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znModeratorRelocation might be an issue
for some free agents, i suppose.IMO this is its own thread. Might spark interest. You okay with that? Up to you.
znModeratorSounds like JT is letting some of his personal feelings about Kroenke mingle with his professional life
Not sure what you mean here?
February 14, 2015 at 1:12 am in reply to: Fisher & Cignetti: transcript… 2/12…. + articles about the press conference #18453znModeratorFisher, Cignetti support Bradford
By Jim Thomas
One of the most noteworthy things to come out of Friday’s introductory press conference for new offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti was how strongly both Cignetti and coach Jeff Fisher came out in support of quarterback Sam Bradford.
Based on what was said Friday, there appears to be little doubt that Bradford will be with the team next season — and be the starter.
One exchange was particularly telling during the 20-minute session at Rams Park. When asked if Bradford was kept in the loop during the process of hiring an offensive coordinator, Fisher replied:
“I had a lengthy discussion with Sam, yes, prior to making the decision. It was part of the information gathering process. Sam was very forthcoming. He had some firm opinions. I really enjoyed and appreciated his input.”
So would Cignetti have been promoted to coordinator (after three seasons as QB coach) if Bradford had voiced objections?
“We wouldn’t be sitting here right now,” Fisher replied.
“As it should be,” Cignetti chimed in.
If you were seriously considering trading Bradford, or even releasing him, none of that probably would’ve taken place.
So the Rams definitely want him back in ’15?
“That’s correct, yes,” Fisher said. “He’s been in the building since the season ended. He’s doing well.”
Fisher even backed down from his end-of-the-season comment that there will be competition for Bradford on the roster next season, competition that’s currently “not in the building.” The plan still calls for at least one new face on the quarterback depth chart in 2015, but on Friday having competition became having options.
Here’s what Fisher had to say Friday when asked about bringing in an outside QB.
“It’s not as much from the standpoint of challenging Sam,” Fisher said. “It’s to have options. We don’t know what that looks like right now. We don’t know if that’s draft, if that’s free agency, or what that looks like. But when we line up in September, we’ll have somebody there.”
Fisher’s altered stance may be partly to do with the fact that the free-agent market is lean, there don’t seem to be many concrete trade options developing, and the 2015 draft is neither deep nor strong at the position.
(Sunday’s Post-Dispatch will explore the free-agent and trade markets at quarterback.)
Continuity and stability on the offense were cited by Fisher as one of the main reasons he chose to promote from within at coordinator, selecting Cignetti in a close call over tight ends coach Rob Boras for the job. In the end, Boras was promoted to assistant head coach/offense while still maintaining his duties as tight ends coach.
“Same system for Sam, same system for the rest of his teammates,” Fisher said. “That was very, very important, and it was about how we get better. How we become more productive.”
All told, Bradford’s name came up a half-dozen times at the press conference, often without prompting by media members.
“We’re looking forward to Sam moving forward,” Cignetti said. “He’s doing a great job in his rehabilitation. When you go back to last year, he had an outstanding offseason. He had a great training camp. Unfortunately, in Cleveland he got injured. Moving forward, getting Sam back healthy again will greatly increase our chances of winning.”
The team remains optimistic that it can restructure Bradford’s contract for 2015 — the final year of his original deal — in a way that is more cap friendly.
When the Rams get on the field for spring practices, Bradford and the rest of the squad will find some changes in approach and playbook compared to how things were done for three seasons under Cignetti predecessor Brian Schottenheimer.
For one, the playbook will be simplified. There will be less volume than was the case under Schottenheimer, who left in January to become OC for the Georgia Bulldogs.
In discussing changes being made on offense, Fisher said: “We need to reduce the amount of information that we’re giving to the players, and go out and execute.”
So was there too much volume in the playbook previously?
“I think we agreed that there was at times,” Fisher replied. “I’m confident that our system will be such in April … that it will be simplified but appear to be much more complex.”
As a rookie in 2013, wide receiver Tavon Austin remarked that the playbook was like Spanish to him. By minimizing terminology in the playbook, Cignetti hopes for better results.
“The foundation of the playbook’s the same,” Cignetti said. “Coach Schottenheimer’s put a terrific system in place here, the same system I was part of when I was with the San Francisco 49ers (as QB coach in 2007).”
But Cignetti added: “Whether Coach Schottenheimer was still here or whether it was myself leading, every year you look at ways of doing things better. Something that we talked about was how could we minimize terminology? There’s certain things that we did in my past that we’ll be able to minimize terminology.”
Another change from Schottenheimer’s tenure is that Cignetti — as coordinator — won’t be as hands-on with the team’s quarterbacks.
“I’m not going to be as involved with the quarterback as much as Coach Schottenhiemer was involved,” Cignetti said. “That would probably be the biggest difference (in approach).”
Fisher added: “Frank’s going to allow the quarterback coach to spend more time with (the QBs) in the meetings and on the field, which will be a little different than how it has been in the past.”
Fisher confirmed that he interviewed Jeff Garcia for the quarterbacks coach job on Thursday and Friday. Fisher said he has at least one other candidate in mind for Cignetti’s old job, but didn’t give a definite timetable on when that position would be filled.
