.

Couple of interesting bits:

.

Fisher: The offseason program at this point does give offensive players permission to throw the ball without the coaches on the field. Nick’s reports are that those sessions have been great. He’s had three or four sessions with the guys. He’s really impressed with the guys that we’ve surrounded him with and guys are very excited about having him here.”

(On how WR Brian Quick is progressing)
Fisher: “Progress has been really good. Talking with ‘Reg’ (Reggie Scott, Director of Sports Medicine and Performance) just recently this week – we’re very excited. I saw Brian this morning and he’s very encouraged. From a timing standpoint, it’s camp, it’s OTAs potentially with protection, but I don’t think there’s going to be an issue with him missing – at this point – with him missing much time in camp.”

Rams Pre-Draft Press Conference – Head Coach Jeff Fisher & General Manager Les Snead – April 28, 2015

(Opening comments)
Les Snead: “The 2015 Draft, we’ll talk about it. I think it’s the next step in the process of getting where we want to be. We’re not there yet but we’re going to get there. It’s coming. The draft is a major part and I’m sure Coach “Fish’ will talk about phase one and phase two (of the offseason program). That’s also a part in the next step of getting where we want to be.”

(On where the Rams are in terms of setting the draft board)
Snead: “We just left a meeting in the draft room. We were staring at the board with a few guys. You may nudge a guy a half an inch or two, but a lot of it is fine tuning scenarios, best fits and all kinds of things.”

(On if the board is set at this point)
Snead: “Pretty much. The foundation is there.”

Jeff Fisher: “Les’s staff has done a great job to this point. We started a little bit early, earlier than we have in the past just to take the time. We’ve taken some quality time putting it together. It’s together. There’s still some things that we need to look at, some minor adjustments we need to make, but it’s there. I think at this point we’re pretty much looking at the different scenarios. There’s a number of things that can take place beforehand. As we do every year, we look at our options. We have some players in mind that we think will help us. It’s a great draft. It’s loaded at some positions, specifically some positions of need. Now it’s just kind of fine tuning if you will. It’s the Friday of the game-planning week where you finish up your walk-thru and the game plan is in, you’re prepared to play.”

Snead: “Before we move, like Coach ‘Fish’ said, the staff has done a great job – scouts, everybody involved. We’ve been through a lot of meetings – and Coach will like this – I asked our computer people last night…you basically take every bit of information you’ve got. You put it on a page on a PDF and you put it on a big screen and we talk about that information. I said, ‘How many pages did we go through?’ They said it’s over 8,000 pages over the last three weeks of information. It’s in big font so we can all see it.”

(On if they ever experience ‘paralysis by analysis’ with all of that information)
Snead: “Every now and then it can be.”

(On if they’ve received any calls yet from teams looking to potentially trade up or down)
Snead: “You always get calls this time of year. I don’t know if it’s because teams really want to do something or they want to figure out what you’re going to do. I think I mentioned it last year, we’re at the flirting stage of just chatting with other GM’s. I’m sure Coach (has) with other coaches around the league. You kind of try to figure out what each is going to do. Again, I think this is going to be the fourth draft; we’ve moved up, we’ve moved back, we’ve stayed pat. So, there will be some type of pattern set this year. I don’t know what it will be, but we’ll figure it out.”

(On how much they monitor the chatter that goes on leading up to the draft)
Snead: “There’s over 8,000 pages of chatter out there. So, you can’t really pay attention to that because you’re locked in a room meeting with all the football people, all the coaches, the medical staff, and you’re trying to get your board right.”

(On how they weigh needs versus best player available when drafting)
Fisher: “We identified needs immediately after the season was over. We addressed some of those needs in free agency, be it players that weren’t on our roster or re-signing players on our roster. We’ve strongly identified needs. But those needs, they vary. They can vary from round to round. It comes down to the actual pick. Then we’ll say, ‘Our guy was there all the time,’ and, ‘It wasn’t a need, it was the perfect fit.’ But, we have a good feel for, I think, how things are going to unfold and how we can fill the needs.”

(On if this draft has a different feel considering the Rams have fewer picks than in recent years)
Snead: “Good question. I think it’s definitely a different feel because it’s less picks. It may be a little less exciting, more boring. But, you still prepare the same. Right now, you’re focusing on the board and kind of setting that. Where we pick, we’ll let the board be the guide. Having the different picks, yes it’s going to be different, but I don’t think we’ll feel that until that night because the preparation is the same.”

(On what positions he feels are strong in this draft class)
Snead: “Wow, that would be a kind of tough one there. Punters and kickers are loaded. I’ll leave it at that.”

(On if he still feels that he’s not panicked about the offensive line)
Fisher: “Yeah, I feel good about it. I feel good about the direction we’re headed, and I’ll feel much better when the weekend is over. I feel good about it. We have options, and there are still options out there. We’re in constant communication with (T) Joe Barksdale, for example. We have options out there. I think one of the perceived needs out there, outside our building from our perspective is O-line, and we feel good about where we are right now. We’ve got some good young players on our roster that you’ve not seen play or haven’t played very much but we’re developing players currently on our roster. We feel good about it.”

(On if they’re still interested in Barksdale and why they think he’s still unsigned)
Fisher: “Yes and I don’t know. Yeah, we have interest in Joe. Things may not have worked out for them from the perspective of what they thought was going to happen. But, we have interest in Joe because he played some good football for us.”

