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znModeratorin the end, I’d still say, its really
really hard to predict what either of them
might do under a new coach, in a new system.We could apply that to Foles too, though. On paper NF did well in 2013, did okay overall in 2014, and then hit a rock and splattered in 2015.
Does he fit that kind of profile too? Is he resurrectable too?
And in terms of Griffen doing well under Shanahan…Cousins did well under Gruden. If Gruden could make something out of Cousisns why couldn’t he make anything out of the ostensibly more talented Griffen?
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znModeratorThat’s by Andy Benoit. He writes good stuff, and has a good eye. Benoit is usually a must read.
March 3, 2016 at 12:40 am in reply to: 2016 mocks & rankings & general draft commentaries, thread 2 #39900znModeratorMike Freeman’s 10-Point Stance: The Worst Offensive Draft Class in Years
Mike Freeman
Mike Freeman's 10-Point Stance: The Worst Offensive Draft Class in Years
1. Scout: “This is not a good class”
A scout and I went to lunch in Indianapolis, and before the waiter could say hello, the scout was ranting about the state of quarterbacking in college and the NFL.
On college quarterbacks: “Not a single one who makes you go, ‘Wow.’ The best teams can hope for is that one of these guys becomes Trent Dilfer.”
Wait…what? Did you say Trent Dilfer?
“This is not a good class. No matter how much you guys in the media try to spin it.”
So, there’s that.
He calmed down after the food arrived. He had been hungry and grumpy. Now, he was just grumpy.
The scout is one of the more respected in football, and based on interviews with a half-dozen personnel evaluators, he’s not the only one who feels this way. (Well, the Dilfer comparison is a little extreme.) His overall point wasn’t just about quarterbacks, and it wasn’t crazy, either. This is what he was saying:
Not only is the quarterback talent in this draft barely above average. The overall offensive talent is as well.
“This is one of the worst drafts for offensive talent in the past four or five years,” the scout said.
One thing that factors into this belief: Wide receivers ran the slowest 40-yard dash times since 2011. Speed certainly isn’t everything, but it has become a large part of football.
Another factor: I’ve heard repeatedly from team officials that they think the best player in the draft is Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott—not any quarterback, not Ole Miss offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil, not any receiver. Running backs are not supposed to be the most captivating prospects for a passing league, but here we are.
The scout’s main problem with the draft is the top quarterbacks: Carson Wentz, Jared Goff, Paxton Lynch and Connor Cook. They are more workout wonders than players with skill, the scout said, and he believes it will be three to four years before a team sees a return from any of them.
“There is talent there, but it’s marginal,” he said. “They’ve all been inflated by the fact they know how to work out at the combine, but the tape isn’t really all that impressive to me.”
It’s possible the scout is wrong, but this scout is rarely in error. I get the feeling we will look back at this draft—at the quarterbacks in particular—and wince.
Now, watch them all make the Hall of Fame.
2. Relatedly…
Since the draft isn’t one of the better offensive ones, several front-office sources said more and more teams are looking to trade down. A team can trade back a handful of slots, gather picks and get decent (not great) offensive players late instead of getting decent (not great) players early.
3. The defense, on the other hand…
The scout: “This is one of the deepest defensive drafts, I’d say, in about three years. Maybe longer. The thing that’s impressed me is the quickness of the interior linemen. They also use some of the best technique that I’ve seen in some years.”
4. Drug tests at 4:30 in the morning
One thing few people understand about the combine is that it’s a long, draining process. Ohio State’s Joey Bosa’s schedule isn’t atypical. He had 13 interviews, he said at a press conference, and had to wake up at 3 in the morning for a 4:30 drug test.
5. Few in the league believe the 49ers on Colin Kaepernick
So we know the Browns don’t want Colin Kaepernick.
And neither do the Texans.
But despite what 49ers owner Jed York recently told the San Jose Mercury News’ Mark Purdy, the sense around the league is that San Francisco doesn’t want him, either.
Several team sources (not with the 49ers) told me they feel strongly San Francisco wants Kaepernick gone and will move him as quickly as possible.
One of the interesting things York told Purdy is about the tampering that takes place in the league. He’s one of the first owners or team executives I can remember who acknowledged—on the record—just how much teams tamper. It’s been rampant for decades, and the NFL hasn’t been able to stop or even slow it.
6. RG3 trade remains unlikely
Like Kaepernick, no one wants to trade for Robert Griffin III, team officials say. They know Washington will eventually release him.
But unlike it is in Kaepernick, the interest in Griffin is massive. Teams think they can remake him. League sources said at least a dozen teams are interested. It’s probably even more than that.
7. Josh Freeman’s next chance
Matt Hasselbeck is out as the backup to Andrew Luck, and Josh Freeman is in.
This is nothing against Hasselbeck, who was crucial for the team last season with Luck out. But good for Freeman. He deserves some appreciation for coming back from the brink.
After a promising start in Tampa Bay, Freeman struggled with the Vikings, Giants, Dolphins and even the FXFL’s Brooklyn Bolts. But he never gave up, and here he is. This sounds corny as hell, but his story is a good example of perseverance. I know, corny, but it’s true.
8. Jim Harbaugh, Urban Meyer still hotly pursued
Just passing this along: As coaches were fired this past season, teams made runs at Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh and Ohio State’s Urban Meyer. This is not a shock. What is a shock is the ferocity with which both said no.
According to an NFL team official, organizations that contacted Harbaugh and Meyer (or their representatives) were given such resounding no’s that those teams walked away thinking it will be years before Harbaugh returns, if ever, and that Meyer will never coach in the NFL.
Harbaugh supposedly told one NFL team official, “I’m having fun coaching football again.”
9. The incredible Torrey Smith
Many blogs by athletes aren’t worth the cyberspace they’re written in. A handful are good. Even fewer are so good they need to be shared with everyone. This one by 49ers receiver Torrey Smith is one of those rare blogs.
It shows how, in some ways, despite their wealth and vast resources, athletes can face the same worries and fears the rest of us do.
10. Take your coach’s advice, Tim
Tim Tebow, despite being a quarterback who’s unable to throw a football accurately, remains in the news. Meyer, his old coach, recently said what I’ve been saying for years: He just needs to go play in Canada.
“I think that’s a great point, and I was actually in a conversation with him about going to Canada,” Meyer said on the NFL Network. “The situation—his family and I were involved in it—we just didn’t think it was the right one. I think if there’s a right one, I think he’d probably do it.”
Tebow still wants to play, but the NFL doesn’t want him. Don’t be surprised if a Canadian team makes an offer Tebow now can’t refuse.
March 2, 2016 at 3:50 pm in reply to: 2016 mocks & rankings & general draft commentaries, thread 2 #39887znModeratorThe Cowboys might hold key to Rams first-round QB hopes
Vincent Bonsignore
link: http://www.insidesocal.com/nfl/2016/03/02/the-cowboys-might-hold-key-to-rams-first-round-qb-hopes/
Remember how Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wielded so much power in the Rams getting approved for relocation back to Los Angeles?
