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10 days until the draft, 10 random thoughts...

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  • #1

    10 days until the draft, 10 random thoughts...

    1. I really wish I liked Colt McCoy or Dan LeFevour better. While I suppose you could portray me as a Bradford supporter right now, I still really would love to see Ndamukong Suh in a Rams uniform. But every time I think of waiting to Round 2 to take a QB, I remind myself of McCoy's looping passes that just don't look like the kind that beat NFL D-backs, or of LeFevour's errant throws.

    2. I read that Howard Balzer is reporting that Bradford's visit to Rams Park has been moved up to 4/16. I have not been able to confirm this, and I'm not sure what the reason is, but its noteworthy.

    3. One semi-logical argument for Bradford over Suh. If both become Hall of Fame players, it will probably mean that Bradford will have won a Super Bowl. Not sure you can say the same about a HOF DT.

    4. I really think that the odds on favorite for the second round pick is a RB. If Ryan Matthews should fall to #33, I think the Rams would take him in a heartbeat.

    5. Ever notice how great teams seem to always have a true late-round (or even undrafted) steal on their roster? It sure would be nice if the Rams could find the next 5th round (or later) player to make the Pro Bowl.

    6. I am really looking forward to the release of this year's schedule. It will probably happen within the next two weeks. I think it time that the Rams get a home game opening week (they have opened on the road the last two year).

    7. I find myself not caring all that much whether Shahid Khan is the next owner of the Rams.

    8. I have only one rule for trades on Draft Weekend (other than the obvious "don't get ripped off" rule): I do not want to make any trade that results in the Rams having FEWER picks in the fist five rounds of this draft. If the Rams need to trade up, I'd rather package future picks. Why? Two reasons (1) the Rams need as many prospects as they can get, and (2) I think this is a very deep draft.

    9. It must be strange to be Bill Devaney, knowing his career legacy may ultimately be determined on the basis of which 20something year old kid he selects.

    10. At least nobody is talking about John Shaw being the decisionmaker any more.
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: 10 days until the draft, 10 random thoughts...

    Originally posted by AvengerRam View Post
    5. Ever notice how great teams seem to always have a true late-round (or even undrafted) steal on their roster? It sure would be nice if the Rams could find the next 5th round (or later) player to make the Pro Bowl.
    One thing that is shocking to me is to look at both the Colts and Saints rosters and see all the players starting for either team that were late round picks. Off the top of my head I know that Marques Colston was a 7th, Pierre Thomas was a 7th (maybe UDFA), Robert Mathis was a 5th and Pierre Garcon was a 6th. Those are a lot of big name players today that were no namers a couple of years ago.

    Imagine the likes of David Vobora or Craig Dahl hoisting a Lombardi Trophy over their heads. Winners don't all need to come from the first few rounds, and it's good to know that Devaney and company want football players hungry to play and win.

    Comment

    • #3
      Re: 10 days until the draft, 10 random thoughts...

      Originally posted by Warner4prez View Post
      One thing that is shocking to me is to look at both the Colts and Saints rosters and see all the players starting for either team that were late round picks. Off the top of my head I know that Marques Colston was a 7th, Pierre Thomas was a 7th (maybe UDFA), Robert Mathis was a 5th and Pierre Garcon was a 6th. Those are a lot of big name players today that were no namers a couple of years ago.
      And thats either a credit to the scouting staff that can see something in late round prospects that other people dont see or its the coaching that develops this guys into contributors .. Either way, its not the players selected, its the research done and the coaching.

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      • #4
        Re: 10 days until the draft, 10 random thoughts...

        Hey look everyone, TekeRam is back! #5 is a good point Av, but so is having the coaching to get the most from those draft picks. The Colts and Saints have top coaching staffs. Just look at how good Anthony Hargrove, a former Ram 3rd round bust, was for them this past year. They got the most out of him, while we and the Bills could not.
        I believe!:ram:

        Comment

        • #5
          Re: 10 days until the draft, 10 random thoughts...