(On why he thinks offensive linemen appear to be better prepared to play in the NFL right away in recent years)
Snead: “If you’re a guy on the offensive line and you’re good and you’ve started three years in college football, nowadays that’s 80-90 plays a game over the course of three years, depending on who you are. That’s just a lot of reps and you’re just gaining experience. Probably depending on the system you’re in and how that system translates to our game is whether that guy can step right in and play. Usually an offensive lineman, if he’s good, he will be more than just a one-year starter. He will have started two, three years, then come out. That’s just a lot of reps, so I think that experience helps translate right to this game.”

(On this year’s group of offensive linemen prospects)
Snead: “Other than kicker and punter, we felt early on in the process that there were some quality offensive linemen in this draft. You can rate the quality, but we felt depending on whether it’s an ‘A guy, B guy,’ whatever it is, we thought there was a lot of linemen that could help any football team. I think that was a little bit of a guidepost as we went into the offseason.”

(On if this group of offensive linemen has a lot of versatile players)
Snead: “I don’t know if it’s more than normal because I think every year we go into the meeting and you’ve got a board and you’ve got this tape where you put it. Let’s call it left tackle, right tackle, (offensive guard), center. We always straddle the line if we think they’re versatile. I’m not sure there’s any more this year, but there are a lot of guys out there that we think can play multiple positions. I think Coach Fisher will say, when he’s sitting there probably during the week with his coaches trying to figure out that 46-man roster and that Sunday morning and you’re down to seven or eight OL, you’ve got to be able to do more than one thing.”

(On if the offensive linemen are more difficult to evaluate because of the spread offense)
Fisher: “From one standpoint I would say, yes. You’re seeing a lot of wide splits and two-point stances and things like that. But, we benefit from the ability to look at bowl games. Senior Bowl, for example, they come in, put their hand in the dirt, line up at three-point stance and then you watch them develop and improve over the course of the week. Then, obviously, the combine and the pro days and what have you. You’re looking for athletic ability and there are a lot of really talented athletes out there in this draft, from an offensive line standpoint with the flexibility that was asked about. By and large, as far as this year’s concerned, it’s a very good group.”

(On if it is possible that they would take an edge-rusher at No. 10)
Fisher: “It’s very possible, yes. We like defensive players here. Good defensive players. Can’t get enough.”

(On if they would find a way to get said pass rusher on the field)
Fisher: “Yes. We would. Week 1.”
Snead: “Pressure, pressure, pressure.”

(On how they deal with new character information on players that may come up this close to the draft in reference to draft prospect Shane Ray)
Snead: “You don’t move him on the board. You may put a cautionary sticker on him. He is where he is. You do have to go back and follow up and do a little work on the character to see kind of the who, what, when where – all of that out – and kind of figure that out. With him, whether he was a first round pick or this causes him to fall, he was going to face adversity in life. This is the first adversity that he’s facing maybe as a draftee or NFL player. Like any of us, and I think he said it in his quote, he’s going to have to make better decisions and time will tell. But, you’re going to face adversity whether you did this or not and this is it for him and it’s up to him now. It’s in his hands, how he handles it.”

(On Coach Fisher’s thoughts on the previous question)
Fisher: “I completely agree with Les. We have a short amount of time to get as much information as we can and then we’ll discuss the information that we have and then we’ll adjust it accordingly.”

(On if Coach Fisher can see a scenario in this draft where the team does not take a quarterback in the first couple rounds)
Fisher: “Well, there’s a possibility to take a quarterback or not take a quarterback. It really depends on how things unfold. Aside from the top two, which I think everyone assumes will be gone, there are some players in this draft that can come in and help you. We’re very excited about what we’ve seen here the last week and a half with Nick (Foles) and what he’s done in the offseason program. I think we’re better at the position. We’re healthy right now and there’s some good things ahead as far as that’s concerned. It doesn’t mean to say there’s not a guy at a certain point that we like that we can pass up.”

(On the benefits of the private workouts)
Fisher: “The perception is, you fly into town, you work the player out and you leave and that’s not necessarily the case. We spend quality time with the player in the classroom. We get him on the board. It’s an extensive interview. We actually spend at least the same amount of time in the classroom as we do on the field. It’s extremely valuable.”

Snead: “What’s also neat about that is you can see them in their offense and whatever that is, whatever style that is. They do their pro day – it’s scripted. But, I’ve enjoyed being able to see our coaches come in and let them throw the routes we’re going to be running. But the nice thing is to see those guys because they haven’t been practicing those routes, to see them adjust. Because they may flutter the first ball and then if they can go, ‘Wait a minute, I got this now’ and get the timing down – it’s pretty neat to see.”

(On what they have seen from Foles since he has been here)
Fisher: “You got to see it when we introduced him to you, it’s the personality. It’s the competitiveness. It’s the leadership qualities that he has. We started our offseason program a week ago Monday and we had 100 percent attendance. Nick was right in the middle of it, really excited about meeting all the younger players. The offseason program at this point does give offensive players permission to throw the ball without the coaches on the field. Nick’s reports are that those sessions have been great. He’s had three or four sessions with the guys. He’s really impressed with the guys that we’ve surrounded him with and guys are very excited about having him here.”

