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- May 25, 2013
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While I personally prefer Robinson or Watkins at the top, the unusual depth through the first three rounds of this particular draft suggests to me the possibility of multiple trades to stockpile picks and upgrade several positions on this young (and according to Fisher, getting younger) roster. While some target popular "can't miss" types, this administration is committed to a vision of a complete roster with long term benefits.
To that end, I'm fearlessly predicting something controversial. While many assume linebacker is a low priority, the Rams clearly disagree. Of the positions Snead has scouted, one of the most heavily studied is linebacker. Why? I believe it's because it is a critical position with a glaring lack of depth. If either JL or AO go down, this defense could go from top 10 to bottom 10 immediately. (Disclaimer, the same can be said of QB, OL, Cb, and S in terms of impact potential). Furthermore, while I realize last year Laurinaitis was extended with a hefty contract, he's not above being supplanted in time by a superior talent down the road. In the meantime, the same reason I want Robinson to play guard for a year or two and eventually replace Long, I can envision a similar flexibility with Mosely. Like Ogletree, he is capable of playing at a high level at both the SAM and WIL positions. Having three studs helping to shut down the run and play action on the first two downs would allow Williams to unleash the terror that is third and long with our rush. Having three linebackers who are above average in coverage would allow less need for guessing and substitution as well. And for those who ascribe to PFF rankings (I sit squarely on the fence), both Dunbar and JL are below average performers.
Finally, I personally believe C.J. is a future All Pro. He has the "gym rat" mentality that studies well and can lead a defense both mentally and physically. While he doesn't have the Singletary/Lewis/Butkus kind of vocal fire, I think he's the kind of cerebral leader that would reduce big play errors that can kill a defense. He is an impact player that is capable athletically to play on all three levels of the defense and can give Williams more options to execute the "mad scientist" role Fisher recently mandated.
For these reasons, I believe Mosely will be a hot topic in the Ram War Room when they trade down in the 2014 draft.
To that end, I'm fearlessly predicting something controversial. While many assume linebacker is a low priority, the Rams clearly disagree. Of the positions Snead has scouted, one of the most heavily studied is linebacker. Why? I believe it's because it is a critical position with a glaring lack of depth. If either JL or AO go down, this defense could go from top 10 to bottom 10 immediately. (Disclaimer, the same can be said of QB, OL, Cb, and S in terms of impact potential). Furthermore, while I realize last year Laurinaitis was extended with a hefty contract, he's not above being supplanted in time by a superior talent down the road. In the meantime, the same reason I want Robinson to play guard for a year or two and eventually replace Long, I can envision a similar flexibility with Mosely. Like Ogletree, he is capable of playing at a high level at both the SAM and WIL positions. Having three studs helping to shut down the run and play action on the first two downs would allow Williams to unleash the terror that is third and long with our rush. Having three linebackers who are above average in coverage would allow less need for guessing and substitution as well. And for those who ascribe to PFF rankings (I sit squarely on the fence), both Dunbar and JL are below average performers.
Finally, I personally believe C.J. is a future All Pro. He has the "gym rat" mentality that studies well and can lead a defense both mentally and physically. While he doesn't have the Singletary/Lewis/Butkus kind of vocal fire, I think he's the kind of cerebral leader that would reduce big play errors that can kill a defense. He is an impact player that is capable athletically to play on all three levels of the defense and can give Williams more options to execute the "mad scientist" role Fisher recently mandated.
For these reasons, I believe Mosely will be a hot topic in the Ram War Room when they trade down in the 2014 draft.
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