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znModeratorThe 6-3, 255-pound Forrest said he was working at the strong-side spot during the mini-camp. Competing against tight ends, he said, will offer a change of pace.
I thought this might be possible. That he would be working on the outside. I saw him as the future replacement for Ayers (and depth for the middle too). If he does replace Ayers, it would give the Rams 3 LBs in base set who have been at safety before.
znModeratorSlow and heady is a winning pace for Rams rookies
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-rookie-camp-fisher-20160508-story.html
There were no long passes. No sensational moves. No outstanding pursuits or tackles.
And that suited Rams Coach Jeff Fisher just fine.
After two days of watching the Rams’ drafted players and free agents go through a rookie orientation and mini-camp in Oxnard, Fisher was pleased that players observed the half-speed mandate and came away informed and uninjured.
“You want a healthy roster when you start training camp,” Fisher said Saturday.
“You’re looking at the mental thing,” he said. “Are they doing the right thing?”
With two days of meetings and workouts behind them, the players will have Sunday off before a week of immersion and observation in preparation for getting onto the field with veteran players.
“The objective of what we’re doing is so that it’s not a shock,” Fisher said.
Most of the new players will introduce themselves to veterans during a team meeting Monday — “That’s always amusing,” Fisher said — but some, including quarterback Jared Goff, will return to their college campuses for final exams.
Goff, the top pick in the draft, was not allowed to cut loose during the mini-camp or show many of the skills he demonstrated during predraft workouts.
But Fisher said the former California standout was given much more information to process.
“He handled it without any problem, and that’s the impressive thing,” Fisher said. “I passed [Friday] night . . . and he was leaving the meeting room at 10 o’clock. He’s that kind of guy. He’s spending the time.”
Tight end Temarrick Hemingway, a sixth-round draft pick from South Carolina State, said Goff worked to make a connection even before mini-camp.
“After I got drafted, he texted me immediately after, ‘I can’t wait to work with you,'” Hemingway said. “That just showed me what kind of guy he is.
“He comes in early to work. He’s always ready to work.”
Fisher said the Rams will continue to give Goff information during his absence so he won’t be behind when he returns from Berkeley.
Big impression
Hemingway is listed at 6 feet 5 and said he weighs 245 pounds.
That’s much heavier than the player who began his college career as a 170-pound receiver before switching to tight end.
“I started gaining weight pretty fast” in college, he said, laughing. “I gained more than ‘the Freshman 30’ or ‘the Freshman 20,’ whatever you want to call it.
“I had like ‘the Freshman 50.'”
Hemingway was one of two tight ends drafted by the Rams. Tyler Higbee of Western Kentucky was a fourth-round pick.
Hemingway is adapting to new terminology and said he was enjoying the demands of being a pro.
“It’s a lot of work — a lot of hard work,” he said. “In college you can do it if you want to, but here you need to go ahead and do it to get ahead. . . . It’s more competitive here in the NFL.
“I’m loving it because it makes you better.”
Catching on
Receiver Michael Thomas is accustomed to going full-speed on long routes, but he welcomed the slowed-down approach of the mini-camp.
“By walking us through everything, it’s great because I get to learn the depth of routes and the concepts of routes and plays,” he said.
Les Snead said after the draft that Thomas was particularly adept at making catches in the air in contested situations with defenders.
Thomas is looking forward to showing those skills.
“I go up strong for the ball and make dynamic plays and stretch the field vertically,” he said. “That’s something I’m very good at and something I can bring to the table on this young team.”
Defending his ground
Linebacker Josh Forrest was the only defensive player among the Rams’ draftees. The sixth-round pick began his college career at Kentucky as a receiver, but then switched to safety, outside linebacker and then middle linebacker.
The 6-3, 255-pound Forrest said he was working at the strong-side spot during the mini-camp. Competing against tight ends, he said, will offer a change of pace.
“Going from middle linebacker and having to deal with bigger guys, and now going back to tight ends is a little easier,” he said. “I definitely think that playing all the positions helped me.”
znModeratorExploring reasons Rams doubled down on tight ends in draft
Nick Wagoner
LOS ANGELES — The NFL draft is over. Free agency is over. We are now in the clear with nothing really big planned until, you know, football actually begins. For the Los Angeles Rams, it’s a chance to finally come up for air after one of the most eventful offseasons for any franchise in league history.
Still, there are plenty of questions facing this team as we trudge toward the summer and the wait for training camp to start. That’s what we’re here for in the weekly Twitter mailbag. As always, you can find me on Twitter @nwagoner and shoot me questions at any time using #Ramsmail.
Let’s get to your questions:
Flipper Anderson @dcfilmninja
@nwagoner was the Hemingway pick the #Rams getting insurance on Higbee?@nwagoner: I actually received multiple questions from fans wondering why the Rams drafted multiple tight ends. Obviously, they needed at least one after letting Jared Cook go before free agency. But to me, doubling up at tight end actually made plenty of sense. First, Lance Kendricks is the only true, proven commodity at the position on the roster. Yes, the Rams re-signed Cory Harkey, but he has evolved into a guy who plays fullback more than he lines up as a tight end. Justice Cunningham is still around, but he’s more of a blocking type and isn’t a sure thing to land on the active roster. That would seem to leave enough space for both fourth-round pick Tyler Higbee and sixth-round pick Temarrick Hemingway to make the roster if they show enough during training camp. And yes, with Higbee’s legal situation still unresolved, it doesn’t hurt to have Hemingway around just in case. But I think the Rams ultimately wanted to add a couple of pass-catching types at that position. It’s also worth remembering we are talking about later picks here. There’s no guarantee either will be ready to contribute so by drafting two, you’ve increased the chances that at least one will work out.
black lemon @lemonjii
@nwagoner rams went from thin to crowded in wr camp depth, safe to assume there will be legitimate competition or things set?@nwagoner: The problem here is the same that it has been for a long time: There’s plenty of “camp depth” but not enough true difference-makers at the position. I haven’t seen any of the undrafted rookies play yet and only small amounts of film of the two players they drafted there so it’s hard to project how they will factor into the mix. But I look at the receiving group as only having two or three true locks to make the roster. Kenny Britt and Tavon Austin are definitely going to be around in 2016, and Pharoh Cooper is probably in good position to land a roster spot as well. After that, I think you’ll see competition for Brian Quick on the outside with Michael Thomas and potentially some of the undrafted guys they bring in. Bradley Marquez is probably still in a good spot because of his special teams ability, but he’ll have to compete as well. With Stedman Bailey’s future still uncertain, that could make it easier to keep both Marquez and Cooper, both of whom project as slot receivers. If they keep six, you’d have to think that Britt, Austin, Quick, Cooper, Thomas and Marquez are the early favorites but if they have any hidden gems coming in as rookie free agents, that’s not an impossible group to crack with a strong training camp.
znModeratorRams Head Coach Jeff Fisher – May 7, 2016
(Opening Remarks)
“We just finished our second practice with the rookies. They’ve done a really good job, just really impressed with the whole group. We’ve got a lot accomplished. As we have referred to this in the past as an orientation, as opposed to a minicamp, and in essence that’s what it is. We’re monitoring their speed and explosive movements and things like that, particularly because they are a little bit behind the veterans. They adjusted, they did a nice job. We got a lot of offense and defense in; we got some special teams work going. Their schedule right now, they are going to go in and have their first lift. They were introduced to our weight room philosophy yesterday, and then they are going to have their lift. Then we’ll have some more meetings tonight. Then, they get a day off tomorrow. As we continue to move in to our offseason program, we’re going to kind of keep them separate from the veterans for about a week or so. Work them in the afternoon and just let them observe, just to ensure that we get them caught up to that conditioning level where our vets are. As far as Jared (Goff) is concerned, I thought he did a really good job. A little frustrated at times for him because he’s setting the back foot and getting ready to go and we’re running half-speed routes, so the timing stuff doesn’t work out. So, if you see balls hit the ground or things like that, it’s all because we’re encouraging the skill players not to run full speed. He’s doing a great job of picking up our offense. I know he’s looking forward to coming back. We have a number of players that have to leave tomorrow because their exams aren’t over – Jared being one of them. But, most of everybody will be back next weekend. Those that do leave, we have about a half dozen or so that are leaving, but the rest of the guys will be here and participate throughout the offseason program.”
