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April 29, 2017 at 8:44 pm #68103
znModeratorLos Angeles Rams’ 2017 draft picks: Analysis for every selection
Alden Gonzalez
Alden Gonzalez breaks down the Los Angeles Rams’ 2017 draft class.
Round 2, No. 44 overall: Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama
2017 NFL DRAFT | Philadelphia
NFL DraftNFL draft home page: Day 3 recap »
• By round: pick-by-pick analysis | By team
• Nation: Best, riskiest moves for 32 teams
• Seifert: More prospects will skip bowl games
• Where every QB was picked in ’17 draft
• McShay: Top 10 undrafted prospects
• Fantasy: Day 2 reaction | Round 1
My take: The Rams traded down from 37th overall with the Bills in order to gain an additional third-round pick. This pick fills their biggest immediate need, especially when you consider just how crucial tight ends are for new coach Sean McVay. No team received more yards out of the tight end position than McVay’s Redskins last season, and his hope is Everett develops into his new Jordan Reed. Everett, at 6-foot-3 and 239 pounds, was a four-year starter who bounced around in college and didn’t begin playing football until his senior year of high school. Over his past two years at South Alabama, he caught 90 passes for 1,292 yards and 12 touchdowns, being named All-Sun Belt Conference each season. Everett brings speed, athleticism and ball skills that make him a mismatch against linebackers and safeties. He needs to improve as a blocker, but he can be an immediate weapon for franchise quarterback Jared Goff.How he fits: Everett joins Tyler Higbee, a fourth-round pick last year, to give the Rams two young pass-catching tight ends who can line up on the outside. This position became a major need after the Rams cut ties with veteran Lance Kendricks earlier this offseason. Their three pass-catching tight ends — Everett, Higbee and Temarrick Hemingway, a sixth-round pick last year — have combined for 11 NFL receptions but will get a chance to prove themselves immediately. The Rams have finished last in the NFL in yards each of the past two seasons. They need more talent at receiver, but Tavon Austin signed a long-term extension last year, Robert Woods was signed in free agency, and Pharoh Cooper was a fourth-round pick in 2016.
Round 3, No. 69: Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington
My take: The Rams got another weapon for Goff with Kupp, a possession receiver who set 15 FCS records in college. Kupp, 6-2 and 204 pounds, finished his career with 428 catches, 73 touchdowns and 6,464 yards, more than any collegiate receiver at any level. Kupp was the FCS Offensive Player of the Year each of the past two years. He isn’t necessarily explosive — as evidenced by a 4.62 40-yard dash and a 31-inch vertical leap — but he is a reliable pass-catcher with soft hands. It’s a great fit for Goff, who would benefit from a security blanket on those in-breaking routes that McVay loves to run. Kupp is expected to be ready to contribute right away, which the Rams, devoid of impact receivers for about a decade, desperately need.
How he fits: It’s no secret that the Rams badly needed more weapons for Goff. And they got them with their first two picks, first with an explosive tight end and then with a reliable receiver. The Rams now have two tight ends, Everett and Higbee, who can line up on the outside and beat teams down the field. Their top four receivers — Austin, Woods, Cooper and Kupp — are better at short-to-intermediate routes. But the Rams are also hopeful that Austin, who boasts blazing speed, can develop into a vertical deep threat, a la DeSean Jackson.
Round 3, No. 91 overall: John Johnson, S, Boston College
My take: Johnson has good instincts in coverage, and you can’t have enough of those guys in such a pass-happy league. He has solid ball skills and soft hands, with an ability to produce interceptions and has experience as both a free safety and a slot corner. Johnson had three interceptions in each of his last two years with the Eagles and really improved his stock as a senior, adding 77 tackles and nine pass breakups, then impressing at the Senior Bowl. At 6-0, 208 pounds, he’s athletic and fluid for the position, but needs to improve on his routes to the ball and his physicality as a tackler.
How he fits: The Rams’ two starting safeties — Maurice Alexander and Lamarcus Joyner, who is transitioning from slot corner — are slated to be unrestricted free agents next offseason. So is their most experienced backup, Cody Davis. The Rams needed to address depth in their secondary with this draft, and Johnson potentially gives it to them at two different positions (Trumaine Johnson, E.J. Gaines and Nickell Robey-Coleman are the Rams’ looming free agents at cornerback). Johnson also excelled as a special-teams gunner and can help the Rams there, too.
Texas A&M receiver Josh Reynolds showed that he can stretch the field, averaging 17 yards per reception. Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Round 4, No. 117: Josh Reynolds, WR, Texas A&MMy take: Reynolds gives the Rams some much-needed big-play ability at wide receiver. At 6-3, 194 pounds, Reynolds has great leaping ability, can stretch the field and is a major threat after the catch. In three years for the Aggies, Reynolds averaged 17 yards per catch. His 2,788 receiving yards and 30 touchdowns the past three years led the SEC. But he still needs to bulk up, and he needs to clean up some of his drops on easy catches.
