Reporters wrap up OTAs, single out Cooper & Joyner

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.

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.