(On how the receivers and tight ends have looked so far)
“Basically, what we’ve evaluated are their hands and their mental capacity on offense. We just haven’t gotten full speed. Competitive, very skilled. (WR) Pharoh (Cooper) is what we thought he was, based on a couple days, but he’s not full speed yet. Impressed when the tight ends walked off the bus, it’s good to see them. Good tight ends that are long that can catch. We have a lot of work to do, but by and large, the coaching staff is very excited.”
(On how impressive RB Aaron Green has to be to make the team)
“He’s going to be competing with Malcolm Brown – who’s also out here. Yes, it will probably come down to the end, but he’s a very productive college player. Had a lot of yards and a lot of big plays, he can catch and he’s picking things up. It will be one of those situations that comes down to the end, in all likelihood.”
(On if there is anything about Goff that they have noticed in the past couple of days that they didn’t see before)
“We’ve given him a lot more information than we did at the private workout and in our meeting and he’s handled it without any problem. That’s the type of player that he is. I passed him last night walking to the room and he was leaving the meeting room at 10 o’clock. He’s that kind of guy. He’s spending the time.”
(On how much of a shock it will be for the rookies when they mix with the veterans)
“Well, that’s the objective of what we’re doing so it’s not a shock. We want them to go out and condition and be prepared to go into the drills. Our offseason program is this, we can’t come together until June, until the OTAs. So that’s when the offense and defense come together and compete, so we’re separate, so they’ll just be drilling. That’s an excellent opportunity to get them up. Once they come together in the OTAs in June, then they’ll be able to compete. I think what we’re going to see on Monday, when the vets come on the field for their 90-minute session and the rookie class is observing, you’re going to see a little of this (pounds chest) out of the vets because they are going to show off a little bit. So it works out good – you get more out of the vets, the ‘rooks’ get to see it. Once we get to OTAs everything will be good.”
(On the NFL hosting a collective rookie orientation and if the Rams are doing anything different)
“The NFL’s going to come in and address and make a presentation to the ‘rooks.’ We’re going to continue and do the same things that we’ve always done. We’ll have meetings starting next week with respect to financial planning, life skills and decision making and all those things that we cover. Social media, media relations and the list goes on and on and on. They’ll be educated once we’re done with (rookie) camp. The draft classes are always used to going to the symposium for three days. This has a chance to be a little bit more intimate. I think it has a chance, from the standpoint of the guys being able to absorb more information, I think it may work out better. Plus, we can also participate in them.”
(On how the rookies are adjusting to the playbook and the terminology which can seem like learning a foreign language)
“Well, they’re coming on. We had a walk-thru earlier today. We’ve had meetings today and last night, so it’s coming on and they have to stay up on it. What it is, it’s a matter of them relating what we’re teaching them, the terminology, to that in which they’ve learned in the past. The coaches do a good job of asking them, ‘Well what did you call this?’ ‘Well, we called this that.’ ‘OK, well this is what we call it.’ ‘So you got the concept?’ ‘Yeah.’ And then they go on to the next concept.”
(On his initial impressions of LB Josh Forrest)
“Big, long, athletic and can move really well right now at half speed. I haven’t seen him at full speed. He’s a good-looking physical specimen. He looks good. He’s got a lot of work to do, like the rest of them do catching up before we cut them loose. But he’s got some movement skills.”
(On what kind evaluating he’s able to do when the players are moving at half speed)
“You’re looking at the mental things. Are they doing the right things? Is the footwork appropriate? Are the steps appropriate? Are you dropping your hips? Those kinds of things. Then of course you’re looking at every once in a while someone goes a little more than half speed and so how well do they pay attention to the details? It’s hard to evaluate the explosiveness and things like that. It’s hard to evaluate when you’re not competing against an opponent, an offensive or defensive opponent. This is the way you have to do it. We’re convinced this is how you have to do it. It’s really unfair for them to come out and ask them to get to full speed and then you have a soft tissue injury and then he misses OTAs then he’s behind at camp. We’ve been doing this for a long time and it’s worked out for us because ideally what you want to have is you want to have a healthy roster when you start training camp.”
(On if the rookies are separate from the veterans for the next week or if there will be any mingling)
“They’ll be meetings together and things like that. As a matter of fact and they’re looking forward to it, they get to introduce themselves to the veterans on Monday morning at the team meeting. That’s always amusing.”
(On how impressed with how QB Jared Goff has handled everything so far)
“He’s a guy that understands priorities. He knows how to budget his time and where to spend his time. It’ll change a little bit. We’ll get him some information this week so he can stay up as we continue to install. He’s handled everything. As I’ve mentioned before, he’s got that internal, competitive drive that you don’t see. He doesn’t wear it on his sleeve. He’s going to make sure that everything’s right.”
(On how much contact can he have with Goff when he’s not here)
“It’s very, very limited so we’re going to send him stuff back. It’s going to be a week is all so he’ll be fine.”
znModeratorFisher Impressed with Goff, Rookies at Orientation
By Myles Simmons
Each season, teams all over the league stage a rookie minicamp the weekend after the NFL Draft. But for the Rams under head coach Jeff Fisher, the event is not necessarily your average fare.
With his many years of experience as a head coach, Fisher has developed a program he terms “rookie orientation.” The purpose is to teach the first-year players about the organization from top to bottom, and introduce them to concepts both on and off the field.
Because of this, while it was the first time Los Angeles’ players put on their uniforms and practice, they were not going at full speed over the past two days.
“We’re monitoring their speed, explosive movements and things like that, particularly because they’re a little bit behind the veterans,” Fisher said on Saturday. “So they adjusted. They did a nice job.”
“We’re convinced this is the way you have to do it,” Fisher added. “It’s really unfair for them to come out and ask them to get to full speed, and then you have a soft-tissue injury and he misses the OTAs, and he’s behind at camp. We’ve been doing this for a long time. And it’s worked out for us because, ideally, what you want to have is a healthy roster when you start training camp.”
It’s not necessarily about evaluating the players’ performance, either. It’s more about learning the new playbook, and then seeing how well the rookies can pick it up on the field.
“You’re looking at the mental things — are they doing the right things, is the footwork appropriate, are the steps appropriate, are you dropping your hips — those kinds of things,” Fisher said. “And then, of course, you’re looking at every once in a while, someone goes a little more than half speed, so how well do they pay attention to the details? So it’s hard to evaluate explosiveness and things like that. And it’s hard to evaluate when you’re not competing against an offensive or defensive opponent.
Because there were only rookies, coaches can spend more time with players at their positions. For instance, the Rams have only two rookie offensive linemen, which means they received plenty of individualized instruction over the past few days.
That kind of learning is important, as the process of learning a new playbook is often equated to learning a foreign language. Fisher’s designed the orientation period to help the rookies pick the plays up.