How he fits: With Reynolds, the Rams have an outside threat to join a receiving corps that includes Austin, Woods, Cooper and third-round pick Cooper Kupp, none of whom profile as such. Reynolds is the seventh wide receiver or tight end selected by the Rams since the start of the 2016 draft. It’s all about accumulating weapons for Goff, last year’s No. 1 overall pick. The Rams selected Reynolds after moving back five spots with the Bears, which netted an additional sixth-round pick.
Round 4, No. 125 overall: Samson Ebukam, OLB, Eastern Washington
My take: Amazingly enough, Ebukam represents the Rams’ second pick from Eastern Washington, having teamed with third-round receiver Cooper Kupp. The Rams moved up 16 spots with the New York Jets and gave up the 13th pick of the sixth round in order to take Ebukam. He brings speed, explosiveness and football intelligence but needs time to develop, according to draft reports. At 6-3, 240 pounds, Ebukam doesn’t necessarily have the size to operate out of a three-point stance.
How he fits: The Rams operated without much linebacker depth last year, but they need more of it now that defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is converting them from a 4-3 to a 3-4. Ebukam can be a backup to the recently added Connor Barwin, who signed a one-year contract, and Robert Quinn, who is transitioning from defensive end. One of their inside linebackers, Alec Ogletree, heads into his final year before free agency unless the Rams can sign him to an extension.
Round 6, No. 189: Tanzel Smart, DT, Tulane
My take: Smart is a 3-technique who’s listed at 6-1, 296 pounds. He’s a bit undersized, but is quick and disruptive, compiling 9.5 sacks in 36 games as a starter over the past three years. Smart was first-team All-American Athletic Conference in both 2015 and 2016, compiling 18 1/2 tackles for loss in his final season.
How he fits: Smart will provide some depth for a Rams defensive line that features Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers. Three of their other key defensive linemen — Dominique Easley, Ethan Westbrooks and Tyrunn Walker — are eligible for free agency next offseason. Smart probably profiles as a nose tackle in the NFL.
Round 6, No. 206: Sam Rogers, FB, Virginia Tech
My take: Rogers lined up in multiple spots for the Hokies, including tailback, and can bring some versatility in the passing game. A former walk-on, Rogers is hailed for his toughness, durability and work ethic, having played in 53 games (25 of them starts) in his four seasons at Virginia Tech. He finished with 1,494 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns.
How he fits: The Rams will bring Rogers in as a fullback, which makes you wonder about the future of Cory Harkey, one of their key locker-room leaders over the last four years. Rogers is 5-10, 231 pounds, but he’s a strong worker and can be a violent blocker. Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster once described Rogers as “a nonstop ball of butcher knives.”
Round 7, No. 234: Ejuan Price, OLB, Pittsburgh
My take: Price actually played six seasons at Pitt, going through three head coaches, due to pectoral and back injuries that forced him to miss extended time. He really started to come into his own over the last two years. In 2015, Price racked up 11 1/2 sacks and was named first-team All-ACC. In 2016, he picked up 13 sacks, tied for sixth-most in the FBS, and was first-team All-ACC once again.
How he fits: Price is the second outside linebacker selected by the Rams, after fourth-rounder Samson Ebukam. They need additional depth there because they’re switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4. Price, listed at 5-foot-11 and 241 pounds, is undersized. But he has good burst and can be an effective sub-package rusher. The Rams’ last undersized defensive player from Pitt — Aaron Donald — worked out pretty well.
April 30, 2017 at 12:58 am #68138znModeratorRams ‘stick to the plan’ in draft and address variety of needs
By Gary Klein
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-nfl-draft-20170429-story.html
Stay in alignment. No surprises. Seamless.
Those were a few terms and phrases Rams general manager Les Snead and coach Sean McVay used Saturday to describe the Rams’ process and results in the NFL draft.
A day after they selected tight end Gerald Everett, receiver Cooper Kupp and safety John Johnson in the second and third rounds Saturday, the Rams added Texas A&M receiver Josh Reynolds and Eastern Washington linebacker Samson Ebukam in the fourth round, Tulane defensive lineman Tanzel Smart and Virginia Tech running back Sam Rogers in the sixth, and Pittsburgh linebacker Ejuan Price in the seventh.
The four new players on offense and four on defense help the Rams address needs at receiver and tight end, and improved depth at linebacker and on the defensive line.
“We feel like we were able to address a lot of those needs, but we also didn’t overreach for any,” McVay said after his first draft as a head coach. “It seemed like a lot of those guys that we had valued, we were able to get at the spot that we wanted.