February 14, 2015 at 12:18 am in reply to: Fisher & Cignetti: transcript… 2/12…. + articles about the press conference #18451znModeratorFisher says Rams’ offense needs tweaks, not overhaul
By R.B. FALLSTROM
http://www.thestate.com/2015/02/13/3987355/fisher-says-rams-offense-needs.html
ST. LOUIS — Jeff Fisher had several phone conversations with outside candidates for the St. Louis Rams’ opening at offensive coordinator. Only out of curiosity, he says.
Just one of those people was brought in for an interview. Staying in-house and promoting quarterbacks coach Frank Cignetti reflects Fisher’s desire for fine-tuning rather than a system overhaul.
“I love to lead,” Cignetti said Friday at his introductory news conference. “I don’t know why we can’t be great. We want to go from good to great.”
Among the tweaks, Cignetti will have less hands-on involvement with the quarterback than predecessor Brian Schottenheimer, and the playbook probably will be simplified. Continuity is a major factor.
“We are going to change, but change is good,” Fisher said. “This change is going to be very, very good for our offense.”
Fisher fully expects the starting quarterback to be Sam Bradford, the No. 1 pick of the 2010 draft who’s rehabbing from a second straight season-ending left knee injury — and entering the final year of his contract. Fisher said he discussed the Cignetti promotion extensively with Bradford, adding the move wouldn’t have been made if Bradford hadn’t approved,
The coach also backed off remarks from his season-ending news conference in which he said the Rams would seek to bring in a quarterback to compete for the job, and that Bradford would also have to rework his contract. In the final installment of a six-year, $78 million deal, Bradford is set to make a base salary of nearly $13 million, with a cap number of $16.58 million.
“It’s not as much from a standpoint of challenging, it’s to have options,” Fisher said. “We don’t know what that looks like right now, whether that’s draft or free agency.”
Fisher said Bradford has been rehabbing daily at Rams Park since the end of the season.
Shaun Hill and Austin Davis shared the starting job last year and it’s unclear whether the Rams want either player back.
Fisher interviewed Jeff Garcia for the vacant quarterbacks coach job the last two days and said the Rams would interview “several others.” Like the Cignetti hire, he appeared in no hurry to finalize that spot, though he added Cignetti had been on the job more than a week before the introductory news conference.
“We have some really solid options in place, but again we’re going to probably take a little bit of time before we make that decision,” Fisher said.
The Rams (6-10) struggled particularly in the third quarter and on third downs. They were outscored by 88 points in the second half, among the worst in the NFL.
“We need to do it better, we need to execute, we need to minimize mistakes,” Fisher said. “We need to reduce the amount of information that we’re giving to the players and go out and execute.”
Like Schottenheimer, Cignetti wants to get wide receiver/return man Tavon Austin more involved.
“I saw him this week, fired up to get working with him,” Cignetti said. “Tavon Austin’s a playmaker.”
February 13, 2015 at 8:53 pm in reply to: Ask Dolphins, Titans why splurging on free agents is a losing strategy #18448znModeratorBig free-agent spending rarely yields more wins
By Nick Wagoner
EARTH CITY, Mo. — In the three years since coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead took charge of the St. Louis Rams, their approach to free agency has changed each year.
In 2012, they spent big money on cornerback Cortland Finnegan, center Scott Wells and defensive tackle Kendall Langford in an effort to bolster a roster in desperate need of a makeover. In 2013, they were active again, landing offensive tackle Jake Long and tight end Jared Cook on big-money deals.
But last year, the Rams were notably quiet in free agency, the result of two years of drafting with an eye toward re-signing their own rather than swinging for the fences on big additions. They re-signed offensive lineman Rodger Saffold to a big contract after his deal with the Oakland Raiders fell through and then took a flier on a handful of one-year “prove it” contracts with guys like receiver Kenny Britt and defensive lineman Alex Carrington.
Heading into 2015, the Rams again don’t figure to be among the bigger spenders on the free-agent market, though adding a key piece or two could help propel them toward contention so long as they land the right players. That hasn’t been their forte, as evidenced by some of the names above from the previous three years.
Per ESPN Stats & Info, six of the 12 teams that have ranked in the top three in free-agent spending since 2011 did not improve their win total, including all three of last year’s top-three spending teams.
Finding the balance of adding a key piece and a few other ancillary pieces that can help has proved to be more of a winning formula. The New England Patriots offered a prime example of that in 2014 when they signed star cornerback Darrelle Revis and key role players like receiver Brandon LaFell and cornerback Brandon Browner at bargain prices. They ranked 16th in spending last year.
The Patriots also prioritized keeping their own, re-signing receiver Julian Edelman, among others. It’s a similar tactic to the approach the Seattle Seahawks took. Clearly, the Rams aren’t as strongly positioned as winning teams that can more easily attract free agents.
This time around, the Rams should be in better position to add a key piece or two that might be costly while re-signing some of their own and taking a shot on some cheaper options who can help. As always, it’s not about how much a team spends as much as how wisely it spends that actually yields results.
znModeratorRams’ 2015 schedule looks tough again (for now)
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/16202/rams-2015-schedule-looks-tough-again-for-now
EARTH CITY, Mo. — Determining the difficulty of an NFL schedule in February is something of a fool’s errand given the ever-changing nature of the league.
