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znModeratorWR JJ Laap- 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.
Can’t stop now right back to work! 🫡 https://t.co/TqJmvts2Ei
— Jj Laap (@jj_laap) March 20, 2024
znModeratorznModeratorthis is wide receiver (antonio brown) teach tape on stacking which allows the wr to gain vertical leverage against the cb off the line with nuance and discipline. nasty rep here from one of the best to ever do it. pic.twitter.com/iIfaXkvZiV
— Ray G (@RayGQue) May 11, 2024
znModeratorsean mcvay is a certified psycho. the power run concepts he deploys exclusively out of 11 personnel is a thing of beauty
if you're playing wr or te in his offense you better have that dawg in you. kyren ain't kyren without those receivers in the run game. #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/BaIoDbun5z
— Ray G (@RayGQue) May 10, 2024
znModeratorWhittington has some skills as a receiver, particularly with the ball in his hand after the catch. But he is also a special teamer capable of playing on different STs units–he blocks, he can be used in kick and punt coverage and as a returner. His character is renowned–a soul of the team type who was loved by everyone for his leadership, work ethic, and passion for the game. He was also renowned for his football IQ and for knowing what every position on offense did every play, so he has a quarterback’s head on him. If he’s Skow, he’s Skow on another level and probably a better all-around receiver than Skow was on top of it.
An ace special teamer who is also a clutch 4th or 5th WR type? Not bad.
Here’s what [Texas coach] Steve Sarkisian had to say about Whittington going to Los Angeles.
“I love Jordan Whittington and what he meant to our team from a leadership and toughness standpoint. He plays the game the right way. He does all the dirty work that you’re looking for from a great all-around player. Yes, he makes plays on first and second down, but he’s a sure-handed guy on third down. He’s an elite blocker, knows every position on the field and there’s no play that he takes off. He’s a great teammate and a relentless competitor who ultimately only cares about winning. Jordan has all the measurables, too. He has more size and speed than people probably give him credit for, and that’s what allows him to be an every-down player, not to mention the special teams value he provides. He could very easily be a four-core special teamer for any NFL team, he certainly was for us. He’s carried himself like a pro for us, has a bright future in the NFL and will be a great addition to the LA Rams.”
znModeratorfrom NFL GM Rankings 2024: https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-gm-rankings-2024-howie-roseman-brett-veach-eric-decosta-at-the-top/
1.) Howie Roseman – Philadelphia Eagles, 2.) Brett Veach – Kansas City Chiefs, 3.) Eric DeCosta – Baltimore Ravens, 4.) Brian Gutekunst – Green Bay Packers, 5.) Brad Holmes – Detroit Lions.
6) Les Snead, Los Angeles Rams
Among an NFL front office cohort that can fall victim to groupthink, Les Snead and the Los Angeles Rams use a relatively unique approach.
For years, Los Angeles used its early draft capital to trade for established stars like QB Matthew Stafford and CB Jalen Ramsey while hoping to hit on mid- and late-round picks. That strategy worked and led to a Super Bowl win.
After a 5-12 campaign in 2022, Snead and Sean McVay have rebuilt again, finding steals like WR Puka Nacua, DT Kobie Turner, and EDGE Byron Young last year before using their first first-round choice in eight years on EDGE Jared Verse in 2024.
znModeratorErnest Jones had terrific year last season with 145 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He certainly has stepped up as a defensive leader on this team as well. Very interested in his development without AD99 in 2024.
Jones beats the RB Gibson block attempt and sacks Washington QB – 2023 pic.twitter.com/0ES1PAemrz
— RAMS ON FILM (@RamsOnFilm) May 11, 2024
znModeratorThe #Rams ink their first draft pick to their rookie deal, signing FSU DT Braden Fiske:https://t.co/TKbCtlbcEk
— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) May 11, 2024
znModeratorIn a recent piece done by a variety of experts and analysts over at ESPN, many made their picks for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Rams fans will be happy to know that a good chunk of them selected Verse to bring home the hardware.
Who is your early pick for Defensive Rookie of the Year?
Stephania Bell, fantasy football analyst: Jared Verse, DE, Los Angeles Rams. Verse comes ready-made to slot right into the Rams’ front seven. He is talented and powerful, and the Rams’ defense needed an edge rusher who could make an immediate impact. Verse recorded a team-leading 18 sacks and 83 pressures in the past two seasons at Florida State.