“And that was kind of the goal for the weekend and we felt like we accomplished that.”
But for the second year in a row, the Rams did not select an offensive lineman.
That might perplex Rams fans who last season watched running back Todd Gurley struggle to reach the line of scrimmage and quarterback Jared Goff unsuccessfully dodge pass-rushing onslaughts.
The addition of free-agent left tackle Andrew Whitworth — a Pro Bowl selection with Cincinnati the last two seasons — new offensive-line coach Aaron Kromer’s assessment of players on the roster, and the lack of offensive-line depth in the draft caused the Rams to prioritize other needs, Snead said.
The Rams also did not draft a cornerback. After assessing a secondary that includes recent signees Kayvon Webster and Nickell Robey-Coleman during last week’s minicamp, McVay said Saturday that “we feel good where we’re at.”
The Rams, who did not have a first-round pick, traded back or forward three times during the final six rounds.
“The biggest thing you take away from this weekend is that there were no surprises,’ McVay said. “Everything that happened, we were able to kind of stick to the plan and trust that if it wasn’t maybe Priority A, there was a Priority 1-A in place.”
The Rams began the day by trading down five spots and selecting Reynolds. The 6-foot-3 wideout gives Goff a tall target and can make catches high in the air.
“I’m versatile,” Reynolds said in teleconference with reporters. “My height was just a bonus, and really having long arms, just being long.”
Ebukam was excited about joining a defense that will operate from coordinator Wade Phillips’ 3-4 scheme. He also is enthused about playing on the same pro team with Kupp, a teammate at Eastern Washington.
“When he got picked by them I was like, ‘Yeah, that’s the perfect team,’” Ebukam said. “Then I thought to myself, ‘What are the chances I get picked by the same team?’ And it just happened and I was like, ‘Whoa, Eagles really do stick together.’ That’s awesome.”
Smart joins a defensive-line position group that includes three-time Pro Bowl tackle Aaron Donald and two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Robert Quinn.
“I really want to learn a lot from Aaron Donald,” Smarts said. “I’m just glad I’m in that situation to play and learn from those guys.”
Rogers grew up about two hours from Washington, D.C., so he is familiar with the productive offense McVay oversaw as coordinator for the Redskins.
“They use versatile guys, guys that can do a lot of different things,” Rogers said, “and I feel like I fit that mold pretty well.’
Price played defensive end at Pittsburgh, where he was teammates with Donald.
Price overcame chest and back injuries that sidelined him for more than two seasons. He finished his career with 29½ sacks, tying him with Donald for fourth on the school’s all-time list.
“I think naturally I’m a 3-4 outside linebacker, so I couldn’t have asked for a better fit,” Price said, adding, “I think I’ll fit right in with what I do. My specialty is penetration and pass rush so I think I can definitely be useful.”
The Rams began to contact potential free agents immediately after the draft and will continue through Sunday. They will hold a rookie camp starting May 11.
Snead, overseeing his sixth draft, credited McVay for bringing enthusiasm to the evaluation process, especially in the last four weeks leading up the draft.
“That’s where chemistry is built,” Snead said. “That’s where you get to know someone. That’s where you get to really, really bond a lot better than badminton at the company picnic.”
Etc.
UCLA defensive back Ishmael Adams and USC running back Justin Davis were among 11 undrafted players who agreed to terms for free-agent contracts with the Rams.
Others: Arkansas defensive back Jared Collins, Colorado linebacker Kevin Davis, Washington offensive lineman Jake Eldrenkamp, New Mexico State offensive lineman Anthony McMeans, Oregon tight end Johnny Mundt, Dartmouth linebacker Folarin Orimolade, Missouri defensive back Aarion Penton, Ohio defensive tackle Casey Sayles and North Carolina defensive back Dravious Wright.
April 30, 2017 at 12:59 am #68139znModeratorRams wrap up draft with more skill, less beef
Joe Curley
Often leaning back in their chairs, Sean McVay and Les Snead sat side by side in the Rams’ draft room at Cal Lutheran University.
Over the course of three days, the Rams head coach and general manager carried out a plan they had hatched together over the past few months.
When they emerged Saturday evening, it was with smiles on their faces.
“I think the biggest take away from this weekend was, when you acquire the eight players that we did, we were able to stay in alignment with the board we had set up,” McVay said. “We feel like we were able to address a lot of those needs, but we also didn’t overreach for a need.”
Their decisions in shaping an eight-player draft class spoke volumes of their opinions of the roster so early in McVay’s tenure.
When the Rams selected Texas A&M receiver Josh Reynolds with Saturday’s first pick, the 10th pick of the fourth round, it completed a run of seven pass catchers — four receivers and three tight ends — in a nine-pick span dating back to last year’s fourth round.
