Weekly Mock - 2/1/2015

[jrry32]

Haha, you know the drill. This is more or less what I'd do if I were in the shoes of management.
Hire
Rob Boras

Seems like he's the logical choice at this point.

Restructure
Sam Bradford - 2 years $17 million($8 million first year)

Released
Jake Long OT
Kendall Langford DT
Scott Wells C
Eugene Sims DE
Isaiah Pead HB
Total Cap Room: $26.0 million

Re-signed Players
Kenny Britt - 4 years $20 million($5 million first year)
Mike Person - 1 year $745,000
Cory Harkey - ERFA($645,000)
Rodney McLeod - RFA($1.4 million - Original Round)
Total Cap Spent: $7.8 million
Total Cap Room: $18.2 million

Free Agency
Leger Douzable DT

2 years $3 million($1.5 million first year)

Douzable is a rotational DT that can step into the run stuffer role and is even capable of playing some DE if needed.

Rodney Hudson C

5 years $37.5 million($6 million first year)

Only 25 years old and considered one of the best young Centers in the league. Time for the Rams to get the Center spot upgraded and unlike Wells, Hudson isn't being signed right before he hits the decline. Chiefs have to pay Houston first so that gives us a shot.

Ryan Harris OT

2 years $3 million($1.5 million first year)

Harris is a solid starting RT that has had some injury issues in the past but played well in KC last year.

John Conner FB

1 year $1 million

Kendricks departs via FA for a starting job elsewhere so we decide to move Harkey to TE full time in Kendricks's old role and bring in John Conner to play FB for us.

Trades
St. Louis trades 1st Round #10
San Diego trades 1st Round #17, 3rd Round #19, and 4th Round #18

St. Louis trades 2nd Round #9
Minnesota trades 2nd Round #13 and 5th Round #13

St. Louis trades 5th Round #9 and 2016 Conditional 5th(becomes a 4th if he throws 20+ TDs and a 3rd if he throws 20+ TDs and starts a playoff game)
Tampa Bay trades trades QB Mike Glennon

St. Louis trades Zac Stacy
Indianapolis trades 6th Round Pick #29

San Diego needs help to protect Rivers. They decide to trade up for Andrus Peat which will allow them to kick Fluker inside to OG and make their OL much more talented.

Minnesota jumps up a few spots to take a talented WR or OG that fell out of the first round.

The Rams need a backup QB while the Bucs are going to pick a QB at #1 and already have McCown as a backup. The Bucs get fair compensation for Glennon.

Stacy's role just isn't large enough anymore for us to hold onto him if he has any trade value. Indy needs a HB and Stacy fits what they look for in backs.

NFL Draft
Round 1 Pick #17 - Brandon Scherff OG Iowa

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS9Hq4bdFY0

Analysis: I have serious doubts about Scherff's ability to be a quality OT at the next level but I think he can be an elite OG. He's an incredible run blocker with a serious mean streak that plays through the whistle. As a pass protector, he has a strong anchor when he can get his feet under him and anchor in. He also has a powerful punch. Issue is that at LT, with his range and length issues, he has trouble getting his feet under him while trying to mirror and tends to overextend which softens his punch and significantly weakens his anchor. These won't be issues at OG. Guy can be one of the best OGs in the NFL. He's also well known for being a weight room warrior and a tough SOB.

Round 2 Pick #13 - Paul Dawson LB TCU

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0u7iZE4UDk

Analysis: This kid blew me away. He SHOULD go in the first round. He reminds me so much of Lavonte David as a prospect. He won't go in the first round because he's 6'2" 230 but I'll tell you this much, if I felt I needed to stay put in the 2nd round at #9 to draft him, I wouldn't do the trade down that resulted in Owa.(although I'd just draft Owa with this pick) Dawson put up 136 tackles, 20 TFLs, 6 sacks, 4 Ints, 9 PDs, and 2 FFs this year which was his first as a full time starter. I can't stop raving about this kid. He's an outstanding athlete with top shelf cover skills and he is so good at knifing through seams to get into the back-field against the run. He's basically moving at a different speed from everyone else on defense because his instincts are so good and I love his intensity...the guy is always sprinting and always jumping into piles to help gang tackle people. He just has a non-stop motor.

