Recent Forum Topics › Forums › The Rams Huddle › Rams new UDFA receivers
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May 1, 2016 at 8:26 am #43667
znModeratorUndrafted Spruce happy to be home with the Rams
Rhiannon Potkey / Ventura County Star
Aside from not being drafted, things couldn’t have worked out much better for Nelson Spruce.
The rookie wide receiver is playing for an NFL team in his backyard and catching balls from a quarterback he trained with for several months.
He’s with an organization in need of receiving help and happy to have a local face help market its return to Southern California.
Spruce made his debut for the Los Angeles Rams this weekend during rookie orientation and mini-camp in Oxnard.
The Westlake High graduate hit the field for the first time in a Rams helmet Friday and returned Saturday for more instruction. The River Ridge facility is only a 20-minute drive from Spruce’s childhood home.
“It’s kind of a crazy situation,” Spruce said. “The year I’m trying to play in the NFL, that’s the year that the Rams come to L.A.”
The 6-foot, 205-pound Spruce, 23, signed with the Rams as an undrafted free agent after graduating from the University of Colorado as the Pac-12 Conference’s all-time leader in receptions.
He is battling for a roster spot as a slot receiver and contributor on special teams.
The Rams had Spruce in their sights throughout the entire draft process.
They met with him at the NFL scouting combine and were the only team to put him through a private workout.
Spruce impressed head coach Jeff Fisher, offensive coordinator Rob Boras and general manager Les Snead with his hand-eye coordination and ability to catch nearly any ball thrown his way.
“He is a guy we could have easily drafted,” Snead said. “From a production standpoint, he is ranked No. 1. With a guy like him, it’s always hard to figure out how he goes about getting open and getting all that production, but he does it consistently and you bet on a guy like that at this level.”
Spruce was projected by some to be selected on the final day of the draft. He spent the draft at home playing cards with his younger brother and sister while waiting to hear his name called on the TV.
“It was kind of stressful because I was kind of on the borderline thinking I might get that call,” Spruce said. “Obviously when it didn’t happen, I was a little disappointed. But I am really happy with the way things worked out.”
Neal Spruce ended a business trip in China early so he could fly home and be with his son for the draft.
“It was very difficult for me to watch because I felt so bad for him,” said Neal Spruce, a former professional bodybuilder. “He had worked so hard and did everything he needed to do and it didn’t happen. I think he felt like he let other people down, but he never did. Everyone is proud of all he’s done and will continue to do.”
It’s not the first time Spruce has been overlooked.
He wasn’t a highly recruited prospect out of Westlake High, yet flourished in the Pac-12 at Colorado. Spruce hopes to chart a similar course in the NFL.
“I’ve always been under the radar, so I’m kind of excited about the challenge,” Spruce said. “I get the chance to earn every bit of what I get out here and I’m looking forward to that.”
Spruce uses his high IQ to compensate for any physical disparities on the field. He was an all-academic selection all four years at Colorado and graduated with a dual degree in operations management and finance.
He read defenses from every receiving spot at Colorado and called out plays.
Although Spruce’s statistics seemed draft-worthy, his measurable athletic numbers may have kept teams away.
He ran a 40-yard dash time of 4.69 seconds at the combine and 4.56 at his pro day.
“He tested more in the average area and that usually knocks a player out the draft per se,” Snead said. “Usually those kids are aware that maybe they are not the fastest or the most explosive, but they have learned how to play and get open and find holes in zones or beat man in their own really instinctual way.”
Spruce has a head start on the other Rams receivers in establishing a connection with rookie quarterback Jared Goff.
They are both represented by REP 1 Sports, headed by brothers Bruce and Ryan Tollner. Spruce and Goff worked out together and lived in the same complex for four months during their draft training.
“Any little advantage I can get I am going to take,” Spruce said. “That little chemistry we have is definitely going to pay off, especially to begin with.”
Being in constant contact with the Tollners while pursuing Goff as the No. 1 overall pick likely helped the Rams sign Spruce.
“During the whole process I would talk to Ryan at least twice a day for a few months there chasing the quarterback. Every now and then we talked about Nelson,” Snead said. “We really recruited him at the end with our OC Rob Boras and Coach Fish. But I have a feeling Jared made a call as well.”
With his son now signed with the Rams, Neal Spruce’s NFL loyalties will have to change.
“I am a 49ers fan. I grew up in San Francisco for the first 35 years of my life, so it will be difficult for me to have to root for the Rams,” he said. “But now I have a dog in the fight for the Rams.”
Getting to spend more time with Nelson has been added benefit for the Spruce family.
“He hasn’t lived at home since he was 17. The day he graduated I literally put him a car to Colorado for college,” Neal Spruce said. “It’s been pleasant to have him back here.”
Spruce said Fisher offered to let him sleep at home this week, but he decided to stay at the Residence Inn. He wants to become fully immersed in the NFL experience.
If Spruce makes the regular-season roster, he’ll be even closer to home for practice at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks.
“I am just thankful for the opportunity,” Spruce said. “And I am hoping to make the most of it.”
May 1, 2016 at 8:26 am #43169
canadaramParticipantOurlads on Marquez North, who they rated higher than Mike Thomas, Kenny Lawler and Rashaed Higgins, FWIW.
Junior entry from Charlotte NC. Two years as a full time starter and started four of seven games in 2015. Missed the end of the 2014 season and spring practice with a torn labrum. Caught 74 passes in his three year career, good for 874 yards and five TDs. He averaged 11.8 yards per grab. Will lay out and reach and extend for the ball. A hand catcher who wins at the ball on 50/50 balls. Works to stack and finish. Goes up for the ball at the high point good body control to make the circus catch. If he stays healthy, he has a chance to be a number two or three NFL recover. Was named to the Academic All-SEC team in 2015. Had a career high of seven catches versus Missouri in 2013. Grades out as a solid backup with ascending skills and measurables. Passes the eye and athlete test for an NFL receiver. 2015 stats: 6-58, 9.6 ypr, 0 TD in 7 games. OSR: 6/42, fourth/fifth round. (A-33 3/8, H -10 1/4, VJ-35, SS-4.13).
