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znModeratorRams Junkie
Rams top six picks are in drafttek’s top 111 players
2019 NFL Draft LA Rams Order
Rd # Rd# Pick Player POS School
2 61 29 Taylor Rapp S Washington
3 70 6 Darrell Henderson RB Memphis
3 79 15 David Long CB Michigan
3 97 33 Bobby Evans OL Oklahoma
4 134 32 Greg Gaines DT Washington
5 169 31 David Edwards OT Wisconsinhttps://www.drafttek.com/Top-100-NFL-Draft-Prospects-2019-Page-2.asp
Rk Player College P1 Ht Wt P2 Dif BIO SCT
1 — Nick Bosa Ohio State EDGE 6’4″ 266 BIO —
2 — Quinnen Williams Alabama DL3T 6’3″ 303 DL5T -17 BIO —
3 — Josh Allen Kentucky EDGE 6’4″ 262 BIO —
4 — Kyler Murray Oklahoma QB 5’10” 195 BIO —
5 — Devin White LSU ILB 6’0″ 237 BIO —
6 — Jawaan Taylor Florida OT 6’5″ 312 BIO —
7 — Ed Oliver Houston DL3T 6’2″ 287 BIO —
8 — Dwayne Haskins Ohio St QB 6’3″ 210 BIO —
9 — T.J. Hockenson Iowa TE 6’5″ 251 BIO —
10 — Andre Dillard Washington St OT 6’5″ 315 BIO —
11 — Montez Sweat Mississippi St EDGE 6’5″ 260 BIO —
12 — Rashan Gary Michigan DL3T 6’4″ 277 DL5T -2 BIO —
13 — Drew Lock Missouri QB 6’3″ 225 BIO —
14 — D.K. Metcalf Ole Miss WRF 6’4″ 225 BIO —
15 — Byron Murphy Washington CB 5’11” 182 BIO —
16 — Jonah Williams Alabama OT 6’4″ 302 BIO —
17 — Greedy Williams LSU CB 6’1″ 182 BIO —
18 — Clelin Ferrell Clemson EDGE 6’4″ 264 BIO —
19 — Christian Wilkins Clemson DL3T 6’3″ 315 BIO —
20 — C Gardner-Johnson Florida S 6’0″ 207 BIO —
21 — Marquise Brown Oklahoma WRS 5’11” 165 BIO —
22 — Noah Fant Iowa TE 6’4″ 249 BIO —
23 — A.J. Brown Ole Miss WRF 6’1″ 225 BIO —
24 — Devin Bush Michigan ILB 5’11” 234 BIO —
25 — Nasir Adderley Delaware S 5’11” 200 BIO —
26 — Dre’Mont Jones Ohio State DL3T 6’3″ 281 BIO —
27 — Daniel Jones Duke QB 6’5″ 215 BIO —
28 — Garrett Bradbury North Carolina St OC 6’3″ 306 BIO —
29 — Oshane Ximines Old Dominion EDGE 6’3″ 253 BIO —
30 — Dalton Risner Kansas State OG 6’5″ 312 OT -18 BIO —
31 — Hakeem Butler Iowa State WRF 6’6″ 205 BIO —
32 — Chris Lindstrom Boston College OG 6’4″ 308 BIO —
33 — Jerry Tillery Notre Dame DL3T 6’6″ 295 DL5T -10 BIO —
34 — DeAndre Baker Georgia CB 5’10” 185 BIO —
35 — Deionte Thompson Alabama S 6’2″ 196 BIO —
36 — Jaylon Ferguson Louisiana Tech EDGE 6’5″ 262 BIO —
37 — Kaleb McGary Washington OT 6’7″ 317 BIO —
38 — Brian Burns Florida State EDGE 6’4″ 249 BIO —
39 — N’Keal Harry Arizona State WRF 6’3″ 216 BIO —
40 — Josh Jacobs Alabama RBF 5’10” 216 BIO —
41 — Mack Wilson Alabama ILB 6’1″ 240 BIO —
42 — Erik McCoy Texas A&M OC 6’4″ 303 BIO —
43 — Taylor Rapp Washington S 6’0″ 207 BIO —
44 — J.J. Arcega-Whiteside Stanford WRF 6’2″ 222 BIO —
45 — Juan Thornhill Virginia S 6’0″ 200 BIO —
46 — Dexter Lawrence Clemson DL1T 6’4″ 342 BIO —
47 — Irv Smith Jr. Alabama TE 6’2″ 242 BIO —
48 — Amani Oruwariye Penn State CB 6’0″ 209 BIO —
49 — Damien Harris Alabama RBF 5’10” 196 BIO —
50 — Greg Little Ole Miss OT 6’5″ 310 BIO —
