***

Blaine Grisak@bgrisakTST
TE Colby Parkinson is going to have a big role. We’re gonna hear about more “highlight reel” plays from him.

S Kam Curl looks the part. Seems like it’ll be him and Lake as main pairing.

***

Charles Robinson@CharlesRobinson
The staff is thrilled with free agent signing Kam Curl. A modest addition they think will pay major dividends.

Robinson from https://sports.yahoo.com/awkward-contract-situation-resolved-the-rams-and-matthew-stafford-have-found-balance-again-183206034.html

Watching Stafford and the Rams on Wednesday, you could see why there would be an effort to get everything square before camp opened. One interception aside, Stafford and the wideouts looked sharp immediately. Wideouts Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua look like they haven’t missed a beat, and running back Kyren Williams didn’t show any sign of a foot injury that forced him to miss a portion of the offseason. And not only did Kupp look healthy, too, Nacua appears to have a more finely tuned physique after spending the offseason in a workout program alongside Kupp. Add in a rebuilt interior of the offensive line, rookie running back Blake Corum behind Williams, and depth at tight end that might be better than initially thought, and the Rams’ offense might be as balanced as it has ever been during Stafford’s tenure in Los Angeles.

Asked if he views the offensive spine as being run or pass dominant, McVay said the Rams have finally reached the kind of versatility that has eluded them in even some of their best years.

“Both, hopefully — if we can be both, that’s been some of the best offenses we’ve ever had,” McVay said. “But I do think that if we can have the threat of being really good running it, it opens up other avenues in the passing game. … Steve Avila looks really good at center, [guards] Jonah Jackson and Kevin Dotson, really just the investment we’ve made in the interior parts of the offensive line [are exciting], to hopefully give us the ability to do everything, whether it’s solidify the pocket in protection or dictate the terms of the run game.”

***

from https://www.lafbnetwork.com/5-keys-rams-training-camp-day-1/

Despite Kobie Turner’s absence, the defensive line was buzzing with energy and intensity. With the absence of Aaron Donald, many across the league expect the Rams defensive line to decline. What happened today at practice showed that is hardly the case. Braden Fiske and Jared Verse proved their worth with some non-contact “sacks” leading to some erupting cheers from the rest of the defense at Rams training camp.

Ronnie Rivers is already making a compelling case to secure the third running back spot on the roster. Rivers consistently showed the ability to find gaps and make significant gains, adding a dynamic element to the backfield. With Kyren Williams expected to handle the primary duties, Rivers’ emergence provides valuable depth and competition, enhancing the overall strength of the running back unit against Blake Corum and Boston Scott.

***
from https://www.lafbnetwork.com/los-angeles-rams-tight-end-group-thrives-day-1/

If forced to pick a winner of the day, the Rams defense got day one. Coverage was sticky and the pass rush was potent. But what that allowed was for quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo to seek Davis Allen and Colby Parkinson in the 11-on-11 sections of practice. Both were targeted at a high rate. And both put up plays in the red zone portion of those sections. Each caught touchdown passes, and both were impressive athletic spectacles.

Rams Bros.@RamsBrothers
Jordan Whittington is going to be SO much fun in this offense. Him getting to learn from Coop and Puka is going to expedite his onboarding process x10. He’ll be ready to go on week 1.

Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
Practice periods are mapped out (including play diagrams) and then “walked through” (hence the name) in the morning after meetings including installations, then the real thing goes fast in the afternoon. Lots of details.

Starting CB Darious Williams pulled up limping after covering a deep sideline ball, which was the last play of practice. Trainers went to attend but he stayed standing. Walking slowly off under his own power.

Holy hell, Kam Curl across the field, through the air, stretches out a hand and knocks away a mid-range ball from Stafford to Robinson – who btw was open right up until the catch point. Good player!

Still some time left in practice but two of the best catches today in team drills: Jordan Whittington off a snappy ball from Matthew Stafford, and Ronnie Rivers on a deep sideline pass from Jimmy Garoppolo (beat two defenders!). Mike LaFleur was geeked for Rivers after the play.

…

LA Rams camp observations and notes: Stafford speaks, tight ends impress

By Jourdan Rodrigue

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5657437/2024/07/25/rams-training-camp-matthew-stafford-tight-ends/?source=emp_shared_article

LOS ANGELES — The Rams may be practicing in a more intimate setting than usual while at Loyola Marymount University — a single field, plus a partial field converted from a baseball diamond across the sidewalk — but with quarterback Matthew Stafford slinging the ball around the energy was just as high as usual.

