Forum Replies Created
-
AuthorPosts
-
znModeratorCooper Kupp's mark of 6,329 yards through 6 seasons is the 8th-most ever for a player who wasn't drafted in the first round.
1-AB (86 games)
2-Ochocinco (92 g)
3-Hilton (94 g)
4-Alworth (68 g)
5-Tyreek (91 g)
6-Boldin (80 g)
7-Gary Clark (90 g)
8-Kupp (80 games)— TurfShowTimes (@TurfShowTimes) June 28, 2023
znModeratorIs Cooper Kupp the best route runner in the NFL? pic.twitter.com/R2pC5Lvdpu
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) June 28, 2023
znModeratorHis disappointments and McVay’s impatience were an assault on Goff’s confidence.
There we go. Someone actually said it.
znModeratorznModeratorA handful of NFL players, including Colts’ cornerback and kick returner Isaiah Rodgers, are expected to receive season-long suspensions this week for allegedly gambling, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/7hPaqJOQlN
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 28, 2023
June 28, 2023 at 10:56 am in reply to: the 2023 OL thread (w/ definitive article posted on 5/30) #144486znModeratorThen next year, if we pick in the top 5,
I seriously doubt that happens.
znModeratorAvila is ready to start over again with the Rams
BY KAMRAN NIA
LOS ANGELES — Texas has been Steve Avila’s only home for the first 23 years of his life. He was born and raised in Dallas. Then, he went to Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, Texas, for college.
At TCU, Avila was a captain for their football team, leading them to the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship in 2023, losing to Georgia.
Avila loves the Dallas-Fort Worth area, as he relishes the tasty Mexican food and diverse culture. But after staying in the same place his whole life, he is ready to embrace his new home, Los Angeles.
After the Los Angeles Rams drafted Avila with pick No. 36 in the 2023 NFL Draft, he arrived in Los Angeles on May 12. And as Avila met his teammates and learned his way around the facilities, he understood he was starting fresh with the Rams, like when he was a freshman in college. So now, he is looking to build respect and make a difference, as he has done on his previous teams.
“I [was] talking to the other rookies like, ‘dude, we are just freshmen again,” Avila said. “Yeah, that’s really what it is. But I’ve always found a way to gain the respect of my teammates, which leads to more of a leadership role. And that’s something that I plan to do here.”
And Avila has already gained the respect of one NFL veteran, former-Rams offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth.
“I love the pick of the kid out of TCU. I think that they’ve got some young linemen now that have played, and they’ll be more experienced,” said Whitworth on the Rich Eisen show.
Even before being drafted by the Rams, Avila left a positive impression with the team. His only contact with them was when he met with special assistant to the general manager/analyst Andy Sugurman to review film, and he almost undoubtedly left a good impression, as the Rams drafted him soon after.
However, with respect comes pressure to perform well. With a 5-12 record last year following a Super Bowl win, some fans hope the Rams return to the playoffs next season. And that process now includes Avila.
Avila has played every position on the offensive line despite being primarily an interior lineman, and he is willing to play wherever he is called upon. That flexibility could be valuable for a Rams offensive line that struggled with injuries last season; Joseph Noteboom, Brandon Allen, and numerous others missed time.
Despite high expectations from people like legends like Whitworth, fans, and others, Avila does not let the pressure get to him.
“I kind of had the mindset of whatever is gonna happen is gonna happen,” Avila said. “I mean, it’s already written, and I just want to do my best to not have any regrets going into the future, whether that’s watching extra film or doing things extra. So that pressure kind of alleviate itself, like it kind of goes away.”
As Avila looks to become a leader on the Rams, he also wants to connect with the Rams community in other ways, as many team leaders do. One way he will do so is by learning Spanish.
When Avila joined the team, he felt, as one of a few Latinx players in the NFL, that he let down his Latinx fans because he did not know Spanish.
“The Rams have a very heavy Hispanic community. They’re all excited because being a Hispanic person in the NFL is rare. But like when I got here, and everybody’s all excited. I let people down because I was don’t speak Spanish,” Avila said.
Furthering Avila’s disappointment was finding out that his teammate, defensive lineman Kobie Turner can speak Spanish, and he does not.
“Kobie Turner, who’s also on the team, he speaks Spanish. And it made me mad. I was like, ‘Alright, man, I gotta get all my stuff,” Avila said.