Jones might hold some influence in another franchise-altering decision facing the Rams.
Like, say, whether they have a shot at one of the top three quarterbacks in the draft.
But more on that in a bit.
While Rams general manager Les Snead contended last week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis that football is a team game and the quarterback is simply a part of that team equation – all strong points, of course – what Snead didn’t explain is just how big a piece the quarterback is in that puzzle.
All you have to do is take a look at the most successful teams in the league to understand it’s a gigantic piece to be sure.
Which is why the Rams will operate this offseason with the intent of finally landing a quarterback they can comfortably march into the future with, and one they can plug in sooner rather than later on a team that has a number of strong pieces already in place.
This isn’t five years ago when the Rams selected Sam Bradford first overall and were forced to throw him to the wolves surrounded by a really weak supporting cast. The quarterback the Rams roll with will step into a situation in which budding All-Pro Todd Gurley is at running back, playmaking wide receiver Tavon Austin can line up all over the field, a young, improving offensive line is in front of him and a playoff caliber defense is in place.
In fact, it can be argued the Rams are a consistent, dependable quarterback and a No. 1 wide receiver away from legitimately contending for a playoff spot.
Which brings up back to Jerry Jones and the Cowboys, and how big a part he plays in the Rams securing their quarterback of the future in the first round.
Three quarterbacks are projected to go in the first half of the first round: North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz, Cal’s Jared Goff and Memphis’ Paxton Lynch.
After a strong showing at the combine last week, Wentz seems almost a lock to go to the Cleveland Browns at No. 2.
This is where it gets a little tricky.
The San Diego Chargers select third, and with Philip Rivers in place it makes little sense they’d draft a quarterback.
Now come the Cowboys at No. 4.
Does Jerry Jones put off drafting the heir apparent to Tony Romo another year, despite Romo’s long injury problems, and roll the dice Romo will can stay healthy? Or does he proactively secure Romo’s replacement by investing the fourth pick in the draft in Cal’s Jared Goff?
If they draft Goff – and plenty of mock drafts have them doing just that – then Lynch is the next man up and it’s hard to imagine him sliding past the San Francisco 49ers at No. 7.
And if that happens, the Rams will likely look at a different position with their 15th pick overall.
On the other hand, if Jones decides on a more immediate impact player at No. 4 – like, say, UCLA linebacker Myles Jack – then the 49ers would likely draft Goff with Lynch sliding to 15 for the Rams.
So, as you can see, the Cowboys hold some important cards in the Rams getting their quarterback in the first round. And there are cases to be made in both directions why Jones should – or shouldn’t – invest such a high pick to secure Romo’s replacement.
znModeratorPFF: EVALUATING ALL 10 FRANCHISE TAG DECISIONS
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/03/02/pro-evaluating-all-10-franchise-tag-decisions/
Sam Monson examines each tag used by teams before the deadline, identifying which moves were smart, and which were questionable.
The first domino of free agency toppled yesterday, with franchise tags being slapped on 10 players across the NFL, better setting the marketplace for the free-for-all madness that will begin next week.
The franchise tag today is really only used for two reasons: to buy more time for a long-term deal to get done, or because you don’t have enough confidence in the player to hand him those big-time guaranteed dollars just yet, but he has shown enough that you’re willing to give him another year to earn them.
Here we break down those moves into two categories: smart and questionable.
Smart moves
Kirk Cousins, QB, Redskins ($19.953 million)
This is the classic case of the latter scenario outlined above. Washington saw some very good play from Cousins last season, but not enough of it to be confident in handing him $100 million or $50 million guaranteed, which is the ballpark contract a young, franchise quarterback is dealing in. Instead, they get to see him try to earn that deal in 2016, paying him the same kind of big-money ($19.95 million), but only being tied to him for the 2016 season.
Alshon Jeffery, WR, Bears ($14.599 million)
Tagging Alshon Jeffery made too much sense not to happen, which is why it was so strange that we weren’t sure for so long. If Kevin White works out, the Bears will have two top weapons, something they haven’t been able to claim since Jeffery and Marshall were at their best. If White doesn’t pan out, they will need to keep Jeffery in-house as their only real receiving weapon. Even at this price, there will still be four higher-paid receivers in 2016 (three if Calvin Johnson officially walks away).
Von Miller, OLB, Broncos (~$14.129m, exclusive tag, not set until all of next year’s salaries are complete)
Von Miller wasn’t just franchise tagged, but became the first non-QB since Richard Seymour in 2010 to receive the exclusive tag, meaning only Denver can negotiate with him. The Broncos just saw how truly devastating Miller can be at his best, and he’s trying to parlay that into a monstrous contract. This is a deal both parties want to make, but hammering out the details is going to take some significant time. A three-game playoff run from Miller that featured six sacks, one hit, 16 hurries, a pass breakup, an interception, and two forced fumbles will be at the forefront of negotiations.
Trumaine Johnson, CB, Rams ($13.952 million)
The Rams had a decision to make between Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson, and while they reportedly were offering Jenkins the long-term deal first, he rejected it, believing himself to be the type of shutdown player that 22 touchdowns surrendered over the past four seasons belies. Johnson, on the other hand, has allowed just six over the same timespan, and only one in each of his past two seasons. Last season, he looked like one of the better corners in the league for much of the year, so the Rams can now try to lock him down long-term and allow Jenkins to seek the riches he believes he’s worth elsewhere.
Josh Norman, CB, Panthers ($13.952 million)
Norman is another in the category of no-brainer when it comes to buying more time for a long-term deal. He emerged as a shutdown corner last season, and for a good portion of the year, was yielding a worse passer rating when targeted than if the QB had just thrown the ball into the turf every play. He ended the season leading the league in passer rating allowed, and there is no way Carolina could allow him to hit the open market.
Cordy Glenn, LT, Bills ($13.706 million)
The Bills are left with an interesting decision with Cordy Glenn. He may never be one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL, but he is a good player at a position where they are in shortage league-wide. A good O-line is often not about how good your best players, are but about how bad the worst are. The Bills couldn’t take the chance that the player to replace Glenn at left tackle would be a problem big enough to stunt the development of Tyrod Taylor. Glenn surrendered just two sacks last season, three less than Dallas’ Tyron Smith.
Olivier Vernon, DE, Dolphins ($12.734 million, transition tag)
Vernon was the only player to have the transition tag applied to him, which means the Dolphins will pay him less this season, but also if they fail to match any offer he attracts from another team, they will receive nothing by way of compensation in return. This is likely born of their cap situation, but also may effectively do their negotiating for them. If Vernon’s price goes too high, they can walk away and focus elsewhere. For a player whose elite play really only spans eight games, that may be smart.
