Whatever happened to that last reporter they had? Dani Whattshername?

If I’m a LB or a DB trying to make an NFL roster the Rams would be an attractive destination. Those positions are always a high priority for special teams. I’m sure that’s true for a lot of NFL teams, but the Rams really seem to make good use of these guys and Fassel is so good at what he does. Obviously, with the Rams being short on veteran LBs this year that would make the Rams an even better choice for that guys playing that position.

Rams sign UDFA, S, Ramon Richards out Oklahoma State.

Brugler on Richards:

RAMON RICHARDS | Oklahoma St. 5111 | 187 lbs. | SR

SUMMARY: A two-star recruit out of high school, Ramon Richards (ruh-MOAN) was a quarterback (1,630 yards passing, 26 total touchdowns) at Brackenridge, also earning all-district honors in basketball and qualifying for states in track. Recruited as an athlete, he held offers from Harvard and Yale, but committed to Oklahoma State, his lone power-five offer. Richards moved to the secondary in Stillwater and was pressed into action at cornerback, starting 23 games there his first three seasons. He moved to safety as a senior, which was basically an inside corner role vs. Big 12 spread teams. A light-footed athlete, Richards plays tight coverage and puts himself in position to contend throws. He is willing in run support, but his lack of size and strength could be a deal-breaker in the NFL. Overall, the “undersized, but scrappy” nickel corner is a football cliché, but the description fits Richards, who rarely missed opportunities to make plays in coverage or on special teams.
GRADE: Priority Free Agent

Yeah zn, I agree with that. If they’re going to keep 3 QBs again this year I wouldn’t have a problem with them holding onto Perez if he earns it. I’m always so intrigued by UDFAs every year. Perez’s progress will be fun to watch.

Ourlads on QB, Luis Perez:

Two-year starter and junior college transfer from Chula Vista, CA. Had a career year in 2017 by winning the Division II national championship, first-team All-America and the Harmon Hill Award as the top player in Division II. Played in a quarterback friendly spread offensive scheme where is throws kept receivers on schedule. Perez has an interesting back story where he did even play high school football then tried out for a local junior college and earned a scholarship to A & M Commerce. Accurate quarterbacks get up in the morning and can hit the spot where they are throwing. Perez has amazing short, intermediate and deep ball accu. His ball placement is precise and consistent. He has a natural feel in the passing game. The underrated passer has the ability to throw sideline passes from the opposite hash and the deep ball. He has a quick release and a consistent delivery of the ball. Has the touch to throw over the linebackers. Pressure is not a factor. Hangs in the pocket and makes plays. He is a developing prospect and a consistent producer. 2017 stats: 421/596, 4999 yards! 70.6%, 46 TD! 11 INT, 79 yds rushing, 1 TD. 169.2 QBR. Not invited to the Combine. Sixth/seventh round. (A- 31 3/8, H – 9 7/8, SS – DNP, VJ -DNP).

Ourlads Guide on Rams UDFA, S, Chucky Williams:

Three-year starter from Hialeah, FL. Has good size for the position and could project to a hybrid/nickel. He is imposing in the deep middle and can lay a big hit. Very aggressive in run support showing good take-on ability with a powerful stun with his hands. Tracks well moving downhill and adjusts to cutbacks. Leverages ball carriers to the sideline and has solid tackling skills. Shows blitz skill of the edge with a quick first step at the snap. In flat coverage takes good drops and can get in the throwing lane. Plays one high, quarters and half coverage. Quick in his pedal and plays with big cushion in the deep middle where he rarely gets beat. Matches up to verticals with the good technique to stay in phase. Quick on the throw with the play in front of him. A little tight hipped in transition. Straight line in his reactions. Prone to be grabby if a receiver is getting away from him. Extended speed is a question. As a deep zone player he is solid with an individual route. Versus multiple routes there is some hesitation at times reacting. As a middle safety he is not quick to transition to the deep outside. Will miss a tackle on occasion by under running the play. He fits as a box safety and potential hybrid sub package player. Special teams will be his Sunday ticket. 2017 stats: 80 T, 1 TFL, 5 PBU, 3 FF, 3 INT. Sixth/seventh round. (A-32 1/8, H- 8 3/8, VJ – DNP, SS – DNP).