Stafford, 36, agreed to adjusted terms on his existing contract right as the team reported to training camp Tuesday morning. The renegotiation will increase some of his guaranteed money, but seemed to be a compromise.

“It was a good agreement, listen, I’m happy to be where I am,” Stafford said after Wednesday’s practice, the first of training camp and his first comments to reporters since the wild-card loss in Detroit. “I’m happy to be here, I’m happy to be playing. I’m excited about playing football this year, and that’s what matters to me the most, to be honest with you.”

Multiple team and league sources said as late as Tuesday morning that they weren’t sure whether Stafford would show up to camp if he and the team couldn’t reach an agreement, which happened a little frenetically in the few hours before the official player-report deadline at the university.

Wednesday, nobody would have guessed that any contract dispute existed. Stafford trash-talked new quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone during drills, toe-tapped the sideline when getting the ball back after passes in individual reps and threaded some signature passes through (and over the top of) defenders. Highlights included a mid-range crosser to second-year receiver Puka Nacua, who looks a little leaner this summer after spending his offseason training with veteran receiver Cooper Kupp. Stafford also hit second-year tight end Davis Allen on a well-placed pass in the red zone, which Allen pulled in for a touchdown.

Rams QB Matthew Stafford’s deal gets done — for many reasons

Stafford will return all of his top receivers from 2023, including Kupp, Nacua, veteran Demarcus Robinson and fourth-year player Tutu Atwell. Both tight ends — Allen and free-agent acquisition Colby Parkinson — clearly figure to be a significant part of the offense as well.

“In any part of a team, (continuity) is a great thing,” said Stafford, smiling. “It’s one thing to have continuity, it’s another thing to have continuity with a bunch of really good players. That’s a plus, too.”

More notes from the Rams’ first practice day of training camp

— remember, there are no pads yet and guidelines for credentialed media include restrictions on reporting of schemes or whether players are getting reps on the first or second team:

• More on Allen and Parkinson … I mentioned a few times in the offseason that they will have a big role in this version of head coach Sean McVay’s offense. Wednesday, they each pulled in a red zone touchdown (opposite corners; Parkinson’s was from backup Jimmy Garoppolo) and drew praise from McVay after practice. Veteran tight end Tyler Higbee is on the Physically Unable to Perform list (though is present at the practice facilities) while he recovers from knee surgery, and Hunter Long has also returned from a variety of injuries suffered in 2023.

While McVay has run more 11 personnel (three receivers, one tight end with few substitutions) than any NFL team since 2017, there is a sense among many analysts (including myself) that the usage of 12 personnel (two tight ends) by certain teams will increase in 2024. This is partially due to the number of teams that favor adding smaller defensive backs to counter all of the 11 personnel offenses run, plus to take away the deep passing game. Larger pass catchers could present mismatches for those players, plus lend support in the run game — which has also cycled back around to feature more heavy-personnel schemes as defenses remove extra linemen from the box and even inside linebackers from the middle of the field, to utilize more defensive backs. Anyway, it’s partially McVay’s fault that a lot of this has happened because of his 11 personnel trend-setting all of those years ago (joke, people, though not really) and so it’s no surprise to imagine he’s at least exploring what could be possible as new schematic cycles begin.

• Second-year defensive tackle Kobie Turner is nursing a groin strain, according to McVay. He will not need to be designated to any inactive list and participated in the walk-through.

• Veteran cornerback Tre’Davious White, who the Rams signed in free agency this spring, is considered a “full” participant in practice after recovering from last season’s Achilles tear. White will not take full reps just yet because the Rams want to be careful with his workload — but McVay voiced his happiness at having White on the field.

• All players except the quarterbacks wore the puffy Guardian caps over their helmets, an increase from last summer where mostly linemen and outside linebackers used them.

• Fourth-year inside linebacker Ernest Jones made his presence felt after missing OTAs with a leg injury. Jones intercepted Stafford — a high-flying effort across the middle of the field that drew a burst of cheering from his defensive teammates and the crowd of fans in the stands.

“Guys love him,” McVay said. “I mean, when you’re around Ernest there is just this magnetism and charisma that he has. Made a couple plays out here and it was really good to see No. 53 out there leading the way today.”

