How they addressed Tavon — He will progress, send him vertical more. Less gadget stuff. But he has to evolve into that role. That’s up to him. Continue to improve on being a more complete receiver, has to work on route versatility so he’s harder to defend. Having him work more with the strength staff.

Okay now me—see this stuff has me a little skeptical. I don’t see him becoming a “more complete receiver.” I think they already hit the ceiling on that with Tavon. There are just certain things you normally expect from a receiver he doesn’t have. So to me, what you do with Tavon is, sure, add to the WR part of his game, but he is better being the guy he was in 2015, who ran the ball too, sometimes on gimmicks and misdirections, sometimes just as a pure runner.

WR or defensive back? Needy Rams enter draft open-minded

Alden Gonzalez

http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/33626/wr-or-defensive-back-needy-rams-enter-draft-open-minded

The Los Angeles Rams’ draft board … well, it’s complicated.

For the first time since 1987 — yes, 1987 — the Rams do not have a first-round pick. An entire day will go by without them. By the time they make their first selection, sometime around 4:30 p.m. PT on Friday, 36 players will have come off the board. The draft begins 23 1/2 hours before that, at 5 p.m. PT on Thursday. When it does, the Rams will have very little idea of what to expect.

“It’s going to be foggy on Thursday night when the bell rings,” Rams general manager Les Snead told reporters from the team facility this week, “but it’ll be a lot clearer when those 32 picks are made. We’ll have plans. We’ll sit here, I’m sure, a lot — talk about what might occur, the scenarios, who’s left.”

The Rams have needs all over their roster, enough so that pinning it down to one position for this draft seems injudicious. They badly need more impact talent at wide receiver, but are also very thin at tight end. They need to find their center of the future, but can’t forget about left tackle. Their secondary needs a lot more depth, but they can’t really ignore their front seven, either.

Basically everything except quarterback and running back are prime targets heading into the 2017 draft, which will mark Snead’s sixth as GM and Sean McVay’s first as head coach. Snead called McVay “a very instinctive evaluator,” and McVay credited Snead’s assessment of players in helping him grow.

The 49ers’ draft war room is named after McVay’s grandfather, former coach and executive John McVay.

“With my grandfather being in a similar role, you have an appreciation of the dynamic that is vital to exist between the head coach and the general manager,” McVay said. “Ultimately, it’s about us being on the same page. Once decisions are made, decisions are final and we’re all on board and moving in the same direction. That’s exactly how it’s felt ever since I was fortunate enough to get here.”

How long Snead and McVay will work together remains to be seen. Jeff Fisher, the former head coach who arrived right around the time Snead was hired at the start of 2012, is gone. So are the vast majority of his coaches. This month, the Rams also let go of a handful of Snead’s scouts, including Ran Carthon, their director of pro personnel. Snead is one of few who survived what has been an organization-wide reconstruction, and now there is increased pressure on him to get this right.

Rams’ Recent Draft History

How the Rams have fared in the past five drafts compared to their division rivals.

TEAM PICKS FIRST-ROUNDERS APPROXIMATE VALUE OF PICKS
L.A. Rams 43 7 360
San Francisco 51 6 202
Seattle 48 2 372
Arizona 36 5 275

Source: Pro Football Reference

Under Snead from 2012 to ’16, the Rams have had seven first-round picks, the most in the NFC West, and have gone only 31-48 in that five-year stretch — the sixth-worst mark in the NFL during that time. But their overall draft success hasn’t been terrible. They had 43 picks over the past five years, third-most in the division, and those picks have accumulated a weighted career approximate value of 360, second-highest in the group. Only the Seahawks — approximate value of 372, with 48 picks but only two first-rounders — have done better. The 49ers — 51 picks, including six first-rounders, but an approximate value of only 202 — have done a lot worse.

In back-to-back drafts, Snead selected the Defensive Rookie of the Year (defensive tackle Aaron Donald) and the Offensive Rookie of the Year (running back Todd Gurley). He also whiffed on his second overall pick from 2014, left tackle Greg Robinson, and his 33rd overall pick from 2012, wide receiver Brian Quick. In five years, the Rams have failed miserably to build an adequate receiving corps or offensive line. They found several talented defensive players — Alec Ogletree, Trumaine Johnson, Lamarcus Joyner, E.J. Gaines and Maurice Alexander — but none of them have been signed to a second contract. Two others, Janoris Jenkins and T.J. McDonald, left as free agents.

Which brings us to the key question of this year’s draft: Do the Rams go heavy on receivers or defensive backs?

It’s easy to make a case for both. The Rams need weapons for Jared Goff, the No. 1 overall pick from 2016, but they have young players like Tyler Higbee, Pharoh Cooper, Mike Thomas and Nelson Spruce that they can develop. They have talented defensive backs in Johnson, Joyner, Alexander and Gaines, but they could all be gone by this time next year.

The Rams have been linked to a bevy of receivers for that 37th overall pick, including East Carolina’s Zay Jones, USC’s JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mississippi’s Evan Engram, but their dream scenario would be that injury concerns cause Western Michigan’s Corey Davis or Washington’s John Ross to fall into the second round. The draft is also deep at defensive back, and the likes of LSU’s Tre’Davious White, Connecticut’s Obi Melifonwu, Alabama’s Marlon Humphrey and USC’s Adoree’ Jackson could emerge as Day 2 options.