Questionable moves
Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Jets ($15.701 million)
It’s beginning to feel like the Jets don’t quite know what to do with their D-linemen, having amassed so many of them. Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams gave the team some cover to move on from Wilkerson, but instead, they have chosen to hang on to him this season and risk losing NT Damon Harrison, the only player without viable cover, to the open market. Wilkerson is a fine player that gives them some impressive versatility up front, but this feels like indecision rather than calculated hedging.
Eric Berry, S, Chiefs ($10.806 million)
Eric Berry’s comeback story a year ago was one of fairytales. To even return to the NFL after his Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis was remarkable, but to come back and play maybe the best football of his career practically defies belief. The issue for the Chiefs, however, is that I’m not sure Berry is really a game-changing player, or worth the $10.81 million they just committed to him for the 2016 season. That figure means he is scheduled to earn $4.7 million more than Kam Chancellor. Berry is a good player, but that is game-changing money I’m not convinced he justifies.
Justin Tucker, K, Ravens ($4.572 million)
How hard can it really be to negotiate a long-term contract with a kicker? Justin Tucker is arguably the best in the league, having topped PFF’s grades in each of the last two seasons, thanks to being proficient at both place-kicks and kickoffs. Last season, his average kick sailed 7 yards into the end zone, and he missed just one spot kick from under 50 yards. Retaining him for the Ravens was obviously important, but this feels like business that could have been done without using the franchise tag.[/quote]
znModeratorI want to see The Revenant.
I haven’t seen many DiCaprio movies. But the only thing I saw that I thought he was really good in was Gilbert Grape. I didn’t see The Aviator or Blood Whatever. I heard he was good in those.
But. I think I have, on average, one student a year who is as good or better. And none of them are rich enough to drive a Prius like he does.
I thought his best performance was probably “Gangs of New York”. He was also pretty good in “The Departed”. I think he’s a pretty good actor. He’s no Danial Day-Lewis but who is?
Yeah, plus “Blood Diamond” … which z mentioned.
So there’s “Blood Diamond,” “The Departed,” “Gangs of New York,” and “The Aviator,” plus “Catch Me If You Can,” “J. Edgar,” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.” In a lot of those films, his performance is routinely the one thing people like about them.
znModeratorWoody critical of Fisher’s extension
http://www.espn.co.uk/video/clip?id=14877384&ex_cid=espnapi_internal
znModeratorColin Cowherd: Jeff Fisher deserves an extension with the Los Angeles Rams.
https://www.facebook.com/TheHerd/videos/1790924501128741/?fref=nf
March 1, 2016 at 11:54 pm in reply to: 2016 mocks & rankings & general draft commentaries, thread 2 #39865znModeratorKirwan Mock
Pat Kirwan
https://realfootballnetwork.com/2016/03/01/kirwan-mock/
This week’s mock draft is a reaction to all the things I learned at the Combine. Medical information and character issues did affect my decisions, as well as veterans getting franchise tagged, and GMs telling me where things stood with negotiations among their own unrestricted free agents. Unfortunately for Notre Dame’s Jaylon Smith, he is out of the first round due to the concerns that came out of his medical checks in Indianapolis.
1.TENNESSEE-Laremy Tunsil, LT, Mississippi
Tunsil looked smooth and almost effortless in his left tackle drills. A negative to his pursuit of the top pick is that he was named by his college teammate Robert Nkemdiche as being present when the latter fell out of the window of a hotel.2. CLEVELAND-Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
He has big hands, can spin the ball, and looked solid in the bad weather at the Senior Bowl. He looks to have the best tools to handle the climate in Cleveland, and he doesn’t have to play right away with Josh McCown on the roster.3. SAN DIEGO-Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State
The Chargers have to replace Eric Weddle and others in the secondary. Ramsey is worthy of the pick.4. DALLAS-Jared Goff, QB, California
Tony Romo has had three surgeries on his collarbone and it is time to invest in the future. Goff had a good Combine and is worthy of this spot in the first round. Many Dallas fans want a ‘now’ player like Joey Bosa, but remember, the team went 1-11 without Romo.5.JACKSONVILLE-Joey Bosa, DE/OLB, Ohio State
Not many believed Bosa would fall this far in the first round, but upward pressure by quarterbacks will affect several spots in this first round.6. BALTIMORE-DeForest Buckner, DL, Oregon
I spent time with Buckner at the Combine, and he is a smart football player, with rare size and a very good work ethic.7. SAN FRANCISCO-Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
The guy is 6-7 with a cannon arm and very good feet. He told me he was a running back as a kid and he has the escape skills to help him through the early stages of his career. Colin Kaepernick wants out, and it seems like the right time to say goodbye.8. MIAMI-Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky
He is the best pass rusher in the draft, and after spending three days at the Combine, it felt like the risk of his off-the-field issues is worth the reward.9. TAMPA BAY-Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
24 sacks in the last two seasons is just what the doctor ordered for this defense.10. NY GIANTS-Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA
Jack can do it all, and he told me in Indianapolis that he is ready to run and do all the drills, and is waiting for the doctors to clear him.11. CHICAGO-Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi
The Bears offense hasn’t been the same since Brandon Marshall was traded. Treadwell can team up with Alshon Jeffery to rebuild the passing game.12. NEW ORLEANS-A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
The Saints defense needs a lot of help in a lot of areas, but there is no substitute for a very big man inside, destroying the run game and collapsing the pocket.13. PHILADELPHIA-Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
The Eagles need to re-sign Sam Bradford or move down for a QB like Michigan State’s Connor Cook. It might be better to just stay where they are and help the defense.14. OAKLAND-Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida
The Raiders would have loved to have taken Jaylon Smith here, but the Combine medical that revealed possible nerve damage was bad news that could keep him out of action for all of 2016 according to some doctors. Hargreaves will help repair a secondary that lost Charles Woodson to retirement.15. LOS ANGELES-Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
There are a number of NFL people who believe Mackensie Alexander is the choice here if Janoris Jenkins is lost in free agency. I think when the dust settles, Apple will nudge past Alexander.16. DETROIT-Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
It’s no secret the Lions need help on the defensive line. Rankins has more plays behind the line of scrimmage (sacks/tackles for a loss) in the last two years than any defensive tackle in the draft.17. ATLANTA-Jarran Reed, DL, Alabama
The Falcons may have to move up to get a premier pass rusher, and DT Robert Nkemdiche has some off-the-field issues that could hurt his chances with the Falcons. Reed is a solid, safe pick.18. INDIANAPOLIS-Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
The Colts have to do a better job protecting Andrew Luck and they would be lucky to see Stanley fall to them at this spot. He may play on the right side for now with Anthony Castonzo at left tackle.19. BUFFALO-Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi
A very solid defensive lineman with off-the-field issues. Mario Williams looks like he will play elsewhere next year and Kyle Williams is coming off injury.20. NY JETS-Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell are both free agents and Elliott is a three-down back who can run, catch and pick up the blitz in protection.21. WASHINGTON-Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
Who’s the best corner in the draft? Just ask Alexander. He’ll tell you he is – today, tomorrow, and the day after. If the Redskins can’t secure Kirk Cousins, then this could be a landing spot for Connor Cook.22. HOUSTON-Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
