Getting to the 53 man roster…. more cuts listed 9/5

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  • September 4, 2015 at 6:41 am #29811
    Avatar photoAgamemnon
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    Agamemnon

    September 4, 2015 at 11:33 am #29817
    Avatar photozn
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    Rams’ lingering position battle nears end

    Ben Frederickson

    http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/ben-frederickson/benfred-rams-lingering-position-battle-nears-end/article_83934203-8f2e-5e56-aaa1-d4a0099a42c3.html

    Listeners of the JOX Roundtable, a sports talk radio show on “Birmingham’s Favorite Radio Station,” didn’t get much of an update this week on the St. Louis Rams’ most important position battle.

    “I certainly don’t feel that way yet,” Barrett Jones said when asked if he had secured the starting center spot during last Saturday’s preseason loss to the Colts.

    “I feel like I had a good, solid start. I did some good things. But, it’s still an open competition, as far as I’ve heard.”

    Years from now, the third-year center out of Alabama can see himself in broadcasting. He’s off to a good start, weighing in weekly on the same SEC-obsessed station that used to deliver a daily dose of Paul Finebaum to a rabid Roll-Tide contingent.

    Jones’ call-ins are sponsored by a plumbing company. But wait. There’s more.

    “I do two of them, actually,” Jones said after Tuesday’s practice. “I’m a weekly guest for 15 minutes.”

    “The other one is a local Tuscaloosa show with a guy I know. They’re both good. I have a lot of fun doing them.”

    Before he moves behind a microphone full-time, Jones would like to secure the job of snapping the ball to new Rams quarterback Nick Foles. He has company. Entering Thursday’s final preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Rams are still — yes, still — waiting to name a winner between Jones, fourth-year grinder Tim Barnes and second-year center/guard Demetrius Rhaney.

    The Rams’ offensive line is a big question mark, and the uncertainty starts in the middle.

    “We are getting production out of not only Barrett and Tim, but also out of Demetrius,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher said Tuesday. “And Demetrius and Tim have the flex at guard. And Barrett can potentially play guard, if need be. It’s a good race right now.”

    Let’s pause. Not knowing who will stand between Foles and opposing defensive lines is far from good. Ideally, someone would have claimed the spot that was vacated when the team cut veteran Scott Wells in March. But here we are.

    The lack of resolution means Jones and Barnes still have a chance. Probably more than Rhaney.

    Fisher says Rhaney belongs in this discussion, and you will find him listed as the No. 2 option behind Jones on the current depth chart. But Rhaney has looked more comfortable and more productive at guard. Recent practices point toward this being a two-man race between Jones and Barnes.

    The former is an Alabama legend still trying to find solid footing as a pro. You know the story. Jones was a three-time All-American on three national-championship teams. He played three different positions and claimed the Rimington Trophy as a senior center. His incredible college career recently landed him a third-team spot on the Football Writers Association of America’s 75th anniversary All-American team. But since the Rams drafted him in the fourth round in 2013, he’s been slowed by injuries. He’s played just 23 snaps the past two seasons.

    “You have to earn everything,” Jones said. “I’ve had a great situation here, though. I’ve had great people around me. I’ve learned a lot from Scott Wells, these past two years, about kind of what it takes to be a center in this league. Injuries did set me back a little bit, but I feel like I’m in a place right now where, I really believe I can play in this league. I feel like I’m playing really good football right now.”

    And then there’s Barnes, a Missouri product seldom mentioned in the #MizzouMade promotions pumped out of Columbia, Mo. That might change if the former Tiger, undrafted in 2011, completes the practice-squad-to-starter leap. He’s more experienced, and has four starts under his belt. But those were back in 2013.

    “It’s just one of those things where you just stairstep it,” Barnes said Tuesday. “Get on the practice squad, then try to get on the roster. Then be a backup, a solid backup. When you have that opportunity (to start), you have to try to make the best of. It’s what our goal was from the very beginning. Now we are close to seeing if it worked, or not.”

    Preseason games can be a snore. If the thought of the I-70 series doesn’t make your toes tingle, focus your attention on an often-overlooked position. The guys snapping the ball on Thursday have plenty to play for. This center competition actually has to end sometime soon.

