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March 18, 2015 – 3:26 pmWho’s #2 … There appears to be a growing sense around the NFL that Tennessee is unlikely to select Oregon QB Marcus Mariota with the second pick overall at the upcoming draft. Instead the thinking appears to be that the Titans will give second-year QB Zach Mettenberger another season to develop and either take a position like Southern California DE Leonard Williams, whom NFL.com rates as the safest pick in this year’s draft, or look to trade the pick, possibly to some team that has a greater need for a young QB like Mariota. Indeed, the $64K question at this year’s draft could be just where Mariota goes. Washington and the Jets, who pick 5th and 6th picks respectively in this year’s opening round, both had full front-office contingents at Mariota’s pro day earlier this month, although there is a sense around the league that Washington may in fact be just feigning interest to induce a team with a later pick like Cleveland to move up ahead of the Jets, although its not clear why Washington would then also need to make any team think they might take Mariota themselves. In fact, all that kind of smoke and mirrors might accomplish is force said team with the later to pick to also plot to move up ahead of Washington! Then, of course, Philadelphia is still out there and may still may be interested in acquiring Mariota even after adding veteran QB Sam Bradford in a trade with St. Louis last week. Stay tuned!
http://gbnreport.com/
AgamemnonNFL
Find this article at:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000479835/article/2015-nfl-draft-lance-zierleins-top-10-wide-receivers
2015 NFL Draft: Lance Zierlein’s top 10 wide receiversBy Lance Zierlein
NFL Media draft analyst
Published: March 18, 2015 at 03:00 p.m.
Updated: March 18, 2015 at 03:16 p.m.With the first wave of free agency over, NFL teams are turning more attention to setting their boards in anticipation of the 2015 NFL Draft. With that in mind, College Football 24/7 is releasing Lance Zierlein’s top-10 lists at each position — today it is wide receiver. To view Zierlein’s full scouting report on each prospect in NFL.com’s Draft Tracker, click on the player’s name.
Previous positions: QBs | RBs1. Amari Cooper, Alabama
Zierlein’s bottom line: Won’t dazzle with blazing speed or outrageous size, but is good in both categories. Complete receiver with game-changing ability to win downfield. Has the skill and twitch to be a consistent, high-volume target in the short and intermediate games with the ability to produce against any coverage. Cooper won’t be able to run roughshod over NFL safeties like he did in college, but he should be able to help a passing game improve quickly.
2. Kevin White, West Virginia
Zierlein’s bottom line: He’s not just a product of West Virginia’s system — he’s talented. White showed off 23 reps on the bench press and a blazing 4.35 40 at the combine, proving he has the top-end speed to go with the size and strength. White came into West Virginia with very limited confidence, according to team insiders, but when he left, he had realized his rare talent. White lacks the polish of Amari Cooper, but some teams already believe he has the best upside of any wide receiver in this draft.
3. DeVante Parker, LouisvilleZierlein’s bottom line: Parker does his best work when the ball is in the air. He uses his height and wingspan to consistently snatch anything that comes his way. Parker isn’t going to overpower cornerbacks and he will have more contested catches than most explosive wideouts. He consistently posted eye-popping yards-per-catch numbers during his time at Louisville and showed off solid athleticism at the combine. Parker has the potential to be a legitimate lead receiver for a West Coast offense.
4. Breshad Perriman, Central FloridaZierlein’s bottom line: Rare combination of size, top-end speed and suddenness that can be found in some of the best receivers in the game. His routes are sloppy and a work in progress, but his hands keep him out of the top tier of receivers. His drops will drive teams crazy, but his physical traits and ability to hit the big play should warrant early-round consideration.
Jaelen Strong, Arizona State
Zierlein’s bottom line: Individual elements of Strong’s game aren’t awe-inspiring, but scouts really love the entirety of his game and where it is headed. His strength, size and ability to catch contested throws will be coveted by some, but his issues with separation quickness can only be solved if he becomes much better in his route-running. Strong looks the part of a physical, possession receiver with a relatively high floor.
6. Phillip Dorsett, MiamiZierlein’s bottom line: Dorsett is an ascending prospect who has averaged more than 25 yards per catch since 2012. He can challenge teams vertically inside or outside and he has home-run potential after the catch as a slot receiver. With smaller wide receivers like T.Y. Hilton and Antonio Brown proving that small and fast can win in the NFL, Dorsett should be coveted by more than one team and has the potential to turn into a star in the NFL.
