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http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/nfl-draft-offensive-linemen/article_99de42bd-83b4-53eb-8908-f268b5135d7b.html
NFL Draft: Offensive linemen
6 hours ago • By Jim ThomasCREAM OF THE CROP
Player, position, school, height, weight
BRANDON SCHERFF, G/T, Iowa, 6-5, 319
• Strong, tough; many think he’s this year’s version of Zack Martin.
ANDRUS PEAT, T, Stanford, 6-7, 313
• Not a finished product, but has the frame, athleticism to dominate.
LA’EL COLLINS, G/T, LSU, 6-4, 305
•Won n Jacobs Blocking Trophy as top O-lineman in SEC in 2014.
D.J. HUMPHRIES, T, Florida, 6-5, 307
• Played in 280-295 range; must work to add weight and strength.
ERECK FLOWERS, T, Miami (Fla.), 6-6, 329
• Powerful, tough wide-body probably is best suited as RT in NFL.
DON’T OVERLOOK
A.J. Cann, G, South Carolina; T.J. Clemmings, T, Pittsburgh; Cameron Erving, C, Florida State; Jake Fisher, T, Oregon; Ali Marpet, G/T, Hobart.
LOCAL LINE
Mitch Morse of Missouri could play guard or center in the NFL and is projected as a mid-round pick.
FUN FACT
After a stellar career for the Hobart College Statesmen of Geneva, N.Y., Marpet was the only Division III player invited to the Senior Bowl.
QUOTABLE
“I had MRI Monday. Knee scope on Tuesday. I practiced Wednesday and Thursday, and then played (against Iowa State) on Saturday.”
—IOWA’S BRANDON SCHERFF, on his one-week return from knee surgery last September.
RAMS NEEDS
Only four players on the current roster have started an NFL regular-season game, and the search continues for a starting center, right guard, and right tackle. The Rams may have to lean heavily on the draft to fill out this unit, although veterans such as right tackle Joe Barksdale and guard Justin Blalock remain available in free agency. With 12 of their 22 known pre-draft visits being offensive linemen, the Rams are checking out all options.
RATING THE FIELD
There is less star quality in this year’s class unlike recent years. Even so, as many as seven offensive linemen could go in Round 1. The two top guard prospects, Scherff and Collins, played tackle in college. Peat, and possibly Humphries, may be the only top line prospects who definitely project as left tackles in the pros. Starting caliber guards should be available in Round 3 and maybe Round 4.
AgamemnonYou know my theory right. He played fine until in 2014 when the entire OL fell apart in one day (Chiefs game). He was the only healthy competent vet on a line with Robinson, an injured Saffold, an injured Wells, and Joseph. Under those conditions he was much more exposed and went all Miller v. Kearse on us. But I think he is a good solid piece on a line that is at least relatively healthy.
That is my theory too, but it doesn’t seem adequate to explain the magnitude of the change in performance. imo
Agamemnon
Kevin Weidl joined Kevin Wheeler to talk about the NFL Draft, all the talk leading up to the event, the team’s planning, Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, how he evaluates the two, the Rams option at 10, the best depth position in the draft, and best secondary QB. AgamemnonIt is like Barksdale was on his way to being a good tackle, then, puff! He is only filler?
AgamemnonThe Rams are seemingly incapable of developing offensive lineman.
?
Where does that come from?
http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2013/10/17/4816122/st-louis-rams-joe-barksdale-jaguars-texans-jj-watt
I forgot the link. I put it in. AgamemnonTennessee Titans: Will they sign Joe Barksdale later?
by Joe Soriano 1w ago
The Tennessee Titans took an elite offensive tackle prospect in last year’s draft, as they believed Taylor Lewan‘s ability on the field outweighs the concerns against him off of it. Based on a quality rookie season that was clearly better than the other two touted rookie prospects, it looks like they definitely made the right choice, and Lewan was clearly a dominant player in all phases of the game as a college prospect. Some people have criticized Lewan’s rookie year, but I’m confident he has a place in this league.
Lewan is safely locked in as the Titans starting left tackle, and he should earn the “franchise left tackle” label sooner rather than later. However, the Titans have a rather large hole at right tackle, and it’s clear that neither Jamon Meredith nor Byron Stingily are good enough to fill that void. The Titans have to add a starting RT, regardless of whether they draft Marcus Mariota or choose to stick with Zach Mettenberger.
More From Tennessee Titans
In fact, the need to have a strong offensive line is more pronounced if Mettenberger is at the helm, since he’s far less mobile, needs time to take the deep shots he’s known for, and doesn’t have as good pocket awareness as the former Ducks superstar.There aren’t many options out there on the open market, but one quality choice is former St. Louis Rams right tackle Joe Barksdale, who still has some interest from the OL-needy club. It’s weird to see how little interest there is in a player who broke out in 2013 and wasn’t half bad in 2014 either, but maybe NFL teams see something us outsiders don’t.
In any case, Barksdale is the best man available, and that’s why it wasn’t surprising to see the Titans bring him in for a visit this week. This trip, however, didn’t amount to anything, as the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Jim Thomas reports that he left Tennessee without an offer with the Rams maintaining their slight level of interest in bringing him back for the 2015 season.
At this stage, Barksdale is looking at a one-year deal despite the fact that he’s 27 and plays an in-demand position, and it’s because teams evidently don’t trust him after his emergence in 2013 in which he was a no-name-to-starter story as Rodger Saffold‘s injury replacement.