Cook comes from a pro-style offense and is NFL ready, which is what the Texans need at this point.23. MINNESOTA-Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State
Lee is an outstanding run and hit guy with skills to play man to man coverages. He could be the immediate replacement for Chad Greenway.24. CINCINNATI-Leonard Floyd, OLB/DE, Georgia
The best pass rusher still on the board. He made 48 plays behind the line of scrimmage over the past two seasons. He also has some experience playing inside linebacker.25. PITTSBURGH-Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
The Steelers need help in the secondary. This guy has some medical issues, but he is the physical type of player who fits the Pittsburgh mold.26. SEATTLE-Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
The Seahawks need offensive line help and it may be time to tap into it in the first round, rather than hope that offensive line coach Tom Cable can develop another late-round pick. It may be hard for the Seahawks to resist Derrick Henry here.27. GREEN BAY-Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
The tackling machine and leader of the ‘Bama defense can be a 100-tackle player as a rookie, and his presence allows Clay Matthews to move back outside.28. KANSAS CITY-Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
The Chiefs could be hit hard in free agency, which could change their needs drastically. If they are sticking to their board, then a guy like Decker would be one of the highest-graded players left on the board. Corey Coleman, the WR out of Baylor, could be a consideration here.29. ARIZONA-Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
The Cardinals could go defense here, but Henry is the best tight end in the class, and this offense would be downright scary with him on the field.30. CAROLINA-Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
He had 12 sacks last year, which is a strong statement from a guy who is still raw and developing.31. DENVER-Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
Spriggs put on a show at the Combine and played well at the Senior Bowl. The Broncos could plug him in at right or left tackle, which could mean the team parts ways with Ryan CladyOthers on the edge of the 1st Round: OG Cody Whitehair, SLB Joshua Perry, S Von Bell, WR Braxton Miller, C Ryan Kelly, RB Derrick Henry, DT Vernon Butler
March 1, 2016 at 10:57 pm in reply to: Eagles upped offer in bid to keep Bradford…and (3/1) he signs #39864znModeratorFilm Room: Projecting Sam Bradford In 2016
Sam Bradford is back in 2016 and Alex Smith is joined by Greg Cosell to analyze the quarterback’s 2015 season as the Eagles’ starter and discuss what he’ll look like in new head coach Doug Pederson’s offense …
March 1, 2016 at 10:28 pm in reply to: Jenkins fires his agent…but? (4/8) …may stay with Rams? #39862znModeratorhttp://www.ocregister.com/articles/rams-706325-one-year.html
Word is Jenkins wants somewhere around $12 million per year, which would put him in the top six or seven highest-paid at the position. For someone as prone to big plays as Jenkins, that’s a lot of dough. He’s worth the Rams’ efforts to try to re-sign him, but with injured corner E.J. Gaines returning, Johnson in the fold, and an improved LaMarcus Joyner at nickel, it’s not a contract for which the Rams should get caught overpaying.
znModeratorRams make logical move in tagging Trumaine Johnson
Nick Wagoner
EARTH CITY, Mo. — After drafting, developing and watching their two starting cornerbacks grow into productive NFL players, the Los Angeles Rams couldn’t afford to lose both of them.
That is why they took the only step possible that would just about guarantee that they retain at least one of them this offseason when they used the non-exclusive franchise tag on cornerback Trumaine Johnson. Before Tuesday, there was plenty of debate as to whether the Rams should use the tag on Johnson or fellow cornerback Janoris Jenkins.
Really, though, it didn’t matter much which one ultimately became the first Ram to receive the designation since 2009. All that mattered was that one of them did.
Staring what could be the most lucrative free-agent market in NFL history in the face with teams flush with salary-cap space and some even required to spend it, the Rams knew that if they let Johnson and Jenkins see what’s out there, the contract numbers could soar into an uncomfortable stratosphere that would ultimately make a group filled with solid depth into a position of need.
So the Rams did the logical thing: they tagged one of the two players who would command the most money on the open market. Of course, other teams could still come at Johnson with huge offers and poison pills intended to prevent the Rams from matching an offer sheet, but it’s unlikely that any of them would be willing to forfeit two first-round picks plus all that money for Johnson’s services.
COMINGS AND GOINGS
ESPN.com is your headquarters for NFL trades and free-agency moves this offseason.
That means there’s a strong chance that Johnson will be with the Rams for at least the 2016 season. The fact that the Rams can continue negotiating with Johnson until July 15 and his excitement for playing in his home state of California means there’s a good chance they’ll be able to lock him up beyond next season as well.
Even with Johnson essentially tied up for 2016, the Rams would still like to keep Jenkins as well as other key free agent defenders such as ends William Hayes and Eugene Sims and safeties Rodney McLeod and Mark Barron.
With more than $58 million in salary cap space, it’s not out of the question that the Rams could pull it off, though they must still find a way to improve their lagging offense. That should provide even more incentive to sign Johnson long-term and keep his cap number below the $13,952,000 that would come with the one-year franchise tag tender.
For Johnson, it’s been quite a journey to becoming the team’s franchise player. In the month leading up to his breakout 2015 season, during which he made seven interceptions, Johnson looked like he’d be on the wrong side of a competition with E.J. Gaines for the starting spot opposite Jenkins. After a foot injury to Gaines, Johnson became the starter. A few months later, he’s the first Ram to get the franchise tag since Oshiomogho Atogwe in 2009.
Before 2015, Johnson’s first three seasons had been filled with stops and starts, including a knee injury that cost him seven games in 2014. But his combination of size (6-foot-2, 208 pounds), youth (he’s 26) and production (his 15 interceptions are the most by anyone in the 2012 draft class) have turned him into one of the most important members of the Rams’ hard-hitting defense.
That the Rams finally used the franchise tag again also is a sign of progress. It means they’re finally at a point in which they’re drafting and developing players who are good enough that other teams would chase them on the free-agent market. It also doesn’t preclude them from keeping both of their prized cornerbacks.
“I love them, and they’ve done a great job,” defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said at the end of the season. “I would love to be able to coach them for as long as I can. I’d love to be able to coach them their whole career, but that’s the nature of our business. We understand that. When free agency came in, I was in this league for a long time and there was no free agency. When that started, it’s like college. You graduate guys and you’ve got to have guys behind them getting ready to roll, but those guys have been really, really fun to coach. They’ve done well, and I think you guys have seen them improve every single year of their careers. So, I’d love to be able to coach them for the rest of their career. Hopefully, we’ll see.”
Tuesday’s move might not have guaranteed Williams the chance to do that, but it was a step in the right direction. In more ways than one
znModeratormike freeman@mikefreemanNFL
Amazing how many front office people I speak to believe Peyton Manning will be QB for the Rams next season.Jim Thomas @jthom1
Hard to believe Manning would want to play for Rams, but Rams have dropped this hint recently.znModeratorRams use franchise tag on CB Trumaine Johnson
Nick Wagoner
ESPN.comhttp://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14878811/los-angeles-rams-use-franchise-tag-cb-trumaine-johnson
EARTH CITY, Mo. — The Los Angeles Rams are using their franchise tag for the first time since 2009.
