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March 21, 2016 at 12:08 pm in reply to: should Rams trade up for a qb? audio link, Colin Cowherd #40873
znModeratorWho is Goff? I would just as soon have Brandon Allen.
His hands are bigger too. Aren’t they?
I like Brandon Allen and have since the senior bowl.
I don’t agree that they will have to trade up for him though.
Kidding.
Allen has the feel of a third round pick. Is my guess.
znModeratorFrom another thread…I put it here, too.
znModeratorNick Wagoner @nwagoner
Fairley has already visited with New Orleans and said he and Rams are still talking. Letting process play out.======================
Nick Fairley set to meet with Patriots
Josh Alper on March 21, 2016
Nick Fairley set to meet with Patriots
Defensive tackle Nick Fairley has drawn interest from a variety of teams since the start of free agency and that list is set to grow this week.
Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com was on a flight to the owners meetings in Florida on Monday when he saw Fairley, who told him he was on his way there as well. Fairley’s reason for heading to Boca is not for a condo board election, but for a visit with members of the Patriots organization.
Fairley has also been on the radar of the Jets, Eagles and Saints in the last couple of weeks. He told Wagoner that he is also still talking to the Rams about a possible return to the organization for a second season.
The Patriots have signed a pair of defensive linemen this offseason with Frank Kearse and Chris Long joining the team as free agents. Sealver Siliga and Akiem Hicks have moved on to Seattle and Chicago, respectively, while Chandler Jones was traded to Arizona.
znModeratorRelocation no longer a factor for Rams at owners meetings
Nick Wagoner
BOCA RATON, Fla. — And now, it’s time for something different.
For the better part of the past couple of years, NFL owners meetings have covered a variety of topics but none has been more of a hot-button issue than relocation to Los Angeles. There have been long discussions nestled into the itinerary on things like rule changes. There have even been special meetings called specifically to talk about Los Angeles.
At this week’s owners meetings here in Florida, Los Angeles will likely come up again, but after the league decided to send the Rams back to the City of Angels in January, it’s no longer of primary concern. It’s certainly a welcome respite from the contentious and tedious process required to gain the league’s approval to move.
Here’s a look at what to expect from this week’s owners meetings from a Rams perspective:
— As mentioned above, the Rams are moving to Los Angeles so there are no more battles to be fought on that front. There is, however, some more business that has to be taken care of. While the San Diego Chargers have until next year to decide on whether to stay or join the Rams in Inglewood, it’s safe to expect that both Chargers owner Dean Spanos and Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis will be asked about relocation this week. The Rams’ position remains the same as they wait to see if another team will join them. It’s important from a business standpoint because the Rams can’t start selling the Inglewood stadium until they know if they’re sharing it per the agreement made with the league. Relocation to other cities also figures to be a topic for Davis and Spanos as San Antonio, Las Vegas and even St. Louis have been brought up in connection to both teams.
— Rams coach Jeff Fisher announced at last month’s NFL scouting combine that he has taken a hiatus from the competition committee so he can focus on the team’s move. That means Fisher will have a far more relaxed week in Florida than he did at past owners meetings. Just like at the combine, the lack of those additional meetings means Fisher can kick back a little bit and continue to invest his attention on his football team. Of course, Fisher will keep an eye on proposed rule changes as they relate to his team, but he’ll no longer be front and center in such discussions.
— Fisher is scheduled to speak to the media at the NFC coaches breakfast on Wednesday morning. It will be the first time he’s talked since the new league year began, so we should be able to get his thoughts on the team’s moves so far, the players they lost and what’s still to come in terms of the roster. Also, the Rams plan to be out of St. Louis by the end of next week so we should get an update on how things are going with the move. One more thing: We’ll see if there’s been any progress on a contract extension for Fisher.
— Rams owner Stan Kroenke has been more open and willing to speak since he was awarded the right to move to Los Angeles. Does that mean he’ll be speaking in Boca? It could. If nothing else, it could be a good chance to hear from him about the state of his football team moving forward now that the relocation process is complete.
— Although the Rams haven’t added but two outside free agents, I’ll also try to seek scouting reports on cornerback Coty Sensabaugh and defensive end Quinton Coples from their former coaches. And I’m sure there will be some other news and notes that pop up along the way.
znModeratorBreaking down Cory Harkey’s contract with Rams
Nick Wagoner
BOCA RATON, Fla. — The Los Angeles Rams reached an agreement to bring tight end/fullback Cory Harkey back on a three-year deal last week.
Harkey, who went from undrafted free agent to one of the team’s emotional leaders, received $2.5 million in guaranteed money on a deal that pays him just shy of $2 million on average over the life of the deal.
Here’s a year-by-year breakdown of Harkey’s deal, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Info:
2016
Base salary: $1.5 million (fully guaranteed)
Roster bonus: $500,000 (fully guaranteed, paid on 10th day of league year)
Cap charge: $2 million
Cash: $2 million
Notes: Up to $250,000 in not-likely-to-be-earned for playing time, receptions and team achievements.2017
Base salary: $1.3 million
Roster bonus: $500,000 (fully guaranteed, paid on fifth day of 2017 league year)
Cap charge: $1.8 million
Cash: $1.8 million
Notes: Up to $250,000 in not-likely-to-be-earned incentives for playing time, receptions and team achievements.2018
Base salary: $1.65 million
Roster bonus: $250,000 (Paid on fifth day of 2018 league year)
Cap charge: $1.9 million
Cash: $1.9 million
Notes: Up to $250,000 in not-likely-to-be-earned for playing time, receptions and team achievements.March 21, 2016 at 9:30 am in reply to: should Rams trade up for a qb? audio link, Colin Cowherd #40861znModeratorI would take Lynch or Cook at 15, than any kind of trade up.
Even if it’s a trade-up to 4, 5, or 6 for Goff?
znModeratorAFC scout worries on Treadwell’s speed
Laquon Treadwell – WR – MS – Mar. 20 – 7:55 pm et
An AFC Northeastern scout voiced concern that Ole Miss WR Laquon Treadwell is “going to get beat up because he’s slow.”
The scout added that while he’s uneasy about Treadwell’s speed, he “likeeverything else he does.” Perhaps offering a bit of self-criticism, the scout went on to note that “[y]ou would think scouts would learn about overestimating speed and underestimating tape. He’ll go in the first but not sure how high.” Most mock drafts slot the 6-foot-2, 221-pounder into the mid-to-late first round, with the Los Angeles Rams acting as an easy sort of marker to judge his stock. The Rams hold the 15th pick, which figures to be around where Treadwell’s taken off the board. In a more optimistic assessment, CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin had the Giants selecting Treadwell at No. 10. We would be somewhat surprised if he reaches that high. It’s not out of the question that either Baylor WR Corey Coleman or TCU WR Josh Doctson (or both) will be taken ahead of Treadwell. Mar. 20 – 7:55 pm et
Source: NFL.comznModeratorIts really a mixed bag of nature and nuturing
That’s one argument. Another is that people tend to exaggerate the nature part. To me that’s the argument backed by the heaviest evidence. And yet another argument is that those are only 2 of the sources, and people tend to exaggerate individual parental nurturing. Many of the things we are talking about do not come from deliberate (or even accidental) nurturing influences, but from social/cultural influences way beyond any individuals control and often so deeply unconscious we are hardly aware of them. This kind of thing even has a direct effect on how we experience emotion. So for example if you grow up in a culture where shame and “losing face” matter more, you experience the entire world differently where the issue is more guilt-oriented behaviors than shame-oriented behaviors. And yet all human beings are capable of both emotions. How they play out in your life, though, depends on where and when you grow up.
Fact is, human beings may not really exist, in some respects, in the nature/nurture continuum. Genetically we are built to be culture-bearing animals. That means culture has a direct effect on what we are as individuals, and paradoxically, we’re that way because we are genetically predetermined to be that way.
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March 20, 2016 at 7:18 pm in reply to: reportedly Green Bay tried to trade for Jared Cook last season #40847znModeratorCook offers a dimension otherwise absent from Green Bay’s tight-end group
What dimension would that be?
Inconsistency at a high cost.
And, attacking the qb on the sideline.
Having covered that ground…I think they just meant downfield speed.
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March 20, 2016 at 6:36 pm in reply to: should Rams trade up for a qb? audio link, Colin Cowherd #40844znModeratorfrom off the net
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merlin
The Rams unquestionably will love Wentz, but with Cleveland at 2 he is not going to be available. Moving to 1, as much as I’d like to see it, is probably too rich for them to consider. As you said, moving ahead of the whiners is much more affordable and while it’s risky (the whiners might move up), it’s a reasonable gamble.
