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May 1, 2016 at 2:06 pm #43208
znModeratorfrom off the net
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Deadpool
This is going to be quick, because I am in full swing spring planting.
Overall I liked the draft, not necessarily the specific players, but the positions. The biggest question going into the season for me will be who is the other safety opposite TJMcD?
1. Goff – If you don’t have a QB, it doesn’t matter if you have 500 draft picks, you aren’t going anywhere. And this sacrificing the future is nonsense. Seattle hadn’t drafted in the first round since 2012. NE didn’t have a 1st and no one is saying they are done. Next year they will have a pick in rounds 2-7, they will be fine. As far as Goff, according to most, he is the most pro ready (I’m not so sure) so he makes sense for a team that is built more to win now. Well at least Fisher needs to win now. I liked Wentz better, but I am biased and Goff was my preseason #1. Good pick.
4.110 – Higbee – I mocked him to the Rams in the 5th after a trade down, well they got a 6th after a trade down in the 4th. Regardless, if he can say out of stupid bar fights (if you want to avoid bar fights, avoid bars late at night, and don’t run from the police dummy) he could be the best TE from this draft. He’s a willing blocker and a physical seam mismatch. Good pick.
4.117 – Pharoh Cooper – Here is where they traded down and still got a talented WR. I described him as a Swiss army knife that can line up all over the place. He’s a guy that you will need to get him the ball in space for him to do damage. WR screens or more then likely slot work. Good pick.
6.177 – Temarrick Hemingway – I don’t mind the player. He seems like a project with a ton of upside. When have the Rams ever developed a TE? I personally would have gone a different route, and I think the Rams were hoping for Jatavis Brown myself. They could have gone the UDFA route for a McGee or a few other TEs that were projects. But he has a legit shot with the TE spot so thin. Your typical power forward type TE. Good pick
6.190 – Josh Forrest – I’m not into knocking 6th round picks because its a crap shoot. But there were so many better options out there IMO. The pick doesn’t even fit with what they are doing on defense. They are going smaller at LBer, esp. in the middle. He’s a lanky, bigger MLB that lacks instincts and is not physical at all. Scooby Wright, Cory James, Kavon Frazier, Travis Feeney ( a special teams stud in college) Anthony Zettel, Tyler Matakevich, Jalen Mills all made much more sense to me. He is a 6th rounder and a career backup with ST potential. If he makes his mark on ST he makes the squad. OK Pick.
6.206 – Mike Thomas – Plays like his hair is on fire. Only 1 year of real production so maybe that’s why he slid? He will quickly become a fan favorite with the way he plays. Good route runner, good hands and creates separation. Everything he does is sudden. Good pick.
UDFA
I will touch on a few:
Nelson Spruce – a 6′-1″ Welker/Amendola type of tough, good route running slot guy that won’t win 40 competitions. He is the ALL TIME PAC 12 receptions leader, so he can catch a football. 3 drops in last 288 targets. I really like him.
Marquez North – a size/speed guy (although IMO he doesn’t play to his 40 time.) Raw due to injuries. He has a chance if he can stay healthy and learn routes.
Taylor Bertolet, K, Texas A&M – he kicks footballs
Nicholas Gribsby, LB, Pittsburgh – undersized Barron type.
Brandon Chubb, LB, Wake Forest – tackling machine at MLB, his cousin is Nick Chubb the Georgia RB.
Kache Palacio, LB/FB, Washington State – Rams worked him out. Was a LBer,
Corey Littleton. LB. Washington – Rams had early interest in him. 6′-3″ 238 lb OLB/Edge Rush tweener. Too small to be a edge rusher, but with only 1 year as a
OLB, needs to develop pass cover skills. ST looks like his calling , at least early on. I like him.Ian Seau – more on an edge rusher, plays with the same intensity as his uncle did. Interesting prospect.
Morgan Fox, DE, Colorado State – actually CSU- Pueblo. Never saw him play.Michael Jordan, DB, Missouri Western – could be a safety
Brian Randolph, DB, Tennessee – more compact Mo Alexander type. Strong, fast and a tad stiff. 23 years old. Has a shot at the Rams hole at FS.
Jordan Lomax, S, Iowa – I mentioned 3 months ago he reminded me of a poor mans Bob Sanders. No idea where he fits due to size and lack of speed.
Aaron Green, RB, TCU – The anti-Tre Mason. Reliable hands and from what I have read, an respected kid. Lacks power, but has good vision, and is shifty.
Paul McRoberts, WR SE Missouri St. – Another 4.7 guy with excellent hands.