The Rams have expressed interest in signing Johnson, their primary cornerback, to a long-term extension, but Snead said his pending situation is “not necessarily going to affect the draft at all.”

“We’ll try to rank the corners from top to bottom,” he added. “You can always use more than one or two or three good corners.”

As for the available receivers?

“It is a class with depth,” Snead said. “Maybe not deep in terms of guys who just tilt the field and defensive coordinators are up at night. But I think where the depth goes is, ‘Hey, this guy fits this role. This guy’s, you know, slot. Outside guy. Go-deep guy.'”

The Rams, coming off a 4-12 showing in their first season back in Los Angeles, will still have eight picks, four of which will come within the first four rounds. On the left side of their war room, in bold, blue letters, is the word “explosive.”

Heading into this draft, that might be the only real qualification.

“We want to be explosive; we want to attack people,” McVay said. “You’re always looking for players that can play fast, especially skilled guys that can offer the opportunity to create big plays. Those guys with the ball in their hands that can make things happen are invaluable. I think defensively, the guys that can get to the quarterback and can cover are at a premium.”

.

Rams Mock Draft Roundup 5.0

By Mark Bodenrader

http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Rams-Mock-Draft-Roundup-50/cb216460-43cd-435f-aa14-25cf09fbfd8f

We’ve hit the home stretch. This week the 2017 NFL Draft will finally commence. The first round gets underway Thursday, but since the Rams don’t have a first-round pick this year it won’t get interesting for them until Friday when they make their first selection at No. 37 overall. Although, you can be sure the Rams and their fans will be keeping a close eye on what transpires in the first round to see who might drop and fall into their lap in the second round in what has been deemed a deep Draft.

As we count down the final days it’s time to do one last mock draft check-in and find out what the sports media landscape is thinking when it comes to the Rams and their selections.

We start with the two well-known Draft Insiders over at ESPN — Mel Kiper and Todd McShay. Recently, Kiper and McShay did a three-round mock, alternating the picks between them. Kiper ended up having to make both of the Rams’ selections in the three rounds.

Mel Kiper Todd McShay, ESPN Insider (subscription required)

Kiper’s pick: Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina

“The Rams have a bunch of needs and no first-round pick. I’m sticking to my board. Jones has No. 1 wideout potential.”

Kiper’s pick: Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA

“Moreau tore a pectoral muscle at his pro day, but he should be OK for the season. The Rams have needs across the roster, and so I’m sticking to my board.”

—————

Kiper separately did his “Grade: A” mock draft for each team. For his “Grade: A” mock draft he’s not necessarily concerned with projecting who the Rams will draft, but noting what picks he would make if he was the club in order to assure an “A” grade for the Draft.

Round 2 (37): Antonio Garcia, OT, Troy


Round 3 (69): ArDarius Stewart, WR, Alabama

“With no first-round pick (traded to the Titans in last year’s Jared Goff deal), a new coach and several holes on their roster, the Rams must hit on their first pick. Adding to the offensive line could be the safest bet here. Los Angeles brought in Andrew Whitworth and John Sullivan as short-term solutions at left tackle and center, respectively, after giving up the second-most sacks in the league (49) last season, but this is still a need. Garcia started 42 games on the left side in college, and I think he could start at tackle immediately in the NFL. Stewart, my eighth-ranked receiver, is undersized (5-foot-11, 204 pounds), but he’s an all-around player and willing blocker.”

—————

McShay also did his own three-round mock draft for readers. In this case he was attempting to project who the Rams are zeroing in on.

Round 2 (37): Adoree’ Jackson, CB/RS, USC


Round 3 (69): Taywan Taylor, WR, Western Kentucky

“Jackson has a chance to have an immediate impact as a returner. His technique in coverage still needs polishing, but he has elite ball skills and the versatility to make an impact in a number of ways (including on offense). The Rams’ starting wide receivers right now are Robert Woods and Tavon Austin. In other words, it’s a position Los Angeles should be looking at on Day 2. Taylor led all FBS players with 3,197 receiving yards and 34 touchdown catches the past two seasons. He’s tough to bring down after the catch.”

Going back to the Kiper/McShay combo draft, Kiper ended up slotting East Carolina’s Zay Jones to the Rams at No. 37. Jones to the Rams ended up being a popular selection in the latest roundup of mocks. That’s not surprising since he’s one of the top wide receiver prospects available.

Adam States, SB Nation

37. Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina

“The Rams sought to provide Jared Goff with some help in the offseason, but Robert Woods alone isn’t going to cut it. Jones is FBS’s all-time leader in receptions after racking up huge stats at East Carolina and should be able to immediately contribute for the Rams, which is a must for an offense that can’t afford to slowly groom any additional young talent.”

