Forum Replies Created

Viewing 30 posts - 6,631 through 6,660 (of 47,491 total)
1 2 3 … 221 222 223 … 1,582 1,583 1,584
  • Author
    Posts
  • May 2, 2024 at 1:13 am in reply to: Rams off-season assessments & rankings & early previews #150717
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    May 1, 2024 at 11:49 pm in reply to: our own takes on this draft #150716
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    The more I read and hear about this draft and look into it, the more I am convinced–at this admittedly very early point–that this was one of the Rams best drafts ever, and certain the best overall in the McVay era.

    IR and I debated that (and I respect his disagreement, what I am saying is in fact that something unusual and rare happened with this draft, and that’s kind of going out on a limb.) I tried to make it clear that I am saying that because of the number of very viable hits they could have in this draft, that is future starters who will be considered at least good (and not guys like Reeder who start because there’s no one else). Also very significant overall contributors, like Whittington, who is not just a 4th WR type, but also a potential star on several special team units.

    They may not have anyone who will reach the status of Nacua. But they could very well have up to 6 or 7 genuine hits. I don’t think any one of them will reach Nacua-level superstar status, but that will be very good players–real hits–such as what the Ram have in Jones or Avila.

    A lot of this depends on how far Verse develops. I see him not as a magic, bendy pass rusher like you got with Robert Quinn, Von Miller, or that type. He’s more of a smasher and brawler in the mold of Kevin Greene or JT Watt. In fact if you compare their profiles, Verse has a lot of what makes Watt effective, and if anything Verse may be a bit more physically gifted than Watt (faster and maybe stronger). Watt sets the recent standard to measure Verse by. He had 10 sacks as a rookie and has averaged 13-14 sacks a year.

    …

    Anway that aside, a public service message. Be sure and use the guide to draft threads I provided (here: guide to 2024 draft threads). There are so far 13 different threads dedicated to this draft and it’s a kind of minor little chore to find the one you want just by scrolling through the page. It’s far easier to use the links I put in the “guide.” I keep finding different material on different draft picks I want to post here and when I do I don’t even bother to scroll down looking for the right thread, instead I go straight to the links in the guide.

    May 1, 2024 at 11:27 pm in reply to: high time we had a gender thread #150715
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Jess Piper@piper4missouri
    I know we hear a lot about how difficult it is to give birth in America when we don’t have paid maternity leave, but I’m goning to paint that picture.

    I went back to work when my first son was 14 days old. I worked at Walmart. I soaked through my first shirt within hours

    and soaked through my Walmart vest a few minutes later. I kept cashiering with my hair strategically placed over my breasts. I was still using a peri bottle at every bathroom visit. I bled so much that first day, that I had to wear Depends underwear lined with two pads.

    I worked 7 hours that day and 36 hours the first week back. I was married and my husband worked full-time, but we could not make it without the minimum wage I was paid at Walmart.

    I was 20 years old. I hope that picture sticks.

    May 1, 2024 at 11:23 pm in reply to: round 2: Rams trade up for DT Braden Fiske #150714
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    May 1, 2024 at 11:20 pm in reply to: round 6, pick 217… Rams take C Beaux Limmer #150713
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    May 1, 2024 at 11:19 pm in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150712
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    May 1, 2024 at 9:01 pm in reply to: Rams tweets etc. … 4/28 – 4/30 #150710
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    May 1, 2024 at 2:44 pm in reply to: draft assessments, grades, and analysis #150707
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    from https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/5/1/24145892/rams-draft-results-jared-verse-braden-fiske-schematic-fit

    .

    The Athletic’s Ted Nguyen put together a list of best schematic fits of the 2024 class. Included in that list were Verse and Fiske with the Rams who are an odd front, pattern match team on defense.

    Needing an edge rusher, Verse made too much sense after falling to 19. The Florida State edge rusher has quick get off and tested really well in explosive drills. He wins with both speed and power and should be able to provide a boost to the Rams pass rush. Said Nguyen,

    “Losing one of the greatest interior pass rushers ever is tough. No one can replace Aaron Donald. But the Rams have to do something to mitigate the gaping hole left by his absence. Asking one rookie to try to fill his shoes is an impossible task, so the Rams are asking two Seminoles to try…The Rams use odd fronts with two stand-up edge rushers and Verse has experience rushing standing up or with his hand in the ground. Verse fits what they typically look for in an edge linebacker more than incumbent starter Michael Hoecht, who is a converted nose tackle. Verse has some experience dropping back, which he’ll be asked to do.”’

    The Rams didn’t just add one Florida State defender, but took a second by trading up to 39 and selecting Braden Fiske. Fiske was a player pre-draft that I determined a fit due to his quick get off, elite explosiveness, and displayed good later movement. However, he is a scheme fit as well as a single gap penetrator. Nguyen said of Fiske,

    “Fiske has one of the quickest get-offs in the draft. He was one of the best testers at the combine and that athleticism pops off the film. Fiske is an explosive, violent and unrelenting defender but he’s undersized at 292 pounds and has short arms. In the Rams’ odd fronts, he can kick out and line up at four-technique (head up on tackles) so he doesn’t have to hold his ground in the A and B gaps too often. It’ll remain to be seen how Fiske will hold up against the run, but the Rams hope the pair will be able to contribute to their pass rush immediately.”

    May 1, 2024 at 4:15 am in reply to: Rams tweets etc. … 4/28 – 4/30 #150704
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator
    JimYoungblood53
    .

