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znModeratorWoods, Goff Establishing Chemistry
By Myles Simmons
When Robert Woods was introduced to local media back in March, he made a point of saying he wanted to get with quarterback Jared Goff and start working as soon as possible. There’s more to be done, but receiver and quarterback appear to be establishing a solid chemistry through the offseason program.
”He’s been great,” Goff said on Monday. “He’s been more than I could have really expected, honestly.”
“We’ve been working,” Woods said. “Pretty much that first week, we were throwing at Westlake High, a couple of the colleges around here. But just trying to get our timing down early so our first impression with [head coach Sean] McVay and [offensive coordinator] Matt LaFleur was a good one.”
That has been the case, with McVay praising the work ethic Woods has displayed on and off the field. But it’s Woods’ versatility that has highlighted his value to the club so far.
“He’s a guy that kind of plays a lot different spots for us, competes well in both the run and the pass — kind of what we had liked about him when we had seen him on tape in Buffalo and going back to even when he was a great player at USC,” McVay said. “He’s been really good so far, one of those guys that you enjoy coaching just because the way that he goes about his work every single day.”
“His work ethic — you can tell how much it means to him and how bad he wants it. He’s just a competitor,” Goff said.
After four seasons with the Bills compiling 203 receptions for 2,451 yards and 12 touchdowns, Woods said he feels he’s had a speedy transition to his new club. With a new coaching staff, he’s just like the rest of the Rams receiving corps in that it’s a new system for everyone.
“I mean, everybody’s getting used to the new offense, everybody’s installing the same thing, so it’s not like I’m far behind or anything,” Woods said. “But just coming out here and trying to get better on the field. We’re trying to build the offense as fast as we can. We have a lot of young weapons, young players, people who will contribute early.”
At age 22, Goff counts as one of those young players. And part of the benefit of Woods signing a five-year contract is that he and Goff have a chance to establish a long-term partnership.
That stands in contrast to what Woods has dealt with in the past, working with multiple quarterbacks in Buffalo.
“I’ve worked with a lot of different guys early on — E.J. Manuel, Tyrod [Taylor], those are the quarterbacks who were there most often, most consistently,” Woods said. “But now, working with Goff, a young quarterback, seeing him communicate in the meeting rooms…the biggest thing — we’re talking so much that we’re seeing it apply on the field.
“We’ve got years and years to come, years to work on it,” Woods added. “But just want to come out and start early — first year, no need to wait. Both early and young, no need to wait, just start now.”
So far, both Woods and Goff have been impressed with the other.
“He wants to be the best he can be every day and you can tell that,” Goff said. “It’s really exciting for me to have a guy like that — multiple guys like that, but him in particular.”
“Work ethic, arm, and accuracy,” Woods said, listing Goff’s standout traits. “You see him coming out here, always working, always first to answer the questions in the meeting rooms. Just coming out here when we work, he listens.”
As McVay often points out, clear and open communication is key. Woods pointed out one play that previously fell incomplete that the pair got right on Monday as an example of how they’re growing together.
“The same pass we completed today, we had the same look a few weeks ago. And this time, he threw it and it was a perfect pass,” Woods said, “He just puts the ball in perfect position for the receivers to make plays.”
znModeratorNFL celebrations are back! pic.twitter.com/7tt4wR35lz
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 23, 2017
znModeratorReport: Rams will feature TEs in passing game
NFL Network’s Steve Wyche reports the Rams plan to run a “tight-end-centric passing game.”
It is not a surprising report considering Washington targeted a tight end on 26 percent (seventh-highest) of their attempts last season under Rams coach Sean McVay. Along with last year’s fourth-rounder Tyler Higbee, second-round pick Gerald Everett gives the Rams two potentially dynamic weapons at tight end. Without much talent at receiver, it makes sense for the Rams to feature them if they are ready to step uphttp://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/nfl/358158/report-rams-will-feature-tes-in-passing-game
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PFF: MCVAY PLANS TO USE TE MORE HEAVILY WITH RAMS
The new Rams head coach used his tight ends heavily with Washington, and reportedly will bring that plan with him to Los Angeles.
MICHAEL MANNING
https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-mcvay-plans-to-use-te-more-heavily-with-rams/
The Los Angeles Rams have looked further and further away from the tight end position in the passing game over the past three years, but NFL Network’s Steve Wyche reports new head coach Sean McVay plans to bring his tight end-friendly game plan to the team.
The Redskins threw to the TE over 130 times every year that McVay was the OC (2014-2016). The Rams have yet to reach that number since the PFF era began in 2006 but did come close with 129 targets in 2014.
Washington TE Jordan Reed has averaged the second-highest percentage among tight ends when lined up in the slot (23.7) in the league over the past three seasons, behind only Tennessee’s Delanie Walker.
The Rams second-round pick, Gerald Everett out of South Alabama, was ranked fourth in slot receptions (29) and ranked third in slot yards (418) out of 48 tight ends in the draft class.
Starting Rams’ TE last season Lance Kendricks had the lowest yards per route run from the slot in the NFL with 0.71 out of 32 tight ends.
znModeratorRobert Woods without Watkins
Woods played 13 games in 2016 and had decently modest numbers: 51 receptions on 76 targets (67.1%, which is good) and a YPR of 8.07.
A couple of things held him back some. First Buffalo was 32nd in pass attempts. 2nd Woods was always behind Watkins, who was their built-in primary target.
How did Woods play without Watkins?
Watkins was out for games 3-9. (Their bye week was week 10.) Woods played games 1-13.
In the 6 games with Watkins playing, Woods averaged 3.8 targets per game. In the games without Watkins, Woods averaged 8 targets per game. with Watkins playing too, Woods averaged 25 yards a game. Without Watkins, he averaged 66 yards a game.
So that’s something anyway.
znModeratorRams QB Jared Goff, WR Robert Woods went to work early
Alden Gonzalez
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Moments after the ink dried on his five-year, $34 million contract in early March, Angeleno and new Los Angeles Rams receiver Robert Woods stated his desire to immediately begin to work with his new quarterback, Jared Goff.
Woods wasn’t kidding.
The two basically began working together the very first week after Woods signed, coming together at high schools and colleges near the Rams’ facility until the start of the offseason program on April 10 in order to, as Woods said, “get our timing down early.” Woods, speaking from the start of the Rams’ organized team activities on Monday, is already seeing that timing come together.
“The biggest thing is what we were talking in meetings, we’re coming out here and we’re seeing it happen on the field,” Woods said. “We’re seeing how the defense plays, and the big thing is coming out here and executing what we’re talking about.”
Woods and Goff are in line to spend at least the next four years together. And because Woods is a precise route runner who figures to factor heavily into the intermediate passing game, he is perhaps the best bet to lead the 2017 Rams in catches.
Woods was never really that guy with the Bills. His best season, in 2014, included 65 catches for 699 yards and five touchdowns. During his four years in Buffalo, the former USC star played with five different starting quarterbacks, never really able to build a true rapport with a specific passer. With Goff, 22, Woods sees someone with “work ethic, arm and accuracy. You see him coming out here always working, always first to answer the question in the meeting rooms. He listens when we’re out here, communicates.”
Goff said Woods has been “more than I could have really expected.”
“You can tell how much it means to him and how bad he wants it,” Goff added. “He’s just a competitor. He’s smart, he’s fast, he’s strong, and he competes every day. He wants to be the best he can be every day, and you can tell.”
May 23, 2017 at 11:42 pm in reply to: OTAs general coverage thread starting 5/22…vids, highlights, audios, articles #69225znModerator.
FARR AUDIO. Farr starts at about 1:42 in.
Rams sideline reporter D’Marco Farr talks about Aaron Donald’s contract negotiations and how that may impact the team in the future. Plus, Farr comments on Jared Goff’s upcoming season and Todd Gurley’s comeback.
May 23, 2017 at 6:08 pm in reply to: Donald not at OTAs…now morphed into, do you pay Donald & how much thread #69219znModeratorRams’ Aaron Donald skipping OTAs while team, reps talk extension
Alden Gonzalez
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Aaron Donald, the game’s best interior pass-rusher, was absent from the first day of the Los Angeles Rams’ organized team activities on Monday, while he and his representatives at CAA continued to negotiate a potential extension.
