CFF Player Profile: Todd Gurley, HB

Matt Claassen | April 10, 2015

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/04/10/cff-player-profile-todd-gurley-hb-2/

Today our CFF Player Profile is going to look at our first prospect that is not expected to be drafted in the first 10 picks of the draft, and that is former Georgia running back Todd Gurley. Gurley has long been regarded as one of the best backs in the nation since his freshman year when he was named to the AP’s All-SEC team in 2012. But in a time where there hasn’t been a running back taken in the first round since 2012 and Gurley is rehabbing a knee injury, where does his draft value stand?

Gurley’s junior year took a few twists and turns that led to him missing seven of Georgia’s games due to suspension and injury. Even though he played 239 offensive snaps in less than six full games, Gurley still put plenty on film during his half-season.

Overview & Stats

The first thing you notice when watching Gurley is how powerful and explosive he is as a ball-carrier. He repeatedly runs through arm tackles and picks up yards after first contact. He is capable of carrying the load and just wearing defenses down. No one will ever question Gurley’s effort as he is always fighting to finish runs. When his blocking is insufficient, his power allows him to create his own yardage better than most other players. Gurley’s average of 4 yards after contact per rush against Power 5 opponents was nearly a half-yard more than the next 2015 draft prospect, Tevin Coleman.

While his powerful running style and size alone are great traits to boast, his speed and quickness combined with his size are what set him apart. Gurley can run defenders over, or run around them, and once he is in the open field in one-on-one situations, he has plenty of lateral agility to make defenders miss. Gurley forced no less than six missed tackles in each of his games against Power 5 defenses and on average he forced a missed tackle once every 3.2 rush attempts. Not only was that the most frequent rate in this draft class, but it was also the best in the entire nation.

Gurley shows good vision and can excel in both power and zone run schemes. He typically displays patience when waiting for holes to open up, but occasionally does get a little impatient. Once he locates the crease, his quick acceleration through the hole exposes defenders with poor pursuit angles and turns plays into long runs. He had a 25-plus yard run in all six games last year, and in four of the six games he had gains of at least 40 yards.

As a receiver Gurley can be just as threatening to defenses. He didn’t have quite the same opportunity in the passing game as he did in 2013, but he caught all 12 passes thrown his way last year and still displayed the same type of playmaking ability downfield.

As with much of the running back draft class, Gurley has room for improvement in pass protection. He allowed two hits and two hurries on 15 snaps where he stayed in to pass block during 2014. It is not enough of a weakness that would prevent him from being an immediate three-down back in the NFL, but he could use some fine tuning. He does still have two and a half years of pass blocking experience and remains one of the better blockers of the draft class.

For most people, the biggest knock on Gurley is that he is recovering from a torn ACL. Anymore, many athletes bounce back fine after knee injuries and recovery times seemingly continue to improve. However, not everyone is as fortunate and recovery times will vary depending on the person. When training camp opens in July, he will be just eight months removed from the injury, and roughly 10 months by the time the regular season opens.

Beyond the knee injury, he also missed games in 2013 due to an ankle injury. Is there a major concern about his durability? No. But it is a small piece of the puzzle, especially for a punishing back like Gurley. The silver lining behind the injuries, though, is that he enters the NFL without a massive workload in college and less wear and tear than a lot of prior prospects of his caliber.

There’s no question that Gurley is the most physically gifted running back in the draft. His speed to go along with his size and strength is a combination we haven’t seen in a prospect for a few years. Without the injury he is worthy of a first-round draft pick. Despite the injury, he should still be in consideration for teams at the bottom of the round that need a running back. Even if it is assumed that he could potentially miss games or have a limited impact in his first year, that is just one of up to five seasons they could have a potential franchise running back on a rookie contract.

Former Titans running back Eddie George, who played eight seasons for Jeff Fisher on the Oilers and Titans, joined The Imig, Montez and Moe Show on Friday. The Rams’ drafting Todd Gurley in the first round of this year’s draft drew many comparisons to Fisher selecting George in the 1990s. George talked about Gurley and Fisher along with several other Rams-related topics.

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http://www.insidestl.com/insideSTLcom/STLSports/STLRams/tabid/137/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/17574/Eddie-George-Analyzes-Rams-Todd-Gurley-Pick-Talks-Playing-for-Jeff-Fisher-and-His-Philosophy.aspx

What was your reaction to the Rams taking Todd Gurley?

“Actually, I was a bit surprised. I thought it was a great pick for Jeff. I know the type of player he’s looking to have, that he needs to have in the backfield to be a bell-ringer for him and the type philsophy that we wants.”

How will Gurley affect the Rams?

“I think now he can really make a serious run in that division with the type of back Gurley is, provided he stays healthy…and really how Nick Foles comes into the whole mix. I’m really excited to see what Jeff has been building the last three years. Every year he’s done an outstanding job of bringing it together for the draft.”

Have you been able to talk to Jeff Fisher about the draft?

“I haven’t had a chance as of yet. The last couple of years I’ve texted him to let him know he’s done an outstanding job. This year in particular I just said ‘Great pick, you got a beast of a running back.’ I’m pretty sure we’ll have a chance to talk…I may come down and check him out during training camp.”

Fisher said he envisions Gurley kind of like a St. Louis version of you at running back. Thoughts on those comments?

“Ironically enough, I was watching a game last year with Todd playing on CBS…and he was an absolute monster and throughout the telecast they compared him to me. The speed and soforth and I can definitely see that. He has the ability to beat you up in between the tackles, but he creates his own space. He can set up his blocks, he has excellent vision, excellent feet. His runs after content…that’s what you want to see. If he can stay healthy, he can be a Pro Bowl running back.”

What can you say about Fisher that has made him a mainstay coach in the NFL?

“I think slow and steady wins the race. He’s not going out getting the sexy draft picks (just to excite the fan base). He’s going to build household names. We’re so enamored with quick results and winning it right now. It takes time to build a championship team. You’ve got to be patient. Our first three or four years (in Tennessee), we were 8-18. We were a vagabond team, we didn’t have a home. Then we turned the corner and put together some great wins. I think that’s the same formula he’s applying to the St. Louis Rams. I think he’s on the trajectory of putting together a playoff-caliber team that you guys will appreciate.”

Russell Wilson contract talk: Just negotiating as usual or something to worry about?

Bob Condotta
May 7, 2015

http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/russell-wilson-contract-talk-just-negotiating-as-usual-or-something-to-worry-about/

Russell Wilson’s contract is suddenly the subject of a lot of conversation. But the time to worry about it getting done is still a ways away.

Maybe it’s because Seattle doesn’t have a basketball team that could be on a long playoff run right about now to talk about anymore. Or maybe it’s because the Mariners are stumbling out of the gate and everybody really wants to avoid talking about that

Whatever the case, discussion of Russell Wilson’s contract extension suddenly dominated all the radio talk shows in Seattle Thursday thanks to a couple of different statements and recent reports.

Jason La Confora of CBSSports.com, for instance, said on KJR-AM this morning that Wilson and the Seahawks are “nowhere close” to a deal. That came after John Clayton of ESPN said earlier in the week that Seattle is believed to have offered $80 million for four years (which is included in this well-done examination of the issue from Danny O’Neil of 710 ESPN Seattle).

All of that led to much talk show and social media discussion Thursday and attendant speculation about where this goes next.

As O’Neil notes, it was easy to think this deal would be done, well, easily since the Seahawks have a recent track record of getting contract extensions signed, sealed and delivered almost before anyone knew negotiations had even begun (think Kam Chancellor, Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman, among others).

But Wilson’s is the kind of contract the Seahawks have never dealt with before, and he’s in one of the more advantageous situations of any player in recent NFL history as a winner of a Super Bowl at such a young age. This was destined to take some time.

So the question is whether some of the back and forth — Pete Carroll saying on ESPN last weekend that the team was waiting to hear from Wilson’s side and Wilson responding with a Tweet that he’d rather patiently wait than rush into something that isn’t best for his life — is just what should be expected at this point, or something more?

If the reports of Seattle’s offer are true, well it only makes some sense that the Seahawks would start off low, especially early in the negotiations. And if the rumblings that Wilson wants the moon — or more specific, a contract that would pay him as much as anybody in the NFL, which has been rumored for months now — then that makes sense, too.

Russell Wilson didn’t overcome what he has to get to where he is by not having a mammoth belief in himself and his abilities and that’s not something he should be expected to just set aside once it comes to contracts. If he thinks he can be as good as any quarterback in NFL history — which he has said is his goal — then he shouldn’t really be blamed for wanting to get paid like it.

John Schneider’s comment earlier this year about thinking “outside the box” was widely interpreted as Wilson being willing to take less money to help the Seahawks for salary cap reasons. But I’m not sure that’s really what Schneider meant — or certainly, not quite as concretely as many seemed to take it, that Wilson would voluntarily take a less-than-market deal because that’s what the team wants. Being willing to do things structurally to help the team is different than just waving goodbye to millions of dollars.

While Seahawks’ fans may have grown accustomed to these things getting done early and easily, expectations may simply have to change for this one.

The reality is that the situation is nowhere yet near urgent.

Each side would probably like this done by the time training camp begins — which will likely be around July 31 or so.

Wilson, if all the reports are true about being willing to play out the season and see what happens, may have a lot more time on his side in this than the Seahawks.

But the Seahawks still have time, as well.

If it gets to August and nothing is then, then that might be the time to worry.

http://uscenterforsportsmedicine.com/how-long-will-it-take-my-anterior-cruciate-ligament-injury-to-heal/

6 months is the benchmark for returning from this injury. of course. this guy also says it takes up to a year for the knee to regain full strength.

How Long Will It Take My Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury to Heal?
October 4, 2011
The importance of the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) to knee stability can not be overstated. Next in line for importance is proper rehabilitation after an ACL injury and surgery.

Let’s start with the basics.

The ACL is responsible for keeping your knee from sliding or twisting behind your hamstring. If the ACL is torn it pops and your knee begins to wobble. (See the seven simple tests to determine if you’ve torn your ACL.) The pain is excruciating.

Unfortunately, even though ACL injuries are common, women ages 14 to 30 are five times more than likely to suffer from an ACL injury. The reason why is not understood fully. It could be anatomy or estrogen levels or proper strength training.

An exact rehabilitation and recovery program from an ACL injury, especially if you’ve opted for reconstructive surgery, will vary from doctor to doctor and therapist to therapist

You can expect to be back at the sport in about six months. It’s best not to expect anytime sooner than that, unless you hit your benchmarks early.

Your first benchmark is to take care of the pain and swelling. Next it’s vitally important to protect the knee during the time it is healing from the surgery. Slowly a return in motion is something we also look for, then looking for a return in strength.

So it’s resolving the pain and swelling, protecting the knee to heal properly, return in motion and strength are what make up a good rehabilitation program. These are the benchmarks we look for in sports medicine.

Most of these steps we have control over. What we don’t have control over is the biology of the individual: will he heal fast or slow? Will the graft become a living part of the body again is not so much a concern as when that will happen. It differs from individual to individual.

What’s happening is the body is trying to re-establish blood flow to the graft that has been taken from another part of your body.

Six months is the benchmark where we can expect most athletes to be completely recovered and ready to play again. Some doctors will be aggressive with the rehabilitation and try and get the athlete back on the field in two or three months.

So much of that depends upon the athletes desire and how his or her body responds to the graft and the recovery program. The knee has to be strong enough and the full range of motion must have returned, as well as a dramatic reduction and even elimination of pain and swelling. If these benchmarks aren’t hit then the doctor and athlete need to be patient because the threat of re-injury is very real.

Of course six weeks after the surgery your knee may be healthy and strong enough, although not optimally at the strength target, that the risk of re-injury is not a worry and you could return to playing at that point.

I don’t fully recommend, however, doing this, but at the eight week the knee may be healed enough that I wouldn’t be worried about re-injury as much. Still, the longer the knee can be given to heal the stronger it will be and the less likely you will re-injure it.

In fact, your new knee ligament continues to heal for up to a year, meaning it won’t be as strong at nine months as it will be at twelve months. The longer you wait, the better.

But you can make a personal decision, along with the advice of your therapist, doctor and coach, of returning to the game in two months. You may not be up to your original performance standards pre-ACL surgery at this point, but in good enough shape to play.

Dr. Rick Lehman is a distinguished orthopedic surgeon in St. Louis, Missouri and an articular cartilage reconstruction pioneer He owns U. S. Sports Medicine in Kirkwood, MO, and LehmanHealth. Learn more about Dr. Rick.

