“Everything we preach was exemplified in those plays.” 🙌

🗣 | Wired with Joe Barry! pic.twitter.com/O8DHqg3x0w

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 25, 2019

wv wrote:

Very Slowly things are changing with regard to racial profiling, I think.

Thanks to all the conversations spawned by situations caught on CAMERAS.
Phone cameras, police-cams, etc.

There’s a lot of police that hate cameras. I’ve talked to a lot of em about it.

w
v

As Will Smith said, “Racism isn’t getting worse. It’s getting filmed.”

#Rams dynamic duo of Goff and Kupp made the cut, showing lots of promise for 2019 https://t.co/wfJ9h7kiHF

— PFF LA Rams (@PFF_Rams) May 25, 2019

Deadpool

Taylor Rapp – From draft day:

Taylor Rapp – 6′-0″ 208 lbs SS
He was my #1 S for the 2019 season after the 2018 draft.
#39 overall #3 S – a SS with ok range. He’ll earn his paycheck playing closer to the LoS and being that extra run stopper. Physical with an edge.

From 10/30/18 on college players: “My personal early favorite S is the kid from Washington, Taylor Rapp.”

So yup, liked him alot already last fall.

Anyhow:

Positives:
Smart, heady player
Takes great angles
Covers a lot of field
loves to thump
outstanding tackler
High IQ, motor and character
I never saw anyone get behind him as I recall

Negatives
Doesn’t make a ton of plays on the ball
stiffness is going to be an issue in coverage
No idea what his hands are like

Personally I like the pick, although I would have gone another direction, he is obviously a guy I loved early on in the process. its kinda fun when I find a quote from myself loving a Rams pick 6 months away. He wins with smarts, a high motor, and physicality. I worry about his ball skills, but not too much.

After a month to let the draft sink in, this pick made a bunch of sense in one regard and no sense whatsoever in another regard. The Rams used a bunch of “Big nickel” defensive packages this season, and I am assuming this is where Rapp fits in. Washington used him either in the box or single high literally 25 yards off the LoS. So he was almost always moving forward. He is faster than his timed speed and an injury was the reason he ran slower, but I’m still not convinced he is going to be great in coverage, which might limit him to that 3rd S/4th LB hybrid role. As far as Big Nickel, the team that uses that defense the most in the NFL is, NE. A lot of teams run it, including the Rams, so maybe the Rams want to run more of it like NE does. This theory will lead me down the road to another draft pick, Greg Gaines, later on. Where Rapp desn’t make sense is as a replacement for Weddle, unless he gets some seasoning and can prove to be serviceable as a starting strong safety. (He very well could)

Darrell Henderson – from draft day:

Darrell Henderson – 5′-8″ 208 lbs. RB

8. (101) Darrell Henderson – RB – Memphis – 5′-8″ 208 lbs. – Slippery in space with HR speed, didn’t catch a ton of passes, doesn’t carry the size to consistantly run between the tackles, but is willing.

So my #8 RB and #101 overall prospect, and my last prospect that graded in round 3. So it wasn’t a reach by much. After the 1st round, if you get a guy that is graded in that round, its not a reach IMO.

The Draft Network had him as their #2 overall RB and one of their guys comped him to Kareem Hunt with breakaway speed.

From April 15th in response to a mock draft by CBS sports:

“Henderson is a perfect fit in a outside zone scheme where he can get outside in space and use that speed and elusiveness to do damage. THe 3rd round is right on the money for him and I wouldn’t be shocked if he went in the 2nd. The only issue I would have is, do the Rams need a RB in the 3rd round? I might be more inclined to grab a RB that slips into day 3 like Bryce Love or Bruce Anderson or Devine Ozigbo or Justice Hill.”

Positives:
HR speed
Explosive is putting it mildly
Deceptively powerful for 200 lbs (current note, I had no idea when I made this note he was 208)
Lateral quickness is good
146 ypg on 16 touches…WTH
outstanding balance
tough to bring down due to balance/power/elusiveness combo

Negatives:
Hands are ok
Not much of a route runner
pass blocking like most RBs in college is lacking
Lacks size to be a bellcow back (current note, Im not so sure, he is 7 lbs from 215 and the power is there)

I think I undervalued him a bit and others overvalued him. Either way, this is bad news (or good news) for Gurley fans as he is going to see less action next year. I love the pick, I love the spot he was drafted and I love what LA has in a plan.

