from Rams Q&A w/ Vincent Bonsignore
===
Can all these EGOS and combustible personalities on this potentially dominant D TRULY coexist, in your estimation? Or will this all end up closer to that Philadelphia Eagles “Dream Team” several seasons ago. Think they went like 8-8…
Vincent Bonsignore
I don’t sense any issues with egos. Defense already looks like a close-knit unit.
The defensive staff, led by Wade Phillips of course, is perfectly suited to deal with the various personalities.
—
When the Rams go to a Nickel for Robey-Coleman, who comes out? ILB or OLB?
Vincent Bonsignore
They’ve been doing both in practice. Sometimes an ILB is taken out, sometimes an OLB. Lot’s of versatility in how Wade attacks offenses.
Joyner is a luxury in that, as a former CB, his coverage skills are excellent. So he does become a de facto slot CB at times.
—
Vincent Bonsignore
I’m really impressed with Noteboom. I think he’s a future NFL starter.
RB is interesting. Obviously a lot of faith in Malcolm Brown but both Kelly and Davis offer the Rams interesting skill sets. Hard to imagine John not making the team. Question is, how many RB’s do you keep? I projected Kelly and Davis and Gurley
Mannion? Rams had a lot on their to-do list, so backup QB was further down the line. And money always comes into play. I don’t know the reasons for Mannion’s struggles. I’ve never been that bullish on his potential.
I expect Donald to be back by the end of the preseason. Whether it’s under a new deal….not sure yet. Obviously there is ground to be made up. They are talking, and both sides are motivated. That’s always a good sign
McVay did a good job adjusting during games and being self aware throughout the season. The level of self scouting/evaluating is high with him and I know he spent the offseason taking a deep dive into everything he did. Fair to say he’s cooking up ways to stay ahead of the pose.
Cooks’ deep understanding off the position and the offense allows the Rams to use him in almost unlimited ways. He’s lined up outside, in the slot. Run routes from the entire route tree. Taken the ball on handoffs, screens. So while there will be some similarities to Watkins usage, there will also be a lot of differences and variety
The Rams are setting themselves up for an extended run. Their core players are all 26 or under. Cap situation moving forward is healthy
TE? The injury to Everett certainly hasn’t helped. Higbee and Hemingway have not really stood out much. Hemingway has battled drops throughout camp and put one on the ground against the Ravens.
I think the strength of the Rams offense will be in the collective. Everyone will get their touches.
O-line depth will remain a question until youngsters show they can play. I’m concerned about back-up QB. I like Everett but need to see him healthy. When Donald gets back, d-line depth will be strong. DB depth is great. LB – both inside and outside, is uncertain beyond Barron. There’s potential, but it’s unproven. I think the Rams are potentially better situated at ILB in run support and playing behind a dominant d-line. I still need to see Ebukam and whoever lines up opposite him, though
Kiser is doing OK. He’s obviously making the transition to the NFL and that’s always a process. Don’t sleep on Tegray Scales, too. No new updates on Obo, but obviously that was a tough blow for him. He’s missing valuable time right now. Rams hope to get a look at him before end of preseason but a lot of if’s and hurdles to overcome before that
The starting unit {OL} is very good. I’m really impressed with Noteboom. Not sure why he lasted as long as he did in the draft. All the young kids – Allen and Demby, have shown promise
When Rams talk about future, Saffold is always a name that gets mentioned.
.
Agamemnon