Rams general manager Les Snead confirmed that Donald’s absence “has something to do with the contract” and said he is “very hopeful that this thing will get done.”
Donald recently had his fifth-year option picked up, but that was always considered something of a placeholder while he and the Rams went back and forth on an extension. The No. 13 overall pick in 2014 will be paid a base salary of about $1.8 million in 2017 and $6.9 million in 2018, then will be eligible for free agency.
Donald’s representatives at CAA were not immediately available for comment. But Snead said at the NFL combine in early March that Donald “deserves a raise,” then said Monday that the Rams are “definitely at the serious stages of renegotiating” his contract.
“We like Aaron,” Snead said. “There’s no doubt he’s a really good player. We want him to be a Ram. That’s our goal. I think his goal is to be a Ram, and that’s what we’re working toward.”
Donald has been invited to the Pro Bowl each of his three NFL seasons and was first-team All-Pro the past two years. In 2015 and ’16, he was considered the game’s best defensive player, regardless of position, by Pro Football Focus. Last season alone, he led the NFL with 31 quarterback hits, was tied for the lead with 17 tackles for loss, and added eight sacks.
Rams rookie head coach Sean McVay said Donald was present for the voluntary veteran minicamp from April 25-27 and had been a part of most of the team’s offseason program. Participating in OTAs is voluntary, but players are required to show up for the minicamp that runs from June 13-15.
“Everything’s good with Aaron,” McVay said. “We expected him not to be here today, but what we have seen from Aaron this offseason, in terms of the effort, the way that he’s competed — we’ve been very pleased with him.”
The Rams don’t have much of any cap space remaining, but could pay Donald more money in 2017 by virtue of a signing bonus, which is traditionally paid in a lump sum but is spread out over the course of a contract with regards to the salary cap.
Roster bonuses and restructuring other contracts can also allow Donald to be paid more money up front. A source with knowledge of the negotiations said the Rams’ cap space in 2017 “isn’t an impediment” with Donald’s contract. The team is set up to have $43 million on cap space in 2018, currently fifth most in the NFL.
Another option could be signing cornerback Trumaine Johnson to an extension, which would likely mean he makes less in 2017 than the $16.7 million he’s on track to receive under his second consecutive franchise tag. But Snead said the Rams won’t pursue extension talks with Johnson until after OTAs wrap up.
Any extension for Donald might require making him the game’s highest-paid defensive player, though he could be willing to sacrifice some of that in order to make more in his two seasons before free agency.
The game’s highest-paid defensive player is Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller, who signed a six-year, $114.5 million contract, with $70 million guaranteed, last July. After Miller are a couple of defensive tackles: Ndamukong Suh of the Dolphins (six years, $114.375 million with nearly $60 million guaranteed) and Fletcher Cox of the Eagles (six-year, $102.6 million contract with nearly $63.3 million guaranteed).
J.J. Watt — the only one among the five highest-paid defensive players to get an extension before his fourth season — got a six-year deal worth about $100 million with nearly $52 million guaranteed with the Texans.
But that was in 2014.
“You always look at comparisons,” Snead said, smirking a bit. “We always do that, right?”
znModeratorNFL rules changes: No more 75-man roster cutdown, second player can return from IR
Lorenzo Reyes , USA TODAY
NFL owners voted Tuesday to eliminate the roster cutdown to 75 players during the preseason, instead opting to have a one-time reduction before the regular that will slash rosters from 90 players to 53. The decision was made at the league’s spring meetings in Chicago.
The 75-man cut used to occur between the third and fourth weeks of preseason. With the change, teams will be required to cut up to 37 players following the final preseason game. This could place more urgency and importance on the final exhibition contest, with more roster spots theoretically up for grabs.
It also means nearly 1,200 players will become available before the start of the regular season, likely creating a hectic period as teams scramble to fine-tune opening-day rosters while filling out practice squads.
Also Tuesday, owners approved a measure that makes a second player who is placed on injured reserve eligible to return later in the season. Previously, only one could be designated for recall from IR, thanks to a rule that was adopted in 2012 and amended in 2016. The 2016 bylaw stated that any player who had spent at least six weeks on IR would be eligible to return to practice, opening a 14-day window for the player to return to the active roster.
Other changes that were adopted included a reduction of overtime from 15 minutes to 10 and a relaxation of on-field celebration rules.
Owners tabled discussions for a proposal that stipulates that coaches can reach agreements to change jobs even if their current teams are still in the playoffs.
Also tabled was a proposal from the Washington Redskins that would provide roster exemptions for concussed players.
May 23, 2017 at 5:14 pm in reply to: OTAs general coverage thread starting 5/22…vids, highlights, audios, articles #69216znModerator5 Takeaways from Day 1 of OTAs
Myles Simmons
The Rams began Phase III of their offseason program on Monday with their first organized team activity practice. Here are five takeaways from the first session of OTAs.
1) Aaron Donald absent
The biggest story from Monday was the absence of All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald. General manager Les Snead confirmed following practice that it’s a contract-related issue with Donald, and that the club was aware he would not be in attendance at OTAs.
There have been discussions between the Rams and Donald’s representation, which Snead said have reached the serious stages.
“These things — it’s a process,” Snead said. “We like Aaron, there’s no doubt. He’s a really good player. We want him to be a Ram. That’s our goal. I think his goal is to be a Ram, and that’s what we’re working toward.”
“I’m very hopeful that this thing will get done,” Snead added.
2) Goff picking up offense well
While second-year quarterback Jared Goff is learning a new offense head coach Sean McVay, he said he’s picking up this scheme well.
“It’s a way different offense. But personally, from my brief experience with it, I’ve had a quicker time learning it — an easier time learning it,” Goff said. “I don’t know whether that’s scheme or the way it’s taught or what not. But I’ve enjoyed spending time with the coaches and picking it up pretty quickly.”
Offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur recently praised Goff for being a quick study.
“He’s really grasped the offense surprisingly fast, especially for a new guy,” offensive coordinator LaFleur said at rookie minicamp earlier this month. “When you get a new guy in an offense, there is a transition period with that, but he’s done a nice job at picking it up at a surprisingly quick pace.”
3) Goff has added weight
Last year, Goff came in sporting 215 pounds on his 6-foot-4 frame. Now, he’s added some weight as he begins OTAs in Year 2.
“I’ve probably put on five to 10 pounds,” Goff said. “I feel good. I feel strong. I feel like this is the best shape I’ve been in in a long time. But that’s kind of been every year. Every year I’ve kind of gotten bigger and stronger and I’m still growing. I don’t think I’m growing in height, as much as I’m getting a little bit wider.”
4) Woods developing chemistry with Goff
The Rams brought in free agent wide receiver Robert Woods to be a reliable target for Goff, and so far the two are doing well to get on the same page.
“We’ve been connecting,” Woods said. “The biggest thing is we’re talking in the meetings, and we’re coming out here and seeing it on the field. We’re seeing how the defense plays, and the biggest thing is we’re coming out here and executing what we’ve talked about.”
Woods brought up one play in particular from Monday, where conversations between the two paid off.
“Just coming out here when we work, he listens. We’re out here communicating,” Woods said. “The same pass we completed today, we had the same look a few weeks ago. And this time, he threw it and it was a perfect pass. He just puts the ball in perfect position for the receivers to make plays.”
5) What about a third quarterback?
Right now, the Rams have two quarterbacks on their roster in Goff and backup Sean Mannion. Teams typically carry three if not four quarterbacks during the offseason, but right now head coach Sean McVay appeared content with where the Rams are.
“I think something we’ve got to do a good job of monitoring the pitch count with Jared and with Sean Mannion, just making sure we’re not wearing them out,” McVay said. “I think we will look into [adding another quarterback] at some point. When that happens is in the offseason or for training camp — we’re kind of evaluating that right now. The way that we’ve got it set up with going two OTAs, then kind of a phase one day and then that last OTA for the week, we feel good about those two right now and we’ve got a couple of coaches that can throw it around if necessary as well.”
