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April 22, 2015 at 1:41 pm in reply to: new draft thread — mocks, scouting reports, different takes, etc. #23002
znModeratorT-Minus 14 Days: Why Team Visits Don’t Matter
Pre-draft visits by prospects get a lot of media attention, but many are calculated ruses by teams looking to gain an advantage. Remember Blake Bortles? Plus, the draft’s best corner (in his own mind) and the first running back off the board
By Robert Klemko
http://mmqb.si.com/2015/04/16/nfl-draft-prospects-team-visits-blake-bortles/
Two gems from Pro Football Focus, which is charting collegians for the first time.
No draft eligible cornerback was targeted as infrequently as Florida State’s Ronald Darby. He was targeted once for every 9.8 snaps in coverage as teams shied away from going after him (preferring to go after PJ Williams, whose 5.4 number was 17th from the bottom)
Todd Gurley had a nation-leading an elusive rating of 123.5 versus Power 5 opponents. The only NFL player to break a 100-plus elusive rating since 2007 was Marshawn Lynch last season. Including the playoffs, Lynch still only reached a 104.2 elusive rating.
—
Last year the Jaguars appeared poised to draft any player not named Blake Bortles with the third overall pick. It was leaked, in every manner imaginable, that their interest was not in taking a quarterback, and if they were to grab one, it would be Johnny Manziel out of Texas A&M and not the UCF standout.Jaguars management stressed to the Bortles camp that he wouldn’t be the guy. The team hosted both Bortles and Manziel for visits, and in the interest of spreading that belief, during an early offseason practice before the draft, an offensive coach finished his meeting with the words: “Don’t worry about this stuff. We’ll put it in when Johnny gets here.” The ruse was bolstered many times over.
Having made every effort to raise the value of their No. 3 selection in the eyes of whoever wanted Manziel (the Browns), Jacksonville was in a position to trade back. Instead, they took Bortles third, to the surprise of Bortles, Manziel and just about every schmo who typed up a mock draft last year.
“That’s pretty good,” said one high-level personnel evaluator I spoke with this week, who works for neither the Browns nor the Jaguars. “We’ll invite guys in for the visits as a smokescreen to get other teams thinking we’re interested in certain guys, but that’s pretty good.”
In the same vein, the Buccaneers hosted Manziel and fellow quarterbacks Teddy Bridgewater and Derek Carr for pre-draft visits, but not the player they eventually selected, former Texas A&M wide receiver Mike Evans. There’s a certain level of respect for that kind of gamesmanship this time of year. Most agents and NFL personnel aren’t easily offended, and both sides use grateful media figures like me and those many rungs above me, to dispense bad information. What I’ve done for the past several weeks is try to build a consensus on a few players and scenarios that interest me. Through unanimity, may we discover truth … or something like it.
In my mind, the most disingenuous thing about pre-draft coverage is the media interest in individual visits. Unless you’re talking about quarterbacks, it’s essentially clickbait. All three 2014 first-round passers had visited the teams they were eventually drafted by, and Bridgewater saw the Vikings twice. Outside of those three, only 16 of the remaining 29 first-rounders had pre-draft visits with the clubs that chose them. Among those who weren’t invited to the top 30 party of their chosen teams: Fifth-overall choice Khalil Mack (Raiders) and the seventh pick, Evans (no doubt an effort by the Buccaneers to convince the world they’d pick a QB). Eventual Chargers first-round pick Jason Verrett spent the offseason working out in San Diego, several miles from the Chargers’ facility, and didn’t communicate with the team between the combine and the day they drafted him 25th overall. And yet, reporters continue to break news of leaked visit plans as if it means something. I got in on the shameful practice the other day and I still feel dirty about it.
Five things you need to know about the draftThe Rumors About Rivers
The dots are being connected on a potential big trade between the Chargers and Titans, involving Philip Rivers and the No. 2 pick. Will it happen? Peter King explores the possibility in his mailbag.
FULL STORY
1. The Rivers trade—not gonna happen. As you read in Peter King’s mailbag, the big trade rumor has the Chargers dealing an L.A.-wary Philip Rivers to Tennessee for the second pick, ostensibly to draft Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, provided the Bucs tab Jameis Winston as the first pick. Here’s a one-time colleague of Tom Telesco and current NFL talent evaluator on the likelihood of such a deal going down: “I worked with Tom [Telesco], and he’s a sharp guy and I miss working with him, but he’s not a guy who gives up picks or a guy who’s going to make a big, bold aggressive move like that. I don’t see it.” Indeed, to see a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback traded at 33 years old for the second pick in the draft would be arguably the biggest trade since the Vikings traded their future for Herschel Walker.
2. Fowler or Williams? The popular notion that USC defensive tackle Leonard Williams would be the second overall pick for the Titans if not Mariota doesn’t jibe with a handful of decision makers I polled. For some, Dante Fowler, the defensive end out of Florida, is the clear choice as the top defensive player. Said one high-level evaluator: “I think Fowler is the top guy. Tremendous athlete. You see him impact his guy like DeMarcus Ware, Von Miller. Williams is a good player. A top-five pick. I don’t want to say it’s a hype machine, but he’s got some tape where he just disappears and doesn’t make plays.” The statistics culled by Pro Football Focus highlighting Williams as a mediocre pass rusher echo that sentiment.
3. First running back off the board: Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon or Georgia’s Todd Gurley? While the draftnik community is split, teams are leaning towards Gurley and what is seen as a higher ceiling than Gordon, despite Gurley’s surgically-repaired knee. The predominant thinking is that if you’re going to draft a running back in the first round in 2015, he needs to be a playmaker and not necessarily a workhorse. Said one draft decision maker: “There’s more production on the film with Mel Gordon, but I like guys who can create, and Gurley is such a freak athletically, and he has such explosive plays that really get your attention. The elite athleticism overtakes the conventional football production that you want to see. People will say, if this isn’t an explosive player I’m not going to take a back in [round] one.” If one of the two is going to slip into the second round, bet on Gordon.
4. The Randy Gregory rumors. There has been speculation among NFL teams that Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory could have been popped for more than just marijuana at the combine, which would raise serious concerns about his future in the league before his career even begins. I’ve seen the drug report, via a league source, and Gregory tested positive solely for marijuana and not any other substances. Gregory is in the midst of a month-long visit marathon as a result of the failed test as teams seek to get a handle on his background. He’s been forthright, and teams know he failed two drug tests for marijuana while at Nebraska. It’s possible the whispers about other drugs are coming from interested teams intent on hurting his stock. How far he drops as a result is anyone’s guess. Said one NFL decision-maker: “Talent-wise, he’s one of the best players in the draft. I can’t see him falling out of the first round.”
5. Parker climbing? I think there’s a real chance that DeVante Parker won’t be there for the Vikings, his presumptive best fit, at 11th overall in the first round. The Bears (7th) are now a realistic landing spot for the former Louisville wide receiver. Beyond that, the Vikings aren’t as enamored with Teddy Bridgewater’s former teammate as everyone thinks they should be. If they were to pass on him, the furthest he would slide would be No. 14, to the Dolphins.
znModeratorEmail sent. Something about tracking numbers. I figure, it’s a stats thing.
..
znModeratorBut they HAVE to improve the o-line in a dramatic way to have any success this year
IMO? They just have to field a decent one. In 2012 without the defense they have now and without the receivers they have now, they took it to SF twice, when SF was a powerhouse, with a line that consisted of
Saffold Turner Wells Dahl Richardson.
