from Top-10 active wide receiver-quarterback tandems in catchable target percentage

https://www.pff.com/news/pro-top-10-active-wide-receiver-quarterback-tandems-in-catchable-target-percentage

1. COOPER KUPP, JARED GOFF, LOS ANGELES RAMS
84.9% Catchable Target Percentage

Since Kupp entered the league in 2017, he has done nothing but be the go-to slot receiver for Los Angeles as the Rams’ quarterback has had a 127.0 passer rating, 11 touchdowns and just two interceptions when targeting the young receiver with catchable passes. Although, they’re not the longest-tenured couple – Kupp’s 84.9 catchable pass percentage leads all qualifying duos

Kupp saw 50 targets in just eight games last year as a consequence of his season being cut short due to an ACL injury. The excitement is mounting for the Rams receiver’s return, and his name has even been circulating in Comeback Player of the Year discussions as we approach NFL Training Camp. Undoubtedly a challenge, although, that award may not be out of reach for Kupp. In one-and-a-half seasons Goff has targeted Kupp 139 times resulting in 118 catchable passes. If the L.A. duo continues at this rate, they could be one of the most in-sync duos in the entire league.

==

7. BRANDIN COOKS, JARED GOFF, LOS ANGELES RAMS
79.1% Catchable Target Percentage

Goff, the only quarterback to be listed with two separate receivers on this list, targeted Cooks 110 times, 87 of which were catchable balls (79.1%). Although the sample size is small relative to this group, the duo still managed to gain 1,204 yards on catchable passes, good enough for an average of 10.9 yards per attempt which exceeds all other duos on this list.

Geoff Schwartz@geoffschwartz
The Pats put a clinic on creating pressure in the playoffs. Attacked the Chargers right side, the Chiefs IOL and the Rams C. It was brilliant. Interchange parts on D so tough for OL to key on tendencies

Jane Slater@SlaterNFL
Just spoke with #Cowboys WR Allen Hurns on today’s release. He’s understandably disappointed saying “I’m good. Just wished they did this earlier, they asked me for a pay cut Monday. Couple days before camp.”

Ross Tucker@RossTuckerNFL
Squeeze to take pay cut on Monday before camp ✓

Cut on Tuesday before camp ✓

One year into multi-year contract ✓

After breaking leg playing for them in playoffs in January ✓

But please tell me again about players needing to “honor” their contracts. 😂

6 position battles to watch at Rams training camp https://t.co/axJk3gFNi0

— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) July 23, 2019

A position-by-position look at the Rams’ roster heading into training camp

Vincent Bonsignore

https://theathletic.com/1076457/2019/07/23/a-position-by-position-look-at-the-rams-roster-heading-into-training-camp/

Coming off a 13-win season and an appearance in Super Bowl LIII, the Rams were much more focused on maintaining their roster than changing it in the offseason. But the unforgiving reality of the NFL’s hard salary cap means having to make difficult personnel decisions every year, even for Super Bowl contenders. And that sometimes means having to reluctantly say goodbye to productive players to better fit a 53-man puzzle under the salary cap.

Hence, the Rams had to bid farewell to veterans like left guard Rodger Saffold, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, safety Lamarcus Joyner and inside linebacker Mark Barron with the hope that younger, more affordable players — or moderately priced free agents — can adequately replace them.

While a talented Rams roster returns mostly intact from last season, the manner in which the subtle changes they made play out on the field will go a long way toward determining whether they make a return run to the Super Bowl.

The offensive line, in particular, is worth keeping an eye on. Second-year linemen Joe Noteboom and Brian Allen will replace Saffold and veteran John Sullivan at left guard and center, respectively. The Rams have high hopes for both, but they remain major question marks until they prove worthy.

The same is true at nose tackle, where either rookie Greg Gaines or second-year DT Sebastian Joseph-Day will replace Suh, and at inside linebacker, where Micah Kiser, a second-year player from Virginia, has the inside track to take over for Barron.

Those positions aside, the Rams return a powerful team on both sides of the ball, and by getting third-year receiver Cooper Kupp back from the season-ending knee injury he suffered November, their wildly productive three-headed receiver group of Kupp, Robert Woods and Brandin Cooks returns. The trio was on pace to eclipse more than 1,000 yards receiving — each — before Kupp went down with the injury. Both Cooks and Woods went on to surpass the 1,000-yard mark, and if they all stay healthy in 2019 there is a good chance all three will be on pace to close the deal.

