MemphisRam Mock Offseason #2 (Pre Combine)

[Memphis Ram]

Most are probably going to hate this one, but here goes...................

FREE AGENCY

RE-SIGN
CB Ahkello Witherspoon
WR TuTu Atwell OR WR Demarcus Robinson

Predicting the following get free agent offers more than the Rams are willing to pay:
Alaric Jackson, Bobby Brown, Michael Hoecht.

SIGN

Zach Wilson, QB, Jets

View: https://youtu.be/JfJfwJbkBAU?si=E6qfWEzxiHhK1WMQ

This kid who is still just 25 years old came out as a junior and was immediately inserted as the Jets starting QB with no competition. He offers mobility and arm talent and methinks McVay can make this guy the next former Jet QB to win NFL Comeback Player of the Year (Geno Smith & Sam Darnold). Unless there is some character issues I'm unaware of methinks he's better than anyone the Rams can get in this draft class.

Dre Greenlaw, LB, 49ers

View: https://youtu.be/pHOFTswozuw?si=4tp3q1Zd6viliPrr

Don’t know if McVay and Shanahan have a gentleman’s agreement regarding signing each other’s players, but this guy has been said to the heart and soul of the 49ers defense. Coming off an achilles tendon injury this man played like a man possessed vs. the Rams and could provide the team Verse like energy on the LB core.



CAP CUTS
CB Darious Williams
TE Colby Parkinson

TRADES
Rams trade WR Cooper Kupp to the Jacksonville Jaguars for their second 4th round selection to assist Liam Cohen in implementing his offense. Rams eat majority of the 2025 roster bonus.

Rams trade OL Jonah Jackson & the 6th round selection they received from the Texans (Robert Woods trade) back to the Texas for their 5th round selection.

“JUST MAKE SURE THEY CARE DRAFT”

1-26. Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon 6041, 313

View: https://youtu.be/jXAXmg5UH4g?si=maxlS7ZcOa4F9u2_

Alaric Jackson is a good LT that’s about to be paid like a great one. Not sure it will be the Rams writing the check though. Conerly could be a cheaper alternative on a rookie contract. Only 21 years old, hopefully going against Verse in practice helps him with bull rushes as he gets stronger.

3-90. Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College 6075, 321

View: https://youtu.be/0Z2QN9ePgYA?si=fEsz6qdsZ_rl-914

Rams double dip at OT with this capable swing OT that has to potential to eventually take over for Havenstein in 2026. Trapilo had a solid Senior Bowl showing and would probably get selected earlier if not for his lack of ideal arm length (33 ½”).

3-100. Oluwafemi Oladejo, EDGE, UCLA 6026, 261

View: https://youtu.be/ECPnd8BleQY?si=cIqdJ77LdrokyyVl

High energy, high motor, high character defender with a high upside as he’s still learning the EDGE position after the transition from MLB last year. Already strong vs. the run, the Rams replace Hoecht with someone capable of not only spelling Young and Verse, but also creating havoc vs. interior Olinemen.

4-125. Andrew Armstrong, WR, Arkansas 6041, 202 (proposed Kupp trade)

View: https://youtu.be/fzyhNlB87HE?si=X_BKuNuuv9do54Ks

Not sure what I’m missing, but kid sure looks like the best WR no one is talking about so far. Maybe it’s because his brother was tragically killed by police in December, but this kid looks like he has all the tools and even led the SEC in receiving yards last year.

4-126. Jackson Hawes, TE, Georgia Tech

View: https://youtu.be/g53W79h0ew4?si=CUDuwN6JSTvvSHBi

The TE room needs new blood and a team running power should have a TE that is a physical blocker on the roster. Hawes show good hands during Senior Bowl practices and would add another level of toughness to the offense.