Barksdale struggled last season in pass protection, allowing seven sacks and more pressures than any other player on the Rams, according to Pro Football Focus. Some quietly positive run blocking on an offensive line that didn’t generate much push in the ground game didn’t save him, as it’s hard to ignore the fact that just three offensive tackles (Ja’Wuan James, Matt Kalil, and fellow free agent Byron Bell…not exactly good company) allowed more pressure than him last season.
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In a “what have you done for me lately” league, Barksdale did a whole lot of nothing in his most recent season, and that completely undid all of the work he did in 2013, which might be seen as a fluky season by some. Of course, it’s important to note that his teammates on the Rams offensive line didn’t exactly fare out so well either, and a bad offensive line has a way of making the bright spots look worse than they really are.
The Tennessee Titans have two very good building blocks up front in Lewan and guard Chance Warmack, and both were among the top prospects in the 2013 and 2014 draft classes. There’s always hope left guard Andy Levitre finds his Buffalo Bills form, because he’s been a question mark ever since signing a big contract with the Titans that initially looked like a good bit of business by the front office (I never saw this slump from Levitre coming).
That said, the Titans line is a below-average unit as a whole, and they desperately need some sort of an upgrade at right tackle. Even though Barksdale was torched last season, he’d still be a huge improvement over Stingily or Meredith, especially when it comes to their impact in the running game (Bishop Sankey could use some help in his second season).
After drafting a top tackle in last year’s draft, the Titans could look to take another OT this year after the No. 2 overall pick, but it’s so hard to feel safe with any tackle, much less one drafted after the first round.
I mean, elite prospects like Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher, and Jake Matthews have failed to meet expectations to this very early point in their careers, which means that if the Titans are looking to find an immediately solid tackle, then they most likely won’t find that player in the draft.
If the Titans decide to sign Barksdale as a cheap, experienced option on a one-year contract, then it would almost certainly be after the draft. Teams rarely sign future starters this close to the draft, and the Titans would probably like to see what happens in the draft before making a decision on adding a veteran capable of starting.
I don’t anticipate the Titans nabbing a better tackle in the draft, so don’t be surprised if Barksdale circles back to Tennessee, since I’m also not sure he ends up back in St. Louis.
Next: How good was Delanie Walker last year? AgamemnonExamining Barksdale’s future at right tackle
1/7/2014http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/4912/examining-barksdales-future-at-right-tackle
ST. LOUIS — Of the many questions awaiting the St. Louis Rams along their offensive line heading into the offseason, one player they know will be back in the mix is offensive tackle Joe Barksdale. What remains to be seen is how the team views his role long term.
Barksdale was an important cog to the offensive line in 2013, initially stepping in for injured starter Rodger Saffold at right tackle in Week 2 against Atlanta. From there, he made the most of his opportunity, playing well enough in Saffold’s absence to mostly keep the job even after Saffold returned to the mix.
Claimed on waivers from Oakland in 2012 on the recommendation of special teams coach John Fassel, who had worked with Barksdale with the Raiders, Barksdale has been yet another in an increasingly large group of line coach Paul Boudreau specials.
With Saffold set to become an unrestricted free agent and Barksdale playing well and under contract, it made plenty of sense for the Rams to take a long look at Barksdale to determine his long-term viability. Barksdale started 13 games, and though he split time with Saffold in a few before Saffold moved to guard, he was clearly the team’s primary right tackle in playing 794 offensive snaps on the season.
Was that enough to ensure Barksdale a starting job moving into 2014?
“I don’t know,” Barksdale said. “That’s all speculation. All I know is I’ll come back with the same work ethic I’ve had the last three years, done the best I can every day and try to become the best player I can to help the team out.”
The 6-foot-5, 326-pound Barksdale seemed to fit the mold of what the Rams are looking for at tackle. Although he’s not the most athletic or strongest tackle you’ll find, Barksdale competed well and was mostly a net positive in 2013. For what it’s worth, Pro Football Focus gave Barksdale an overall grade of 12.2 for the season, with an 11.9 in pass protection. Barksdale earned a negative grade just three times.
Considering that Saffold and guard Shelley Smith are headed for unrestricted free agency, left tackle Jake Long has a long road back from a torn ACL and MCL, and center Scott Wells and guard Harvey Dahl are potential cap casualties, the presence of Barksdale is made even more important.
It’s entirely possible the Rams could be facing up to 80 percent turnover on the line for opening day 2014. Teams often talk about the importance of continuity, especially on the offensive line which also plays in Barksdale’s favor.
On the other side of the coin, the Rams are armed with a pair of first-round draft picks at Nos. 2 and 13 and would be well served to draft a top tackle. Whether it’s Texas A&M’s Jake Matthews, Auburn’s Greg Robinson or some other top tackle, a player capable of stepping in and playing right away and eventually being Long’s replacement at left tackle would make sense with an early pick.
Of the many possibilities and permutations the Rams’ offensive line could take on in 2014, at least they know that Barksdale fits into the picture whether he’s a starter or not.
Agamemnonhttp://a3athletics.com/news/is-joe-barksdale-pro-bowl-ready/
Is Joe Barksdale Pro Bowl Ready?!
Nov 7 2014By: Casey Black, a3 Athletics
In recent years, the NFL Pro Bowl has undergone numerous changes, but one tradition remains- the title of “Pro Bowler” is reserved for only the most elite players.
We’re at the halfway point of the 2014 season, and it’s around this time that fans and organizations begin to discuss the best in the league. Joe Barksdale of the St. Louis Rams is easily one of the best offensive tackles in football.
