Forum Replies Created
-
AuthorPosts
-
May 1, 2016 at 9:55 pm in reply to: Rams of this moment have 3 Air Raid qbs…can Goff transition? #43248
znModeratorThe most encouraging recent example of an Air Raid transition to the NFL might actually be the guy who took Foles’ place, Case Keenum.
So yeah, Keenum DID make the transition. The numbers show this. Keenum, percentage of snaps in the shotgun:
2013: 75.5%
2014: 44.1%
2015: 45.6%This may be one more reason the Rams are glad they have CK. He is not only a dedicated film junkie and student of the game, he’s an Air Raid to Play Action qb conversion.
He is going to have some value as a mentor, or so you would think.
.
znModeratorLos Angeles Rams UDFA Pace Murphy allowed only one QB hurry in 121 snaps against FBS competition
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) May 1, 2016
Los Angeles Rams UDFA Brandon Chubb's 35.3 tackling efficiency was the 4th-best rate in this LB class
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) May 1, 2016
LA Rams UDFA Marquez North averaged 7.8 YAC/reception, tied for the best rate among draft-eligible SEC WRs
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) May 1, 2016
Los Angeles Rams UDFA RB Aaron Green forced 7 missed tackles on three different games in 2015
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) May 1, 2016
Los Angeles Rams UDFA S Jordan Lomax recorded 3 or more tackles in 13 of his 14 games in 2015
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) May 1, 2016
More on #Rams UDFA RB @AaronGreen22, from @PFF’s draft guide… pic.twitter.com/FWk6AnAo1c
— Brandon Bate (@NoPlanB_) May 1, 2016
znModeratorHe is a major partier. That was his big problem,
Partyman.
znModeratorMike Freeman's 10-Point Stance: The Super-Duper Drafty Edition
An NFL scout panned Los Angeles’ selection of Western Kentucky TE Tyler Higbee in the fourth round.
“He is a major partier. That was his big problem, despite the arrests,” the scout said. “He has a lot of maturing to do, and I’m not sure he can mature fast enough.” Higbee was arrested last month and charged with second-degree assault, alcohol intoxication and fleeing or evading police. An anonymous NFL scout told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Higbee is “an idiot” whose legal problems go with “his personality, his reputation.”
May 1, 2016 at 8:00 pm in reply to: from "away" – draftniks & reporters on the draft as a whole #43236znModeratorfrom off the net
==
alyoshamucci
So we have a flooding effect in progress obviously with the WRs and TEs. I will deal with them separately as they are the main focus in my opinion.
I loved the trade down in the 4th and during the simulations I ran it was almost always available. That pick is going to matter, and given the player they snagged I’m confident in saying that.
To business ..
Goff. I ended up being sold on his footwork and his ability to take hits unflinchingly. I had come in leaning Wentz, but it shifted to 75-25 Goff by draft day.
Higbee. I don’t care about the arrest. I don’t have any Kentucky friends who haven’t been arrested.
Cooper. Kid’s a gamer. Watched him 3 years.
Hemingway. Obviously Fish had a Mo Alexander thing for him.
Forrest. This is a huge pick. I think much bigger than realized. Halfway through the year I was mocking him to us in the 3rd and 4th. But Kentucky LBs slide. He’s got a closing burst and wingspan that make him difficult to sneak away from as a runner and difficult to fully block if you’re trying to move him. Insurance in case Ogletree proves better outside. Could he play this year? I’d suggest special teams only while he learns, but each Kentucky LB that has come out has surprised with their overall skill and ability.
Mike Thomas. We’ve been talking about him for months as one of the most likely steals. Thought he’d climb after the postseason but then he didn’t get a combine invite. Weird.
UDFA kids.
North, Spruce, and McRoberts I’ll get to in the last section. Great gets though. Goodness.
Green RB TCU. This kid reminds me of Mason, except better in pass pro (I was not a huge Mason fan). I thought he’d get taken round 3 or 4. Stunned he was available and I bet he makes the squad.
Seau DE. Athlete with bloodlines. I don’t think he makes the 53 unless he pulls a freak in PS with wauffles coaching (totally possible) or he goes nuts on ST. But Practice Squad potential for sure.
Randolph FS. This could be another UDFA kid that gets groomed to start. We really know how to coach this position.
Not worried about the CBs and LBs.
Before going into the passing game, I have one gripe. WHERE IS MY THIRD DT? Trinca Pasat?
The passing game.
We brought in 5 talented draftable WRs, and 2 pass catching TEs.
The BEST part about this? They are coming in WITH Goff … So the comaraderie and chemistry should be obvious early.
I had them ranked
Thomas 3rd
Cooper 3rd (With a ST edge)
North 4th
Spruce 5th
McRoberts Also 5th.Got 3 outside WRs 2 inside. North could be a serious #1 like a fast version of Boldin. Thomas is explosive. Cooper is a gamer. I have those three all making the roster.
Hard Knocks should be good TV.
Higbee should start in Cooks spot day one, and if he and Goff can bond early? He could be the steal if the draft, pretty reminiscent of Kelce.
Hemingway is a project and I know very little about him.Overall I really like the way this team has been built and that the most complex aspect of the game was tended to after the full foundation was set.
Goff comes in with a young talented line in place, a stud RB, a smart TE, a couple vet receivers and a Gadget guy. He gets to come IN WITH his TE, and 5 potential WR connections. I don’t know how rare that is … But I’d bet it doesn’t happen too often and the odds of it paying off even without high draft picks is a big deal.
I have questions about safety and 3rd DT … But our defense is not going to be what I’m worried about or watching for in preseason.
Must excited I’ve been for an August in a long time.
znModerator
znModeratorInteresting bit, I think. —>
from PFF
Thomas is one of our favorite picks in the draft as the No. 38 player on the PFF draft board has great body control and he won contested catches at a higher rate than the other top receivers in the class. Thomas ranked seventh in the class in yards per route run, deep pass receptions and deep pass yards.
May 1, 2016 at 3:11 pm in reply to: from "away" – draftniks & reporters on the draft as a whole #43218znModeratorPFF’S 2016 NFL DRAFT GRADES FOR ALL 32 TEAMS
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/04/30/draft-2016-nfl-draft-grades-for-all-32-teams/
Los Angeles Rams, A-
1 (1) (from Tennessee) Jared Goff, QB, California
4 (110) Tyler Higbee, TE, Western Kentucky
4 (117) (from Buffalo) Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina
6 (177) (from Tennessee) Temarrick Hemingway, TE, South Carolina State
6 (190) Josh Forrest, ILB, Kentucky
6 (206) (from Carolina via Chicago) Michael Thomas, WR, Southern MississippiDay 1: The Rams made the move up to get their franchise quarterback, and they got the best QB in the draft in Goff. Our top-graded FBS quarterback brings a lot of translatable skills to the table, from intermediate and deep accuracy to his handling of pressure to his excellent pocket presence. Goff has improved every year, and he’s still filling out his frame, so given his base of NFL skills, he should continue to get better.