Yes, there are two first-year starters on the offensive line, but the tackle tandem of Andrew Whitworth and Rob Havenstein is among the best in the NFL and Austin Blythe has settled in as one of the league’s up-and-coming players at right guard.

Their challenge is to protect fourth-year QB Jared Goff, who is one of the best in the NFL when operating in a clean pocket, and open holes for Todd Gurley, who faded down the stretch last year after injuring his knee in early December. There is still great uncertainty about Gurley’s left knee, and we won’t know more until the regular season begins unfolding. As insurance, the Rams drafted Memphis running back Darrell Henderson, and there is an expectation he will figure prominently in the mix as the Rams roll out their plan to manage Gurley’s workload.

Two-time defending NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald anchors the Rams’ defense, although third-year safety John Johnson and emerging inside linebacker Cory Littleton appear to be standouts on the rise. A year of transition should benefit cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib, and OLBs Dante Fowler and Samson Ebukam.

The Rams reeled in veteran safety Eric Weddle and OLB Clay Matthews, and if each player has something left in the tank, they will be welcome additions in defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’ attacking 3-4 scheme.

The Rams have veteran depth at cornerback, defensive line and wide receiver, but will rely on mostly young players as backups at safety, offensive line and inside linebacker. Their ability to be up to the challenge when called upon will be a key to the Rams’ season. Here’s a position-by-position look at how things stand going into camp.

Quarterbacks
Jared Goff: Coming off back-to-back division titles and a Super Bowl appearance last season, Goff has solidified himself as a top-seven NFL quarterback. But there is still room to grow as he sets his sights on elevating himself into the top five and even the top three.

Blake Bortles: The former Jacksonville Jaguars starter and third overall pick in the 2014 draft singled out the Rams and head coach Sean McVay as the preferred culture to try and get his quarterbacking career back on track. While submerging himself in McVay’s offensive lab, he’ll provide some much-needed experience behind Goff.

Brandon Allen: Allen, who was drafted by the Jaguars in the sixth round of the 2016 draft, has been in the Rams organization for two years and spent the majority of last season on the practice squad. The Rams like his moxie and familiarity with the system, but his spot in Los Angeles depends on how many quarterbacks the Rams decide to keep on the roster.

John Wolford: The former Wake Forest standout played well enough in the short life of the Alliance of American Football league last spring to earn an opportunity with the Rams. He’s got a live arm and a natural feel for the position. He’ll come to camp to compete with Brandon Allen either as the third quarterback or for a spot on the practice squad.

Who makes the cut: Goff, Bortles

Running backs
Todd Gurley: Gurley is one of the most fascinating stories of the 2019 season as he enters the fifth year of an already illustrious career. Has he put the mysterious knee injury he suffered late last season behind him, or have we seen the last of the best of one of the NFL’s most explosive weapons?

Malcolm Brown: Brown has operated mostly in the shadows, playing behind one of the best — and most utilized — running backs in the league in Gurley. But with the Rams intent on managing Gurley’s workload better, Brown could see some real carries. He’s got a lot to offer, and we might finally see his skill set on display.

Darrell Henderson: The Rams traded up in the third round to draft the former Memphis star, and depending on the status of Gurley’s left knee, he could emerge as one of the biggest impact rookies in the NFL. The best-case scenario for the Rams is that he is an explosive complement to Gurley as a weapon out of the backfield and lines up as a receiver.

Justin Davis: The former USC standout hasn’t gotten much of a chance his first two years to put his explosive skills on display, and the addition of Henderson could put his roster spot in jeopardy. That said, whether it’s with the Rams or somewhere else, Davis has an NFL skill set. He just needs an opportunity to show it.

John Kelly: The former Tennessee standout secured a roster spot last year as a rookie but appeared in only four games. The presence of Henderson creates a big fight for Kelly to retain his place on the roster.

Matthew Colburn: An undrafted rookie from Wake Forest, Colburn joins a crowded running backs room and has a ton of talent in front of him. His best chance to make the team is by shining on special teams.

Who makes the cut?: Gurley, Brown, Henderson, Davis

Receivers
Brandin Cooks: Cooks was everything the Rams could have imagined and more after they traded for him last offseason, finishing with 80 catches for 1,204 yards and five touchdowns. The crazy thing is that he believes a year in the Rams’ system and a season under the belt with Goff could set up even better things in 2019. And he could be right.