Many teams will rise and many will fall in 2015, but at least for now, the numbers shape up to give the St. Louis Rams one of the toughest slates in the league. Again.
Using the combined winning percentage of opponents from 2014, the Rams’ schedule looks to be the sixth toughest in the league heading into next season. The Rams’ 2015 opponents combined for a record of 141-114-1 in 2014, which calculates to a .553 winning percentage. That ranks behind the forthcoming schedules of Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, San Francisco, Seattle and Arizona.
Notice a trend there? Well, we already knew the Rams would face difficult tests in the NFC West again after the Seahawks and Cardinals went to the playoffs. And it just so happens that the AFC rotation of divisional opponents takes the Rams to a trip through the AFC North in 2015.
Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Cincinnati all made the playoffs in 2014 with only Cleveland toiling in the basement.
Of course, though you never know how a season is going to turn out, it wouldn’t come as much of a surprise if the Rams played one of the hardest groups of teams in the league. It’s actually become something of a tradition.
Before last season, the Rams projected to have the fourth toughest schedule in the league. As it turned out, they played the third toughest. They have played a schedule ranking in the top four toughest in the league in each of the past three seasons. Such is life in the NFC West these days.
For a reminder, here’s a look at the Rams’ 2015 opponents:
Home opponents: Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Arizona, San Francisco, Seattle.
Away opponents: Green Bay, Minnesota, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Washington, Arizona, San Francisco, Seattle.
znModeratorBernie: Can Cignetti make a difference for Rams?
By Bernie Miklasz
The Rams have chosen their new offensive coordinator, staying within the organization to promote QBs coach Frank Cignetti. As part of the reworking of the coaching staff, tight ends coach Rob Boras was elevated to assistant head coach/offense.
Cignetti (passing game) and Boras (rushing game) should work well together in combining their expertise.
The Rams also need to hire a new QB coach; media reports have centered on former NFL quarterback Jeff Garcia.
I’m sincere when I say that I believe Cignetti is a smart coach. Given the Rams’ endless turmoil at the quarterback position over the past two seasons, Cignetti always had the next man up — prepared and ready to go.
Relative to expectations, Kellen Clemens, Austin Davis and Shaun Hill did pretty well when taking over for Sam Bradford, who has missed the last 25 regular-season games. Clemens, Davis and Hill aren’t quarterbacks that can elevate an offense on a consistent basis, but that isn’t Cignetti’s fault.
Cignetti has extensive experience, in college football, as an offensive coordinator. As for Boras, he’s respected inside the walls at Rams Park.
So I wish Cignetti (and Boras) the best of luck. But I also think it’s fair to wonder whether the new OC will make much of a difference.
We’ve trampled this ground a couple of times already this offseason, but it’s worth repeating: this is Jeff Fisher’s offense. Fisher has been a head coach for 19 full NFL seasons and there’s an abundance of history that reaffirms his core principles on offense. And Fisher’s teams have rarely deviated from those beliefs.
The Rams’ head coach wants a physical attack led by a strong running game. And while those are important attributes, I don’t know how the Rams plan to break through and score more points. The shortage of points from scrimmage continues to be the team’s No. 1 issue.
I don’t know how much freedom Cignetti will have to open things up. But in fairness to Fisher and the offensive staff, it’s not as if they have the pieces in place to let it fly and roll up big point totals on a regular basis.
The Rams offense is limited in three ways:
1. Limited by the overall offensive talent on hand.
2. Limited by the average (at best) QB performance.
3. Limited by the head coach’s Born to Run philosophy.
The talent matters. It’s not easy to take a coordinator’s job without knowing, with certainty, the identity of your starting quarterback for 2015. (Bradford?) The offensive line requires another retooling. The wide receivers are OK, but none cause opposing defensive coordinators to lose sleep.
So this will be a challenge for Cignetti, who becomes the seventh full-time offensive coordinator employed by Fisher during Fisher’s lengthy run as an NFL head coach.
The first six:
Jerry Rhome (1995-96)
Les Steckel (1997-99)
Mike Heimerdinger (2000-04)
Norm Chow (2005-07)
Heimerdinger Part II (2008-10)
Brian Schottenheimer (2012-14)
There have been only a few standout showings through all of those seasons.
Heimerdinger had the league’s No. 5 offense (points) in 2003, and Steckel’s offense was 7th in points in ’99. Rhome also cracked the top 10 in points scored, with the Oilers-Titans ranking 10th in 1996.
That’s it. Three top 10 scoring offenses in 19 seasons of Fisher Ball.
Fisher’s offenses have met or topped the league average for points on offense in only three of his last nine seasons as a HC. He hasn’t had an offense ranked better than 12th in points since ’03.
I’m curious to see what Cignetti can do.
And what he’ll be allowed to do.
Of course, much depends on the quality of the talent he’ll be coordinating.
This isn’t an easy job right now. Maybe that’s one of the reasons why it was offered to Cignetti. But that doesn’t mean this is a bad hire. That isn’t fair to Cignetti. He’s waited for this opportunity. He’s a promising coach. Let’s see what he makes of his chance.