          Originally posted by TekeRam View Post
          Hey look everyone, TekeRam is back! #5 is a good point Av, but so is having the coaching to get the most from those draft picks. The Colts and Saints have top coaching staffs. Just look at how good Anthony Hargrove, a former Ram 3rd round bust, was for them this past year. They got the most out of him, while we and the Bills could not.

          Welcome back.:ram:



          And I don't know, I think that John Shaw is secretly plotting something. :|

          Comment

          • #6
            Re: 10 days until the draft, 10 random thoughts...

            That's why I think it is so important to get a guy who wants to be great. Eugene Monroe was the better Tackle coming out of college than Jason Smith. The difference was however, Monroe is described as passionless with less upside, and Smith has a great love for the game and has more upside.

            Its those mediocre players that work their tails off that become great. Takes that extra personality and coaching to get the rest out of the player.

            Comment

            • #7
              Re: 10 days until the draft, 10 random thoughts...

              Originally posted by Bralidore(RAMMODE) View Post
              That's why I think it is so important to get a guy who wants to be great. Eugene Monroe was the better Tackle coming out of college than Jason Smith. The difference was however, Monroe is described as passionless with less upside, and Smith has a great love for the game and has more upside.

              Its those mediocre players that work their tails off that become great. Takes that extra personality and coaching to get the rest out of the player.
              Which is why im glad we have Spag's, he's rates character highly. Which at the end of the day (or decade), works out better for the team. Except if your the Jets and looking for the xtra pieces to make that superbowl run (then take the discounted talent and try and knock off the patriots ...

              Comment

              • #8
                Re: 10 days until the draft, 10 random thoughts...

                I think that a lot of the "from nowhere" players came to be not because of the coaching, but because of who they play with. I don't think Pierre Garcon would be enjoy much success if his QB were... say... Trent Edwards instead of Peyton Manning.

                In Hargrove's case, I think it was more about him finally getting his head together.

                Comment

                • #9
                  Re: 10 days until the draft, 10 random thoughts...

                  1. I agree. I am optimistic about McCoy's potential, but I wouldn't go as far as to say confident. The Ndamakong/Colt combination is great if Colt turns about to be at least an above average starter. If not, we could live to regret it.

                  3. It certainly seems like there's a high correlation between Super Bowl winners and elite quarterbacks--more so than with elite defensive tackles.

                  4. Could be. Personally, I'd think that all things equal, runningback wouldn't be the pick. Maybe that's where the talent happens to be strongest when we pick, but I could see a lot of other directions we could go and land a player who would actually start for us in the near future.

                  5. Definitely! Actually, any representation at all in the Pro Bowl aside from Steven Jackson would be a most welcome surprise. It'd be a good sign regarding the direction of the franchise if we are able to find a player or players later in the draft who can excel in our system. That'd suggest that at least something was working.

                  9. No kidding. It's scary to think how much is riding on the shoulders of these guys who are barely old enough to legally buy alcohol.

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Re: 10 days until the draft, 10 random thoughts...

                    Originally posted by AvengerRam View Post

                    6. I am really looking forward to the release of this year's schedule. It will probably happen within the next two weeks. I think it time that the Rams get a home game opening week (they have opened on the road the last two year).
                    Last year the rams played in detroit so does that mean they play in st.louis this year? hopefully not...I live 10 minutes across the border

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Re: 10 days until the draft, 10 random thoughts...

                      Originally posted by Goldenfleece View Post
                      1. I agree. I am optimistic about McCoy's potential, but I wouldn't go as far as to say confident. The Ndamakong/Colt combination is great if Colt turns about to be at least an above average starter. If not, we could live to regret it.

                      3. It certainly seems like there's a high correlation between Super Bowl winners and elite quarterbacks--more so than with elite defensive tackles.
                      1. But we'll regret a 2nd round QB bust a LOT less than a 1st round bust when we have and didn't pass on Suh. That is, if they're both busts. I see them as not quite, but close to equals.