Avila tried learning Spanish in 2021 but quit because it felt like schoolwork. However, now he has made a promise that he will learn the language by one year from now. He will try to complete the lofty goal using language learning apps like Duolingo.
Over the next few months, Avila will continue integrating with the team as he prepares for his rookie season. Training camp begins on July 29, and he will prepare for his first game on August 12 when the Rams play the Los Angeles Chargers in the preseason.
znModeratorCaught a preview of this episode. I think it will top the previous two – it's that good https://t.co/yRoJh8uliq
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) June 26, 2023
znModeratorThe Rams didn’t exactly improve as a team this offseason, but they did get better at 4 different positions https://t.co/lz8jlUl38Z
— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) June 27, 2023
znModeratorBlaine Grisak @bgrisakTSTRams CB Cobie Durant from the slot last season: 0.68 yards allowed per snap – 5th in the NFL 48.7 QB rating allowed: Best in the NFL 11.6 coverage snaps/reception: 6th in the NFL Among CBs with at least 100 coverage snaps, Durant was one of the best slot CBs in the league..In 104 coverage snaps from the slot, Durant’s 0.68 yards per snap ranked fifth in the NFL. His 48.7 quarterback rating was also the best mark among all slot cornerbacks with at least 100 snaps. The Rams cornerback allowed a reception just once every 11.6 snaps which ranked sixth. Among cornerbacks with at least 100 coverage snaps, Durant was one of the best slot cornerbacks in the entire league..Last year, Durant played almost two-third of his snaps from the slot. With the Rams need on the outside, it will be interesting to see if that’s where his primary role will be in 2023..There’s not necessarily a roster battle for Durant. Durant may be better suited as the CB2 in a defense. The development of Trevius Hodges-Tomlinson may dictate how often Durant plays from the slot.znModeratorI thought you were a cover 2 guy. Cover 5 seems a bit soft to me.
I’m just into prevent gardening.
znModeratorRodrigue, from the 6/post in this thread: previews, forecasts, predictions, roster guesses…from June on
One player who could end up surprising people and sticking to the 53-man roster is the Rams’ last pick this spring, Desjuan Johnson. Coach Sean McVay noted Johnson as a player who impressed him in the spring.
June 26, 2023 at 1:39 pm in reply to: previews, forecasts, predictions, roster guesses…from June on #144468znModeratorWay-too-early Rams 53-man roster predictions: 15 rookies make the team
By Jourdan Rodrigue
There is no legitimate logic behind churning out a 53-man roster prediction this time of year, especially for a Rams 90-man roster that features 40 rookies … who haven’t played any snaps of meaningful football yet because spring workouts are largely for drills and scheme installations. In fact, 53-man roster predictions this time of year are an exercise in futility on par with record predictions.
But hey, at least it’s fun to debate! For now, I have 15 rookies making this roster.
Let me know what you think in the comments below, and I’ll also try to address any questions you have. Reminder, this is not a depth chart.
Quarterback (2)
Matthew Stafford, Stetson Bennett (R)
The Rams could probably afford to keep a more veteran player, such as Brett Rypien, on their practice squad instead of opening an additional roster spot for him.Offensive line (10)
Alaric Jackson, Steve Avila (R), Coleman Shelton, Tremayne Anchrum, Logan Bruss, Rob Havenstein, Joe Noteboom, Brian Allen, Warren McClendon (R), AJ Arcuri
It remains to be seen how Noteboom, whom the Rams seem financially committed to, returns from his Achilles injury (or what position he’ll actually play). Allen took a pay cut this spring to remain with the team. McClendon is a player the staff sees high potential for, but he has been rehabbing a knee issue.Running back (4)
Cam Akers, Sony Michel, Kyren Williams, Zach Evans (R)
Michel should bring some balance to any heavier personnel/short-yardage situations and is great in pass protection. He’ll also be a good veteran presence for a young group, minus Akers.Wide receiver (7)
Cooper Kupp, Van Jefferson, Ben Skowronek, Tutu Atwell, Puka Nacua (R), Demarcus Robinson, Lance McCutcheon
There are a lot of questions surrounding this group, including which player will take control of the No. 3 role.Tight end (4)
Tyler Higbee, Hunter Long, Brycen Hopkins, Davis Allen (R)
I could also see the Rams keeping only three tight ends, especially with Skowronek’s versatility … but that will get clearer into training camp.Defensive line (7)
Aaron Donald, Kobie Turner (R), Marquise Copeland, Bobby Brown III, Earnest Brown IV, Jonah Williams, Larrell Murchison
This group, minus Donald, is a pretty big question mark. And, keep in mind: Some of these players are listed as “DE” on the Rams’ online roster, which is not necessarily accurate. They are working out with the interior defensive linemen in practices. One player who could end up surprising people and sticking to the 53-man roster is the Rams’ last pick this spring, Desjuan Johnson. Coach Sean McVay noted Johnson as a player who impressed him in the spring.If I’m the Rams, I’d possibly be looking for a larger-framed (and cheap) veteran pickup here. Inexperience is one thing, but this Rams defensive line doesn’t have a ton of size.