    “You’ve got one more chance in a live situation where guys are going hard,” Barnes said. “It’s a big deal.”

    When Jones returns to the Alabama airwaves next week, he should be able to offer a more concrete answer when the discussion turns to his position on the depth chart.[

    September 4, 2015 at 11:34 am #29818
    Avatar photoAgamemnon
    Participant

    Center is the only position that affects a starter. imo

    I am ready to keep 10 OL and 10 DL.

    Agamemnon

    September 4, 2015 at 11:41 am #29819
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator
    Agamemnon wrote:

    Center is the only position that affects a starter. imo

    I am ready to keep 10 OL and 10 DL.

    They are going to be cutting some good players this year, no question.

    .

    September 4, 2015 at 11:43 am #29820
    Avatar photoAgamemnon
    Participant

    Here is one possible projection. Watts replaces Pead when he come off SUS. Maybe we see some trades?

    I am short at TE and CB, but I figure those are the positions that I can most likely stash a couple players on the practice squad.

    Agamemnon

    September 4, 2015 at 12:32 pm #29821
    Avatar photoAgamemnon
    Participant

    4 guys that I am not cutting are Mannion, Donnal, Battle, and Hagen. Cause all 4 of those are close to being good starters, if not this year then down the line. Cutting any of those players is a mistake. The rest are just mixing and matching to suit personal preferences. imo

    Agamemnon

    September 4, 2015 at 1:49 pm #29823
    Avatar photoAgamemnon
    Participant

    Agamemnon

    September 4, 2015 at 2:03 pm #29824
    PA Ram
    Participant

    Washington doesn’t surprise me.

    I am curious whether they keep Lynch or Hager or both. IMO Hager has to make this team. Lynch is a good young LB as well.

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

    September 4, 2015 at 2:30 pm #29825
    Avatar photozn
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    Final Roster Projections

    Youth and uncertainty force Rams to go heavy on offensive linemen

    Nick Wagoner

    http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/20892/youth-and-uncertainty-forces-rams-to-go-heavy-on-offensive-linemen

    Here is a final projection of a position-by-position look at who stays and who goes when the St. Louis Rams makes their final cuts.

    QUARTERBACK (3): Nick Foles, Case Keenum, Sean Mannion

    What once appeared to be a real competition between Keenum and Austin Davis never really materialized as Davis simply didn’t get much of an opportunity in the preseason. Granted, the Rams know what they have in Davis and wanted to get an extended look at Keenum but this one seemed pretty well set from the moment training camp started. Foles is the starter and Mannion will get time to develop.

    RUNNING BACK (5): Todd Gurley, Tre Mason, Benny Cunningham, Isaiah Pead, Chase Reynolds

    It should be noted that Trey Watts is suspended the first four games of the season, otherwise he’d be here instead of Pead. But for now, Pead gets a stay until Watts comes back. Considering the injury situations with Gurley and Mason, I considered keeping a sixth back. Malcolm Brown is difficult to let go after an impressive preseason but he doesn’t bring the special-teams value the Rams need from an additional back.

    WIDE RECEIVER (5): Kenny Britt, Brian Quick, Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, Chris Givens

    Entering camp, it appeared Givens might get a run for his money but he was actually the best wideout on the team in the preseason games. He should be safe. Nobody else really stood out to make a run for a potential sixth spot.

    TIGHT END (3): Jared Cook, Lance Kendricks, Cory Harkey

    The Rams traditionally keep at least one more here and they could keep Justice Cunningham or Alex Bayer for special-teams purposes. Neither did much in the preseason, though, and since the Rams have to keep an extra quarterback this year, this seems like a logical place to keep one less body.

