John Johnson’s return to Rams is latest move in scaled-back free agency approach. The Rams have added five veterans at a total cost of just over $5 million. https://t.co/Yzpsr4IBfc

— Gary Klein (@LATimesklein) August 9, 2023

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[link above]

Rams add safety net to defense with addition of John Johnson

GARY KLEIN

In his first stint with the Rams, safety John Johnson was a 21-year-old rookie playing for a rookie head coach in Sean McVay.

The Rams, with a roster that included running back Todd Gurley and defensive lineman Aaron Donald, had added free-agent receiver Robert Woods and offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth — and then made Johnson part of a draft class that included receiver Cooper Kupp.

Six years later, Johnson is back with the Rams.

“It’s like nostalgia,” Johnson said Tuesday after his first workout. “It feels good.”

Johnson, however, has returned to a Rams organization in a different operational mode.

Donald, Kupp and quarterback Matthew Stafford, all of whom received massive extensions after the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI victory to end the 2021 season, are the only remaining stars for a team that this offseason shied from its typical headline-grabbing ways.

Two years after winning the Super Bowl, and then experiencing the biggest Super Bowl hangover in NFL history, the Rams broke from their tradition under McVay. They traded star cornerback Jalen Ramsey. They cut star linebacker Bobby Wagner and edge rusher Leonard Floyd. And they passed on the opportunity to re-sign other starters.

Instead, they waited for free-agent bargains.

Johnson, released by the Cleveland Browns in March, is the latest and perhaps most high-profile example of players signed to veteran-minimum contracts.

In May, the Rams signed receiver Tyler Johnson, in June receiver Demarcus Robinson and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon. After running back Sony Michel retired a few days into training camp, the Rams signed running back Royce Freeman.

And on Tuesday, they welcomed back John Johnson. The seventh-year pro, who collected $24 million from the Browns the last two seasons, signed a one-year deal for $1.08 million..

Total investment for the Rams for five players: slightly more than $5 million.

“They’ve all played significant snaps in this league and they know what it looks like,” McVay said, adding, “We’ve been able to acquire good players that are going to come in and have a chance to really impact this football team.”

John Johnson’s skill level and how he fits in Raheem Morris’ defense will be assessed in the weeks leading to the Sept. 10 opener against the Seattle Seahawks. But his leadership and experience should bolster a secondary that during the offseason included only one key player with more than a year of NFL experience, safety Jordan Fuller.

Fuller and second-year safety Russ Yeast took first-team snaps during the first few weeks of training camp, with second-year pro Quentin Lake also getting significant opportunities The Rams selected rookie Jason Taylor II in the seventh round of the draft.

Now add Johnson to the mix.

“To be able to get a guy that’s familiar with the culture, has played a lot of really good football … we felt like it was a chance to be able to upgrade our secondary,” McVay said.

Johnson indicated he has much to prove.

When he left the Rams after the 2020 season, he was at the top of his game — and he cashed in. But he said that during his two seasons in Cleveland, he did not meet his expectations, or those of the Browns.

Two years later, he agreed to return to the Rams for the minimum.

“You want to go out there and show that you can still go. I’m young,” Johnson, 27, said. “I feel like I’m in my prime.

“I just needed a place and opportunity to do it.”

Rams training camp is somehow already in the books. Here are 10 things we learned https://t.co/wWBJp6QLoB

— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) August 9, 2023

Quote from Albert Breer, in an otherwise very good article posted today in this thread: https://theramshuddle.com/topic/training-camp-news-notes/?view=all#post-144785

zn wrote:

Between that and the addition of rookie Steve Avila to the mix, new line coach Ryan Wendell has a fighting chance to turn around a unit that really struggled last year.

“A unit that really struggled last year.”

The football thing that cannot be named.

The OL struggled last year cause of inn………..

inn…….

ahem, cough cough

innnnnnn…..

