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Yes, we’re in the midst of free agency...so let’s look at a new mock draft!
NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks has his second mock up, and it’s a nice way to break up the free agent frenzy going on, albeit not so much for the Los Angeles Rams.
It’s starts with the classic Top 7 that we’ve seen from most mocks of the 2018 NFL Draft. No trades for Bucky; I’d bet on one come April 26 with all the QBs in play.
Speaking of, a bit interesting to see what the Arizona Cardinals do at #15 now that they’ve signed QB Sam Bradford and QB Mike Glennon. Obviously, those aren’t long-term solutions, but maybe they don’t spend their first-round pick on a franchise QB now? Brooks has them taking Alabama WR Calvin Ridley. Given the scope of their rebuild, they can’t really mess up here by just going BPA.
I do like his next pick sending Oklahoma OT Orlando Brown to the Baltimore Ravens. If his tape is good enough and his interviews meet their needs, I could care less how well an offensive tackle looks running 40-yard dashes and agility drills.
So for the Rams at 23, Brooks mocks:
23. Los Angeles Rams: Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
After impressing scouts with his spectacular performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, Miller will pique the interest of teams looking for a developmental OT prospect in the back half of Round 1. Miller could back up Andrew Whitworth for a year or so before sliding into the starting lineup as a franchise tackle.
Miller’s working from the opposite of Brown having aced the combine. His tape doesn’t show the sheer brutality of Brown’s, but it’s hard to project these guys. He’s just 22-years old and would be coming into a position to backup a 36-year old in front of him.
The slow burn of free agency is in front of us. The headlining signings are all gone, but the work ahead is just as important to fill in needs with rotational players, the Kayvon Websters and the Connor Barwins of 2017.
Thoughts on Miller? Or spending #23 on a rookie who won’t be in line for much playing time in 2017?