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znModeratorJeff Fisher not in favor of changing extra point
By Nick Wagoner
EARTH CITY, Mo. — As a member of the NFL’s competition committee, St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher is often a go-to guy for media looking for answers about potential rule changes in the league.
That’s always abundantly clear at the NFL scouting combine and this year was no different. Fisher was asked about a variety of things that might be under consideration for the committee this year, including the possibility of moving the extra point from being snapped from the 2-yard line to the 15.
The NFL experimented with that change in the 2014 preseason with the idea being to make a play that had become a foregone conclusion something with a little more pressure involved.
In the first two weeks of exhibition games, teams attempted 141 extra points with kickers missing eight times for a percentage of 94.3 percent from the new distance. During the regular season, kickers also missed eight extra points, though those misses came on 1,230 attempts for a conversion rate of 99.3 percent.
So while the preseason experiment offered a much smaller sample size, it did come with a bit more variance in terms of makes and misses. It’s a variance that Fisher said in Indianapolis he’s not OK with and he made a solid analogy to illustrate his argument.
“Personally I don’t want to kick a 19-yard field goal to win a game, and then miss a 35-yard extra point in Green Bay when it’s 20 degrees to lose a game,” Fisher said. “So that’s my position. I think it would be too drastic of a change, me personally.”
Dean Blandino, the NFL’s head of officiating, previously said he expected the extra point to change in the “near future.” Those discussions figure to be ongoing but given the amount of concern around the league about things like the “completing the catch” rule and the matter of managing the inflation process of the balls, it’s possible the extra point conversation could take a backseat.
znModeratorNFC West free agency preview: Tough choices for Seahawks, 49ers
Nate Davis, USA TODAY Sports
A snapshot of each team’s roster and considerations heading into free agency, which officially begins March 10 at 4 p.m. ET:
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Prominent free agents: OLB John Abraham, OLB Sam Acho, S Chris Clemons, CB Antonio Cromartie, DL Darnell Dockett (released), G Paul Fanaika, ILB Larry Foote, WR Ted Ginn (released), TE Rob Housler, DL Tommy Kelly, NT Dan Williams
Issues: Arizona has already addressed its cap challenges by redoing WR Larry Fitzgerald’s deal and discarding Dockett’s $6.8 million 2015 salary. But GM Steve Keim is facing a major rebuild of his defensive front seven, which is also still missing suspended ILB Daryl Washington.
Our advice: Given the challenges of finding effective space eaters, re-signing underrated Williams should probably be atop the priority list. Entice Dockett to return at a reduced rate, then Keim can worry about his linebackers and depth elsewhere. Perhaps he even makes a run at a mid-tier back like Justin Forsett.
ST. LOUIS RAMSProminent free agents: T Joe Barksdale, WR Kenny Britt, QB Shaun Hill, G Davin Joseph, TE Lance Kendricks, DT Kendall Langford (released)
Issues: They’re again hoping QB Sam Bradford will be healthy enough to vault them from tough regular-season matchup to tough playoff matchup. Barring that, the Rams need a better plan B QB, must replenish the O-line’s depth and could use help at wideout and corner.
Our advice: The quarterback market is thin in free agency and the draft. But Hill and Austin Davis weren’t sufficient replacements for Bradford, so making a strong bid for Mark Sanchez or Brian Hoyer this year seems sensible. It shouldn’t cost much to re-sign Britt, whose presence could allow for the patient development of another young receiver assuming one is drafted.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Prominent free agents: CB Chris Cook, CB Perrish Cox, WR Michael Crabtree, CB Chris Culliver, QB Blaine Gabbert, RB Frank Gore, G Mike Iupati, QB Josh Johnson, WR Brandon Lloyd, ST/WR Kassim Osgood, ST/LB Dan Skuta
Issues: They’re facing a significant exodus of talent while hoping DL Justin Smith returns and ILBs Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman can recapture their star form in the aftermath of major injuries. The Niners will also be in the market for a backup to QB Colin Kaepernick yet again.
Our advice: Iupati is their best free agent, but GM Trent Baalke would probably be wise to allot his limited cap space elsewhere. Keeping the ascending Culliver to address one of the corner spots should probably take precedence. Keeping Gore’s heart and soul at the right price makes sense. But it’s time to part with Crabtree, who’s proven injury-prone but not elite.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Prominent free agents: OL James Carpenter, ST/LB Heath Farwell, QB Tarvaris Jackson, OL Lemuel Jeanpierre, S Jeron Johnson, CB Byron Maxwell, TE Tony Moeaki, DE O’Brien Schofield, DT D’Anthony Smith, LB Malcolm Smith, FB Will Tukuafu, DT Kevin Williams
Issues: GM John Schneider has a nice chunk of cap space, but he’ll need it and might even have to create more. It’s time to pay QB Russell Wilson while giving RB Marshawn Lynch a raise. MLB Bobby Wagner and LT Russell Okung could both hit free agency in 2016. Even restricted free agent WR Jermaine Kearse needs a bump but could also use more help in his position room.
Our advice: Let’s assume Wilson and Lynch get paid. Given that, Schneider knows he probably can’t afford Maxwell and should probably be targeting affordable help to replace him and add depth to a banged-up Legion of Boom. Jackson and Williams, if he wants to keep playing, are respected vets who should be kept at the right price. Wagner should get priority over Okung, though both may have to wait quite a while. Seattle may face tough decisions on vets like TE Zach Miller and DT Brandon Mebane to make the budget work.
znModeratorznModeratorWell, RFL, that was good. Very readable. And I agree. I think what’s possible is that they end up with 3 qbs with completely different styles, and they will adjust accordingly, instead of insisting on a mold. (As you say there’s a given n take there…some things you correct, some things you just enhance whether they’re correct or not.) I too like pragmatic offensive coaches who strategize around what they have instead of forcing a routine on all. That goes up to the coordinator level too of course. If you pulled up a game each from 3 Rams qbs over the last 2 years–Bradford, Clemens, Davis–my bet is you would see that the playcalling was built around what each one does. For example, Davis throwing to the deep middle to Cook. That was a Davis thing, and they worked it in as a crucial play in different series.
Partly related to this–I remember when Shurmur was first hired and the qb then was of course Bulger. At the time, the local sports media had this thing about Bulger throwing off his back foot. Shurmur said something so funny. First, he said, well technically what a coach sees there is that he can’t step up in the pocket. He then added that it was good Bulger had that ability (to throw off his back foot) because not every qb did. It was funny, because Shurmur was directly taking on a criticism and basically re-construing it. Shurmur was saying, that’s not Bulger, that’s the situation.
znModeratorJeremiah: Rams can’t pass on Marcus Mariota in 2015 draft
By Daniel Kim NFL.com
If you were the GM of the St. Louis Rams, who hold the No. 10 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, which quarterback would you rather have for next season: a healthy Sam Bradford or Marcus Mariota?
