DzRams Mock Offseason of 2025 2.0

[DzRams]

Plan: Get healthy with the salary cap, build the offense.
This is my attempt to predict what they're going to do, not necessarily what I want.


NO CUTS


RESIGN


Dylan McMahon (ERFA) — DONE

Tutu Atwell (1 year, $10m) — DONE

Jimmy Garappolo (1 year, $5m)


FREE AGENCY

The Rams opt to go very conservative in free agency in a return to the comp pick game. They only shop from among inexpensive, cut players.

They will get comp picks for Hoecht, Brown, etc.



TRADES

The Rams trade Cooper Kupp to the Jacksonville Jaguars for pick #143. (Still holding out hope that he’s traded vs released.)

The Rams trade Jonah Jackson to the Chicago Bears for #197. DONE

Draft day: The Rams trade #26 to the Saints for #40 and #71.

Draft day: The Rams trade #71 and #197 to the Giants for #65. They move up for one of the top TEs still on the board.


DRAFT (***all picks based on current rankings from the Consensus Big Board at NFL Mock Draft Database***)

#40 - WR, Jayden Higgins, Iowa State - 6’4”, 217 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cQ1xcp8uu0


Great size, 4.4 speed, savvy route runner that can threaten every level of the defense. He would immediately upgrade the X position for us.


#65 - TE, Elijah Arroyo, Miami - 6’4”, 245 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df334n_sKCQ


Vertical weapon, great hands, high football IQ. He played in the slot and inline. After the catch he’s a major threat. Per PFF, he was tied for 4th best in the nation for YAC at 9.1. He’s a decent pass protector and is a willing run blocker but could use refinement in that aspect.


#90 - OT, Anthony Belton, North Carolina State - 6’5”, 345 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocXFyp85jTY


Massive offensive tackle with demonstrated versatility to play guard at the Senior Bowl. Strong in pass pro and run blocking. He’ll start off as the swing tackle with the eventual goal of being Hav’s replacement.


#100 - DT, Jordan Phillips, Maryland - 6’3”, 320 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHe3PhgIiCA


20 years old with rare power and rare movement skills for a 320-pounder. Will compete with Tyler Davis for the starting NT role.


#126 - CB, Nohl Williams, Cal - 6'0", 199 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGH2dPQqbrU


Highly competitive, physical, great instincts, great ball skills. He’s not the quickest but did have the top speed amongst CBs at the combine. Has kick return ability.


#143 - S, Jonas Sanker, Virginia - 6’0”, 205 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM9CJPY5Ysc


Sanker is alignment versatile with snaps as the nickel defender, free safety, and in the box. His best fit will be as a box safety where he excels in run support. In coverage, he’s able to stay in phase with RBs, TEs, WRs, and shallow crossers. He’s limited though when it comes to covering depth. Best in zone coverage which makes him a fit for us. I envision him as Curl’s replacement who is a free agent next year.


#191 - RB, Raheim Sanders, South Carolina - 6’0”, 224 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPNvhyNNCkk


Power one-cut runner with 4.4 speed and great vision.


#202 - CB, Mello Dotson, Kansas - 6’1”, 192 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYykwnmQUDU


Good instincts and eyes in zone coverage which makes him a fit for defense. Impressive ball production. He’s a willing tackler but needs to improve his tackling technique.


#203 - LB, Jackson Woodard, UNLV - 6’2”, 234 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPa16WcXGBM


Developmental LB with tools, strong leader, football IQ. He has elite coverage instincts and can match up with backs and TEs. He’d pair well with Speights who excels in run defense but is lacking in coverage abilities.



