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March 9, 2017 at 5:56 pm #66048
znModeratorBonsignore: Rams impoved on the field and in the locker room with addition of Andrew Whitworth, Robert Woods
VINCENT BONSIGNORE
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/rams-746108-whitworth-tackle.html
The sun hadn’t yet come up to officially welcome a glorious Southern California morning early Thursday, but at the Thousand Oaks offices of the Rams a full day of work had already been completed.
It’s not often you can add two starting players at positions of critical need and improve the culture of your locker room before most people finish their first cup of coffee.
But the Rams did exactly that as dawn cracked on the first day of free agency by reeling in Cincinnati Bengals Pro Bowl left tackler Andrew Whitworth and Buffalo Bills wide receiver Robert Woods, the former USC star.
Both players are known for their professionalism, accountability and work ethic.
And you don’t have to spend more than a few minutes with Sean McVay, the Rams’ new coach, to understand he’s putting a premium on building a team that’s as strong in the locker room as it is good on the field.
“I think really when you’re looking at it, you hear us talk about ‘the culture of we, not me,’ we want guys that are character guys that respect the process, that are pros’ pros, if you will,” McVay said. “They go about their business throughout the course of the week. They understand how important that is to put us in position to compete on Sundays. And you look at some of the players I’ve been fortunate enough to be around that respect and appreciate that. And you always want to try to establish some standards.”
McVay and the Rams believe Whitworth and Woods add all of those intangibles.
While also providing upgrades at positions in desperate need of talent infusions.
It cost them a pretty penny to do so – as in $30 million dollars in guaranteed money – but by adding Whitworth and Woods, the Rams believe the money spent will help them on many levels.
Whitworth, 35, who was regarded as the best offensive lineman on the open market, will furnish the Rams with a high-level left tackle anchor to protect Jared Goff’s backside, and high-character intangibles to add leadership to an offensive line and locker room as young as any in the NFL.
The three-time Pro Bowler is coming off arguably the best season of his career. And while he won’t single-handedly improve an offensive line that ranked among the worst in the NFL last season, the chain reaction he’ll create could go a long way in at least lifting that unit up a few notches.
With Whitworth at left tackle, the Rams gain flexibility in solving the enigma that is Greg Robinson, the second-overall pick in the 2014 draft and a major disappointment over his first three seasons.
No longer playing with the weight of the world on his shoulders at left tackle, maybe Robinson can mentally and physically settle in at right tackle, where the run-blocking he was so touted for coming out of Auburn might finally emerge.
Or maybe he’ll make the move to guard, where he’ll find protection and piece of mind flanked by a center and tackle rather than operating on an island at tackle.
Point being, with Whitworth locking down left tackle – and barring any physical set-backs, at a level as high as anyone in the NFL – the Rams can shuffle the rest of their offensive line to positions that fit better to individual skill sets.
Just as importantly, Whitworth adds a demeanor and accountability that’s been lacking around the Rams offense for far too long. Specifically the line, which has undergone a major overhaul the last three seasons but never quite found the chemistry and level of play that reflected the high picks that were invested.
Rodger Saffold is as proud and culpable as they come, and in Whitworth he’ll find a like-thinking teammate. But he’s also been injury-prone, which reduces the leadership impact he can provide.
If Saffold can stay healthy and be allowed to settle in at one position, he and Whitworth can be two dependable veterans on a line that’s still in its infancy everywhere else.
“I think when you look at those five playing together up front, what was tough is there wasn’t much continuity,” McVay said. “Guys were switching in and out. I meet Saffold for the first time, I’m like, ‘Good gosh, I can’t even find you on the tape the last handful of games,’ he’s moving all over the place.
“So I think being able to have that continuity, also being mindful of those younger players is very important, where you’re just trying to evaluate what are they doing? And then being able to have a center and a guard, or a tackle and a guard play together for weeks at a time where they are able to develop a rapport like a receiver and a quarterback is something that can’t be undervalued or under-appreciated.”
Theoretically that will help Goff find some pocket security after playing under attack during his rookie season, and just as importantly help running back Todd Gurley get back on track.
As for Woods, the Rams are intrigued by the former USC star’s age – he’s still just 24 – and feel he’s an ascending player who will fit perfectly in McVay’s locker room
In four seasons with the Bills, Woods caught 203 passes for 2,451 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Keep in mind he did that in the Bills’ unsettled quarterback situation that spanned three different starters.