I honestly don’t worry about the OL, myself. The thing that kills Fisher Rams OLs is extensive multiple injuries. And if they have extensive multiple injuries again, it wouldn’t matter if they had an elite OL—that would still set it back. If they have at a minimum a decently good one, if remains at least relatively healthy, they ought to be fine IMO.
znModeratorznModeratorGame-by-game predictions: St. Louis Rams
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/17811/game-by-game-predictions-st-louis-rams
Predicting the St. Louis Rams’ record this far out is a difficult task considering that we still don’t know who will make up about 60 percent of their offensive line. But as it stands, this looks like a team with a defense that’s ready to compete and an offense with no shortage of question marks. Because of that and because it’s a Rams team coached by Jeff Fisher, we’re going to go with something in the range of mediocrity and predict an 8-8 record while reserving the right to change our mind as the season nears.
Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 13, vs. Seattle, 1 p.m. ET
The Seahawks likely have unpleasant memories of the trickery the Rams pulled off at their expense at the Edward Jones Dome last year, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be able to get the victory. The Rams have given Seattle problems in St. Louis and will manage to do so again to open the season with a victory. Rams 20, Seahawks 13. Record: 1-0
Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 20, at Washington, 1 p.m. ET
After much was made about Fisher’s pre-game captains in this game a year ago, Redskins coach Jay Gruden likely brings a little something extra to the table this time. But unless Washington finds a major solution for its quarterback issues and finds a way to score some points against the Rams defense, this looks like another St. Louis victory. Rams 27, Redskins 17. Record: 2-0
Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 27, vs. Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. ET
Riding high from opening with a pair of wins, the Rams return home to what will likely be something closer to a neutral venue than a home-field advantage. Pittsburgh fans travel well and were all over the place the last time the Steelers visited St. Louis. That, plus Antonio Brown, is enough to hand the Rams their first loss. Steelers 28, Rams 20. Record: 2-1
Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 4, at Arizona, 4:25 p.m. ET
Diving back into NFC West play, the Rams head out west for the first time and find themselves facing a new-look Arizona defense. The Rams had the Cardinals on the ropes twice last season but couldn’t finish either game. Sans the addition of a premiere playmaker in the draft, the Rams get the same result. Cardinals 17, Rams 14. Record: 2-2
Week 5:Sunday, Oct. 11, at Green Bay, 1 p.m. ET
The Rams at least avoid having to play the Packers in the colder months, which should help. But it won’t be enough to prevent Aaron Rodgers and Co. from dissecting a Rams secondary that allowed the highest completion percentage in the NFL in 2014 and returns the same players in 2015. Packers 30, Rams 19. Record: 2-3
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 25, vs. Cleveland, 1 p.m. ET
After a much-needed bye week, the Rams return home and get a chance to see the Browns in what should be a winnable game. Cleveland should be able to keep it low scoring, but the Rams should have enough to get the win. Rams 23, Browns 10. Record: 3-3
Week 8: Sunday, Nov. 1, vs. San Francisco, 1 p.m. ET
The 49ers look like a team poised to take a dive with new coach Jim Tomsula and many other substantial changes. The Rams get their first look at them without Jim Harbaugh and also get their second consecutive victory. Rams 27, 49ers 20. Record: 4-3
Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 8, at Minnesota, 1 p.m. ET
The Rams head north hoping to turn the tables on a team that spanked them in St. Louis in the 2014 season opener. Under Fisher, the Rams have been known for pulling off surprising upsets but also laying surprising eggs. This qualifies as the latter. Vikings 30, Rams 13. Record: 4-4
Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 15, vs. Chicago, 1 p.m. ET
This game will surely once again draw plenty of attention on the Long brothers, but it’s more important for the Rams’ hopes to get a home victory against the Bears like they did two years ago. They will. Rams 31, Bears 21. Record: 5-4
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 22, at Baltimore, 1 p.m. ET
The start of a two-game tour of the AFC North is not a pretty one, as Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is able to take advantage of the secondary’s struggles defending the long ball. The Rams drop back to .500. Ravens 26, Rams 20. Record: 5-5
Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 29, at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. ET
As mentioned earlier, the Rams have had a knack under Fisher for winning a game or two that many wouldn’t expect them to, like last year’s home wins against Denver and Seattle. We’ll say this is one of them, and in impressive fashion. Rams 24, Bengals 10. Record: 6-5
Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 6, vs. Arizona, 1 p.m. ET
The blitz-happy Cardinals aren’t quite the same group that visited St. Louis a year ago, and the Rams find a way to scratch out just enough points in a dominant defensive performance to get the win. Rams 13, Cardinals 6. Record: 7-5
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 13, vs. Detroit, 1 p.m. ET
It was right around this time in 2014 when the Giants and Odell Beckham Jr. came to St. Louis to play a game many expected the Rams to win. Beckham went off and the Giants got the victory. Substitute the Lions and receiver Calvin Johnson this time around. Lions 23, Rams 17. Record: 7-6
Week 15: Thursday, Dec. 17, vs. Tampa Bay, 8:25 p.m. ET
In what could be the Rams’ final home game in St. Louis, the Buccaneers come to town with Jameis Winston leading the way in a primetime game that doesn’t figure to move the needle much nationally. It should some attention in St. Louis, though, as the Rams put themselves in position to battle for a wild card in the final two weeks. Rams 34, Buccaneers 20. Record: 8-6
Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 27, at Seattle, 4:25 p.m. ET
At least the Rams don’t have to end the season with yet another loss in Seattle. But this time, they lose a game they need to remain in playoff contention as the Seahawks wrap up the NFC West by exacting revenge against the Rams for the season opener. Seahawks 17, Rams 9. Record: 8-7
Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 3, at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m. ET
With nothing left to play for, the only real question becomes whether the Rams actually go to the trouble of flying home from Seattle or staying on the West Coast before this game. Either way, the 49ers sneak out a win and send the Rams into an offseason full of uncertainty and without a winning record for a 12th consecutive year. Niners 16, Rams 13. Record: 8-8
znModerator.
IMO these are the highlights
Is there anyone you see the rams could trade on draft day? Thanks
by Paul 3:31 PM
There have been some faint rumors on Tavon Austin, but I don’t know if there is any credence to them.Quick is expected to be ready for Week 1.
Are negotiations with Barksdale dead until after the draft? Are the Rams consdering going into the season with rookies as their starting RG and RT?
by bfulton 2:59 PMLooks that way. (re: negotiations w/Bark). As to starting rookie at RG and RT, keep in mind free-agent OG Justin Blalock is still out there.
I’m not saying that Barrett Jones or Tim Barnes couldn’t play center. We just don’t know, because neither has played much (although Barnes did get 4 starts in 2013). I think most people regard Erving as a Day 1 starter.
[Jones] was notably stronger last year before his back surgery. We’ll see how he gets through the offseason conditioning program and the OTAs this spring.
What kind of depth is available for offensive line in the draft? Is the talent strong enough that you could see the Rams being able to select a starting tackle, as well a guard?
by Neonleon 2:54 PMThat’s asking a lot, but is possible.
It would be stupid for the Rams not to have Scherff on their board. Can’t imagine that. But it is interesting that among all the players brought in for pre-draft visits, Scherff’s name is not among them. At least as far as I’ve been able to discern. And the vast majority of the players Fisher and Snead have drafted in their prior three drafts are players that have made pre-draft visits. As for Peat, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he was Rams top-rated O-lineman.
Which OL do you like the most after Scherff?
by JEA 2:41 PMPeat and La’el Collins.
Is Peat really worth #10 pick? Hearing he doesn’t have a mean streak and is a finesse player.
by Joe 3:17 PMYeah, those are the knocks on him. But I’m hearing that NFL teams generally have him rated much higher than many of the media mocks. He’s is a large, athletic man.
Mr. Kroenke’s lack of interaction with the local town/fans/media is well documented. Are there other NFL owners out there who take this kind of “silent partner” approach?
by Eddie Gaedel 3:16 PMNo one to the extent of Kroenke. No one.