    When Rams went to 4-2-5

    Donald still a 3-tech and Turner was at 2i or 1-tech
    sometimes the 2i is called “G” don;t know why maybe because
    no one likes saying 2i over and over. 1-tech is often called “shade”
    because they will shade to the left or right of the center, not a true “0-tech”

    I envision Fiske at the “G” and Turner at the 3-tech this year.

    May 1, 2024 at 3:59 am in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150703
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    May 1, 2024 at 3:56 am in reply to: Rams tweets etc. … 4/28 – 4/30 #150702
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    May 1, 2024 at 3:55 am in reply to: round 6, pick 196 … Rams take DT Tyler Davis #150701
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    May 1, 2024 at 3:53 am in reply to: round 2: Rams trade up for DT Braden Fiske #150700
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    May 1, 2024 at 3:40 am in reply to: draft assessments, grades, and analysis #150699
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    alyoshamucci

    This is my favorite Rams draft ever. I’m used to having to take a day because of a pick or 3 that I disagree with … some reach of some sort that I have to trust them on … This year? Liked or loved every pick.

    I will say I wanted a WR … but I don’t know how healthy Kupp is (They do) … and if we have edge taken care of we can spend money on that if we need to after next year.

    1) Jared Verse, Edge, FSU Transfer from Albany, could have come out last year and actually been drafted higher. Gotta have a chip on his shoulder for that. Powerful, the kind of powerful that has recorded sacks by plowing the OT into the QB. Strength is ready for the pro game. Used to run track. How well can he change direction? We’ll find out.

    2) Braden Fiske, DT, FSU Transfer from WMU (Marshawn Kneeland was his running mate there) … got better as the season progressed and completely killed the postseason. His Senior Bowl is a story that will likely be told for years, due to injuries he switched teams the morning of the game and still won DPOG. His 1:1 drills were unfair. His combine short shuttle was like an average DB (4.32). Ran a 4.78 but a 1.58 split. At 292 lbs. There’s a chance that the most AD like was not Jerzawhn Newton, but him.

    Combo) FSU Teammates that played right next to one another, wearing 5 and 55. Gained cohesion and capacity to read each other on the field to adjust rushes, which led to heavier production at the end of the year … which is why the rolled through undefeated even though J Travis went down with an injury. They were good friends, and FSU as a team went through the most depressing end to a college season likely ever. Undefeated, and robbed of an opportunity to play for a national championship because of an injury. That’s mental toughness through adversity and bonding that simply makes them a synergistic value.

    Final note … having watched them and not only how they win, but how they lose … as an offensive player you’re often not planning how to win, but how to lose without the play being destroyed. Because you’re going to lose a lot.

    3) Blake Corum, RB, Michigan … I am not a Michigan guy. I am not usually into guys who run like him. He reminds me of a smaller Nick Chubb … who oddly is not my cup of tea, but has carved out a huge role for himself in the NFL. Why am I a fan of this? I had him around this area for value, but his mentality and leadership were the grounding force for the entire Michigan team that won the championship. Discipline, team first, hard nosed (seen the poster?), finisher. Comes into a stable room with a stable O line built to blow people off the line with the expectation of keeping him fresh not just for games but for years in case Kyren walks.

    4) Kam Kinchens, S, Miami This is all about playing centerfield … and making QBs pay for being late. One note on Corum and Kinchens, both were likely first rounders going into 2023, and fell as others rose. Kinchens was a 2022 All American, Miami had a rough year and he fell to 99. Instincts are on point and he arrives to take the ball away.

    5) Brennan Jackson, Edge, WSU One of my draft crushes/sleepers. I honestly had a mock in my head where we would take a WR, DT, the him in the third and I felt solid about him being the only Edge we took. Just to make a note here … Verse is 257 and ran a 4.58. Jackson is 266 and ran a 4.69. 10 lbs. and .1 off the 40. I feel fine with him going any direction because he’s a smooth athlete. I think someone quoted me as saying “This is a great player that could somehow slide to the 5th in this class” and he did.

    6) Tyler Davis, DT, Clemson I was not suspecting another DT, but … I didn’t have him graded but maybe steps below many of the kids that went in rounds 2 and 3. Value is nuts, but so is his determination. He had an amazing start to his career, then battled injuries and went for 5 years. He was a mainstay on a powerful defense and I doubt he has much of an adjustment to make based on the talent that Clemson faces (Best in ACC plus ND, UGA, and SC).

    6) Josh Karty, K, Stanford Kicker. Kicks stuff. Confident kid.

    6) Jordan Whittington, WR, Texas So … the story for this kid is wild. He was a leading WR that got jumped by Worthy and Mitchell and Sanders without really losing any shine on his talent. What’s his talent? Middle of the field and pile driving through tacklers. He catches the ball and then becomes a TE. Seeing his burst and agility numbers made that make sense … changes angles and drives with power through the weak points of tackles. 2nd in after the catch power to only Corley, he honestly gives us the 3 hardest WR combos to tackle in the NFL. Like with Puka and Kupp, after he has the ball, he has the advantage no matter who you are. He was on my list for the 6th most of the year.

    6) Beaux Limmer, IOL, Arkansas This kid was on my list in the middle of the year for OC possibilities, and I felt like he got lost a bit in the process, but then got remembered for a flash when he broke the combine (physical traits) … this is the exact person you want backing up a hundred million dollars of beef. He’s not going to be outmatched physically, and he has an obvious work ethic from his gym work. Arkansas is power running, but they did more pass pro with Jefferson this year. Hole filled with an interior swing with an athletic fit. Can we pay him at the end of his contract? I like the set up for that.

