“Waiter”

“This isn’t medium rare” pic.twitter.com/tqRCFgaUN5

— LARK (@LARams520) May 2, 2021

No, really — why didn’t the Rams add to their offensive line despite a strong draft class?

Jourdan Rodrigue

https://theathletic.com/2559776/2021/05/01/no-really-why-didnt-the-rams-add-to-their-offensive-line-despite-a-strong-draft-class/

Slowly — at times, agonizingly slowly — the Rams’ picks slipped one by one off the draft board.

Receiver. Linebacker. Defensive tackle. Cornerback. Then a bevy of players who will, reasonably, be expected to contribute on special teams, with upside for larger roles. More receivers. A running back.

But no offensive linemen? Not in this class, surely — a class so lauded by analysts and scouts across the league for its depth at nearly every position along the line, from tackle to guard to center, and then back out to tackle again? In fact, even as Day 3 began, chatter from the Rams’ draft house in Malibu, Calif., was focused more on these special-teamers with possibility, and nobody was really pounding the table for offensive linemen even after Friday’s picks, at which the Rams could have had their choice of them.

It was a reminder, of course, that the things we on the outside perceive to be “needs” for a team aren’t always agreed upon behind closed doors.

But seriously, one offensive lineman drafted in two years (Tremayne Anchrum — a seventh-rounder with promise whom the Rams picked up in 2020)?!

What gives?

“There’s a lot of depth with the 11 players that we had in the offensive line room, going into today, all of them have played meaningful games and they’re guys that we project as real NFL guys,” head coach Sean McVay said. “I think it’s a reflection of the confidence of the group that we do have in place. It’s just kind of how things shook out.”

It’s a gamble by the Rams, but apparently in light of changes to their coaching staff that included the parting of ways with longtime offensive line coach Aaron Kromer, and the hiring of Stanford’s Kevin Carberry (who held the same role there), the team this offseason decided to revisit its direction at the position.

One source with knowledge of those conversations believes that McVay and Carberry are looking to add a little sand-in-the-pants power to McVay’s trademark outside-zone system, which in part would mean getting a bit bulkier at center (and clearly was part of the reason the front office was cool with sticking to a low, salary-cap-friendly offer to former starter Austin Blythe, who actually chose instead to sign in Kansas City for slightly cheaper this spring … aside from the fact that they were up against a shrunken cap, of course).

The source believes that, as things currently stand entering spring workouts, the Rams feel their best five players — from left to right — are longtime left tackle Andrew Whitworth, guard David Edwards, center (!!) Austin Corbett, who the Rams initially avoided putting at center to the point of starting Blythe there because they felt Corbett was better at guard (and played full-time guard last year after a strong showing there in 2019), Bobby Evans and Rob Havenstein.

Depth at center, which is the biggest 2021 roster spot in question, includes former fourth-round pick Brian Allen, who missed all of 2020 with a leg injury, and Coleman Shelton, who has never started a game for the Rams.

In fairness, starting a rookie would be a gamble, too — even if that rookie was gotten with an early pick. Perhaps, when faced with two risky scenarios, the Rams are opting for a “come what may” approach with their rostered players (and express believable optimism in them as known entities), rather than vault into a more unknown player who may be tougher to project in their system than guys they’ve watched practice every day.

“We did know, going into this draft, that if we did take an offensive lineman it would really be maybe a ‘redshirt’ year,” GM Les Snead said. “It would be hard for an offensive lineman to be one of our eight (active players), no matter how good you were coming into this group.”

Both McVay and Snead also were adamant that they targeted “their” guys, speaking on behalf of themselves and their staff. Most of their prospects taken fit hyper-athletic profiles, will add speed on both sides of the ball and they especially hammered in on special teams coverage guys in tight end/receiver Jacob Harris (perhaps the top-rated special teams player in the draft), running back Jake Funk and receiver Ben Skowronek. In McVay’s system, the receivers in particular should have some upside, and Skowronek will play everything from tight end to fullback (and sounded like he can’t wait to pop somebody). It’s tough to argue with any of the defensive picks, because of the Rams’ losses in free agency — particularly their very intriguing adds of linebacker Ernest Jones, outside linebacker Chris Garrett and cornerback Robert Rochell.