Keep in mind, we’re only talking about maybe three, four days of camp in California. And it’s been something, I’m told, the Rams and Cowboys have been talking about for more than a year. But still, if you want to practice against somebody, it sure makes more sense to do it against the Bears, the Chiefs, the Titans, or the Colts. As for which was worse, Cardinals or Rams, in terms of St. Louis football, I haven’t done the math with respect to won-lost records. But you did get two Super Bowls and one Lombardi Trophy with the Rams.
I think many Rams fans feel this is a case of Rams ownership just rubbing their faces in all this LA stuff. It sure seems to be a case of being tone deaf, PR-wise. Why not have joint practices with Tennessee when the team plays in Nashville?
Was listening to Bernie on the fastlane. He thinks the raiders moving to stl is a real possibility your thoughts?
by Josh 2:44 PMBernie and I are on the same wave-length here.
znModeratorRams Schedule Analysis
By Myles Simmons
Now that the schedule has been released, let’s take a look at the full slate of all 16 games in order.
Week 1: vs. Seattle Seahawks (12-4, 1st place NFC West) | Noon
All-time record: 12-21 | Last home matchup: Rams won 28-26 in Oct. 2014
—The Rams will open the year against a divisional opponent that has clearly been one of the best teams in football over the past few years. While the Seahawks did lose Super Bowl XLIX in dramatic fashion, they’ll have Marshawn Lynch back after re-signing him at the beginning of the offseason. On defense, free-agent cornerback Byron Maxwell signed a six-year deal with the Eagles, but Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, and Kam Chancellor will lead that strong secondary once again.In last year’s home matchup, the Rams got tricky and held on to beat Seattle, 28-26. The biggest highlight from that game was Stedman Bailey’s 90-yard punt return, during which Tavon Austin and the return team completely misdirected Seattle’s coverage.
Week 2: at Washington Redskins (4-12, 4th place NFC East) | Noon
All-time record: 11-22-1 | Last matchup: Rams won 24-0 in Dec. of ’14 (FedEx Field)
—St. Louis and Washington met in the nation’s capital last year, in what ended up being the second of consecutive shutouts. Tavon Austin was named the NFC special teams Player of the Week for returning four punts 143 yards, including a 78-yard touchdown. Also a game in which Rams got tricky, with punter Johnny Hekker and tight end Cory Harkey connecting on fake extra-point attempt for a two-point conversion. Washington still has some questions to solve at the quarterback position with Robert Griffin III, but should be better in its second year under head coach Jay Gruden.Week 3: Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5, 1st place AFC North) | Noon
All-time record: 15-7-2 | Last matchup: Steelers won 27-0 in 2011 (Heinz Field)
—After consecutive 8-8 seasons, the Steelers went 11-5 to win the AFC North in 2014. Heading a team that’s is a pillar of stability, Mike Tomlin returns for his ninth season as head coach — as only the third Steelers HC since 1969. Ben Roethlisberger signed a five-year contract in March, keeping the franchise quarterback with the club through 2019. They also have young offensive stars like running back Le’Veon Bell, who accounted for over 2,200 yards from scrimmage, and wide receiver Antonio Brown who caught 129 passes in 2014. But Pittsburgh will have to replace longtime members of its secondary, Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor, after both players retired this offseason.Week 4: at Arizona Cardinals (11-5, 2nd place NFC West) | 3:25
All-time record: 36-36-2 | Last road matchup: Cardinals 31-14 in Nov. 2014
—The Cardinals made the playoffs last season after finishing 11-5, good for second place in the NFC West. But their quarterback troubles probably prevented them from advancing past the Wild Card round in the playoffs. In last year’s road matchup, the Rams took a 14-10 lead into halftime. But a long touchdown pass and two costly turnovers allowed Arizona to take control of the game in the fourth quarter and go on to win 31-14. Last year’s contest saw Mark Barron record his first sack as a Ram, and Alec Ogletree make a big interception that went for a 44 yard return.Week 5: at Green Bay Packers (12-4, 1st place NFC North) | Noon
All-time record: 45-44-2 | Last matchup: Packers won 30-20 in Oct ’12. (Edward Jones Dome)
—The Packers were one of the best teams in the NFC last season, losing the conference championship game in overtime to the Seahawks. And with Aaron Rodgers under center, this team will likely be competitive. Mike McCarthy will be in his 9th season as Green Bay’s head coach, and the team has only missed the playoffs twice in that time. The last meeting between the Rams and Packers teams was in 2012, which Green Bay won 30-20 at the Edward Jones Dome. Rodgers was sterling in that game, completing 30-37 passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns.Week 6: Bye
Week 7: vs. Cleveland Browns (7-9, 4th place AFC North) | Noon
All-time record: 10-9-0 | Last matchup: Rams won, 13-12, in 2011 (Cleveland Browns Stadium)
—Two franchises that started in Cleveland, the Rams and Browns met in the preseason last year, and this will be their 20th in-season matchup. In head coach Mike Pettine’s first year, Cleveland put up its best record since 2007 by finishing 7-9, but still finished in fourth place in the AFC North. The Browns, who will be sporting new uniforms this year, still have questions at quarterback after letting Brian Hoyer walk in free agency. Johnny Manziel was simply not good in his work as a rookie, but the team did sign free agent Josh McCown, who played for the Buccaneers last year. Cleveland does sport a strong secondary led by cornerback Joe Haden and safety Donte Whitner, but its run defense was 32nd last year.Week 8: vs. San Francisco 49ers (8-8, 3rd place, NFC West) | Noon
All-time record: 63-64-3 | Last home matchup: 49ers won 31-17 in Oct. 2014. (MNF)
—The 49ers have made a bevy of changes, starting with their head coach. With Jim Harbaugh and the club mutually agreeing to part ways, the former head coach is now at Michigan and former defensive line coach Jim Tomsula is now at the helm. San Francisco will also have to replace middle linebacker Patrick Willis and emerging star linebacker Chris Borland, both of whom decided to retire following the 2014 season. Last year, the Rams and 49ers met on Monday Night Football at the Edward Jones Dome, and while St. Louis led 14-10 going into halftime, San Francisco outscored the Rams 21-3 in the final two quarters.Week 9: at Minnesota Vikings (7-9, 3rd place NFC North) | Noon
All-time record: 14-20-2 | Last matchup: Vikings won 34-6 in Sept. 2014 (EJD)
—These two teams met in Week 1 of last year, when Minnesota defeated St. Louis, 34-6. The Vikings are in their second year under head coach Mike Zimmer. Teddy Bridgewater didn’t play in last year’s contest (current Bills signal-caller Matt Cassel was under center), but he did start 12 games and complied a 6-6 record last year. Bridgewater completed 64.4 percent of passes for 2,919 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. The Vikings also have a young linebacker in Anthony Barr who excelled in his first season, tallying 4.0 sacks, 2 forced fumbled, and 3 fumble recoveries — one of which he returned for a touchdown.Week 10: vs. Chicago Bears (5-11, 4th place NFC North) | Noon
All-time record: 35-51-3. Last matchup: Rams won 42-21 in 2013 (EJD)
After a disappointing 2014, the Bears have brought in former Broncos and Panthers head coach John Fox to help right the ship. Quarterback Jay Cutler completed 66 percent of his passes and threw for over 3,800 yards and 28 touchdowns, but he also had a league-high 18 interceptions as Chicago finished 5-11 — its worst record since 2004. But it’s not hard to imagine the Bears having a strong bounce-back year, especially given the talent that remains on offense with Cutler and running back Matt Forte. In the two teams’ last matchup, Zac Stacy, Benny Cunningham, and Tavon Austin combined for 261 yards rushing and three touchdowns, and Robert Quinn returned a fumble 31 yards for a TD.Week 11: at Baltimore Ravens (10-6, 3rd place AFC North) | Noon