…jerrr…..

short breaths, short breaths

The OL struggled last year because of MASSIVE innnnnnnnnnn….

…jerrr……jerr….

gasp, sputter, hard breathing…….

Innnnnn………

red-faced, hyperventilating, stricken look…

John Johnson III is in his 7th year in the NFL but he's still just 27.

"I feel like I'm in my prime."

He's going to play with some added motivation after being cut by the Browns https://t.co/X2FIVkgoIm

— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) August 8, 2023

Ahkello said not today. 🙅‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/T3vVuPvAid

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 8, 2023

Sean McVay still doesn't know when Derion Kendrick, Hunter Long or Davis Allen will return from their injuries, but "we need to get those guys back out here as quickly as possible because we can't afford to waste this time." https://t.co/bToA4EFGq1

— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) August 8, 2023

oldnotdead

Anchrum is undersized in terms of length but his play radius is good with his long arms. He has the ability to move for a man of his weight. Allen is technically the better center, but that said he’s yet to prove he can stay healthy.

I’m not worried about RG because they can pick from Anchrum, Shelton, and Jackson. If McClendon gets healthy IMO he’s the one they would like to see as a starter at RG. They have options. It’s not if they can find a RG it’s who is it going to be?

I’m not worried at LT as I think Noteboom is beginning to round into form. If he can’t stay healthy the Rams have a replacement on hand with Jackson, which is no different than having both Allen and Shelton at center. The overall depth on this OL is perhaps as good as it’s ever been.

I’m not counting Bruss out at RT. He’s simply got to adjust to the NFL level of play. He will be a work in progress, but the guy has the feet to play outside at RT. He now has to develop the strength and technique to play the position. I think he will be fine next year. If not the Rams will have Jackson as their first option.

Havenstein is who he is, an expensive average RT. His biggest strength is his durability. Why they don’t have Higbee give him a chip block assist makes no sense. They know speed beats Rob every time.

joemad wrote:

Trivia, the Rams kept 1 of their top 8 tacklers from 2022…  Name that player… and it ain’t AD.

Jones!

He was 66/114 last year.

Odell Beckham Jr. says if he didn't get hurt, he would've had 15 catches and "maybe 250 yards" in the Super Bowl against the Bengals

Says the Rams would've won 42-17, too https://t.co/jdt8BTg6v2

— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) August 7, 2023

ramsman34

8/6

First, I was at camp today to introduce my soon-to-be 4yr old daughter to the Rams up close and in person. Got her a Kupp Jersey, hat, foam finger, football , etc. the Wife even got a Kupp Jersey and I went with AD – ya, dropped some cash on our beloved Rams. Lol. My daughter was born in SF so I need to make certain she’s a Rams fan and not a whiner fan.

Due to my focus being more on my family enjoying themselves, my normal detailed report from hand written and voice notes from the stands will not be what this is.

However, I got a good feel for some things.

First, Puka and Tutu will be the 3 and 4 WR (in no particular pecking order), maybe even #2 – more on VJ later. They are basically interchangeable. They lined up all over the formation. Tutu is what we know – quick, very fast, really good hands. He is a sharp route runner and despite his size, fights for the contested catch. Staff hit him on a 9-route for a TD and the coverage was pretty good, until it wasn’t – as Tutu accelerated the last few steps, separated and whammy – TD! Can he do that against elite coverage?? Not saying the Rams’ DBs aren’t elite. But, they too have to prove it.

Puka also caught a 9-ball from Stafford for a TD. The coverage was also good and the catch was contested (Tre Tomlinson was soooo close to breaking it up.) Puka is “pads fast”, much like Kupp. He also has a lot of Kupp-like traits. But not quite as athletic or deceptive. I think that will improve over time. The dude does not lose speed in/out of breaks and also seems to have a bit of a higher gear when he needs it. He has great hands. Great hands! He is going to be a factor.