STARTING LINEUP (DEPTH)

QB: Stafford (Garoppolo)

HB: Kyren Williams (Corum, Raheim Sanders)

WR: Puka Nacua
WR: Tutu Atwell
WR: Jayden Higgins

• WR depth is Whittington and Xavier Smith

TE: Tyler Higbee (Elijah Arroyo, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen)

LT: Alaric Jackson
LG: Steve Avila
C: Beaux Limmer
RG: Kevin Dodson
RT: Rob Havenstein

• OL depth will be Dylan McMahon, Justin Dedich, Anthony Belton, Warren McClendon

DE: Kobie Turner
NT: Tyler Davis
DE: Braden Fiske

• DL depth: Jordan Phillips, Desjuan Johnson

OLB: Jared Verse
OLB: Byron Young (Brennan Jackson)

ILB: Jackson Woodard
ILB: Omar Speights

• This position would be a strong target for inexpensive vets post-draft and UDFAs.

CB: Darious Williams
CB: Cobie Durant
NCB: Quentin Lake

• Per Jourdan, the Rams like Derion Kendrick so CB is less of a need to get early.
• Four secondary players in Kendrick, Durant, Curl, and Lake are 2026 free agents so we draft replacements now.
• CB depth: Derion Kendrick, Nohl Williams, Emmanuel Forbes, Mello Dotson

FS: Kam Kinchens
SS: Kam Curl

• Safety depth: Jaylen McCollough, Jonas Sanker

K: Joshua Karty
P: Ethan Evans
LS: Alex Ward


Thoughts???

 

[OldSchool]

I wresting draft thanks for the work. I add that the Saints cap situation makes it unlikely they do many trades, they're going to need all the rookie contracts they can get.

 

[thirteen28]

I’m not a draftnik, but from what I know about these players, I really like this one.

 

[André]

Very logical and my only knock is one I'm hoping you are still right on - Kupp getting traded versus released. Unfortunately, it looks more and more like it will be the latter.

 

[Flatlyner]

I can't complain about this offseason at all. Kupp trade is very optimistic. IF we can find a taker, its more like a 6th or 7th IMO. Certainly like getting a starting WR and talented swing tackle. Would be very nice to have someone backing up Have/Jax that has some ability and doesn't shit the bed at every opportunity. Arroyo would be a nice addition to our offense.

Nice job

 

[DzRams]

I wresting draft thanks for the work. I add that the Saints cap situation makes it unlikely they do many trades, they're going to need all the rookie contracts they can get.

You're probably right. I didn't look to deeply into their cap. I just found a team whose GM likes trading up for specific targets. Loomis is one of those guys.

 

[DzRams]

Very logical and my only knock is one I'm hoping you are still right on - Kupp getting traded versus released. Unfortunately, it looks more and more like it will be the latter.

That's kind of the way it's looking to me too. In which case, I'd keep everything the same and just forego drafting the safety.

 

[OldSchool]

You're probably right. I didn't look to deeply into their cap. I just found a team whose GM likes trading up for specific targets. Loomis is one of those guys.

LOL I have a heck of a time typing on the phone that was supposed to start Interesting

 

[DzRams]

I can't complain about this offseason at all. Kupp trade is very optimistic. IF we can find a taker, its more like a 6th or 7th IMO. Certainly like getting a starting WR and talented swing tackle. Would be very nice to have someone backing up Have/Jax that has some ability and doesn't shit the bed at every opportunity. Arroyo would be a nice addition to our offense.

Nice job

You're right, it is optimistic. It's kind of looking like we may just have to release him. And if that's the case, so be it. I'd just forego drafting the safety.

If we came out of the draft with Higgins, Arroyo, and Belton, I'd be stoked.

 

[DzRams]

LOL I have a heck of a time typing on the phone that was supposed to start Interesting

I figured it out. I'm curious on why "interesting"?

 

[Memphis Ram]

Doesn't look like any Kupp trade is going to happen. Maybe they can get a 2026 draft choice for him.
New Orleans cap hell suggests they cannot give up picks for anyone.

I'm on the Higgins bandwagon.
I didn't think Arroyo stood any chance at getting out of the first couple rounds until he sat out the combine with a knee issue.

If the Rams could pull off a draft like this you would think there would be few, if any, complaints.

 

[thirteen28]

LOL I have a heck of a time typing on the phone that was supposed to start Interesting

tipe fone hart banana me 2.