Robert Woods: Remember when everyone thought the Rams overpaid for a possession receiver two years ago? Yeah, Woods has completely kicked that narrative to the curb by emerging as one of the most trusted receivers in the game. And probably one of the most underpaid.

Cooper Kupp: The Rams sorely missed their young receiver after he went down with a season-ending knee injury in early November, and in particular, Goff’s play suffered. By all indications, Kupp is on target to be full-go by the season opener against the Carolina Panthers.

Josh Reynolds: Reynolds filled in admirably when Kupp was lost for the season with a knee injury in November, and on any other team he’d be pushing for a starting job. As the Rams’ fourth receiver, he provides tremendous value.

KhaDarel Hodge: Hodge played in 14 games last year after earning a roster spot as an undrafted free agent, playing mostly on special teams. He’ll battle Mike Thomas, who missed last year with a leg injury, for a job on the 53-man roster.

Mike Thomas: Thomas missed all but the season opener last year with a groin injury and hasn’t made his mark yet in three years with the Rams. Still, he offers size, speed and a potential deep threat. He’s running out of time in Los Angeles, but he’ll be given every opportunity to win a spot.

JoJo Natson: He doesn’t offer much in the passing game, but the work he does as a punt returner more than justifies his job on the 53-man roster. He averaged 10.8 yards per punt return last year, seventh in the NFL.

Austin Proehl: The former seventh-round pick of the Buffalo Bills last year, Proehl was signed to the Rams’ practice roster in late October and spent the remainder of the year in the organization. He still has time — and a skill set — to develop into an NFL-caliber slot receiver but he faces an uphill climb in a talented Rams receiver room.

Alex Bachman: A local kid who grew up minutes from the Rams’ practice facility in Thousand Oaks, the undrafted 23-year-old rookie free agent brings speed and crisp route running into his fight to win a roster spot. His time might not be now, but he’s a strong candidate to earn a practice squad spot.

Nsimba Webster: Webster was a standout at Eastern Washington and the Rams happily scooped him up as an undrafted free agent. The 84 catches for 1,379 yards and 11 touchdowns he had last year as a senior are certainly attention-grabbing. Don’t be surprised if he pushes Hodge and Thomas for a roster spot.

Johnathan Lloyd: The Rams signed the former Duke star as an undrafted free agent. He caught 53 passes for 608 yards last year as a senior but faces a stiff challenge winning a job on such a loaded roster.

Jalen Greene: A highly regarded high school quarterback at Southern California powerhouse Junipero Serra High, Greene made the transition to wide receiver in his second year in the USC program in 2015 and has steadily been learning his craft ever since. He played his senior year as a graduate transfer at Utah State, where he caught 44 passes for 689 yards and six touchdowns to help catch the eyes of the NFL. The Rams reeled him in as an undrafted free agent and given his size (6-foot-2, 205 pounds) and athletic ability, he’s worth keeping an eye on as a young player still developing as a wideout.

Who makes the cut: X receiver: Cooks, Thomas; Z receiver: Woods, Reynolds; Slot receiver: Kupp, Natson

Tight ends
Tyler Higbee: Higbee has developed into a valuable two-way tight end as a tenacious run blocker and a dependable pass-catcher. He doesn’t get a ton of looks in the passing game, but the Rams feel comfortable he can handle himself well if they involve him more as a receiver.

Gerald Everett: There were times last year when Everett looked ready to burst out as a powerful weapon, but partly due to how the Rams use him, he hasn’t been able to put together a long, consistent stretch of play that puts his size, speed, athletic ability and sure hands on better display. Now in his third year, the buzz is that could change as the Rams seem intent on getting him more involved. If so, expect him to greatly improve on his 33 catches, 320 yards and three touchdowns.

Johnny Mundt: He only played 40 snaps on offense, mostly as a blocker, and 127 snaps on special teams. The Rams really like his blocking and special teams play, and he needs to continue proving that value to hold on to his roster spot.

Romello Brooker: He emerged in his senior year at Houston as an NFL prospect by catching 33 passes for 409 yards and seven touchdowns. He’ll get a chance to push for the third tight end job.

Keenan Brown: Brown spent four mostly under-the-radar years at Oklahoma State before moving to Texas State last year as a graduate transfer. The former wide receiver blossomed in San Marcos by catching 51 passes for 577 yards and five touchdowns to firmly land on NFL radars. If last year proved he turned the corner, there is a lot to like about Brown and he’ll clearly get a long look in camp.