7. Dorial Green-Beckham, ex-Missouri
Zierlein’s bottom line: Long-strider with vertical ability to change a game and the catch radius and body control to make the difficult look easy. However, Green-Beckham struggles against physical cornerbacks, and is raw as a route runner with poor instincts when it comes to getting open. It’s easy to bet on the traits when a receiver has high football character and is a willing worker, but teams could pass on the traits early in the draft due to his perceived lack of work ethic and overall character.
8. Devin Smith, Ohio StateZierlein’s bottom line: Smith isn’t just combine-fast, he’s game-fast and he would have had more than 12 touchdown catches during the 2014 season if he didn’t have to slow down and wait on throws so often. Smith has the feet and hips to become much more than a deep-ball specialist and should be able to step right into a gunner spot on special teams. He still needs to learn his craft and improve his hands, but he has rare speed to score from anywhere on the field.
9. Sammie Coates, Auburn
Zierlein’s bottom line: Big, fast and raw. Vertical wide receiver with the ability to hit big plays and have dominant games. Coates must be coached to trust his quarterback and run through his deep routes in order to reach his potential. He has early-round traits and late-round receiving skills right now, but the upside will be hard to pass on and could pay off in a big way. He will be tethered to the JUGS machine in rookie camp.
10. Rashad Greene, Florida StateZierlein’s bottom line: Very productive in big games and at big times. Greene has the athleticism and quicks to get open and has a natural smoothness in his routes. He might get pigeon-holed into a slot position, but that might not be a bad thing. Greene needs more route polish but should be able to compete for snaps right away.
Follow Lance Zierlen on Twitter @LanceZierlein.
AgamemnonYou need to budget for a going rate QB whether you actually end up paying that or not. imo
AgamemnonSecondary
Secondary
Michael Thomas/Getty ImagesRight Cornerback: Janoris Jenkins
Slot Cornerback: Lamarcus Joyner
Left Cornerback: E.J. Gaines
Free Safety: T.J. McDonald
Strong Safety: Mark Barron
It’s difficult to determine what combination the team will go with at cornerback. The team has talent at the position, but the coaches haven’t found the perfect combination.
Janoris Jenkins gets burned on occasion and gambles too much, but he’s still the most athletic and capable corner on the team.
E.J. Gaines started 15 games with the Rams as a rookie in 2014 and became more reliable as the year progressed. However, starting Gaines would force the Rams to bench the talented and experienced Trumaine Johnson, unless they play Johnson over Jenkins.
In the slot, 2014 second-round pick Lamarcus Joyner will be penciled in as the starter. The only thing that might change that is if the team goes with Johnson and Gaines on the outside. In that scenario, the team might then play Jenkins in the slot.
The safety position is equally tricky.
T.J. McDonald has been a solid starter, and new arrival Mark Barron also made his presence known. Since the team has invested more into these two players than the other safeties, it only makes sense that they’ll be the starters.
Rodney McLeod really stepped up his game last season, so he’s another option, as is second-year pro Mo Alexander, who the team drafted in the fourth round last year.
It should be interesting to see what combination the team will go with in Week 1.
AgamemnonLinebacker
Linebacker
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty ImagesStrong-Side Linebacker: Alec Ogletree
Middle Linebacker: James Laurinaitis
Weak-Side Linebacker: Akeem Ayers
The outside linebacker spot opposite Alec Ogletree was actually a pretty glaring need following the 2014 season. It’s a position that few discussed, given the more obvious needs on offense, but it’s a good thing the front office took notice.
Ayers fills that final hole and will start on the right side. Playing on the quarterback’s blind side will also allow him to capitalize on his pass-rushing skills.
At middle linebacker, James Laurinaitis is clearly the weak point of the front seven, at least physically. But he’s a smart player and the quarterback of the defense. He’s not an athletic playmaker, but he gets the job done.
Ogletree will be entering his third year. He got off to a miserable start in 2014 but eventually solidified in the second half of the season. The former first-round pick will be expected to break out in 2015 and become a defensive star.