May 1, 2016 at 10:26 am #43175canadaramParticipantOurlads On Paul McRoberts, WR SE Missouri State
Three-year starter from St. Louis, MO. Two-time captain and first team All-Ohio Valley Conference. Has good sized catching radius thanks to long arms and big hands. Soft hands that adjust to the ball in flight. Extends and plucks ball away from his body. He can make the tough catch and will lay out for the ball. Played at a lower level of competition and when he lined up against Missouri’s corners he struggled to get off the press coverage. Productive small college receiver. Broke the school record by catching 29 TD passes. Played one year of basketball at SE Missouri during the 2013-14 season. Led the Redhawks in receiving three straight years. Averaged 11.6 yards on 14 punt returns scoring one TD. Also returned four kickoffs. Senior Bowl notes: Struggles to get of press coverage because of stiffness in his upper body. Stands straight up. Better versus off coverage. A possession type receiver who is a good sized target but needs space in his release to get off the ball. Needs to work on his flexibility and ability to avoid contact. Caught four passes in the game for 46 yards and a TD. Also retuned a punt for 27 yards. 2015 stats: 76-940, 12.4 ypr, 9 TD. Not invited to Combine. Seventh round/PFA (A-33 1/2, H-9 3/4, VJ-DNP, SS-DNP).
May 1, 2016 at 11:21 am #43189
HramParticipantI watched Spruce in several games over the past couple of years. The Colorado team has been horrible and they had nothing on offense. Everyone knew they were going towards Spruce, they had nothing else.
He still regularly shook free for the catch. Just always seems to find the open area and possesses great hands.
Times slow, but a great shot as a possession 4th wide receiver.
May 4, 2016 at 6:25 pm #43421canadaramParticipantBrugler on Spruce.
NELSON SPRUCE | Colorado
6011|206 lbs|5SR Westlake Village, Calif. (Westlake) 12/5/1992 (age 23) #22
GRADE 6th-7th Round
MEASUREABLES Arm: 30 | Hand: 10 | Wingspan: 72
COMBINE 40-YD: 4.69 | 10-YD: 1.63 | 20-YD: 2.72 | BP: 12 | VJ: 35 | BJ: 09’06” | SS: 4.20 | 3C: 7.09 PRO DAY 40-YD: 4.58 | 10-YD: 1.63 | 20-YD: 2.67 | SS: 4.38 | 3C: 7.20BACKGROUND: A three-star wide receiver recruit out of high school, Spruce committed to Colorado over offers from Washington State, Northwestern and others. After redshirting in 2011, he became a starter as a redshirt freshman in 2012, recording 44 receptions for 446 yards and three touchdowns. Spruce finished second on the team in receiving as a sophomore behind Paul Richardson, finishing with 55 catches for 650 yards and four scores. He had his most productive season as a junior in 2014 with a school-record 106 catches for 1,198 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning Second Team All-Pac 12 honors. Spruce returned in 2015 as a senior and again led the team with 89 receptions for 1,053 yards and four scores, earning Second Team All-Pac 12 honors. Spruce accepted his invitation to the 2016 East-West Shrine Game, but was unable to play due to injury.
STRENGTHS: Large suction hands and provides a large strike zone for his quarterback…quick eyes to snatch and quickly survey the field…understands how to create room to work at the top of routes, using savvy hesitation and body fakes…pushes patterns to hold defenders with sharp footwork to force defensive backs off balance…tough over the middle and avoids the big hit, not allowing impending contact to disrupt his focus…physical to the ball and wins 50-50 situations with timing…not an explosive start/stop athlete as a return man, but patient with excellent vision, averaging 6.1 yards per return (32/194/0)…hardworking mindset and football is important to him…durable four-year starter and two-year team captain…highly productive and holds over 40 school records, including the Pac-12 record for career catches (294) – winner of the 2015 Buffalo Heart Award, which is voted by fans and presented to the Colorado senior who best demonstrates heart and competitive spirit of a Buff.
WEAKNESSES: Quicker than fast and lacks the long-speed to intimidate defensive backs…pedestrian size, length and functional strength and can be out-muscled in traffic…struggles to shift gears in his routes and doesn’t play with explosive traits…marginal leaper and struggles to highpoint…not a vertical threat and did most of his damage in the short-to-intermediate passing game – never averaged over 12.0 yards per catch in a season…not a consistent YAC threat with stiff body control and below average elusiveness…vulnerable vs. the jam and labors once slowed…struggles to sustain or leverage blocks.
SUMMARY: A four-year starter at Colorado, Spruce leaves Boulder with almost every receiving record, including career catches (294), receiving yards (3,347) and touchdown catches (23) – only the third receiver in school history to reach the 1,000-yard mark twice. He is an ordinary athlete with better route acceleration than pure speed, but is a natural catcher of the football and crutch for the passing game. Although he won’t create much with the ball in his hands, Spruce plays with savvy, competitive toughness and decisive routes to create separation and be a model of consistency – bottom of the roster pass-catcher who can line up at any of the receiver spots and fill in as a back-up punt returner.May 5, 2016 at 5:59 pm #43474
AgamemnonParticipantAnother guy with good hands.
AgamemnonMay 6, 2016 at 2:32 am #43491
Eternal RamnationParticipantThe sad thing is Spruce and North look like they’re the best wrs on the roster already !
May 6, 2016 at 4:37 am #43494AgamemnonParticipantThe sad thing is Spruce and North look like they’re the best wrs on the roster already !
WR competition is wide open this year.
AgamemnonMay 7, 2016 at 9:54 pm #43612znModeratorfrom off the net
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Florida_Ram
The WR LINK below from NFL draft geek Rated their top 1-64 WR’s before the draft.
I was surprised how many the Rams got via the draft and UDFA. Very bunched up after Pharoh Cooper. Reminds me of last years OLine haul.