Kendall Blanton: At 6-foot-6 Blanton clearly looks the part of an NFL tight end prospect, but he never quite put it together during his four years at Missouri and he faces an uphill battle to catch the necessary eyes to stick with the Rams as an undrafted rookie.

Who makes the cut: Higbee, Everett, Mundt

Offensive linemen
Andrew Whitworth: After making the Rams sweat a little bit while deciding if he wanted to come back for one more year, the highly valued veteran left tackle made their day by announcing he’d return. His loss would have been a devastating blow. His return gives the Rams one of the best quarterback protectors in all of football.

Rob Havenstein: He’s low-key emerging as one of the best right tackles in the NFL, and coupled with Whitworth on the left side, the Rams have one of the best tackle tandems in the league.

Joe Noteboom: The pressure is on the second-year lineman from TCU to replace valued veteran left guard Rodger Saffold, who left for Tennessee as a free agent. Noteboom spent last year developing behind the scenes, mostly, but he’s a big, powerful, smart player who the Rams believe has a bright future. That future, though, has to start right now.

Brian Allen: The Rams drafted Allen last year with the idea of him developing for one season and then taking over for John Sullivan in 2019. That plan is unfolding according to the script. It’s on Allen to now execute it.

Austin Blythe: He seized the opportunity when Jamon Brown was suspended the first two games of last year and never looked back, taking hold of the right guard position. The Rams believe they have a long-range keeper in the former Iowa standout, and there is certainly room to grow as he enters his second year as the starter.

Bobby Evans: The Rams have big hopes for the rookie tackle from Oklahoma, but barring injuries, expect him to spend his rookie season developing behind the scenes. And don’t be surprised if he gets work at both tackle and guard.

Jamil Demby: A numbers game cost Demby a spot on the Rams’ roster last year out of training camp, and after cutting him (with the hope of immediately bringing him back on the practice squad) the Rams spent most of 2018 trying to get him back from the Detroit Lions, who scooped him up off waivers. Demby finally returned to the fold in mid-December and is on target to earn a job as a backup at both tackle and guard.

Aaron Neary: Neary spent last year on the Rams’ practice squad, but his opportunity to win a full-time job was dealt a big blow when he was suspended for the first four games of 2019 for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He’ll have a full training camp to earn a chance to stick around after the suspension is lifted, but he’ll lose valuable time not being able to play or practice beyond that for the first four weeks of the season. Still, he can play both center and guard and that’s a valuable asset.

Jeremiah Kolone: He’s back with the team after being released from the practice squad in mid-September and then playing with San Diego in the AAF last spring. He is a candidate to stick with the practice squad.

Brandon Hitner: An undrafted free agent from Villanova, there is a lot to like about Hitner’s measurables, and working under the tutelage of Rams offensive line coach Aaron Kromer, he’ll get a chance to develop during training camp and the preseason. He’s a long-shot to make the 53-man roster, but keep an eye on him as an “upside developmental project” in the Rams’ system as a rookie.

Vitas Hrynkiewicz: Given the suspension status of Neary, who is the only experienced backup center on the roster, Hrynkiewicz has a chance to open eyes as a center prospect during camp.

Chandler Brewer: Another big-bodied undrafted free agent pickup, Brewer will compete for a spot on the Rams’ practice squad.

David Edwards: The Rams’ fifth-round draft pick out of Wisconsin, Edwards is a big, physical, athletic lineman who fell in the draft due to a shoulder injury his senior year. He’ll spend his rookie season learning behind fellow Badger standout Rob Havenstein, but the future is bright for a lineman who has the potential to be a future starter.

Matt Kaskey: An undrafted free agent from Dartmouth, Kaskey projects as a left tackle in the NFL but will need time to get acclimated and developed. The Rams drafted two tackles in 2019, so making the 53-man roster on such a talented team could be a challenge. But he’s absolutely a practice squad candidate with a ton of upside.

Who makes the cut: Tackles: Whitworth, Havenstein, Edwards, Evans; Guards: Noteboom, Blythe, Demby; Center: Allen

Defensive linemen
Aaron Donald: What else needs to be said? He’s arguably the best player in the NFL.

Sebastian Joseph-Day: Joseph-Day put in a great offseason after developing behind the scenes as a rookie and appears poised to challenge for a starting job at nose tackle.