May 23, 2017 at 3:17 pm in reply to: OTAs general coverage thread starting 5/22…vids, highlights, audios, articles #69214znModeratorVincent Bonsignore @DailyNewsVinny
FYI on O-line: The whole group looks different with Andrew Whitworth at LT. He’s a commanding presence in multiple waysVincent Bonsignore @DailyNewsVinny
1. McVay is not simplifying things specifically for Goff. It’s literally the main thrust of his offensive/QB philosophy.
2. That being: Making the toughest, most important position to play in football – QB – as easy as possible to play.
3. It’s a philosophy that traces back to Bill Walsh. And it’s predicated on scheme/teaching
Tre’ @JustA_Scrub
Got any favorites for the wide receiver corp this early?Vincent Bonsignore @DailyNewsVinny
1. Too early. A bunch of guys got reps/targets yesterday. It’s going to take awhile to sort it out. Gerald Everett looked explosive at TE
2. That said, Mike Thomas seems to have made strides. Hard not to notice Josh Reynolds. This is a good offense for Cooper Kupp’s skill set
Vincent Bonsignore @DailyNewsVinny
A lot of WE/TE group mixing and matching with both quarterbacksRichard Valenzuela @DailyNewsVinny
What you say is probably true; however, point remains that the Rams/Goff are “behind schedule” year 2. Year 1 was almost completely wastedVincent Bonsignore @DailyNewsVinny
1. I don’t get sense McVay is trying to “make up for lost time” He’s got a philosophy/system he believes in and is implenting.
2. Reality is, it’s way too early in Goff process to be worried about a schedule. He started 7 games last year.
Ty De’Juan @Ty_DeJuan
Spruce is was done whenever Fisher got fired.Vincent Bonsignore @DailyNewsVinny
I don’t believe that to be the case.znModerator1) How do I view my inbox for this site?
2) How do I PM users.
3) How can I edit my posts?
We don’t have PMs with this software. You can use the chat function like a PM to send private messages (hit the icon in the lower rite that counts present posters).
Do you have an edit function? I am a mod so weirdly I don’t know what “civilians” have. It should be at the top among other functions when you go into a post. This is the mod version but it would look like this:
znModeratorTo be honest? I like every player in this draft.
The only one I have some doubts about is Reynolds. Not sure how he fits and not sure if he translates.
However, it is POSSIBLE they got 5 starters from this draft. Depending on how you count starters with an offense that will rotate in and out of different formations. I mean btw longterm starters, not all starters as rookies. Though this depends on the day you ask me, I count Everett, Kupp, Johnson, Ebukam, and (depending on how much they use him so again depending on what you mean by “starter”) also Rogers.
If that happens, you know how rare it is to get 5 starters from one draft. And this is without a 1st round pick.
Over the years going back to 1967 (50 years), how many times have the Rams gotten at least 4 starters from one draft? (Though remember, previously, they had 1st round picks).
73: Bryant, Jawarski, Youngblood, Nelson, Jones
75: Fanning, Harrah, France, Jackson, Perry, Haden
77: Brudzinski, Cromwell, Waddy, Tyler, Ferragamo
80: Johnson, Pankey, Irvin, Guman
83: Dickerson, Ellard, Wilcher, Newsome, Reed
85: Gray, Hatcher, Greene, Love
94: Gandy, Bruce, Wright, Lyle (+ UDFA Farr)
98: Wistrom, Holcombe, Little, Williams (+ UDFAs Fletcher, Horne, and Jenkins)
05: Barron, Bartell, Atogwe, Incognito
12: Brockers, Jenkins, Johnson, and Zuerlein. (+ UDFA McCleod)
13: Austin, Ogletree, McDonald, Stacy+ 78 if you count UDFA Doug Smith. The other 3 from 78 are Thomas, Slater, and Ekern.
znModeratorCantor’s giant softshell turtle grows to 2 metres long & spends 95% of its life buried & motionless, surfacing only twice a day to breathe.
Now and then, I have days like that.
znModeratorA tooth very similar and perhaps belonging to a Triceratops has been found in Mississippi
Oh I have a ton of those. They were just there when I turned over the ground to make my gardens. I used them to border the garden.
So, they’re important?
Maybe I shouldn’t have painted them to make a more decorative border.
znModeratorWater.
3 biggest grain producers pumping away their aquifers.
May 23, 2017 at 1:11 am in reply to: Donald not at OTAs…now morphed into, do you pay Donald & how much thread #69179znModeratorPer league source, the #Rams not only want Aaron Donald around long term, but he will become 1 of the highest paid defensive players in NFL.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 22, 2017
May 23, 2017 at 12:52 am in reply to: Donald not at OTAs…now morphed into, do you pay Donald & how much thread #69178znModeratorSource with knowledge of Aaron Donald talks: Rams' cap space "isn't an impediment."
— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) May 23, 2017
May 22, 2017 at 10:46 pm in reply to: Donald not at OTAs…now morphed into, do you pay Donald & how much thread #69175znModeratorWith contract talks heating up, Aaron Donald a no-show at Rams OTAs
VINCENT BONSIGNORE
Let’s get the bad news out of the way first.
Such as it is, anyway.
The Rams kicked off Day One of their full-team Organized Team Activities on Monday in Thousand Oaks and Aaron Donald, their best player, was nowhere to be found.
Oops.
Granted, these practices are voluntary and thanks to the Collective Bargaining Agreement it’s not like anyone gets fined or punished if they blow one off.
But let’s not kid ourselves. With the precious little off-season time coaches and players get to work together on the field these days, it’s strongly suggested in the strongest of terms that players show up.So clearly something had to be awry for Donald to just skip it.
And something is up indeed..
Turns out Donald’s absence is contract-related, according to Rams general manager Les Snead. Or, to be more specific, Donald desires to renegotiate his contract to make it more reflective of his status as one of the top two defensive linemen in the league.
And while his current deal still has two years remaining on it – the one he signed as a rookie after the Rams selected him 13th overall four years ago – he’s really not keen on letting another day go by, let alone 24 more months, before getting paid what he’s truly worth.
That means a new contract that falls somewhere between the six years, $114.3 million Miami gave defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh three years ago and the six years, $102.6 million the Philadelphia Eagles gave Fletcher Cox last year.
And as Donald’s actions on Monday suggests, he’s going to play every bit of leverage to get the Rams to see things his way.
If that means skipping a few voluntary workouts, so be it.
So much for the bad news.
As multiple people in the Rams organization confirmed on Monday, the club is eager to do right by their All-Pro defensive tackle and are hopeful things will get sorted out.
As in very, very soon.
And as Snead suggested, the club and Donald are in the “serious stage’ of renegotiation. He declined to go any further than that, or provide any sort of concrete timeline on when they’ll wrap this up and get Donald back in the fold.
But it seems both sides are motivated to get this done.
“We like Aaron. There’s no doubt he’s a really good player,” said Snead. “We want him to be a Ram. That’s our goal. I think his goal is to be a Ram, and that’s what we’re working toward.”
They should.
Donald has been a human wrecking ball since stepping foot in the NFL, racking up 28 sacks and 163 tackles in three seasons. In that time, Donald has earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, been selected to three Pro Bowls and earned first team All-Pro honors twice.
He’s a quiet, lunch-pail carrying tough guy from Pittsburgh who shows up to work every day and does his job. More often than not, at a level as elite as anyone in the NFL.
The Rams can’t afford to lose him. And if that means locking him up long term right now rather than waiting until the end of his rookie deal, so be it. He’s too valuable to a team in desperate need of star quality and productive, reliable football players to mess around with.
The Rams are wise to get this done as quickly as possible.
And you get the sense the Rams are perfectly fine with how Donald is approaching the situation. Skipping a team practice included.
This doesn’t appear an act of subordination or intimidation or out of frustration.
On the contrary.
In no way do the Rams want the business side of this affair to reflect poorly on Donald. The Rams love Donald and want him in Los Angeles for many years to come.
So if everyone is on the same page here and talks are heating up and the two sides closing in on a deal, why is Donald making such as newsworthy stand?