Winston Rose, CB, New Mexico – do not remember him at all.
Pace Murphy, OL, Northwestern State – didn’t see him
Jordan Swindle, OT, Kentucky – big big kid, decent feet, needs to play with better leverage.
The Rams are trying the “throw enough of it against the wall and hopefully some sticks” method for WRs. I can see 1 UDFA making the team and another on the practice squad.
The OL are going to have their hands full and I doubt any make the team or practice squad.
Same method for LBers as WRs. depth is needed so 1 or 2 of these guys should land somewhere.
Green has a shot and I really like the Randolph pickup and I think they both should make the roster in some form.
May 1, 2016 at 2:19 pm #43210znModeratorRams draft picks: Analysis for every selection
Nick Wagoner
LOS ANGELES — Nick Wagoner breaks down the 2016 Los Angeles Rams draft class so far.
Round 1, pick No. 1: Jared Goff, QB, California | Highlights
My take: When the Rams made the deal with the Tennessee Titans to move up for either Goff or North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz, my take is that I wouldn’t have made the deal, but I understood it. The Rams had reached a point of desperation in their need for a franchise quarterback. They did what they had to do to make it happen. Wentz might have been a better fit for what the Rams want to be offensively, but that doesn’t mean Goff can’t succeed in the NFL. The biggest question now is what the Rams will do to add receiving weapons and solidify the offensive line. They want to put Goff in position to get them over the hump so that the guys who traded up for him — coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead — will still be employed if (or when) Goff reaches his potential.
Start or sit? Fisher and Snead have repeatedly said they won’t push any drafted quarterback to play until he’s ready. But it’s naive to think they traded all those picks in order to have Goff sit and watch. Don’t be surprised if the team’s Goff plan models what Snead and the Atlanta Falcons did with Matt Ryan in 2008, when Ryan worked with Chris Redman through the third preseason game and then took over as the starter for the regular season.
Who’s on the way out? With Goff in the fold, the Rams have four quarterbacks on the roster. They won’t carry that many during the season, so someone has to go. Who will that be? All signs point to Nick Foles, the player the Rams traded for and signed in 2015 in hopes that he was the franchise signal-caller they needed. The Rams hope that Foles’ deletion will come via trade. According to a league source, four or five teams have already reached out about the possibility of a deal. In all likelihood, a deal will have to wait for the next couple of days as teams select quarterbacks and others miss out on some. Those that miss out could find themselves in the market, with a late-round pick the likely compensation.
Round 4, pick No. 110: Tyler Higbee, TE, Western Kentcuky | Highlights
My take: The Rams have never shied away from players with off-field issues under coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead. They continued that with Higbee, who is facing second-degree assault and evading police charges as well as a public intoxication charge for an altercation that took place on April 10 outside of a bar. Higbee’s attorney has said he plans to plead not guilty at the arraignment on May 5, and the Rams clearly feel comfortable it will get resolved. It’s a bit of a risk, but probably worthy given the team’s need at the position, Higbee’s upside and where he was drafted.
Where he fits: After releasing tight end Jared Cook this offseason, the Rams had an obvious need for a pass-catching tight end. Higbee offers pass-catching ability even if he’s not much of a blocker, so long as he can get past the off-field issues. He had 68 catches for 1,054 yards and 14 touchdowns in his college career.
Round 4, pick No. 117: Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina | Highlights
My take: The Rams are taking the obvious and logical approach to the fourth round by adding help for Goff. They absolutely have to find weapons for Goff after their receiving corps combined for fewer yards than Atlanta’s Julio Jones in 2015. Cooper might be a bit redundant with Tavon Austin in terms of size and skill set (not that he’s as talented as Austin), but new passing game coach Mike Groh should be able to find ways to use him.
Where he fits: The Rams have a clear need for help in the slot. Stedman Bailey is recovering from two gunshot wounds to the head. South Carolina used Cooper all over the field, much like the Rams do with Austin, but the Rams simply need weapons and can find a place for Cooper in their receiving corps.
Move down: The Rams traded pick No. 113 to the Chicago Bears for picks 117 and 206. They now have three choices in the sixth round.
Round 6, pick No. 177: Temarrick Hemingway, TE, South Carolina State | Highlights
My take: I’d be lying if I said I knew much about Hemingway but this much is clear, the Rams are addressing needs in the passing game. Hemingway had modest numbers in his final year of college with 38 catches for 418 yards and a touchdown in 2015. But he’s 6-foot-5, 244 pounds and ran a 4.7 second 40-yard dash. The Rams think he has some upside and can compete for a roster spot.