“We had a walk-thru earlier today, we’ve had meetings today and last night, so it’s coming on. And they have to stay up on it,” Fisher said. “It’s a matter of them relating what we’re teaching them — the terminology — to that which they’ve learned in the past. And you know, the coaches do a good job of asking, ‘What did you call this?’”
Size, however, is easily apparent in these new rookies, especially for one position group.
“Impressed when the tight ends walk off the bus,” Fisher said of fourth-round pick Tyler Higbee and sixth-round pick Temarrick Hemingway. “It’s nice to see big tight ends that are long and can catch.”
As for the rookie throwing to those targets, Fisher said he’s been impressed with the club’s No. 1 pick, quarterback Jared Goff.
“He’s doing a great job picking up our offense,” Fisher said. “We’ve given him a lot more information than we did at the private workout and then that we did here at our meeting, and he’s handled it without any problem. And that’s the impressive thing.
“I passed him last night walking to the room and he was leaving the meeting room at 10 o’clock,” Fisher continued. “He’s that kind of guy. He’ll spend the time. It’s important to him.”
Because of the players going at only half speed, Fisher acknowledged that some of the timing likely isn’t quite right between Goff and his receivers. And that’s to be expected.
“A little frustrating at times for him because he’s setting the back foot and getting ready to go, and we’re running half-speed routes,” Fisher said of Goff. “So if you see balls hit the ground or things like that, it’s all because we’re encouraging the skill players not to run full speed.”
With Cal’s exams ongoing for the next week, Goff will have to be away from the team, per NFL rules. But Fisher said the Rams will be able to get all the information the quarterback needs to him so that he’ll be ready to come back and compete.
“He’s a guy who understands priorities. He knows how to budget his time and where to spend his time,” Fisher said. “We’ll get him some information this week so he can stay up as we continue to install. But he’s handled everything. As I mentioned before, he’s got that internal competitive drive that you don’t see. He doesn’t wear it on his sleeve, [but] he’s going to make sure everything’s right.”
Goff is one of a few L.A. rookies in that situation. But the rest will be around in Oxnard getting caught up with the veterans. Fisher said the two groups will be kept separate on the field for the next week.
The rookies “get a day off tomorrow and then we’re going to — as we continue to move in the offseason program — we’re going to kind of keep them separate from the veterans for about a week or so and work them in the afternoon,” Fisher said. “Just let them observe, just to ensure we get them caught up to that conditioning level where our vets are.”
“There will be meetings together,” Fisher added. “As a matter of fact, they’re looking forward to it, they get to introduce themselves to the veterans on Monday morning in a team meeting. That’s always amusing.”
znModeratorfrom off the net
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Florida_Ram
The WR LINK below from NFL draft geek Rated their top 1-64 WR’s before the draft.
I was surprised how many the Rams got via the draft and UDFA. Very bunched up after Pharoh Cooper. Reminds me of last years OLine haul.
…
NFL DRAFT GEEK Rankings http://nfldraftgeek.com/widereceiverrankings-2016nfldraft.html
#8.. Pharoh Cooper
#19 Paul McRoberts
#21 Marquez North
#22 Mike Thomas
#27 Nelson Spruce#35 Kenneth Scott
#46 Duke WilliamsznModeratorGood stuff.
Ultimate mystery stuff.
I still think its accurate to say
everything in the Universe is made of the
“same stuff”. Yes? No?I mean it all ‘came’ from the ‘stuff’
in the teeny-tiny ‘thing’ that ‘inflated’ itself.w
vUnless what came from that was DIFFERENT stuff.
…
znModerator
HERE’S THE STORY ‘BOUT MINNIE THE MOOCHER
SHE WAS A LOWDOWN HOOCHIE COOCHERznModeratorfrom off the net
==
Florida_Ram
A CLOSER LOOK AT sleeper[/color] SCAT BACK (RB Aarron Green.)
#36 AARON GREEN 5’11 203 lbs (This scat back has Amazing FEET!)[/color]
http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/kansan.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/63/163e717e-613c-11e5-b6ff-f7d60594db29/56016f810e036.image.jpg?resize=300%2C231Year..Team… Games..Att…Yards..AVG……..Catch… Yards….
2011…. NEB…. 12…. 24…. 105… 4.4… TD 2…..1…….25… TD 1
2013…. TCU…. 10…. 72…. 232… 3.2… TD 0 …..4…….24.. TD 1
2014…. TCU…. 13…. 129.. 922… 7.1… TD 9…..19….166… TD 2
2015…. TCU…. 13… 244…1272.. 5.2… TD 11…16…. 117… TD 1http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1824316/aaron-green
Green arrived at Nebraska in 2011 as a top high school recruit, but with a crowded running back depth chart led by Rex Burkhead and Ameer Abdullah, He elected to transfer.
Green chose TCU over Baylor, Oklahoma and Texas Tech, sitting out the 2012 season due to transfer rules. He stepped into the starter role as a junior with a team-high 922 yards and nine scores, earning second team All-Big 12 honors. Green had his bests season in 2015 as a senior (10 starts) with a career-high 1,272 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors.STRENGTHS: Balanced athlete and light on his feet to make sharp lateral cuts, creating with ankle-breaking jukes. Shifty movements and open-field wiggle to explode north-south. Easy acceleration to burst away from defenders in space. Natural run instincts to read blocks and usually has a plan at the line of scrimmage. Runs tough and keep his legs churning, fighting for every yard.
Focused receiver with reliable hands, often lining up in the slot. Has the chops to at least make an effort in pass protection. Only three fumbles in his career. Driven individual and well-respected by people around the program “phenomenal young man.”
WEAKNESSES: Lacks an ideal build for the position and his frame doesn’t have the growth potential to get much bigger. Runs with minimal power and is limited as an inside runner. Tunnel vision at times and gets bounce happy, dancing and taking too many steps in the backfield.
Needs to take what is blocked for him instead of trying to create on his own. Bad habit of stopping his feet and won’t pick up yards after initial contact, too easily taken down by finger-tip tackles. Doesn’t have elite downfield speed and can be caught from behind.
Route-running and field sense need improved. Steps up as a blocker, but too easily knocked off his feet. Ball security needs improved, holding the ball too loose.
IN OUR VIEW: Green has video game-like cuts, making quick reads and reacting with his feet to keep defenders off-balance, but he needs space to be effective. He isn’t a strong between-the-tackles runner and struggles with congestion, not consistently trusting his vision or allowing blocks to develop. Green is quicker than fast with the athleticism to create on his own as a runner or receiver, but his lack of run power will limit his role in the NFL.
Dane Brugler (2/8/16)YOUTUBE: Highlights watch his feet[/color][/color][/u][/u] (I believe he’s related to the former HOF CB Darrell Green)
znModeratorI can’t make a call on this one. Could be these players are right
and they discovered all kinds of insights at this camp that they
were never taught by their OLine coaches. Or it could be
they are whining and/or pimping for the Bentley camp. I dunno.Boudreau himself complains that the new CBA does not allow him enough time to coach linemen.
So there’s that, too.
The other aspect for me is that you don’t publicly complain about position coaches. It is not of the “that which is done.”
…
znModeratorAnd Jim Hanifan now flips hamburgers.
Yeah I bet in his retirement he’s an avid grill-meister.