Day 2: No picks
Day 3: Off-field issues aside, Higbee originally had a second-round grade as his +7.9 receiving grade ranked third in the class. He’s one of the most athletic options in the draft and he can become an intermediate weapon for new QB Jared Goff. Cooper can start out as a gimmick player, but he accelerates quickly and can become a vertical option from the slot, pairing well with Goff’s skillset. Thomas is one of our favorite picks in the draft as the No. 38 player on the PFF draft board has great body control and he won contested catches at a higher rate than the other top receivers in the class.
May 1, 2016 at 3:06 pm in reply to: from "away" – draftniks & reporters on the draft as a whole #43217znModeratorRob Rang – CBS (B+)
Some will characterize the Rams moving up aggressively to nab quarterback Jared Goff as a public relations ploy to woo the notoriously fickle Los Angeles market, but his anticipation, pocket awareness and mobility and accuracy make him a legitimate franchise quarterback candidate. Given that the Rams went 4-2 in the division a year ago — including sweeping the Seahawks and defeating the Cardinals once — is an indication that this club is ready to win now with any kind of consistency at the position.
And give general manager Les Snead credit, he protected the investment in Goff with the type of weapons which will help his young quarterback. Tight ends Tyler Higbee and Temarrick Hemingway and wideout Pharoh Cooper are layers who can attack down the seam, taking full advantage of Goff’s touch over the middle and mitigating his lack of elite velocity to the perimeter, where the NFC West’s lanky, physical press corners like Richard Sherman and Patrick Peterson reside. Southern Miss wideout Mike Thomas has deceptive speed and good ball skills, as well.
==
Edholm – Shutdown Corner Yahoo
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/round-1-s-grades-for-2016-nfl-draft-042443575.html
1) Los Angeles Rams: QB Jared Goff – This pick has been in pretty much since the Rams moved up dramatically from No. 15 to 1, even if they kept the mystery going for a few weeks. Goff is a rhythm passer who has spent three years in the “Bear Raid” offense, and there will be a transition to more of a pro system with a first-year passing coordinator and a second-year QB coach. Patience, Rams fans. Grade: B
Washington Post
After taking QB Jared Goff first overall, the Rams didn’t pick again until Day 3. No matter. Quality will trump quantity if Goff becomes the franchise QB that the Rams hope he will be. They simply had to have a productive QB, with other pieces to a contending team already in place. And they did what they had to do, via their mega-trade with the Titans before the draft, to give themselves a chance to get one. Now all they can do is hope that it works out. Grade: A-
==
Five Day 3 players that could have a big impact
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000658802/article/five-day-3-players-who-could-have-a-big-impactTyler Higbee, TE, Western Kentucky (Rams): Jared Cook is now a member of the Green Bay Packers, leaving the Rams with little pop at the tight end position. Higbee was potentially viewed as the top tight end in the draft before a series of off-field incidents tainted his draft stock. He was arrested on April 10 in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and charged with second-degree assault, evading police and public intoxication. An arraignment is planned for next week. On the field, the Rams know a tight end that can create mismatches in the 5-15 yard range are typically a rookie quarterback’s best friend. With so much invested in Jared Goff, Higbee was deemed worth the risk.
znModeratorDraft drop ‘absolutely motivation’ for Gamecocks’ Pharoh Cooper heading to L.A.
David Caraviello
COLUMBIA — Pharoh Cooper received exactly one phone call from the Los Angeles Rams, from a special teams coach asking to see some film. That was the only contact between the organization and the South Carolina receiver until Saturday, when they added him to a skill-position haul in the NFL draft.
“Caught me by surprise,” the two-time All-SEC player told Rams media on a conference call.
Projected as a second- or third-round selection, Cooper instead lasted until the 117th overall pick of the fourth round. He joins a Rams draft class that includes quarterback Jared Goff from Cal, the No. 1 overall pick, as well as receiver Mike Thomas of Southern Miss and tight ends Tyler Higbee of Western Kentucky and Temarrack Hemingway of South Carolina State.
And as the 12th receiver taken — behind some fellow SEC wideouts like Georgia’s Malcolm Mitchell and Auburn’s Ricardo Louis, whose numbers he eclipsed last season — the 5-11, 203-pound Cooper feels he has plenty to prove.
“Absolutely,” he said. “(Friday) night, I could get any sleep. I was banking on going second or third (round), honestly, just from hearing everything. But this is absolutely motivation. That’s all it is, motivation, to prove I should have been a first-round pick or a second-round pick. But I ended up in the right spot, I believe, and we’re going to see how it goes from there.”
Cooper was one of three former Gamecocks drafted. Offensive tackle Brandon Shell, a Goose Creek native, went in the fifth round to the Jets, and tight end Jerell Adams from Pinewood went in the sixth round to the Giants. Undrafted former USC players who signed free-agent deals included tailback Brandon Wilds and defensive tackle Gerald Dixon Jr. with the Falcons, and safety Isaiah Johnson with the Buccaneers.
But the first to go was Cooper, who led the Gamecocks last season with 973 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, and left school after his junior season. The all-purpose player, who came to USC as a defensive back, also rushed and passed for touchdowns with the Gamecocks, in addition to returning punts.
“He’s their favorite player, their best player, and they figure out a way to get him the ball,” Rams head coach Jeff Fisher told reporters in L.A. “His statistics — I mean, they’re obvious. You watch him, he’s throwing the ball, his return skills, his run after catch, his ability to get open. He’s a strong player. We just felt like he would give us an additional target inside.”
Rams general manager Les Snead said he envisioned using Cooper in the slot, the position he played most at South Carolina, while Thomas was better suited to line up on the outside. Los Angeles certainly can use the help after finishing last in the NFL in passing offense last season, its final campaign in St. Louis before returning to Southern California.
“I look at it just as an opportunity to get on the field,” Cooper said. “I’m going to go out there, work hard, do my best. Wherever they play me, I’m going to try to excel.”
Cooper, who watched the draft at his parents’ home in Havelock, N.C., will travel to Los Angeles next week for the team’s rookie orientation. The Rams’ mandatory minicamp is June 14-16. And if the former high school quarterback is asked to reprise his role at USC and throw a pass on occasion?
“If they need me to throw the ball, I’ll throw the ball for them,” Cooper said. “Whatever they need me to do, I’ll do it. I’m just happy to be part of the organization. I’m ready to start playing now.”
