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znModeratorHEIGHT…5′ 11″WEIGHT…191SPEED—COLLEGE …SMU MustangsTEAM…Los Angeles Rams…ME: Woods transferred to SMU from WVA. He had a great season in 2021 in his first year at WVA. More on that here:According to Pro Football Focus College, Woods allowed the lowest passer rating while in coverage among any Big 12 corner last season.
Not only that, but Woods set the Big 12 record for the lowest passer rating allowed in coverage by any corner in the conference’s history. His 22.1 passer rating allowed was significantly better than the previous record, which was held by former Baylor corner Xavien Howard.
Woods excels in coverage. He hauled in an attention-grabbing interception on the first day of spring practice in March.
PFF College also gave the WVU corner the highest grade (90.3) of any player in the country in his position last year.
znModeratorDT David Olajiga- Central Missouri 6’ 3” 319 lb.
Central Missouri DT David Olajiga David Olajiga is a 6-foot-3 287 pound defensive tackle out of Central Missouri. In 2023, he put up 41 tackles, 8.0 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, He had seven quarterback hits. But the intriguing stat is the fact that he blocked three kicks in 2023
20hrswk
Measured 6’3″, 319 lbs.
Former UCM All-American DT David Olajiga opened some eyes with his performance @ the Mizzou Football NFL Pro Day when he displayed a rare combination of size & explosiveness
Compared to DL weighing 310+ pounds at the #NFL Combine David’s marks rank;
-vertical jump = #1 (3.5” higher than #2)
-forty yard dash = #1 (.04 faster than #2)
-bench press = #2…and he’d hit 38 reps during prep phase, if not for the fatigue from the condensed pro day schedule he likely holds the #1 mark there as well
znModeratorso kupp, nacua, robinson, atwell, and whittington. with whittington taking over a lot of the st roles that skow filled i’m assuming. there’s still the 6th wr spot but shouldn’t be difficult to fill.
There’s some good buzz around this year’s UDFA WRs. Maybe there’s one in this bunch. Or maybe there’s another Robinson out there, ie. a “ronin” they haven’t picked up yet.
from this thread: 2024 UDFAs
Los Angeles Rams: Drake Stoops, WR, Oklahoma
The son of legendary coach Bob Stoops, Drake Stoops’ sluggish 4.71 40 time will fit in perfectly with the Rams. (Cooper Kupp famously ran a 4.62; Puka Nacua hit only 4.57.) Quicker than fast and totally fearless, the 5-9, 186-pound Stoops is an outstanding route runner who turned down FBS scholarship offers to walk on at his dad’s former school. He wound up making 164 catches for nearly 2,000 yards in six years. He’ll do anything he’s asked, at max effort.
Ohio WR Sam Wiglusz
Sam Wiglusz played three seasons with Ohio State before closing out two seasons on the Ohio Bobcats. He stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 188 pounds. He does offer potential on special teams, having served as both punt and kickoff returner.
<p id=”uaVpF5″>WR JJ Lapp- Cortland St. 6’ 1 190 lb.</p>Was the deep threat for D3 National Champions last fall. Hauled in 147 passes with 32 touchdowns and averaged 18.7 yards per catch over 46 games. As you would guess, not a lot of film, but he appears to be of good size, length, and speed compared to his collegiate competition.znModeratorMeeting the Rams undrafted free agents
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/4/30/24144440/la-rams-undrafted-free-agent-prospects
Although the Los Angeles Rams have not yet released an official list of undrafted free agent signings, reports are coming in fast and furious. L.A.’s rumored signings are being tracked here at TST and when officially announced, the players can be reviewed with some depth.
Today, let’s make a quick introduction and just a peek at their backgrounds. When officially signed, the Rams 2024 draft and UDFA class will bring the roster up to 87 players under contract and leave the team three short of the 90-man limit.
Offense
WR Drake Stoops- Oklahoma. 5’ 10” 180 lb.
