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znModeratorColin Kaepernick’s $11.9 million base salary for ’16 now guaranteed
At 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, Colin Kaepernick’s $11.9 million base salary for the 2016 season became guaranteed, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.
Now, whether it is paid by the San Francisco 49ers or some other team that would acquire the quarterback in a trade remains to be seen.
Kaepernick still could make less money from any acquiring team should he agree to a pay cut as part of the deal. It had been reported that his salary would not become guaranteed until Friday, and technically, that is true. But with the league day ending at 4 p.m. ET, the calendar flips to the next day, hence the contract status changing Thursday.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported that Kaepernick was expected to remain with the 49ers past April 1, but trade talks regarding the quarterback were expected to continue up to and throughout the NFL draft from April 28-30.
The Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos, who lost Peyton Manning to retirement and Brock Osweiler to the Houston Texans in free agency, have long been linked to Kaepernick, reportedly envisioning him competing with the recently acquired Mark Sanchez. But a restructured Kaepernick contract would seemingly be a necessity to any trade with Denver.
March 31, 2016 at 6:56 pm in reply to: 2016 mocks & rankings & general draft commentaries, thread 2 #41279znModeratorfrom Pat Kirwan’s 2-Round Mock
https://realfootballnetwork.com/2016/03/30/pat-kirwans-2-round-mock/
LOS ANGELES: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
Lynch isn’t ready to play and won’t be at any point during the 2016 season. Fans say they don’t want players for the future, but the truth is the Rams aren’t ready for a Super Bowl run. So why not draft a QB with a cannon for an arm and give him a year to develop while the new stadium is being built? 2ND ROUND PICKS: Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas and Jalen Mills, S, LSUMarch 31, 2016 at 6:50 pm in reply to: Rams facility after training camp will be at Cal Lutheran #41278znModeratorRams to hold training camp at old Cowboys location
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams finalized a plan Wednesday to build their temporary training complex in suburban Thousand Oaks.
The Rams and California Lutheran University announced an agreement Wednesday for the NFL team to train at the school for at least the next two years. The site will be the team’s headquarters during the regular season while it builds a permanent training complex, which is likely to be nearby.
“We are excited to partner with Cal Lutheran to use their exceptional campus as the temporary home for team facilities that will be outstanding for our players and football staff,” said Kevin Demoff, the Rams’ chief operating officer. “The Rams look forward to becoming an integral part of the Cal Lutheran and Thousand Oaks communities as we establish our roots in Southern California.”
The Rams are installing two practice fields, a parking lot and temporary modular buildings containing their locker room and team offices on the northwest corner of the campus. The team can use the area for up to five years, and Cal Lutheran will keep the permanent facilities after the team moves.
“We are thrilled to be part of the return of the Rams and NFL football to Los Angeles,” Cal Lutheran President Chris Kimball said. “The Rams are investing in a major remaining part of our plans for the north campus and providing internships in a variety of fields to our students. It will be a great partnership.”
The training complex site is a key remaining piece in the move by the Rams, who are returning to Southern California from St. Louis after a 21-year absence. Earlier this month, the team essentially cleared out of its longtime training complex in Earth City, Missouri, for the move west.
The Rams will hold their offseason workouts starting next month in Oxnard, California, at a hotel complex used by the Dallas Cowboys for training camp. The team will hold organized team activities and minicamps at the Thousand Oaks complex starting in 2017.
The Rams haven’t announced the site of their own training camp this year, but they are considering UC Irvine in Orange County.
Thousand Oaks is roughly 50 miles from the Coliseum in downtown Los Angeles. The Rams will play at the Coliseum for the next three seasons while their lavish new stadium is under construction in Inglewood, also nearly 50 miles from Thousand Oaks.
The Rams appear to be planning to build a permanent headquarters within a relatively short drive from owner Stan Kroenke’s home in coastal Malibu, which is due south of Thousand Oaks beyond the Santa Monica Mountains. With the team’s permanent home likely to be in the upscale towns around Thousand Oaks, players and team employees can look for housing in the area without worrying about long-distance commutes.
Cal Lutheran hosted the Cowboys’ training camp from 1963-89.March 31, 2016 at 3:32 pm in reply to: 2016 mocks & rankings & general draft commentaries, thread 2 #41271znModeratorfrom off the net
—
Deadpool
2016 top 100 Big Board
We are exactly 4 weeks from the draft and so I thought with most of the pro days done and only private workouts left to post my 2nd annual big board.
Some disclaimers first:1. Top 10 was pretty easy in my mind. Then 11 thru 45 seems like 1 big jumbled mess. And what I think is really going to happen is teams are going to be drafting these guys to fit the holes on their team that fit schemes, so the talking heads are going to lose their minds on some of these picks. And its not going to be fair. Example: a team needs a speedy WR to stretch the field, they draft Coleman over Doctson or Treadwell and get roasted by The Tan and The Haircut. Or a team needs a penetrating DT instead of a plugger, it will be all over the board.
2. QBs are their own animal really. I find it tough to place them.
3. This is not a mock draft. And some information (medical or off the field) stuff we will not know about will slide a guy or 3 down the board and we won’t know until it happens. Not my fault.
4. Feel free to challenge me, ask questions or anything else. I take no offense and generally enjoy the debates.
5. Apologies for any player I missed. I went thru this list multiple times and I get a feeling I’m missing at least 1 player.
2016 Big Board:
1. Laremy Tunsil – OT – Ole Miss. – Ole Miss – Plug and Play LT for a decade. Safest pick in the draft IMO. Athletic, smooth and handles the run as well as the pass. Red Flag is a no concern issue for me.
2. Jalen Ramsey – FS/CB – Florida State – A generational talent at S that can also play CB at a high level. 6′-1″ and over 200 lbs makes him an ideal FS IMO. Smooth. Just smooth. Moving, changing direction, in his backpedal… He is also a very effective blitzer.