• The Rams generally have a good eye for safeties. Kam Curl, signed in free agency this spring, moves differently than most they have had. His fluidity, obvious handle on the defensive installation to this point and his athleticism stood out against Stafford and the rest of the offense during team drills, and drew some buzz from the scouts in town for their annual summit. Curl and Quentin Lake seem to be clear partners in the defensive backfield, and both are capable of playing a variety of positions.

• I mentioned rookie receiver Jordan Whittington as one of my sleepers ahead of this season, and watching practice Wednesday re-affirmed that opinion. Whittington can clearly take on a variety of roles in McVay’s offense. It will be hard for him to legitimately crack the starting offense during the regular season unless there is an injury, but it’s apparent that the Rams are preparing him to take on more responsibility if needed.

• On Thursday morning, it was reported that Rams defensive back Derion Kendrick suffered what could be a significant knee injury in practice Wednesday.

10 Observations from Rams’ July 24 Training Camp practice: Touchdowns by Davis Allen and

Stu Jackson

https://www.therams.com/news/10-observations-rams-july-24-training-camp-practice-touchdowns-colby-parkinson-davis-allen-ernest-jones-iv-energy

LOS ANGELES – The Rams held a closed training camp practice Wednesday, a session highlighted by the playmaking by a pair of tight ends and the return of linebacker Ernest Jones IV to practice.

Here are 10 things that stood out:

1) Seen and heard: After being sidelined in team drills during OTAs due to a knee issue, Jones was back out on the practice field Wednesday afternoon, and he was impossible to miss. His voice and overall energy was noticeable throughout, and he added an interception in team drills for good measure.

2) Tight ends going up top: Two highlights of the day were quarterback Matthew Stafford’s touchdown pass to tight end Davis Allen, and backup Jimmy Garoppolo’s touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson, with each high-pointing the ball to make those plays. Parkinson’s range as a friendly target had been on display in OTAs, and that continued Wednesday. Allen’s touchdown finished off

3) Kobie Turner non-participant in practice: According to head coach Sean McVay, Turner participated in the team’s walkthrough but not practice and is dealing with a groin strain sustained while training this summer. Turner won’t have any sort of designation, but McVay said they “will be smart with him.”

4) Tre’Davious White “full-speed”: White participated in Wednesday’s practice, but McVay said they will “be modified with his workload.”

“But when he’s out there, he is full speed,” McVay said. “But to say that he’s going to take 100% of the reps, we’ll be smart in terms of that work progression for him.”

5) Offensive lineman Kevin Dotson doesn’t finish practice, but McVay not concerned: McVay said he knew Dotson “needed to take a little break there and didn’t finish out, but I don’t think it’s anything to be concerned about. Otherwise I’d probably know about it.”

6) Kyren Williams’ speedy reminders: If Jones’ energy was noticeable on defense, Williams provided the same effect on offense, displaying the same burst he showed last season after missing most of OTAs this spring with a foot issue.

“I said a on couple runs, ‘man, did I miss you in the offseason,'” McVay said.

7) Picking up where they left off: Besides the touchdown pass to Allen, Stafford also was sharp connecting with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua multiple times.

8) Welcome back JJIII: Signed on July 8, John Johnson III was back again, and McVay was pleased with what he saw, saying Johnson looked comfortable on the field.

9) Another Stafford highlight: The no-look passes were back from Stafford, too, using his eyes to manipulate defenders before hitting a target underneath on a sidearmed-throw from the pocket.

10) A competitive day on both sides of the ball: Both the offense and defense had strong moments overall, and McVay was pleased with the competitiveness and execution from each phase.

10 Observations from Rams’ July 25 Training Camp Practice: Playmaking from Cooper Kupp and Kamren Curl, Blake Corum involvement among highlights

Stu Jackson

https://www.therams.com/news/10-observations-rams-july-25-training-camp-practice-playmaking-cooper-kupp-kamren-curl-blake-corum-involvement

LOS ANGELES RAMS – The first open practice of 2024 Rams Training Camp presented UNIFY Financial Credit Union was held Thursday evening, featuring standout plays from wide receiver Cooper Kupp and defensive back Kamren Curl, rookie running back Blake Corum’s involvement and more.