It’s pretty simple, actually.
Donald stands to make a guaranteed $8.7 million over the next two years, but his new deal will likely guarantee him north of $70 million given the neighborhood he is about to move into.
There is no reason for him to risk losing that life-changing $70 million by injuring himself during a voluntary practice in May or June.
Better for him to play things safe until the contract is wrapped up and the money is in the bank before stepping back onto the field.
At least during this phase of the process.
If the two sides haven’t reached an accord come the end of July, that’s a whole other story. Donald doesn’t seem like a guy who is going to officially hold out of when the Rams report to training camp. Not with two years left on his deal and fines coming into play and the public relations impact it would create.
But that’s a long ways off, relatively speaking.
And the sense you get talking to Snead and others in the organization, everything is moving in the right direction and while they might be haggling on a few issues, it seems like both sides have a pretty good idea of Donald’s monetary value.
And what might that be?
It seems doubtful Donald will get the absurd amount of money the Dolphins gave Suh, which included a $25,500,000 signing bonus, $59,955,000 guaranteed for an average yearly salary of $19 million.
It’s been three years since the Dolphins gave Suh that contract, and it’s yet to be topped by another defensive tackle. In fact, Denver defensive end Von Miller barely nudged ahead of Suh last year when he signed a six-year, $114,500,000 with a $17 million signing bonus and $70 million guaranteed for an average annual salary of $19,083,333.
Donald, as good as he is – and he’s better than Suh – won’t get to that level.
But it’s not unreasonable to think he won’t land a contract exceeding what the Eagles gave Fletcher, as he’s the superior player and a year younger.
That means somewhere in the neighborhood of six years, $110 million with a $25 million signing bonus and $70 million guaranteed.
May 22, 2017 at 10:32 pm in reply to: Donald not at OTAs…now morphed into, do you pay Donald & how much thread #69173znModeratorIt is in everyone’s interest to get a contract done.
Reading around the net, it appears that some are seeing this as a Donald hold-out. From what the reporters are saying, it sounds more like it’s a case of the contract being close and Donald, with the complete understanding of the front office, not wanting to risk injury by practicing. I really think that’s all this is. Any controversy around it I see as just being a foggy drizzle in Barbie doll teacup.
.
May 22, 2017 at 8:48 pm in reply to: McVay, Goff, Gurley (OTAs start) … vid & transcripts, 5/22 #69170znModeratorRams Head Coach Sean McVay – – May 22, 2017
(Opening remarks)
“It was a good first day, guys moved around and competed with great effort. We know that we’re always going to strive for that improvement, but to get everybody out here and competing against each other, I felt like the tempo was excellent. Both offense and defense made some plays. (I’m) looking forward to looking at this tape and seeing what we can clean up.”
(On if anyone stood out to him)
“I think until you really go back and look at the tape, it’s always hard to say. You certainly felt some of our guys up front rushing early on. I thought they did an excellent job on defense playing with some great energy, pursuing to the football. (WR) Mike Thomas made a couple of nice plays in some of those pass periods. Until you go back and look, it’s always tough to truly say.”
(On what he saw working with QB Jared Goff versus what he saw on Goff’s film)
“I think he’s done a nice job just getting better every single day. We know that anytime you’re not truly live in some of these periods, it’s always a little bit more difficult. I thought he’s done a nice job managing the huddle, got in and out today. He’s seeing some things, progressing through based on what coverages we’re seeing. We’re just focused on one day at a time and so far he’s done some nice things.”
(On if everything is okay with DT Aaron Donald)
“Yeah, everything is good with Aaron. We expected him not to be here today, but what we have seen from Aaron this offseason in terms of the effort, the way that he’s competed, been very pleased with him. It is voluntary right now, so whenever we get him back we’ll feel good about that.”
(On Donald’s return)
“I think we’re confident that he’s going to be a very important part of what we’re doing moving forward and when he’s back, it will be great for everybody.”
(On why Donald was absent)
“There’s some things going on. There’s really nothing personal or anything like that. Those discussions are kind of internal right now, but we expected him not to be here. But what we’ve seen from him has been very encouraging.”
(On if Donald’s absence is injury related)
“Right now, do not have to reveal any of those injuries, you guys tried to get me on that last time. It’s nothing injury related with Aaron.”
(On the potential of bringing in a third quarterback)
“I think something we’ve got to do a good job of monitoring the pitch count with Jared and with Sean Mannion, just making sure we’re not wearing them out. I think we will look into doing that at some point. When that happens is in the offseason or for training camp, we’re kind of evaluating that right now. The way that we’ve got it set up with going two OTAs, then kind of a phase one day and then that last OTA for the week, we feel good about those two right now and we’ve got a couple of coaches that can throw it around if necessary as well.”
(On what he expects from the defense and the energy that Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips brings)
“When you look at what he’s done over the course of his career, he’s been a part of a lot of special defenses, whether it be as a coordinator or a head coach. He’s a guy that knows exactly what he wants, has a clear-cut vision and philosophy. It seems like he always does a great job of bringing out the best in his players and that’s what we’re hopeful he’ll do here.”
(On if Donald’s absence is a contract situation)
“This is something internally that we’re discussing. Right now, with respect to the process, we don’t want to talk about those things. But it is something that he’s been here for the minicamp that was voluntary, he was a part of offseason program. Right now, he’s not here but we’re continuing to just worry about these guys that are here and look forward to getting Aaron back whenever that is.”
(On what he saw our of TE Travis Wilson)
“He’s a long guy, he’s got a quarterback background, so he’s got a nice feel in the pass game. I think he’s getting more and more comfortable just playing that tight end position. It is a big transition, but he’s got some natural feel in the pass game, he’s got a big catch radius. He will be a guy that we’ll continue to evaluate when you kind of play in-line and do some of those different things in the run game. He showed some promise with the big target that he is and he’s got natural hands.”
(On what areas Wilson is still raw at playing the tight end position)
“I think it’s just learning how to play in a stance, at the line of scrimmage, whether it be on or off the ball, moving around the formations, but I do think that the quarterback perspective gives you an advantage of knowing it from that standpoint and then you’re kind of able to seamlessly fit in. He’s done some nice things with the opportunities he’s had.”
(On what he’s seen from WR Robert Woods)
“What Robert’s done – he’s a pro’s pro – he goes about his work every single day. He’s a guy that kind of plays a lot different spots for us, competes well in both the run and the pass. Kind of what we had liked about him when we had seen him on tape in Buffalo and going back to even when he was a great player at USC. He’s been really good so far, one of those guys that you enjoy coaching just because the way that he goes about his work every single day.”
(On Goff’s evolution as a leader of the team and its importance)
“It’s a one day at a time approach. I think it’s really just him getting comfortable with whatever is true to his personality. I think there’s different types of ways that guys lead, but what resonates with players is if you’re genuine and authentic about it. I think he’s got a nice way of just being himself and guys naturally gravitate towards him from what I’ve seen so far. I think there’s some other good pieces around him that kind of know what it looks like. You bring in an (T) Andrew Whitworth, who’s been a leader in the Bengals locker room for a handful of years and then a guy like (C) John Sullivan, who has played a lot of football. I think there’s some good guys that are coming in to help guide him. Expecting the same thing from (RB) Todd Gurley to kind of step up into that leadership role and that’s what we’ve seen from him so far as well.”
(On what he needs to see from TE Tyler Higbee from year one to year two)
“What you look for from the tight end position in general is just some versatility, you want guys that can be functional in both the run and the pass game and sometimes they’re called on for protection. What he’s shown so far is the ability to do a handful of different things. Been encouraged with his movement. He’s a guy, I think really just in general, whether it’s receiver, tight end, some of these fullback-type players, or even your halfbacks, you want to find creative ways to get guys in space with the ball in their hands. When you have people at that tight end position, it gives you a little bit more versatility.”
(On if he envisions Higbee and TE Gerald Everett on the field at the same time)
“Anytime that you get into some of those 12 personnel sets or however many times you want to play with more than one tight end, it does give you some flexibility. And we’ve seen good things from (TE) Temarrick Hemingway as well. I think we’re always just looking to find, what are the best ways we can create personnels? When you have some depth at the tight end position it gives you that ability.”