3. Joey Bosa – DE – Ohio State – 3 down end that is strong and explosive. He also sets a very good edge in the run game. Maybe a red flag for partying?
4. Myles Jack – LB – UCLA – a stud athlete that can pass cover, rush the QB and plays sideline to sideline. Top 5 prospect, even after injury. I wish he was a little more physical.
5. Ezekiel Elliott – RB – Ohio State – Great size, great speed, good feet. Elite RB talent.
6. Vernon Hargreaves – CB – Florida – 5′-11″ shutdown corner. Really smooth with loose hips. I like him more then Ramsey as far as the CB position.
7. Carson Wentz – QB – NDSU – 6′-5″ 237 lb. QB, comes from a pro style offense. Big arm. May need some time to acclimate since he has thrown only 600 passes.
8. Ronnie Stanley – OT – Notre Dame – Solid, workhorse type LT. Nothing flashy, just gets the job done.
9. DeForest Buckner – DE – Oregon – Growing on me, looks like 3-4 DE, sky is the limit for this guy. Calais Campbell seems like a fair comparison.
10. Sheldon Rankins – DT – Louisville – my top interior pass rusher @ 6′-1″ 300 lbs.
11. Shaq Lawson – DE – Clemson – a tad short, great hands and motor. Converts speed into power.
12. Emmanuel Ogbah – DE – Okla. St. – Size/speed prototype needs to be more consistent.
13. Darron Lee – OLB – Ohio St. – New breed of NFL ‘backer, sideline to sideline finisher.
14. A’Shawn Robinson – DT – Alabama – Smooth & strong, I think he is a 3 down DT.
15. Jared Goff – QB – Cal – Best QB tape from this season. Decent arm, size, hand size…?
16. Andrew Billings – DT – Baylor – Powerhouse, can get out of control. Think bull + china shop.
17. Laquon Treadwell – WR – Ol Miss – My top WR, not a speedster, but does everything else well. Excellent run blocker.
18. Reggie Ragland – ILB – Alabama – old school, big physical LBer, strong and aggressive.
19. Jack Conklin – OT – Mich. St. – Mauler with an excellent base.
20. Eli Apple – CB – Ohio St. – 6′-0″ 4.40, fits new type of CB, tad raw.
21. Leonard Floyd – Edge – Georgia – 3-4 edge rusher, pass rush terror, narrow lower half.
22. Jarran Reed – DT – Alabama – fits any scheme, strong anchor. More consistent then Robinson.
23. Mackensie Alexander – CB – Clemson – physical, man cover DB with swagger and no college INTs.
24. Noah Spence – Edge – East. Kent. – Dominated this past year, perma banned from big ten for ecstasy drug test failures.