Really the hope for us is that the Titans price themselves out of the market because they are set on adding their LT which is a huge benefit for their young QB. That means Wentz goes 2 and the concern is the Chargers at 3. If the Chargers become enamored with LB Jack as the rumors are insinuating, I think we are in business.
IMO if they move up it will be to 4 overall with Dallas and they’ll take Goff. It is not that much to pay, and it adds a guy to this offense who can be the face of the franchise in LA and lead this team back to respectability. The keys are picks 1 and 3 IMO.
znModeratorfrom [Journal of] Catholic Education/June 2007
Review of SAME DIFFERENCE: HOW GENDER MYTHS ARE HURTING OUR RELATIONSHIPS, OUR CHILDREN, AND OUR JOBS
ROSALIND BARNETT & CARYL RIVERSReviewed by Ruby T. Urbina
“People’s behavior today is determined more by situation than by gender” (p. 5). Same Difference: How Gender Myths Are Hurting Our Relationships, Our Children, and Our Jobs explores how power makes the difference, not necessarily gender. The book is divided into three parts: relationships, work, and parenting.
The authors refute many myths, presumptions, and misconceptions about the differences between men and women. Part 1 of the book provides different examples that foster the view that the woman’s role is that of caretaker, responsible for answering to the needs of her husband and family. Starting in Genesis, we find the idea that a woman (Eve) was created to take care of the man (Adam). Using science and intellectual insight, the authors take on the most popular myths of gender difference. This book strongly recommends the improvement of relationships between men and women. Historically, men have been the breadwinners of the family. Today, due to the demands of society and the greater needs of families, both parents are forced to work to make ends meet. Since this shift, a drastic change in relationships has begun to surface within members of the family and the socalled harmony has begun to fade, probably because of pressures at work.
This book not only discusses relationships between adult males and females, but it also talks about young boys and girls as well. Researchers claim that boys are better in mathematics than girls. The influential journal, Science, published a study under the headline “Math and Sex: Are Girls Born with Less Ability?” Time presented it as the “Gender Factor in Math.” The study became a major national story, and many parents worried that their daughters would not be able to compete with their male peers in mathematics. According to the authors, the reporter who is responsible for this did not go over the significance of statistics and failed to emphasize that the key issue is not the size of the difference in the average scores of the boys and girls. What is really important is the difference in the range of scores in each group. The three studies conducted by these researchers concluded that girls’ and boys’ math scores are roughly equivalent. They also emphasized that women succeed not only in math but also in the field of science, engineering, and within the technology workforce. Excellence in women in these different fields was proven by different statistics cited in this book. The authors added, “this kind of progress won’t be widespread until we stop believing that males are innately superior at math just as we have stopped believing that the earth is flat” (p. 171).
Gradually, we have established social views about women and their role in a relationship. Our views are natural and we have grown up listening about these traditional outlooks. Many social commentators cite that men are better leaders. Among the reasons given are that women do not have the right hormones. Their brains are built for empathizing, which is only good for making friends, caring for the baby, and gossiping. Also, women lack the motivation for leadership and are violating their essential feminine natures when they try to lead. In short, these social commentators believe that women will never achieve as much as men in the work world. This reviewer commends the authors for pointing out that if we believe the myths about a woman’s inability to lead in the workforce, we will also harm the corporations for which they work.
The last part of this book talks about parenting. Both authors agree that there is no difference between the two sexes; they are equal in potential, but varied in behavior. This section shows that fathers are also capable of doing the day-to-day caring for children, such as fixing a daughter’s hair, playing with children, and interacting with them. Parenting behavior is neither inborn nor socially transferred to one sex, but is learned by caregiving in a specific situation.
The authors provide several examples to support their argument, refuting stereotypes and rationalizations about differences between the sexes. From mathematical aptitude to maternal intuition, the authors explore and take apart many generally accepted conceptions of male and female destiny. Each chapter in the book focuses on myths that are thoroughly misunderstood by our society.
Their conclusions provide a different point of view toward gender and diminish the already established notion of innate difference between the sexes. After extensive and quite exhaustive research, Barnett and Rivers demystify several myths and depict how society has influenced human thinking and behavior. As a result, people often make poor and sometimes incorrect decisions. Furthermore, the authors lay out a marvelous resource for educators that instills the notion of gender difference as irrelevant to education. It suggests getting rid of misconceptions and presumptions of gender.
Students, both male and female, should not consider themselves superior or inferior. They should perceive their fellow classmates and everyone around them to be equal in potential and in ability. Educators must help their students in this matter. Educators must accept that there is no academic difference between males and females. Education is optimistic; hence, educators should be optimistic, believing that both males and females have the potential to do anything they desire. The authors of this book tell their readers that there is no difference in gender. They insist that it is society that is setting the misconceptions and erroneous judgment.
znModeratorThere are most certainly some differences. At least in my wife’s opinion. Her non scientific observations are from years of being an educator from young children all the way through high school at both the teaching and administrative level and now as an advocate for parents who have children with special needs. One difference being-and its significant-is that young adolescent girls begin to mature earlier than boys in their own age groups.
Well see but we all have years of observation.
It is true that girls develop cognitively faster than boys at a certain age but there is no reason to believe that leads to or is part of other grand totalizing differences.
the problem with “observation” of course is…what is one “observing”? The effects of people internalizing social and culture norms together with the observer’s own tendency to see things in terms of those norms?
Or biology.
And that’s where you need actual evidence and the ability to analyze it.
What that evidence and analysis leads to is the argument that gender distinctions are not clearcut and admit of lots of gray areas. That’s the evidence.
Remember in the 19th century observation by whites supported the idea that blacks were inferior. It was just obvious. It was right in front of your eyes.
There is virtually no border between “observation” and “projection.”
That’s why actual studies of these things are so illuminating. And on that the evidence is in.
Which means, read the book. It ain’t solved because you read a blurb and leaped to an accustomed, habitual conclusion.
znModeratorfrom off the net
==
Rams Junkie
e: During Goff’s pro day on NFL Network Mayock compared Goff to Matt Ryan
Mayock on Goff: “The footwork is there the release, the quick release is there. I think the awareness of the game, the awareness presnap even, of defenses. I think it is a really good comp because he is tall, thin kid with good arm strength, probably not elite arm strength, but Buck I think it is a heck of a comp.”
Jeremiah: “Mike one of the things that I like about both of these quarterbacks, I have Wentz one spot over Goff but I have very similar grades on them. I think both of these quarterbacks are really really tough. You come in this offense and what he has had in front of him at Cal hasn’t been the best at times and you see this kid. He will stand in there and take it and didn’t miss a game either. That really speaks to his toughness.”
Mayock: “Keep in mind that when he got here with coach Dykes this was a massive rebuilding project. The kid has 37 consecutive starts since the day he set foot on this Berkeley campus. So even though he is a lean build he has answered the bell every single week. And Danny they were 1-11 the first year. They got better year two and this year they went to their first bowl game in several years with an 8-5 record. So this kid kind of put them his back and carried them to an 8-5 record. And I agree 37 consecutive starts, he is a tough kid and I also think he is probably, of all the quarterbacks, the most ready to step in on day one and be able to handle an NFL defense.”
Brooks: “I agree with you about being able to step in one day one.”
Bucky asked why Mayock in his mind felt Goff was the most NFL ready QB. Mayock went on to say (paraphrasing now) that Goff played on a team that usually did not have the talent to match up with the team that they were playing, he compared his 37 starts to Wentz’s 23. He cited 1600 pass attempts with a lot of pocket awareness and you can see that it translates well to the NFL. Mayock said Goff will be a little overwhelmed as every rookie is but he will understand the game and has the quick release to get the ball out, he has the footwork and enough arm strength to win in the NFL. He said Wentz has the upside of Luck but considerably more downside because he has not played anywhere near as much football and has not played it at the same level. We don’t know yet whether he has that intrinsic Luck timing awareness etc.
znModeratorSame Difference: How Gender Myths Are Hurting Our Relationships, Our Children, and Our Jobs
by Rosalind Barnett (Author), Caryl Rivers (Author)http://www.amazon.com/Same-Difference-Hurting-Relationships-Children/dp/0465006132
Same Difference: How Gender Myths Are Hurting Our Relationships, Our Children, and Our Jobs
by Rosalind Barnett and Caryl Rivers.