    OFFENSIVE LINE (10): Greg Robinson, Rodger Saffold, Jamon Brown, Tim Barnes, Barrett Jones, Rob Havenstein, Demetrius Rhaney, Garrett Reynolds, Andrew Donnal, Isaiah Battle

    The Rams spent five picks on the offensive line in the offseason, which means they have a lot of young players they want to develop. Unless they’re willing to cut some of them already, that means they’re going to need to go heavy on the offensive line. This projection actually does remove sixth-round guard Cody Wichmann but a leg injury suffered in the spring prevented him from making much of an impression and he doesn’t offer positional versatility. They should be able to get him through to the practice squad. Battle is a different proposition. He didn’t play well enough to make the roster and another team might not scoop him if he’s available but the Rams surrendered a fifth-round pick next year for him and knew he would take some time to get up to speed. It’s a risk they probably aren’t willing to take. The competition at center is too close to call, though there seems to be some momentum for Barnes as the starter. Instead of making the decision, the team opts to keep all three contenders. Ten is a lot of linemen but the Rams have too much invested from the draft to cut bait on these guys already.

    DEFENSIVE LINE (9): Robert Quinn, Chris Long, Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers, Nick Fairley, William Hayes, Eugene Sims, Ethan Westbrooks, Louis Trinca-Pasat

    It seemed like this would be the year that the Rams actually keep only eight defensive linemen because of needs at other positions. Then Trinca-Pasat happened. In fact, defensive tackle Trinca-Pasat and end Matt Longacre both happened. Both players earned positive reviews for their work in the preseason and made a case to make the roster. But Trinca-Pasat ultimately wins out because of his ability to push the pocket and be disruptive on the interior. Theoretically, someone could push Westbrooks for a spot as well but the feeling is that with Hayes and Sims set for free agency after the year, the Rams give him another year to develop and potentially step into an expanded role next year.

    LINEBACKER (6): James Laurinaitis, Alec Ogletree, Akeem Ayers, Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Bryce Hager, Daren Bates

    Bates’ knee injury might force the Rams to keep an extra player here right away for special teams but otherwise, nobody has really stood out enough to land a job. Korey Toomer would’ve been in the mix if not for a foot injury but otherwise, this one will only change based on how the team feels about Bates’ health.

    CORNERBACK (4): Janoris Jenkins, Trumaine Johnson, Lamarcus Joyner, Marcus Roberson

    Imoan Claiborne’s release in the initial roster cuts this week was a bit of a surprise, leaving the door open for someone else to claim the spot. But there really isn’t any obvious choice unless the team wants to roll the dice on perpetually injured Brandon McGee. Because they went so heavy on offensive linemen, they will try to get by with four corners for now. In the meantime, they’ll keep their eyes open for veteran options and keep a couple of extra corners on the practice squad.

    SAFETY (5): T.J. McDonald, Rodney McLeod, Mark Barron, Maurice Alexander, Cody Davis

    Christian Bryant and Jacob Hagen both flashed at times in the exhibition games but there simply doesn’t appear to be enough room for either of them to land a spot on the roster.

    SPECIALISTS (3): Johnny Hekker, Greg Zuerlein, Jake McQuaide

    No drama here.

    September 4, 2015 at 3:05 pm #29829
    Avatar photoAgamemnon
    Participant

    I read Wagoner’s roster. It turns out mine was wrong. I have 54 players. But, I make One change and it matches Wagoner’s. I cut Longacre. So, Wagoner is a smart guy. 😉

    Agamemnon

    September 4, 2015 at 3:26 pm #29832
    Dak
    Participant

    Boy, that O-line is seriously young and inexperienced.

    September 4, 2015 at 7:22 pm #29846
    Avatar photoAgamemnon
    Participant
    Dak wrote:

    Boy, that O-line is seriously young and inexperienced.

    Yes, but we will be cutting players that would have made last year’s roster. And they will all get better.

    28 Reynolds

    27 Saffold
    27 Barnes

    25 Jones

    23 Rhaney
    23 Donall
    23 Wichmann
    23 Havenstein

    22 Robinson
    22 Brown
    22 Battle
    22 Williams

    Agamemnon

    September 5, 2015 at 4:47 am #29861
    Avatar photoAgamemnon
    Participant

    This could almost be considered Rhaney’s rookie year. He was on IR last year.

    This could almost be considered Robinson’s rookie year. Because he still hasn’t had much experience.

    Even Jones, this could almost be considered his rookie year. Because of his various injuries and subsequent setbacks resulting from those injuries.