(On if they feel like they have flexibility with the No. 10 overall pick to get a variety of skilled players at various positions)
Snead: “I think, yeah. When you’re picking 10, there’s going to be more than one good football player that you’re staring at, just that’s the nature of picking 10 versus somewhere a little bit later. There’s flexibility and you fine tune it and like we said, best player available – that’s probably subjective based on what draftnik you ask and not counting the teams out there. Normally, at (No.) 10 there’s going to be more than one good football player and I think at that point we’ll try to make the best pick that helps this team.”

Fisher: “So what he’s saying is, we could move up, stay where we are or move down. We have options.”
Snead: “I thought that was straight forward. I gave you exactly what we’re going to do.”

(On why they workout out QBs Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota when most people believe those two prospects will be off the board)
Snead: “Number one, it’s due diligence. There’s over 8,000 pages of noise out there. But, when you run some mock draft scenarios and the quarterbacks are falling to you, you don’t want that to occur and you didn’t prepare for it. Obviously, if you did the percentages, it’s probably not occurring. But, if you want to count it as doing your due diligence that’s what it is.”

(On projecting how quarterbacks will fit into a pro-style offense that may have run a spread in college)
Fisher: “You start from a snap for example. Typically, the majority of their snaps were in shotgun, so now they transition to this level and they’re under center. In the shotgun offenses now, they’re complicated but they’re simplified in their own way. So the quarterback is either using some type of play-action and he’s got one read. In our game, we have progressions that we refer to. For a quarterback to have to go from the shotgun offense to under center with progressions, it’s a significant change. Of course, from a defensive standpoint obviously the defense is going to be a little bit more complicated. There’s footwork involved. There’s releases involved. There’s touch involved. Different types of throws involved that by in large are different than what they’re used to.”

(On how this year’s draft class compares to previous draft classes)
Snead: “Every year’s different because positions are letters in the alphabet basically and it’s the humans under those positions that make up the draft, so I don’t know. Some positions are deeper than others and all of that and that’s just probably depending on the year. It’s interesting. I always say this about this QB draft is I think we know there’s two. It seems like every time you look up there’s two. Human nature says one guy is going to prove everybody wrong. They have to. If you’re one of those other guys, you’re watching this every day and going, ‘You know what? I’m showing them.’ I think that’s the important part is humans make up the draft. It’s not necessarily the letters in the alphabet that do.”

(On exercising the option on DT Michael Brockers contract, how he played last season and only being 24-years old)
Fisher: “Well, those are the reasons that we exercised the option. One because of his age and his production. We feel like he’s got a lot of years left and we want to keep him in this program, so we’re very excited about that. On the contrary, we also elected not to exercise (S) Mark Barron’s option. That wasn’t our option – just for the record – that was Tampa’s (Buccaneers) option we traded for. We felt like Mark’s important to us. We felt from a big picture standpoint we would be better suited to try to re-do and extend his contract prior to that deadline.”

(On if Barron’s option is large because of where he was drafted)
Fisher: “Yes, that’s correct. Again, that was Tampa Bay’s deal with him. We acquired it, but now we have the option so we have every intention of getting him done.”

(On how WR Brian Quick is progressing)
Fisher: “Progress has been really good. Talking with ‘Reg’ (Reggie Scott, Director of Sports Medicine and Performance) just recently this week – we’re very excited. I saw Brian this morning and he’s very encouraged. From a timing standpoint, it’s camp, it’s OTAs potentially with protection, but I don’t think there’s going to be an issue with him missing – at this point – with him missing much time in camp.”

Snead: “We have a basketball hoop back there and about a month or two ago I saw him dunk a basketball. You might not like that Coach…”

Fisher: “It was with his other arm.”

Snead: “Yes, my bad.”

(On if this year’s wide receiver class is on par with last year’s)
Snead: “Last year I did say they were going to do a ‘30-for-30’ on that group. I haven’t gone there with this group yet. I think because of college football, because of the high school football, because you’re throwing the ball around more from youth football on up, there’s a lot more good receivers than in the past. I think that’s just the nature of that. This is a good crop. There’s going to be some guys drafted in this first round and probably the second round and even later that are going to make plays. I think the guy who has the best rookie year, it probably depends on where he lands and how stable his QB is and the offense and all that. I think you’ll see that. That’s why you see some guys who are picked maybe not necessarily early but a little later have better years than the guys picked earlier.”

(On if he’s ever had a team where he’s had so many returning players from the previous year)
Fisher: “I think it shows the progress we’ve made since the time we got here and the numbers we had on the active roster before the draft and look at the numbers of college free agents that we’ve brought in. Those numbers at the end of the draft will be down, particularly because we have a lot of guys under contract. It’s nice to look at the depth chart right now and have a good feel about the depth chart as compared to a couple of years ago when we had blank spaces at many, many positions. We feel like we’ve improved and we also feel like not only with what we did in free agency, but what we’re getting ready to do here this weekend is really going to help us.”

Herzog wrote:

. Logically, I totally get that. Had Peacock given this proposal a couple of years ago, before the lease expired, than maybe none of this happens. It’s true right? St. louis didn’t hold up to it’s part of the agreement, so the Rams have every right to go.

The too little too late routine is a Kroenke schtick. It has no basis in reality. Until the dome arrangement went through arbitration, St. Louis could not do anything.