That’s a question NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah addressed in his latest “Move the Sticks” podcast. And for Jeremiah, the scenario — while intriguing hypothetically — isn’t all that realistic, making his answer an easy one.
“I gave Sam Bradford a higher grade coming out than Marcus Mariota, and Sam when he’s been on the field has done some good things,” Jeremiah said of Bradford, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 draft. “But it’s a moot point. You can’t rely on Sam Bradford to stay healthy. Ability minus durability gives you nothing.
“If Marcus Mariota was there and I was the Rams, I’d turn in my card and be done with it.”
Bradford has missed 25 of the team’s last 32 games and is currently recovering from his second ACL surgery, and NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt lists quarterback as one of the Rams’ biggest draft needs. Still, head coach Jeff Fisher has been an open supporter of Bradford as the team’s starter next season.
Even if St. Louis sticks with Bradford, however, many believe the Rams need a young quarterback to build around for the future. Whether that quarterback is Mariota will depend, of course, on whether he will even be on the board when it’s the Rams’ turn to pick. Mariota is viewed as a potential No. 1 overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and three of NFL.com’s four mock drafts project him as the No. 6 pick by the New York Jets.
Jeremiah’s mock draft is the exception. He foresees the Bucs grabbing Jameis Winston at No. 1, the Jets grabbing cornerback Trae Waynes at No. 6, and the Rams grabbing Mariota at No. 10.
March 1, 2015 at 5:09 pm in reply to: Grayson, Hundley, Petty, Carden etc. … the qbs this year #19324znModeratorWalterFootball.com
2015 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Garrett Grayson
http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2015ggrayson.php
Garrett Grayson, 6-2/215
Strengths:
Field vision
Works through his progressions and reads the defense
Ability to thrive as a pocket passer
Strong arm
Can make all the NFL throws
Distributes the ball to a variety of weapons
Good on touch passes
Basis for good footwork
Athletic; can scramble and avoid sacks with his feet
Accurate in the short to intermediate part of the field
Improved throughout college
Quality mechanics
Quick release
Intelligent
Hard worker
Good character
IntangiblesWeaknesses:
Not ready to start
Needs to improve deep-ball accuracy
Can have bouts of poor decision-making
Needs to speed up his clock sometimes
Needs to improve footwork and get more comfortable under centerSummary:
The quarterback-needy nature of the NFL means there is always the potential for a quarterback to rise during the draft process. If one is going to do it in the 2015 NFL Draft, Grayson is the most likely prospect to have a big climb. There are a lot of teams that need quarterbacks, but there is a dearth of prospects to satisfy that need. Thus, Grayson could end up going higher than many expect.
Early in the 2014 season, a general manager told WalterFootball.com that they loved Grayson and thought he could end up being a quarterback to rise like Jimmy Garoppolo or Blake Bortles did in the 2014 NFL Draft. Grayson barely played as a freshman and sophomore, but he won the starting job as a junior in 2013 and had a breakout year under the guidance of Jim McElwain. Grayson completed 62 percent of his passes for 3,696 yards with 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He played well to close out the season especially.
Grayson was even better in 2014. He threw for over 400 yards in back-to-back games against Boise State and UC Davis. Grayson helped lead a comeback win over Boston College on the road. He had the most efficient passing game of any quarterback in the nation as he completed 18-of-21 passes for 390 yards with five touchdowns against Wyoming. The senior completed 65 percent of his passes for 4,006 yards with 32 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2014.
Grayson was the best quarterback at the Senior Bowl. He had a quality week of practice and made some beautiful throws, but also had some missed opportunities. It was a solid, but not great week. Grayson did interview well and illustrated to teams that he has a great attitude about developing as a backup and working to support a starting quarterback. It appeals to Grayson to go the Aaron Rodgers route and sit behind a great signal-caller for a few seasons. Grayson’s character receives good marks as he is viewed as a good teammate with leadership skills.
Not every team is on board with that general manager I cited about Grayson. Some don’t like him, but many do. What appeals to teams about Grayson the most is the ability to be a pocket passer. He can drop back, work through his progressions and deliver some accurate passes. Grayson does a nice job of avoiding the rush and keeping his eyes downfield. He also has a strong arm that can make all the throws. Grayson displays some good accuracy at times, but needs to get more consistent. He has some mobility to avoid sacks and make throws on the run.
Grayson needs to improve throwing the deep ball and getting his footwork down while working under center. He also needs to get better at hanging tough in the face of a pass rush and not letting it rattle him. Grayson needs to polish his overall game and land with a good quarterback coach who will work with him.
Grayson’s best course for the NFL would be best sitting for a year or two and developing before seeing the field. The best-case scenario for him would be to get drafted by a team like New Orleans and sit behind a great quarterback. However in the quarterback-needy NFL, Grayson could be forced to play sooner rather than later. He looks likely to be a second- or third-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Player Comparison: Ryan Tannehill. Grayson is very similar to Jimmy Garoppolo as a prospect, but the latter hasn’t seen the field yet in the NFL. Of the starters in the NFL, the closest resemblance to Grayson could be Tannehill. Both are athletic passers who can function from the pocket, but struggle with deep-ball accuracy. Grayson has some mobility, but isn’t as athletic as Tannehill is. Tannehill was the eighth-overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, while Grayson won’t go nearly that high. If Grayson becomes a starter though, I could see his game being similar to Tannehill.
NFL Matches: St. Louis, Houston, New York Jets, Carolina, San Francisco, Cleveland, Miami, Chicago, Tennessee, New Orleans
Given the demand for quarterbacks in the NFL, there shouldn’t be any shortage of teams hoping to land Grayson on the second-day of the 2015 NFL Draft. The Rams could have Grayson develop behind Sam Bradford in 2015, plus Grayson could be good insurance in case Bradford gets injured again. The Texans and the Jets will also consider Grayson as a possible competitor at the position to go with each team’s holdover signal-callers.
At the Senior Bowl, Grayson told WalterFootball.com that he met with Carolina and San Francisco, so perhaps those teams are looking at Grayson as a potential upgrade to their respective backup quarterback situations. The Panthers or the 49ers also might be able to develop him into trade bait.
znModeratorI’m not sure it’s the best time in the world to be a free agent wide receiver.
