OFFICIAL 2023 Draft

  • To unlock all of features of Rams On Demand please take a brief moment to register. Registering is not only quick and easy, it also allows you access to additional features such as live chat, private messaging, and a host of other apps exclusive to Rams On Demand.

ottoman89

Busch Light slammin, hog farmin, Iowa boy.
Joined
Jun 27, 2010
Messages
5,027
Name
Josh Otto
Better plan on drafting heavy defensively. We fuckin need it all over.
 

Merlin

Damn the torpedoes
Rams On Demand Sponsor
ROD Credit | 2023 TOP Member
Joined
May 8, 2014
Messages
39,694
Been looking at TEs quite a bit and have a much better handle on them now. It's a crazy class. There are guys who juice your pass game the moment they get on the field, like LaPorta. And then there are some who have the size/power but also can catch and move and they should be available in that round 3 and beyond range.

No idea if we get one of them but I am hopeful. The best TEs are like cruisers in the battlegroup. You can build around them if you need to in certain situations, and they can threaten with mobility or hit you hard.

I think LaPorta goes higher than projected due to his pass game polish. Teams can use that dude year one by scheming him right. He's a particularly great fit in schemes that provide movement for TEs underneath with pass & catch, i.e. the WCO trees (which now proliferate the league). But I think my favorite for the Rams is Tucker Kraft. I love his film because I think he'd immediately be felt in our scheme much like LaPorta, he excels in the underneath shit and finding seams. If I had to just choose one guy and say he's the one I want us to pick it's Kraft.

Another guy who is interesting though is Durham. He is more of the classic TE that I have always appreciated. The kind we have never had. He's got strength and size but also good agility in the pass game. Also for myself one thing I look for with TEs is RAC. In this offense if you catch & flop you're not gonna move the bar. We need a TE who can make something of the space he gets from this scheme.

This is why I don't like Musgrave. 99% of the time he goes down at first contact. He is routinely slotted higher on draft boards I've seen than many of the guys I like more than him. So I hope we don't take him, that would be extremely disappointing for me. I'd rather wait and take Whyle who is quite smooth or even Kuntz who should be available later on too.

This is actually going to be an exciting draft. The class may not be getting love at the top but when you look at the players in those midrounds there's guys who can help us.
 
Last edited:

Memento

Your (Somewhat) Friendly Neighborhood Authoress.
Joined
Jul 30, 2010
Messages
18,359
Name
Jemma
Been looking at TEs quite a bit and have a much better handle on them now. It's a crazy class. There are guys who juice your pass game the moment they get on the field, like LaPorta. And then there are some who have the size/power but also can catch and move and they should be available in that round 3 and beyond range.

No idea if we get one of them but I am hopeful. The best TEs are like cruisers in the battlegroup. You can build around them if you need to in certain situations, and they can threaten with mobility or hit you hard.

I think LaPorta goes higher than projected due to his pass game polish. Teams can use that dude year one by scheming him right. He's a particularly great fit in schemes that provide movement for TEs underneath with pass & catch, i.e. the WCO trees (which now proliferate the league). But I think my favorite for the Rams is Tucker Kraft. I love his film because I think he'd immediately be felt in our scheme much like LaPorta, he excels in the underneath shit and finding seams. If I had to just choose one guy and say he's the one I want us to pick it's Kraft.

Another guy who is interesting though is Durham. He is more of the classic TE that I have always appreciated. The kind we have never had. He's got strength and size but also good agility in the pass game. Also for myself one think I look for with TEs is RAC. In this offense if you catch & flop you're not gonna move the bar. We need a TE who can make something of the space he gets from this scheme.

This is why I don't like Musgrave. 99% of the time he goes down at first contact. He is routinely slotted higher on draft boards I've seen than many of the guys I like more than him. So I hope we don't take him, that would be extremely disappointing for me. I'd rather wait and take Whyle who is quite smooth or even Kuntz who should be available later on too.

This is actually going to be an exciting draft. The class may not be getting love at the top but when you look at the players in those midrounds there's guys who can help us.

I badly want Tucker Kraft. I won't ask for anyone else. He's one of the best blockers in this class, and I compare him to a less-polished Kittle coming out; he has underrated receiving potential, but he's used mostly as a blocker in South Dakota State's scheme. When he did receive passes, he was hard to bring down, had a huge catch radius, and underrated athleticism.
 

snackdaddy

Who's your snackdaddy?
Joined
May 6, 2014
Messages
12,163
Name
Charlie
Its become clear the rebuild is underway. But if they want at least a chance to be competitive they should probably focus on the offensive line. Protect Stafford and the offense can put up points.

We know what Kupp can do. Jefferson sure stepped up when it was all on him to be the WR1. Those two make a good pair of receivers. Tutu is a threat to score from anywhere. Skowronek was becoming a nice possession receiver. If Akers can return to his rookie form that would improve their run game. He sure looked like he was getting there the last few games.