51 — Cody Ford Oklahoma OG 6’4″ 329 BIO —
52 — Lonnie Johnson Kentucky CB 6’3″ 218 BIO —
53 — Jeffery Simmons Mississippi State DL3T 6’4″ 300 BIO —
54 — David Montgomery Iowa State RBF 5’11” 219 BIO —
55 — Rock Ya-Sin Temple CB 6’2″ 190 BIO —
56 — Kelvin Harmon North Carolina St WRF 6’2″ 213 BIO —
57 — Zach Allen Boston College DL5T 6’4″ 281 BIO —
58 — Johnathan Abram Mississippi St S 6’0″ 215 BIO —
59 — Justin Layne Michigan St CB 6’3″ 195 BIO —
60 — Trayvon Mullen Clemson CB 6’2″ 190 BIO —
61 — Joe Jackson Miami (FL) EDGE 6’4″ 275 DL5T -55 BIO —
62 — Elgton Jenkins Mississippi St OC 6’4″ 310 BIO —
63 — Miles Sanders Penn State RBF 5’11” 215 BIO —
64 — Connor McGovern Penn State OG 6’5″ 308 OC -23 BIO —
65 — Parris Campbell Ohio State WRF 6’0″ 208 BIO —
66 — Emanuel Hall Missouri WRF 6’2″ 220 BIO —
67 — Chase Winovich Michigan EDGE 6’2″ 256 BIO —
68 — Vosean Joseph Florida OLB 6’1″ 230 BIO —
69 — Tytus Howard Alabama State OT 6’5″ 322 BIO —
70 — Terry McLaurin Ohio State WRF 6’1″ 205 BIO —
71 — Michael Jordan Ohio State OG 6’6″ 312 OC -430 BIO —
72 — Jace Sternberger Texas A&M TE 6’4″ 251 BIO —
73 — Jachai Polite Florida EDGE 6’2″ 258 BIO —
74 — Germaine Pratt N.C. State ILB 6’2″ 240 BIO —
75 — Darnell Savage Jr. Maryland S 5’11” 191 BIO —
76 — Dawson Knox Ole Miss TE 6’4″ 254 BIO —
77 — Josh Oliver San Jose State TE 6’5″ 249 BIO —
78 — Deebo Samuel South Carolina WRF 5’11” 215 BIO —
79 — Riley Ridley Georgia WRF 6’2″ 200 BIO —
80 — Andy Isabella UMass WRS 5’9″ 186 BIO —
81 — Julian Love Notre Dame CB 5’11” 193 BIO —
82 — Khalen Saunders Western Illinois DL3T 6’0″ 324 DL1T -6 BIO —
83 — Yodny Cajuste West Virginia OT 6’5″ 312 BIO —
84 — Amani Hooker Iowa S 6’0″ 210 BIO —
85 — Sean Bunting Central Michigan CB 6’1″ 181 BIO —
86 — Michael Deiter Wisconsin OT 6’5″ 309 OG -185 BIO —
87 — Bobby Okereke Stanford ILB 6’1″ 239 BIO —
88 — Renell Wren Arizona State DL1T 6’4″ 315 DL3T -3 BIO —
89 — L.J. Collier TCU DL3T 6’2″ 283 BIO —
90 — Bobby Evans Oklahoma OG 6’4″ 312 BIO —
91 — David Long Michigan CB 5’11” 187 BIO —
92 — JoeJuan Williams Vanderbilt CB 6’2″ 205 BIO —
93 — Martez Ivey Florida OT 6’5″ 315 BIO —
94 — D’Andre Walker Georgia EDGE 6’2″ 251 BIO —
95 — Charles Omenihu Texas DL5T 6’5″ 280 DL3T -33 BIO —
96 — Ben Banogu Texas Christian EDGE 6’3″ 250 BIO —
97 — Jamel Dean Auburn CB 6’2″ 208 BIO —
98 — Mecole Hardman Georgia WRS 5’11” 183 BIO —
99 — Miles Boykin Notre Dame WRF 6’4″ 220 BIO —
100 — Darrell Henderson Memphis RBF 5’9″ 200 BIO —
101 — Max Scharping Northern Illinois OT 6’6″ 327 BIO —
102 — Cameron Smith USC ILB 6’2″ 238 BIO —
103 — Gerald Willis III Miami (FL) DL3T 6’2″ 302 BIO —
104 — Kaden Smith Stanford TE 6’5″ 255 BIO —
105 — Isaiah Buggs Alabama DL5T 6’3″ 306 DL1T -29 BIO —
106 — Joe Giles-Harris Duke ILB 6’1″ 234 BIO —
107 — Jarrett Stidham Auburn QB 6’2″ 214 BIO —
108 — Daniel Wise Kansas DL3T 6’2″ 281 BIO —
109 — David Long Jr. West Virginia OLB 5’11” 227 BIO —