Ourlads Guide to the Draft on Rams UDFA ILB Tegray Scales:

Three-year starter who played in 48 games. From Cincinnati, OH. First Indiana linebacker to earn All-America honors (2016) in 29 years. Concluded his Hoosier career with 46 tackles for loss, 18 career sacks, 325 total tackles, eight interceptions, nine quarterback hurries, and nine pass breakups. He also recorded 13 double digit tackle games. Deliberate in initial read and quick to react. Good downhill shuffle with fits at the inside gaps. Runs well in pursuit and takes good angles with inside leverage on the perimeter. Good short space redirection with ability to make plays in space. Not a great hit and shed player as he is better with quickness and avoiding blocks. Uses good agility in traffic to sift through the trash. Can get covered up if a blocker gets into him. Physical tackler with good gather and leverage. Consistently wraps up. Good blitz skill with anticipation at the snap. Gets upfield quickly and can avoid a block and get around the corner. Pass coverage is inconsistent as his depth of drop in zone is not always deep enough and his reactions on the throw can be late. Needs better zone awareness. Has mirror ability in man coverage but has not demonstrated extended speed. Need to see more. East-West Shrine participant. 2017 stats: 89 T, 12.5 TFL, 6 sacks, 1 PBU, 2 QBH, 2 INT. OSR: 20/22. Fourth/fifth round. (A-30 3/4, H- 8 5/8, BP – 27, SS-DNP).

Ourlads Guide to the Draft

Three-year starter from Greenville, TX who gained over 50 pounds in his college years. A physical gem who moves as well as most edge rushers in this class at chiseled 283 pounds. A three-time All-Southland Conference defender who will be viewed as five technique or inside-out defender that can create mismatches depending on the situation. He explodes off the snap and shows excellent reaction to blockers and ball carriers alike. Can shift his weight on the move with ease. An aggressive player who will pursue sideline to sideline. He knows how to finish and is a sure tackler who has also shown the awareness and skill to strip the ball. Very coordinated for a player his size. He does play high and that kind of pas level along with inconsistent hand placement will beat him up in the NFL. There is a lot of work to be done when it comes to the techniques of NFL defensive line play. Is an ideal candidate for the practic squad with eventual upside of a rotational 3-4 defensive end. 2017 stats: 42 T, 13 TFL, 6 sacks, 1 PBU, 1 QBH, 1 FF, 1 BK. Edge speed: left 2.36, right 2.25. OSR: 23/23. Sixth/seventh round. (A- 31 3/4, H -9 1/8, BP – 25, 10-1.80).

Ourlads Guide to the Draft

Two-year starter from Des Moines, IA. Lanky frame that lacks bulk, but turns quickness into power showing explosiveness engaging a blocker. Quick at the snap wit good use of hands to separate and shed. Solid in pursuit with good chase ability and redirection skill. Has some experience at linebacker but was used predominantly as an edge rusher. Shows coverage aptitude with good lateral ability and range in coverage. Relentless pass rusher with a high motor and upfield burst. Can get around the corner and close. Plays the edge run well but occasionally works too far upfield and gets out of position. Recovers well using good agility in short space. Has the ability to be an every-down linebacker in a 3-4 and not just a pass rusher. 2017 stats: 62 T, 12 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 5 PBU, 6 QBH, 1 BK. Edge speed: left 2.09, right 2.20. OSR: 7/23. (A-33 3/4, H-10, BP-25, SS-4.40).

• This reply was modified 6 years, 7 months ago by canadaram.