Where he fits: Hemingway joins fourth-round pick Tyler Higbee as the Rams continue to attempt to add depth and competition to their tight end group. Lance Kendricks will be the primary option from the position and Cory Harkey remains as a blocker but if Hemingway can prove adept at running routes, catching passes and chipping in on special teams, there’s room for him to make the roster out of training camp.
Round 6, pick No. 190: Josh Forrest, LB, Kentucky | Highlights
My take: The Rams continue to fill needs by finding some depth at linebacker. They parted ways with James Laurinaitis and Daren Bates during the offseason, leaving them thin behind starters Alec Ogletree, Mark Barron and Akeem Ayers. Forrest should offer some insurance behind middle linebacker Ogletree. He’s 6-foot-3, 249 pounds and finished 2015 with 93 tackles, six for loss, three and a half sacks and two interceptions.
Where he fits: Other than Ogletree, Barron and Ayers, the Rams have Cameron Lynch and Bryce Hager returning from the active roster last year. Forrest would seem to be in a good position to potentially win a roster spot. The Rams will undoubtedly bring in more bodies through rookie free agency, so it’s no sure thing, but if he can pick up the defense and show some special teams ability he should have a shot.
Round 6, pick No. 190: Michael Thomas, WR, Southern Miss
My take: With the addition of Thomas, the Rams spent four of their five picks on Day 3 on either a tight end or receiver, selecting two of each. It was a logical approach for a team in serious need of help at both positions. Thomas is particularly intriguing and qualifies as a bonafide sleeper candidate after he wasn’t invited to the combine. Thomas was productive in 2015, finishing with 71 catches for 1,391 yards and 14 touchdowns. At 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, he also offers some size to a receiving corps that can use some.
May 1, 2016 at 3:06 pm #43217znModeratorRob Rang – CBS (B+)
Some will characterize the Rams moving up aggressively to nab quarterback Jared Goff as a public relations ploy to woo the notoriously fickle Los Angeles market, but his anticipation, pocket awareness and mobility and accuracy make him a legitimate franchise quarterback candidate. Given that the Rams went 4-2 in the division a year ago — including sweeping the Seahawks and defeating the Cardinals once — is an indication that this club is ready to win now with any kind of consistency at the position.
And give general manager Les Snead credit, he protected the investment in Goff with the type of weapons which will help his young quarterback. Tight ends Tyler Higbee and Temarrick Hemingway and wideout Pharoh Cooper are layers who can attack down the seam, taking full advantage of Goff’s touch over the middle and mitigating his lack of elite velocity to the perimeter, where the NFC West’s lanky, physical press corners like Richard Sherman and Patrick Peterson reside. Southern Miss wideout Mike Thomas has deceptive speed and good ball skills, as well.
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Edholm – Shutdown Corner Yahoo
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/round-1-s-grades-for-2016-nfl-draft-042443575.html
1) Los Angeles Rams: QB Jared Goff – This pick has been in pretty much since the Rams moved up dramatically from No. 15 to 1, even if they kept the mystery going for a few weeks. Goff is a rhythm passer who has spent three years in the “Bear Raid” offense, and there will be a transition to more of a pro system with a first-year passing coordinator and a second-year QB coach. Patience, Rams fans. Grade: B
Washington Post
After taking QB Jared Goff first overall, the Rams didn’t pick again until Day 3. No matter. Quality will trump quantity if Goff becomes the franchise QB that the Rams hope he will be. They simply had to have a productive QB, with other pieces to a contending team already in place. And they did what they had to do, via their mega-trade with the Titans before the draft, to give themselves a chance to get one. Now all they can do is hope that it works out. Grade: A-
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Five Day 3 players that could have a big impact
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000658802/article/five-day-3-players-who-could-have-a-big-impactTyler Higbee, TE, Western Kentucky (Rams): Jared Cook is now a member of the Green Bay Packers, leaving the Rams with little pop at the tight end position. Higbee was potentially viewed as the top tight end in the draft before a series of off-field incidents tainted his draft stock. He was arrested on April 10 in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and charged with second-degree assault, evading police and public intoxication. An arraignment is planned for next week. On the field, the Rams know a tight end that can create mismatches in the 5-15 yard range are typically a rookie quarterback’s best friend. With so much invested in Jared Goff, Higbee was deemed worth the risk.
