Ask the DraftNick (Volume II)

[AvengerRam]

The old thread was getting very long, so I thought I'd start a new thread of Q&A with our resident DraftNick.

I'll start:

DraftNick,

I'm intrigued by LB Thomas Howard from UTEP as a potential second round selection for the Rams.

He has unreal speed (4.42) for a LB, but I wonder if at 234 lbs he is a good candidate for the strong side LB spot (the weak side being filled by Pisa Tinoisamoa).

Do you think he is strong enough at the point of attack to play the SAM position?

[Nick]

Good question. I'm not sure what Howard bench pressed at the combine, but without knowing that, I would say he'd have to improve his upper body strength so he's better able to fight off blocks and get through traffic. Honestly, he wouldn't be my first choice for the SAM linebacker position, but I don't think you can pass on him if he falls to you in the second round. I really think that's a position we may be better served addressing in free agency, though.

[DaRamsBaby]

well i would definitly not pass him up if he falls in the second round, but if abdul hodge does too that would be a hard choice

[RAMMAN68]

Nick,
I see that you have the Rams taking Huff in the 1st. My concern is will the Rams address the need at MLB and TE adequately through the draft?

[RamJackson39]

Nick, with everything that has occured with FA and the combine; do you think it is possible that DeMeco Ryans could fall to the Rams in the Second Round? If he does fall; should the Rams select him?

[Nick]

Nick,
I see that you have the Rams taking Huff in the 1st. My concern is will the Rams address the need at MLB and TE adequately through the draft?

After taking Huff, I have them drafting Abdul Hodge (MLB) and Joe Klopfenstein (TE), so I certainly think it's possible.

Nick, with everything that has occured with FA and the combine; do you think it is possible that DeMeco Ryans could fall to the Rams in the Second Round? If he does fall; should the Rams select him?

I don't think Ryans will be there for the Rams in the second. I think Ryans, while not having the best measurables, has the intelligence and intangibles that good teams at the bottom of the first will like. He certainly won't make it past a number of teams at the top of the second who need linebackers, such as New Orleans, Tennessee, and maybe Oakland.

[Rampage39]

Hey Nick, since its looking like Chavous will play free safety, you think michael huff can play strong safety? i know he played strong at texas but hes projected as a FS/CB in the pros.

[Nick]

Hey Nick, since its looking like Chavous will play free safety, you think michael huff can play strong safety? i know he played strong at texas but hes projected as a FS/CB in the pros.

Nick Wagoner was critical of Huff for supposedly comparing himself to Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu. I think Wagoner misinterpretted what Huff was saying. He was comparing himself to them in terms of the type of skills he possesses - a good overall package both in coverage and run support.

So to answer your question, I think Huff could play strong safety for us, and I think he'd not only be a strong run support safety who can play in the box or as a blitzer, but could also drop back into coverage and take on a tight end or a deep zone.

I would salivate like one of Pavlov's mutts if the Rams somehow were able to have Chavous and Huff starting for us at safety for 2006.

[RamJackson39]

I would actually prefer Huff at SS. If we get Huff and Chavous back there, I will be saying "Arch who?"

Who are some defensive lineman that the Rams could get later on (4th or 5th round) that would fit in Hasltt's 3-4 scheme?

[RamsFan16]

Nick now that we signed Chavous what about drafting Bernard Pollard as a Strong Safety?

[Nick]

I'm not big on Pollard. I would prefer someone who is better in coverage. If we're looking at good second or third round SS options, I'd look at Bing, Bullocks, and Roman Harper.

But that said, if we're not going to get a stud talent and significantly upgrade over Atogwe or Carter, why not just go with one of them and spend the pick on another position?

[RamsFan16]

Thats true but Harper isn't early 2nd Round material IMO. Though If Bullocks is there I'd take him in a heart beat.

[Jeff 8513]

Wonder what it would cost to move up and grab AJ Hawk???

[Nick]

Thats true but Harper isn't early 2nd Round material IMO.

...which is why I said "good second or third round SS options."

Wonder what it would cost to move up and grab AJ Hawk???

The Rams would likely have to jump ahead of Green Bay, who after resigning Aaron Kampman now look like the frontrunner for Hawk. That means trading with the Jets at 4th overall. According to the pick value chart, that would cost the Rams their first, second, and fourth this year, though the Rams would likely try to sub one of those picks out for a pick in next year's draft. Maybe a first and third this year and a second from next year's draft.

[Jeff 8513]

I know the Jets would want WAY more than that, considering one of the big 4 will be there.