A team source said Tuesday that the Rams are placing the non-exclusive franchise tag on cornerback Trumaine Johnson, thus ensuring that they retain matching rights on him should another team offer him a contract and also receive two first-round picks should they decline to match such an offer.
The Rams have been adamant about their intent to sign both Johnson and fellow free-agent cornerback Janoris Jenkins to long-term contract extensions. The use of the tag ensures that the Rams will have at least some level of control in Johnson’s future.
The franchise tag price for a cornerback is $13,952,000 for 2016. Johnson can sign that one-year tender offer at any time, guaranteeing him that salary for next season. The Rams and Johnson can also continue negotiating a long-term deal with a deadline of July 15 to complete such an agreement.
Johnson, 26, made a big leap in 2015 as teams tested him more regularly than previous seasons. He tied for third in the NFL with seven interceptions and led the team with 12 pass breakups.
After the season, Johnson told ESPN.com that he hoped to return to the team but understood the business side of the league.
“It is a business,” Johnson said then. “The last few years seeing it, being in this locker room seeing guys go, people taking money, people taking pay cuts, you have got to do what’s best for you and your family when it comes down to it. So we’ll see.”
In his four NFL seasons, Johnson has 15 interceptions, the fourth most in the NFL in that time and the most among players taken in the 2012 draft.
The Rams used a third-round pick on Johnson in that draft after selecting Jenkins in the second round. Before Tuesday, the Rams hadn’t used the franchise tag since 2009, when they placed it on safety Oshiomogho Atogwe.
Teams can begin negotiating with outside free agents on Monday and begin officially signing those players on March 9.
znModeratorEvan Silva @evansilva
Would not be surprised if #Rams just let Janoris Jenkins walk, esp. with E.J. Gaines back from foot injury. Gaines was their best CB in ’14.Michael Silver @MikeSilver
I was in the Rams’ War Room the night they drafted Trumaine Johnson & Janoris Jenkins. Turns out they hit on bothznModeratorWe all knew this was coming, right? I would say through 2019.
i would think so too. at least through 2019.
Some places out there, it;s a hot topic.
You’re right, here, people are mostly “enh, yeah…”
March 1, 2016 at 6:42 pm in reply to: Eagles upped offer in bid to keep Bradford…and (3/1) he signs #39845znModeratorEagles, Sam Bradford agree to two-year contract
Michael David Smith
Eagles, Sam Bradford agree to two-year contract
Sam Bradford will remain the quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles announced this afternoon that they have agreed to a two-year deal with Bradford. The agreement came just minutes after they officially declined to restrict him with the franchise tag. No financial terms of the deal have been announced, but Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the deal is for $36 million and includes $26 million guaranteed.
Bradford arrived in Philadelphia in a trade that sent Nick Foles to St. Louis a year ago. Bradford had an up-and-down first year in Philadelphia, and when Chip Kelly, the coach who acquired Bradford, was fired, there were questions about whether the Eagles would go shopping for a new quarterback.
But Eagles G.M. Howie Roseman and coach Doug Pederson have insisted that they want to keep Bradford, and now they have. He’ll stay in Philadelphia.
March 1, 2016 at 9:20 am in reply to: Should Rams re-sign Janoris Jenkins or Trumaine Johnson? #39837znModeratorIan Rapoport @RapSheet
#Rams are leaning toward franchise tagging CB Trumaine Johnson, sources say. A bit unexpected, but there is a lot of outside interest in himMarch 1, 2016 at 12:25 am in reply to: Jenkins fires his agent…but? (4/8) …may stay with Rams? #39829znModeratorEveryone’s in agreement. Articulate, interesting agreement.
That right that is the death of football discussion.
Quick, someone start a fight.
Okay I will.
<clears throat>
I don’t think glove had anything to do with Jenkins improving, and the best thing Martz ever did was get rid of him. So, as usual, Spags was just right on that one.
There. Dig in.
.
znModeratorfrom off the net
—
alyoshamucci
Best group of DTs I’ve seen, and some real interesting showings for some of the DEs … who are super deep but not as high end. The athletes at DT were something to see. The movement skills were spectacular.
DTs
1) Nkemdiche is the number 1, but in this draft there’s no reason to risk it taking him in the first round, because the safe, hard working lunch pail guys are also freaky deaky. So how far could he fall? He could fall out of the first round before the drop in talent gets too great to pass him up for someone else. He’s a top 5 talent … but with lots of top 10 and 20 talents that will fall to the end of round 1? Why bother?
2) Billings and Rankins burst and balance was pretty special. They’re not Aaron Donald, but they are going to be great football players at the 3 tech. The crazy thing? They make the guys that are honest to goodness 2nd and 3rd round talents look bad in the drills. Kenny Clark looked really smooth in drills too, man. That’s beyond the gimme’s of the Alabama kids. Lots of first round talent.
3) The names I am going to remember for 4th or 6th round picks ..
Hargrave is really built well and has some special moves. Needs a year to develop as a 3rd …
Valentine was accosted for coming out early … but he has really good movement skills and balance. I liked the kid on tape, more last year than this year, but I did. I like him better than Collins his counterpart
Henry from Michigan may have helped his stock too much to go after the 3rd, but man what a gifted athlete.
Ridgeway from texas jumped early … and I gotta say he’s ready to be coached at the next level.
Mayes and Reader also looked really good for BIG men.4) Chris Jones was a little stiffer than I’d like, but that can be taught. Maybe he slides and we get lucky? I doubt it.
5) Overall, it’s such a good group that I’d be sure to get one in UDFA also … I have more on my list, like 20 more DTs … so Im going to have to keep scouring the pro days to see who drills well.
6) I’ll just say it again, most of these kids moved like LBs.
DE
7) MY first point is Nassib, because he’s been my horse all year. I still have him top twenty. His 40 wasn’t blazing, but his 10 yard split was 1.62, tied with Spence. That’s no joke burst.
8) Spence ? Was not expecting those numbers. There’s no reason to go for him high, he’ll fall out of round 1.
9) There are some BIG DEs that I’d be willing to let just be massive in a 4-3. Kaufusi, Zettel, Bullard, Ward, Lowry. I’m willing to put them in Long’s spot.
10) McCallister as a project? But take him when?
11) Tapper? Seriously dude faster than the WRs? Where does he get taken? His tape is average.
12) this is weird, but Im having a Clemson battle for first DE off the board, and I have no idea who it will be. Shaq really showed some skills.
13) Weatherly is supposed to be here. Ridiculous putting him with LBs, except that he outran them. That’s an athlete right there.