Throughout his first three years in the NFL, Barksdale flew under the radar. According to Pro Football Focus, Barksdale graded out as a top eight tackle last season, but many still did not know his name. The Oakland Raiders picked Barksdale in the 2011 NFL Draft, and when the opportunity arose, the St. Louis Rams jumped to have the LSU standout on their constantly improving squad. Now, Barksdale is regarded as the top right tackle in the NFL.
“The seemingly impenetrable right tackle has been the only consistent presence on the offensive line this year, leading to his 2nd overall grade among offensive tackles in the NFL this season (tops among right tackles),” said Nathan Kearns of Fansided.com. “In 291 snaps, Barksdale has only allowed three hits and five hurried throws, despite Austin Davis attempting 98 throws in the last two games. Rams need to seal up Barksdale’s contract quick, fast, and in a hurry.” (via Fansided)
As Kearns referenced, this is a contract year for Barksdale, and he sure is playing like it. Barksdale has the highest run block rating of all right tackles in the NFL and allowed zero sacks in the first seven weeks of the 2014-2015 season (according to PFF). Entering the tenth week, Barksdale has just one allowed sack and four QB hits, the lowest amount of any right tackle tackle. Just four seasons into his NFL career, the elite right tackle is the most consistent and reliable member of the St. Louis offensive line. All things considered, Barksdale is easily the best offensive player for the St. Louis Rams right now, and he’s looking at a lucrative contract extension at the end of the season.
If Barksdale continues to play hard and rank high among right tackles, he’s looking at a serious shot at the 2015 Pro Bowl in January and a lucrative contract.
So, Joe, What happened?
AgamemnonJoe Barksdale, Right Tackle. Starter?
http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2013/10/17/4816122/st-louis-rams-joe-barksdale-jaguars-texans-jj-watt
By Eric Nagel@Eric_nagel on Oct 17, 2013, 10:00a 58
The Rams haven’t had much luck when it comes to developing offensive lineman. It’s becoming evident, however, that they may have finally succeeded.
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PinTrouble with the offensive line has been a common problem for the Rams. For the past few years, they’ve brought in player after player trying to open up holes and keep the quarterback upright. With the exception of Rodger Saffold-whose career appears to be a perennial rehab project- not one of Rams starters was drafted by the team.
It’s become a honored tradition to speculate on which big name the Rams will bring in during the offseason. This outsourcing of the offensive line isn’t anything new – Harvey Dahl is a remnant of Billy Devaney’s tenure, after all. For Jeff Fisher’s Rams, Scott Wells joined two years ago and Jake Long not far behind him. One fact that is swept under the rug by this constant splurge? The Rams are seemingly incapable of developing offensive lineman.
This is changing with the emergence of Joe Barksdale.
John Breitenbach from Pro Football Focus highlighted Barksdale in his recap of the Jaguars game , saying, “With Rodger Saffold sidelined with injury, Barksdale has seized his opportunity and graded positively in every game. There’s been a steady improvement in his grades since Week 1 and his performance against the Jaguars was probably his best to date.”
It’s one thing to talk about his play, another to watch it. Here’s one play Breitenbach highlights specifically:
Barksdale’s job is to get out to the second level and keep that hole open for Zac Stacy (also, you’ll notice Jared Cook ‘blocking’ – at this point I’d rather have Alex Barron):
It works, and Stacy blasts through for six yards, nearly double the Rams season average.
It’s more or less of the same throughout the match-up. Barksdale game isn’t flawless; he has issues with speed and finesse moves. He needs to improve his footwork so he can keep up with those speedsters, but he’s become much more comfortable than he was a month ago.
Against J.J. Watt and the Texans, his improvement is even more telling. Watt is the best defensive player in the league, and Barksdale held him to only a 55% success rate in influencing the play- when single teamed, no less. The Rams also did an excellent job of scheming out Watt, using Harvey Dahl and Barksdale to effectively neutralize him – according to PFF Metrics, he posted his first negative graded game ever – quite a feat by the right side of the offensive line.
Agamemnonhttp://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/02/17/the-free-agent-hot-100-4/
The following are PFT’s top 100 free agents for the 2015 league year.
82. Rams offensive tackle Joe Barksdale.
114. Panthers offensive tackle Byron Bell. (Reached deal with Tennessee.)
Agamemnon
This guy was on espn101 today. This is a podcast from last year.
This is from this year with emphasis on the Senior Bowl. Agamemnonhttp://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/article_43ca5f6d-4398-5eb8-af17-f864f99b23e7.html
Gurley, Gordon are top running backs in draft
11 hours ago • By Jim ThomasThere hasn’t been a running back drafted in the first round since 2012. And Trent Richardson, No. 3 overall that year to Cleveland, hasn’t done much to change the trend.
Former Rams star Steven Jackson has even started a “Save the Running Back” movement. But just when you thought running back was a devalued position in the pass-happy NFL, along comes the Class of 2015.
“You’ve got two blue-chip guys — maybe three — and a lot of other good players at running back,” said Rick Venturi, radio analyst and former Rams assistant coach.
“It’s a special class,” adds Russ Lande, former Rams scout and current draft analyst for several media outlets. “There’s so many interesting guys.
“People may want to say the running back is a dying breed. But let’s remember, for the teams like Seattle, and San Francisco when they were winning, it wasn’t because Russell Wilson was throwing 40 balls a game.”
Or in the case of San Francisco, Colin Kaepernick.
“They were winning because they play great defense and they ran the ball,” Lande said.
Lande thinks teams without elite quarterbacks are best served by running the ball more often, and that that could be a trend of sorts in the NFL going forward. Starting with headliners Todd Gurley of Georgia and Melvin Gordon of Wisconsin, there are several backs in this year’s draft who could inject life into a pro running game.
