Kneejerk Central: Draft Grades

[DzRams]

In theory your thoughts make sense. However Mcvay doesn't play rookie RBs especially ones way down the depth chart I just see it as a wasted pick

Wasted pick for just year 1 or all of the years of his rookie contract?

Keep in mind the Rams often draft for needs a year early and Kyren is a free agent after this season.

 

[DzRams]

I dont recall any mention of Hunters blitz pick ability. Anyone see anything on that?

The scouting reports I read said that he needs work in that regard. Most RBs fresh out of college do.

 

[JonRam99]

Knee Jerk: B (A, contingent on next year's draft)
Rams came away with some players I thought really needed to get drafted:
- A play-making TE (Ferg)
- A play-making RB (Jarquez)
- A play-making ILB (Paul Jr)
Each of these have something to offer in that regard--ranked at or near the top of their categories. Getting Paul Jr. in the 5th?? absolute *steal*, and meets a serious need for speed at the 2nd level for us. Jarquez and Ferg both have that extra gear we were all looking for, so no complaints here.
Not getting a CB and an OT though... those were serious needs. Yes the Rams org seems happy w/ the CB room, but we're still shaky... they really seemed to come along later in the season though. But, OT.... ouch. Here's hoping we've got someone (KT?) that can fill those spots. Very happy they didn't reach for an OG with their 1st pick at #26. Simmons was just too risky, good luck w/ him Chiefs. Looks like another late-preseason scrap heap hunt for an OT, smh. Don't sleep on a UDFA OT, wasn't A-Jax an UDFA?
A secondary need we had was at NT. I was really hoping we'd luck out & get Cam Jackson, but he got over-drafted by someone (Cards??). So here's hoping that Ty kid has what it takes. We really really need to get stout up the middle. Early run downs with him in there, and Landman / Speights backing him up, will be nice.
I really didn't see the need to get the Edge kid. The LAST position I think we needed to draft was Edge, considering we're 2-deep at ROLB (BY & Jackson) but he could play that "cheetah" role, and likely better than Hoecht did. This kid does look like an animal It's just, maan, couldn't we have picked a swing OT there? OT is such a critical role on a football team... getting Whitworth was McVay's #ONE priority when he started--LOT is the cornerstone of a successful offense. Not saying A-Jax doesn't fill that need, he does, but we all saw what happened when he got dinged up.
I am glad we didn't try to get a WR. I think our WR room is pretty great atm. Puka - Adams (!) - Tutu - J.Whitt is a pretty strong line-up.
So, I'd probably have given this draft a C+, since ya we got a few needs covered, but no one we're all that jazzed about.
But the #1 question going into this draft: will the Rams trade DOWN? and what will they get? moar picks?
Trading down to get a 2nd round pick AND A #1 IN 2026 is UTTERLY AMAZING.
I never thought we'd get a deal that swweeeet. Because, more than anything else, we absolutely HAVE to get a QB next year, and look what we got...TWO #1's!!!
Let's go.

 

[majrleaged]

I agree with those who graded the draft high but we missed an opportunity IMO at the back of the 7th and in UDFA

There were long waits between picks so I was glad we traded up but, for the same reason, was disappointed they traded away next years 4th (again). For that price I am expecting big things from Ty Hamilton

My bigger gripe is we had a great opportunity to sign CBs Cobee Bryant and Zy Alexander together with OTs Logan Brown and Hollin Pierce

Our draft is pretty cheap in terms of salary impact so I am a surprised we didn’t throw more money at these 4 UDFA one of which, at least, would probably have made the active roster

I respect your opinion on who and why you think the Rams should have got, but while what you see of their play, the Rams do to and on top of that, according to the above interview, there are some other really important boxes these guys have to check as well. Maybe the guys you suggest didn't. I am good with that.

 

[WestCoastRam]

I expect Paul to start quickly. Stewart probably wins that third down role by midseason. Ferguson and Hamilton will be vying for roles initially (Flex TE2 & early down run stuffer). Hunter we'll see (teams and maybe a third down role), but I think Williams and Corum are a tough 1-2 to unseat for a rook as they are steeped in the offense. Mumpfield just make the team dude.

Love BY, his story, everything, he did not taken the kind of next step you want to see from a guy who has his starting spot all wrapped up. He most likely is the starter this season but there's an outside shot Stewart could win the job at some point. If he does, he'll be quite an anomaly at his size but good for him!

 

[Memento]

By the way, WalterFootball is still an idiot, and rated our draft as a C-. Dumbass.