Woods will join Tavon Austin in the starting lineup, but with the Rams losing Kenny Britt to free agency, as expected, and letting Brian Quick walk to the open market, they aren’t done at wide receiver by any stretch.
As the free agent market settles, additional options should emerge.
In addition, next month’s draft is deep at wide receiver and should offer quality when the Rams’ first turn comes up with the 37th pick.
It was all in a strong day of work for the Rams.
Even if the sun hadn’t come up yet.
March 9, 2017 at 7:52 pm #66058znModeratorSo, Jared Goff gets a new: head coach, offensive coordinator, QB coach, left tackle, center and secondary receiver. Big moves.
— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) March 9, 2017
March 9, 2017 at 7:54 pm #66059znModeratorGet used to "culture" being a big part of everything the #Rams do moving forward https://t.co/hiGs0Xk29J
— Vincent Bonsignore (@DailyNewsVinny) March 9, 2017
March 9, 2017 at 8:02 pm #66062znModeratorRams quietly making some decent moves today. https://t.co/8v40WIhEpe
— trey wingo (@wingoz) March 9, 2017
March 10, 2017 at 10:07 am #66098znModeratorManic Thursday: Rams do a lot, leave much undone
By Alden Gonzalez
OS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams burned the candle at both ends Thursday, the first day free agents could sign contracts with other teams. It began with them addressing two of their most pressing needs through free agency a couple of hours after sunrise, and it ended with them cutting ties with four key veteran players a couple of hours before midnight. The Rams did a lot, but they also left a lot undone. Below is a look through it all.
What was done
A new left tackle: Nothing is more important right now than keeping Jared Goff upright, and the Rams took a major step toward that objective by signing veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth, who will be tasked with protecting the franchise quarterback’s blind side. Whitworth is heading into his age-36 season, but he remains among the NFL’s best pass-blockers. He was first-team All-Pro in 2015, and Pro Football Focus graded him second among tackles in 2016. His three-year deal, worth $36 million, guarantees him $15 million. But $12.5 million of that will be given to him in the first year.
A new primary target: Kenny Britt left for the Browns and the Rams replaced him with Robert Woods, the former USC receiver who signed a five-year deal that maxes out at $39 million. Woods’ numbers since being a second-round pick by the Bills in 2013 — 203 catches, 2,451 yards, 12 touchdowns — don’t jump off the page. He isn’t necessarily a game-changer, and he probably won’t stretch the field vertically all that much. But he’s a good route-runner, an elite blocker, and he has reliable hands. It’s a nice complement for the speedy, 5-foot-8 Tavon Austin. Most important: Woods is still a month away from his 25th birthday.
A lot more cap space: The Rams were awfully close to their salary-cap ceiling after these two signings, so they cleared up some space. They dealt starting defensive end William Hayes to the Dolphins, swapping a seventh-round pick for a sixth-round pick, and released three key veterans: center Tim Barnes, tight end Lance Kendricks and defensive lineman Eugene Sims. All told, those four departures freed up $15.6 million in 2017 salary-cap space, roughly two-thirds of which the Rams can use on other free agents. But it also left an assortment of holes throughout the roster.
A fresh arm: Quarterback Aaron Murray, who teamed with Rams running back Todd Gurley at Georgia, was also added. He enters as a depth piece, with the Rams still leaning toward having Sean Mannion be the backup for Goff in 2017. Murray was a fifth-round pick in 2014. He has since played for the Chiefs, Cardinals and Eagles, but has yet to receive a regular-season snap. His older brother, Josh, was a contestant on “The Bachelorette” a couple years ago. So there’s that, too.
What remains
Get a new center: The addition of Whitworth means Rodger Saffold will probably be the left guard, with Rob Havenstein, coming off a rough sophomore season, likely staying at right tackle and Greg Robinson, the former No. 2 overall pick who has struggled at left tackle, potentially moving to right guard. That could play well, with young players like Jamon Brown, Cody Wichmann and Andrew Donnal as backups. But the Rams need a center. The only one on the roster is Demetrius Rhaney, a seventh-round pick from 2014. The best one remaining is Nick Mangold, who is coming off a serious foot injury.
Beef up at WR, TE: Woods and Austin is a nice start, but the Rams still don’t have a lot of depth at receiver. The rest of the group includes Bradley Marquez, who has been used predominantly on special teams, and a collection of guys who barely played as rookies, headlined by Pharoh Cooper. The Rams could really use some size here. None of those expected to get snaps are taller than 6-foot-1. They also need help at tight end, a position that is crucial to Sean McVay’s offense. Tyler Higbee, a talented fourth-round pick last year, could see a lot more targets next season. But they need more here, as well.