—————

Connor Riley, SEC Country

37. Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina

—————

Eddie Brown, San Diego Tribune

37. Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina

“Jones produced at a big-time level — he set a NCAA record for most receptions in a career (399) — and has excellent hands. Scouts rave about his character. His father, Robert, won three Super Bowls with the Cowboys in the 1990s. Top needs: OL, S, WR”

69. Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA

—————

Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

37. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC

—————

The close proximity to the Draft has some of the experts going a little deeper in their projections. Over at CBSSports.com, R.J. White mapped out all eight picks for the Rams in 2017, while NFL.com’s Chad Reuter also came through with a full seven-round assessment.

RJ White, CBS Sports

2/37. Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan

3/69. Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE, Villanova

4/112. Jessamen Dunker, OG, Tennessee State

4/141. Jamaal Williams, RB, BYU

5/149. Shelton Gibson, WR, West Virginia

6/189. Storm Norton, OT, Toledo

6/206. Jeremy Sprinkle, TE, Arkansas

7/234. JoJo Mathis, OLB, Washington

“The Rams underwent plenty of change this offseason, and the need to bring new personnel in to fill spots up and down the roster should preclude any thought of a trade up into Day 1. They need all these picks. The team still lands a Day 1 talent in Peppers, a playmaker in the secondary whose questionable NFL fit could see him slide. The Rams will have faith that Wade Phillips will put him to good use, likely at strong safety next to Lamarcus Joyner.

“Kpassagnon has drawn plenty of interest in the predraft process, and he could be a great fit at defensive end with the team switching to the 3-4. That would give them Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers and Kpassagnon on the line in base sets, with Robert Quinn and Connor Barwin out wide at linebacker. The Rams then turn their attention to Sean McVay’s offense, adding a potential starter in Dunker who could kick Rob Havenstein out to tackle if Greg Robinson flops there. Williams helps address the lack of depth behind Todd Gurley.

“Gibson could be a steal this late if the depth at receiver this year pushes potential Day 2 picks further than expected. Norton provided more line depth, while Sprinkle gives the team a nice option behind Tyler Higbee and in two-tight end sets. Mathis could turn into a steal for Phillips’ defense if his talent can be developed.”

—————

Chad Reuter, NFL.com

Los Angeles Rams

Round 2 (37) Dan Feeney, C, Indiana


Round 3 (69) KD Cannon, WR, Baylor


Round 4 (112) Vince Biegel, OLB, Wisconsin


Round 4 (141) Brendan Langley, CB, Lamar


Round 5 (149) Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma


Round 6 (189) D.J. Jones, DT, Ole Miss


Round 6 (206) Ben Braden, G, Michigan

Round 7 (234) David Jones, S, Richmond

—————

Over at Turf Show Times they take it one step further, not only attempting to project all of the Rams’ selections, but also envisioning what deals they might make as the events unfold in order to stockpile picks and target their needs. That’s why their board doesn’t exactly match those above. Ultimately though they see the Rams going after some receiver help with their first selection.

Misone Adiasor, Turf Show Times

Rams Rd 2-7

2/15. Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma
3/5. Anthony Walker, ILB, Northwestern
3/14. Marlon Mack, RB, South Florida
4/5. Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE, Villanova
4/34, Howard Wilson, CB, Houston
5/15. Lorenzo Jerome, S, Saint Francis
5/38. Jon Toth, C, Kentucky
6/5. Darreus Rogers, WR, USC

“The Rams get the ball rolling with the selection of Oklahoma WR Dede Westbrook. Westbrook has the deep speed and ball skills to really flourish as a deep threat. His entire skill set is eerily similar to that of Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Desean Jackson. Both players lack body mass but are tough and fast and display game speed that appears to be the fastest on the field every week. Westbrook is one of the most explosive players in this years draft and can force teams to loosen up the box.”

Rams Begin Sean McVay’s 1st Minicamp

Myles Simmons

http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Rams-Begin-Sean-McVays-1st-Minicamp/e6a2442c-6498-47df-b3f9-de3302a85f96

Having completed Phase I of the offseason program, the Rams players and coaches were on the grass for the first time Tuesday for Day 1 of the club’s voluntary veteran minicamp.

It’s a day head coach Sean McVay has been anticipating since he was hired in January, as it’s the first time he’s been able to be on the field with his new club.

“You’re quickly reminded why you love coaching so much. Getting around these players on the grass and their effort and energy was outstanding,” McVay said. “We’ll see if we can come back tomorrow with the same type of juice.”

The team did its first on-field work with a morning walk-thru before its practice in the afternoon. According to quarterback Jared Goff, the a.m. session felt a bit more like full-speed given the team’s enthusiasm for being back on the field.

“It’s always that new energy,” Goff said. “Today during our walk-thru — we walked-thru this morning at about 11 — and it was basically a run-thru because we’re so excited to be out here and [McVay] said, ‘Okay guys, slow down, it’s just a walk-thru.’”

The positive energy carried into the afternoon for a lively first practice. McVay spent much of the individual drills with the defensive backs, becoming an active participant by throwing passes. It might not be something he does every day, but McVay wanted to get involved on the defensive side.

“I started out with the defensive backs, just to get around them in the beginning in their individual drills,” McVay said. “And then during some of those team periods, the nice thing is you can use that walkie and send in the plays offensively, but you can kind of be on the back end, be around the defensive players.”