Demarcus Robinson (#15) makes this team, IMO, as he too can be at least a #3. Smooth, really good hands, a “vet” WR who is trustworthy and makes plays. It will be interesting to see A. How many WRs they keep and B. Who those last 1-2 guys will be. I know Van Jeff makes the team but the number of “rest” days he is getting is troubling to me. Worried if this is a Gurley-like situation. Skow is in trouble if they only keep 6. The rest are PS or gone, IMO. Sorry McClutch.

Even though it was thud tempo, it was pretty physical, especially in pass pro and in the run game. I didn’t see Akers at all might have just missed his plays. But K Will, Royce the new dude, and Rivers all had decent success. Nothing all that explosive. But positive yardage more often than not. I did not see Evans but simply might have missed him/his plays also.

The O was in a lot of 11-Personnel, did a good deal of shifting, jet action, and empty/5-wide with a variety of “receivers”. Pretty typical. The run game looks to have some new wrinkles I can’t quite put my finger on as I didn’t have a high enough vantage point to see the blocking schemes. Also, Higs looks really good and Hopkins made at least one catch, I believe.

There was a lot of rotation on the DL but, to my dismay, I just didn’t have enough reps with unobstructed vision to key on them. I had to kind of take in the whole operation at field level and on one side. They were OK against the run (no explosives) and did get a couple “sacks” had the action been live. Not bad with no AD. I did not get to focus on the edge either – same reason, limited reps with clear vision- especially on the right side of the D as it was furthest from where I was.

Stetson seemed to make more plays from the pocket (damn that dude looks small – I am bigger than him, lol). His TD to McClutch was from the pocket I believe.

Stafford looks great, almost effortless in his operation of the O. He MUST stay healthy.

The OL – No Havs or Allen. I could only really see the right side. A Jax got a number of snaps there (RT) and looked good. I think Bruss was the other RT. Don’t think I saw Boom take snaps there but could have missed that. The right side held up pretty well. Pressure came from the offensive left and up the middle on the occasions it did get there/affect the QB – from what I saw.

After watching practice today I am pretty confident the OL will be solid, if unspectacular. Scheme and play calling will help them as will the run game on which MCV seems very focused

On thing I saw that was awesome; I believe it was E Jones. He was deep, and I mean deep in the middle hole on what had to be Cover-2. He was right there with the DB when the ball arrived and that pass was broken up – a deep post route. Did I say deep? EJ was 25-30 yards down field easy. It was a nice play by the D. All in all, the O got the better of the D from what I saw. Not surprising with AD out. But, the D made some plays and didn’t totally shit the bed. They NEED the preseason to get better and locked in as a unit, IMO.

The secondary is going to get beat sometimes, all of them do. But they weren’t lost or out of position at all today, they just made fewer plays than the O. AD on the field helps them a ton.

Not concerned at ILB, if Jones stays healthy. He’s a baddass. We will be in nickel and big nickel often which will reduce the reps at the other ILB position – likely Roseboom, IMO.

Edge is a complete crapshoot. I think they will try to add a vet if the preseason shows that they don’t have enough there.

In conclusion, this team is going to be good, perhaps very good. How long that takes remains to be seen of course. They are fast and physical and smart. They were getting coached a lot and seemed to take to it very well. This preseason will tell us the next chapter of development and the honing of the 53. Pay attention to how many guys the Rams cut who catch on with another team. If that number is fairly high, it should mean that the Rams’ scouts picked quality players and the best of them made our team. I might take a stab at predicting the 53 and PS after the Raiders game, which I am hoping to attend, again with my daughter and wife. …..Gotta keep indoctrinating my daughter into the Rams Way and make sure I keep those whiner ghosts at, ehem, Bay

Rodrigue: Rams can learn lessons about the past, present from 2 position changes

By Jourdan Rodrigue

https://theathletic.com/4752170/2023/08/07/rams-position-changes-hoecht-bruss/?source=emp_shared_article

IRVINE, Calif. — Whatever the Los Angeles Rams will, or won’t, call the 2023 season, it is most definitely a year to correct past mistakes with an eye on the future. After all, the stakes aren’t what they usually are for this team. What better time to evaluate the entire ecosystem, top to bottom?