February 13, 2015 at 7:23 pm in reply to: Cignetti/Fisher press conference vid and tweets and stuff #18444znModeratorFisher and Cignetti Press Conference
Watch Jeff Fisher introduce Frank Cignetti as the St. Louis Rams new offensive coordinator.Couple of notes.
1. Cigz says he had the same system when he was in SF. That’s interesting because the coordinator in SF that year, Jim Hostler, was an internal hire who kept the same system from the years before. In the years before the coordinator was Norv Turner. This just strengthens the idea that we kinda already knew that Schottenheimer’s offense is basically a Coryell style system.
2. They kept talking about simplifying, putting less on the players, and so on. What that screamed to me is that their goal is to work on execution. (Schott is known for having a complex offense with lots of variations built in. Apparently they are stripping that down a bit.) I think this kind of thing will help guys like Tavon…and I mean help him far more than just the “do more creative things with him” routine. I personally think Tavon’s head has been spinning.
3. Cigz strikes me as a kind of Malavasi on offense. Malavasi was a great D coordinator. Cigz is a little too much the “not a thinking guy’s coordinator” but then, that was true of Malavasi too. It’s a matter of instincts and game smarts.
4. Music to my ears: it’s not system first, it’s build around your players. What can THEY do, now make THAT more effective. That is always my favorite kind of OC.
5. I think after hearing this that RB is a need. This is all “for now anyway I think this” kind of opinionizing. I don;t think they can count on Mason alone, and I don’t think Stacy will be that much of a factor moving forward. They need a 2nd stud to go with Mason. I would rank RB just behind qb and OL.
Didn’t Harbaugh simiplify the 49ers Offense
when he came in? Yes? No?He stripped out sight adjustments. But with Fisher and Cigz, I don’t think that what I heard was “we will simplify” as much as I heard “we’ve been too complicated” (if that makes any sense.) So I didn’t hear that they will step back from the modern age, I heard that they’ve got too much on players’s plates to execute it easily.
February 13, 2015 at 6:32 pm in reply to: Mock Draft Roundup: Third Edition Posted 14 hours ago Myles Simmons #18440znModeratorAg I think I will keep the independent 101/Lande…or would you rather have it here? LMK
February 13, 2015 at 2:58 pm in reply to: What American Sniper did is much, much worse than rewrite history #18424znModerator
February 13, 2015 at 12:32 pm in reply to: Ask Dolphins, Titans why splurging on free agents is a losing strategy #18423znModeratorBut you CAN fill holes with FAs. And astute roster building can get great value out of modest signings. A great example is William Hayes. We’ve been bad for a decade. But there were years when we’d have been far WORSE without a solid vet like Hayes.
I would say the Rams have done better with mid- and low-market FAs than they have with high market FAs.
It’s interesting to compare that to the Vermeil Rams. First, I wanta say, as much as we attributed a lot of the success in 99 to Armey, I have thought for years now that that was Vermeil…or at least Armey did better with Vermeil than he did since.
Lyght: inherited draft pick
McCleon: Vermeil draft pick
Bush: mid-market FA
Jenkins: Vermeil UDFA
Collins: mid-market FA
Fletcher: Vermeil UDFA
Jones: mid-market FA
Wistrom: Vermeil draft pick
Farr: inherited UDFA
Agnew: high-market FA
Carter: inherited draft pickPace: Vermeil draft pick
Nutten: low-market FA
Gruttadauria: inherited scrap-heap find
Timmerman: high-market FA
Miller: inherited draft pick
Williams: Vermeil draft pick
Green: high-market FA
Warner: Vermeil scrap-heap find
Bruce: inherited draft pick
Holt: Vermeil draft pick
Hakim: Vermeil draft pick
Proehl: mid-market FA
Faulk: tradeBTW, on another issue? The OL in 99 had a total of 2 missed starts. Nutten missed 2 games.
February 13, 2015 at 9:35 am in reply to: Grayson, Hundley, Petty, Carden etc. … the qbs this year #18417znModeratorRambill
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Jim Thomas @jthom1Food for thought? Jeff Garcia has worked w/East Carolina QB Shane Carden, whom Rams talked to at Senior Bowl.
========
ACC Insider
Carden makes most of limited Senior Bowl opportunity
Saturday, January 24, 2015
http://acc.blogs.starnewsonline.com/45999/carden-makes-most-of-limited-senior-bowl-opportunity/
Shane Carden didn’t get much of an opportunity to show what he could do at the Senior Bowl on Saturday. But at least he made the most of his three second half possessions.
The East Carolina quarterback, who split time under center with Baylor’s Bryce Petty and Oregon State’s Sean Mannion, completed four of nine passes for 70 yards while rushing once for six yards and a first down to help the North team to a 34-13 victory at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala.
Carden needed a strong showing to salvage his draft prospects after an unimpressive week of practice. Although his action was limited, he did lead his team to a touchdown, a field goal and a field goal attempt while amassing an efficiency rating of 141.1 rating — the highest of any quarterback on either team.
znModeratorOffseason in Review: DT Alex Carrington –Wagoner
The 2015 edition of NFL free agency is set to begin on March 10 with a new batch of players set to hit the market and teams in pursuit of those players.Some articles never get posted on the board.