110 — David Edwards Wisconsin OT 6’6″ 308 BIO —
111 — Greg Gaines Washington DL1T 6’1″ 312 BIO —znModeratorWell damn. I dont even get it. Whats it have to do with GOT?
Nothing, posted it in the wrong thread. Sorry!
It’s a comment on the new anti-abortion bill in Alabama.
Atwood, writer of the Handmaid’s Tale, one ups Orwell.
znModeratorI got caught up on the last two episodes, so I’m current now.
Given what I’ve already said — ie, that the season was ruined because of the six-episode-limitation– I thought the last two episodes were ok. Considering.
I thought the burning of the city was a good plot idea and i thought they executed it well. Though of course everything was ‘rushed’.
Prettymuch everything to do with the dragons has been outstanding, imho. Props to the CGI folks. The wolves on the other hand have not been nearly as effective or believable. How is it that they can make dragons look more realistic than dire wolves?
For me the weakest plot-points in the last two episodes were:
1) Tyrian is STILL trying to reason with Circe. Really? A smart, crafty, guy like Tyrian is THAT dum? Really? It made him look stupid after building him up as smart. Hi killed his father but he still has a soft spot for Circe? Enh.
2) Jamies quick turnaround. Why in the world would he all-of-a-sudden feel like going back to Circe? Why? I mean…why? Did sleeping with Brianne awaken his love for Circe? I dunno. Seemed weak to me.Strong scenes. — Unlike some folks i talked to, I liked the final scene with Jamie/Circe. I thought it was a good, satisfying way for them to die. Underneath the crumbling, burning, crashing building. Worked for me. Much better than watching Drogon burn them, or Arya stab them, etc. Are we sure they are dead btw?
Arya scenes — I liked the scenes of Arya in the burning, apocalyptic city. And even finding the horse, was fine with me. Worked for me.
Mixed reaction — I had mixed reactions to two scenes. The big battle tween the Hound and the Mountain. It always seemed a bit contrived to me, that they were headed for a final battle. I almost wished the writers would have had one killed prematurely just to avoid the obvious. So for me, the whole thing was bound to feel a bit contrived. And it did. But having said that, it was an ok battle. I thought they did a pretty good job of making it somewhat interesting. (though if i see one more sword battle on stairs Im gonna stab myself in the head with a pencil). I thought the ending of their battle was a good touch.
I also had mixed feelings about the Euron vs Jamie fight. I’m not sure why. It worked and it didnt work. I dunno. I do know that the internet (and me) just dont like Euron, and I’m not quite sure why. He brings humor to the ‘bad guy’ role — does that bother us for some reason? He’s actually a more believable and honest ‘bad guy’ than many of the others. Why does he bother so many of us? I dunno.