Brugler:
18. MARTIN IFEDI | Memphis
2010: Redshirted
6031|275 lbs|5SR Houston, Texas (Westside HS) 9/4/1991 (age 23) #97 GRADE 6th-7th Round
MEASUREABLES Arm: 33 7/8 | Hand: 10 | Wingspan: 81 3/8
COMBINE 40-YD: 4.88 | 10-YD: 1.68 | 20-YD: 2.83 | BP: 16 | VJ: 31 | BJ: 09’03” | SS: 4.58 | 3C: 7.39 PRO DAY BP: 17
PRONUNCIATION eh-FED-EE
2011: (12/0) 2012: (12/10) 2013: (12/12) 2014: (9/9) Total: (45/31)
13/1.0/1.0/1/1 46/11.0/7.5/2/0 52/14.5/11.5/1/0 29/9.5/2.5/0/1 140/36.0/22.5/4/2

BACKGROUND: A two-star defensive end recruit out of high school, Ifedi has a basketball background, but started to focus on football and received moderate interest as a recruit, receiving only a few FBS offers and committing to Memphis. After redshirting in 2010 and serving as a back-up defensive tackle in 2011, Ifedi moved to the edges as a sophomore in 2012 and led the team in both tackles for loss (11.0) and sacks (7.5). He had his best statistical season in 2013 as a junior with 14.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks, earning First Team All-AAC honors. Ifedi was plagued by a knee injury in 2014 and started just nine games, but still finished second on the team in tackles for loss (9.5), adding 2.5 sacks and earning First Team All-AAC honors. He earned an invitation to the 2015 East-West Shrine Game.

STRENGTHS: Solidly-built frame and has worked hard to add weight and fill out…good upper body strength with the length and wingspan to toss blockers and cage ballcarriers…strong hands to finish once he makes contact, breaking down well in space to close and attack…impressive recognition skills and ball awareness, using his eyes to locate, track and pursue…disciplined run defender on the edges to take away the corner and contain, forcing the action back inside and allowing his teammates to make the stop…plays with fight and works hard to stay square, not taking himself out of plays…good play speed with a locked in motor, rallying to the football…tough worker with mature football character and a likeable personality…versatile experience lining up inside and outside at several defensive line positions…school’s all-time leader in sacks (22.5) as a three-year starter (31 career starts).

WEAKNESSES: Near maxed out body type with some tweener traits…plays tall off the snap and gives blockers a big target to block, leading to balance issues…lacks the speed or flexibility to consistently bend and threaten the edge…has some herky-jerky movements with below average redirection skills…overly patient at times and seems to be thinking too much, leading to hand fighting at the point of attack – too easy for blockers to win angles and seal him…needs to better drive through his hips and show improved leverage shedding and tackling…durability a question mark after a left knee injury in Sept. 2014, which caused him to miss four games and kept him from being 100% healthy the rest of the season.

SUMMARY: A versatile prospect, Ifedi was moved all over the defensive line in college, playing the bulk of his snaps at the three- and five-technique positions. He leaves Memphis as the school’s all-time leader in sacks (22.5), but he isn’t overly dynamic and there isn’t much that separates him from others athletically. Ifedi, who is the older brother of Texas A&M offensive lineman Germain Ifedi, displays very good run recognition to make quick reads and put himself in position to make plays, using his upper body strength and eyes to be effective. His medical report and knee status are imperative to his NFL draft grade, projecting best as a left defensive end in a four-man front or as a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4 scheme.

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http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1737214/andrew-donnal

STRENGTHS: Desired height with workable arm length and hand size. Adequate athlete and set-up quickness. Prefers to use his hands to drive block, keeping his grip inside defenders and shuffling his lower body. Fundamentally sound and well-coached. Uses his length well to initiate the action and seal the edge any way he can. Always looking for someone to block with alert, active eyes. Doesn?t make mental mistakes, staying focused from snap-to-snap. Impressive tenacity through the whistle, displaying the finishing toughness to eliminate his man. Often powers defenders to the ground like a wrestler. Buys into coaching and works hard to hone his craft. Team-first attitude and waited his turn to be the starter.

WEAKNESSES: Leaner-than-ideal and lacks ideal body girth. Narrow base and upright off the snap, making leverage an issue. Can be bullied on his heels and lacks the anchor to absorb bull rushers. Forces his momentum out of his stance, making him susceptible to inside moves, struggling to recover in time. Engages well, but needs to redirect his target and do a better job with angles. Needs to load more ammo into his punch to shock defenders, especially at the second level. Hesitant and needs to speed up his decision-making. Impatient on the edges and finds himself hunched over at the waist. Only one season of true starting experience (16 career starts). Some durability concerns, suffering an ACL injury (Oct. 2012) that ended his sophomore season and bothered him throughout his junior year.

• This topic was modified 10 years, 1 month ago by wv.

St. Louis Rams First Round Draft Pick RB Todd Gurley Conference Call – April 30, 2015

(On if being picked by the Rams came as a surprise and did the Rams show interest before the draft)
“A little bit. A little surprised, but like I said I’m just happy. I’m happy, real happy to just be a part of the Rams.”

(On if the Rams were one of the 20 teams he visited and was told to keep quiet about)
“No, they weren’t. They weren’t.”

(On what is the earliest date that he can play football)
“Right now there’s no time table. Not putting a timetable on anything. Everything’s been on schedule and just looking forward to coming back.”

(On what percent he is injury-wise)
“Like I said, I really wouldn’t say a percent. At the end of the day, I’ve never been through one of these injuries. But, like I said, I’m not a doctor or therapist. Everything is going on schedule. Still have a lot of work to do though.”

(On if he feels it’s realistic to play on opening day)
“Yes, I think that’s a realistic goal. But, like I said, I’m not putting any time table.”

(On his current rehab process)
“My rehab’s been going good. Haven’t been limited to anything far as the weight room, blocks, been running, doing some control cutting – just getting after it.”

(On if he’s been able to run at full speed)
“Yes, I have a couple times. But most of it is…a lot of my workouts are modified.”

(On if he expected to go in the top 10)
“I mean, yes.” (Laughs)

(On why he expected to go in the top 10)
“Because I know what I worked hard for and I had confidence in myself, just because of my injury. Because at the same time, I didn’t want to have my head down to be expecting to go low. I’m not that type of person.”

(On what running back he plays the most like and who did he grow up admiring)
“I don’t try to be like anybody else. I definitely look at a lot of the great running backs especially in the NFL. I grew up a (New Orleans Saints RB) C.J. Spiller fan.”

(On how difficult his suspension was last year)
“It was very difficult, just not being able to play. Having a good season and them telling me I had to sit down.”

(On what he knows about the Rams’ offense)
“I know they like to run the ball, so it’s a special, special place. I’m looking forward to going out there and working for them.”

(On if he had a combine visit with the Rams)
“Yes, I did.”

(On if the Rams talked to him at his pro day)
“I’m not sure. I don’t think I talked to anybody at my pro day.”

(On when he thought the Rams would be a possible landing spot for him)
“I didn’t to be honest, but I’m happy.”

(On what it felt like to get the phone call letting him know he was going to be a Ram)
“It was crazy. It was awesome for sure to get that phone call and be a part of the team.”

(On how he would describe himself as a back)
“I feel like it’s kind of a one-cut, down hill runner. I don’t try to do too much. I’ve still got a lot to learn and improve on my game.”

(On if he watched football growing up)
“I always watched football because that’s what I played, but being in North Carolina you don’t have a choice, but to watch basketball all the time.”

(On if he was a good basketball player)
“I thought I was (Chicago Bulls’ PG) Derrick Rose for a little bit, but that didn’t work out too well.”

(On his relationship with LB Alec Ogletree)
“I’ve got a good relationship with him. I remember my first time in camp during goal line he hit me, ‘Man, I felt that.’ I was like from that day forward I’m running low. It will be good to get back there with him and team up. That’s one of the best players I’ve ever played with.”

(On if Ogletree has reached out to him since being drafted)
“I’m not sure I haven’t checked my phone. I’m pretty sure he did.”

(On if he knows any other Rams)
“No, I don’t.”

(On the most important thing he’s learned from himself during his rehab process)
“Just be patient. Just because you can’t do something one day doesn’t mean it’s not going to come the next day. You’ve just got to keep working at it and try not to be frustrated.”

Fisher and Snead Talk Todd Gurley

Watch head coach Jeff Fisher and Les Snead talk about their 1st round draft selection, Georgia running back Todd Gurley.

http://www.stlouisrams.com/videos/videos/Fisher-and-Snead-Talk-Todd-Gurley/13950a53-ddf1-4478-bf10-1fdfd20635ef

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Rams select “unique talent” in Georgia RB Gurley at No. 10

By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-report/rams-select-unique-talent-in-georgia-rb-gurley-at-no/article_f4c45e9f-3cc1-50a6-b218-dcbc2db96f24.html

The Rams came up with a bit of a surprise, selecting Georgia running back Todd Gurley at No. 10 overall.

The 6-foot-1, 226-pounder played in just six games as a junior last fall after suffering an ACL tear in November — after serving a four-game suspension at midseason for taking money for signing memorabilia.

In those six games, he ran for 911 yards on 122 carries (6.4 per carry) and scored nine times. In addition, he caught 12 passes for 57 yards and returned four kicks for 179 yards and a touchdown.

Gurley, 20, said that rehab has gone well but does not to put a timetable on his return. Can he be back in time for opening day?

“Oh yeah, I think that’s a realistic goal,” he said during a teleconference call with St. Louis media. “Everything’s on schedule and I’m looking forward to coming back.

“I was a little surprised, but I’m just happy, happy to be part of the Rams.”

Both Rams head coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead are thrilled with their top pick of 2015.

“We thought he was a definitely a unique talent that only comes around once in a while,” Snead said. “Could’ve gone earlier if it wasn’t for the injury, so it was kind of bonus sitting there at No. 10. Hey, we’ve got a lot of things we need to do, but it was a consensus that that player helps everybody _ our defense, our offense, our offensive line, our receivers and our QBs. That’s the pick in a nutshell.”

Fisher agreed: “His body of work speaks for itself…. It was clearly setback because of the injury, but the athletic ability, the strength, the explosion, the acceleration, the instincts that he has as a runner and he also has great hands out of the backfield. He’s a complete back. We have a good group, we really like our group, but this is an opportunity, as Les said, that we could not pass up.”

Gurley rushed for 989 yards and 10 scores in 10 games as a sophomore in 2013, when he also caught 37 passes for 441 yards and six touchdowns. As a freshman in 2012, he played in 14 games and made 12 starts, rushing for 1,385 yards and 17 touchdowns. That season, he also caught 16 passes for 117 yards and returned seven kickoffs for 243 yards and a score.

Gurley, the first running back to go in the first round since 2012, started in 28 of 30 games he played for the Bulldogs. He had 18 100-yard games and one 200-yard game. His 44 career touchdowns (36 rushing, 6 receiving and 2 kickoffs) rank second in school history to Herschel Walker’s 52.

Like Gurley, Fisher has not timetable for Gurley’s return to the football field.

“We do know that he’s not having any issues right now and the docs typically say he’s ahead of schedule,” the coach said. “This is one of those players at the position that really only come around once in a great while. We’re very excited about it.

“I’ll tell you this, we’re not going to rush it. We may be a little on the conservative side. You know, this is the running back of our future and it makes no sense to subject him to or put him in a bad situation sooner than we have to.”

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Total breakdown: Rams draft RB Todd Gurley in first round
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/18022/total-breakdown-rams-draft-rb-todd-gurley-in-first-round

EARTH CITY, Mo. — A few quick thoughts on the St. Louis Rams’ first-round draft pick:

The pick: Todd Gurley, running back, Georgia

My take: Some might view this pick as a complete surprise, but that’s only for those who haven’t paid attention to Rams coach Jeff Fisher’s affinity for the running game and running backs. Gurley is the fifth running back the Rams have drafted in four years with Fisher at the helm. He’s also clearly the highest rated of those backs and the one who gives the Rams a chance to finally be the power-running team they’ve long wanted to be. Coming off a knee injury, Gurley doesn’t come without his share of risk but the Rams believe he’s the best back to come out of the draft since Adrian Peterson. If Gurley lives up to that lofty comparison, he’s worth it.

Rams not afraid of risk: Giving this pick a thumbs-up is a tough debate. Gurley is coming off a torn left ACL and is actually still in the process of rehabilitating. But the Rams feel like they can be patient and allow him to get to full speed because they have other options. Namely, Tre Mason, Benny Cunningham and Zac Stacy. In fact, it has been common practice for the Rams to have about a four-game waiting period before plugging a rookie running back into the lineup. They did it with Stacy in 2013 and Mason last year. So Gurley would fit right in.

Who’s blocking? The question now becomes, who will be blocking for Gurley this season? The Rams still have gaping holes at guard, tackle and, to a slightly lesser degree, center. The good news is that Gurley averaged 3 yards after contact per rush and gained more than 1,500 of his 3,285 rush yards after contact in his college career. Also, the Rams still have five more picks to bolster the offensive line and could conceivably re-sign tackle Joe Barksdale and/or add veteran guard Justin Blalock in free agency.