Both of those players are expected to go in the first round on April 30, and although they may not have the impact of 2007 first-rounders Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch, Gurley and Gordon could prove to be a potent 1-2 punch in the Class of ’15.
“Obviously, everybody knows about Gurley,” Lande said. “He’s a really phenomenal football player. He has good vision. He can make jump cuts, which is rare for a big guy. He’s a powerful kid; he can run through contact. He catches the ball well out of the backfield.”
Lande said he has surveyed several NFL scouts on Gurley. All but one thinks Gurley will be a hit at the next level. The lone dissenter, Lande said, also thought Richardson would be a flop. We’ll sweep that under the rug for now, and move on.
At the moment, there’s some uncertainty over whether Gurley or Gordon will go first among running backs, but only because Gurley is rehabbing from a November knee injury and subsequent surgery.
“I feel like this class is definitely deep for the running back position, and we have a lot of talented guys,” Gurley said. “I want to be a No. 1 pick.”
To clarify, Gurley wasn’t talking about being the first running back picked — he meant No. 1 selection overall.
“That might sound ridiculous, but that’s the confidence I have in myself,” said Gurley, who’s a shade under 6-1 and weighs 222.
As talented as he is, even a healthy Gurley wouldn’t go No. 1 overall. As it is, he’s in the midst of a six-to nine-month recovery and rehab process on his knee. Six months, which seems optimistic, would have him ready to go in June. Nine months takes him all the way to September and the start of the regular season.
So it’s uncertain how much Gurley can contribute in 2015, particularly early in the season. And it’s possible he may have to take an NFL version of a redshirt season if the knee doesn’t respond as quickly as hoped.
“I’m not really giving no timetable,” Gurley said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “I’m just trying to get back safe, but as quick as possible.”
Once he’s healthy, he will be an intriguing blend of speed and power.
As for Wisconsin’s Gordon, he piled up 2,587 yards last season, 41 yards shy of Barry Sanders’ major-college record 2,628 set in 1988 at Oklahoma State.
“To even be mentioned in the same sentence as Barry Sanders is an honor,” Gordon said. “That’s a great person to be second to.”
It’s debatable if Gordon can run consistently between the tackles in the NFL, even though he has enough size at 215 pounds. He did most of his damage in college bouncing plays outside.
“When he gets the ball and has space, he can change games,” Lande said. “His ability to make guys miss, follow his blockers, and cut off the blocks explosively is rare.”
Gordon needs to improve his pass-catching skills to be a true three-down back in the NFL, but when you carry the ball 343 times as he did last season, there’s not much room for receptions.
The best of the rest at running back may be Indiana’s Tevin Coleman, who’s a bit overlooked in this year’s class — hard to imagine given he rushed for 2,036 yards last season for the Hoosiers.
“I think he’s done more with less than any of ’em,” Venturi said.
That’s because Indiana won only four of 12 games in 2014, although one of them came against SEC East champion Missouri.
“Tevin Coleman gets from zero to 100 in a heartbeat and looks like a Greek god, he’s so well-built,” Lande said. “But I don’t think he’s a naturally instinctive runner. He runs up his blockers’ backs way too often for me, but he’s gonna go high.”
Similarly, Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah, Boise State’s Jay Ajayi, and even Northern Iowa’s David Johnson could go in rounds two or three. The running back may not be an endangered species after all.
Agamemnonhttp://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/pete-prisco/25157000/mock-draft-90-browns-needs-speed-at-wr-get-it-in-miami-burner-phillip-dorsett
Pete Prisco
Senior NFL Columnist
Mock Draft 9.0: Browns needs speed at WR, get it in Miami’s Phillip Dorsett
April 21, 2015 8:39 am ETWith a little more than a week before the NFL Draft, mocks are starting to matter and we’re coming to the end of the over-done draft process.
So it’s time to get serious in Mock No. 9 for me. With two to go — depending on whether things change as we close in on the actual draft — one thing I’ve been hearing is Miami receiver Phillip Dorsett will be a first-round pick. I moved him into the Cleveland Browns’ No. 19 pick.
Another change: LSU offensive tackle La’el Collins is now the first offensive lineman drafted, going to the Giants at No. 9 overall. Teammate and cornerback Jalen Collins goes to the Packers at No. 30.
New to this first round is rangy Arizona State safety Damarious Randall, who I have the Colts taking at No. 29. He’s one of two Sun Devils in this opening round (WR Jaelen Strong goes to the Chargers at No. 17).
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Florida State QB Jameis Winston: With under two weeks to go, don’t believe the talk. Winston is still the guy.
2. Tennessee Titans — USC DE Leonard Williams: Will somebody move up to get Marcus Mariota? I don’t think so. So the Titans stay put and take Williams, the best player on the board.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars — Florida OLB Dante Fowler Jr.: With Williams gone, I think they go edge rusher. Is it Vic Beasley or Fowler? For now, I think it’s Fowler.
4. Oakland Raiders — West Virginia WR Kevin White: I’ve had him in this spot for a while. They need speed outside and he can fly. Derek Carr will love him.
5. Washington Redskins — Clemson OLB Vic Beasley: Washington needs edge-rush help and he has that type of ability. I am concerned about him as a run player. But he can come off the corner.
6. New York Jets — Oregon QB Marcus Mariota: I think the Jets get some big-time offers if this scenario plays out. For now, I will have them keep the pick and take Mariota. Remember, this is a new regime calling the shots.