May 1, 2016 at 3:11 pm #43218znModeratorPFF’S 2016 NFL DRAFT GRADES FOR ALL 32 TEAMS
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/04/30/draft-2016-nfl-draft-grades-for-all-32-teams/
Los Angeles Rams, A-
1 (1) (from Tennessee) Jared Goff, QB, California
4 (110) Tyler Higbee, TE, Western Kentucky
4 (117) (from Buffalo) Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina
6 (177) (from Tennessee) Temarrick Hemingway, TE, South Carolina State
6 (190) Josh Forrest, ILB, Kentucky
6 (206) (from Carolina via Chicago) Michael Thomas, WR, Southern MississippiDay 1: The Rams made the move up to get their franchise quarterback, and they got the best QB in the draft in Goff. Our top-graded FBS quarterback brings a lot of translatable skills to the table, from intermediate and deep accuracy to his handling of pressure to his excellent pocket presence. Goff has improved every year, and he’s still filling out his frame, so given his base of NFL skills, he should continue to get better.
Day 2: No picks
Day 3: Off-field issues aside, Higbee originally had a second-round grade as his +7.9 receiving grade ranked third in the class. He’s one of the most athletic options in the draft and he can become an intermediate weapon for new QB Jared Goff. Cooper can start out as a gimmick player, but he accelerates quickly and can become a vertical option from the slot, pairing well with Goff’s skillset. Thomas is one of our favorite picks in the draft as the No. 38 player on the PFF draft board has great body control and he won contested catches at a higher rate than the other top receivers in the class.
May 1, 2016 at 3:51 pm #43222
wvParticipant“…Thomas is one of our favorite picks in the draft as the No. 38 player on the PFF draft board has great body control and he won contested catches at a higher rate than the other top receivers in the class…”
Fun to read a thing like that.
A lot to watch this preseason — Goff, Higbee, Thomas, Cooper…Greg Robinson…Ogletree… Quinn.
w
vMay 1, 2016 at 8:00 pm #43236znModeratorfrom off the net
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alyoshamucci
So we have a flooding effect in progress obviously with the WRs and TEs. I will deal with them separately as they are the main focus in my opinion.
I loved the trade down in the 4th and during the simulations I ran it was almost always available. That pick is going to matter, and given the player they snagged I’m confident in saying that.
To business ..
Goff. I ended up being sold on his footwork and his ability to take hits unflinchingly. I had come in leaning Wentz, but it shifted to 75-25 Goff by draft day.
Higbee. I don’t care about the arrest. I don’t have any Kentucky friends who haven’t been arrested.
Cooper. Kid’s a gamer. Watched him 3 years.
Hemingway. Obviously Fish had a Mo Alexander thing for him.
Forrest. This is a huge pick. I think much bigger than realized. Halfway through the year I was mocking him to us in the 3rd and 4th. But Kentucky LBs slide. He’s got a closing burst and wingspan that make him difficult to sneak away from as a runner and difficult to fully block if you’re trying to move him. Insurance in case Ogletree proves better outside. Could he play this year? I’d suggest special teams only while he learns, but each Kentucky LB that has come out has surprised with their overall skill and ability.
Mike Thomas. We’ve been talking about him for months as one of the most likely steals. Thought he’d climb after the postseason but then he didn’t get a combine invite. Weird.
UDFA kids.
North, Spruce, and McRoberts I’ll get to in the last section. Great gets though. Goodness.
Green RB TCU. This kid reminds me of Mason, except better in pass pro (I was not a huge Mason fan). I thought he’d get taken round 3 or 4. Stunned he was available and I bet he makes the squad.
Seau DE. Athlete with bloodlines. I don’t think he makes the 53 unless he pulls a freak in PS with wauffles coaching (totally possible) or he goes nuts on ST. But Practice Squad potential for sure.
Randolph FS. This could be another UDFA kid that gets groomed to start. We really know how to coach this position.
Not worried about the CBs and LBs.
Before going into the passing game, I have one gripe. WHERE IS MY THIRD DT? Trinca Pasat?
The passing game.
We brought in 5 talented draftable WRs, and 2 pass catching TEs.
The BEST part about this? They are coming in WITH Goff … So the comaraderie and chemistry should be obvious early.
I had them ranked
Thomas 3rd
Cooper 3rd (With a ST edge)
North 4th
Spruce 5th
McRoberts Also 5th.Got 3 outside WRs 2 inside. North could be a serious #1 like a fast version of Boldin. Thomas is explosive. Cooper is a gamer. I have those three all making the roster.
Hard Knocks should be good TV.
Higbee should start in Cooks spot day one, and if he and Goff can bond early? He could be the steal if the draft, pretty reminiscent of Kelce.