Ruining QBs
By Matt Waldman
http://mattwaldmanrsp.com/2015/04/27/ruining-qbs/

see link..
……….Star quarterbacks will always be uncommon, but finding and developing passers who can make a team competitive should be easier. Jake Delhomme, Joe Flacco, Colin Kaepernick, and Eli Manning aren’t top-tier quarterbacks, but they’ve helped their teams reach Super Bowls during this era of the NFL. Many of you will argue that Kaepernick, Manning, and even Flacco, are stars. I’ll argue that they are competent players and competent NFL players often make great plays, but it doesn’t make them stars. They are winning quarterbacks, not great quarterbacks, and there’s a difference.

However, Madden, Citizen, Campbell’s Soup and other corporate entities doling out endorsement deals indirectly contribute to the public perception that these players are star quarterbacks. The NFL came to the realization during the Joe Namath era that the league earned money as much or more from touting its stars as the rest of its product. I think ownership and its infrastructure have unfortunately sniffed too much of its own glue and treats every young quarterback like a star and has encouraged rookies, agents, and the public to expect the same.

These expectations shorten precious development time, create exaggerated perceptions of self among young quarterbacks, and make owners impatient. It’s a time-tested recipe for disaster and on Thursday, April 30th, we’re about to watch more meat throw on the skillet.

For analysis of skill players in this year’s draft class, get the 2015 Rookie Scouting Portfolio – available now. Better yet, if you’re a fantasy owner the Post-Draft Add-on comes with the 2012 – 2015 RSPs at no additional charge. Best, yet, 10 percent of every sale is donated to Darkness to Light to combat sexual abuse. You can purchase past editions of the Rookie Scouting Portfolio for just $9.95 apiece.

Interesting draft in 2009. A lot of teams went and drafted bad players.

Drafting aint like Math. Though
maybe its a weird fusion of Algebra and Jackson Pollock. I dunno.

What if the Rams had taken Alex Mack the Center
instead of Smith the tackle?

w
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http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2009-04-25-nfl-draft-analysis_N.htm
Draft analysis: Jets trade up to No. 5 to select Mark Sanchez

1. DETROIT LIONS: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

Pro analysis: Stafford gives hope to a Lions franchise that reached the bottom of the NFL last year when it completed the first 0-16 season in league history. He will face high expectations in Detroit, which has the worst record in the NFL since 2000. Having signed Stafford (to a six-year deal with $41.7M guaranteed) before the draft, the Lions have ensured they won’t face the same frustrations the Raiders had when they took JaMarcus Russell first overall in 2007, and then he held out until after Week 1 of his rookie season. Stafford will be in training camp on time, but he might not be able to start right away. Daunte Culpepper probably heads to training camp as the presumptive starter, but he’ll be on a short leash. And expect the Lions to give Stafford an opportunity to play as soon as he shows he’s adapted to the NFL.

College analysis: Stafford arrived at Georgia as one of the top quarterback prospects in his recruiting class. During his three-year stay in Athens, he showcased the anticipated physical ability and an excellent career. But he was also hampered by inconsistency and questionable decision-making in some of the Bulldogs’ biggest games. A lot will be expected of him as the No. 1 pick. While he might not be Ryan Leaf, he is also no sure thing, like Peyton Manning, either.

2. ST. LOUIS RAMS: Jason Smith, T, Baylor

Pro analysis: The Rams originally planned to move right tackle Alex Barron to the left side to replace Orlando Pace, who was released in the offseason; Barron, who has one year left on his rookie contract, has filled in for the oft-injured Pace at left tackle before. But after taking Smith, don’t be surprised to see St. Louis immediately move the rookie into Pace’s vacated spot. Smith, who often played in a two-point stance in a pass-heavy Baylor attack, will have to put his hand down and run-block more for an offense that is built around RB Steven Jackson. With free-agent C Jason Brown also imported this offseason, expect the Rams to continue morphing from Greatest Show on Turf to ground-bound.

College analysis: Smith was not a household name in college football, or even the Big 12, before his senior season. But an outstanding campaign in Art Briles’ first year in Waco demonstrated the athletic ability of the former tight end. He could be a better fit in the NFL with his ability protect the passer.

3. KANSAS CITH CHIEFS: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

Pro analysis: The Chiefs confirm the buzz in recent days by taking Jackson with the third pick. A five-technique DE (Jackson is essentially a 3-4 end), he will anchor a K.C. defense that is transitioning to the new scheme. Jackson has been compared to New England’s Richard Seymour, so it’s not a shock that new K.C. GM (and former Patriots architect) Scott Pioli would want him. It is a surprise that Jackson was taken with the third overall pick as he’s not likely to stuff the stat sheet or excite the fan base (think fellow former LSU DE Marcus Spears, a similar player who has played in relative anonymity in Dallas’ 3-4 for years). The selection of Jackson is a pretty good indicator that the Chiefs could not find takers for their No. 3 pick as he probably would have been available a bit later in the first round.

College analysis: Jackson was a fixture on the LSU defensive line as a three-year starter. Jackson had an outstanding year against the run and rushing the passer in helping the Tigers win a national championship in 2007. He didn’t have a great final season before leaving for the NFL, but that was true for most of the Tigers defense in 2008. Jackson is a steady player, but he will need to make more plays to justify his selection at No. 3.

4. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

Pro analysis: Curry, rated the top player in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com, USA TODAY’s scouting service, goes to Seattle … and incidentally buzz prospect Mark Sanchez remains available (will the Browns deal?).

Curry will step into a linebacking corps that has been a strength of the Seattle roster for years. Expect LeRoy Hill, who got the franchise tag from the Seahawks, to switch to the weakside post formerly occupied by Julian Peterson (traded to Detroit on March 14) while Curry will take over on the strong side. Curry, who will flank MLB Lofa Tatupu, should bolster the Seattle run defense but is also a three-down player who is very good as a pass defender on tight ends and backs. But don’t expect tons of sacks … Hill should be the guy hunting quarterbacks with more frequency now.

College analysis: Curry is one of the rare players that have come to the NFL with almost no question marks. He was durable at Wake Forest, starting 49 of 51 games. And he was productive, finishing his career as the school’s top all-time tackler and winning the Butkus Award as a senior. He should be ready to make an immediate impact on the Seattle defense.

5. TRADE: NEW YORK JETS (from CLEVELAND BROWNS): Mark Sanchez, QB, Southern California

The New York Jets traded their first two picks (17 and 57) plus QB Brett Ratliff, DE Kenyon Coleman and S Abram Elam to acquire the fifth overall pick.

Pro analysis: The Jets have made the big move of the draft thus far, moving into the No. 5 slot to select Sanchez. Jets rookie head coach Rex Ryan has been revamping the defense in the offseason — signing LB Bart Scott, S Jim Leonhard and trading for CB Lito Sheppard among others — but the team’s biggest question was who’d play under center after Brett Favre retired Feb. 11. Sanchez may not play right away unless he can displace fourth-year man Kellen Clemens. If nothing else, the polished Sanchez should be well-prepared to deal with the New York media.

Don’t be surprised if Sanchez is given the keys to the offense out of the chute, though. Ryan watched rookie Joe Flacco help the Ravens to the AFC Championship Game. If Sanchez can grasp Brian Schottenheimer’s offense quickly and avoid mistakes, he could have a running start on becoming the most ballyhooed QB for Gang Green since Joe Namath. Mangini continues to stock Cleveland’s roster with former Jets, though Elam and Coleman weren’t major cogs on the Jets defense while Ratliff has never thrown an NFL pass.

Ratliff played extremely well in the preseason in 2008 and could continue to develop if the Browns decide to anoint either Anderson or Quinn as their starter and use the other as trade bait (Broncos? Redskins?) … let the speculation begin.

College analysis: With Matt Leinart and John David Booty ahead of him, it wasn’t surprising Sanchez did not play much during his first three seasons. He did make three starts as a sophomore with mixed results. Sanchez then blossomed in his junior year and capped off it with four touchdown passes against Penn State in the Rose Bowl. Another year as a starter might not have hurt Sanchez, especially with him going to the pressure cooker in New York.

6. CINCINNATI BENGALS: Andre Smith, T, Alabama

Pro analysis: So after all the drama surrounding Smith in recent months — a suspension from the Orange Bowl, skipping out on the combine without telling NFL officials he was leaving and a humdrum pro day — he ends up going No. 6 overall … not too bad considering some thought he’d be the first overall pick heading into the combine but had free fallen down the board. Expect Smith to displace LT Levi Jones as Carson Palmer’s primary bodyguard in Cincinnati.

College analysis: There was no denying that Smith was considered the best offensive lineman in college football. The mammoth left tackle won the Outland Trophy and was a possible No. 1 overall pick after the regular season. That was until off-the-field issues cropped up. He missed Alabama’s loss in the Sugar Bowl due to rules violations and then his performance at the combine put his draft status in jeopardy. The film doesn’t lie, however, and the Bengals should reap the rewards if Smith stays on the straight and narrow.

7. OAKLAND RAIDERS: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

Pro analysis: No shocker, the Raiders march to the beat of their own drum, making Heyward-Bey the first WR off the board. Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin were widely regarded as the best receivers in this draft, but Al Davis loves speed and Heyward-Bey ran a combine-best 4.30 in the 40-yard dash. If his hands prove reliable enough, QB JaMarcus Russell could enjoy a scary deep threat for the next decade, a guy who could be the next Cliff Branch while opening the field for RB Darren McFadden and TE Zach Miller. But will Heyward-Bey be the next Troy Williamson? Stay tuned …

College analysis: When he got his hands on the ball, Heyward-Bey showed his excellent speed and playmaking ability. The problem was that Heyward-Bey didn’t get his hands on the ball as much as you would expect of a top wide receiver. Part of that was some shaky quarterback play at Maryland. Part of it, though, falls to Heyward-Bey. He fits the Raiders’ focus on speed at the receiver position, but will he be as productive as some of the other top receivers that were available at No. 7?

8. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Eugene Monroe, T, Virginia

Pro analysis: The Jaguars, who signed stalwart LT Tra Thomas (formerly of the Eagles) when free agency started, continue to rebuild an offensive line that was a shambles in 2008. Given that Thomas, a three-time Pro Bowler, is an established player, expect Monroe to begin his career at right tackle and learn from the veteran. Current RT Tony Pashos could kick inside to guard. This is definitely good news for RB Maurice Jones-Drew and QB David Garrard after the line gave up 42 sacks in 2008 and didn’t open enough holes for MJD and the departed Fred Taylor.

College analysis: Rated as one of the top offensive lineman in high school, Monroe is one of the rare players that fulfill their promise at the college level. Monroe had the benefit of Virginia teammates D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Branden Albert, both recent first-round picks, as role models. The left tackle should be a solid addition to the Jaguars offensive line.

9. GREEN BAY PACKERS: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

Pro analysis: Raji, far and away the top defensive tackle prospect in the draft, is ticketed for a Green Bay defense that is switching to the 3-4 scheme in 2009 after its 4-3 unit largely led to the team’s downfall in 2008. The 337-pound Raji should immediately take over at the nose for the Packers and suck up blockers. The Packers will hope his enormous presence allows LBs A.J. Hawk, Nick Barnett, Brandon Chillar, Brady Poppinga and newly converted Aaron Kampman go after ballcarriers and quarterbacks.

College analysis: The light finally came on for Raji entering his final season at Boston College. After missing the 2007 campaign with academic issues, Raji displayed his rare athletic ability for an interior lineman in helping the Eagles rank as one of the top run defenses. Should the wake-up call he received continue to keep him motivated, the Packers are going to love having him as part of their defense.

FALLING DRAFT STOCK: The players currently free falling are WRs Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) and Jeremy Maclin (Missouri). It wouldn’t be a surprise to see receiver-starved San Francisco take one with the 10th pick, but if the Niners pass, both could stay on the board well into the first round.

10. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

Pro analysis: The 49ers seemingly get great value in Crabtree, the two-time winner of the Biletnikoff award as the country’s top receiver. Concerns about his foot surgery may have scared some teams, but Crabtree was regarded as a top-three overall prospect by most scouting services. He should immediately become the most dangerous receiver in a Niners receiving corps that has the declining Isaac Bruce, the workmanlike Arnaz Battle and unproven players like Josh Morgan, Jason Hill and Brandon Jones. The big question now is, do the 49ers have a QB on their roster — Shaun Hill, Alex Smith or Damon Huard — who can take advantage of Crabtree’s skills, which include awesome run-after-catch ability and a penchant for outfighting defensive backs for most balls.