                      3. That's for certain, and you get elite QB's in the first round, I know. I just love building inside out, and when you can get a dominating ine player, you go get him.
                      I believe!:ram:

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Re: 10 days until the draft, 10 random thoughts...

                        With regards to late round picks, i certainly think its not a surprise that its the good teams that have the late round steals. If the team is already good, a late round pick either has a few years to develop, or he is surrounded by a lot of good talent. Its a lot easier to play well if everyone around you is good.
                        @EssexRam_

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                        • #13
                          Re: 10 days until the draft, 10 random thoughts...

                          Originally posted by Ram Mar Ram View Post
                          Which is why im glad we have Spag's, he's rates character highly. Which at the end of the day (or decade), works out better for the team. Except if your the Jets and looking for the xtra pieces to make that superbowl run (then take the discounted talent and try and knock off the patriots ...

                          Funny that the Jets are the team eschewing high character guys for pure talent. The Jets gutted their roster after 2005 and went after nothing but "Mangini guys", emphasizing character. I swear that three quarters of the players drafted from 2006-2008 were team captains. A big reason that the team feels comfortable taking risks on guys like Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes is because they have a (now) veteran base of high character hard working players.

                          When you are down you need the high character hard working guys to set an example and do the work. After you have set the tone and the coach has his attitude in place those guys will keep the knuckleheads in line. Besides, once the team starts winning chemistry starts to take care of itself.

                          Comment

                          • #14
                            Re: 10 days until the draft, 10 random thoughts...

                            1. It makes sense not to like them as much as the guy sitting near the top of the first round. But perhaps one of McCoy's biggest positives is that the offensive system he's projected to fit into at the next level just happens to be the one the Rams are running. Though I'm not head over heels for him (nor am I with Bradford, for what that's worth), I think he could be an effective quarterback at the next level. But you're right, there's a reason they're viewed as second or third round prospects.

                            2. Apparently Schefter has reported this as well. Not sure what to make of it, really.

                            3. Well yes, if you think they're both going to achieve an equal level of greatness, then you obviously take the QB. I don't think many would disagree with that, though I don't think Suh advocates think both players will have equally great careers.

                            4. I'm still not sure how I feel about a second round running back. The value could be there, and the Rams need a legitimate back-up to spell Jackson and what not. But using your second round pick on a situational player when you have so many other areas that need starters... I just don't know.

                            5. No kidding. The closest the Rams have come to that may be David Vobora or Mark Setterstrom. Though you also have to consider that the Rams have found diamonds in the rough in their last two starting QBs, so maybe that counts.

                            6. Agreed!

                            7. Agreed!

                            8. I can see the logic in that position.

                            9. That's the risk you take when you take the job, I guess.

                            10. AGREED!!!

                            Comment

                            • #15
                              Re: 10 days until the draft, 10 random thoughts...

                              Originally posted by AvengerRam View Post
                              1. I really wish I liked Colt McCoy or Dan LeFevour better. While I suppose you could portray me as a Bradford supporter right now, I still really would love to see Ndamukong Suh in a Rams uniform. But every time I think of waiting to Round 2 to take a QB, I remind myself of McCoy's looping passes that just don't look like the kind that beat NFL D-backs, or of LeFevour's errant throws.
                              If McCoy and LeFevour were more enticing as QB prospects, then we'd have a whole different problem to deal with. Just as the argument is made that the importance of the QB position is enough to take Bradford over Suh or Gerald McCoy, the same thing applies with the 2nd round. Several times in recent years a QB thought to possibly be 2nd round caliber has ended up moving up in the mid 1st round due to the importance of the position. The 2 players I'm thinking of are Josh Freeman last year and Joe Flacco 2 years ago. Flacco has done well, justifying the pick, and Freeman still has time to prove himself.