All-time record: 2-3-0 | Last matchup: Ravens won 37-7 in Sept. 2011 (EJD)
—Following their Super Bowl win in the 2012 season, the Ravens went 8-8 in 2013 before losing in the divisional round of the playoffs last year. Though they had a 10-6 record, they still finished in third place in the AFC North, which says something about the toughness of that division. John Harbaugh is back for his eighth year as Baltimore’s head coach, and the Ravens have missed the playoffs only once in his tenure. With Joe Flacco firmly entrenched at quarterback, Justin Forsett emerged as the team’s top running back last season, tallying 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. And on defense, the Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil constantly get after the passer, as they combined for 29.0 sacks last year.Week 12: vs. Cincinnati Bengals (10-5-1, 2nd place AFC North) | Noon
All-time record: 5-7-0 | Last matchup: Bengals won 20-13 in 2011 (EJD)
—The Bengals have been consistent lately in that they’ve made the playoffs the last four seasons, but have lost their Wild Card-round game each time. Marvin Lewis is back for his 13th year as the Bengals’ head coach, and will try to get the team over that hump in the difficult AFC North. Andy Dalton returns as the team’s quarterback, coming off a season in which he threw 19 touchdowns to 17 interceptions. One of his targets, A.J. Green, has emerged as one of the best wideouts in football. Despite playing only 13 games last year, he made 69 receptions for 1,041 yards and six touchdowns.Week 13: vs. Arizona Cardinals (11-5, 2nd place NFC West) | Noon
All-time record: 36-36-2 | Last home matchup: Cardinals won 12-6 in Dec. 2014
—The Rams faced the Cardinals on Thursday Night Football last year. During the contest, Drew Stanton suffered a knee injury that ended his season, and Ryan Lindley had to come on in relief. While St. Louis lost 12-6, the game represented the third consecutive contest in which the Rams did not surrender a touchdown.Week 14: vs. Detroit Lions (11-5, 2nd place NFC North) | Noon
All-time record: 42-39-1 | Last matchup: Lions won 27-23 in 2012 (Ford Field)
—The Lions made the playoffs in head coach Jim Caldwell’s first season with Detroit, as quarterback Matt Stafford threw for over 4,200 yards with 22 touchdowns. Calvin Johnson wasn’t completely healthy throughout the year, but still made 71 receptions for over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns in 13 games. Golden Tate proved to be a strong target for Stafford, as he tallied 99 catches for over 1,300 yards and four touchdowns. The last meeting between the two teams was at Ford Field in 2012, which Lions won 27-23 on a late Stafford 5-yard touchdown pass.Week 15: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-14, 4th place NFC South) | Thursday Night Football
All-time record: 12-8-0 | Last matchup: Rams won 19-17 in 2014 (Raymond James Stadium)
—Tampa will likely have a rookie quarterback under center for their second year under head coach Lovie Smith. The Rams and Bucs met last year in Tampa when Austin Davis led St. Louis on a key late-game drive in his first start to put the team in position for Greg Zuerlein to nail a 38-yard field goal. The Rams will also have to contend with terrific defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, and a good receiving corps with Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans. St. Louis has won three straight over Tampa Bay (2012, 2013, 2014).Week 16: at Seattle Seahawks (12-4, 1st place NFC West) | 3:25
—Last year, St. Louis led Seattle 6-0 at halftime on a pair of field goals from Greg Zuerlein. But the Seahawks’ stifling defense came through in the second half, as the home team outscored the visitors 20-0 in the final two periods. As always, the Rams will surely have to contend with a raucous crowd at CenturyLink Field.Week 17: at San Francisco 49ers (8-8, 3rd place, NFC West) | 3:25
—The Rams beat the 49ers in their inaugural matchup at Levi’s Stadium in dramatic fashion when James Laurinaitis recovered quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s fourth-quarter fumble in the end zone, sealing the 13-10 victory. Kenny Britt had a key 21-yard touchdown reception late in the second quarter, and Greg Zuerlein nailed a 39-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to put St. Louis ahead for good.[/quote]znModeratorOkay. For a couple of years now, Rams fans have complained that the team always ends the season IN Seattle.
Well, the NFL heard us.
Now, the season BEGINS WITH Seattle (at home), and ends with consecutive Seattle AND SF away games.
So, there you go. Fixed it.
.
April 21, 2015 at 7:06 pm in reply to: So the great debate continues to divide Ramdom — how good is Barksdale? #22971znModeratorOk, but i dunno. I’m just not sure how much the rest
of the line affects a Tackle. Just seemed like he was
getting physically beat too much. But I’m not sure.To me, among other things, that means that they shifted all the schemes, protections, and help to compensate for the rookie Robinson, and Barksdale was put out on an island. Yet in 2013 he handled JJ Watt. No one comlained about JB in 2013.
April 21, 2015 at 7:48 am in reply to: So the great debate continues to divide Ramdom — how good is Barksdale? #22942znModeratoryou can judge an OT
without regard to the Guard next to him.I don’t do the “guard next to him” argument. It was the entire line.
znModeratorRams gather for start of strength, conditioning work
AP
http://www.foxsports.com/midwest/st…or-start-of-strength-conditioning-work-042015
ST. LOUIS — The start of offseason workouts gives St. Louis Rams players their first real opportunity to collectively get over the Sam Bradford trade. And to get to know Nick Foles.
The Rams, in search of their first winning season since 2003, also are breaking in a new offensive coordinator. The defense returns virtually intact.
Players gathered Monday for strength and conditioning with no field work. Tight end Jared Cook said it was like “the first day of school.”
“You come in with a fresh new outfit, fresh new shoes. Spider-Man lunch box, you’re showing off your new stuff,” Cook joked. “Naw, it’s just guys getting acclimated again.”
It’s anticipated the playbook won’t change dramatically under Frank Cignetti, who had been the quarterbacks coach before Brian Schottenheimer left for the coordinator job at Georgia.
Cignetti’s familiarity with the roster figures to be a plus. Cook said 80 percent of the playbook is in but wouldn’t give up any secrets.
“If we would have gotten a totally new offensive coordinator, there ain’t no telling what changes he would have brought that would have confused everybody,” Cook said. “The coaches have been working diligently to get this stuff in, so now is our time to learn. No, you can’t have a preview.”
Generally speaking, he wouldn’t characterize the scheme as simplified, either.
“You’re here to do your job, so do your job,” Cook said. “No matter what you have to do to learn it, you learn it.”
Many players were taken aback by the Bradford trade to Philadelphia in February. Coach Jeff Fisher had said several times that Bradford was his quarterback, but an agreement on a restructured deal could not be reached.
“Sam’s a good friend of mine, so whenever you lose friends on the team, there’s that aspect of it where you’re still human,” middle linebacker James Laurinaitis said. “You miss your friends. I was friends with Jake Long, friends with Chris Wells.
“Heck, one of my closest friends being here was Josh Hull and he ain’t here anymore, either.”
Now, they’re getting acquainted with Foles.
“Just kind of a fan of the way he plays the game, how he’s picked up the offense,” Cook said. “I just admire the way he slings the ball around.”
Added Laurinaitis: “I would like to have a QB for all 16 games, no matter who it is.”
There’s little turnover on defense. Tackle Nick Fairley gives the line five former first-round picks and Akeem Ayers adds depth at linebacker. Ayers had four sacks and an interception in nine games with New England, and Fairley, who slumped last year, combined for 11 1-2 sacks in 2012 and ’13.
“It’s very rare, and it’s exciting,” Laurinaitis said. “When you have five first-round D-linemen, it makes your short yardage a lot better, your goal line a lot better.”