Add depth on defense: The Hayes trade could mean veteran defensive end Robert Quinn continues to operate out of a three-point stance, rather than shift to outside linebacker as the Rams transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. Still, the Rams are in need of more depth for their defensive line. They also need to add a linebacker or two and might still look to trade cornerback Trumaine Johnson, who is to make nearly $17 million under his second straight franchise tag. Lots of moving parts here.
Figure out other FAs: T.J. McDonald isn’t expected back, with the Rams expecting to move Maurice Alexander to strong safety and ideally draft a free safety. But what about kicker Greg Zuerlein, coming off a nice bounce-back season? Or Benny Cunningham, a solid kick returner and important change-of-pace running back? Or Chase Reynolds, a key contributor on special teams over the past four years?
March 10, 2017 at 10:11 am #66099znModeratorRams try to plug some offensive holes while also making a trade and clearing cap space
Gary Klein
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-woods-whitworth-nfl-20170309-story.html
The Rams did not go excessively deep — on the field or into their pocketbook — in their attempt to upgrade what has been the NFL’s worst offense.
They did, however, add two solid players Thursday that should be key pieces for new Coach Sean McVay and his staff.
The Rams addressed major needs at the start of free agency by agreeing to terms with receiver Robert Woods and left tackle Andrew Whitworth.
In moves with salary-cap implications, the Rams agreed Thursday night to trade veteran defensive end William Hayes. They also released center Tim Barnes, tight end Lance Kendricks and defensive end Eugene Sims.
The Rams traded Hayes and a seventh-round draft pick to the Miami Dolphins for a sixth-round pick. Hayes, 31, has played nine NFL seasons, the last five with the Rams. With bonuses, he was due to earn about $5.5 million this season, according to overthecap.com.
“Will has been an integral member of our defense since he became a Ram in 2012,” Rams General Manager Les Snead said in a statement. “His passion set the tone for our defense and served as an example for his teammates. Off the field, he showed compassion as he was a major contributor to the St. Louis and Los Angeles communities, working to improve the plight of the homeless. We wish Will and his family the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.”
Kendricks was due to earn $3.75 million, Sims $2.75 million, Barnes $2.25 million.
Woods, 24, is expected to sign a five-year deal that could be worth $39 million if he reaches all incentives. Whitworth, 35, is expected to sign a front-loaded three-year deal that could be worth $36 million.
The players are scheduled to take physicals in Los Angeles on Friday morning and sign contracts later in the day before they are introduced to the media.
Though Woods and Whitworth are 11 years apart in age, both are regarded as highly disciplined players with outstanding work ethic who can lead by example.
“You hear us talk about ‘the culture of we, not me,’ ” McVay said last week at the NFL scouting combine. “We want guys that are character guys that respect the process, that are pro’s pros, if you will.”
The Rams, coming off a 4-12 finish in their return to Los Angeles, were in desperate need of receivers and linemen to complement second-year quarterback Jared Goff, the top pick in the 2016 draft.
In a free-agent receiver class that included marquee names such as Alshon Jeffrey and DeSean Jackson, the Rams early on had targeted Pierre Garcon. The veteran had produced for the Washington Redskins while McVay was the team’s tight ends coach and then offensive coordinator. But new San Francisco 49ers Coach Kyle Shanahan, another former Redskins coordinator, also targeted Garcon and the 49ers gave him a deal reportedly worth $16 million in its first year.
The Rams, on the hook for the four-year, $42-million extension they gave Tavon Austin before last season — and with about $22 million in cap space — were not about to go that high.
McVay has described Austin and running back Todd Gurley as “two explosive playmakers, and you can never have enough of those guys.”
The 6-foot, 190-pound Woods could be another, though his NFL resume to this point does not denote a No. 1 receiver designation.
Woods grew up in Carson, played at Gardena Serra High and became USC’s all-time receptions leader before he was selected in the second round of the 2013 draft by the Buffalo Bills.
He has 203 receptions for 2,451 yards and 12 touchdowns. Last season, he caught 51 passes for 613 yards and one touchdown in 13 games, including two receptions for 26 yards in a victory over the Rams at the Coliseum.
He appears pleased to return to the stadium where he starred in college.