And to hear McVay’s comments pre-draft, they did plenty of due diligence on offensive line prospects, both with new line coach Kevin Carberry (both Stanford linemen were taken before the Rams’ picks at their respective slots, though it’s not clear whether the Rams were high on them in the first place) and held multiple meetings with certain prospects such as Wisconsin-Whitewater center Quinn Meinerz (drafted by Denver at No. 98). They did, through the time of this writing, agree to terms with at least two undrafted free agents in Iowa tackle Alaric Johnson and Western Kentucky center Jordan Meredith.

The reality is — and prepare to clench up — adding along the offensive line was not a priority for the Rams in this draft … not even in preparation for a future in which three currently rostered players (Joe Noteboom, Corbett and Allen) are unrestricted free agents in 2022, Whitworth has an “out” in his contract after 2021 (he and Havenstein are free agents in 2023, as are Evans and Edwards — and those contracts could come due a year early depending on their playing time in 2021).

It often takes linemen — particularly those outside of the first round, where the Rams will be picking into the foreseeable future — at least a year to really start to hit the NFL learning curve, both physically and mentally. Sure, the Rams will have limited roster space because of their returning linemen, and perhaps want to avoid trying to stash a guy on the practice squad — but not even one guy, one developmental project with starter promise? Those could have been had as deep as the fourth round, and now float on a UDFA and a prayer.

It’s surprising, considering all of the nuances and challenges of the position and the investment the team made into veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford — who was lauded for his toughness after too many hits in Detroit, but surely would hope to thrive in quieter West Coast waters?

The Rams had a poker table set up in the Malibu draft house, but I didn’t realize they’d gamble like this during the draft itself.

I bet you’re wondering why the Rams didn’t draft an offensive lineman. You probably already know the answer, but Sean McVay explained the surprising decision after the draft https://t.co/SboZ7MgEgt

— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) May 1, 2021

(me): something I picked up from off the net–

* Ben Skowronek is Trent Green’s nephew

==

New Rams DT Bobby Brown, of his game, says simply “Disruptive.”

Also, Aaron Donald is his favorite player and he really can’t wait to “be a sponge” and learn from Eric Henderson, who was his main contact in the draft process.

— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) May 1, 2021

Maryland Football said “No thank you” to the new Rams logo for their graphic. 😂 https://t.co/cEPQ0X7Gsc

— RAMS REPORT🗯 (@RamsNFLReport) May 1, 2021

Positives: Nice-sized corner who flashes next-level ball skills. Displays good instincts and awareness, is very effective facing the action, and possesses a closing burst of speed. Keeps the play in front of him, engages receivers at the snap, and stays with assignments. Nicely times pass defenses and quickly closes to the action. Solid special teams player who makes a lot of plays on coverage units.

Negatives: Slow flipping his hips in transition. Hesitates when he turns to run with opponents. Not a physical run defender. Inconsistent with his fundamentals and techniques.

Analysis: Rochell is an athletic corner with excellent size who has flashed ability. He comes with scheme versatility, and Rochell’s special teams’ ability could help him find a roster spot as a No. 4 cornerback.

Rams stay at No. 57, pick WR Tutu Atwell from Louisville on Day 2

Jourdan Rodrigue

https://theathletic.com/2556778/2021/04/30/rams-stay-at-no-57-pick-wr-tutu-atwell-from-louisville-on-day-2/#:~:text=Oklahoma-,Rams%20stay%20at%20No.%2057%2C%20pick%20WR%20Tutu%20Atwell,from%20Louisville%20on%20Day%202&text=When%20they%20traded%20for%20quarterback,deep%20ball%20%E2%80%94%20would%20be%20fixed.

When they traded for quarterback Matthew Stafford in January, the Rams made it clear that some of the things they weren’t able to do with their offense in 2020 — like throwing the deep ball — would be fixed.

Enter Tutu Atwell, the light-framed, lightning-fast wide receiver out of Louisville, for whom the Rams stood pat at No. 57, their first pick of this year’s draft Friday.

Atwell was a bit of a surprise move for the Rams’ first pick because centers Creed Humphrey and Quinn Meinerz were both available at the time (perhaps hinting that the Rams would seek Stanford’s Drew Dalman with a later pick), as well as a bevy of cornerbacks. But NFL Network said that Rams coach Sean McVay referred to Atwell as “DeSean Jackson Jr.” (the Rams also signed Jackson this spring on a one-year, incentive-heavy deal), and there’s no denying the bond McVay shared with a younger, similarly skilled Jackson during his Washington days. In fact, Jackson’s presence on the roster won’t preclude Atwell from being worked into the rotation, as Atwell is versatile enough to align from a variety of places (including from the backfield on sweeps and reverses) and will certainly compete at punt and kickoff return.