Defense might give up points, but we saw how hard it is to win when your offense can only score in the teens. Maybe try focusing more on the offense this season.

All in all I think our ceiling for 2023 would be 9 wins. Our floor would something similar to last year.
 

Ram Ts

Hall of Fame
Joined
Mar 23, 2020
Messages
2,264
People saying we must draft a CB now since it’s so dire a need. Ummm, we literally have no edges at all. At least we have three CBs and all have starts under their belts.
 

Tano

Legend
Joined
Jun 11, 2017
Messages
10,049
Its become clear the rebuild is underway. But if they want at least a chance to be competitive they should probably focus on the offensive line. Protect Stafford and the offense can put up points.

We know what Kupp can do. Jefferson sure stepped up when it was all on him to be the WR1. Those two make a good pair of receivers. Tutu is a threat to score from anywhere. Skowronek was becoming a nice possession receiver. If Akers can return to his rookie form that would improve their run game. He sure looked like he was getting there the last few games.

Defense might give up points, but we saw how hard it is to win when your offense can only score in the teens. Maybe try focusing more on the offense this season.

All in all I think our ceiling for 2023 would be 9 wins. Our floor would something similar to last year.
I would concentrate on getting OL and a TE with a focus on the secondary and edge in some rounds
 

ottoman89

Busch Light slammin, hog farmin, Iowa boy.
Joined
Jun 27, 2010
Messages
5,027
Name
Josh Otto
People saying we must draft a CB now since it’s so dire a need. Ummm, we literally have no edges at all. At least we have three CBs and all have starts under their belts.
We don't have CBs, EDGEs, or S currently worth a darn it that give confidence. That's bad.
 

Corbin

THIS IS MY BOOOOOMSTICK!!
Rams On Demand Sponsor
2023 Sportsbook Champion
Joined
Nov 9, 2014
Messages
12,175
Been looking at TEs quite a bit and have a much better handle on them now. It's a crazy class. There are guys who juice your pass game the moment they get on the field, like LaPorta. And then there are some who have the size/power but also can catch and move and they should be available in that round 3 and beyond range.

No idea if we get one of them but I am hopeful. The best TEs are like cruisers in the battlegroup. You can build around them if you need to in certain situations, and they can threaten with mobility or hit you hard.

I think LaPorta goes higher than projected due to his pass game polish. Teams can use that dude year one by scheming him right. He's a particularly great fit in schemes that provide movement for TEs underneath with pass & catch, i.e. the WCO trees (which now proliferate the league). But I think my favorite for the Rams is Tucker Kraft. I love his film because I think he'd immediately be felt in our scheme much like LaPorta, he excels in the underneath shit and finding seams. If I had to just choose one guy and say he's the one I want us to pick it's Kraft.

Another guy who is interesting though is Durham. He is more of the classic TE that I have always appreciated. The kind we have never had. He's got strength and size but also good agility in the pass game. Also for myself one thing I look for with TEs is RAC. In this offense if you catch & flop you're not gonna move the bar. We need a TE who can make something of the space he gets from this scheme.

This is why I don't like Musgrave. 99% of the time he goes down at first contact. He is routinely slotted higher on draft boards I've seen than many of the guys I like more than him. So I hope we don't take him, that would be extremely disappointing for me. I'd rather wait and take Whyle who is quite smooth or even Kuntz who should be available later on too.

This is actually going to be an exciting draft. The class may not be getting love at the top but when you look at the players in those midrounds there's guys who can help us.
You're probably right with LaPorta, I could see teams giving him a nod in the late 2nd round for his passing game prowess. Hell of a post and my take as well, I'd rather wait for later round guys if we don't get one higher up where there is a lot of value! Love the one Memento posted about.


I badly want Tucker Kraft. I won't ask for anyone else. He's one of the best blockers in this class, and I compare him to a less-polished Kittle coming out; he has underrated receiving potential, but he's used mostly as a blocker in South Dakota State's scheme. When he did receive passes, he was hard to bring down, had a huge catch radius, and underrated athleticism.
I like Kraft as well and I can't decide where he will be drafted. I have a feeling somewhere from the mid round 4th to mid round 5th? Love that guy and would honestly think he would complement Higbee. McVay can scheme in the 12 personnel so think this would be a dangerous addition with Kraft's dynamic added.
 

blackbart

Rams On Demand Sponsor
Rams On Demand Sponsor
Joined
Dec 29, 2010
Messages
6,293
Name
Tim
Hard to argue against picking CB at 36 and with the changing on the staff they probably have a better eye toward talent there.

I know Schmitz seems like another great opportunity to anchor the C position but the Rams just don’t seem to be willing to put that kind of draft capital in the IOL.
 

BonifayRam

Legend
Joined
Jan 14, 2013
Messages
13,435
Name
Vernon
Hard to argue against picking CB at 36 and with the changing on the staff they probably have a better eye toward talent there.