A landmark demonstration of how groundless beliefs about “natural” differences between the sexes have harmed both women and men-with a hopeful vision based on up-to-the-minute research.
From respected academics like Carol Gilligan to pop-psych gurus like John Gray, the message has long been the same: Men and women are fundamentally different, and trying to bridge the gender gap can only lead to grief. Generations have bought into the idea that women are uniquely primed to be “relational,” men innately driven toward achievement-even when these “truths” are contradicted by what’s happening in our daily lives.
The time has come, argue the authors of this groundbreaking book, to liberate ourselves from biological determinism. Drawing on years of exhaustive research, Barnett and Rivers reveal how a toxic mix of junk science, pop psychology, and media hype has profoundly influenced our thinking and behavior, causing us to make poor decisions about how we choose our mates, raise our children, and manage our careers.
It is power, not gender, that makes a difference; in fact, there are more differences among women (or men) with varying degrees of power than there are between women and men. In this vitally important and life-changing book, Barnett and Rivers sound a clarion call: a plea to end sexual stereotyping so that women and men, girls and boys, may realize their destinies as full human beings.
Same Difference takes on the myths of “Mars and Venus”:
Myth…Men are genetically driven to seek out beautiful women. This may have been true in the stone age, but times change. Now, a significant number of men report that an attractive portfolio is even more alluring than a pretty face.
Myth…Women want to marry wealthy men who can protect them and their children. In fact, a surprising majority of today’s women put a higher price tag on empathy and nurturance.
Myth…Girls face an inevitable plunge in self-esteem at adolescence. Recent research finds no evidence of this. Yet parents, teachers, and girls themselves lower their expectations and balk at challenges, because of this pervasive belief.
Myth…Boys and girls learn differently. Teaching styles that emphasize different tactics for boys and girls are more often rooted in stereotypes than research or hard science, and can lead to a poorer-quality education for girls. Still, public funds are squandered on special curricula aimed at “female learning styles.”
Myth…Men and women speak “different languages”-they “Just Don’t Understand” each other. Wrong. Women talk “male” in the boardroom, and men easily master “motherese.”
Myth…Female leadership is kinder and gentler. Not so. Position is the key to behavior: female managers are not more democratic than males, though many of us might like to think so.
znModeratorwith Malcolm Brown coming back, there are no guarantees for Mason moving forward.
I keep forgetting about Malcolm Brown.
He did have a good buzz though coming out and showed some things in limited opportunities last year, summer and regular season.
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znModeratorMike Groh charged with tough task in improving Rams’ pass game
Nick Wagoner
EARTH CITY, Mo. — The offseason is here for the Los Angeles Rams and now that we know where they’ll be playing their home games for the long term, things have settled down enough to spend our weekends answering a few of your Twitter questions.
As always, you can find me on Twitter @nwagoner and fire away with any Rams-related questions you might have. Please use hashtag #RamsMail so I can see them.
On to your questions.
Eric Litster @elitster
Q: how much influence can Groh have on the young WR group? Can he develop them more so than Sherman? Thanks@nwagoner: To be sure, Mike Groh is stepping into a difficult spot as he joins the Rams from the Bears. As the receivers coach and passing-game coordinator, Groh is charged with the tough task of elevating the Rams out of the basement in which they finished 2015 in most passing categories. The book on Groh is that he’s a smart coach who has the ability to relate to younger players (in part because he’s still fairly young himself at 44), and that will be welcome in the Rams receivers room. Whether that will translate into more production from the group goes beyond his ability to build those relationships. As the passing-game coordinator, it’s also Groh’s job to work with offensive coordinator Rob Boras to improve things schematically. That could mean simplifying things a bit further, as Boras attempted to do toward the end of last season. It also means trying to scheme receivers open in the passing game since none of the current wideouts have proved capable of creating separation on a consistent basis. Groh has a good reputation in league circles. It will be interesting to see what ideas he brings to the table.
Charles De La Rosa @De_La_Tweet
Q: any word on what the Rams will do with Tre Mason? Do his recent legal troubles leave his spot on the team at Risk?@nwagoner: Any time you do something that leads to the team sending out a release in which it expresses its disappointment in you, that’s probably not a good sign. Tre Mason already hadn’t done himself any favors last season when he missed the bus to the airport and was deactivated for the Baltimore game. On top of that, the second-year running back didn’t play all that well in his limited opportunities in 2015, struggling with ball-security issues. As I wrote earlier this offseason, the Rams seemed to be a bit down on him as it was and that was before the incident in Florida. The Rams tendered Benny Cunningham and would like to keep him. If that happens and with Malcolm Brown coming back, there are no guarantees for Mason moving forward. It’s worth seeing if he can get back on track, because he could be a pretty good complement to Todd Gurley. But it’s fair to say he’s got some proving to do moving forward.
znModerator—
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—McShay’s top five takeaways from Jared Goff’s pro day
Todd McShay
Here’s the first thing you need to know about quarterback pro days: JaMarcus Russell was the best one I’ve ever seen, and we all know how that worked out. So for talent evaluators throughout the league, Jared Goff’s pro day on Friday won’t be a huge part of the grading process, but it was just another opportunity to see how he handles the little things. Is he working on it? That’s really what you want to answer.
I was on hand to see how the No. 2 QB on my board handled the spotlight. Here are my top five takeaways.
1. Testing his small hands. At the combine, Goff’s hands measured 9 inches, which is on the lower portion of the acceptable range. That’s a red flag for evaluators just because only 22 quarterbacks from 2008-15 — or less than 10 percent of those at the combine during that span — had hands that measured 9 inches or less. The two most notable QBs were Jimmy Clausen and Ryan Tannehill. Small hands, generally speaking, can equate to poor ball security.
On Friday, Goff’s hands stretched ever so slightly to 9 1/8 inches, and Pep Hamilton — the QB coach for the Cleveland Browns, who own the No. 2 overall pick — put them to the test. He had Goff throw about a half-dozen deep outs after dousing the ball with water. Goff looked great doing that. This will continue happening during the Cal QB’s individual workouts with teams, but evaluators will also factor in what they’re seen on tape. I watched Goff play in the rain against Oregon this season, and he didn’t have much trouble with ball security.
2. Looks comfortable in his drops. From the film that I’ve watched, Cal’s offense under Goff was almost 100 percent shotgun-based. Throughout the postseason process, Goff has worked on his five- and seven-step drops from under center. On Friday, he looked more comfortable with his timing and more at ease overall than he did at the combine. Goff’s foot quickness in his drops was really good, and on the vast majority of his throws, he got the ball out early. That’s a good sign for his development.
Marcus Mariota. The farther into this process we get, the more Goff reminds me of Mariota as a prospect. They both have terrific intangibles and football intelligence, both were groomed in spread offenses, both showed great accuracy and a smooth release on tape, both have skinnier frames, which raised durability concerns, and both were the No. 2 QB on my board. Yes, Goff needs to be developed, just like Mariota did coming out of Oregon, but he has the skill set to eventually develop into a good starter in this league.
4. Arm strength not an issue. I heard some people say that Goff doesn’t have the strongest arm, but after his performance Friday, there’s just no issue in my mind. Between how smooth and quick his release is and his ability to drive the ball outside the numbers, Goff has the physical tools to make all the throws at the next level. He showed really good zip on deep outs and heaved the ball 60-65 yards in the air on a couple of bombs. Tom Brady had less arm strength than Goff coming out, which is an important reminder that prospects on the skinnier side can continue to improve in this area as they increase their lower body strength.
5. He was all business. I’ve been to a lot of pro days, particularly with quarterbacks, where it seems like guys are just trying to build their brand. Goff took a very ho-hum approach, much like Andrew Luck a few years ago and Mariota last year. This was a no-frills environment, with the exception of the ESPN and NFL Network cameras there to capture it live. Teams are always looking to see how top prospects carry themselves. Some prefer to soak up the spotlight and turn their pro days into a scene, but Goff was all business, which was refreshing.
March 20, 2016 at 11:27 am in reply to: should Rams trade up for a qb? audio link, Colin Cowherd #40824znModeratorJust more national-media-fluff.
My feeling about this is that reportedly, this may not be a star draft at the top when it comes to qb, though there are good ones.