(On T Greg Robinson’s progression)
“It’s going to be fun to go back and look at this tape and just see how from the minicamp how he’s translated just some of the things in the couple of weeks where we’ve just been working on our techniques with phase two and continuing to meet. I think he’s done a nice job of adjusting, just playing in a right-handed stance, handling the calls and the communication. I think he and (OL) Rob (Havenstein) are developing a nice rapport together. It will be easier for me to say after we go back and look at the tape today.”
(On the difficulty of evaluating offensive linemen during OTAs when they’re not wearing pads)
“It is difficult, it’s a little bit more difficult and you also want to stay within the framework of how the phase three rules are written. I think just those calls, those communications, be able to handle some of the protections and some of our combinations in the run game, it’s very beneficial. I think when you go against a front where we’ve got so many different guys that can do some different things defensively, it creates a nice challenge for our offense and I think it’s going help us get better throughout this offseason.
***
Rams QB Jared Goff – – May 22, 2017
(On how he felt today)
“It felt good. It was similar to the first day of minicamp, I think. Everyone has got some nerves, some excitement, a little bit of everything. Went out there and thought the practice went by a lot faster than you would expect. It was fun. It was a good day. Obviously, a lot of stuff to work on, still early on in the spring here. But, I feel good.”
(On how he would describe the change from last year)
“It’s way different. It’s a way different offense. Personally, from my brief experience with it. I’ve had a quicker time learning it, easier time learning it. I don’t know whether that’s scheme or the way it’s taught or whatnot, but I’ve enjoyed spending time with the coaches and picking it up pretty quickly.”
(On Head Coach Sean McVay saying that his philosophy is making the quarterback position, the hardest position on the field to play the easiest to position to play and if he can sense that)
“Yes, you can definitely tell. There’s a lot of things that may have been on our plate before aren’t now. But, there’s also some things that are. It goes back and forth. Obviously, it’s still a tough position but he’s done a good job in the past and with me and Sean (Mannion) so far. He’s taken a lot off of our plate.”
(On if he was keeping track of the personnel changes in the offseason and the draft)
“Of course. Yes, I’m always watching. I was excited about it. From (WR) Robert (Woods) to (LT Andrew) Whitworth to (C John) Sullivan, to all of the guys that we drafted. It’s been really exciting to see. Exciting to see where their mentally is and, more than anything, I think they got some high character guys in here especially those guys I named that we signed with Whitworth, and Sullivan, and Robert – just some veteran guys that know what they’re doing and can not only help me, but can help everyone around them.”
(On how the relationship and timing with Woods is developing)
“He’s been great. He’s been more than I could have really expected honestly. His work ethic and you can tell how much it means to him and how bad he wants it. He’s just a competitor. He’s smart, he’s fast, he’s strong and he competes every day. He wants to be the best he can be every day and you can tell that. It’s really exciting for me to have a guy like that, multiple guys like that, but him in particular.”
(On what kind of leadership personality he would say that he’s trying to develop)
“I don’t know. I just be myself. I’ve developed leadership skills since I was seven-years-old playing the position. It’s kind of part of the position. I’ve tried different things. I’m growing as a person, as a player and as a leader, so everything is always evolving. But, just be myself.”
(On how leads differently now than he did in high school or college)
“I may lead differently now than I did my freshman year of college. Just the way you evolve as a person and change, but continue to be the best teammate I can be is probably the best way to do it. Be the best teammate you can be and try to set an example. That’s what I think about.”(On if it’s something he tries to think about)
“There’s times where you don’t want to be too aware, obviously, the quarterback has to be the leader. But, be yourself. Nine times out of 10 that’s going to be enough. Be yourself and try to set an example.”
(On being at the facility for rookie camp and if he feels like his presence at the facility is part of being a leader)
“That’s more so for myself to just learn and be around the guys as much as I can. I don’t know if I’m consciously thinking about what it looks like. I want to do it just to be here. The rookie day, I just wanted to see the rookies. I didn’t really have anything to do here. I got a little treatment and figured I would watch the receivers to see what we got. But yes, I just try to be around as much as possible.”
(On if the culture has changed and if he feels like they are on the right path)
“Absolutely. It’s been a great change so far. I think Coach McVay and his staff have implemented that and I think everyone has bought in. Honestly, I think from the leaders on the offensive side and the leaders on the defensive side have raised expectations and raised the standard. With that everyone seems to follow and so far I believe it’s been a really good change.”
(On if it is important for him to be a leader for the team)
“Of course. The quarterback is the leader of the team, and again, that’s something that’s always evolving. It’s just like you work on your passes, you work on being a leader. It’s something that you try to be the best teammate and everything you can be every day. Just trying to be the best you can be.”
(On working with rookie WR Cooper Kupp)
“Yes, ‘Coop’s’ looked good. I’ve known ‘Coop’ a little bit for some time now and I’m happy we’ve got him. He’s looked really good. I’m excited for him and excited to see what he can do with us.”
(On TE Tyler Higbee’s development)
“I think Tyler’s done a great job. We all kind of knew what he brought to the table last year and going into this offseason, I think he’s only gotten better. I think that shows out here. I know it’s only OTAs and minicamp, but you can see flashes of what you hope to have in a No. 1 tight end and I think he’s harder on himself than anyone and I think that’s what you want.”
(On where he is physically compared to last year)
“I’ve probably put on five to 10 lbs. I feel good. I feel strong. I feel like this is the best shape I’ve been in in a long time. But that’s kind of been every year. Every year I’ve kind of gotten bigger and stronger and I’m still growing. I don’t think I’m growing in height, as much as I’m getting a little bit wider.”
(On his thoughts on the offense and the coaches)
“It’s been great. Coach McVay and (offensive coordinator) Coach (Matt) LaFleur and (quarterbacks) Coach (Greg) Olson have been awesome with us and have taught me a lot. They’ve been really easy to communicate with and a lot of fun to work with.”
***
Rams RB Todd Gurley – – May 22, 2017
(On his thoughts on today)
“It felt good just being back out there. Obviously, we were out there (for) the minicamp, so it felt good. First day, just getting used to it, getting our legs back under, so it was good.”
(On his sense right now on how he fits into the offense)
“I like it. It’s not the same, but mostly every offense is the same, but kind of different schemes. The coaches have just been doing a great job of coaching us up and making sure we’re focused (on) the details and the little things.”
(On if it’s difficult, even though the differences maybe aren’t that great, for a running back to get a handle on what they’re expecting even if the offense is different)
“Not really. At the end of the day we’ve been running the ball our whole life. But obviously, you have to be detailed to track your steps. It’s just different terminology. It’s a whole new playbook, so you’ve just got to learn it just like everybody else.”
(On if changing systems or personnel is more significant in terms of his learning)
“Personnel doesn’t really make a difference to me, more for the receivers. Like I said, it’s just a whole new playbook, so everybody’s kind of starting over from scratch and just learning it and just trying to make sure, like I said, we’re mastering our technique and everything and just making sure we’re focusing every day even though it might seem just like an outside zone run. Just making sure you’re doing the right track for it every time.”
(On if he can tell what the offensive line is going to look like at this point)
“We’ll see once we get into the season. Like I said, we’re just out here just trying to get better day by day.”
(On if he expects to catch a lot more balls in this new offense)
“We’ll see.”
(On if he would like to catch more balls this year)
“Yeah, I would. But, we’ll see what happens.”
(On if he wants to be the same weight this season that he was last year)
“However I feel. I’m going to just keep training like I’ve always (been) doing and just come out here and play ball, honestly.”
(On QB Jared Goff’s development from last year to now)
“He’s always one of the first people in here. He’s definitely always the last person out. He’s just been doing a great job, just learning every day, getting better, in there with the coaches, attention to detail. Then just trying to make sure everybody else is on top of their game as well. He’s been doing a great job, doing what a quarterback is supposed to do. He’s going to lead this team.”