I don’t know if this will hold up or not. But, if there’s anything to it, it might mean Britt is fairly affordable.
znModeratorznModeratorI’m kinda hoping for a free agent Guard AND Center
AND two more OLine picks within the first three rounds.I too think that they will go Whole Hog, so to speak, on OL stuff this year.
This year’s draft, they say, is deep at guard.
…
znModeratorNote—there are some other big active 2015 threads chock full of draft nutrients, here and here:
Grayson, Hundley, Petty, Carden etc. … the qbs this year
http://theramshuddle.com/topic/grayson-hundley-petty-carden-bridge/Draft stuff after the combine
http://theramshuddle.com/topic/draft-stuff-after-the-combine/Mock Draft Roundup: Third Edition Posted 14 hours ago Myles Simmons
http://theramshuddle.com/topic/mock-draft-roundup-third-edition-posted-14-hours-ago-myles-simmons/Kevin White & other draft stuff
http://theramshuddle.com/topic/kevin-white/combine measurements
http://theramshuddle.com/topic/offensive-linemen-combine-measurements/znModeratorNote: fwiw, I was thinking this could be a “general stuff about drafts and drafting” thread as opposed to “the 2015 draft” threads.
znModeratorSo if Davis sold any of his share of the Raiders he would not be in control of the Raiders.
According to the NFL constitution, a principal or controlling owner must own at least 30% of a team.
I don’t know what that means in relation to the Raiders.
znModeratorif Bradford had been putting up 30 tds and 4000 yards per season, no one would be saying he’s a bad QB.
This is a big debate thing, because I think he’s capable of 30/4000 … if they had the right conditions. When I say that, people say, well see he needs the right conditions, that means he’s not that good. But to me, all but a handful in history do need that.
Like when the Baltimore OL fell apart in 2013, and Flacco threw for 22 TDs. They fix the OL in 2014, and he throws for 27. Same thing with Eli. OL collapses in 2013, and he throws 18 TDs. They fix it in 2014 and he throws for 30.
znModeratorIf there is one immutable truism on this board it is that Zooey has always been jealous of me and will never ignore a chance to knock me off my pedestal of honor in the Pantheon of Rams Huddle Posters.
I suspected that zooey would almost certainly confuse the rules about when FA’s can sign with the rules governing the signing of players that have been cut. Therefore I knew if I posted the statement “if I was the Rams GM, Blalock would already be signed” zooey would rise to the bait like the slimy hagfish of a man that he is.
And I was right. Almost on cue zooey posted some erroneous prattle in response to my brief but elegantly crafted comment (although the years of futility finally improved zooey’s judgement and he deleted the blabber before it could be seen).
Dance, puppet. Dance.
Remember, personal board wars are allowed here ONLY if the mods happen to favor one side in the conflict. Then, it’s have at em. Other than that, they are generally (and to a large extent) often discouraged.
znModeratorAnd I’m not sure about guys who got cut.
Guys who are cut can sign at any time. Like McCown with the Browns. Soon to be known as McCown’s Browns. And if they win, headlines will say “McCown’s Browns: Toast of the Town.” Of course if they lose they can say “McCown’s Browns Let Us Down (Frown).”
znModeratorNew Rams QB coach Weinke offers unique combination of skill and experience
Luke Thompson
FOX Sports MidwestST. LOUIS — The Rams’ new quarterbacks coach could provide just the right combination of energy and confidence needed to boost a floundering offense.
Chris Weinke offers coach Jeff Fisher and his staff a unique set of skill and experience, one cultivated through a long and winding road that included a six-year detour in minor league baseball. He won a Heisman and national championship as the quarterback at Florida State in 2000, and he already had future plans to coach before the end of a disappointing pro career in 2007.
“The first time I ever took a note playing quarterback in Pop Warner, I have that notebook,” Weinke says. “I have the notebook from every college meeting, every game plan and every note I ever took in the National Football League as a player.”
He took all of that information with him to Bradenton, Florida, where he became the first director of the IMG Football Academy in 2010. But even then, he says joining a staff in the NFL or major college football remained the ultimate goal.
After turning down multiple offers over the last couple years, Weinke found the perfect fit in St. Louis, where he finally arrived to get to work Wednesday afternoon. It wasn’t easy to leave the elite facilities and a top-level high school coaching job in Florida, but Weinke liked everything he saw from the Rams organization.
That started with Fisher, who made it a priority to find a former NFL quarterback for the job. Even though Weinke won just once in 18 games for the Panthers, his experience should be a valuable asset that makes his players more likely to listen.
“I did not have a stellar NFL career and I think I’m the first to admit it, but that’s why I think I’m a good football coach, because I had to learn how to deal with adversity,” Weinke says. “I know what that feels like, OK, and I want to make sure that I instill all those things that I learned throughout that process.”
He also spent three weeks in 2007 in San Francisco learning from 49ers quarterbacks coach Frank Cignetti, the man he now replaces in St. Louis. Cignetti was promoted from Rams QB coach to offensive coordinator earlier this month, which means Weinke and Cignetti will be working together again.
That should create a comfortable and more familiar environment for quarterback Sam Bradford as he tries to come back from injury with his fourth different offensive coordinator in six seasons. Clearly, Fisher has made a point to make the adjustment as easy as possible.
Part of that process included Cignetti and Weinke both sitting down with Bradford prior to Fisher making the two hires official. Weinke says Bradford turned in the best Pro Day performance he’s ever seen, from a physical standpoint, and he’s eager to begin teaching.
“My whole goal is to get my quarterbacks to play fast, not in a hurry,” says Weinke, noting he spent three and a half hours at dinner with Bradford and Cignetti. “I started talking about the confidence I’m going to instill in our quarterbacks and what we’re going to be able to do and accomplish simply because we’re going to simplify the game, know where we’re throwing the football and have some fun with it.”
The Rams also expect to bring in a new quarterback either through free agency or the draft, and Weinke should be uniquely qualified to help make an evaluation. He worked with different kinds of quarterbacks at all levels from youth players to the pros, including Cam Newton, Russell Wilson and Ryan Tannehill.
Weinke says that taught him each quarterback must be treated differently, and he’s not interested in completely overhauling anyone’s mechanics. Instead, his focus will be on making minor tweaks and helping them find the right rhythm and timing within the offense.
He’ll have to do a lot of studying to learn the Rams’ offense and the tendencies of their quarterbacks, although he does have a head start from his work evaluating virtually every pro prospect while he was at IMG. Weinke won’t provide any sort of magic to suddenly elevate this offense from the bottom third of the league to the top, and he’s fully aware of the importance of a strong supporting cast for any quarterback.