In recent days, McVay repeatedly has cited Stafford’s ability to activate all of his eligible wide receivers by the way he operates inside and outside of the pocket. The Rams also finished 29th in the NFL in passes of 15-plus air yards, and Jared Goff was 27th in completion rate on those same throws. Turnover issues that kept popping up and a lack of a true “deep threat” didn’t help the Rams’ cause. The offense moved toward higher-probability, shorter-yardage plays that should have made it easier to take care of the ball and help the offensive line not have to pass-protect as long as teams brought more creative blitz packages against Goff, who struggled against that pressure.

There will be some questions as to whether this pick could have been made either at a later point or via a trade back. General manager Les Snead has been open about his desire to trade at least one of his Day 2 picks.

Big Board ranking: Atwell was No. 95 on Dane Brugler’s list of the top 300 prospects.

Introduction: “Atwell has sudden feet and playmaking speed to separate before and after the catch, racing by coverage to consistently take the top off the defense,” Dane Brugler said. “However, he is a small target with obvious play-strength limitations and durability concerns. Overall, Atwell has a skill set very similar to Marquise Brown: vastly undersized with more drops than ideal, but his speed stresses every level of the defense. He projects as a home-run-hitting option outside or in the slot.”

How he fits: Atwell could see more time than initially expected if Jackson’s injury issues pop up. Atwell probably will be used for situational reps when aligned as a wide receiver and also run a variety of gadget plays out of the backfield. McVay likely will use him on a lot of pre and at-snap motions to stretch a defense widely, and of course, the Rams hope he can stretch a defense horizontally.

Second guess: We can’t second-guess Atwell’s speed (he ran a 4.32-second 40-yard dash), but his 5-foot-9, 155-pound frame is a bit worrisome.

Rookie impact: Situational snaps at wide receiver (or plays in case of injury to Jackson), punt and kick return specialist.

Depth chart impact: WR4(b)

Fast evaluation: Clearly the Rams had Atwell ranked higher on their board than analysts did. His speed and the emotional connection of reminding McVay of the success he had with Jackson probably were big influences. I’d like to actually see him get some snaps as a rookie.

LIVE BLOG: The latest from the NFL Draft
ROUND 2-3 PICK BY PICK: Dane Brugler’s analysis
DRAFT GRADES: Sheil Kapadia’s report cards
BIG BOARD: Best available players remaining
ROUND 1: Brugler’s analysis | Kapadia’s grades

(Photo: Andy Lyons / Getty Images)

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Jourdan Rodrigue writes about the Rams after spending four years as an award-winning beat writer covering the Carolina Panthers. She froze during Pennsylvania winters as a Penn State football beat writer before that. A 2014 graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State, she’s on a never-ending quest for trick plays and the stories that give football fans goosebumps. Follow Jourdan on Twitter @JourdanRodrigue.
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from https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2021-04-30/rams-first-pick-nfl-draft-louisville-receiver-tutu-atwell-round-2

ERNEST JONES, linebacker

6 feet 2, 230 pounds, South Carolina, Round 3, Pick 103

Notable: Jones started two seasons at middle linebacker and was the leading tackler in both.

Last season: Jones made 86 tackles in nine games. He recorded more than 11 tackles four times and had a season-high 19 tackles against Louisiana State.

Why the Rams drafted him: The Rams return all of their inside linebackers from last season — Micah Kiser, Kenny Young, Troy Reeder and Travin Howard — but several are in the final year of their contracts. Jones can serve as backup and contribute on special teams.

Despite losing many defenders, Rams start NFL draft by picking a receiver

GARY KLEIN

https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2021-04-30/rams-first-pick-nfl-draft-louisville-receiver-tutu-atwell-round-2

The Rams lost five players and a coordinator from a defense that ranked among the NFL’s best in 2020.

But on Friday, they used their first pick in the NFL draft to add to coach Sean McVay’s offense.

The Rams selected speedy Louisville receiver Tutu Atwell in the second round with the 57th pick and then traded the 88th pick to the San Francisco 49ers for the 117th and 121st picks in Saturday’s fourth round. The Rams chose South Carolina inside linebacker Ernest Jones in the third round with the 103rd pick.

Barring more trades, the Rams’ have five remaining picks, including Nos. 117, 121 and 141 in the fourth round, 209 in the sixth and 252 in the seventh.