Round 3 Pick #9 - Josue Matias OG FSU

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZNtsu48Gu0

Analysis: Matias is a big boy at 6'6" 325 with a lot of power as a run blocker and good overall athleticism. Passing on the Senior Bowl seems to have dropped his stock some mainly because his teammate Tre Jackson and Laken Tomlinson used it to improve their stock. That all said, I'd take Matias over either one. He moves better than both and offers more power in the run game. IMO, he was FSU's best OL this year by a rather large margin(although Erving has an argument after his move to Center). Matias has the potential to be a top tier OG in the league and will provide great depth behind Saffold and Scherff. He's also capable of playing OT in a pinch.

Round 3 Pick #19 - Daryl Williams OT/OG Oklahoma

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

Analysis: Daryl Williams is our RT of the future if he doesn't challenge Harris for the job this year. Williams is a very large man at 6'5" 335 with nearly 35 inch arms. He doesn't have top flight athleticism which will limit him to the right side but he's a roadgrader in the run game with a real mean streak. Williams has a powerful punch and uses his length well in pass pro although he needs to do a better job of playing with leverage and protecting his chest. As a run blocker, he plays very controlled and does a great job of sustaining blocks and using angles to create running lanes. As you can see, getting the OL fixed was a high priority for me and I think we might just have one of the best OLs in the NFL(and by far the deepest) after this mock. Wouldn't shock me if Williams relegated Ryan Harris to swing OT at some point during his rookie year...kid is just too good of a run blocker to keep on the sideline.

Round 4 Pick #18 - Mike Davis HB South Carolina

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

Analysis: Has a similar build and running style to Zac Stacy but there are a couple big differences between the two...Davis has a lot more juice and Davis has outstanding hands in the passing game. Davis is a short but stout HB with a strong leg drive that allows him to pick up a lot of yards after contact and push the pile. Like Stacy, he has a nice jump cut which he uses often to set up blocks and runs effectively behind his pads. However, Davis offers a lot more burst to the hole and speed to the second and third levels compared to Stacy. As noted before, he has great hands in the passing game and can pickup the blitz. His biggest issue in college has been durability which is why pairing him with Mason is a good idea...keep them both healthy. I also like Jeremy Langford as an option here.

Round 5 Pick #13 - Donald Celiscar CB Western Michigan

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTJAbl2cbRM

Analysis: Celiscar is a good athlete at CB with quick feet and fluid hips. He's very capable of mirroring the WR and makes his transitions in and out of cuts look very easy. Celiscar also has good ball-skills and breaks effectively on the football. Really good instincts and feel for when he needs to make his break. Willing in run support and generally an effective tackler although he could be more consistent against runners in space. Very underrated player.

Round 6 Pick #29 - Derrick Lott DT Tennessee-Chattanooga

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLEmK07gPTU

Analysis: Lott needs a lot of development before he'll be ready to play meaningful snaps but he's the type of guy that you get for a coach like Waufle. At 6'4" 305, Lott has great movement skills, power, and very active, powerful hands. He is a guy who was athletically superior to almost everyone he faced. He started his career out at UGA before transferring. However, Lott is terrible with his leverage, needs to use his hands more consistently, needs to improve his rush lane integrity, and needs to offer a more consistent effort. The tools are there but he's a project.

Round 6 Pick Comp - Taylor Heinicke QB Old Dominion

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8oGVS4K2SA

Analysis: We take a shot on a QB to develop behind Bradford and Glennon...at least until next year. Heinicke impressed me with his ball placement, instinctual ability to find passing lanes, willingness to climb the pocket, and his mobility. However, he's short(6'1") and lacks a great arm. Heinicke is basically Chase Daniel with an inch in height, a slightly stronger arm and much better mobility.