                              It still wouldn't surprise me to see Colt McCoy go in the last 1st round, due to the importance of the position.

                              Comment

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                              • AvengerRam_old
                                Random early-March draft thoughts...
                                by AvengerRam_old
                                A few random thoughts:
                                • The Rams should hope that Bradford has a lights-out Pro Day, while Clausen has a mediocre perfomance at his. If that happens, the potential trade market for the first pick might pick up, with a team like Washington possibly offering a King's ransom to move up.
                                • Part of me is moving towards favoring taking Bradford with the first pick, but if someone could guarantee me that Dan LeFevour would be available at the top of Round 3, I'd take Suh/BPA/LeFevour, regardless of Bradford's Pro Day workout.
                                • Dez Bryant is really doing his best to hurt his draft status. He may still be a great Pro, but he needs to stop raising red flags.
                                • I am almost as curious about Colt McCoy's Pro Day as I am about Bradford's.
                                • If I had to bet my house on one player that I can't imagine being a bust, it would be a guy who's not even on the Rams' list: C.J. Spiller.
                                • I posted a couple of weeks ago that the BPA in Round 2 may be a RB. I could also see it being an OT.
                                • Probably the weakest part of this draft is pass rushers (particularly those who could fit in a 4-3).
                                • This draft could really impact the QB position in the NFC West for years to come. Look who the starters are right now: two aging/often injured vets (Hasselbeck, Bulger) and two who are on the cusp of first round bust status (Smith, Leinart).
                                • The most exciting part of the draft may very well be from about midnight on Thursday until 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The Rams may need to install some extra phone lines for all the trade offers that will come in during that period of time.
                                • Forget box seats at the Super Bowl, press pass at the Pro Bowl, or on-field access during training camp. If I could have one access wish, it would be to be in the War Room for the Rams draft.
                                -03-10-2010, 10:17 AM
                              • AvengerRam_old
                                20 Random Pre-Draft Thoughts
                                by AvengerRam_old
                                1. We can all narrow the Rams' first choice down to four players, but could it be any less clear which one we'll end up with?

                                2. Devaney really wants to prove himself with this, his first pick as a top personnel man on a team. Does that push him toward the more conservative approach (i.e. Jake Long if Miami takes Chris Long?). Or does he go for a home run? (Dorsey or Gholston)

                                3. How did Brian Brohm go from a sure-fire Top 10 pick to a potential second rounder? Have you looked at his stats from last year. Someone may get a real bargain there.

                                4. I can't remember a draft so devoid of big name LBs. Makes you wonder if James Laurinaitis wishes he declared.

                                5. I think this is a deep draft at the WR position, but I'm having trouble ranking the prospects. A fully healthy Limas Sweed might be at the top, but if his wrist is still a concern, he could be as low at 6 or 7 on the list. See what I mean?

                                6. Branden Albert's stock sure seems to be rising. Too bad... I was hoping he might slip to the Rams in Round 2. No chance of that happening now.

                                7. Quick... name me the top prospect from Florida State...

                                8. Glenn Dorsey worries me. If we take him, I'll worry. If we pass on him, I'll worry.

                                9. Bruce Davis is officially my top Day 2 sleeper. Sure, he's a tweener with good, but far from great, measurables... but consider this: his last 26 games (playing in the Pac 10): 92 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 24.5 sacks. You can't tell me that this guy does not have some skills that will translate to the NFL.

                                10. Donnie Avery is still a prominent player on my radar. He apparently had a great Pro Day.

                                11. I like reading the scouting reports on the prospects. Still, every time I read a player's "pros" I think "wow, I'd like to have this guy" and then when I read his "cons" I think "oh... guess we should pass." I also love it when they write "great motor" in the "pros" and then contradict themselves by writing "sometimes takes plays off" in the "cons." Huh?

                                12. If the Rams are still thinking about Lito Sheppard as a trade target on or before draft day, I'd be okay with that, but I'd hate to give up one of our top 3 choices this year. I would offer a 2009 2nd round pick (maybe with a late round 2008 pick as a throw in).