With a roster full of inexperienced players whose respective roles will emerge over the next weeks and months, there is actually a lesson to be learned for the team’s leaders in the example of two recent position changes: That of Michael Hoecht from defensive tackle to outside linebacker, and Logan Bruss from guard to right tackle.

Both moves were unplanned, and initially made out of necessity. In 2022, the Rams ran out of healthy and available outside linebackers to play across from Leonard Floyd. Hoecht, who was mostly a core special-teamer and reserve interior defensive lineman, was thrown into the lineup at outside linebacker midseason and began this year’s training camp as a starter at the position.

“They started talking to me about it when we were playing the Saints (in Week 11),” Hoecht told The Athletic. “They were like, ‘we’re gonna teach you this, (and) the very bare-bones of the defense.’ I think I had two snaps that game. I guess they liked the two snaps, so coming into Kansas City they said, ‘You know, we’re gonna get you in for 10-11 snaps,’ … then Terrell Lewis went down. I ended up playing 60-something snaps that game, and from there it was like, ‘you’re our guy right now, because you’re all we got left, and we’re gonna teach you this at hyper-speed.’ ”

Bruss was drafted at No. 104 in 2022 to immediately plug into the Rams’ open spot at right guard. It wasn’t his dominant position in college, where he mostly played right tackle. But the Rams found themselves drafting specifically for need at guard with their first pick in that year’s draft, because they did not re-sign starter Austin Corbett in free agency that offseason. Corbett signed a three-year, $26.25 million contract with the Carolina Panthers while the Rams tried, and failed, to extend outside linebacker Von Miller on a massive deal and then re-allocated some of those resources to receiver Allen Robinson and inside linebacker Bobby Wagner — neither of whom are still on the roster. They also spent significant funds on the re-worked contracts of quarterback Matthew Stafford, defensive tackle Aaron Donald and receiver Cooper Kupp.

Bruss was limited in his rookie spring OTAs, and then suffered an ACL and MCL tear while playing guard in the preseason that required a serious repair and sidelined him for the entire 2022 season. He refers to the surgery as “getting a new knee” because of how dramatic a procedure it was, and because he had to re-learn how to move during rehab.

Now, he’s playing right tackle — where he played the vast majority of his snaps in college — and like Hoecht, the switch happened out of necessity.

Veteran starter Rob Havenstein was excused for part of OTAs this spring, and two others who could have filled in for Havenstein — tackles Joe Noteboom and Alaric Jackson — weren’t practicing. Versatile rookie Warren McClendon was dealing with a knee issue. So on the last day of OTAs, minus anybody who could rep at the first-team right tackle spot, the coaching staff threw in Bruss.

“Definitely wasn’t something I expected at the time,” Bruss told The Athletic. He impressed head coach Sean McVay there, and has worked at right tackle ever since (behind Havenstein) including into training camp.

“Jake Temme (the Rams’ director of data and analytics), I gotta give him some credit, (he said Bruss) had played 17 percent of his snaps at guard at Wisconsin, but 83 percent of them at tackle,” McVay said this week. “He looks more comfortable out there. That’s probably where he’ll stay for now. He can always potentially bump inside.”

The two examples of Hoecht and Bruss, although their position changes were borne out of necessity, aren’t just potential teach-tape for the people in the front office, but also for the coaching staff: What series of events led to “necessity”? Were any of those events controllable (such as free agency and draft decisions, and their interconnected ripple effect), or not (such as injuries)? When forced to adjust, and then to upload a lot of information in a very short amount of time to a player, how did the teaching change?

Is it possible to avoid the “desperation” part of a “desperation pivot”?

