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June 15, 2025 at 12:42 pm in reply to: alaric jackson … blood clots? DJ Humphries … any good? #156826
znModeratorLook who shows up with a reply based on a rational and measured evaluation of available information.
Typical.
This is panic time.
How can you even call yourself a Rams fan?
Sry. Can’t help it.
June 15, 2025 at 11:36 am in reply to: alaric jackson … blood clots? DJ Humphries … any good? #156824znModeratorThis is just terrible, terrible, news. For Alaric personally and the Rams.
This is potentially Super Bowl derailing news.Sheesh…
Right now there is no expectation that the problem will persist into the season.
znModerator“concept trigger”. Anybody know what that is? I dont think i have one. Anybody around here have a concept trigger?
w
vI think McVay basically means that Forbes can see the design of an offensive play pre-snap and as a defender knows what to do in response.
This is what the google AI bot says about that:
In NFL football, a concept trigger for a defensive back is a visual cue or pattern recognition that prompts a specific reaction or adjustment in coverage or pursuit. These triggers can be based on offensive formation, receiver release, or even the quarterback’s footwork
znModeratorznModeratorCameron DaSilva@camdasilva
The Rams have waived Derion Kendrick, which will create about $3.4 million in cap roomKendrick started 18 games in 2022-23 before tearing his ACL last summer
JAKE ELLENBOGEN@JKBOGEN
#Rams updated CB depth chart:
Ahkello Witherspoon
Cobie Durant
Darious Williams
Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
AJ Green III
Josh Wallace
Charles Woods
Cam Lampkin
Shaun JollyznModeratorThe value of Puka Nacua cannot be overstated 🐏 pic.twitter.com/Rsmu9axJNg
— PFF (@PFF) June 13, 2025
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Rams Bros.@RamsBrothers
Puka is currently playing under a 4-year, $4.08M contract as a former 5th round pick. He has 2,476 yards on 184 receptions & 9 TD’s in 2 years.That is 7th best amongst all receivers over the last 2 years, behind Lamb, Chase, St. Brown, Hill, Jefferson and AJB. Spot-on take.
znModerator7 takeaways from Rams OTAs: Forbes impressing, Nacua improving
Cameron DaSilva
The Los Angeles Rams wrapped up OTAs this week and are now preparing for minicamp in Maui. OTAs didn’t involve any hitting or pads, but the Rams were able to run 11-on-11 drills and ramp up the competition level a bit.
Things will continue to heat up in minicamp and eventually training camp as the Rams get ready for the 2025 season, which is shaping up to be one with Super Bowl potential. Now that OTAs are in the books, here are seven things we learned from the last three weeks of practice.
Emmanuel Forbes has bulked up and stood out
Sean McVay said this week that Forbes is “bulking up,” which is a good sign for the young cornerback who came into the NFL with concerns about his weight and overall frame. It’s still early in the offseason because the pads haven’t even come on yet and players still aren’t hitting, but he’s made a strong impression on the coaching staff.
“He’s got great movement. He’s got a really good concept trigger,” McVay said. “You can see the ball production where he’s doing things that had never been done before at the collegiate level in terms of being able to get your hands on the ball and then go score. I’ve really been pleased with him. There’s been a lot of positive guys that have really stood out or really kind of taken their game to another level. I’m looking forward to seeing once we put the pads on and getting into some of the preseason games, let’s continue to apply that. But been really pleased with Emmanuel and he’s done a great job.”
With the cornerback spot wide open, Forbes has a chance to carve out a role in the secondary this season.
Braden Fiske’s knee is good to go
Fiske underwent a minor procedure on his knee this offseason after getting hurt in the January playoff loss to the Eagles. There was no real concern about him missing time in 2025 but OTAs have been really encouraging for the second-year defensive lineman.
Fiske said he’s ahead of schedule in his rehab and is already a full-go in practice, feeling no limitations or ill effects from the offseason surgery. He’s poised for a big year in 2025 after leading the team in sacks last season.
Davante Adams having a positive impact on and off the field
Adams and Matthew Stafford have been building chemistry on the practice field this offseason as the veteran receiver enters his first year with the Rams. He’s already having an impact on his new team, both as a pass catcher and in the locker room.
Puka Nacua has talked about how much advice Adams has shared already, while McVay has raved about his football intelligence in the film room and in practice. As a receiver who’s been in the league for more than a decade, Adams has seen a bevvy of coverages and defensive techniques, so he’s as experienced as they come.