    7) KT Leveston, OL, K State … First, I like K State players. I feel like he battles McClendon, but doesn’t make the roster and sticks on the PS for a redshirt of getting into better shape. Maybe he jumps up a few games from the PS. He’s got length at 34.5 inches to his arms, but he’s only 6-4 so he’s gotta get quicker to survive on the edge … but I figure he’s a solid pickup regardless.

    I pay more attention here since the NFL changed the rules for the PS, because it’s a legit job and you can realistically participate in games and get paid.

    UDFA1) Omar Speights, LB, LSU I followed him from Oregon State, where I had a solid eye on him for his ability to play sideline to sideline. He’s a classic chase and cover LB that can thump if given the opportunity. 30 reps is no joke. 4.62 is the going rate. He may not make the team off the bat, no need, he’ll be there by the end of the year I’d wager.

    UDFA2) Tuli Letuligasanoa, DT, UW …. Another kid from a championship team … I’ve followed him since freshman year … he lost weight every year, which is rare. I’ve never seen anyone really successfully move him. He doesn’t rack up stats, but he can hold the point. I figure he’s a PS and call up possibility when we hit injuries. It’s a solid NT pickup.

    UDFA3) Drake Stoops, WR, OK … They love him in OK. Reminds me of Renfrow because if it’s third down or goal to go, the defense had to find him and try to cover him. They failed … a lot. They always talked about him walking on as the coach’s son, then they had to start talking about the fact that he was the toughest kid on the roster. I expect him to be working in at PR for us. He could legitimately be a slot after a year. Don’t count him out.

    UDFA4) Josh Wallace, CB, Mich… Championship kid who transferred in from Umass and had the unfortunate job of playing opposite the best CB in the nation. Had a weak long time but better burst/agility/split #s. He is well trained and should be a solid kid to kick the tires on.

    UDFA5) Cam Lampkin, CB, WSU Note .. WSU almost beat UW. Held them to 3 scores until a final FG. Jackson and Lampkin are a part of that, and though Smith-Wade got more press, I liked Lampkin basically just as much. That secondary was for real … honestly the whole D was.

    May 1, 2024 at 3:24 am in reply to: draft assessments, grades, and analysis #150698
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Deadpool

    1.19 Jared Verse – EDGE – FSU – 6′-4″ 254 lbs. – Twitched up, speed to power merchant that can really apply pressure to OL early in the rep. Solid setting an edge as well.

    He was my 15th overall rated prospect, and my 7th overall Rams specific board prospect (and the top one available at 19) He was also my 3rd rated EDGE.
    He was in my other names to watch in my 2nd mock with the 19th pick, but I didn’t expect him to be there.

    From a post I made 11 months ago on prospects to watch for next year, since the Rams had a 1st round pick:
    Jared Verse, FSU – Shocked he didn’t come out, he had to have had a 1st round grade. Played for Albany, then transferred to FSU, so maybe he wanted 2 years of production at a high end school 6′-4″ 250 lbs of relentlessness. In the run and pass game. Flexible enough to flatten around the corner to the QB, but strong enough to hold his own at the PoA.

    He is strong, athletic with a nonstop motor and high character marks. His RAS score was 9.60, putting him in the “Elite” category. His speed and explosion grades “Elite”
    He can set an edge in the run game and is a speed to power QB hunter. His explosion off the snap combined with violent hands put OL on the defensive immediately. He needs to add some pass rush moves, but he is further along in development than Byron Young was last year. And stronger. My only question is can he drop into coverage?

    I love the value of this pick meeting need and I think fit. We can thank all the QBs going, pushing down the defensive guys. In a normal year 6 QBs and 3 WRs in the top 10 will not happen and Verse is gone my 12 at the latest IMO.

    I truly think if Verse is gone, the Rams trade out or at the least down. Did they like Robinson? Maybe. Would have they traded down and went Fiske early in the 2nd and then went edge rusher later? That’s the most likely scenario, followed by trading back to the end of the 1st and grabbing a WR, then moving back up for Fiske. I like how it worked out TBH.

    2.39 Braden Fiske – IDL – FSU – 6′-5″ 292 lbs. – Good athlete that is a super smooth mover, big time motor and quick.

    He was my 35th overall ranked prospect, my 25th ranked Rams specific prospect and my 4th overall ranked IDL (top 3 were off the board ) He was also in my other names to watch in my mock 2.0 second round.

    From 2 months ago on my 1st round prospects after the combine:
    Fiske is having himself an offseason, I oriiginally had him as 3rd rounder, because his play speed seemed sluggish, but he dominated the Senior Bowl and the combine and I will have him locked in as 2nd rounder, he could, in theory push himself into the back of 1st.

    Really active hands
    Explosive out of his stance
    Agile enough to be effective in stunts
    Red hot motor
    Won’t eat double teams, but is quick enough to split them
    Bigger, longer OL can neutralize him

    This was a pick I was hoping they would make after Friday night. I knew they would have to move up for him, but like I said in trade section above, with the way WRs and DTs were going, they were going to have to move up for a target, or take the best fitting CB. Adding Fiske with his relentless motor to guys like Turner, Young and Verse, and you have 4 high motor, relentless QB hunters. Its going to be a fun front 7 to watch. I think

    3.83 Blake Corum – RB – Mich. – 5′-8″ 205 lbs. – He will wear you down and grind out yards despite his size. Excellent contact balance and good vision. Lacks a HR gear, seemed to have a down season.