But cornerback Trumaine Johnsonjoked about getting McVay away from the DBs given his coaching background.

“Actually, he was over there with our DB group throwing the balls, I told him, ‘I know you’re the head coach,’ but he’s on the offensive side — he can’t be over here with the defense right now,” Johnson said with a laugh.

“I was telling our secondary coaches on the back end, I said, ‘I’ve got to get used to being happy for the defense on a good play, too.’ But it was great,” McVay said.

From an installation standpoint, the Rams appear to be in a good place. Goff said he was particularly impressed by how smooth the afternoon session went.

“It went a lot better than, maybe, a lot of us thought it would,” Goff said. “There weren’t many hiccups. You come out on the first day and you expect there to be some re-dos and some stuff you have to do over and talk about.”

Given the lack of do-overs, Goff said the installation process has gone great so far.

“Obviously someone is doing something right and it starts up top with the coaches and the way that they’ve installed it,” Goff said. “It’s obviously stuck in our brain. I know it’s only Day 1, but I was very pleased.”

The Rams’ voluntary minicamp runs three days, from Tuesday to Thursday. McVay said the most important thing he wants to see from the players in these three practices is daily improvement.

“I really think the goal is, for us as a coaching staff, to get a good chance to evaluate our players, their ability to retain some of the information we’ve taught over the first couple of weeks and then translate it to the grass,” McVay said. “We’re looking for that daily improvement. We feel like we got better today and we’ll see if we can do the same thing

Rams Head Coach Sean McVay – April 25, 2017

(On if this was first time on the field with the team)
“It is. This morning with the walk-thru and then getting a chance to practice today, it was great. You’re quickly reminded why you love coaching so much. Getting around these players on the grass and their effort and energy was outstanding. We’ll see if we can come back tomorrow with the same type of juice.”

(On the difference between being a head coach and a coordinator during practice)
“Kind of still feeling your way a little bit. I started out with the defensive backs, just to get around them in the beginning in their individual drills. And then during some of those team periods, the nice thing is you can use that walkie and send in the plays offensively, but you can kind of be on the back end, be around the defensive players. I was telling our secondary coaches on the back end, I said, ‘I got to get used to being happy for the defense on a good play, too.’ But it was great. I think it’s one of those situations you just get more comfortable with whatever that rhythm is. I thought the guys were great today though, it was fun to be out there with them.”

(On his goal for this camp)
“I really think the goal is, for us as a coaching staff, to get a good chance to evaluate our players, their ability to retain some of the information we’ve taught over the first couple of weeks and then translate it to the grass. Just getting better every single day, we talk about it all the time – just stacking blocks. We’re looking for that daily improvement. We feel like we got better today and we’ll see if we can do the same thing tomorrow. That’s kind of the goal for us.”

(On how QB Jared Goff looked today)
“I thought he did a nice job. Just being able to manage the huddle, get in and out, get lined up, call the plays properly, get some of the communication pre-snap that’s necessary. Then, I think you saw him sit in there, make some good throws – it’s always easy to go back after practice, you evaluate the tape and you have a better feel. I thought he did a really nice job just commanding the huddle. Really, I felt the same way about (QBs) Sean (Mannion) and Aaron Murray, as well. So that was encouraging for all three quarterbacks and I think it’s a credit to (offensive coordinator) Matt (LaFleur) and (quarterbacks coach) Greg (Olson) doing a great job getting them ready.”

(On LB Mark Barron and S Maurice Alexander’s absence from the field)
“It’s a situation with Mark, getting that shoulder taken care of. We’re going to be smart with him. He’s here, he’s present. It’s the same thing with ‘Mo’ Mo’s had a little bit of an issue with his hip. We’re just being cautionary with him, just finding out all the necessary information. But we’ve had 100 percent participation and those guys were accounted for, but we’re just being smart with them and making sure they’re 100 percent before we get them out there.”

(On if Barron and Alexander are the only players not on the field)
“There’s a handful, I’d have to look at the actual injury report with (Director of Sports Medicine and Performance) Reggie (Scott). There’s a handful of guys that don’t have full participation availability. But those guys that aren’t able to do that, they’re participants in the walk-thru, Mark was out there this morning and then Mo, if he was here, he had to get that taken care of off-site, making sure that we’re being thorough with that otherwise he would have been here and been a participant in the walk-thru as well.”

***

Rams QB Jared Goff – April 25, 2017

(On the first practice)
“It went a lot better than, maybe, a lot of us thought it would. There weren’t many hiccups. You come out on the first day and you expect there to be some re-dos and some stuff you have to do over and talk about. For the most part, it went pretty smoothly and I was really, really happy about it.”

(On what that says about the installation process with the new staff)
“Great. Obviously someone is doing something right and it starts up top with the coaches and the way that they’ve installed it. It’s obviously stuck in our brain. I know it’s only day one, but I was very pleased.”

(On the difference a year makes since he was drafted)
“A lot. I went through a whole season. About this time last year, I was probably at home. Now I’m here, practicing, getting reps, getting ahead. Makes a big difference.”