25. Vernon Butler – DT – Louis. Tech – Explosive, strong, with coaching is gonna be a stud.
26. Corey Coleman – WR – Baylor – 5′-10″, takes the top off a defense, limited route tree
27. Robert Nkemdiche – DT – Ol Miss – Stud athlete, never matched his hype, drug red flags?
28. Paxton Lynch – QB – Memphis – Big, Rocket arm, athletic, raw.
29. Derrick Henry – RB – Alabama – North/South Bulldozer, has some speed to his game. Definition of a workhorse.
30. Jonathan Bullard – DE – Florida – 1st and 2nd down – DE, 3rd down DT.
31. Josh Doctson – WR – TCU – catches everything, may have issues with CBs jamming him.
32. Adolphus Washington – DT – Ohio St. – Quick first step, disruptor type. Hooker red flag.
33. Kevin Dodd – DE – Clemson – Prototypical 4-3 Base end, high motor.
34. Taylor Decker – OT – Ohio St. – Mauler, could play on right to start career.
35. Cody Whitehair – OG – Kansas St. – Tough SoB, moving inside from OT. Could use some strength.
36. Michael Thomas – WR – Ohio St. – 6′-3″ 215 4.5, great size, good hands, good route runner.
37. Keanu Neal – S – Florida – I’m a sucker for big hitting safeties, and he can run as well.
38. Hunter Henry – TE – Arkan. – “seam” stretcher, match up TE, more then willing blocker.
39. Will Fuller – WR – Notre Dame – THE vertical threat. Issues with drops.
40. Kenny Clark – DT – UCLA – anchor with good burst & leverage.
41. Jason Spriggs – OT – Indiana – Better pass pro then run, Agile and athletic.
42. Connor Cook – QB – Mich. St. – Pro style QB, with accuracy and leadership issues.
43. Vonn Bell – S – Ohio St. – Ball hawking type, not very physical. Flag football physical.
44. Tyler Boyd – WR – Pitt. – Smooth Wr, good size. Separation issues?
45. William Jackson – CB – Houston – 6′ and sub 4.4 speed. Aggressive
46. Carl Nassib – DE – Penn St. – Blue collar pass rusher with typical 4-3 size.
47. Vadal Alexander – OG – LSU – Mauling mountain of a man moving inside.
48. Kendall Fuller – CB – Virg. Tech – Good size/speed corner with injury flags.
49. Karl Joseph – S – WVU – physical defender that can cover. Injury flags.
50. Ryan Kelly – C – Alabama – Tough, strong typical Ala. off. lineman.
51. Darian Thompson – S – Boise St. – Ballhawk that didn’t test well. I still like him.
52. Xavien Howard – CB – Baylor – 6′ overly aggressive CB, smooth but a tad slow.
53. Shalique Calhoun – DE – Mich. St. – productive DE at 250 lbs., maybe a 3-4 edge guy.
54. Sua Cravens – LB/S – USC – a tweener with a nose for the ball. Mark Barron type.
55. Germain ifedi – OT – Texas A&M – Tons of ability, bad habit of lunging. Lazy?
56. Chris Jones – DT – Miss. St. – Big and quick, can get to upright and loose his leverage.
57. Austin Hooper – TE – Stanford – “seam” te and reliable pass catcher.
58. Artie Burns – CB – Maimi- Size/speed/build, needs to be developed.
59. Sterling Shepard – WR – Okla. – All he does is get open and catch everything. Destined to be a slot guy due to size?
60. Kenneth Dixon – RB – Louis. Tech – Real good pass catcher and a tough runner.
61. Dak Prescott – QB – Miss. St. – Leader, athletic, needs coaching up on being a passer.
62. Kyler Fackrell – Edge – Utah St. – 25 yrs. old, high motor, could use some strength.
63. Sebastian Tretola – OG – Arkan. – run blocking mauler.
64. Shon Coleman – OT – Auburn – Well built, good balance, needs strength, cancer survivor.
65. Devontae Booker – RB – Utah – Tons of Yards After Contact.
66. Joshua Garnett – OG – Stanford – Balanced OG with ability to pull.
67. Rashard Higgins – WR – Colo. St. – Smooth WR. good hands, under rated. Timed poorly.
68. Christian Westerman – OG – Ariz. St. – Strong, nasty and under rated.
69. Beniquez Brown – ILB – Miss. St. – Highly procuctive inside thumper.
70. Sheldon Day – DT – Notre Dame – Poor, poor mans Aaron Donald.
71. Braxton Miller – WR – Ohio St. – Explosive athlete, needs time at the position. Slot guy.
72. Jalen Mills – S – LSU – a CB/S tweener with good speed but a tad lean looking.
73. Zack Sanchez – CB – Okla. – tad undersized, a tad undisiplined, but a playmaker.
74. Antonio Morrison – ILB – Florida – Plays fast, a solid tackler.Can get caught in traffic.
75. CJ Prosise – RB – Notre Dame – Size with nice burst. former WR, and the best pass catching RB this year.
76. Kamelei Correa – Edge – Boise St. – Explosive, a little stiff, under the radar.
77. Austin Johnson – DT – Penn st. – Big run plugger.
78. TJ Green – S – Clemson – 6′-3″ FS that is raw but has tons of upside.
79. Jaylon Smith – LB – Notre Dame – top 5 talent. massive issues with that knee injury.
80. Christian Hackenberg – QB – Penn St. – Proto size and arm. Needs to be reprogrammed.
81. Cyrus Jones – CB – Alabama – undersized, came on at the end of the year.
82. Le’Raven Clark – Big and athletic, but inconsistent and needs coaching.
83. Alex Collins – RB – Arkan. – north/south 3 down back.
84. Jeremy Cash – S – Duke – tough safety with good size. Needs work in coverage.
85. Leonte Carroo – WR – Rutgers – Gets open, average size, has a domestic red flag.
86. Cardale Jones – QB – Ohio St. – Athletic, rocket launcher arm. Needs time as a backup.
87. Deion Jones – 220 lb. tweener backer the NFL is starting to like. Very smooth, very active.
88. Marice Canady – CB – Virginia – 6’-1″ 4.49, could using some coaching up.
89. Charles Tapper – DE – Okla. – looks the part, flashes that talent, then can disappear.
90. Nick Vannett – TE – Ohio St. – Combo TE. Not a seam stretcher.
91. Kentrell Brothers – ILB – Mizzou – 2 down LBer with good instincts.
92. Jack Allen – C – Mich. St. – Technician, tad undersized. team leader with HS wrestling background.
93. Nick Vigil – ILB – Utah – Solid 2 down run defender.
94. Joe Haeg – OL – NDSU – could play 4 spots in the pros. Needs to add some strength.
95. Tyler Matakevich – ILB – Temple – Textbook MLB minus the size.
96. Pharoh Cooper – WR – South Carolina – Swiss army knife playmaker.
97. Scooby Wright – LB – Arizona – Ultra instinctual with huge college production. tested poorly.
98. Yannick Ngakoue – Edge – Maryland – productive pass rusher only.
99. KJ Dillon – S – WVU – physical, plays the pass and run. Good size and returns kicks.
100. Roberto Aguayo – K – Florida St. – He kicks…footballs.
znModeratorThere are videos included with the articles if you hit the link you will see them http://www.nfl.com/labs/rr/pathtothedraft/lynch?campaign=sf23394646+sf23394646
http://www.nfl.com/labs/rr/pathtothedraft/lynch?campaign=sf23394646+sf23394646
Lynch intrigued by idea of playing for Cowboys
Published: March 30, 2016 at 11:17 a.m.The Dallas Cowboys tried to challenge Paxton Lynch last week with some high-difficulty throws in a private workout in Orlando, and toughened his task even more by asking him to make some of those throws on the run.
But in his first private workout since the NFL Scouting Combine, the former Memphis quarterback couldn’t have been more comfortable with the outcome, because the Cowboys were merely asking him to do what he does best.
“They had me do some three-step drop stuff, but it was mostly deeper drops and deeper throws. They had me throwing some long out routes, and some deeper comeback routes across the field,” Lynch said. “They had me push the ball vertically on some seam routes and deep corner routes. Then they put me on the run for some of it, to see my athleticism and see me outside the pocket. I definitely enjoy pushing the ball down the field, and that’s what they were most impressed about, how strong my arm was.”
The Cowboys need a young quarterback in an apprentice role behind veteran starter Tony Romo. And although Lynch is widely projected to be drafted between the Cowboys’ first two draft picks (No. 4 and No. 34 overall), but he’d love for the club to find a way to make him a Cowboy.
“I like the coaching staff — that team is the face of the NFL almost — they’re so renowned with the success of that franchise,” Lynch said.
Following the workout, Lynch had little time to reflect.