I know Schmitz seems like another great opportunity to anchor the C position but the Rams just don’t seem to be willing to put that kind of draft capital in the IOL.
I would say it has to be a toss-up bet between an ER or a Boundry Corner.

The Rams will be forced to find a cheap veteran former starting corner who needs work badly to add to this very young CB unit currently signed.

Decobie Durant
Derion Kendrick
Robert Rochell
Shaun Jolly

I bet that Snead/Morris will be positive to looking @ UFA's Troy Hill & Grant Haley to be resigned low cost contracts.
 

blackbart

Rams On Demand Sponsor
Rams On Demand Sponsor
Joined
Dec 29, 2010
Messages
6,293
Name
Tim
I would say it has to be a toss-up bet between an ER or a Boundry Corner.

The Rams will be forced to find a cheap veteran former starting corner who needs work badly to add to this very young CB unit currently signed.

Decobie Durant
Derion Kendrick
Robert Rochell
Shaun Jolly

I bet that Snead/Morris will be positive to looking @ UFA's Troy Hill & Grant Haley to be resigned low cost contracts.
I hope if they go FA they look for someone outside the organization and maybe not necessarily a vet.

Rock Ya-sin
Emmanuel Mosley

Either would be good if they can pay them.
 

BonifayRam

Legend
Joined
Jan 14, 2013
Messages
13,435
Name
Vernon
I hope if they go FA they look for someone outside the organization and maybe not necessarily a vet.

Rock Ya-sin
Emmanuel Mosley

Either would be good if they can pay them.
The reason I believe they will seek Haley & Hill is both are vets & both have started in their past.

Both have had rocky past careers & would have a chance to start in LA or play a good amount in 2023. Hill would be a decent Nickle if Kendrick is not ready yet for full-time Nickering. Haley's play on the field last season until he was injured was very good. It was just for a short time but he could be a real deal this upcoming season. :thumbsup1:
 
Last edited:

André

Always far too invested
Rams On Demand Sponsor
Joined
Jan 21, 2014
Messages
1,585
Just to put it out there in one place:

Screenshot_20230313_152713_Chrome.jpg
 

Merlin

Damn the torpedoes
Rams On Demand Sponsor
ROD Credit | 2023 TOP Member
Joined
May 8, 2014
Messages
39,694
Corner was already a need so yeah I agree it looks even more likely now at 36 assuming the right guy is there. If they can get CB or Edge there at 36 the draft is off to a great start. But of course the draft has to fall correctly for that. Seems like last year shit did not fall well for us but if Snead makes the selection there it means one of the guys they wanted got to them, because otherwise they'll move down most likely.
 

Tano

Legend
Joined
Jun 11, 2017
Messages
10,049
Corner was already a need so yeah I agree it looks even more likely now at 36 assuming the right guy is there. If they can get CB or Edge there at 36 the draft is off to a great start. But of course the draft has to fall correctly for that. Seems like last year shit did not fall well for us but if Snead makes the selection there it means one of the guys they wanted got to them, because otherwise they'll move down most likely.
I would just go with BPA since this is a shot season and just get ready for the 2024 season and just go with what you got.
 

Flatlyner

Rams On Demand Sponsor
Rams On Demand Sponsor
2023 ROD Survivor Champion
Joined
Apr 23, 2016
Messages
4,699
All the talk had been about us improving/focusing on the offensive side of the ball this offseason after the Ramsey trade. I can't see how that can possibly be the focus with the massive holes we have on defense. We don't even have a remotely competitive defense at this point. The first 2 picks we have in the draft almost are forced to be some combo of Edge/CB due to our roster holes. I'm definitely not a fan of forcing us to pick specific positions, BPA should always be the way. But, unless we do something in FA (unlikely) this is likely the route we are forced to go.

As much as anyone I want to upgrade the OL, however, taking into account the historic amount of games lost to injury on our OL last year, I at least have hope with the OL healthy. A lot of guys who normally wouldn't get a single snap a year, got meaningful minutes. Our OL actually looked mostly capable at the end of the season, with mainly backups in.
 

Tumak61

Pro Bowler
Joined
Oct 4, 2021
Messages
1,358
Name
Tumak61
36 is a great place to be drafting if they take the best available. Top 10 is usually pass protectors, pass rushers, and QB's. Next tier would be pass catchers and coverage guys. So at 36 the Rams could be looking at the best player at a couple positions. RB would be one, Safety seems likely, IOL, and 5 tech D line guys, off ball Linebacker as well. Now they may opt for the best left and the primo positions of OT or Edge rusher but either way they will get a good player able to start soon if not right away.
If Bijan Robinson is somehow sitting there at 36 I'm jumping on the pick.
 

Flatlyner

Rams On Demand Sponsor
Rams On Demand Sponsor
2023 ROD Survivor Champion
Joined
Apr 23, 2016
Messages
4,699
No chance he's there IMO. He's fantastic and he would sure look good in horns, but, we have much bigger concerns. I'm worried about McVay falling in love with Gibbs, because I feel like he will be there at our pick.