Bet he even has a Weber.
znModeratorApparently Capn A has been around a long time, I guess. I heard a snippet about him on npr and they said he was written in a propaganda context
back in the Nazi days around WW II.w
vWhich has nothing to do with the Marvel films, I might add. They took the character down an entirely new path. Winter Soldier is a good film. It’s the opposite of what you would expect if you relied on the older history to guide you.
znModeratorI read this as a bunch of guys advertizing for Bentley.
IMO, you don’t go in public and blast position coaches. It’s classless. And as far as what’s “true,” it’s just as possible that these guys are deflecting blame as it is that they get subpar coaching.
znModeratorRams sign 19 undrafted free agents, including Junior Seau’s nephew
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams signed 19 undrafted free agents on Thursday. Here’s a closer look at each player:
Taylor Bertolet, K, Texas A&M: The Rams are seeking competition for kicker Greg Zuerlein and coach Jeff Fisher has indicated that whoever is brought in would be more than a camp leg. Bertolet was 22-of-31 on field goals in 2015 and was once Rivals.com’s No. 1 rated high school kicker. Bertolet is known for a strong leg but accuracy has been an issue — which sounds a lot like Zuerlein.
Brandon Chubb, LB, Wake Forest: Wake Forest’s leading tackler in 2015 with 107, Chubb was on his way to a spot on the All ACC first team. He’s a cousin of Georgia running back Nick Chubb, the star runner who replaced the Rams’ Todd Gurley after his injury in 2014.
Morgan Fox, DT, Colorado State-Pueblo: The Rams have had success finding gems from smaller schools on the defensive line recently with guys likeMatt Longacre and Ethan Westbrooks. Could Fox be next? He had 17 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss at the Division II level last year.
Rodney McLeod andJanoris Jenkins. He was a four-year starter for the Razorbacks and had 67 tackles and an interception in 2015.
Aaron Green, RB, TCU: Perhaps one of the more intriguing players on this list, Green rushed for 1,272 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2015. He joins a crowded backfield but given Tre Mason’s legal woes, there might be a chance to stick.
Nicholas Grigsby, LB, Pittsburgh: Grigsby had 66 tackles, including 9.5 for loss in 2015 and was considered a leader for Pitt’s revamped defense. There’s room for depth at linebacker on this roster but based on the numbers, there will be plenty of competition.
Darren Herring, LB, Vanderbilt: Speaking of linebacker competition, Herring brings a smart, productive piece to the mix after starting for three seasons and posting 226 tackles in his college career.
Cory Littleton, LB, Washington: Littleton showed some pass rushing chops in 2015, posting six sacks and 11 tackles for loss in his final college season. He’ll join Chubb, Grigsby and Herring in the quest for a roster spot, likely through special teams, an area he’s excelled in the past with 19 tackles there.
Michael Jordan, CB, Missouri Western: Not to be confused with the basketball legend or even the famous actor, this Jordan split time between corner and safety in his collegiate career. He flashed a nose for the ball in both spots, finishing his career with 16 interceptions.
Jordan Lomax, S, Iowa: Like Jordan and Gaines, Lomax should add more competition at safety, where jobs seem available. He had 96 tackles, including a string of three straight games in double digits in his final season for the Hawkeyes.
Paul McRoberts, WR, Southeast Missouri St.: McRoberts made plenty of plays in the Ohio Valley Conference, including 76 receptions for 940 yards and nine touchdowns last season. There’s room for help at receiver if McRoberts can have similar success in training camp.
James Murphy, OT, Northwestern Louisiana: Murphy was a starter for the better part of three seasons, twice earning All Southland Conference honors along the way.
Marquez North, WR, Tennessee: Another one of the more intriguing talents in this group, North didn’t do much last season because of injury but he’s listed at 6-foot-3, 229 pounds and ran a 4.48 second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine and was clocked by a scout at 4.39 seconds at his pro day.
Kache Palacio, DE, Washington State: The Rams are listing Palacio as a defensive end but he’s listed at 6-foot-2, 231 pounds, which means he’s more likely to compete at linebacker. He had 27 tackles for loss and 17 sacks in his time with the Cougars.
Brian Randolph, S, Tennessee: Another name to toss in the mix at safety, Randolph had some college success blocking kicks which could make him appealing from a special teams perspective. He started 47 games for the Volunteers and clocked a 4.4 in the 40 at Tennessee’s pro day according to at least one stop watch.
Winston Rose, CB, New Mexico State: Rose will be returning to Los Angeles after spending two seasons at Los Angeles Valley College and growing up in Inglewood, California.
Ian Seau, DE, Nevada-Reno: The nephew of Hall of Fame linebacker Junior Seau, Ian Seau led the Mountain West Conference with 10 sacks and also had 18.5 tackles for loss in 2015. He’s undersized to play defensive end but will have a chance to earn his way as a movable pass rushing piece.
Nelson Spruce, WR, Colorado: Spruce set the Pac-12 Conference record for career receptions with 294 and had 105 catches for 1,198 yards and 12 touchdowns in his best collegiate season as a junior. NFL.com compared him toformer Rams receiver Danny Amendola.
Jordan Swindle, OT, Kentucky: Swindle come to Los Angeles with no shortage of experience after starting three seasons for the Wildcats, two on the right and one on the left. According to his bio from Kentucky, Swindle can solve a Rubik’s cube in about a minute.
znModeratorI don’t want him to start week 1. There’s just no way he will be ready. I actually like Keenum and think he was the only reason we won anything last year.
Goff needs to learn the playbook, learn the offense, and get used to the NFL speed….I do NOT want him under center week 1
I feel the same way.
But after Bradford in 2010, I don’t think a rookie starting week 1 would be catastrophic.
There are all sorts of people guaranteeing they know when he will start because they have read this or that tea leaf.
I am just going to let it play out, and don’t have much stake in predicting it.
It will be in 2016 though. Maybe not until the superbowl.
znModeratorI didn’t say he didn’t face tough defenses. I said he didn’t face any other defenses that had him scoped out like that and had the personnel and scheme to BAIT him like that and be successful.
I dunno Mack. I;ll let time tell. But I don’t have any of the doubts about Goff you do. Or about the Rams offense. I expect him to do well. I would be very surprised if he didn’t turn out to be at least as good as Bulger or Everett in their best years (which is more than good enough on a solid team), and in fact I think he could be better than that.
znModeratorJared Goff gets off to stylish start as Rams rookies begin two-day minicamp in Oxnard
RICH HAMMOND
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/goff-715106-rams-field.html
OXNARD – On day one, Jared Goff appeared to conjugate all his quarterback verbs correctly.
“The way they say it, and it’s absolutely right, it’s almost like learning a different language,” Goff said Friday, shortly after the Rams’ recent No. 1 overall draft pick completed his first (and quite informal) pro practice. “I felt like I picked it up as I went along, and it got better.”
The Rams started their two-day rookie minicamp for 27 players who either were drafted, signed or invited on tryouts. Most of the work is off the field, with introductory and informational meetings, but players also got on the field Friday for approximately two hours to show their wares.
Major analysis would be pointless. There was no tackling, and players ran at half speed and spent much of their time working with coaches on positional drills. Coach Jeff Fisher roamed around and took a good look.
Mostly, the afternoon seemed to have symbolic significance. Players wore Rams uniforms on a field in Southern California for the first time since 1994, and the practice marked the start of the Goff era.
Goff, presumed to be the Rams’ quarterback of the future – if not the present – looked the part. A basic, meat-market evaluation indicated that Goff comes as advertised, with great footwork, a quick release, a good, accurate arm and plenty of confidence. He didn’t seem overwhelmed by the moment.
“It’s just a lot of fun to be able to get back out here with the guys and enjoy football again,” Goff said, “and get out of the whole pre-draft process and be able to actually play again.”