LB
14) Happy bad times … (because bad times mean some skilled kids may drop) SCOOBY!!! 4.9 Brothers !! 4.85 Bene Brown !! 4.76 (I had him for a 4.62 guy, now he may fade back a bit) Forrest !!! 4.91 ALL OF THESE GUYS PLAY FASTER THAN THAT.
15) Floyd looked really good. May sneak top ten … I won’t GRADE him that high, but he could go there.
16) Fackrell looks like Paul Kruger
17) Schobert, Kwaikowski, Martinez, and Vigil all showed up like they wanted to play in the NFL. 4.7 speed. Vigil’s 3 cone was inspiring.
18) I don’t know that Eric Striker is draftable.
19) Goodson from Clemson is another athletic thumper that should get along look.
20) Devondre Campbell .. I have no idea if he’s inside or out.
I want some of the kids on this list … multiple in fact.
znModeratorRams discussing extensions with Jeff Fisher, coaching staff
vid at link: http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14872177/los-angeles-rams-jeff-fisher-discussing-extension
EARTH CITY, Mo. — Los Angeles Rams coach Jeff Fisher is unlikely to return to his native Southern California with only one year left on his contract.
The Rams and Fisher are discussing a contract extension, league sources told ESPN, as the 2016 season is the final year of his current deal. Members of Fisher’s coaching staff are also in talks about possible extensions. The deals are not yet finalized but the expectation is that they will get done.
Fisher took over as Rams coach in 2012, signing a five-year deal worth about $35 million after a year away from football. He has since led the team to a 27-36-1 record and no postseason appearances in four seasons.
The Rams went 7-9 in 2015 but made it clear late in the year that Fisher would at least get the chance to guide the team through the move back to Los Angeles and finish his initial contract with the team.
Fisher, a Culver City, California native, has previous experience leading the Houston Oilers through a move to Tennessee in 1997. In taking the Rams back to Los Angeles, Fisher will return to the site of most of his amateur playing days.
Fisher was a wide receiver at Taft High in Woodland Hills, California, and played defensive back at the University of Southern California.
“When things were kind of coming down and [chief operating officer] Kevin [Demoff] called and said, ‘Do you want to be the next head coach of the Los Angeles Rams?’ and I said yes I do,” Fisher said at the scouting combine last week.
“So it’s exciting. I mentioned this; having grown up there, my dad in 1967 took me to the Rams-Eagles game, so I have been a Rams fan since I was a kid. We all grow up as fans as kids. So all those players, the lineup — one of the things that’s been interesting for us that we’ve done, is the last four years we have kind of reached back out to those legends of the organization and brought them in for games and things, and they really appreciate that. So now they are going to be even closer to us.”
Because of the impending move — the Rams must be out of their Rams Park facility by the end of March — Fisher recently stepped down from the NFL’s competition committee. He said it was necessary so he could focus on the details of the move.
“Two weeks ago I had a conversation with the commissioner and I stepped down from the committee, for obvious reasons,” Fisher said. “I spoke to some of the other committee members, and just the time required of me as far as this move is concerned makes this really difficult to commit 100 percent. I look at it as hopefully being a leave of absence. But I’m not participating right now.”
The Rams are expected to open their new Inglewood stadium in 2019. The team will play at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 2016.
February 29, 2016 at 9:36 pm in reply to: Jenkins fires his agent…but? (4/8) …may stay with Rams? #39820znModeratorI would rather use franchise type money on guys who have already performed at an all pro level, that are the best players on the team. Guys like Quinn, Donald, and Gurley. You have to get value for your cap money, not just keeping every player you would like to keep. The Rams don’t low ball players, they make value judgements, cause they always spend to the cap. imo
Since we have a good idea of how Demoff structures contracts, we can assume that a 5 year 45 million dollar contract will have a certain ideal form. I think the contract that closely matches that is Byron Maxwell’s. Jenkins’ free agency is starting to match that of Maxwell as well. If the Rams don’t keep Jenkins, they will spend the money somewhere else and get some kind of comp pick to boot. The Rams are good at finding and developing DBs, in the draft and as udfas and we already have some depth at the position.
I agree that that sums it all up nicely.
znModeratorRams have more than $58 million in cap space
Nick Wagoner
ESPN Staff Writerhttp://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/27197/rams-have-more-than-58-million-in-cap-space
EARTH CITY, Mo. — The Los Angeles Rams have plenty of money to spend this offseason.
Now that the NFL has reportedly set the 2016 NFL salary cap at $155.27 million, a jump of nearly $12 million from last year, the Rams and the rest of the NFL have more than an estimate of what they’ll be working with when the new league year opens on March 9.
For the Rams, that amount is substantial. Including their 2015 cap carryover of $933,521, the Rams’ 2016 total cap number comes in at $156,203,521. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Rams have $91,179,797 committed toward players under contract for 2016 and another $6,512,714 in dead money.
Adding the committed money and the dead money and subtracting it from the cap number leaves the Rams with a whopping $58,511,010 in salary-cap space. Releasing tight end Jared Cook, linebacker James Laurinaitis and defensive end Chris Long saved the team about $24 million in cap space.
With that much room to spend, the Rams figure to be extremely active in free agency, but it’s likely that most of that spending will be used to keep their own free agents. It’s also entirely possible they could use the franchise or transition tag to keep one of their prized cornerbacks before free agency begins.
In addition to their unrestricted free agents, the Rams have tender offers to make to their restricted and exclusive rights free agents, such as quarterback Case Keenum, who is restricted. They’re also working to get deals done with ascending players closing in on the end of their rookie deals such as defensive tackle Michael Brockers and linebacker Alec Ogletree.
So while the Rams are loaded with room to operate, it’s best to manage expectations when it comes to some sort of wild shopping spree when the business of the new league year actually begins.
znModeratorCharles on Davis Paxton Lynch: “On building, he’ll remind people of Roman Gabriel.”
That’s fun.
February 29, 2016 at 12:00 pm in reply to: Eagles upped offer in bid to keep Bradford…and (3/1) he signs #39803znModeratorSam Bradford talks will determine Eagles’ plans
Phil Sheridan
ESPN Staff Writerhttp://espn.go.com/blog/nfceast/post/_/id/71967/sam-bradford-talks-will-determine-eagles-plans
PHILADELPHIA – The offseason picture is a little bit clearer for the Philadelphia Eagles as they return from the NFL scouting combine.
They are negotiating with quarterback Sam Bradford, according to a report by Fox Sports. That’s not surprising, considering executive vice president Howie Roseman said last week that the team wanted to work out a deal with Bradford.
That deal may seem more urgent after the Eagles’ brain trust got a firsthand look at the quarterbacks available in the draft. And it certainly seems more workable now that the Eagles know exactly how much salary cap space they have to work with.
The league announced a 2016 salary cap of roughly $155 million. That leaves the Eagles with $27.8 million of cap space. The official franchise and transition tag numbers also were released. For quarterbacks, the franchise tag is $19.95 million.