Like this one.
So we avoided the Great Carrington Debate.
znModeratorBoth listings say 2013. Which is 2014? I hope it’s the top one because it’s a little better.
Oops, typo. Thnx. Fixed.
Yep the better one was 2014.
Interesting that Bailey has yet to play a full season. He was held back early in 2013, then suspended early in 2014.
znModeratorRams Promote Two Offensive Assistants
By Myles Simmons Rams Insider @MylesASimmons
The Rams’ search for an offensive coordinator has come to an end, as the franchise has promoted two of its offensive assistants. Quarterbacks coach Frank Cignetti will take over as the offensive coordinator, and tight ends coach Rob Boras will serve as assistant head coach/offense.
In their new roles, Cignetti will call the plays and lead the coaches through game planning and installments. While continuing to coach the tight ends, Boras will assist in overseeing the entire offense with an emphasis on the run game.
Coming off his third season leading St. Louis’ QBs, Cignetti has a coaching resumé that spans two decades of work in both the college and NFL ranks. In 2014, he helped coach Austin Davis to consecutive 300-yard, three-touchdown performances — a first for the franchise since Kurt Warner accomplished the feat in 2001. Back in his first year with the Rams, 2012, quarterback Sam Bradford set new career highs in yards passing (3,702), touchdown passes (21), and passer rating (82.5).
“Frank has been a key asset to our staff over the last three years and I’m confident that he’ll do a great job leading our offense in this new role,” head coach Jeff Fisher said in a statement. “He’s done a great job in some difficult circumstances and he brings a great body of work as a play caller at some significant college programs. Our players know and respect Frank, and I believe we’ll benefit from the continuity he’ll provide.”
Prior to his arrival in St. Louis, Cignetti spent time as the offensive coordinator at Rutgers, Pitt, and Cal. He also spent a year as the 49ers quarterbacks coach in 2007. Before that, he was the offensive coordinator at North Carolina and Fresno State.
Cignetti got his start in the NFL as a quality control assistant with the Chiefs in 1999, and served as the Saints’ quarterbacks coach from 2000-01. His father, Frank Cignetti Sr., was a longtime head coach for Indiana University of Pennsylvania — a D-II school — where he led the team to 13 postseason appearances. The junior Cignetti was on his father’s staff from 1990-98.
Boras also arrived with Fisher in 2012, coaching up key contributors like Jared Cook, Lance Kendricks, and Cory Harkey at the tight end position. Last season, Cook led the Rams with 52 receptions, and Kendricks had a team-high five receiving touchdowns.
In all, the 44-year-old Boras has spent 11 years in the NFL. Having served as an offensive assistant for DePauw, Texas, and UNLV, as well as a one-year stint as Benedictine University’s head coach, Boras got his NFL start as the tight ends coach under Lovie Smith with the Bears in 2004. During his six seasons in Chicago, Boras helped the Bears earn a trip to Super Bowl XLI. In 2009, the Bears’ tight ends led the NFL in receiving touchdowns (13), and in 2008 Greg Olsen and Desmond clark had 95 receptions — the highest total for a tight end duo in franchise history.
Following his stint with the Bears, Boras spent two years as the Jaguars’ tight ends coach, leading Marcedes Lewis to his first Pro Bowl selection in 2010. That year, Lewis had 58 receptions for 700 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns — tying a franchise record.
“Rob is a tremendous teacher and he’s done a great job with our tight ends,” Fisher said. “His expanded role is sure to make us better as an offense.”
By keeping the promotions in house, both Cignetti and Boras have an advantage of not only knowing the Rams’ personnel, but the teams and players within the division as well.
znModeratoris it me or was that interview useless?
just a bunch of non-answers. although i guess i shouldn’t have expected anything concrete. doesn’t matter as long as there are real results on the field.
It was useless. He won’t be the media presence either Schott was (Schott was not charismatic but had some sophistication to him) or Wms is. In fact Cigz is kinda the anti-Wms.
But…(as you know) that doesn’t mean he can’t be a good coordinator.
February 12, 2015 at 10:33 pm in reply to: Mock Draft Roundup: Third Edition Posted 14 hours ago Myles Simmons #18396znModeratorRamBill dug this up….
Phil Savage @SeniorBowlPhil
Had an unbelievably impressive interview with Duke OG Laken Tomlinson @SiriusXMNFL. Double major, 323lbs and future NFL starter.
February 12, 2015 at 10:30 pm in reply to: Mock Draft Roundup: Third Edition Posted 14 hours ago Myles Simmons #18395znModeratorDone.
February 12, 2015 at 10:21 pm in reply to: Mock Draft Roundup: Third Edition Posted 14 hours ago Myles Simmons #18392znModeratorSD, mind if I move this to the combine thread?
znModeratorFrom what I can tell (after just a kwik browse) this guy seems to think of it as just a one year.
To me that doesn’t make much sense.
If you toss in roster bonuses (he seems to mention only incentives) you can make it an extension, not a 1-year.
Same effect: he gets money if he can play, and if he can’t the team is not hampered by significant cap damage.