May 1, 2016 at 2:30 pm in reply to: Higbee, Cooper… transcripts, 4/30 … + Hemingway, Forrest, Thomas #43211znModeratorRams Sixth-Round Draft Pick TE Temarrick Hemingway – Conference Call – April 30, 2015
(On being picked by the Rams)
“I cried immediately after I got the news. It’s like a numbing feeling that I had. It’s such an honor to be able to go play for the Rams. I’m just taking it all in right now. It’s still unbelievable that I’m going there.”
(On if he had any idea the Rams were interested in him)
“I actually was there a couple of weeks ago on a vist there, so I knew they had interest in me.”
(On if he cried after he was selected because it was unexpected or he was overcome with happiness)
“It was just happiness. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that nobody really ever gets. So, I felt like I was blessed enough to have the Rams interested in me and I really, really thank them for it.”
(On how he describes his game and his qualities as a player)
“A lot of people might think of me as a receiving tight end. I see myself as a physical tight end as well. I catch the ball in traffic. I like to get yards after the catch. I don’t look to just fall down to the ground as soon as I catch the ball. Immediately after I get the ball, I immediately look for extra yardage. I have a tough mentality, that’s a really big thing for me. Being that I used to be a receiver at 170 pounds my freshman year, I really have this spirit about me, this never-done attitude. Those are just some of the simple things that become big things, especially playing at the next level.”
(On if interest from teams spiked after his strong performance at the combine)
“To be honest, I kind of had an idea that they were probably interested in me, but I didn’t really know because a lot of teams, they like to keep their thoughts and things to themselves. They didn’t really show a reaction to anything I really did there, but I kind of figured that they showed interest in me. Some of the coaches there would talk to me on the side, like asking me how I’m doing and things like that – checking up on me. At that time I didn’t really know who was really interested in me. So I really didn’t have an idea of who was going to pick me up or if I was going to be drafted or not.”
(On the Rams 2016 draft class being weapons to help Jared Goff)
“It is a really special class. We’re going to come in competing and we’re all really good players, so it should be exciting to watch and be a part of as well.”
(On if he plans to add more weight/muscle for the NFL)
“Yeah, I always feel like I could gain more pounds. I want to gain most of my weight in muscle. I don’t want to be a heavy tight end with no muscle. I feel like if I could gain maybe 10 more pounds, that’d be really great for me. I came a long way from 229 at the beginning of last season to 248 now. So I feel like picking up weight shouldn’t be too much of a problem.”
(On his familiarity with Los Angeles)
“I’ve actually been out to Los Angeles twice. I went there for the NFLPA (Collegiate) Bowl game and I went there to visit with the Rams, but I’m not really too familiar with LA itself because when I went there it was for business purposes. It will be interesting to see how LA is and how the lifestyle is, but I know the traffic is really, really crazy compared to the worst traffic in South Carolina.”
(On his experience and takeaways for the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl)
“It was a learning experience. I was glad that I had the opportunity to go there and play there. I really had to get a grasp on the concepts and terminology. The terminology is really different from what I was used to, so that was one thing I had to get adjusted to. Overall, it was a really good experience. If I could I’d do it all over again.”
—
Rams Sixth-Round Draft Pick LB Josh Forrest – Conference Call – April 30, 2016
(On what the wait to be drafted has been like and what he’s been doing today)
“I’ve been thinking about it a lot. I’ve been with my family – my brother and my sister, and my mom and my step-dad. We’ve just all been sitting around waiting. It’s been a crazy experience, definitely.”
(On what the feeling was like when the Rams finally called)
“I really can’t even explain…like goose bumps. Everybody in the house had goose bumps, and I’m still in shock right now.”
(On if he ever imagined following the path of starting as wide receiver in college to being drafted as an inside linebacker in the NFL)
“No, that’s unbelievable almost. You hardly ever see receivers turning into linebackers and pan out to be NFL players.”
(On if he can put into words what it was like to get drafted considering he didn’t begin playing football until his junior year of high school)
“Not really. I am just in shock right now. I started off just trying to do something with my time away from basketball season. So football was the thing I was chose to do. One of my best friends talked me into playing. I just fell in love with it from there.”
(On making the transition from wide receiver to inside linebacker and how he added the weight over the years to play linebacker)
“When I first got there I was maybe 205 (pounds). I redshirted and about halfway through my redshirt year was kind of when I switched over to the hybrid linebacker-safety position. Then we got a new coaching staff and I ended up moving from outside linebacker to the ‘will’ position. We had a will that was there. Avery Williamson was there the year before I moved, and after he left my position was wide open. Coach asked me if I thought I could do it and I told him, ‘I can do whatever you need me to do’. It just worked out that way.”
(On what his diet and weight room regime was like when he was trying to become big enough to handle the linebacker position)
“Well at first I thought it was just eating as much as I could, but then I feel like I put on some bad weight a little bit. Then I started eating healthy. I got with a nutritionist, and we sat down and got a meal (program), and I stayed on it. I gained about 10 pounds until I got up to 250, and right now that’s where I am at.”
(On what it means to be the lone defensive draft pick for the Rams this year considering the team’s history for drafting on the defensive side of the ball)
“It’s a blessing. Those are the only words that I can come up with. That’s really it. It’s a blessing.”
(On if he was on special teams in college)
“My first two years I did kickoff, kickoff return and punt return. Then my junior and senior years I did punt.”
(On if he is comfortable enough being on special teams in order to make the roster)
“Definitely, definitely.”
(On if he looked up to any NFL linebackers while he was making the transition from offense to defense)
“Danny Trevathan just because he was a good linebacker we had my freshman year. When I switched over, he went to the NFL, he went to the Broncos. He was undersized. He was like a small linebacker, and I just felt like I was switching over to linebacker weighing 205. So I felt like, I’m a smaller linebacker, too, not height wise, but weight wise. I tried to give myself some things like, ‘OK, he’s small. I feel like I’m a smaller guy. This is who I want to model my game after.’”
(On Kentucky producing late-round successes in Danny Trevathan and Wesley Woodward at the linebacker position and if that is a point of pride for him)
“It is definitely a point of pride. I talked with Danny and Bud Dupree about it about two or three days ago, saying how we have been putting out a lot of linebackers. We like to call it LBU.”
—
Rams Sixth-Round Draft Pick WR Michael Thomas – Conference Call – April 30, 2016
(On how it feels to be drafted by the Los Angeles Rams)
“It’s a great feeling. There’s a lot of great people in the organization. They’ve got a great receivers coach, I talked to him earlier. I’m just blessed. I’m thankful. It’s a happy moment for me.”