    He was my 106th overall prospect on my 220 big board, my 86th prospect on my Rams specific board and my 6th rated RB.

    I had heard someone comment on NFL radio (cannot remember who) that he may have played the season dinged, accounting for his down year from the previous year.

    45 TDs in last 2 seasons, he has a nose for the endzone
    Great contact balance
    good vision
    Good patience for the most part
    Long speed is missing
    Not the shiftiest or most elusive RB
    Solid hands as a pass catcher, not a dynamic route runner
    Pass blocking is a work in progress

    He’s more of the same with Williams, I guess if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. Fans will love him the same way I said fans will love Williams when htey drafted him. He is just an angry, tough runner with a lot of dog in him. I was hoping for a HR style back for a change of pace, but he will work really well in the Rams offense. Overall, in a weak RB class, I’m happy with this pick, considering who was available.

    3.99 Kamren Kinchens – SAF – Miami – 5′-11″ 203 lbs. – Turnover machine, brings it when in the box. Not the rangiest SAF in the class.

    He was my 85th rated prospect on my 220 big board, my 64th rated prospect on my Rams specific board and my 6th rated safety.

    Excellent instincts
    Ballhawk
    tough and willing to do work in the box
    Likes to punish ball carriers
    lacks the range to play single high
    Can work in man or zone, but I liked him better in zone

    He was in contention for the top SAF taken in the draft with Nubin, but a sub-optimal combine really dropped him down a few pegs on the safety rung. And really, the Rams aren’t that concerned with 40 times, its play speed, and he is more than athletic and fast enough to play in a split zone system, he can also play big nickel. He plays a smart brand of football and his ability to create turnovers is 2nd to none in the safety class. I was working on a 3rd mock before I ran out of time, but he was going to be my pick at the end of the 3rd round. Love this value.

    5.154 Brennan Jackson – EDGE – Washington State – 6′-4″ 264 lbs.

    I had no ranking on him in my top 220 prospects, he was on my list but missed the cut by 10 or so names, so I had a late 6th, early 7th round rating on him.

    Great power and size for the position
    Really powerful – combines that with a devastating bull rush
    Excellent edge setter against the run
    Another red hot motor
    Lacks fluid change of direction, a bit stiff in his lower half.
    Needs to develop more pass rsh moves and a pass rush plan

    I missed on him. Alyo nailed this kid, which is not surprising, since he is the best at this. I struggle with the guys in that upper 260 lb range to 275ish. That said, this is an interesting pick. They announced him as a LBer, so they are planning on him playing standing up on the edge, maybe he can reduce down to a 5t on passing downs. I can see a front 3 of Jackson, Fiske and Turner with Verse and Young on obvious passing downs. Thats a relentless front 5.

    6.196 112. Tyler Davis – IDL – Clemson – 6′-2″ 301 lbs. – Explosive NT with powerful hands and a good understanding of leverage. Pass rush needs refinement.

    My 112th ranked prospect on my 220 big board, my 91st ranked prospect on my Rams specific board and my 11th rated IDL.

    Nose tackle
    Team captain
    Non-stop motor
    Grown man strong
    Powerful and active hands
    intelligent, understands leverage and angles
    Explosive first step
    Can eat up double teams
    On the small side for a NT
    Pass rush is lacking

    He is a fun pick. Smart, leader on and off the field, productive and relentless. He will fit right in with the new Rams DL. I imagine he will rotate Brown at NT. This pick had tremendous value to match need and fit. Big fan of this pick.

    6.209 Joshua Karty – K – Stanford – 6′-2″ 207 lbs. – Big time range with improved accuracy year after year.

    My 175th overall prospect on my big board, my 173rd ranked player on my Rams specific board and my top rated K.

    Big leg (career long of 61)
    Accuracy has improved year over year

    My favorite kicker since the season started. Love the value, love the fit. This was one of the most important picks in the Rams draft IMO. I think htey nailed down their punter and kicker for a while, and that feels good.

    6.213 Jordan Whittington – WR – Texas – 6′-1″ 205 lbs. – Physical before and after the catch. Good run blocker and could be a monster on STs with the new rules. Lacks route running and HR gear.

    He was my 205th rated player on my big board, my 160th player on my Rams spercific board and my 34th rated WR.

    Team first guy willing to block, go over the middle, take jet sweeps
    tough to tackle with the ball in his hands
    Route running is a work in progress
    good hands
    PR/KR value
    Lacks homerun speed
    Works as an X or slot WR

    I love this kid. I actually mocked him to us in my first mock draft at the end of the 5th round. He just has that Rams WR vibe. Tough, smart team oriented that is willing to block. Fun fact: he worked with Ricky Proehl to get ready for the draft. His teammates apparently love him. He is a hard worker. He is a beast after the catch and he adds ST value, which I hope lands him a spot on the roster. He won’t take the top off a defense, but he will do everything he can to help his team win on Sundays and thats good enough for me with a round 6 pick. I hope he makes the roster.

    6.217 Beaux Limmer – OC – Arkansas – 6′-5″ 302 lbs. – Most of his experience is at RG, last year OC. He is an excellent run blocker that needs to improve his pass sets.