Round 7 Pick #31 - J.J. Nelson WR UAB

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P34KWtpfzAQ

Analysis: Nelson was the best KR in the NCAA in 2014 averaging nearly 40 yards per KR and returning four for TDs. Nelson has blazing speed, good vision and balance, and is very decisive with the ball in his hands. He also has more WR skills than I expected and could push Givens for his WR job.

Starting Line-up
QB: Sam Bradford
HB: Tre Mason
FB: John Conner
XWR: Brian Quick
ZWR: Kenny Britt
SLWR: Tavon Austin
TE: Jared Cook
LT: Greg Robinson
LG: Brandon Scherff
C: Rodney Hudson
RG: Rodger Saffold
RT: Ryan Harris

LDE: Chris Long
LDT: Aaron Donald
RDT: Michael Brockers
RDE: Robert Quinn
WLB: Alec Ogletree
MLB: James Laurinaitis
SPUR: Mark Barron
LCB: Trumaine Johnson
RCB: Janoris Jenkins
NCB: E.J. Gaines
FS: Rodney McLeod
SS: T.J. McDonald

K: Greg Zuerlein
P: Johnny Hekker
LS: Jake McQuaide
KR: J.J. Nelson
PR: Tavon Austin

This is OL has to be fixed at this point. Check out the ten OLs we'd be rolling with:
LT: Robinson
LG: Scherff
C: Hudson
RG: Saffold
RT: Harris
Utility: Jones
OT: Williams
OG: Matias
C: Rhaney
Utility: Person

That is both insane talent and insane depth.

 

[lockdnram21]

I love this draft

 

[TheDYVKX]

Your best mock yet. That's an insane OL. I have no complaints, and I hope something like this actually happens.

 

[Memento]

I'd much rather take Clemmings at the first round spot instead of Scherff; I believe he has a lot more potential than Scherff at both tackle and guard, and he's very likely to be there at that spot. I'd also rather go with Clemmings at right tackle, Matias at left guard, Haverstein in the fourth round (not a fan of Mike Davis), and the best running back on the board in the third (Jay Ajayi would be my choice).

Otherwise, I have zero problems with this draft and offseason.

 

[jrry32]

I'd much rather take Clemmings at the first round spot instead of Scherff; I believe he has a lot more potential than Scherff at both tackle and guard, and he's very likely to be there at that spot. I'd also rather go with Clemmings at right tackle, Matias at left guard, Haverstein in the fourth round (not a fan of Mike Davis), and the best running back on the board in the third (Jay Ajayi would be my choice).

Otherwise, I have zero problems with this draft and offseason.

Ajayi is a guy I seriously considered in the third but I got frustrated watching him because he bounces outside too often. I like HBs who are decisive. Because vision is often the most important element of a HB's game.

I love Clemmings but I don't see him available at #17. I still think he's going to tear up the combine and go top 15.

I really like Mike Davis, though. Biggest issue with him is durability but he's got Stacy's power and ability to break tackles with more speed and the ability to catch the ball. I really want us to get a power HB. Davis can move the pile and will not go down without a fight.

 

[Athos]

Would be tough to pass on premium talent at #10, but I think I can take maxing out the offensive line. With that much emphasis, we're bound to hit on enough guys to create an o-line close to watch Dallas fielded this season.

I really like Mike Davis, though. Biggest issue with him is durability but he's got Stacy's power and ability to break tackles with more speed and the ability to catch the ball. I really want us to get a power HB. Davis can move the pile and will not go down without a fight.

Bout time you got on my big, nasty power HB. It's an element just missing on our team, especially if Fisher still has ANY designs on being run-oriented. You just need variety and preferably the Thunder/Lightning - Lightning/Thunder combo.

 

[thehammer]

curious aboutwhy you mocked Celiscar in the 5th rd...good player love his instincts..great vision but under 5'11
in the video you posted Bill Polian talked about him as a future safety and one of the coaches noted his lack of great foot speed...very good player but likely a future nickle...a bit crowed there with with Gaines and Joyner..our weak link is Tru johnson..just think we will be looking for a great tackling 6'0 cb...we interviewed Tye Smith 6'0 191 at the shrine...curious who else you like at cb?