7. Chicago Bears — Alabama WR Amari Cooper: They need a weapon to go with Alshon Jeffrey, and Cooper is the most polished receiver in this class. Jay Cutler will love this kid.
8. Atlanta Falcons — Kentucky OLB/DE Bud Dupree: Edge-rush help is a must as new coach Dan Quinn hopes to rebuild this defense. Dupree would give them a lot of scheme versatility.
9. New York Giants — LSU T La’el Collins: He might be the most complete tackle in this draft. He’s a power player who can also play guard. The Giants would love him.
Video=> http://cbsprt.co/1aLXs1w
10. St. Louis Rams — Louisville WR DeVante Parker: This is a receiver who the scouts like a lot more than draftniks. He is a polished player who has speed. The Rams need that.
11. Minnesota Vikings — Michigan State CB Trae Waynes: Waynes looks to be the best corner in the class, and the Vikings could use another good, young corner. He would team with Xavier Rhodes to give them a nice duo for years.12. Cleveland Browns — Washington DT Danny Shelton: Cleveland needs a power player in the middle of the defense. Shelton is that and he might be able to push the pocket.
13. New Orleans Saints — Nebraska OLB Randy Gregory: He got in trouble last week saying the city was boring on Twitter, but I’m putting him here anyway. The Saints need an edge rusher.
14. Miami Dolphins — Iowa OL Brandon Scherff: I will continue to give them a guard who can help solidify the offensive line. Scherff also could play tackle.
15. San Francisco 49ers — Oregon DE Arik Armstead: This makes a lot of sense because of all the issues they have on defense. He could help take Justin Smith’s spot if he retires.
. 16. Houston Texans — Missouri OLB Shane Ray: Houston needs help off the edge. If Ray could develop into a top-tier rusher, the Texans would be scary up front with J.J. Watt alongside.
17. San Diego Chargers — Arizona State WR Jaelen Strong: San Diego needs to beef up their outside threats. Strong is a big, strong receiver who is faster than expected.
Arizona State’s Jaelen Strong is one of two Sun Devils in this first round. (Getty Images) Arizona State’s Jaelen Strong is one of two Sun Devils in this first round. (Getty Images)
18. Kansas City Chiefs — Pittsburth OL T.J. Clemmings: He has the ability to be a special player on the next level. His athletic ability is outstanding.
19. Cleveland Browns — Miami (FL) WR Phillip Dorsett: Has blazing speed and the Browns have a real need at his position. Dorsett is far more than just a speed guy. He is a polished receiver.
20. Philadelphia Eagles — Wake Forest CB Kevin Johnson: Philly has to improve its secondary and Johnson is a player who can cover. He isn’t big, but could excel in man coverage.
21. Cincinnati Bengals — Texas DT Malcom Brown: He is a power player who can play inside and has also played outside. The Bengals have talent up front, but they could use more.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers — Washington CB Marcus Peters: Corner, corner, corner. They have to get somebody who can step in and start right away. Peters can do that, although he has some off-field concerns.
23. Detroit Lions — Georgia RB Todd Gurley: Detroit needs a feature back and this kid might be too good to pass up. Word is the Lions are strongly considering a runner.
24. Arizona Cardinals — Miami (FL) T Ereck Flowers: They are continually trying to get better up front and right tackle Bobby Massie is in the final year of his deal. Flowers also could play guard.
25. Carolina Panthers — Stanford T Andrus Peat: This line needs help in the worst way. Getting a tackle like Peat would make Cam Newton happy.
26. Baltimore Ravens — Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon: Justin Forsett might not be the long-term answer, so why not get a back who could be. Gordon reminds me of Jamaal Charles.
27. Dallas Cowboys — Oklahoma DT Jordan Phillips: A power player who fits a need. They have to get stronger in the middle.
28. Denver Broncos — Florida T D.J. Humphries: Played on the left side at Florida, but could move to the right side for the Broncos. He’s athletic enough to fit their system.
29. Indianapolis Colts — Arizona State S Damarious Randall: Indy needs help on the back end and this is a rangy safety who could also play corner in a pinch.
30. Green Bay Packers — LSU CB Jalen Collins: They lost two corners in free agency, so why not add one here? Collins is a long corner who can play man coverage.
31. New Orleans Saints (From Seattle Seahawks) — USC WR Nelson Agholor: He would form a nice young duo with Brandin Cooks. He is a player who is polished and has produced at a big-time program.
32. New England Patriots — Connecticut CB Byron Jones: An athletic freak who’s also a good cover corner. The Pats lost two top-level corners, so getting a young one is a must.
AgamemnonWho is Foles? New OC? Offensive Line, will it be better than average? 9 games vs. playoff teams. Too many question marks. That equals 6 to 9 wins. imo
Maybe the draft goes really well?
AgamemnonI don’t understand what you are saying here.
In the video he says the Rams might take Flowers. I don’t think Flowers is very good. I think Smith is better.
AgamemnonIt’s weird when an offensive lineman’s play degrades (without playing through an injury). I hope they sign him. It’s not like the Rams are overflowing with offensive lineman depth.
I think he was playing against some of the better defenses and pass rushers, during this Long got hurt and they moved Saffold to LG, and they probably helped Robinson more. But, it seems to me Barksdale maybe didn’t try as hard as he had and maybe he wasn’t as competitive as he might have been. But who knows, none of this proves anything. We do know the Rams and Barksdale haven’t been able to come to terms on a contract. I liked Barksdale a lot and when the season started last year I thought he would be their priority signing. Since then I have cooled on him and I am not sure if he is really in the plan going forward in future years.