A day later, he taped an episode of Jon Gruden’s “QB Camp”, and a day after that he was off to Kansas City to meet with Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and his offensive staff. He then went to Cleveland to meet with new Browns coach Hue Jackson, quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton and the rest of the Browns staff.
“They’re very excited about the draft,” Lynch said. “You could tell there’s a lot of energy in that building.”
Finally, Lynch made it back to Memphis on Tuesday to begin on-campus preparations for his pro day on April 6. That meant throwing to his former college receivers rather than the random collection of pass catchers he went through in Orlando.
“It’s going to be nice to get back with my guys here for a week,” Lynch said. “I know where they like the ball, and they know where I’m going to put it.”
— Chase Goodbread
Coach prepping Lynch for pro-day showcase
Published: March 21, 2016 at 9:58 a.m.
Like any quarterback’s pro day throwing session, Paxton Lynch’s script for his April 6 workout for NFL coaches and scouts will be weighted toward the things he does best. For some quarterbacks, that might mean a lot of cheaper, easier throws.For Lynch?
That’s not necessarily the case, according to his private quarterback coach, Charlie Taaffe.
“We’ll obviously try to feature his strengths. For him, that means showing his athleticism, moving in and out of the pocket, extending plays, and feature his arm strength and the big throws he’s capable of making,” Taaffe told College Football 24/7. “He can really go downfield with it.”
Translation: Lynch can not only handle a higher degree of pro-day difficulty, he can thrive with it.
As a youngster, Paxton Lynch followed a Steelers quarterback, but it wasn’t Ben Roethlisberger.
Of course, the absence of a defense predisposes any pro day for success, but with roughly five weeks to prepare since the NFL Scouting Combine last month, Lynch has the skill set to present a more challenging workout. That’s something NFL clubs will appreciate after the workout when they prepare to write Lynch’s name in ink, rather than pencil, on their draft boards.Taaffe, the former UCF offensive coordinator, has been challenging Lynch in workouts on the things he was least comfortable with since the two paired for combine preparation in January.
“We’ve emphasized being under center, learning the three-, five- and seven-step drops, because he was in a shotgun offense in college,” Taaffe said. “The other thing about that system is that quarterbacks don’t learn as much about defensive structures, fronts, coverages, and how they relate to each other.”
Another focus for Lynch has been learning to make checks at the line of scrimmage on his own, something that was signaled in by coaches from the sideline at Memphis.
“They don’t do that on Sundays. He’ll have to learn to control some things that used to be controlled on the sideline for him,” Taaffe said. “But one thing I’ve learned, he’s a very quick learner with a very good football I.Q. He picks up concepts very quickly.”
March 30, 2016 at 12:22 pm in reply to: audio: J. Cook on playing w/ Rodgers & what went wrong w/ Foles in '15 #41249znModerator“wasn’t anybody’s fault” — Are you allowed to post that
on a football message board?w
vI blame Cook for that.
Is is ok to hope for a frisson of schadenfreude?
Indeed. If not downright delectation.
March 30, 2016 at 11:54 am in reply to: audio: Laurinaitis on the Saints & regrets from time w/ the Rams #41247znModeratorI regret for years watching RBs drag him 5 yards before he can stop them.
I actually did the numbers on that by looking at a big patch of play by plays.
According to the numbers, the “JL gets dragged 5 yards” thing is mostly just not true.
He had a very decent avg. yards per carry allowed (2.8) and had more at the LOS to 2 yards stops as he did “5 yard gains.”
July 21, 2015 at 10:47 pm
znOn numbers. According to a common complaint out there, JL may make tackles, but it’s 5-7 yards downfield.
There’s only one way to check that. Play by plays.
I checked 12 games–from game 5 (SF) through game 16 (Seattle). Here’s what I looked for—runs over either guard or up the middle, where the tackler is JL. I don’t look at runs off tackle or at runs around either end.
I am just making the traditional assumption that JL polices the run from guard to guard. If he tackles outside he comes to the play in support.
However, of course, none of this tells us what percentage of runs to G-C-G where JL makes the tackle at all or doesn’t. It just answers the question, are a lot of tackles where JL is clearly the responsible linebacker made 5-7 yards downfield?
The answer is no. On the plays I set out to look at, his average yards per tackle is 2.8. Of those plays, 20% are 5-7 yards, but 30% are anywhere from tackled for a loss to 2 yards. 50% are in the 3-4 yard range.
March 30, 2016 at 11:08 am in reply to: Howie Long reveals that his son made huge sacrifice to join Patriots #41241znModeratorI don’t see that as a huge sacrifice. Barron taking much less money to play for a supposed winner would have been a sacrifice but not the always well compensated CL.
Well it’s a father talking about a son. In that, personally, I will grant him a little hyperbole. I myself have nothing against CL. I always liked him. He was banged up the last 2 years, though I also understand the cut.
March 30, 2016 at 10:26 am in reply to: Howie Long reveals that his son made huge sacrifice to join Patriots #41235znModeratora huge sacrifice Howie?
He meant he traded money for the opportunity to play for a contender. That just means other teams offered him more.
March 30, 2016 at 10:05 am in reply to: audio: J. Cook on playing w/ Rodgers & what went wrong w/ Foles in '15 #41233znModeratorStill didn’t learn anything.
Yeah, on “what went wrong w/ Nick Foles in ’15”—he didn’t really say anything.
“Last year was a rough year, man. It was just the luck of the draw. It wasn’t anybody’s fault. It’s just things didn’t pan out the way the organization had planned,” Cook said.
March 29, 2016 at 11:47 pm in reply to: Ogletree's move to the middle looms as the key to Rams' defense #41227znModeratorAlec Ogletree – LB – Rams
Rams LB Alec Ogletree said moving to the middle will be the “biggest challenge” of his career.