 

[WestCoastRam]

Plan: Get healthy with the salary cap, build the offense.
This is my attempt to predict what they're going to do, not necessarily what I want.


NO CUTS


RESIGN


Dylan McMahon (ERFA) — DONE

Tutu Atwell (1 year, $10m) — DONE

Jimmy Garappolo (1 year, $5m)


FREE AGENCY

The Rams opt to go very conservative in free agency in a return to the comp pick game. They only shop from among inexpensive, cut players.

They will get comp picks for Hoecht, Brown, etc.



TRADES

The Rams trade Cooper Kupp to the Jacksonville Jaguars for pick #143. (Still holding out hope that he’s traded vs released.)

The Rams trade Jonah Jackson to the Chicago Bears for #197. DONE

Draft day: The Rams trade #26 to the Saints for #40 and #71.

Draft day: The Rams trade #71 and #197 to the Giants for #65. They move up for one of the top TEs still on the board.


DRAFT (***all picks based on current rankings from the Consensus Big Board at NFL Mock Draft Database***)

#40 - WR, Jayden Higgins, Iowa State - 6’4”, 217 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cQ1xcp8uu0


Great size, 4.4 speed, savvy route runner that can threaten every level of the defense. He would immediately upgrade the X position for us.


#65 - TE, Elijah Arroyo, Miami - 6’4”, 245 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df334n_sKCQ


Vertical weapon, great hands, high football IQ. He played in the slot and inline. After the catch he’s a major threat. Per PFF, he was tied for 4th best in the nation for YAC at 9.1. He’s a decent pass protector and is a willing run blocker but could use refinement in that aspect.


#90 - OT, Anthony Belton, North Carolina State - 6’5”, 345 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocXFyp85jTY


Massive offensive tackle with demonstrated versatility to play guard at the Senior Bowl. Strong in pass pro and run blocking. He’ll start off as the swing tackle with the eventual goal of being Hav’s replacement.


#100 - DT, Jordan Phillips, Maryland - 6’3”, 320 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHe3PhgIiCA


20 years old with rare power and rare movement skills for a 320-pounder. Will compete with Tyler Davis for the starting NT role.


#126 - CB, Nohl Williams, Cal - 6'0", 199 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGH2dPQqbrU


Highly competitive, physical, great instincts, great ball skills. He’s not the quickest but did have the top speed amongst CBs at the combine. Has kick return ability.


#143 - S, Jonas Sanker, Virginia - 6’0”, 205 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM9CJPY5Ysc


Sanker is alignment versatile with snaps as the nickel defender, free safety, and in the box. His best fit will be as a box safety where he excels in run support. In coverage, he’s able to stay in phase with RBs, TEs, WRs, and shallow crossers. He’s limited though when it comes to covering depth. Best in zone coverage which makes him a fit for us. I envision him as Curl’s replacement who is a free agent next year.


#191 - RB, Raheim Sanders, South Carolina - 6’0”, 224 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPNvhyNNCkk


Power one-cut runner with 4.4 speed and great vision.


#202 - CB, Mello Dotson, Kansas - 6’1”, 192 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYykwnmQUDU


Good instincts and eyes in zone coverage which makes him a fit for defense. Impressive ball production. He’s a willing tackler but needs to improve his tackling technique.


#203 - LB, Jackson Woodard, UNLV - 6’2”, 234 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPa16WcXGBM


Developmental LB with tools, strong leader, football IQ. He has elite coverage instincts and can match up with backs and TEs. He’d pair well with Speights who excels in run defense but is lacking in coverage abilities.