College analysis: Crabtree did more in two years at Texas Tech than most players accomplish in their entire career. Playing in the pass-happy Texas Tech offense didn’t hurt, but Crabtree was more spectacular than Wes Welker or any other wide receiver in that program. And he makes big plays at big times as evidenced by his game-winning touchdown catch against Texas last year. The lack of seasoning is less of an issue than the foot injury that plagued him during the second half of his sophomore season and did not allow him to run for pro scouts. That could be the only thing keeping him from NFL success.

11. BUFFALO BILLS: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State

Pro analysis: The Bills only had 24 sacks in 2008, largely because DE Aaron Schobel struggled mightily with injuries. Buffalo chose to address its pass rush rather than its offensive line — now without Pro Bowl LT Jason Peters — by taking Maybin, who will probably play DE in the Bills’ 4-3 look. At 249 pounds, Maybin is light for an end, but he may not have the makeup to be a linebacker for a 4-3 team. He is a player many scouts love, but others are wary of. It will be interesting to see if the Bills are right in selecting him rather than T Michael Oher, who would seem a logical replacement for Peters.

College analysis: Entering 2008 as a non-starting junior, Aaron Maybin got into the lineup due to injury and started turning heads and harassing quarterbacks. He finished with 12 sacks and 20 tackles for loss to provide a major boost to Penn State. The big question is whether the Bills are getting someone that had one year of success or someone that is just reaching his potential.

12. DENVER BRONCOS: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

Pro analysis: Moreno becomes the first running back off the board as a bit of a surprise selection for the Broncos. There’s no arguing Moreno’s pedigree — he rushed for 2,734 yards in 26 games at Georgia — but is he what Denver really needs after the defense gave up 448 points in 2008, especially since that defense is transitioning to a 3-4 scheme and will likely need personnel that fit it? Remember, too, the Broncos have already signed RBs LaMont Jordan, J.J. Arrington and Correll Buckhalter in free agency, so stay clear of Moreno, fantasy geeks.

College analysis: Moreno was the most-complete running back in college football with an ability to both run and catch the football. A lot of comparisons get made around draft time. Moreno does remind you of a young Walter Payton in that he makes up for his lack of top-end speed with his shiftiness and strength for his size. The Broncos would be pleased to have Moreno be half as productive as Payton in his career.

13. WASHINGTON REDSKINS: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

Pro analysis: Many thought the Redskins would make a big push for Mark Sanchez, but with the USC QB on the way to New York, Washington opts for Orakpo. He looks to be an excellent fit for the ‘Skins, who would have relied on aging DEs Phillip Daniels and Renaldo Wynn without an upgrade. Orakpo could have a huge impact as a rookie starting opposite speed rusher Andre Carter while playing alongside $100 million pocket crusher Albert Haynesworth. A 10-sack season from Orakpo, who’s also bulkier than Carter and should hold up better against the run, would be no surprise.

This isn’t good news for Tony Romo, Donovan McNabb or Eli Manning, who have been able to set up without much fear against Washington in recent seasons.

College analysis: Orakpo grew into his defensive end position and retained the athletic ability that he had when he arrived at Texas. He was one of the top pass rushers in the country, which was demonstrated against No. 1 Oklahoma when he harrassed Sam Bradford and recorded two sacks. The only thing that derailed the Lombardi Trophy winner was a knee injury that caused him to miss one game. For a team that needs pass-rushing, the Redskins found the right man.

14. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State

Pro analysis: Widely thought of as the best defensive back in the draft, Jenkins will wear a New Orleans Saints uniform. The question now is, will he play cornerback or safety? The bet here is corner, especially in light of Mike McKenzie’s departure and the likely transition of Usama Young to safety. Give the Saints credit for bolstering their defense given that head coach Sean Payton loves his offense.

College analysis: Jenkins has been one of the top defensive backs in the Big Ten for the past three seasons. He routinely played against the opposition’s top receiver and often didn’t get a lot of attention from opposing quarterbacks. He returned for his senior season and won the Jim Thorpe award. His size and physical style could see him switch from cornerback to safety; he has experience at both positions with the Buckeyes.

15. HOUSTON TEXANS: Brian Cushing, LB, Southern California

Pro analysis: Cushing becomes the first of USC’s talented troika of linebackers to come off the board. Expect Cushing to start on the strong side right away for a Texans defense that was a big reason the team didn’t make its first playoff appearance in 2008 and finished 8-8 instead. Look for Cushing and probably Cato June to flank MLB DeMeco Ryans with Zac Diles and Xavier Adibi seeing a lot of snaps. Given former Cardinals DE Antonio Smith’s arrival — he’ll upgrade the spot opposite all-world DE Mario Williams — the Texans could be forming a dangerous unit that might help the team earn its first winning record in 2009. The secondary could still use help.

College analysis: Cushing brought his East Coast attitude to the Trojans during his four years. His physical style was a constant for the defense and his flexibiity to plug into all the different linebacker positions should be an asset to the Texans, who are getting someone that consistently makes plays.

16. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: Larry English, DE/LB, Northern Illinois

Pro analysis: The Chargers go defense with hybrid pass rusher Larry English. Projected as a late first- or second-round pick, this could be another indication that no trades piqued the Chargers’ interest. Then again, GM A.J. Smith, who’s admitted he needs to draft better, may just love English, a talented quarterback killer from Northern Illinois. The selection of English is curious given that the Chargers have a top-flight OLB in Shawne Merriman and a highly effective one in Shaun Phillips. But Merriman’s contract is up after the season and he’s coming off a year that saw him play one game before he shut himself down to have knee surgery.

College analysis: Northern Illinois doesn’t come to mind when you think of first-round picks, which means Larry English might have to silence doubters after dominating the MAC during his career. English’s ability to get after the quarterback shouldn’t be doubted. He finished as the school’s all-time leader in sacks and fits the scheme of the Chargers, who like to blitz and pressure the passer.

17. TRADE: TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (from N.Y. JETS via CLEVELAND BROWNS): Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State

The Bucs acquired the 17th pick from Tampa in return for the 19th overall pick and a sixth-round (191) selection.

Pro analysis: Many mock drafts had Freeman going with the 17th pick … they just thought it would be to the New York Jets. Freeman does indeed come off the board at 17, but he’s headed instead to the Buccaneers. New Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris was K-State’s defensive coordinator in 2006 and has publicly voiced his admiration for Freeman’s game. Though he might have the upside to ultimately be the most talented QB from this draft, expect the somewhat raw, 6-6, 250-pound Freeman to sit and watch behind Byron Leftwich or Luke McCown for a year or two. The Bucs obviously thought Denver had an eye on Freeman at 18 after moving up two spots to get him. Cleveland got the 191st pick and the Bucs No. 19 selection to consummate the deal.

College analysis: Another year as a starter would have benefited Freeman, whose play was inconsistent throughout his three years in Kansas State. What Freeman does have is NFL size and arm strength. He didn’t lead the Wildcats to tremendous success on the field, however, except for two wins against Texas. He is probably a bigger project than the other two first-round quarterbacks, which means Tampa Bay is going to have to be patient.

18. DENVER BRONCOS (from CHICAGO BEARS): Robert Ayers

Pro analysis: With the “Jay Cutler pick”, the Broncos nab Ayers. At 272 pounds, he isn’t the prototypical 300-pound, 3-4 DE, but he has enormous upside and should start immediately for a team that’s struggled to import quality linemen in recent years. A freakish athlete, Ayers was a sprinter on the Vols’ track team, and Denver will hope he puts its new-look defense on the fast track to success in 2009.

College analysis: Ayers was plagued by inconsistency throughout his first three seasons before maturing as a senior. He was moved around the defensive line at Tennessee and did not put up huge numbers. Ayers, though, does have the size and athletic ability to play in the NFL. The question is whether his lack of production was due to playing out of position for the Volunteers or a lack of consistency on his part.

19. TRADE: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (from TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS via CLEVELAND BROWNS): Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

The Browns traded a first-round pick for the third time today, moving back two spots to 21 and netting another sixth-round pick (195) from the Eagles.

Pro analysis: The Eagles continue their offensive makeover — they’ve already added tackles Jason Peters and Stacy Andrews — and import Maclin, who should eventually become the team’s No. 1 receiver, though DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, Reggie Brown and Hank Baskett will still get a lot of balls, especially as Maclin develops into his role. Don’t expect Anquan Boldin, Braylon Edwards or Chad Ocho Cinco to come to Philly now. With 4.45 speed, Maclin may not have the top-end speed Jackson does, but he’s a game-breaking talent who gives Donovan McNabb an array of options and further opens the field for a running game that could add help for incumbent starting RB Brian Westbrook.

College analysis: Because he played at Missouri and not one of the premier schools on television each week, Maclin didn’t garner as much attention as other gamebreakers in college football. Maclin, however, was just as explosive as anybody in the country. Playing at multiple positions on offense and as a return man, he brings extra value to the Eagles and will definitely make McNabb happy.

20. DETROIT LIONS (from DALLAS COWBOYS): Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

Pro analysis: The Lions opt not to follow the 2008 Falcons blueprint — at least not yet — and take TE Brandon Pettigrew with the 20th pick rather than a new tackle to protect QB Matthew Stafford. But Pettigrew may actually be a perfect companion to Stafford. Pettigrew has the hands to help Stafford on intermediate routes and he’s an excellent blocker who should help Kevin Smith in the running game. The top tight end on the draft board, Pettigrew helps the offense become more physical.

College analysis: Pettigrew helped the prolific Oklahoma State offense with both his pass catching and run blocking from his tight end spot. He probably would have recorded more than 42 catches for an offense that ran the ball less than the Cowboys. But his blocking showed the complete package to the NFL and makes him a good fit for any offense that wants to have balance.

21. CLEVELAND BROWNS (from PHILADELPHIA EAGLES): Alex Mack, C, California

Pro analysis: After trading their first-round pick three times, the Browns finally select Mack with the 21st pick. A cerebral player from Cal, Mack joins a line that already has two established stars in Joe Thomas and Eric Steinbach. And don’t forget, Mangini’s Jets took C Nick Mangold in the first round in 2006, and he blossomed into a Pro Bowler while anchoring New York’s line. Mack’s selection should be good news for Jamal Lewis and whoever’s under center in Cleveland in 2009.

College analysis: Mack was the anchor of the California offense at center for his three years as a starter. His ability to both pass and run block was required with the Golden Bears and had to be attractive to the Browns. One bonus was there are no character questions about Mack, who won the Draddy Trophy, given to college football’s top scholar-athlete.

22. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

Pro analysis: The Vikings throw caution to the wind and select Harvin, despite the off-field concerns he brings. But Harvin, who has game-breaking skills comparable to Reggie Bush, should be quite an asset to the Minnesota offense, especially since he merely has to complement a unit led by Adrian Peterson. Harvin actually had more carries (194) than catches (133) during his Gators career so the Vikings know there are multiple ways to get the ball into Harvin’s hands. Not a bad consolation prize for the Vikings after they failed to land WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh in free agency, provided Harvin doesn’t cause any problems outside the lines.

College analysis: Harvin was considered the No. 1 recruit in the nation when he signed with Florida in 2006. He didn’t disappoint the Gators in helping them to two national titles with his explosive ability when he has the ball. Harvin also is exceptionally versatile. At times, he started at running back for Florida in addition to being their leading receiver. The off-the-field issues pushed his draft stock down. Should he keep those under control, this could be a great addition for the Vikings to pair with Adrian Peterson.

23. TRADE: BALTIMORE RAVENS (from NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS): Michael Oher, T, Mississippi

New England traded the 23rd pick to the Ravens in return for the 26th overall pick and a fifth-round selection (165). The Patriots announced the move on their Twitter feed.

Pro analysis: The Ravens move up three spots and grab Oher, the last of what were considered the four elite tackle prospects in the draft. Oher, famous after his life story was depicted in Michael Lewis’ book The Blind Side, could become the successor to longtime Ravens star LT Jonathan Ogden, who retired after the 2007 season. Oher’s arrival should certainly be a boon to QB Joe Flacco. Ravens RT Willie Anderson may lose his job to Jared Gaither, who may be displaced from his left side post.

College analysis: The one certainty about the Mississippi offense for the last few years was Oher as part of the offensive line. He made 47 straight starts for the Rebels, starting at right guard before switching to left tackle in his sophomore season. He brings tremendous size, talent and a tough-minded attitude to his position, which fits exactly the style of play in Baltimore.

24. ATLANTA FALCONS: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi

Pro analysis: Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff built quite an offense in 2008, drafting QB Matt Ryan and LT Sam Baker while signing RB Michael Turner. A few days ago, he added TE Tony Gonzalez. In the draft, Dimitroff goes defense, adding Jerry, a 300-pound penetrator who instantly makes DE John Abraham — and DE Jamaal Anderson, the Falcons hope — more dangerous coming off the edge. Expect the Falcons to continue shoring up their defense after losing LBs Keith Brooking and Michael Boley and CB Domonique Foxworth in free agency.