Players aren’t wasting time fretting over the possibility of a franchise move back to Los Angeles after this season, either.
“Look, everybody can sit here and talk about it but the truth is it’s out of everybody’s hands except for one guy or a couple of guys on the other party,” Cook said. “All this stadium talk on both ends, it all sounds good, but really what can you do about it?”
When he was a boy, Laurinatis was taught not to worry about something that’s out of your control.
“There’s a lot of things in life I can worry about that I can control,” Laurinaitis said. “I can’t control whether we go, whether we stay. All I know is for this season we’ll be playing in St. Louis and there will be big expectations.”
April 21, 2015 at 12:55 am in reply to: Cosell: on QBs, RBs, WRs/TEs, OL, DL, LBs, DBs – podcasts & vids #22938znModeratorAre Winston and Mariota really can’t miss prospects?
DPS: NFL Flims’ Greg Cosell talks with Dan Patrick about the misconceptions with defining a franchise quarterback, where Jameis Winston ranks compared to previous QB prospects and why Todd Gurley is being overlooked.
http://www.nbcsports.com/football/nfl/are-winston-and-mariota-really-cant-miss-prospects?t=0
April 21, 2015 at 12:19 am in reply to: So the great debate continues to divide Ramdom — how good is Barksdale? #22937znModeratorWell, I’ve read the view that he regressed because
other components of the OLine became injured…and while
I’m considering that notion…I’m not convinced.Would you believe pictures?
When does he starting getting a consecutive series of bad games?
2013:
2014:
znModeratorWhaddya think ag? Should we start a new general draft thread (and link this one in it) or just let this one keep running? Which is better? Your call.
.
April 20, 2015 at 9:56 pm in reply to: Rams Near Deal To Spend Part of Training Camp With Cowboys In CA #22927znModeratorRams may spend part of training camp in California
By Jim Thomas
The Rams, who may be moving permanently to Los Angeles in 2016, may be spending several days of training camp this August in southern California.
According to a Dallas Morning News blog, the Cowboys are close to finalizing a deal to have the Rams visit them for several days at their summer training camp home in Oxnard, Calif., about 60 miles north of Los Angeles.
Rams owner Stan Kroenke plans to build a stadium in Inglewood, Calif., and the NFL says it’s possible there could be one or two teams playing in the Los Angeles area in 2016.
According to Rams executive vice president of football operations Kevin Demoff, coach Jeff Fisher is hoping to scrimmage another team during the team’s 2015 training camp.
Demoff confirmed that the Rams have talked to the Cowboys about holding joint practices in Oxnard, but that nothing was finalized and there is a chance that no joint practices would be held at all.
Demoff said there also has been some “very initial” discussion of potentially holding joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts.
Whether the Rams practice in California will depend in part on the finalized preseason schedule, which could come out as early as Tuesday when the regular-season schedule is announced. The Rams open their 2015 preseason at Oakland, with the game expected to be played sometime in the Aug. 14-16 range (a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday).
If the joint practices with the Cowboys take place, they would likely be held for a few days after the Oakland game.
In his first three seasons with the Rams, Fisher did not hold joint practices with another team. But he did so frequently during his long tenure with the Tennessee Titans, including twice against the Rams: in 2000 at Western Illinois University when the Rams trained there, and in 2008 at Tennessee’s training facility in Nashville.
==========
Rams, Cowboys discuss training together in California
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/17780/rams-cowboys-discussing-training-together
EARTH CITY, Mo. — West coast fans of the St. Louis Rams might be getting an earlier opportunity to see their team than even they expected.
The Rams, who are currently one of three teams pegged for a potential return to Los Angeles as early as 2016, are in the midst of discussions with the Dallas Cowboys to spend some time scrimmaging against each other during the preseason. The Cowboys train in Oxnard, California, about 65 miles from Los Angeles.
While nothing has been finalized yet, those talks have centered on the Rams staying in California after their preseason opener against the Oakland Raiders for a handful of practices against the Cowboys before traveling directly to Tennessee to play the Titans on Aug. 23. Dallas opens its preseason slate in San Diego. The first group of preseason games is scheduled to take place between Aug. 13-17.
Whether those talks are finalized or not will depend largely on how the schedules of the teams lay out. The NFL will announce dates and times for all games Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.
It’s been common practice on the Dallas side to have other teams help break the monotony of camp by coming in for scrimmages during training camp. The Cowboys have practiced against San Diego and the Raiders in recent years.
While the potential of the Rams playing near the Los Angeles area is sure to draw the ire of some St. Louis fans, the bulk of the movement on this front stems from Rams coach Jeff Fisher’s desire to get his team some work against a different team this preseason.
The Rams have also had discussions with the Indianapolis Colts about training together. Training with either team would represent a departure from the first three years under Fisher when the Rams have trained alone at Rams Park.
Of course, the possibility of the Rams training in the Los Angeles area would raise some eyebrows given what’s currently going on in the market. The Rams left Los Angeles for St. Louis 20 years ago and are now rumored to be on their way back.
Rams owner Stan Kroenke is part of a group that plans to build a new 80,000-seat football stadium in Inglewood, California. That project will be presented to NFL executives and the six-owner Committee on Los Angeles Opportunities this week in advance of next month’s owners meetings in San Francisco.
znModeratorWhat to watch as Rams open offseason program
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/17744/what-to-watch-as-rams-open-offseason-program
EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams will officially begin their offseason program today, the first day they were able to according to NFL rules.
Since the Rams didn’t go through a coaching change in the offseason, they had to wait until Monday while teams with new coaches already have begun the process. Here in St. Louis, it’s on to what figures to be a pivotal fourth year with the Rams for coach Jeff Fisher and Co.
While Fisher, general manager Les Snead and the rest of the coaching and personnel staffs finish up their final homework for the NFL draft, the players can now report to work at Rams Park, go through workouts and begin diving into playbooks.
According to league rules, Monday’s beginning of the program is part of phase one. Phase one allows for strength and conditioning work and rehabilitation. After two weeks, teams can transition into phase two, when they can begin on-field workouts with players but with no contact or any sort of offense-vs.-defense drills. Phase three comes later in the form of organized team activities. Each team gets 10 of those and the Rams wrap up in mid-June.
All of the above activities are voluntary and though most teams have a mandatory minicamp, the Rams are the lone team that chooses not to. In a general sense, part of the reason for eschewing the mandatory minicamp is that it’s something of a carrot for players to attend the voluntary portions of the offseason. Under Fisher, the Rams regularly have had near-perfect attendance for the offseason program.
With all of the details out of the way, here’s a few things we’ll be monitoring as the offseason program begins:
Finding Foles: Newly acquired quarterback Nick Foles technically has been with the Rams since the early March trade with the Eagles, but league rules have prevented him from getting a chance to really dive into his new system. Now that the offseason program is here, Foles finally can dive into what offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti has for him. In fact, the entire offense can get an up-close look at whatever tweaks Cignetti has in mind. For Foles, it’s an important opportunity not only to get deep into his playbook but to begin building rapport with his new receivers. It’s a safe bet that Foles will be very attentive in this offseason program.
On the recovery: The Rams don’t have a lot of players on their roster coming off serious injury, but they have enough guys still working their way back that the offseason program actually has been going on for awhile in their worlds. Rehab for a guy like receiver Brian Quick has been an ongoing process, and Fisher indicated in March that while Quick is progressing, he still didn’t want to put a timetable on his return. Tackle Greg Robinson is coming off a foot issue and still is working his way back. Fisher said in February that Robinson should be able to bounce back just fine. Aside from that duo, the Rams seem to be mostly in good shape in the bigger health picture.