Marquise Copeland: An undrafted free agent out of Cincinnati, Copeland joins a crowded — albeit young — defensive line room. The numbers, youth and potential of the DL group should result in a fierce battle to earn a roster spot or practice squad consideration and Copeland is very much in the thick of that battle.

Greg Gaines: The Rams drafted the former Washington star in the fourth round, and fully expect him to compete for a starting role as their base defense nose tackle. He’s a tenacious, gap-plugging wide body who knows how to play the position.

Tanzel Smart: After a solid rookie year in 2017, Smart didn’t take much of a step forward in 2018 and will have a fight on his hands to remain with the team as an interior lineman.

Michael Brockers: A valued, respected veteran who plays his role unselfishly, Brockers enjoyed lining up at defensive end last year and should be even more settled out wide in his second year at that position.

John Franklin-Myers: Franklin-Myers played 301 defensive snaps last year as a rookie after earning a role as a situational pass rusher. He’s got a natural feel in the pass rush and an uncanny ability to get pressure on a quarterback. The Rams are hoping for even bigger things in his second year.

Morgan Fox: Fox missed all of last year after suffering a knee injury during OTAs, but he’s healthy and back at his more natural defensive end. On a loaded defensive line, he’ll add fresh legs and heat off the edge as a rotational pass rusher.

Bryant Jones: In a realistic world, the undrafted free agent from Mississippi Valley State shows enough in camp to warrant practice squad potential.

Boogie Roberts: A bit undersized at 6-foot-2, 285 pounds, the undrafted free agent from San Jose State makes up for it with quickness and explosiveness. But he’ll have to put all of that out there in a big way to earn a spot on the 53-man roster or practice squad.

Who makes the cut: Defensive tackle: Donald, Gaines, Joseph-Day; Defensive end: Brockers, Franklin-Myers, Fox

Outside linebackers
Dante Fowler Jr.: The Rams dealt for Fowler Jr. at the trade deadline last November and he provided enough heat off the edge to earn a one-year contract and another chance to solidify himself as part of the Rams’ long-range plans. He has a golden opportunity, but it’s on him to seize it.

Samson Ebukam: The Rams were happy with the progress Ebukam made last year as a first-time starter, but expect improvements across the board as he begins to put his game together in a big way. They need more from him in the run game and creating heat off the edge.

Clay Matthews III: The Rams are counting on the former Packers All-Pro to be a valuable chess piece that defensive coordinator Wade Phillips can deploy all over the field trying to get pressure on the quarterback. If Matthews has gas left in the tank, his addition will pay dividends.

Ogbonnia Okoronkwo: His rookie season was pretty much wiped out by a broken foot he suffered during OTAs in 2018, and he’ll need to show he can translate his athletic ability into pass rush off the edge. The opportunity is there to earn a job as a rotational pass rusher. Now completely healthy, it’ll be interesting to see if he makes the most of his chance.

Justin Lawler: He played mostly a special teams role, although he did get on the field for 33 plays defensively as a rookie. He has his work cut out for him to keep his roster spot, but his ability to play upright out of stance will help his cause.

Trevon Young: He split time as a rookie on the active roster and practice squad, but will get a chance to earn a bigger role as a second-year player.

Landis Durham: He racked up 21.5 sacks the last two years at Texas A&M, so the ability to get pressure on the quarterback is there for the undrafted free agent.

Who makes the cut: Fowler, Ebukam, Matthews, Okoronkwo, Lawler

Inside linebackers
Cory Littleton: He gave the Rams everything they could have hoped for and more as a first-year starter last season while finishing with 125 tackles, four sacks and three interceptions. The needle is pointing up for this fourth-year player.

Micah Kiser: A rugged, run-stopping inside linebacker, the second-year backer from Virginia is in line to replace Mark Barron in the starting lineup. The Rams will help his learning curve by playing him mostly on road downs initially.

Bryce Hager: One of the Rams’ most valuable special teams players, Hager can also provide quality coverage at both inside linebacker spots in injury situations.

Josh Carraway: A former seventh-round draft choice by the Tennessee Titans in 2017, Carraway has spent the last two years on the practice squads of Tennessee and Washington. He’s a terrific athlete, and on a team with limited experience at ILB, he’s got a great opportunity to earn a spot.

Dakota Allen: A seventh-round pick out of Texas Tech, Allen has a chance to open eyes as a special teams player and versatile backup. He’s a good candidate for the practice squad regardless.