(On if anticipated that he would go earlier or later in the draft)
“I was anticipating going earlier, but I was just being patient and didn’t let it get to me. I just knew I was going to get picked, but I didn’t know when. Like I said, I’m just so thankful right now.”
(On what it means as a wide receiver to get drafted by a team who selected a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick)
“That means a lot. That means they are looking forward to the quarterback they got and I’m looking forward to it now, the fact that I have been drafted by the Rams. I’m just looking forward to working with him, getting that chemistry going, and then we’re balling.”
(On how much earlier in the draft he thought he would go)
“To be honest, probably second through the fourth, no later than the fourth. But, obviously that didn’t happen. I just stayed patient and kept thinking positive about it and here I am.”
(On why he didn’t think he wasn’t invited to the combine and if he was surprised by it)
“It was really a surprise because…I didn’t get a combine invite. That just motivated me more to keep going. That put a lot of fire in me to keep going, keep working hard, and thinking positive the whole way through.”
(On if he thinks not being invited to the combine affecting where he was drafted)
“No, I feel like that wasn’t the reason because I still had a pro day and I still went to regional combines. I feel like…I don’t know. There was a reason for it, but I just didn’t know why. All the people I talked to said, ‘Don’t worry about not getting invited to the combine, just stay focused and keep working.’”
(On what he brings to the table and what type of game he has)
“I bring dynamic playmaking skills. I can stretch the field, make things happen, make plays, execute plays, and that’s what I’m looking forward to doing with the Rams. Keep making plays, executing, and winning games.”
(On how much contact he had with the Rams before the draft)
“Well, I was talking to the receivers coach (Mike Groh). We FaceTimed a couple times and talked, but I never was in contact with the Rams like that. He did give me a call, so technically I was before. So it’s kind of like, kind of, sort of, but not really.”
(On being a part of the group of receivers that has been drafted to help QB Jared Goff)
“To be honest, I’m looking forward to learning from a lot of the receivers that are already there. I’m just looking forward to those guys helping me out, teaching me things, the ins and outs. Like I said, I’m just looking forward to working, I really can’t explain. I’m just happy. I’m so thankful right now.”
(On if he’s ever been to California and how he liked it if so)
“Yes, I’ve actually been there when I visited San Diego, and I’ve also been to Long Beach as well, but I’ve never been to Los Angeles. The weather is great, it’s way better than Chicago right now, so I’m looking forward to that.”
May 1, 2016 at 2:19 pm in reply to: from "away" – draftniks & reporters on the draft as a whole #43210znModeratorRams draft picks: Analysis for every selection
Nick Wagoner
LOS ANGELES — Nick Wagoner breaks down the 2016 Los Angeles Rams draft class so far.
Round 1, pick No. 1: Jared Goff, QB, California | Highlights
My take: When the Rams made the deal with the Tennessee Titans to move up for either Goff or North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz, my take is that I wouldn’t have made the deal, but I understood it. The Rams had reached a point of desperation in their need for a franchise quarterback. They did what they had to do to make it happen. Wentz might have been a better fit for what the Rams want to be offensively, but that doesn’t mean Goff can’t succeed in the NFL. The biggest question now is what the Rams will do to add receiving weapons and solidify the offensive line. They want to put Goff in position to get them over the hump so that the guys who traded up for him — coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead — will still be employed if (or when) Goff reaches his potential.
Start or sit? Fisher and Snead have repeatedly said they won’t push any drafted quarterback to play until he’s ready. But it’s naive to think they traded all those picks in order to have Goff sit and watch. Don’t be surprised if the team’s Goff plan models what Snead and the Atlanta Falcons did with Matt Ryan in 2008, when Ryan worked with Chris Redman through the third preseason game and then took over as the starter for the regular season.
Who’s on the way out? With Goff in the fold, the Rams have four quarterbacks on the roster. They won’t carry that many during the season, so someone has to go. Who will that be? All signs point to Nick Foles, the player the Rams traded for and signed in 2015 in hopes that he was the franchise signal-caller they needed. The Rams hope that Foles’ deletion will come via trade. According to a league source, four or five teams have already reached out about the possibility of a deal. In all likelihood, a deal will have to wait for the next couple of days as teams select quarterbacks and others miss out on some. Those that miss out could find themselves in the market, with a late-round pick the likely compensation.
Round 4, pick No. 110: Tyler Higbee, TE, Western Kentcuky | Highlights
My take: The Rams have never shied away from players with off-field issues under coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead. They continued that with Higbee, who is facing second-degree assault and evading police charges as well as a public intoxication charge for an altercation that took place on April 10 outside of a bar. Higbee’s attorney has said he plans to plead not guilty at the arraignment on May 5, and the Rams clearly feel comfortable it will get resolved. It’s a bit of a risk, but probably worthy given the team’s need at the position, Higbee’s upside and where he was drafted.
Where he fits: After releasing tight end Jared Cook this offseason, the Rams had an obvious need for a pass-catching tight end. Higbee offers pass-catching ability even if he’s not much of a blocker, so long as he can get past the off-field issues. He had 68 catches for 1,054 yards and 14 touchdowns in his college career.
Round 4, pick No. 117: Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina | Highlights
My take: The Rams are taking the obvious and logical approach to the fourth round by adding help for Goff. They absolutely have to find weapons for Goff after their receiving corps combined for fewer yards than Atlanta’s Julio Jones in 2015. Cooper might be a bit redundant with Tavon Austin in terms of size and skill set (not that he’s as talented as Austin), but new passing game coach Mike Groh should be able to find ways to use him.
Where he fits: The Rams have a clear need for help in the slot. Stedman Bailey is recovering from two gunshot wounds to the head. South Carolina used Cooper all over the field, much like the Rams do with Austin, but the Rams simply need weapons and can find a place for Cooper in their receiving corps.
Move down: The Rams traded pick No. 113 to the Chicago Bears for picks 117 and 206. They now have three choices in the sixth round.
Round 6, pick No. 177: Temarrick Hemingway, TE, South Carolina State | Highlights
My take: I’d be lying if I said I knew much about Hemingway but this much is clear, the Rams are addressing needs in the passing game. Hemingway had modest numbers in his final year of college with 38 catches for 418 yards and a touchdown in 2015. But he’s 6-foot-5, 244 pounds and ran a 4.7 second 40-yard dash. The Rams think he has some upside and can compete for a roster spot.
Where he fits: Hemingway joins fourth-round pick Tyler Higbee as the Rams continue to attempt to add depth and competition to their tight end group. Lance Kendricks will be the primary option from the position and Cory Harkey remains as a blocker but if Hemingway can prove adept at running routes, catching passes and chipping in on special teams, there’s room for him to make the roster out of training camp.