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NFL DRAFT GEEK Rankings http://nfldraftgeek.com/widereceiverrankings-2016nfldraft.html
#8.. Pharoh Cooper
#19 Paul McRoberts
#21 Marquez North
#22 Mike Thomas
#27 Nelson Spruce#35 Kenneth Scott
#46 Duke WilliamsMay 8, 2016 at 1:49 am #43617AgamemnonParticipant
AgamemnonMay 8, 2016 at 9:56 pm #43668znModeratorRams WR Nelson Spruce hoping to make impact as an undrafted free agent
Jack Wang, Los Angeles Daily News
Nelson Spruce is still chasing his NFL dream. Somehow, it’s brought him back within a short drive of his hometown.
On Friday, the Los Angeles Rams completed their first day of rookie minicamp in Oxnard, less than 30 miles away from Westlake High. That’s where Spruce once pulled in 37 touchdowns and nearly 3,000 receiving yards, the bulk of which came over the course of two seasons. That was enough to earn him a scholarship at Colorado, where he became the Pac-12’s all-time leader in receptions.
Now, he’s back in Southern California, trying to earn a spot with a franchise that left town before he turned three.
“It’s kind of a crazy situation,” Spruce said.
Despite his college production, the 22-year-old had been left waiting after the NFL draft. Though he had prepared for the worst — his 4.69-second 40-yard dash didn’t turn any heads at the NFL combine — going undrafted was still disappointing. Thirty-three times over the course of three days, teams had decided to take a receiver. It was never him.
The Rams, however, had continuously showed the most interest. He kept in close touch with both offensive coordinator Rob Boras and receivers coach Mike Groh, and didn’t visit any other team for a private workout. And, as luck would have it, he had trained with top overall pick Jared Goff in advance of the combine.
“Any little advantage I can get, I’m going to take,” Spruce said. “I think that little chemistry we have is going to definitely pay off, especially to begin with.”
Of course, Goff has plenty of other rookie receivers to choose from too. There are the two draft picks, South Carolina’s Pharoh Cooper (No. 117) and Southern Mississippi’s Michael Thomas (No. 206). There are the two other signees, Southeast Missouri State’s Paul McRoberts and Tennessee’s Marquez North.
To earn himself a spot, Spruce will have to adjust to playing in the slot, after spending most of his career lining up out wide. He’ll also have to learn how to become a contributor on special teams, particularly in kick and punt return coverage.
He’s looking forward to the challenge: “I’m glad I ended up here.”
PENDING LEGAL TROUBLES
A day after pleading not guilty to second-degree assault, Tyler Higbee finished his first practice as a Ram.
He talked about how appreciative he was about his opportunity to chase his lifelong dream. He expressed enthusiasm for building chemistry with his teammates. He said he was happy to be able to put a helmet on again.
As for his pending legal case, the former Western Kentucky star was a little less loquacious.
“That’ll all work itself out,” he said. “It’s kind of a legal matter. I’m just excited to be here and focus on football.”
The rookie tight end was drafted in the fourth round last week, his stock likely depressed by his April 10 arrest on charges of assault, fleeing the police and public intoxication. He is accused of knocking a man unconscious outside a bar in Bowling Green, Ky. The man was hospitalized for more than a week for a concussion and a brain hemorrhage, but Higbee claims to have acted in self-defense to protect himself and his girlfriend.
Not due in court again until June 17 for a status hearing, Higbee is expected to participate in the rest of the Rams’ offseason workouts.
May 8, 2016 at 10:00 pm #43674znModeratorST. LOUIS TO LA
Two St. Louis high school products have agreed to terms with the Rams as undrafted free agents: wide receiver Paul McRoberts of Southeast Missouri State and Soldan High, and defensive back Michael Jordan of Missouri Western and Hazelwood Central High.
Several teams pursued McRoberts as a free agent after he went undrafted. The Rams reportedly paid him a signing bonus of $10,000 to help land him. McRoberts made a pre-draft visit to the Rams in mid April.
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http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/paul-mcroberts?id=2555290
OVERVIEW
McRoberts was a first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference pick in 2014 and 2015.
PRO DAY RESULTS
40-yard dash: 4.6 seconds
Vertical: 35 1/2 inches
Broad jump: 10 feet, 5 inches
Short shuttle: 4.42 seconds
3-cone: 7.28 seconds
Bench: 8 reps of 225 poundsANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Tall with the frame to carry more weight. Played a year of college basketball and has ability to high point throws with the timing of a rebounder. Beats press coverage with basketball feet. Sinks hips into his breaks and can break routes off sharply when he wants. Gifted with extremely long arms and large hands for an elite catch radius. Can make difficult, one-handed catches. Pluck and tuck ball-catcher in traffic with natural, soft hands.
WEAKNESSES
Doesn’t have cushion-eating speed off the line of scrimmage to back cornerbacks off. Needs to do a better job of helping his quarterback out by working back to the ball. Shows inconsistent effort and play speed in his routes. Looks focused and hungry at times and lackadaisical at others. Can be slowed by contact along his routes. Can go get the high balls, but not as effective adjusting to low throws.
DRAFT PROJECTION
Round 7 or priority free agent
BOTTOM LINE
McRoberts dwarfs cornerbacks with his long frame and upright gait and his ability to stretch and high point the high throws makes him seem even taller. His routes are raw and sometimes uninspired, but he has the feet and athleticism to become much better with more work and coaching. McRoberts appears to lack deep speed. Will be intriguing on the third day.
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WR Paul McRoberts with the one-handed catch of the day! 👀
A photo posted by Los Angeles Rams (@rams) on
May 8, 2016 at 10:03 pm #43675znModeratorfrom off the net
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Florida_Ram
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE WR UDFA’s#86 WR NELSON SPRUCE 6’1 206 lbs (He only had 3 dropped catchable balls in his entire career?)[/color]
http://c.fn.fncdn.com/images/content/getty/crops/UsmATB.jpgYear……..Team……Games…Catch….Yards….YPC
2012…. Colorado…. 12………… 44…. 446…. 10.1…. TD 3
2013…. Colorado…. 12………… 55…. 650…. 11.8…. TD 4
2014…. Colorado…. 12…………106….1198…11.3…. TD 12
2015…. Colorado…. 13………….89…..1053…11.8…. TD 4http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1880803/nelson-spruce
STRENGTHS: Spruce is a polished, dependable route-runner with the soft hands to quickly become a quarterback’s favorite target. He uses deceptive quickness off of the ball to escape press coverage and incorporates body lean, varied gaits and an occasional push-off to gain separation from more athletic pass defenders.He has a lanky, athletic frame and possesses terrific ball skills, including the body control and catch radius to pull in passes far outside of his frame.