“You want to find as many playmakers that can create with the ball in their hands (as you can),” McVay said. “All these guys have great ball skills. … And, like you’ll hear me say over and over again, I don’t think we can have enough guys that make good things happen when the ball’s in their hands.”
Conversely, the Rams surprised fans by not adding to an offensive line that struggled last fall, both in protecting franchise quarterback Jared Goff and in creating room for star running back Todd Gurley.
Snead explained that, having consulted with offensive line coach Aaron Kromer, the Rams chose the young players they already have on their roster over the players available in the draft pool.
“There are a lot of guys in our group that he wanted to work with and felt like they may be better than some of the rookies in this draft class,” Snead said.
The Rams also gave new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips a pair of pass rushers to plug into his 3-4 system in Eastern Washington’s Samson Ebukam in the fourth round and Pittsburgh’s Ejuan Price in the seventh round, as well as Tulane defensive tackle Tanzel Smart in the sixth round.
Pittsburgh defensive lineman Ejuan Price (left) was
Pittsburgh defensive lineman Ejuan Price (left) was taken by the Rams in the seven round Saturday. (Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE)
“I think it’s a great day for all of these guys,” McVay said. “Their lives changed.”Reynolds, a long-striding deep threat, led the SEC with 1,039 yards receiving last fall.
“I’m a playmaker,” Reynolds said. “I’m a winner and I’d love to help this team win. … We’re going to get this thing rolling.”
Ebukam was a teammate of receiver Cooper Kupp, who the Rams drafted in the third round Saturday.
“I thought to myself, ‘What are the chances I get picked by the same team?’ ” Ebukam said. “And it just happened and I was like, ‘Whoa, Eagles really do stick together.’ That’s awesome.”
While Smart said that he was looking forward to learning from Rams star defensive tackle Aaron Donald, Price, who was injured for two full seasons at Pittsburgh, already has had that experience.
“I’ll probably talk to him in a little bit,” said Price. “I’m sure we’ll link up and speak on it at one point.”
Price, a sixth-year senior who missed two full seasons with back and pectoral muscle injuries, was Donald’s teammate at Pitt.
“I’ve been seeing him around for years,” Price said. “We played on the same team for a bit and we were rivals in high school.”
Six of the eight players the Rams drafted participated in the Senior Bowl in January.
“It wasn’t intentional, but definitely utilized,” Snead said. “It is intentional because we do really scrutinize the Senior Bowl, because it means something.”
That included Sam Rogers, who the Rams drafted in the fifth round. The Virgina Tech fullback was labeled “a lead-blocking machine” at the Senior Bowl by Pro Football Focus.
“I can’t wait to block for Todd Gurley,” Rogers said.
The second-team All-American also flashed versatile skills in Blacksburg, catching touchdown passes and even throwing a touchdown pass.
“You saw Sam do a nice job contributing to the run and the pass game,” McVay said. “I think he’s a guy that when you get him out in space, he can fit people up and press them on angles.”
“Those are kind of the some of the nuances that we’ll look for from that fullback spot.”
April 30, 2017 at 1:39 am #68143znModerator.@MelKiperESPN with the wet blanket, says all three of the Rams' Day 2 picks were reaches ($) … https://t.co/Wkwb4xOPwV
— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) April 29, 2017
April 30, 2017 at 9:28 am #68157znModeratorfrom Prisco’s NFL Draft Grades
Pete Prisco
Los Angeles Rams
They traded their first-round pick last year to get quarterback Jared Goff, so they had to wait until the second round to pick. When they did pick, they seemed to focus on helping Goff. Their second-round pick was tight end Gerald Everett, and they followed that up with Eastern Washington receiver Copper Kupp in the third and Texas A&M receiver Josh Reynolds in the fourth. They didn’t take an offensive lineman, which was strange.
Grade: C-April 30, 2017 at 9:34 am #68159
AgamemnonParticipantIt isn’t only Goff. McVay needs tools in the toolbox to run his mismatch orientated offense. He needs a variety of weapons to do that.
AgamemnonApril 30, 2017 at 3:59 pm #68179znModeratorJim Everett @Jim_Everett ·
It was nice to witness our #LARams evaluate and select players partially based on #Football #IQ!
April 30, 2017 at 4:00 pm #68180znModeratorRams’ 2017 draft adds depth at receiver and along defensive front
By RICH HAMMOND
The NFL draft is over, and the Rams have added eight players that first-year Coach Sean McVay can use in an attempt to improve upon last year’s 4-12 record and the team’s dreadful offense.
The Rams selected one fullback (Sam Rogers), two receivers (Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds), one tight end (Gerald Everett), one defensive lineman (Tanzel Smart), two linebackers (Samson Ebukam and Ejuan Price) and one safety (John Johnson).