Round 6, pick No. 190: Josh Forrest, LB, Kentucky | Highlights
My take: The Rams continue to fill needs by finding some depth at linebacker. They parted ways with James Laurinaitis and Daren Bates during the offseason, leaving them thin behind starters Alec Ogletree, Mark Barron and Akeem Ayers. Forrest should offer some insurance behind middle linebacker Ogletree. He’s 6-foot-3, 249 pounds and finished 2015 with 93 tackles, six for loss, three and a half sacks and two interceptions.
Where he fits: Other than Ogletree, Barron and Ayers, the Rams have Cameron Lynch and Bryce Hager returning from the active roster last year. Forrest would seem to be in a good position to potentially win a roster spot. The Rams will undoubtedly bring in more bodies through rookie free agency, so it’s no sure thing, but if he can pick up the defense and show some special teams ability he should have a shot.
Round 6, pick No. 190: Michael Thomas, WR, Southern Miss
My take: With the addition of Thomas, the Rams spent four of their five picks on Day 3 on either a tight end or receiver, selecting two of each. It was a logical approach for a team in serious need of help at both positions. Thomas is particularly intriguing and qualifies as a bonafide sleeper candidate after he wasn’t invited to the combine. Thomas was productive in 2015, finishing with 71 catches for 1,391 yards and 14 touchdowns. At 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, he also offers some size to a receiving corps that can use some.
znModeratorDrew Boylhart
Pharoh Cooper WR South Carolina
STRENGTHSYou’re doing good work, CR. Adding stuff to the mix. Thanks.
znModeratorso we should encourage penalties! haha!
i am scared of arizona. that defense. is going to be scary.
Yeah, ARZ may have stepped up on defense.
And they were already good.
znModeratorSorry about the misplaced posts on lomax and Jordan. I reposted in he UDFA thread. Too late for me to delete them here.
I got it. No problem.
znModeratorYeah, its not the penalties ‘per se’ but if a team
doesnt have a passing-game, and doesn’t have Denver’s Defense,
then penalties are gonna be a problem.Then the thing to do is to get a passing game.
Either way I was wrong. Those are actually the numbers for 2014, not 2015.
In 2015 the Rams were 9th most penalized, not 3rd.
Though Denver and Seattle were still ahead of them. As was (this time) Carolina.
The 6 least penalized teams were
Minnesotta
Tennessee
NY Jets
Chicago
Atlanta
NY GiantsznModeratorOur guys make stupid penalties
Last year the 6 most penalized teams were
Seattle
Buffalo
St. Louis
Denver
Washington
New EnglandznModeratorNelson Spruce/WR/Colorado
Marquez North/WR/Tennessee
Paul McRoberts/WR/Southeast Missouri Statefrom off the net
==
alyoshamucci
Cooper
M Thomas
M North
Spruce
McRobertsHonestly? I had those kids all draftable in the first 5 rounds. Cooper and Thomas in the 3rd … North 4th. The other two 5th …
North had one of the best freshman years I had seen, put him on my watch list. He had QB and coaching change issues … then he ran a 4.44 at 6-3 220 … kid is a freeeeaaaak.
znModeratorI think Seattle is running in place, trying to keep up with their losses. Right now it’s not clear who replaces Okung for example. They have to fix a creaky OL and fill in gaps on the front 7. I doubt they took a step forward. Not that they were bad before obviously but I don’t know if they staved off the erosion that much.
IMO the team to worry about after this off-season is Arizona.
znModeratori just fell in love. and his name is brian randolph.
Reminds me of the way McCleod played under Wms. Which I am sure is no accident.
May 1, 2016 at 12:39 am in reply to: How the Rams got a complete steal in UDFA safety Brian Randolph #43119znModeratorBrian Randolph/S/Tennessee
from off the net
==
alyoshamucci
I have years of weird tape of this kid. I thought he was dropped out, but he apparently made it back for a huge pro day …
If you can believe it (and I friggin can’t) besides running a 4.45 and measuring well in agility and short burst … he put up … wait for it … 31 reps. At 6-1 204. I think one season I saw him he was playing at 220 … and up at LB and dropping back … the previous season he was full FS.
I don’t know .. he was all over. In fact he looked different each year, but he was #37 Randolph each year. And I had him marked.
==
==
==If you’ve made it this far, you probably have no clue who this guy is. That’s fine because neither did I until someone I follow on twitter brought up what he did at the pro day. 31 reps on the bench and all of a sudden I found myself scrambling to find results from his pro day and to my delight I saw a 4.40 40 yard dash ranging as high as a 4.50 and a 3 cone drill under 7.00.
Now of course my first question was did he play like that on film and sure enough I saw a play against Alabama (you’ll see it in the video below) where he’s playing single high coverage and not only does Jacob Coker underthrow it on purpose to avoid getting picked off, this guy explodes to the ball and showed off some of the greatest closing speed I’ve seen from a safety in coverage in this draft class. Range is another word for it too.
Look out for Brian Randolph in the future because he’s going to make plays on special teams early that’ll get him noticed and don’t be surprised if you see him playing on defense and seeing him playing well.
===
BRIAN RANDOLPH
Safety, 5’11This is the one player from the 2015 Tennessee football team who is a sure thing with his floor and has a ridiculously high ceiling. Brian Randolph was at Tennessee for five years, missing one year due to injury and starting every game in the other four years.
Randolph also played in three different defensive systems, and he emerged as a leader for Butch Jones’s teams along with being a consistently reliable player at safety. As far as his floor, Randolph may not be a star in the NFL, but he will definitely be a reliable player at safety for whomever takes him.
Then there’s his ceiling.
At his pro day, Randolph appeared to turn heads of NFL Scouts everywhere, and it helped his draft stock shoot up. If it was just his pro day, the safety would be much lower on this list. But the pro day raised the eyebrows of how amazing his potential is.
When you have a guy who has the chance to be great but will definitely be solid, he is certainly worthy of being taken in one of the first three rounds of the NFL Draft. Whether or not that happens remains to be up for debate.
Although many experts do not even have Randolph near the top of Tennessee prospects, his NFL Draft workouts appear to make him the most likely player to be taken from the Vols in this year’s draft. And that potential is what puts him at the top of this list.
===
===Brian Randolph, S (senior): He’s a smart player with a history of injuries who might be a tad too small (6’0, 208 pounds) and a tad too slow for the NFL, but could be a really good fit in the right scheme as a mid- to late-round draft pick. He finished in the top 15 for team tackles in 2012 despite tearing his ACL in the third game of the season. He finished with 75 and 88 tackles the last two seasons and six interceptions over that span.
znModeratorRams draft picks: Analysis for every selection
Nick Wagoner
LOS ANGELES — Nick Wagoner breaks down the 2016 Los Angeles Rams draft class so far.