Here are 10 things that stood out from the session:

1) Extended look at Corum: The third-round pick was mixed in quite a bit, but head coach Sean McVay emphasized after Thursday’s practice that running backs coach Ron Gould has autonomy over how often running backs rotate and who is involved. So, don’t draw sweeping conclusions from one practice.

2) Going deep: One of the best passes of the day came on a quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo deep ball down the sideline to running back Ronnie Rivers, dropping it right into Rivers’ arms in stride.

3) Williams appears to get hurt on last play of practice: Head coach Sean McVay said he’s not sure what happened to defensive back Darious Williams on the final play of practice, but that Williams felt his hamstring.

4) Denied by Curl: One of the best defensive plays of the day came via Curl, who showed his range when he ran across the field to the sideline to deflect a mid-range pass by quarterback Matthew Stafford intended for wide receiver Demarcus Robinson.

5) With inches to spare: Kupp had one of the best catches of the day on a toe-tap grab in the back of the endzone on a pass from Stafford during redzone drills.

6) Jared Verse, Braden Fiske continue to make presence felt: The defensive rookies have had a strong start to training camp. McVay noted feeling Verse in pass rush situations today, as well as yesterday, and also felt Fiske’s presence over the last two days. On one play, Verse applied pressure that helped defensive back Cobie Durant make a timely pass breakup on a Stafford mid-range pass down the sideline intended for Kupp.

7) Stafford-Kupp connection: This was on display via timing and anticipation between both players throughout Thursday’s practice. On one play, Stafford timed the pass perfectly before Kupp made the break at the top of his route, and Kupp was there to make the sliding catch.

8) Desai working in role similar to Jimmy Lake’s last season: While his title says senior defensive assistant/associate head coach, Desai spent time during Thursday’s practice on the offensive sideline.

“In the first couple months of getting to know Sean, I’ve really enjoyed him,” McVay said of Desai. “He’s got an unbelievable capacity for the game and a great humility about himself, and so I’m glad we were able to talk him into coming and joining us in the spring.”

9) Whittington catch impresses: Rookie wide receiver Jordan Whittington also made an impressive catch on a pass from Stafford.

10) One more Stafford pass for good measure: One of Stafford’s best traits is his ability to manipulate the defense with his eyes, and that came to life on a rifled deep completion over the middle to wide receiver Puka Nacua, holding the linebackers in order to create space around Nacua allowing Nacua to make the catch.

InvaderRam wrote:

probably the most physically talented player on the dline. probably the entire defense.

How so, I don;t know that much about him. Why do you say that.

Rams Training Camp Takeaways: Optimism Abounds Even After Aaron Donald Retirement
Healthy veterans and a burgeoning crop of young players make Los Angeles a team that rolls into 2024 with massive upside.

Albert Breer

https://www.si.com/nfl/rams-training-camp-takeaways-aaron-donald-retirement-puka-nacua

LOS ANGELES—The Los Angeles Rams have a new, unique training camp set on the idyllic campus of Loyola Marymount, with one practice field as center stage, and another in the outfield of a baseball diamond. The setup allows for efficiency, with everything centrally located, and brand-new dorms to stay in. Oh, and the team here should be pretty good, too …

• The overall energy with the Rams is really, really good, and my sense is that’s the momentum they’re carrying over from last season’s surprise playoff appearance—a year in which they carried $75 million in dead cap money, dealt off Jalen Ramsey, and had bouts with injuries to Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford (though the injury issues weren’t nearly as bad as the year before). This team is younger, and faster, and optimism about its first three picks in this year’s draft only adds to all the excitement over last year’s bumper crop. The Rams should be really good in 2024. Stafford and Kupp, in particular, look healthy and ready to roll, perhaps energized by the renewal of the roster.

• That, of course, brings you to the guy who’s not here, Aaron Donald, one of the greatest players of all-time. The harsh reality is that the Rams aren’t going to replace Donald with one guy. So the resources sunk into the defensive front are going to have to pay dividends. The good news is that Kobie Turner’s potential as an interior rusher was clear last year, Byron Young has had a really strong offseason coming back, and top-50 picks Jared Verse and Braden Fiske have hit the ground running. It’s early, of course. But the early signs are that, while there’s obviously no Donald, the pass rush should be a strength.

• Another area where the Rams made a massive investment was the offensive line, with big-money guards Kevin Dotson and Jonah Jackson now on hand. But those additions did mean moving second-year man Steve Avila, the 36th pick in the 2023 draft, inside to center. And so far, so good on the move. Avila was one of the team’s strongest workers through the offseason program and, though the pads haven’t come on yet, has hit the ground running in camp.