 

[norcalramfan]

I’m disappointed Milroe went to an NFC rival. Wish we could’ve snapped him up just to see what McVay could do with him and played keep away at the same time. If he blossoms, watch out. With hindsight I would have used our 46th pick on him instead of the tight end, I’m not sold on him. B+.

 

[PhillyRam]

By the way, WalterFootball is still an idiot, and rated our draft as a C-. Dumbass.

Yeah, I just saw that. Claimed we needed a C , CB, and LB, and we didn't address any of those positions.... even though we did draft a LB.

 

[dang]

I’m disappointed Milroe went to an NFC rival. Wish we could’ve snapped him up just to see what McVay could do with him and played keep away at the same time. If he blossoms, watch out. With hindsight I would have used our 46th pick on him instead of the tight end, I’m not sold on him. B+.

Don’t look now but the Rams are going to have 2 1st round picks next year. If they want a QB they have all kinds of ammo with arguably better options next year.

 

[muggmeister]

I’m disappointed Milroe went to an NFC rival. Wish we could’ve snapped him up just to see what McVay could do with him and played keep away at the same time. If he blossoms, watch out. With hindsight I would have used our 46th pick on him instead of the tight end, I’m not sold on him. B+.

I would have thrown my beer thru the fucking TV if we had overdrafted Milroe at 46. He was worth a late round flyer at best, 6th or 7th rounds. Seacocks wasted a pick, Darnold I'm sure would have appreciated another o-lineman over a gimmick backup QB.

 

[JonRam99]

I would have thrown my beer thru the fucking TV if we had overdrafted Milroe at 46. He was worth a late round flyer at best, 6th or 7th rounds. Seacocks wasted a pick, Darnold I'm sure would have appreciated another o-lineman over a gimmick backup QB.

lol no doubt -- who's in their QB room at the moment? Darnold, Milroe... they shipped off Sam Howard (?).
Lots of QB carousel this offseason, hard to keep up lol. Like, how many QB's does Cleveland, the Giants & the Raiduhs currently have? Falcons?? lol.

 

[Merlin]

I would have thrown my beer thru the fucking TV if we had overdrafted Milroe at 46. He was worth a late round flyer at best, 6th or 7th rounds. Seacocks wasted a pick, Darnold I'm sure would have appreciated another o-lineman over a gimmick backup QB.

His running ability must be respected. So you can line him up in the backfield, swing him out, backward pass to him and let him option from there on whether he runs or throws it. And Asshole Face has a nice library of usage with dumbfuck from his Saints days.

Which is to say he may never develop into a starting QB and end up getting most of his snaps in that type of usage. I don't think much of him as a QB. So this would not surprise me.

 

[Tano]

Knee Jerk: B (A, contingent on next year's draft)
Rams came away with some players I thought really needed to get drafted:
- A play-making TE (Ferg)
- A play-making RB (Jarquez)
- A play-making ILB (Paul Jr)
Each of these have something to offer in that regard--ranked at or near the top of their categories. Getting Paul Jr. in the 5th?? absolute *steal*, and meets a serious need for speed at the 2nd level for us. Jarquez and Ferg both have that extra gear we were all looking for, so no complaints here.
Not getting a CB and an OT though... those were serious needs. Yes the Rams org seems happy w/ the CB room, but we're still shaky... they really seemed to come along later in the season though. But, OT.... ouch. Here's hoping we've got someone (KT?) that can fill those spots. Very happy they didn't reach for an OG with their 1st pick at #26. Simmons was just too risky, good luck w/ him Chiefs. Looks like another late-preseason scrap heap hunt for an OT, smh. Don't sleep on a UDFA OT, wasn't A-Jax an UDFA?
A secondary need we had was at NT. I was really hoping we'd luck out & get Cam Jackson, but he got over-drafted by someone (Cards??). So here's hoping that Ty kid has what it takes. We really really need to get stout up the middle. Early run downs with him in there, and Landman / Speights backing him up, will be nice.
I really didn't see the need to get the Edge kid. The LAST position I think we needed to draft was Edge, considering we're 2-deep at ROLB (BY & Jackson) but he could play that "cheetah" role, and likely better than Hoecht did. This kid does look like an animal It's just, maan, couldn't we have picked a swing OT there? OT is such a critical role on a football team... getting Whitworth was McVay's #ONE priority when he started--LOT is the cornerstone of a successful offense. Not saying A-Jax doesn't fill that need, he does, but we all saw what happened when he got dinged up.
I am glad we didn't try to get a WR. I think our WR room is pretty great atm. Puka - Adams (!) - Tutu - J.Whitt is a pretty strong line-up.
So, I'd probably have given this draft a C+, since ya we got a few needs covered, but no one we're all that jazzed about.
But the #1 question going into this draft: will the Rams trade DOWN? and what will they get? moar picks?
Trading down to get a 2nd round pick AND A #1 IN 2026 is UTTERLY AMAZING.
I never thought we'd get a deal that swweeeet. Because, more than anything else, we absolutely HAVE to get a QB next year, and look what we got...TWO #1's!!!
Let's go.