These are the types of questions a team in the Rams’ current state should ask, and likely is asking. Along with, “can they evolve all of their processes to find more answers to more potential questions, if they are serious about this (redacted) that they’re attempting this season?”

For Hoecht, a former undrafted free agent, volunteering to do anything and everything before he became a likely starter — and then taking ownership of every new task — is also even a tangible example for new players hoping to find a role this year. Because, well, there are definitely opportunities to be seized.

“I was going to find any role possible,” he said. “A lot of the young guys, we’ve got a lot of rookies on the team (and) a lot of guys are going to be fighting for jobs. Special teams is always one of those good spots. I think they do a really good job here (where) if you can produce on special teams, you can hang around great coaches and a great organization. They’ll work with you, and you can develop yourself into a good player. Was I good enough to be starting when I first came in? Probably not. But I stuck around in the system and kept going, kept working with the coaches. … You just gotta find a job.”

Along the offensive line as a whole, it’s obvious where corrections to previous decisions are happening even beyond Bruss’ return to right tackle. For example, this offseason McVay fired previous offensive line coach Kevin Carberry after two years with the team, and then hired a new offensive line coach, Ryan Wendell, who is inexperienced as a coach but played center in the NFL for eight years. Further, allowing a legitimate competition at left tackle between young player Alaric Jackson and the more experienced (yet often-injured) Joe Noteboom is notable because the Rams paid Noteboom to take over the role full-time last year — yet still haven’t predetermined it to be his guaranteed job now. Same at center, where Coleman Shelton is giving Brian Allen a run for his money to be the 2023 starter. The Rams also drafted Steve Avila at No. 36 this spring and are currently playing him at guard almost exclusively in training camp (one of his dominant positions).

The latter point can be a huge relief to a young player. An offensive lineman playing a position in the NFL that he was used to in college is like attending graduate school in a language he already speaks, versus a language he isn’t fluent in. Bruss’ history at tackle means that he doesn’t have to hesitate as much in live action, or overthink things, especially coming off a major injury — even while he is still getting challenged to develop at the position at the NFL level. It’s not exactly a “comfort zone,” but it’s not inviting needless barriers into a player’s development.

“It’s the type of thing, a lot of people who don’t play O-line, they might see guard and tackle as these interchangeable positions, and in my mind, there’s a big difference,’ ” Bruss said. “Obviously there is no substitute for thousands and thousands of repetitions at it in college. … And I think a big part of O-line play is confidence, too.”

The trajectories of Hoecht and Bruss are only two examples to learn from for a front office and coaching staff that will have to be corrective — quickly — and agile as they figure out their best way forward with over 40 new players.

Unlike with Hoecht and Bruss, this year, trying players in different roles and thinking outside of the box doesn’t have to only happen out of desperation. One silver lining of the season ahead — that a forward-thinking group would maximize — is that a roster with so many young players on their first contracts also means there is more room to simply try things. In past years, players were specifically selected either in free agency or the draft to complement the elite traits of a veteran, top-heavy core group of stars. Sure, that strategy worked out — to the tune of a Super Bowl — but that’s simply not where this roster is anymore, and a rigid mindset can’t be, either.

“There’s a lot of competition, a lot of things that we’re trying to really be able to figure out,” McVay said. “That’s why we’ve got to be able to take that approach, whether it be with the preseason or in some of these practice settings. But it has been fun to be able to see guys have the ability to move around, whether it be by necessity or because we feel like it would be the best spot for them.”

I can't even parallel park. pic.twitter.com/5JRUnz9hM2

— jamie (@gnuman1979) August 6, 2023

I’m recovering from foot surgery and hobbling around the house on crutches. This is our dog Lucky, who is especially partial to me. Her leg is fine but she has started to do this when I hop by. pic.twitter.com/d5vWTMHW0t

— Sam Farmer (@LATimesfarmer) August 5, 2023