People often ask ‘who is going to win the throne’ but in the end, I dont think most of us give a shit about ‘that’. I think we are more interested in what happens to our favorite characters. And frankly, John and the Dragon Queen are not favorite-characters for most of us. Are they?
w
vI agree with a lot of that, On Euron and Jamie–speaking of dropped plot threads and contrived scenes, Euron swims ashore to the exact spot where Jamie is, and gets there just when Jamie does? That one in its own different way was as bad as the “how did Arya get the time and unsupervised space to kill Walder Frey’s sons and bake them into a pie?” scene.
I don’t mind Cercei’s death, and her laments leading up to it. It humanizes her in a way that undercuts expectations, which is one of the points of the whole series–you don’t always get what you’re expecting, and villains are not always hissing automatons.
IMO people don’t like Euron because he’s a completely “out” narcissist and those are not likeable I guess. I love his last words…”I’m the man who killed Jamie Lannister.” It’s funny at least in part because it’s completely wrong, but it’s also perfectly in keeping with his character to think and say that.
Dany’s turn and the scouring of King’s Landing makes perfect sense on paper, but they typically did not set it up and wire it in earlier enough for it to work dramatically. I’ve said that the last 2 seasons you can still find genuinely good set pieces, but the narrative threads between the set pieces are thin and sometimes non-existent. As you said, rushed.
I like Jon Snow and always did.
Before, in seasons 1-5, even when the show was healthy and first-rate, it was never as good whenever we went to the east or the south. It was always King’s Landing and north from there that worked.
…
znModeratorRams rookie Nick Scott already eyeing leadership role https://t.co/QsVsgRCitH
— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) May 16, 2019
znModeratorRams S Taylor Rapp allowed a ridiculously-low 12.0 passer rating on throws into his coverage last year. pic.twitter.com/tzl5F6mz7m
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) May 15, 2019
znModerator
znModerator
znModeratorfrom 2019 NFL GM Offseason Report Cards
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2835392-2019-nfl-gm-offseason-report-cards#slide18
Los Angeles Rams: Les Snead
The Los Angeles Rams had a great 2018 season—right up until the end.
That Super Bowl disappointment was followed by some tough decisions after the Rams went all in for 2018. Guard Rodger Saffold, the longest-tenured player on the team, wasn’t retained. Neither was defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Or safety Lamarcus Joyner. And the iffy status of tailback Todd Gurley’s balky knee cast a shadow across the offseason.
However, once again, the Rams were relatively aggressive in adding big-name free agents. They brought in Eric Weddle as a replacement for Joyner and signed six-time Pro Bowler Clay Matthews to add pop at linebacker.
L.A. flipped its first-round selection to Atlanta for a pair of Day 2 picks—and then put those assets to good use with a bit more maneuvering. Taylor Rapp has the makings of the long-term answer at free safety. Tailback Darrell Henderson offers some much-needed Gurley insurance. Bobby Evans could challenge for snaps at the guard spot vacated by Saffold.
The Rams may not have had the home run offseason of a year ago, but it was a solid double off the wall.
GRADE: B
znModeratorPro Football Focus@PFF
Rams CB David Long allowed a reception on just 29.0% of his targeted passes – the best rate in the class, and in the country.znModeratorThis is probably one of the worst calls I’ve seen in my life. NRC was called for a penalty on this tackle… pic.twitter.com/DxZPju47Ib
— Alex Kelly (@atkelly19) May 15, 2019
znModeratorHow many yards and touchdowns will the Rams’ Todd Gurley total in 2019?
These are good times for the Rams, who have stability and a talented roster that figures to put them in Super Bowl contention again in 2019. But every team has issues. So each week, Vinny Bonsignore and Rich Hammond will discuss and debate the Rams’ biggest current questions.
Todd Gurley will be a major hinge to the Rams’ season. That’s been the case every year since the Rams drafted him No. 10 overall in 2015, but this is different, given the mystery surrounding Gurley’s left knee.
Not surprisingly, the Rams are publicly expressing confidence when it comes to Gurley’s health and his role in their 2019 offense, but they also re-signed backup Malcolm Brown and drafted another running back, Darrell Henderson, in the third round last month. That’s a team in search of contingency plans.
Gurley totaled 3,924 all-purpose yards and 40 touchdowns in two seasons under coach Sean McVay, but given that Gurley’s days as a workhorse back seem to be done, here’s the question: How many yards and touchdowns will Gurley total in 2019?