“The way he sees the game is pretty impressive,” McVay said. “He sees the game through a quarterback lens and he’s got so many experiences and really understands it from an all-22 perspective. A lot of it is asking questions about things that maybe I’ve seen over the course of his career or how do we apply it? Or how is it similar to maybe things I’ve seen him do? But he loves football. There’s a consistent passion. There’s a real understanding of how it all kind of fits together, the spacing, timing, rhythm. We talk about other stuff outside of football, but the way that his mind works, I’ve really enjoyed being able to learn from him as well.”
Kyren Williams and Rams still negotiating extension
Williams is entering the final year of his rookie contract so he’s eligible for a new deal. His camp and the Rams’ brass have been negotiating an extension all offseason, though no deal has come together yet.
The good news is Williams hasn’t missed a single practice and there’s no indication he plans to hold out. McVay expects full attendance at minicamp in Maui and he’s happy to have Williams continuing to work every day.
“He’s been here, been leading, been doing exactly what Kyren does,” McVay said. “And so, been pleased. We’ll see if there’s an opportunity to be able to land that plane.”
No movement on Jalen Ramsey trade front
Ramsey remains available for a trade and hasn’t yet been moved by the Dolphins. The Rams have been one of the teams frequently linked to Ramsey but it doesn’t seem like they’re especially motivated to get a deal done.
McVay provided an update this week and said the Rams “haven’t had a lot of those discussions” about Ramsey, suggesting maybe their interest has cooled. McVay has also expressed confidence in the cornerbacks the Rams already have so he seems comfortable with their current group.
Nate Landman’s communication has caught Chris Shula’s eye
No one should be surprised if Landman winds up being a starting linebacker for the Rams in Week 1. He was one of their free-agent additions this offseason, coming over from the Falcons where he played for Jimmy Lake and Raheem Morris.
Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula has been impressed by his communication in the middle of the defense, so perhaps he’s someone who could be a candidate to wear the green dot as the signal caller.
“Nate Landman has been excellent with his communication on the second level. We had heard great things about him from Atlanta,” Shula said.
Puka Nacua has improved his route running
As good as Nacua has been in his first two seasons, there’s always room for improvement. He worked hard again this offseason, training with Cooper Kupp, Tyler Higbee and Jordan Whittington, putting him on track for another strong year in 2025.
Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur has seen Nacua develop his route running and mentioned the excellent shape Nacua is in, saying he’s “cutting a little bit better than he was a year ago.”
“I just think he’s just fine-tuned some things. I think if we watched his routes on air from a year ago, I think he’s cutting a little bit better than he was a year ago. I think he’s breaking down a little bit better. He’s always had incredible hands. That’s an elite skill set of his on top of toughness and his physicality. But I think he’s even more confident.”
June 13, 2025 at 2:48 am in reply to: before camp assessments: roster, rankings, predictions #156809znModeratorfrom PFF: One reason for optimism for every team ahead of the 2025 NFL season, https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-reason-for-optimism-every-team-2025-nfl-season?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dhtwitter&utm_content=null#LAR
Los Angeles Rams: A potentially lethal passing attack
When given a clean pocket, Matthew Stafford is still fully capable of shredding opposing defenses. His 90.6 clean-pocket PFF passing grade in 2024 ranked seventh in the NFL. He also has the benefit of working with the league’s highest-graded wide receiver group from last season.
Led by Puka Nacua, who topped the NFL with a 92.6 PFF receiving grade last season, the Rams will be a nightmare for opposing secondaries. The group may have even improved with the addition of Davante Adams, who earned a solid 76.8 PFF receiving grade last season.
znModeratorPADILLA: “Saying I lunged is a lie, but that’s par for the course for this administration… I was behind the cameras listening, and at a certain point hearing Noem say they had to rescue LA from the Governor and Mayor was too much to take. So I raise my voice to ask a question.” pic.twitter.com/e0MWpX1wfk
— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) June 12, 2025
znModeratorI still don’t know what they think of KT Leveston, or maybe these last two signings at OT mean that I do know.
Leveston looks like a guard to me.
More on Humphries:
He’s injured a lot. Has started at both ROT and LOT.