                                13. I'm surprised that the Rams have not been more aggressive in pursuing a FA center given what they have and the lack of top prospects at center in this year's draft.

                                14. Unless Josh Barrett or Craig Steltz drops to the 4th round, I don't see the Rams taking a SS. More Chavous...? Ugh.

                                15. If the Rams trade out of the second selection (which I doubt they will do) it will be because someone really wants Dorsey.

                                16. One of the Rams 4...
                                -04-01-2008, 08:08 PM
                              • AvengerRam_old
                                20 Random Near-the-End-of-the-Year Thoughts
                                by AvengerRam_old
                                1. I really want the Rams to beat the Niners this week.

                                2. I really want the Rams to get the first pick in the draft.

                                3. GO LIONS!!!

                                4. Steven Jackson has done enough. If his back feels better after a week off then, by all means, he should play. If not, he's done enough... great play, great effort, great leadership. Can't say enough about the guy.

                                5. Someone is going to have to tell me what they see in Null to make them think he is more than a career backup/journeyman at best. I just don't see it.

                                6. If the Rams are the beneficiaries of instant karma next year, they should go undefeated. I can't recall watching a team lose so many players to injury (not to mention the flu).

                                7. Call me crazy, but despite the record, I sense so much more unity and hope from the Rams than at the end of the last two seasons.

                                8. Interesting stat: James Laurinaitis is fourth in the NFL in solo tackles.

                                9. If you can't see the progress Chris Long has made, you're just not looking. He's not there yet, but I wouldn't bet against him.

                                10. I still have hope for Donnie Avery, but I won't try to change the minds of those who don't.

                                11. Peter King's All-Decade Team had Randy Moss and Hines Ward as the WRs. Um... Peter... did you bother looking at who was first in receptions and yards for the decade? That would be Torry Holt (and, oh, by the way, the other All-Decade WR should be Marvin Harrison).

                                12. Looks like the Seahawks have packed it in. Mark my words... the biggest story in Seattle next year will be regarding how the Hawks are the most likely candidate to select local hero Jake Locker at the top of the 2011 draft.

                                13. I am actually looking forward to this offseason. From Jan 1 until the end of the draft, there will be a lot to talk about.

                                14. Wherever C.J. Spiller lands, I will be a fan. That kid really impresses me.

                                15. If the Rams get the No. 1 pick, I think our biggest worry will be that the team will pass on Suh. Unless Bradford wows the doctors and scouts, I don't think we need to worry.

                                16. Here's a tougher question... if Bradford's shoulder is evaluated as not entirely healed, but expected to heal completely, AND he falls out of the first round, would the Rams pull the trigger?

                                17. I've noted this in other threads, but I still think there will be a cap in 2010.

                                18. Term that that people most frequently use, but don't fully understand: (a) antioxidant, or (b) West-coast offense?

                                19. Its interesting how quiet the sale of the team front has been. This means one of two things: (1) the team is about to be sold, or (2) the team is not about to be sold.

                                20. I have the Rams as the early favorites for Team of the Decade in the 2010s (why not us?).
                                -12-28-2009, 09:04 AM
                              • AvengerRam_old
                                Av's 20 One-Day-Before-the-2013-NFL-Draft Random Thoughts
                                by AvengerRam_old
                                1. I can say that, without a doubt, I have never entered a draft with this degree of uncertainty. That is a good thing. Nobody likes to know the spoilers before they watch a movie.

                                2. There has been a lot of talk over the last couple of months about Tavon Austin. My conclusion is, I'd love to hear his name called at #16, but I have no interest (despite toying with the idea previously) in trading up to get him.

                                3. In fact, I don't really see a need to trade up for any player in the first round.

                                4. Trading back is a more intriguing possibility. It should be a seller's market for teams willing to trade back, so I'd hold out for a really good offer.