Vinny Bonsignore: 1,458 total yards, 16 touchdowns
Well, I’m not going to make the same mistake I made prior to the Super Bowl, when I predicted Gurley would bounce back from the disappearing act he pulled in the NFC Championship Game to earn MVP honors against the New England Patriots.
I’m not going out on a limb and saying Gurley will push for NFL Offensive Player of the Year, the award he won in 2017 and remained in contention for until the final month of last season. I think it’s highly unlikely he puts up numbers that warrant that kind of consideration.
While I think there is a fair amount of unwarranted freaking out going on regarding Gurley’s health, and a mistaken assumption he is severely damaged goods, I do think the events of last year have given the Rams pause on how they’ll proceed with their star running back. For a few reasons.
The first and foremost concern is the injury history of Gurley’s left knee and how it betrayed him late last season. That is a real issue he and the Rams will have to manage better moving forward. Part of that plan, naturally, will be a reduction of touches and snaps in order to preserve him for the brutal realities of a 16-game regular season and what they hope will be another long playoff run. As a result, the overall numbers will be affected. If the trade-off means Gurley will be in better physical condition to make an impact through the course of the entire regular season and beyond — and not just for next season but the ones to follow — that’s one the Rams will gladly make.
Secondly, the manner in which the Patriots hamstrung the Rams’ offense — and really, you can say the same for what the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles did as well — has sent McVay and his staff to the lab in order to figure out ways to counter the defensive game plans those teams drew up for his offense. I think we’ll see some entirely new wrinkles, some of which will include a diversification of their personnel groupings, the way they run the ball and how they utilize and line up their running backs.
And I think the drafting of Henderson sent a strong signal that McVay is cooking up some new ways of attacking opponents. Provided Henderson picks things up quickly, I think there is a chance he’ll play a prominent role in some of the packages and groupings McVay is putting together. That will cut into some of Gurley’s production as well. But again, if it makes the Rams offense more versatile and harder to defend, I think everyone will be OK with that. Gurley included.
That’s the ideal role Henderson will play, although we also can’t rule out a worst-case scenario for Gurley’s health. We just don’t know, completely, how well the knee will hold up long term, and we won’t until he actually gets back on the field. There is no question Henderson is part of a contingency plan to deal with whatever the Rams are facing with Gurley’s knee.
I think Gurley ends up with 1,070 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns and 35 catches for 388 yards and five touchdowns.
Rich Hammond: 1,334 total yards, 15 touchdowns
This might sound like a proactive cop-out, but the problem is that nobody knows how to predict the health of Gurley’s knee. Not me, not you, not McVay and not even Gurley.
Arthritis is a scary word, and if that’s what Gurley is dealing with — it’s been reported as such, and the Rams haven’t pushed back — then clearly changes will be afoot in 2019. But how significant? If Gurley’s situation is mild, perhaps it can be managed through rest and medication, and he will retain the form that allowed him to be one of the league’s most dynamic offensive players in 2017 and 2018.
We just don’t know. This isn’t a torn ACL or a broken ankle, an injury with a fixed recovery timetable. Gurley could feel fine for weeks, or even months, then wake up one morning and feel stiff and sore. The Rams could do everything right, in terms of rest and usage, and still lose Gurley at some point.
Complicating matters is that the Rams, to put it mildly, have been opaque about this issue. That’s understandable, in the sense that they don’t want opponents to essentially get a glimpse at their sensitive medical matters, but when McVay repeatedly insisted before the Super Bowl that Gurley was 100 percent, that clearly was not a full representation of the issue. That might be a nice way of putting it.
All that is done, though. To the extent that Gurley’s future can be predicted, it likely includes an abundance of caution and rest, particularly early in the season. In his game-by-game predictions for 2019, Vinny has the Rams going into their bye week with an 8-1 record. I think that’s fair, and the Rams will want to have Gurley as fresh as possible for those late-season games and the playoffs.
Gurley totaled 535 carries in 2017 and 2018 and trailed only Ezekiel Elliott (546) during that span. That’s too much, and that’s coming from a beat reporter who regularly criticized McVay for not giving Gurley the ball enough. Gurley is not a machine, and at some point, the cumulative cost of those carries becomes expensive.