Spruce has good hand-eye coordination and soft mitts to pluck the football and secure it quickly. Effectively uses a jab-step to force opponents to commit to one direction before turning the other way, scrambling for extra yardage. He shows good vision to set up blocks and isn’t afraid to turn things upfield into traffic rather than attempting to circle around defenders.Spruce shows vision and toughness in working across the middle on drag routes, slipping through traffic and showing the focus and toughness to pull in passes with defenders closing in.
WEAKNESSES: While his production is undeniable, Spruce does not possess ideal athletic traits. Has just average straight-line speed and relies on sharp route-running (rather than true explosiveness) to generate separation. He’ll struggle to get free against NFL cornerbacks on the perimeter and doesn’t possess the size, leaping ability or strength to consistently win 50-50 balls.
IN OUR VIEW: Spruce is a classic possession receiver who wins with savvy route-running and soft hands. He production will get him a shot but he’s not surefire NFL prospect his numbers would indicate.
Rob Rang (1/18/16)YOUTUBE: Highlights of Milestones Spruce reached
YOUTUBE: Interview talks about setting PAC12 records
#3 WR MARQUEZ NORTH 6’2 223 lbs (Injury history only played in 13 games last 2 seasons)[/color]
http://www.utfootballinsider.com/uploads/2/6/6/6/26661169/201472.jpg?307Year…. Team…….Games….Catch…Yards…YPC
2013…. Tennessee……. 11…..38…..496…. 13.1…. TD 1
2014…. Tennessee……. 8…… 30…. 320…. 10.7…. TD 4
2015…. Tennessee……. 5…… 6…… 58………9.7…..TD 0http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2071852/marquez-north
STRENGTHS: Built like a running back with a muscular, filled-out frame. Long arms to track and extend his catch radius, making tough grabs look easy away from his body. Above average body control and strong hands to adjust and stab.Accelerates well off the line of scrimmage and quickly gets into his routes. Enough speed to stack receivers vertically. Nifty to catch the ball in stride. Body power to trample defensive backs and shrug off tacklers. Uses physicality to separate.
Balanced blocker to engage and control his target, keeping busy. Blocks with violence and not shy about delivering blows.
WEAKNESSES: Better timed than play speed and more of a one-note runner. Tips his routes and doesn’t set up cornerbacks, lacking nuance or tempo. Allows his feet to get tied up at stem. Doesn’t have the start/stop burst to quickly redirect or be efficient at the top of patterns – ran a lot of comeback and rudimentary routes to keep things simple. Average leaper.
Not elusive after the catch and not a consistent YAC threat. Overaggressive tendencies as a blocker leads to the occasional whiff. Poor career production. Struggled to stay healthy, missing several games each of his three seasons in Knoxville (10 total games).
IN OUR VIEW: North is rocked up with the size/athleticism profile that is highly intriguing, showing strong hands and the body control to contort his body mid-air. North is also one of the most physical blocking receivers in this class, but is a below average route-runner and his athleticism doesn’t consistently translate to football production.
A player who will be drafted higher than his resume suggests due to his raw traits and upside, North can be a better pro than college player if he stays healthy and focuses on the details of the position – he projects as a developmental receiver worth the gamble in the mid-rounds to be a snatch-and-secure wideout.
Dane Brugler (4/13/16)YOUTUBE: Quality highlights
#8 WR PAUL MCROBERTS 6’1 202 lbs (Small school scrappy WR gets his chance)[/color]
http://www.semissourian.com/photos/25/14/27/2514275-M.jpgYear…Games..Catch…..Yards…..YPC
2012….. 9…… 11………..138……..12.5…..TD 2
2013….. 12…. 44…………646….. 14.7….. TD 9
2014….. 7…… 44………… 711….. 16.2….. TD 9
2015….. 11…. 76…………940……12.4….. TD 9http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1998595/paul-mcroberts
McRoberts received the call-up from the Shrine Game to the Senior Bowl as a replacement for injured TCU receiver Josh Doctson and was the first SEMO player to participate in Mobile.
The St. Louis native was a first team All-Ohio Valley Conference player by the media after catching 76 passes for 940 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 12.4 yards per catch in 2015. McRoberts broke Southeast’s all-time career record in receiving touchdowns (29) and had four 100-yard receiving games.He also compiled 162 yards on 14 punt returns, including a 69-yard return for a touchdown. McRoberts finished his Southeast career with 2,435 receiving yards, third-most in school history.
STRENGTHS: Good-sized athlete with long-striding acceleration. Not explosive, but nifty.
Quick hands and long arms to pluck and secure, swallowing the ball with his large mitts. Tracks well with the body control and catch radius that gives him a chance. Will aggressively attack and fight for the rebound.Won’t break many tackles, but runs tough and physical to finish. Nice job working for body position, paying attention to his feet along the sideline. Two-time team captain and reliable (SEMO HC Tom Matukewicz: “When your best player is your hardest worker it makes your job pretty easy.”).
Special teams experience, averaging 11.5 yards on punt returns (14/162/1) and 19.5 yards on kick returns (4/78/0). Highly productive and holds the school-record for career receiving touchdowns (29).
WEAKNESSES: Doesn’t consistently play up to his size. Average-at-best play speed with only one gear in his routes, struggling to create separation. Upright runner and doesn’t set up defenders in his patterns, lacking tempo. Allows cornerbacks to slow or re-route him.
Limited after the catch and won’t create on his own as a ballcarrier. Too many almost catches and needs to better time his leaps. Needs to improve his recognition of coverages and concepts. Good pop, but little sustain as a blocker and needs refinement in this area.
Missed five games in 2014 due to a Lisfranc fracture in his right foot (Sept. 2014). Most of his experience has come vs. lower competition.