(On if it goes without saying that he is glad that is behind him)
“Oh yeah. I’m sure every prospect would say that. I feel bad for these kids. I look back, even talking to some of these quarterbacks, I’m like, ‘I feel you, I feel you, just make it through it, it’s not fun, but it’s ultimately worth your while.”

(On the first time he got his hands on the new playbook)
“I wanted to learn more and was texting them and trying to get as much information as I could. I felt like I did a good job so far, picking it up. Obviously, it’s a little bit rudimentary right now, what we’ve learned. There’s a long way to go and I feel happy with where we are right now.”

(On if he is getting the same message from Head Coach Sean McVay, Offensive Coordinator Matt LaFleur and Quarterbacks Coach Greg Olson)
“Yeah, it’s great. So far, it’s great. All three of them bring something to the table that’s different. I think Sean is, ultimately, obviously the head coach, he’s going to have the final say on a lot of stuff. But Matt seems to be a pretty good extension of him and then ‘Olly’ as well, ‘Olly’ does a great job bringing a different insight, he has a lot of experience that the other guys might not have and can give some good insight.”

(On working with WR Robert Woods and if he had been throwing with him before)
“Yeah, he had a good day. I was happy, he had a really good day today. Ran some great routes and that’s expected. He’s a great player and expect a good year from him.”

(On how the offense is coming together under the new coach)
“It’s been great, learned a lot. Today was great, I thought we did a good job picking up what we’ve learned so far and applying it on the field, very efficient.”

(On the energy that Coach McVay is bringing)
“It was good. A good day. It’s always that new energy. Today during our walk-thru, we walked through this morning at about 11 and it was basically a run through because he’s so excited to be out here and (Coach McVay) said, ‘Okay guys, slow down, it’s just a walk-thru.’ Most people weren’t really listening, they were just going pretty fast. It was a good day, I was very pleased.”

(On if he likes seeing McVay out there with the team)
“Absolutely, yeah. Coach McVay has been great. Obviously, on the field he’s been great, been great with me and I think he’s done a great job with the whole team.”

***

Rams OL Rob Havenstein – April 25, 2017

(On the transition to guard)
“I’m learning. Getting in as much as I can right now, in the classroom, at home, on my own. Really trying to make all the reps I have count. I don’t think anyone can afford to waste reps, but especially for me going to a new position. I definitely can’t waste any reps. I really have to take what I’m learning from (offensive line) Coach (Aaron) Cromer, from everyone on the offensive staff over to the field and progressively try to work on it.”

(On if the new position is a huge change)
“It’s not huge – it’s still offensive line. We’re still using some of the same techniques. There might be little nuances that are a little different. But, kind of from what I hear and what I’m learning, Is things happen a little quicker. There’s not as much space, so it’s just the little things that change. Technique might be a little different, but overall the scheme of technique is the same.”

(On whether he’s keeping an eye on the tackle position just in case he’s put in that spot later on)
“Right now, obviously, I’m trying to learn right guard. I have no idea where I’m going to be. I’m trying to learn left guard, right tackle. They don’t have me at center right now, which is a good thing because I haven’t snapped since high school. I’m really trying to pick up on the scheme of the offense rather than just learning one position. If you can just tell me a play and I can tell you what everyone’s doing, then I have a general understanding of the whole scheme, the whole structure rather than just one spot.”

(On his first impression of Coach McVay)
“Obviously, it’s not my job to judge him or anything like that. But, he has a great presence. He has a lot of confidence in what he does – his scheme, his system. I think, so far, guys are really buying in. It’s an easy thing to do with him standing in front of the room and the confidence he gives out there. He’s very upbeat, very positive and his coaching is excellent. I think a lot of guys are going to get a lot of good from it.”

(On what it’s been like to work with new offensive line coach Aaron Cromer)
“It’s been great so far. Obviously, with every different O-line coach things will be a little different in what they teach. I think we’re all really trying hard to get out there and do exactly what he’s teaching and what he’s coaching. From the film that we’ve watched of the other guys doing it, it works. You just see guys, right now, working really hard.”

(On what it’s been like being around T Andrew Whitworth and what he brings to the locker room)
“He’s been in the league for a hundred years (laughs). He’s been established as one of the best in the league year in and year out. Anything that any guy can pick up from him – whether it’s football, workouts, meeting rooms – wherever it is, clearly he’s doing it right. Even though I’ve been in the league for two years, I’m still technically a young guy and I think a lot of us want to jump in his back pocket – follow him and ask him a whole bunch of questions. Him and (C) John (Sullivan) both, they’ve been doing it for a long time and anything we can pick up from them is going to be a help to everyone.”

(On if he’s had any previous experience playing right guard)
“I don’t know, like a couple reps at practice. It’s been awhile. But, like I was saying earlier, position change – right tackle, right guard, left guard, left tackle, whatever it is – little things kind of change. Like I said, things happen a little quicker inside, there’s a little more space on the outside. But it’s having the understanding of your position, of what you’re doing at that position, no matter where you are. I think a lot of guys are cross-training, because we don’t know where we’re going to be and Coach Cromer said it, the best five are going to play, whoever that is. Guys are going to have to compete, work for the job, obviously myself included. We’re going to be fighting to get better together.”