But the advantage of an extension is that you don’t end up in this position where (a) he proves he can play, but (b) you have to sign him again.
znModeratorJohn Robinson’s 80’s lines were also very good and underrated. Doug Smith, Jackie Slater, Irv Pankey, Kent Hill, Dennis Harrah and Tom Newberry (Kent Hill too) They also had tight ends that could block too….
Yeah…he only really remarks on the 70s lines.
I posted this earlier but it’s worth repeating.
There is at least one Ram lineman in the pro bowl every single season from 1967 until 1990. In fact the 68 line had 4 pro bowlers, as did the 78 line and the 85 line. That’s 12 different pro-bowl lineman across 24 consecutive years.
February 12, 2015 at 9:23 pm in reply to: Mock Draft Roundup: Third Edition Posted 14 hours ago Myles Simmons #18377znModeratorIsn’t it possible that a lot of the tackles here could be selected as guards?
Like Dennis Harrah was.
February 12, 2015 at 4:17 pm in reply to: Mock Draft Roundup: Third Edition Posted 14 hours ago Myles Simmons #18374znModeratorPHil Savage starting 5 oline senior bowl
http://www.seniorbowl.com/news-highlights-detail.php?news=286
Executive Director Phil Savage spent 20 years in the National Football League as a coach, scout, executive and general manager. Prior to the Combine, he will evaluate the Reese’s Senior Bowl practice sessions, position-by-position, for both the North and South squads.
Here is his analysis of the offensive linemen based on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday practices.
‘STARTING FIVE’
With 20 total linemen on both squads, these are the five who had the best weeks at their respective positions and would deserve All-Senior Bowl recognition.
DONOVAN SMITH PENN STATE 6056 341 34 1/4 10 1/2
This 4th year junior graduate elevated his game in Mobile after having a subpar campaign in 2014. Although he could stand to drop 10lbs or so, he has size, athletic ability and the skillset needed to play left tackle in the NFL. With his long arms and re-direct agility, if he will truly get serious about his craft, Donovan could have a long pro career.1-on-1 Pass Pro: Wins: 7 Losses: 3
Senior Bowl Scoop: Since 2013, 4th year juniors who graduate before December 31 have been allowed to participate in the game. Donovan and teammate Deion Barnes both met the criteria and joined a list of six total players that have taken advantage of this exemption. Donovan hails from Owings Mills, MD, the practice facility home of the Baltimore Ravens.TRE JACKSON FLORIDA STATE 6037 323 32 1/8 11 1/8
Of the five FSU Seminoles invited to the RSB, Tre was the only one who actually made it to Mobile. He was “king” of the 1-on-1’s by winning all nine of his individual battles against zero defeats. Although he aligned as a RG at Florida State and for most of the week here, his athleticism may warrant a move to LG because of his pulling ability.
1-on-1 Pass Pro: Wins: 9 Losses: 0Senior Bowl Scoop: Tre was selected as the South team’s Most Outstanding Player in the Saturday game after successfully going toe-to-toe with Washington’s Danny Shelton and Iowa’s Carl Davis.MAX GARCIA FLORIDA 6044 305 32 3/4 10 1/4
In a rare occurrence, Max was part of the North team even though he played collegiately for the Gators after transferring from Maryland. He provides length in the pivot and plays with surprising base and balance for a taller center. With his position versatility of having starting experience at both left tackle and left guard, expect Max to be a valuable mid-to-late round selection.1-on-1 Pass Pro: Wins: 6 Losses: 2
Senior Bowl Scoop: Max sat out the 2012 season due to NCAA transfer rules before starting 25 straight games for the Gators as a junior and senior.
LAKEN TOMLINSON DUKE 6032 323 33 1/2 10 1/4
This 5th year senior was a picture of consistency all week because of his knee flexion and upper body strength. He fits the profile of a “power” right guard and appears to be a plug-in and play starter as a rookie. His confrontations with Washington’s Danny Shelton (6016/343) were highlight worthy.1-on-1 Pass Pro: Wins: 9 Losses: 3
Senior Bowl Scoop: The winner of the Alabama Power Practice Award for offensive linemen, Laken is also a standout in the classroom where he graduated as a double major in evolutionary anthropology and psychology.
LA’EL COLLINS LSU 6045 308 33 1/4 10 3/4
A consensus All-SEC and All-American choice in 2014, La’el has all the traits needed to be a blue-chip pro. He has height, long enough arms, a powerful punch and the ability to snap his hips. He went back and forth between LT and LG and didn’t look flawless as a RT, however, he has too much going for him from a talent standpoint not to play early and often for a team in need of a young offensive lineman.1-on-1 Pass Pro- Wins: 4 Losses: 7
Senior Bowl Scoop: Highly recruited five-star prospect from Baton Rouge, he was considered by many to be the best high school offensive lineman to ever come out of the state of Louisiana. La’el won the Jacobs Award for the SEC, spotlighting him as the league’s top blocker.
