Reporters wrap up OTAs, single out Cooper & Joyner

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  • #46458
    Avatar photozn
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    Inside OTAs with Myles Simmons: June 16

    Rams Insider Myles Simmons wraps up the last day of OTAs, including offensive and defensive standouts, as well as some changes to the positional drills for the day.

    http://www.therams.com/videos/videos/Inside-OTAs-with-Myles-Simmons-June-16/35ee0083-51f7-4af3-9668-2fbee3ddca63

    #46460
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    What we learned after Rams OTAs and minicamp

    Vincent Bonsignore, Los Angeles Daily News

    http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160617/bonsignore-what-we-learned-after-rams-otas-and-minicamp

    OXNARD — As the final horn sounded Thursday to wrap up the Rams’ offseason workout program, it was impossible not to look ahead.

    The next time the Rams gather as a team, it will be at training camp in late July in Irvine.

    Two weeks later, they’ll open the preseason against the Dallas Cowboys at the Coliseum. A month beyond that, they’ll kick off their first season back in Los Angeles against the San Francisco 49ers.

    It’s full steam ahead, to say the least.

    But depending on which sideline you stood during the Rams’ Organized Team Activity practices, it’s either moving too fast or not fast enough.

    Despite parting ways with veteran leaders Chris Long and James Laurinaitis and losing starting cornerback Janoris Jenkins and safety Rodney McLeod to free agency, the defense looked deeper, younger and more agile.

    The offense looked like a work in progress under new coordinator Rob Boras in his first full season in charge. With a new playbook, trying to get rookie quarterback Jared Goff up to speed, and new faces in the wide receiver and tight end corps, the offense looked uncomfortable and tentative at times.

    That said, here are some observations out of OTAs and some issues to keep an eye on moving forward:

    DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD LOOKS FINE

    There were legitimate concerns upon losing Jenkins and McLeod. Privately, though, the Rams expressed confidence not only in potential replacements, but also in development and scheme to adequately replace them.

    That confidence so far has been justified by the numerous interceptions the defensive backfield forced over the three-week session and the emergence of certain players.

    Lamarcus Joyner appears poised to take a step forward as a slot cornerback. E.J. Gaines, on target to be ready by training camp, is expected to start alongside Trumaine Johnson. Free-agent pickup Coty Sensabaugh provides veteran leadership.

    At safety, Maurice Alexander drew raves from defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and will compete with Cody Davis and Christian Bryant to replace McLeod. And when T.J. McDonald returns during training camp, the back end of the defense will be that much stronger.

    ALEC OGLETREE MAKES SMOOTH TRANSITION

    The Rams felt so comfortable about Alec Ogletree making the move from weakside linebacker to inside they released Laurinaitis, their all-time franchise-leading tackler. Nevertheless, Ogletree’s transition was worth monitoring during OTAs, especially the added responsibility of communicating alignment and defensive calls to his teammates. If any concerns lingered, the fourth-year veteran from Georgia eliminated them with a sensational offseason that drew praise from Williams and head coach Jeff Fisher. The Rams could have a star at middle linebacker.

    PHAROH COOPER IS DYNAMIC

    The Rams were ecstatic when South Carolina wide receiver Pharoh Cooper fell to them in the fourth round. His performance during OTAs explains why, and it had Fisher predicting Cooper will soon be a household name. Cooper is a bigger version of slot receiver Tavon Austin, and while he might not be as fast and quick as Austin, it’s more than adequate to make an immediate impact in the NFL. Cooper impressed with his ability to pick up the playbook, and was getting first-team reps by the second week of OTAs. Cooper and Austin on the field at the same time won’t just take some pressure off Goff or Case Keenum, it will mean more room for star running back Todd Gurley.

    JARED GOFF HAS A WAYS TO GO

    “Concern” might be a bit strong considering Goff is a rookie quarterback just finishing his first OTA session. But if anyone thought the top pick in the draft would just waltz in and assume the starting job, the last three weeks quickly proved otherwise. Goff finished OTAs with four interceptions in the final practice, three of which looked entirely on him as he overthrew one receiver, threw to the wrong shoulder to another and didn’t see a lurking Joyner as he threw to what he assumed was a wide-open receiver.

    It was a disappointing finish to an uneven OTA session. While Goff flashed the strong arm, quick release and great footwork that made him the top pick overall, it’s clear it will be quite the process making the transition from Cal to the starting job.

    Which is why Fisher reiterated that Keenum, not Goff, goes to training camp as the starting quarterback.

    DEPENDABLE DOWNFIELD THREAT NEEDED

    The Rams have been seeking a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver almost as long as they’ve been looking for their franchise quarterback. They hope they have their quarterback in Goff, but the search continues for the wide receiver.

