After the trade–next steps

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  • #20024
    rfl
    Participant

    The trade has changed my thinking. Above all, it has changed my thinking on the FO. All signs pointed toward them maintaining the status quo. Now, we see that they are willing to be proactive. I am starting to dare to imagine that they really will act decisively to improve the offense in structural ways.

    OK. We all know what we need on offense: QB, OL, and WR. Until this morning, I figured that our OL challenges were so severe that we had to draft OL at #10. This was in large part because we had multiple holes on the OL and very limited cap space.

    But, the situation is now changed. The cap space changes the OL situation dramatically. We now have $ to sign multiple OL. We can afford to re-sign Joe B. if we wish AND bring in a couple of solid vet FAs. Now, apparently, the draft has some depth on the OL. Between FA and the draft, it is now clear that we would have a decent shot at shoring up that unit effectively … without necessarily picking a top OL at #10.

    SO, if we don’t go OL at #10, that leaves QB and WR. Let’s touch briefly on WR. IF we re-sign Britt, we should be functional at the position. It’s a group that could stand an upgrade, but I think most of us would agree that our WRs were limited last year largely by ineffective QBs. And although WRs and QBs need each other, I think it’s clear that acquisition priority needs to lie with the QB over WRs. I feel the team needs to establish a clear, quality QB more than it needs to grab a #1 WR.

    Which brings us back, as the league always does, to the QB position. How does the Foles/Sam trade change our prospects and draft position?

    As far as I can tell, Foles gives us a shot at quality QB play. But nowhere near a promise. He may be a bust, or a starter with a low ceiling. The good news is that he is cheap and, basically, a one-year commitment. He’s a guy that offers a good shot at season-long health with an experienced starter, but perhaps not much better.

    OK, that’s not necessarily a bad thing IF the team is looking beyond Foles. And, I am beginning to have a bit more faith that they are. Think about the lame duck issue. They need to get through this year, and then, presumably, be set for a good start in Pasadena in ’16. They may well be seeing Foles as a transition who might be better than that, but who is not to be trusted as the actual long term answer.

    Which leaves the draft. Foles could be perfect as cover for developing a young QB. And I tend to suspect that that’s what Snead is thinking about. I am wondering whether Foles is the set-up for a QB draft. Spend the cap money on the OL to allow us to draft OL in later rounds–where one can often find solid talent anyway–and draft a QB at #10.

    Now, I am not speculating about a big move for Winston or Mariota. Those moves would be enormously expensive in terms of picks. Having fleeced WASH for RGIII and reaped the harvest, I don’t think Snead wants to put himself on the other side of that equation.

    And the great thing is that we have a good chance of having Grayson or Hundley or both available at #10. From what I read and see, both are good prospects for development under the cover of a solid starter.

    So, to me, a clear path opens up for us. Spend Cap money on FA OL. Draft Grayson or Hundley. Then draft more OL in later rounds. Let Foley compete with and provide cover for the rookie.

    That sounds like a good way to go, to me.

    BTW, the R A podcast guys have a good piece looking at the 2nd tier QBs in the draft as well as a discussion of Weinke’s potential impact: http://www.ramsaddiction.com/rapod91. They rate Grayson and Hundley pretty highly. They say Hundley’s upside is similar to Mariota’s but that his downside is much lower. They then discuss Weinke’s experience preparing QBs for the league, and wonder if he couldn’t really help Hundley fulfill his high proposal.

    In the end, I am more hopeful than I have been in a while. I am sad to see Sam go. But I love to see the FO being decisive and proactive, and I sense the opening of a path to structural improvement. Of course, it will all depend on the actual acquisitions–FA and draft–but the path is opening up, and I like the flexibility we have going forward.

    By virtue of the absurd ...

    #20026
    PA Ram
    Participant

    RFL, I would not take any of those guys at #10.

    I don’t think the Rams are in a desperate spot at QB and those guys don’t rate higher than 2nd rounders. Of course teams desperate for QBs may pick them higher but it sure seems that teams are looking for other options at QB. The Jets just traded for Ryan Fitzpatrick. I think it’s at least possible that Mariota falls a bit in this draft. Not sure how far but it’s not impossible he falls to #10. He and Winston are the only QBs with first round grades. And I’m not a huge fan of either but the Rams will probably take a hard look at it if he gets anywhere near #10. Or maybe they trade down and get extra picks–although the G.M. of the Seahawks apparently thinks there are only 16 first rounders in this draft.

    I think they have to see how that falls, and as you said, see how free agency works out. I still want linemen but if Kevin White or Amari Cooper are sitting there I would not mind them selecting the WR(assuming they address most of the line issues in FA).

    I kinda think, just a hunch–no idea really, that Fisher may really want to do this with Foles and try lower for a young QB or wait until next year. So even if Mariota is there I would not be shocked if they passed on him.

    But we’ll see.

    "Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. " Philip K. Dick

    #20030
    rfl
    Participant

    RFL, I would not take any of those guys at #10.

    I don’t think the Rams are in a desperate spot at QB and those guys don’t rate higher than 2nd rounders.

    PA, I’ll just offer my response to this conventional thinking.

    I agree that our position at QB is less desperate than it was. But, I dunno who would see Foles as the answer long term. I personally see the trade as Step 1 at that position. By itself, it doesn’t strike me as, really, enough. I think we need a genuinely promising rookie to develop. Foles + a BUP schlub would not in my view be very reassuring.