Outside linebacker (5)
Michael Hoecht, Daniel Hardy, Byron Young (R), Nick Hampton (R), Ochaun Mathis (R)
This is a season the Rams could keep one more pass rusher than usual because they have so many new young players who need to get relevant experience. This is another group full of questions, though one characteristic stands out early: speed. That will help on special teams, too.I went back and forth on putting Keir Thomas on the roster, just because numbers were needed for the defensive backs. That extra spot could also have come from the defensive line, or tight end, or even offensive line if the Rams end up moving a player. For the purposes of this roster math, a spot was freed up here for all of the Rams’ pass-rusher draftees and an even count between safeties and cornerbacks.
Inside linebacker (3)
Ernest Jones, Christian Rozeboom, Jake Hummel
Jones will enter a significant third season where, as of now, he’ll be expected to wear the “green dot.” That means he’ll communicate the defensive calls to the rest of the defense. Hummel and Rozeboom could be good depth, not necessarily because they’ll get a ton of defensive snaps, but because both are talented special teams players.Safety (4)
Jordan Fuller, Russ Yeast, Quentin Lake, Jason Taylor II (R)
A group featuring these four players actually has a lot of potential, despite its youth and relative inexperience (minus Fuller).Cornerback (4)
Cobie Durant, Derion Kendrick, Robert Rochell, Tre’Vius Tomlinson (R)
The Rams often keep four cornerbacks on their initial 53-man roster, but again, depending on how numbers shake out elsewhere, I could see them keeping more. One of their many undrafted free agents could surprise us, especially because Rochell, the only cornerback above 6 feet in this group, needs to take a step forward and truly secure a role entering his third season.Specialists (3)
Kicker Tanner Brown (R), long snapper Alex Ward (R), punter Ethan Evans (R)
All rookies! It’ll be fine, right? … Right?znModeratorFrom the info net:
Maypop (Passiflora incarnata) is native to North America and hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 6.
I’m zone 5 so as it happens I am a stranger to this plant.
znModeratorThis is a pure filler post meant to stabilize a thread that the anti-spam system is fucking around with.
znModeratorI’ve been following these lectures on youtube. They are not cutting edge, just a well-done summary of the basics. Which I knew absolutely nothing about.
Revolutions Podcast by Mike Duncan – S4: Haitian Revolution – Episode 1
Revolutions Podcast by Mike Duncan – S5: Simón Bolívar – Episode 1
znModeratorI’d rank the top @RamsNFL RBs of all-time as:
1. Eric Dickerson
2. Marshall Faulk
3. Steven Jackson
4. Lawrence McCutcheon
5. Dick Bass
6. Todd Gurley
7. Jerome Bettis
8. Jim Bertlesen
9. Jon Arnett
10. Wendell Tyler— LI Sports Fan (@LIsportsfans) June 26, 2023
June 26, 2023 at 9:58 am in reply to: previews, forecasts, predictions, roster guesses…from June on #144458znModerator2023 NFL Power Rankings, via @PFF
1) Chiefs
2) Eagles
3) 49ers
4) Bengals
5) Bills
6) Jets
7) Cowboys
8) Chargers
9) Browns
10) Ravens
11) Dolphins
12) Jaguars
13) Giants
14) Vikings
15) Lions
16) Seahawks
17) Steelers
18) Packers
19) Bears
20) Patriots
21) Buccaneers…— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) June 25, 2023
June 26, 2023 at 8:56 am in reply to: the 2023 OL thread (w/ definitive article posted on 5/30) #144457znModeratorThe last time the Rams used their top pick for an Interior Olineman was — last year. Bruss. Ok, well, they are stocking up, arent they. w v
You’ve gotten me thinking aloud about a lot of things related to the OL.