Agamemnon wrote:

NO. Snead put in the deal that the future compensation issue for Bradford’s health is off, if he is traded. We went through this before. We keep their 2cd round pick and we owe them nothing if he isn’t an Iggle.

That’s right. I spaced that.

from off the net

==

TackleDummy

It is my understanding that if the Eagles cut or trade Bradford that they Eagles would have no dead money. Bradford’s salary is of almost $13M is not guaranteed. (The Rams do have $3,595,000 in dead money because of the prorated signing bonus given to Bradford.) Also if Bradford is cut (not traded) by the Eagles the Rams also have to give the Eagles a 2016 3rd round draft choice.

Peter Schrager ‏@PSchrags

Andrus Peat will be off the board by 15. Told by multiple teams he may be the most NFL-ready left tackle in this draft.

—-

On taking Andrus Peat for Rams in NFL Nation mock draft

By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/17962/on-taking-andrus-peat-in-nfl-nation-mock-draft

BRISTOL, Conn. — For those who don’t have access to television during the day, our 32 ESPN NFL Nation reporters are here at headquarters this week for meetings and to do the first-ever televised NFL Nation mock draft.

We went through the picks on ESPN Monday afternoon, and with the 10th pick in the draft I chose Stanford offensive tackle Andrus Peat for the St. Louis Rams. First, to be clear, I made that selection based on what I think the Rams would do in the scenario that was in front of me, not based on what I would do if I was making the choice.

Just to reset before explaining why I went with Peat, here are the nine players who went before the Rams came on the clock: Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota, Leonard Williams, Amari Cooper, Dante Fowler Jr., Kevin White, Brandon Scherff, Vic Beasley and Ereck Flowers.

With the top two quarterbacks, top two receivers and Scherff off the board, it’s my belief the Rams would be looking at this situation as choosing between Peat, Missouri defensive end Shane Ray, Louisville receiver DeVante Parker and Georgia running back Todd Gurley.

For what it’s worth, trades are not an option in this mock so I couldn’t move down, which is another avenue the Rams would surely consider in this scenario. But that begs the question that if the value isn’t that good for the Rams for any players here, then what player would be enough for a team to want to move up and give up valuable picks to do it? It’s always possible, sure, but the reality is that the 10th spot isn’t a great one to have this year.

So here’s my line of thinking on going with Peat over the others I mentioned: In the given situation, it’s entirely possible that a guy like Ray or Parker or Gurley will be rated higher on the Rams’ board. As a general rule, you don’t stray from your board in search of need. But I don’t think the difference between Peat and Parker, for example, would be enough for the Rams to ignore the need. In other words, the need for help on the offensive line could bridge the gap between the value of the two players.

Peat has some work to do, and I wonder if his lack of mean streak concerns the Rams. But he comes from a power-run-heavy offense at Stanford not much different than what the Rams run. Peat is a polished pass protector but still comes with the type of upside the Rams seem to lean toward on draft day.

And there’s no denying the Rams like Peat. He came on a pre-draft visit and they’ve spent plenty of time scouting him. He’s one of many offensive linemen who have come through Rams Park, which makes it hard to know who they like the most. If Scherff fell the Rams would undoubtedly have interest, and Flowers would also likely be in the discussion if he makes it to No. 10.

After having conversations with scouts around the league, there’s a strong belief that Peat is being undervalued in the media mock drafts versus how teams view him, so this range is just about right for him. It’s certainly not sexy, and drafting Peat isn’t the perfect marriage of value and need, but it’s close enough for the Rams to make the move if this scenario played out Thursday night.

Agamemnon wrote:

McGinn is the new Rick Gosselin. Gosselin had good connections within the league.

Yeah he’s good, a must read.

Then of course there’s also this.

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

A closer look at the ‘other’ quarterbacks and the Rams

By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/17677/a-closer-look-at-the-other-quarterbacks-and-the-rams

EARTH CITY, Mo. — The standard perception among NFL draft pundits is that this year’s quarterback class is limited to the two stars at the top of the list: Florida State’s Jameis Winston and Oregon’s Marcus Mariota.

Our group at Scouts, Inc. has the biggest drop off from No. 2 (Mariota) to No. 3 (Baylor’s Bryce Petty) in terms of grades in any draft class over the past decade. Mariota has a grade of 93 and Petty checks in at 71.

And while that might be a good reason to believe the quarterback class doesn’t offer much besides a whole lot of questions after that top duo, there’s also some statistical history that would indicate there might be value to be found beyond Winston and Mariota. That could be good news for the St. Louis Rams, a team that has made clear its interest in quarterbacks but doesn’t have the draft position to land either of the top two.

To wit, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information:

Half of the quarterbacks taken in the second and third rounds between 2011 and 2014 are projected starters in 2015. It’s a list that includes Seattle’s Russell Wilson, San Francisco’s Colin Kaepernick and the Rams’ Nick Foles, among others.

Since 2011, quarterbacks taken in the second or third rounds have combined for a better record, total QBR and more than double the playoff wins than first rounders taken in that span.

Each of the past three Super Bowls has featured a starting quarterback taken in the second or third round.