Again, after a month to think about the pick, I have a few more thoughts on him. If he can carry his elite physical traits at 210 to 215 lbs, he can be a bellcow RB, and at the least, be the 75% in a 75-25 workshare, if Gurley is not long for the NFL. If not, he makes a ton of sense as a 2nd back to Gurley in an outside zone scheme. A much better fit then a chubby Anderson did last year (even though he was wildly effective). The Rams said they were looking for explosive athletes in the draft and they found 1. Looking at how I graded him, I docked him for pass catching, and in retrospect, it was a bit unfair, since Pollard did such a great job catching the ball out of the backfield, that Henderson wasn’t needed to be that heavily involved there. If Henderson can quickly pick up pass protection, he could see a ton of time this year.

David Long – from draft day:

David Long – 5′-11″ 196 lb. CB

10. (91) David Long – CB – Michigan – 5′-11″ 196 lbs. – Solid in a word. Solid speed, solid athletic profile, solid in his movement from the waist down. Nothing that wows you. An NFL weightroom is going to do him wonders.

So my #10 CB and my #91 player overall. Rams drafted him 79th overall so I was pretty good this my placement, or the Rams are just using my board and not comping me.

From Alyo’s post on the CB combine:
David Long Michigan 5105 196 4.45 4.46 — 15 6.45 39.5 10-0 9 5/8 30 7/8 Was not expecting those numbers. His tape is not that impressive. Maybe I missed something? Anyone see something I didn’t?

My response: 4th round press man corner. He is fine as long as he gets his hands on you. I like him.

That was from 3/9/19

I eventually graded him as a late 3rd rounder so i wasn;t too far off.

anyhow.

Positives:
Good speed
excellent mirror when up in press
smooth lower body
excellent footwork
oily frame

Negatives:
needs to get stronger
short arms
lack of ball production (1 int in 2019)

Overall I prefer a guy like Layne or i. Johnson or Mike Jackson, but he is a press man CB that will get a year in a NFL weightroom and gets to learn behind 2 of the best. This is a good pick for a team in need of a CB that is willing to compete and fits press man.

1 month later, more thoughts: Some guys that went after Long that I liked for the Rams were Layne, Oruwariye, I Johnson, M.Jackson and Love. It was too early for Jackson, so he was out. I think Layne and Johnson were too raw after being WR converts, so they were out. Love’s speed made him better in off man or zone coverage, so he was out. That left a personal favorite of mine, Oruwariye from Penn State. We know the Rams love the Senior Bowl and he had a bad one, so I guess that eliminated him. That made Long the obvious favorite if you were taking a CB. So if you are looking for a 3rd round CB that is at his absolute best up on the LoS, jamming a WR in press man, Long is your guy. He is the replacement for Talib. I don’t think he is too small for a outside CB, and he plays bigger then he measures, and he tested extremely well at the combine. This is a good pick for a team in desperate need of CB depth in a year. Which will allow him to add NFL strength.

Bobby Evans – from Draft day:

Bobby Evans – 6′-4″ 312 lbs.

12. (131) Bobby Evans – OT – Oklahoma – 6′-4″ 312 lbs. -A smooth moving, athletic OT with decent power and a good anchor. Run blocking is ahead of his pass blocking. ZBS fit.

So my #12 OT and my number 131 overall prospect.

He was the 12th OT taken (nailed it lol) but I had him in round 4. Although he was #81 on my Rams vertical big board.

From Oldschools “who is your sleeper pick?” post

“Honorable mention – Bobby Evans – OT – Oklahoma – He fits the Rams zone blocking scheme perfectly and can be had on day 3, needs some tech. work and a weight room, but give him a year and you should really have something.”

From my mock 3.0:

Bobby Evans – OT – Oklahoma – 6′-4″ 312 lbs. -A smooth moving, athletic OT with decent power and a good anchor. Run blocking is ahead of his pass blocking. ZBS fit. – if there was a latter round OT that fit the Rams to a T, its Evans.