Brugler:

30. JUSTIN LAWLER | SMU 6037 | 264 lbs. | rSR. Pottsboro, Texas (Pottsboro) 12/23/1994 (age 23.4) #99
BACKGROUND: A two-star defensive end recruit out of high school, Justin Lawler lettered in football, basketball, baseball, powerlifting and track at Pottsboro. He earned district MVP honors with 104 tackles and 5.5 sacks as a defensive end, adding 745 receiving yards as a wideout. Lawler followed up with 124 tackles and 13 sacks as a senior with 719 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns on offense, committing to SMU over offers from North Texas and UTSA. After redshirting in 2013, Lawler was a reserve in 2014 and posted 23 tackles. He became a sophomore starter and led the team in tackles (64) and sacks (5.0), adding 9.0 tackles for loss and one forced fumble. Lawler started all 12 games as a junior and recorded 65 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks, earning First Team All-AAC honors. He started all 13 games as a senior and finished with a team-best 15.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks, adding 74 tackles and two forced fumbles to earn First Team All-ACC honors. Lawler accepted his invitation to the 2018 East-West Shrine Game.

STRENGTHS: Solid burst off the snap…adequate bend to work his shoulder past the outside shoulder of the tackle…trusts his technique, using handwork to fight off blockers…flashes a closing burst once he finds a path to the quarterback…backfield vision to track the football, seeing through bodies…reads his keys quickly, allowing him to play fast…rushes with relentless energy and doesn’t take plays off…registered six blocked kicks (five field goals, one extra point) the last three seasons, including a FBS-best three blocked kicks in 2017…well-strapped together build…graduated with a degree in sport management (May 2017), currently working on his master’s…adopted a professional mindset early on and lives a mature lifestyle (married with a daughter)…led the team in sacks each of his the last three seasons.

WEAKNESSES: Looks the part of a NFL defensive end, except for his tiny arms…minimal deception in his rush plan with noticeable tightness in his hips…lackluster contact balance through blocks, struggling to convert speed to power…pass rush stalls when his first move is ineffective, lacking effective counter measures…pad level was a consistent issue, standing up once engaged…will sell out as a pass rusher at times, losing outside contain…limited lateral agility and forced to gear down when
redirecting in space…doesn’t close the gap when chasing vs. the run.

SUMMARY: A three-year starter at SMU, Lawler started primarily as the field defensive end in the Mustangs’ four-man front, occasionally lining up inside or on the boundary as the “Leo” defensive end. He became only the third player in school history to reach 20 sacks in a career, setting the single-game record with four sacks vs. UConn (Sept. 2017). Lawler isn’t a speed rusher who will scream off the edge, but he plays with the initial quickness and juice to break down tackles, relying on his mechanics and effort to get the job done. He is a smart run defender, finishing first or second on the team in tackles each of the last three seasons. Overall, Lawler is a classic overachiever who lacks NFL length or edge speed, but he plays alert, relentless and fundamentally-sound, which could be enough for a NFL roster spot.
GRADE: 7th Round

Brugler:

JOHN KELLY | Tennessee 5097 | 216 lbs. | JR. Detroit, Mich. (Oak Park) 10/4/1996 (age 21.6) #4
BACKGROUND: A three-star athlete recruit out of high school, John Kelly Jr. was a three-year starter at Oak Park (suburb of Detroit) and made an impact in all three phases as a running back, cornerback and return man. As a senior he rushed for 1,321 yards and collected 25 total touchdowns (five different ways) to be a finalist for the Michigan High School Player of the Year Award in 2014. Ranked as a top-10 recruit in the state of Michigan, Kelly spurned offers from in-state powers like Michigan and Michigan State, committing to Tennessee as a running back. He was the third-string running back as a true freshman (behind Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara) and rushed for 165 yards and one touchdown. Kelly started the 2016 season as the third back on the depth chart, but his touches increased after Hurd left the team midseason, leading all Tennessee running backs with 630 yards and 6.4 yards per carry (Kamara: 596 yards, 5.8 yards per carry in 2016). With Kamara to the NFL, Kelly was the Vols’ starter and led the team with 778 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, adding 37 receptions for 299 yards. He left early for the NFL Draft.