Of course, nothing is guaranteed when it comes to any players in the draft, especially quarterbacks. The Rams find themselves in a position where they’re very interested in quarterbacks but will have no shot at Winston or Mariota. Which means they could be in the market to take the next signal-caller available. In addition to the top two, they’ve worked out Petty, UCLA’s Brett Hundley, Colorado State’s Garrett Grayson and Oregon State’s Sean Mannion.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the next tier of quarterbacks after Mariota and Winston (all statistical tidbits courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information):

Bryce Petty

Petty put up video game numbers for Baylor and possesses better-than-advertised athleticism and perhaps the strongest arm of the rest of the group. He led all FBS quarterbacks last season with 20 touchdown passes on throws 20 yards or longer, with 13 of those traveling 30 yards or longer in the air. Only four other FBS quarterbacks completed more than 13 throws of that distance all season. In the past two seasons, Petty was one of three quarterbacks in a Power 5 conference to complete at least 60 percent of his throws combined with an average air yards distance of 10-plus yards.

Of course, with Petty, the biggest question will always be whether he was merely a product of the Baylor system. He played only 48 snaps with five pass attempts from under center last season. It wasn’t until the Senior Bowl in January that Petty actually had to get a play call, spit it out in a huddle then execute it, which could make for an extremely steep learning curve in the NFL.

Garrett Grayson

Aside from Winston, one could argue Grayson is the most polished pocket passer in the draft. He threw 31 touchdowns and five interceptions from the pocket last season. He was second among quarterbacks with at least 100 attempts in yards per attempt (10.0), third in touchdown-interception differential and first in 20-plus-yard plays (60).

The question with Grayson is whether his success was a function of playing lower-level competition. Grayson faced only three opponents with a top-40 defensive efficiency (Boise State, Utah State and Utah) last season. He threw three touchdowns and three interceptions in those games and was sacked 13 times of the 26 he had all season in those contests. In the 10 other games, he had 29 touchdowns against just four interceptions.

Brett Hundley

Hundley probably isn’t far behind Mariota when it comes to speed, athleticism and running ability. He had 510 scrambling yards on third down alone in 2014 and escaped pressure 18 times for gains of at least 10 yards. From 2012-2014, only Johnny Manziel exceeded that production on the ground.

On the other side of that, Hundley leaned on his escapability a little too much. He took 125 sacks in his career for the Bruins, 26 more than any other FBS quarterback during that time. He was sacked 75 times when facing four or fewer rushers, most among Power 5 conference quarterbacks since the start of 2012.

Sean Mannion

In terms of pure look, perhaps no quarterback looks the part more than Mannion, who uses that size to his advantage and stands firm in the pocket to excel against the blitz. Since the start of 2013, Mannion threw 27 of his 52 touchdown passes when facing five-plus pass-rushers. Only Winston had more in that time.

But Mannion’s production dipped in 2014 after watching as Brandin Cooks took his talent to the NFL. Mannion’s total QBR dropped by 26.1 points from his junior to senior seasons, the second-largest decrease among FBS quarterbacks.

Mannion completed 74.1 percent of his passes with an average of 10.6 yards per attempt when targeting Cooks in his career. Without Cooks, those numbers dropped to a 62.9 percent completion rate with an average of 6.9 yards per attempt to all other wideouts

Frank Coyle OT and guard rankings

no source or link given in the post this is copied from: http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,567474,567474#msg-567474

OT (Class Grade B+)

1) Scherff (Blue Chip, Best Pulling, Most Developed, Top 10 – Comp Michael Roos)

“He has drawn comparisons to Pro Bowler Micahel Roos and former Hawkeye Reilly Reiff who started as rookies. Physical package to warrant a top 10 overall choice with the Giants, Rams and Falcons interested. Blue Chip prospect with a highly developed skill set to handle the OT as a rookie, and possibly become a Pro Bowl Tackle. Highly developed tackle and overall skills and intangibles to become a fixture on the outside for a decade.”

2) Peat (Blue Chip, Best Pass, Top 10 – Comp Jake Long)

He is very similar to takle Jake Long in size, AA and functional strength that translate very well to the field. Young complete tackle with Pro Bowl talent. Clubs like the Falcons, Rams and Giants interested in the first round.

3) Flowers (Red Chip, Strongest, Top 20 – Comp Ryan Clady)

He compares to Pro Bowler Ryan Clady in physical skills. All the components to become a high quality pro with further refinement of his natural athleticism. Top 20 prospect and first round pick. Probable rookie starter off his natural talent and high LOD, though initially at right tackle. Potential Pro Bowl tackle with dominant skills to move early to left tackle.

4) Clemmings (Red Chip, Best Athlete, Top 20 – Comp Tyron Smith)

Top 20 prospect with the natural talent , size and development to become a starting tackle, though his game is not complete currently. Type of prospect with left tackle skill set and one that will be over drafted over clear upside potential. Big time left tackle eventually.

5) Humphries (Rising, Top 40 – Eugene Monroe)

Guard (Class Grade B )

1) La’el Collins (Blue Chip, Best Pass, Most Developed, Top 15-20 – Comp Barndon Albert)

Probable rookie starter with Pro Bowl talent. Top 15-20 prospect with the versatility to excel at either guard or tackle.