Born: December 28, 1993 (age 31)
College: Florida (2012–2014)
Position: Offensive tackle
NFL draft: 2015: 1st round, 24th pick
Pro Bowl (2021)
Games started: 100
Height: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight: 307 lb (139 kg)znModeratorfrom
DeSean Jackson confirms this about Rams QB Matthew Stafford
Despite the short amount of time playing together, Rams QB Matthew Stafford certainly made a huge impression on DeSean Jackson. How do I know this? When he appeared on the Green Light Podcast with Chris Long, Jackson was asked which NFL quarterback threw the most catchable ball. DeSean Jackson stated with conviction that Matthew Stafford throws the most catchable football in the NFL:
DeSean Jackson on the QB that throws the most catchable and hardest ball 🏈 pic.twitter.com/ki5leXCyvJ
— Green Light with Chris Long (@greenlight) June 10, 2025
znModeratorJune 11, 2025 at 11:20 pm in reply to: Just a thread for different kindsa interesting things #156796znModeratorFrom quora:
B.B. King clears on the story behind this:
“When Elvis showed up, he was already a huge star. This was back in the 1950s, so for a young white guy to walk into an all-Black event took real courage. I think he was showing where he came from, and he seemed proud of it. After the show, he made sure to take photos with me and treated me with great respect. He used to tell people I was one of his musical influences. I don’t know if that’s true, but I liked that he gave Memphis credit for shaping his music.
In 1972, Elvis helped me land a good job at the Hilton Hotel. He was performing in the main room, but he made a call to get me a spot in the lounge. Every night it was packed. Elvis fans came from all backgrounds, but they all shared a love for great music. They were always a good crowd.
Most nights after our shows, I’d head up to his suite. I’d bring my guitar, Lucille, and we’d sing together or take turns. That was how he liked to relax.
Here’s a little secret. We were like the first Blues Brothers—Elvis knew more blues songs than most musicians do. Some nights, it felt like we sang every single one. What I’m saying is that even in the 1970s, hanging out with him at the Hilton, Elvis never lost his manners, his respect, or his love for all kinds of music. And I really admired that.”
znModeratorznModeratorznModeratorLos Angeles Rams’ Emanuel Forbes Impresses Early, But McVay Now Needs To See Morehttps://t.co/GtaXizViul
— LAFB Network (@LAFBNetwork) June 12, 2025
znModeratorMore than 12 months after arriving as a rookie seventh-round draft pick, the former Texas standout [Jordan Whittington] is settling into preparing for his second season armed with an All-Rookie Team season as a kick returner and a wealth of knowledge from two veteran NFL receivers.
“I would say I’ve grown more on the football IQ side, just going through a full season, getting more familiar with the game at the NFL level, and having Cooper (Kupp) last year, and then now having Davante (Adams), those are two people that I’ve been able to pick their brains and get a lot of knowledge from them,” Whittington told theRams.com earlier this week. “So I think the transition from (year) one to (year) two, it definitely was great, and I could see that kind of throughout the OTAs, and stuff moving slower and just knowing more of the detailed stuff.”
…
Being able to make an impact on special teams – where he remained willing to play in college even as his role on offense expanded – meant a lot to him and accomplished a personal goal.
“First, just the whole year was a blessing,” Whittington said. “We got to go through the ups and downs, have a great season. And, yeah, I’m just glad I got to contribute to the team. And I was happy to just to be here, because there was a point where I didn’t think that I would be in the NFL, and then now I’m here. So every rep, every practice, I got to take it and take advantage of the opportunities that I get. But yeah, just being able to help the team any way I could, that was a big goal for me.”
Entering Year 2, Whittington is focused on growing his knowledge of the game and defenses, as well as concepts and the details with it. “Being a technician” is also a priority, as he applies advice received from Adams and fellow receivers Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell onto the field.
znModeratorfrom https://www.si.com/nfl/2025-nfl-offseason-winners-losers-steelers-cowboys-raiders-improve#_mgtqyyj17
San Francisco 49ers’ player exodus
The 49ers might benefit from the many subtractions they made this offseason. San Francisco needed to evolve for several reasons, one of which was to become more savvy about the salary cap and Brock Purdy’s new massive contract.
Clearly, the 49ers’ approach to winning the Super Bowl wasn’t working. Players were aging, and the production wasn’t worth the contracts. Developing a new crop of stars could lead to a quick fix for a team that still has plenty of talent.
Seattle Seahawks’ free agency
I’ve repeatedly mentioned that the Seahawks got worse by swapping Geno Smith and Metcalf for Darnold and Cooper Kupp. Still, the Seahawks had an impressive draft class, so I’ve come around on them for 2025.
It makes sense why coach Mike Macdonald and GM John Schneider made these drastic changes. Smith and Metcalf were part of the core group that didn’t get far in the post–Russell Wilson era with just one blowout wild-card loss in three years.
Now Macdonald gets to do it with his guys in Year 2. I’m not sure how far they can get with Darnold and a suspect offensive line, but at least they have an intriguing insurance plan with rookie QB Jalen Milroe.
znModerator“That was a possibility.”
