One-On-One with Jackie Slater from LA Meetings

Rams reporter Dani Klupenger gets the one-on-one interview with Hall of Fame lineman Jackie Slater after the team’s first meeting in Los Angeles.

http://www.therams.com/videos/videos/OneOnOne_with_Jackie_Slater_from_LA_Meetings/d4ba7ca0-c6a6-4c3c-9634-8d6ae149aee7

One-On-One with Alec Ogletree from LA Meetings

Rams reporter Dani Klupenger gets the one-on-one interview with linebacker Alec Ogletree after the team’s first meeting in Los Angeles.

http://www.therams.com/videos/videos/OneOnOne_with_Alec_Ogletree_from_LA_Meetings/e0a23833-41b5-41d0-9603-bdbd28e99d37

Roughly 80 percent of Rams attend first team meeting in Los Angeles

Eric D. Williams
ESPN Staff Writer

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14904351/roughly-80-percent-rams-attend-first-team-meeting-los-angeles

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald says the possibility of paparazzi staking out his favorite dinner spot for his photo won’t change the way the defensive tackle lives his life.

“It’s a big city,” Donald said. “There’s a lot of big-time people in the city, so you know there’s going to be cameras around a lot. But just be yourself, and like they always say, don’t put yourself in silly situations when you’ve got a camera in your face.

“Image is everything.”

Donald was part of the first team meeting held by the Rams in Los Angeles. About 80 percent of the players currently on the roster attended the session at a hotel in Manhattan Beach. Players watched the same video presentation of the new Inglewood stadium shown during an introductory press conference a month ago, listened to a discussion of the do’s and don’ts by local law enforcement officials and heard an overview from team officials on how the Rams will help players transition from St. Louis to L.A. during the relocation process.

Players were greeted by business cards from real estate agents as they trickled out of the meeting. The franchise’s most recognizable player, running back Todd Gurley, was swarmed by a throng of Rams’ fans as he left the hotel.

“It was great to get players together to show them what the next six months of their life is going to look like,” said Rams executive Kevin Demoff.

Case Keenum, the team’s current starting quarterback, says he still has a lot to prove. Keenum finished the end of the 2015 season 3-2 as a starter, but the Rams are expected to add competition at the quarterback position either through the draft or free agency.

“I put expectations and goals on myself,” Keenum said. “I want to be really good, and I think I can be really good. And I work hard for that. Nothing’s ever been handed to me, and so I don’t expect anything to be handed to me. I’m going to work for it.”

The Rams will begin offseason training at the Dallas Cowboys’ Oxnard, California practice facility — 65 miles north of Los Angeles — beginning April 18. Players are expected to be housed in a nearby hotel.

“What we’re doing right now is to get them out into the offseason program, because that’s where things start to even out competitively,” Rams head coach Jeff Fisher said. “If we can get into the offseason program in a timely fashion, we’ll be in good shape. And those things are starting to fall into place.”

The team will transition to its own training camp location at the end of July, but have not identified a home for training camp.

Rams officials have not announced where that will be, but Fisher said it’s likely the team will use facilities at UC Irvine in Orange County as temporary home for training camp. Housing for players will be taken care of by the organization during training camp as well.

The Rams are expected to hold regular-season workouts in Thousand Oaks, California, but are still looking for a permanent home. Fisher said the organization is encouraging players to look for housing near the Thousand Oaks area.

Linebacker Alec Ogletree said commute time to work will be a determining factor on where he finds a home.

“My approach to traffic out here is to leave two hours early,” Ogletree said, laughing. “I’ve been out here a few times. So you definitely want to be 15 or 20 minutes away from the facility.”

Fisher said that the plan is for the team’s brain trust to remain in Los Angeles for free agency, showing potential signees around the city.

While players are focused on making the transition from the Midwest to the West Coast with their families over the next, few months, guys like Donald understand that in order to win the hearts of fans in Los Angeles, the Rams need to put together their first winning season since 2003.

“There’s going to be a lot going on,” Donald said. “But at the end of the day, my job is to play football and do what I’ve got to do to get myself prepared and ready for this season. I’ll make sure that’s my first priority, so I can play at a high level and continue to be the player they drafted me to be.”

from off the net

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RamBill

Rapoport On Foles Contract

I just heard Rapoport talking about Foles on the NFL Network…..He said a team trading for Foles would only be picking up around a $2 million salary.

That makes him very tradeable.

I was … told that Jenkins was looking to start somewhere closer to the $10.5 million annually that Byron Maxwell got from Philadelphia last year.

Interesting.