Ogletree played on the weak side his first three years in the league, but he will man the middle after James Laurinaitis was released prior to free agency. “It’s going to be a great challenge for me,” Ogletree said. “I’m definitely excited about it and ready to get the ball rolling.” Ogletree has 271 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 36 career games. He should be a big improvement over Laurinaitis.
Source: Los Angeles Times Mar 28 http://www.rotoworld.com/playernews/nfl/footballznModeratorI may be in the minority among Rams fans but I would rather they not take a QB in this draft. I’d rather use those picks to fill the holes of guys they’ve lost in free agency. And on offense–improve the line and receivers.
I’m fine with Case starting and Mannion developing as his back up for now. Maybe Foles has a miracle resurrection. Chasing an elite QB comes at a cost. I’m not sure it’s worth it at this point and time. As for the later rounds–I’d rather they bring in depth at other positions.
I may rethink that if that’s what happens and all the QBs melt down. But I’m sticking with it for now.
i certainly am not opposed to drafting doctson in the first round and then adding a hunter henry in the second to give keenum some more support. and even if keenum isn’t the answer maybe mannion steps up. then spend the rest of the draft finding a free safety and lbs and d linemen.
I belong to the camp in favor of taking a qb no matter what. I actually don’t think they have much in the way of major holes, compared to qb. If both Mannion and the new guy work out, that’s just fine with me.
March 29, 2016 at 7:33 pm in reply to: 2016 mocks & rankings & general draft commentaries, thread 2 #41221znModeratorBonsignore: NFL Mock Draft with one month to go has Tunsil No. 1, Rams trading up
Vincent Bonsignore, Los Angeles Daily News
With the scouting combine complete, the first phase of free agency in the books and various Pro Days come and gone, it’s time to predict how the first round of the NFL Draft unfolds.
1. TITANS
LAREMY TUNSIL, OT, Ole Miss
The Titans have spread the word they are open to trading the top pick in the draft, but are equally clear they have zeroed in on an elite group of players and it will take a significant offer for them to trade down and risk missing out on their top targets. The Titans will continue to listen to offers, but with no trade partner willing to meet their demands, the overall No. 1 pick will come down to Florida State CB Jalen Ramsey or Tunsil. The deciding factor is protecting franchise QB Marcus Mariota.
2. BROWNS
CARSON WENTZ, QB, North Dakota State
It’s tempting to think Browns head coach and noted quarterback whisperer Hue Jackson is convinced he’ll turn around Robert Griffin III, whom the Browns recently signed to a two-year deal. The Browns will turn attention to the boatload of holes with the second overall pick as a result. But that would mean Jackson walking a high wire. The danger being, if RG3 bombs and the Browns miss out on a franchise QB, the fall for Jackson will be sudden and far. Best-case scenario is RG3 re-establishing himself under Jackson, Wentz developing behind him for a year, and the Browns flipping RG3 after the 2016 season to anoint Wentz as the starter in 2017.
3. CHARGERS
JALEN RAMSEY, CB/S, Florida State
The QB-starved Browns create the perfect situation for the Chargers, who benefit by landing arguably the best overall player in the draft.
4. COWBOYS
MYLES JACK, LB, UCLA
The Cowboys are tempted to find the heir apparent to Tony Romo in Cal’s Jared Goff, but ultimately pull the trigger on the best linebacker in the draft in the versatile former Bruin.
5. JAGUARS
JOEY BOSA, DE, Ohio State
The Jaguars are poised to be aggressive in this draft, so don’t rule out a trade up to get a crack at Jack. But with the Chargers and Cowboys staying put, Jacksonville will gladly pull the trigger on the most complete defensive lineman in the draft.
6. RAMS (VIA RAVENS)
JARED GOFF, QB, Cal
The Rams believe Wentz and Goff can be immediate starters in the NFL, but while the asking price to get in position to draft Wentz is too steep, they have the nerve and ammunition to give up the 15th pick in the first round, the 43rd pick in the second and next year’s No. 1 to grab their quarterback of the future.
7. 49ERS
DEFOREST BUCKNER, DE, Oregon
The 49ers had their eye on Goff, but the Rams beat them to the punch. New San Francisco coach Chip Kelly gets the chance to fix Colin Kaepernick and add an elite defensive end in Buckner.
8. EAGLES
EZEKIEL ELLIOTT, RB, Ohio State
The Eagles take a long look at Notre Dame offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley here, but ultimately decide on Elliott, who can run, block and be a weapon in the pass game.
9. BUCCANEERS
SHAQ LAWSON, DE, Clemson
The Bucs need plenty of help defensively, and Lawson gives them an immediate shot in the arm as a playmaking defensive end.
10. GIANTS
SHELDON RANKINS, DT, Louisville
The G-Men’s defensive transformation continues with the draft’s best interior defensive lineman. And just like that, an area of weakness turns into one of strength.
11. BEARS
REGGIE RAGLAND, LB, Alabama
The Bears’ long history of elite middle linebackers continues with Ragland, a fierce, versatile playmaker who adds speed, toughness and instincts to the Bears defense.
12. SAINTS
VERNON HARGREAVES, CB, Florida
The Saints will give the three first-round caliber wide receivers consideration here, and Drew Brees will be in their ear asking for one of them. But the bigger need is on defense, and adding a cornerback the likes of this Florida standout is too prudent to pass up.
13. DOLPHINS
MACKENSIE ALEXANDER, CB, Clemson
The Dolphins can go a number of directions here, they failed to fill their glaring hole at cornerback through free agency and happily scoop up one of the best in the draft in Alexander.
14. RAIDERS
RONNIE STANLEY, OT, Notre Dame
The Raiders can’t believe their good fortune when Stanley, a top-five caliber player, falls to them thanks to the Ravens trading down with the Rams.