Look for early-season games to include as high as a 60/40 split in carries when it comes to Gurley and Malcolm Brown, with rookie Darrell Henderson grabbing an increasingly large share as a third-down back who can stretch defenses from sideline to sideline. The Rams could, and should, pick their spots with Gurley and give him more carries in bigger games. That can be a dangerous balancing act, but it’s necessary, as is the need to keep Gurley out of as many practices as possible.
Gurley despises preseason games even when he’s completely healthy, so he won’t be seen in any of them. But the Rams still must give him enough work in training camp to get him in game shape.
As for the numbers, I’m splitting the difference between Gurley’s past two seasons and giving him an average of 4.8 yards per carry. A reasonable assumption of 200 carries would put him at 960 rushing yards, and I think McVay will want to keep Gurley involved in the pass game. So pencil him in for 374 receiving yards, plus 12 rushing touchdowns and three receiving touchdowns.
znModeratorRich Hammond@Rich_Hammond
Kupps runneth over.SeattleRams@seattlerams_nfl
Cooper Kupp, Samson Ebukam, Aaron Neary, Nsimba Webster and now Ketner Kupp.The 5 EWU Eags are the most one college program is has on the Rams, beating out USC and UW (tied with 4 each)
znModerator.@marcuspeters delivered one of the best weather/surf forecasts you’ll ever see 😂
Full video: https://t.co/VEGTLPLcPP pic.twitter.com/84K9V1c8uk
— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) May 15, 2019
znModeratorLMU93
From FootballOutsiders https://www.footballoutsiders.com/stat-analysis/2019/2018-adjusted-games-lost-part-i
2018 Adjusted Games Lost: Rams 4th healthiest team in NFL
Rams were the 4th healthiest (i.e. fewest ‘adjusted games lost’) in the NFL in 2018. This after being the healthiest overall in 2017.
By unit the Rams offense was 2nd healthiest, while the defense was 13th.
Always interesting to look at some of the most injured teams to get a sense for who could improve quite a bit simply from being healthier (WAS, PHIL, SF, IND, etc.)
znModeratorYOU HAVE TO HUNT FOR IT ON THIS ONE, BUT THEY’RE THERE.
#LARams LIVE: Rapp, Long Jr., Gaines + Allen Introductory Press Conferences https://t.co/HdV8ZELK0q
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 14, 2019
znModeratorHENDERSON, EDWARDS, & EVANS.
—
#LARams LIVE: Rams Draft Class Introductory Press Conference https://t.co/WToP9Ypd47
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 14, 2019
znModeratorAll about daily improvements + the team. @trapp07 will fit in just fine here. 🤗 pic.twitter.com/CRGjlMouEa
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 15, 2019
znModeratorExpectations For The 2019 Los Angeles Rams Draft Class
Blaine Grisak
The Los Angeles Rams rookies have reported to camp and before you know it, they will be suiting up in horns and getting ready for their first NFL action. Unlike rookies of the past NFL, rookies in today’s game are expected to contribute right away. Here’s what Rams fans can expect from their rookies from the 2019 class. ‘
Round 2, Pick 61 – S Taylor Rapp
The Rams were drafting more for the future with this pick. While they did take Rapp in the second round, like they’re top pick last year Joe Noteboom, expectations should be tampered for Rapp. The Rams signed Eric Weddle in free agency and he will get most of the work next to John Johnson.
That’s not to say Rapp won’t play, but most of his work will likely come on special teams and on specific packages on defense when Weddle may need a breather. The Rams got a solid player in Rapp, and letting him learn behind a player like Weddle may not be a bad thing.
* Special teams contributor and rotational player on defense.
Round 3, Pick 70 – RB Darrell Henderson
Henderson may be the rookie that contributes the most for the Rams in year one. Teams don’t just draft running backs in the third round to sit on the bench and wait for the starter to go down with injury. While it is true that the Rams may be looking to take some of the workload off of Gurley, Sean McVay clearly has a plan for Henderson.