***

Rams OLB Robert Quinn – April 25, 2017

(On being on the field with the new coaching staff)
“Since day one, they bring a different type of vibe, energy. Not to go back into the past, but coming from (former Rams Defensive Coordinator) Gregg (Williams) to (Defensive Coordinator) Wade (Phillips), they’re just two different personalities. Kind of the same – not to say coaching style – but different personalities. It’s fun to have a little bit of change. Excited that day one is in the bag, and just making more progress from here on out.”

(On the difference in his new role as an outside linebacker)
“Nothing too much. Just a couple of plays I had my hand off the ground, some plays I have my hand in the ground. I basically just go and make plays, that’s what they say. From day one, that’s what they told me. So, I just wipe my hands, and put a smile on my face. It’s time to get back to work.”

(On if he’s had experience playing outside linebacker)
“No. Basically since college, I’ve always had my hand in the dirt. A little bit last year. I had a neck roll on, so I stood up a little bit, but not on a consistent basis, no. Like I said, it’s not too much of a difference. We’ve been practicing at it. They said athletes can adjust to anything. I’m just trying to keep it as simple as possible. Like I said, they just say go make plays and go from there.”

(On his current health)
“I’m feeling great. Of course, I hate missing a year. It’s been a rough couple of years for me. Like I said, with the new coaching staff, I just kind of took a step back, took a deep breath. It’s like waking up every day. As long as you can wake up with a smile, you come to work with a positive energy, you just continue to work. Like I said, the coaches – they bring a positive, different type of environment that I haven’t really been around. With Wade winning a Super Bowl, being around some of the best pass rushers. It’s just a different culture they bring and different expectations. I think it’s not only exciting for me, but the guys in the locker room on both sides of the ball, offensively and defensively. Like I said, guys I think are just really excited to get back to work, and basically reprove ourselves again, because that’s how we keep a job around here.”

(On what he likes about Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips)
“He seems kind of quiet, but he throws jokes out, so if you don’t really pay attention, you might miss them. He knows what he’s talking about. He builds confidence in the guys. He tries to keep things as simple as possible to make guys to be able to play faster and make plays. It may seem complicated to everyone else, but like I said from day one, he kind of just broke it down to us in the defensive room and tried to make it as simple as possible. Once we step on the grass, we’re not thinking as much. We can left or right call, know your assignment, and go do your job, and go from there.”

(On if he looks at tape of former Broncos OLB DeMarcus Ware to study how he made a similar transition from defensive end to outside linebacker under Phillips)
“Oh, you haven’t seen my locker? I’ve got all his career stats. He wore 94, I wear 94. He’s an instant Hall of Famer once he’s eligible. Like you said, he’s going from defensive end to a standup linebacker. There was no drop off. He’s definitely going to be one of the, probably the main one I’m going to study. Then, I’ll see how the best do it.”

(On if he follows Phillips on Twitter)
“I do (laughs). I’m not on it every day to see what he tweets. But, I know his name is ‘@sonofabum’ or whatever it is. I heard he’s got the best ‘Twitter swag’ out there. So, I guess I need to pick mine up (laughs).”

***

Rams Cornerback Trumaine Johnson – April 25, 2017

(On how it feels being back on the football field)
“It feels great. This (voluntary veteran) minicamp was my first in my six-year career. It was fun to get out there with the new guys, the new coaches and go out there and play football again.”

(On his mental state after the offseason and receiving the franchise tag)
“I’m glad to be a Ram, point blank. Coming out here, it’s a privilege to play football. I’m glad I’m on the team, and I’m with the Rams.”

(On his hopes of receiving a long-term contract before the start of the regular season)
“Of course. We’ve got time right now. That’s not my main focus, I’m going to let my agent handle that. In the meantime, get to know the new guys, be back with the old guys and get all of these new defenses in with the coaches.”

(On his satisfaction level on the communication regarding a potential trade)
“I tend to let my agent handle that, and my agent gets back to me. This whole month and a half I’ve been controlling what I can control, and that’s working out, I’m not worried about that. I’ll know when it comes, and when it comes, I’ll handle it.”

(On if he wants to remain with the Rams)
“Of course, I love these guys. I’m here because I love my teammates. I don’t want to leave and hopefully we get a long-term deal.”

(On the adjustments required by the new coaching staff)
“It’s been good. It’s just a whole new culture here. With (Defensive Coordinator) Wade (Phillips), he’s a lot like (former Defensive Coordinator) Gregg Williams, they’re both attacking defenses, they both like to attack and compete. It’s going to be fun for defense. (Head Coach Sean) McVay – he’s young, I’m almost as old as him. Like I said, a high-energy guy, knows what he’s talking about, good for this team.”

(On how different this defensive scheme is from what was run last year)
“Not at all. Like I said, he likes guys that can cover, a lot of man (coverage), as you guys saw today. It’s going to be fun for us.”