15. RAVENS
JACK CONKLIN, OT, Michigan State
The Ravens were close to their dream scenario: trading down with the Rams, picking up a second-rounder this year and a first-rounder next and having the guy they wanted all along in Stanley still on the board at 15. Alas, the Raiders throw a monkey wrench in things. But that’s OK, the Raven still end up with a coveted offensive tackle who will start on day one.
16. LIONS
NOAH SPENCE, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky
The Lions are rolling the dice a bit here on Spence, who has had some well-publicized off-field issues. But the man can flat-out rush the passer, and that is just too much to pass up.
17. FALCONS
DARRON LEE, LB, Ohio State
The Falcons give in-state linebacker Leonard Floyd a good look here, but Lee’s best football is ahead of him and his intelligence, instincts and playmaking making him an ideal pick for the present and the future.
18. COLTS
TAYLOR DECKER, OT, Ohio State
Decker doesn’t get the hype of Stanley and Conklin, but he’ll start from the get-go, protect Andrew Luck and provide the type of run blocking that profiles perfectly at the next level.
19. BILLS
A’SHAWN ROBINSON, DT, Alabama
Rex Ryan understands the foundation of any great defense is a great defensive line. Robinson is a beast, and Ryan is the perfect coach for him.
20. JETS
VERNON BUTLER, DT, Louisiana Tech
The Jets could go offense here — and who knows, Paxton Lynch and Connor Cook might be in play considering the lack of urgency getting Ryan Fitzpatrick re-signed. Butler has too much upside as a havoc-creating interior lineman to pass on him here.
21. REDSKINS
LAQUON TREADWELL, WR, Ole Miss
Washington has its quarterback in Kirk Cousins, now it’s time to go get him some help. Treadwell isn’t a speed burner, but he runs great routes, catches everything and is the best overall receiver in the draft.
22. TEXANS
JOSH DOCTSON, WR, TCU
The Texans were hoping Treadwell would fall to them, but Doctson isn’t a bad fall-back option by any means.
23. VIKINGS
COREY COLEMAN, WR, Baylor
The run on receivers continues with the Vikings providing Teddy Bridgewater with an elite weapon on the outside.
24. BENGALS
ANDREW BILLINGS, DT, Baylor
A converted offensive lineman, Billings has shown steady improvement on the defensive side of the ball. That growth and development will only continue in the NFL.
25. STEELERS
ELI APPLE, CB, Ohio State
The Steelers do what they do best — sit back and pluck the best player left on the board. Apple fits a big area of need on the back end of the Pittsburgh defense.
26. SEAHAWKS
EMMANUEL OGBAH, DE, Oklahoma St.
The Seahawks soften the blow of losing playmaking edge rusher Bruce Irvin by nabbing Ogbah, a defensive end with huge upside. In other words, right up Pete Carroll’s alley.
27. PACKERS
ROBERT NKEMDICHE, DT, Mississippi
With B.J. Raji retiring, the Packers have a huge need along the defensive line. Nkemdiche has some issues, but the rewards far outweigh the risk for such a promising player.
28. CHIEFS
WILL FULLER, WR, Notre Dame
Fuller is the fastest of the top-rated receivers and gives the Chiefs a perimeter weapon who can elevate their ability to put the ball in the end zone.
29. CARDINALS
WILLIAM JACKSON, CB, Houston
Jackson is moving up draft boards, and it wouldn’t be a shock if he supplanted some of the higher ranked cornerbacks come draft day, For now, the Cardinals happily bring him into the fold.
30. PANTHERS
LEONARD FLOYD, OLB, Georgia
The Panthers don’t have an obvious need at linebacker, but they remain true to their board and pick the best player available.
31. BRONCOS
PAXTON LYNCH, QB, Memphis
Connor Cook is probably the safer pick in terms of getting on the field quicker, but the marriage of Lynch and Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak is just too intriguing to let slip away. If anyone is capable of getting Lynch on the field sooner, it’s Kubiak.
znModeratorThat means they have a better chance/probability. It doesn’t eliminate chance.
Yeah, I know…true. But still, I think it’s interesting that the trend is 60% v. 27%. That tells me that the more well-rounded and appealing prospects are just going higher. Yes there’s always a strong elements of chance either way, but at the same time the rankings are not just empty—there’s something to them, even if the best they can get is 60% success.
And, again, all this may be moot, because everyone notes that this year is different when it comes to qb. There’s more 2nd tier guys (ie. 2nd tier in terms of draftibility…that’s not a claim about their future success).
So maybe the percentages go up for the 2nd part of the 1st round this year.
znModeratorThis means that hitting or not hitting isn’t proof of right or wrong but it is a result of the chance of hitting or not hitting.
Well, except, there’s more than chance at play here. Players are picked higher when they have more desirable qualities that make it at least look like they have a better chance. Naturally it’s not 100%, but then it seems to me that if you want a better shot at a qb, you take the one who looks like they have the best chance of succeeding. If you don’t someone else will. There are variations on that and exceptions and so on, but, as a rule if you want Rivers or Eli or Stafford or Roethlisberger or etc, you pick higher…cause they won’t fall lower, generally speaking.
So I am not sure strict chance is the way to look at it. There is some honest comparative player evaluation at work.
To me percentages = trends across time. Trends across time favor taking the qb higher.
But then everyone says this year is an exception. There’s more solid, tier 2 qbs–developmental. So there may be more Daltons in this draft and fewer Mariottas.
…
znModeratorIf they take a QB in round 2 or 3 doesn’t that mean Mannion was a wasted pick?
You have to focus on some young guy to develop eventually and there are only so many snaps to go around.
Not to me, it doesn’t mean that (ie. wasted pick). It means they have 2 young qbs.
I don’t think the “focus” thing matters that much. Not this year. Either one is going to be the #2, at so it would be a competition to see who the #2 is.