• Corner is a very real question for the defense, as new coordinator Chris Shula settles in as the play-caller. Derion Kendrick tore his ACL earlier in the week, and Darious Williams, who’s back in L.A. after two years in Jacksonville, suffered a hamstring injury when I was out there at practice on Thursday. I wouldn’t rule out the team bringing in reinforcements in the coming week. Conversely, the team’s feeling better about where it stands at safety with the emergence of third-year vet Quentin Lake, and his experience as a nickel corner should help the team patch the new holes.

• Keep buying Puka Nacua stock. With Kupp healthier this offseason, Nacua really attacked this offseason, and slimmed down a bit (he’s got a naturally big build) to try and get a little faster and more agile. His rookie year (105 catches, 1,486 yards, six touchdowns) is a tough act to follow. But he’s improved over the past six months, for sure.

Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
Watching special teams … Punter Ethan Evans still putting the fear of god into passing birds, I see.
.
A few interesting observations from today’s Rams practice – pads go on Monday.

1. 1. ST opened the day. Kyren Williams, Tutu Atwell, Ronnie Rivers, Blake Corum, Mike Hoecht, Jake Hummel, Boston Scott, Troy Reeder all got a lot of core work here (don’t think Williams will be hugely involved during games but he could KR/PR in a pinch). The punting was impressive and saw a wider range of placement than this time last year. Josh Karty made his kicks on the skinny posts – 4/4 from what I saw, but I could have missed one or two.

2. Puka Nacua vs. Tre White battles were really fun to watch. Nacua said today White is great at the mental chess match and can even eliminate certain routes pre-snap…Nacua did get him once on a high-flying leap to secure a Stafford pass deep down the right sideline.

3. Jimmy G and Xavier Smith had a really good connection on second team and Woods can do just about everything (he also was on special teams work). Smith seems to be more involved in the blocking surface, too.

4. Tutu Atwell made two of the best catches of the day, 1s and 2s. From Stafford: Left sideline, was off-balance because of really good coverage (White) but somehow still pulled in the ball. From Jimmy G: Deep pass on a long crosser toward front corner of EZ, dropped over the heads of two DBs and into Atwell’s lead shoulder. off-balance because of really good coverage (White) but somehow still pulled in the ball. From Jimmy G: Deep pass on a long crosser toward front corner of EZ, dropped over the heads of two DBs and into Atwell’s lead shoulder.

5. Demarcus Robinson also had a fantastic day – his multi-catch practice (and connection w/ Stafford) was a highlight for McVay.

6. Stafford’s most fun throw was out-of-structure, sidearm slung it underneath the linebackers to Cooper Kupp.

7. Ernest Jones, White both getting some workload management after recent injuries.

Steve Wyche@wyche89
With most NFL teams fully padding up this week, many non-contact, OTA all pros will get to prove if they’re about that life. Keep in mind, it’s we in the media that glam a lot of players up before the pads come on because it’s all that’s on display. Now, it’s about to be real.

Stu Jackson@StuJRams
Facts. First week of camp is helpful for evaluating player movement, but also peak “take with a grain of salt” disclaimers, especially when it comes evaluating the trenches (OL/DL).

This week will be the closest thing to real football we have in the spring and summer.

Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
Today is the first day of pads for the Rams; noticeable that QB Matthew Stafford is so far not dressed for any on-field work and instead has opened the day with a set of sprints on the sideline. He does not have on the red non-contact jersey QBs wear for any on-field work.

Jimmy G working with starting C Steve Avila as practice begins

Sean McVay says Matthew Stafford “is fine” and this was a planned rest day and run heavy day. He will fully practice tomorrow and onward, said McVay.

Pass rush one on ones: lots of notes coming but instant reaction is that Kevin Dotson maybe moved one square foot and gave no other ground in his opps

Alaric Jackson tweaked his ankle early in practice and did not finish the day; McVay had some early optimism on that front.