One thing I did point out above about all that is that a couple of times, the McV/Snead Rams had first picks in the 3rd round, and it’s kind of counter-intuitive to assume first picks are in round 3. So we don’t quite register Noteboom and Bruss as “first picks.”
We usually think of first picks as 2nd or 1st rounders, and on that the Rams have actually been historically a disaster–bad 1st round OL picks far outnumber good ones. Since 66 (which is as far back as I went this time) the Rams have picked 8 OL in round 1 and only 2 of them really worked out (Mack and Pace). Though to be fair, Barron was just a lazy underachiever and not genuinely “bad,” and Brostek was fairly good but too injured up to be a stable player. Schad, Robinson, and Smith, in contrast, are among the worst picks in all Rams drafting history.
In terms of the recent OL workings, the McV/Snead Rams build the OL the same way the Vermeil Rams did–they aggressively use every single method of player acquisition simultaneously. High-end free agents (Timmerman, Whitworth), bargain free agents and “ronin” ie. other teams’ cuts (McCollum, Shelton), higher draft picks (Pace, Avila), lower draft picks (Miller, Edwards and Anchrum), UDFAs (Nutten, Jackson), and crafty trades (recently Corbett). So the McV/Snead Rams are always stocking up, actually. Then again, we’ve never seen an OL injury epidemic like 2022, though it was close to that bad in 2007 and 2011 and 2012. The silver thread woven into the dark injury hurricane of 2022 was that a whole bunch of OL got a chance to play in 2022, so that the Rams actually have a list of experienced players to build with in 2023. If Jackson works out as predicted, for example, they will have possibly gotten a starting LOT as a UDFA, which is a major find.
June 25, 2023 at 9:01 pm in reply to: the 2023 OL thread (w/ definitive article posted on 5/30) #144451znModerator== Question — When’s the last time the Rams used their first pick for an Interior Offensive Lineman? I cant remember that ever happening. w v
The times Rams have used a first pick for an OL. A couple of times are surprises because their first pick was a low one. They have a lot of first round “first picks” but most of them are either busts or disappointments or underperformers, which is why they’re forgettable. I will red-bold all the busts and forgettables and underperformers. I only went back to 66 (Tom Mack).
2023: Avila, round 2
2022: Bruss, round 3
2018: Noteboom, round 3
2014: Robinson, round 1
2009: Smith, round 1
2005: Barron, round 1
1997: Pace, round 1
1994: Gandy, round 1
1990: Brostek, round 1
1986: Schad, round 1
1966: Mack, round 1
Here’s a time defying Rams “all bad picks” OL:
Barron Robinson Brostek Schad Smith
znModeratorThe Rams rebuilt their secondary this offseason but PFF isn’t confident in the new group, dropping LA to the bottom of its 2023 rankings https://t.co/9XBnRmydBm
— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) June 24, 2023
from [link above]
It’s a completely remodeled secondary, one that isn’t necessarily better than last year’s unit. In fact, Pro Football Focus thinks it’s considerably worse. PFF released its secondary rankings for the upcoming season and the Rams were lower than any other team: 32nd in the NFL. They were ninth in PFF’s rankings last year, for comparison.
When a team sells out to win the Super Bowl like the Rams did, roster overhaul will inevitably happen. And that is what we’re seeing in this secondary right now.
Kendrick graded as the second-worst cornerback in the league last year at 43.7 and returns to the Rams as their most experienced starter, as he played 483 snaps in 2022. L.A. spent two Day 3 picks on the secondary this year, but 2023 will be tough to watch from a once formidable unit.
This is the second time PFF has ranked a Rams position group as the worst in the league, also putting their linebackers 32nd.
znModeratorI remember girls in my church being taught to be submissive and accept the sexual abuse from their uncles and dad’s friends. I remember there was no reason to report because we would have been blamed. I remember my faith making it easier for my abuse, Nikki. https://t.co/4wj7rRMDB2
— Jess Piper (@piper4missouri) June 25, 2023
June 25, 2023 at 12:22 pm in reply to: the 2023 OL thread (w/ definitive article posted on 5/30) #144439znModeratorthey can finish in that 9-7 zone.
It’s hard to adjust to the 17 game schedule, ain’t it. (Friendly tease, not a taunt.)