March 29, 2016 at 10:08 am in reply to: the 10 teams who traded up for quarterbacks the last 10 years #41186znModeratorThe answer is to trade up in the first round, so I can get to the 30% range?
It depends on your measure I guess (which years? How far back? Etc.) but I found a much higher hit rate for the 1st round.
I did 2004-2014, which (with a year added) corresponds to the years for my 2nd and 3rd round qb search.
From 2004 to 2014, out of 31 1st round qbs, I got 15 hits: Rivers, Rodgers, Roethlisberger, Eli, Ryan, Cutler, Newton, Flacco, Smith, Stafford, Luck, Tannenhill, Bradford, Bridgewater, and Bortles.
Granted we really don’t know about a couple of those yet. But either way, my list brings it to 48.4%.
Ok, I can take one roll at 50% or 2 rolls at 25%, one first round pick or a pick in round 2 and a pick in round 3.
How about one roll at 50% without trading up?
I didn’t look at the pick. Let’s do the same period but divide it between picks 1-12, and then picks 13-32. Just for starters.
Okay of those 31 qbs across that period:
20 were from picks 1-12, and of those, 12 were hits. 60%.
11 were from picks 13-32, and of those, 3 were hits (Flacco, Rodgers, Bridgewater). 27%. Basically the same as rounds 2-3.
March 29, 2016 at 9:34 am in reply to: the 10 teams who traded up for quarterbacks the last 10 years #41184znModeratorThe answer is to trade up in the first round, so I can get to the 30% range?
It depends on your measure I guess (which years? How far back? Etc.) but I found a much higher hit rate for the 1st round.
I did 2004-2014, which (with a year added) corresponds to the years for my 2nd and 3rd round qb search.
From 2004 to 2014, out of 31 1st round qbs, I got 15 hits: Rivers, Rodgers, Roethlisberger, Eli, Ryan, Cutler, Newton, Flacco, Smith, Stafford, Luck, Tannenhill, Bradford, Bridgewater, and Bortles.
Granted we really don’t know about a couple of those yet. But either way, my list brings it to 48.4%.
znModeratorWhere Coty Sensabaugh, Quinton Coples fit for Rams
Nick Wagoner
Because of his team’s impending move to Los Angeles, Rams coach Jeff Fisher had not been available to discuss his team’s newest additions. That is, until last week’s NFL owners meetings.
The Rams haven’t been too active in this round of free agency, choosing to focus their efforts on re-signing their own key free agents. After the first wave of free agency came to an end, the Rams went shopping for depth on their defensive line and in their secondary. The result was the addition of cornerback Coty Sensabaugh and defensive end Quinton Coples.
Sensabaugh played for Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams when both were with the Tennessee Titans. Under Williams, Sensabaugh had success as a nickel corner, working mostly from the slot. But Sensabaugh has also played outside and after the Rams lost starting corner Janoris Jenkins to the New York Giants, there was clearly a need for help at cornerback.
Last week, Fisher clarified where Sensabaugh fits in the defense.
“Well, Coty is an instinctive, smart, I think productive player that you can plug in and play either side,” Fisher said. “He sees things well, he relates, he doesn’t have any difficulty learning defenses. I mean he just makes plays.”
With Trumaine Johnson set to start on one side, E.J. Gaines returning at one outside spot, and Lamarcus Joyner back as the nickel corner, where does Fisher envision Sensabaugh?
“Outside,” Fisher said. “We’re expecting E.J. to come back, but I think he goes outside and competes with E.J. and/or a draft choice.”
As for Coples, there was a little bit of confusion about where he’d fit after spending most of his first four years as a rush linebacker in a 3-4 defense. In the Rams’ base 4-3 defense, the 290-pound Coples wouldn’t make much sense standing up.
In fact, Fisher believes that giving Coples the chance to play a more natural defensive end spot in the Rams’ base defense could help him reach his immense potential after a disappointing start to his career.
“Coples, we think, is probably better suited with his hand down and rushing in and even front type of thing,” Fisher said. “Now we’ll do some variation stuff with him, but it was just kind of a little out of place. Between his willingness, his lack of production and his ability to spend time with [defensive line coach Mike Waufle], I think that will translate into some good things for him. I think it will translate into some solid production for us as a backup end.”
znModerator
So according to that, ie. the cancellation chart, Rams get a 3 and a 4.
Though since there are 32 comp picks, the 4 is more like a 5, really.
But, I ain’t gonna scoff at it.
znModeratorThis was one of my favorite articles from last season.
It shows, once and for all, that “The Coordinator” is not the be-all and end-all of game-planning.
I have seen some out there argue that having a passing game coordinator (or a running game coordinator) is somehow strange. Actually it’s common.
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Another example.
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Zach Azzanni describes the role of a passing game coordinator
March 04, 2015
http://coachingsearch.com/article?a=Zach-Azzanni-describes-the-role-of-a-passing-game-coordinator
With the addition of Mike DeBord to the Tennessee staff, wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni added the title of passing game coordinator, but what exactly does that mean?
Titles like pass- or run-game coordinator, assistant head coach and others are being added more and more, but how do the duties for that coach change?
Azzanni participated in a YouTube Q&A with fans on Wednesday, and he explained what his new role entails.
“Every place is a little bit different,” Azzanni said. “From Coach Jones’ expectations, Coach DeBord’s expectations, I’m in charge of making sure I game plan the passing game. Our third down, our red zone. We do a lot of things as a staff, but ultimately, I’m the one at the forefront of breaking it down, giving suggestions. In practice, I’ll set up routes on air, script 7-on-7, those kinds of things that relate to the passing game. Most of my guys are involved in the passing game.
