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znModeratorCameron DaSilva@camdasilva
The Rams had the 10th-youngest roster in the NFL last year, but this season, they have the 3rd-youngest.Clay Johnston picked his college coach and dad over the Rams. Who could blame him? He’s joining the Panthers practice squad
ME note: Johnston’s father is Carolina’s strength coach.
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Adam Schefter@AdamSchefter
Philadelphia is signing 41-year-old QB Josh McCown to its practice squad and making him oldest practice squad player in NFL history, league sources tell ESPN. McCown will live in Texas, make $12,000 a week and serve as the Eagles’ emergency QB.Field Yates@FieldYates
McCown’s football journey is incredible: from the Cardinals to the Lions, Raiders, Dolphins, Panthers, Hartford Colonials of the UFL, 49ers, Bears, Bucs, Browns, Jets and Eagles, with a minute in there as a slot receiver for Detroit and now the oldest practice squadder ever.znModeratorDonte will continue to flex on AD as part of the Rams practice squad. https://t.co/jWQpdvWxCZ
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) September 6, 2020
September 6, 2020 at 1:36 pm in reply to: Rams make waiver claim of LB Justin Hollins. Rooster at 53. #120509znModeratorJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
Ok guys some intel on the new guy Justin Hollins…BIG TIME Brandon Staley guy. He was an OLB in college but under Staley started cross-training to play inside. Played 267 snaps on defense as a backup when Chubb tore his ACL in Week 4. This offseason, Broncos decided to keephim at OLB which sort of reversed all his cross-training, and also forced him to be the odd man out. So for him, he is back in a place with the guy who saw so much potential in him in the first place.
How invested in Hollins’ potential was Staley? Here is DC Ed Dontell talking about Hollins in 2019: “It’s a credit to the type of kid he is. You usually don’t do that with a young player. He had a really good background, similar background with the defense he played in college…
(Coach) Staley came to us with the idea. He thought he could get it done. He’s done a great job getting him ready. It’s been some productive days to see him and just get an idea how he can possibly help our defense at a couple positions.”
Staley also caught on to Hollins early in the scouting process and saw his potential (and potential versatility), and pushed for him to personnel people, but just didn’t have enough time to finish the teaching part. I’d infer his voice was a pretty big part of this process.
September 6, 2020 at 1:34 pm in reply to: Rams make waiver claim of LB Justin Hollins. Rooster at 53. #120507znModeratorOregon deployed Hollins in a variety of ways and that versatility makes him and appealing NFL defender
We keep hearing this about Staley type guys. Versatility.
I think his ultimate goal is a defense where the offense can’t tell who is doing what before the snap.
September 6, 2020 at 1:26 pm in reply to: Rams make waiver claim of LB Justin Hollins. Rooster at 53. #120506znModeratorWe’ve claimed LB Justin Hollins off waivers.
He;s a Fangio/Staley guy.
The Denver Broncos select Oregon linebacker Justin Hollins No. 156 in Round 5 of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Notice the draft year, 2019. That means Staley coached him in Denver last year.
…
from: https://www.milehighreport.com/2019/3/29/18284975/nfl-draft-profile-justin-hollins
Scouting Report
-Sudden. He’s an explosive athlete with good lateral mobility.
-Slippery.
-Will threaten to tackles off the snap.
-Looks comfortable with pass drops. You can sleep easy if he’s in space.
-There are better prospects at bending the edge.
-Hands could get better. Will need to develop more rush moves.
-Needs to get stronger.