AgamemnonDefensive Line
Defensive Line
Jonathan Ferrey/Getty ImagesLeft End: Chris Long
Defensive Tackle: Aaron Donald
Nose Tackle: Michael Brockers
Right End: Robert Quinn
Third-Down Tackle: Nick Fairley
Rotational End: William Hayes
The St. Louis defensive line has been one of the best in the business since Fisher’s arrival in 2012. The unit continues to be the team’s top strength.
Chris Long, Robert Quinn and William Hayes will provide a relentless edge rush. Veteran Eugene Sims will also be part of the rotation.
On the inside, fourth-year pro Michael Brockers will eat up blockers at nose tackle, and second-year Pro Bowler Aaron Donald will make plays and complement the pass rush. On passing situations, the team will likely sub out Brockers for Fairley, as he’s the superior pass-rusher.
Overall, the defensive line is top-notch and needs no further additions. But knowing Fisher, there’s always a chance the team will draft another pass-rusher.
AgamemnonOffensive Line
Offensive Line
David J. Phillip/Associated PressLeft Tackle: Greg Robinson
Left Guard: Justin Blalock
Center: Cameron Erving
Right Guard: Rodger Saffold
Right Tackle: Brandon Scherff
This is the area that generates the most concern among fans, and rightfully so. The team has just two starters—Greg Robinson, Rodger Saffold—returning from 2014.
It was assumed the team would make a solid effort to fix the line in free agency. Unfortunately, the first week of free agency produced zero upgrades, and the St. Louis offensive line remains in shambles.
Of all the linemen associated with St. Louis since the start of free agency, it seems Justin Blalock of the Atlanta Falcons is likely the most affordable. Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that the Rams are interested in Blalock, but neither side has announced a deal.
If the team reaches an agreement with Blalock, there’s a good chance Saffold will move to right guard where he’s more comfortable. Putting Saffold—one of the team’s better linemen—on the right side will also help out the rookies that the team will inevitably draft at center and right tackle.
At center, the best rookie of the class is Florida State’s Cameron Erving. There’s a chance he’ll be off the board by the end of Round 1, but St. Louis must jump at the opportunity if he’s there in the second round.
As for the first round, there are multiple tackles the team can draft, like Stanford’s Andrus Peat or Miami’s Ereck Flowers, but the team values diverse linemen capable of playing multiple positions. That makes Iowa’s Brandon Scherff the ideal option, as he can also play guard if needed.
If Scherff is drafted, he’ll be a Day 1 starter at right tackle. Unless, of course, the team re-signs Joe Barksdale. In that case, Scherff can move over to left guard.
At left tackle, former No. 2 overall pick Greg Robinson will return for his second season. Robinson had his ups and downs as a rookie, but he possesses unbelievable talent and will be expected to take the next step in 2015.
AgamemnonWide Receiver/Tight End
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Matt Rourke/Associated PressX Receiver: Kenny Britt
Y Receiver: Tavon Austin
Z Receiver: Brian Quick
Tight End: Jared Cook
Blocking Tight End: Lance Kendricks
The Rams offense will not feature many proven commodities when it comes to pass-catchers, but the talent and potential is there. The team can win if the above players can stay healthy and develop a rhythm with Foles.
Britt and Brian Quick are expected to lead the way in the aerial department. Quick was in the process of a breakout year in 2013, but a shoulder injury ended his year and makes his role in 2015 somewhat questionable.
Britt stepped up in Quick’s place and had a solid year. He finished with 748 yards and three touchdowns—his best campaign since 2010.
Tavon Austin had a disappointing year with only 466 yards from scrimmage. However, he’s still the team’s most explosive offensive player and will hopefully be better utilized in 2015.
At tight end, Jared Cook will play a major role in the aerial game, while Lance Kendricks’ most valuable asset is his run-blocking.
However, don’t count out Kendricks in the passing game. The team didn’t re-sign Kendricks so he can serve as a glorified fullback. There’s a chance the team has something bigger in mind for him on offense.
AgamemnonRunning Back
Running Back
Elaine Thompson/Associated PressStarter: Tre Mason
Third-Down Back: Benny Cunningham
The Rams seem set at running back, but don’t be surprised if another back or two is added to the roster before training camp. Knowing Fisher, that’s always an option.
For now, Tre Mason will lead the way. As a rookie in 2014, Mason did not even touch the ball until Week 6, and he didn’t start a game until Week 9. That didn’t stop him from amassing 913 yards from scrimmage and five total touchdowns.