From my all underrated team on 3/31

“OT – Bobby Evans – Oklahoma – A great fit inn a zone blocking scheme, long, athletic and strong. Will need to be developed as far as technique, but where he is being projected, he could be a steal 2 years from now.”

So obviously Bobby Evans has been on my mind for a bit as a Rams fan.

Positives:
Good length for a LT
Smooth mover
good power
really mobile, 2nd level like mobility
competes hard
Athletic frame
high potential in a OZS

Negatives:
not a mauler, needs more weight room
footwork and hand placement need work
needs a year in a pro system

I love this pick obviously as i have been all over him. They never had him in or met with him so it came out of right field. All these picks are depth picks with starter upside down the road.

1 month to think: I am more convinced then ever that Evans is your future LT. He is everything you want from a NFL LT. Size, enough length, mobility, an anchor and a mean streak. He played in a stupid offense (and before any Oklahoma fans get all bent, its stupid in the fact that it doesn’t prepare you for anything in the NFL. Texas Tech, Auburn and any team that runs a “raid” system also fit, doesn’t mean it isn;t highly effective or highly entertaining, they are, and they produce tons of NFL talent) getting back to that system he was in, he is going to have to learn how to block properly in the NFL. And if Kromer is everything the Rams think he is, it will be no problem. I tried so hard to fit Evans in my mock drafts simply because he is such a great fit in the middle of the draft (where the Rams like to draft OL). I would have taken him in front of Sharpring, Pipkins, Howard and Edoga. His power and aggressiveness puts his floor as a plus starter at RG and a ceiling that projects to me as plus starter at LT.

Greg Gaines – from draft day:

Greg Gaines – NT – 6′-1″ 312 lbs.

Positives:
strong as an ox
Natural low center of gravity
Great motor
doesn’t get pushed backwards – like ever
showed some pass rush at SB

Negatives:
lacks ideal length
built like a fire hydrant, moves like a fire hydrant
sluggish athletically

a 2 down NT that will just stack up blockers and allow others to make plays and will come out in passing situations

After a month to think about Gaines, I have a theory, that pairs with Rapp. I have a couple of theories really. The 1st is that when Wade said the Rams play run defense on their way to the QB, he was lying to protect either a lazy Suh or an overly aggressive AD or an underperforming Brockers, or any combination of the 3. The other is that the Rams are transitioning to running more of a big nickel defense like what the patriots ran 80% of the time last year. This defense requires a big body run plugger to keep your smaller LBers and S/LB hybrids clean to make plays. Enter Gaines, the first NT the Rams have drafted or signed since Phillips has been here. He is a tough as nails and can hold the line, but is simply not a 1 gap penetrator that Wade’s defense has long valued. Drafting Gaines and Rapp tells me we are going to see a ton of Big nickel with a lineup that looks like this: Brockers, Gaines and AD, Fowler, Littleton and the Claymaker, with Peters, Talib and JJ3, Weddle and Rapp. Sub out 1 of Littleton or Matthews for NR-C when you need a slot CB. I still am not a huge fan of Gaines, as i thought he spent too much time on the ground for my taste, but as a NT, he should do exactly what Wade wants him to do. Fans are going to love his high motor, high effort, and his pure strength. i am afraid his lack of length, and squatty build will limit him and his ceiling is not very high. Basically, what you see is what you get.

David Edwards – from draft day:

David Edwards – OT -Wisconsin – 6′-6″ 308 lbs. – Another strong, mobile OT from Wisconsin. RT or possibly RG, he is well coached but lags a bit behind because he is still transitioning from TE.

So he is my #5 OT and my #51 player overall, so I obviously over-valued him or the Rams got a steal. Either way, he is a former TE that moved to OT so plenty of upside and is highly athletic for the position, and he comes from Wisc., so while behind the curve, was coached well.

Positives:
a great athlete for the position
excellent mover in space
can and will maul you
strong hands with nice pop
light feet
strong

Negatives:
raw skill set
can get caught off balance
too upright at times

I think he is a perfect fit in a OZS and will need a year and maybe a move to OG is in the cards for him, but I love his upside.