Los Angeles Rams players arrive for team meeting. #NFL pic.twitter.com/szO30nesva

— Gary Klein (@LATimesklein) March 4, 2016

Jim Thomas ‏@jthom1 o
Rams players in LA today for orientation meeting. Wonder if all pending free agents will be there?https://twitter.com/jthom1

Rams see Alec Ogletree in middle of plans for their linebackers

By RICH HAMMOND / STAFF WRITER

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/ogletree-706750-rams-linebacker.html

The immediate future of the Rams’ defense might hinge on a linebacker who couldn’t run until a couple months ago, but that’s not as dire as it might sound.

Alec Ogletree, by all accounts, is back on his feet, ready for football and prepared to show the Rams that they made a prudent decision last month when they released veteran James Laurinaitis. The crucial middle linebacker spot now belongs to Ogletree, who has gone from safety to injured linebacker to linchpin.

“I’m confident that Alec can do it,” Coach Jeff Fisher said last week.

The Rams will be in Manhattan Beach on Friday for a team meeting in which executives will attempt to explain many of the logistics of the team’s relocation from St. Louis. That will, perhaps, give Ogletree a break in what has been described as a ferocious recovery from the broken lower leg he suffered in October.

“He’s been in the building every day,” Fisher said, “and he’s wearing (defensive coordinator) Coach (Gregg) Williams out.”

The Rams, it seems clear, are taking a bit of a chance here, and not just on Ogletree, a 6-foot-2, 245-pound former safety and inside linebacker who will move to the middle for the first time in his career.

That shift, announced last week by Fisher at the NFL Scouting Combine, brings a lot of responsibility. Ogletree essentially becomes the on-field captain of the defense and must adequately replace Laurinaitis, who filled that role for seven seasons until last week’s release.

“Alec is going to get people lined up. He’s a really smart player,” Fisher said. “The way he was playing before he got hurt, it’s hard to find someone who was more productive behind the ball. He’s excited.”

There’s evidence to suggest Ogletree is ready. Drafted by the Rams with the No. 30 overall pick in 2013, Ogletree – who transitioned from safety in college at Georgia – became an immediate starter at outside linebacker. As a rookie, he displaced Laurinaitis as the Rams’ leading tackler.

Ogletree’s all-around game steadily improved but, during the Rams’ Oct. 4 game at Arizona, Ogletree and teammate T.J. McDonald got tangled during a tackle attempt and Ogletree broke his fibula. Ogletree missed the final 12 games of the season.

“It was tough (not playing) because just as a competitor you want to get out on the field,” Ogletree told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch near the end of last season. “But the team comes first and we always preach the next-man-up philosophy. The guys stepped in and did what they had to do, and continued to play well. When you’ve got guys that can step in when somebody falls out, that definitely helps.”

The injury had one positive: It allowed the Rams to more fully examine their situation at linebacker.

The Rams knew they had a winner in Ogletree, then also learned a lot about outside linebacker Mark Barron, the fourth-year player who moved into a bigger role at weakside linebacker after Ogletree’s injury.

Barron, who had been a safety in Tampa Bay before a 2014 trade to the Rams, started 12 games and finished with 76 tackles. Barron is set to be an unrestricted free agent next week, but the Rams would like to sign him and have him – and perhaps Akeem Ayers – flank Ogletree in 2016.

“Mark’s reps increased and I thought he had a really good year,” Fisher said. “As you see, there’s a trend in the league for that kind of guy. And we feel he really fits in our defense. So he’s a priority, from the standpoint of getting him re-signed.”

The Rams also hope to sign Ogletree, who has one year remaining on his contract, to an extension, but he could play himself into a major raise in 2016. Ogletree is expected to be ready to participate in the Rams’ offseason workouts in April.

==============

RAMS LINEBACKERS

2015 starters: James Laurinaitis (16 games), Mark Barron (12 games), Akeem Ayers (11 games)

Others: Alec Ogletree (four starts), Daren Bates

Contract status: The Rams released Laurinaitis last week, after seven seasons. Barron is set to become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday and Bates is set to become a restricted free agent. Ogletree and Ayers are under contract through the 2016 season.

Biggest strength: The Rams have good athleticism at linebacker, given that Ogletree and Barron are converted safeties. Barron, a former first-round pick, failed to meet lofty expectations as a safety in Tampa Bay but, after a trade to the Rams, has thrived as an aggressive linebacker.
Biggest weakness: The internal presumption is that Ogletree is ready to handle the big move to middle linebacker, but there’s not yet any on-field proof. There’s not much depth here, something the Rams will want to address through free agency and/or the draft.