IN OUR VIEW: Although he doesn’t do it consistently, it’s a thing of beauty when McRoberts can get his hands free and highpoint to attack the ball and use his basketball background (walked on the SEMO basketball team in 2013-14 and averaged 5.9 points per game). McRoberts wasn’t a consistent deep threat on film, but did his best work in the red zone and on in-breaking routes like slants and tunnel-screens, using his snatch-and-secure receiving skills.
He will have a very tough time separating vs. NFL cornerbacks due to average speed and dull routes, but his raw traits and large catch radius makes him an enticing developmental project in the later rounds.
Dane Brugler (2/3/16)YOUTUBE: HIGHLIGHTS
WR’s IN FOR TRY OUTS
WR D’HAQUILLE “DUKE” WILLIAMS 6’2 229 lbs (A troubled talent changing his ways?)[/color]
http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/oanow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/47/8477cfa2-30ad-11e4-9963-001a4bcf6878/5402793dc26b6.image.jpg?resize=300%2C2712014…. Catches…. 45…. Yards…. 730…. YPC…. 16.2…. Long…. 62…. TD 5
2015…. Catches…. 12…. Yards…. 147…. YPC…. 12.3…. Long…. 19…. TD 1http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2131681/dhaquille-williams
A JUCO transfer, Williams arrived at Auburn in 2014 and led the Tigers in catches (45) and receiving scores (5) despite missing three games due to injury. However, he routinely rubbed coaches the wrong way and his inconsistent effort on and off the field led to his dismissal in October.STRENGTHS: Natural tools are encouraging. Lining up mostly inside in Auburn’s offense, Williams is a good-sized target with long-striding speed to accelerate quickly into his routes, displaying hesitation with his footwork at the top of his patterns. He is best on stick and stop routes.
WEAKNESSES: Like Sammie Coates, he is raw in several areas. He doesn’t consistently play up to his size and often misjudges his highpointing jumps when attacking the ball.
Williams found himself in the dog house during preseason practices and his lackadaisical route-running has NFL scouts worried about his passion and commitment, failing to lift up the offense while his teammates struggled prior to his dismissal from the program.
IN OUR VIEW: Williams didn’t look like a first round pick on 2014 tape, but many scouts graded him as the top senior receiver over the summer. However, he might find himself undrafted or a late rounder at best unless he makes some changes.
Dane Brugler (11/1/15)YOUTUBE: HIGHLIGHTS (career)
WR KENNETH SCOTT 6’2 209 lbs (Longshot with little production)[/color]
http://imgix.scout.com/111/1115230.jpgYear.Team Games..Catch.Yards…YPC
2011…. Utah…. 10…… 8…. 141…. 17.6…. TD 0
2012…. Utah…. 12…. 32…. 360…. 11.3…. TD 3
2014…. Utah…. 12…. 48…. 506…. 10.5…. TD 4
2015…. Utah ….13…. 39…. 457…. 11.7…. TD 4….http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/cfb/130839/kenneth-scott
TFY Draft Insider’s Tony Pauline wrote that Utah WR Kenneth Scott “caught the ball extremely well” during Thursday’s Pro Day.
Among Scott’s Pro Day testing numbers, a nice 38-inch vertical jump, an estimated (less nice) 40-yard dash time of 4.64 seconds and 17 reps on the bench press.Last season, the 6-foot-3, 208-pound wideout caught 39 passes for 457 yards and four touchdowns.
TFY Draft Insider’s Tony Pauline harped on consistency issues over the summer. Without huge athletic upside, Scott probably stands as an UDFA once the draft dust has settled.YOUTUBE: HIGHLIGHTS
Jimmy JJ Worton, WR (LA/NE)
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uauC3dghDRg/Um0Y5-a5nrI/AAAAAAAAHrw/1cCyFx_61oU/s288/218%252520%252528575×515%252529.jpgYear……… Team…Games…Catch..Yards..YPC
2011……… CentFL… 12….. 41…. 531….. 13.0… TD 4
2012…….. CentFL… 14….. 44…. 594….. 13.5… TD 5
2013…….. CentFL… 13….. 47…. 721….. 15.3… TD 7
2014…….. CentFL… 10….. 36…. 514….. 14.3… TD 5Spent the final month of the 2015 regular season on the St. Louis Rams practice squad after being signed on Dec. 11 as a rookie free agent from University of Central Florida.
The 6-foot-2, 211-pounder, finished his college career with 168 receptions for 2,360 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns. He had 36 receptions for 514 yards and five touchdowns as a senior in 2014.NFL DRAFT GEEKS: WR POWER RANKINGS (FULL LIST 1-65)[/color][/b]
Link.. http://nfldraftgeek.com/widereceiverrankings-2016nfldraft.html
May 8, 2016 at 10:27 pm #43688znModeratorThis is all worth looking through, IMO. (Though a couple of the vids are repeated, but that’s okay.)
There’s 3 or 4 receivers getting some strong buzz.
I bet the Rams sold their team as the place to be if you’re an undrafted rookie receiver.
I wouldn’t be at all surprised if something came of this.
May 11, 2016 at 6:51 am #43835
wvParticipantSo the Rams have signed this guy, i read.
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http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2015/10/duke_williams_punched_4_people.html….D’haquille “Duke” Williams punched two security guards, a bartender assistant and another unidentified patron of a bar in Auburn following the Tigers’ win over San Jose State, according to two employees who spoke exclusively to AL.com.
The employees requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the incident.
According to the employees, the incident was sparked when a member of Williams’ party was kicked out of Skybar for declining to remove his sunglasses, violating the bar’s dress code.
Williams, whom each employee said appeared intoxicated, verbally harassed security guards and attempted to get the friend back into the bar by using his local celebrity status, only to be thrown out himself. The bar’s owners allowed Williams to return, but he later threw a drink at a female patron, according to one witness.
That witness also said Williams then threw multiple punches at security guards, who eventually forced him out the door. Once outside, Williams punched the unidentified patron, the witness said.