The Rams went into the draft having made two major offseason moves to improve an offense that slipped the last two seasons.

They traded quarterback Jared Goff and two first-round picks to Detroit for quarterback Matthew Stafford. And they signed veteran receiver DeSean Jackson to give Stafford a deep threat.

Now Stafford has another potential one in Atwell, “a big-time gift,” McVay said, for an offense that includes receivers Jackson, Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and Van Jefferson, a second-round pick in 2020.

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“The more weapons you can surround yourself with offensively, especially around a player like Matthew Stafford, that’s very important to us,” McVay said.

McVay said that Jackson was “one of the all-time deep threats.” He said the 5-foot-9, 155-pound Atwell had some similarities, in his ability to stretch the defense.

“I see a player that plays a lot bigger than,” his physical size, McVay said.

Rams general manager Les Snead conducted the draft from his home because he tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday. He said Atwell had “this rare, unique ability to explode off the ball and keep running fast the longer the down went.”

Atwell played quarterback in high school in Miami. But he moved to receiver at Louisville and scored 21 touchdowns in three seasons.

In 2019, he led the Atlantic Coast Conference with 1,276 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns, and he caught four passes that resulted in gains of 70 yards or more.

Last season, Atwell caught 46 passes for 625 yards and seven touchdowns in nine games.

Atwell said during a videoconference with reporters that Rams receiver coach Eric Yarber told him, “Don’t be surprised if I don’t let you go past the second round.”

Atwell was happy the Rams followed through.

“Coach told me I would be a good fit for their offense and how they’re going to be able to use me, so I wasn’t surprised,” Atwell said. “Coach kept his word and I appreciate that.”

Though he has a small frame, Atwell said he overcomes that with skill and attitude.
“I just come with a chip on my shoulder at all times no matter what the situation is,” he said. “And I’m a go-getter.”

How McVay deploys Atwell remains to be seen. In 2017, McVay used Tavon Austin almost exclusively as a decoy. Austin was traded the following offseason.

Atwell sounded confident that he can contribute.

“I’m a great receiver,” he said, “and when the ball’s in my hands I know what to do with it. The thing is I just need the ball in my hands, and I’ll show you everything else.”

Peyton Manning was a role model when Atwell played quarterback, but he said he began to emulate NFL receivers when he switched positions.

“When I started getting into the receiver thing, I started watching the fast receivers and who I could be like,” he said.
He is looking forward to playing with Jackson, one of the league’s premiere deep threats.

“It will be awesome to pretty much play beside him and everything like that,” Atwell said.

Deadpool

Tutu Atwell

– this felt like a forced pick, I think (I have no inside info) they wanted Eskridge, and the Seahawks once again sniped the Rams. That said, Atwell IMO was a reach. He is not actually a deep threat. He is an explosive threat with his ball in his hands, but is once he has the ball in his hands. Screens, jet sweeps, rub routes. Basically manufactured touches. Any kind of contact and he is off his feet. Thats in a route or after the catch. He is not going to out physical anyone. He has a small catch radius and his route tree was extremely limited and he is not a nuanced route runner to say the least. But if McVay wants explosives, he can manufacture them. I would have preferred Dyami Brown, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Jaelon Darden, Seth Williams or oh my goodness Terrance Marshall, a guy that wins deep, wins contested balls and has plenty of field stretching. As others have noted, this feels like Trung, where McVay is pushing this explosives idea into his draft. And he’s at best a 5th option this year. Humphrey beats every OC on the roster. So does Meinerz. Missed opportunity IMO

Mike Tannenbaum@RealTannenbaum
Ernest Jones scored as the 3rd highest ILB in the class in the Athletic Success Indicator (ASI) by @The33rdTeamFB, ranking just below former 21st overall pick Jarrad Davis

Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
We’re on with new Rams ILB Ernest Jones, who is just beaming Pleading face. He says he did have a clue that the Rams would come get him in the draft. Sounds like they were very high on him throughout the process.

Jones says Chris Shula was largely his contact throughout the process and the two developed a good bond. He prides himself on preparation and study. Had a monster last two seasons as a tackler and adds, “I don’t feel like it’s right if the MLB doesn’t lead the team in tackles.”

Jones says “I woke up today with the Rams on my mind.”

On Jones, Brugler writes: Tough, great length to shed blocks, sometimes seems athletically limited in coverage but quick to react and has great instincts.