What I’ve heard/read
NFL Draft & Combine Profile – Justin Hollins | NFL.com
Three-year starter with athletic ability and length teams look for from edge talent. Hollins has shown consistent growth as a prospect and flashes every-down potential at times, but his lack of consistent aggression and force could be a limiting factor. He should find special teams reps early on, but his future might very well be defined by his team’s ability to develop and unlock his capacity as a disruptive pass rusher.Justin Hollins EDGE Oregon – Draft Player Profile | The Draft Network
Justin Hollins brings impressive athletic ability to the edge and as he continues to build some additional power and strength into his hands, he should be more effective to create favorable angles for himself. Hollins flashes short area quickness to disrupt gaps up front, but he’s not quite keen on finishing just yet. Hollins needs to create more separation for himself in his efforts to be balanced as he challenges opposing QBs and ball carriers. Promising upside in space. Round Grade – Fourth RoundNFL scout and a draft expert evaluate Oregon Ducks LB Justin Hollins
Rob Rang (@RobRang) says: ”Hollins to me is the one that I think is going to be the first Oregon Duck drafted. I did not expect to say that half way through the season, even toward the end of the season…But when he went to that East-West Shrine Game and was asked to play more of a traditional stand up linebacker role, and his athletic ability really caught the attention of some of the people there. He’s 6-6, 250 and watch, he is going to end up running in the 4.5s. He can fly…There’s a perception that he still has untapped potential. I have some reservations that he could be a bit of a tweener. He’s not big enough to play defensive end and not quite agile enough to play linebacker. But he is going to workout so well, that somebody is going to convince themselves that they can make him into a linebacker.”12 draft prospects who need to stand out at the scouting combine | Touchdown Wire | Page 2
Of all the defensive linemen and linebackers in this draft class—and it’s the deepest defensive line class in recent memory—Hollins may be the most freakish athlete. At 6’5” and 245 pounds, Hollins has the athleticism to do everything from rushing the passer from the edge to covering receivers in the slot. Athletically, he brings former 49ers and Seahawks linebacker Julian Peterson to mind. Hollins doesn’t always bring that athleticism to the field in ways you’d want—he especially needs more and better moves as a pass-rusher—but if you’re looking for one guy to blow up the drills at his position, Hollins would be a good one to bet on.Final thoughts
Hollins isn’t a finished product, not by any means. I doubt he’ll be the guy to threaten a rookie sack record. But he’s one of the more freakish athletes in this extremely loaded defensive line group and a guy that could blossom into an elite role player with Fangio guiding the way.…
from https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/justin-hollins
JUSTIN HOLLINS
EDGE, OregonRun Defense – Free flower in space and features good pursuit speed. With that said, his ability to stack and shed blocks on the move is inconsistent. Doesn’t have the mass and lower body power to anchor and set firm edges.
Pass Rush – Has an appealing blend of burst, length, flexibility and some hand usage to rush the passer. Excellent burst releasing out of his stance and carries good speed up and around the arc. Does well to diminish his surface area and challenge blockers to get their hands on him.
Burst – Fluid and explosive out of both a standup and three point stance. No false steps and easily eats up turf with his long strides. Smooth mover in every direction when tasked with defending space.
Effort – Gives good effort on every snap. Keeps battling to get off blocks and his pursuit urgency is sound. Wouldn’t label him an unrelenting defender but he doesn’t ever pack it in.
Hand Technique – Does well to take advantage of his length and keep blockers away from his frame. Could be more effective timing and getting to his pass rush counters. Does he have the pop in his punch to stun blockers in space?
Flexibility – Like how twitchy his upper body is. Does well to diminish his surface area and dip his inside shoulder. Rushes with good tilt through angles. Has easy change of direction skills and smooth transitions in space.
Processing – Block IDing skills is adequate. Does a decent job of reading the set of blockers and attacking the pocket. Can be a tick late recognizing routes in his zone coverage drops
Play Strength – Doesn’t get bullied but he’s more finesse than power. Doesn’t project favorably to squeezing gaps or setting the edge. Contact balance doesn’t impress. More of a gap slasher than plugger.
Versatility – Has been used in a variety of ways but his fit in the NFL comes as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Has some upside in space and he has room to grow as a pass rusher.
BEST TRAIT – Versatility
WORST TRAIT – Play Strength
RED FLAGS – None
Oregon deployed Hollins in a variety of ways and that versatility makes him and appealing NFL defender. While his bread and butter and career trajectory will be defined by the impact he makes as a pass rusher, Hollins has plenty of appeal in space and in an attacking role as a 3-4 outside linebacker. As a pass rusher, Hollins’ blend of burst, length, fluidity and hand technique gives him an exciting ceiling. Development is needed in terms of functional strength, processing and zone coverage awareness. Hollins projects as a sub package contributor initially but he can command a bigger role on defense with more development.