Hemingway is a project and I know very little about him.Overall I really like the way this team has been built and that the most complex aspect of the game was tended to after the full foundation was set.
Goff comes in with a young talented line in place, a stud RB, a smart TE, a couple vet receivers and a Gadget guy. He gets to come IN WITH his TE, and 5 potential WR connections. I don’t know how rare that is … But I’d bet it doesn’t happen too often and the odds of it paying off even without high draft picks is a big deal.
I have questions about safety and 3rd DT … But our defense is not going to be what I’m worried about or watching for in preseason.
Must excited I’ve been for an August in a long time.
May 2, 2016 at 1:27 am #43255znModeratorANALYSIS: After the draft, the Rams’ roster looks fuller, more talented and primed to grow stronger
RICH HAMMOND
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/rams-714410-draft-signed.html#
The starters have yet to be determined, but the returning Rams, the ones who will emerge on Sept. 12 in the season opener against San Francisco, have been assembled.
With a couple notable exceptions – hello, franchise quarterback – it’s largely the same, young group that finished last season with a 7-9 record but with three wins in its final four games.
There’s some hope. The Rams have a talented defense and a young offense that should improve. Coach Jeff Fisher and General Manager Les Snead added six players through this weekend’s draft, then had signed 14 undrafted free agents as of Sunday.
The rookies will participate in a mini-camp this weekend, and the full team will be together over the next several weeks for offseason workouts. Here’s a position-by-position look at how the Rams look after the draft weekend.
QUARTERBACK
Well, it’s done. The Rams have Jared Goff, and while they will do their best to tamp down expectations, they’re certainly hoping Goff will show enough in training camp to win the starting job.
The Rams’ next move likely will be to trade Nick Foles for a draft pick or two. That move didn’t work out, and everyone knows it. Case Keenum will be Goff’s safety net, and then there’s Sean Mannion, whose selection with a third-round pick in 2015 now seems questionable at best.
RUNNING BACK
What else do the Rams need beyond Todd Gurley, last year’s NFL offensive rookie of the year? Maybe nothing, but that depends on backup Tre Mason, who faces misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest and marijuana possession in Florida.
Should Mason face any discipline, the Rams would have to turn to Benny Cunningham, who had only 140 rushing yards last season. They signed undrafted free agent Aaron Green from TCU, but Green is an edge runner who almost certainly doesn’t have the ability to be an every-down NFL back.
RECEIVER
Give the Rams credit for identifying a weakness and working to strengthen it. When Goff looks at his group of receivers in training camp, there will be sufficient quantity, but will there be quality?
Tavon Austin is the clear No. 1 threat, but the options behind him – led by Kenny Britt and Brian Quick – are uninspiring. The Rams made two intriguing additions in the draft: a tough, catch-and-run guy in Pharoh Cooper (South Carolina) and a potential possession receiver in Mike Thomas (Southern Miss).
Don’t sleep on the Rams undrafted free agents, either. Marquez North is talented despite a disappointing, injury-plagued career at Tennessee. Paul McRoberts (Southeast Missouri State) is raw but athletic. Nelson Spruce (Colorado, Westlake High) is the Pac-12 Conference’s all-time leader in receptions.
TIGHT END
Other than quarterback, this could be the most intriguing position to watch. The Rams cut starter Jared Cook in February, then sought complements to Lance Kendricks and Cory Harkey.
That’s complements, plural, because the Rams not only took Tyler Higbee (Western Kentucky) in the fourth round but also Temarrick Hemingway (South Carolina State) in the sixth round.
Higbee faces second-degree assault charges and his status remains unknown. Higbee has great potential, which is why the Rams were willing to take a chance on him, but they also hedged their bets by using two of their six draft picks on tight ends. Hemingway, at 6-foot-5, 244 pounds, is a talented receiver.
OFFENSIVE LINE
A year after they loaded up on linemen at the draft, the Rams unsurprisingly were quiet this time. They feel they have the depth and talent they need, and now they’ll sit and hope it develops.
Some pundits believed the Rams would add a center, but they’re apparently content with incumbent starter Tim Barnes, who signed a new two-year contract in March, and backup Demetrius Rhaney.
The Rams signed just two undrafted linemen: Pace Murphy (Northwestern State) and Jordan Swindle (Kentucky), but there’s good depth behind tackles Greg Robinson and Rob Havenstein and guards Rodger Saffold and Jamon Brown.