College analysis: Jerry was a disruptor from his defensive tackle spot, making 18 tackles for loss and pressuring the quarterback. His performance lifted up the Mississippi defense in his senior season and helped the Rebels stop opponents on their way to the Cotton Bowl. The lone issue for Jerry is some injury problems that hampered his performance, but none were enough to scare off the Falcons.

25. MIAMI DOLPHINS: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

Pro analysis: After losing CB Andre Goodman in free agency to Denver, the Miami Dolphins select Vontae Davis — brother of S.F. TE Vernon Davis. Like his older brother, Vontae is a supremely gifted athlete but not necessarily the most disciplined player in the world. Expect him to get plenty of discipline from coach Tony Sparano and the Bill Parcells regime in Miami. Davis fills quite a need for the Dolphins considering they must neutralize players like Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Lee Evans, Joey Galloway and Wes Welker as they fight to retain their surprise AFC East title from a year ago.

College analysis: Not picked as high as his brother Vernon was in 2006 (sixth overall), Vontae Davis still had an outstanding college career. In his three seasons at Illinois, Davis established himself as one of top cornerbacks in the country. Relying on his outstanding athletic ability and consistency of effort were problems, however.

26. TRADE: GREEN BAY PACKERS (from BALTIMORE RAVENS via NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS): Clay Matthews, LB, Southern California

The Patriots traded their first-round pick for the second time today. They surrendered the 26th and 162nd overall picks for the 41st, 73rd and 83rd overall picks.

Pro analysis: Bill Belichick moves out of the first round, sending the 26th pick to Green Bay as the Patriots continue to stockpile selections. At 26, the Packers make their second pick of the first round and grab Matthews. Given the Packers’ number of quality linebackers — A.J. Hawk, Nick Barnett, Brandon Chillar, Brady Poppinga and, possibly, Aaron Kampman — this is an interesting selection, though linebackers are generally the playmakers for 3-4 teams. Given that Kampman is not ideally suited to play LB in a 3-4 scheme, could he be headed out of Green Bay in a trade?

College analysis: Matthews had big shoes to fill when he arrived at Southern California as a walk-on. His dad Clay and uncle Bruce had an outstanding USC careers and went on to become stars in the NFL. His family background didn’t overshadow his ability. Matthews slowly but surely gained more and more playing time for the Trojans, eventually starring as a senior. The family background now is a benefit as the Packers get someone that has learned what it takes to play in the NFL before he gets to the league.

27. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut

Pro analysis: Colts GM Bill Polian has a history of striking gold late in the first round — think WR Anthony Gonzalez, RB Joseph Addai, CB Marlin Jackson, TE Dallas Clark and WR Reggie Wayne. With the 27th pick of this draft, Polian opts for Connecticut RB Donald Brown, who led the country with 2,083 rushing yards in 2008. It’s a patented Colts move as the team once again focuses its high picks and cash on offense while finding defensive players who fit their system later in the draft. Brown should immediately fill the role vacated by the departed Dominic Rhodes (Bills) and could split carries with Addai, who has battled injuries in recent seasons.

College analysis: Nobody was more productive running the football in 2008 than Brown. The Connecticut running back had more than 2,000 yards on the ground as a junior, which was his first year as a full-time starter. His 367 carries should answer questions about his durability, especially because the Colts already have Addai and won’t be using Brown as the lone ballcarrier.

28. BUFFALO BILLS (from CAROLINA PANHERS via PHILADELPHIA EAGLES): Eric Wood, C, Louisville

Pro analysis: With their second selection of the first round, Buffalo drafts Wood. The Bills are rebuilding their line after trading Pro Bowl LT Jason Peters, releasing LG Derrick Dockery and deciding not to re-sign Cs Duke Preston and Melvin Fowler. If Wood remains at center in 2009, that probably indicates that free-agent signee Geoff Hangartner will take over for Dockery at left guard. The Bills also added G/C Seth McKinney in free agency, but he’ll probably provide depth. Right now it looks like RT Langston Walker will move to Peters’ spot while the team mulls its options at right tackle.

College analysis: A common thread with many of the offensive linemen taken in the first round, Wood was also a durable player that was a fixture on his team. Wood started 49 consecutive games for Louisville at his center position. Though the Cardinals didn’t make a bowl game in his last two years, Wood still managed to earn first-team honors in the Big East. His steady play should be a big help to the Bills’ offensive line.

29. NEW YORK GIANTS: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina

Pro analysis: The Giants select Nicks with the 29th pick, ostensibly to replace Plaxico Burress, whom the team cut ties with April 3 amid his legal problems. Nicks has 4.51 speed and had 1,222 receiving yards and 12 TDs with the Tar Heels in 2008. His weight ballooned prior to the draft, but he should play in the 210-pound range. Expect Nicks to start alongside WR Steve Smith — Amani Toomer’s de facto replacement — with Mario Manningham and Domenik Hixon in the mix. Nicks’ arrival appears to be a strong indicator that Cleveland’s Braylon Edwards will not be coming to New York.

College analysis: Nicks quietly was one of the more productive receivers in college football for the past two seasons. Even without a consistent quarterback throwing to him, he had 142 catches and 17 touchdowns as North Carolina’s top offensive weapon. His size and pass-catching ability are two valuable skills that will help the Giants offense.

30. TENNESSEE TITANS: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

Pro analysis: The Titans break form and take a receiver in the first round. Britt has 4.5 40 speed and caught 87 passes for 1,371 yards last year for the Scarlet Knights. Wideout has seemingly been a need for the Titans for years, but they took DB Michael Griffin in the first round in 2007 and RB Chris Johnson last year, and both have become Pro Bowl-caliber performers, so it’s hard to argue with coach Jeff Fisher and GM Mike Reinfeldt. Their acumen is also a testament to the kind of player Britt could be in the NFL. Expect Britt to ease in as a No. 3 option for QB Kerry Collins alongside newly signed deep threat Nate Washington and possession man Justin Gage.

College analysis: All Britt did in three seasons at Rutgers was become the Big East’s all-time leading receiver. His best year was his final one that included 1,371 yards and 17 touchdowns that encouraged him to leave as a junior. Britt doesn’t have blazing speed, but has excellent size and knows how to make yards after the catch.

31. ARIZONA CARDINALS: Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio State

Pro analysis: The NFC champion Cardinals get arguably the best back in the draft with the selection of Wells. Expected to go in the middle of the first round, Wells averaged 1,165 rushing yards a year during his three seasons in Columbus. Wells is a load at 235 pounds and brings 4.4 speed to the table. His arrival likely means the end of Edgerrin James’ tenure in Arizona. And expect Wells to carry the load next year while Tim Hightower gives Wells, who is susceptible to injuries, occasional breathers.

College analysis: Blessed with strength, size and speed, Wells certainly showed he was one of the top running backs in the country … when he was on the field. The problem was that Wells missed time for various ailments in his three seasons with Ohio State. That was the same knock on Adrian Peterson coming out of college, too. Wells probably won’t be asked to carry as much as Peterson, so don?t be surprised if he can stay healthy, and the Cardinals get a great value.

32. PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri

Pro analysis: The world champion Steelers wrap up the first round by grabbing Hood. Given the aging front line in Pittsburgh, Hood brings needed depth, though he’s not the space eater that NT Casey Hampton is. Hood could see time alongside Hampton as a DE … or his arrival could mean the Steelers will eventually transition to the Tampa 2 look that head coach Mike Tomlin learned in Tampa and utilized as Minnesota’s defensive coordinator in 2006. Still, this pick was likely made with defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau’s blessing and Hood should see the field plenty in 2009.

College analysis: Being the best player on Missouri’s defensive line had its drawbacks for Hood. He was constantly double-teamed by offensive lines, but that didn’t stop him from making an impact. He still managed 62 tackles and five sacks in his senior season, when he was a first-team All-Big 12 pick. Sounds like the perfect player for the hard-nosed Steelers.

SECOND ROUND

33. DETROIT LIONS: Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan

Analysis: The Lions kick off the second round by taking Delmas, the first defensive player Detroit has taken with its three picks. Delmas should step in immediately to a defense that surrendered 517 points in 2008, second-worst in league history. The Lions only got one interception from their secondary in 2008.

34. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (from KANSAS CITY CHIEFS): Patrick Chung, S, Oregon
Analysis: Another safety is tabbed at No. 34 as the Patriots select Chung with their first pick of the day. The Patriots love versatility all along their roster, but particularly in their DBs. But Chung looks to be a pure safety after a distinguished career with the Ducks. His arrival could mean curtains for Rodney Harrison’s tenure in New England.

35. ST. LOUIS RAMS: James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State

Analysis: Highly decorated coming out of Ohio State, Laurinaitis could take over in the middle of the Rams defense with Will Witherspoon shifting to the outside. New Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo has a defensive background and will put Laurinaitis in the middle of a unit that drafted DT Adam Carriker and DE Chris Long in the first round of the 2007 and 2008 drafts, respectively. Laurinaitis’ arrival could mean Chris Draft goes back to being a situational player.

36. CLEVELAND BROWNS: Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State

Jadeveon Clowney’s rehab: What can Texans expect in 2015?

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000483366/article/jadeveon-clowneys-rehab-what-can-texans-expect-in-2015

On Thursday, as if to remind their fans of what might still be, the Houston Texans noted on their websitethat exactly a year ago they were covering Jadeveon Clowney’s pro day at South Carolina. The videos document what everybody saw that day — the eye-popping athleticism, the burst and movement that drew comparisons to Lawrence Taylor and convinced the Texans to make Clowney the first overall draft pick a month later. Clowney wept backstage when his name was announced at Radio City Music Hall and Johnny Manziel jumped up to embrace him.

It was hard not to wonder, watching those highlights this week and remembering that night, if Clowney will ever have those kinds of days again, where he wows with his explosiveness and disruptiveness, where he is a very tall and very fast vessel for the Texans’ hope and optimism. As another draft approaches, Clowney seems like a shadow first-rounder, not so much a bust but an unknown. He played in just four games last year. He has nearly disappeared from public view, receding into an arduous and sometimes mind-numbingly monotonous rehab schedule that might return him to what he was or merely could represent another few months toward a premature decline.

There is no way for Clowney, his doctors or coaches to know right now exactly which way his recovery from microfracture surgery on his right knee will go. Texans coach Bill O’Brien said last week at the NFL Annual Meeting that Clowney had just experienced his best week of work in rehab. In a brief interview with the Houston Chronicle during an appearance at a local store last weekend, Clowney, in his first remarks since his December surgery, said he was very encouraged.

But that’s as far as anyone can go this early in the process. Recovery from microfracture surgery is a long ordeal — nine or 10 months is the usual prediction — although Clowney might have already gone through the worst part of it: the six to eight weeks of forced immobility immediately after the surgery, when patients are not allowed to put any weight on the repaired leg.

Microfracture is a common and relatively uncomplicated procedure. Doctors drill tiny holes into the bone plate, which allows blood and bone marrow to leak out. That forms a blood clot full of cartilage-building stem cells. The intent is for that to form a cushion between the bones. One man with a lot of experience in performing microfracture procedures is Nicholas DiNubile, the Philadelphia 76ers former team doctor and a spokesman for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He equates the procedure to trying to fill a pothole. The question is how big was the “pothole” in Clowney’s knee — a bigger pothole makes recovery more difficult.

That first period after surgery is when cells are forming, DiNubile said, and a patient’s leg is often attached to a machine that slowly rocks the knee back and forth. At about eight weeks, there is enough of a gel between the bones to gently put weight on it, but a patient cannot run on it. Slowly the gel gets firmer. But the process can take up to two years to complete.

“The real issue is how much regeneration happens,” said DiNubile, who has read up on Clowney’s case but has not examined him. “To even require microfracture is a bad thing at a young age. It means you’ve damaged the joint cushion down to the bone. Even with the best results, it does not fill in with a normal cushion. It fills in with hybrid material — cartilage cells and scar tissue.”

The good news is that if Clowney recovers well, there is no reason why he can’t return to the player the Texans hoped he would be when they drafted him.

“If all goes perfectly and he gets a nice fill in there — it’s almost like people who are bald and are using something … some get nothing, some get peach fuzz and some get everything — if he gets a nice fill and he rehabs well, he should be able to do what he’s done before,” DiNubile said. “If he gets a partial fill, then the knee is going to be cranky and it’s going to act like a knee that has a problem. As far as speed and burst, he should be able to get that. The real question is, how long does it hold up?”

The risk is that if Clowney were to return too soon, the gel would not have a chance to firm up enough into cartilage and he might require a second microfracture surgery.

That said, professional athletes have returned well from the surgery. Amar’e Stoudemire had it when he was 22 and returned to make an All-NBA First Team and five All-Star games. Stoudemire’s lesion was reported to be about one centimeter. A lesion greater than two centimeters are more problematic. Clowney and the Texans have not indicated how big his lesion is.