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znModeratorNFL practice squad rules: Everything to know for 2020 https://t.co/a62lvr7ZWc
— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) September 6, 2020
znModeratorGood to see you too, wv. I love that the board is still here. I spend a lot less time online these days. But it always feels like home coming back here.
You need to see us more!
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znModeratorAlbaNY_Ram
With these 6 on the field (Jalen Ramsey, Troy Hill, Darious Williams, John Johnson, Taylor Rapp and Terrell Burgess) the Rams could change up SS, FS, CB, slot CB, and LB assignments from play to play. I don’t know how a QB is supposed to read that …znModeratorYeah it’s a distortion.
from Over 90% of Black Lives Matter demonstrations this summer were peaceful, analysis shows
link: http://theramshuddle.com/topic/police-protestors-conflicting-images/page/4/#post-120403
More on the same thing.
93% of Black Lives Matter Protests Have Been Peaceful, New Report Finds
The vast majority of Black Lives Matter protests—more than 93%—have been peaceful, according to a new report published Thursday by a nonprofit that researches political violence and protests across the world.
The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) analyzed more than 7,750 Black Lives Matter demonstrations in all 50 states and Washington D.C. that took place in the wake of George Floyd’s death between May 26 and August 22.
Their report states that more than 2,400 locations reported peaceful protests, while fewer than 220 reported “violent demonstrations.” The authors define violent demonstrations as including “acts targeting other individuals, property, businesses, other rioting groups or armed actors.” Their definition includes anything from “fighting back against police” to vandalism, property destruction looting, road-blocking using barricades, burning tires or other materials. In cities where protests did turn violent—these demonstrations are “largely confined to specific blocks,” the report says.
The ACLED report includes protests toppling statues of “colonial figures, slave owners and Confederate leaders” as violent incidents. “Since Floyd’s killing, there have been at least 38 incidents in which demonstrators have significantly damaged or torn down memorials around the country,” the report states.
Still, many people continue to believe that Black Lives Matter protests are largely violent—contrary to the report’s findings. ACLED highlights a recent Morning Consult poll in which 42% of respondents believe “most protesters (associated with the BLM movement) are trying to incite violence or destroy property.” ACLED suggests this “disparity stems from political orientation and biased media framing… such as disproportionate coverage of violent demonstrations.”
U.S.-based ACLED is funded by the State Department’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations as well as foreign governments and other organizations, including the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the German Federal Foreign Office, the Tableau Foundation, the International Organization for Migration, and The University of Texas at Austin. It relied on data collection from the U.S. Crisis Monitor—a joint project led by ACLED and Princeton University’s Bridging Divides Initiative—that tracks and publishes real-time data on political violence and demonstrations in the U.S in order to “establish an evidence base from which to identify risks, hotspots and available resources to empower local communities in times of crisis.”
ACLED also highlights a “violent government response,” in which authorities “use force more often than not” when they are present at protests and that they “disproportionately used force while intervening in demonstrations associated with the BLM movement, relative to other types of demonstrations.” The report also references “dozens of car-ramming attacks” on protesters by various individuals, some of whom have ties to hate groups like the Ku Klux Klan.
ACLED warns in the report that the U.S. “is at heightened risk of political violence and instability going into the 2020 general election,” citing trends in mass shootings, violent hate crimes and police killings. The authors of the report say the Trump administration has exacerbated tensions caused by racial inequality and police brutality. President Donald Trump and high-ranking members of his administration have frequently generalized protesters as violent anarchists.
znModeratorThe “Trump said fallen soldiers were losers” thing sounds like a Dem-Smear tactic to me. Cut into Trump’s military following. Part of his base.
The timing of it is. The timing of it is politics.
But it’s a real thing. His disdain is just remarkable. And it stretches all the way back to WW 1 and WW 2 vets too.
You would think that just ordinary common sense would tell him, keep your mouth shut about that. If nothing else put on a fake patriot face. He can’t even pull that off.
znModeratori think we see a lot of 12 personnel this year. i don’t think i’m saying anything earth shattering. but i’m just so excited.
Yeah, I don’t know if you saw but Rams had offers for Everett and were just not going to trade him.