“Back in the Coli!” he tweeted Thursday.
Woods joins a position group now devoid of Kenny Britt, a 1,000-yard receiver in 2016 and new member of the Cleveland Browns. Woods and Austin — the eighth overall pick in the 2013 draft — are the most experienced players in a group that includes special teams standout Bradley Marquez and second-year pros Pharoh Cooper, Mike Thomas and Nelson Spruce.
Whitworth, 6-7 and 325 pounds, has played his entire 11-year career with the Cincinnati Bengals, mainly at left tackle and left guard. The former Louisiana State standout has started 164 games and is a three-time Pro Bowl selection.
Whitworth, now the Rams’ oldest player, will fortify a line that last season failed to clear the way for Gurley, the 2015 NFL offensive rookie of the year, and allowed Goff to be sacked 26 times in seven games.
Greg Robinson, the second overall pick in the 2014 draft, has struggled at left tackle. Whitworth’s signing could portend Robinson’s move to another position.
Reporters last week asked General Manager Les Snead about a position switch by Robinson.
“Whether he’s left tackle, left or right guard, right tackle — all of those things are probably on the table,” Snead said.
Had the subject been broached with Robinson?
“I don’t know if we ever sat down with Greg and said, ‘Yay or nay, are you for this or not?’ ” Snead said. “There’s different body types that play those positions, and there’s not many people with Greg’s body type on the planet, and those guys usually fit at tackle.
“You’d love for it to start there and then go from inside.”
The release of Barnes leaves the Rams in search of a center.
Demetrius Rhaney worked at the spot last season but the Rams are expected to seek help through free agency and the draft.
March 10, 2017 at 3:29 pm #66124znModeratorPFF: from OUR 10 FAVORITE DEALS FROM THE FIRST DAY OF FREE AGENCY
Which of Thursday’s transactions get a thumbs up from the PFF crew?
https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-our-10-favorite-deals-from-the-first-day-of-free-agency/
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2. OT Andrew Whitworth to Los Angeles Rams
Details: Three years, $33.75 million, $15 million guaranteed
Whitworth opted against ending his career as a Bengal, choosing instead to secure an unprecedented deal for a 35-year-old free agent. The NFL ironman shows no signs of slowing down. Logic would suggest a regression is inevitable, but you wouldn’t put it past Whitworth to remain one of the league’s best tackles until the third of his three years, when he can be released with few repercussions. In essence, it’s a two-year, $20 million deal. Whitworth is down at 10th in average dollars per year among offensive tackles, and outside the top-30 in guarantees. It’s a great contract for one of the league’s best veterans.
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9. William Hayes and seventh-round pick traded by Rams to Dolphins for sixth-round pick
The Dolphins needed to replenish the depth on their defensive line, and they did so with the addition of the unheralded William Hayes. He counts only $5 million against the cap in 2016, a reasonable figure, and the Dolphins lost only a couple of draft spots by trading a sixth-rounder for a seventh-rounder. Over the past five years, Hayes has been one of the most consistent players in the NFL. He has 29 sacks, 32 hits and 118 hurries in that span, never registering fewer than 24 combined QB pressures in any season. The Dolphins acquired a quality rotational end despite giving up very little.
March 10, 2017 at 3:49 pm #66127
InvaderRamModeratorThough Woods and Whitworth are 11 years apart in age, both are regarded as highly disciplined players with outstanding work ethic who can lead by example.
yeah. this is what i like.
both pass the character test with flying colors it would seem.
need some leadership. i’ve always read about how competitive and professional those two guys are. no red flags.
britt, on the other hand, came across as a knucklehead dating back to his days with tennessee. talented for sure. but a bonehead.
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This reply was modified 7 years, 8 months ago by
InvaderRam.
March 10, 2017 at 8:42 pm #66150znModeratorRams add veteran LT Andrew Whitworth, WR Robert Woods
Alden Gonzalez
LOS ANGELES — The Rams, desperate for all the help they can get on offense, addressed two of their most pressing needs on Thursday, signing veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth and former USC receiver Robert Woods to multiyear contracts.
Agreements were in place shortly after sunrise on the West Coast, and the team formally announced the deals about three hours after the new league year began, although terms were not revealed.
Whitworth, 35, gets a three-year, $36 million contract that will guarantee him $15 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Woods, still a month away from his 25th birthday, gets a five-year deal that maxes out at $39 million and guarantees $15 million.
Whitworth and Woods are expected to address the media in a news conference at 2 p.m. PT on Friday.