(also worked out at wide receiver)
STRENGTHS: Highly competitive tackle breaker…compact build and balanced feet to bounce off contact…legs are always pumping and never content as a runner…sharp plant-and-go quickness with lateral mobility…decisive at the line of scrimmage…secures the football with only three career fumbles – put the ball on the ground only once in 2017…aggressive blocker and won’t back down at the point of attack…workhorse mentality, averaging 20.5 offensive touches per game in 2017…dependable receiving traits to be a catch-and-go threat with potential to be more than simply a screen target…tied for the team-lead in catches in 2017…team captain who connects well with his teammates and carries himself like an alpha.

WEAKNESSES: Lacks ideal size and body armor for the position…not graceful through small creases…lacks wiggle in the open field…tunnel vision and late to locate developing lanes…can be caught from behind and lacks a finishing gear…limited juice around the corner…exposes his body to excessive impact and shelf-life might be a concern…willing in pass protection, but prefers to ram/slow instead of using his hands to engage/control…off-field decision-making requires homework after he was pulled over for a busted headlight and cited for misdemeanor marijuana possession and failure to provide proof of insurance (Oct. 2017) – served a one-game suspension, which he accepted, calling his mistake “immature and selfish.”

SUMMARY: A one-year starter at Tennessee, Kelly was one of the few offensive bright spots for the Volunteers in 2017, producing steady numbers despite little help from the passing game. With only six career receptions entering his junior year, he proved his worth as a pass-catcher as the only player in 2017 from a power-five conference to lead his team in rushing yards and receptions. A fearless ballcarrier, Kelly runs with forceful momentum and tacklers better finish him to the ground because he won’t let them off easy – credits his balance and courage to his days as an accomplished skateboarder in high school. He is athletically average by NFL standards and lacks creativity/wiggle in tight quarters. Overall, Kelly is a competitive, full-speed-ahead ballcarrier with the contact balance, toughness and receiving/blocking traits that project him as a reliable horse in the backfield.
GRADE: 4th Round

Brugler:

BRIAN ALLEN | Michigan State 6011 | 298 lbs. | SR. Hinsdale, Ill. (Hinsdale Central) 10/11/1995 (age 22.6) #65
BACKGROUND: A four-star offensive center recruit out of high school, Brian Allen was a three-year starter on both sides of the line of scrimmage, earning First Team all-state honors as a senior. He became the first wrestler in school history to win four state medals, winning the 2013 3A heavyweight state championship with a perfect 48-0 record (almost made it back-to-back titles, but lost in overtime in the 2014 championship match). Allen also won the state title in the shot put in 2013. He was considered a top-five center recruit in the 2014 cycle with offers from Iowa, Ole Miss, Wisconsin and others, but Michigan State had the inside track, following in the footsteps of his older brother (Jack). He was pressed into action as a true freshman due to injuries, starting a pair of games at left guard. Allen became a regular starter as a sophomore (12 starts), splitting his time between left guard and center to earn Second Team All-Big Ten honors. He filled in across the three interior line positions as a junior as the only MSU offensive lineman to start all 12 games, earning Second Team All-Big Ten honors. Allen stayed at center for his senior season, starting all 13 games there in 2017 to earn Second Team All-Big Ten honors for the third straight year. He accepted his invitation to the 2018 East-West Shrine Game.

STRENGTHS: Flexible hips to snap-and-seal…works hard to achieve body position…foot quickness to pull into space and take out moving targets…knee bend to play low and establish leverage, resetting to find his anchor after contact…grappling hands and wrestling background is clear…always in a ready position with astute awareness…takes pride in his finishing skills…lead singer making the protection calls and checks…voted a senior captain with exemplary competitive toughness…NFL bloodlines – older brother (Jack) was an All-American at MSU and has played two seasons with the New Orleans Saints…experienced at all three interior line spots.

WEAKNESSES: Undersized by NFL standards with a short, smaller-framed body…belly-to-belly blocker with shorter arms…falls behind quickly if he doesn’t land his initial punch…doesn’t play with the upper body power to redirect or displace defenders…can be bullied by physical nose tackles who can overwhelm him at the point of attack…not explosive off the snap and lacks the nimble footwork to recover once beat…lower body stiffness shows in pass protection…allows athletic three- techniques to cross his face without a pat-down…inconsistent timing and success as a second-level blocker.

SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Michigan State, Allen started the final 28 games of his career, including all 13 games at center. He earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors each of his three seasons as a starter and his versatility was a valuable asset for the Spartans, spending time at left guard, right guard and center. A team leader in East Lansing, Allen has terrific intangibles, toughness and intelligence that will win over pro coaches. While he isn’t a poor athlete, he isn’t an impressive athlete either and lacks the ideal size or sustain skills that teams desire at the position. Overall, Allen is a smart, scrappy center who is rarely out-maneuvered, but he can be overpowered, creating doubt that he will be anything more than a NFL back-up.
GRADE: 6th-7th Round

From Ourlads ‘Guide to the Draft’ on Okoronkwo:

Two-year starter from Houston, TX. Played on the edge in a two-point stance. Occasionally was off the ball but has little coverage experience. Explosive at the snap with a quick punch attacking a block. Plays with knee bend and is quick to shed working to the ball. Moves well laterally and attacks a gap with quick penetration upfield. Strong at the point of attack with the ability to redirect off a block and play the edge run. Rarely gives up leverage. Plays with a nonstop motor which gets him to a lot of plays. Solid pass rush skill with a variety of moves. Uses an arm over working inside along with a bull rush into a move. Bends around the corner and has burst to close. Flattens down the line on the backside and can chase across the field. Average agility as he hesitates at times when changing direction. While quick at the snap, he will take a slight stutter step back at times with his inside foot, which is often up in his stance. It does not effect his explosiveness but he needs consistency in stance and first step. He can get locked up by a powerful blocker at the line. Lacks a feel for coverage as he has little expereince. Tends to hesittate when asked to drop into coverage. He will have to develop technique. Lacks ideal length and athletic ability for an edge defender but his effort compensates. He is too productive to ignore and will get a shot as a 3-4 outside linebacker. An ascending player. 2017 stats: 76 T, 17.5 TFL, 8 sacks, 2 PBU , 6 QBH, 3 FF. Edge speed: left 2.02, right 2.04. OSR: 11/17. Third/fourth round. (A-33 3/4, H-9, BP- 27, SS-34).

From Ourlads’ “Guide to the NFL Draft” on Kiser:

Three-year starter and Campbell Trophy winner from Baltimore, MD. Three straight years leading the ACC in tackles per game is sure gain notice. Has been a rock in he middle of the Virginia defense ever since he was put into the starting lineup in 2015. The two-time All-America and three-time All-ACC selection might be short on athletic ability and potential, but is head and shoulders above most linebackers when it comes to instincts and nose for the ball. At his best between the tackles immediately following the snap. His first 2-3 steps are almost always in the right direction and it gains him initial positional advantage on blockers. Excels at taking on blocks and shedding them. Gets his powerful hands inside with a low pad level and finds the ball carrier in traffic. An excellent wrap up tackler who hits with enough force to jar the ball loose on contact. He is comfortable in space, as he was matched up against receivers and tight ends up the seam. The athleticism struggles mainly have to do with long speed and explosion. Has a hard time adjusting weight laterally and it could put him a step behind the action against NFL speed. There is some awkward movement to him in space. Seems like an ideal fit for a team looking to fill the two down inside linebacker role, preferably in a 3-4 where his play in space isn’t needed as often. He will bring top notch intangibles and football instincts to the table. Players with this kind of production matched with this kind of football IQ should never be overlooked. 2017 stats: 145 T, 9.5 TFL, 5 sacks, 4 PBU, 2 QBH. Edge speed : left 1.97, right 2.11. OSR: 12/22. Fourth/fifth round. (A-32, H-9, BP-DNP, SS-4.24).

In my Day 2 Mock, I put #TCU's Joseph Noteboom early in the second round. Multiple teams have him as one of the top OTs in this class.

Good chance he doesn't make it to the middle of round two.

— Eric Galko (@OptimumScouting) April 27, 2018