“His career could be shortened by something like this if it’s a large enough lesion,” DiNubile said. “But they make up for a lot of it. They are so fit and so strong. They can do more than the average patient. A lot of them have a really good pain threshold.”

Clowney, in his comments to the Houston Chronicle, said he was making progress, “but we’re not going to rush it.”

The hope is that Clowney can get back on the field toward the end of training camp, in August. That would be about eight months after his surgery, a reasonable projection for him to start running and cutting, DiNubile said. The next key indicator will be if his knee can tolerate the increasing activity — if Clowney needs days off for soreness or swelling, that is a bad sign.

Before he was drafted, there were concerns about Clowney’s desire, about the nagging injuries that bedeviled him at South Carolina, about Steve Spurrier’s public questioning of his work ethic. His very limited debut last season did nothing to answer the fundamental question about Clowney: Does he have the will to match his skill? In the long hours he will spend rehabbing his repaired knee, many of them while his teammates are practicing without him, Clowney might finally be able to provide an answer.

“Like I tell him, it’ll all come down to what he does when he puts the pads on,” O’Brien said last week in Arizona. “Can he stay? Can he take care of his body? There’s no question about his ability to affect the game. He’s a hell of a player, but he’s got to be out there.”

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25134444/nfl-draft-superlatives-clowning-the-members-of-the-class-of-2015
NFL Draft Superlatives: Crowning the members of the class of 2015
By Chris Trapasso | CBSSports.com
April 3, 2015 1:46 pm ET

Superlatives — the best part of our high school yearbooks. Yes, you deserved “Worst Driver.”

Now it’s time to hand out awards for the 2015 NFL Draft class.

Looks like Tarzan plays like Jane Aaron Curry Award: Mississippi State LB Benardrick McKinney

Benardrick McKinney is 6-foot-4 and nearly 250 pounds of sculpted linebacker muscle. He did 16 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press at the combine and exploded off the ground en route to a 40.5-inch vertical.

His measureables scream STUD NFL LINEBACKER. But as was the case with former Wake Forest freak of nature linebacker Aaron Curry, McKinney’s film just doesn’t parallel his imposing stature.

While a productive and key member of Mississippi State’s defense, McKinney’s reaction and closing speed are noticeably slow, and relative to his size, he’s not physical when he needs to scrape offensive linemen off him or when he works through traffic to get to the ball-carrier.

McKinney will represent far better value than Curry did, and that’s important. Curry went No. 4 overall to the Seattle Seahawks in 2009 and was a universally applauded selection. McKinney will likely be a second- or-third-round pick.

Don’t let Bernardrick McKinney’s muscles fool you. (USATSI) Don’t let Bernardrick McKinney’s muscles fool you. (USATSI)

Running back most likely to keep the “feature back” label alive Le’Veon Bell Award: Boise State running back Jay Ajayi

The NFL has gone running back by committee crazy. The reason? To prolong running backs’ careers.

But hey, hold up. The older generation doesn’t want the feature back to quietly fade away to nothing.

The mumbling noise you just heard was today’s American grandpa hollering “Pro football was built on star, center-of-the-offense running backs!!!” as he slammed his rocks glass onto the side table next to his rocking chair.

In 2014, Le’Veon Bell’s 2,215-yard, defense-destructing campaign made a strong case for an ultra-skilled running back to not have to share his carries with lesser talents.

Jay Ajayi bears a striking resemblance to the Steelers stud.

Remember though, Bell was a heavy, bruising back at Michigan State and really benefitted from shedding weight after making Pittsburgh his new home.

Ajayi is a sturdy 6’0″ and 220 pounds — similar to Bell — and is much more nimble than his size suggests. He can be patient behind his blockers when need be, but he showcased impressive suddenness bursting through lanes and after he reached the second level while in college.

Like Bell, Ajayi doesn’t have world-class speed and won’t hit many “home runs.” However, when he’s not running through weak arm tackle attempts, he’s making a linebacker miss down the field with sharp cuts that come from “smart” anticipatory vision.

Is Jay Ajayi the next Le’Veon Bell? (USATSI) Is Jay Ajayi the next Le’Veon Bell? (USATSI)

Tape is boring because he just blocks everyone Evan Mathis Award: La’El Collins

There’s no doubting La’El Collins’ collegiate pedigree after a long and distinguished career at NFL stud manufacturing plant LSU.

He finished as the Tigers left tackle, but is he a left tackle in the pros? No, wait, a right tackle. Actually, maybe he’s a guard?

Honestly, nit-pickers, it doesn’t matter where Collins plays. He’s a country strong offensive lineman who was also put through LSU’s strength and conditioning program for four years. Collins plays with correct knee-bend (see: leverage), quick footwork and is rarely put out of position by the hands of defensive linemen.

Despite his immense power, like Mathis, Collins isn’t the classic definition of a “road-grader.” He just blocks everything in front of him in what seems to be an effortless manner. Mathis has been doing the same in Philadelphia for years now.

Collins’ film isn’t loaded with “highlight reel pancakes,” but you may fall asleep watching him. His tape is that “boring.”

You don’t want to get in La’el Collins’ way. (USATSI) You don’t want to get in La’el Collins’ way. (USATSI)

Prospect who’ll shockingly go in the first-round mainly due to outrageous athleticism Dontari Poe Award: UConn cornerback Byron Jones

Byron Jones had a bonkers combine workout in February, and he became a trending topic on Football Twitter because of a not-human 12-foot, 3-inch broad jump which was thought to break a 46-year-old world record.

Jones had the best 60-yard shuttle among cornerbacks and finished in the top 3 at his position in the three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle.

This just in: the majority of special athletes — who are more than just Ferraris in the 40-yard dash — ultimately thrive in the NFL.

Due to that widely-accepted theory, a defensive back-needy team in the first round will take Jones. It’s not as if his tape is bad either — it’s just that his rare athleticism is more stunning.

Before the 2012 combine, Memphis’ Dontari Poe was just a wide-bodied nose tackle from a small football school. After the 2012 combine, Poe was considered a first-round lock and went No. 11 overall to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The 6’1″, 200-pound Jones — with arms as long as Richard Sherman’s — is this year’s Poe in that his supreme athletic talent will elevate him into Round 1.

Byron Jones is pretty good at jumping. (USATSI) Byron Jones is pretty good at jumping. (USATSI)

Most likely to be the next surprisingly good undrafted free-agent running back C.J. Anderson Award: Mississippi State running back Josh Robinson

All you’ve been hearing about is how LOADED this running back class is. Melvin Gordon, Todd Gurley, Ameer Abdullah, Jay Ajayi, Duke Johnson, David Cobb, Tevin Coleman, T.J. Yeldon — yeah it’s stacked.

But the name you haven’t read when the 2015 running back class has been discussed or analyzed is 5’8″, 217-pound boulder-of-a-man Josh Robinson.

Why?

I really don’t know.

Well, probably because of his lack of height or “elite” speed. What’s funny though — neither of those attributes are needed to be a productive runner in the NFL. Actually, shorter running backs are usually better off because they “hide” behind offensive linemen and have a lower center of gravity that allows them to fall forward often.

Not only did Robinson average more than 6.0 yards per carry in his three-year stay in the SEC, but he ran with assertiveness and deceptive power between the tackles in college football’s finest conference. He routinely broke arm tackles and displayed desired shiftiness at the second level.

Don’t be surprised if and when Robinson goes undrafted, although his tape alone warrants him being a mid-round pick.

Like C.J. Anderson did, even if the former Bulldog hits the undrafted free-agent ranks, he’ll make an impression in the NFL much larger than his size.

Josh Robinson hides behind linemen and can hit the hole. (USATSI) Josh Robinson hides behind linemen and can hit the hole. (USATSI)

Off-field concern plummeting draft stock Justin Houston Award: Nebraska outside linebacker Randy Gregory

OK, so this is a layup. But layups still count, people. Randy Gregory is a long and lean outside pass-rusher who was demoralizing to opposing Big Ten offenses during his career with the Huskers.

But after admitting to failing drug tests while at Nebraska and flunking his test for marijuana at the combine, Gregory has been hit with the unenviable “pothead” label.

Houston failed his drug test at the 2011 combine, and despite being a consensus Round 2 prospect, he sank to Round 3.

Gregory’s tape shows a rangy, aggressive backfield disruptor with the plus athleticism to drop into coverage. He was undeniably in the discussion to be the first pass-rusher taken, likely somewhere in the top 10.

Now, because of that failed test, he’s likely to sink into the later stages of the first round.

If Gregory can stay clean in the NFL, he’ll represent tremendous value to the team that took a sizable risk by drafting him.

Randy Gregory’s smoking habits will likely cost him in the draft. (USATSI) Randy Gregory’s smoking habits will likely cost him in the draft. (USATSI)

Small school quarterback you should probably know because he has NFL skills Tony Romo Award: Colorado St.-Pueblo quarterback Chris Bonner

No, Chris Bonner and Tony Romo aren’t similar in size or playing style. Romo, an Eastern Illinois product who went undrafted in 2003, is an underrated athlete at 6’2″ and 230 pounds. Bonner is 6’7″ and 225 pounds and almost strictly a pocket passer.

We know this quarterback class isn’t exceptionally strong — after Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota there are major question marks regarding the rest of the signal-caller prospects.

But a name rarely mentioned in the “who’s the next best quarterback after Winston and Mariota?” talk is Bonner.

On tape, he demonstrates an NFL-like command of a pro-style offense in which he routinely dropped from center, operated rollouts and had to find his second or even third read down the field.

His arm isn’t stunning, but it seems to be good enough, and despite occasional accuracy issues, he made a handful of savvy throws away from coverage on the run while his intended target was covered. If a team absolutely needs a quarterback to play as a rookie, Bonner might be the next “pro-ready” quarterback behind Winston. Seriously.

There’s a chance he goes undrafted, and, much like Romo, with his size, usually sound decision-making, flashes of calm pocket drifting and appropriate footwork, Bonner could become a diamond in the rough for the team he joins after the draft.

Chris Bonner may be the most pro-ready QB after Jameis Winston. (USATSI) Chris Bonner may be the most pro-ready QB after Jameis Winston. (USATSI)

Safest pick in the draft who is actually a safe pick A.J. Green Award: Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper

Cooper gives you everything you want in a wide receiver besides menacing size. He can create separation by flipping on the jets, changing speeds, or running his routes sharply. In some instances, he’ll win jump ball situations.

You can throw him bubble screens and he’ll eat up yards after the catch with plus quickness and acceleration. He can play in the slot or on the perimeter.

When Green was coming out of Georgia, there were essentially no knocks on his game.

The same can be said about Cooper, that is … if you’re fine with him being only about 6’1″.

Take Cooper, and you get a perennial 75-catch, 1,000-yard wideout.

He’s safe. Extremely safe.

Amari Cooper is a sure thing. (USATSI) Amari Cooper is a sure thing. (USATSI)

Safest pick who will ironically bust Mark Barron Award: Alabama safety Landon Collins

Nick Saban is a fantastic football coach. He may be an even better recruiter, as his Crimson Tide teams are not only perennial national title contenders loaded with blue chippers, but flocks of his guys go high in the NFL Draft every year.

His Alabama program defines the football phrase “reloading, not rebuilding.”

For some recent examples, look no further than at the safety position. In 2012, Mark Barron went No. 7 overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last year, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix was snagged by the Green Bay Packers with the No. 21 overall selection.

This year, the prized ‘Bama safety prospect is Landon Collins.

Unfortunately, Collins is much more like Barron — who was traded in 2014 after two massively underperforming seasons with the Bucs — than Clinton-Dix, who turned in a fine rookie campaign.

Both Barron and Collins are macho, in-the-box, in-your-face hard-hitters who excel against the run but are not nearly as comfortable backpedaling in coverage.

Barron wasn’t playing free safety in Tampa Bay, but even keeping him closer to the line as a quasi-linebacker didn’t help him or mask his coverage weakness.

Collins will run into the same issues in the pass-happy NFL.

Playing for Saban, college football’s defensive virtuoso, has made Collins a trendy “safe” pick for clubs in need of a safety in Round 1.

But he’ll fizzle in the pros like Barron.

Some team is bound to be disappointed by Landon Collins. (USATSI) Some team is bound to be disappointed by Landon Collins. (USATSI)

Offensive lineman most likely to be an All-Pro as a rookie Zach Martin Award: Florida State center Cameron Erving

If Cameron Erving turned pro after he won the final BCS championship with Florida State in 2013, he would have been picked no later than Round 2 as an offensive tackle prospect.

Instead, he stayed with the Seminoles and made a relatively unheard of flip from protecting Jameis Winston’s blind side to snapping him in the football … and Erving thrived as a center.

At 6’5″ and 315 pounds with vines for arms, the backbone of FSU’s line has NFL left tackle size and length but guard mobility and through-the-whistle nastiness as a drive blocker.