5-167. Jalin Conyers, TE/Slot, Texas Tech, 6030, 263 (proposed Jackson trade)

View: https://youtu.be/m_yhRk0sZvs?si=vXZv-8aQWEyUADS9

An athletic former QB turned TE who looks faster than many of the TEs in this draft class. Conyers has to potential to be a matchup problem in the slot and a wildcat QB option that defenses should have to consider in their gameplans. Coupled with Hawes, the Rams transform the TE room with a lesser Gronkowski/Henandez type option.

6-192. Nash Hutmacher, DT, Nebraska 6027,317

View: https://youtu.be/Owz48pWIJfA?si=moRcvzQLrq2WBRKU

High motor, tough guy for the interior. Former Rams DLineman, Adam Carriker, believes that this kid is going to be one of the top 3 steals in the NFL Draft. A former #1 high school wrestler who made it to Collegiate Nationals, Hutmacher can now focus entirely on NFL football.

6-203. Shaun Dolac, LB, Buffalo 6002, 225

View: https://youtu.be/t4qNnINe_L4?si=_DSfjmKocEhhFQYW

Rams don’t seem to value them, but I had to grab at least one LB. Here we have an instinctive small school LB that led the nation in tackles. For some reason, I don't believe he received a combine invite.

Final Note:
This is the deepest DLine draft we have seen in years. The Rams should be able to pick up another decent player as an UDFA.

For those wonder about the lack of a CB in this draft, I'm counting Emmanuel Forbes as a new addition for 2025 and expect them to also look at an UDFA.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

This is a very realistic draft. I like the picks and your thought process. I wouldn’t be elated with this one because to me there are a few wait and see types, but it fills a lot of needs.

The only things I really don’t like is the Rams going into the draft desperately needing a left tackle. Any team around them that needs an OLT will be either trading up ahead of the Rams or teams that need a OLT and pick before 26 will be sure to get one ahead of the Rams.

And Forbes looked awful when it comes to tackling. They need to keep Williams in this scenario.

 

[Memphis Ram]

This is a very realistic draft. I like the picks and your thought process. I wouldn’t be elated with this one because to me there are a few wait and see types, but it fills a lot of needs.

The only things I really don’t like is the Rams going into the draft desperately needing a left tackle. Any team around them that needs an OLT will be either trading up ahead of the Rams or teams that need a OLT and pick before 26 will be sure to get one ahead of the Rams.

And Forbes looked awful when it comes to tackling. They need to keep Williams in this scenario.

I don't like going to the draft needing a LT either. But they might not have much of a choice depending upon how free agency shakes out. Sure team may trade up ahead of the Rams, but I'd be shocked if both Conerly Jr. and Ersery are off the board at #26.

But, if so I guess we'd better root hard for K.T. Leveston.


View: https://youtu.be/zZ1olltiOk0?si=W1-at2MPl9koFVC1

 

[dieterbrock]

Sam Darnold won comeback player of the year?

I like the draft though I’d prefer Alaric back and they use the 2nd pick elsewhere
Zach Wilson ain’t it but has a better chance than Stetson Bennett so there’s that

 

[Memphis Ram]

Sam Darnold won comeback player of the year?

I like the draft though I’d prefer Alaric back and they use the 2nd pick elsewhere
Zach Wilson ain’t it but has a better chance than Stetson Bennett so there’s that

Darnold and Smith won comeback player of the year via Fox Sports fan vote.

I think he finished 3rd in the AP vote after is was pointed out that the award was supposed to geared toward players coming back from injury.

Alaric Jackson re-signing solves a lot. But if the Rams allow him to hit the open market I'm having my doubts this gets done.

Wilson? I still think he's better than any rookie they could select and he's only about a month or so older than Tyler Shough.

 

[dieterbrock]

Darnold and Smith won comeback player of the year via Fox Sports fan vote.

I think he finished 3rd in the AP vote after is was pointed out that the award was supposed to geared toward players coming back from injury.

Alaric Jackson re-signing solves a lot. But if the Rams allow him to hit the open market I'm having my doubts this gets done.