    They’re set in the slot with Austin and Cooper, and dependable possession receivers should emerge from Kenny Britt, Brian Quick and rookie Nelson Spruce. But no one seemed ready or able to step up as a dynamic, sure-fire, go-to threat who can command the red zone or take the top off a defense. There is hope rookies Mike Thomas and Duke Williams can develop into that sort of threat, but it will take time for either to get there.

    HOW GOOD IS THE OFFENSIVE LINE?

    Given the lack of full pads in OTAs, it’s difficult to assess the offensive line. For now, the primary positive takeaway is third-year left tackle Greg Robinson reported no concerns with the lingering foot issue that affected his 2015 season, and left guard Rodger Saffold was mostly healthy after returning from shoulder surgery. That said, with the offensive line being counted on so heavily as difference maker, it’s going to be a while before we get a definitive answer.

    Will Robinson emerge as the dominant tackle so many predicted when he was drafted second overall in 2014? He and a healthy Saffold can solidify the left side of the line and make life easier on Goff or Keenum and Gurley. With Tim Barnes solidifying center, Jamon Brown returning at right guard and Rob Havenstein building off his All-Rookie season at right tackle, the pieces are in place for an average to above-average line. Now the group must stay healthy and show it on the field.

    WHAT’S NEXT

    The Rams, like every other NFL team, are officially off until training camp in late July. But there is one key difference: While the 31 other teams have a workout facility players can utilize for conditioning, weight training and rehab, Rams players will have to find alternative sites. The Rams have to clear out of their temporary practice site in Oxnard on June 24, and their in-season practice facility at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks won’t be up and running until after training camp begins. It’s one of the challenges for a team moving across country and setting up shop in a new city on the fly.

    #46461
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Rams wrap up organized team activities in Oxnard

    Gary Klein

    http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-rams-mini-camp-20160616-snap-story.html

    Phase one is complete.

    The Rams finished organized team activities Thursday, all but ending their temporary stay in Oxnard.

    Rookies will be around next week for some NFL orientation business, but veterans prepared to exit after the ninth workout while support personnel continued packing boxes.

    The Rams will reconvene in late July for the start of training camp at UC Irvine. The final phase of their return to Southern California will come in September when they move into a training facility at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, their temporary home for at least a few years.

    Coach Jeff Fisher, preparing for his fifth season with the Rams, said that despite the logistical challenges posed by the move from St. Louis, the OTA workouts were “the best since we’ve been here.” He added that the noncontact workouts were “one more step” toward the franchise’s first season in Southern California in more than two decades.

    “Considering everything that we’ve gone through, I feel like we accomplished a great deal through the OTAs,” Fisher said.

    So did players.

    “I felt like we’re light years ahead of where we were last year,” said defensive end William Hayes, who at 31 is the oldest player on the roster.

    Said linebacker Akeem Ayers: “We progressed a lot. We had a lot of changes, especially on the defensive side. … We got better.”

    Kevin Demoff, the Rams’ executive vice president of football operations, said the players and coaches adapted well despite the move and temporary facility.

    “It looked and felt like any other off-season program that the other 31 teams were having,” Demoff said, adding, “First and foremost from an organizational perspective, it was making sure that Oxnard gave our team the best chance to be set up to win games this fall, and I think it accomplished that.”

    On Thursday, quarterback Jared Goff again took first-team reps, but the rookie struggled at times and had at least four passes intercepted.

    Despite a less-than-stellar finish, Fisher said the top pick in the NFL draft “flourished” since he began sharing first-team snaps with Case Keenum last week.

    Keenum entered off-season workouts as the presumptive starter, and he will apparently keep that designation going into training camp.

    Fisher reiterated that Keenum was “our starter,” but that status remains fluid as Goff is expected to continue taking snaps with the starters during training camp.

    “I got a lot more one reps than I ever have during a spring so I think that was really good for me,” Keenum said.

    Keenum, Goff and other players said they would be in Southern California before the start of training camp to continue working together.

    “Nothing against St. Louis,” Keenum said, “but it’s easier to get guys to stay around here in L.A. than, say, somewhere else.”

    Making an impression

    Receiver Pharoh Cooper, a fourth-round draft pick, got extensive work with the first-team offense throughout OTA workouts.

    Fisher said the former South Carolina star has “a good feel for the inside stuff” and makes plays after the catch.

    “I expect that he’ll be a household name at some point because he’s such a good player,” Fisher said.

    Keenum said Cooper has “a little shiftiness to him” and expects him to contribute this season.

    “He’s made a few mistakes along the way,” Keenum said, “but he’s learned from them and hasn’t made them twice.”