AgamemnonNFL
Find this article at:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000486692/article/tworound-mock-draft-jameis-winston-cedric-ogbuehi-to-bucs
Two-round mock draft: Jameis Winston, Cedric Ogbuehi to BucsBy Daniel Jeremiah
NFL Media analyst
Published: April 21, 2015 at 10:14 a.m.
Updated: April 21, 2015 at 11:36 a.m.Mock Draft Central: NFL Media analyst projections for 2015 NFL Draft
ROUND 1
1. Tampa Bay: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida StateComment: The Bucs land their franchise quarterback.
2. Tennessee: Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee
Comment: I think Mariota will get picked here, but I’m not sure which team will be making the selection.
3. Jacksonville: Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, FloridaComment: Fowler would upgrade the edge rush in Jacksonville.
4. Oakland: Leonard Williams, DT, USCComment: Williams and Khalil Mack would be a dynamic combination.
5. Washington: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
Comment: Beasley is the most explosive edge rusher in the draft.
6. New York Jets: Bud Dupree, OLB, KentuckyComment: Dupree is very raw, but he has double-digit sack potential.
7. Chicago: Danny Shelton, NT, WashingtonComment: Taking the top receiver is tempting, but the Bears address their defensive front.
8. Atlanta: Shane Ray, OLB, MissouriComment: The Falcons’ No. 1 priority is upgrading the pass rush.
9. New York Giants: Amari Cooper, WR, AlabamaComment: This isn’t a big need, but Cooper might be too tempting to pass up here.
10. St. Louis: Brandon Scherff, G, IowaComment: The Rams take the most physical blocker for the second year in a row.
11. Minnesota: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
Comment: This could be a cornerback, but adding another weapon for Teddy Bridgewater isn’t a bad way to go.
12. Cleveland: DeVante Parker, WR, LouisvilleComment: Parker would give the Browns a true No. 1 wideout.
13. New Orleans: La’el Collins, OL, LSUComment: Collins would be a great replacement for Ben Grubbs.
14. Miami: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan StateComment: Waynes would fit nicely with the other new additions in Miami.
15. San Francisco: Arik Armstead, DT, OregonComment: Armstead can dominate vs. the run and has some upside as a pass rusher.
16. Houston: Nelson Agholor, WR, USC
Comment: Several teams believe Agholor is the second-best route runner in the draft.
17. San Diego: Todd Gurley, RB, GeorgiaComment: The Chargers can’t afford to pass on the top running back in the draft.
18. Kansas City: Malcom Brown, DT, TexasComment: Brown should be a three-down player right away for the Chiefs.
19. Cleveland: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida StateComment: Goldman is a dominating run defender and would be a nice fit in Mike Pettine’s scheme.
20. Philadelphia: Breshad Perriman, WR, UCFComment: Perriman is one of the most polarizing players in the draft.
21. Cincinnati: Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
Comment: Collins has the versatility to play safety as well as nickel linebacker.
22. Pittsburgh: Byron Jones, CB, UConnComment: The Steelers need to upgrade their secondary, and Jones is much more than a workout wonder.
23. Detroit: D.J. Humphries, OT, FloridaComment: Humphries is an excellent athlete and has the ability to be a fixture at left tackle for the Lions.
24. Arizona: Randy Gregory, OLB, NebraskaCommment: Gregory slides because of off-field concerns, but he might be too tempting for the Cardinals to pass up.
25. Carolina: Andrus Peat, OT, StanfordComment: The Panthers are desperate for O-line help.
26. Baltimore: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
Comment: Gordon could put up monster numbers behind the Ravens’ offensive line.
27. Dallas: Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake ForestComment: After missing out on the top two runners, the Cowboys land some help at cornerback.
28. Denver: Cam Erving, C, Florida StateComment: Erving is a perfect fit in the Broncos’ offensive scheme.
29. Indianapolis: Ereck Flowers, OT, FloridaComment: Flowers can come in and start right away at right tackle.
30. Green Bay: Marcus Peters, CB, WashingtonComment: The Packers could go inside linebacker here, but opt to take arguably the most talented cornerback in the draft.
31. New Orleans: Phillip Dorsett, WR, MiamiComment: I’d love to see what Sean Payton could do with Dorsett and Brandin Cooks.
32. New England: Laken Tomlinson, G, DukeComment: The Patriots don’t care about flash, and Tomlinson is one of the safest players in the draft.
ROUND 2
33. Tennessee: T.J. Clemmings, OT, PittsburghComment: The Titans land a Day 1 starter at RT.
34. Tampa Bay: Cedric Ogbuehi, OL, Texas A&MComment: Tampa desperately needs to upgrade its OL.
2015 NFL DRAFT
(April 30-May 2 on NFL Network)Prospects: By name | Position | School
Mock drafts:
Baldinger 2.0: Eagles keep on Ducking
Brooks 4.0: Mariota falls to Chargers
Casserly 2.0: Browns trade up for QB
Davis 3.0: Gurley to Falcons
Jeremiah 4.0: Bears rebuild at QB
Zierlein 4.0: First round goes 5 wideProspect rankings:
Mayock’s top 5 by position rankings
Jeremiah’s Top 50 draft prospect rankings
Davis’ draft prospect rankings by position
Bucky’s Big Board 2.0: Williams still No. 1
Brooks’ top 5 by position rankingsMore draft coverage:
Draft event and ticket info
Tracking 7 prospects’ draft journeys
2015 pro days schedule and results
Draft rumors connecting players, teams
Top 50 draft picks in NFL history
CFB 24/7: Full ‘Path to Draft’ coverage35. Oakland: Preston Smith, DE, Mississippi State
Comment: Smith has a nice mix of versatility and quickness.