Here’s a position-by-position look at how the draft likely will change things for the Rams.
RUNNING BACK
Sixth-round pick Rogers (5-foot-10, 231 pounds) is a fullback who also can be a significant special-team contributor and a receiving threat. In four years at Virginia Tech, Rogers caught 72 passes for 802 yards and seven touchdowns.
The Rams will try desperately to get Todd Gurley going, after their run game was disastrous in 2016, and in Lance Dunbar, the Rams added a versatile back through free agency. Malcolm Brown also returns as a 5-foot-11, 224 bowling ball who ran well in a limited role last season.
RECEIVER
The Rams made two interesting additions in Kupp (Eastern Washington) and Reynolds (Texas A&M), and both have the potential to play early.
Kupp, a third-round pick, projects as slot receiver, but if he can also thrive on the outside, it would help the Rams tremendously. Reynolds, a fourth-round pick, is a potential deep threat, but it remains to be seen whether he has the strength and consistency to be an every-down receiver.
The role of newly added receiver Robert Woods, a steady possession guy, figures to be unchanged, but it will be interesting to see how Austin, a talented speedsters who has underachieved, will be impacted by the arrival of Reynolds.
With receivers such as Pharoh Cooper, Nelson Spruce, Bradley Marquez and Mike Thomas also in the fold, there figures to be plenty of training-camp competition.
TIGHT END
McVay loves his tight ends, and he added a potential big-play guy in the second round when the Rams drafted Everett out of South Alabama.
Everett and Tyler Higbee, a fourth-round pick last year, could be McVay’s new version of Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis, the tight-end duo he used as Washington’s offensive coordinator.
The draft probably isn’t good news for Temarrick Hemingway, a sixth-round pick last year, because the Rams also have veteran Cory Harkey, a strong blocker.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The Rams used a sixth-round pick on Smart (Tulane), a 6-1, 296-pound defensive tackle who could serve as a backup to Aaron Donald.
This unit might not be as deep as it was in 2016, in part because of the scheme change, but Donald still leads the way in the middle, with Michael Brockers, Ethan Westbrooks and Dominique Easley all expected to play at a high level.
LINEBACKER
The 3-4 scheme of new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips puts a premium on edge rushers, and fourth-round pick Ebukam (Eastern Washington) is considered a high-ceiling prospect who might not need to play right away.
The Rams also drafted Price in the seventh round, and he could serve as a backup to Robert Quinn on the edge.
Quinn will transition from defensive end, and the Rams signed strong veteran Connor Barwin. Ebukam probably needs some skill refinement in order to contribute at the NFL level, but he will have a great teacher in Phillips and he arrives with outstanding speed and aggressiveness.
Alec Ogletree and Mark Barron remain on track to start at inside linebacker.
SAFETY
The Rams addressed their depth problem here when they picked Johnson out of Boston College late in the third round.
Johnson has the potential to back up strong safety Maurice Alexander and free safety Lamarcus Joyner, who will transition from cornerback. That’s important because the Rams are light on safeties, with Cody Davis as the only backup who has logged a significant number of NFL snaps.
Here’s a look at the positions that remained unchanged after the draft…
QUARTERBACK
Clearly, the Rams made their big move at quarterback a year ago when they drafted Jared Goff. Sean Mannion, a fifth-round pick in 2015, is slotted to be Goff’s backup and the Rams recently signed Aaron Murray to be their third-stringer.
OFFENSIVE LINE
It was a bit surprising not to see the Rams make any additions here, but they have some internal versatility. Free-agent addition Andrew Whitworth is locked in at left tackle, and the Rams hope new center John Sullivan can stay healthy. Rodger Saffold, Greg Robinson and Rob Havenstein all have the potential to play either tackle or guard.
CORNERBACK
Trumaine Johnson apparently isn’t going to get traded, and the Rams will continue to work on a contract extension. There’s some depth behind Johnson, with E.J. Gaines, Kayvon Webster, Troy Hill and nickelback Nickell Robey-Coleman.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Greg Zuerlein and Johnny Hekker remain the incumbents at kicker and punter, respectively, but several of this year’s draft picks have the potential to contribute on coverage units, and Kupp could be a kick returner.