Wilson? I still think he's better than any rookie they could select and he's only about a month or so older than Tyler Shough.

I forgot the "lol" on Darnold, as I find it criminal he didnt win the official one. My bad.
Arm talent like Wilson has does not come around often so I wouldnt complain if they brought him in.
I like everything in the draft, I've seemingly been lock step with you on TE's over the years so clearly this one is no different!

 

[Boston Ram]

Always look forward to your mocks. Year over year they are always informative. When I saw Jackson going out I got scared, but love how you address it in the draft. I think both OTs could start next year. Love what you did in Free Agency. Wilson could be a nice project and Greenlaw is always been a favorite player of mine. Only issue I have and in fairness you cant always address everything. Would like to see some more weapons....speed specifically. Overall, I would be very happy with draft. Dolac could be a sneaky really good pick. Also I am afraid Trapilo doesnt make it to the 3rd round.

Great work and great read....Thanks,

 

[Memphis Ram]

Always look forward to your mocks. Year over year they are always informative. When I saw Jackson going out I got scared, but love how you address it in the draft. I think both OTs could start next year. Love what you did in Free Agency. Wilson could be a nice project and Greenlaw is always been a favorite player of mine. Only issue I have and in fairness you cant always address everything. Would like to see some more weapons....speed specifically. Overall, I would be very happy with draft. Dolac could be a sneaky really good pick. Also I am afraid Trapilo doesnt make it to the 3rd round.

Great work and great read....Thanks,

Really struggled with that first 3rd round selection.

Every time I'd think of someone I tell myself no way he lasts 90 selections into the draft.

 

[JonRam99]

I don't hate it. Not much sizzle but, if we lose in the trenches we'll lose every game. A good mock.
I'm thinking there will be some great RB's we can grab in the 3rd vs. the EDGE, or maybe double-dip TE's--getting an offensive TE weapon in the 3rd then Conyers in the 5th would be amazing.
Thanks!

 

[Boston Ram]

Really struggled with that first 3rd round selection.

Every time I'd think of someone I tell myself no way he lasts 90 selections into the draft.

3rd round is tricky round to predict anyway. I read somewhere that draft analyst put more players in a 3rd round grade than any other round. I guess if you think about it makes sense.

I can see a scenario where the Rams could trade into the late 2nd, so there is always potential they could come out of the draft with both just maybe in different rounds.

 

[Memphis Ram]

I don't hate it. Not much sizzle but, if we lose in the trenches we'll lose every game. A good mock.
I'm thinking there will be some great RB's we can grab in the 3rd vs. the EDGE, or maybe double-dip TE's--getting an offensive TE weapon in the 3rd then Conyers in the 5th would be amazing.
Thanks!

Some good RBs in this draft class.

Just hard to imagine this team using a day one or two selection on one after the Corum pick last year.

 

[JonRam99]

Some good RBs in this draft class.

Just hard to imagine this team using a day one or two selection on one after the Corum pick last year.

I do too, but if KW leaves and/or we don't renegotiate him, we need an RB1B to Blake. We should always have at least 2 really good RB's in case one gets hurt (like BC did).
How fast was BC at the combine, anyway?
If he's still around I'd love to see Ollie Gordon II on this team. Big, fast, etc.

 

[Memphis Ram]

I do too, but if KW leaves and/or we don't renegotiate him, we need an RB1B to Blake. We should always have at least 2 really good RB's in case one gets hurt (like BC did).
How fast was BC at the combine, anyway?
If he's still around I'd love to see Ollie Gordon II on this team. Big, fast, etc.

Sure but unless there's an injury that back would probably just be a 3rd stringer in 2025.
Corum ran a 4.53/40.
Gordon looks like a day 3 pick at best which is more likely at the position, IMO. Day three.