    The point is, you can still expect serious improvements in their games. Where as, Reynolds, Saffold, and Barnes are pretty much who they are by now. imo

    You have guys like Havenstein, Brown, and Wichmann, who have all played 40+ games in college. That counts for something. Then lastly, you have Donnal, Battle, and I think Williams(he was a 2 years starter at LT) who have had limited games even in college. We have a lot of room for all these guys to improve.

    • This reply was modified 9 years, 2 months ago by Avatar photoAgamemnon.

    Agamemnon

    September 5, 2015 at 5:27 am #29863
    Avatar photoAgamemnon
    Participant

    I have Wichmann going to the practice squad, cause I think that is a pretty safe bet. But, I would be fine with cutting Barnes, having Jones and Rhaney at center, and Wichmann as my 10th OL. I would then see if Wichmann could play center, cause right now he is a one position player and I am not keen on having one position players on the OL, unless they are starters. Barnes falls into that category too. imo

    Agamemnon

    September 5, 2015 at 1:18 pm #29868
    Avatar photoAgamemnon
    Participant

    Agamemnon

    September 5, 2015 at 2:58 pm #29877
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    from off the net

    ===

    The Professor

    Rotoworld says Brown, Garner, Laskey, Hagen cut (nm)

    September 5, 2015 at 3:10 pm #29879
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Nick Wagoner ‏@nwagoner
    Could #Rams find a taker for QB Austin Davis? Teams like ATL and PHI have just two QBs. Think they might try to recoup 7 traded for Keenum.

    Adam Caplan ‏@caplannfl
    #49ers announced: Released S Craig Dahl, G Joe Looney, LB Phillip Wheeler, DT Darnell Dockett.

    Rob Demovsky ‏@RobDemovsky
    From @ESPNStatsInfo: #Packers attempted the most 2-point conversions (6) this preseason. Browns, Seahawks Rams only teams not to go for 2.

    September 5, 2015 at 3:13 pm #29880
    PA Ram
    Participant

    Jim Thomas ‏@jthom1
    Rams release WR Emory Blake. Have been told that WR Bradley Marquez has made 53-man roster. Nothing’s official till 3 p.m., so we’ll see.

    If they kept Marquez I can only assume they’re keeping 6 receivers.

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

    September 5, 2015 at 3:17 pm #29881
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator
    PA Ram wrote:

    Jim Thomas ‏@jthom1
    Rams release WR Emory Blake. Have been told that WR Bradley Marquez has made 53-man roster. Nothing’s official till 3 p.m., so we’ll see.

    If they kept Marquez I can only assume they’re keeping 6 receivers.

    Jim Thomas ‏@jthom1
    Former Rams RB Daryl Richardson released by NY Jets.

    Jim Thomas ‏@jthom1
    More roster cuts for Rams, per league sources: S Jacob Hagen, CB Montell Garner, RBs Malcolm Brown and Zach Laskey.

    Jim Thomas ‏@jthom1
    Eagles have only 2 QBs w/release of Tim Tebow. Would they trade for Rams Austin Davis, who threw for 375 yards, 3 TDs against them in ’14?

    September 5, 2015 at 3:22 pm #29883
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    from off the net

    ===

    Centurion

    If correct about Reed and Garner, the Rams would be down to just 5 CBs and that would include the always-injured Brandon McGee.

    If McGee is cut or IR’d, could see them going into the season with four CBs and six Ss. That would be unusual but it could happen.

    ===================

    DP57

    They’re going with 6 WRs instead of an extra running back for week 1 with Mason out? Interesting…

    With Malcolm Brown cut that tells me that Pead and Reynolds probably made the team… for week 1 at least.

    .

    September 5, 2015 at 3:55 pm #29885
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Rams get backfield in order with roster cuts

    Jim Thomas

    http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-report/rams-get-backfield-in-order-with-roster-cuts/article_4e49b7d6-1790-56ac-b740-ff5193c2e1e4.html

    With the release of running backs Malcolm Brown of Texas, and Zach Laskey of Georgia Tech, it looks like the Rams backfield is settled. At least as settled as it can be with Todd Gurley still completing rehab from a knee injury and Tre Mason nursing a hamstring injury.