RAMS 2017 DRAFT PICKS
Second round, No. 44 overall: Gerald Everett, tight end, South Alabama
Third round, No. 69 overall: Cooper Kupp, receiver, Eastern Washington
Third round, No. 91 overall: John Johnson, safety, Boston College
Fourth round, No. 117 overall: Josh Reynolds, receiver, Texas A&M
Fourth round, No. 125 overall: Samson Ebukam, linebacker, Eastern Washington
Sixth round, No. 189 overall: Tanzel Smart, defensive tackle, Tulane
Sixth round, No. 206 overall: Sam Rogers, fullback, Virginia Tech
Seventh round, No. 234 overall: Ejuan Price, linebacker, PittsburghMay 1, 2017 at 1:42 am #68213znModeratorMay 1, 2017 at 1:10 pm #68243znModeratorfrom 2017 NFL Draft: Quick-snap grades for all 32 teams
Chad Reuter
Los Angeles Rams
Draft picks: Gerald Everett (No. 44 overall), Cooper Kupp (No. 69 overall), John Johnson (No. 91 overall), Josh Reynolds (No. 117 overall), Samson Ebukam (No. 125 overall), Tanzel Smart (No. 189 overall), Sam Rogers (No. 206 overall), Ejuan Price (No. 234 overall)
Day 1 grade: C
Day 2 grade: B+
Day 3 grade: A
Overall grade: B-
The skinny: Tight end was a need position for the Rams, and Gerald Everett’s ability to get off the line smoothly is quite impressive. They might consider him a receiver. It might have been a tick early for him, however — not unlike when they chose Lance Kendricks a bit early in 2011. Cooper Kupp’s feet are as quick as any in the draft, even if his 40 time wasn’t great. Third-round safety John Johnson is liked by scouts for his ability to handle multiple roles in the secondary.The Rams couldn’t help but build up their offense with a solid receiver in Josh Reynolds, and got a potential pass-rush specialist in Samson Ebukam — two solid picks. Getting fullback Sam Rogers in the sixth will help Todd Gurley and the special teams units. The Rams needed to find a cornerback (or two), but couldn’t meet all their needs in eight picks. Jared Goff will be given the opportunity to excel with this talent around him.
May 2, 2017 at 9:59 pm #68301znModeratorfrom PFF’S 2017 NFL DRAFT RECAP FOR ALL 32 TEAMS
2 (44) (from Buffalo) Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama
3 (69) Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington
3 (91) (from Arizona via Kansas City) John Johnson, S, Boston College
4 (117) (from Chicago via Buffalo) Josh Reynolds, WR, Texas A&M
4 (125) (from New York Jets via Tampa Bay) Samson Ebukam, Edge, Eastern Washington
6 (189) Tanzel Smart, DI, Tulane
6 (206) (from Miami) Sam Rogers, FB, Virginia Tech
7 (234) (from Baltimore) Ejuan Price, Edge, PittsburghDay 1: No picks
Day 2: The Rams added weapons for QB Jared Goff on Day 2, starting with Everett who led all tight ends in forced missed tackles in each of the last two years. He is an over-sized receiver who can develop as a blocker in more of an H-back role. Kupp adds another receiving option and he projects as a possession receiver at the next level, most likely working out of the slot. He doesn’t have great speed, but he’s a good route runner who got open consistently during the week of practice at the Senior Bowl. Johnson had the fourth-best tackling efficiency among draft class safeties, missing one out of every 14.6 tackle attempts.
Day 3: Reynolds adds a potential downfield threat after using his long frame to catch 11 deep passes for 450 yards last season. Ebukam picked up 11 sacks, 10 QB hits, and 42 hurries on 397 rushes last season and he could find his niche as a situational rusher early on for the Rams. Smart ranked 16th in the nation with a grade of 86.7 against the run, and his 87.4 pass-rush grade ranked fourth (seven sacks, seven QB hits, and 33 hurries on 400 rushes) in 2016. Price is an undersized pass-rusher who ranked 13th in the country with an 87.7 pass-rush grade last season, picking up 16 sacks, 13 QB hits, and 39 hurries on his 498 rushes.
May 2, 2017 at 10:10 pm #68303znModeratorInside the Draft Room: Trading Back and Getting their Targets
Myles Simmons
After functioning largely as spectators on the first night of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Rams figured to be a heavy player on the second — particularly because of the club’s early second-round pick.
General manager Les Snead would tell the media at the end of the night he anticipated teams trying to move up given his previous experience. And with the Rams carrying the fifth pick of the night — No. 37 overall — there were surely clubs that had identified a target for the late 30s.
And so about 10 minutes before the second round is set to begin, Snead, EVP of football operations Kevin Demoff, and senior assistant Tony Pastoors are engaged in a discussion about potential trades. After a few minutes, Snead returns to his seat next to head coach Sean McVay, filling him in. A smile comes across McVay’s face. At some point soon, he’ll make his first phone call welcoming a drafted player to Los Angeles.
It’s 4:04 pacific when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell comes on the TV screen and asks the Philadelphia crowd for a moment before they continue booing, eliciting some laughter from the Rams’ draft room. That cuts through some of the nervous energy between the four walls. The selections haven’t started, but it’s certainly more tense than it was on Thursday night.
Once the Packers are on the clock at No. 33, the phones begin to ring — just as Snead expected. Many of the calls go to Demoff or Pastoors, which means Snead and McVay are probably wearing out the patch of carpet between the tables as they go to hear details.
