2014 Draft Grades 1 Year Later

[chy1127]

2014 NFL Draft Review: Power Ranking Every Team's Haul 1 Year Later | Bleacher Report

These are so subjective but to see anyone think we had the 3rd best draft class for any year caught my attention. After so many years of throwing picks away, we had a good year.

 

[shopson67]

...and that's with Robinson still an unfinished product. I would expect him to be much better this year with a full camp at LT under his belt. I expect more from Joyner as well (and hopefully Alexander, the one questionable early pick IMO).

 

[zeke2829]

Last years draft was awesome, it was the last of the RG3 picks and now(2015) I believe we are going to see some results. Plus the additions/subtractions we've made so far this year, will pay big dividends! Stay tune ...the draft will only make us better!

 

[SJ76]

When you have 2 top 12 picks and you hit on a 6th rounder at CB, you should do well.

 

[ANGELAKERAMS]

When you have 2 top 12 picks and you hit on a 6th rounder at CB, you should do well.

the only way that draft would've been better is if they had done the trade with Buffalo and taken Donald at #10 and Martin at #13 and had Buffalo's 1st rounder to work with this year as well.

otherwise, they did a great job in the draft.

 

[Vitamike]

When you have 2 top 12 picks and you hit on a 6th rounder at CB, you should do well.

SHOULD is the operative word....

Considering all the wiffs we've had with all those high draft picks since 2004, it's easy to understand how easy it is to bomb out for any team.

Making the most with what is given, which is what Snisher has done for the most part, is the mark of an improving team.

 

[shopson67]

the only way that draft would've been better is if they had done the trade with Buffalo and taken Donald at #10 and Martin at #13 and had Buffalo's 1st rounder to work with this year as well.

otherwise, they did a great job in the draft.

Who's playing LT then? There don't appear to be any good options in this year's draft, as most of this year's tackles are being projected inside or the right side.

 

[ANGELAKERAMS]

Who's playing LT then? There don't appear to be any good options in this year's draft, as most of this year's tackles are being projected inside or the right side.

even though Martin excelled at G, he can play all 3 positions. he could've played LT if needed. don't sell the guy short just because he plays G.

 

[Battlelyon]

I wanted Mack and Donald going into the draft, looks like both will be great players.

 

[shopson67]

even though Martin excelled at G, he can play all 3 positions. he could've played LT if needed. don't sell the guy short just because he plays G.

I didn't sell anyone short, just asked a question. I think it's much easier to fill G this year than LT, so I think the Rams are in a better position now with Robinson than they would be with Martin.

 

[ANGELAKERAMS]

I didn't sell anyone short, just asked a question. I think it's much easier to fill G this year than LT, so I think the Rams are in a better position now with Robinson than they would be with Martin.

I hope you are right Shop and Robinson can show he can play LT. Jury is still out for me though.

 

[zeke2829]

Robinson and Donald didn't really start until week 6 last year. Why that was remains to be seen. They both did well by the end of the season. Aaron Donald would have easily had more sacks if he would have started all games. Fisher must have a thing about starting rookies early on.

 

[zeke2829]

I hope you are right Shop and Robinson can show he can play LT. Jury is still out for me though.

The left side of our line wasn't really the problem, it was the right side. Barksdale/Joseph had some pretty bad games last year which probably explains why they are still looking for a job right now. Jake Long and Scott Wells getting cut really hurt us. We really need to draft at least 2 stud lineman. There's not much left in FA.

 

[shopson67]

Robinson had a very awkward season due to Rams injuries. He came from a run first, last, and most of the time in between offense, and was learning OG to fill the LG position (with Jake Long expected to handle LT for a while). That was one learning curve, then was thrown into LT after Long's season (and career?) ending injury. College linemen often struggle in their first year in the NFL, even if they came from a pro style offense and are playing the same position. They knew Robinson would take some time, and then it became even more complicated when the plan changed.

I fully expect that continuity and a full offseason/preseason at LT will have Robinson much more comfortable and effective this coming year. A steadying influence next to him would certainly help; will that be Saffold or a new rookie?

 

[Retroram52]

Its probably going to be Saffold and I suspect Barnes will be inserted at Center. Enter Brandon Washington at RT and either Jones at RG or a rook. You are correct. The right side from Center out is in a greater state of flux than the left but I fully trust in P. Boudreau's coaching magic to solidify our O-line to a very good level.

 

[shopson67]

I hope you are right Shop and Robinson can show he can play LT. Jury is still out for me though.

What I was getting at in that post is that the Rams were better off selecting a LT in last year's draft, as even the best ones in this year's draft are being projected inside or to RT. Of the LTs drafted last year, Robinson did as well as any, and under tough circumstances.

 

[shopson67]

Its probably going to be Saffold and I suspect Barnes will be inserted at Center. Enter Brandon Washington at RT and either Jones at RG or a rook. You are correct. The right side from Center out is in a greater state of flux than the left but I fully trust in P. Boudreau's coaching magic to solidify our O-line to a very good level.

It would definitely be helpful if the Rams could sign an experienced RG and/or RT, even if only to use them as placeholders to smooth the transition to any newly-drafted rookies. The idea of rookies starting at both right side positions is scary, even if it ends up being AJ Cann and Donovan Smith (for example).

 

[zeke2829]

I cringe as I type this> They could still bring back Jake Long as a guard. He is a decent run blocker, but holy cow 1 more hit to the knee and he will fold like a lawn chair! He might not even make it through preseason.

 

[Retroram52]

You can be more at ease Zeke knowing that Long is, for all intents and purposes, not returning because of the very thing you mentioned. He doesn't want to play anymore and has stated as much because his knee is so unstable.

 

[Vitamike]

Robinson and Donald didn't really start until week 6 last year. Why that was remains to be seen. They both did well by the end of the season. Aaron Donald would have easily had more sacks if he would have started all games. Fisher must have a thing about starting rookies early on.

My guess zeke, it comes down to the simple fact of these rookies understanding the offense and all of the involved assignments and has nothing to do with skill or ability...