But it’s an interesting, outside-the-box hire in a league where most coaches either already have experience at similar positions or are simply moving up from a slightly lower tier. Weinke clearly possesses an innovative approach, and the number of quality quarterbacks who have sought him out for training suggests a high degree of success.
St. Louis will just have to hope it translates to the highest level.
znModeratornittany ram wrote:
Do you want to delete this, or did you just post it wrong? I can add-edit anything you want into the post. Up to you.
znModeratorI think Long and Laurinaitis are leaders by their example and how they go about their business. But they’re not the type to hold their teammates accountable or to challenge them to take the next step. They’re not vocal leaders who’ll call out those who make the same mistakes over and over again. They’re not the kind of leaders that will pull team together and convince them to play and fight for one another. Their type of leadership will only take a team like the Rams so far.
Jackson was that, I think.
znModeratorWell I think a Right Tackle
should be able to Elevate
the other four.w
vOkay. Got me there.
znModeratorLike for example i thot it was interesting when
you suggested that Barksdale played better when
he had a solid Healthy player next to him…To be fair, and in the interests of painstakingly overbearing exactitude, I was actually saying it’s hard for one healthy vet to play well on a line where the other 4 have problems. It wasn’t a “next to 1 guy” thing.
Though the fact that he was next to Joseph probably wasn’t a big help.
It’s the idea that the OL is a unit, and if the rest of the unit decays, it’s hard for one guy to remain effective. I mean, when a line has 2 injured starters playing and a green as Auburn grass rookie LOT, then, they shift everything they do, there’s less effectiveness all the way around, they move the help to assist other guys, and so on…he’s more exposed.
I know we’ve had this “4 guys v. next to 1” knockdown death match before. But I can’t help it. Come at me with that kind of hostile board war stuff, and I have no choice but to go nuclear.
znModeratorI am heavily on record (so to speak)as believing that attributing a W/L record to the qb is bogus. So I am on record about records.
You can use the record to say SOME things about a qb. Like, in the last coule of years the Packers won more with Rodgers than without him.
That just means you need a good qb, not that the record goes entirely to the qb.
In fact, I don’t believe records of themselves say anything. They’re questions to be answered, not answers in themselves. Like 2007, they went 3-13 after a promising emergence at the end of 2006. So–why the 3-13 record? We might all answer that differently…I would say Linehan was not a head coach and was in over his head, the defense struggled, and the OL got massacred by extensive injuries which meant the offense was going to be far less effective than it looked at the end of 2006.
Anyway. A team record is not a qb stat. We’ve all seen examples of teams winning with average at best qbs (2010 Jets), and we’ve all seen good qbs get buried on bad teams (2014 Saints).
znModeratorfrom off the net
—
PaulButcher59
I figured he would re-sign with Denver, but its looking like he may not be re-signing with Denver after all.
Franklin has:
– Youth: Just turned 27 years old in December
– Size: 6`7 320lbs
– Versatility: 2011-2013@Right Tackle, 2014@Left Guard
– Reliability and good health – Started 63 out of a possible 64 games in his NFL career
Franklin could be immediately inserted at left guard next to Robinson and allow Saffold to move back to the right guard position the Rams apparently prefer him at.
At left guard last season, Franklin allowed just one sack, two additional QB hits, and 11 total pressure on Peyton Manning, making him the second-best statistical pass protecting guard when adjusting for snaps and weighing the types of pressure allowed.
In 2014, Franklin had PFF’s second-best Pass Blocking Efficiency rating among all guards, and he was first in that statistic at the tackle position back in 2013. His versatility would be great for the Rams, as they could always throw him back in at right tackle if it need be. Franklin has also been a consistently above average run blocker in his 4 year career. I believe if you put those pass blocking skills next to 2nd year left tackle Greg Robinson, it would be a great fit and they would compliment each other very well.
If the Rams were to land Franklin in free agency, this would all but guarantee the Rams look at the draft for a starting Center in the draft to come in and compete with what the Rams already have. Cam Erving would be a slam dunk at #41 in round 2 if he were still on the board.
znModeratorFrank Cignetti, Rams
Cignetti has never been a playcaller at the NFL level. He’s done it for nine seasons in college — four with Fresno State (2002-05), 2006 with North Carolina, 2008 with Cal, 2009-10 with Pitt and 2011 with Rutgers. The guy gets around.
There’s no doubt he’s Jeff Fisher’s kind of coordinator — in his last five years as a playcaller he’s been 46 pass/54 run. Collegiate backs have averaged anywhere from 24.7 to 32.7 carries per game. They’ve also take on a big dose of the receiving workload. This is great news for Tre Mason — assuming the Rams don’t pull a Zac Stacy on him and demote him after four games. Cignetti doesn’t have a good track record with tight ends, which could come back to bite Jared Cook in the behind (not that Cook has been a great tight end option for Fantasy anyway). The Rams receivers should pick up a few more opportunities, but that probably hinges on whether or not any of them step up.
Ay yi yi.
Fisher has been a balance guy with the Rams, not a run more than pass guy. For that matter, as I recall, Cignetti’s Fresno State teams passed a lot.
I believe it is possible they will throw to the backs more.
Will any of the receivers step up? Cause I mean so far, Britt, Quick, and Bailey simply have done nothing.
Just another example of the old adage–no sports writer, fantasy or otherwise, knows as much about all 32 teams as we do about the Rams. Thank goodness for (1) those sports writers who really do know their stuff and offer us good info and insight, and (2) dedicated, well-informed posters.
.
znModeratorfrom off the net
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jrry32
This is just my personal opinion but these are the guys I would pursue:
1. Clint Boling OG/RT Cincinnati (Value Estimation: $4-$6 million per year)
2. Derek Newton RT/OG Houston (Value Estimation: $4-$5 million per year)
3. Justin Blalock OG Atlanta (Value Estimation: $2-$3 million per year)
4. Rob Sims OG Detroit (Value Estimation: $2-$3 million per year)
5. Jermey Parnell OT Dallas (Value Estimation: $3-$5 million per year)Why these guys? I think all will be reasonably priced because they fall more into that mid tier of free agency. Blalock and Sims are both “bridge” players. They’re 30+ years old and would be brought on more as depth than anything but both are still solid, durable starters that are more than capable of starting if a rookie isn’t ready. Basically, they’re what Davin Joseph was supposed to be. Both are great fits for the power scheme.
