Mock draft. We've only got a few more days to endure predictions that will be completely wrong. That includes Monday when 3k will roll out his 2014 NFL mock draft. Dan Kadar from Mocking the Draft dropped his latest, post-Revis trade, mock draft at SB Nation on Monday. Let's take a look at what it postulates so we can keep our finger on the pulse ... the pulse of mock drafting that is.
No. 16 Jonathan Cooper, OG, UNC
The Rams will likely see Tavon Austin come off the board before they pick. That leaves them to decide between another wide receiver, a safety or a guard like Cooper. If he happens to slip this far, the Rams should pounce. He's a very athletic blocker that will only get better.
FYI, Austin is off the board here, stolen away by the Jets with the ninth pick. In fact, New York's two picks in the top half of the draft could be the deal breaker for the Rams and Austin. Either New York can grab him or lure another team up the board to take him. Either way, it seems more and more unlikely that Austin is going to be there unless the Rams trade up to get him.
No. 22 DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson
If the Rams don't take a wide receiver with the 16th pick in the draft, there's a strong chance they choose one here. With Patterson and Austin off the board, the Rams could look at Hopkins. A sure-handed outside receiver, Hopkins would be a good target for Sam Bradford.
Meet the backup plan. You probably ought to get to know Hopkins; the Rams certainly are. He's going through a private workout with Jeff Fisher, Brian Scottenheimer and other top brass on Monday. That is Hopkins' second personal workout in four days with the Rams, who put him through the paces on Friday. Now does that seem to suggest anything?
For what it's worth, I really like Hopkins. I think he'd be a great fit for what the Rams offense needs, giving Sam Bradford a reliable, sure-handed option to replace Danny Amendola. Bradford, to me, is the kind of quarterback who really needs ago-to receiver, a default option. Hopkins is great at getting separation with his precise routes and he has more after the catch ability than you think.
I'd be happy with this scenario, but it's just one of many possible outcomes for Thursday night.