2) A.J. Cann (Red Chip, Best Run, Top 50 – Comp Jahri Evans)

He is cut in the mold of tough, aggressive NFL guards like Jahri Evans and Larry Warford who have gone to have Pro Bowl careers. Over his career, he graded out very well vs top competition with the ability to adjust to game situations. Physical tough lineman with very good technique and fine strength with the skill set and intangibles to become a Pro Bowl guard. Talented highly developed prospect with definite top 50 value with strong consideration by Giants, Raiders, Falcons and Dolphins.

3) Laken Tomlinson (Rising, Toughest, Top 60-75 – Comp Ben Grubbs)

Talent to compete for a starting rookie job and a rising top 60-75 prospect who appears to be a solid 2nd day pick in this deep class. Probable NFL starter and good early round addition with the skill set to surprise and have a strong pro career.

4) Tre’ Jackson (Top 75 – Comp Larry Warford)

He projects to the 3rd round and is similar to Larry Warford in size, AA, and intangibles. Tough savvy blocker who is currently at a high level with early starting ability and a nice LOD in key areas. Top 75 prospect with the skill set and intangibles to have a long career inside. Durable guard with the development to rank among the better interior linemen within a short time.

zn wrote:

It probably wouldn’t go over very well with the fan base but it can’t be ruled out that the Rams might find the value of a top pass-rusher too good to pass on.

Makes sense. And, I don’t have a preference, myself. I don’t think they can go wrong at 10 no matter what they do.

Eagles still not showing real commitment to Bradford

Mike Florio

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/04/26/eagles-still-not-showing-real-commitment-to-bradford/

After the Eagles surprisingly traded for quarterback Sam Bradford in March, coach Chip Kelly insisted that Bradford wasn’t a stepping stone toward getting up the board to reunite with Marcus Mariota. Since then, the Eagles have done nothing to take that possibility off the table.

As PFT reported on Wednesday, no meaningful contract talks have occurred between the Eagles and Bradford, who is due to make $12.985 million in 2015, the final year of his pre-wage-scale rookie deal. The Eagles would like to knock down the cap number, and Bradford would like a chance to re-establish himself. While money is a factor, security is, too; Bradford wants any new deal would to ensure that he won’t be shipped to the Browns or elsewhere, especially since a multi-year contract would make Bradford more valuable to a team that would acquire his rights for more than one season.

The absence of a true commitment to Bradford keeps the possibility of another trade in play. Recently, PFT laid out the pieces of a three-way deal that would put Bradford in Cleveland, Mariota (and possibly Johnny Manziel) in Philly, and multiple picks in the pocket of a team that trades out of the top five.

The Eagles possibly could get there by giving up Bradford, the 20th pick in 2015, a first-round pick in 2016, and maybe another pick or two. Whether that amounts to mortgaging the future isn’t known.

That said, why is a mortgage a bad thing? For most, it’s the only way to buy a house. For the Eagles, a mortgage for Mariota could not only buy a house but also eventually put a Lombardi Trophy in the case.

Rating the NFL draft prospects: Quarterbacks

By Bob McGinn of the Journal Sentinel

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/rating-the-nfl-draft-prospects-quarterbacks-b99486130z1-301167651.html

The Journal Sentinel’s Bob McGinn assesses the top quarterbacks in next week’s draft. Included is each player’s height, weight, 40-yard dash time and projected round.

1. MARCUS MARIOTA, Oregon (6-3 ½, 222, 4.45, 1): Captured 2014 Heisman Trophy with the second-largest margin of victory ever. “He has a strong arm,” one scout said. “He throws on the move as well as anybody I’ve seen. Mechanics are good. He threw three interceptions this year. Only negative is he carries the ball loose and he has fumbled. He’s got the athletic ability to be an all-time great.” Posted a 36-5 record and 121.3 passer rating (128.4 in ’14) on the NFL scale. “He’s like a better Colin Kaepernick,” another scout said. “This guy is smarter and farther along.” Fourth-year junior was lightly recruited out of Honolulu. Tied Brett Hundley for best vertical jump (36 inches) among QBs and had the best 20-yard shuttle (6.87). His 40 time wasn’t as good as Michael Vick’s 4.33 in 2001 or Robert Griffin III’s 4.36 in 2012, but it was easily the fastest at the position this year. “I would much rather have this guy than Winston,” a third scout said. “At least you’re going to get the best he has all the time.” Also rushed for 2,237 yards (6.6-yard average) and 29 touchdowns. “Ben (Roethlisberger) took everything in shotgun at Miami (Ohio), too,” a fourth scout said. “He doesn’t have Ben’s arm. I do like a lot of things he brings to the table. But that running thing in the NFL? The guy (Griffin III) who plays for the Redskins found out that doesn’t work.” Scored 33 on the 50-question Wonderlic intelligence test.

2. JAMEIS WINSTON, Florida State (6-4, 231, 4.96, 1):Third-year sophomore won the Heisman Trophy in 2013 for the national champion Seminoles. “He’s an unbelievable competitor,” said one scout. “The football stuff, he embraces that. He’s not a great athlete, but he has great instincts, awareness and a knack in the pocket. He’s not going to dominate you just off pure physical ability. He will beat you with his mind, his patience. He sees things at a rate that a lot of good quarterbacks in the league take four, five years to see.” Engineered numerous fourth-quarter come-from-behind victories in posting a 26-1 record and passer rating of 107.9. Better in 2013 (125.8) than in ’14 (93.2), when his interception count swelled from 10 to 18. “I’ve seen too many interceptions,” another scout said. “He’s your drop-back guy, but he’s got that long release. It kind of reminds me of the guy who used to play for Marshall (Byron Leftwich).” Played right field for FSU in 2013 and served as the closer in ’14, using a mid-90s fastball to post a 1.94 earned run average in 60 career innings. “Jameis has gotten too big,” said a third scout. “In high school (Bessemer, Ala.) he was a quick-twitch athlete. Now he’s kind of sluggish.” Posted dismal workout numbers at the combine. “I had no idea he’d run that poorly,” a fourth scout said. “Quarterbacks without leg explosiveness have a terrible history. I don’t like his off-field and I don’t like the way he conducts himself on the field sometimes.” Wonderlic of 27.