Boling is still relatively young and is a steady, reliable starting OG. He can slide out to RT in a pinch but I’d be most comfortable with him at OG. If we’re signing him, he could operate as a 6th OL but he would also offer us a very steady starter at LG. Probably not the greatest scheme fit for us in that he’s not an overpowering drive blocker but more of a solid all around guy. But he played in a PBS in Cincy and was effective in it.
Jermey Parnell has been Dallas’s swing OT the past few years and thrived in that role. This year, he had to step in and start 6 games due to injuries to Free including both playoff games. He didn’t allow a sack in 6 games and the Dallas OL didn’t seem to miss a beat. I think he’s a guy who’s poised to get a starting job in FA. Really proved himself this year. Dallas runs a ZBS but Parnell has the size to play RT in a PBS. Not sure what type of contract he’ll get because he’s never been a full time starter but he’s one of those guys who could be a great value buy in FA because of that. Really good performance when he’s played the past two years.
Derek Newton is a bit of a different story from Parnell. He’s been a full time starter for the Texans but really struggled in Kubiak’s ZBS. The Texans brought in Boudreau’s assistant OL Coach from Atlanta as their new OL Coach under O’Brien and Newton thrived in his scheme. They now replaced that OL Coach with another. Newton has the size to play in a PBS and I think he fits best in a PBS. He’s a better run blocker than pass protector at RT and has some of the same issues that Barksdale has(i.e. really good run blocker but average pass protector) but I think he’ll be a bit cheaper and still has some upside because he’s an athletic kid that was quite raw coming out. Plus, Newton performed EXTREMELY well at OG this year when Houston needed him to step in. So he adds some versatility and could possibly even be considered as an OG convert.
Why not Rodney Hudson? I’ve been hearing rumors that he wants to be one of the highest paid centers in the league. That’s like $8 to $9 million a year. I’d rather get two of these guys than only one player. But if his price is more reasonable…like $7 to $7.5 million a year, I’d be good with him.
Why not Iupati? Seems like your typical signing that blows up in our face. Been getting more and more nicked up the past couple years, isn’t a good pass protector, and is about to get paid big money. These signings never work out for us. I’d stay away from him.
Why not Wisniewski? I’m not opposed to Wisniewski but I’ve been looking into him more and he seems like more of an average Center than anything. If I were to sign him, it would have to be at a reasonable price…like a similar price to what I’m estimating on Newton. That all said, I’m not as concerned about the Center position as some other Rams fans and I happen to like some of the Centers in this draft. Would rather fortify OG and OT before the draft…and improve depth.
znModeratorTop 101 NFL free agents for 2015
By Gregg Rosenthal and Chris Wesseling
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30…2015?campaign=Twitter_atn_wesseling_rosenthal
Need a pass rusher, running back or top-level wide receiver? This is a great free agency period for your team. Just don’t expect to find a quarterback, safety or offensive tackle.
Ranked below are our top 101 unrestricted free agents. Keep checking our list because salary cap casualties could be added before free agency starts. Based on who’s available, these are the players we’d want to sign:
Tier 1: Difference-makers
1. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Detroit Lions: Outside of quarterbacks and the two unanimous All-Pros (J.J. Watt, Rob Gronkowski), Suh and Odell Beckham are the two unique talents around whom we would most like to build a franchise. A double-team defeater against the run as well as the pass, Suh is on a Hall-of-Fame career path. He holds all of the leverage in contract talks, as his franchise tag number is a prohibitive $26.7 million.
2. Justin Houston, OLB, Kansas City Chiefs: Houston, 26, came within one sack of breaking Michael Strahan’s single-season record last season. He has averaged a league-best 1.2 sacks per game over the past two years. One of our favorite obscure stats: Houston has committed zero penalties over that same span compared to 20 for Jerry Hughes. The Chiefs will apply the franchise tag if necessary.
3. Dez Bryant, WR, Dallas Cowboys: It’s a testament to Bryant’s NFL-best red-zone efficiency and bodacious run-after-catch ability that he has led the league with 41 touchdowns over the past three years despite a limited route tree. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport has reported the franchise tag is almost a certainty because the Cowboys still have reservations about Bryant’s off-the-field behavior.
4. Demaryius Thomas, WR, Denver Broncos: For defensive backs there might not be a scarier sight than Thomas screaming off a bubble screen, all power and speed with eyes on the end zone. A model of consistency, Thomas has averaged roughly 100 receptions, 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns per season since Peyton Manning arrived in 2012. The Broncos won’t let him reach the market.
5. Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, New York Giants: Finally free from nagging back pain, Pierre-Paul rounded into shape last year. More of a run-stuffer early in the first half of the season, he started torturing offensive tackles in November, recording nine sacks in the final five games. The Giants are fully expected to keep him via the franchise tag.
6. Devin McCourty, S, New England Patriots: The converted cornerback is not only one of the NFL’s best coverage safeties, but also a respected leader on the Super Bowl champions’ defense. McCourty, 27, considers New England home and wants to stay, by way of the franchise tag or a long-term deal.
7. Julius Thomas, TE, Denver Broncos: The two-time Pro Bowl selection isn’t much of a blocker and has struggled with ankle injuries in multiple seasons. Those concerns are trumped by a rare skill set as a mismatch creating space in the middle of the field, excelling after the catch and posting up in the red zone. Thomas is a difference-making talent in the prime of his career. There will be plenty of demand if he hits the market, as expected.
8. Randall Cobb, WR, Green Bay Packers: With Wes Welker in decline, Percy Harvin an annual enigma and Victor Cruz injured, Cobb is the NFL’s undisputed slot king entering the 2015 offseason. He’s a punt returner after the catch and has a mind meld with Aaron Rodgers on broken plays. If the Packers are serious about a Super Bowl run, Cobb must be re-signed.
9. DeMarco Murray, RB, Dallas Cowboys: Murray was a tackle-breaking monster for the first three months of the season en route to Offensive Player of the Year honors. The No. 1 concern for potential suitors isn’t the benefit of the Cowboys’ dominant offensive line. It’s that Murray was saddled up for a back-breaking 497 touches. He wasn’t as elusive in December and January. If Dallas applies the tag to Bryant, Murray could be set free.
Tier 2: Impact Starters
10. Jerry Hughes, DE, Buffalo Bills: Hughes has averaged 10.0 sacks and 40 quarterback hurries over the past two years — numbers that place him just below Pro Bowl level. How much of that production is the result of feasting on easier matchups provided by the presence of dominant talents such as Marcell Dareus, Kyle Williams and Mario Williams?