After some time to think about him, and go find some footage of him, I realized most of my notes were from 2017-18 season, and not so much from 2018-19. Thats why I had him graded higher then most (or anyone). The reason being, he was hurt most of last season. I also totally missed his sub 34″ arm length. He needs a few things to reach his potential: Get healthy, get in a NFL weight room and get more teaching from a OL coach. But he has the stuff you can’t teach and can’t build in the weightroom, and that is size and athleticism. His arm length will limit him to OG in the NFL and thats ok. I think 2 years with Kromer could have Edwards pushing for a starting OG spot if he can do enough to stay on the roster until then. He is smart, light on his feet and and has great size for a OZS IL, he just needs time to develop it along with adding some NFL strength. But as we all know in the NFL, you don’t get alot of time. I still love the pick, and anyone looking to replace Blythe should pay close attn to him this summer into next year.

Nick Scott – from draft day:

Nick Scott – S – 5′-11″ 201 lbs.

I don’t get this pick at all. I know its the 7th round near the end, but he is a RB turned safety for 2 years with only 1 year of starting experience. Raw as sushi. But interesting upside. I have little in the way of notes. Sorry guys, I hope Alyo helped you out.

Positives:
fast
aggressive
nice burst
he’s a thumper

Negatives:
Raw
takes bad angles
double moves work against him
not ideal size

His aggressive demeanor and raw skill set has worked against him with his reading plays and double moves. He’s going to need patience IMO and I see a practice squad player unless he really shows out on special teams (and he very easily could)

So after a month and finally seeing some more film on him (that was tough to find) I can see what the Rams were looking at and it all starts on STs. I never watch special teams plays on my recorded games (which is 90% of the games I watch so I can rewind, skip and fast forward) so i missed his niche. I was too focused on his S work and after reading how Bones pounded the table for him, I see no scenario where he isn’t a contributer from day 1 on special teams. He is going to have to. There is too much depth in front of him at S. JJ3, Weddle and Rapp for sure. But if my theory of more big nickel come to fruition, then the Rams will need plenty of depth at that position.

As far as the player himself. He is still his own worst enemy as far as being over aggressive and biting on moves in the pass game. But, after a deeper dive, I noticed he is a rare animal in regards to his approach to tackling. He is a thumper. And most thumpers sell out to obliterate you, meaning they take poor angles, they don’t wrap up and they drop their head to just drop the hammer. Scott is different in that he takes good angles, breaks down and uses his fundamentals to make sure he makes a solid tackle over selling out to drop the hammer. he also wraps up all the time. So he is basically a hammer dropper that also can switch to textbook tackler depending on what is needed. its a rare trait. And i am not going to lie, he was a lot of fun to watch and is really growing on me. If he can get his head right in coverage, he will fit in nicely as a 3rd S in a couple of years. Which doesn’t sound like much, but if the Rams play big nickel a bunch that means 3 safeties on the field 60-80% of the time. Thats a starter on ST and Defense from the 7th round. That is a year or 2 away as it stands as Rapp, JJ3 and Weddle hold those spots for now.

Dakota Allen – from draft day:

Dakota Allen – LB – 6′-1″ 232 lbs.

I liked the pick, though I thought he would run faster at the combine then a 4.77.His jumps were also horrid. But then he goes and posts a sub 6.9 3 cone, so I have no idea what to make of his tests.

222. Dakota Allen – LB – Texas Tech – 6′-1″ 232 lbs. – Sideline to sideline playmaker with some steam when he gets there. Less tactician and more bull in a china shop. Upside player with ST written all over him.

Positives:
heat seeking missile
goes hard sideline to sideline
He has an attack plan – attack
ok against the pass, a few ints in his career

Negatives:
needs to read first, react second
trouble shedding blocks
lacks MLB instincts

I think he fits the Rams well because they will tell him to fill x gap and he will with gusto. A special teamer with a little coaching could be a nice ILBer.