Grew up around college football as a coach’s son. Played a lot of special teams as part of a 62 game college career. Stoops was cited for his quickness and route running at the Shrine Bowl. His Pro Day testing numbers were not impressive, 4.71 forty, 30” vertical, 8’ 11” broad, eight bench reps, 4.24 shuttle, and 7.01 3cone.
WR Sam Wiglusz- Ohio 5’ 10 5/8” 189 lb.
Former Ohio State walk-on, played in 13 games over two seasons, mostly special teams, before transferring. As a Bobcat, caught 129 balls in 26 games for 1537 yards and 14 touchdowns. His athletic testing numbers were ho-hum, 4.62 forty, 1.63 split, 32.5 vertical, 9’ 10” broad, 11 reps on the bench, and 4.31 shuttle. Did post a very good 6.84 3cone.
WR JJ Lapp- Cortland St. 6’ 1 190 lb.
Was the deep threat for D3 National Champions last fall. Hauled in 147 passes with 32 touchdowns and averaged 18.7 yards per catch over 46 games. As you would guess, not a lot of film, but he appears to be of good size, length, and speed compared to his collegiate competition.
TE Neal Johnson- UL, Lafayette 6’ 3 5/8” 245 lb.
High school QB was receiving part of a two TE rotation. On film, he looks to have good length and hands, plays fluid and finishes physically. At his Pro Day, he timed a 4.77 forty with 1.63 split, leapt a 28” vertical and 9’ 3” broad, put up 12 reps on the bench, and shimmied through a 4.41 shuttle and 7.06 3cone.
G/C Justin Dedich- USC 6’ 2” 301 lb.
Stockily built with a strong upper body. Primarily played guard until starting 13 games at center in 2023, totaled 48 games in six seasons. Plays high, which keeps him from being a downhill drive blocker and creates problems setting an anchor, although overall, he’s a good pass blocker. Has good feet and uses them to reach and torque defenders.
T Blake Larson- Augustana 6’6” 311 lb.
One of the top prospects in Division2, dominatling player with size and athleticism, reportedly has 84” wingspan. Played on both left and right sides. Huge hands (10 3/8”) and adequate length (33 3/8”) surprisingly coordinated with quick feet. Needs a lot of technique work and a pro strength/conditioning program.
Defense
CB Josh Wallace- Michigan 5’ 11” 185 lb.
Came to Ann Arbor as a graduate transfer after three seasons at UMASS. Can play both inside and out, Wallace is good zone coverage player, who despite his size, is willing in run support. A little lacking in top speed, but solid athletically otherwise and has good length. A “Steady Freddy” player rather than playmaker.
CB Cam Lampkin- Washington State 5’ 9 3/4” 181 lb.
Played two season’s at Wazzou, started at Utah State. Experienced both out wide and in the slot. Very aggressive play style in coverage and run support despite size and length limitations. Adequate testing at Pro Day, 4.58 forty, 34.5” vertical, 10’ broad, 4.33 shuttle, 7.09 3cone, and 11 reps on the bench.
S Jaylen McCullough- Tennessee 6’ 202 lb.
Highly experienced, 51 starts in 60 college games. Pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault in 2022, fined $20k and placed on one year probation. High-effort player with physical play style, best suited underneath. Plays faster than his Pro Day testing, 4.69 forty, 32” vertical, 9’ 7” broad, 4.58 shuttle, and 7.52 3cone. stellar 17 reps on bench.
S Kenny Logan- Kansas 5’ 10” 213 lb.
Experienced, productive safety that lined up all over the formation and was also a valued special teams performer. Returned 61 kickoffs for a 23.7 yard average and played multiple coverage/return units. Quicker than fast with good change of direction, likely limited to play around the line of scrimmage. Good in run support and zone coverage.
ILB Omar Speights- LSU 6’ 229 lb.
Four years as a full-time starter, three at Oregon State and his final at LSU. Effort-based prospect who’s just short of having the requisite size, length, physicallity and read/react skills of an NFL linebacker. Pretty good athletic testing numbers. Good form tackler around the line and appears to be fluid in pass coverage.