    Brown and Laskey joined the team as undrafted rookies in the spring, and Brown had some good moments in the preseason, rushing for 69 yards on 17 carries, for a 4.1 average, and catching nine passes for 127 yards, including a 54-yard touchdown catch and run against Tennessee. The nine catches tied for the team lead during exhibition play. Laskey, who the Rams listed as a fullback, did not carry from scrimmage during the preseason and had one catch for nine yards.

    In addition, running back Trey Watts now begins his four-game suspension for violating NFL policy on substance abuse. Watts led the Rams in rushing this preseason, with 98 yards on 24 carries and a touchdown. He also caught eight passes for 58 yards.

    With those moves, which don’t become official until later this afternoon, the Rams are left with Gurley, Mason, Benny Cunningham, Isaiah Pead, and Chase Reynolds.

    Other Rams roster cuts, according to various league sources: TE Alex Bayer; CBs Montell Garner and Trovon Reed; S Jacob Hagen; WR Emory Blake; OG Brandon Washington; and DEs Matt Longacre and Martin Ifedi.

    September 5, 2015 at 4:18 pm #29886
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Jim Thomas ‏@jthom1
    Former Rams WR Austin Pettis among San Diego Chargers cuts.

    Jim Thomas ‏@jthom1
    Rams release TE Alex Bayer. That leaves 4 TEs: Cook, Kendricks, Harkey, Cunningham. But will Cunningham make final 53?

    September 5, 2015 at 5:05 pm #29888
    Avatar photoAgamemnon
    Participant

    Oh no, too bad Barrett, we hardly knew you.

    Agamemnon

    September 5, 2015 at 5:13 pm #29890
    PA Ram
    Participant

    Barrett Jones just didn’t do enough—had injury issues and it’s time to just cut the losses on that investment and move on. Go with Barnes with Rhaney as back-up and Rhaney has the flexibility to play guard. It makes sense.

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

    September 5, 2015 at 5:14 pm #29891
    Avatar photoAgamemnon
    Participant

    lmao scum

    Agamemnon

    September 5, 2015 at 5:16 pm #29893
    Avatar photoAgamemnon
    Participant
    PA Ram wrote:

    Barrett Jones just didn’t do enough—had injury issues and it’s time to just cut the losses on that investment and move on. Go with Barnes with Rhaney as back-up and Rhaney has the flexibility to play guard. It makes sense.

    Well, ok. But I will be really pissed if they keep McGee.

    Agamemnon

    September 5, 2015 at 5:19 pm #29894
    PA Ram
    Participant

    Howard Balzer ‏@HBalzer721 3m3 minutes ago
    Rams hold press conference one hour after cuts go to league and then don’t announce cuts for alleged “competitive reasons.” Really?

    Huh?

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

    September 5, 2015 at 5:21 pm #29895
    PA Ram
    Participant
    Agamemnon wrote:
    PA Ram wrote:

    Barrett Jones just didn’t do enough—had injury issues and it’s time to just cut the losses on that investment and move on. Go with Barnes with Rhaney as back-up and Rhaney has the flexibility to play guard. It makes sense.

    Well, ok. But I will be really pissed if they keep McGee.

    It’s also possible they have their eye on someone who has been cut.

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

    September 5, 2015 at 5:23 pm #29896
    PA Ram
    Participant
    PA Ram wrote:

    Howard Balzer ‏@HBalzer721 3m3 minutes ago
    Rams hold press conference one hour after cuts go to league and then don’t announce cuts for alleged “competitive reasons.” Really?

    Huh?

    I don’t know, PA Ram…maybe they’re trying to hide some players.

    (Sorry for referring to myself in replying to myself but I thought I’d make it a “Fight Club” twist kinda post. I’m guessing no one saw that coming.)

    Still-a brilliant observation.

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

    September 5, 2015 at 5:25 pm #29897
    PA Ram
    Participant

    Another explanation: sort of:

    Nick Wagoner ‏@nwagoner 13m13 minutes ago
    Fisher says waiting to release cuts helps get guys to practice squad. Except for fact that teams can sign players off PS whenever they want.

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

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