“Sometimes, Coach DeBord, as the offensive coordinator, might want to go down to inside drill while we have one-on-ones going on. I will make sure one-on-ones against the DB’s in practice are going well, because I’m in charge of those guys. We work as a staff together, but the passing game part is taking control of the offseason projects and how to get better in the passing game.”
Azzanni previously served as a passing game coordinator / wide receivers coach at Florida in 2010. After one year at Western Kentucky and one year at Wisconsin, he joined Butch Jones’ first Tennessee staff in 2013. He previously coached under Jones at Central Michigan from 2007-09.
As for working with DeBord, Azzanni described the growing relationship with Tennessee’s new offensive coordinator / quarterbacks coach as beneficial.
“It has been all positive,” Azzanni said. “He’s a great resource. He’s been in the NFL. He’s won a national title. He’s coached at the highest level. To bounce ideas off him, he’s been through every scenario, every problem with a kid, every problem with a play. He’s done it. He’s been a head coach. He’s been a coordinator. He’s been a position coach. He’s coached a multitude of positions. Not only that, but I know Coach Jones has said a lot there were a lot of great coaches that wanted this job, but not everybody might be the right fit. He was the perfect fit for us. We’re happy we have him.”
znModeratorThis was one of my favorite articles from last season.
It shows, once and for all, that “The Coordinator” is not the be-all and end-all of game-planning.
I have seen some out there argue that having a passing game coordinator (or a running game coordinator) is somehow strange. Actually it’s common.
.
March 28, 2016 at 5:51 pm in reply to: guide to the draft threads (expanded 4-5 times already) #41171znModeratorToday, up-bloody-dated.
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znModeratorCook, Fairley find new homes in free agency
Jim Thomas
Tight end Jared Cook and defensive tackle Nick Fairley became the sixth and seventh Rams from the 2015 squad to sign elsewhere in free agency.
Cook has agreed to terms with the Green Bay Packers; Fairley has signed with New Orleans where he’ll be reunited with another ex-Ram, middle linebacker James Laurinaitis.
Cook was released Feb. 19, three years into a five-year, $35.1 million deal with the Rams. Although he never played up to that contract in St. Louis, he was either first or second in receptions and reception yards on the team all three seasons.
But after catching 50-plus passes in each of his first two seasons, Cook caught only 39 passes (in 75 targets) in 2015. Inconsistent play and so-so hands characterized his time in St. Louis. Despite his release, the Rams gave Green Bay a good report on Cook earlier this offseason according to league sources.
In his only season with the Rams, Fairley served as the team’s third defensive tackle in a rotation behind starters Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers. After playing sparingly over the first month of the 2015 season, Fairley’s playing time increased to where he was on the field for about half of the team’s defensive reps over a 10-game stretch from the Green Bay game Oct. 11 through the Tampa Bay contest Dec. 17.
He suffered a concussion early against Seattle in Game 15 and was placed on the injured reserve list prior to the season finale against San Francisco. The Rams had been interested in re-signing Fairley, but only at the right price.
The deals for Cook and Fairley are both for one year. According to NFL Network, Cook’s deal is worth $3.6 million although it’s not known if that figure is inflated by incentives.
Of the 21 Rams who were either unrestricted free agents, restricted free agents, or released players this offseason, only three remain unsigned (or without tenders): kicker Greg Zuerlein, wide receiver Wes Welker, and running back/special teamer Chase Reynolds.
znModeratorHey ag. Maybe as the draft approaches now, we can start new qb threads. 1 for Cook, 1 for Lynch, 1 for Goff/Wentz, 1 for “others.” Or keep up with this one.
What-choo think?
znModeratorOr maybe they think they can ‘fix’ him. Even though this is a pattern established over 7 seasons so I doubt it’s fixable.
Yeah coaches are big “fixers.” They believe they can do it. And maybe being in the spotlight in GB, where JC would be a down the rung role player and not a presumed leader (as he was in ST.L) might set things up for him to do better.
March 28, 2016 at 2:59 pm in reply to: different Cosell podcasts on this years prospects, including qb & WR #41155znModeratorRoss & Greg breakdown WRs in the upcoming draft.
Plus, some RG3, some Keenum. He talks about fit. He likes Treadwell.
Thanks for adding the more recent WR one though.
znModeratorfrom off the net
—
alyoshamucci
Treadwell 4.63 40 at Pro Day.
I’m torn for a number of reasons … Looking at Doctson, Coleman, and Treadwell
1) I want a blocker, someone who can run a full route tree. (That’s Treadwell)
2) I want a size/height speed combo … (That’s Doctson)
3) I want a POA winner. (Treadwell AND Doctson)
4) I love speed and agility. (Coleman)
5) I love separation abilities. (Coleman and Doctson)
6) I love guys that we don’t have to coach up. (Treadwell)
Given that list I would rather draft Michael Thomas or Tyler Boyd in round two than not have my wants met by any one player.
That said I have really liked Treadwell’s attitude and would choose him of the three.
March 28, 2016 at 1:52 pm in reply to: question: do you support the idea of the NFL expanding overseas? #41146znModeratorPeter King
from MMQB
http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2016/03/26/robert-griffin-rg3-cleveland-browns-nfl-new-york-times-concussion
9. I think I believe the Rams will play in China—a regular-season game—in 2018, as was leaked last week. And I think there are 31 other coaches who would find it a nightmare to make that trip … and maybe 20 or so owners who would be intrigued by it. There’s a first-team-in sense about China that intrigues lots of owners, who view their teams as sports franchises/profit centers. Imagine if the foe is Seattle. Imagine how many Chinese might buy Russell Wilson jerseys, or join Seahawks fan groups and spend money on Seahawks stuff. Or Rams stuff. What I’m saying is that on the surface you’d never think teams would want to play in China. But a bunch of owners do. And owners control this leagu
znModeratorI guess Coples doesn’t count. He was probably cut by his former team?
Yeah Coples was a cut.
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