(On Head Coach Sean McVay covering receivers with the defensive backs)
“He was over there. Actually, he was over there with our DB group throwing the balls, I told him, ‘I know you’re the head coach, but he’s on the offensive side, he can’t be over here with the defense right now.”

Les Snead, now without Jeff Fisher, will rise or fall on his own merits

By RICH HAMMOND

link: http://www.ocregister.com/2017/04/24/rams-gm-les-snead-now-without-jeff-fisher-will-rise-or-fall-on-his-own-merits/

Certainly it’s not a scenario Les Snead wanted to find himself in, but it’s tough to imagine how the aftermath of a miserable 2016 season could have worked out better for him.

The Rams, last December, fired Coach Jeff Fisher but chose to bring back Snead for a sixth season. It was a bold move, given that the Rams haven’t sniffed the playoffs since Snead’s hiring in 2012.

Snead didn’t just keep his job. By all accounts, he boosted his profile. Depending on who is asked, Snead and Fisher either had equal say on personnel matters, or Fisher had the final say. Now, after the Rams’ hiring of Sean McVay, the youngest coach in NFL history, Snead gets a more prominent seat at the table.

Both men still report to Kevin Demoff, the Executive Vice President of Football Operations. But as the Rams prepare for this week’s draft, it’s difficult to imagine that they would lean on McVay, 31, rather than Snead, who has been evaluating NFL players since McVay was a teenager.

To his credit, Snead has remained quiet about the last few seasons, even last year, when Fisher publicly took a couple thinly veiled shots at him over Rams personnel decisions. It was Fisher who told a reporter in 2012 that he took the Rams’ job – before Snead’s hiring – because it included final say in personnel.

Never mind all that now. Snead remains – he quietly received a contract extension at the start of last season — and now it’s his time to shine. Or not.

Snead faces some huge decisions in the coming weeks and months, beyond the eight picks the Rams hold in this week’s draft.

The Rams must decide what to do with top cornerback Trumaine Johnson: sign him to a hefty extension, trade him or let him play out the final year of his contract. They must make progress on an extension with star defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who otherwise will become a free agent after the 2018 season. They must, in general, make good roster decisions in an attempt to improve after last year’s 4-12 debacle.

Can Snead pull it off, and rehabilitate his image, as well as that of the Rams?

Set aside Fisher’s culpability, because Snead deserves at least some blame for the past five seasons. Yes, the Rams have acquired some quality players through the draft – including Aaron Donald, Todd Gurley, Alec Ogletree and Jared Goff – but they’ve also displayed a startling inability to draft and develop receivers and offensive linemen, or sign them as productive free agents.

Snead’s drafts have included a tendency to be fairly strong in the first couple rounds, but rarely have the Rams found a mid- to late-round hidden gem.

Their track record in free agency also has been spotty. Last year, for instance, the Rams let cornerback Janoris Jenkins walk via free agency, then attempted to fill his spot (in part) with Coty Sensabaugh, who signed a three-year contract in March then was cut in October.

For the Rams to show improvement, Snead’s hits must begin to outnumber his misses. Here’s a look at how things have gone for the Rams since his hiring in 2012:

BEST DRAFT PICK

Aaron Donald, DT, first round, No. 13 overall, 2014

Donald fell to No. 13, apparently because, even though his NCAA resume was stellar, other teams saw his shorter, stockier frame as a bit of a detriment. Instead, Donald quickly proved himself to be a monster, a defensive tackle who, if he played on a more successful team, probably would be considered the best defensive player in the league.

As it stands, Donald isn’t far off. He was the NFL’s defensive rookie of the year in 2014 and has been a Pro Bowl selection in each of his three seasons. Donald has 28 sacks in 48 NFL games.

WORST DRAFT PICK

Greg Robinson, OT, first round, No. 2 overall, 2014

Snead’s poorest came approximately an hour before his finest. The Rams, gifted this pick as part of the Robert Griffin III trade, didn’t use it wisely.

The Rams spent three years telling everyone about the progress Robinson was making about left tackle, about his athleticism and willingness to learn. Finally, this offseason, the Rams gave up and now plan to move Robinson to either right tackle or guard, and they’re not expected to pick up his fifth-year contract option for the 2018 season, which would make him a free agent next spring.

BEST MOVE

Signed defensive end William Hayes, 2012

Fisher has to get some credit for this, because he coached Hayes for four seasons in Tennessee, but Snead signed off on one-year, $900,000 deal Hayes signed as a free agent.

Hayes didn’t start a game in 2012 but recorded a career-high seven sacks, which earned him a three-year extension with the Rams the following spring. Hayes eventually became a productive starter before, this March, the Rams traded him to Miami in a money-saving move.

WORST MOVE

Signed cornerback Cortland Finnegan, 2012

The first big move of the Fisher/Snead era was the signing of Finnegan to a five-year, $50 million contract. Two years later, the Rams released Finnegan, after he started only 21 of 32 games, dealt with injuries and had a terrible rating on passes thrown his way.