 

[jrry32]

A lot of players I like. Realistic mock. I'm not so sure about letting AJ go. But the Rams are going to let him test FA, so we'll see what happens. I'd like to keep him. FA feels a bit light with him leaving. Would hope we'd grab somebody at CB. And while I think Greenlaw could be a great signing, his durability is the big risk. As always, good work.
(I haven't evaluated Armstrong or Conyers yet, so I don't have anything to contribute on either.)

 

[Memphis Ram]

Oh well. Kiper has Oluwafemi Oladejo in the first round now.

 

[FrantikRam]

Very realistic, and we will also have more cap money than you are spending in FA - we could probably keep this mock and afford to re-sign AJax if we want to.

 

[jrry32]

Oh well. Kiper has Oluwafemi Oladejo in the first round now.

Feels like an overreaction to the Senior Bowl. But we'll see.

 

[JonRam99]

A lot of players I like. Realistic mock. I'm not so sure about letting AJ go. But the Rams are going to let him test FA, so we'll see what happens. I'd like to keep him. FA feels a bit light with him leaving. Would hope we'd grab somebody at CB. And while I think Greenlaw could be a great signing, his durability is the big risk. As always, good work.
(I haven't evaluated Armstrong or Conyers yet, so I don't have anything to contribute on either.)

Keeping AJax just gives us so much more draft flexibility. If he goes, we will surely have to draft an LT at #26, otherwise we'd be able to take a BPA faller, like a CB or TE. *someone* will fall in the draft, like Verse did, that we can take advantage of.
But if AJax walks... just pencil in an LT now.

 

[8to12]

I like the draft ... breaks the usual mold .....especially doubling down on Tackles and TE's.

I would only go a different route in the 3rd round. I like Olidajo, being a UCLA homer .... but, I think he would be player that would not fill a need IMO. I like the Rams attempting to keep Hoecht especially for his leadership. special teams, and edge setting in the run game. You also have Kier Thomas, Nick Hampton and Brennan Jackson. With Jackson being a player I can't wait to see get playing time on the Edge.
As far as Tackle, I think Jack Wagner could be a replacement for Havenstein in a season or two, and should be available in the 4th or 5th round.
I would be targeting a CB with length in the 3rd round.

Last, TE's ..... Rams would start the league year with Higbee, Parkinson & Allen under contract. With the 2 draftees would end with 5 total. How would you allocate the players to the 53 man roster?

I appreciate the work

 

[Memphis Ram]

I like the draft ... breaks the usual mold .....especially doubling down on Tackles and TE's.

I would only go a different route in the 3rd round. I like Olidajo, being a UCLA homer .... but, I think he would be player that would not fill a need IMO. I like the Rams attempting to keep Hoecht especially for his leadership. special teams, and edge setting in the run game. You also have Kier Thomas, Nick Hampton and Brennan Jackson. With Jackson being a player I can't wait to see get playing time on the Edge.
As far as Tackle, I think Jack Wagner could be a replacement for Havenstein in a season or two, and should be available in the 4th or 5th round.
I would be targeting a CB with length in the 3rd round.

Last, TE's ..... Rams would start the league year with Higbee, Parkinson & Allen under contract. With the 2 draftees would end with 5 total. How would you allocate the players to the 53 man roster?

I appreciate the work

The Alaric Jackson re-signing changes things quite a bit. Now the only OTs i would consider in the 1st round would be Josh Simmons or Armand Membou but I don't expect either of them to be on the board.

Could be wrong, but I think Raheem Morris swipes Hoecht and Nick Hampton might need to consider a position switch. Either way, some players are too good to pass on especially if they have a huge upside and the more pass rushers a team can have the better.

TEs? I cut Parkinson at the top of the post, but Allen is hanging on by a thread, IMO. In fact, with Higbee being 32 and on the final year of his contract he might turn out to be trade bait like Kupp after this draft. Especially if they go TE early.

I'll probably try a post combine mock offseason later today.