It’s fair to expect a solid role for Henderson much like Christ Thompson in Washington, James White in New England, Tevin Coleman, and a lesser version of Alvin Kamara. Gurley has been the Rams’ do everything running back over the past two years. With Gurley taking on a lighter load, I could easily see 60 carries and 30 receptions in year one for Henderson if not more.
* Rotational player on offense in the running game with a specific role as a pass catcher out of the backfield.
Round 3, Pick 79 – CB David Long
As is the case with Rapp, there are just better players in front of Long. With Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters, it is highly unlikely that Long will start. However, that does not mean that he won’t have a role. The Rams lost LaMarcus Joyner in the offseason who could fill in at cornerback if needed and they did not bring back Sam Shields.
Secondary depth was a need and that is what David Long will be initially. While the fans may not trust him, the Rams certainly trust Troy Hill. However, outside of that, the secondary is thin. With Kevin Peterson and Dominique Hatfield as the only real options, this pick was needed whether or not you agree with the player selected.
Long won’t start, but he could have a role on special teams and will certainly play in a rotational role and fill in when injuries occur.
* Depth corner
Round 3, Pick 97 – T Bobby Evans
With the loss of Rodger Saffold and the eventual retirement of Andrew Whitworth, it doesn’t hurt to bring in guys that can serve as depth and develop. That’s what the Rams have here in Evans. They have a guy that won’t start right away, but will be able to learn behind Whitworth and get coached by Aaron Kromer and be ready for year two, much like Noteboom and Allen last year.
* Developmental and depth offensive lineman
Round 4, Pick 134 – NT Greg Gaines
The transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4 is never easy and it takes time. Even in today’s NFL, it takes different personnel as well as some coaching adjustments in the meantime to make it work. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has made the transition seamless for the Rams and now in year three they are finally moving to a more traditional 3-4 it seems.
The Rams have lacked the space-eating nose tackle that most 3-4 defenses have and because of that, the run defense has struggled. That is no longer the case with Gaines. Gaines may be the only rookie for the Rams to start from day one.
* Day one starter
Round 5, Pick 169 – T David Edwards
This was a good value pick for the Rams. Edwards arguably could have been taken on day two, but he goes in the fifth round and like Evans, he gives the Rams depth on the offensive line, something they haven’t had a lot of in the past. He won’t have the pressure to start right away and can take time to develop.
Like Evans, Edwards may or may not be the left tackle of the future for the Rams, but he gives the team much needed depth up front.
* Developmental and depth offensive lineman
Round 7, Pick 243 – S Nick Scott
It’s highly unlikely that Scott plays any role on defense this season, but he will have a chance to be a special teams stud. The Rams released Blake Countess, who played 75 percent of snaps on special teams last season, which opens up a spot for Scott. Scott was a special teams captain at Penn State and he’ll join one of the best groups in the NFL.
* Special teams ace
Round 7, Pick 251 – LB Dakota Allen
The Rams are very thin at inside linebacker, but I would find it very hard pressed if Allen were to start inside for the Rams as a rookie. Most likely he finds a role on special teams. If he does have a good camp, maybe he finds a role as a rotational player on defense given the lack of experience next to Cory Littleton, but even that seems far-fetched.
* Special teams player with potential for defensive role
Notable UDFA – TE Keenan Brown
The Rams are thin at the tight end position and don’t have a true No. 3 after Gerald Everett and Tyler Higbee. Brown has the athleticism and after the catch ability where he could find a role in Sean McVay’s offense. It’s hard to expect that from an undrafted free agent, but I think it’s at least fair to expect him to make the final roster.
* Final 46-man roster candidate with potential to find role in offense.
Notable UDFA – DL Boogie Roberts
If it’s one position the Rams do have depth at, it’s the defensive line so this will be an uphill battle for Roberts. However, his 80.4 Pass Rush grade tied for 19th for all interior defensive lineman last season via PFF and his 42 pressures tied for eighth. You can never have too many pass rushers, and that’s what Roberts does. If he has a good camp, he should be able to find time as a rotational player.