10 Observations from Rams’ July 29 training camp practice: First day in pads, Braden Fiske’s attention-getting performance, run-heavy day and more

Stu Jackson

https://www.therams.com/news/10-observations-rams-july-29-training-camp-practice-first-day-in-pads-braden-fiske-run-heavy-day

LOS ANGELES – The fourth open practice at Rams Training Camp presented by UNIFY Financial Credit Union took place Monday, marking the first such practice in pads for players. Defensive lineman Braden Fiske had a strong day, one which was run-heavy for the offense and included a planned rest day for quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Here are 10 things that stood out from the session:

1) Stafford rests: QB1 did not participate in Monday’s practice, but head coach Sean McVay said it was a planned rest day that also worked out well given the run-heavy day planned for the offense.

2) Jackson tweaks ankle early in practice, but should be “fine”: Offensive lineman Alaric Jackson exited practice early with an ankle injury, but McVay said he thinks Jackson “is going to be fine.”

3) Fiske shows out: The second-round pick found himself in the backfield often, his motor and footwork on full display.

4) Jimmy G runs the offense: With Stafford resting, backup Jimmy Garoppolo helmed the first-team offense in Monday’s practice. While it was a run-heavy day, he still had some impressive completions, including one near the sideline to wide receiver Cooper Kupp.

5) Toe-tap TD: One of Garoppolo’s best passes of the day came in redzone drills, firing a touchdown pass to tight end Hunter Long. Long’s catch in the back of the endzone was equally impressive, tapping both feet down for the score.

6) Hoecht’s here: Outside linebacker Michael Hoecht’s presence could also be felt with his playmaking throughout the session.

7) No getting past Dotson: Offensive lineman Kevin Dotson had perhaps the best performance of anyone in his position group during Monday’s 1-on-1s, anchoring well and not letting his defender past him.

8) Backshoulder: Stetson Bennett also had a nice touchdown pass during redzone work, his going to wide receiver Tyler Johnson on a perfect backshoulder throw.

9) Picked by Curl: Defensive back Kamren Curl came up with an interception during 1-on-1 drills between the wide receivers and defensive backs.

10) Xavier Smith shines: The wide receiver made the most of his targets for the second-consecutive practice, connecting with Bennett multiple times during team drills.

from https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/8/1/24211255/nfl-peter-schrager-good-morning-football-gmfb-cooper-kupp-training-camp?utm_content=turfshowtimes&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_source=twitter
.

With the recent return of NFL Network’s Good Morning Football to the air, series regular Peter Schrager visited Rams training camp on Tuesday and gave a pretty glowing review of what he saw.

“Stafford looks incredible, and Kupp and Nacua are dialed in,” Schrager said. “Cooper Kupp, coming off a little bit of an injury, wasn’t himself last year maybe, looks amazing. He is in the best shape he’s been in in years. And then Nacua, we’re talking about a guy who had a record-breaking rookie year. He was unbelievable at practice yesterday.”

The Rams may have also found some additional help in sixth round selection Jordan Whittington out of Texas. The rookie WR has been making people take notice at practice, and could be another late round success at the position, much like Nacua last season. Whittington is expected to play a big role in the kick return game and was seen polishing his craft after practice by Schrager.

>“After practice, everyone’s gone, there’s a JUGS machine out there,” Schrager said. “I’ve never seen this drill. Whittington is lying down on his back, the JUGS machine is behind him, and he’s catching balls like this while lying down on his back. I was like, ‘Is that for show?’ I was talking to a coach. And he’s like, ‘This guy does his own thing and he’s been awesome all practice.’”

On the defensive side of the ball, there were many questions as to how LA would respond to the retirement of Aaron Donald but after watching the team, Schrager again seemed very confident in the players available, and brought in, to help fill the void left by #99.

“Aaron Donald’s gone,” Schrager said. “You didn’t notice it yesterday. Chris Shula, he’s now the new defensive coordinator as Raheem Morris goes to Atlanta, this D looked good and Jared Verse is a rookie, going to be wearing No. 8, he was everywhere, flying all over the field. He was their first pick at 19 overall. He is the dude to watch and Braden Fiske, the other one, they were college teammates at Florida State, they’re both going to play a big role.”