Records obtained by AL.com show police responded to a fight at the 100 block of West Magnolia Ave. near Skybar at 1:50 a.m. Sunday. Williams was not mentioned in the call log, and Capt. Lorenza Dorsey of the Auburn Police Department said no police report has been filed in relation to Williams.
The witnesses said the unidentified patron wanted to press charges against Williams unless he was disciplined by Auburn.
Williams was dismissed from the Auburn football team Monday.
Calls and text messages sent to Williams on Wednesday by AL.com were not returned.
“We have had no one come forward and say that Duke Williams assaulted anyone,” Auburn Police Chief Paul Register said.
Auburn head football coach Gus Malzahn declined to detail the reason for Williams’ dismissal, or whether another football player was involved. He did say Williams will not continue taking classes at the university.
RELATED: D’haquille Williams’ Auburn career filled with highs, lows, twists and turns
When asked if he will forbid players from patronizing local bars in the future, Malzahn said on a weekly SEC teleconference he would stick with his policy to allow players to go out.
“We had one young man that didn’t represent us in the right way,” Malzahn said. “We’ve got a bunch of guys that do it the right way.”
Williams was previously suspended for the Outback Bowl in January for violating team rules and after posting and deleting a picture of himself with a black eye on Instagram. He was also absent from the first six days of fall camp while dealing with what Malzahn described as “discipline issues.”
“When individuals fail to meet the expectations of our program, there has to be consequences,” Malzahn said in a statement after dismissing Williams. “I gave D’haquille the chance to prove himself. I am disappointed that it did not work out.”
Skybar has denied AL.com’s request to view security footage from Saturday night and Sunday morning. Multiple calls to the owners have not been returned.
—————-May 11, 2016 at 8:50 am #43849znModeratorRams sign former Auburn WR Duke Williams
Vincent Bonsignore
With a definite need to assemble offensive weapons around rookie quarterback Jared Goff, the Rams double downed at wide receiver and tight end in last week’s draft.
On Tuesday they took a different route in their quest to identify playmakers, and it landed them one of the most talented wide receivers in this year’s draft class.
Albeit one who went undrafted and arrives with a bit of baggage.
The Rams have signed former Auburn wide receiver Duke Williams to a free agent contract after he worked out for the club recently. Williams, a 6-foot-2, 215 pounder enjoyed a productive junior year for the Tigers in 2014, catching 45 passes for 730 yards and five touchdowns. At the time, ESPN Draft analyst Mel Kiper rated Williams as the top wide receiver in the 2016 draft class.
But his 2015 season was cut short after a series of off-field incidents resulted in Auburn kicking him off the team in October. Williams caught just 12 passes last year before being banished from the team after a series of suspensions, team violations and getting into a bar-room brawl.
After going undrafted last week, Williams was immediately invited by the Rams to try out.
They obviously liked what they saw.
With Williams in the fold, he joins recent wide receiver draftees Pharoh Cooper and Michael Thomas on a roster that also includes veterans Tavon Austin, Kenny Britt and Brian Quick.
Williams seemed contrite when explaining, his troubles at Auburn at the NFL Scouting Combine in February.
“I was late to practice many times. Once I got in the doghouse, it was hard for me to get out. I was already in the doghouse, so everything I did, it was being watched. I just had to grow. And I didn’t grow,” Williams said. “So now I’m working to be a man. I put myself in counseling to really find myself as a person, to address the issue before it even happens again.”
Williams also said he was seeking counseling.
“You know, like attitude, the whole thing, everything. Just overall as a person,” he said. “I want to be able to address it right now to where nobody has to tell me what to do anymore.”
Williams left little doubt he’d be considered a top pick without the baggage.
“If I didn’t get in any trouble, I know I’m a legit first-round pick,” he said. “But God got other plans. I’m a first-round pick no matter what.”
The Rams are giving him a chance to prove it
May 11, 2016 at 8:52 am #43850znModeratorMay 11, 2016 at 9:25 am #43854
NERamParticipant.D’haquille “Duke” Williams punched two security guards, a bartender assistant and another unidentified patron of a bar in Auburn following the Tigers’ win over San Jose State, according to two employees who spoke exclusively to AL.com.
Not to jump to any conclusions or anything, but could this mean that Fisher and Snead are abandoning the 4 pillars platform that was so painstakingly installed prior to their arrival?
May 11, 2016 at 9:42 am #43858wvParticipantNot to jump to any conclusions or anything, but could this mean that Fisher and Snead are abandoning the 4 pillars platform that was so painstakingly installed prior to their arrival?
———–
Well, i think it means they will do anything to find
a man who can run and catch the ball.I would not be surprised if they signed
Edwin Moses, Renaldo Nehemiah, Mary Lou Retton,
Connie Hawkins, Grace Jones, and Harold Carmichael.
Ya know. Just to see.I have to say, I’m surprised no team drafted this guy.
I’da drafted him in the sixth round, myself.
And then just sign him to a contract that has a gazillion
conduct and incentive clauses.w
vMay 11, 2016 at 10:17 am #43865znModeratorI have to say, I’m surprised no team drafted this guy.
It;s the post-Manziel era.
Patient tolerance is impatiently untolerated.
May 11, 2016 at 10:47 pm #43902NERamParticipantWell, i think it means they will do anything to find
a man who can run and catch the ball.I would not be surprised if they signed
Edwin Moses, Renaldo Nehemiah, Mary Lou Retton,
Connie Hawkins, Grace Jones, and Harold Carmichael.
Ya know. Just to see.
w
vLOL. It really has gotten that bad, hasn’t it.
Maybe one or two of these new guys make it happen.
May 11, 2016 at 11:29 pm #43906znModeratorMaybe one or two of these new guys make it happen.
Between the draft picks and the UDFAs, yeah, looks like they could come up with someone.
But, it’s not all that common for receivers to emerge as rookies.
…
May 12, 2016 at 12:43 am #43914znModeratorFormer Auburn WR Duke Williams signs 3-year deal with LA Rams
http://abc3340.com/sports/auburn-university/duke-williams-signs-three-year-deal-with-la-rams
LOS ANGELES, Cal. — D’haquille Williams made a good impression on his first weekend in the NFL.