Natrez Patrick: An undrafted free agent from Georgia, Patrick will be in the thick of the ILB battle. With so much uncertainty, he has as good a chance as anyone to open eyes.

Travin Howard: An ankle injury set the seventh-round pick out of TCU back last year in training camp, and he was subsequently cut at the end of camp before being added to the practice squad in October. The Rams remain high on the big, physical backer heading into his second year. But he needs to step it up in training camp.

Troy Reeder: Reeder started his college career at Penn State before transferring to Delaware, where he became a two-time captain and NFL prospect. He’s got a nose for the ball, he’s bright, and he projects as a willing special teams ace. There is a lot to like here, so don’t sleep on his chances to make the team.

Ketner Kupp: The brother of Cooper Kupp, Ketner has a chance to catch the Rams’ attention, but the most likely bet is as a practice squad player.

Who makes the cut: Littleton, Kiser, Howard, Carraway, Hager

Cornerbacks
Marcus Peters: As he heads into the final year of his rookie contract, Peters could play his way into the Rams’ long-range future. His first year in Los Angeles was an up-and-down affair, but he won the respect of his team by playing through a serious leg injury, never making excuses during some early-season struggles and then rebounded as a dependable cover man over the second half of the season.

Troy Hill: A valuable reserve who can start and play in reserve, Hill has quietly become an important part of the Rams’ secondary.

Darious Williams: Williams will likely find a home on an NFL roster, but a loaded DB room in Los Angeles stacks the deck on his chances to remain with the Rams.

Aqib Talib: The longtime veteran shows no signs of slowing down, and proved to be a valuable member of the Rams’ secondary not just with his play, but his leadership.

David Long: The Rams believe they landed a future starter with their third-round pick out of Michigan, and he’s got a chance to crack the secondary rotation right off the bat.

Nickell Robey-Coleman: A valuable slot cornerback, Robey-Coleman has emerged as part of the Rams’ defensive secondary fabric.

Kevin Peterson: A torn ACL cost Peterson all of last year. His needle was pointing up at the time of the injury, and he returns to an even more crowded cornerback room.

Donte Deayon: A late addition to the Rams’ practice squad last December, Deayon faces an uphill battle making the 53-man roster.

Dominique Hatfield: Hatfield split time between the Rams’ practice squad and active roster last year before going down with a season-ending ankle injury in mid-December. He has talent, and familiarity, but a tough climb ahead of him to make the team.

Who makes the cut: Peters, Talib, Robey-Coleman, Hill, Long, Peterson

Safeties
Eric Weddle: The veteran free safety was signed as a free agent in the offseason, and will provide an upgrade alongside emerging star John Johnson.

John Johnson: A second-year standout from Boston College, Johnson has emerged as one of the best safeties in the NFL and appears poised for a huge year in 2019.

Taylor Rapp: A tough, smart, versatile safety, the rookie out of Washington fits perfectly in a secondary high on smarts, flexibility and toughness.

Marqui Christian: A valuable reserve and special teams ace, it will be interesting to see how much the presence of Rapp cuts into his playing time.

Nick Scott: The Rams identified the Penn State prospect as a future NFL special teams star, then invested a seventh-round pick in making sure they secured him into their fold.

Steven Parker: Parker played well enough during training camp last year to earn a spot on the practice squad. He’s got an NFL future somewhere, but given how crowded the Rams’ safety room is, it might not be in L.A.

Ramon Richards: Like Parker, the 2018 undrafted free agent spent last year on the practice squad. He needs a big-time performance in camp to stick around in 2019.

Jake Gervase: The undrafted rookie out of Iowa brings a lot to the table, although the most available road to a roster spot or practice squad consideration is on special teams.

Who makes the cut: Weddle, Johnson, Rapp, Christian, Scott

Special teams
P Johnny Hekker: One of the best in the business, and a huge asset.

K Greg Zuerlein: Kicked the Rams into the Super Bowl and remains one of the best kickers in the NFL.

LS Jake McQuaide: Part of the Rams’ special teams trifecta.

Who makes the cut: Hekker, Zuerlein, McQuaide

wv wrote:

The Greer Barnes one was interesting.

w
v

I hope people add to this collection. Group thread kind of thing.

.

Ian Rapoport@RapSheet
Sources: #Seahawks standout DL Jarran Reed is being suspended 6 games for a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy for an incident from early 2017. He was not charged or arrested. His appeal was denied Friday morning. Huge on-field impact.