But it’s supposed to be an intriguing draft in terms of the next tier or 2 of qbs. There’s more of them, meaning more that look like they have a shot at making it. They’re just virtually all developmental.
So you can get a qb at 15 or in round 2.
If that’s true why trade up. Especially since we just heard that the Titans want a galactic emperor’s ransom to trade away the 1st pick. Though of course they could trade up to below the 2nd pick, and take the other qb. Maybe you only need a lesser Baron’s ransom to do that.
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znModeratorwiki–
On July 13, 1972, Robert Irsay bought the Los Angeles Rams and transferred ownership to Carroll Rosenbloom, in exchange for ownership of the Baltimore Colts.
Lg Rank Offense 7
Lg Rank Defense 11Coach: Tommy Prothro
6-7-1, Finished 3rd in NFC West Division
In 1972, Roman Gabriel’s knee and shoulder injury problems got worse. After making 89 consecutive starts over eight seasons, he missed 2 games and lost playing time in all 12 others. Still, after a Monday night win in San Francisco in week 12, the Rams regained 1st place. But losses to the Cardinals and Lions in the final two weeks, in addition to a week 11 loss to the woeful Saints, doomed their season. The Rams finished 6-7-1 and Prothro was fired.
znModeratorI see you’re already breaking out the “moving” excuse.
Shouldn’t you save that until after they pick their traditional first round bust?
So true. lol
Well actually I was joking.
My real view is that I don’t see how the Rams can avoid going 16-0.
That’s mostly because I view Case Keenum as a cross between the best traits of Jamie Martin and Kenny Stabler.
To quote Harry Truman, this year when facing the Rams the league may expect a rain of ruin, the like of which has never been seen on this earth.
znModeratorBarring big moves, Seahawks again figure to have low-cost offensive line in 2016
Ten days into free agency, the Seahawks have less salary cap space devoted to their offensive line in 2016 than any other NFL team.
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It’s a little risky to make sweeping judgments about an NFL team in March. There obviously remains lots of time for significant moves to still be made.
But so far, the Seahawks have not only not made the big splash-addition to the offensive line that some might have expected given some of the struggles of 2015, but have only further perpetuated their reputation for trying to assemble a line on the, well, inexpensive side.
Consider that as of Friday, with Russell Okung now officially gone to Denver, the Seahawks have just $8.7 million in salary cap dedicated to its offensive line, according to Overthecap.com. That is by far the lowest total in the NFL — the Titans are 31st at $13.9 million.
Here’s another way to look at it — as of today, the Seahawks have less salary cap space devoted to their offensive line in 2016 than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have devoted to J.R. Sweezy alone ($9.5 million).
The New York Jets, at $39.4 million, which is telling because it’s the Jets who have agreed to big deals in the past few years two players the Seahawks declined to re-sign — right tackle Breno Giacomini and left guard James Carpenter.
As was well-noted yesterday, Okung leaving for Denver means none of the five offensive linemen who started the Super Bowl win over the Broncos two years ago remains with the Seahawks.
Giacomini was the first to depart, signing with the Jets after the 2013 season a four-year deal worth $18 million overall.
Two more departed after the 2014 season — Carpenter, who took a four-year, $19 million deal with the Jets, and then center Max Unger, who was traded to New Orleans as part of the Jimmy Graham deal.
Two more departed in the last two weeks — Sweezy and Okung. (In fact, unless Seattle re-signs free agent Lemuel Jeanpierre, then none of the nine linemen who were on the active roster for the Super Bowl will remain with the Seahawks in 2016.)
At the moment, the largest salary cap hit for a Seattle offensive linemen is the $2.52 million of newly-signed J’Marucs Webb. Every other Seattle linemen is either working on a tender, their original rookie contract, or a one or two-year essentially minimum deal.
Not only does Sweezy’s 2016 salary cap number dwarf that of any other Seahawk, but so too do those of most of the others that got away — Giacomini’s is $5.65 million, Carpenter’s is $5.75 million and Unger’s is $6.2 million.
Okung’s cap number has not yet been revealed, but the continuing revelation of details on his contract — specifically, that it doesn’t include a single dollar of guaranteed money — make clear that the Seahawks remain willing to make hard choices even when it comes to some of their most productive players (Seattle didn’t have an offer to Okung at the end of his negotiations).
Going thrifty on the offensive line is nothing new for the Seahawks, of course. They had a salary cap number for the line last year of $12.8 million, which ranked 30th in the NFL.
The salary cap (which this year is $155.2 million) forces all teams to make decisions, and Seattle for the past few years has been near the bottom in spending money on offensive linemen.
Seattle instead has spent the bulk of its money on defense — the Seahawks have almost $76 million in cap devoted to defense, currently sixth in the NFL; and select core players at other spots — Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch, Jimmy Graham to name three. (In fact, due to Lynch’s deal remaining on the books until he officially retires, the Seahawks have a higher cap at tailback, $12.9 million, than any other team.)
It’s probably something that more or less just happened then was part of any grand strategy. Seattle has simply decided that its core players that it couldn’t let get away were at other positions (it’s worth remembering the Seahawks re-signed Unger to a four-year $25.8 million deal in 2012, illustrating the team isn’t reluctant to spend on the offensive line when it feels it makes sense).
Seattle surely will make more additions to the offensive line, and if it pulls off a trade for a big-ticket veteran such as Cleveland’s Joe Thomas (whose 2016 cap hit of $9.5 million would more than double what the Seahawks currently have dedicated to their line) then the picture could change some.
But it’s also worth recalling what Seahawks general manager John Schneider said last month at the NFL combine when asked about the offensive line.
Essentially, Schneider said the team wouldn’t make a big move just to make a big move, comments that seemed to foreshadow that the team might not do anything drastic in the free agency period.
“In terms of our philosophy, we are going to keep attacking it the same way we always have,’’ Schneider said at the combine.
So far, they’ve stuck to their word.
znModeratorA lot of people like reading this guy. The whole article is already posted in another thread http://theramshuddle.com/topic/2016-mocks-general-draft-commentaries-thread-2/ but here is McGinn just on 5 of the qbs.
===
from 2016 NFL Draft Outlook
Bob McGinn
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/2016-nfl-draft-outlook-b99676279z1-370399721.html
Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State: 6-5, 237. Played behind Waupaca’s Brock Jensen until 2014. A wrist injury in ’15 limited him to just 23 career starts. “He’s a big guy with a big arm,” said one scout. “The ball gets there. He’s not a scrambler per se but he has speed. He might be the most physically talented of the group. Would I be nervous with this guy? Absolutely. But if you have no quarterback at all, what do you got to lose?” Finished with an NFL passer rating of 105.2. Scored 29 on the 50-question Wonderlic intelligence test. “He’s got an arm,” another scout said. “But it’s such a long way from that level of play to the NFL at any position, let alone quarterback.”
Jared Goff*, QB, California: 6-4, 215. Third-year junior with 37 starts. “He might be the most ready,” one scout said. “Thing I don’t like is his slender build. He did not have a lot of talent around him. Does he have a great arm? No, but it’s good enough. I’d be nervous taking him above 10.” Posted an NFL passer rating of 98.9. “In terms of arm talent, he’ll be like (Jay) Cutler,” another scout said. “Skinny kid. Gets hit a bunch. He doesn’t see everything. Accuracy is off at times, but he is talented. He can really spin it. Really good feet.”
Paxton Lynch*, QB, Memphis: 6-7, 244. Fourth-year junior. “There’s stuff he doesn’t see but, boy, is he a great athlete for a big guy,” one scout said. “He’s got good feet and can make all the throws.” His NFL passer rating of 93.5 included 110.6 in 2015. “Big production in a lot of games, so-so in some others,” another scout said. “Pretty good athlete for a big kid. Excellent size. He’s got a big ceiling. It’s a weird group of quarterbacks. None of them are just ready-made and none of them show consistency. They’re good, solid starters. None of them are Pro Bowl-caliber type quarterbacks. I would take (Jameis) Winston and (Marcus) Mariota over these guys. No question.”
Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State: 6-4, 217. Three-year starter with a 34-5 record. “He’s got a great winning percentage, an average arm and a quick release,” one scout said. “I don’t know if his teammates really love him.” Wasn’t elected as a team captain. “He can make all the throws and he’s got some strength to him and he can run,” another scout said. “It’s all the other stuff. How much he really likes ball and how much he’s going to work at it. He likes being a celebrity.” NFL passer rating was 95.1. “Cook speaks well and looks good when he speaks, but he’s not the sharpest guy,” a third scout said. “He’s not a high football IQ guy.”