Tagging Bradford would eat up most of the Eagles’ cap space, leaving them with just a few million dollars to spend in free agency (they will have to set aside a few million dollars for their draft picks). Because of that, there is real incentive for the Eagles to get a long-term deal done with Bradford. The contract could be structured to spread the salary cap hit out over four or five years. That would give the Eagles more flexibility under this year’s salary cap.
The timing makes sense, too. The Eagles are the only team that can talk to Bradford until next week, when the so-called “legal tampering” window opens. On March 9, Bradford is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent.
There is a chance that another team, or teams, will bowl over Bradford with a big offer. But the Eagles can avoid taking that risk by working out a deal over the next week.
When free agency begins, the Eagles should know where they stand with Bradford. If he’s under contract, the team can consider taking a quarterback on the second or third day of the draft. They can use their first-round pick – No. 13 overall – on the best player available. That would allow them to add an offensive lineman, a defensive back or a wide receiver, filling another hole and helping give Bradford some support.
If Bradford doesn’t sign, the Eagles could consider other quarterbacks in free agency. They could make a big splash by going after Robert Griffin III or set their sights on Kansas City backup Chase Daniel. In that case, the Eagles would be more likely to take a quarterback in the first round of the draft. They would need to spend as much time as possible sorting through the available QBs.
So what happens with Bradford over the next week will affect the Eagles’ strategy for the entire offseason. At least now they know what the salary cap is, and how much room they have to maneuver.
February 29, 2016 at 11:06 am in reply to: Jenkins fires his agent…but? (4/8) …may stay with Rams? #39801znModeratorLast year it was different.
Yeah to be fair, it was.
For example, this is an article from earlier in the season.
Rams’ secondary comes together behind Jenkins
Jim ThomasOn Green Bay’s first pass play of the day, quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw deep down the left sideline toward wide receiver Ty Montgomery. Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins was in tight coverage and the pass fell incomplete.
After that, Rodgers gave Jenkins the “Richard Sherman treatment” during the Rams’ 24-10 loss Oct. 11. Rodgers threw 29 additional passes that day at Lambeau Field; not one of those 29 was thrown in the direction of Jenkins, whose stat line consisted of all zeroes. No tackles, no interceptions, no pass breakups. …
“It was boring, but at the same time I still had to play football,” Jenkins said. “I couldn’t go to sleep out there because it was A-Rod. In my mind every play I was just thinking he was gonna come over there anyway.”
But Rodgers didn’t. Much was made of the fact that Rodgers didn’t throw at Sherman, the much-heralded Seattle cornerback, a year ago when the Packers and Seahawks met in their 2014 season opener.
Perhaps Rodgers was showing similar respect to Jenkins.
“I see it as a sign of respect,” Jenkins said. “But at the same time, he probably saw something on the other side that he liked better. Probably match-up wise or whatever.”
A week earlier in Arizona, Jenkins was involved in a couple of high-profile plays — one good (an acrobatic interception) and one bad (a pass interference penalty). But otherwise, Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer didn’t throw much in Jenkins’ direction either.
“Most times, what I’ve been noticing the first five weeks, teams are basically trying me with the double move,” Jenkins said. “If they don’t have any success with that, they just go away from me. But like I said, I just stay on top of my game and don’t go to sleep out there.”
The Montgomery route against Jenkins in the Green Bay game was a double move — a stutter-and-go to be precise. But Jenkins didn’t take the bait.
He has, of course, taken the bait in the past and that has led to some feast-or-famine moments for the fourth-year pro.
The feast has come in the form of six defensive touchdowns scored by Jenkins since entering the league in 2012 — more than any other NFL player. One of those TDs came on a recovered fumble; the other five have come on interception returns for TDs, a total that ties the franchise record for career “pick 6s.”
The famine has come when Jenkins has gambled, going for the interception and getting beaten for TDs by receivers fooling him with double moves.
But such plays have been few and far between lately. Jenkins is playing well entering Sunday’s home game with Cleveland, displaying more game-to-game consistency than he has displayed in the past.
Pro Football Focus has him ranked 16th among all NFL cornerbacks in terms of overall grade. Opposing quarterbacks have only a 79.3 passer rating against him according to PFF.
While acknowledging that the gambling and double moves have resulted in some problems in the past, Jenkins feels he’s playing some of the best ball of his career.
“Yeah I do,” he said. “I say that to myself, that I’m finally 100 percent. No nagging injuries. I’m not out there with a sore knee or a sore ankle, you know what I’m saying? I’m just finally healthy.”
Although the Rams didn’t make much of it last season, Jenkins suffered a sprained MCL in the team’s Oct. 19 Monday game with Seattle, and it bothered him for much of the season. Teams knew that, and threw at him.
“Once they knew that I was hurt, they were coming at me,” Jenkins said.
He was on the team’s injury report for most of November because of that knee injury and reappeared on the injury report near the end of the year with a back issue.
“Why I was getting beat, I was hurt last year,” Jenkins said. “I don’t care what anybody says. Double moves, I was just trying to make plays.”
So far this season, Jenkins has 23 tackles, two interceptions, and two pass breakups.
Even after allowing two TD passes against Rodgers and Green Bay, the Rams as a team have allowed only five touchdown passes on defense all season, which is tied for the league low. While recognizing that the NFL is very much a week-to-week league, the secondary is finally showing signs of gelling as a unit.
“We’ve been together for a while now,” Jenkins said. “So everybody’s got a feel for each other, how each other plays. Their strengths and weaknesses, so we’ve just got to keep putting it together week in and week out.
“We’re pretty technique-sound. I think Coach D’s doing a good job, fixing our fundamentals and techniques within press.”
(Dennard Wilson is one of the Rams’ defensive backs coaches.)
Jenkins and fellow cornerback Trumaine Johnson are in their fourth season together in the Rams’ secondary, although Johnson has not been a full-time starter during all of that time. At safety, Rodney McLeod and T.J. McDonald are in their third years as starters.
McDonald is the only one of those four starters who is under contract after this season. The others are scheduled for unrestricted free agency.
In the case of Jenkins, the Rams have had ongoing discussions with his agent on a new deal since last spring. Jenkins, in fact, said the Rams made an offer to him last week during the Rams’ bye.
But the numbers apparently weren’t to Jenkins’ liking because he indicated Wednesday that he plans to wait until the end of the season to act on a contract, hinting that he may test the market.
“I’m not talking about the contract,” Jenkins said. “I ended that last week, when they gave me those numbers. It was something I didn’t want to hear. I ended it just like that. I’ll play it out. I’m gonna bet on myself.”
znModeratorEven though TEs are poor compared to the rest of the draft, there are still some players that you would like to have on your team. imo
Vannett sounds great. It’s like a Fisher dream come true. A TE who blocked his entire college career, and then turns out, he can catch…and play all over the formation.