Help in the draft: Reggie Ragland (Alabama); Leonard Floyd (Georgia); Darron Lee (Ohio State); Scooby Wright (Arizona); Kentrell Brothers (Missouri).

By the numbers: In cutting Laurinaitis, the Rams dropped the player who, last September, passed Merlin Olsen for most tackles in franchise history. In seven seasons, Laurinaitis started 112 games and never missed one. The Rams’ prospective starters in 2016 – Ogletree, Barron and Ayers – have combined for 107 starts at linebacker (Barron also started 37 games at safety).

Updated RFN Top 32

Pat Kirwan
Published on 03/03/2016

https://realfootballnetwork.com/2016/03/03/02-04-16-rfn-top-32/

When teams put their draft boards together, the ‘Big Board’ does not pay attention to team needs. It is based on football talent, with consideration for medical issues, position played, off the field issues and measurables. A final grade is the culmination of all areas (some weighed heavier than others), and it can change as more information is brought into the equation like pro days, team visits, and further film study. Sooner or later the ‘Big Board’ has to be constructed, so here is the latest 2016 version. Keep in mind ‘Big Boards’ are like finger prints no two the same.

1. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
Production, measurables, competitiveness, and ability to impact a game put him on top for now.

2. DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
Rare size, football intelligence, and maturity are all things I saw when I interviewed him.

3. Laremy Tunsil, OT, Mississippi
He has left tackle talent like D’Brickashaw Ferguson, but he has had off the field issues. It remains to be seen how he will handle NFL power rushers. Also, he was in the room when Robert Nkemdiche fell out the hotel window.

4. Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
Versatility, athletic ability, and matchup skills make him a rare find.

5. Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA
A great athlete who can play on either side of the ball and multiple positions on defense. The knee injury has knocked him down slightly. A great pro day and he will be on the rise.

6. A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
Men this big, that move as well as him are hard to find. He reminds me of Vince Wilfork coming out of college. He can play almost all of the defensive line spots with the exception of right DE in a 4-man front.

7. Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
A classic team-leading middle linebacker in the mold of CJ Mosley. He should be a 100 tackles a year player for a decade.

8. Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
A finished product with all the techniques, and strength to start as a rookie and be a team captain for many years. Has he already reached his ceiling?

9. Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
A very good athlete with a top flight arm. He has the football aptitude to play at a high level for a decade. He has the arm strength to throw the ball in bad weather, as witnessed one day at the Senior Bowl.

10. Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
A high quality individual with NFL size and production as a pass rusher. His 24 sacks in the past two seasons is tops in this draft class.

11. Jared Goff, QB, California
Tremendous college production and athletic ability. Slightly built, which could be an issue, but his quick release should keep him out of trouble.

12. Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky
He might be the best pass rusher in the class, but his off the field issues make him a risk.

13. Kendall Fuller, DB, Virginia Tech
An injury put him in the background since the season ended, but he is a top flight athlete with NFL skills. He is the whole package when it comes to character, leadership, and football intelligence.

14. Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
Exceptional size and athletic ability for the corner position. He has athletic ability like Richard Sherman and the maturity to play a long time.

15. Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
A top athlete for his position, light on his feet, but like Tunsil, may struggle early against power.

16. Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State
A ‘hybrid’ player in the mold of LaVonte David. He can play in the box as a run and hit backer or he can walk out on a true slot receiver and play M-M. His 4.46 forty was all I needed to see after watching him play.

17. Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
A versatile defensive lineman with production. Watch the Notre Dame game against my #15 Ronnie Stanley to see the talent. Still needs some work on technique, but his initial quickness and pass rush will get him on the field early.

18. Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi
A well-built athlete who may not run the fastest 40 time, but he plays fast enough and loves to block. I sat down with him at the Combine and was impressed with his knowledge of coverages.

19. Jarran Reed, DL, Alabama
He came to the Senior Bowl to demonstrate his competiveness and versatility. If your team needs a run defender with underrated pass rush skills, he’s a candidate.

20. Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
Henry is being advertised as a second round player who is strictly a front side downhill runner with limited vision. I interviewed him and there’s a lot to like about this young man. I believe he will show the NFL people he catches the ball better than people think, and at 247 lbs. he will be a solid NFL running back.

21. Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
Henry is the best tight end in the draft. He has the size, hands, and potential to be a dangerous weapon.

22. Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
Georgia produces outside linebackers year in and year out. Floyd had some up and down moments in 2015, but nonetheless is what 3-4 teams look for at OLB.

23. Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
Lynch has the size, speed, and cannon-like arm to play and succeed. He reminds me of Joe Flacco with better foot speed.

24. Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
Conklin walked-on at Michigan State with a chip on his shoulder. He is strong, competitive, and good enough to play on the left side. He has better lower body strength than the two tackles rated above him.

25. Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida
Many have him higher than this, but his forty time is a yellow flag, and his height is not ideal for the modern game outside against 6’5 wide receivers. Open field tackling can be an issue at times. Things he got away with in college could be an issue in the pros.

26. Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Mississippi
He does a lot of things, but doesn’t really jump out on film. His off the field issues and coachability are yellow flags, but he is a talent.

27. Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
Alexander says he’s the best CB in the draft and loves to shut down top receivers. He didn’t run at the Combine, he is 5’10, and never intercepted a pass in college. He’s still in the top 32 players, but just not as high up the list as he would like to be.

28. Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
Decker is a right tackle in the NFL even though he has played on both sides in college. He has the traits, personality, and work ethic of a classic NFL starting offensive lineman. Could struggle early, but will quickly develop into a dependable pro lineman.

29. Joshua Perry, OLB, Ohio State
Perry is a big Sam linebacker with excellent leadership skills. Football is very important to him and any team that interviews him will want him on their roster. He also has the size and get-off to rush the passer.

30. Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
Dodd is still a bit raw, but his 12 sacks last year was a glimpse of things to come. He has fine character and work ethic to develop into a solid defensive end.

31. Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama
Kelly has all the traits of an NFL center. Smart, strong, big, and competitive. Athletic enough at the second level, has good technique, and he is sound enough against big nose tackles. He put on a show when running at the Combine.

32. Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
Had an impressive discussion about football with him at the Combine. He has what a 4-3 defense needs at the 3 technique. He has burst, good hand usage, and desire to finish.

Guys just outside the Top 32– Jason Spriggs OT Indiana, Vernon Butler DT Louisiana Tech, Jaylon Smith LB Notre Dame (injured), Andrew Billings DL Baylor, Connor Cook QB Michigan State

Gruden’s QB camp: Jared Goff

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:14892331

Mayors around Los Angeles County gather in Long Beach to talk LA Rams, ports, education

Greg Yee, Press-Telegram

http://www.dailynews.com/government-and-politics/20160302/mayors-around-los-angeles-county-gather-in-long-beach-to-talk-la-rams-ports-education

Mayors from about 40 cities around Los Angeles County gathered at the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach Wednesday to discuss regional issues including trade and transportation, and to hear about the Rams return to the area.

The event — the latest in a series of quarterly mayors’ gatherings — featured Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia and county supervisors Don Knabe and Mark Ridley-Thomas.

Inglewood Mayor James Butts, Jr. gave a lengthy presentation about how he and others worked to bring the Rams to Inglewood, a journey that saw the city come back from the brink of bankruptcy, he said.

“The Inglewood that I came into Feb. 1 of 2011 would never have had a football team,” he said.

When Butts, who served for decades in the Inglewood Police Department, left the city in 1991 to become Santa Monica Police Chief, The Forum was home to the Showtime Lakers and the LA Kings. Hollywood Park drew 38,000 people four days a week and tens of thousands more for large race days.

In 2011 the city was on the verge of bankruptcy with an unfunded liability of $117 million and $11 million left in reserves, enough to keep the city going for just six months.

The city eliminated about 140 positions, set no cost of living increases for employees, put furloughs into place, raised water rates and outsourced parking patrols, tree trimming and street sweeping.

In 2014 Butts got a call requesting a meeting with a man he had never heard of — Stan Kroenke.

Kroenke, a developer and Rams’ owner, made his pitch for building Rams stadium in Inglewood but wanted the city to contribute public money toward the project.

Butts declined the offer, but countered with a proposal of his own for a stadium as part of a sports and entertainment district. Kroenke was intrigued.

In the following months owners at Hollywood Park decided to participate in a series of meetings, and much of the preliminary work had been done by the time the Rams’ interest in moving from St. Louis was announced publicly.

“We were the only project in the county that more than just a bunch of pretty pictures imagining what it might be,” Butts said. “We had actual construction done and architectural work done.”

After Butts concluded his talk, Garcia discussed trade, the ports and the Long Beach College Promise, a signature education partnership between the city, Cal State Long Beach, Long Beach Unified and Long Beach City College.

For many, like Garcetti, the quarterly gathering of mayors is a way to foster connections between the county’s far-flung cities, and to exchange ideas.

“This is really about creating relationships across cities,” he said. “Economic development, homelessness, those things ignore borders. It’s time for us to do the same thing.”