Rams tweet etc. … 8/19 – 8/24

From Doug Farrar, The NFL’s 101 best players for the 2025 season: 80-71: https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/1075393/the-nfls-101-best-players-for-the-2025-season-80-71

78. Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams

Over the last two seasons, Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams have completely changed their modus operandi when it comes to the run game. In 2021, the Rams led the NFL with 215 inside zone runs. But by the time 2023 and 2024 rolled around, McVay was calling more rushing attempts with man blocking than any other NFL shot-caller – 205 in 2023, and 189 in 2024. Kyren Williams, selected in the fifth round of the 2022 draft out of Notre Dame, has been a major reason why.

Williams got just 35 rushing attempts in his rookie season for 139 yards in his rookie season, but in 2023, he busted out with 241 attempts for 1,203 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. Last season, he made it abundantly clear that he was here to stay, with 351 carries for 1,481 yards and 14 rushing scores, adding 38 catches on 42 targets for 197 yards and three touchdowns in the passing game.

Williams is perfectly capable of running inside and outside zone when required, but in each of his last two seasons, it’s been more about straight bully-ball. Last season, out of straight Wham or Duo blocking concepts, no other back had more attempts (70) or yards (311), and when you expand that into other non-zone ideas, Williams has been as or more prolific than any other back in the league.

Kyren Williams beating up defenses with straight up man-blocking schemes in 2023. Williams was the NFL's most prolific back last season behind man concepts. pic.twitter.com/t5lziHVTtM

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 23, 2024

Death, taxes, and Kyren Williams blowing up your defense with man blocking in front of him. pic.twitter.com/VAu9cEa4aT

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) August 8, 2025

Williams also gained 716 zone yards (eighth-most in the NFL) on 177 carries (fifth-most in the NFL) with five touchdowns – so again, it’s not as if he’s limited to one thing. Williams just allows the Rams to do more of what they want to do in the run game at the highest possible level.

On August 5, the team made their appreciation of Williams’ efforts official with a three-year, $33 million contract extension including $23 million guaranteed. It ensures that Williams will continue to be the epicenter of one of the league’s most effective ground games.

According to TruMedia, WR Brennan Presley now has five explosive receptions (16+ yards) in the last three games, leading all NFL receivers during the preseason.#Rams | #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/7ARb2EHhbv

— Los Angeles Rams PR (@TheLARamsPR) August 23, 2025

…

From “the archive”:

1.

WR Brennan Presley – The Rams added one of Oklahoma State’s most prolific pass catchers. He is limited by size alone, as he stands 5-foot-9, weighs 175 pounds, and runs a 4.46-second 40-yard dash. He is a versatile offensive weapon and a special-teams standout who put up 315 receptions, 3,315 yards, and 23 touchdowns. He is also a gifted runner, rushing 30 times for 160 yards and six touchdowns. He is another versatile weapon.

2.

from https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Brennan-Presley-WR-OklahomaState

Scouting Report: Strengths

Excellent route runner with a strong understanding of spacing and timing.
Soft hands and reliable catching ability, even in traffic.
Proven ability to gain significant yards after the catch.
Versatile player, contributing effectively on offense and special teams.
Strong leadership qualities – multi-year team captain.
Highly productive with a record-setting performance in the Texas Bowl.
Quick and agile, making him a threat in open space.
Consistently reliable, with multiple catches in 30 consecutive games.

Scouting Report: Weaknesses

Limited size and physical presence at 5’8″ and 175 pounds.
Struggles to create separation purely with speed.
Not highly effective as a run blocker.
Occasional difficulty making plays in tight coverage.
Relies more on effort and technique than burst and speed.

Scouting Report: Summary

Brennan Presley is a dynamic slot receiver who brings versatility and high football IQ to the field. His reliable hands, crisp route-running, and ability to rack up yards after the catch make him a valuable weapon in the passing game. As a proven leader and consistent performer, he offers immediate contributions on special teams and as a reliable third-down target.

However, Presley’s size at 5’8″ and 175 pounds presents concerns about his durability and physicality at the next level. He lacks elite top-end speed and struggles to create separation against more physical defenders. His run blocking and ability to make contested catches in tight coverage are areas needing improvement, which might limit his role in certain offensive schemes.

Presley’s NFL potential lies in his agility, quickness, and situational awareness. He can carve out a niche as a slot receiver and special teams ace, providing value on punt and kickoff returns. Teams seeking a shifty, high-motor player with strong hands and the ability to execute precise routes will find Presley appealing. To succeed, he’ll need to leverage his strengths and overcome his physical limitations, making the most of his football savvy and competitive drive.

from https://www.si.com/nfl/rams/los-angeles-sean-mcvay-terrance-ferguson-browns

Terrance Ferguson won the day with a masterful performance. It’s clear the Rams have never had a pass catching tight end talent that is able to be effective in the way Ferguson was in Cleveland. With the skills of a pure receiver, Ferguson’s feet and frame cause massive matchup problems.

He’s taller than most defensive backs and faster than most linebackers.

zn wrote:

Stu Jackson@StuJRams
Rams GM Les Snead on the broadcast praised rookie TE Terrance Ferguson’s ball-tracking and body control, said he fits what the Rams want to do offensively.

Stu Jackson@StuJRams
Les Snead also said the Rams have discussed using more 12 personnel, and said they can do a better job of giving veteran TE Tyler Higbee breaks with Ferguson in the fold now

Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
Every year I watch these guys in OTAs and training camp and wonder, “is this the year??”

It could really be the year!*

*subject to change

zn wrote:

Stu Jackson@StuJRams
Rams GM Les Snead on the broadcast praised rookie TE Terrance Ferguson’s ball-tracking and body control, said he fits what the Rams want to do offensively.

from https://www.si.com/nfl/rams/los-angeles-sean-mcvay-terrance-ferguson-presley

Terrance Ferguson

Terrance Ferguson was a force to be dealt with. In Ferguson’s first preseason game, an event that happened due to Ferguson’s lack of prior participation due to injury, he displayed the skills that made the Rams fall in love with him. He was dynamic, he was tough, and he was reliable. The Rams’ best player on the field by a mile, he’s one for the future.

This is a good example of the NFL's depth issue with offensive linemen—even the team that's the best at drafting and developing it is reaching for help at the very last minute. No one seems to have enough. https://t.co/IknKKC5F95

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) August 24, 2025

ramman2999

We got the best tight end in the draft. Fastest at the combine. We traded back got a 1st round pick from the falcons in next years draft. And still got the player we coveted.

He’s a savage. I looked at Fergusons tape in this draft I looked at Fergusons tape in this game. He looks so fast. That deep ball what a route run. I was like that’s a tight end??? We’ve never had a dimension like that. He looks like Cooper Kupp and he’s a big 6-4”