One thing I notice about the McV Rams. Look at all the players who made some noise and did some things with the Rams, eventually became FAs who walked and…then did nothing.
I just think they might be a bit bigger than the sum of their parts.
Who did the Rams have on offense when they had their best seasons? Gurley–till the knee. Woods, who then didn’t do anything after leaving. Kupp. The McV Rams were never as loaded as the Bruce, Holt, Faulk Rams.
But still they are 46/18 in years with a relatively healthy OL, and that includes 2 super bowl appearances. In the other 2 years they are 14/19. Now of course that’s not some kind of written in stone, sure-thing formula because there are variables such as having Whitworth before and finding a new LOT now.
Anyway. One of the things they’re doing with the OL in 23 is bulking up the interior, not only to give the running game more juice, but to give Stafford a pocket to step up in. I think if relatively healthy the Rams are about a 10 win team, maybe more.
June 24, 2023 at 3:35 pm in reply to: the 2023 OL thread (w/ definitive article posted on 5/30) #144437znModeratorMcV’s 2 worst seasons–2019 and 2022–have this in common. Both years were marred by extensive OL injuries. It got settled down in 2019 toward the end because youngsters like Edwards came through in the last stretch. In 2022 the young replacements got injured too (!
).Overall in all the other years, when the OL was relatively healthy (only 1 or 2 replacements during the season and never multiple replacements at the same time)…we know they were always contenders. Every other year except those 2 the OL was solid.
There are promising guys on the OL roster. Beyond Avila and Hav, we know about Jackson and Shelton. Anchrum has always gotten good buzz and impresses people. I don’t know about Noteboom or Allen. Bruss is an unknown at this point but he seems to be tending positive.
June 24, 2023 at 3:00 pm in reply to: the 2023 OL thread (w/ definitive article posted on 5/30) #144436znModeratorRodrigue…from the 6/23 post in this thread: OTAs … w/ a good re-cap article (posted 6/23)
Ranking my favorite offensive line combinations, from the left side to the right:
• Alaric Jackson, Tremayne Anchrum Jr., Coleman Shelton, Steve Avila, Rob Havenstein
• Jackson, Anchrum, Brian Allen, Avila, Havenstein
• Jackson, Avila, Shelton, Logan Bruss, Havenstein
• Joe Noteboom, Jackson, Shelton, Avila, Havenstein
Bruss also got some reps at right tackle, where he played multiple games in college. Something to watch!
***
The Rams have plenty to sort out before the season begins, including a handful of positions on offense.
My best guess as to who will be part of the starting offense come Week 1 https://t.co/X6XjMSBRVj
— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) June 22, 2023
Left tackle: Joe Noteboom
The offensive line is where things get really interesting, beginning with left tackle. Noteboom will need to not only stay healthy this year, but he’ll have to hold off Alaric Jackson for the starting job, regardless of his larger salary. Sean McVay has said every spot on this team will be earned so Noteboom won’t be handed the starting spot just because he has a sizable contract. Still, I think he’ll win the battle in camp.
Left guard: Steve Avila
Avila has already been working with the first-team offense so the Rams are trying to get him integrated rather quickly. He has the ability to play any of the three interior positions, which gives him a good chance to start somewhere in the middle. If Avila plays well enough in training camp and the preseason, he should be able to hold off either Noteboom or Jackson, as well as Coleman Shelton, Tremayne Anchrum Jr. and the other guards competing for playing time.
Center: Coleman Shelton
The Rams are by no means committed to Brian Allen as their starting center. In fact, they might be leaning more toward Shelton at this point. They’ve rotated their centers throughout the offseason, giving Shelton first-team reps in place of Allen. Shelton is a bigger blocker, which helps in the run game, and that has been evidenced when he’s filled in for Allen in the past. This is one of the most intriguing position battles of the year for L.A.
Right guard: Logan Bruss
Bruss missed his entire rookie year and the Rams are probably itching to get a look at their top pick from the 2022 draft. He’ll have to earn his starting spot, beating out the likes of Anchrum, Jackson and others, but I think he’ll get the job done and show the Rams what they liked so much about him in the draft last year.
