Well, Panic Week is on and popping.
We’re hitting the panic button and using various coping mechanisms. And on Turf Show Radio, both Rob and Joey were at full panic levels at 10/10.
So perhaps the best reprieve would be a mock draft.
Mocking the Draft’s Dan Kadar has a new mock this week that serves as a good reminder of just how many different ways the Los Angeles Rams could go. So before we get into the mock, let’s just set up the landscape for a sec.
On offense, Quarterback, running back and wide receiver are set. The offensive line is decidedly not. Tight end? Let’s table that discussion for a bit, but I’d be willing to take it off the wall for first-round considerations. For now. Defensively though, things are way less solidified. With DL Ndamukong Suh gone and DL Michael Brockers a potential salary cap casualty, defensive line will be in the mix. We all know the status at linebacker. And with both CB Aqib Talib and CB Marcus Peters in the final year of their contract in 2019 along with S Lamarcus Joyner likely gone, the secondary will be available as well.
Suffice to say, it’s going to be an interesting draft especially considering the earliest our pick would be would come at #21. Of course, we have to allow for free agency to address a couple needs. And perhaps Rams General Manager Les Snead pulls off another trade or two that renders this whole speculation moot. Until then…
Last week, we looked at ESPN’s Todd McShay’s first mock draft. Lots of familiar names; the setup’s similar too. Same #1 overall pick in Ohio State Buckeyes EDGE Joey Bosa to the Arizona Cardinals.
There are three prospects I’ll to watch to see if their stock falls enough to put the Rams in play. I mentioned two of them last time as such targets: Kentucky Wildcats OLB Josh Allen and Mississippi St. Bulldogs EDGE Montez Sweat. In Kadar’s mock, they go 4th and 11th overall after going 9th and 15th for McShay. Another name to throw in that pool is LSU ILB Devin White. He went 11th in McShay’s mock and goes 13th in Kadar’s.
Two names that will likely be in the Rams’ wheelhouse? Florida Gators EDGE Jachai Polite and Florida State Seminoles EDGE Brian Burns. Kadar has Polite at 18 and Burns a pick later.
All of that said, there are plenty of interesting prospects given how wide open the Rams’ roster future is. So who does Kadar mock to us at #29?
#29.) Auburn Tigers DT Derrick Brown
Ndamukong Suh is set to become a free agent, and that leaves the Rams needing a new partner next to Aaron Donald. Brown is a powerhouse defensive tackle who will help keep blockers off Donald.
Brown’s got a little bit more Suh to his game than Brockers, and knowing how Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips likes to rotate his linemen this pick obviously makes sense.
Just another mock to toss into the hopper to set some names up as bowl season heats up and the end of the 2018 NFL regular season looms.