A year ago, Zach Martin was seen as a reliable left tackle for Notre Dame. Despite not possessing classic NFL offensive tackle measureables, the Dallas Cowboys picked him — presumably over Johnny Manziel — in the first round, and he was named the team’s starting right guard.

After that, Martin took off. He played like a polished veteran all season and routinely punished defensive linemen and linebackers with surprising power, balance and agility … sounds a lot like the plug-play-(and maybe) rookie All-Pro Erving.

Cameron Erving looks like a future All-Pro. (USATSI) Cameron Erving looks like a future All-Pro. (USATSI)

Small-school deep sleeper who’ll have a long NFL career Corey Graham Award: Albany TE Brian Parker

It’s fine that you don’t know who Parker is … a few days ago, I didn’t either. After doing some research and watching film I realized that his small-school prospect is a specimen.

While the former Great Dane standout stands nearly 6’5″ and weighs a mammoth 267 pounds, he moves more like he’s a 6’3″, 245-pound H-back.

Parker was utilized in all areas of a field while at Albany, and a handful of his 39 catches in 2014 came well down the field on straight seam routes and flags to the deep corner. But his yards-after-the-catch ability stood out more than his pure speed.

He’s not a plodding, big-bodied tight end who’s complacent with lugging his way to three or four yards after catching a short check down. Parker couples the urgency needed to make people miss with the athleticism to do so and routinely demonstrates running-back like vision in the open field.

And because he’s not exactly small, he isn’t easily taken to the turf. He reaches legitimate sleeper status when his tenacious blocking habits — which feature ideal hip sink and continual leg drive — are factored in.

In 2007, Corey Graham was picked in Round 5 by the Chicago Bears out of rather obscure New Hampshire. He made the Pro Bowl in 2011 while a Windy City resident. In 2012, he signed with the Baltimore Ravens and became an unheralded member of the team’s Super Bowl run.

Last year with the Buffalo Bills, Graham may have had his finest season a professional. At nearly 30 years old, the former Colonial Athletic Conference stud is now entering his ninth NFL season.

In the future, someone will write that same sentence about Parker.

Brian Parker is the stud TE you’ve never heard of. (USATSI) Brian Parker is the stud TE you’ve never heard of. (USATSI)

Impressive talent but off-field concerns will make him go undrafted Da’Rick Rogers Award: Louisville running back Michael Dyer

Da’Rick Rogers was a first-team All-SEC wideout in 2011 with the Tennessee Volunteers, but he was suspended prior to the 2012 season and was a serial drug-failer.

He transferred to Tennessee Tech and had a fine year with nearly 900 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. So he declared for the draft. Somewhat shockingly, Rogers went undrafted and signed with the Bills as an undrafted free-agent. He stayed clean during his first training camp; however, his somewhat lackadaisical efforts and mental mistakes led to his release from Buffalo.

He then spent time in Indianapolis with the Colts and had a six-catch, 107-yard, two-touchdown outing against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2013. That was overshadowed by a DUI arrest before the 2014 season. He’s now on the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad.

No one ever questioned Rogers’ ability, he just has too many dings on his off-field resume and those dings have directly led to him not reaching his massive potential.

The same can be written about Louisville running back Michael Dyer, a prized, five-star recruit with a low-center-of-gravity, defined frame and scary athleticism. He began his career as the feature back on the Cam Newton-led, national-title winning Auburn Tigers in 2010.

After breaking Bo Jackson’s school record for most rushing yards by a true freshman (1,093), Dyer was a member of the same 2011 All-SEC First-Team as Rogers.

Before the team’s bowl game in 2011, he was suspended for violation of team rules which led to him demanding a transfer. The college-jumping was just beginning.

He went to Arkansas State to play for former Tigers offensive coordinator Guz Malzahn. In March of 2012, Dyer had a run-in with the law that involved a gun and marijuana. He left Arkansas State and attended Arkansas Baptist College and didn’t play football, instead choosing to work on his studies. After that, his final move was to the University of Louisville.

In 2014, the 5’9″, 215-pounder with sub 4.6 speed ran for 481 yards and five touchdowns in a running back committee for the Cardinals.

Like Rogers, not many will doubt what Dyer is capable of doing on a football field. It’s just that teams might not trust the 24-year-old off it.

Can Michael Dyer be trusted? (USATSI) Can Michael Dyer be trusted? (USATSI)

Most likely to be considered a reach on draft day then lauded as a fantastic pick two years later Travis Frederick Award: Mississippi State defensive lineman Preston Smith

He’s not getting the same publicity has Vic Beasley, Dante Fowler Jr., Shane Ray, Randy Gregory or Bud Dupree. Probably because his line versatility is his most appealing attribute, not his burst off the snap strictly from the edge position.

Preston Smith can play any of the four defensive line spots and produce from each one.

He’s refined as a pass-rusher, skillfully using his hands to keep offensive linemen off him or swimming past them if they do get into his pads. He’s SEC-strong at the point of attack and is rarely pushed back in the run game.

The team that drafts him isn’t getting a flashy, Von Miller-esque, 20-sack-per-season phenom. They’re getting Michael Bennett 2.0.

Smith could go as early as the late first-round, and there could be some gasps if he’s taken in the late 20s or as one of the final three picks in Round 1 … kind of like that happened when the Dallas Cowboys picked relatively unheralded center Travis Frederick out of Wisconsin in 2013.

He’s totally ignored his doubters and those who claimed he was a monstrous reach by anchoring arguably the best line in football as one of the league’s most reliably devastating run-blockers.

Best football player who will fall in the draft because he was a combine disappointment Brandon Spikes Award: TCU linebacker Paul Dawson

Athleticism. The NFL loves it. No, it absolutely, positively adores it. At Florida, Brandon Spikes was the unquestioned leader of a defense oozing with NFL talent. But during the pre-draft process in 2010, he ran suuuuper slow in the 40-yard dash and was stiff in positional drills. The tape showed a thumping, set-the-tone, first-round linebacker. The combine and pro day workouts said otherwise.

He went in Round 2 to the New England Patriots and immediately flexed his muscle en route to becoming the NFL’s premier run-stopping inside linebacker.

Paul Dawson finds himself in a similar predicament. If the combine didn’t exist and players were drafted on tape alone, he’d be a first-round lock. At 6’0″ and around 240 pounds, while at TCU, he consistently flashed speed to meet rushers before they turned the corner, flexibility and agility to react to cutbacks, comfort in coverage and a powerful hitting style.

But his combine efforts didn’t match the speed and athleticism that were clear as day on film. Unsurprisingly, Dawson’s pro day went slightly better, but there most certainly will be teams that drop him down their board due to timed workout concerns … just like what happened to Spikes.

Just don’t be surprised then when Dawson is an instant impact player as a second- or-third-round pick.

It’s time to put together the yearbook for the class of 2015. (USATSI) It’s time to put together the yearbook for the class of 2015. (USATSI)

Topics: A.J. Green, Bell,Le’Veon, Brandon Spikes, C.J. Anderson, Cam Newton, Corey Graham, Dontari Poe, Evan Mathis, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Johnny Manziel, Josh Robinson, Justin Houston, Mark Barron, Michael Bennett, Richard Sherman, Rogers,Da’Rick, Tony Romo, Travis Frederick, Von Miller, Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFL

Fisher won’t let relocation talk become a distraction

By Kevin Patra

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000483204/article/fisher-determined-not-to-let-relocation-talk-become-a-distraction

With owner Stan Kroenke planning to build a football stadium in California, speculation that the St. Louis Rams will once again become the Los Angeles Rams isn’t going away anytime soon.

Rams coach Jeff Fisher has heard all the rumors and prefers to try to ignore them.

NFL Now delivers a non-stop video stream highlighting the next generation of NFL talent in preparation for the 2015 NFL Draft. Start using it now!

“I’m looking forward to this year in St. Louis and hoping we can get things worked out,” Fisher said, per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “It makes no sense for me or the players to spend time concerned about it, worried about it. If it happens, it happens.”

The biggest hurdle will be when his players are asked repeatedly this summer about a potential move — and by locals to proclaim their loyalty to St. Louis.

“You know, I’ve had some discussion with the players,” Fisher said. “And they’re actually more excited right now about what we’ve done in free agency, and looking forward to what we’re doing in the draft, and looking forward to coming back to work than they are talking about any potential to relocate.”

Fisher has prior experience with relocations. As the coach of the former Houston Oilers, his team moved to Tennessee after the 1996 season.

“Having gone through it however, I don’t think it’d be fair to compare both situations,” Fisher said. “But the end result was good (in Tennessee) … But going to ’96 and early ’97, we focused on our job. I remember back then telling them don’t worry about it. It’s out of our control.”

Fisher will run that advice back again this season in St. Louis.

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Fisher hopes Rams fans still come out in 2015

By Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/article_473e90bc-2978-5c44-8a7c-36dbb9f18065.html#.VR17SQf_TlI.twitter

One of the most-asked questions for Jeff Fisher at last week’s NFC coaches breakfast concerned the possible relocation of the Rams to Los Angeles. Writers from near and far quizzed him about the distractions of a looming move in what could be a lame-duck 2015 season in St. Louis.

Fisher patiently answered all such questions, then again, he better get used to it. The questions, and the issue, aren’t going away any time soon.

“I’m looking forward to this year in St. Louis and hoping we can get things worked out,” Fisher said. “It makes no sense for me or the players to spend time concerned about it, worried about it. If it happens, it happens.”

But how does he keep players from California dreaming, especially if the league follows through on discussions to move up the timetable for filing for relocation into the 2015 regular season?

“You know, I’ve had some discussion with the players,” Fisher said. “And they’re actually more excited right now about what we’ve done in free agency, and looking forward to what we’re doing in the draft, and looking forward to coming back to work than they are talking about any potential to relocate.”

The start of the Rams’ offseason conditioning program is April 20, just 2½ weeks away.

“I’m not concerned about distractions,” Fisher said. “Been through it before. This game’s too hard, too competitive to spend time worrying about something that’s out of your control.”

Fisher was head coach of the Houston Oilers when they left Texas after the 1996 season for Tennessee. The team played in Memphis in 1997, then spent a season borrowing Vanderbilt University’s stadium in 1998 before finally getting a stadium of its own in ’99 — the season the Titan won the AFC title and lost to the Rams 23-16 in Super Bowl XXXIV.

“Having gone through it however, I don’t think it’d be fair to compare both situations,” Fisher said. “But the end result was good (in Tennessee). . . .But going to ’96 and early ’97, we focused on our job. I remember back then telling them don’t worry about it. It’s out of our control.”

As the 2015 season approaches, it’s uncertain how Rams fans will react to the team’s potential departure. The possibility exists that the Rams won’t have much of a home-field advantage if upset fans stay away in droves.

“We’re hoping and expecting fans to come out and watch us, because we’re a much-improved football team,” Fisher said. “The fans are gonna like what we have to offer this year. They have every right to be as excited as we are.”

Fisher half-jokingly has said on more than one occasion that he doesn’t want to know what’s happening on the relocation front. That way, he can just plead ignorance. But he did concede last week that he’s taken a peek at the latest renderings of the St. Louis riverfront stadium project.

“I saw some things three, four weeks ago,” Fisher said. “I thought the location’s ideal. And I think the game should be played on grass. Outside. So that’s a plus.”

Coach Sherman’s Open Book

by Tiffany White

http://www.stlouisrams.com/ramsplus/longform/sherman.html

ONE WEEK BEFORE THE COMBINE, I caught up with Rams Wide Receivers Coach Ray Sherman during one of his breaks from watching film. After briefing me on the pop culture news of the day, he brought up a few YouTube clips on his computer and said, “Tell me, what do you think of this?”

He asked the same question before and after we watched each video. I imagine he routinely asks his players the same thing because as he puts it plainly, “Sometimes, you’ve just got to shut up and listen.”

Of the hundreds of players he’s coached over the past four decades, many – including his current receivers – view him as a father.

“I look up to him,” Rams wideout Brian Quick said. “You should definitely put that in your story.”

Quick, who had only recently begun playing football in high school, was highly regarded for his natural gifts and big-play potential coming out of college. Sherman recognized that and patiently awaited his breakout season and 2014 seemed to be a likely target.

Four games into the season, Quick recorded his first multi-touchdown game of his career and surpassed his previous career highs in touchdowns, receiving yards, and catches. He injured his shoulder in Week 8 at Kansas City and Head Coach Jeff Fisher confirmed the injury was season-ending the following Monday.

When asked how involved his coach has been in his recovery process since then, he didn’t hesitate to acknowledge Sherman’s level of engagement.

“He’s in the process right now,” Quick said following a February rehab session. “He comes down to the training room every day that he’s here to check on me.”

He went on to share some of the lessons that his coach taught him and every story was soaked in gratitude.