Goff took snaps out of the shotgun formation, as he did almost exclusively at Cal, but also spent significant time working with coaches on under-center snaps.
If there’s any question about Goff, this is it, whether his skills can translate to a pro-style system. But Goff looked fine in under-center snaps – which basically is to say he didn’t fumble or trip over his feet – and said his acclimation to the Rams’ playbook, which he has had for only a week, has been smooth.
“There is a lot that translates,” Goff said. “Most of the (shotgun) stuff translates, almost all of it. Then there’s under-center stuff that I’m picking up as I go along.”
Goff’s experience this weekend is markedly different than other mini-campers, because he’s essentially the only one guaranteed to be on the roster at the start of the season. For Goff, this is about learning and growing. For the other two dozen players, it’s about making an impression.
Fourth-round picks Tyler Higbee (tight end) and Pharoh Cooper (receiver) and sixth-round picks Temarrick Hemingway (tight end) and Mike Thomas (receiver) participated, as did a score of lesser-known prospects with dreams of being on the sideline for the Sept. 12 season opener against San Francisco.
“I thought everyone looked fine today,” Goff said. “You can’t really tell until you watch it on film, but I felt good about what I did and from what I saw on the field, it looked pretty good.”
Most of the cameras, unsurprisingly, were trained on Goff, who said he’s mindful of the scrutiny. The real competition won’t start until Goff joins incumbent quarterbacks Case Keenum, Nick Foles and Sean Mannion in full-team practices, but Goff said he wants to be seen as a leader immediately.
Next month, Goff will join full-team offseason workouts. The speed, intensity and attention will increase, but Goff said he won’t get caught up in “all this,” as he smiled and gestured toward TV cameras.
“You want to be the guy you are, the person you are, and be the leader of my rookie class, per se,” Goff said. “I’ll just work as hard as I can to make everyone buy in, and be the best player I can be.”
Goff’s debut couldn’t have been more picturesque. Sunlight gleamed through ominous-looking clouds, and nearby rain didn’t make its way through Oxnard.
As Goff and the rookies worked out on the field, wedged between a golf course and a hotel, a handful of veteran Rams lingered and worked out at the team’s makeshift weight room as music blared. None seemed to pay much mind to the field, where their quarterback of the future took his first NFL steps.
“I’ve got a bunch of texts from a bunch of (veteran) guys and it’s been really cool,” Goff said. “I’m excited to finally get to work with them eventually.”
znModeratorQuarterback Jared Goff gets plenty of work as Rams’ two-day rookie orientation and mini-camp starts
Gary Klein
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-rookie-camp-goff-20160507-story.html
Among more than two dozen players in blue and white Rams jerseys, the one in the red No. 16 stood out.
Jared Goff, the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, has been described as “our franchise quarterback” by Coach Jeff Fisher.
On Friday, Goff was the lone quarterback as the Rams began a two-day rookie orientation and minicamp in Oxnard. He took every snap.
“It’s nice to get all of them right now,” Goff said. “It’s nice to get as many as you can to get used to it.”
In coming weeks, during organized team activities with veterans, Goff will share reps in a quarterback group that includes Case Keenum, Nick Foles and Sean Mannion.
But Fisher’s orientation and minicamp is designed to bring rookies along slowly, to help them acclimate, individually and collectively, to pro football while avoiding injury.
Goff is part of a draft class that includes receivers Pharoh Cooper and Michael Thomas, tight ends Tyler Higbee and Temarrick Hemingway and linebacker Josh Forrest.
After a day full of meetings, the six draftees, 19 undrafted free agents and two tryout players went through an on-field workout conducted at less-than-full speed.
Goff, the former California standout, was happy to finally get back onto a field without his draft prospects hanging in the balance.
He worked with quarterback coach Chris Weinke and offensive coordinator Rob Boras, practicing footwork, handoffs, drops, rollouts and short throws to receivers.
“Just a lot of fun to get back out here with the guys and be able to kind of enjoy football again and get out of the whole predraft process,” Goff said.
Cooper, a fourth-round pick, said he had spoken with Goff a few days before they arrived for the minicamp.
“Just asking, ‘You ready to go play together? Let’s get this thing here started,’ ” Cooper said.
How did Day 1 go with Goff?
“It was great playing with Jared,” Cooper said, adding, “No. 1 quarterback in the draft. You can’t go wrong with that.”
Receiver Nelson Spruce, who set the Pac-12 Conference’s career receptions record at Colorado, said he trained with Goff before the scouting combine.
“I’ve been throwing with him for a couple months,” said Spruce, an undrafted free agent who played at Westlake High. “He’s a guy that’s going to lead this entire organization, so I’m excited to see what he does.”
Goff said he was adjusting to new terminology.
“It’s like you’re going into Spanish class,” he said. “You have to become fluent in Spanish over however long the time is.”
He also has begun to establish leadership credentials away from the field.
“You want to just be the guy you are and the person you are and be the leader of my rookie class,” he said. “Work as hard as I can to make everyone buy in and just be a good teammate and be the best player I can be.”
Higbee participated in the minicamp a day after appearing in court in Kentucky and entering a plea of not guilty to charges related to an altercation that led to his arrest last month.
Higbee, who played at Western Kentucky, was arrested April 10 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.
Asked if he could discuss the situation, Higbee said, “That will all work itself out. It’s kind of a legal matter. I’m just excited to be here and focus on football.”
Higbee said he would not be distracted by off-the-field issues or the pressure of trying to make the team.
“Sometimes you have to put the blinders on and go to work,” he said. “That’s what I do.
Spruce was disappointed that he was not drafted, but he said he was happy for the opportunity with the Rams.
The drive to the minicamp was only 20 minutes from his family home.
“It’s kind of a crazy situation,” he said. “They year I’m trying to play in the NFL, that’s the year that the Rams come to L.A.”
The 6-foot, 205-pound Spruce was largely overlooked by Power Five conference programs coming out of high school, so he is accustomed to beating the odds.
“I’ve kind of always been under the radar,” he said. “So I’m kind of excited about the challenge.”
znModeratorNelson Spruce Rookie Camp Press Conference – 5/6
Undrafted free agent WR Nelson Spruce talks about competing for a roster spot and returning to his home state.
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Pharoh Cooper Rookie Camp Press Conference – 5/6
Rookie WR Pharoh Cooper discusses his thoughts on Day One of Rams Rookie Orientation.
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Tyler Higbee Rookie Camp Press Conference – 5/6
Rookie TE Tyler Higbee talks about putting on the Rams gear for the first time and working with Jared Goff at practice.
znModeratorRams QB Jared Goff – Rookie Minicamp – May 6, 2016
(On how the first day went)
“Great. Great to get back out on the field and meet all my new teammates and get a chance to get back to actually playing football. It was nice again. Kind of get that feeling back. It was good.”
(On if today was confusing at all from a terminology standpoint)
“No. I had to learn everything the last week or so. Just getting adjusted to it and I feel really good about it. I had a really good first day.”
(On the newness of the terminology and what the adjustments are like)
“The way they say it, and they’re absolutely right, it’s almost like you’re learning a different language. It’s from any system you come from in college – it doesn’t really matter. It’s like you’re going into Spanish class and you have to become fluent in Spanish over however long the time is. That’s kind of what it is. There’s a lot of stuff that translates that I understand that’s just a different word. There’s a lot of stuff that I am learning. But today, it went really well. I felt like I picked it up as the day went on and got better.”