11. Mike Iupati, G, San Francisco 49ers: He has been among the best maulers in the run game at guard in the entire league throughout his career. But Iupati is not great in pass protection and isn’t coming off his best season.
12. Greg Hardy, DE, Carolina Panthers: Hardy is not available to be signed until he comes off the Commissioner’s Exempt List, and he could be facing further suspension. But his talent, production and age are worth ranking in the top five here. Someone will give him a chance.
13. Byron Maxwell, CB, Seattle Seahawks: He’s the best option in a relatively thin cornerback crop. That makes him a candidate to be overpaid, but he’d fit well with former Seahawks assistants Gus Bradley or Dan Quinn.
14. Torrey Smith, WR, Baltimore Ravens: Speed kills. Smith has averaged nearly 17 yards per catch for his career and regularly draws long pass interference penalties. Just don’t expect him to be a true No. 1 receiver.
15. Jason Worilds, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers: He doesn’t always finish plays with sacks, but Worilds consistently pressures the quarterback. He will get paid.
16. Pernell McPhee, OLB/DE, Baltimore Ravens: He can rush standing up from the outside or play defensive tackle. But plenty of Ravens defenders have struggled away from Baltimore.
17. Jeremy Maclin, WR, Philadelphia Eagles: He might not be as productive away from Chip Kelly’s system. We suspect Kelly won’t let him get away.
18. Nick Fairley, DT, Detroit Lions: A boom-or-bust pickup, Fairley can be one of the best at his position when motivated.
19. Bryan Bulaga, T, Green Bay Packers: In a tackle-thin market, Bulaga offers rock solid starter status on the right side.
20. Jared Odrick, DT, Miami Dolphins: Quality, versatile defensive line starters are not easy to find in free agency.
21. Terrance Knighton, DT, Denver Broncos: One of the NFL’s premier run-stuffers, Knighton has played for new Raiders coach Jack Del Rio in every one of his six seasons. He’s a better scheme fit in Oakland than Denver.
22. Rodney Hudson, C, Kansas City Chiefs: There are whispers that Hudson’s goal is to become the NFL’s highest-paid center. We aren’t quite as high on him as we were on Alex Mack last year.
Tier 3: Starters with questions
23. Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Philadelphia Eagles: Best suited as a defensive end in a 4-3 defense, Graham has been a highly effective rotational pass rusher as an outside linebacker in Philly’s 3-4 scheme. Wesseling prefers him to Worilds.
24. Derrick Morgan, DE, Tennessee Titans: Much like Graham, Morgan gets more pressures than sacks. He’s also best utilized as a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. He went to college in Atlanta. It’s no secret that the Falcons’ top need is pass rusher.
25. Brandon Flowers, CB, San Diego Chargers: Flowers is looking down the barrel of age 30, is too often nicked up and has size limitations that will scare off some teams. On the flip side, he played at a high level in bounce-back season last year.
26. Brian Orakpo, OLB, Washington Redskins: Prior to getting hit with the franchise tag early last March, Orakpo held down a top-10 spot on our list — only to go down with his third career torn pectoral injury. The Falcons were reportedly hot on his trail at this time in 2014.
27. Kareem Jackson, CB, Houston Texans: After struggling early in his career, Jackson has developed into a solid starter capable of playing inside and outside. He’s tight with Vance Joseph, the Bengals’ esteemed defensive backs coach.
28. Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints: Still just 25 years old with little tread on his tires, Ingram should attract plenty of interest on the heels of a breakout 2014 season. The cap-strapped Saints can’t afford a back of his caliber.
29. Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers: Crabtree denied playing through a foot injury last season, but the game film suggests otherwise. Any team signing him will be to hope he can recover the impressive pre-Achilles tear form that helped propel the 49ers into Super Bowl XLVII.
30. Ryan Mathews, RB, San Diego Chargers: While injury prone, Mathews is one of the hardest-running early-down backs in the league. He’s a perfect player to pair with a pass-catching back in the draft.
31. C.J. Spiller, RB, Buffalo Bills: Chris Wesseling wanted to rank Spiller much higher, but “peak Spiller” has only come out once in five seasons. He’s a great complementary part, not a foundation to build around.
32. Charles Clay, TE, Miami Dolphins: More of a versatile H-back than a big-bodied tight end, Clay is reportedly seeking $6 million annually. The Dolphins want to keep him, but they’ll have competition from the Bills and others.
33. Jabaal Sheard, DE, Cleveland Browns: Often overlooked and overrated, Sheard can provide solid starter snaps at a reasonable price.
34. Orlando Franklin, G/T, Denver Broncos: He excelled as a guard last season, and Franklin’s versatility to help out at right tackle will earn him money in a thin offensive line market.
35. Chris Culliver, CB, San Francisco 49ers: He hasn’t been the most consistent player throughout his career and he previously suffered a torn ACL, but Culliver has loads of talent. He’s coming off a strong season and has a high ceiling.
36. Rahim Moore, S, Denver Broncos: Forget that play against Baltimore. Moore has developed into a quality starting safety, and he’s only 25 years old.
37. Dan Williams, NT, Arizona Cardinals: Williams has improved every season since getting taken in the first round during the Whisenhunt/Graves era. There are way more 3-4 defenses in the NFL than there are true nose tackles like Williams.
38. Jordan Cameron, TE, Cleveland Browns: If this list came out a year ago, Cameron would have ranked in the top 15 because he’s a matchup nightmare. Concussion woes now jeopardize Cameron’s future.
39. Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers: The Inconvenient Truth can still block, catch and turn a 1-yard stuff into a 4-yard gain like a boss. He’s a nice veteran short-term pickup for a team seeking a title.
40. B.J. Raji, DT, Green Bay Packers: 2013 was an off year. 2014 was an injury year. The talent is there, but it’s been a while since we’ve seen it.
41. David Harris, LB, New York Jets: Harris is on the wrong side of 30, but he’s reportedly drawing interest from the Bills, Dolphins, Bears and Falcons, in addition to the Jets.
42. Stefen Wisniewski, C, Oakland Raiders: Wisniewski is a solid starter in his prime. So why are the Raiders being linked to Hudson as his replacement?43. Davon House, CB, Green Bay Packers: House is seeking a starting job after four years as a sub-package corner in Green Bay. Don’t be surprised if the Packers re-sign him and allow Tramon Williams to walk.
44. Tramon Williams, CB, Green Bay Packers: Williams was an above-average starter last season, but he turns 32 years old next month. He will have to settle for a short-term contract.