After a month to think about this pick, the more I think he is practice squad bound. He is stuck behind Littleton and Kiser at ILB and possibly Matthews right now and I think with Rapp being drafted, he will be a defacto ILB on passing downs as well. He is a good story, but he lacks the instincts and fundamentals right now to challenge anyone for any kind of depth. What he does have is a big motor and the ability and willingness to play sideline to sideline and thump when he gets there. He has an outside shot at making the roster as a ST, but I would bet on Scott over Allen if I were a betting man. Now that is not to say littleton is replaced next year in FA by Allen if he can show enough this camp to stay on the team in some capacity. That said, I love the pick on upside alone.

Overall, I thought the Rams had a decent draft, but like their other recent drafts, this draft will get an incomplete grade as most of these guys get a redshirt year. Rapp is your 3rd S, or big nickel safety. Henderson better be Gurley’s backup, or Gurley is probably done, Edwards and Evans should add to the OL depth, Long is CB depth behind Talib and Peters, Scott is S depth and STs starter only, Allen is a practice squad guy and Gaines is probably your starter (on 1st and 2nd downs only) at NT next to Brockers and AD.

I do like Blanton as far as a TE from the undrafted free agents, beyond that, they are underwhelming.

As far as next season. It looks like a super charged WR class with speed, size and production. QBs look good, but like every year, it depends if they continue to perform and who comes out. OT is also looking fairly good. RB is strong, Edge has some really good prospects again. CB looks real good.

As far as what the Rams need;

Fowler is on a one year deal, Obo is unproven, Ebukam is what he is. And the Claymaker is on a 2 year deal and old. So I would look hard at edge. I would look at a IDL to replace Brockers, i would look for a TE, its too good of a WR draft not to grab one, a OC if Allen flames out and CB depth depending on what happens with Peters and Talib.

So in order;
Edge
TE
CB
DT
OC
WR

Have a great summer everyone.

Boulder Officer Resigns Following Confrontation With Naropa University Student

May 16, 2019

Boulder Officer Resigns Following Confrontation With Naropa University Student

BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) – John Smyly, a Boulder police officer, has resigned after his department says he violated two rules when he questioned and followed a Naropa University student who was outside his home. The situation — which was captured on video — drew criticism for what student Zayd Atkinson said was an instance of racial profiling.

Smyly resigned on Wednesday before the start of a planned administrative hearing into the matter. The Boulder Police Department says the rules that were violated were conduct and violation of police authority and public trust.

On March 1 Smyly stopped Atkinson while he was picking up trash next to the building he lives in using a pole and asked him numerous questions. Body camera video of the incident that was released on Thursday shows Atkinson getting upset after the officer asked him what unit he lives in and asking him to provide identification that showed his address. Smyly said he was concerned Atkinson might have been trespassing.

Atkinson showed a Naropa ID but at one point refused to comply with the officer’s orders anymore and began picking up trash once more. The officer requested backup and followed him, ordering him to sit down.

“I was not going to just fall in line again and just be a dog,” Atkinson told CBS4 on Thursday.

Smyly also threatened to use his stun gun on Atkinson because he “had a weapon,” referring to Atkinson’s pole.

“You’re an idiot. Why would you think that you could tase me? I’m freaking picking up trash on my property which is where I live. I’m not doing anything illegal, and you’re not going to f—— tase me,” Atkinson said in the video.

Looking back on the incident, Atkinson says that when he saw the officer get out the stun gun, he thought ‘Oh my gosh, he’s going to shoot me.”

After other officers arrived Atkinson berated them for many minutes for their response to a non-situation.

The City of Boulder concluded the investigation into a March 1, 2019 incident involving an encounter between Zayd Atkinson and Boulder Police officers.

The department issued a statement saying the “officer’s decision to attempt to detain Mr. Atkinson was not supported by reasonable suspicion that Mr. Atkinson was committing, had committed, or was about to commit a crime, therefore he did not have authority to detain Mr. Atkinson.” They said they didn’t find any evidence of racial profiling.

When asked about the resignation of Smyly, Atkinson said he’s glad “he’s being held accountable for something but it seems like it’s just bare minimum things.”

Smyly resigned under an agreement that allows him to collect $69,000 in salary.