The Los Angeles Rams signed the former Auburn wide receiver to a 3-year, $1.62 million contract on Tuesday, just two days after Williams took part in the Rams rookie minicamp.
Williams was not selected in the NFL draft after his early exit from Auburn. He was dismissed from the football team in October after he was reportedly involved in nightclub fight.
Prior to the final off-the-field issue, Williams was considered among the top receiver prospects in college football. The 6-foot-2, 216 pound Williams was rated as the nation’s top-ranked JUCO receiver before signing with Auburn in 2014. In his first season with the Tigers, he caught 45 passes for 730 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games.
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ME: That’s basically a free agency contract, not even a simple UDFA contract. I am not familiar with the nuances—I don’t know why he qualifies as a free agent, as opposed to a simple UDFA (maybe ag will know that). The deal will obviously be structured in a way that lets the Rams cut him at any point without cap damage. If he signed a deal like that it suggests to me that other teams were pursuing him too.
May 12, 2016 at 1:09 am #43918AgamemnonParticipantIt is a simple udfa contract. It is the minimum for a player with no experience in the nfl. It is the same contract as all the other udfas.
It is the same as these guys, except for a small amount of bonus money.
They are all udfas. Some are signed. Some are not signed. The Rams can even give them a small bonus. The Rams have ~88K this year to spread among all their udfas.
AgamemnonMay 12, 2016 at 1:46 pm #43950AgamemnonParticipantThey all seem to be able to catch the ball. The only player that has the physical and athletic traits to be a #1 WR is North. imo Britt can probably get 700+ yards and 50 receptions. That is fine for the other WR. We can project that we have two thirds of a triplet, Gurley, Goff, and Gnobody. 😉
AgamemnonMay 23, 2016 at 2:48 pm #44546znModeratorMay 25, 2016 at 5:35 am #44632AgamemnonParticipantUndrafted Free Agents: Notable Los Angeles Rams Signees
by T.J. RandallNelson Spruce, WR (Colorado)
This was rather surprising as I saw Spruce falling in the 6th-7th round range, but I believe teams were scared away by his 4.69 40 yards dash. Regardless, the California native is one the most receivers in Pac-12 history as the conference’s all-time leader in receptions with 294. The Buffs’ offensive struggles in 2015 limited Spruce’s production (84 catches for 942 yards and three touchdowns) but he proceeded to finish as the school’s all-time leader in receptions, yards (3,347), and touchdowns (23). He holds or shares more than 38 school records.
Spruce’s production muddies his scouting report as it easy to get caught up his numbers. He is a good player at 6’1,” 206 pounds who uses precise route running, plus tracking ability, and desirable hand-eye coordination to snag passes: he has registered only three drops in his last 288 targets. After the catch, he is a shifty open field runner who can make defenders miss and maneuver through traffic across the middle. Spruce spent the majority of his time as an outside receiver, but flashed production during his time in the slot.
Paul McRoberts, WR (Southeast Missouri):
Throughout this draft process, McRoberts was a guy I was high on and felt he had 7th round value; thankfully, the Rams were still able to snag the nearly-hometown product. The St. Louis native was a standout prep football and basketball player. As a true freshman in 2012, he was the team’s third-leading receiver having caught 11 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns in nine games; the following season, he was the top receiver with 44 catches for 646 yards and nine touchdowns. He repeated such honors in 2014 after catching 44 passes for 711 yards and nine touchdowns as a first-Team All-Ohio Valley Conference selection. Roberts hauled in 76 balls for 940 yards and nine touchdowns, breaking Southeast’s all-time career record in receiving touchdowns (29). He would repeat as a first team All-OVC honoree.
McRoberts is a two-time team captain and brings valued experience as a returner. His build (6’2″ 202, 33 1/2″ arms) will serve him well at the next level, creating a larger catch radius and the ability to win 50/50 balls. His tremendous leaping and timing ability create a receiver who can high point the ball better than most in this class, while looking to earn tough yards after the catch with his physicality. On the other side of the spectrum, McRoberts suffered a Lisfranc injury in 2014 that forced him to miss five games. He isn’t going to eat space off the LOS, and he needs to sustain blocks in the run game while learning to play the game at different speeds rather than just one that allows defenders to disrupt his plan.
Aaron Green, RB (TCU):
Green was ESPN’s 11th rated prospect and a U.S. Army All-American, originally signing with Nebraska. In his first season with the Cornhuskers, Green played in 12 games and ran for 105 yards and two touchdowns in 2011. However, he chose to transfer after the season and was held out of the 2012 campaign due to transfer rules. He ran for 232 yards in the 2013 season, his first with the Horned Frogs, before making his presence felt the following year where he led the way with 922 rushing yards and nine touchdowns; his numbers placed on the All-Big 12 second team. He played in all 13 games (10 starts) this past season as his 1,272 yards were seventh most in school history to go along with 11 touchdowns.
At 5’10,” 203 pounds with a 4.57 40, it’s easier to understand why he wasn’t drafted. He has limited power and functional strength and his feet slow through the hole as contact approaches. However, he does do some good things and has near home run potential who needs to put it together. Green possesses the short are burst to escape trouble and the elusiveness and one-cut ability to make defenders miss in the open field; his quick feet and burst allow him to beat defenders to the edge.
AgamemnonMay 25, 2016 at 7:11 am #44633znModeratorWe can project that we have two thirds of a triplet, Gurley, Goff, and Gnobody
Go G’Rams
June 3, 2016 at 10:12 am #45257znModeratorDuke Williams grateful for chance with Rams as he tries to repair image
JACK WANG / STAFF WRITER
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/williams-718038-auburn-yards.htmlOXNARD – D’haquille “Duke” Williams has been candid about his tear-filled nights. He has admitted to being immature, to being late to practices, to squandering the faith of the Auburn coaching staff. And he has expressed regret over that October bar fight, the one that cost him his college career.
But this week, during the Rams’ OTAs, he sounded just as certain about his pro potential – even after character concerns dropped him entirely out of the NFL draft.