Sean McVay on Aaron Rodgers becoming an LA Ram @gmfb pic.twitter.com/YIpro7zlss
— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) June 11, 2025
znModeratorfrom Rodrigue, https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6417314/2025/06/11/rams-davante-adams-matthew-stafford-connection/?source=emp_shared_article
The Rams will hold a minicamp with limited on-field work next week in Maui before breaking for the summer. Adams has used the organized team activities (OTAs) over the last few weeks to develop his chemistry with Stafford, head coach Sean McVay and his new Rams teammates.
Tuesday, Adams impressed. For years, he has had the reputation of getting open quickly and creating space throughout the course of a route between himself and a defender in a variety of ways. Whether from the slot — Adams hit a defender with a hip flip in tight space in the middle of the field and Stafford threw him a pass right as he got open and pivoted the opposite direction — or the perimeter, Adams had a high-volume workload and showed a brief glimpse at the potential of his role in the offense this year.
Stafford has also long been known for his creative play, working different arm angles and capitalizing on defenders’ mistakes regardless of the practice script. That has also been energizing for Adams.
“Based off a couple we had today, he don’t care what that coverage says — if they’re not playing that coverage right, you might get the ball still,” said Adams, laughing.
Adams and Stafford talk frequently between plays about timing, placement and both players adjust where necessary.
“It makes it easy for a guy like me, because I’ll run a route and expect that I’m supposed to run out of (it) a little bit quicker, maybe I had to dive to catch it or something like that, and he’s saying ‘that’s on me, I’ve got to put it on you’ versus telling me that I have to do it a different way,” Adams said. “Which I’m completely OK with, too! I’m the new guy here. A lot of times that’s how I look at it anyway. ‘How can I make (things) better?’ versus, ‘put a better ball on me.’
“As long as he’s throwing me the ball, I’ll figure out a way to get it. (But) him being a man like that obviously helps this whole thing go a lot smoother and us get on the same page a lot faster.”
In stretch lines before practice or in between drills, McVay spends extra time with Adams as the two actually get to know each other following McVay’s heated pursuit of Adams in free agency in March.
“A lot of it is asking questions about things that maybe I’ve seen over the course of his career, or how do we apply it, or how is it maybe similar to the things I’ve seen him do,” McVay said. “He loves football. There’s a consistent passion, there’s a real understanding of how it all kind of fits together (with) spacing, timing, rhythm. We talk about other stuff outside of football. The way his mind works, I’ve really enjoyed being able to learn from him as well.”
The two have even talked on the phone after Adams does some of his film study at night, whether to make adjustments or clarify different concepts.
“The way he sees the game is pretty impressive,” said McVay. “I mean, he sees the game through a quarterback lens. He’s got so many experiences and really understands it from an All-22 perspective.”
The caveat on everything this time of year is just that: it’s the spring. There are no pads, and everyone feels great.
But Adams’ energy on the field and in meetings during the voluntary workouts even in his 12th season — even as “the new guy” — backs up his positive talk.
“It’s just about ball (here), it’s no other B.S.,” he said. “Got a really good quarterback in here, a really good young team that shows a lot of promise. … Just knowing how hungry this team is and seeing the work that they’re still putting in after having a year like last year, it just kind of confirms that I’m in the right place.”
znModerator"He sure looks good. I feel really grateful to work with him" – Sean McVay on @tae15adams 💙💛 @RamsNFL pic.twitter.com/jjpyjvRjge
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) June 11, 2025
znModeratorDavante Adams has noticed the difference between playing for the Los Angeles Rams and his other recent teams.
More of the same.
New Los Angeles Rams receiver Davante Adams is basking in the Southern California sunshine.
Joining Sean McVay’s squad after spending two-plus years in Las Vegas and the bulk of 2024 in New York, Adams feels refreshed.
“It’s been exactly what I needed, feeling rejuvenated and really, really enjoying the time with the guys, getting to know them, getting on the same page with Matthew (Stafford), and just kind of gelling with the whole team right now,” Adams said on Tuesday, via the team’s official website. “It feels like I’ve been on this team for a couple years now, just based off of how open and receptive the guys have been to me.”
znModeratorznModeratorThe Los Angeles Rams added to their defensive front Tuesday after signing defensive lineman Decarius Hawthorne to a one-year deal, the team announced.
The 6-foot-2, 290-pound Hawthorne went undrafted out of South Florida in 2025 and spent time at the Buffalo Bills rookie minicamp.