(On how he would describe the emotion of participating in his first practice as an NFL player)
“It’s cool. It hadn’t really hit me until you said that. It’s awesome. Again, it’s just a lot of fun to get back out here with the guys and be able to kind of enjoy football again, and get out of the whole pre-draft process and be able to actually play again. It’s nice.”
(On if he considers himself fluent or conversational in the new terminology at this point)
“I’m just learning it right now. I’m just picking it up as I go. I feel like I’m picking it up pretty quickly for what I’ve done. I’m trying to pick it up as quickly as I can. The way they’re teaching it, they’re making it easy for me.”
(On what the rookie orientation has entailed thus far)
“We’ve really just had meetings all day up until now. Just had meetings and met with player development. Just learning stuff and trying to get acclimated with the professional lifestyle. But again, I think it was nice to get out here and run around, get to sweat a little bit, throw the ball around; play catch.”
(On if he feels like a lot of the stuff he was doing at Cal translates to the pros)
“Yes, there is a lot that translates. Most of the gun stuff translates – almost all of it. When there’s under center stuff, I’m picking it up as we go and it’s gone really well so far.”
(On how he knows that he’s ready for the media attention that the LA market brings and football at the same time)
“I’m just going to go out here and play. I’m not going to worry about all of this because this doesn’t really matter that much. I’m just going to get better every day and continue to try to be the best player and teammate I can be. And let all of you guys come here every day and film me, and just enjoy it.”
(On how hard it is as a player to kind of dial it back as they adjust to the pace of a professional practice)
“It was almost half speed today. It’s kind of hard for me and the receivers because we’re on different timing stuff, but it’s fine. To prevent injury, it’s worth it. I thought everybody looked pretty good today. You can’t really tell until you watch it on film, but I felt good in what I did and from what I saw on the field – it looked pretty good.”
(On how he handled getting all of the quarterback reps at practice today)
“I think it’s nice to get all of them. Right now it’s nice to kind of get as many as you can to get used to it.”
(On if he looks to start inserting himself as a leader on a day like today)
“Sure. You want to just be the guy you are and the person you are and be the leader of my rookie class, per se. Again, just work as hard as I can and make every buy in and be a good teammate and be the best player I can be.”
(On how the reception has been from the veteran players)
“Great. I haven’t met too many of them. We haven’t been mixed up with them yet. I met a few and it’s been great. I got a bunch of texts from a bunch guys – that’s been really cool. I’m excited to finally work with them, eventually.”
znModeratorJared Goff Rookie Camp Press Conference – 5/6
Rookie QB Jared Goff talks after his first NFL practice at the Rams Rookie Orientation.
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Jared Goff First Day Highlights
The 2016 1st overall pick, Jared Goff, takes the field for the first time as Los Angeles Ram.
znModeratorJust saw CACW.
I liked it. I thought it was well done. There are minor changes in the characters (Wanda doesn’t mindread in this one). I liked Winter Soldier better, but I liked this well enough.
znModeratorI appreciate what you’re doing Z.
But I don’t buy in. Trump would be worse.
I’ve been putting up with LePage as governor in Maine. Worse is worse.
People can do what they want, and I won’t be trying to talk anyone into anything. So just saying for the record, worse is worse, and that’s how I personally line up with this.
znModeratorRams rookies get orientation rather than minicamp
Nick Wagoner
LOS ANGELES — There was considerable attention earlier this week on the Miami Dolphins after their announcement that their version of rookie minicamp would include little to no on-field work, plenty of time spent in the classroom and a focus on generally introducing their rookie class to the way the Dolphins do things.
But for those who have followed the Rams under coach Jeff Fisher, that probably all sounded quite familiar. That’s because Fisher has eschewed the basic tenets of the minicamp in each of his first four seasons with the team. In fact, Fisher doesn’t even like the word minicamp, instead choosing to refer to his first opportunity to work with a given rookie class as an “orientation.”
Now that the Rams are back in Los Angeles, that won’t change. When Fisher and the team welcomes this year’s group of rookies, the plan will stay the same as the previous four years.
“It’s very, very similar,” Fisher said. “Some teams are going to take them on the field, get them to full speed twice a day on Friday and Saturday, and we choose not to do that. We call it an orientation.”
After a long offseason leading up to the NFL draft, Fisher believes that rookies shouldn’t be asked to step on the field for multiple practices in a day right away without even knowing what’s expected of them. Likewise, there’s a reasonable fear of injury that comes with those practices. The Jacksonville Jaguars found that out the hard way last year when No. 3 overall pick Dante Fowler Jr. suffered a season-ending knee injury on the first day of minicamp.
Instead of extended on-field work, Fisher and the Rams will limit their time on the field to walkthrough pace and a physical conditioning test. The rest of the time will be an indoctrination into NFL and Rams life, including plenty of meeting time.
Fisher believes it’s important for the rookies to know how things work before they share the field with the veterans.
“We’re going to bring them in and just introduce the National Football League to them,” Fisher said. “Just bring them along slowly over the period of a couple days, that includes walkthroughs and meetings. We’re going to find out where they are physically, from a conditioning standpoint, and then we’re going to get them caught up with our vets that have been working for a few weeks now.”
After the orientation, the rookie class will get the chance to slowly build toward the beginning of organized team activities. That’s the first chance for the entire team to go through practices together, with the Rams’ first practice set for May 31.
znModeratorI dont think they’ve had a QB who could “embrace the market”
since Joe Namath left.w
vYou need to embrace your inner market.
That way, you could be more like everyone else.
Think of all the benefits.
znModeratorJared Goff and other Rams rookies will get an NFL orientation as mini-camp arrives
By Gary Klein
http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-rams-rookie-camp-goff-20160506-story.html
The moments of clarity came before and during a rainstorm.
Rams General Manager Les Snead and Coach Jeff Fisher traveled to Berkeley before the NFL draft to work out quarterback Jared Goff. Rain was in the forecast, and Snead told Goff during a meeting the night before that they could be flexible and hope for some dry periods to get the evaluation done.
“No,” Goff told him. “We’ve got a 9 a.m. appointment and we’re sticking to it.”
Then he added, “I hope it’s raining.”
Goff’s confidence about showing his talent in less than ideal conditions impressed Snead. So did Goff’s performance the next day, when drizzle turned to rain and the undeterred Goff displayed uncanny accuracy as the weather worsened.
“He was still throwing it,” Snead said, “You come away going ‘Wow.’ You kind of like that.”
See the most-read stories in Sports this hour >>
Goff, the No. 1 pick in the draft, could get his first opportunity to show his confidence and skills Friday when the Rams’ rookie orientation and mini-camp for drafted players and undrafted free agents begins in Oxnard.Fisher has described Goff as “our franchise quarterback” and did not rule out the possibility of his starting the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers on “Monday Night Football.”
Goff has said he would take an understated approach with teammates as he attempts to blend in and begin his pro career.
“At first, just kind of come in and put your head down and work hard, and just kind of stay low and gain their respect,” he said during a news conference last week. “I think you have to do that for a little while and once you do that then you can begin to lead and be the leader that you need to be, and as a quarterback you have to do that.”
Goff is one of six draftees. Receivers Pharoh Cooper and Michael Thomas, tight ends Tyler Higbee and Temarrick Hemingway and linebacker Josh Forrest are others.
The Rams signed 19 undrafted free agents. Three receivers — including Colorado’s Nelson Spruce, the Pac-12 Conference career receptions leader — four linebackers and two cornerbacks are among the hopefuls.
Fisher said the first-year players would not be subjected to intense workouts at the outset.