3. BRYCE PETTY, Baylor (6-3, 229, 4.83, 2): Battling to surpass Robert Griffin as coach Art Briles’ best NFL QB. “He plays in a kid’s offense, like a Thanksgiving Day game offense,” one scout said. “He’s going to have to be retooled. He’s got size, feet, quickness of release, a strong arm. How long will it take to reshape him?” Never called a play for the Bears in Briles’ high-octane, simplistic, shotgun attack. “I remember Art saying he’s a better passer than Griffin and a similar athlete but not as fast,” a second scout said. “If you’re an athlete, don’t you think you can get under center? Problem is, everybody wants instant success today.” Two-year starter from Midlothian, Texas. Played with a bad back most of 2014. Passer rating was 114.3. “He’s Christian Ponder-like with a better arm,” a third scout said. “Somebody’s trying to create something there. I’m not going to rule out that he won’t start some games. But then people will realize he has some deficiencies.” Wonderlic of 31. Said a fourth scout: “He’s accurate deep — at times. In a quarterback-friendly system he’s not very accurate (62.7%).”

4. BRETT HUNDLEY, UCLA (6-3, 227, 4.63, 2): Fourth-year junior with 40 starts. “He has the physical tools,” one scout said. “Got a strong arm. Yes, he’ll be a starter at some point. It’s not a refined talent. Probably not unlike a Blake Bortles. He can be developed.” Biggest knock is accuracy. “He’s a running back playing quarterback, OK?” another scout said. Surpassed 100 passer rating all three seasons for resurgent Bruins, finishing at 103.7. Added 1,747 rushing yards and 30 TDs. According to one scout, his pro-day workout was the best of the leading QBs. “I wonder about how coachable this guy is,” another scout said. “There’s a lot of ability there.” Wonderlic of 26. From Chandler, Ariz.

5. GARRETT GRAYSON, Colorado State (6-2 ½, 214, 4.75, 3-4):Started 35 games during an injury-riddled four-year career. “Good processor of the game,” one scout said. “Got a pretty quick mind. Average physical characteristics. At best he becomes a guy like Jon Kitna or (Ryan) Fitzpatrick. That’s not a negative. I see him better than Matt Flynn.” Broke his collarbone three times. Passer rating of 97.1. “Pocket guy,” another scout said. “Little better athlete than you think. He can at least escape the rush and get the ball off under duress.” Wonderlic of 20. From Vancouver, Wash. “He’s average, at best,” said a third scout. “Career backup probably.”

6. SEAN MANNION, Oregon State (6-5 ½, 226, 5.10, 4-5): Started 43 of 47 games, rewriting the Beavers’ record book in a prostyle offense. His 13,600 passing yards rank eighth in Division I annals. “He spins a really good deep ball,” one scout said. “He’s very accurate and incredibly smart (Wonderlic of 40). People will knock him because of his 40 time, but he’s got good enough feet to move around and slide in the pocket. I just like his presence.” Coach’s son from Pleasanton, Calif. Beavers were just 5-7 in 2014. Passer rating is 89.5. “Long, slow delivery,” another scout said. “He reminds me of Derek Anderson, who came out of Oregon State 10 years ago. He’s everybody’s backup. This kid is so smart, he’s playing to every bit of his ability.”

7. CODY FAJARDO, Nevada (6-1 ½, 223, 4.58, 6-7): Four-year starter with passer rating of 91.3. Rushed for a whopping 3,482 yards (5.5) and 44 TDs in a pistol offense. “He took over for Kaepernick,” one scout said. “He’s a better pure passer than Kaepernick but not as big or strong. Really a nice athlete. But he’s short and hot and cold.” Wonderlic of 31. “Not really an established or consistent passer,” another scout said. “Somebody that you could develop because of the athletic traits.” From Brea, Calif.

8. CONNOR HALLIDAY, Washington State (6-3, 196, 4.9, 7-FA):Started for 2½ seasons and had an 88.2 passer rating. “He’s got a talented arm,” one scout said. “Plays in a wide-open system. He’s smart enough (Wonderlic of 22). He’ll need a little bit of work on his footwork, but he’s got enough to take a shot on.” Suffered a broken ankle Nov. 1 and still can’t work for scouts. “He finds the open guy well at times but then he throws into coverage too often,” another scout said. “Nobody there was sorry to see him go. I can’t find anybody there that liked this guy.” Out of Spokane, Wash.