    He was my 143rd rated prospect on my big board, and my 5th ranked OC. He did not make my Rams specific board (no OCs did)

    Athletic OC with great length (9.80 RAS score)
    A little light and could use some good weight
    Has OC/OG flexibility
    For all that athleticism, he isn’t the smoothest mover in space
    Smart, can call line calls

    After years of mocking OCs to the Rams, I finally quit doing it and they draft one. If I knew that was all it took, i would have quit drafting OCs years ago. This is a depth pc that most likely ends up on the PS. He needs to get stronger/bigger and work on his pass sets. His run blocking is good. Good news is he seems like a hard worker and smart, so he has a chance to carve out a nice IOL depth piece. I thought he would work better in a zone scheme, but he has heavy feet so maybe a gap/power scheme is his ticket. I had him pegged at 143, so late 4th, early 5th, so great value at the end of round 6.

    7.254 KT Leveston – OG – Kansas St. – 6′-4″ 326 lbs. – OT that will probably end up as an OG. Mauler style that needs technical improvement. gap/power scheme.

    He was my 169th rated prospect on my big board, my 143rd rated player on my Rams specific board, and my 17th ranked IOL.

    Most of his snaps came at LT, but did have snaps at LG
    He is a finisher, nasty personality
    Can get a bit upright and has a tendency to lunge
    A good mover, but not the smoothest
    Has the length to stay at OT, but not the movement skills to survive on an island

    He was one of the few OL I put on my Rams vertically stacked board because he fits what the Rams like. Positional versatility, nasty demeanor, lots of experience. He most likely lands on the PS. But I do like this pick.

    ***

    Overall, this may be my favorite draft since I’ve been following it. Time will tell how it actually shakes out.

    As the the picks themselves, they are all team first, hard working, relentless on the field types. They all have plenty of experience as well, The Fiske/Verse paring is amazing as both should start, too bad they didn’t sign FSU NT Fabian Lovett to an UDFA contract. Instead they went with a NT thats a bit undersized, but relentless and a team leader, he will fit right in. Karty was my top kicker. Corum and Whittington both bring punt and kick return experience with them as well as flawless fits inside the offense, the 2 OL add depth and developmental OL. Kinchens was a steal in the 3rd and should push for starter minutes early and Jackson is a early down edge with the ability to squeeze down to the 5t on passing downs.

    May 1, 2024 at 3:11 am in reply to: round 6, pick 217… Rams take C Beaux Limmer #150697
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    from https://clutchpoints.com/meet-rams-2024-nfl-draft-class-grades-all-10-picks

    Beaux Limmer, OL, Arkansas

    Grade: A

    Limmer’s late-round availability was unexpected given his athleticism. His versatility in playing multiple positions on the line, combined with his impressive combine performance, makes him a valuable pick.

    May 1, 2024 at 2:59 am in reply to: draft assessments, grades, and analysis #150696
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    from https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-nfl-draft-grades-for-every-team-eagles-patriots-chiefs-deliver-cowboys-panthers-receive-poor-marks/

    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.

    Grade: B+

    May 1, 2024 at 12:08 am in reply to: different science stuff #150695
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    April 30, 2024 at 11:26 pm in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150694
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    from https://www.the33rdteam.com/2024-nfl-draft-ranking-7-best-pass-rushers-in-this-years-class/

    JARED VERSE, FLORIDA STATE

    Jared Verse starts the list of the 6.7 and above grades that represent true three-down starting edge rushers. Originally starting in the FCS ranks at Albany, Verse made the jump to Florida State in 2022 and immediately stood out.

    In 2023, he ranked third among edge prospects in SIS’s Pressure Rate Above Expectation stat, which adjusts pressure rate for game situations and the player’s alignment.

    SIS scout Nathan Cooper gave Verse a 7 in pass rush, hand use, play strength and pass rush repertoire. He also wrote, “Verse is a top-tier pass rusher with heavy hands and a bag of tricks that makes it difficult for linemen to block him.”

    from https://www.the33rdteam.com/2024-nfl-draft-ranking-top-11-edge-rushers-prospects/

    Jared Verse Verse projects as a high-end starting edge rusher who fits best in an even front where he can rush with his hand in the ground, but there really isn’t a reason he can’t stand up on the edge as well. His pass rush ability is already at a very good level and with a little refinement and coaching at the next level, it can become elite.

    On third downs, he’ll be most effective and do the most damage with his power and repertoire as a wide-9 on the edge. He could also reduce down inside to use his length on interior linemen. He can stand in here and there on special teams, but with stamina, motor and tackling concerns, it’s likely not something to waste reps on.

    From https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Jared-Verse-DE-FloridaState

    SCOUTING REPORT: STRENGTHS

    Verse brings a seasoned pass-rush plan to the table, executing a myriad of initial and counter moves with polished technique and shrewd decision-making.
    The explosive first step is a cornerstone of his game, dictating pass-rush scenarios by imposing his will and disrupting offensive linemen’s rhythm off the snap.
    Elite athletic skills — Made Bruce Feldman’s 2023 ‘Freaks List’ at number 26. He wrote: “another year at FSU has enabled him to continue to develop, both physically and in his on-field skill set. At 6-3 1/2, 260 pounds, Verse power-cleans 360 pounds, squats 555 and benches 455, but he also has excellent burst, running 21.14 MPH in a game with a max acceleration of 5.85m/s with a max deceleration of -6.98m/s.”
    Exceptional bend and flexibility allow Verse to exploit the edge, dipping under offensive tackles and maintaining a tight, efficient path to the quarterback.
    Natural athletic gifts are evident in his lateral agility, enabling effective redirection and counter moves that continue to confound protective schemes.
    His functional strength shouldn’t be understated – Verse consistently delivers powerful punches and showcases the ability to hold his ground against heavier opponents.
    The motor on Verse runs incessantly, reflecting a high-effort player who brings relentless energy and pursuit from snap to whistle on every down.
    Hand usage is a notable strength, displaying rapid and potent strikes that effectively navigate through opposing linemen’s blocks to disrupt the backfield.
    A hallmark of his game, the palpable explosiveness, permeates through his every move, asserting dominance in gap penetration and providing a perpetual disruptive presence.