45. Stephen Paea, DT, Chicago Bears: The Bears have struggled up front against the run, but Paea did emerge as a disruptive pocket pusher last season.
46. Henry Melton, DT, Dallas Cowboys: A Rosenthal favorite, Melton was effective for the majority of last season as an interior pass rusher.
47. Brandon Spikes, LB, Buffalo Bills: Spikes has a niche skill-set as a premier two-down run-stuffer.
48. Antonio Cromartie, CB, Arizona Cardinals: Still a quality starter, Cromartie seems likely to follow Todd Bowles to New York for a reunion with the Jets.
49. Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Atlanta Falcons: Weatherspoon was the Falcons’ top defender before Lisfranc, knee and Achilles injuries limited him to 20 of a possible 48 games over the last three seasons.
50. Cecil Shorts, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars: Similar to Miles Austin a few years back, Shorts is a strong after-the-catch threat whose explosiveness has been sapped by lingering soft-tissue injuries. Word around the campfire is that he is interested in a Cleveland homecoming.
51. Shane Vereen, RB, New England Patriots: The Gronk generation’s answer to Kevin Faulk in New England, Vereen is basically a younger version of Reggie Bush at this point.
52. Antrel Rolle, S, New York Giants: The weekly hot takes on his radio appearances are more consistent than his pass coverage.
53. Doug Free, T, Dallas Cowboys: Notice how there are only right tackles available in free agency?
54. Rolando McClain, LB, Dallas Cowboys: Does any team want to bet on lightning striking twice without any more drama? McClain probably has more value to the Cowboys than any other team.
55. Perrish Cox, CB, San Francisco 49ers: Something is in the water in San Francisco, where the 49ers have coached up a lot of cornerbacks to career years. Cox played like a Pro Bowl pick for much of last season.
56. Clint Boling, G, Cincinnati Bengals: True starting guards like Boling usually get paid big money on the open market.57. Jake Locker, QB, Tennessee Titans: Accuracy and durability are issues, but Locker has a higher ceiling than any of the other quarterback options in free agency. At best, he should compete to start.
58. Justin Forsett, RB, Baltimore Ravens: Don’t expect a big contract after Forsett’s big season, but he’s a nice fit for any team running zone blocking.
59. Da’Norris Searcy, S, Buffalo Bills: With few quality safeties out there, Searcy looks like a smart value pickup.
60. Joe Barksdale, T, St. Louis Rams: You can plug him in to start at right tackle.
61. Kenny Britt, WR, St. Louis Rams: The good: Britt established a career-high with 48 receptions last season. The bad: He topped 70 yards in just two games.
62. James Carpenter, OG, Seattle Seahawks: Too often a liability in pass protection, Carpenter hasn’t lived up to his first-round draft pedigree.
63. Stephen Gostkowski, K, New England Patriots: Gostkowski has led the NFL in field goals over the past two seasons, converting an impressive 93.6 percent.
Tier 4: Needs the right role
64. Ryan Mallett, QB, Houston Texans: Here’s what we know about Mallett: He has an impressive whip; the Patriots gave him away for a sixth-round draft pick; it took him three months to unseat Ryan Fitzpatrick; coach Bill O’Brien protected him with an outstanding game plan in his first start; he went down with a season-ending injury in his second start.
65. Justin Blalock, G, Atlanta Falcons: He has been a solid starter throughout his career, but is on the wrong side of the 30. He’ll have suitors.
66. Walter Thurmond, CB, New York Giants: Thurmond was a highly effective slot corner in 2013, but that is the only season in which he has stayed healthy.
67. Josh McCown, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Is McCown the quarterback who nearly carried the Bears to the playoffs two years ago or the quarterback who face-planted behind a turnstile offensive line in Tampa last season? Yes.
68. Buster Skrine, CB, Cleveland Browns: Playing opposite Joe Haden, Skrine has been targeted more than any cornerback in the league over the past two years. At 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, he might be viewed as an inside corner on the open market.
69. Mark Sanchez, QB, Philadelphia Eagles: At one point last season, Sanchez had joined Andrew Luck, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning as the only quarterback overseeing an offense that averaged more than 30 points and 400 yards per game. Then he reverted into one of the game’s most mistake-prone signal-callers with the season on the line.
70. Kendrick Lewis, S, Houston Texans: Lewis salvaged his value by emerging as one of the most consistent defensive backs in Houston after a subpar showing with the Chiefs in 2013.
71. Brian Hoyer, QB, Cleveland Browns: If the goal is to hold the fort for a raw rookie, teams could do a lot worse than Hoyer. If the goal is to contend for the playoffs with Hoyer under center, his limitations will be exposed — just as they were down the stretch last season.
72. Mason Foster, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Foster didn’t fit Lovie Smith’s defense, but looked like a decent young starter in 2013. Perhaps he could join old friend Raheem Morris in Atlanta.
73. Dwight Freeney, LB/DE, San Diego Chargers: Freeney is strictly a situational pass rusher now, although he can still be effective.
74. Reggie Bush, RB, Detroit Lions: For the right price (one-year, $3.5 million), Bush can still help teams as a passing-down threat.
75. Bruce Carter, LB, Dallas Cowboys: Carter makes plenty of big plays, but he gives them up as well.
76. Cory Redding, DE, Indianapolis Colts: Aside from Vontae Davis, Redding was outplaying anyone on the Colts’ defense in the playoffs last season.
77. Brooks Reed, LB, Houston Texans: Peter King once predicted Reed would win Defensive Player of the Year. That should be worth something.
78. Kendall Langford, DT, St. Louis Rams: Quality rotation defensive linemen are not easy to find. Langford was only cut because he was paid big money and was backing up Aaron Donald.
79. Jermaine Gresham, TE, Cincinnati Bengals: He’s a below average starter and an above average backup.
80. Rey Maualuga, LB, Cincinnati Bengals: Marvin Lewis’ defense struggled without Maualuga and instincts last year. He’s a decent bet to return.
81. Jarvis Jenkins, DE, Washington Redskins: Jenkins never made the leap as a second-round draft pick billed as the prototype 3-4 defensive end.
82. Mike Adams, S, Indianapolis Colts: Adams exceeded expectations as a late-period free-agent signing, solidifying the back end of the Colts’ defense. Will there be much interest in a 34-year-old safety?
83. Akeem Ayers, LB, New England Patriots: Ayers played a key role for the Super Bowl champions after the 2-14 Titans couldn’t find a spot for him.
84. Hakeem Nicks, WR, Indianapolis Colts: Nicks regained a semblance of his playmaking form down the stretch last season, but the Colts didn’t think highly enough of him to bench an obviously struggling Reggie Wayne.