Seattle’s pick comes in at No. 35, and two minutes later, scouting assistant Michael Pierce — on headset with the Rams’ representatives at the draft in Philadelphia — tells the room Arizona has traded with Chicago to move up to No. 36. Snead and McVay both get out of their seats, eager to hear details.
Pierce announces the pick — Washington safety Budda Baker — and the Rams are on the clock. Will they make a pick?
Clearly, the answer is no. Snead gets on the phone — with the Bills, as we’ll all soon find out — and says, “OK, let’s do it.” From there, Pastoors calls the league to make the deal official. At that point, McVay comes over to Pierce, confirming that there will be a trade. Pierce tells those in Philadelphia there’s no need to turn in a card.
“I think they’re going to pick Zay,” McVay says. And he’s right — Buffalo selects East Carolina wide receiver Zay Jones.
And now the waiting game begins. L.A. gained an extra third rounder pick by trading No. 37 and No. 149 for No. 44 and No. 91, but there are seven more picks before the club can select its first player of this draft.
In that time, there are plenty of conversations — both in the room and on the phone. Snead is fielding calls and messages, but also asks Jake Temme of the Rams data and analytics department — better known as the “Nerd’s Nest” — to come over for discussion.
The phones in the room continue to ring, particularly as the picks reach No. 43. “What’s Philly waiting for?” jokes an eager McVay. It seems like there are options on the table once the Rams come on the clock. But then the decision is made: The Rams aren’t trading the pick.
At that point, Rams director of Player Personnel Taylor Morton comes over to Pierce and gives him the name: Gerald Everett, tight end, South Alabama.
Pierce relays the information over to Philadelphia, where the representatives get the card ready. At the same time, Snead dials Everett’s number form the draft room’s land line. Everett answers, Snead lets him know who’s calling, and Morton motions it’s time to turn the card in.
The Rams have a new tight end.
“I think he’s going to be a great compliment to a room that’s already full with some great young players,” tight ends coach Shane Waldron says just after the phone call. “I think he’s got wiggle and that natural ability at the top of the route to separate. And then with the ball in his hands, he can make people miss and he can break tackles and create yards on his own — which is an important part.”
There are handshakes, back slaps, and bro hugs abound. McVay comes to the back of the room, congratulating one of the club’s area scouts. Everyone seems pleased to have their desired target plus another third rounder after the trade back.
The draft room slows down for a bit from there, with the Rams next pick not coming until the top of the following round. At about 6:30, when it begins, the phone rings. Demoff answers, telling whoever is on the other end, “We can try” — presumably to make a trade. But nothing comes of it.
At this point, Snead is spending plenty of time with director of college scouting, Brad Holmes. Holmes’ seat is just behind Snead’s and next to Morton’s in the draft room, so there’s a lot of moving back and forth between the two rows.
When the Rams are on the clock, there’s still discussion still going on between the decision-makers in the front row, perhaps about a potential trade. But with 1:40 left for the club to make its selection, Morton tells Pierce to have the representatives in Philadelphia turn in the card: Cooper Kupp, wide receiver, Eastern Washington.
On the phone, Snead asks Kupp, “You want to be a Los Angeles Ram?”
“Man, nothing would make me happier,” Kupp replies.
About a half hour later, with Los Angeles’ extra third-round pick from Buffalo about 10 selections away, most of the team’s defensive staff enters the draft room — coordinator Wade Phillips, assistant head coach/linebackers coach Joe Barry, cornerbacks coach Aubrey Pleasant, and safeties coach Ejiro Evero. It’s a pretty clear indication the Rams are planning to go defense with their third pick of the night.
The discussion between the coaches and those in personnel goes on for a half-hour, with everyone paying close attention to who comes off the board. But the Rams nevertheless get their target, John Johnson, a safety from Boston College.
Phillips gets on Johnson’s draft call after McVay and tells him, “We really love the way you play.”
“Talk a player that is very tough — very physical for a converted corner. Has very good coverage skills because he’s a converted safety. And a great above-the-neck player,” Evero says after speaking to Johnson himself. “We’re really excited to get him here and get him competing with us.”
Speaking to the media after the conclusion of the third round, McVay said the Rams “know we got better with three spots.”
But there would be plenty more work to do the next day. And with quick turnaround, too. Snead and McVay’s press conference ended just after 9 p.m. Day 3’s events were set to begin 12 hours later.
May 2, 2017 at 10:45 pm #68307znModeratorRams restock offense, drafting pass-catchers Everett, Kupp
PFWeekly
LOS ANGELES – Even without a first-round pick, the Los Angeles Rams are finding ways to bolster the NFL’s worst offense around Jared Goff.