 

[den-the-coach]

As usual this pleases me even the selection of little man Taint in Taylor Heinicke.

 

[jrry32]

curious aboutwhy you mocked Celiscar in the 5th rd...good player love his instincts..great vision but under 5'11
in the video you posted Bill Polian talked about him as a future safety and one of the coaches noted his lack of great foot speed...very good player but likely a future nickle...a bit crowed there with with Gaines and Joyner..our weak link is Tru johnson..just think we will be looking for a great tackling 6'0 cb...we interviewed Tye Smith 6'0 191 at the shrine...curious who else you like at cb?

I don't get too hung up on height. If you can play, you can play. In the 5th round, I want a CB that can play. I like Celiscar's movement and cover skills. I think he can stick at CB.

As far as nickel is concerned, Gaines would probably be better on the outside and, imo, Joyner should be playing FS. So that spot would open right up for Celiscar. But that's JMO.

In 5th? Not sure who else I like at CB.

 

[dieterbrock]

I really like Brandon Doughty though you werent showing the clip to show him. Too bad hes not coming out for another year

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I still think giving up on Eugene Simms is not a good decision. He is a very good rotational DE.

I also keep wondering why everyone wants to trade Zac Stacy..........and then draft another power back. Stacy had a 1000 yards with the Rams. Why isn't he the powerback in the offense? He would be better in short yardage situations with his bowling ball mentality. He is very difficult to tackle and probably not a fulltime back because of his running style. So he is a situational player. He should have had more carries this year. If the Rams trade him then why do they need another one cut bigboy that they don't use?

 

[jrry32]

I still think giving up on Eugene Simms is not a good decision. He is a very good rotational DE.

I also keep wondering why everyone wants to trade Zac Stacy..........and then draft another power back. Stacy had a 1000 yards with the Rams. Why isn't he the powerback in the offense? He would be better in short yardage situations with his bowling ball mentality. He is very difficult to tackle and probably not a fulltime back because of his running style. So he is a situational player. He should have had more carries this year. If the Rams trade him then why do they need another one cut bigboy that they don't use?

Because Stacy can't catch the football which is why he's on the bench. Drafting a power HB that can play on 3rd down would be very useful for this HB.

Plus, Stacy just looked sluggish this year.

 

[Dodgersrf]

Lots of fun as usual.
I'm all for moving down to stockpile olinemen.

Do you think Heinicke has more upside than Gilbert and Davis?

Still high on a dedicated return specialist late in the draft. A good one is a game changer. I would even take one higher up if good enough.

Also. We may be in the hunt for TE depth if Kendricks walks.

 

[jrry32]

Lots of fun as usual.
I'm all for moving down to stockpile olinemen.

Do you think Heinicke has more upside than Gilbert and Davis?

Still high on a dedicated return specialist late in the draft. A good one is a game changer. I would even take one higher up if good enough.

Also. We may be in the hunt for TE depth if Kendricks walks.

Yes.

 

[BonifayRam]

Lots of fun as usual.
I'm all for moving down to stockpile olinemen.

Do you think Heinicke has more upside than Gilbert and Davis?

Still high on a dedicated return specialist late in the draft. A good one is a game changer. I would even take one higher up if good enough.

Also. We may be in the hunt for TE depth if Kendricks walks.

I would like to move down myself to secure a extra 2nd rounder or if its way down very late in the first round a late 2nd & a late 3rd....similar to what we did with the Bills in 2013 but reversed. If it be up to me I be going after starting OL'ers!

Snead has kept up with a few TE's the last few seasons & has under contract in 2015 .i.e TE Brad Smelly from Auburn, the 6-3 258 pound Justice Cunningham from South Carolina who is bigger than Kendricks & the this TE who I think will be a QB's dream with his wonderful soft big hands 6-4 260 Alex Bayer! I think Snead has Kendrick's replacement already in toll.

 

[mr.stlouis]

Good mock