DE Anthony Goodlow- Oklahoma State 6’ 4 1/4” 283 lb.
Built more like a traditional 4-3 end, Goodlow played both standing and with a hand on the ground. Not particularly speedy or bendy off the corner, he wins with leverage and power. Has the get-off to play inside. Great length (34 5/8”) and tested well in the forty (4.96), 3cone (7.15) and shuttle (4.42).
DT Tuli Letuligasenoa- Washington 6’ 1” 295 lb.
Built like a fire plug. Not just an immoveable rock in run defense, actually needs some lower body play strength work to make up for his short arms. He has good down hill move skills for his size and shows some juice as a pass rusher. Keeps his pads low to burst through gaps and shows effort pursuing the play from behind.
DT David Olajiga- Central Missouri 6’ 3” 319 lb.
Attended the Missouri Pro Day and although I could not find confirmation, he reportedly ran a 5.01 forty, had a 34.5” vertical, and put up 38 reps. Pictures on his Instagram account show a totally buffed out prospect. Will really have to dig for film, but totaled 98 tackles, 20 for loss, and nine sacks in 32 college games.
znModeratorPuka plays on a rookie salary. But where does this leave Kupp? Is he gonna retire a Ram?
Kupp is signed through 26. That would be his 10th year.
znModeratorNothing sez postmodern-spectacle-corporate-sports like ‘the content team.
A good manager wants their team to be content. Or, happy even.
znModeratorPlot twist! Ben Skowronek has actually been traded to the Texans instead of released for late round pick swaps in 2026.
Should be a good landing spot for Skowronek with an offense he should have some familiarity with. https://t.co/ssBLkTUtu4
— Blaine Grisak 💭 (@bgrisakTST) May 9, 2024
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The #Texans and #Rams will swap 6th and 7th rounders in 2026, source said. https://t.co/1aqJOgfEte
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 9, 2024
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Rams Bros.@RamsBrothers
Benny Sko being traded makes sense.• Cap savings ($1.05MM)• Last year of his rookie deal (wasn’t going to be re-signed)• Opportunity to go through a full offseason program with another team• Jordan Whittington + a few UDFA’s have very similar skill sets.Most memorable Ben Skowronek moment. Thank you @BennySkow 🫡 pic.twitter.com/NOO4X3rYhs
— HoldenCantor (@HoldenCantor) May 9, 2024
znModeratorBraden Fiske in a 2i —– backdoors the pulling guard and beats center to the outside.
Quickness can offset short arms at times pic.twitter.com/Z0xoAJa3gQ
— Jim Youngblood 53 (@53_jim70721) May 9, 2024
znModeratorQB Power Rankings according to some guy Matthew Stafford is ranked at #16, two slots above Geno Smith, and one slot below Trevor Lawrence. Brock Purdy is the #2 QB in the league.
Matthew StaffordLOS ANGELES RAMS QBWe saw a good deal of the Super Bowl-style Stafford late in 2023, with the aging gunslinger rediscovering his trademark passing gusto. But we have to remember he’s 36 with an injury history. The Rams are still in a weird middle ground of contending and restocking for the long haul. 
znModeratorQB Power Rankings according to some guy Matthew Stafford is ranked at #16, two slots above Geno Smith, and one slot below Trevor Lawrence. Brock Purdy is the #2 QB in the league.
Matthew StaffordLOS ANGELES RAMS QBWe saw a good deal of the Super Bowl-style Stafford late in 2023, with the aging gunslinger rediscovering his trademark passing gusto. But we have to remember he’s 36 with an injury history. The Rams are still in a weird middle ground of contending and restocking for the long haul. znModeratorznModeratorListen to this short vid and note the Rams rushing success rate percentages in 2023 compared to the rest of the league.
znModeratorfrom Bucky Brooks, 2024 NFL Draft: My five favorite hauls: https://www.nfl.com/news/2024-nfl-draft-my-five-favorite-hauls-and-one-head-scratching-class?campaign=Twitter_atn
Few teams have done more with less over the past few years than the Rams in the NFL draft. This time around, Les Snead and Co. crushed the event by utilizing a full complement of picks to upgrade a roster that was already playoff-quality.