Albert Breer@AlbertBreer
Reed’s a big piece of the Seattle front, and in a contract year.

==

Rams, week 5…October 3…@ Seattle Seahawks

from Goff ranked 12th-best QB by NFL coaches and executives

Cameron DaSilva

Jared Goff ranked 12th-best QB by NFL coaches and executives

The amount of talent at quarterback in the NFL right now is incredible, ranging from veterans like Tom Brady and Drew Brees to young stars such as Patrick Mahomes and Baker Mayfield. Jared Goff is certainly one of the better passers in the league, but where he exactly he ranks is difficult to determine.

If you ask most people, he ranks somewhere in the 10-15 range, give or take a few spots in either direction. Mike Sando of The Athletic asked a group of people who would probably know best, polling 55 NFL coaches and executives for his QB tier rankings.

Goff was ranked 12th in the poll, moving up seven spots from last year and a full jump from Tier 3 to Tier 2. He’s not quite in Tier 1, which consists of the top eight quarterbacks, but Goff is definitely getting close.

…

Being 12th is respectable for a third-year quarterback, tying with Deshaun Watson and ranking just ahead of Baker Mayfield. Carson Wentz is also in Tier 2 (No. 10), while Patrick Mahomes (No. 4) is the only other quarterback younger than Goff to rank ahead of him on this list.

🚨 PFF’s NFL Training Camp Preview!

Our team of analysts examine all 32 teams as training camp kicks off around the league. ⬇️⬇️https://t.co/x0dZwsiHmE pic.twitter.com/jLep4feRow

— PFF LA Rams (@PFF_Rams) July 22, 2019

==

from PFF previews all 32 teams as training camp kicks off around the NFL

https://www.pff.com/news/pro-training-camp-preview-pff-previews-all-32-nfl-teams-as-training-camp-kicks-off-around-the-league

LOS ANGELES RAMS
The Rams were tasked mostly with mitigating their losses this offseason after earning the highest team grade in the NFL last season, at 95.4 overall. That’s what happens to teams that have the best record in the league and make it all the way to the Super Bowl. Still, the Rams were able to get better in key areas thanks to quarterback Jared Goff playing on his rookie deal.

GM Les Snead let key contributors walk in free agency after the team’s Super Bowl run. Gone are guard Rodger Saffold, who was a top-five run-blocker in 2018; center John Sullivan, who retired; and safety Lamarcus Joyner, who will be replaced with All-Pro Eric Weddle. Weddle comes over from Baltimore in his 13th year, yet still allowed a passer rating of just 62.3 last season. Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh took his 48 pressures from a season ago to Tampa Bay. Clay Matthews returns to LA this offseason but is not the terror he once was off the edge, with a career-low 30 pressures last season.

The Rams traded back twice before making their first pick in the NFL draft this spring. Box safety/linebacker prospect Taylor Rapp was a value in PFF’s eyes at 61st overall after earning a 90.1 overall grade last season. Rapp brings a physical style, along with a 91.1 run-defense grade and 16 stops to his name. Corner David Long Jr. gave up just 42 receiving yards and one touchdown at Michigan last year, and while his coverage grade of 83.2 doesn’t match his eye-popping numbers, he has the potential to be a steal as a third-round pick. Tackle Bobby Evans and running back Darrell Henderson of Memphis were fine picks in the third round, but Greg Gaines could be a steal in the fourth round. The former Huskies nose tackle is not a physical prototype, but earned a 92.9 run-defense grade and can potentially do the dirty work to free up Aaron Donald to wreak his usual havoc.

The way McVay bounced this one outside when he felt pressure then hits Everett for a big play in a HUGE moment. Really amazing to see McVay do all this #rams pic.twitter.com/dtVkWtPLAC

— Rob M (@LakeRaMan) July 21, 2019

Austin Gayle@PFF_AustinGayle
Still can’t believe Todd Gurley only faced a loaded box (8+ defenders) on 19.6% of his rushes in 2018, the fourth-lowest mark among backs with 100+ carries on the year.

NFL avg. was 40%

LA’s high usage of 11 personnel and effective play-action passing was such a game-changer.

J.B. Long@JB_Long
For those with a good pulse of NFL history… any context for this era of QB stability? Feels like there are hardly any training camp battles at the position. All but one division (NFC East) has all four starting QB jobs locked in for 2019. Is this unprecedented?