An older one (from April):

==

from NFL GM Power Rankings: John Dorsey, Kevin Colbert rank top 5

Gregg Rosenthal

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001027372/article/nfl-gm-power-rankings-john-dorsey-kevin-colbert-rank-top-5

…

7th

Les Snead, Rams
Snead’s two-year run since Sean McVay arrived is a reminder that teams can rebuild quickly. It remains to be seen how the Rams’ lack of high draft picks over the last two seasons hurts them long-term, but the notion that Los Angeles was Super Bowl or bust in 2018 never made sense. The Rams have as many core young players signed long-term as any team and have already shown a gutsy penchant for trades and flexible free-agent signings that bode well for the future. Snead is a prime example that sometimes general managers, like quarterbacks, just need a coaching change to fulfill all their potential.

Tying for fourth-most in the NFL, Brandin Cooks had 36 receptions of at least 15 yards last year. pic.twitter.com/NnBecRpxgs

— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) May 25, 2019

Rookies Greg Gaines & Boogie Roberts were forces to be reckoned with from a pass rushing perspective last season

Boogie ranked T-16th for defenders with 34 hurries in 2018 & Gaines ranked T-24th with 33. #Rams have 2 of the Top 3 DIs in terms of QB hurries (Boogie-1st; Greg-3rd) pic.twitter.com/g5ukMako4N

— PFF LA Rams (@PFF_Rams) May 24, 2019

FWIW, of the Top 100 single-game passer ratings from 2018 (min. 20 attempts), Jared Goff was responsible for 7 of them, including the top rating from his "perfect game" vs MIN. #LARams

9-Mahomes (MVP)
7-Goff, Ryan
6-Brees, Wilson
4-Rivers, Cousins, Luck, Watson, Trubisky, Baker

— J.B. Long (@JB_Long) May 24, 2019

Five takeaways from the first week of OTAs

https://www.therams.com/news/five-takeaways-from-the-first-week-of-otas

It’s been a while since we’ve been able to watch the Rams offense and defense at the same time on the same practice field.

The last time was early February in preparation for Super Bowl LIII. And while names and faces have departed and arrived since then, the core of the team is largely the same — as is the club’s ultimate goal.

With Sean McVay now entering his third year as Rams head coach, here are five takeaways from the first three OTAs.

1) KUPP’S RECOVERY

Wide receiver Cooper Kupp has been an integral part of the Rams’ offense since his arrival in 2017. He suffered an ACL tear in Week 10 of last season, but is on the mend and appears on track to play to start the regular season.

“I’m taking it day-by-day,” Kupp said this week. “It’s just about attacking this week, attacking the day as best as I possibly can. And I feel good about where I’m at.”

“I know Cooper is itching to get involved. He’s like a kid standing on the sidelines that just wants to be able to grab a ball and go play. So he’s making great progress,” McVay said.

Aside from doing rehab work on the side with trainers, Kupp was involved in some aspects of practice — like the club’s jog-thru 11-on-11 periods during the week. That’s a good sign, as Kupp can likely expand what he does on the field over the course of the next few weeks, gearing up for training camp in late July.

2) INTEGRATING THE NEW PIECES

Even without pads, it’s easy to see why the Rams wanted to add veterans safety Eric Weddle and linebacker Clay Matthews to their defense.

Weddle was all over the field in Los Angeles’ three OTAs over the course of the week, picking off a pass in 7-on-7 on Thursday. His communication skills are also readily apparent, as he calls out little adjustments pre-snap that can make a difference. He also takes time after plays to go over whatever just happened with members of the secondary.

As for Matthews, he has the versatility to line up as a standard outside linebacker on early downs, and then to be a sort of wild card in known-passing situations. It’s hard to get an exact read on things when players are without pads, but as a crafty veteran, Matthews knows how to beat blocks up front and pressure the quarterback. Especially playing in the same front as defensive tackle Aaron Donald and edge rusher Dante Fowler, Matthews could have plenty of opportunities to get to the QB.

3) DONALD’S PRESENCE

It seems sort of strange since he’s the two-time defending AP Defensive Player of the Year, but this is the first time that Aaron Donald has attended OTAs since McVay took over as head coach.