This is likely a red shirt year for Hopkins. Either way keeping Everett means they have plans for him.
The combo of Higbee, Everett, and Mundt can do a lot of different things.
September 6, 2020 at 9:51 am in reply to: Discuss game one! Dallas at Rams, Sunday 9/13 … 8:20 et, 5:20 pt #120486znModeratorLeoram
America’s team travels to Inglewood a week from now favored in Vegas by 2.5 points. The media touts a strong offensive line, heralded triplets in Dak, Zeke, and Amari, a beat down of the Rams in the stretch run of 2019, inside info from Bones Fassel, and what they believe will be a dominant front seven. Under the guidance of a new SB winning HC, McCarthy, the team is hyped to challenge for a Super Bowl this year. My own wife is a life long Pokes fan so I know the team and speak kindly to her about them as she didn’t rub it in my face last year when I couldn’t drink myself into a stupor fast enough to make that horror show of a game not leave a permanent impression.
But there are a myriad of downplayed problems in Dallas. The retired Travis Frederick is replaced by Joe Looney at center and La’el Collins will begin the season on IR. Even Tyrone Smith hasn’t enjoyed a particularly healthy training camp. Zach Martin is the only player on that line who can (I didn’t say will) man up AD. Amari Cooper’s ankle is expected to be healthy enough for the opener and Cee Dee Lamb will bust his cherry in the slot. Does anyone else but me wonder how an entire offense in the COVID era can be completely revamped with excellent timing without live pre season reps?
Their defense was expected to be reloaded by returning players and FA signings, but the fan base is being led to ignore the obvious in Trump-like fashion. Clinton-Dix was supposed to be their new starting safety…until he was released. Randy Gregory was reinstated but will have to spend the first few games on the pine. Sean Lee is unsurprisingly injured again. Donatari Poe has been moved to second string. Slot corner Jourdan Lewis hasn’t practiced since he injured his left ankle, They will start rookie Trevon Diggs at one corner and the frequently toasted Awuzie (he of the recently tweaked right leg) at the other. The 32 year old Everson Griffin will be rotated with Aldon Smith (5 years ago he was a problem in more ways than two) to replace Robert Quinn so that may be a wash. In short, D Lawrence, Vander Esch, Jaylon Smith, and Griffen better hold the fort because the other seven are no better than average NFL starters in my book. Oh, and they are all learning a new defense.
Understand please that I’m not predicting a Ram win here. The OLine and LB’s are question marks. I just wanted my fellow Ram fans to see the details left out by the media’s fake news hype
znModeratorRamblin’ Fan@RamblinFan
Thinking aloud. The LA Rams likely did not cut TE Brycen Hopkins out of concern that he would be poached by another NFL team before the Rams could sign him to practice squad.Tight ends are in short supply this year.
DOWNTOWN RAMS [DTR]@DowntownRams
I can assure you when Brycen and I spoke in Mobile he said the #Rams loved him and envisioned him and Higbee as a tandem long term. He was my TE1 and many others. The #Rams have a great TE room but Brycen was never going to be cut at all.Greg Beacham@gregbeacham
“He earned himself a roster spot.” –Rams coach Sean McVay on undrafted rookie RB Xavier Jones, who didn’t even get invited to the combineRams S John Johnson isn’t concerned about not having a contract extension heading into his 4th NFL season. He notes he missed 10 games last year: “I look at this like it’s my third year. I just want to put good games on film and ball out, and the rest will take care of itself.”
znModeratorNEW: In upcoming book, Michael Cohen writes Donald Trump's disdain for Obama was so extreme he hired a "Faux-Bama" to participate in a video in which he "ritualistically belittled the first black president and then fired him." He includes this photo: https://t.co/LGrqsUUrY2 pic.twitter.com/otwYW8VSmQ
— Pervaiz Shallwani (@Pervaizistan) September 6, 2020
September 6, 2020 at 9:36 am in reply to: cut-downs & new practice squad rules…update, Rams cut 17 #120481znModeratorNFL practice squad rules: Everything to know for 2020 https://t.co/a62lvr7ZWc
— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) September 6, 2020
znModeratorznModeratorNow, I think condemning looting and rioting is a good thing. Of course most protestors are not doing that. They do not even support it. But if you equate the two things as one, it is a problem. And of course the media is more interested in covering violence than they are a peaceful march.