Christian Hackenberg*, QB, Penn State: 6-4, 223. Third-year junior. “He’s got an incredible amount of talent,” one scout said. “There are times he makes incredible throws and times he makes stupid throws. Does the pressure rattle him? That’s the key. The changeover in coaches has probably brought him down.” Flourished as a freshman (NFL passer rating of 89.0) before coach Bill O’Brien departed for the Texans. His rating in 2014-’15 dipped to 75.6. “After his freshman year people looked at him as the first pick in the draft,” another scout said. “He could be as talented as any of these quarterbacks. He’s got the arm, the body and is actually a competitor. But the coaches there at Penn State didn’t play to his strengths. A premier type talent like that is so hard to find these days. I could see him going latter part of the first round.”
March 19, 2016 at 10:39 am in reply to: 2016 mocks & rankings & general draft commentaries, thread 2 #40796znModeratorThat is 5 WRs in the top 30.
10 DTs in the top 50.I say…draft em all.
znModeratorWell, i wonder if the moving-issues will
affect the won-loss record?Will it affect the play on the field
of the Rams ?w
vAh, I see you’re already breaking out the “moving” excuse.
Shouldn’t you save that until after they pick their traditional first round bust?
znModeratorLots of good performances in the movie.
Yes, good movie.
Albeit another “feel good about the royal family” Brit biopic.
But, that’s fine. It’s still a good movie.
znModeratorRams aim to be out of St. Louis by end of next week
Nick Wagoner
EARTH CITY, Mo. — There will be no misdirection, no shroud of secrecy and no cavalcade of trucks leaving Rams Park under the cover of night. No, the Rams’ return to Los Angeles will be far more straightforward.
The Rams officially became property of Los Angeles again when the NFL announced their approval for relocation on Jan. 12. But the team’s business and football operations have remained in St. Louis in the time since. That time is almost up, as the Rams intend to be out of their St. Louis facilities by the end of next week.
The move has already begun. The Rams shut down their business and scouting operations Friday and will close down the football operations next week, which will be the final period any sort of Rams business takes place in St. Louis.
The first moving trucks departed Rams Park on March 7 for the nearly 2,000-mile journey to the greater Los Angeles area. Six more trucks have begun the approximately 28-hour journey since, but that movement is expected to pick up next week. The Lombardi Trophy from the team’s victory in Super Bowl XXXIV is among the items currently en route to Los Angeles.
Bruce Warwick, the Rams’ director of operations, estimates that 30 semitrucks, each carrying between 20,000 and 22,000 pounds of cargo, will be required to complete the move.
“All football operations will be shut down next Friday, so that’s when you are going to really start seeing trucks today, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,” Warwick said Friday. “And it’s just going to be a constant, just load and go.”
That “load and go” process will be the result of tireless work from Warwick, who has spent every week since the move was announced trekking between St. Louis and Los Angeles. He spends most of his weekdays on the West Coast, returning to St. Louis for the weekends before flying back out. Although there’s no definitive number yet, Warwick said the team and the moving company will tag about 25,000 items to be moved via those trucks.
To keep track of everything, the Rams and the moving company built an internal website where they can track and monitor everything that gets moved. Those items are tagged, photographed and cataloged so when they are needed again, the Rams have a database that tells them where an item is and where it needs to go.
For now, most of the trucks to move early are taking the Rams’ items to a warehouse in Anaheim. That’s because most of the items that have already departed are not going to be needed for the team’s offseason program in Oxnard or for training camp, which is expected to take place in Irvine. Rams Park has been mostly cleared out; however, some of the modular furniture like the cubicles in the media room will stay behind.
The last trucks to leave will carry things like weight room equipment, which is still needed in St. Louis for players rehabbing from injury, and it won’t be required in Los Angeles until the offseason program begins in Oxnard on April 18. Other trucks, such as those carrying items for business operations, will be needed sooner. The business side is expected to resume in the Agoura Hills area on a temporary basis while the Rams continue to seek a permanent home.
With the business side expected to make two moves, the football side also has three moves to make, including the initial one to Oxnard, followed by training camp in Irvine and then to the anticipated in-season home in the Thousand Oaks area. Modular trailers will be constructed for the football operations in Thousand Oaks.
All of those moving parts are the most difficult piece of the puzzle, according to Warwick.
“It’s going to be tricky for the football side as we move to three different locations in the next five months,” Warwick said. “It’s not like we’re going for a day or two. We have all of our stuff with us that’s not in the warehouse so we’ve tried to be smart as far as how we pack, what we need, putting things in pods and things like that. We can transport from location to location to location so we’re not unloading, reloading and all that other stuff.”
The moving company is also handling the personal moves for team employees, about 20 to 25 of whom will be heading west to begin business operations April 4.
Part of the team’s timeline included figuring out what to take with them. Warwick has long been a stickler for clearing out clutter and has encouraged employees to go through with a yearly purge of non-essential items. Everyday items are also not part of the move.
“It’s California,” Warwick said. “They sell Gatorade out there. They sell staplers. They sell paper clips. Anything that is not essential stuff, we’ll secure it out there.”
The Rams’ leftover items they aren’t taking have been donated to local charities the team has worked with in the past. That includes everything from office supplies to St. Louis Rams branded apparel.
What becomes of the Rams’ former Earth City headquarters remains to be seen. The building and the three practice fields behind it are controlled by the St. Louis Regional Convention and Sports Complex. Some have mentioned it as a possible home for a future Major League Soccer franchise, but no determination has been made to this point.
Before completely moving out, Warwick said the Rams will do their best to do necessary maintenance to the parts of the building that might be damaged by the move.
“We do have some cleanup to do,” Warwick said. “We do have some repairs to do.”
And after that? Facilities manager Lee Martin will turn out the lights on the Rams’ time in St. Louis.
March 18, 2016 at 10:17 pm in reply to: 2016 mocks & rankings & general draft commentaries, thread 2 #40786znModeratorPFF DRAFT BOARD 2.0: TOP 100 NFL PROSPECTS
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/03/16/draft-pff-draft-board-2-0-top-100-prospects/
The second iteration of the PFF Draft Board expands the list to 100 players, as our player evaluations continue to evolve leading up to the draft. We have two full years of grading on every player in the FBS, and that will always be the guiding light in our process, but the re-evaluation of each player’s strengths and weaknesses and how those fit into the NFL are vital when piecing together each player’s value.
With positional value taken into consideration, here is the second version of the PFF Draft Board.