85. Karl Klug, DE, Tennessee Titans We see Klug as a situational pass rusher who could surprise with six to eight sacks in a 4-3 defense like Seattle’s.
86. Barry Cofield, DT, Washington Redskins: He’s coming off an injury-plagued season, but run stuffing nose tackles are very hard to find.
86. Stevan Ridley, RB, New England Patriots: Ridley is an interesting power back, albeit one coming off ACL surgery.
87. Roy Helu, RB, Washington Redskins: Helu might have overtaken Pierre Thomas as the best screen-pass specialist in the league last year.
88. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Indianapolis Colts: Bradshaw is effective whenever he plays. Unfortunately, that seems to be roughly a half-dozen times per year. One of the most hard-charging backs in the league has been betrayed by his lower legs.
89. Darnell Dockett, DT, Arizona Cardinals: Anyone signing Dockett will get a great Twitter account, but he’s going to be a part-time player coming off ACL surgery.
90. Ahtyba Rubin, DT, Cleveland Browns: Rubin once had a reputation as a premier run-plugger. The Browns had the league’s worst run defense in 2014.
91. Adrian Clayborn, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The No. 20 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft ended up playing just 36 games in four years with the Bucs. Even when healthy, Clayborn hasn’t been disruptive as a pass rusher.
92. Charles Tillman, CB, Chicago Bears: Former coach Marc Trestman believed that Tillman was playing at a Pro Bowl level early last season. On the other hand, Tillman is a 34-year-old cornerback coming off a second torn triceps injury.
93. Lance Briggs, LB, Chicago Bears: The seven-time Pro Bowl selection isn’t going to hang with tight ends in coverage in his mid-thirties, but he can still provide solid run defense with a move inside if the Bears opt to bring him back for a 13th season.
94. Rob Housler, TE, Arizona Cardinals: Housler is one of the NFL’s speediest tight ends, but Bruce Arians doesn’t have any use for that species if they don’t block. He needs a change of scenery.
95. Denarius Moore, WR, Oakland Raiders: A perennial tease.
96. C.J. Mosley, DT, Detroit Lions: A late bloomer, Mosley is coming off the most effective season of his 10-year career.
97. Patrick Robinson, CB, New Orleans Saints: An oft-burned first-round draft bust through four seasons, Robinson was noticeably stingier in coverage last year.
98. Ron Parker, S, Kansas City Chiefs: A career special teamer, Parker started 15 games last season, splitting his time between cornerback and safety. That versatility has value.
99. Anthony Spencer, DE, Dallas Cowboys: Returning from microfracture surgery, Spencer struggled to make an impact before coming on in late December.
100. Brian Hartline, WR, Miami Dolphins: He had two recent 1,000-yard seasons and he’s not yet 30, but Hartline is best used as a third receiver.
101. Michael Vick, QB, New York Jets: We still believed Vick could help a team last offseason, but his heart didn’t seem to be in the one-year Jets stint.
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znModeratorNick Dimengo writes for Bleacher Report, Scout, Maxim, Esquire, BroBible, Ranker, CelebToob and Worthly, and is Consulting Senior Content Strategist at Crown Social Agency
Other articles by Nick Dimengo:
* 15 of the Highest Earning CEOs in 2015
Being a CEO is what we, in the biz, like to call, “being a boss.”* 15 of the Richest Actors Who Starred in Horrible Movies
When it comes to acting, it’s one of those things where you just need to take what you can get.* 15 of the Richest Celebrities Who Have No Fashion Sense
You would think that some of our favorite celebrities, with all of their money and connections, would learn how to dress.Apparently Mr. Dimengo specializes in the number 15.
I’m particularly impressed by the fact he writes for BroBible, which as a publication features things like this:
znModeratorhe was due $4.75 million this year, and might not have been a perfect fit as they transition to more of a zone blocking scheme under new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.
–Long-time starting left guard Justin Blalock was released by the Falcons on Friday.http://atlantafalcons.blog.ajc.com/2015/02/27/falcons-cut-veteran-wide-receiver-harry-douglas/
Blalock, 6-foot-4, 326 pounds, was selected by the Falcons in the second-round (39th overall) of the 2007 NFL draft out of Texas. He started all 125 games in which he played, including 102 consecutive games between 2007 and 2014. Blalock started 15 games in 2014.
Blalock did not test well in the 20-yard shuttle and three-cone agility drills at the 2007 combine. Blalock, 31, also sat out with a back issue last season after previously never missing a game because of injury.
The staff concluded that he doesn’t fit the new blocking scheme. Also, Blalock, who had two years left on his contract, was due a base salary of $4.75 million next season and had a cap figure of $7.91 million (third highest on the team). The team will take a significant cap hit for his release because he received an $11 million signing bonus in 2011 that was prorated over the life of the contract.
“The main thing when get these linemen in here, is we are going to get them to run,” offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said. “They are going to run more than they ever have before. We are going to challenge the defense sideline to sideline, not just between the tackles. It’s a challenge to get guys to run and still be as physical as anybody.”
The system was popularized in the 1990s by the Broncos with assistant coach Alex Gibbs and head coach Mike Shanahan, Kyle’s father. Gibbs later coached with the Falcons under Jim L. Mora.
“You need to be able to run,” Shanahan said. “It’s not necessarily always the 40. You need quickness. I had some bigger guys in Cleveland that I did in Washington and there were some pluses to it and some minuses. Everyone wants a huge player who can run faster than everyone else. Until they allow me to spend top pick on linemen five years in a row that’s not going to happen. You have to find other ways to get by.”
znModeratorfrom off the net
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Madam Goldberg
The more vets hit the market the cheaper they become. Also a lot of young Guards coming out in the draft.
znModeratorBA should pay attention to his own team.
Hey, bnw, give us a bit of an intro to yourself! Whatever would be fun to share.
znModerator<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>zn wrote:</div>
Nittany, have you read The Omnivore’s Dilemma?No I haven’t. It was written by Pollan, right?
And it’s good. The first section is about corn, and demystifies a lot of things. For example, those seeds that were developed to allow high yields of corn were (1) patented, and (2) designed so the corn that grows from them cannot produce viable seeds capable of growth. They also require massive amounts of fertilizer, which washes down the Mississippi and produces a huge dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. Plus of course, being so cheap (because it’s subsidized), corn gets fed to mass-produced cattle, which can’t digest corn properly…and the result is, corn-fed cattle is constantly on anti-biotics.
It’s all one big mess.
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