Again, Fisher has to take much of the blame for this one, because he previously coached Finnegan in Tennessee, but unless the full truth is ever revealed, Snead will have to share in the blame.

wv wrote:

Well is it THAT bad of an idea to applaud their protest while at the same time pointing out to THEM that they sat on their asses while the Democrats were destroying the biosphere and the poor ? Is it really that bad of an idea to call them out on that fact?

w
v

There’s a good chance that some of them didn’t (ie. didn’t sit on their asses while the Democrats didn’t do enough about climate change and promoted inequitable economic policies).

THere’s also a good chance that for many others, this is an educative moment. How do people of our type make educative moments work constructively?

As in all things, though, while there may be things they should hear from types like us, types like us can afford to listen, too. What do they see or know that we don’t yet?

I think this is going to be one of the more fascinating drafts in a while. Grades for Day 1-2 players after first 10 or so are so similar.

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 19, 2017

Fact that mocks are all over the place says this will be one of most unpredictable drafts ever. Throw out the script. https://t.co/U2MKcFAH8r

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 24, 2017

While there's depth, I'm not sure I've seen a poorer collection of offensive linemen in one draft..

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 21, 2017

As we wait for schedule release, remember that in 2016 more games were decided by TD or less 53% of the time, largest % since at least 1960.

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 20, 2017

Last time two tight ends were taken in Round 1: 2006 (Vernon Davis, Marcedes Lewis). That feat should be matched this year.

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 19, 2017

On this date in 2010: the first NFL draft broadcast in prime time.

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 22, 2017

wv wrote:

Sorry, couldnt help it. Thats how i feel.

Well, later, down the road, after we win, you can have them purged.

alyoshamucci wrote:

I have close to 20 draftable TEs that weren’t even invited to the combine

Because the position is so packed … Drafting two TEs is something all 32 teams could do, literally, and end up with value.

… the simulations I’m doing and lists I’m making… there will be a skill position player or impact defender at 37. Heck even likely at 57.

…

Greg Gabriel‏ @greggabe

In this draft after about #20 there is a large group of players that could easily go bottom 3rd of 1st or top 3rd of 2nd. Similar talent

Drew’s Draft Rules

By Drew Boylhart

http://www.thehuddlereport.com/thr/draftrules.shtml

1. Workouts should confirm what you already know.

2. How a player plays the game is just as important as any stat.
3. Numbers don’t lie, but they don’t tell the whole story.

4. Character is as important as talent.

5. Your team will not win if they draft criminals.

6. The Combine should be for medical evaluations and for coaches to interview players on coachability — not to evaluate talent or second guess scout evaluations

7. Scouts evaluate talent; they do not draft, or slot, players.

8. Coaches coach talent. History proves most, if not all are not good talent evaluators.

9. GM’s & coaches place the value of a player to the team; scouts cannot because they are too close to the player’s profile.

10. Many times, scouts plant “inside” details to manipulate and gather more information.

11. Don’t just draft a guard. Draft centers who can play guard and guards that can play center.

12. Drafting a franchise left tackle improves three positions: LT, LG & QB. Drafting a franchise center improves, center, guards and
confidence on the rest of the line as well as the offensive coordinator and QB. I love drafting offensive linemen!

13. I love drafting offensive lineman, but you should be able to find a RG standing in the check-out line at Walmart. If he doesn’t play center or left guard, let the other teams draft him.

14. Pass rushing is not a specialty. It should be included in the evaluation of the DE or LB position in their totality.

15. Tackling, or lack thereof, is a priority and the first skill I look for when evaluating all defensive positions. A CB can cover like a blanket, but if he doesn’t want to tackle, he is worthless.

16. Insisting your team has to draft a certain player or the whole draft is a failure is a trap. The 2-board system shows you the talent in every round. No need to panic.

17. Every round must be looked at like it is as important as the first round. The goal must be to draft talent and value in every round. No more Mr. Irrelevant. It’s an insult to the player selected.

18. Bad teams in top ten should trade down whenever possible for more picks in the “present” draft and not for future picks. Future picks are for future GM’s and coaches.

19. Never trade out of the top ten when you need a QB.

20. Sell the farm (mother, wife included) to move up in a draft if you think a QB is a franchise QB and your teams needs one. Just ask for visitation rights for mom and a conjugal visit for the wife!

21. Drafting BPA is nice to say, but don’t believe it; pretty much everyone is drafting for needs.

22. If a Head Coach blows a top ten selection because of character issues, you can bet he will be fired in about three years — sometimes sooner.

23. Don’t believe the crap that this is a passing league. There are maybe five franchise QB’s in the league. The rest need the threat of a good RB to be effective.

24. WR’s and RB’s can be found in any round in the draft, but there are exceptions to every rule.

25. LB’s do not have to run a 4.30 forty. They just have to be smart enough to not to get beat by an opponent who can run a 4.30 forty.

wv wrote:

I didnt understand this, among other things:

“To repeat. The unconscious is a biological operative and language is not. ”

w
v

I think he’s just linking the unconscious to primitive inherited brain functions. Notice that besides dreams his other example of unconscious messaging is getting an itch. It’s processes that are not accessible to conscious thought and involves sending messages to the conscious mind, like an itch.

It just means that as bio units we existed before language. Language is an evolutionary add on and is not a biological requirement.