    SCOUTING REPORT: WEAKNESSES

    Verse, while maintaining exterior leverage, occasionally overshoots, enabling offensive schemes to exploit created lanes, undermining the run defense’s integrity and effectiveness.
    Despite a robust and physical approach to run defense, there’s a discernible lack of control in his tackling, often resulting in missed opportunities in the backfield.
    While the collegiate tackle-for-loss numbers are there, skepticism arises regarding the translatability of those statistics to the NFL, demanding further refinement in his approach.
    Anticipation and mental processing in run scenarios require elevation; enhancing block recognition and reactionary quickness out of his stance remains a pivotal area for development.
    Verse’s effective hand usage in pass-rush scenarios demands translation into run defense, ensuring that generated power and jolt are equivalently impactful across all play types.

     

    April 30, 2024 at 11:21 pm in reply to: draft assessments, grades, and analysis #150693
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator
    from https://www.the33rdteam.com/2024-nfl-draft-grading-every-teams-draft-class/
     LOS ANGELES RAMS: B+

    Following Aaron Donald’s retirement, the Los Angeles Rams focused on the defensive front seven with their first two picks of two Florida State teammates — EDGE Jared Verse and DT Braden Fiske. The Rams were without a first-round pick since 2016 before taking Verse, who has speed and power as one of the top edge rushers. He was taken at the bargain spot of No. 19.

    The Rams paid a high price (No. 2 picks in 2024 and 2025 and a 2024 fifth-rounder) to move up 13 spots in the second round) for Fiske, who is strong and quick but needs to become more consistent as a pass rusher.

    RB Blake Corum is an excellent third-round pick with great vision, and he had 27 TDs for Michigan last season. He’ll split time with Kyren Williams in Sean McVay’s offense. Fellow third-round pick Kamren Kinchens is a playmaking safety (11 interceptions over the last two seasons).

    On Day 3, the Rams added Brennan Jackson, who has pass-rushing skill from the edge, while DT Tyler Davis is a strong run-stopper up front. Joshua Karty fills the need for a new accurate kicker. Beaux Limmer should stick as a solid center.

    April 30, 2024 at 9:44 pm in reply to: draft assessments, grades, and analysis #150690
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    from PFF, Most and least improved units after the 2024 NFL Draft:  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-most-and-least-improved-units-after-the-2024-nfl-draft

    LOS ANGELES RAMS DEFENSIVE LINE

    One of the sayings that we heard all offseason for the Rams was that they can’t replace Aaron Donald. The Rams certainly believed that to be true, and their response was to draft a plethora of new defensive linemen. They drafted Jared Verse in the first, traded up for Braden Fiske in the second, then brought in Brennan Jackson and Tyler Davis on Day 3. Combine those four with Kobie Turner and Byron Young from last year’s draft, and you have a completely new defensive line in Los Angeles.

    April 30, 2024 at 8:55 pm in reply to: Rams tweets etc. … 4/28 – 4/30 #150689
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator
    canadaram wrote:
    zn wrote:
    Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
    Can confirm the reports that RB Boston Scott and the Rams have agreed to a one-year deal, per source.
    Didn’t expect that. Perhaps they see him as a return guy with the kickoff? Could spell trouble for Evans and/or Rivers. Although, McVay seems to genuinely like Rivers.

    I think Evans is on thin ice.

    The hit rate on backs taken after round 3 is remarkably bad. In terms of RBs the Rams have drafted, KW is the only successful one taken after round 3 in their entire history. (Yep, entire history. Unless you count Zack Stacy, which I don’t.)

    So now they have KW, Corum, Rivers, and Scott.

    They need Scott cause if they’re going to run 1A and 1B backs to keep the 1A fresher, than they need a 3rd guy to step in if either KW or Corum misses time. And/or, they don’t know how quickly Corum will learn to play on 3rd down so Scott covers it till Corum is up to snuff when it comes to that.

    April 30, 2024 at 7:58 pm in reply to: Rams tweets etc. … 4/28 – 4/30 #150687
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    April 30, 2024 at 7:57 pm in reply to: Rams tweets etc. … 4/28 – 4/30 #150686
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator
    Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
    Can confirm the reports that RB Boston Scott and the Rams have agreed to a one-year deal, per source.
    …
    Photo of Boston Scott

    Boston Scott

    Position: RB

    5-6, 203lb

    April 30, 2024 at 5:13 pm in reply to: Rams tweets etc. … 4/28 – 4/30 #150685
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    .

    April 30, 2024 at 4:30 pm in reply to: Rams tweets etc. … 4/28 – 4/30 #150683
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    April 30, 2024 at 1:40 pm in reply to: Rams tweets etc. … 4/28 – 4/30 #150680
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    April 30, 2024 at 1:27 pm in reply to: Rams off-season assessments & rankings & early previews #150667
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Rams’ post NFL draft depth chart: OLB, DL filled out while CB depth remains a question

    Jourdan Rodrigue
    .

    https://theathletic.com/5458544/2024/04/30/la-rams-depth-chart-nfl-draft-update/?source=emp_shared_article

    What a difference a year makes, huh?