“We call it an orientation,” he said. “We’re going to bring them in and just introduce the National Football League to them. Just bring them along slowly over the period of a couple days — that includes walk-throughs and meetings.
“We’re going to find out where they are physically, from a conditioning standpoint, and then we’re going to get them caught up with our vets that have been working for a few weeks now.”
Offensive lineman Rob Havenstein, a second-round draft pick last year, said his experiences during rookie orientation remained fresh. He started 13 games at right tackle in 2015, and said drafted players and free agents should approach the opportunity with this mentality:
“The first time you show up and show your face to an organization you want to work for, a good first impression is a step in the right direction,” he said.
Havenstein said the orientation experience proved valuable.
“The one thing that was conveyed to us with the coaches was they really wanted us to learn and understand what it takes to work like a Ram,” he said. “That was very helpful to us rookies.”
Safety Rodney McLeod, who signed a lucrative contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in March, and running back Benny Cunningham, who re-signed with the Rams, began their pro careers as undrafted free agents with the Rams.
Snead said the goal was to find one to four undrafted free agents each year who can contribute.
“If they do get on the field, they usually go in to play just as much or more than, like, the fourth-rounders, fifth-rounders, sixth-rounders,” he said.
Linebacker Cameron Lynch signed with the Rams last year as an undrafted free agent from Syracuse. His philosophy going into rookie orientation mirrored Havenstein’s.
“Make a great first impression, because the window for a guy who’s gone undrafted is pretty small,” he said. “My whole thing was, ‘Squeeze through that window.’
“I took special teams very seriously. That’s a real key — taking everything you do seriously.”
Higbee in court
Higbee appeared in court Thursday and pleaded not guilty to charges related to an incident in Kentucky last month, his attorney said. Higbee’s next court date is June 17, attorney Brian Lowder said. Higbee was arrested April 10 on suspicion of second-degree assault, evading police and public intoxication after an altercation with a man outside a bar in Bowling Green. Nawaf Alsaleh, 24, was found unconscious and bleeding from the mouth. He reportedly suffered a concussion as well as a brain hemorrhage. According to a police report obtained by the Bowling Green Daily News, there were conflicting accounts from Higbee and witnesses about what occurred. Higbee told police that the incident was precipitated by a man who was bothering Higbee and his girlfriend. Lowder has disputed accounts that characterized the incident as racially motivated.
znModeratorRams rookie minicamp a time for Jared Goff, others to show their actual football skills
By RICH HAMMOND / STAFF WRITER
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/rams-714979-time-goff.html
The abstract concept becomes a reality Friday afternoon in Oxnard, when actual Rams are on an actual field. Get out of the way, news conferences and photo shoots, because it’s time for some football.
The Rams will host a two-day rookie minicamp for as many as 27 players, those who either were drafted last week, signed as undrafted free agents or invited on tryout deals.
The headliner will be No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff, who will be in action for the first time as the Rams’ presumptive quarterback of the future.
The practices are not open to the public, but media will be allowed to watch and report, so here are five items with the potential to be weekend storylines:
• 1. Goff’s time to shine: He’s a cool customer, or at least that’s what everyone has been hearing for weeks. Now it’s time to prove it. It’s just a minicamp, so no significant conclusions should be reached, but this is Goff’s first time to be on the field in a Rams jersey and start to feel some pressure.
Coaches and team management will be watching his every throw, and if Goff’s goal is to be the starting quarterback in September – in truth, that’s also the Rams’ goal – this is his initial chance to make a strong impression and set a tone heading into full-team workouts.
• 2. Who will catch on? Goff surely will not lack for targets. The minicamp group is expected to include recently drafted receivers Pharoh Cooper and Mike Thomas, plus undrafted signees Paul McRoberts, Marquez North and Nelson Spruce, plus tryout receiver Jimmy Worton.
The Rams have some depth issues at receiver, and this is a fantastic opportunity for Cooper to establish himself as a slot receiver and Thomas to establish himself as a big, possession target. These guys, and others, have a chance to develop an early rapport with Goff.
• 3. Tight-end competition: Tyler Higbee, a fourth-round pick, was arraigned Thursday and pleaded not guilty to assault charges. Higbee is expected to participate in the minicamp along with Temarrick Hemingway, whom the Rams drafted in the sixth round.
The Rams certainly need at least one field-stretching tight end. The question is whether Hemingway simply is a safety net, should things go wrong with Higbee, or whether both players have the potential to earn playing time to complement starter Lance Kendricks.
• 4. New kicker? Coach Jeff Fisher has made it known that kicker Greg Zuerlein, who struggled in 2015, isn’t going to retain his job without a training-camp battle, so there’s a great opportunity here for undrafted free agent Taylor Bertolet (Texas A&M) to make an impact and put himself into the fall competition.
The Rams are likely to add a veteran kicker or two before fall camp, and Bertolet was an interesting inclusion. A highly touted high school kicker, Bertolet didn’t win the Aggies’ job outright until his senior year, then made only 22 of 31 field-goal attempts last season. He did make 5 of 9 from 50 yards and beyond.
• 5. Those other guys: Defense? There are defensive players at the minicamp also? The Rams’ roster is more stable on that side of the ball than on offense, but they will be looking for depth players at linebacker and in the defensive backfield.
The Rams used only one of their six draft picks on a defensive player, linebacker Josh Forrest, but have an intriguing group of undrafted free agents. There are four linebackers and five defensive backs, plus a familiar name, that of Nevada defensive lineman Ian Seau, nephew of Hall of Famer Junior Seau.
znModeratorNFC West draft grades: Seahawks, Rams collect impact players
Bucky Brooks
NOTABLE SELECTIONS
BEST PICK: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
Seattle Seahawks, Round 2, No. 49 overall.It’s hard to find big-bodied defenders with non-stop motors and excellent hand skills in Round 2. Yet, the Seahawks were able to grab the standout interior defender on Day 2 to fill the void created by Brandon Mebane’s departure. Reed not only steps into the lineup as a rugged nose tackle on early downs, but he could create bigger “run-through” lanes for linebacker Bobby Wagner by occupying multiple blockers at the point of attack.
MOST SURPRISING PICK: Joshua Garnett, OG, Stanford
San Francisco 49ers, Round 1, No. 28 overall.The 49ers shocked the football world when they moved up several spots to grab Garnett at the bottom of Round 1. Although the mauler/brawler was considered one of the top offensive guards in the class, it is hard to quantify the value of a road grader in Chip Kelly’s zone-based system. Sure, the 49ers will likely execute some “down and around” schemes in the running game, but Garnett’s physical style appears better suited to a power-based system that allows him to mash defenders at the point of attack. Time will tell if the 49ers employ a running scheme that allows him to play up to the lofty expectations that will accompany his arrival as a top pick.
BIGGEST SLEEPER: Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina
Los Angeles Rams, Round 4, No. 117 overall.Cooper is the kind of “catch and run” specialist who shines in a spread offense that gets the ball to playmakers on the move. He flashes exceptional quickness and wiggle in the open field, but he also possesses the strength and power to run through arm tackles in tight quarters. With the Rams poised to incorporate more bubble screens and RPOs designed to make young quarterback Jared Goff comfortable, Cooper could play a big role opposite Tavon Austin in Los Angeles’ revamped offense.
TEAM GRADES
NOTE: Draft classes are ranked from best to worst within the division.1) Seattle Seahawks
» Round 1: (No. 31 overall) Germain Ifedi, OG.
» Round 2: (49) Jarran Reed, DT.