Mason possesses a unique combination of qualities. He’s small and shifty but can take a hit, and he’s strong but still has breakaway speed. He’ll be an excellent player for St. Louis over the next several years.
Benny Cunningham will also play an important role as the team’s top receiving back. He was fifth on the team in receiving with 352 yards on 45 catches. His pass-catching skills will be an asset in 2015.
AgamemnonQuarterback
Quarterback
Ross D. Franklin/Associated PressStarter: Nick Foles
It’s far too early to get overly optimistic by proclaiming Foles as the team’s long-term answer at quarterback. But it is a hopeful sign at the position for a franchise that has watched its starter go down with season-ending injuries for two years in a row.
Foles showed the NFL what he’s capable of in 2013. He threw for 27 touchdowns with just two picks and earned a spot in the Pro Bowl. That doesn’t happen on accident—it requires a certain level of talent that few NFL quarterbacks possess.
However, the Rams don’t even need that kind of flash out of Foles. They simply need a competent passer who can manage games and keep the score close. If they can find that, the dangerous St. Louis defense will take care of the rest.
Foles has a 14-4 record since taking over as Philadelphia’s starter in 2013. That proves that teams can win with Foles at the helm, and that’s all the Rams are looking for—someone who can give them a fighting chance.
AgamemnonBaylor QB Bryce Petty has predraft visit scheduled for St. Louis per @alexmarvez. (Also Chargers and Cowboys.)
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) March 19, 2015
Agamemnonhttp://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-add-free-agent-ot-from-detroit/article_96744a79-f61f-5942-94ac-3994370080f1.html?print=true&cid=print
Rams add free-agent OT from Detroit
3 minutes ago • By Jim ThomasAddressing a need on a razor-thin offensive line, the Rams signed free-agent offensive tackle Garrett Reynolds to a two-year deal, the team announced Wednesday.
Reynolds, 27, started four games for Detroit last season at right tackle. He spent his previous five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, who drafted him in the fifth round out of North Carolina in 2009.
Reynolds, 6-7, 305, has played in 52 games with 27 starts in the NFL, and had starting experience at guard with the Falcons. For three consecutive seasons in Atlanta, he opened the season as the team’s starting right guard, but could never hold the job.
Rams offensive line coach Paul Boudreau was in Atlanta with Reynolds from 2009 through 2011, so there is a familiarity factor.
Until adding Reynolds, the Rams had only seven offensive linemen under contract, and only two (Greg Robinson and Rodger Saffold) who had started an NFL regular-season game.
Reynolds had never started more than 10 games in an NFL season, and appears to be more of a depth addition than necessarily an opening-day starter at guard or tackle.
He’s the nephew of former Rams linebacker John “Hacksaw” Reynolds.
AgamemnonIt's a two-year $2.2M deal for OL Garrett Reynolds and the #Rams, a source said. Contract has a max value of $4.2M.
— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 18, 2015
AgamemnonAg, I am wondering what the $ on Reynolds is. Does it make a dent in the cap margin? If so, that would probably suggest that they are projecting him to start. Yet his description makes him sound like a good swing guy for 2nd string. As a swing BUP, he may not punch too big a hole in the cap.
I am HOPING that they are planning on signing Joe B. and that they aren’t deluded.
But then we need an OC. Can Barnes be trusted with that key position?
I would expect minimum wage plus a modest bonus on a short term contract for Renyolds and Barnes. Barksdale at ~5 million for 4 years? I have no idea what they plan at center. I would try Jones and Barnes and draft one. I would also draft the best OT that I can.
AgamemnonPrint and Go Back ESPN.com: St. Louis Rams [Print without images]
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Rams add OL Garrett Reynolds
By Nick WagonerEARTH CITY, Mo. — For those waiting for the St. Louis Rams to finally add an offensive lineman, they got it done Wednesday afternoon. But it’s probably not one of the two or three you were expecting.
The Rams signed offensive tackle Garrett Reynolds on Wednesday with an eye toward adding some much needed depth on their line. Reynolds spent the 2014 season with the Detroit Lions after playing for the Atlanta Falcons his first four years in the league.
In coming to St. Louis, Reynolds will be reunited with offensive line coach Paul Boudreau, who coached Reynolds from 2009-11 in the same role in Atlanta. That familiarity almost certainly played a part in bringing Reynolds to St. Louis.