“It’s nice having him around this time of year. I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed him,” McVay joked on Monday.

The defensive tackle — who turned 28 on Thursday — has been setting the standard when it comes to work ethic and performance.

“He brings that intensity to the D-line. He’s pushing us in the weight room, just to get better,” fellow defensive lineman Michael Brockers said. “I appreciate that he’s out here because that’s a big-name guy. Usually you see them, they’re doing their own thing. But he’s out here working, working with us and getting better — so we appreciate that.”

4) GOFF TO WOODS CONNECTION REMAINS STRONG

Over the last two seasons, quarterback Jared Goff has targeted wide receiver Robert Woods 215 times — significantly more than any other receiver. It’s warranted, as Woods has undoubtedly emerged as one of the better wideouts in the game.

That chemistry shined bright throughout the week, with Goff and Woods connecting on a number of completions, particularly in 7-on-7 drills.

Just on Thursday, for example, Goff connected with Woods on a deep pass down the left sideline, and then on a deep out to the right sideline during the same period.

Talking to Woods following Thursday’s practice, he said one of the biggest things he’s trying to work on during Phase III is picking up yards after the catch. Obviously there’s no tackling and no pads on at this point, so Woods equated it to somewhat like flag football. But, he said, if corners aren’t touching you, then they wouldn’t be able to tackle you. So that’s where he’s looking to make tangible improvements.

5) WHAT ABOUT THE ROOKIES?

In many ways, L.A. gets its rookies involved rather quickly. The first-year players arrived last week, just as the Rams were wrapping up Phase II of the offseason program. Now, some are getting their feet wet with the first team at the highest level.

Over the course of the week, safety Taylor Rapp got some time in with the first defense in certain packages, particularly in 7-on-7 work. He made a nice pass breakup in the middle of the field on Tuesday. Fellow safeties Weddle and John Johnson could frequently be seen checking in with Rapp, making sure he was up to speed.

Running back Darrell Henderson also picked up some 7-on-7 snaps, catching a couple passes out of the backfield. And nose tackle Greg Gaines had a few reps on the defensive line over the course of the week as well.

As the rookies continue to learn their respective playbooks, it’s fair to expect that they’ll be worked in more.

alyoshamucci

Rookie Class Analysis

Been following all of these guys for a long time that we drafted …

I was following Dakota Allen before his arrest. Rapp and Gaines 2-3 years. Henderson 2. Evans and Edwards 2. Landis Durham I had for 3. Nick Scott I had for 3 but hadn’t changed his positions properly so I got a little lost on feeling him out.

I am also really excited about being a team that drafts to replace in a year or so rather than for need. It helps us maximize potential.

Round 2, Pick 61: Taylor Rapp, S, Washington … One of my favorite pure football players, and someone I pictured in horns going back a couple years. I’m guessing Snead did the same thing when Rapp ran a 4.7 that he did when Kupp ran a 4.65. Has things you can’t teach or train. Nose for the ball. Being trained under Weddle should make him a really strong player when his time to start comes, and until thenI expect him in on big nickel/dime type packages. Short shuttle and 3 cone are more indicative of his game speed. And his instincts give him and extra step as it is.

Round 3, Pick 70: Darrell Henderson, RB, Memphis … Explosive. Can catch and run routes. I wasn’t eyeballing a RB this year until late in the process, but I have notes going back on this fella. Smaller school RBs tend to play more and get lots of carries early when they’re talented. I would probably compare him more to a runner like Deangelo Williams from years back than anyone else. Biggest benefit to having him alongside Gurley is that they do not move alike at all. So picking up body cues on one runner then another will be difficult.

Round 3, Pick 79: David Long, CB, Michigan … I started watching him late in the year and honestly didn’t know enough about him until late in the process, because he was almost never on screen. No one threw at him. Every once in a while I’ll miss a guy for this reason. He turned my head at the Combine and I think he is likely the steal of this draft. It’s hard to figure how good he will be, but given his statistical insanity (More Plays on ball than receptions allowed), facing Woods/Kupp/Cooks, and learning under Peters/Talib .. he may not have a ceiling.