Round 1, pick No. 1: Jared Goff, QB, California | Highlights
My take: When the Rams made the deal with the Tennessee Titans to move up for either Goff or North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz, my take is that I wouldn’t have made the deal, but I understood it. The Rams had reached a point of desperation in their need for a franchise quarterback. They did what they had to do to make it happen. Wentz might have been a better fit for what the Rams want to be offensively, but that doesn’t mean Goff can’t succeed in the NFL. The biggest question now is what the Rams will do to add receiving weapons and solidify the offensive line. They want to put Goff in position to get them over the hump so that the guys who traded up for him — coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead — will still be employed if (or when) Goff reaches his potential.
Start or sit? Fisher and Snead have repeatedly said they won’t push any drafted quarterback to play until he’s ready. But it’s naive to think they traded all those picks in order to have Goff sit and watch. Don’t be surprised if the team’s Goff plan models what Snead and the Atlanta Falcons did with Matt Ryan in 2008, when Ryan worked with Chris Redman through the third preseason game and then took over as the starter for the regular season.
Who’s on the way out? With Goff in the fold, the Rams have four quarterbacks on the roster. They won’t carry that many during the season, so someone has to go. Who will that be? All signs point to Nick Foles, the player the Rams traded for and signed in 2015 in hopes that he was the franchise signal-caller they needed. The Rams hope that Foles’ deletion will come via trade. According to a league source, four or five teams have already reached out about the possibility of a deal. In all likelihood, a deal will have to wait for the next couple of days as teams select quarterbacks and others miss out on some. Those that miss out could find themselves in the market, with a late-round pick the likely compensation.
Round 4, pick No. 110: Tyler Higbee, TE, Western Kentcuky | Highlights
My take: The Rams have never shied away from players with off-field issues under coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead. They continued that with Higbee, who is facing second-degree assault and evading police charges as well as a public intoxication charge for an altercation that took place on April 10 outside of a bar. Higbee’s attorney has said he plans to plead not guilty at the arraignment on May 5, and the Rams clearly feel comfortable it will get resolved. It’s a bit of a risk, but probably worthy given the team’s need at the position, Higbee’s upside and where he was drafted.
Where he fits: After releasing tight end Jared Cook this offseason, the Rams had an obvious need for a pass-catching tight end. Higbee offers pass-catching ability even if he’s not much of a blocker, so long as he can get past the off-field issues. He had 68 catches for 1,054 yards and 14 touchdowns in his college career.
Round 4, pick No. 117: Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina | Highlights
My take: The Rams are taking the obvious and logical approach to the fourth round by adding help for Goff. They absolutely have to find weapons for Goff after their receiving corps combined for fewer yards than Atlanta’s Julio Jones in 2015. Cooper might be a bit redundant with Tavon Austin in terms of size and skill set (not that he’s as talented as Austin), but new passing game coach Mike Groh should be able to find ways to use him.
Where he fits: The Rams have a clear need for help in the slot. Stedman Bailey is recovering from two gunshot wounds to the head. South Carolina used Cooper all over the field, much like the Rams do with Austin, but the Rams simply need weapons and can find a place for Cooper in their receiving corps.
Move down: The Rams traded pick No. 113 to the Chicago Bears for picks 117 and 206. They now have three choices in the sixth round.
Round 6, pick No. 177: Temarrick Hemingway, TE, South Carolina State | Highlights
My take: I’d be lying if I said I knew much about Hemingway but this much is clear, the Rams are addressing needs in the passing game. Hemingway had modest numbers in his final year of college with 38 catches for 418 yards and a touchdown in 2015. But he’s 6-foot-5, 244 pounds and ran a 4.7 second 40-yard dash. The Rams think he has some upside and can compete for a roster spot.
Where he fits: Hemingway joins fourth-round pick Tyler Higbee as the Rams continue to attempt to add depth and competition to their tight end group. Lance Kendricks will be the primary option from the position and Cory Harkey remains as a blocker but if Hemingway can prove adept at running routes, catching passes and chipping in on special teams, there’s room for him to make the roster out of training camp.
Round 6, pick No. 190: Josh Forrest, LB, Kentucky | Highlights
My take: The Rams continue to fill needs by finding some depth at linebacker. They parted ways with James Laurinaitis and Daren Bates during the offseason, leaving them thin behind starters Alec Ogletree, Mark Barron and Akeem Ayers. Forrest should offer some insurance behind middle linebacker Ogletree. He’s 6-foot-3, 249 pounds and finished 2015 with 93 tackles, six for loss, three and a half sacks and two interceptions.
Where he fits: Other than Ogletree, Barron and Ayers, the Rams have Cameron Lynch and Bryce Hager returning from the active roster last year. Forrest would seem to be in a good position to potentially win a roster spot. The Rams will undoubtedly bring in more bodies through rookie free agency, so it’s no sure thing, but if he can pick up the defense and show some special teams ability he should have a shot.
Round 6, pick No. 190: Michael Thomas, WR, Southern Miss
My take: With the addition of Thomas, the Rams spent four of their five picks on Day 3 on either a tight end or receiver, selecting two of each. It was a logical approach for a team in serious need of help at both positions. Thomas is particularly intriguing and qualifies as a bonafide sleeper candidate after he wasn’t invited to the combine. Thomas was productive in 2015, finishing with 71 catches for 1,391 yards and 14 touchdowns. At 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, he also offers some size to a receiving corps that can use some.
znModeratorfrom off the net
==
Deadpool
some thought on the UDFAs
Taylor Bertolet, K, Texas A&M – he kicks footballs
Nicholas Gribsby, LB, Pittsburgh – undersized Barron type.
Brandon Chubb, LB, Wake Forest – tackling machine at MLB, his cousin is Nick Chubb the Georgia RB.
Kache Palacio, LB/FB, Washington State – Rams worked him out. Was a LBer,
Corey Littleton. LB. Washington – Rams had early interest in him. 6′-3″ 238 lb OLB/Edge Rush tweener. Too small to be a edge rusher, but with only 1 year as a OLB, needs to develop pass cover skills. ST lloks like his calling , at least early on. I like him.
Morgan Fox, DE, Colorado State – actually CSU- Pueblo. Never saw him play.
Michael Jordan, DB, Missouri Western – could be a safety
Brian Randolph, DB, Tennessee – an older Mo Alexander type but a better deep safety.. Strong, fast and a tad stiff. 23 years old. A thumper like Alexander, but Alexander is a bigger all around.