    Last offseason, the Los Angeles Rams were in the process of filling out one of the sketchiest-looking rosters (on paper) in the NFL. Fourteen draft picks in 2023 produced six starters or key depth contributors, and another 10 last week filled (on paper) remaining needs with some of their favorites in the class.

    Here’s what the roster looked like entering, and exiting, this year’s draft:

    Offense

    Quarterback

    WHEN STARTER 2ND TEAM 3RD TEAM
    PRE-DRAFT
    Jimmy Garoppolo
    Stetson Bennett
    POST-DRAFT
    Jimmy Garoppolo
    Stetson Bennett

    Despite some external speculation, I did not believe the Rams would take a quarterback in the early or middle rounds of this year’s draft. Stetson Bennett is back on campus, and while Jimmy Garoppolo will have to miss the first two games of the season because of an NFL-mandated suspension, the Rams have bigger issues at play if they need Garoppolo that early in the year.

    STATUS LT LG C RG RT
    PRE-DRAFT
    Alaric Jackson
    Jonah Jackson
    Steve Avila
    Kevin Dotson
    Rob Havenstein
    BACKUPS
    Warren McClendon
    Joe Noteboom
    Empty
    Noteboom
    Logan Bruss
    POST-DRAFT
    Alaric Jackson
    Jonah Jackson
    Steve Avila
    Kevin Dotson
    Rob Havenstein
    BACKUPS
    Warren McClendon
    Joe Noteboom
    Beaux Limmer
    KT Leveston
    Logan Bruss

    I composed it this way to showcase the broader depth chart along the Rams’ offensive line, but when they get down to game-day actives the backups really are just Joe Noteboom (swing player) and Warren McClendon (swing player). KT Leveston is a sneaky-great development pick, and I would like to see him stay at tackle. Beaux Limmer can be the backup center but could also plug in as a reserve guard.

    Wide receiver

    STATUS WR WR WR WR
    PRE-DRAFT
    Cooper Kupp
    Puka Nacua
    Demarcus Robinson
    Tutu Atwell
    2ND TEAM
    Empty
    Ben Skowronek
    Tyler Johnson
    Austin Trammell
    POST-DRAFT
    Cooper Kupp
    Puka Nacua
    Demarcus Robinson
    Tutu Atwell
    2ND TEAM
    Jordan Whittingham
    Ben Skowronek
    Tyler Johnson
    Austin Trammell

    I would keep an eye on Jordan Whittington, the Rams’ seventh-round pick, this spring and summer. General manager Les Snead, whose stepson is a long snapper at Texas (Whittington’s alma mater), gushed about the receiver and said everybody in the building referred to him as the Longhorns’ “heartbeat.” Whittington’s yards-after-catch ability, physical play style and resume on underneath concepts make him a fit for Sean McVay’s offense.

    Running back

    STATUS RB RB RB
    PRE-DRAFT
    Ronnie Rivers
    Zach Evans
    POST-DRAFT
    Blake Corum
    Ronnie Rivers

    Second team: Zach Evans

    McVay wanted to find a second running back, and he and position coach Ron Gould hoped to bring in a player similar to lead rusher Kyren Williams so that nothing schematic would need changing if Williams were to miss any time or has to keep fresher legs through a long season. Some fans raised their eyebrows at drafting a running back in the third round, but Blake Corum was one of their top players at the position and needed in light of Williams’ injury history, and the two remaining years on his contract.

    Tight end
    STATUS TE TE TE
    PRE-DRAFT
    * Tyler Higbee
    Colby Parkinson
    Davis Allen
    2ND TEAM
    * Hunter Long
    Miller Forristall
    Nikola Kalinic
    POST-DRAFT
    * Tyler Higbee
    Colby Parkinson
    Davis Allen
    2ND TEAM
    * Hunter Long
    Miller Forristall
    Nikola Kalinic

    Tyler Higbee and Hunter Long are both recovering from injuries. Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen will be the Nos. 1 and 2 tight ends in the meantime, with Higbee expected to return in the middle or later part of the season.

    Defensive line (interior)

    STATUS DL DL DL
    PRE-DRAFT
    Kobe Turner
    Bobby Brown III
    Desjuan Johnson
    2ND TEAM
    Larrell Murchison
    Cory Durden
    Empty
    POST-DRAFT
    Kobie Turner
    Bobby Brown III
    Braden Fiske
    2ND TEAM
    Desjuan Johnson
    Tyler Davis
    Larrell Murchison

    If Bobby Brown III can stay on the field at nose tackle, Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske will be able to play more of the three-technique/four, 4i roles that will allow them more opportunities to pass rush. I could also see Tyler Davis getting playing time earlier than expected.

    The Rams overpaid to get up to No. 39 for Fiske, but to them, the cost was worth it. If they didn’t trade back from No. 19, they would have traded into the 30s-40s anyway because their evaluations of the talent at defensive lineman dropped steeply after that. Further, once they picked outside linebacker Jared Verse at No. 19, they knew they would try to get FSU teammate Fiske to bring in instant chemistry along their front. The cost of the trade is the cost of that chemistry, versus spending a year learning how to rush off each other in a post-Aaron Donald world.

    STATUS OLB OLB
    PRE-DRAFT
    Byron Young
    Michael Hoecht
    POST-DRAFT
    Jared Verse
    Byron Young

    Pre-draft second team: Nick Hampton, Ochaun Mathis, Keir Thomas
    Post-draft second team: Michael Hoecht, Brennan Jackson, Hampton, Mathis

    Aside from the starters, it’s probably best to look at the depth players as a rotation because they will do different things. Hampton, for example, is a speed rusher, while Hoecht and Jackson are more power and could even move inside.