Right tackle: Rob Havenstein
The only position on the offensive line that’s not up for grabs is right tackle. Havenstein is going to be the starter there, as he has been for years, and there’s absolutely no reason to think any of the Rams’ other linemen will beat him out or even get a chance to compete for his job.
znModeratorRodrigue…from the 6/23 post in this thread: OTAs … w/ a good re-cap article (posted 6/23)
1. Matthew Stafford’s throwing brought a sense of normalcy, even for abnormal OTAs.
On the one hand, the Rams had to start many of their drills from “step zero,” teaching them to young players for the first time, something they really haven’t had to do since 2017. On the other hand, well, the ball was zipping out of Stafford’s hand. He had more of a “regular” full workload this spring than I’ve seen since he got here.
At Stafford’s age (35) and with his history, injury and general arm/elbow fatigue are always going to be a question. And he’ll always say he’s “good” even if he’s not. This spring, however, I could see by the way he practiced that he feels good. How? There was a red zone period in which the second-team defense made multiple plays against the second-team offense, and their delight about that was loud. Stafford cooly walked onto the field with the first-team offense and ripped consecutive touchdown passes against the first-team defense. That’s the “usual” Stafford, who likes to take over the proverbial Aux cord right when a defense feels confident.
Stafford needed to get back on the field and throw the ball around, and the Rams offense — though still top-heavy in some places — needed to get reps with him. The caveat here is that nobody knows what quality of football the Rams will play this season. But the people I spoke with internally were pleased with the amount of work the group was able to get done this spring, and it starts with a healthy Stafford.
znModeratorStafford should be 6th on this list. https://t.co/Fk285AUq6d
— Far2Reckless 🐏's🏠! (@soulreaper313) June 24, 2023
znModeratorTen Rams takeaways after offseason program, including players, positions to watch
By Jourdan Rodrigue
The Rams’ offseason programming wrapped up earlier this month, and all eyes are turning toward their report date to training camp in Irvine, Calif., on July 25.
Here are 10 things I learned this spring, about a very youthful Rams roster with some glaring concerns, a few veterans who will need to pull more than their usual weight, and some under-the-radar players:
1. Matthew Stafford’s throwing brought a sense of normalcy, even for abnormal OTAs.
On the one hand, the Rams had to start many of their drills from “step zero,” teaching them to young players for the first time, something they really haven’t had to do since 2017. On the other hand, well, the ball was zipping out of Stafford’s hand. He had more of a “regular” full workload this spring than I’ve seen since he got here.
At Stafford’s age (35) and with his history, injury and general arm/elbow fatigue are always going to be a question. And he’ll always say he’s “good” even if he’s not. This spring, however, I could see by the way he practiced that he feels good. How? There was a red zone period in which the second-team defense made multiple plays against the second-team offense, and their delight about that was loud. Stafford cooly walked onto the field with the first-team offense and ripped consecutive touchdown passes against the first-team defense. That’s the “usual” Stafford, who likes to take over the proverbial Aux cord right when a defense feels confident.
Stafford needed to get back on the field and throw the ball around, and the Rams offense — though still top-heavy in some places — needed to get reps with him. The caveat here is that nobody knows what quality of football the Rams will play this season. But the people I spoke with internally were pleased with the amount of work the group was able to get done this spring, and it starts with a healthy Stafford.
2. The Rams signed veteran running back Sony Michel this week. A team source told me it’s a one-year deal. This corrects a big mistake made before the 2022 season, when the team had a first-time position coach, a lead back who had just spent the previous year recovering from a torn Achilles, and no veteran presence. After the Cam Akers situation (re-outlined in detail here), the Rams seemed like they were trying to rectify the error in-season by signing Malcolm Brown. A lot of what happened at the position in 2022, minus the catastrophic injuries to the offensive line, felt like it could have been avoided. So, having Michel on board — even as his still-to-be-determined on-field role will take shape through training camp — seems like a strategic move.
I can’t see the Rams’ 53-man roster carrying more than four running backs, however. This will be a position group to watch in training camp and especially the preseason.
3. Rookie Tanner Brown is the only kicker left on the roster after the Rams waived Christopher Dunn at the conclusion of OTAs. The release also happened the day after special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn brought in motion-capture equipment to assess things like leg swing, kick height, trajectory patterns, etc.