Man in the middle: The start of the offseason program won’t offer many clues on who will ultimately be the team’s starting center, but it is an important time for the three players currently on the roster who figure to be competing for the job. Barrett Jones never has been able to make it to a season healthy and has been in need of additional strength since arriving in the league. Some of his most important work will come in the weight room. Demetrius Rhaney is returning from an injury and also could use some added bulk in his pursuit of the job. Tim Barnes also is back in the mix. Of course, the dynamics of the position could change through the draft but it seems a good bet at the moment that one of these three will get a chance to win the job.
znModeratorfrom off the net
—
BonifayRam
There were a ton of injuries & health issues going on with our 4 centers very early in 2014.
Its always been my position since last year that Snead has positioned the team well enough at the center post with Tim Barnes, Barrett Jones & Demetrius Rhaney. The team just did not need nor did it have any real reason to go out & overspend on a UFA. I never saw any significant upgrade between Stefen Wisniewski & a healthy Tim Barnes.
I will grant that Tim Barnes 2014 season performance through-out TC & pre season while working as the first center was not what I had seen in pre seasons past 2012 & 2013. But we have learned since then that Barnes was far from being 100% early thru late season of 2014. It should say something that TB remained at his post hurting while Scott Wells(illness), Barrett Jones(back surgery) & later Rhaney (knee/IR) all had their health issues.
As it stands now I see zero need at this time to add a UFA center to this team & prefer to ride with what Paul Boudreau {PB}had prepared & set at the table at center for the Rams team in 2015 season.
Rams do have 3 youthful centers ready to go currently, when the dust settles & PB is set as to which of the 3 will start…then the other non starting centers reserves will be tasked into heavy work at other needed OL positions. If as I suspect Barnes will win the starting OC post then Jones & Rhaney will play important roles early. Rhaney has played started at both OG & OC in college. So he could add to the depth at OG besides reserve OC.
I also feel that Brandon Washington may surprise us if he is left in at Left OG post. Not saying he is starting material here but will be a decent reserve at that post. PB has been grooming him now for 3 season & BW is now going into his 4th season with PB.
Looks to me that the core OL reserve cadre is in decent condition with only one serious need being a reserve OLT or swing OT. The real bona fide concerns are in the starting OL where a upgrade in talent is the need at OG.
April 20, 2015 at 10:54 am in reply to: Cosell: on QBs, RBs, WRs/TEs, OL, DL, LBs, DBs – podcasts & vids #22912znModeratorThe NFL Draft Podcast with Greg Cosell: The Quarterbacks
Wow, ole Greg be making the rounds.
znModeratorfrom off the net
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1st Rounder
People are overrating Zack Martin’s impact. Murray had a higher yards per carry average the season prior to Martin’s arrival (5.2 vs. 4.7) with a declining 36 year old Brian Waters (5 games) and Mackenzy Bernadeau (11 games) at Martin’s current spot being the only personnel change on the OLine. And they still had a top rated offense and scored a buttload of points prior to Martin’s arrival.
The difference this past season had FAR more to do with the team’s re-dedication to running the football and Murray staying healthy 16 games. Not the addition of Martin.
In fact I can’t help but to grow tired of the OLine or bust mentality as if it’s the whole key to success on offense.
I’ve watch the Titans go overboard to build a great OLine by adding an expensive top rated, young, free agent guard (Andy Levitre) and the #10 overall draft selection (Chance Warmack) to a line which featured an All-Pro LT (Michael Roos) and good RT (David Stewart) and the offense still stunk out loud. The following season they even used the #11 overall selection on OT Taylor Lewan and the smell on offense remained and remains, but nobody talks about them when calling for this OLine build up using a 1st rounder.
Meanwhile the starting OG in the Super Bowl this year were two undrafted FAs, a 7th Rounder who played DT in college, and a 1st Round OT who moved inside because he could hack it at OT.
QB and Offensive Coordinator. That’s the key.
znModeratorNFL draft preview: Cooper, White head another stellar WR class
By Jim Thomas
About a year ago at this time, Rams coach Jeff Fisher was asked by a confidant about the possibility of taking a wide receiver with the second pick of the draft, No. 2 overall.
Fisher’s reply: “What? And get fired?”
Yes, there have been plenty of wide receivers who were busts at the top of the NFL draft in recent years, with Charles Rogers, Roy Williams and Mike Williams (the one from Southern Cal) coming to mind. Some might add Darrius Heyward-Bey to the list.
And that in part explains why Fisher doesn’t like taking wide receivers high in the draft. The fact that former No. 8 overall pick Tavon Austin has been only so-so in his first two NFL seasons hasn’t given Fisher a reason to change his mind, either.
All that being said, it would be difficult to say “no” to Alabama’s Amari Cooper or West Virginia’s Kevin White if either is available when the Rams pick at No. 10.
Both are expected to be gone by then, but we won’t know for sure until April 30 — the first day of this year’s NFL draft.
There seems to be a split among NFL scouts and draft experts on whether it’s Cooper No. 1 and White No. 2 at wide receiver, or vice versa.
“The teams that have Cooper above White would say he’s more pro ready,” said one veteran NFC scout, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “The teams that have White ahead of Cooper say the upside with White’’ is greater.
Cooper is an excellent route runner, with good speed, and what the scouts call “great tape.” But he will drop a pass now and then, and he might not be as explosive as White.
White ran a sizzling 4.35 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, and that’s at a shade under 6 feet 3 and weighing 215 pounds — big receiver size.
“White’s got big-time play-making ability and he screams out that he could be a No. 1 receiver,” the NFC scout said. “What you don’t like about him is he’s really had only one year of production.”
White began his post-high school career at the junior-college level and played only two seasons of major-college football (at West Virginia). His statistics as a junior, in 2013, were nothing to write home about—35 catches for 507 yards and five touchdowns.
“My junior year I put bad film out there,” White said. “That’s not the kind of receiver, the kind of player, I am. Going into my senior year, I just put everything on the line and did what I had to do.”
So what happened as a senior last season?
“Motivation,” White said. “Like I’ve been telling teams, it finally clicked.”
He finished third in the Football Bowl Subdivision in catches last season (109) and sixth in reception yards (1,447). He topped 100 yards receiving in nine of 13 games.
“He’s got phenomenal hands,” a veteran AFC scout said. “He snatches that ball; he just catches it like nobody’s business.”
Still, some wonder if those kinds of numbers will translate to the NFL. Former West Virginia Mountaineers Austin and Stedman Bailey, both now with the Rams, put up similar eye-popping numbers at West Virginia but have yet to light it up in the pros.
Cooper, on the other hand, can point to the success in Atlanta of former Crimson Tide star Julio Jones as evidence that perhaps his college feats will translate to the next level.
“I’ve definitely met with (Jones) and talked to him a few times,” Cooper said. “He’s definitely given me advice on what it takes to be a great player.”
In 2012, Cooper broke Jones’ school freshman records for most receptions and reception yards —with 59 catches for exactly 1,000 yards. Foot and knee injuries slowed his production in 2013 (45 for 736), but he was a glittering star in 2014 with a Southeastern Conference record 124 catches for an Alabama record 1,727 yards.
Even with all that college production, Cooper will be a mere 20 years old on draft day; he doesn’t celebrate his 21st birthday until June. So he will have plenty of time to develop and grow as an NFL receiver.
And even so, having former Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin as his offensive coordinator at Alabama gave Cooper exposure to not only a pro-style offense, but also to being moved around all over the formation.
“I certainly want to be the best receiver, not just in this class but overall — wherever I go — and I’m going to work hard to try to be that,” Cooper said.
Whether it’s Cooper & White, or White & Cooper, they are the mere headliners in what again figures to be a stellar wide receiver draft class.