    Quick hits

    Cornerback Trumaine Johnson sat out the final week of workouts. Johnson, who rode a stationary bike Thursday, was involved in a collision with a receiver during a drill last week. Fisher said Johnson suffered a laceration and “his jaw got rocked.” But he said Johnson would be “fine.”

    #46472
    Avatar photoAgamemnon
    Participant

    Will we ever find a #1 WR?

    Even if Robinson busts and Saffold goes on IR, we have replacements. imo Maybe not for OC?

    Agamemnon

    #46473
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Maybe not for OC?

    I don’t know, it depends on guys like Kush. They actually have 4 centers behind Barnes—Rhaney, Kush, Folkerts, and Arkin (who is a kind of C/G type). I read around on Kush and there’s some buzz with him.

    I don’t know about Rhaney. As in, I have my doubts.

    The other 2 I literally know nothing about either way, though one (forget which) was actually a practice squad raid, not just a “ronin” type budget pick-up.

    #46508
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Rams’ outlook matches L.A.’s weather: Sunny and bright

    Gary Klein

    http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-commentary-20160618-snap-story.html

    The Rams worked out under sunny skies this spring in Oxnard, a fitting weather backdrop for a franchise that returned to Southern California after more than two decades in the Midwest.

    The sunny disposition of nearly all players, coaches and front-office personnel is expected to last at least through mid-September.

    That’s when the Rams, who have not finished above .500 since 2003, will open the season against the San Francisco 49ers on “Monday Night Football.”

    Not surprisingly, the Rams recently wrapped up three weeks of organized-team activities full of optimism.

    Whether that demeanor is warranted remains to be seen.

    Non-contact practices are not much of a barometer for predicting NFL success or struggles. They revealed positive signs but also left unanswered causes for concern.

    Coach Jeff Fisher, entering the final season of a five-year contract that pays him $7 million annually, was lauded by players for his handling of the franchise’s move from St. Louis and the atmosphere on the field and in meetings.

    Fisher publicly embraced the arrival of “Hard Knocks” cameras that will roll into overdrive during training camp.

    But can he guide the Rams back to the playoffs for the first time since 2004?

    The defense under coordinator Gregg Williams is clearly ahead of an offense that coordinator Rob Boras is installing with a staff that includes three new assistants.

    Much will depend on quarterback play, and during organized team activities, top pick Jared Goff showed flashes of the skills that prompted the Rams to give up so much to trade to the top of the draft.

    Goff did not consistently sizzle, but at times, he demonstrated good decision-making, a strong arm and good touch. He also made numerous mistakes and had multiple passes intercepted.

    In short, about what one would anticipate from a rookie quarterback, regardless of buildup and expectations.

    Meantime, Case Keenum performed efficiently. Public confidence boosts from Fisher and General Manager Les Snead aside, the Rams view the career backup as a bridge to the start of the Goff era, whether that begins in the opener or sometime during the season. To his credit, Keenum handled constant questions about Goff with humor and an edge of confidence.

    And with Nick Foles absent while awaiting a possible training-camp trade, Sean Mannion took advantage of increased snaps.

    Fisher limited the reps of star running back Todd Gurley, a prudent decision on several levels. The Rams cannot afford to lose last season’s NFL offensive rookie of the year because of injury, and Benny Cunningham and Malcolm Brown benefited from the work.

    The receiving corps remains a question mark. Tavon Austin looked the part of a multidimensional threat, and rookie Pharoh Cooper showed signs of becoming an impact player in his first season. But veteran Kenny Britt did not participate in team drills, and Brian Quick still must show he was worthy of the prove-it deal he signed in March.

    The offensive line got a chance to improve communication, and Rodger Saffold and Jamon Brown continued their comeback from injuries. Left tackle Greg Robinson remains the key. If the No. 2 pick in the 2014 draft improves, so might the NFL’s worst passing offense in 2015. If he struggles …

    It’s too early to evaluate Alec Ogletree as the new middle linebacker, but he appeared to line up the defense with few glitches and commands the respect of teammates. Williams and starting linebackers Mark Barron and Akeem Ayers complimented Ogletree for the long hours he put in to become the leader of the unit.

    E.J. Gaines was held out of team drills while continuing to recover from foot surgery, so Lamarcus Joyner and Coty Sensabaugh worked opposite Trumaine Johnson to fill the starting cornerback slot that opened because of Janoris Jenkins’ free-agent departure.

    With Rodney McLeod leaving to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles and T.J. McDonald absent, Cody Davis, Christian Bryant and Maurice Alexander got most of the work at safety.

    The Rams reconvene for training camp in late July at UC Irvine.