The team’s selections of defensive linemen Jared Verse and Braden Fiske are part of a committee approach designed to replace the production of recently retired three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald. Brennan Jackson and Tyler Davis join the Florida State duo to fortify a young, athletic line with disruptive potential. Though nobody can replace No. 99’s disruption individually, those rookies will team with Kobie Turner and Byron Young to wreak havoc on foes at the line of scrimmage. With Kamren Kinchens poised to play a big role as a rookie center fielder, the Rams have assembled a young core of defensive talent with the potential to eventually rank among the elite units.
Offensively, the addition of Blake Corum gives Sean McVay a downhill runner perfectly suited for the Rams’ gap running scheme. Joining Kyren Williams, the Michigan standout adds more physicality to a backfield that could pummel opponents into submission.
Given the talent and depth of the Rams’ draft haul, Snead and McVay deserve high marks for their preparation, process and performance over draft weekend.
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Les Snead is one of the most underrated GMs in the NFL. He proved that again with this draft. The Florida State duo with the first two picks — spectacular. Older but instant-impact types. Neither Corum nor Kinchens are premier athletes; they just handle their jobs at a high level. Jackson has some upside as a thick but sleek edge rusher, and Davis is one of the preeminent run-stopping defensive tackles in this class.
Oh, and Limmer is an eventual starter given his time destroying worlds in the SEC as an explosive and powerful pivot.
znModeratorRams send the CB off the reduction, which allows the Edge to fold (Hoecht) unblocked to the POA.
The blitz also allows the ILBs to push with the quick motion pre-snap, helping with the run fit angles for Earnest Jones (53).
LA got two defenders clean to the ball. #ArtofX pic.twitter.com/YUA1vEl7fI
— Cody Alexander (@The_Coach_A) May 6, 2024
znModeratorSean McVay's recent comments on Matthew Stafford suggest the #Rams are prepared to make a commitment beyond 2024, the final year of his deal containing a
guaranteed salary:https://t.co/luaWok3kfj— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) May 6, 2024
znModeratorFrom PFF, 2024 NFL Draft takeaway for all 32 NFL teams: https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-one-major-2024-nfl-draft-takeaway-all-32-nfl-teams#LAR
LOS ANGELES RAMS: AARON DONALD IS GONE, BUT THERE ARE PLENTY OF DEFENSIVE LINEMEN TO WORK WITH
The Rams have decided to try to replace Aaron Donald’s production with an assembly line of defensive linemen. Four of their first six draft picks were defensive linemen, and they come in all shapes and sizes.
First-rounder Jared Verse has the potential to be the best defensive player in this class. Verse posted a 91.8 pass-rush grade during his two years at Florida State, the ninth-best mark in the nation. His Florida State teammate, Braden Fiske, brings athleticism on the interior.
Late-round picks Brennan Jackson and Tyler Davis add a physical presence to the unit, as well. Both players are incredibly strong and should help the Rams stay near the top of the league in run defense. There are a ton of pieces up front for new defensive coordinator Chris Shula to work with
znModerator
znModeratorBlaine Grisak @bgrisakTSTOnly comp pick Rams will get next year is the one for Raheem Morris. No player comp picks which makes sense given how much the team spent this offseason.znModeratorfrom Can KT Leveston’s versatility win a role on the Rams offensive line? — https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/5/6/24148356/la-rams-kt-levestons-offensive-lineman-profile
Squared-off monolithic build. Coaches say Leveston has worked hard to re-shape his body over his college years and he could still use work in that area. He’s a downhill player with a rough-and-tumble style of play. He hustles downfield and plays hard to the whistle. Has good length and strong hands, just needs to take better advantage of them.