(On if any players have stood out to him on offense)
“Obviously, (WR) Rob Woods. He’s been doing a great job for us. You got (TE Tyler) Higbee. It’s a lot of guys. I’ve been just so focused in and just helping the other running backs and stuff like that, so I haven’t really got a chance to pay attention today.”
(On how important it is to him to be a leader)
“Obviously, guys are going to look at the key players or whatever that is. So, I’m just coming in here, working hard, and just lead by example. There’s totally different ways you can lead. Like I said, Jared’s been doing a great job. Just seeing him be in here, the last person every day, makes the next guy want to do the exact same. We’re all in here competing for starting jobs. I want my job just like everybody else wants their job, so we’re all competing with each other and helping each other out.”
(On the difference for him coming into this season compared to the previous season given how frustrating last year was)
“Obviously, just want to be able to not have the season we had last year. Like I said, I just work hard every day and then just come with the mindset of just trying to get better at one little thing each day.”
(On the biggest difference between the current coaching staff and last season’s staff)
“Obviously, this is a new system and just the big thing – even though we coached it a little bit last year – but just a lot more detail, ‘We not me,’ just putting the team first. I felt like we did that in the past. Like I said, this coach, he’s harped on attention to detail and being situational masters.”
(On if this is a more expanded playbook compared to last year)
“We’re still in the first couple phases, so I can’t really tell you too much.”
znModeratoralyoshamucci wrote:
Bryant and Jefferson are both on my lists …
I like both players, and Jefferson was likely a 4th round pick if he was healthy … I have him as a 5 tech … he played at 6-3 280 … inside and outside at Miss St.
May 22, 2017 at 7:23 pm in reply to: Donald not at OTAs…now morphed into, do you pay Donald & how much thread #69159znModeratorRams’ Aaron Donald misses first day of organized team activities because of contract situation
Gary Klein
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-ota-20170522-story.html
Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald was absent from the first day of organized team activities Monday because of his contract situation, general manager Les Snead said.
Donald, a three-time Pro Bowl selection in his first three seasons, is due to earn $3.2 million this season as part of the rookie contract he signed after the Rams made him the 13th pick in the 2014 draft.
In April, the Rams exercised a fifth-year option that would pay Donald about $6.9 million in 2018 if they cannot agree to a long-term deal before then.
Organized team activities are voluntary.
“We were aware he wasn’t going to be here,” Snead said, adding, “It had something to do with the contract. I can tell you this: We’re definitely at the serious stage of renegotiating.”
The 6-foot-1, 285-pound Donald has become one of the most disruptive defensive players in the NFL. He has 28 sacks.
Snead said in March at the NFL scouting combine that Donald was due for an extension.
“It’s definitely coming,” he said at the time. “The guy deserves a raise, there’s no doubt. Whether he gets a raise or not, he’s going to show up, do the things he does. But that’s coming.”
Donald has participated in the voluntary offseason program and also took part in a voluntary veteran minicamp.
Coach Sean McVay said Monday that “everything’s good with Aaron” and that “we’re confident that he’s going to be a very important part of what we’re doing moving forward.
“When he’s back it will be great for everybody.”
May 22, 2017 at 7:16 pm in reply to: Donald not at OTAs…now morphed into, do you pay Donald & how much thread #69158znModeratorAmid contract talks, Rams’ Aaron Donald absent from optional workout
RICH HAMMOND | Orange County Register
THOUSAND OAKS — The Rams’ first day of OTA practice was notable for an absence, as star defensive lineman Aaron Donald stayed away from the optional work because of a contract-related matter.
Donald isn’t set to become a free agent any time soon. He has one season remaining on his rookie contract, and the Rams recently picked up the fifth-year option on that contract, for the 2018 season.
Donald is set to make $3.2 million this season and almost $7 million next season, but as one of the best defensive players in the NFL, at only age 25, Donald at some point will receive a massive raise.
Asked after Monday’s practice session whether the Rams were close to re-singing Donald, and whether Donald chose to stay away until a deal got completed, General Manager Les Snead only smiled.
“I’m very hopeful about it,” Snead later said, and also added that he felt the Rams were at a “serious stage” of negotiations with Donald.
Snead and Coach Sean McVay said they knew in advance that Donald wouldn’t be attending the start of OTA practices, and McVay declined to say whether he expected Donald to attend any of the nine remaining OTA sessions in May and June.
Donald has been a Pro Bowl selection in each of his three NFL seasons. How much will his new contract be worth? In 2014, Houston’s J.J. Watt signed a six-year, $100 million contract, and last year, Denver’s Von Miller signed a six-year, $114.5 million contract.
Snead, not surprisingly, declined to discuss the details of the Donald negotiations.
“It’s a process,” Snead said. “We like Aaron. There’s no doubt he’s a really good player. We want him to be a Ram. That’s our goal. We think he wants to be a Ram. That’s what we’re working toward.”
znModeratorThey have signed defensive tackle Omarius Bryant
PFF SCOUTING REPORT: OMARIUS BRYANT, EDGE, WESTERN KENTUCKY
https://www.profootballfocus.com/draft-pff-scouting-report-omarius-bryant-edge-western-kentucky/
The PFF analysis team breaks down the prospects of Western Kentucky’s Omarius Bryant ahead of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Name: Omarius Bryant
School: Western Kentucky
Height: 6-3 Weight: 315
Position fit: 3- or 5- techniqueStats to know: Only Alabama’s Jonathan Allen managed more than Bryant’s 63 combined pressures among 3-4 DEs.
What he does best:
Possesses the upper-body strength to rock blockers on initial contact.
Regularly stands up offensive linemen at the point of attack.
Rarely overpowered, consistently holds his ground at the line of scrimmage.
Capable of disrupting run plays despite facing multiple blockers.
Plays with good leverage, sinks his hips effectively to maintain a low center of gravity.
Ruthless bull-rusher, deposits offensive linemen on their quarterback regularly.
Capable of mauling centers with power moves from 0 technique in the nickel.
Understands when to “get skinny” to collapse the pocket against multiple blockers.
Uses active hands to disengage, even when initially blocked.
High-effort player, chases plays hard.
Biggest concern:Struggles to adjust and fend off cut blocks because of his top-heavy momentum.
Can be washed upfield when attempting to penetrate, widening running lanes.
Occasionally over pursues plays due to his aggression into the backfield.
Indifferent first step, flashes burst but only intermittently.
Lacks the range to consistently finish plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Tackling is a problem generally, missed seven of 59 attempts over last two years.
Not especially athletic, struggles to change direction on the move.
Rarely beat pass protectors with quickness, limited power rusher.
Player comparison: Ray McDonald, retiredMcDonald was a solid base end for the 49ers for the better part of a decade. Bryant has similar potential entering the NFL. He is unlikely to produce splash plays on a regular basis, and perhaps lacks the upside of others in this class, but represents a dependable prospect capable of contributing immediately in a defensive line rotation.
Bottom line: Athleticism always catches the eye of NFL evaluators, but teams on the third day of the draft should predominantly be concerned with finding role players. Bryant is unlikely to provide the pass-rush production required of a nickel interior defender, but he can impact both facets of the game consistently from the base package. Bryant appeals because of the balanced nature of his skillset. Although splash plays appear infrequently, Bryant is a regular disruptor, capable fulfilling an important niche in the pros.
===
They have signed defensive tackle A.J. Jefferson
A.J. Jefferson (+) Coming off Dec 2016 Shoulder Surgery
College: Mississippi State
Height: 6-2 Weight: 280A.J. Jefferson, Edge, Mississippi State
link: https://www.profootballfocus.com/draft-college-football-5-nfl-prospects-on-rise/
Mississippi State likes to rotate a lot of players in and out along the defensive line, and that often leads top players flying under the radar. Jefferson has quietly performed well as part of the rotation the last two years, but he’s taken his game to a new level so far in 2016. He was one of the best players on the field last weekend against South Carolina, getting in on a sack, QB hit, two hurries and four run stops. It’s the best game we’ve seen from him in three years of grading, though he’s certainly flashed the big-play ability in each of the last two seasons. Like the others on the list, it’s all about bringing the same production throughout the season.
