tweets … 5/8-5/11

Stu Jackson@StuJRams
Sean McVay talks Rams 2020 schedule:

“The first thing that stands out is just the opportunity to open up on primetime in front of the world in the new stadium.”

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NFL Research@NFLResearch
Tom Brady and Philip Rivers are expected to be the 5th and 6th QBs to start for new teams after having previously won 100+ starts for a different franchise.

They will join Peyton Manning and Hall of Famers Brett Favre, Joe Montana and Johnny Unitas.

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JJ Cooper@jjcoop36
In talking to scouts in preparation for a five round draft I heard some concerns. Notably unless they come from money a player signing for $20K or less will likely need to work full-time in offseason. Won’t be able to train in offseason same as a player receiving even $100k.

Looks like the "Booger Mobile" is being left in 2019… pic.twitter.com/xoDnCfwYYE

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) May 9, 2020

Since 1990, at least 4 teams every season have qualified for the playoffs after failing to make the prior postseason.

The #49ers, #Packers, #Vikings, #Bills and #Titans all made the playoffs in 2019 after failing to make the postseason in 2018.

20 teams could do so in 2020: pic.twitter.com/ZUekIyjPhv

— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) May 9, 2020

Highest single-season pass-rush grades for DTs since 2006

1. Aaron Donald, 2018
2. Aaron Donald, 2017
3. Aaron Donald, 2016
4. Aaron Donald, 2015
5. Aaron Donald, 2019 pic.twitter.com/ORYduryP2x

— PFF (@PFF) May 11, 2020

Cameron DaSilva@camdasilva
ESPN polled its analysts for takes on the 2020 draft class and both Cam Akers and Van Jefferson received some high praise

Jeremy Fowler, national NFL writer: Cam Akers will push for 1,000 rushing yards. Many scouts love Akers and believe playing behind a bad Florida State line hurt his stock. Now, the second-round pick enters an ideal situation with the Los Angeles Rams, who rely heavily on the running game. Los Angeles’ backfield needs a burst of explosion for the post-Todd-Gurley era.

Jefferson was the other Rams draft pick who received high praise, with three analysts saying he’s a rookie drafted outside the first round who will have some fantasy value in 2020.

Bowen: Van Jefferson, WR, Los Angeles Rams. With Brandin Cooks no longer in the mix, Jefferson has a shot to lock down that No. 3 role in an offense that leans on three-receiver personnel. With top-tier route-running traits and strong hands at the catch point, Jefferson can develop into a consistent target for quarterback Jared Goff off play-action throws and isolation routes.

Reid: Jefferson. McVay loves Jefferson’s route running. Don’t be surprised if Jefferson gets a whole bunch of targets this season.

Rumor: Rams annoyed that Patriots catch a schedule break in Los Angeles by getting back to back SoFi games in LA while Rams must travel back from playing Cardinals only four days before TNF https://t.co/FkvSmEmCIj

— TurfShowTimes (@TurfShowTimes) May 11, 2020

LMU93

offensive production that needs to rebound

Receiving production from Rams RBs

2017: 842 yards, 6 TDs

2018: 649 yards, 5 TDs

2019: 260 yards, 2 TDs

I’m far less worried about replacing Cooks deep threat option and much more about the 70% decline in production from RBs catching the ball out of the backfield. The Rams don’t need Henderson and Akers to be 2017 Todd Gurley catching the ball but they do have to be a legit option.