In five NFL seasons, Reynolds has appeared in 52 games with 27 starts, making starts at guard and tackle along the way. That versatility also makes the 6-foot-7, 305-pound Reynolds a fit for a Rams’ line in need of depth.
While the Rams do have openings for starters at right tackle, one guard spot and center, it seems unlikely the Rams view Reynolds as the answer for one of those roles, though that that could change depending on how the rest of the offseason goes. For now, it’s probably better to view Reynolds as a sort of replacement for Mike Person, the versatile lineman who departed for Atlanta in free agency last week.
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/17173/rams-add-ol-garrett-reynolds
AgamemnonJoe Barksdale and Justin Blalock are still in play, but if they sign Barnes, it probably eliminates Stefen Wisniewski. imo
fwiw Snead indicated that they would address the line in the draft. Fisher is still lying to JT.
AgamemnonC/G Tim Barnes not out of the picture for Rams. Team is still negotiating w/him. Parties have exchanged contracts.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) March 18, 2015
AgamemnonI think somebody trades up for Mariota. Probably with Washington. Probably Cleveland or Philly.
AgamemnonMock draft 4.0: Bears look to future at QB
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/mock-drafts/daniel-jeremiah/245602
By Daniel Jeremiah |NFL Media analyst
Published: March 18, 2015 at 02:17 p.m.
» Previous Jeremiah mock drafts: Jan. 14 | Feb. 18 | Feb. 25Pick No.
1
TB
Jameis Winston
QB
Florida St.Winston is the top quarterback in this draft class, and he can be the long-term solution at the position for the Buccaneers.
Pick No.
2
TEN
Leonard Williams
DE
USCThe Titans addressed edge rusher in free agency, and Williams can be a dominant interior presence.
Pick No.
3
JAC
Dante Fowler, Jr.
OLB
FloridaFowler is versatile, explosive and physical. He would be a great addition to Gus Bradley’s defense.
Pick No.
4
OAK
Amari Cooper
WR
AlabamaThe Raiders failed to land an impact wide receiver in free agency, but they will get a big-time weapon with this selection. Cooper will be an immediate go-to guy on third down.
Pick No.
5
WAS
Randy Gregory
OLB
NebraskaGregory would be an excellent replacement for Brian Orakpo.
Pick No.
6
NYJ
Shane Ray
DE
MissouriThe Jets aggressively addressed the secondary in free agency, but there is still a need for a dynamic edge-rushing presence.
Pick No.
7
CHI
Marcus Mariota
QB
OregonThe Bears have a new general manager and a new coach. Oftentimes, that means a new quarterback is on the way. It’s time to rebuild in Chicago.
Pick No.
8
ATL
Vic Beasley
OLB
ClemsonDan Quinn needs an explosive edge rusher and Beasley fits the description.
Pick No.
9
NYG
Brandon Scherff
OG
IowaThis is a little too high for my taste, but the Giants love to upgrade the trenches with their high draft picks.
Pick No.
10
STL
Kevin White
WR
West VirginiaI know Tavon Austin hasn’t worked out as well as the Rams would’ve hoped, but that shouldn’t discourage the selection on another West Virginia wideout.
AgamemnonI have a Real bad feeling about this years draft.
Add Barron to this years draft. It looks better then. Almost like have 2 number 1s. I expect us to come out of this draft with one good player, 2 quality starters,and 1 quality backup.
AgamemnonWould he get his pick-6’s if he was
playing even with the WR
from the start, though?I dunno, about JJ. I dunno.
w
vI don’t know. I do know he committed to the gamble too soon. If he gives up more big plays than he makes, then it is a net loss. imo
AgamemnonCan confirm free-agent visit by Detroit OT Garrett Reynolds to Rams Park. In 6 NFL seasons w/Atl and Det, has played in 52 games w/27 starts
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) March 18, 2015
AgamemnonThat is indeed what the draft-watchers are ‘saying.’
Now how do you know its true? We wont have
any idea for two or three years, right?How do you know there wont be MORE
gems found in rounds 4, 5, and 6
THIS year than in the last few years?w
vI can look at a pile of beans and say this pile is bigger than that pile without counting them. If you need an actual count, I can’t satisfy you.
AgamemnonI agree with what you say. Aeneas said that he just needs to be smarter about when to be aggressive.
Agamemnon