This was a hard read. Break up the sentences a little bit. I almost thought this was a SO RAM post except that it made sense.

 

[JonRam99]

This was a hard read. Break up the sentences a little bit. I almost thought this was a SO RAM post except that it made sense.

<<blue font

 

[snackdaddy]

By the way, WalterFootball is still an idiot, and rated our draft as a C-. Dumbass.

I wouldn't take that seriously. He's the only one to give them a low grade. Everyone else has them B or better with a number of them giving the Rams an A. Besides, there is no way anyone can know how this draft will turn out for at least a couple years. Draft grades are useless right now. But everyone seems to be interested in what the prognosticators think. Even though they're wrong more times than not.

 

[RamsFanOH]

Terrence Ferguson: A
Productive, balanced tight end that is a red zone threat. He will push Higbee for the TE1 role as a rookie. Has the potential to be dominant.

Josaiah Stewart: C
This was a luxury pick. An undersized pash rush specialist. He wins a lot with a quick first step and leverage but that may not work as well against NFL tackles. He is a complete liability against the run and gets blown off the line of scrimmage. His NFL ceiling is a rotational rusher that only plays passing downs.

Jacquez Hunter: C
Another small back that wins with great contact balance. He brings a lot of the same skill set as Kyrien except less developed as a blocker and pass catcher. A bit more burst than Kyrien and Corum. A lot of mileage already.

Ty Hamilton: B
An undersized NT with a great motor. Short arms but good instincts. Good run defender. Offers very little pass rush ability. Will need time to develop before taking on an NFL role. Similar player to Tyler Davis.

Chris Paul Jr.: A
Very surprising he was still available where he was drafted. Very smart, rangy linebacker that tackles with pop and consistency. Very solid in coverage as well. Instantly the best ILB on the roster.

Konata Mumpfield: C
Slender frame receiver that is excellent at tracking the ball in the air and adjusting to the catch. Doesn’t particularly excel in any other area. Could keep a roster spot if he can flash on special teams.

Nicely done.

 

[TexasRam]

I wonder if Paul actually played at his listed 235 weight. I don’t see any chance he survives at LBer at 222. He’s dam near a safety body expected to play Lber in the NFL?

Hunter and Stewart are also undersized and could get washed out.

At least Tutu has company.

What happened to our matching the Niners with physicality solution? Are we now going back to our finesse approach?

Gonna bite my lip and trust I guess.

 

[ottoman89]

I wonder if Paul actually played at his listed 235 weight. I don’t see any chance he survives at LBer at 222. He’s dam near a safety body expected to play Lber in the NFL?

Hunter and Stewart are also undersized and could get washed out.

At least Tutu has company.

What happened to our matching the Niners with physicality solution? Are we now going back to our finesse approach?

Gonna bite my lip and trust I guess.

Some of the BEST MLBs in the NFL .

Matt Milano, 6'0" 223lbs
Lavante David, 6'1" 233lbs
Fred Warner, 6'3" 230lbs.

Ideally you have a 6'3" 250lb thumper, but far from necessary anymore.

 

[Merlin]

Most players put on weight with the pro regime, diet, and just general aging. So I'd imagine Paul won't struggle too badly to put on some good weight.

That said I don't like offball backers too heavy. The best can do that but most dudes it's gonna affect their change of direction and range.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Now that draft euphoria has worn off I give this draft a lower grade than I did. I’m not sold on Ferguson. He doesn’t look explosive or ‘twitchy’. I hope I’m wrong. Stewart is light with short arms and small hands. That’s tough for an edge at this level. Hunter is my favorite pick. He's explosive and has good vision. His size doesn’t concern me.

I don’t get too excited about late round picks. It’s icing on the cake if any pan out, but in a draft low on talent that’s not likely. Paul is very small to be an impactful linebacker. Hamilton needs a lot of technique work. Mumpfield is small but could pan out. If he can avoid being pushed around like Tutu struggled with his first few years I think he has a chance to stick.

C+ for players. Getting that first round pick from Atlanta bumps it up to a B.