36. Jacksonville: Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise StateComment: Ajayi would fit perfectly with a young Jaguars offense.
37. New York Jets: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, MissouriComment: This would give the Jets three power forwards at WR.
38. Washington: Jake Fisher, OT, OregonComment: Fisher could start at RT from Day 1 and provide insurance at LT.
39. Chicago: Eli Harold, OLB, VirginiaComment: Adding Harold and Shelton would give the Bears’ defense a jolt.
40. New York Giants: Mario Edwards, Jr., DT, Florida StateComment: Edwards is gaining steam in league circles.
41. St. Louis: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona StateComment: Nick Foles gets a big target.
42. Atlanta: Grady Jarrett, DT, ClemsonComment: Jarrett joins Shane Ray to bolster pass rush in Atlanta.
43. Cleveland: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLAComment: Cleveland continues to upgrade its front seven.
44. New Orleans: Maxx Williams, TE, MinnesotaComment: Saints land a replacement for Jimmy Graham.
45. Minnesota: Jalen Collins, CB, LSUComment: Collins has as much upside as any CB in the draft.
46. San Francisco: Stephone Anthony, LB, ClemsonComment: Anthony is very explosive and fits perfectly in San Francisco.
47. Miami: Denzel Perryman, LB, Miami (Fla.)Comment: The Dolphins need an upgrade at linebacker.
48. San Diego: Damarious Randall, S, Arizona StateComment: Randall can play as high safety or cover in the nickel.
49. Kansas City: Eric Rowe, DB, UtahComment: Rowe could help the Chiefs at either corner or safety.
50. Buffalo: Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLAComment: Kendricks is instinctive and athletic in coverage.
51. Houston: Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi StateComment: Romeo Crennel loves big linebackers.
52. Philadelphia: Quinten Rollins, DB, Miami (Ohio)Comment: Chip thinks outside the box and drafts Rollins as a safety.
53. Cincinnati: Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio StateComment: The Bengals add an athletic interior defender.
54. Detroit: Gabe Wright, DT, AuburnComment: Wright would be a perfect complement to Haloti Ngata.
55. Arizona: Jordan Phillips, DT, OklahomaComment: Phillips has a huge upside and helps replace Darnell Dockett.
56. Pittsburgh: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida StateComment: The Steelers double down and take another press cornerback.
57. Carolina: Devin Smith, WR, Ohio StateComment: Smith can take the top off the defense — exactly what Cam needs.
58. Baltimore: Devin Funchess, WR/TE, MichiganComment: The Ravens are looking for a big, athletic target for Joe Flacco.
59. Denver: Carl Davis, DT, IowaComment: Broncos need to add some beef after losing Pot Roast.
60. Dallas: T.J. Yeldon, RB, AlabamaComment: Yeldon has a similar running style to the man he’ll replace.
61. Indianapolis: Paul Dawson, LB, TCUComment: If Dawson tested better, he’d be long gone by this pick.
62. Green Bay: Wes Saxton, TE, South AlabamaComment: Saxton doesn’t get much attention, but he’s ultra-athletic.
63. Seattle: A.J. Cann, G, GeorgiaComment: Cann is ready to start Day 1 and fills a need in Seattle.
64. New England: Donovan Smith, OT, Penn StateComment: Smith has excellent size, quickness, and power.
Agamemnonhttp://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/article_85fa71cd-c2bd-5fe4-ad2c-1cbaa8cf1c33.html
Rams eager to learn in first day back
10 hours ago • By Jim ThomasFor tight end Jared Cook, Monday at Rams Park was like the first day of school.
“You come in with a fresh new outfit, fresh new shoes, a new backpack,” Cook said, laughing. “You got a Spiderman lunchbox. You’re showing off your new stuff. No, it’s just guys being acclimated again.”
The Rams began their offseason conditioning program Monday, and although the start of training camp generally is considered the start of the season, that’s not really the case, according to veteran linebacker James Laurinaitis.
As far as he’s concerned, it starts right here, right now at Rams Park.
“This journey starts today,” Laurinaitis said. “It doesn’t start in the fall. I think it’s easier to kind of preach that now that these guys have experience.
“Because when you’re a rookie and you’re in here for the first time in OTAs and stuff, it’s hard to get them to understand that this long marathon towards the Super Bowl starts in OTAs. These teams just don’t become great through training camp.”
With that in mind, nearly every Rams player under contract was on hand Monday for the beginning of the offseason program, workouts that are technically voluntary. The group included four players who signed contracts Monday, accepting one-year tenders as either restricted or exclusive rights free agents.
The restricted free agents who signed were safety Rodney McLeod, tight end/fullback Cory Harkey and quarterback Austin Davis. Restricted free agents have three years experience. Signing as an exclusive rights free agent (fewer than three years) was offensive guard Brandon Washington.
• RAMS CHAT: Jim Thomas Live at 1 p.m.
For the first two weeks of the offseason program, players can engage in classroom work, weight training, and conditioning drills. After that, Rams players start to ramp up the on-field work, culminating with 10 spring practices known as organized team activities (OTAs) in June.
“It’s an exciting feeling,” Cook said. “It’s good to have the whole squad back together. Everybody working; everybody under one roof. We’re family again.”
There’s a new feel on offense: Sam Bradford is out and Nick Foles in as starting quarterback; Frank Cignetti is the new offensive coordinator; and Chris Weinke is the new QBs coach.
Cook said he was surprised when Bradford was traded to Philadelphia.