Jeremy Fowler, senior NFL reporter: Verse. Laiatu Latu and Dallas Turner got most of the bump as top pass-rushers, but Verse is a unique player with serious power. In the post-Aaron Donald era, Verse could become the face of the Rams’ defense.
Eric Moody, fantasy and sports betting analyst: : Verse. He showcased his talent during his final collegiate season at Florida State, accumulating 41 tackles, nine sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and two pass breakups. There was a gap to fill on the Rams’ defensive line, and Verse was drafted precisely for that purpose. Verse, who is known for his play strength and speed off the edge, is well positioned to step into this role.
Aaron Schatz, NFL writer: Verse. Four of the past five DPOY awards have gone to edge rushers, and Verse seems likely to get the most playing time of the top three edge rushers from this year’s draft.
Field Yates, NFL analyst: Verse. The Rams needed serious front-seven reinforcements and used the 19th overall pick on the ready-made Verse, whose in-line power and 6-foot-4 length should lead to sack production right out of the gate. Verse is almost 24 years old and is a more refined prospect than many of the other players taken around him in the first round.
znModeratorfurthermore with a rookie coordinator and a young defense is it a good idea to make the defense so “multiple”? seems like “multiple” is another way of saying more complex or difficult. would it be better to simplify it? players having less experience executing that kind of defense and a coordinator with no experience calling those plays?
This is all building off of what Morris was doing. However, you have a valid point, but I think they answered it by signing 3 vet FAs in the secondary. It’s the secondary that has to do most of the multiplicity/disguised coverage action. It’s the front 7 that’s young, not the secondary. While they were making the front 7 younger they were making the back 4 older.
znModeratorEvery year, RAS or Relative Athletic Score is a widely shared metric with draft prospects and their regards to their athletic testing. Throughout the Sean McVay and Snead era, the Rams have typically drafted what most would consider “average” athletes in comparison to the rest of the NFL. Both the 2017 and 2018 classes had an average RAS of just 6.3 and 6.7. The 2022 class that consisted of Logan Bruss, Cobie Durant, and Derion Kendrick had an average RAS of just 5.8. It was the lowest average RAS drafted by Snead since the 2016 class which averaged a 5.2 and Tyler Higbee remains the saving grace of that haul.
However, that seems to have shifted over the last draft classes where the Rams have drafted better athletes with better overall testing. The 2023 class had an average RAS of 8.1. It was the highest of the Les Snead era. That group was led by Steve Avila and Byron Young in the early rounds and both Tre Tomlinson and Jason Taylor II tested well later in the draft.
That also continued into the Rams most recent draft class. The Rams started by taking Jared Verse who had a 9.6 overall RAS. Next was Braden Fiske who posted a 9.89 RAS at the Combine. While Verse was regarded smaller in size, he posted a broad jump in the 92nd percentile, displaying the elite explosiveness that only confirmed the tape. The same can be said about Fiske who posted explosive scores in the 90th percentile or higher, but was considered to have average size.
This isn’t to say that the Rams only look at athletic testing scores when it comes to the prospects that they’ve selected over the past two years. Kobie Turner posted a slightly above average RAS of 7.1 whereas Nacua had a RAS of just 5.1. It doesn’t take good athletic scores to make a good player. However, it has seemed to take some more importance in their process than in the past. As mentioned, the 2023 and 2024 draft classes have been two of the most athletic under Les Snead. It will be interesting to see if that continues into 2025.
znModeratorCody Alexander@The_Coach_AThe Rams are bringing back Darious Williams, who is a coverage-diverse CB & excels in zone, which is a staple of LA’s defense. In addition to Williams, LA is adding Safety Kameron Curl from the Commanders. Another coverage-diverse DB who plays well in zone.znModeratorYou could see that even in your final moments as a Pro! Vision was impeccable
Faulk vs Eagles 2005 https://t.co/I02cJRpX4p pic.twitter.com/QTj3Jzs3SL
— RAMS ON FILM (@RamsOnFilm) May 10, 2024
znModeratorfrom https://theramswire.usatoday.com/lists/rams-undrafted-rookies-free-agents-2024-facts-stats/
A Michigan legend. Corum finishes his career in Ann Arbor as the leading point score and rushing touchdown scorer in Michigan Football history. He will be remembered for his contributions on and off the field as one of the greatest players to ever play for Michigan. Michigan fans will now debate for years where Corum falls among those greats. Arguably the greatest running back in history and possibly on the top tier with the likes of Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson. Corum was the best of the best.
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.
…
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
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