==
DE AJ JEFFERSON, MISSISSIPPI STATE
link: http://dynastyfootballfactory.com/de-aj-jefferson-mississippi-state/
In his early, high school years, AJ dominated the playing field in his home town of North Pike. Then, moving onto Mississippi State, AJ was hoping to play well enough to get noticed by NFL scouts. Fortunately, Coach Dan Mullan had some experience with helping his young stars get on the proverbial map, as he helped coach DT Fletcher Cox along which helped to vault him into the top tiers of talent in the NFL. Just for good measure, toss in Preston Smith and Chris Jones and you can see the program has been good at recruiting ends and this is good for AJ Jeffersons’ potential opportunity should be earn it.
Reviewing the Tape
Looking back at Jefferson last season left me feeling like I was on a teeter-totter, slowly swaying up and down. Some good plays and some bad plays. I wanted to see more plays where he would finish. Nevertheless, his stats were good (47 total tackles of which 13.5 went for a loss). You know that’s one of my favorite stats. Penetration is BIG and when you’re getting stops in enemy territory your getting those tackles for a loss bonus points but, you’re also around the QB which can lead to those sacks which is what gets us IDP’ers all fired up.
To Jefferson ’s credit, his ability to move along the D-line is something positive and by extension, helps him stay on the field which in turn can help his team no matter the down or distance. Bottom line…stay on the field and you’re going to have more opportunities. However, I didn’t like the way Jefferson was getting off the blocks. For me, this is one of the more important skills for an end to implement into his arsenal. Using a bull rush is disruptive, but if you’re not going to be able to shed the block and make a play you’re not going to help out your fantasy owners. Although, looking at his quicks, I did like his ability to use a fast twitch burst, but didn’t see that closing burst to finish a play.
The Time is Now
Taking a closer look this season I like what I am seeing. To date, Jefferson has started the season off with 12 tackles of which 3 went for a loss along with 3 credited sacks. He is definitely taking it to players who are less skilled. Love that! However, can he stay consistent all season and bring it every snap? That’s the trait I will be looking for as the season progresses.
Excitable Note: When A.J. is over a Guard I get excited watching him use his hands to get leverage and then turn on the turbo to go get the Quarterback. Additionally, his strength is apparent and shows up often as well. Jefferson is certainly capable of shoving players at times and then make a play. Nevertheless, like with all young players, consistency will be key. Ultimately, coming off the edge he is quick with his first step and can use his hands to move into position to close on the QB. At the end of the day, his penetration shows well on film and when working from the goal line he is also able to get low and penetrate. I like that.
Summary
We have a long season left to go. I look forward to keeping an eye on him and want himself to play into a Senior Bowl invite. Should he make it to the NFL, I see him more as a 4-3 end. He likely won’t be a sideline to sideline player, but can win one-on-ones and be disruptive. Last season and rolling into this season Jefferson has shown steady improvement and we should certainly know by seasons end what his ceiling could be.
May 22, 2017 at 6:35 pm in reply to: McVay, Goff, Gurley (OTAs start) … vid & transcripts, 5/22 #69154znModeratorMan, Gurley just does not like to be interviewed. Just doesn’t like it. Some say he has a chip on his shoulder, or that he’s mad at something, and so on. I just think he flat does not like to be in front of a group of people answering questions, peer-ee-uhd.
May 22, 2017 at 5:57 pm in reply to: Donald not at OTAs…now morphed into, do you pay Donald & how much thread #69147znModeratorRich Hammond @Rich_Hammond
Aaron Donald not at Rams OTAs. McVay said it wasn’t Injury related, declined to say whether it was related to contract issues.Rich Hammond @Rich_Hammond
Rams recently exercised Donald’s fifth-year option for 2018, so he’s still under contract for a while.Rich Hammond @Rich_Hammond
Seems that Rams GM Les Snead will talk soon about Aaron Donald absence.Rich Hammond @Rich_Hammond
Les Snead: We were aware (Donald) wasn’t going to be here. It has something to do with the contract.Rich Hammond @Rich_Hammond
Snead said Rams are at “serious stage” of contract negotiations and he respects Donald. Details will be “intimate.”Rich Hammond @Rich_Hammond
Snead said he is “very hopeful that this thing will get done” with Donald.Rich Hammond @Rich_Hammond
Re: Tru Johnson, Snead said nothing has changed. They will revisit things after OTAs.—
Vincent Bonsignore @DailyNewsVinny
#Rams Aaron Donald’s absence is definitely contract related, but Les Snead says team/Donald are at “serious stage” of negotiationsVincent Bonsignore @DailyNewsVinny
#Rams GM Les Snead says he is “very hopeful” this will get resolved soon. (sounds like it’s very close)chris gaeta
One of the best defensive players in football, and they are pissing him off.Vincent Bonsignore @DailyNewsVinny
Not getting that sense. Seems more like it’s very close, but that Donald isn’t in hurry to go on field till “very close” is officially done—
Gary Klein ✔ @LATimesklein
Snead on Donald: “we’re at the serious stages of renegotiating”Gary Klein ✔ @LATimesklein
Snead won’t provide details. “I’m very hopeful this will get done.”Gary Klein ✔ @LATimesklein
Snead on Trumaine Johnson contract status: “we want to get through OTAs”—
Myles Simmons @MylesASimmons
Snead added that he’s “very hopeful” that Donald’s contract will get done. “We want him to be a Ram … I think that’s his goal [too].”—
Steve Wyche ✔ @wyche89
Rams GM Les Snead said contract talks w/ DT Aaron Donald are in the “serious” phase. Sounds like Donald avoiding OTAs to avoid injury.May 22, 2017 at 5:51 pm in reply to: Donald not at OTAs…now morphed into, do you pay Donald & how much thread #69145znModeratorSo, biggest news of today: DT Aaron Donald isn't here. HC McVay said he expected the absence, but would keep the reasons internal.
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) May 22, 2017
znModeratorWade Phillips continues to forge bond with Sean McVay and Rams defense
Gary Klein
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-ota-20170521-story.html
Wade Phillips’ reputation for delivering funny one-liners might rival his renown for deploying a Super Bowl-winning 3-4 defensive scheme.
In February, while attending Super Bowl activities in Houston with 31-year-old coach Sean McVay, the Rams’ 69-year-old defensive coordinator produced real and virtual laughs with a zinger on Twitter.
“Rams have the only staff with DC on Medicare and HC in Daycare,” Phillips tweeted.
Since their hiring in January, McVay has called on the experienced Phillips for feedback on roster evaluation, free agents, draft prospects and handling various situations as a head coach.
But Phillips, an NFL coach since 1976, recently downplayed McVay seeking his advice.
During rookie minicamp, Phillips, with typical dry humor, said: “Most of my experiences were bad things, so I know if he does anything wrong, I can tell him, ‘Hey, I did that and it didn’t work.’ ”
The McVay-Phillips dynamic will turn up a notch on Monday when the Rams begin organized team activities in Thousand Oaks.
The 10 workouts, conducted over three weeks, cannot include live contact. But the offense and defense can participate in 11-on-11 situations.
That will allow Phillips to continue to install a scheme similar to what the Denver Broncos deployed during their Super Bowl run two years ago.
Phillips also had success with the scheme in Houston, Dallas and other coaching stops during his 39-year NFL career.
Last season, the Rams ranked ninth in the NFL in yards allowed but 23rd in points allowed.
“We’ve got to shore that down some,” Phillips said. “But, I think we have an opportunity to do that with the personnel we have.”
During the offseason, the Rams traded end William Hayes, released end Eugene Sims and allowed safety T.J. McDonald to sign elsewhere.
They signed cornerbacks Kayvon Webster and Nickell Robey-Coleman, linebackers Connor Barwin and Carlos Thompson, and defensive linemen Tyrunn Walker and Mike Purcell. They also drafted safety John Johnson, linebacker Samson Ebukam, rush end Ejuan Price and defensive tackle Tanzel Smart.
About 70% of the defense had been installed, Phillips said. Much was done in April during a veterans minicamp.
“We did things just like that,” Phillips said, snapping his fingers. “From the classroom to the field, they really picked it up well.
“Now, we’ve got more things to put in.”