    The forecast, no doubt, will call for more sunshine. The mood will be upbeat, players and coaches full of hope.

    At this point, that’s what the Rams can sell.

    #46535
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    OTAs in Oxnard helped Rams evaluate progress since move

    Joe Curley/Ventura County Star

    http://www.vcstar.com/sports/otas-in-oxnard-helped-rams-evaluate-progress-since-move-358132b9-25b8-3c01-e053-0100007fab22-383539061.html

    Veterans have scattered around the country, the rookies are completing their professional orientation and the Los Angeles Rams are once again packing up.

    The team’s three-month pit stop at Oxnard’s River Ridge fields was declared a success Thursday, when the NFL team completed its unique organized training activities.

    “For me, most importantly from an organizational perspective, this was a normal offseason,” Rams chief operating officer Kevin Demoff said. “Everybody can evaluate where the team is now versus where it was when we started the offseason program.”

    So where are the Rams today, as compared to when the team left St. Louis for Southern California in March?

    “Considering everything that we’ve gone through,” head coach Jeff Fisher said, “I feel like we accomplished a great deal through OTAs.”

    If the Rams are going to finally end their 12-year playoff drought, they are going to have to improve the worst passing offense in the NFL.

    That’s why general manager Les Snead packaged so many assets to move up to the first pick in April’s draft to add quarterback Jared Goff.

    The former Cal star made his first steps as a professional during the team’s time in Oxnard.

    “He’s done a nice job here over the last week or so,” Fisher said. “We’ve moved him up. He’s gotten some reps with the first team. … I think he’s flourished in that environment.”

    Part of that process is being able to compete against the first-team defense and be able to bounce back from a misread or an interception.

    “It’s definitely different for us and me as a rookie, seeing so many looks right now,” Goff said. “But I think, in the long run, it’s going to be very beneficial and something I’ll look back on and be thankful I saw all of that early on.”

    Asked Thursday if Goff was on track to start the regular-season opener in San Francisco, Fisher turned away the question.

    “We’re going to coach him to be successful,” Fisher said. “We’re not going to put him in with a chance to fail, that’s the most important thing in developing a young quarterback.”

    Hammering the point home, Fisher then named veteran Case Keenum the starting quarterback entering training camp, which starts July 30 in Irvine.

    “Case is our starter right now,” Fisher said. “Case needs first-team reps.”

    But quarterback isn’t the only position the team needs to improve if it’s going to perform better than last in the league in passing rating (74.1), completions (273), touchdown passes (11), first downs (241) and total offense (297.6 yards per game).

    The Rams have taken steps to improve the receiving corps, using four of their six draft picks on potential targets. Although rookie tight ends Tyler Higbee and Temarrick Hemingham spent much of the OTAs open to the media rehabbing injuries, rookie receivers like Pharoh Cooper, Michael Thomas and Westlake High product Nelson Spruce had their moments in camp.

    “I expect that he’ll be a household name at some point because he’s a good player,” Fisher said of Cooper.

    Receiver Tavon Austin and tight end Lance Kendricks figure to be focal points of the passing attack. Austin was called a “special playmaker” by offensive coordinator Rob Boras. Kendricks, who started 12 games last year, is poised for an even bigger role with the team moving on from Jared Cook.

    The offensive line is young and has the opportunity to grow together, although its growth was slowed during OTAs since starters like Rob Havenstein, Jamon Brown and Rodger Staffold were in various stages of injury rehabilitation.

    “We kind of learn from each other and we know what to expect from each other,” Brown said. “Moving forward, we’ll know how to handle those situations when we face (them) again.”

    The defense, especially the defensive front, remains the strength of the team.

    Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is optimistic of the unit being even better in his third season with the team.

    “It’s been a very good camp,” Williams said. “You can see how much farther ahead we are then possibly on the other side of the ball because we’re not inventing new things.

    “We’re getting faster and faster in what we’re doing. We’re getting a few guys moved around in some spots. I’m really pleased at this point in time.”

    Adding defensive end Quinton Coples and defensive tackle Dominique Easley to a strong front that already included Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers and Robert Quinn added strength to strength.

    “This team could be really special,” defensive end William Hayes said. “We just have to continue to keep pushing forward and trying not to have any down days.”

    Williams said he was especially pleased with Alec Ogeltree’s transition to middle linebacker and he praised defensive backs Lamarcus Joyner, Coty Sensabaugh, EJ Gaines and Marcus Alexander, who will be important to plugging the holes left by the free-agency departures of safety Rodney McLeod and cornerback Janoris Jenkins.

    “We’re going to be fast, I will tell you this,” Williams said. “We’re going to be one of the fastest teams in the league.”

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