“It’s a terrific receiver corps — a year like last year,” said former Rams assistant coach Rick Venturi, currently an NFL radio analyst in Indianapolis. “I think it’s the strongest position in the draft.”
And that’s saying something in comparison with the Class of 2014, which featured three wideouts who finished with 1,000 receiving yards-plus as rookies and six with more than 750 yards.
“We’re all confident,” White said, speaking for his classmates. “We always talk about it. There’s no doubt in our minds that we can do the same thing as last year’s draft class.”
April 19, 2015 at 8:45 pm in reply to: OL in free agency … Barksdale, Blalock, Wisniewski, etc. #22889znModeratorWith Wiz to Jax, Rams check center options
By Jim Thomas
The Rams have had their eyes on Stefen Wisniewski for a while, and maintained interest in him even as the free-agent center made visits to one team after another this offseason.
But with Saturday’s news that Wisniewski had signed with Jacksonville, the Rams must now look elsewhere for a starting center in 2015.
It could very well come in-house, because the team has three returning players on the roster whose primary position is center: Barrett Jones, Tim Barnes, and Demetrius Rhaney.
Given his pedigree as an award-winning college player at Alabama and a fourth-round draft pick in 2013, Jones would have to rate as the front-runner.
But slowed by offseason surgeries each of the past two seasons, Jones has had only a handful of snaps on offense in NFL regular-season play. Barnes, the University of Missouri product who recently re-signed with the Rams, did start four games in 2013 after an injury to then starter Scott Wells.
Rhaney, meanwhile, was a seventh-round draft pick last season _ the answer to the trivia question, who did the Rams draft after taking Michael Sam? But he missed the entire 2014 season after suffering a training camp knee injury.
There are some starting options remaining at center in free agency, but none are nearly as appealing or nearly as young as Wisniewski, 26, who signed a one-year deal with the Jaguars for a modest $2.5 million.
In Jacksonville, Wisniewski is re-united with his former offensive coordinator at Oakland, Greg Olson. (Olson was Rams offensive coordinator under Scott Linehan in 2006 and ’07.)
Chris Myers, most recently with Houston, is on the market; as is Samson Satele, formerly of Miami; and Lyle Sendlein, who was released by Arizona earlier this offseason. Myers, who turns 34 in September, has 128 regular-season starts on his resume. Satele, 30, has 114 career starts. Sendlein, 31, has 109.
The Rams, who have had at least nine offensive linemen in for pre-draft visits this month including Florida State center Cameron Erving, currently must replace starters at center, guard, and right tackle from last season
znModeratorTim Tebow plans to sign a one-year deal Monday with the Eagles, a league source said Sunday night.
Maybe they can devise a play where Bradford goes downfield and Tebow throws to him.
.
April 19, 2015 at 5:08 pm in reply to: Grayson, Hundley, Petty, Carden etc. … the qbs this year #22881znModeratorPA…still need you to respond to my query. Thanks.
Check your email.
Oh. That thing where you rant on about how HG Wells was right. (About what, is not said.)
Um. Okay. Uh. Thanks.
April 19, 2015 at 3:19 pm in reply to: Grayson, Hundley, Petty, Carden etc. … the qbs this year #22878znModeratorPA…still need you to respond to my query. Thanks.
znModeratorST. LOUIS RAMS
First-round spot: 10
Mock drafts:
» Brian Baldinger: Brandon Scherff, OL, Iowa
» Bucky Brooks: Brandon Scherff, OL, Iowa
» Charley Casserly: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami (Fla.)
» Charles Davis: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
» Daniel Jeremiah: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
» Lance Zierlein: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan StateProspects associated with the Rams:
» Stephone Anthony, ILB, Clemson: Anthony spotted with Rams at Senior Bowl
» T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh: Clemmings has visits set with three teams
» La’el Collins, OT, LSU: Collins visited Rams facility
» Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama: Cooper makes visit to Rams facility
» Geneo Grissom, DE, Oklahoma: Grissom spotted with Rams at Senior Bowl
» Paul Dawson, LB, TCU: Dawson meets with Rams at pro day
» Cam Erving, OL, Florida State: Erving visited Rams facility
» Garrett Grayson, QB, Colorado State: Rams to meet with Grayson
» Justin Hardy, WR, East Carolina: Hardy spotted with Rams at Senior Bowl
» Jordan Hicks, OLB, Texas: Hicks spotted with Rams at Senior Bowl
» Zack Hodges, OLB, Harvard: Hodges spotted with Rams at Senior Bowl
» D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida: Humphries visited Rams facility
» Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA: Rams to meet with Hundley
» Travis Manning, CB, Northwest Missouri State: Division II CB says he will work out for Rams
» Sean Mannion, QB, Oregon State: Rams putting Mannion through workout
» Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon: Mariota works out for Rams
» Nick Marshall, CB, Auburn: Rams cite Senior Bowl moment as validation of potential
» Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State: McKinney visited Rams facility
» DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville: Parker visited Rams facility
» Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor: Petty to work out for Rams
» Austin Shepherd, OT, Alabama: Shepherd spotted with Rams at Senior Bowl
» Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State: Anthony spotted with Rams at Senior Bowl
» Kevin White, WR, West Virginia: White has visit scheduled with Rams
» Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State: Winston will have private workout with Ramscb 2
lb 5
de 1
OL 5
wr 5
QB 6znModeratorThere is one final inside linebacker (or non pass rushing LB ) to add to our top group of possibilities that has to this point included Shaq Thompson, Denzel Perryman, Eric Kendricks, and Paul Dawson, which would be this highly touted Benardrick McKinney of Mississippi State. He was one of those that was projected highly before the season began, rather than a player who emerged onto the scene recently. But, as you can see by his dimensions, he is pushing the envelope of how big we would want a middle linebacker in today’s NFL. Of course, the bigger they get, we assume the less their mobility would be. To find out, we examined his work against Texas A&M, LSU, and Auburn from 2014.
What I liked: First, it is rather clear that he was running the Bulldogs defense this year as he is quite demonstrative in pre-snap where he wants his troops. Any middle linebacker better know clearly what the opponent is trying to do and it would seem he is a guy who studies hard and then takes that to the field. He is a very big man and while it appears well sculpted, he is at his best when a play is between the tackles where he can charge ahead with confidence in confined spaces and lay the hit with abandon. In short yardage, he really excels, for instance. He also plays very hard and will give you ever bit of effort he has and is quite aggressive and enthusiastic in his play. At times, they line him up on the edge to pass rush and although this is seldom their play, when it is, he looks way more comfortable making me wonder if you might experiment with him as a defensive end in your training camp.
What I did not like: Unfortunately, there is quite a bit that is disconcerting. He really doesn’t move very well at that position in all of the directions that the job calls for. He is very big in both height and weight to a point where he seems to be a Defensive End being assigned to play coverage in the middle of the defense. This might be a result of Mississippi State taking advantage of the lack of sophistication in SEC offenses and passing games, but we can assure you that this won’t work well on 3rd Down on Sundays. He just doesn’t possess the type of high end athleticism that we look for at this position relative to Dawson or Kendricks who are as athletic as the RBs they will deal with. McKinney is also not great at working through tight spaces and is easier to block because, frankly, the target is larger for the offensive linemen to hit. He also doesn’t seem to get to the plays in time when the play goes outside the tackles.
Summary: Overall, there are too many questions to value him in the Top 2 rounds (where you want a guy who you are sure can come right in and be a starter). I have no doubts that he will be a useful roster player and may even overachieve as so many linebacker have over the course of time, and play a decade. But you want way more answers than questions if you take a guy at the top of your draft and I really don’t feel comfortable tabbing him with a high investment. I believe that he does not have enough top-end athleticism for assured success on Sundays
April 19, 2015 at 1:44 am in reply to: The Lawrence Philips mini-series (not literally, just a metaphor) #22867znModeratorNot our proudest moment.