Yeah it’s a distortion.
from Over 90% of Black Lives Matter demonstrations this summer were peaceful, analysis shows
link: http://theramshuddle.com/topic/police-protestors-conflicting-images/page/4/#post-120403
An analysis by the nonprofit Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project identified more than 7,750 demonstrations across 2,400 cities between May 26 — the day after the death of George Floyd — and Aug. 22.
The ACLED analysis also highlights the disproportionate police response to the protests, noting that one in 10 Black Lives Matter protests have been met with state-sanctioned intervention compared to 3% of all other demonstrations. Though police were there to keep the peace, the authors said militarized law enforcement presence actually stokes tensions.
September 5, 2020 at 10:32 pm in reply to: cut-downs & new practice squad rules…update, Rams cut 17 #120473znModeratorWR Trishton Jackson (Syracuse)
from https://www.si.com/college/syracuse/football/trishton-jackson-rams-roster
Jackson is listed at 6-foot-1, 191 pounds
Out of high school, Trishton Jackson was one of the most heavily recruited receiver prospects in the 2016 class. He signed with Michigan State over dozens of other options. After spending two years with the Spartans, Jackson elected to transfer in order to look for a better opportunity after having only 17 receptions at MSU.
He found that at Syracuse, where he transferred prior to the 2018 season. He sat out due to NCAA transfer rules, but was the top target during the 2019 campaign. Even with an offensive line that struggled throughout the season and a quarterback going through growing pains in his first year as a starter, Jackson still racked up 66 receptions for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns.
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September 5, 2020 at 9:59 pm in reply to: cut-downs & new practice squad rules…update, Rams cut 17 #120471znModeratorDT Eric Banks
from https://ramblinfan.com/2020/05/18/la-rams-news-22-udfa-players-analysis-post-2020-nfl-draft/5/
Banks is a 6-foot-5 270-pound defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid who is very good at rushing the quarterback. While he may have an uphill battle to make the team, he does have connections. Rams defensive line coach Eric Henderson coached Banks in 2016, and no doubt pulled some strings to get Banks an offer from the Rams. Banks is a four-year player whose best season was 2017 when he registered 24 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, one pass defense, and three forced fumbles. Despite a background from a small school, Banks has a good nose for the football and could be a strong contributor on special teams.
September 5, 2020 at 9:53 pm in reply to: cut-downs & new practice squad rules…update, Rams cut 17 #120470znModeratorWhat a difference a year makes. Blessed and thankful to be where I am right now. Hard work pays off. Never out of the fight… #ComebackSzn pic.twitter.com/0oWBmJlmUW
— Micah Kiser (@kiser_rollin) September 6, 2020
September 5, 2020 at 8:27 pm in reply to: cut-downs & new practice squad rules…update, Rams cut 17 #120468znModeratorStu Jackson@StuJRams
On a post-draft show w/ @JB_Long, Rams Senior Personnel Exec Brian Xanders said Samuel Sloman lived w/ Miami (Ohio)’s o-linemen & wore 79 to fit in w/ his OL teammates. @JourdanRodrigue later discovered they had nicknames for him. Today, Sloman said one was the “Kosher Cannon.”Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
Cuts day is a full spectrum of emotion for guys…can’t help but feel happy when you see an UDFA stick to even an initial 53-man…and so far the Rams have kept three out of a really strong class:
RB Xavier Jones (SMU)
DT Eric Banks (UTSA)
WR Trishton Jackson (Syracuse)We obviously have to see these guys play live before jumping to conclusions
/proceeds to jump to conclusion/
but says a lot about confidence in this Rams draft/UDFA class that so many guys not only made initial 53, but figure to contribute. That was a necessity w $ limits.
September 5, 2020 at 8:25 pm in reply to: cut-downs & new practice squad rules…update, Rams cut 17 #120467znModeratorPosition by position, what to make of the Rams’ initial roster
Jourdan Rodrigue
Before you read this column, please be aware: Many roster-related items can change, and quickly, over the next few days!
