Sleeper Watch: Jimmy Graham, TE, UMiami

Note: As a UM Law alum, I concede that I am a bit biased when it comes to the Canes.

As the draft approaches, I'll compile my sleeper list (current players such as Brandon Marshall, Osi Umenyiora and, from last year's draft, Terrence Knighton, have appeared on my lists).

My first entry is Jimmy Graham, Senior TE from Miami. If you look up his stats from this year, you'll see 17 receptions and 5 TDs. If you look up his stats from 2006, 2007 or 2008, you won't find them - unless you look at UM's basketball stats. That's right... Graham was a power forward until this year.

He is 6'8, 260. Not bad size for a Red Zone target. He is unquestionably a developmental player, but if you look up the term "upside potential" in the dictionary, you might find his picture.

Is he the next Antonio Gates (another converted hoops player)? Time will tell. I'd consider spending a fourth round pick on him to find out. That said, if he runs well at the Combine, a fourth might not be enough.

David, don't take this the wrong way, but ....

A tight end? Really? With the luck the Rams have had drafting tight ends?

I'm just skeptical....I haven't seen the kid play.

Given the current roster, I'm more concerned with filling roles than I am with filling positions (apart from QB).

I see the Rams' main needs as follows:

Offense: playmaker
Defense: pass rusher

If, in Round 4, Graham is the best playmaker prospect, then I'd consider him. Its not like McMichael, Fells and Bajema are World-beaters.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by AvengerRam

Given the current roster, I'm more concerned with filling roles than I am with filling positions (apart from QB).


If, in Round 4, Graham is the best playmaker prospect, then I'd consider him. Its not like McMichael, Fells and Bajema are World-beaters.

---

I cannot argue with this logic.

Remember the former B-ball player Linny brought in to play TE the draft he picked 9,000 TE's. Hopefully he isn't like that. In Linehans first draft with other huge needs like OT, DE, S, CB he takes a TE.

There are other ways to fill needs such as Free Agency and trades. When you see fresh talent and huge potential sometimes you have to roll the dice. With a fourth round pick, the worst that could happen si he doesnt quite pan out. Luckily you didnt drop the big money on him. There will be plenty of free agents to fill needs with.

Good job AV

Trade Down

Suh or Clausen won't save this Rams team.

I would be happy trading 1st pick to the Bucs for there 1st, 2nd, & 3rd round picks.
The Lions already have the franchise QB. The Rams have a 50/50 chance they won't take DT G. McCoy and take OT. R. Okung to protect that franchise QB.

I wouldn't mind dropping back 1 more time, to around the 6th-9th pick for another 2nd or 3rd rd pick. Then they can draft and develope a pkayer like TE Jimmy Grahm

First of all the Rams should pick the Best available player that fits in the SYSTEM Rams run.

Free agents 1. TE Tony Scheffler <-------
2.OLB Derrick Johson
Have to give QB. K. Null some weapons to work with.

Then my draft
1st pick C.J. Spiller (2 back set who do they cover out of back field SJ or C.J.)
2nd (a) DE. Greg Romeus or Carlos Dunlap (I wouldn't mind Rams drafting 3 DE's in draft).
(b) OT. Gabe Carimi (Felt sorry for any QB behind line during Whiners game)
3rd (a) WR. Eric Decker
(b) DT Marvin Austin (4.88-40 @305LBS)
4th DE. Austin Lane
5th (a) QB Rusty Smith
(b) G Thomas Austin (Have to fix that line)

Can't do it all in one draft ! ! !

I wonder... after his Combine peformance, is Graham even a sleeper any more?

I watched his combine performance, this guy is a beast! He is tall, quick, great hands, explosive and best of all a play maker. I'd throw him in my top 5 TE's.

Yeah I posted in the which TE should we select that I thought he looked like an absolute beast. Guy has a ton of raw talent and potential.

good post, agree he'd be a nice snag in the 4th... and with the depth of this draft... you never know!