Isaiah Battle, Andrew Donnal and Cody Wichmann, all added during the 2015 draft, will be part of the rotation.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The Rams did good work here during the early part of the free-agent signing period, when they re-signed William Hayes and Eugene Sims and signed Quinton Coples.
The Rams’ two-deep chart looks good here, with Hayes and Robert Quinn at end and Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers at tackle, and a couple quality backups. Not surprisingly, the Rams were quiet here on draft weekend. They made one undrafted signing: end Morgan Fox of Colorado State.
LINEBACKER
This is a position where the draft weekend could be impactful for the Rams.
They released veteran James Laurinaitis in February, then decided to move Alec Ogletree from outside linebacker to the middle, where he presumably will be flanked by Akeem Ayers and Mark Barron.
The depth beyond that trio is limited, which is why the Rams used a sixth-round pick on athletic linebacker Josh Forrest from Kentucky. Forrest, listed at 6-foot-3, 249 pounds, didn’t test well at the scouting combine, but that’s in the past, and if he performs well, he has a chance to crack the rotation.
The Rams also will hope to hit on one of their three undrafted free agents. Washington State’s Kache Palacio, from Serra High in Gardena, also worked out at fullback for some NFL teams. Brandon Chubb was a two-year captain at Wake Forest. The Rams also signed Pitt’s Nicholas Grigsby.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Talented cornerback Janoris Jenkins left via free agency, but the Rams have good depth there with Trumaine Johnson, E.J. Gaines, Coty Sensabaugh and Lamarcus Joyner.
Things are thinner at safety, other than with veteran T.J. McDonald, and the Rams are counting on Cody Davis and Mo Alexander to contribute. There’s not much experience there, which could be a problem.
The Rams didn’t draft a safety, which was a bit surprising, but did sign two undrafted safeties: Jordan Lomax from Iowa and Brian Randolph from Tennessee. They also signed cornerback Mike Jordan from Missouri Western, who was a finalist for the small-college defensive player of the year award in 2015.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The job of punter Johnny Hekker seems safe, to no surprise, but the same can’t be said for kicker Greg Zuerlein, who surprisingly struggled last season. The Rams openly have said that there will be competition for Zuerlein in training camp, so perhaps a free-agent signing is still to come.
The Rams made only one post-draft signing, that of Taylor Bertolet of Texas A&M, and it’s a bit of a head-scratcher. Bertolet, once a top high school kicker from Pennsylvania, didn’t win the Aggies job until last season, then he made only 22 of 31 field goals, and even missed four from inside 40 yards.
May 2, 2016 at 11:45 am #43272znModeratorRams draw mostly positive reviews for draft performance
Nick Wagoner
General manager Les Snead, right, and the Rams only participated in two of the NFL draft’s three days after the trade to land Jared Goff, left.
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams only participated in two of the NFL draft’s three days after they bold trade from No. 15 to No. 1 to land quarterback Jared Goff.But with only six picks to make and none in the valuable rounds two and three, the Rams, for the most part, appeared to do pretty well in the eyes of the pundits.
Here’s a roundup of some of their immediate grades after the draft:
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. saw the Rams draft similar to yours truly, giving the Rams a ‘B-‘ while noting that Goff’s performance will dictate where it goes.
Pro Football Focus gave the Rams an ‘A-‘ for their efforts.
USA Today gave the Rams a ‘B’.
CBSSports.com gave the Rams a ‘B+.’
SI.com gave the Rams a ‘B-.’
May 3, 2016 at 9:45 am #43334znModeratorRams go for offense on Day 3
Jim Thomas
Paper thin on the depth chart at wide receiver and tight end, the Rams went in an obvious direction on Day 3 of the NFL draft.
They used four of their five picks on offense, selecting two wide receivers and two tight ends. Even the outlier in the group, Kentucky linebacker Josh Forrest, began his college career at wide receiver before switching to defense.
“Well, it’s all in an effort to expand our offense,” coach Jeff Fisher said. “We started with the quarterback trade (for Jared Goff). Statistically, we weren’t anywhere close to where we should have been the last couple years.
“Last year, we built it from inside-out and we drafted six offensive linemen, so these guys are going to be together for a long time. We just need to get some additional players outside. . .that in the unlikely event that we are not running the football, we can get the ball outside.”
The day began with some controversy when the Rams used their first pick of the fourth round, No. 110 overall, on Western Kentucky tight end Tyler Higbee.
Higbee was arrested April 10 and charged with assault, alcohol intoxication in a public place, and fleeing/evading police according to the Bowling Green Daily News. The alleged victim suffered a concussion and brain hemorrhage.