Please also be aware of the following facts:
• The Rams do not have to release an official injury report until Wednesday, as they enter the first week of the official regular season. While head coach Sean McVay did officially rule out rookie outside linebacker Terrell Lewis ahead of the Sept. 13 season opener against Dallas, he said he’d have further clarity about what is being described as a unique, complicated knee issue by Wednesday. Also by Wednesday, McVay hopes to offer further news about running back Darrell Henderson, who is rehabbing a hamstring injury. Henderson has progressed to route-running in his rehab process, McVay said, and he is not ruled out for the Dallas game.
• The Rams might even have a roster change by the end of Saturday. They are at 52 players, one fewer than the maximum, and as I type this they are preparing to sit at the No. 20 spot on the waiver wire, waiting to see who is around at that point. If they don’t like anybody more than a couple of the guys they released (hint: inside linebacker Christian Rozeboom), they will bring one of their own guys back.
• The Rams officially placed linebacker Travin Howard (knee) on injured reserve on Saturday, and waived outside linebacker Justin Lawler with an injury settlement. Defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson, who they’d like to get back this season, was designated to the non-football injury list and no longer counts against the roster; as The Athletic reported at the beginning of training camp, Robinson is dealing with a cardiovascular issue that team physicians found during the routine testing process.
OK, let’s get right to it, with analysis, notables and relevant tidbits about the Rams’ first iteration of a 53-man roster:
Quarterbacks (2)
Jared Goff, John WolfordThis has been pretty much a no-brainer all spring and summer, made official on Saturday. But the guy I’m keeping an eye on is undrafted free agent quarterback Bryce Perkins, who really impressed in camp. The Rams would love to sneak him through the waiver wire over the weekend, and perhaps would even go so far as to place him on their “protected” practice squad on Tuesday.
But I have some doubts about Perkins escaping another team’s grasp. The Rams were clever in their release announcements, in that the two guys they like, but who are really at risk on waivers — Perkins and Rozeboom — were not included in the initial wave of 17 cuts on Friday. Instead, the Rams sent Perkins and Rozeboom into the breach right at the buzzer, when the wire is absolutely flooded with names, perhaps hoping the sheer mass of bodies will help them go unnoticed.
Running backs (4)
Malcolm Brown, Cam Akers, Darrell Henderson, Xavier JonesGood for Jones, who, as McVay said on Saturday afternoon, earned this spot. The undrafted free agent rookie out of SMU ran really hard in the last week and a half or so of camp, when he got more reps due to Henderson’s injury. Jones even got a shout-out — by name! — from star defensive tackle Aaron Donald near the end of camp. After that, he felt like an obvious addition.
Wide receivers (6)
Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Van Jefferson, Josh Reynolds, Nsimba Webster, Trishton JacksonI had the Rams pegged at keeping five receivers instead of six; however, I understand taking a little precaution against injury. Plus, McVay does love his receivers. Jackson and Webster both have return ability.
Tight ends (4)
Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett, Johnny Mundt, Brycen HopkinsThe Rams actually got a few calls on Everett about potential trades through the summer, two league sources told me, but were shut down by the Rams. The team will continue to get as much production as it can out of the Higbee-Everett tandem, and I predict more 12 personnel to start this season. They also have Hopkins waiting in the wings as both a red-zone threat and as an option if they move on from Everett (a free agent after this season) or Higbee (whose contract has an out clause in 2021).
Offensive linemen (10)
Andrew Whitworth, Joe Noteboom, Austin Blythe, Austin Corbett, Rob Havenstein, Brian Allen, David Edwards, Bobby Evans, Coleman Shelton, Tremayne AnchrumKeeping 10 offensive linemen might seem like a lot at first — and on paper what appears to be three centers — but look closer. Several of the depth guys can play multiple positions on the interior, and I would imagine Anchrum, the promising rookie out of Clemson, also is picking up some left tackle reps in case of an emergency. The Rams had a position catastrophe last season due to injuries, so more bodies here (who have more flexibility) might be smart. Plus, without a spring to work together, the Rams can keep the group intact long enough to really get a feel for these guys.