Joey Bosa, Edge, Ohio State
The best player in the draft has been the nation’s top edge against the run while ranking first and second as a pass rusher each of the last two seasons.DeForest Buckner, Defensive Interior, Oregon
Similar to Bosa, Buckner was the most productive interior defensive lineman by a wide margin. He’s a playmaker against the run and able to get into the backfield as a pass rusher.Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State
The biggest question about Ramsey is where he plays in the NFL, but his versatility should make him a solid option at either cornerback or safety, He put together two strong years of grades despite playing at free safety, in the slot, and outside cornerback.Jared Goff, QB, Cal
The top-graded QB in the nation this season after ranking eighth a year ago, Goff’s combination of pocket presence, toughness under pressure, and downfield accuracy make him the top option.Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
With six strong games under his belt in 2015, we’d like to see a larger sample size of dominant play, but Tunsil is an explosive run blocker and he handled an impressive slate of edge rushers to allow only five pressures on the year.Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
Our top coverage linebacker in 2015, Jack played only 207 snaps in 2015 due to injury. He’s versatile enough to move around the formation while holding his own in coverage and he’s powerful when attacking blocks in the run game.Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
There’s some projection to Wentz’s game, but the raw tools are impressive. While his timing isn’t always on point in the passing game, he has the big arm and athleticism to mask that inexperience as he grows.Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
The best all-around running back in the draft and perhaps the nation, Elliott boasted the top run grade in the class in 2014 and then led the nation as a blocker in 2015. His ability to run, catch, and block will put him on the field early and often.Sheldon Rankins, Defensive Interior, Louisville
With two straight years of dominant play, Rankins can play a number of positions along the defensive front, attacking blockers in the run game while providing a strong pass rush. He has only two negatively-graded games in our two seasons of data.Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
Whether creating separation before the catch or yards after it, Coleman’s athleticism stands out on the field. He has the ability to make plays at all levels of the field.Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
Our top-graded WR before going down to injury last season, Doctson routinely makes incredible catches, turning off-target throws into big plays. That downfield ability makes him one of the most exciting playmakers in the draft.Shaq Lawson, Edge, Clemson
The second-best all around edge behind Bosa, Lawson is strong on the edge in the run game while posting the number eight pass rushing grade in the class.Chris Jones, Defensive Interior, Mississippi State
The power is the first thing that stands out, and it was put to good use as Jones ranked fourth in the nation among interior defensive linemen at +54.2. He can move blockers at the point of attack and push the pocket, and he still has room to grow as a player.Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
A power scheme is ideal for Conklin who moves defenders at the point of attack while holding up well in pass protection. His two-year body of work is right up there with any offensive tackle in the nation on a snap-for-snap basis.Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
One of the most consistent pass protecting tackles in the nation, Stanley should carry that to the next level while his run-blocking is sufficient in the right scheme.William Jackson III, CB, Houston
The second-best coverage grade in the draft class, Jackson is an aggressive, good-sized corner who will contest a lot of catches and make plays on the defensive side. He has the size and deep speed to develop into a number one corner.Cody Whitehair, G, Kansas State
After ranking fourth in the nation among offensive tackles in 2014 and first in 2015, Whitehair is projected to move to guard at the next level, something we saw during Senior Bowl week. He acquitted himself well, and he has the potential to be the next successful tackle to guard convert in the NFL.Mackenzie Alexander, CB, Clemson
Trapped in a Clemson defensive scheme that hung him out to dry with a lot of soft, off-coverage, Alexander may be a far better pro player than he was in college. Has all the traits of a top, shutdown corner.Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
In 2014 Hargreaves posted the best coverage grade we have seen from this draft class across two seasons of college tape. Didn’t repeat it in 2015 but still shows a lot of impressive tape and ball skills. Only negative is size.Leonard Floyd, Edge, Georgia
Floyd could dabble as an outside linebacker in the NFL just as he did last year in college, but his size and athleticism are best used rushing off the edge where his +28.9 pass rushing grade ranked fifth among the edge rushers in the class.Jarran Reed, Defensive Interior, Alabama
With our second-best grade against the run in 2015, Reed is rarely moved at the point of attack and he knows how to shed in make plays, as indicated by his nation-leading run stop percentage of 13.4 percent. He can play nose tackle, but also looks the part of a 3-4 defensive end if needed.Andrew Billings, Defensive Interior, Baylor
One of the strongest players in the draft, Billings is stout at the point of attack and perhaps the best nose tackle option in the draft. He was also got after the quarterback among the best in the country the past two seasons.Shilique Calhoun, Edge, Michigan State
No edge rusher had a better pass rushing grade than Calhoun in 2015, and he was strong in that department in 2014 as well. He’s not nearly as stout against the run, but did show that he can be productive in the run game in 2014.Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma
Our top-graded wide receiver in 2015, Shepard combines nifty route running with underrated downfield ball skills. Even though most of his work is done from the slot, he has the quickness to produce and validate his standing at the top of the draft.Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
While he doesn’t create the same kind of separation you’d like to see from a top wide receiver prospect, Treadwell is strong, though inconsistent, at the catch point and good with the ball in his hands after the catch.Robert Nkemdiche, Defensive Interior, Ole Miss
Perhaps the most disruptive interior pass rusher in the draft, Nkemdiche has some questions about his ideal fit, but he’s gotten after the quarterback the last two seasons and he improved greatly against the run in 2015.Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
Injury aside, Smith’s athleticism stands out and it often shows when in coverage and as a pass rusher. He’s not bad in the run game, though he’s not as strong at the point of attack as other linebackers in the class. If healthy, Smith has a chance to be a three-down playmaker at the next level.Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
While some of the other linebackers are stronger in certain areas, Ragland is solid across the board. He can work downhill in the running game, and his ability to hold up in coverage and create pressure should make him a third-down chess piece at the next level.Leonte Carroo, WR, Rutgers
A good combination of speed and separation skills, Carroo was incredibly productive on only 363 snaps last season averaging 4.11 yards per route to lead all FBS receivers.Sheldon Day, Defensive Interior, Notre Dame
Disruption is the name of the game for Day who excels at shooting gaps, though he could stand to finish better. His overall grade ranked second behind only Buckner among interior defensive linemen in 2015.Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
Production took a hit due to inconsistent quarterback play, but Thomas knows how to get open and he was a big-play threat when targeted.Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
Few tight ends can work the middle of the field like Henry who has averaged 14.3 yards/reception over the last two years. He’s only dropped two of his 90 catchable targets during that time.Jonathan Bullard, DI, Florida
Our top-graded run defender on the interior in 2015, Bullard is excellent at recognizing blocks, disrupting schemes and making plays. He doesn’t have a clean positional home, but has the versatility to play all along the defensive line.Noah Spence, Edge, Eastern Kentucky
We have little information about Spence, but the upside was evident at the Senior Bowl when he dominated practice and carried it into the game. Even though he may not do much as a run defender, Spence’s burst off the edge and pass rush potential is the best in the class.Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
A press man corner who made need a compass to find the football, Apple can stick with receivers as well as anyone in the class, though zone-heavy teams may not be interested.Emmanuel Ogbah, Edge, Oklahoma State
A one-dimensional player in 2015, Ogbah boasted the No. 3 pass rush grade among all edge rushers, though he settled in around average against the run. The potential is there to improve in that department but it may limit his usage early on.Rashard Higgins, WR, Colorado State
Higgins posted a huge grade (+32.0) in 2014, and while that dropped to +22.7 this year, there’s still a lot to like about the Colorado State playmaker. He dropped just three of the 78 catchable passes thrown his way in 2015 and he may be the best route runner in the draft class.Austin Johnson, Defensive Interior, Penn State
Boasting the No. 3 run-stopping grade in the nation in 2015, Johnson beats blockers with quick hands to disrupt the backfield and that bodes well for his upside as a pass rusher. His skills were on display with a strong week at the Senior Bowl.Vernon Butler, Defensive Interior, Louisiana Tech
Butler has put together two straight years of strong work against the run while improving his pass rush grade to 15th in the class on the strength of a bull rush that made up 40 percent of his pressures.Su’a Cravens, S/LB, USC
A safety/linebacker hybrid, Cravens attacks blocks in the running game and makes plays in the passing game. The NFL will find a spot for him as the difference between linebackers and strong safeties shrinks every year.Scooby Wright III, LB, Arizona
Few linebackers possess Wright’s instincts and block-shedding ability, and he looks like a plus run defender in the NFL if he’s healthy. The question for Wright is his athleticism in space, but we’ve seen other linebackers stay productive with similar concerns.Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama
Kelly posted good, not great, grades over the last two years, but he projects as a starting NFL center on the strength of a powerful run-blocking base that should work in any scheme. The NFL offensive line coaches we’ve spoken too all love his game.Adolphus Washington, Defensive Interior, Ohio State
Another strong all-around player, Washington is stout at the point of attack, but strong and quick enough to blow up plays as well. His +32.0 pass rush grade ranked third in the nation and he was strong in the run game.Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia
Before going down to injury after only 240 snaps in 2015, Joseph had the fifth-highest grade in the country as he showed off his playmaking skills while playing multiple coverages in West Virginia’s defense. He’s a versatile safety that is just as comfortable playing in the box as he is in deep center field.A’Shawn Robinson, Defensive Interior, Alabama
Rarely moved in the run game, Robinson played well within Alabama’s scheme and he projects as a similar, run-stopping 3-4 defensive end at the next level. The question is whether or not he can provide enough pass rush to warrant a high pick after two pedestrian seasons in that department.Michael Thomas, WR, Southern Miss
Playing bigger than his 6-foot-1 frame, Thomas caught a higher percentage of contested catches than the other top receivers in the class while ranking ninth in the nation with 2.98 yards/route.Jerell Adams, TE, South Carolina
Adams is a strong run blocker on the edge, while showing some wiggle at the top of routes, both on tape and during Senior Bowl practice. He’s the best all-around tight end in the draft.Devin Lucien, WR, Arizona State
A player that doesn’t seem to be getting the credit he deserves at this stage, he had the fifth highest receiving grade in games against Power-5 opponents in this draft class. He wasn’t quite dominant in college, but did everything well and showcased a safe pair of hands, dropping just three of the 69 catchable passes thrown his way.Joshua Perry, LB, Ohio State
There’s little flash to Perry’s game, but he does everything well whether fitting against the run, dropping into coverage or tackling. He’s missed only nine tackles on over 200 attempts the last two years.Kenny Clark, Defensive Interior, UCLA
Another strong interior defensive lineman, Clark is excellent at feeling and defeating all types of blocks — a big reason he was the No. 2 interior defensive lineman against the run in 2014. He took a slight step back in that area in 2015, but added more pass rush to his game.Jeremy Cash, S/LB, Duke
Similar to Cravens, Cash attacks blockers with a vengeance, whether playing the run where he led all safeties with a +20.4 grade or as a pass rusher where he also led at +13.9. He’s yet another safety/linebacker hybrid who will start as a box player while learning a true safety role on the side.Cyrus Jones, CB, Alabama
Like several of the corners in this list, doesn’t have the ideal size profile many NFL teams are looking for, but he’s feisty and extremely strong against the run and short passing game. Tough to shake in man and has a good feel for zone coverage, but has occasional lapses which have resulted in giving up 10 TDs over two seasonsHassan Ridgeway, Defensive Interior, Texas
Often lost in the deep class of interior defensive linemen, Ridgeway has put together two strong years of grading with a +48.6 overall mark on only 1044 snaps. He’s scheme-versatile and he can get after the quarterback better than most interior rushers in the class.Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
He might be a one-trick pony, but it’s a fairly important trick in today’s NFL. He ran a 4.32 40-yard dash at the scouting combine, and was third in the nation with 708 yards on passes traveling 20 yards or more in the air. He did drop 10 of the 72 catchable passes thrown his way though — something he’ll have to improve upon.Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
Perhaps more of an athlete than a great football player at this point, Spriggs graded well in 2015 (+16.7), but his strong NFL combine has teams looking at him as a first-round project. He needs to tie up a few technique issues and show more of that athleticism on the field to warrant more than a Day 2 pick.Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech
One of the most exciting running backs in the draft, Dixon is a clever runner, capable of cutting on a dime and making overaggressive defenses pay with big plays. He’s also very good in the passing game, particularly when split out wide.Joe Schobert, OLB, Wisconsin
One of the nation’s most productive players the last two seasons, Schobert may be viewed as a traditional linebacker at the next level, but he should be given a chance to rush the passer where he led the nation in pass-rush productivity each of the last two seasons.Malcolm Mitchell, WR, Georgia
A solid receiver across the board, Mitchell will get overshadowed by flashier receivers, but he creates separation on the post and dig routes as well as a receiver in the class and he’s dropped only four passes on 93 catchable targets the last two years.Paul Perkins, RB, UCLA
The only running back in the draft class to force more missed tackles was Alabama’s Derrick Henry (76 to 73), but it took Henry and extra 160 carries to do so. Perkins posted the top run grade and elusive rating (114.7) in the class.Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina
A threat to score with the ball in his hands, Cooper can be used in a variety ways that get the ball to him in space and he can use his excellent acceleration as a vertical slot receiver in the Doug Baldwin mold.Carl Nassib, Edge, Penn State
It’s not always pretty, but Nassib was rarely blocked in 2015 and that trend continued at a dominant Senior Bowl week. He sets a hard edge in the run game and keeps blockers off balance with power and good hands.Joshua Garnett, G, Stanford
Our top run-blocking guard in 2015, Garnett is a scheme-specific power guard that is best fit for a man-blocking scheme similar to Stanford’s. He struggled at times in pass pro and posted his worst games against his best competition (Buckner and Day).Nick Martin, C, Notre Dame
Similar to Kelly, Martin has a strong all-around game and projects to be a future starter with scheme diversity. His +22.7 overall grade ranked fifth in the nation.Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh
At +18.2, just three players in this draft class had a higher receiving grade than Boyd. His grades over the past two years were almost identical, with the Pittsburgh playmaker coming in at +22.2 last year and +22.9 this year. He dropped five passes in each of the past two seasons, but did see 16 more catchable passes thrown his way this year, so his drop rate improved from 6.02 to 5.05.Joe Thuney, T/G, NC State
One of the nation’s top guards in 2014, Thuney made a smooth transition to left tackle in 2015 finishing fourth in the draft class at +35.6 overall. He surrendered only seven pressures on 507 attempts in pass protection and at the very least he’ll bring versatility to an offensive line as a capable guard or tackle.Tyler Higbee, TE, Western Kentucky
Just two tight ends in this draft class had a higher receiving grade than WKU’s Higbee, with the Hilltopper making the most of the 48 passes thrown his way, dropping just two passes on his way to a 38-catch, 562-yard and eight-touchdown season. His run blocking grade was tied for 22nd in the class, but was still positive at +4.9.Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State
With a good showing at the combine and pro day, Bell’s athleticism shows whether he’s on or off the field. He’s able to step up and make plays in the run game while playing in split-safety looks in coverage.Kalan Reed, CB, Southern Miss
Incredibly smooth mover at cornerback, fits the size profile most teams are looking for. Can play in any scheme and make plays on the ball. Had excellent tape this year and our third-highest coverage grade in the draft class.Maliek Collins, Defensive Interior, Nebraska
Yet another productive interior defensive lineman, Collins is a disruptor who can shoot gaps and blow up plays. He ranked 10th in the draft class against the run at +28.4 and 11th as a pass rusher at +21.1.Kyler Fackrell, Edge, Utah State
Fackrell emerged as one of the nation’s top players in 2015, finishing ninth overall among edge defenders at +39.0. He dabbled in more of a traditional linebacker role at the Senior Bowl, but his best bet is as a 3-4 outside linebacker where he can rush the passer, play the edge in the run game and drop occasionally into coverage.Alex Collins, RB, Arkansas
Running in Arkansas’ pro-style offense, Collins posted the eighth-highest grade in the class as he showed the quickness and vision to maximize his offensive line’s blocking, but lacked the open-field ability to create a high percentage of big plays.Keyarris Garrett, WR, Tulsa
He racked up 725 yards on passes travelling 20 yards or more downfield, including seven touchdowns, and dropped just three of the 99 catchable passes thrown his way in 2015. A big target at 6-feet-4, Garrett can make plays downfield.Christian Westerman, G, Arizona State
One of the best pass-protecting guards in the class, Westerman combines good movement skills with surprising power, and while some of his peers are locked into a power blocking scheme, he is more diverse if not a zone blockingDarius Latham, Defensive Interior, Indiana
Size and productivity make Latham an interesting prospect as he got after the quarterback better than most (+23.8) while playing well against the run (+15.8).Jordan Howard, RB, Indiana
Two years of strong play at UAB and Indiana, Howard has shown scheme diversity while posting the fifth-best run grade in the draft class last season.Kevin Dodd, Edge, Clemson
A solid run defender on the edge, Dodd went on a tear late in the season as a pass rusher. Although he finished 25th in the class in that department, so he looks like more of a solid, every-down defensive end than an explosive game changer off the edge.Bronson Kaufusi, Defensive Interior, BYU
Kaufusi’s best fit may be as a 3-4 defensive end where his size and length will give him a chance to develop into a strong run defender with above average pass rushing potential.Isaac Seumalo, G, Oregon State
Quietely one of the nation’s best guards, Seumalo rarely loses in the run game and mitigates the damage when he does. He surrendered only four pressures on 407 attempts in pass protection last year.Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
The size and arm strength are impressive, as is Lynch’s three-year development at Memphis, but he’s just a notch below the other quarterbacks in this class. His accuracy at the intermediate level is concerning, particularly outside the numbers where his accuracy percentage is among the worst in the nation.Kamalei Correa, Edge, Boise State
As far as transitions to 3-4 outside linebacker go, Correa should make a smooth one after notching eight sacks, 12 QB hits, and 16 hurries on only 250 pass rushes last season.Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