POTENTIAL ‘STARTER’ UPSIDE
OT #68 T.J. Clemmings/Pittsburgh 6045/307 34 7/8” Arm-10 3/8” Hand
A favorite of the NFL scouts during the regular season, T.J. entered the week with much fanfare as a potential 1st round pick. He only played two years of high school football and did not move to the offensive line until his redshirt junior (2013) season. Still, he has all the physical traits necessary to become a starter in the future. With his long arms, natural athletic skill and positive demeanor, despite looking uncomfortable on certain reps, T.J. flashed more than enough ability for teams to believe they can coach him up as a possible answer at left tackle.
1-on-1 Pass Pro- Wins: 5 Losses: 7
Senior Bowl Scoop: First team All-ACC selection in 2014 after starting 26 consecutive games at right tackle.
OG #50 Ali Marpet/Hobart College 6036/307 32 7/8” Arm-10 1/8” Hand
The only D-III prospect in the RSB, Ali started for three seasons at left tackle before making the conversion inside to guard in Mobile. He has light feet, plays with balance and did not back down at all against the bigger school competition. Arguably the most intriguing player in the game, he is certain to be thoroughly evaluated by all 32 teams because of his position flexibility (he took reps as a center in the QB exchange period) and high ceiling to improve.
1-on-1 Pass Pro- Wins: 5 Losses: 5
Senior Bowl Scoop: Ali was named Liberty League Co-Offensive Player of the Year, the first time in conference history an offensive lineman received that distinction.BLUE COLLAR/LUNCH PAIL PROSPECTS
OT #78 Rob Havenstein/Wisconsin 6073/332 33 5/8” Arm-10” Hand
A card-carrying giant, Rob is a classic right tackle who uses his height and girth to absorb and control defenders. He really understands how to play and wins “ugly” most of the time.
1-on-1 Pass Pro- Wins: 6 Losses: 4
Senior Bowl Scoop: Rob opened 41 consecutive games for the Badgers and played in a school-record matching 54 contests. He blocked for three 1000-yard rushers during his career: Montee Ball, James White and Melvin Gordon.
OG #70 Shaq Mason/Georgia Tech 6015/310 31 1/8” Arm-9 ½” Hand
Maybe the most improved player of the week, Shaq came to Mobile from GT’s option-oriented offense, but adjusted quite well by Thursday and showed the willingness to compete on every snap.
1-on-1 Pass Pro- Wins: 6 Losses: 3
Senior Bowl Scoop: Even though Shaq stands a little over 6’1, his given full name is “Shaquille Olajuwon Mason”. The Yellow Jackets led the nation in rushing yardage per game (342.1) and Shaq was named to several All-ACC and All-American teams.
February 12, 2015 at 4:07 pm in reply to: Ask Dolphins, Titans why splurging on free agents is a losing strategy #18373znModeratorYeah, it never fails. I can’t remember the last big, expensive signing (outside of the likes of Peyton Manning) that really made a huge difference for a team.
The Rams’ big FA signings have been fairly conservative, and yet they haven’t paid off, either. There’s always a reason a team lets a player get to free agency.
Let’s see how Fisher & co. did.
Big market FAs:
Finnegan. I didn’t like this one.
Langford. He’s fine IMO.
Long. Injuries killed this one.
Wells. Injured man walking. When he can walk.
Cook. I like Cook as part of the mix as a player, but…and I rarely say this… I don;t think he will ever be worth the money.Budger market FAs:
Hayes: Score.
Dunbar. Up and down.
Carrington. Nada.
Williams. Well…better than Joseph…
Joseph. Not as good as Williams.
Britt. Score.
Hill & Clemens. No Jamie Martins here.February 12, 2015 at 8:54 am in reply to: Mock Draft Roundup: Third Edition Posted 14 hours ago Myles Simmons #18361znModeratorThere are 4 of 5 tackles good enough to play left tackle. They just aren’t good enough to be much more than a top 10 pick. Some of them are being projected to other positions or playing their first year at a different position, especially if you already have a LT.
1 Brandon Scherff 6-5 320 5.15 Iowa X/OG
2 *Andrus Peat 6-6 315 5.25 Stanford
3 La’el Collins 6-5 315 5.15 LSU OG
4 *Ereck Flowers 6-5 325 5.3 Miami
5 T.J. Clemmings 6-5 305 5.15 PittsburghAll of these could be gone between about pick 8 to pick 20 something, Different teams will rate them in different orders. If the kid from ND had come out, he would have been a top 5. imo
How would you rate the year overall for OL in general?
February 12, 2015 at 8:27 am in reply to: Mock Draft Roundup: Third Edition Posted 14 hours ago Myles Simmons #18357znModeratorIs this a strong year for offensive lineman? Or are they just mentioning the best available?
Yeah I would like to hear about that too from the Draft Dedicated types. The vibe I get so far is that it is a deep year for guards and right tackles, and less so for centers and left tackles.
znModeratorI hope the show can somehow maintain the standard he set. No easy task.
If not for the Rams games, I would have already set the tv out for trash pick-up.
znModeratorIn the end, after all the games were played, how did the schedules rank for 2014?
Who played the toughest, who played the easiest?
Added by edit: I asked that…then went and did a simple search, and here it is. From here: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000407751/article/2015-nfl-draft-order-top-3-needs-for-all-32-teams
I also bolded the playoff teams.