The Rams chose South Alabama tight end Gerald Everett with the 44th overall pick Friday after retreating seven spots in a trade with the Buffalo Bills. Los Angeles then grabbed Eastern Washington receiver Cooper Kupp with its third-round pick before using the 91st overall choice acquired from Buffalo on Boston College safety John Johnson.
The Rams didn’t have a first-round pick after last season’s trade to snag Goff at No. 1 overall, but they addressed three clear areas of need on the second day of the draft.
The Rams’ first pick in Sean McVay’s tenure was Everett, a tight end who should fit well in the new coach’s offense.
Everett starred at South Alabama for the past two seasons after leaving UAB when the school shut down its football program. He is a standout pass-catcher who has been criticized for his blocking acumen, yet he was still one of the top talents in a draft class that is deep at his position.
“I think I bring the complete package of a tight end,” Everett said. “Definitely a vertical threat first, but also being a willing blocker in the run game, just being able to create that mismatch at any point of time in the game.”Everett should team with second-year pro Tyler Higbee to provide a solid threat at tight end for the Rams, who had the NFL’s worst offense last season for the second consecutive year. McVay’s offenses in Washington used tight ends extensively, and he is likely to do the same in Los Angeles.
Everett already met Goff during his pre-draft visit to the Rams, and the quarterback immediately welcomed Everett on Twitter.
“I’m ecstatic,” Everett said. “I can’t wait to get out there in OTAs and get used to the rhythm and run routes with Jared and the rest of the receivers and tight ends for the Rams.”
Kupp is another highly regarded pass-catcher from a small school. He set college football receiving records with 428 catches for 6,464 yards and 73 touchdowns with the FCS Eagles, who won three Big Sky titles.
Kupp will be a third-generation NFL player, and he has made up for his lack of exceptional speed with strong routes and great hands. That describes much of the Rams’ current receiving corps, which lacks a large target for Goff or incredible speed outside of Tavon Austin.
“I think I bring versatility,” Kupp said. “A guy that’s going to know the offense inside and out. A guy that’s going to be ready to go Day One. I pride myself on that, on learning the offense. I know exactly what I need to be a guy that can be reliable and be able to get first downs. The ability to create in multiple different ways, play wherever you need me to play, I think that’s something that I bring that a lot of receivers can’t.”
Johnson should have a chance to play immediately in the Rams’ depleted secondary, and many draft observers think the 6-foot defensive back has the coverage skills to do it. The Rams have only two safeties with significant experience, and Johnson also could fill in as a slot cornerback for Lamarcus Joyner, who is moving to safety.May 3, 2017 at 8:35 pm #68339znModeratorhttp://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-path-to-the-draft
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Rampage2K- wrote:
Cooper Kupp on Path to the Draft today. Good stuff….
Ran Carthon (Rams former director of player personnel) was on there going over the draft grades for the division ….quick hits on Everett “our Jordan Reed type” “Kupp best hands in the draft and a guy who will always be where he’s supposed to be” he also wanted to mention Samson Ebukam about how excited he was to get him…”explosive” gets to sit and learn behind some of the best in Barwin and Quinn. Cooper will be star if he can play like he did in college….got some swag.
Good show today with lots of Rams stuff…check it out if you can!!!
May 3, 2017 at 8:50 pm #68342znModeratorBucky Brooks
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May 3, 2017 at 9:33 pm #68346
Eternal RamnationParticipantThe role of newly added receiver Robert Woods, a steady possession guy, figures to be unchanged, but it will be interesting to see how Austin, a talented speedsters who has underachieved, will be impacted by the arrival of Reynolds.
With receivers such as Pharoh Cooper, Nelson Spruce, Bradley Marquez and Mike Thomas also in the fold, there figures to be plenty of training-camp competition
Woods is faster than Britt or Quick he ran a perfectly respectable 4.51 and is most certainly a capable , credible deep threat. Austin needs to learn how to catch and how to defeat press coverage at the line before his speed is much of a threat deep.
May 5, 2017 at 8:45 pm #68410znModeratorfrom Best and riskiest moves for every team’s 2017 NFL draft class
NFC West
Los Angeles Rams
Best move: The Rams identified Gerald Everett as a second-round target early and were so convinced by him that they were willing to move back seven spots, from No. 37 to No. 44, which netted an additional third-round pick. Everett gives the Rams a downfield threat at tight end, which is especially critical given how much value Sean McVay got out of tight ends in Washington.
Riskiest move: The Rams took a handful of players from smaller universities who did not get a ton of reps against the best collegiate athletes. That includes Everett, who came out of South Alabama, and two others from Eastern Washington, third-round slot receiver Cooper Kupp and fourth-round outside linebacker Samson Ebukam. All three easily could play a lot this coming season. — Alden Gonzalez
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