Brown impressed in the spring. Still, do the Rams go into training camp with just one undrafted free-agent rookie kicker? That would be hard to believe, especially with some impressive kicking in some of the feeder leagues over the past few months. But we’ve seen quite the kicker carousel with this team before, so buckle up. Oh, and the Rams’ long snapper, Alex Ward, and punter, Ethan Evans, are rookies too. To put it scientifically, Evans can punt the crap out of the ball. I still expect some rookie mistakes along the way, but distance and power don’t seem to be an issue. As a reminder, Evans can also do kickoffs.
4. Ranking my favorite offensive line combinations, from the left side to the right:
• Alaric Jackson, Tremayne Anchrum Jr., Coleman Shelton, Steve Avila, Rob Havenstein
• Jackson, Anchrum, Brian Allen, Avila, Havenstein
• Jackson, Avila, Shelton, Logan Bruss, Havenstein
• Joe Noteboom, Jackson, Shelton, Avila, Havenstein
Bruss also got some reps at right tackle, where he played multiple games in college. Something to watch!
5. For the offensive and defensive lines and pass rushers, none of the football is “real” until the pads go on. And even still, it’s not “really real” until they can hit someone in joint practices.
Even with that caveat, it’s fair to be concerned about the interior defensive line because of its overall relative inexperience, minus Aaron Donald. Also, somewhat opposite from how the Rams’ offensive line is built, there isn’t a lot of size in the group. Third-year player Bobby Brown III is their biggest interior defensive lineman, and he needs to take a step forward in 2023. However, Marquise Copeland and Jonah Williams drew a lot of praise from coaches and teammates during spring practices, and rookie Kobie Turner is someone to watch into training camp. Turner showed up with more size than initially expected; is a cerebral player, so he understands spacing and leverage; and is really athletic/twitchy off his blocks (at least in limited viewing).
6. I can see the outside linebackers rotating a lot this year. Michael Hoecht and Daniel Hardy could be one combination, and rookie Byron Young will probably be asked to take on a larger role right away because of the lack of depth and experience. Keir Thomas made a couple of smart plays against the run, including a pick six on a bobbled toss play. This group doesn’t have much experience, but it doesn’t lack in speed.
7. Safety has quietly become a position to watch throughout training camp. Jordan Fuller, the most veteran player in the group, stood out in OTAs for making multiple plays, including pass breakups on deep routes in which he was the last line of defense, on consecutive days. Fuller is a favorite to start, but who will be his partner in the defensive backfield? Russ Yeast and Quentin Lake are the front-runners and will be rotated often as the staff tests them. Rookie Jason Taylor II is someone to watch here. For any of the No. 2 safeties, contribution on special teams will be a factor, and Yeast has the leg up on experience.
8. Coaches and teammates were impressed with third-year receiver Tutu Atwell and rookie Puka Nacua during OTAs. One difference in this year’s praise versus previous comments about Atwell is that he’s rotating into more receiving positions. Coach Sean McVay’s offense is predicated on running a lot of concepts out of the same pre-snap looks (even if nowadays that look is “empty”) and using tempo to keep a defense on its heels. That means the receivers who will get the most snaps have to be able to stay on the field, which also means they have to do more. Nacua was tested with a wide-ranging positional workload. The test for both players will be whether they can carry their progress into training camp, where they will be put in tougher scenarios.
9. It’s early, but Avila, the Rams’ No. 36 pick, is about as pro-ready a rookie as I’ve seen walk into the building. If he secures a starting job, there will be competition for a spot between Anchrum and Bruss. Both players were injured last season before they could show what they are capable of, and they are hungry to prove themselves.
And don’t forget about rookie Warren McClendon Jr. He missed time in the spring with a knee issue, but McVay expects him to be ready for camp.
10. Which defensive back will step up as an emotional leader in a post-Jalen Ramsey world, with Fuller known as the calm, steady presence? So far, that person has been their position coach, Aubrey Pleasant. Fans attending training camp will see he’s a blast to watch coach. But he obviously won’t be playing, so someone must emerge. Second-year cornerbacks Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick might start getting pushed in that direction by Pleasant — with a lot of tough days in training camp ahead.
znModeratorSteve Avila pass pro in the Nat Champ game. #ramshouse pic.twitter.com/pHXnMNThtB
— RAMZILLA (@elitster) June 23, 2023
znModeratorMelvin Gordon seemed to blame the declining RB market on the Rams' record deal for Todd Gurley.
He also claimed Sean McVay said he would "never pay a running back again," which there's no evidence of https://t.co/H6OpeeN5kA
— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) June 23, 2023
-
AuthorPosts