Defensive linemen (6)
Michael Brockers, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Aaron Donald, Greg Gaines, Morgan Fox, Eric BanksThis is pretty much who we expected, except you love to see the addition of Banks, the undrafted free agent out of Texas-San Antonio (also a previous stop for current Rams defensive line coach Eric Henderson).
This spring, Banks worked at a local feed-and-tack store, according to the San Antonio Express News, as he waited for training camp to start. He’s also one of three undrafted free agents in the 2020 class kept by the Rams (with Jones and Jackson).
Outside linebackers (5)
Leonard Floyd, Samson Ebukam, Terrell Lewis, Obo Okoronkwo, Jachai PoliteI had Polite sneaking onto the 53-man after watching him rep among the top five outside linebackers through camp. Polite is a bit of an enigma after a tumultuous 2019 season, and has been quiet so far with the Rams. I’m looking forward to getting to know him more and learning about his journey.
Inside linebackers (3, so far)
Micah Kiser, Kenny Young, Troy ReederI super-duper do not expect the inside linebacker rotation to stay this thin — there is a total of 14 games of starting experience among these three — and if the Rams don’t find someone they like on waivers, they probably will bring back Rozeboom (if he clears).
Meanwhile, as I’ve repeated probably to the annoyance of some who have followed closely, if defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s scheme does indeed draw some roots from that of former boss Vic Fangio, he will use heavier nickel and dime packages, which in turn will alleviate some of the pressure put on the middle of the field. In fact, I asked safety John Johnson on Saturday how much more influence his position specfically will have in “quarterbacking” the defense, and he said he’s ready to relish the opportunity.
Defensive backs (9)
Jalen Ramsey, Darious Williams, Troy Hill, John Johnson, Taylor Rapp, David Long Jr, Jordan Fuller, Terrell Burgess, Nick ScottNo surprises here, although I’m eager for Rams fans to see how these guys are all used in rotation. The two rookies, Burgess and Fuller, especially impressed coaches with how quickly they were able to fill in at various spots in the defensive backfield, especially with Rapp out the first week and a half with an injury. Characteristics I’m expecting from Staley’s defense include safeties being aggressive and commanding, asserting matchups between smaller and larger-bodied nickels, and outside cornerbacks who play physically and contain the flat in run support. Exciting stuff, guys.
Specialists (3)
Johnny Hekker, Jake McQuaide, Samuel SlomanAs I reported Friday, it wasn’t just Sloman’s status as a draft pick that helped cement his status over competing kickers Austin MacGinnis and Lirim Hajrullahu. Sloman apparently was really impressive in the last week of camp after a slower start, and both his accuracy and leg strength (including on kickoffs) impressed special-teams coach John Bonamego.
It will be a massive first week in the NFL for the rookie kicker. He’s kicking at SoFi Stadiu against the Dallas Cowboys, who now employ former longtime Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein.
znModeratorAnd experts project Ramsey at $19M-$20M per. https://t.co/T0W11jLQwR
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) September 5, 2020
September 5, 2020 at 8:16 pm in reply to: Just a thread for different kindsa interesting things #120465znModeratorSebastian Steudtner, a German pro surfer, rode a wave over 115 feet tall at Nazare, Portugal pic.twitter.com/tF7eKEK3O1
— Vala Afshar (@ValaAfshar) September 5, 2020
September 5, 2020 at 6:31 pm in reply to: cut-downs & new practice squad rules…update, Rams cut 17 #120461znModeratorBate™@NoPlanB_
A source close to the situation tells me that Aaron Donald has made the Rams’ 53-man rosterGary Klein@LATimesklein
If my math is correct (warning: last math class was geometry as HS sophomore) Rams roster — with one spot open — averages 25.1 years old. Akers and Burgess youngest at 21, Whitworth oldest at 38. Repeat: If my math is correct…Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
Gotta somehow stay younger than the staff lolLindsey Thiry@LindseyThiry
The Rams are keeping 10 offensive linemen. Read into that what you will.Andrew Whitworth, Joe Noteboom, Austin Blythe, Austin Corbett, Rob Havenstein, David Edwards, Bobby Evans, Brian Allen, Coleman Shelton, Tremayne Anchrum Jr.