“I didn’t need too many opportunities,” Williams said. “I’m just making the most of the first one I got. That’s what I’m doing right now.”
Born in Los Angeles, the 6-foot-2, 216-pound receiver moved at age 7 to Louisiana, where he grew up roughly an hour outside of New Orleans, in St. John the Baptist Parish. He ended up at nearby Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, where he blossomed into a JUCO All-American, compiling 2,028 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns over two seasons. Rivals.com ranked him as the top junior college prospect available in the country.
Williams had long dreamed of attending LSU, but the violence plaguing his neighborhood convinced him he needed to look farther. Less than a week after he decommitted from the Tigers, a tragedy cemented that urge to leave. Kyrian Gray, a close family friend, was shot in the chest and killed outside a house party on May 25, 2013 – the 10th murder in the parish that year. He was 16 years old.
Later that summer, Williams committed to Auburn, located almost 400 miles away. In his first game, a win over Arkansas, he hauled in nine passes for 154 yards and a touchdown. He finished the season with 730 yards – but his troubles were far from over.
In December 2014, Auburn coach Gus Malzahn suspended Williams for the Outback Bowl, citing a violation of team rules. During his absence from the team, he posted a picture of himself with what looked like a bruised eye. The following August, Williams was suspended again for six days.
He drew his third strike two months later. After being thrown out of a bar just outside campus, Williams reportedly punched four people, and broke the jaw of then-teammate Xavier Dampeer. Williams was soon dismissed from the team, while Dampeer sat out the rest of the season.
And so began his rehabilitation project. Over the next several months, Williams apologized to nearly everyone – to Dampeer, to his coaches, to the Auburn faithful, whom he called “the best fans I’ve ever played for.” He has repeatedly tried to take responsibility for his mistakes, adding that the Tigers coaching staff had given him as many chances as they could afford.
He also underwent counseling, attending sessions once or twice a week through January and February this year.
“Now, I look at life a totally different way,” he said. “Not everybody’s against me. Not everybody wants to hurt me. … There’s people out here that are cheering for me. I just look at the positives.”
Even so, most NFL teams felt he wasn’t worth risking a draft pick. After all, Williams’ numbers had dipped in his final season, when he totaled just 12 catches in five games and never recorded more than 49 yards in a single outing. At the NFL combine, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.72 seconds, the second-slowest time among receivers.
In Los Angeles, however, Williams at least seems comfortable. General Manager Les Snead is an Auburn alum, as is left tackle Greg Robinson – whom Williams met on his recruiting trip to Auburn and describes as a “brother figure.” The Rams are giving him a shot, but he still has a lot left to prove.
“They gave me this chance,” Williams said. “I’m not here to blow my chance.”
June 4, 2016 at 12:25 am #45314znModeratorLocal products Spruce, Hill reunite at Rams practice
Joe Curley of the Ventura County Star
Nelson Spruce and Troy Hill first lined up across from each other in high school, when St. Bonaventure faced Westlake in the 2009 CIF-Southern Section Northern Division semifinal.
“I remember in high school … I hadn’t played a corner that level,” Spruce said of Hill. “I remember going up against him and thinking, ‘This is a real corner.’ I’ll always remember that.”
The receiver and cornerback met again in college, when Spruce’s Colorado team faced Hill’s Oregon team in Pac-12 Conference play.
“I just remember lining up across from him and thinking, ‘I remember this kid from high school,’ ” Spruce said. “He’s a solid player.”
There they were across from each other again this week, during the Los Angeles Rams offseason camp at the River Ridge Fields in Oxnard.
“I know he’s a good player,” Hill said of Spruce. “I’m glad to have him on the team. I know we’re going to keep fighting. We’re in the same position. We’re both fighting to make the team.
Spruce was signed as an undrafted free agent in April. Hill was claimed off waivers from the New England Patriots in December.
“All we can really do is stay focused, keep working and help make each other better,” Hill said. “He got me there in one-on-one’s today.”
Interestingly enough, the field has been the only time two local products have been able to make contact with each other so far.
“I haven’t really gotten a chance to talk to him,” Spruce said. “I plan on it. The offense and the defense are so separated. It’s hard to get a minute with him.”
That first catch in Tuesday’s opening OTA session was important for Spruce.
“It’s kind of like when you’re getting ready for a game and you’re a little bit nervous, that first hit snaps you out of it,” Spruce said. “Getting that first catch, even way back in the first practice, being able to make a play, it’s like, ‘I can do this. It’s football.’ It calms you down a little bit.”
On the end of many of rookie quarterback Jared Goff’s passes with the second and third string, Spruce had a strong first week.
“Right now, especially just starting out … you feel like you’re going to be taking the biggest steps because you’re so new to everything,” Spruce said. “As receivers, we’re talking about getting a little bit better every day.
“The more I’m out here, the more comfortable I’m feeling. That was a really good first week. I’m feeling good.”
Conversely, Hill spends his evenings going over his mistakes in his head.
“It’s been a grind,” Hill said. “I remember the things that I did bad so I can get better on them, some of the plays and my technique that I didn’t do. That’s what I try to remember, so I don’t make the same mistake twice.”
‘FAN DAY’ MOOTED
Offseason training programs aren’t typically open to the public. But the Rams’ first OTAs back in Los Angeles in 21 years, when they are making their new home in Ventura County, aren’t exactly typical.
The city of Oxnard had requested a “fan day” so that local Rams fans could have an experience similar to what local Cowboy fans enjoy during training camp at River Ridge.
Rams executive vice president Kevin Demoff said Friday the team was willing to host an open practice, but it wasn’t going to work under current conditions.
The city is no longer is able to use the 20-acre parcel at Vineyard Avenue and Ventura Road that previously provided parking, bleachers and concessions during Cowboys camps.
“We were willing to do it during OTAs, but you couldn’t park and since you couldn’t park, you had to limit it to like 700 people,” Demoff said. “Our concern was: how do we control it? If you’re going to say you’re open, you’re open.”
A handful of spectators watched part of Friday’s practice through the chain-link fence on the fields’ border with River Ridge Golf Club, but security was summoned when they began recording practice with cellphones.
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