“I think a lot of people were,” he said. “But we wished Sam the best. I even texted him and told him that. He understands it’s a business and that’s how things work.”
Cook said he also texted former Rams offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to wish him well in his new job as OC at the University of Georgia.
“But we’re really excited about Cig,” Cook said, referring to Cignetti. “We all love Cig. He’s a great guy, so we’re excited about the opportunities he’s gonna bring on the offense, the different style of offense that he’s gonna be able to (employ).”
Cook said Cignetti is a high-energy coach who communicates well with players, accepts input from them and manages personalities well. He said the fact that the Rams hired in-house will make it a much smoother transition.
Cook said he has gotten a sneak peek at the tweaked offense but wasn’t in a sharing mood Monday as far as describing any changes.
“I’m not gonna tell you guys,” he said. “Eighty percent of the stuff is already in. The coaches have been working diligently, working hard to get the stuff in. So now this week and through OTAs, it’s our time to learn.”
On defense, the Rams have added a pair of new faces in tackle Nick Fairley and linebacker Akeem Ayers, but otherwise almost every player on the two-deep from 2014 returns on that side of the ball.
In addition, the Rams have their defensive coordinator (Gregg Williams) returning for a second season, marking the first time since Ken Flajole in 2009-11 (under head coach Steve Spagnuolo) that a defensive coordinator has stayed for at least back-to-back seasons.
“We all have a better feel for each other,” Laurinaitis said. “It’ll be nice to have the same language, the same expectations, for two years in a row.”
As for having so many returning players on defense, Laurinaitis praised the front office and coaching staff for the rare continuity.
“They’ve set this thing up well with the way they’ve gone about it,” Laurinaitis said. “We have a lot of young players that’ll be in their third (or fourth) year. … It’s about that time for us.
“It’s not a young team any more. It might be young still by age, but there’s a lot of experience out there, a lot of guys that have played a lot of minutes. And so the expectations are going to be extremely high and I think we have a lot of guys holding each other accountable more.”
Agamemnon
Flowers! Flowers! I like Donovan Smith better. Smith handled Gregory. Gregory handled Flowers.When I hear people say stuff like this, it makes me distrust everything they say.
AgamemnonThe NFL Draft Podcast with Greg Cosell: The Quarterbacks
Wow, ole Greg be making the rounds.
I took all 3 of Cosell’s podcast sites and updated the posts. So everything is in order and complete as of today. It was getting kind of messy.
Agamemnonhttp://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/0ap2000000159093/Is-Glennon-the-best-QB-in-the-draft
Is Mike Glennon the best QB in the NFL draft?
Agamemnonhttp://www.drafttek.com/2015-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round1.asp
10 St Louis Brandon Scherff
6’5″
Weight:
320 Alternate Pick #1
T.J. Clemmings
Alternate Pick #2
Danny Shelton
If the teams selecting #1 through #10 in the draft were to pass over the drafts #1 offensive tackle, Rams fans would pack the team on bus for LA if the team passed on Brandon Scherff. Set your hot tub time machine back to 2011 to find a draft where an OT wasn’t drafted in the top-5 (Tyron Smith at #9). And back to 2005 before you find an OT drafted lower than #10 (Jammal Brown #13). Value meets big need here for the Rams. Bandon Scherff – if he’s available take it to the bank.41 St Louis Nelson Agholor
6’0″
Weight:
198 Alternate Pick #1
Brett Hundley
Alternate Pick #2
Donovan Smith
USC’s Nelson Agholor gets the nod this week. The Rams could have looked at the offensive line again here, but with a number of starter-level guards available, it makes sense to grab one of the few quality wide receivers here and hold off to the mid rounds to bolster needs on the interior of the OL. Agholor will add another weapon to the arsenal or Davis/Foles/Keenum/Hundley/Petty or whomever quarterbacks the team in the 2015 season.72 St Louis Bryce Petty
6’2″
Weight:
230 Alternate Pick #1
Donovan Smith
Alternate Pick #2
Reese Dismukes119 St Louis Marcus Hardison
6’3″
Weight:
307 Alternate Pick #1
Javorius Allen
Alternate Pick #2
Gabe Wright215 St Louis Greg Mancz
6’4″
Weight:
301 Alternate Pick #1
Matt Jones
Alternate Pick #2
Terrence McGee227 St Louis Matt Jones
6’2″
Weight:
231 Alternate Pick #1
Terrence McGee
Alternate Pick #2
Karlos WilliamsHere is a new draft, with different faces in different places.
AgamemnonThe Rams could sign Barksdale to any reasonable high end contract, even up to, ~5 million/yr with 8-10 million guaranteed. They just have to manage the contract this year to fit under a cap number of ~3 million. Whether Barksdale has another offer or not, this indicates that there is a point the Rams will not go past and that it isn’t good enough to get Barksdale signed. Maybe he figures that later on some team will be more desperate for a tackle?.
The Rams will be committed to running the ball. (They signed Kendricks to a 4yr/18million contract.) Even with Barksdale back this will take more than drafting a starting guard in the 2cd or 3rd round. Cause they could always sign Blalock and not draft any offensive linemen, if that was the answer. imo
It would take an extraordinary player, Cooper is the only one that fits that, for them to not pick Scherff or Collins at 10. I see Scherff and Collins on par with every other player that might fall. The rest of the candidates are merely trade bait. imo
I know other posters have different opinions. This is how I see it.
AgamemnonWhaddya think ag? Should we start a new general draft thread (and link this one in it) or just let this one keep running? Which is better? Your call.
.
Start a new one.
Agamemnon