September 5, 2020 at 6:11 pm in reply to: cut-downs & new practice squad rules…update, Rams cut 17 #120456znModeratorAnd, of course: OLB – Terrell lewis.
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) September 5, 2020
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Steve Wyche@wyche89
That’s Samuel Sloman….September 5, 2020 at 5:03 pm in reply to: cut-downs & new practice squad rules…update, Rams cut 17 #120454znModeratorJ.B. Long@JB_Long
Sean McVay on being at 52 not 53 says @RamsNFL will be looking at waiver wire for final spot, or potentially elevating someone from their own practice squad if they come up empty.Sean McVay on @RamsNFL OLB Terrell Lewis: I’ll be able to give clarity on his knee situation on Wednesday. Definitely WILL NOT be able to play against Dallas.
𝕋𝕠𝕞 – 𝕃𝔸 ℝ𝕒𝕞𝕤@TL_LARams
Terrell Lewis was behind Leonard Floyd, Samson Ebukam and likely also Ogbo Okoronkro going into week 1 anyway. His impact is likely to be more felt later in the year.Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
Sean McVay says the team would like to bring Bryce Perkins back on practice squad – but guys shhhhh he has to sneak under waivers firstGreg Beacham@gregbeacham
Rams coach Sean McVay on keeping only 3 ILBs but 5 safeties on the roster: “We felt like this was reflective of our best 53 players.” He notes that none of this is set in stone, and the mix could shift any day.Sean McVay says the Rams haven’t signed anybody for that 53rd roster spot: “What we’ll probably look at is see what the waiver wire looks like and see if we can claim somebody who looks interesting to us.” If not, they’ll elevate somebody from the practice squad.
J.B. Long@JB_Long
Sean McVay on the @RamsNFL choosing Samuel Sloman to be their placekicker: It was really tight all the way through. Sloman made a push these last few days. Played his best at the end. Pop in his leg. Impressed with mental toughness in these circumstances.Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
I would doubt Rozeboom makes it through waivers based on UDFA interest from other teams, but we’ll see.September 5, 2020 at 4:51 pm in reply to: cut-downs & new practice squad rules…update, Rams cut 17 #120452znModeratorJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
The Rams’ roster is at 52 players. So, yeah, they’re on the hunt.In fact they have probably already signed someone since they have to be at 53 by 1 pm.
Lindsey Thiry@LindseyThiry
OLB Jachai Polite, a third-round pick by the NY Jets in 2019, has made the Rams roster. He spent last season on the Rams practice squad after the Jets released him.Rich Hammond@Rich_Hammond
As of now — things can change fast — Rams also kept six receivers, four tight ends(!) and 10 offensive linemen(!!)September 5, 2020 at 4:30 pm in reply to: cut-downs & new practice squad rules…update, Rams cut 17 #120448znModerator. After six weeks, a player can begin practicing with their team but cannot be moved to the active roster until after the team has played its first eight games of the season.
So he’s back to play in 8 weeks at the soonest. Which, since the Rams have a bye in week 9, means he’s back in season week 10 (Rams 9th game) against Seattle on Nov. 15th.
Since the Rams play against NFC West teams 5 times in the final 8 weeks–including 3 against Seattle’s and SF’s running games–they might be able to use a fresh set of big guy legs in those games.
….
September 5, 2020 at 4:29 pm in reply to: cut-downs & new practice squad rules…update, Rams cut 17 #120447znModeratordefensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson has been placed on the reserve/non-football injury list.
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AlbaNY_Ram
The Rams could move Robinson to the Reserve/NFI.
From this article [en.wikipedia.org]:
If a player on the active/NFI list is still injured or ill by the final roster cutdown date, they can be placed on the reserve/non-football injury or reserve/non-football illness lists and not count towards the 53-man roster limit.
Players on the reserve/non-football injury or reserve/non-football illness lists are ineligible to practice or play in games for the first six weeks of the regular season. After six weeks, a player can begin practicing with their team but cannot be moved to the active roster until after the team has played its first eight games of the season. When a player starts practicing, a three-week window begins in which the player can be moved to the active roster. If a player does not get activated after the three-week window ends, they must remain on the reserve/NFI list for the rest of the season.
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