Jordan Lomax, S, Iowa – I mentioned 3 months ago he reminded me of a poor mans Bob Sanders.
Aaron Green, RB, TCU – The anti-Tre Mason. Reliable hands and from what I have read, an respected kid. Lacks power, but has good vision, and is shifty.
Paul McRoberts, WR SE Missouri St. – Another 4.7 guy with excellent hands.
Nelson Spruce, WR, Colorado – 3 months ago I said he was a 6th round pick. His 4.7 40 pretty much ended that. He’s a polished route runner with good hands.
Marquez North, WR, Tennessee – Raw, was injured last year. Size, speed guy at 6′-2″ 225. Doesn’t play that fast. Very willing run blocker.
Winston Rose, CB, New Mexico – do not remember him at all.
Pace Murphy, OL, Northwestern State – didn’t see him
Jordan Swindle, OT, Kentucky – big big kid, decent feet, needs to play with better leverage.
znModeratorRams invest picks on offensive players on last day of NFL draft
Gary Klein
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-nfl-draft-rams-20160501-story.html#nt=oft02a-1la1
The Rams began the NFL draft by choosing quarterback Jared Goff with the No. 1 pick.
They ended it Saturday by making four of five selections offensive players who can help Goff and a passing game that ranked last in the league in 2015.
The Rams took Western Kentucky tight end Tyler Higbee and South Carolina receiver Pharoh Cooper in the fourth round, and South Carolina State tight end Temarrick Hemingway and Southern Mississippi receiver Michael Thomas in the sixth.
Kentucky linebacker Josh Forrest, also selected in the sixth round, was the lone defensive player in a draft class built with an eye toward ending the Rams’ 12-year absence from the playoffs.
“We feel like we had a very productive day,” Coach Jeff Fisher said. “Obviously, as you look, offense was a priority.”
See the most-read stories in Sports this hour >>
The Rams’ strategy was evident more than two weeks ago, when they traded up to select a quarterback.The deal with the Tennessee Titans enabled them to draft Goff on Thursday night but that move left them without second- or third-round picks. They had two fourth-round and two sixth-round picks going into Saturday, and acquired an additional sixth-round pick by allowing the Chicago Bears to move up a few spots in the fourth round.
Last year, the Rams drafted running back Todd Gurley in the first round and then loaded up on offensive linemen.
This year, having released tight end Jared Cook, they zeroed in on tight ends and receivers.
“There we some defenders definitely on the board but we did know it would be nice to help the offense,” General Manager Les Snead said.
The Rams used their first pick Saturday to select Higbee, who played in one of college football’s most prolific passing offenses at Western Kentucky.
“It’s an exciting day,” Higbee said during a conference call with reporters. “Probably the best day of my life.”
Rams Coach Jeff Fisher and General Manager Les Snead meet with the media after selecting California quarterback Jared Goff with the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft.
However, Higbee’s status is clouded because of an off-the-field incident that occurred this month.Higbee was arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault, evading police and public intoxication after an altercation with a man outside a bar in Bowling Green, Ky. Nawaf Alsaleh, 24, was found unconscious and bleeding from the mouth. He reportedly suffered a concussion and a brain hemorrhage.
Higbee is scheduled to be arraigned next week.
“It’s a kind of legal matter right now, so I’m not really supposed to speak on it,” Higbee said, later adding, “It’s an incident that I can’t let define me. I’ve just been trying to keep my mind focused and stay working.”
Fisher said “we did our research” on Higbee and that the Rams were “‘convinced” that the issue would be resolved.
Said Snead: “When you go from college to become a professional and there is behavior to clean up we expect that to happen.”
Hemingway gives the Rams more depth in a tight end position group that includes Lance Kendricks and Cory Harkey. Justice Cunningham was on the practice squad last season.
NFL draft reiterates the importance of the quarterback position
Cooper, like Rams receiver Tavon Austin, is a multipurpose threat. He caught eight touchdown passes, rushed for one and passed for another last season.“My biggest asset would probably be making plays after the catch,” he said. “Once I catch the ball I can easily gain another five to 10 yards after the catch.”
Thomas is an outside threat particularly adept at catching passes in tight coverage, Snead said.
Forrest began his college career as a receiver and finished it as an inside linebacker.
The Rams are expected to sign 18 to 20 undrafted free agents before they hold a rookie orientation and minicamp next weekend in Oxnard.
Cornerbacks and safeties are among the priorities.
znModeratorI’m not sure if I’m supposed to just take a sabbatical until it’s okay to be critical or what because no one seems to want to hear it right now…
Well, if you want I can start a thread called “down on Fisher” dedicated to criticism, and everyone can have at it. ADDED by EDIT: I like the idea so I just went and did it: http://theramshuddle.com/topic/down-on-fisher-the-critics-thread/
As you probably know, I defend Fisher, and I like the Goff pick.
BUT this is the great self-expression board, and we tend to put in our own, often long, “my vote in the informal poll” type posts rather than argue board-war style, or censor.
There would be some here who agree with you, too.
So have at it?
-
This reply was modified 10 years ago by
zn.
znModerator2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Southern Mississippi WR Mike Thomas
from that article (which is loaded with vids):
You already know about the other Michael Thomas, my no. 2 wide receiver in the draft, but you might not know much about Mike Thomas, one of the more underrated players in the 2016 class. Southern Mississippi’s Thomas is a little bit smaller and more raw than his Ohio State colleague, but offers tons of translatable tools and traits that should help him develop into a fine NFL receiver.
One of the first things I look at in small school receivers is how advanced their route tree and route running abilities are. Transitioning from a spread offense to a pro-style system has given plenty of receivers issues in the NFL, but Thomas ran a pretty complete tree at Southern Mississippi, showing the ability to create separation at all levels of the field. This is one of the best routes of the year by any receiver in the draft.
Exceptionally smooth movements, causing the defender to break inside before Thomas abruptly swivels his hips on the post-corner route. That’s a more intricate pattern that you won’t see all the time on tape, so Thomas’ mastery of the route considering his two years of FBS experience is even more impressive.
He’s able to consistently create separation on post routes by selling vertically before stemming inside, giving his quarterback a suitable throwing window. Thomas isn’t Sterling Shepard in the short-intermediate game, but his short-area quickness is more than adequate enough to detach from man coverage on a regular basis.
znModeratormax found this
Waldman on MThomas
Underrated WR Prospects
Michael Thomas, Southern Mississippi: He makes exceptional catches in difficult circumstances. He can turn a short play into a long touchdown. And he’s technically sound as a route runner with room to get even better. Somehow he didn’t get invited to the NFL Combine. Thomas is massively underrated player in NFL circles.
znModeratorznModerator. If all the legal stuff works out he’s a great addition.