His strength is run blocking. He shows the striking power and push to crumble defenders on down and drive blocks, Can get better in this area with work on consistently getting his pad level lower to complement a natural low center of gravity. Leveston has fairly nifty feet, works hard to make reach blocks, and really clamps on to seal. Good strength to torque defenders out of the action. He pulls adequately, but much better if he doesn’t have to go along way laterally, and kicks out well, very sticky. Although he looks smooth working off double teams and up to the next level, his change of direction (or lack) make linear strikes his best moves.
In pass protection, it’s a more of a mixed bag. When Leveston strikes quickly and clamps on, he easily controls rushers, but too often, he’s not aggressive with his punch and hits high and outside. He just doesn’t have the lateral agility or reaction time to mirror speed and/or reaction time to recover from outside speed or quick inside counters if beaten at the get-go or the defender slides by. He’s aware on twists/loops, but again, he struggles if he has to go too far.
He sets a wide base and has a stellar anchor. Leveston needs to trust his base, anchor, and footwork, when he reaches and gets out of balance, he is limiting his best attributes, power and strength. In the college game, his girth and wingspan were enough to force speed to go the long way around, but pro rushers will have the bend to navigate around his edge.
Me. On this: He just doesn’t have the lateral agility or reaction time to mirror speed and/or reaction time to recover from outside speed or quick inside counters if beaten at the get-go or the defender slides by. He’s aware on twists/loops, but again, he struggles if he has to go too far. Those are limitations at tackle but Leveston is most likely a guard in the NFL, and in that role he’s the same general “type” as Dotson and Jackson. I see Ryan Wendell all over this pick.
znModeratorznModeratorfrom PFF, Favorite picks for all 32 NFL teams: https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2024-nfl-draft-favorite-picks-all-32-nfl-teams#LAR
LOS ANGELES RAMS: T KT LEVESTON, PICK 254
Truth be told, this could have been several Rams selections, as their draft was one of my favorites. But I don’t often get to point out a seventh-rounder as my favorite, so I am going to take the opportunity to do so. I had Leveston ranked No. 181 on my big board, and even that felt low, so the Rams getting him at Pick No. 254 is a big steal. I think he has the experience and skills to be a spot starter at tackle or guard.
znModeratorThe Colts NAILED the the 2024 draft 🎯 pic.twitter.com/5Mt8edAHSx
— PFF (@PFF) May 5, 2024
znModeratorznModeratorznModeratorOther negatives for me are his age, and arm length.
Interesting counterpoint, from a tweet w/ a vid that’s in this thread:
Jim Youngblood 53@53_jim70721Fiske at DE … not having long ams he does an offensive line move a quick double arrow or wquick forklift to get hands off of him. Pushed up on arms, then outside swipes at the same time — quick hands can make up for short armsHere’s a different vid, same topic same guy:Fiske at right DT, forklifts the G's hands right off of him pic.twitter.com/06o8n3N4cg
— Jim Youngblood 53 (@53_jim70721) April 30, 2024
znModeratorBe well and good BT and keep us informed. Look for a pm in the little chat box below.
znModeratori cant think of any sports-writer I thought was better.
I think the reference is to Rams writers.
There are other great sports writers (I mentioned Zimmerman), but Rodrigue is the best Rams writer.
znModeratorThe 2023 Rams had more rushing attempts out of man power concepts than any other team.
Michigan RB Blake Corum had more rushing attempts out of man power concepts than any other NCAA running back.
Might be a nice match. pic.twitter.com/gIpEsrbJUA
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) May 4, 2024
znModeratori don’t think anyone else has come even close.
She loves football, she loves to write, and she loves digging into things. All of which shows.
It really is just Rodrigue and then everyone else.
I get the same vibe from her I used to get from Zimmerman, except she’s instinctively more fun than he was.
znModeratorfrom Senior Bowl director, Jim Nagy on Senior Bowl players in this this year’s Rams draft class
DT Braden Fiske (Round 2, Pick 39)- Top P5 riser in entire ’24 class. Disruptive penetrator with best get-off quicks & snap anticipation in DL class. High-end athlete with enough position flex to start right away. Force multiplier will raise competitive bar for rest of roster.
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