Higbee apparently was responding to aggressive action by the alleged victim against Higbee and Higbee’s girlfriend according to the Daily News.
Fisher said the team did extensive research on the situation.
“It’s an on-going issue, but we’re convinced that it’s going to be resolved,” Fisher said. “As far as going into specifics, we really can’t because it’s a legal issue. But he wouldn’t be a Ram had we had some concerns that it was going to be a problem down the line.”
General manager Les Snead added: “I’d say that when you go from college to become a professional there is behavior to clean up, and we expect that to happen. But in this case, the research that we did, we did feel like he was a guy worth investing in for the long term. It’s a mistake _ wish he had a do-over again.”
Higbee, 6-6, 249, was considered among the top tight ends in the draft prior to the incident, but wasn’t considered a first_ or second-round prospect. So if he dropped in the draft, it wasn’t by much.
During a conference call Saturday with Rams reporters in Los Angeles, Higbee declined to speak on the incident because it was an ongoing legal matter, saying only: “You know it’s an incident that I can’t let define me. I’ve been trying to keep my mind focused and stay working.”
Despite missing five full games because of a knee injury, Higbee finished the 2015 season with 38 catches for 563 yards and eight touchdowns.
Following the Higbee pick, the Rams were scheduled to make another pick just three spots later at No. 113 overall. But they traded down to No. 117 with Chicago, picking up an extra sixth-rounder in the process.
They used the No. 117 overall pick to select versatile wide receiver Pharoh Cooper of South Carolina.
With no picks in the fifth or seventh rounds, the Rams concluded the day and their draft by selecting South Carolina State tight end Temarrick Hemingway, Forrest, and Southern Mississippi wide receiver Mike Thomas in Round 6.
They used to pick obtained from the Bears, No. 206 overall, to select Thomas.
Cooper, 5-11, 203, is from a family of Marines, including his brother, father, and grandfather. He caught 66 passes for 973 yards and eight touchdowns last season, and carried 24 times for 111 yards and one TD.
Over the course of his college career, he also returned punts and kickoffs. A former high school quarterback, Cooper even threw four touchdown passes during his time at South Carolina. He projects as a slot receiver in the NFL, with return and gadget play possibilities.
“My biggest asset would probably be making plays after the catch,” Cooper said. “Once I catch the ball, I can easily get another five to 10 yards.”
Thomas was highly productive last season at Southern Miss, so it was surprising to see him still available two-thirds of the way through Round 6. A junior-college transfer prior to the 2014 season, Thomas caught 71 passes for 1,391 yards, and 14 TDs last season.
On the thin side at 6-1, 197, Thomas runs the 40 in 4.53 seconds.
“Michael (is) an outside guy who caught a lot of contested balls in his career,” Snead said.
Hemingway, meanwhile, said he was so happy to get the call from the Rams that he cried immediately after getting the news.
Considered more of a developmental player, Hemingway caught 38 passes for 418 yards and a touchdown last season. He has added nearly 20 pounds since the start of last season, and at 6-5 weighs 248 with an 81-inch wingspan and 4.71 speed in the 40.
UNDRAFTED ROOKIES
The Rams have agreed to terms with the following rookie free agents:
_ K TaylorBertolet, Texas A&M
_ LB Brandon Chubb, WakeForest
_ DE Morgan Fox, Colorado State-Pueblo
_ RB Aaron Green, Texas Christian
_ LB Nicholas Grigsby Pittsburgh
_ DB Michael Jordan, Missouri Western/Hazelwood Central High
_ S Jordan Lomax, Iowa
_ WR Paul McRoberts, Southeast Missouri/Soldan High
_ OT Pace Murphy, Northwestern (La.) State
_ WR Marquez North, Tennessee
_ WR Kache Palacio, WashingtonState
_ DB Brian Randolph, Tennessee
_ S Winston Rose, New Mexico State
_ LB/DE Ian Seau, Nevada
_ WR Nelson Spruce, Colorado
_ OT Jordan Swindle, Kentucky
May 5, 2016 at 12:18 am #43456znModeratorfrom: Ranking NFL teams’ offseasons 1-32 (USA Today)
Nate Davis, USA TODAY Sports
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2016/05/03/ranking-nfl-teams-offseason-grades/83833336/
4. Los Angeles Rams: It’s already been a year of big moves for this team, literally and figuratively. But it’s understandable why coach Jeff Fisher and GM Les Snead would part with so much draft capital to get Cal QB Jared Goff at No. 1 overall considering one Rams passer in the past nine seasons has managed to throw for at least 20 TDs. Despite cutting aging defensive mainstays Chris Long and James Laurinaitis and failing to re-sign CB Janoris Jenkins, this club got better this offseason.