.
znModeratorOhio State’s Nick Vannett was the most natural hands catcher in the group. He was clean in the gauntlet drill and the ball was securely squeezed away from his body. He ran excellent routes with good change of direction skills and timing.
.
NICK VANNETT, TE
SCHOOL: OHIO STATE
COLLEGE EXPERIENCE: SENIOR
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-6 / 257 LBSPLAYER OVERVIEW
==============
Senior Bowl Practice Report: Day 3
Myles Simmons
MOBILE, Ala. — Players looking to make an impact at the Senior Bowl can sometimes be favored or hindered depending on the type of drill the coaches assign. In the North team practice Thursday morning, the Cowboys coaching staff had the team go through a long red zone 7-on-7 period. The favored player? Ohio State tight end Nick Vannett.
He made reception after reception in the period, clearly a favored target for all four North team quarterbacks. At one point, he made four touchdown catches in four snaps during the drill. He showed athleticism, an ability to get open, and a penchant for making tough catches in tight windows.
“I feel like I’ve always been a red-zone threat — just throw it up, I’ll go get it,” Vannett said after practice. “I’ll make a play.”
The former Buckeye won a National Championship last year, but received limited opportunities to make an impact in the passing game in college. Vannett made only 55 receptions for 585 yards in his collegiate career. But one of those receptions came in last year’s title game, as the tight end caught a touchdown late in the first quarter to give Ohio State its first lead of the game.
“I didn’t get many of those opportunities at Ohio State and I just wanted to show everything that I’m good at — show the real Nick Vannett,” he said. “And I think I put that on display this whole week.”
It’s apparent from his stats, but Vannett was primarily a blocking tight end at Ohio State. His experience has shown on the field this week, as he’s been able to take on defensive linemen with success in the run game.
“I did a lot of that at Ohio State so I kind of grew to like it,” Vannett said. “I get a great feeling just knowing that I made a key block and sprung the run on that play. I get just as good a feeling from doing that than I do making plays in the pass game. So I enjoy doing both and I feel like that’s going to add more value to me, being able to do those things.”
Even though he wasn’t known as a pass catcher, Vannett was still a significant piece of Ohio State’s College Football Playoff victories last year. And that’s an experience Vannett said is almost hard to describe, in part because of everything the team had to overcome.
“People didn’t think we were going to get that far after Braxton Miller going down, the loss to Virginia Tech early in the season,” Vannett said. “Everybody was kind of looking forward to next year — they kind of forgot about that year. And we stuck together, grinded it out, and came out on top. Getting to share that with all those guys in the locker room, it was incredible feeling.”
It’s well known how head coach Urban Meyer has recruited and developed talent since his arrival at Ohio State, which is reflected from the team’s four players in Mobile this week.
“It just shows the type of players that we have,” Vannett said. “We have ball players at Ohio State and we were well represented out here. I think we all did really well this whole week. And it’s just awesome to kind of put it on for back home.”
znModeratorOhio State’s Nick Vannett was the most natural hands catcher in the group. He was clean in the gauntlet drill and the ball was securely squeezed away from his body. He ran excellent routes with good change of direction skills and timing..
NICK VANNETT, TE
SCHOOL: OHIO STATE
COLLEGE EXPERIENCE: SENIOR
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-6 / 257 LBSPLAYER OVERVIEW
Vannett is a former four-star recruit from Westerville (Ohio) and signed with Ohio State over Michigan, Notre Dame, Oregon, Stanford and Tennessee in the Class of 2011.
He redshirted in 2011. Over the next three seasons, Vannett played in 40 games, starting three times. He caught 36 passes for 423 yards and scored six touchdowns during that stretch and hauled in a touchdown against Oregon in the 2014 national title game.Vannett started every game in 2015 and said he set out to improve his blocking. He caught 19 passes for 162 yards, but failed to find the end zone.
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
STRENGTHS: Good all-around prospect who essentially got lost amongst all the talent that Urban Myer collected in Columbus. You can line him up in-line, in the slot or make him an H-back.
Good run blocker, whether in space or in tight quarters. Has good feet and plays with leverage. While he’s not overwhelming at the point of attack, he can stay in front of defenders and be very effective in blocking for his teammates.Can be an asset in the passing game. Runs well and can create separation, and has displayed strong hands and focus to finish contested catches.
WEAKNESSNESS: Not used all that much in the Ohio State passing game, so you really see a limited version of what he can do as a receiver. It may take him some time to acclimate to an NFL offense and the intricacies of the playbook.
No much shake at the top of routes to create separation.
IN OUR VIEW: Vannett showed he can be an every-down viable tight end where you can virtually line him up anywhere to help out an offense. He certainly is more than solid in the run game and helping to open up some holes. When given opportunities, Vannett caught the ball well.
While this isn’t a deep tight end draft class, Vannett could separate himself as the top senior prospect at the position and worthy mid-round pick.
–Jamie Newberg and Dane Brugler (1/27/16)
znModeratorNote: this one’s in 2 threads, here and the qb thread. I just repeated the WR part here for the sake of access. Duplication ain’t an issue. Hope no one minds.
—
Joe Marino’s Scouting Combine Notes:
Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Written by Joe Marino on February 27, 2016—
Wide Receivers
Pitt’s Tyler Boyd and TCU’s Josh Doctson displayed the most natural, soft hands of any receivers today. These docston insideguys can catch footballs in their sleep. Both have exceptional body control.
Not far behind Boyd and Doctston is Cal’s Kenny Lawler and Colorado State’s Rashard Higgins. They are effortless hands catchers and the ball sticks to their hands.
Notre Dame’s Will Fuller came into today’s drills with numerous drops in games and small hands. With that said, he had a clean day catching the football. That was important for him to show.
UMass WR Tajae Sharpe showed his ability to adjust to the football and had a strong day catching the football. He was locked in and performed well.
Oklahoma WR Sterling Shepard was as good as his tape advertised. After turning in excellent test results, he showed good route-running skills, burst and hands.
Clemson’s Charone Peake and UCLA’s Jordan Payton both had better timed speed than I anticipated. In a class of “slower” receivers, this will boost their stock.
Cincinnati WR Chris Moore tested extremely well today and showed good ball skills. Never waiting for the ball to come to him, he showed the ability to “got get it”.
I had a mild liking for Mississippi State WR Da’Runnya Wilson but his performance was dreadful today. His tests across-the-board were poor and he looked clunky running around. Not ideal for a NFL receiver in any way.Tight Ends
South Carolina TE Jerell Adams was the fastest tight end today and displayed a massive catch radius.
Ohio State’s Nick Vannett was the most natural hands catcher in the group. He was clean in the gauntlet drill and the ball was securely squeezed away from his body. He ran excellent routes with good change of direction skills and timing.
Montana State’s Beau Sandland struggled catching the football today. The ball was on top of him quickly and he was unable to adjust and secure the ball in the gauntlet. He had several drops.
Stanford’s Austin Hooper who is an intriguing move-piece, ran good routes and confirmed his play speed. -
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