on our draftlist. But Mustapha's more than a fellow beneficiary of The Conductor. Despite only having one pick this season, he's been a solid box safety for Wake for a good amount of time. At the very least, he'll be solid on teams.)
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(The 2023 Doak Walker finalist. The best - maybe not the most talented, but certainly the best - running back Mizzou's had in some time. And Schrader's very playstyle reminds me so much of Kyren Williams; his vision, just getting through any hole, no matter how small, breaking tackles in the backfield, underrated quickness, but maybe not the fastest. Is it any wonder why I want this kid in horns?)
6th (Broncos) - Moose Muhammad III, WR, Texas A&M. (6'1", 205 lbs.)
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(Yes, this is Muhsin Muhammad's son, and he has the biggest vice grips for hands I've seen out of a receiver in some time. He makes one-handed catches look easy when they aren't. He has decent speed, good play strength, and probably fits this system as a possession receiver when Robinson leaves for free agency. But he's not his father. His father could've hacked it as a poor man's number one, and Moose just isn't that; he's always had someone better: Achane, Ainias Smith this year, and his stats show it. But he's still a decent possession receiver who can move the chains, and for a sixth round pick, that's all you can expect.)
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(Franklin was one of my favorite late round receivers for the 2023 Draft; he's able to big-boy people (despite an admittedly thin frame), is physical, fast, a fantastic route runner, and solid hands to boot. Imagine my disappointment when I heard he transferred to Ole Miss, and my greater disappointment that he barely played. Apparently, he had an injury, and he decided not to play through it. Huge disappointment. But that shouldn't be the end of him as a prospect. He could still be a solid punt returner who can get you yards on returns, and at least look decent on offense.)
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(A big lefty leg? Hasn't missed a single extra point this year? Almost 85 percent making his field goals? Am I looking at Dragan Kesich or Sebastian Janikowski? Anyway, want him on the team, and I think it's the height of irony with selecting him with the same comp pick we got for Gay, which means...well, yeah, I did it on purpose. Sue me.)
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(Holker is a Brigham Young transfer to Colorado State, and what was lost in the Colorado/CSU/PrimeTime game was that he actually had a really good game against Colorado: six receptions for 109 yards and two touchdowns. He has solid hands, able to pluck passes out of the air, and threaten the seam. As expected from a tight end with his weight, he struggles with the physical aspects of the position (i.e., blocking), but unlike most of the smaller tight ends, he has room on his frame to pack on fifteen more pounds without losing his speed. Definitely a pick worth thinking about.)
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(Monheim is a moldable piece of clay in the right hands, able to switch between guard and tackle easily, and I think he's smart enough to learn center as well. PFF really likes him, graded him with 83 and 82 in pass and run blocking respectively, he goes through every snap with a mean streak, and he's got solid athletic traits that bely his size (in my opinion, he could back up anywhere on the line with enough experience. With a late sixth...why not?)
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(Ali had a season to remember in 2021. Almost 300 total touches (250 carries, 46 receptions), 1,743 total yards (1,401 rushing, 24 total touchdowns, and - best of all - not a single fumble. In fact, he's never fumbled in his college career. Unfortunately, he took a medical redshirt for thus far unknown reasons (all I can get is that it was "addressing physical, mental, and emotional health"), and just wasn't the same. He improved a bit in this year, but clearly, his freshman year set high standards. The sheer amount of mileage worries me, as does his injury history. But he's a dynamic back who can turn on the jets at any time he wants, bust tackles at any time he pleases, and has a nose for the endzone.)
Roster (starters in bold; rookies in italics):
QB - Matthew Stafford, Quinn Ewers.
(No, I don't think Stetson Bennett is ever going to throw a pass for us, even if we didn't draft Ewers, but we could easily bring his value up in preseason and deal him then.)
(Evans gets first crack at the backup job, but I think Schrader easily outperforms him. Ali is your kick returner, and a solid goalline option. One thing's for sure; we won't be lacking for talent at running back..)
WR - Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Brenden Rice, Tyler Johnson, Moose Muhammad III, Zakhari Franklin (PR).
(Kupp and Nacua need no introduction. Rice is the deep threat, Johnson and Moose are your possession guys, and Franklin, if not being a deep threat himself, is your punt returner.)
TE - Davis Allen, Hunter Long, Dallin Holker (HB), Luke Lachey (IR).
(Allen and Long will get the first chance at this job. It's theirs to lose. Holker starts on teams, but could easily work his way into a halfback sub-package. Lachey will take a yera to recover from that ankle injury, but when he does, he'll definitely replace Long - and possibly even Davis, if the latter doesn't break out.)
OL - Alaric Jackson, Steve Avila, Jackson Powers-Johnson, Cooper Beebe, Warren McClendon, Kiran Amegadjie (swing), Logan Bruss (G/RT), Zach Thomas (G/C), Jonah Monheim (T/G), Mike McAllister.
(The starting O-line will be young, but experienced with A-Jax and Avila on the left side. JPJ and Beebe are solid plug-and-play types. McClendon gets the first crack at the right tackle job, but don't be surprised to see Amegadjie win it. Also, don't be surprised with Bruss; I think with another year away from his injury, he's got as good a chance as ever to compete for a job - and if he fails then, I will gladly admit I was wrong. I think that Thomas is our potential swing guard/backup center; he's not strong enough for tackle, but at center, he could mitigate a lot of problems. Monheim will likely take a redshirt year, McAllister is for Thomas-insurance/backup center, and you potentially have Arcuri as Bruss insurance Either way, I see two cuts: one for the final roster, and one when Lachey gets back healthy.)
DL - Aaron Donald (DT), Kobie Turner (NT/DE), Michael Hoecht (DE), Bobby Brown III (NT), Desjuan Johnson (DT/DE), Jordan Burch (DE/DT
(AD is AD. This is his last year, so we better not fuck it up. The Conductor is going to put on a show at nose (with BB3 obviously switching in for running downs), while Hoecht will get back to his more natural position on the line. Johnson should be a solid option, while Burch takes a redshirt year hopefully; he really needs it.)
LB - Chase Young, Byron Young, Ernest Jones, Marist Liufau, Nick Hampton, Jonah Elliss, Kier Thomas, Christian Rozeboom, Jake Hummel.
(Yes, I think Liufau makes an immediate impact at inside linebacker. The Youngs obviously start but expect Hampton and Elliss to get snaps as well. Not a huge Mathis fan, but I guess he could make the practice squad or even surprise. Rozeboom and Hummel are core special teamers.)
DB - Jeff Okudah, Kris Abrams-Draine, Quinyon Mitchell, Quentin Lake, Russ Yeast, Cobie Durant, Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, Jason Taylor II, Tanner Ingle, Malik Mustapha.
(Okudah, Mitchell, and KAD. Nobody's throwing on this defense. Add in Lake, Yeast, Durant in dime packages, JT2 in big nickel, and that's a solid, solid group. Ingle, THT, and Mustapha are key special teamers.)
ST - Dragan Kesich, Ethan Evans, Alex Ward.
(Kesich is the only new face. I still think Evans should be doing kickoffs, but Kesich could do them as well. Having Ward back will help.)
, and that excruciating Steeler game.