May 6, 2016 at 7:42 am #43498znModeratorfrom NFC West draft grades: Seahawks, Rams collect impact players
Bucky Brooks
…
BIGGEST SLEEPER: Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina
Los Angeles Rams, Round 4, No. 117 overall.Cooper is the kind of “catch and run” specialist who shines in a spread offense that gets the ball to playmakers on the move. He flashes exceptional quickness and wiggle in the open field, but he also possesses the strength and power to run through arm tackles in tight quarters. With the Rams poised to incorporate more bubble screens and RPOs designed to make young quarterback Jared Goff comfortable, Cooper could play a big role opposite Tavon Austin in Los Angeles’ revamped offense.
TEAM GRADES
…
2) Los Angeles Rams
» Round 1: (No. 1 overall) Jared Goff, QB.
» Round 4: (110) Tyler Higbee, TE; (117) Pharoh Cooper, WR.
» Round 6: (177) Temarrick Hemingway, TE; (190) Josh Forrest, ILB; (206) Mike Thomas, WR.The grade on the Rams’ 2016 class will hinge on the performance of Jared Goff as the team’s new franchise quarterback. Los Angeles essentially mortgaged the farm to jump up to the top overall spot for the Cal product, so the pressure will be on him to help the Rams become perennial contenders in the NFC. Some observers question whether Goff can transition effectively into a pro quarterback after honing his skills in the “Bear Raid” system, but the pinpoint passer is deadly accurate, and his distribution skills could make the Rams’ offense more dangerous with a cast of “catch and run” specialists on the perimeter. To that point, the Rams deserve credit for snagging Tyler Higbee, Temarrick Hemingway, Pharoh Cooper and Mike Thomas to provide their young passer with athletic weapons to target on quick-rhythm passes. With coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead surrounding Goff with a host of young, athletic playmakers on the perimeter, the top pick could make an immediate impact as a Day 1 starter. GRADE: B-
May 12, 2016 at 10:52 am #43940znModeratorPro Football Focus ranks Rams most improved in NFC West
Nick Wagoner
Part of the beauty of the NFL offseason is the many differing opinions on every team’s approach to it. Those that spend big money in free agency are often times considered “winners” right after they make those moves but rarely so when the games actually start.
Others point to making smart, low-budget roster moves while focusing on nailing the draft as the proper approach, a time-tested method that’s worked for consistent winners such as the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots.
The Los Angeles Rams have attempted both in the recent past with mediocre results. But earlier this week, Pro Football Focus named the team in each of the NFL’s eight divisions it believes improved itself the most in the 2016 offseason. Their choice for the NFC West division? The Rams.
PFF credits the Rams for a strong draft (with a grade of A-minus) and lauds them for the bold move up to land quarterback Jared Goff with the No. 1 overall pick. PFF also approved of the Rams’ moves to add pass-catchers for Goff in the later rounds, with a particular affinity for sixth-round receiver Michael Thomas.
Undoubtedly, the Rams have a steep hill to climb in the NFC West with Arizona and Seattle looming at the top but if the offseason turns out as well as PFF believes, it could be a little less daunting.
May 16, 2016 at 9:07 am #44126znModeratorMay 12, 2016
Football Gameplan’s 2016 NFL Draft Grades: Los Angeles RamsMay 16, 2016 at 2:38 pm #44147znModeratorfrom Best offseason acquisitions for all 32 NFL teams
ESPN.com
From free agents to coaches and draft picks to general managers, NFL Nation reporters select the top offseason pickup for every team:
….
Los Angeles Rams
Quarterback Jared Goff
Really, this choice goes hand-in-hand with the runner-up here — new passing game coordinator Mike Groh. The Rams had the worst passing offense in the league in 2015 and finally made a major investment in hopes of fixing it. They didn’t go out and make a lot of other major additions in part because the cost of landing Goff was so high. Goff’s impact in Year 1 doesn’t have to be franchise-altering so much as steadying for a position that has been filled with instability over the past four years. — Nick Wagoner
May 17, 2016 at 2:42 am #44168
AgamemnonParticipant
Includes, Paul McRoberts, Mike Thomas, and Nelson Spruce.
Includes, Duke Williams.
Includes, Pharoh Cooper.
AgamemnonMay 17, 2016 at 2:42 am #44169AgamemnonParticipant Agamemnon -
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