                                5. With all the recent negativity about Cordarrelle Patterson, he is still the number 2 guy on my board. He may have the smallest "route tree" among the top WRs, but there is nobody else in this draft who can win a jump ball with a DB, then juke three defenders out of their shoes, all in one play.

                                6. If the Rams end up with DeAndre Hopkins, Terrance Williams or Justin Hunter instead of Austin or Patterson, that would be fine. I don't think the drop-off is that big.

                                7. Keenan Allen is the wild card. He could very well be "underdrafted" due to his nagging injuries. I wouldn't rule him out completely.

                                8. The Rams' view of the safety class is a bit of a mystery. I think there are starters to be had in Rounds 1-3 for sure, and maybe 4-5.

                                9. It will be interesting to see what the Rams do at the RB position. My gut is that there are two players who could be looked at in Round 2 (Lacy, Franklin) and then a few more in Rounds 3-5 (my choice is Gillislee in Round 4-5).

                                10. If the Rams don't take an OL in Round 1, I'm hoping for Warford, Long, Armstead or Pugh in Round 2.

                                11. I do think the Rams can afford to rely on Rodger Saffold for a year at RT. If he does not work out, or leaves as a FA, there should be a good OT class next year.

                                12. Two guys I really like, but don't think the Rams will consider: Le'Veon Bell and Jamie Collins.

                                13. Its amazing to consider that the Rams currently have only two players on their roster who are 30 or older (Dahl and Wells). And now, they're about to get younger!

                                14. Some people criticized the NFL when it moved the draft to Thursday night. I love the prime time event.

                                15. I think the Rams' strategy at S and OLB will be dictated, in part, on how they feel about Quintin Mickell and Daryl Smith, both of whom could still be signed for next year.

                                16. Given the potential for an early run on all of the top OTs (including Fluker), it is really key that the Rams were able to sign Jake Long.

                                17. The more I read/listen to the many draft "experts," the less I mind Mel Kiper.

                                18. The worst of the bunch: Matt Miller, Tony Pauline...
                                -04-24-2013, 08:40 AM
                              • AvengerRam_old
                                Av's Final Pre-Draft Thoughts
                                by AvengerRam_old
                                1. If I were the decisonmaker, I'd select Sam Bradford with the first pick. The Rams need a QB and I believe he is the best prospect at that position by far. In a sense, its that simple.

                                2. Except... its not that simple. I would love to see Ndamukong Suh in a Rams uniform. If I was certain that the Rams could take Suh and still get Colt McCoy in Round 2, there's a good chance that I would do just that. But... as McCoy may go in the late first round, I'm not willing to take the risk of missing out on the chance to draft one of the top 3 QB prospects (Bradford, Clausen, McCoy).

                                3. Round 2 will be the most intriguing part of the draft. The Rams should have some very good options. There could be some very good playmakers (D.Thomas, G.Tate, J.Best), OTs (V.Ducasse), DL (E.Griffen, B.Price) or CBs (D.McCourty, K.Jackson) to choose from. A trade is also a distinct possibility.

                                4. I am not generally opposed to trading down from the first pick, but I can't imagine an offer being made that would be worth considering.

                                5. The prospect of trading for Osi Umneyiora (a one-time member of Av's annual sleeper list) is tempting. In Round 3, I'd have to see what the alternatives are. I'm not sure I'd take Osi over Alex Carrington or Corey Wooton, if either were available at that point. For a 4th rounder, I'd make the trade in a heartbeat.

                                6. My most overrated prospect in the draft: Tim Tebow

                                7. My most underrated prospect in the draft: Lamarr Houston.

                                8. I'm totally stoked for the draft weekend. It is truly a football oasis in the otherwise barron desert of the offseason. I also like the three-day, prime time, format. As the blonde chick in the commercial for Hot Tub Time Machine said, "let's get this party started!"
                                -04-20-2010, 06:10 AM
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