» Round 3: (90) C.J. Prosise, RB; (94) Nick Vannett, TE; (97) Rees Odhiambo, OG.
» Round 5: (147) Quinton Jefferson, DT; (171) Alex Collins, RB.
» Round 6: (215) Joey Hunt, C.
» Round 7: (243) Kenny Lawler, WR; (247) Zac Brooks, RB.The Seahawks have assembled one of the most talented rosters in football through shrewd draft-day moves and superb player development. The team has traditionally knocked it out of the park in the later rounds, but the Seahawks also scored well on their early-round selections in 2016. Germain Ifedi and Rees Odhiambo will anchor a revamped offensive line with their collective size, strength and athleticism. Position coach Tom Cable should quickly whip them into shape and insert the young duo into the lineup. Nick Vannett could make key contributions as a TE3 behind Luke Willson and Jimmy Graham. At running back, the Seahawks grabbed three players (C.J. Prosise, Alex Collins and Zac Brooks) to fill the void created by Marshawn Lynch’s retirement. Prosise and Collins should push Thomas Rawls for playing time as role players in a deep and talented backfield. Keep an eye on receiver Kenny Lawler as a red-zone playmaker with excellent potential. The 6-foot-2, 203-pounder is a terrific jump-ball specialist with outstanding hands and ball skills. And, as documented above, Jarran Reed was an absolute steal in Round 2. GRADE: B
2) Los Angeles Rams
» Round 1: (No. 1 overall) Jared Goff, QB.
» Round 4: (110) Tyler Higbee, TE; (117) Pharoh Cooper, WR.
» Round 6: (177) Temarrick Hemingway, TE; (190) Josh Forrest, ILB; (206) Mike Thomas, WR.The grade on the Rams’ 2016 class will hinge on the performance of Jared Goff as the team’s new franchise quarterback. Los Angeles essentially mortgaged the farm to jump up to the top overall spot for the Cal product, so the pressure will be on him to help the Rams become perennial contenders in the NFC. Some observers question whether Goff can transition effectively into a pro quarterback after honing his skills in the “Bear Raid” system, but the pinpoint passer is deadly accurate, and his distribution skills could make the Rams’ offense more dangerous with a cast of “catch and run” specialists on the perimeter. To that point, the Rams deserve credit for snagging Tyler Higbee, Temarrick Hemingway, Pharoh Cooper and Mike Thomas to provide their young passer with athletic weapons to target on quick-rhythm passes. With coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead surrounding Goff with a host of young, athletic playmakers on the perimeter, the top pick could make an immediate impact as a Day 1 starter. GRADE: B-
3) Arizona Cardinals
» Round 1: (No. 29 overall) Robert Nkemdiche, DT.
» Round 3: (92) Brandon Williams, CB.
» Round 4: (128) Evan Boehm, C.
» Round 5: (167) Marqui Christian, SS; (170) Cole Toner, OT.
» Round 6: (205) Harlan Miller, CB.The Cardinals certainly aren’t risk-averse under GM Steve Keim and coach Bruce Arians. The team’s ultra-confident leaders have a knack for getting maximum production from enigmatic prospects, which is why the Robert Nkemdiche pick didn’t come as a surprise to the scouting community. The freakishly athletic defender flashes a rare combination of size, strength and explosiveness for a 6-3, 294-pounder. Yes, his pedestrian numbers and potential character concerns made him a tough evaluation for some observers, but the Cardinals snagged a Darnell Dockett clone with tremendous upside as an interior disruptor. Brandon Williams is an intriguing prospect as a converted cornerback with limited experience. The former running back possesses the speed and athleticism to run with receivers down the field, but he must refine his fundamentals and footwork to become more effective on underneath coverage. Cornerback Harlan Miller could surprise as a late pick. The Southeastern Louisiana product has the length and aggressive temperament to thrive in the Cardinals’ aggressive scheme. GRADE: C+
4) San Francisco 49ers
» Round 1: (No. 7 overall) DeForest Buckner, DE; (28) Joshua Garnett, OG.
» Round 3: (68) Will Redmond, CB.
» Round 4: (133) Rashard Robinson, CB.
» Round 5: (142) Ronald Blair, DE; (145) John Theus, OT; (174) Fahn Cooper, OT.
» Round 6: (207) Jeff Driskel, QB; (211) Kelvin Taylor, RB; (213) Aaron Burbridge, WR.
» Round 7: (249) Prince Charles Iworah, CB.The Chip Kelly era begins with a host of rookies poised to play pivotal roles on both sides of the ball. DeForest Buckner will join former Oregon teammate Arik Armstead on the front line to give the 49ers a long, rangy set of defenders to build around. Will Redmond and Rashard Robinson will compete for playing time on the perimeter as sub-package corners. Each corner is a bump-and-run specialist with the agility and quickness to challenge shifty receivers at the line. Ronald Blair is a productive pass rusher with a non-stop motor. He could crack the rotation as a situational rusher on passing downs. On offense, the 49ers pulled off a head-scratcher with the selection of Joshua Garnett at the bottom of Round 1, as I mentioned earlier. Yes, he is a powerful run blocker, but the 49ers might’ve expended more capital than needed in trading up to acquire an interior blocker with a game that doesn’t appear to suit the athletic blocking scheme Kelly used in his previous stops. GRADE: C+
May 6, 2016 at 7:42 am in reply to: from "away" – draftniks & reporters on the draft as a whole #43498znModeratorfrom NFC West draft grades: Seahawks, Rams collect impact players
Bucky Brooks
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BIGGEST SLEEPER: Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina
Los Angeles Rams, Round 4, No. 117 overall.Cooper is the kind of “catch and run” specialist who shines in a spread offense that gets the ball to playmakers on the move. He flashes exceptional quickness and wiggle in the open field, but he also possesses the strength and power to run through arm tackles in tight quarters. With the Rams poised to incorporate more bubble screens and RPOs designed to make young quarterback Jared Goff comfortable, Cooper could play a big role opposite Tavon Austin in Los Angeles’ revamped offense.
TEAM GRADES
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2) Los Angeles Rams
» Round 1: (No. 1 overall) Jared Goff, QB.
» Round 4: (110) Tyler Higbee, TE; (117) Pharoh Cooper, WR.
» Round 6: (177) Temarrick Hemingway, TE; (190) Josh Forrest, ILB; (206) Mike Thomas, WR.The grade on the Rams’ 2016 class will hinge on the performance of Jared Goff as the team’s new franchise quarterback. Los Angeles essentially mortgaged the farm to jump up to the top overall spot for the Cal product, so the pressure will be on him to help the Rams become perennial contenders in the NFC. Some observers question whether Goff can transition effectively into a pro quarterback after honing his skills in the “Bear Raid” system, but the pinpoint passer is deadly accurate, and his distribution skills could make the Rams’ offense more dangerous with a cast of “catch and run” specialists on the perimeter. To that point, the Rams deserve credit for snagging Tyler Higbee, Temarrick Hemingway, Pharoh Cooper and Mike Thomas to provide their young passer with athletic weapons to target on quick-rhythm passes. With coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead surrounding Goff with a host of young, athletic playmakers on the perimeter, the top pick could make an immediate impact as a Day 1 starter. GRADE: B-
znModeratorHe just didn’t face any other defenses that could either match up like that or defend like that.
I dunno Mack. He didn’t face any other tough defenses in 3 years at Cal? And I’ll tell you what he won’t repeat. Facing a tough defense with one of the worst OLs in college football combined with one of the worst defenses (if not THE worst) in college football.
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