Ryan Tucker, 1997. Same round. Assault charge.
znModeratorMax: Waldman has Higbee as his #2 TE…
2. Tyler Higbee, Western Kentucky (6-6, 249)
Austin Hooper beats Hunter Henry as an athlete and a budding craftsman at his position. Higbee isn’t as advanced at the position as Hooper, but he does things that Henry will never be able to match.
The RSP’s No.2 tight end arrived at Western Kentucky as a 190-pound wide receiver. The fact that he’s wearing 59 additional pounds of muscle like he’s always had it is a testament to his work ethic and execution of a specific long-term game plan to transform himself into an entirely new kind of player. It’s an experience that will serve him well as a professional. Higbee still runs with the control and fluid grace of a wide receiver. He has the burst to win up the seam and when he makes the smooth transition from receiver to runner, he has the hip flexibility to maintain a high rate of speed while dipping or side-stepping opponents gunning for him. He can even make sharper cuts to avoid downhill penetration while he’s traveling along an east-west path, which is difficult to do at 200 pounds, much less Higbee’s current weight. These athletic gifts make Higbee capable of earning chunks of yards when he’s targeted on routes that lead him down field. He’s best targeted when he can catch the ball in stride. These targets allow Higbee to use his agility and momentum-derived power. His agility lacks the suddenness of a gamebreaker that can catch the ball from a static position, turn upfield to face a defender, and make that first man miss. But Higbee has the power to complement his finesse. When he catches the ball in stride, he’ll make opponents miss, use the stiff-arm, and lower the pads to split multiple defenders, dragging them for extra yardage or bouncing off contact arriving from a variety of angles.
Higbee has a quick first step off the line of scrimmage into his stems and uses sound footwork release techniques paired with a chop or swim to beat the jam. Higbee is also good at dipping the shoulder to avoid the jam. He can get even better at this skill because there are routes where he raises his pads too early and gets bumped off course. Higbee is also developing a rip move to combat press coverage at the line. His timing isn’t always accurate. As he learns to maintain a low pad level throughout his initial release, the rip will become an effective complementary move. At the top of his stems, Higbee runs a clean speed break and his smooth route game is effective at baiting opposing defenders with double moves that require clean movements such as the corner-post.
Because he’s good at catching targets over his head and over his shoulder, he’d fit well in a precision offense where he can set up quick turns against tight coverage and shield defenders from the ball on the move. At the same time, he’s capable of the tough catch that requires securing the ball during a collision.
Higbee’s height, grace, and grit don’t require a lot of room for a quarterback to consider him “open.” His skill to win targets in tight coverage and near the sideline gives him enough tools to develop into a mismatch against NFL linebackers on intermediate routes, and the potential to earn larger chunks of yards after the catch against safeties.
He’s not the game-breaking athlete that fans will think of as a primary threat in an offense, but pair Higbee with a precision passer and he can become that high-volume, third option who can wreak havoc in the open zones between the linebackers and safeties. Higbee has potential to unlock more yards after the catch production on routes breaking back to the quarterback if he addresses his breaks.
As a ballcarrier, Higbee has displayed the hip bend needed to make the hard breaks that create separation on hooks, curls, comebacks, and in-cuts. When he’s running these routes, his first step into his break is too straight-legged, which inhibits his ability to bend his hips at the necessary angle to execute a sudden stop. Once he learns to plant that leg with a more flexible bend, he’ll develop sharper breaks and earn more space between himself and the defense as he transitions from receiver to runner.
Blocking is the weakest link of Higbee’s game, but there are enough things he does well that he can deliver short term in offenses that feature two tight ends with one set as a wing back. He also does good enough work as a stalk blocker in space that he can help a ground game from the slot or split wide and shift where the offense needs him. Higbee has a good sense of angles and he routinely earns good position on his opponents in the open field. His hand placement is sound and he’s good at moving his feet after establishing contact.
It’s his work at the line of scrimmage that requires most of Higbee’s long-term attention. There were games from 2015 where he was too slow to reach all the progressions of his assignments. Because he’s so much smoother as a route runner and ballcarrier, it’s likely he was overthinking his tasks as an in-line blocker. He seemed a half-step slow at recognizing what to do. The root issue is Higbee developing confidence in the blocking techniques that draw upon strength and balance. That confidence may come with more work to perfect the details of attacking a defender with a sound base that promotes good leverage, but 249 pounds at 6’6” is still light for a tight end. He’s not ready for solo assignments against NFL-sized, 3-4 outside linebackers or 4-3 defensive ends. It might mean he’ll need to add another 10-15 pounds of muscle to his core for that confidence to be more than a misplaced feeling.
One of the problems that is curable without additional work in the weight room is that he’s not often enough the aggressor at the collision point. He’ll “catch” the contact from the defender rather than dictate the action with a punch. When this happens, he gets pushed backwards too easily at the collision point of a block. When he takes the initiative, he overextends his base and gets easily ripped aside in short order. Higbee needs to develop a better anchor in pass pro so he can punch, lock on, and maintain a good base for leverage. Higbee has some of the vital tools he’ll need to develop into a better in-line blocker. When he can get his hands into position, he’ll deliver a punch to the chest of his opponent and he’ll roll his hips through the strike, which generates maximum power and opportunities to turn the opponent in the direction of his choice at the line or knock the defender to the ground in the open field. He also displays proficiency at hooking defenders on the edge. When he can fire off the line with a flatter back, he’ll have an easier time delivering an accurate punch. Then the rest of the techniques to control a defender can work in smoother succession. He has moments where he has done this to perfection and he appears as quick in these tasks as he does running routes and weaving through defenders with the ball in his hands.
One area of run blocking where he has improved his grasp of the mental side of the game is his execution of double teams. He has figured out the timing for peeling off his initial double team and earning position on the downfield opponent. When he’s not overthinking this part of the game, he performs with intensity. He has a knack for the cut block and at the line of scrimmage; he has learned to set up the cut block with footwork that baits his opponent into thinking that Higbee is releasing in a different direction. Higbee will perfect his cut blocks if he can make his aiming point high enough that his opponents have no chance of leaping over top or pushing the tight end close enough to the ground to maintain their footing.
Higbee and Hunter Henry are virtually tied at the No.2 spot on my boards. If you factor out the bonus adjustments I’ve given both players for skills I believe they’ll develop, Henry would have the slight edge. But Higbee earns this No.2 spot on my board because his skill after the catch and work at the catch point offers more upside than Henry.
-
This reply was modified 10 years ago by
-
AuthorPosts