Woods essentially replaces Kenny Britt, who joined the Cleveland Browns on a four-year, $32.5 million contract. Adding Whitworth means Greg Robinson, the No. 2 overall pick from 2014, will move to the right side, either to guard or tackle.
Whitworth is now tasked with protecting the blind side of franchise quarterback Jared Goff, who faced the NFL’s third-highest blitz rate in 2016 and was sacked 25 times over his last six games.
Whitworth, who spent his previous 11 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, is the NFL’s oldest left tackle but is still considered one of its elite pass-blockers. He has been invited to the Pro Bowl three times, including each of the past two seasons, and was first-team All-Pro as recently as 2015. In 2016, Pro Football Focus graded him the NFL’s second-best tackle.
That year, he allowed only one sack after Week 5.
The Rams targeted Whitworth early on, pursuing him both for his blocking and for his leadership. They’ll guarantee him $12.5 million in the first year of his contract and $2.5 million in the second.
Woods was born and raised in L.A. and starred at USC, where he still holds the school record for career receptions.
Over the next two seasons, he once again will play his home games at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The Buffalo Bills made Woods a second-round pick in 2013 and used him primarily as a No. 2 receiver his first four seasons. Woods amassed 203 catches for 2,451 yards and 12 touchdowns while playing in 57 of 64 games, ranking 55th in receiving yards over that stretch. In 2016, he made 51 catches for 613 yards and a touchdown in 13 games.
Woods, 6 feet tall, isn’t considered a dynamic playmaker and doesn’t necessarily boast the explosiveness to stretch the field vertically. But the Rams — with limited cap space after franchising cornerback Trumaine Johnson for a second straight year — like Woods’ route-running ability, reliable hands and physicality. They’ll use him alongside Tavon Austin, a 5-foot-8 speedster who struggles in the areas where Woods is strong.
The Rams, last in the NFL in yards each of the past two seasons, still need more help at receiver and may now need a center after informing Tim Barnes of his release on Thursday.
But their two biggest needs have been addressed.
March 11, 2017 at 2:49 pm #66170znModerator
vid:
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==Zero wrote:
I love Peter Schrager’s comments on Britt.
“The Rams now have adults in the room”March 13, 2017 at 12:21 am #66208znModeratorIt's not always the flashiest moves that pay the biggest dividends. Really like Whitworth and Woods to the Rams.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) March 10, 2017
March 17, 2017 at 5:32 pm #66382znModeratorfrom Rams took big step with Andrew Whitworth signing
Alden Gonzalez
Overall grade: B-minus. They went for a proven veteran, Whitworth, for their greatest need and may now have a decent offensive line next season. And I didn’t hate the Woods signing. No, he hasn’t been anything special, but he is good in the areas where Tavon Austin is not — blocking and route-running in particular — and he isn’t even 25 yet. In addition to that, they re-signed veteran kicker Greg Zuerlein on a three-year deal, added some quality depth at cornerback with the signing of Kayvon Webster and got a new change-of-pace running back with Lance Dunbar. They’re on their way, but still have some holes. This wasn’t going to get fixed with one offseason.
March 19, 2017 at 4:31 pm #66472znModeratorRams have gotten better, but still have much more to do
Vincent Bonsignore
A steady hum of construction work echoes 24/7 across 298 acres in Inglewood these days. From which, a grand, new stadium will eventually be erected for the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers.
Nearly 50 miles away in Thousand Oaks, a different sort of job site is buzzing.
Going back to the day the Rams parted ways with Coach Jeff Fisher, the club has gotten busy rebuilding itself. If not entirely from the ground up, certainly a slew of major renovations encompassing everything from philosophy to schemes to the way they are coached.
And now, finally, the very sort of players they seek to carry out new coach Sean McVay’s vision.
One week into that phase of the renovation, the Rams have added key new pieces that, at least on paper, make them a better team than when they concluded the 2016 season a little over two months ago.
Coming off a 4-12 season, that might not be saying much. But if the goal is to get better, the Rams appear to be accomplishing their objectives with the additions of left tackle Andrew Whitworth, wide receiver Robert Woods, cornerback Kayvon Webster and defensive end Connor Barwin.
Ahead is the draft, where the Rams are armed with eight picks in a pool deep in wide receivers, safeties and defensive linemen. And while the draft appears shallow at offensive line – an area where the Rams are still tinkering – there figures to be some day one starters available when their first pick comes up at the 37th spot overall.