The worst part? Well one of the worst parts. Brooks actually said that when he heard the “he dragged her down a staircase by the hair” story, that it sounded like it was her fault.
April 19, 2015 at 1:15 am in reply to: Grayson, Hundley, Petty, Carden etc. … the qbs this year #22865znModeratorNFL draft: A look at the quarterbacks
By Jim Thomas
CREAM OF THE CROP
Jameis Winston • Florida St., 6-4, 231
Lots of skill, but is he mature enough to succeed in the NFL?
Marcus Mariota • Oregon, 6-4, 222
Best athlete among QBs; must make adjustment to pro style.
Bryce Petty • Baylor, 6-3, 230
Also must transition from pinball-style spread offense to pros.
Brett Hundley • UCLA, 6-3, 226
Prototype size, arm strength; questionable pocket presence.
Garrett Grayson • Colorado St., 6-2, 213
Plays with poise, confidence; doesn’t have overwhelming skills.
DON’T OVERLOOK
Chris Bonner, Colorado State-Pueblo
Brandon Bridge, So. Alabama
Shane Carden, East Carolina
Connor Halliday, Washington St.
Sean Mannion, Oregon State
FUN FACT
Before transferring to South Alabama, Brandon Bridge picked up the nickname “Air Canada” at Alcorn State. He’s from Toronto.
QUOTABLE
“I don’t think this quarterback class is anywhere near some of the ones in the past, but I think (Winston and Mariota) are quality guys.”
—Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians
RAMS NEEDS
All three quarterbacks on the current roster — Nick Foles, Case Keenum and Austin Davis — have contracts that expire after the 2015 season. (And that’s assuming Davis doesn’t get an outside offer as a restricted free agent. The deadline for such offers is April 24.) Even with his outstanding 2013 season in Philadelphia, Foles is far from a sure thing. So it seems imperative that the Rams add a quarterback via the draft, and take one early. Under that scenario, Keenum and Davis would battle for the No. 2 job in camp, with the drafted QB watching and learning.
RATING THE FIELD
As Arians mentioned above, this is a thin class devoid of starting-caliber talent. For that reason some of the second-tier QBs — a group that includes Petty, Hundley, Grayson and Mannion — could be pushed up a round or two in the draft. Winston and Mariota, who are expected to go 1-2 overall, are the only probable first-rounders.
znModeratorVenturi … talks about the Rams of last year and their issues.
(In the previous post) Venturi discusses the Rams team (and not relocation stuff) starting at about 7:20 in
His take… he sees what we all see:
2014 big disappointment
supposed to be break out year
good elements on the team, but they’re plagued by inconsistency and mistakes
potentially top tier defense …. not sure about secondary
teams worry about the defense especially the front
have to fix qb (this was before the trade)
don’t have a number 1 guy outside, solid guys … Quick don’t know yet, Austin a gadget guy, Bailey a between the numbers guy, Givens fell off the table
Cook inconsistent as all hell
OL issues, though they have Saffold and Barksdale is solid… is Robinson a left tackle?
Pretty decent at RB
April 18, 2015 at 11:44 pm in reply to: Grayson, Hundley, Petty, Carden etc. … the qbs this year #22862znModeratorWill Rams take the QB plunge this year?
By Jim Thomas
Last year at this time, the Rams spanned the country evaluating quarterbacks in a private workout setting. They looked at all of them, or at least most of them — from Johnny Manziel to Aaron Murray and A.J. McCarron to Tom Savage — in what was regarded as a deep quarterback class.
The team planned to take a quarterback in the middle rounds. Some thought it could happen as early as Round 2 — in range for Derek Carr or Jimmy Garoppolo — if they picked up an extra second-rounder via trade.
Then the draft came and they did next to nothing. They made SMU’s Garrett Gilbert the 14th — and final — quarterback picked in the draft, selecting him late in the sixth round, No. 214 overall.
Gilbert didn’t make it out of training camp, spending part of the season on the practice squad before getting released from the practice squad Oct. 28. He’s now on New England’s offseason roster.
So as a Rams contingent headed by coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead fanned out on another quarterback workout tour this weekend, one question came to mind:
Do they mean it this year?
In other words, will they actually draft a quarterback with starter’s potential? From the Senior Bowl to the NFL Scouting Combine and on through the pro days and private workouts, the Rams once again have looked at just about every quarterback prospect who could walk and chew gum simultaneously this offseason.
At the NFC coaches breakfast last month in Phoenix, Fisher went on record as saying the team planned to draft a quarterback this year.
We’ve heard that before. After last year, seeing will be believing. Waiting until the 214th pick to select a QB makes it an afterthought. As a result the Rams missed out on a chance to groom a young quarterback behind injury-prone Sam Bradford.
With Bradford traded to Philadelphia in March, after an offseason of bluster from Fisher and Snead about how important he was to the team’s plans, the quarterback dynamic has changed at Rams Park. But the need to draft a quarterback with a future seems just as urgent.
Trouble is, the quarterback pool isn’t nearly as deep this year as in recent seasons. Not even close, actually, especially when you compare it to the 2014 draft.
“It’s just not a very good year — it just isn’t,” said former Rams assistant coach Rick Venturi, currently an NFL radio analyst based in Indianapolis. “It’s kind of swing and miss on that position.”
One thing seems obvious: If the Rams are going to dip into the quarterback pool this year, they better do it early.
If the Rams don’t take a QB in Round 2, they’re in danger of missing out on Bryce Petty of Baylor and Brett Hundley of UCLA. If they wait until Round 4 to go quarterback, they could miss out on Garrett Grayson of Colorado State and Sean Mannion of Oregon State.
When you add headliners Jameis Winston of Florida State and Marcus Mariota of Oregon, that makes six — and only six — quarterbacks worth getting even moderately excited about in this year’s draft.
The most interesting thing about this year’s Rams quarterback caravan is that it included both Winston and Mariota, who are expected to go 1-2, respectively, in the draft April 30.
Is this just a case of due diligence by the Rams in case one — or both — slides in the draft? Or are the Rams actually willing to trade up for one of the two? History tells us to expect just about anything from Fisher and Snead on draft day.
Headed by the blockbuster trade of the No. 2 overall pick in 2012 to Washington, the so-called RGIII trade, the Rams have made seven draft trades in their three previous drafts under Fisher and Snead.
Besides the deal that landed Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III, three other draft trades under Fisher and Snead have involved first-round picks:
• They traded down with Dallas in 2012, ending up with defensive tackle Michael Brockers and an extra second-rounder.
• They traded up with Buffalo for wide receiver Tavon Austin in 2013.
• They traded down with Atlanta, ending up with linebacker Alec Ogletree late in the first round and getting wide receiver Stedman Bailey in the third round, also in 2013.
It’s always difficult to know what’s truth or smokescreen, but it now appears likely this time around that Mariota will either be taken No. 2 overall by Tennessee, or someone will trade up to that spot for Mariota.
Could that team possibly be the Rams?
At various times this offseason, neither Snead nor Fisher have discounted that possibility even though the Rams don’t have many bargaining chips with just six picks this year.
“It’d probably take future picks,” Snead said way back in January.
At the owners meetings in March, Fisher called such a move-up for Mariota “highly unlikely,” but didn’t rule it out.
At a minimum it would probably take this year’s first-rounder, next year’s first-rounder and more to even reach the grown-up’s table for Mariota. One thing to keep in mind: Thanks to the Bradford trade, the Rams have an extra second-rounder in 2016 that they could use to sweeten the pot.
But more likely than not, the Rams will be deciding between Petty, Hundley, Grayson and Mannion. If they take the quarterback plunge, that is.
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