He played college football at South Florida and Florida Atlantic, where he tallied 80 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery during his 48 games. Hawthorne led USF defensive linemen in 2024 with 40 tackles and added 10.5 tackles for loss while adding 2.5 sacks.
***
znModeratorJourdan Rodrigue&JourdanRodrigue
No new news for Rams re. possibility of adding Jalen Ramsey (I have noted they aren’t really looking at this time period as any kind of “deadline”)…on Jaire Alexander, Sean McVay says “nothing but respect for the player, but I don’t know if that’s a direction that we would go.”znModeratorAs per that last vid that invader put up, here is the article they quote, and that is followed by passage from Sports Illustrated that the article itself quotes:
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Rising Los Angeles Rams rookie turning heads in 2025 OTAs
Rams’ seventh-round rookie receiver Konata Mumpfield continues to stand out with his speed and route-running in team’s 2025 OTAsDespite trading out of the first round, the Los Angeles Rams reeled in an impressive rookie class at the 2025 NFL Draft. With 2025 NFL OTAs taking place, the Rams got their initial look at their first-year players in live action. While many players garnered considerable attention, dynamic wideout Konata Mumpfield continues to turn heads.
Despite being the Rams’ sixth and final pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, Mumpfield has gained as much recognition in OTAs as any of his peers. The athletic playmaker seems to already be an exciting fit in Sean McVay’s offense. Mumpfield’s crisp route-running has been on display daily as he continues to receive praise from his teammates, coaches and onlooking reporters.
While Mumpfield failed to develop consistency in any of his three seasons at Pittsburgh, the 22-year-old has long been on scouts’ radars due to his physical attributes.
His frame is nothing special, but Mumpfield is an elite athlete with innate contested catch abilities. His inconsistency will not make for a smooth rookie campaign, but Mumpfield is proving he can immediately be a sneaky big-play threat.
Though he did not hear his name called until late on Day 3, fans might still recall Mumpfield’s draft moment. The Rams had the late zookeeper Steve Irwin’s son, Robert Irwin, announce the selection with a snake around his neck.
With the changes occurring within the Rams’ organization in the offseason, there is a lot to analyze during their 2025 OTAs. Yet, even with the chaos, Konata Mumpfield continues to stand out and exceed initial expectations.
During the first practice session open to the media, many immediately noticed Mumpfield. The seventh-rounder looked like he belonged on the field, consistently “snatching balls out of the sky,” according to Sports Illustrated.
“Konata Mumpfield was absolutely brilliant on the field,” Sports Illustrated wrote. “He showed off his ball-tracking skills on an underthrown pass by Jimmy Garoppolo, but it was a constant ability to snatch balls out of the sky that truly exemplified how he dazzled. Mumpfield was consistent in his approach and execution, putting together some great film as he battles for his opportunities.”
Mumpfield posted an unimpressive 4.59-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, resulting in a meager 64 athleticism score from NFL.com. Yet, his so-called speed deficiency has not seemed to be an issue in live sets, where he has already shown off meaningful improvements.
With the Rams releasing Cooper Kupp early in the offseason, Mumpfield is already competing with Jordan Whittington, Britain Covey and Quintez Cephus for rotational snaps. Some even suggest that he could already be pushing Tutu Atwell for a spot in the starting lineup.
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from 3 Observations on Rams OTA No. 1–What did we see during the Los Angeles Rams’ first OTA practice of 2025?: https://www.si.com/nfl/rams/konata-mumpfield-los-angeles-sean-mcvay-emmanuel-forbes-davante-adams
Konata Mumpfield was absolutely brilliant on the day. He showed off his ball tracking skills on an underthrown pass by Jimmy Garoppolo, but it was a constant ability to snatch balls out of the sky that truly exemplified how he dazzled.
Mumpfield was consistent in his approach and execution, putting together some great film as he battles for his opportunities.
Mumpfield is a legitimate NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate. His skills from college have not only translated, but with improved quarterback play, those skills have evolved. His candidacy will likely depend not on whether he’s able to execute on opportunities, but is more dependent on opportunities being called to come his way.
znModeratorznModeratorAlbert Breer@AlbertBreer
For what it’s worth, I’d heard the $10 million number, at the time, was sort of exclusive to the Rams. As in, an example of how badly he wanted to go there in March—”He’s willing to go there for $10 million.”WTF?
Yeah. According to Breer Rodgers was courting the Rams to play in LA, before Stafford decided to stay.
znModeratorRams Legend Bryce Perkins is the GOAT of the UFL 😳
pic.twitter.com/2CkTYh53mB— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) June 8, 2025
znModeratorI’ve probably posted this before.
It’s my favorite “Far Side.”
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