9. SHANE CARDEN, East Carolina (6-2, 218, 4.92, 7-FA): Three-year starter with a passer rating of 99.5. Same size as Brett Favre and bears facial resemblance. “He reminds me of Favre,” one scout said. “He’s got some swagger. Really good leadership ability. His physical skill is OK. Some quarterback coach is going to love him because of what’s in his heart and between his ears (Wonderlic of 25).” From Houston. “I like his mind,” said another scout. “Physically, I don’t think he’s going to have the arm.”

10. ANTHONY BOONE, Duke (6-0, 218, 4.95, 7-FA): Made one start behind Sean Renfree in 2012 before becoming a two-year starter. “He’s won a lot of games,” one scout said. “He’s short. Just an average passer. He’s a camp quarterback that doesn’t really have enough up side.” Posted a passer rating of 79.9. Wonderlic of 20. From Weddington, N.C.

OTHERS: Brandon Bridge, South Alabama; Bryan Bennett, Southeastern Louisiana; Taylor Heinicke, Old Dominion; Jerry Lovelocke, Prairie View A&M; Blake Sims, Alabama.

Would the Rams take a chance on Gregory?

By Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/would-the-rams-take-a-chance-on-gregory/article_096f2ce0-e7cc-566e-a583-cedae09a45f6.html

If you’re looking for pass-rush ability, and pass-rush ability only, the “champion” in the 2015 draft seems to be Nebraska’s Randy Gregory.

And in a draft littered with all kinds of elite-caliber edge-rushers, that’s quite a statement.

“It’s a real good group,” said a veteran NFC scout, speaking on condition of anonymity. “They’re going to fly off the board.”

It’s a group that includes Dante Fowler of Florida, Shane Ray of Missouri, Vic Beasley of Clemson and Bud Dupree of Kentucky at the head of the class. For purposes of the Post-Dispatch draft series some are listed as defensive ends and some are listed as linebackers.

And oh yeah, there’s Gregory.

“I didn’t scout all of those other guys,” said the scout. “But I’ve scouted a lot of them. And if they’re better than Randy Gregory, then holy (cow), this is one helluva year.

“Because I don’t see how anybody can stop this guy once he’s going. He’s like an Aldon Smith or Jason Pierre-Paul type. He’s so long, so explosive, so fast, so athletic.”

Gregory is an Air Force brat (both parents served) who moved eight times growing up. He went the junior-college route initially before landing at Nebraska. He burst on the scene in Lincoln in 2013 with 19 tackles for loss and 10½ sacks, earning team MVP honors.

He then was slowed by nagging injuries last season but still finished with a team-high seven sacks as well as 10 tackles for loss.

With the 2014 season in mind, there are some questions about his durability in the NFL, as well as questions about his ability to defend the run at a lean 6 feet 5, 235 pounds. But his instincts and natural pass-rush skills can take the breath away of even the most hardened scouts.

“I had Randy Gregory as my top edge rusher, and once I started getting wind of the stuff off the field, I moved him behind Dante Fowler,” said former NFL scout and current NFL.com analyst Daniel Jeremiah. “So I continue to move him down a little bit, but ability-wise, I would put him up with anybody.”

Those off-field issues make Gregory the biggest boom or bust prospect in the draft, surpassing even Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston on that front.

Gregory failed a drug test at the NFL Scouting Combine, in February, and failed at least two more while playing at Nebraska.

“I blame myself,” Gregory told NFL.com late last month. “And I know it sounds cliché, but there’s really no one else I can blame.”

Gregory says those issues are behind him, but there have been indications from league sources that his off-field issues go beyond that.

“He’s explosive. He can do anything athletically you’d ever want,” said Russ Lande, a former Rams scout who now works as a draft analyst for several media outlets. “But I would not take Gregory in the first round despite the rare physical talent. The odds of guys with that much baggage succeeding are slim and none.”

Once regarded as a potential top-five pick and a certain top 10 selection, he now is expected to slide. How much so remains to be seen. But with so many other skilled edge-rushers available this year, why take a chance on Gregory?

Lande’s opinion aside, no one expects Gregory to slide out of the first round. But he’s not going in the top five; that seems like a safe bet.

In fact, when it’s time for the Rams to make their selection at No. 10 — assuming they don’t trade out of the spot either way —they could be staring at Gregory.

Would they take another problem player from Nebraska — 19 years after their ill-fated selection of Cornhuskers running back Lawrence Phillips?

No, the Rams don’t need another pass rusher. They have a roster brimming with them — from Robert Quinn to Chris Long to Aaron Donald — all the way to backup ends William Hayes and Eugene Sims, as well as recent free-agent linebacker pickup Akeem Ayers.

But coach Jeff Fisher loves pass rushers and loves collecting them.

“It would not be inconceivable to take another defensive end (or rush linebacker),” Fisher said last month. “It’s not out of the realm of possibilities.”

There were Internet reports earlier in the pre-draft process that Gregory was scheduled to visit Rams Park. But such a visit could not be confirmed by the Post-Dispatch.

Fisher and general manager Les Snead certainly haven’t been shy about drafting players with off-field issues. Cornerback Janoris Jenkins and linebacker Alec Ogletree are two examples.

Last year, about a week after signing with the Rams as a undrafted free agent, former Florida State defensive back Greg Reid spent part of his spring in jail because of a probation violation for a past marijuana-related arrest.

So the Rams could be tempted if Gregory is on the board. But that would mean ignoring more pressing needs, such as offensive linemen, in the first round.