“I’m here to help them be the best player they can be,” Sherman said. “I think that’s important because I always enjoy watching progress, watching a man grow. I’ve watched that with Brian Quick. Until he got injured, he was on the verge of having an outstanding year.”

A season after drafting Quick, the Rams traded up to the No. 8 spot of the 2013 draft and selected a speedy Tavon Austin out of West Virginia. By the third round, Sherman had a pair of Mountaineer receivers after St. Louis drafted Stedman Bailey with the 92nd overall pick.

“I’ve watched guys get better,” Sherman said. “Stedman and Tavon, I saw them get better from their first year. I saw Chris Givens improve in his third year. It’s funny when they look at film of themselves from the previous year and they say, ‘Was that me?’ So, when you point those things out to them to get better, they buy into it. ”

Conversation eventually led me to ask Coach Sherman who his mentor was.
 He took a few seconds to think before answering.
 “I don’t really think I have one,” he lamented. “I’ve just found my own way. But, if I did have to point to someone it would be Vince Dooley from Georgia.”

Six years after leading the University of Georgia to a perfect 12-0 record and a national championship title in 1980, Dooley hired Sherman as one of his assistant coaches.

“If we were sitting around talking before a meeting and Vince Dooley walked in,” Sherman went on to explain, “everybody stopped talking. You could hear a pin drop. He commanded respect.”

An offer from the Houston Oilers limited Sherman to only two seasons with the Bulldogs legend. It was always his dream to coach in the National Football League, and so he left Athens, Ga. for Texas in 1987. He went on to coach nine Pro Bowlers, three First-Team All-Pros, and four Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees during his NFL coaching tenure. A track record that, like Dooley’s, commands respect.

HOWLING AND CACKLING FLOODED THE RECEIVERS ROOM after Coach Sherman delivered his spiel on why Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard were the greatest boxers of all time.

“Mayweather, Coach! Money Mayweather,” Austin retorted back at him.

“Man, you don’t know about Ali,” Sherman smirked. “Ali is one of the greatest fighters that ever fought. Sugar Ray Leonard, Hitman Hearns, Marvin Hagler – you guys don’t know anything about these guys. All you do is get caught up in your own little world about one fighter.”

While the receivers groaned in disagreement, Sherman scanned YouTube for boxing highlights. By the end of the first video, players’ mouths had wilted open. Some sighed and others couldn’t help but whisper a few ‘wows.’

“I tell them from Day 1, ‘We’re gonna work our butts off, but we’re gonna have fun. You’re going to come in here happy.’”

“That’s right, check your history,” Sherman said proudly, knowing he had proven his puppies wrong. “Don’t you guys come in here and try to act like you know more than me.”

Like a game of ping pong, Sherman and his receivers constantly exchange jokes with one another. He welcomes the laughter his debates draw. He enjoys their friendly squabbles and doing the little things that get his “young guns” to relax and loosen up.

“I tell them from Day 1, ‘We’re gonna work our butts off, but we’re gonna have fun,’” Sherman said. “You’re going to come in here happy. Come into this room with energy. If you’re going to come in with your lips poked out, then stay outside of the room.”

On the field, his receivers take on an intense alter ego. They’re a different group and other players take notice and tell Sherman.

“Aye, Sherm, they’re working,” they say to Sherman, who receives their feedback with a satisfied “proud papa” smile. “Man, Coach, those guys are working. They’re doing it.”

According to his wife, Yvette, Sherman craves perfection and he wants to win. He can’t stand excuses and doesn’t allow them.

“Ray has been in so many different systems, he has coached many different positions, and he’s been an assistant head coach and offensive coordinator,” Yvette said. “He’s a brilliant X’s and O’s guy. You can give him any type of player and he will develop that man. He will get the best out of him as an athlete no matter what.”

INNOCENT DROPS QUICKLY SPIRALED into an embarrassing showing for one of Sherman’s former receivers.

“I had to pull him aside and ask him, what’s going on?” Sherman said.

The two talked briefly and Sherman sent him back onto the practice field. He dropped the next pass that came his way and they continued through the entire practice.

“The head coach came to me later on and started asking questions about him,” he said. “I had to let him know that his grandmother who raised him was real sick. I always tell my guys to keep their personal things personal and not to bring it to work – except for when it comes to family because that’s how I was raised.”

Since arriving in St. Louis, Coach Fisher has created a culture where he wants guys excited about coming to work and Sherman has bought in. His personal approach is to talk to his receivers about life, to relate everything on the football field to their lives. Anything that is important to his players, he’ll talk about with them – their kids, wives, mom and dad, brothers and sisters – anything at all.

“Every player is different,” he explained. “Different things make guys tick differently. For me, I want to know them as people because sometimes there are things that go on in life that troubles guys. So, you want to know what it is instead of just yelling or screaming at him because he makes a mistake on the field.”

Sherman is one who cares about what his players do and how they conduct themselves off the field, so he started a “Keep it Real” program with his players early on in his career.

“He earns his players’ trust,” Sherman’s wife said. “They look up to him and they appreciate him. More so than anything, they know that the conversation they have with him, stays with him and I think that helps him be a better coach. He understands what’s going on in the players’ lives outside of the NFL and that has been a successful formula for him from the beginning of time.”

STAY READY so you won’t have to get ready. It’s a quote that Sherman repeats to his group often and one that Quick will never need to write down or post in his locker.

“Coach Sherm won’t allow you to make mistakes where you shouldn’t make mistakes,” Quick said. “He expects the best out of you and he pushes you to be great.”

When training camp opened in 2012, the recently drafted Quick had all of Sherman’s attention. During one seemingly never-ending seven-on-seven period, Sherman critiqued his rookie’s every move – the remarkable catches he made, misran routes, the mental errors, his resiliency, everything.

“I stay on top of them,” Sherman said. “I don’t let anything slide. I’m very particular about details. If I see you slipping, I’m going to address it with you and that’s the way I am. I don’t care who you are because I feel that if I don’t do that, if I don’t address it, then I’m not doing my job.”

Prior to joining the Rams, Sherman coached wide receivers for the Dallas Cowboys from 2007-2010. The Cowboys had a 1,000-yard receiver in each of those seasons. Terrell Owens, who ranks third on the NFL’s all-time list for most receiving touchdowns, saw one of his best seasons in Sherman’s first year in Dallas and caught a franchise-record 15 touchdowns. He oversaw the development of Miles Austin and coached him to a Pro Bowl and career highs in every major receiving category.

“I want my players to know that I’m here to help them be the best they can be and I want to watch them grow,” Sherman said. “Just like when I was in Dallas and I had Danny Amendola. I knew he was going to be a good player and when you see something in a young man, you try to pull that out where they can use that to excel at it.”

Sherman and Amendola were reunited in St. Louis in 2012 and despite battling injuries, Amendola neared career highs in catches and receiving yards. Meanwhile, rookie Chris Givens, the 13th wide receiver drafted that year, finished fourth among NFL rookies in receiving yards and caught a pass of 50 yards or more in five consecutive games.

“I’m excited about the crew that I have,” Sherman said. “I think Kenny Britt has come in here and really done a great job. You just see great things, great work ethic. The young guys see it and they say, ‘Wow, I like the way he works. I like the energy that he brings.’ All those things are contagious.”

Britt was one of the Rams’ free agent pickups last spring. In his inaugural season with the club, he led the Rams in receiving yards and finished second in receptions. Both figures marked career highs for the six-year veteran.

“Coach Sherm won’t allow you to make mistakes where you shouldn’t make mistakes. He expects the best out of you and he pushes you to be great.”

Bailey gradually improved over the course of his sophomore campaign and finished the year with 435 receiving yards and a touchdown on 30 receptions. Of his total receptions, 25 spanned the final seven games of the season. In the previous year, Austin became the first player in NFL history to record a 95+ yard punt-return touchdown, an 80+ yard receiving touchdown, and a 65+ yard rushing touchdown in a single season.

“I truly believe when my husband is no longer in the NFL, he will be missed,” Yvette said. “He genuinely is giving and helps people without expecting anything in return. He is a man of God. His faith is so strong – he’s read the Bible multiple times from front to back – and he has been a father figure to his players from the beginning. He is the best at what he does and players love working with him because they know that he is the best.”

“FROM THE INSIDE LOOKING OUT, coaching in the NFL is not a glamorous job,” Sherman’s wife said. “It is a grueling job that requires tremendous family sacrifice.”

While focus is often shifted to NFL coaches who work tedious and tireless hours, their spouses rigorously multi-task in the background to support the family.

“For the wives, you have to be a woman of all trades, self-sufficient and you have to raise your children to do the same,” Yvette explained. “When you deeply love someone who is not only a great husband and father, you can’t classify them as sacrifices – it’s just what you do.”

Among the Rams coaching staff, Sherman has made the most coaching stops, however his wife and kids only moved with him an estimated 80 percent of the time. Upon receiving an offer to work in St. Louis with the Rams, Sherman and Yvette decided they would make Florida their permanent residence in light of Alana’s budding tennis career.

“Our youngest daughter wanted to train to be a tennis player and Florida was the best place to come,” Yvette said. “We already had a home that we traveled to over the summers, so it worked out. We made the sacrifice and it’s difficult for our daughter, but it is worth it.”

Prior to honing in on tennis, Alana played volleyball, soccer, danced and also did gymnastics. Sherman never coached any of her teams, but often provides winning advice that she leans on even after losing a match.

“I’m ‘daddy’s little girl,’” Alana said as she described her relationship with her dad. “Even though he’s far, he is always there to support and he makes that clear. It gets hard sometimes, but it’s not too bad because this has been my life. It’s nice reconnecting and seeing him when I do go and visit or when he comes home. The first thing I do is I like to run up to him and give him a big hug because he’s like a big teddy bear!”

While tennis kept Alana in Florida, it has ironically brought the family closer in several facets, particularly in the sibling rivalry category.

“My sister and I are competitive in a positive way and I like knowing I’m better at tennis than she was at my age,” Alana said through a burst of laughter. “I can beat her off the court, even though she’ll never admit it!”

In addition to the benefits tennis has provided through sisterly competition, it has been an outlet for Alana to make her parents proud.

“No matter how far away he is, he makes sure I know that he cares and is always there,” Alana said. “Especially after losing a child, he still finds ways to put a smile on his face and to make sure that we have everything we need no matter what the circumstances were. Everything that he has done is well deserved and he has worked very hard for it. I’m not saying this because he’s my dad, but I feel as if he is one of the greatest coaches the NFL has ever had and they are very lucky that he is a part of their organization.”

WHEN I’M DONE COACHING I’ll look at all the player’s lives that I touched. I’ll look at the accolades that they’ve received and if they haven’t received that, as far as a Pro Bowl or being a Hall of Famer, I’ll look at how I was able to help him be a better football player – not only a player, but a person because that’s important to me, what kind of person you are. Because when you’re a good person, that means you’re going to be good to your family. You’re going to be good to the people that are close to you. I want them to be that type of person. I don’t want them to be one way with me and be a jerk somewhere else.

You’ve got to be respected. You don’t ever want to embarrass yourself. You don’t ever want to embarrass your family and don’t embarrass this organization. I tell them, ‘You guys always have to be accountable everywhere you go.’ It’s about doing things right in life.

When I get them to do the right thing, they’re going to be fine.

Rams mailbag: Concerns on the offensive line

By Nick Wagoner | ESPN.com

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/17215/rams-mailbag-concerns-on-the-offensive-line

EARTH CITY, Mo. — We’re more than a week into free agency and the St. Louis Rams have been pretty active, just not in the areas many of us expected.

Michael Wendler @MrAnalog
I keep hearing the same 3 names to fill Rams O-line but are there some other options we aren’t hearing about via FA?

Austin Rotell @LB_Rotell
Is Stacy on the trade block

Dave Bettlach @ramsffaan
JT puts the odds of Rams staying in STL at 46-54…how about you?

Luiz Maia @LuizMaia12
How difficult is to Barret Jones fill in the C spot? Isn’t he ready after 2years and plus this offseason?

Nicholas @Cards_Rock
Would the Rams try to sign Tim Tebow

Kenneth Pavloff @84JSnow
@nwagoner Do you believe that LA Relocation will be a Owners Meeting subject next week in AZ?

@nwagoner: At the moment, I don’t know if it’s technically on the agenda or not, but I think it would be naive to think that it’s not going to be a point of discussion –perhaps even a major point of discussion — during the week. With all the owners in one place, it would stand to reason that plenty of lobbying will take place with Kroenke, Dean Spanos and Mark Davis among fellow owners, especially in Kroenke’s case. What that yields, I don’t know, but I’d think there will be some news to come out of it all. I’ll be there, so be sure to stay tuned for daily updates and thoughts on the situation. And with that, enjoy the weekend of college hoops; we’ll be back at it next week