During OTAs, Phillips will get a better sense of how players fit. Robert Quinn’s transition from end to outside linebacker and Lamarcus Joyner’s switch from cornerback to safety are among priorities.
Phillips has a knack for improving defenses quickly.
In 2010, for example, the Houston Texans ranked 30th in yards allowed. Phillips was hired as defensive coordinator in 2011 and the Texans ranked second.
“I’ve had a lot of good players,” he said. “But, I attribute some of it to the way that we teach them — we don’t make many mistakes.
“We make sure we don’t make many mental mistakes, as far as alignment and assignment. Then, we work really hard on fundamentals and techniques and try to improve each player.”
And Phillips does it with a dose of humor.
“He seems kind of quiet,” Quinn said, “but he throws jokes out, so if you don’t really pay attention, you might miss them. He knows what he’s talking about.”
The Rams offense, of course, also is in need of massive improvement after ranking last in the NFL for two consecutive seasons.
McVay has said he will call plays, but offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur is overseeing the installation of a scheme that figures to include elements of what worked for McVay as the Washington Redskins’ coordinator and what LaFleur picked up as quarterbacks coach for the Atlanta Falcons. Offensive-line coach Aaron Kromer also has worked as an NFL coordinator.
Veteran receiver Tavon Austin, whom McVay has described as a possible centerpiece of the passing game, will not participate in OTAs because of recent wrist surgery. Austin is expected to be ready for training camp in late July.
So quarterback Jared Goff will get plenty of reps with offseason acquisition Robert Woods, second-year pros Pharoh Cooper and Mike Thomas, and rookies Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds, among others.
“The idea is to kind of have that quarterback be a point guard and be a great distributor to all your guys,” McVay said. “You want to be able to get them touches and get them involved.”
LaFleur said Goff had been coming in to the facility early and staying late in an effort to learn.
“When you get a new guy in an offense, there is a transition period with that,” LaFleur said, “but he’s done a nice job at picking it up at a surprisingly quick pace.”
May 22, 2017 at 9:30 am in reply to: Right Builds an Alternative Narrative About the Crises Around Trump #69136znModeratorI’m not hopeful.
In a world where anyone can find the truth they like–there is no truth. There are no facts. There is no tether to reality.
Collectively it’s a mental illness.
The world reflects that.
I blame Zygmunt.
May 21, 2017 at 3:42 pm in reply to: Right Builds an Alternative Narrative About the Crises Around Trump #69132znModeratorThe Online Radicalization We’re Not Talking About
http://nymag.com/author/Alice%20Marwick/
When you hear the word radicalization, what usually comes to mind is young people turning to Islamic fundamentalism. The internet has proven to be an effective platform for radicalization of this kind; ISIS has a host of YouTube channels, chat rooms, and Twitter accounts that are extremely effective at channeling the energy of disaffected and disenfranchised young people.
But the far right is doing virtually the same thing — and possibly even more effectively. In fact, a recent study shows that white-supremacist Twitter accounts have increased more than 600 percent since 2012, and outperform ISIS accounts by every possible metric. We’ve already seen the violence that can emerge from this trend: Dylann Roof and Elliot Rodger were both radicalized in online far-right communities before their respective shootings.
For the last six months, we’ve been researching how far-right groups, such as the alt-right, white nationalists, and men’s-rights activists manipulate the mainstream media to amplify their ideas and shape news narratives to their advantage. (You can read the report we produced here https://datasociety.net/output/media-manipulation-and-disinfo-online/ ) These communities gather on boards like 4chan and the Reddit clone Voat, where they collaboratively develop ideas and draw up messaging strategies. Then they use Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to popularize hashtags, spread talking points, and boost news stories coming from their favorite media figures.
A successful story is one that moves from far-right sites like Breitbart and Infowars to mainstream newspapers or cable news. If you’ve read this week’s conspiracy-mongering stories about the supposedly suspicious death of DNC employee Seth Rich — or if you’ve read in the past about the rise of White Student Unions on college campuses, or “Pizzagate” — you’ve seen the fruits of their efforts.
As internet and media scholars, we began this project focused on media manipulation and the spread of misinformation. But as we delved into these spaces, we noticed that one of the biggest trends taking place had been flying under the radar. And that is far-right radicalization.
They don’t call it radicalization, of course. They call it “taking the red pill.” This metaphor comes from The Matrix, where the protagonist, Neo, is offered a red pill or a blue pill by his mentor Morpheus. If Neo takes the blue pill, he goes back to his cubicle-dwelling, workaday life. If he takes the red pill, the reality of the Matrix is revealed to him.
“Red-pilling the normies” is a primary goal of far-right movements. They want to convert people — especially young men — to their way of thinking. What the red pill actually reveals depends on who’s offering it. To men’s-rights activists, being red-pilled means throwing off the yoke of popular feminism and recognizing that men, not women, are the oppressed group. To the alt-right, it means revealing the lies behind multiculturalism and globalism, and realizing the truth of isolationist nationalism. To conspiracy theorists, it may mean accepting the influence of the New World Order on society. To white supremacists, it means acknowledging that Jewish elites control the culture and are accelerating the destruction of the white race. Red-pilling is the far-right equivalent of consciousness-raising or, in today’s lingo, becoming “woke.”
The far right plays on a much broader dislike of “political correctness” among many young men who feel alienated from mainstream culture. These men may have a hard time finding like-minded friends in their day-to-day lives, or connecting with romantic partners. Some have economic challenges, and refer to themselves as “NEETS,” an acronym for “Not in Education, Employment, or Training.” As a result, they are often very resistant to the idea of “male privilege” or “white privilege,” as they don’t recognize themselves as privileged. In fact, they may see what economic and social capital they do have slipping away. These disillusioned men are perfect targets for radicalization, and it’s a surprisingly short leap from rejecting political correctness to blaming women, immigrants, or Muslims for their problems.
Thanks to the internet, these men are more accessible to the manipulations of extremists than ever before. Like radical Islamists, the far right has developed strategies that exploit the sweet spot between disillusionment and extremism. One of their main tactics is purposely diluting their most extreme views to woo a broader audience. The neo-Nazi blog the Daily Stormer hosts a “memetic Monday,” where community members create image macros designed to be shared on Facebook and Twitter; these images, which espouse ideas from the openly racist to the mainstream conservative, function as “gateway drugs” to more radical ideas.
It helps that the extremists are also extremely adept at making their ideas palatable, by using irony and humor. Internet trolls have been using racist and sexist language as a shock tactic for years, giving it a veneer of edgy irreverence. Actual hate groups can draw people in using humor, while also normalizing their most extreme ideas.
What concerns us most is that this radicalization seems to be spreading across the internet — and once groups have been red-pilled on one issue, they’re likely to be open to other extremist ideas. Online cultures that used to be relatively nonpolitical are beginning to seethe with racially charged anger. Some sci-fi, fandom, and gaming communities — having accepted run-of-the-mill anti-feminism — are beginning to espouse white-nationalist ideas. “Ironic” Nazi iconography and hateful epithets are becoming serious expressions of anti-Semitism.
Countering the burgeoning far-right extremism is difficult. Extremists may be using new technologies, but any effective response will require tackling long-standing racist, xenophobic, and anti-Semitic beliefs. The movement is intrinsically linked to misogyny and investments in traditional masculinity, which aren’t disappearing anytime soon.
However, given the similarities between far-right and Islamic radicalization, it’s worth examining the efforts by political scientists and counterterrorism experts to combat the latter. They recommend staying away from heavy content moderation (which fuels accusations of censorship), and instead crafting and spreading messages that speak to young men’s alienation and disenfranchisement, without using scapegoats. Since criticism from the mainstream media — or worse, the left — is easy to dismiss out of hand, former far-right extremists who’ve since rejected the red pill can be enlisted to provide counterexamples and point out inconsistencies in extremist worldviews.
This is a hard problem, but it needs to be examined head-on. Despite the clever memes and the shock content, embracing far-right beliefs isn’t edgy or rebellious or funny. It’s simply continuing a disgraceful and all-too-current thread of American history. And we must recognize it in order to effectively confront it.
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