    Verse immediately lends significant firepower to this group.

    Inside linebacker

    STATUS ILB ILB
    PRE-DRAFT
    Ernest Jones
    Christian Rozeboom
    POST-DRAFT
    Ernest Jones
    Christian Rozeboom

    Second team: Jake Hummel

    As of now, Ernest Jones will play through his fourth season without a contract extension, but that could always change closer to training camp. This year’s inside linebackers draft class wasn’t considered to be a strong one.

    Safety

    STATUS SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY
    PRE-DRAFT
    Kamren Curl
    Quentin Lake
    2ND TEAM
    Russ Yeast
    Jason Taylor II
    POST-DRAFT
    Kamren Curl
    Quentin Lake
    Kamren Kinchens
    2ND TEAM
    Russ Yeast
    Jason Taylor II

    To get the promising Kamren Kinchens on the field earlier, the Rams may show more three-safety looks that also feature Quentin Lake in a “dime linebacker” role, or they could play Kam Curl in the “star” and keep Lake and Kinchens in the two-high pre-snap look.

    Cornerback

    STATUS CB CB CB
    PRE-DRAFT
    Darious Williams
    * Tre’Davious White
    Cobie Durant
    2ND TEAM
    Derion Kendrick
    Tre Tomlinson
    POST-DRAFT
    Darious Williams
    * Tre’Davious White
    Cobie Durant
    2ND TEAM
    Derion Kendrick
    Tre Tomlinson

    Depth is still a concern at cornerback, in consideration of the age of Darious Williams and Tre’Davious White and of White’s continued recovery from an Achilles repair surgery. The Rams will need Cobie Durant to take another step forward in 2024.

    Specialists

    STATUS LS P K
    PRE-DRAFT
    Alex Ward
    Ethan Evans
    Tanner Brown
    POST-DRAFT
    Alex Ward
    Ethan Evans
    Joshua Karty

    The Rams! Drafted! A kicker!!!!!!!

    • This reply was modified 2 years, 3 months ago by Avatar photozn.
    April 30, 2024 at 3:39 am in reply to: round 6, pick 213… Rams take WR Jordan Whittington #150664
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Instant Analysis: Why Jordan Whittington could be the steal of the draft for the Rams

    Brock Vierra

    https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-why-jordan-whittington-222308663.html#:~:text=A%20near%20Rhodes%20scholar%2Dlevel,be%20such%20a%20consistent%20player.

    Despite all the hype behind Xavier Worthy and AD Mitchell entering the NFL draft, it is without a doubt that the most consistent pass catcher for the Texas Longhorns over Steve Sarkisian’s tenure has been Jordan Whittington.

    At No. 213 overall in the sixth round, the Rams selected Whittington, and it could be the steal of the draft for them.

    Whittington, a 6-foot-1 wide receiver from Cuero, Texas is no stranger to adversity. During his five years at Texas, he played for two different head coaches, and while opportunities were sparse due to the immense talent surrounding him including seven offensive skill players being selected in the past two drafts, Whittington has consistently answered when called upon.

    Whittington doesn’t have off-the-charts athletic talent, causing him to slide in the draft but he possesses something better. A near Rhodes scholar-level football IQ. Whittington throughout his entire career has put together film of him finding pockets in coverages, cutting routes short, and creating separation based on pre-snap reads that has allowed him to be such a consistent player.

    Whittington also has sure hands and the awareness to reroute himself when the pocket collapses on his quarterback. He is a QB’s best friend and despite getting thrown the ball by Casey Thompson, Hudson Card, Quinn Ewers and Malik Murphy, his numbers though not mindblowing, have remained steady.

    This is the exact type of receiver that thrives in a Sean McVay offense and with Cooper Kupp getting older, there’s a high possibility that Whittington could see the field early and often. I’m not saying he’s going to put up Puka Nacua numbers but the man has the ability to mess around and have a 1000-yard season.

    I’m calling my shot. Jordan Whittington is the steal of the draft.

    April 30, 2024 at 3:34 am in reply to: round 3, pick 99: safety Kamren Kinchens #150663
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    from Louis Riddick’s favorite prospects, sleepers: https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2024/story/_/id/39935091/2024-nfl-draft-louis-riddick-favorite-prospects-class-sleeper-daniels-nabers-wiggins

    Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami

    Winning the turnover battle is the No. 1 priority for every defensive coordinator in the NFL, and Kinchens will help you do just that. No safety in this class has better instincts and anticipation as a deep-field player, whether that be as a single safety in the middle of the field or in a split-safety structure. He is consistently a step ahead of the quarterback with his understanding of route concepts and ability to read the passer’s eyes and shoulder leans. But Kinchens also shows the efficient transition mechanics and closing burst to get into position to make game-changing plays; he came down with 11 interceptions over 2022-23.

    And on top of the ball skills, the 5-foot-11, 203-pound safety can make the difficult open-field tackles in one-on-one situations (54 last season) and has shown disruptive blitz ability (26 pressures). His 4.65-second 40 time at the combine wasn’t ideal, but I’m not too concerned based on what I see on tape. Kinchens has the potential to be a star.

  • Author
    Posts
Viewing 30 posts - 6,631 through 6,660 (of 47,491 total)
1 2 3 … 221 222 223 … 1,582 1,583 1,584