    Now, I ain’t no draftnik. I understand the whole issue of “Round 1” grades and so forth. I am, however, skeptical of that line of thinking. It primarily matters to me as a read of the draft marketplace.

    Now, IF you could promise me that either Grayson or Hundley would be available to us in the 2nd Round, then, sure, go OL (or WR) in the first.

    But, my suspicion is that at least 1 will go in the first and the other early in the 2nd. And after those guys, I doubt there is anything worth drafting. IF we miss out on both, then we will be placing a lot of capital on our Foles bet. I’d be uncomfortable with that, and I doubt the FO would like it either.

    And here’s the thing. By contrast with this year’s QBs, you can get solid OL talent in later rounds. I’d rather have a solid but 2nd tier OG AND a promising young QB than a stud OL and other talent, but little hope if Foles fails.

    As I say, it all comes down to the bet on whether Grayson or Hundley is available to us in the 2nd. I am skeptical that they will be. So, even if the draft boards give them “Round 2 ratings,” I’d take the shot at getting a good young QB when we have it. I suppose that’s where we disagree.

    By virtue of the absurd ...

    #20034
    rfl
    Participant

    PS. In responding to PA, I think there’s a key question of projection:

    How do we see ourselves this year? Are we …

    A) hoping to breakthrough into the playoffs? If we are building a playoff team with middling QB play, then we aren’t going to have a shot at a good rookie QB for some time.

    B) expecting another mediocre year and a top 10 draft slot again? If this is being written off as a transitional, lame duck year, then one could build up the roster and go for a rookie QB next year.

    I’d hate to think the FO was leaning toward B. I think it would be a precarious way to go. And my sense–it may be no more than that–is that they are leaning toward A. I’m not sure the Bradford trade makes sense with B.

    By virtue of the absurd ...

    #20039
    Avatar photowv
    Participant

    Interesting thoughts. Lots of permutations
    and weird possibilities. Itz a Spectacle,
    now.

    I think the two great WRs are now in play
    at ten.

    Just cause of the money now available to sign
    a coupla free agent Hogs.

    I dont thik a QB at 10 is likely,
    but.. All things are Possible.

    …I’m still totally discombobulated
    about the trade, btw. Bradford in Green.
    Foles a Ram. Foles. Geez. Who the hell is Foles?

    w
    v

    #20041
    Winnbrad
    Participant

    PS. In responding to PA, I think there’s a key question of projection:

    How do we see ourselves this year? Are we …

    A) hoping to breakthrough into the playoffs? If we are building a playoff team with middling QB play, then we aren’t going to have a shot at a good rookie QB for some time.

    B) expecting another mediocre year and a top 10 draft slot again? If this is being written off as a transitional, lame duck year, then one could build up the roster and go for a rookie QB next year.

    I’d hate to think the FO was leaning toward B. I think it would be a precarious way to go. And my sense–it may be no more than that–is that they are leaning toward A. I’m not sure the Bradford trade makes sense with B.

    It’s A. They need the cap space for more players, and rookie signings. And Foles is good enough. For 1.5 Million, he’s a steal.

    My feeling is the Rams are looking for a QB in the first round. They could trade down (if possible), and still be fairly safe. The majority of teams in the bottom half of the draft already have good QBs. That’s why they’re in the bottom half.

    The Jets just traded a 7th for Fitzpatrick, by the way. So that (I think) removes the Jets from the 1st round QB draft.

    Houston, at 16, is still a wildcard, though. And lots of crazy stuff could happen, of course!

    Right now the Rams are talking to O-lineman and LBs. Hopefully, they’ll sign some in the next day or so, and the picture will get a little less muddy.

    #20057
    Avatar photowv
    Participant

    One man’s view.
    =========================================

    Laram

    As we sit today, the Rams are no better than they were last season, actually they’re in worst shape.

    They have Robinson and Saffold on the o-line, and a qb who is a statue in the pocket. You can’t be comfortable with that!

    They rid themselves of Sam and his contract, but you can thank the Eagles for coming hard for Sam!

    Its not like the Rams engineered the trade NJ, and looking at the final details of the deal, the Rams are gonna be giving draft picks back IMO.

    IF Sam doesn’t play, or plays less than 50% of the snaps, they got two picks coming back.

    Sam will never withstand a Philly fan base. Toughest place to play in all of sports in many opinions.

    The Rams have cap now, but I posted a convo I had with a FA awhile ago about the potential of playing for the Rams.

    Its real, you know I don’t post BS.

    Look past the fact they traded Sam, got rid of his salary, which I know you wanted, and tell me what you see?

    On another note I got a text back from a longtime friend of mine, Tim McManus who is the beat writer for the Eagles.

    He thinks the Eagles might keep Sam because Chip feels that their health science regime is so superior to the rest of the NFL, that they can get him healthy.

    That seems odd to me considering the fact he’s had several players injured and two qb’s put on IR.

    But that’s what he said.
    ——————-

    Laram — Foles has proven one thing

    that he could have one good season in an offense that is qb friendly.

    He’s proven absolutely nothing in a drop back offense.

    In 2013 Foles played behind the best o-line in football.

    Once the Nfl got a look at Chips system and they had some injuries on the o-line, Foles was an injury prone turnover machine.

    Foles should be happy to be out of Philly, his boss never wanted him, never believed in him.

    Anybody would want out of that situation.

    I wish Foles was a part of a bigger plan, but unfortunately he’s not!
    =============

    • This reply was modified 9 years, 9 months ago by Avatar photowv.
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