T = “tied for”
Rank Team Opponent Win Pct.
1. Oakland Raiders .570
2. New York Jets .543)
3. St. Louis Rams .531)
4. Chicago Bears .529)
5. San Francisco 49ers .527)
6. Seattle Seahawks .525)
7. Arizona Cardinals .523)
8. Denver Broncos .521)
9. Buffalo Bills .516)
T10. Jacksonville Jaguars .514)
New England Patriots .514)
T12 New York Giants .512)
Miami Dolphins .512)
San Diego Chargers .512)
Kansas City Chiefs .512)
16. Tennessee Titans .506)
17. Cincinnati Bengals .498)
18. Washington Redskins .496)
T19. Philadelphia Eagles .490)
Carolina Panthers .490)
T21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers .486)
New Orleans Saints .486)
T23. Atlanta Falcons .482)
Green Bay Packers .482)
T25. Indianapolis Colts .479)
Cleveland Browns .479)
T27. Minnesota Vikings .475)
Baltimore Ravens .475)
29. Detroit Lions .471)
30. Pittsburgh Steelers .451)
31. Houston Texans .447)
32. Dallas Cowboys .445…
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February 12, 2015 at 12:30 am in reply to: Rams to interview Jeff Garcia for QB coach position? #18349znModeratorJeff Garcia to interview for Rams QB coach job Thursday
By Jim Thomas
Jeff Garcia, a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback during an NFL career that began in 1999 with San Francisco and ended in 2011 with Houston, will interview Thursday for the Rams’ quarterbacks coach job.
Garcia coached quarterbacks last season for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. Since retiring from the game after the ’11 season, Garcia also has been a mentor and trainer for high school, college, and NFL quarterbacks at Jeff Garcia Football in San Diego.
In recent months, Garcia has let it be known that he was interested in working in the NFL, even lobbying for the Eagles’ quarterbacks coach job on Philadelphia radio last month.
Garcia, who turns 45 on Feb. 24, played in 125 NFL regular-season games over his career with 116 starts with Cleveland, Detroit, and Tampa Bay as well as the stints with the 49ers and Texans. Known as a fierce competitor, Garcia played in postseason games with Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Tampa Bay.
Prior to the NFL, he was a four-time CFL all-star and was named MVP of the Grey Cup in 1998 with the Calgary Stampeders. In 2010, as his career was winding down, he even played for the Omaha Nighthawks of the short-lived United Football League.
If hired, Garcia would take over the QB coach job held by Frank Cignetti the past three season. Cignetti is being promoted to offensive coordinator in a move that is expected to be officially announced by the team at the end of the week
February 11, 2015 at 11:51 pm in reply to: Mock Draft Roundup: Third Edition Posted 14 hours ago Myles Simmons #18345znModeratorMike Mayock’s position rankings for 2015 NFL Draft
By Mike Mayock
NFL Media draft analystQuarterback
1. Jameis Winston, Florida State
2. Marcus Mariota, Oregon
3. Bryce Petty, Baylor
4. Brett Hundley, UCLA
5. Garrett Grayson, Colorado StateRunning back
1. Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
2. Todd Gurley, Georgia
3. Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska
4. Duke Johnson, Miami (Fla.)
5. Tevin Coleman, IndianaWide receiver
1. Kevin White, West Virginia
2. Amari Cooper, Alabama
3. DeVante Parker, Louisville
4. Dorial Green-Beckham, Missouri
5. Devin Funchess, MichiganTight end
1. Maxx Williams, Minnesota
2. Clive Walford, Miami (Fla.)
3. Nick O’Leary, Florida State
4. Tyler Kroft, Rutgers
5. Ben Koyack, Notre DameInterior offensive linemen
1. Brandon Scherff, Iowa
2. Cameron Erving, Florida State
3. Laken Tomlinson, Duke
4. A.J. Cann, South Carolina
5. Tre’ Jackson, Florida StateOffensive tackle
1. T.J. Clemmings, Pittsburgh
2. Andrus Peat, Stanford
3. La’el Collins, LSU
4. Ereck Flowers, Miami (Fla.)
5t. Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M
5t. D.J. Humphries, FloridaInterior defensive linemen
1. Leonard Williams, USC
2. Danny Shelton, Washington
3. Malcom Brown, Texas
4. Arik Armstead, Oregon
5t. Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma
5t. Eddie Goldman, Florida StateEdge rusher
1. Dante Fowler, Jr., Florida
2. Randy Gregory, Nebraska
3. Shane Ray, Missouri
4. Vic Beasley, Clemson
5. Bud Dupree, KentuckyLinebacker
1. Paul Dawson, TCU
2. Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State
3. Denzel Perryman, Miami (Fla.)
4. Eric Kendricks, UCLA
5. Stephone Anthony, ClemsonCornerback
1. Trae Waynes, Michigan State
2. Marcus Peters, Washington
3. Jalen Collins, LSU
4. P.J. Williams, Florida State
5. Kevin Johnson, Wake ForestSafety
1. Landon Collins, Alabama
2. Shaq Thompson, Washington
3. Derron Smith, Fresno State
4. Jaquiski Tartt, Samford
5. Ibraheim Campbell, Northwestern -
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