There’s some major hype building around the Los Angeles Rams this coming season

…

zn wrote:

Charles Woods had an awesome day. Climbed his way up the snap rotation during practice

from UDFA thread, here: https://theramshuddle.com/topic/2024-udfas/

zn wrote:

Charles Woods

Los Angeles Rams

HEIGHT…5′ 11″

WEIGHT…191

SPEED—

COLLEGE …SMU Mustangs

TEAM…Los Angeles Rams

…

ME: Woods transferred to SMU from WVA. He had a great season in 2021 in his first year at WVA. More on that here:

from https://www.wtrf.com/goldandbluenation/pff-charles-woods-had-a-historically-great-season-in-coverage-in-2021/

According to Pro Football Focus College, Woods allowed the lowest passer rating while in coverage among any Big 12 corner last season. Not only that, but Woods set the Big 12 record for the lowest passer rating allowed in coverage by any corner in the conference’s history. His 22.1 passer rating allowed was significantly better than the previous record, which was held by former Baylor corner Xavien Howard.

Woods excels in coverage. He hauled in an attention-grabbing interception on the first day of spring practice in March. PFF College also gave the WVU corner the highest grade (90.3) of any player in the country in his position last year.

zn wrote:

more on Woods:

from https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Charles-Woods-CB-WestVirginia

Scouting Report: Strengths

• Exceptionally quick, with the feet and fluidity to mirror underneath, including in the slot against the two-way go. Woods stays low in his backpedal and explodes toward the ball, with an outstanding closing burst.
• Extremely aggressive to come up and put his body in traffic to make tackles.
• Has good foot quickness and short-area burst to work well in tight areas.
• He’ll line up in press at times, where Woods has a quick and powerful punch. His ball skills are good, and he plays with an extremely confident and competitive demeanor.
• A coordinated athlete with good footwork and balance. A heady cover player with above-average · feel and anticipation in space.
• Has at least adequate straight-line speed and good balance, fluidity to change direction.

10 Observations from Rams’ August 1 Training Camp Practice: Interceptions by Kamren Kinchens and Charles Woods, touchdown catch by Cooper Kupp among standout plays

Stu Jackson

https://www.therams.com/news/10-observations-rams-august-1-training-camp-practice-interceptions-kamren-kinchens-charles-woods-among-standout-plays

LOS ANGELES – The seventh open practice of 2024 Rams Training Camp presented by UNIFY Financial Credit Union took place Thursday, headlined by defensive backs Kamren Kinchens and Charles Woods’ interceptions.

Here are 10 things that stood out from the session:

1) Rob Havenstein leaves practice with foot injury: The veteran offensive lineman walked gingerly off the field and did not return. Head coach Sean McVay didn’t have an immediate information on Havenstein’s status, other than saying Havenstein said he got stepped on.

2) Jonah Jackson and Alaric Jackson don’t participate: Jonah is week-to-week with a shoulder injury, per McVay, while Alaric is expected to be back “sooner than later” from an ankle injury sustained earlier this week. McVay also said they are hopeful Alaric can go for Sunday’s joint practice with the Chargers, though they won’t rush Alaric back.

3) Play of the day, Part I: One of the top plays of practice was Kinchens’ interception; the rookie defensive back got a under a Matthew Stafford pass that deflected off of tight end Colby Parkinson’s hands for the timely pick during team drills.

4) Play of the day, Part II: In the previous segment, Woods’ interception in the corner of the endzone ended the second team offense’s series against the second team offense led by Jimmy Garoppolo. It was emblematic of a strong practice overall for Woods.

5) Coop in the corner: Offensively, one of Stafford’s best passes was a touchdown to wide receiver Cooper Kupp in the corner of the endzone to cap off the first team offense’s mamba period series against the first team defense. To be fair to the defense, it subsequently denied the ensuing 2-point attempt, with Stafford’s pass intended for wide receiver Demarcus Robinson incomplete. Stafford was sharp overall though during the series in getting the offense in position to score.

6) Kobie Turner back in action: The second-year nose tackle participated in team drills Thursday, marking his first time doing so this training camp. He had been dealing with a groin injury sustained prior to camp.

7) Another pick: Defensive back Jaylen McCollough also came up with an interception on a Garoppolo deep ball in early 11-on-11 work.

8) Kevin Dotson remains difficult to get past: The offensive lineman once again performed very well in 1-on-1 drills.

9) Noteboom ready for spin move: Rookie outside linebacker Jared Verse had an impressive spin move in 1-on-1s against offensive lineman Joe Noteboom in Tuesday’s practice (embedded below), but learned Thursday how quickly pro offensive lineman learn to counter those moves. Noteboom was ready and held his own against it on Thursday.

10) NFL officiating crew on hand: The 9-man officiating crew led by referee Shawn Hochuli was on site to officiate Thursday’s practice.