STARTING LINEUP (DEPTH)

QB: Stafford (Garoppolo)

HB: Kyren Williams (Corum, Raheim Sanders)

WR: Puka Nacua
WR: Tutu Atwell
WR: Jayden Higgins

• WR depth is Whittington and Xavier Smith

TE: Tyler Higbee (Elijah Arroyo, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen)

LT: Alaric Jackson
LG: Steve Avila
C: Beaux Limmer
RG: Kevin Dodson
RT: Rob Havenstein

• OL depth will be Dylan McMahon, Justin Dedich, Anthony Belton, Warren McClendon

DE: Kobie Turner
NT: Tyler Davis
DE: Braden Fiske

• DL depth: Jordan Phillips, Desjuan Johnson

OLB: Jared Verse
OLB: Byron Young (Brennan Jackson)

ILB: Jackson Woodard
ILB: Omar Speights

• This position would be a strong target for inexpensive vets post-draft and UDFAs.

CB: Darious Williams
CB: Cobie Durant
NCB: Quentin Lake

• Per Jourdan, the Rams like Derion Kendrick so CB is less of a need to get early.
• Four secondary players in Kendrick, Durant, Curl, and Lake are 2026 free agents so we draft replacements now.
• CB depth: Derion Kendrick, Nohl Williams, Emmanuel Forbes, Mello Dotson

FS: Kam Kinchens
SS: Kam Curl

• Safety depth: Jaylen McCollough, Jonas Sanker

K: Joshua Karty
P: Ethan Evans
LS: Alex Ward


Thoughts???

I'd sleep well with this

 

[WestCoastRam]

You're probably right. I didn't look to deeply into their cap. I just found a team whose GM likes trading up for specific targets. Loomis is one of those guys.

I mean, I agree with Old but if a guy was gonna say F-it and follow his gut, it's Loomis. He seems to think the draft is only for trading up.

 

[jrry32]

It's a good draft. Might take some luck for all the pieces to fall into place, though. Higgins is interesting to me. Big, build-up speed, good YAC skills, and very capable in contested catch situations (great pair of mitts). Also has unexpected quickness for a guy his size. Makes it tough to press him. The big knocks I see on him are that he doesn't have that instant acceleration to create a lot of separation out of his breaks, which reduces his effectiveness on digs, outs, and curls, and he plays more of a finesse game than I'd like at his size.

While he does use physicality to create separation from time to time, I think he's going to have to be a lot more physical in the NFL. He's also going to need to polish his route running. He can compensate for the lack of burst out of his breaks with route savvy. Changing speeds, subtle push offs, and varying his stems. But there are a lot of tools to work with. He's a guy who is very capable of winning on the first and third levels. It's the second level where he needs to improve.

 

[dieterbrock]

Trades seem realistic (outside of Kupp) I don’t know if the players would be available at those spots but damn this sure covers a lot.
Only thing I’d say is based off what I heard from Snead, they will be drafting a qb

 

[den-the-coach]

• Per Jourdan, the Rams like Derion Kendrick so CB is less of a need to get early.

Thoughts???

All that work, which was stellar and sipping on my fine Columbian Beverage was ruined by this tidbet. Derion Kendrick cannot cover a bed and from the neck up, is worth a dime.

 

[DzRams]

Trades seem realistic (outside of Kupp) I don’t know if the players would be available at those spots but damn this sure covers a lot.
Only thing I’d say is based off what I heard from Snead, they will be drafting a qb

Thanks. QB is the hardest thing to wrap my mind around. I don't really like the class so not sure when they would go that route.

I'm wondering though if they might go QB very early, possibly with their first pick.

 

[DzRams]

All that work, which was stellar and sipping on my fine Columbian Beverage was ruined by this tidbet. Derion Kendrick cannot cover a bed and from the neck up, is worth a dime.

Personally I would cut him and save $3m, but apparently they like him. I believe Jourdan and they haven't cut him yet so it seems he'll stay.

Sorry for ruining your beverage. Lol

 

[WestCoastRam]

Personally I would cut him and save $3m, but apparently they like him. I believe Jourdan and they haven't cut him yet so it seems he'll stay.

Sorry for ruining your beverage. Lol

Yeah, would be curious to hear it from the horses mouth on Kendrick. Maybe just that he's a really useful backup outside corner? We still need a +starter on the other side of Williams.