It’s still relatively early in the offseason, and between the second week of free agency, the draft and post-draft roster tinkering, time is on the Rams’ side to address even more areas of need.
With that in mind, here is a look at what the Rams have done so far and the work they still need to do.
BEST MOVE
It’s impossible to qualify just how important the signing of veteran left tackle Whitworth. Suffice to say, though, his impact will be felt on various different levels.
From creating peace of mind for young quarterback Jared Goff, to immediately improving the narrative of the Rams’ beleaguered offensive line, to being the catalyst that gets Todd Gurley back on track, hitworth’s influence has the potential to be every bit as big as his 6-foot-7, 335-pound frame.
Faced with addressing their single most important need, the Rams were able to tap into the best option available in Whitworth, long regarded as one of the top players at his position.
And despite being 35, he has shown no signs of letting up.
The impact Whitworth will have on the offensive line could create a far-reaching ripple effect that benefits every phase of the Rams offense.
“The first thing I have to do is do my job well and hopefully that can impact and influence throughout my group,” Whitworth said. “I know some of those guys and I think a lot of some of them. I think that from the guys that I do know, I look forward to getting the chance to know the rest of them and know them better – kind of know who they are as a player and how I can help.”
DEFENSIVE SCHEME
Back in the day a highly productive edge rush linebacker in the Rams’ Eagle 3-4 defense was forced to make a position change to a three-point 4-3 defensive end.
Ironically, it was then Rams defensive coordinator Jeff Fisher who made dominant outside linebacker Kevin Greene switch to defensive end, where he was woefully misplaced.
The result was a dramatic falloff in production and an eventual breakup with the Rams. Greene resurfaced in Pittsburgh, where he immediately got back on track by moving back to outside linebacker and producing a handful of dominant seasons that ultimately earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
No one is mistaking new Rams edge rusher Connor Barwin with Greene, but there are similarities to their stories that can’t be overlooked. Much like Fisher did with Greene, Eagles defensive coordinator Jeff Schwartz asked Barwin to move from a 3-4 outside linebacker to a 4-3 defensive end last year.
The result was a major dip in pass-rush production, as Barwin slumped to five sacks last year after notching 14.5 in his 2014 Pro Bowl season and 31.5 overall from 2013-16.
With the Rams, Barwin will return to his more comfortable outside linebacker role in Wade Phillips’ 3-4 scheme. The pair have a working relationship – Phillips coached Barwin in Houston – and there is every reason to believe Barwin can reclaim his pass-rush prowess, much as Greene did moving from the Rams to the Steelers back in the day.
WR STILL A WORK IN PROGRESS
If you watched the Rams last year, their lack of perimeter play-makers was glaring. The signing of former USC star Robert Woods, who spent his first four NFL seasons in Buffalo, won’t immediately fix that, but it’s a start.
Woods is a precise route runner, which is a perfect fit in McVay’s timing-based passing game. And that will make him a big-time friend to Goff, a rhythm passer who can have confidence Woods will be in the right spot and the right time when he delivers a pass.
Woods won’t take the top off a defense, but he can consistently help move the chains. He’s also a willing, effective blocker, which will help Gurley in the running game.
MISSED OUT
The Rams had a good plan in place chasing Bills restricted free agent center Ryan Groy, who started seven games last year under new Rams offensive line coach Aaron Kromer and helped the Bills average 177 yards rushing. Unfortunately the Bills were onto it, and immediately matched the two-year offer sheet. That means it’s back to the drawing board for a new starting center to replace Tim Barnes, who was released last year.
The Rams hope to reel a center in in free agency or via a trade, but if not, they may have to turn to the draft, and that’s always dicey uncovering a day one starter at such a demanding position.
NOW WHAT?
First and foremost, the Rams need a new center. Among the possibilities are veterans Nick Mangold, Broncos restricted free agent Matt Paradis and Washington free agent John Sullivan.
But they also need a safety who better fits Phillips’ defensive scheme – an assignment the Rams don’t appear confident T.J. McDonald can handle.
The draft is deep in safeties, and by addressing left tackle and wide receiver the Rams have some flexibility to look to that position with the 37th pick overall. Some names to keep an eye on are Alabama’s Eddie Jackson and Texas A&M’s Justin Evans.
More urgent, though, is getting Goff more perimeter play-makers, making a wide receiver such as East Carolina’s Zay Jones such an intriguing possibility.
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