We don’t see the same dominant offensive tackle potential in Decker as he’s a powerful fun blocker, but there was too much inconsistency in pass protection over the last two seasons.Spencer Drango, G, Baylor
One of our top-graded tackles the last two years, Drango looks like a smooth guard conversion as many of the blocks he was asked to make at Baylor will translate nicely. He can collapse the backside of zone plays and he has experience pulling in the run game.Nick VanHoose, CB, Northwestern
Has a strange, wooden way of moving that looks very awkward at times, but it doesn’t prevent him from making plays, and a lot of them. Allowed fewer than 44 percent of passes thrown his way to be caught this past season and had the highest coverage grade in the nation.Darian Thompson, S, Boise State
Thompson works downhill in both the pass and run game very well, but his geometric skills are lacking at times as his open field angles need some work. He also disappointed with a slow 40 time at the combine as many teams were hoping to see a rangy free safety prospect.Nick Kwiatkowski, LB, West Virginia
Kwiatkowski ranked fourth in the draft class as a run defender at +21.7 and fifth in coverage a +9.0 as his all-around strong play should make him a dependable starter at the next level.Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor
His coverage numbers are excellent, but the tape shows they’re misleading. Beaten plenty this season without giving up completions. Has the measurables, and his good is excellent, but he is a work in progress.Anthony Zettel, Defensive Interior, Penn State
There was a drop-off in Zettel’s game in 2015 after he was one of the nation’s best interior defensive linemen in 2014 with a strong performance against the run and rushing the passer.Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
Lee’s speed is evident on tape, but to this point, it’s been used effectively as a pass rusher while lacking consistency against the run and in coverage. He played over the slot quite a bit at Ohio State but coverage was a mix of big plays and mishaps over the last two years.Daniel Braverman, WR, Western Michigan
He might be a slot only receiver at the next level, but he’s very good in that role regardless. No player in this draft class averaged more yards per route run from the slot than Braverman’s 3.27.Joe Dahl, OT, Washington State
The NFL is going to be split on what exactly Joe Dahl is. His Senior Bowl performance suggested pretty conclusively that he is not a guard, but many will be reluctant to play him at tackle given his body type and measurables profile. A move to center has also been mooted. At tackle, however, he is a natural pass protector who struggles to anchor against the bull rush.Jordan Payton, WR, UCLA
Payton had the seventh highest receiving grade in this draft class at +22.2, seeing a big jump from +8.6 in 2014. He showcased a safe pair of hands at UCLA, dropping just six of the 154 catchable passes thrown his way between 2014 and 2015.Le’Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech
The size and length are there for Clark, but as we saw at Senior Bowl week, he has a lot of work to do to learn how to effectively use his tools. His pass rush grade of +6.7 ranked ninth in the draft class.Matt Skura, C, Duke
Skura always seems to be in good position to make the necessary block, a big part of his earning PFF All-American status. He can develop into a future starter at the next level.Matt Ioannidis, Defensive Interior, Temple
Consistently disruptive on the inside of a good Temple defense, Ioannidis played in multiple technique spots on the defensive front and was pretty effective at every one. Perhaps best suited to 3-tech at the next level, he’s an intriguing player with proven production.Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State
There’s a lot of projection with Miller, who has seen just 30 catchable passes thrown his way in his short time at wide receiver. He excels in space though, forcing eight missed tackles on 28 receptions in 2015.Ronald Blair, Defensive Interior, Appalachian State
Blair has been extremely productive against inferior competition the last two years, playing stout against the run and posting the number six pass rush grade in the draft class in 2015 at +24.9.Tavon Young, CB, Temple
Size is a concern for Young as is the fact that he really did not grade well this season. A year ago his coverage grade was far better, but this season he struggled and may ultimately be best suited to covering the slot, rather than trying to match up with far bigger players on the outside.Dean Lowry, Defensive Interior, Northwestern
While Lowry moved around in Northwestern’s scheme, he’s likely best fit to play on the interior due to his size and athleticism. His +37.0 overall grade ranked 10th in the nation when compared to other edge defenders (his primary position in 2015).Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Everybody knows about the family bloodlines, but right now Kendall Fuller looks like a zone cornerback who may struggle in different schemes. Breaks on the ball well but has been beaten for an average of almost 15 yards over the past two seasons of coverage.Will Anthony, Edge, Navy
A clear standout on a pretty good Navy defense, Anthony took a huge step forward this season and was one of the most actively disruptive defensive linemen in the country. Playing primarily on the interior for Navy, he would be an edge defender at the next level, and actually had superior production when he played there for the Midshipmen.znModeratorWho the hell is he?
Jake Rudock, QB, Michigan
Height: 6-3. Weight: 208.3/3/16: Rudock played at Iowa for a few seasons before transferring to Michigan for his senior year. He had a solid final season and was a functional game-manager for Jim Harbaugh. In 2015, Rudock completed 64 percent of his passes for 3,017 yards with 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He was a smart quarterback, but lacks the arm or athleticism to be rated higher. He didn’t work out at the combine.
Rudock did not impress at the East-West Shrine practices. He wasn’t horrible, but he looks like an undrafted quarterback who will compete as a training camp to be a team’s third quarterback.
http://walterfootball.com/draft2016QB.php#l2c0RfRXMvUSWrvx.99
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Jake Rudock. QB. 6’3. 208Lbs. Michigan. (RS Senior)
http://www.nfldraftdiamonds.com/2016-nfl-draft-scouting-notes-jake-rudock-qb-michigan/
The Positives
1) Good NFL size
2) A smart QB, goes through his progressions
3) Good throwing motion
The Negatives
1) Does not have a cannon, but arm is strong enough
2) Limited playing experience
Jake Rudock is an interesting prospect to study. His arm is not especially strong, but it is strong enough to get by. He plays with good fundamentals. Keeps a good bounce in his step in the pocket, squares his hips, and steps into his throws. He is not afraid to stand in the pocket in the face of pressure in order to complete a pass, and he is mobile enough to roll out of the pocket. He can make accurate throws while rolling out. Last season at Iowa he completed 61% of his passes for 2, 436 yards, 16 TD’s and only 5 INT’s. He may not be the top end prospect that some of his peers may be, but he is a smart QB who can read coverages and takes care of the ball. If he wins the job at Michigan and plays well he may move up the draftboard, but as it stands I see Jake Rudock as a mid to late round pick and a solid career backup type player.
znModeratorThis is just me thinking about the people out there who say, well, Pace started out fast, why can’t GR. Actually there were several linemen from that draft (97), and from that era, that were playing pretty well from the get-go. You used to be able to count on it. Linemen went in the 1st round precisely because they were ready. Now, they go in the first round because they are somewhat readiER than others, and, also, because they represent longterm investments in a certain talent level.
Though….I am not sure why people think Pace was THAT good initially, since in fact, in a series of interviews, Hanifan made it absolutely clear that Pace needed to listen and to improve and that it took some doing. Hanifan likes to tell the story about how he had to work to get Pace’s attention. Pace needed work too, just like GR does now…just less of it.
That aside though, yeah Pace…and a lot of linemen…started off better than they tend to now. That includes in 97 Walter Jones. Tarik Glenn, and Ross Verba (all 1st round LOTs from that year’s draft).
But there’s a difference. Or, 2 differences. In 97 players came from more pro-oriented college offenses and had more real face-time and practice time with NFL coaches. Since then, the spread has messed up the transition for college linemen (there have been several articles about this in recent years) AND the new CBA limits practice time and contact with coaches.
That is why virtually NO LOT taken in the first round the last few years has started out well–the percentage is very low. The percentage does not improve much in their second years. I have done the numbers on this before, using the old PFF grades when they were still available.
The era when 4 1st round LOTs can play pretty well as rookies—as Pace, Jones, Glenn, and Verba ALL did in 97—was over a long time ago. Asking for that NOW (“that” being multiple 1st round LOTs performing at least pretty well as rookies) is just impossible.
IMO, if GR is still struggling in year 3, it’s an issue. Before then, any complaints are just coming from a place where people ignore too much (like the effect of the college spread on linemen developing as pros these days).
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March 18, 2016 at 10:08 am in reply to: Jon Gruden's QB Camp w/ Case Keenum 2012 (has morphed into "the keenum thread") #40772znModeratorCoachO, Dec 29, 2015
I’m basing my thoughts on Mannion on what I watched throughout training camp. He just has something about him that stuck out to me.
I mentioned coming out of the preseason that the sooner he is elevated to the #2 the better. Now we go into next season and IMO he will be given every chance to compete for the starters job. Mostly due to the implosion of Foles.
I like what Keenum has shown this far. But I think Mannion offers more upside. And I don’t see them bailing on him this soon.
What I don’t get is how so many (not you specifically) can make any kind of evaluation without ever watching him (or anyone else) play.
Most don’t get to see them in practice (outside of camp), so they just make assumptions. More often than not guys like Mannion are out of sight out of mind until the these type of conversations.
All the camp reporters liked what they saw of Mannion last year, at least initially.
Though the Rams have let it slip out that they still think he needs to work on some things in his mechanics etc.
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