Round 3, Pick 97: Bobby Evans, OT, Oklahoma … Aggressive, fast moving, easy next level target finding player. The extra thing that is known in the college world is that they had competition chemistry on that O line, and I expect that they will all make teams because of their group nasty streak. He wasn’t as aggro as Powers or Samia, but the focused group mentality makes me like this pick.

Round 4, Pick 134: Greg Gaines, iDL, Washington … I think this was the pick I was closest to guessing. I have been watching him a couple years (first seeing him flash while focusing on Vita Vea) and have gotten to really appreciate his game, which I think takes a while to fully understand. As a “blink” guy I took his flashes at first as hustle pressure … then I realized after a year that it was a mentality … methodical attacking and unnerving the opponent. I get the sense that each time he plays you, he is more likely to know what bothers or exhausts you. I said in another post that he does his best work in the 1st and 4th quarters … when his tenacity catches you off guard and when his tenacity has worn you down and his superior conditioning puts you in bad positions. I think he’s going to be a plus+ pro.

Round 5, Pick 169: David Edwards, OT, Wisconsin … This pick kinda surprised me. But then I realized that they simply drafted two guys capable of replacing Saffold. Less lateral agility than Evans from my perspective, but better flat out PUSH. I know some had him as a 2nd rounder, so getting him this deep in the draft is just great value. Worst case scenario you have two really good players fighting for one spot. You’ll never find ,e throwing up a question mark on a Wisconsin linemen (or Iowa). IM sure at the time I had a favorite I wanted … Tommy Sweeney or Dax Raymond … but getting sure about our players on the line is something I can get behind every day of the week and 5 times on Sundays.

Round 7, Pick 243: Nicholas Scott, S, Penn State … I had some experience with him because I see a decent amount of PSU games … but he was moved all over so I didn’t get a feel for his coverage skills. But … if you figure he’s a great athlete and special teams demon that Fassel was geeked out over? Great pick.

Round 7, Pick 251: Dakota Allen, LB, Texas Tech … I watched him in his youth and then lost track when he was arrested … picked back up this year. I’m pulling for him. Mentally he’s impressive coming back the way he did.

UDFA I consider noteworthy.

Kendall Blanton TE … Okay … I stunned he wasn’t drafted. Slow 40? I don’t care. I saw numerous mocks that had him going in the 1st and 2nd frame during the year. I think he’s our Derek Carrier 3rd TE. And I would expect him to carve out a role for 3rd and 5 and below this year.

Keenan Brown TE … I didn’t get to watch film of him, just postseason stuff. Understudy to Everett?

Romelo Brooker TE … He started coming on late … so I got a few chances to watch him. Smooth, but can he translate that into a role? Uphill battle against the other TEs IMO.

Chandler Brewer OT … Overlooking this kid would be a mistake. Probably more likely a practice squad kid … but he moves really well, and sliding inside will work wonders for him.

Natrez Patrick LB … Again with a high upside near zero risk player who could totally shock people during camp. Does he outplay Allen on special teams? He had some bone crushing hits for UGA over his career.

Boogie Roberts DT … This fella was the one bright spot on SJSU, which is about my least favorite program over the past decade. Consistent push, quick twitch. If he wins early he can get serious penetration. Practice squad?

Landis Durham Edge … How does this guy not get drafted? Tied for highest rated UDFA with Blanton for me. How did he not get a combine invite? I liked him better in a 2 point stance in 2016 and 2017 … which is likely why we have him. Lawler and Young are on notice already. I would expect he pushes them off the roster. And he could threaten Obo for the 4th spot …

Marquis Copeland DT … Has been a mainstay of the Cinci defense … plays angry and strong. Can he make a roster? I’d think so, but likely in case of injury and more probably a practice squad possibility.

Alex Bachmann WR … workman type with good agility and route running … just a good guy to have round out your roster. Kupp insurance too.

What I am looking for going into next year …

TE, CB, Edge, WR, DT. Likely in that order.

Not having serious need positions is pretty epic.

Pro Football Focus@PFF
Roethlisberger averaged 2.38 seconds to attempt a pass…

Brees averaged 2.43…

And Brady averaged 2.45 seconds to attempt.