* Rotational pass rusher on defensive line
Notable UDFA – WR Alex Bachman
Mike Thomas has had his opportunity with the Rams and it’s time to move on. The team has brought in a handful of wide receivers to compete in camp and one that will catch eyes and the hearts of fans in Bachman. The local product is small, but when it comes to depth receivers it’s what they can do on special teams that helps them stand out. Bachman has experience as a returner but also brings a lot as a receiver as he averaged 14.6 yards per reception and quarterbacks had a 117.6 passer rating when he was targeted.
* Depth receiver and special teams contributor
znModeratorGreg Gaines looking forward to partnering with Aaron Donald
https://www.therams.com/news/greg-gaines-looking-forward-to-partnering-with-aaron-donald
Rookie defensive lineman Greg Gaines is known for being a run stuffer. When the Rams selected him at No. 134 overall in the fourth round a few weeks ago, head coach Sean McVay, general manager Les Snead, and defensive line coach Eric Henderson all touted his ability to be a stout presence in the middle of the defense.
As those individuals also stated, Gaines has a chance to be the nose tackle in Los Angeles’ base 3-4 defense. And if Gaines earns that role, he’ll be lining up next to two-time defending AP Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald.
Gaines got a little taste of what it’s like to be around Donald on Tuesday, as the Rams have rookies and veterans on the field at the same time. And what was Gaines’ first impression?
“He’s a pretty good looking guy,” Gaines said in his Tuesday press conference, drawing laughter from assembled media.
In all seriousness, Gaines recognizes the opportunity he has in front of him to soak in knowledge from veterans on the D-line like Donald and Michael Brockers.
“I was just trying to watch every little thing that Aaron Donald did, and Michael Brockers — it’s just really cool having those guys here to learn from,” Gaines said. “That’s the coolest part to me about being here, is just being able to learn from guys like that and improve my game.”
When it comes to potentially starting Week 1, Gaines seems flattered by the compliments he’s received — but also knows that he has to earn that spot.
“It’s definitely cool that they think so highly of me. It’s definitely a good feeling,” Gaines said. “And I think I can bring it — I think I can be a starting nose-type guy. I’m really strong in the run game, and that’s what they want me to do here is just let Aaron Donald take the pass rush reps, and I’ll take the double teams on first and second downs.”
There’s a certain art to embracing that role, since it’s not necessarily one that comes with a lot of glory. But Gaines — listed at 6-foot-1 and 312 pounds — says he actually enjoys being the one to absorb blockers.
“Yeah, a lot of guys get frustrated just sitting there eating double teams all day,” Gaines said. “I like to keep track of those stats — how many double teams I take on. And it’s something I really enjoy doing, and that’s, I think, why I’m so good at it.”
Given Donald’s success over the last two years — as a reminder, he’s racked up a ridiculous 31.5 sacks from the interior — No. 99 faces a lot of double teams as well.
And in an ideal world…
“I’m trying to alleviate that for him a little bit,” Gaines said.
We’ll see if it works out over the course of the 2019 season and beyond.
znModeratorYep. All energy sources and energy production modes plus all utilities should be nationalized and publicly owned.
For one thing, none of it should be competing. They should all be collaborating under the umbrella of rational policies.
And of course none of it should be profit driven. Rational planning, not profit.
Cause. I mean. Jeesh.
znModeratorThey were looking for “a very specific human being,” as Snead put it – a compact, explosive runner, with great hands and great vision, who could motion into the slot and run routes, but also take an off-tackle handoff, break through tackles and go the distance on a stretch play.
There was a debate after draft day about Henderson’s vision. A couple of draft write-ups said he didn’t have great vision, some said he did. Confusion abounded. It was an era of darkness.
Well I take the comment here as indicating that Snead at least thinks he does. They were looking for an offensive weapon that had a certain combination of talents, and presumably Henderson fits the bill. One of those talents is “great vision.”
I say, confusion over. It is now for us to be dedicated to the great task remaining before us.
Oh, and, there’s this, too:
. Over the past two seasons, Henderson tallied 18 runs of 50-plus yards — an insane two-year total that no collegiate running back over the past decade can match.
..
znModeratorRookie Darrell Henderson might be perfect fit in Rams ‘change-of-pace’ role
Some are comparing third-round draft pick’s explosiveness to Saints running back Alvin KamaraRYAN KARTJE
In March 2017, two months after he was hired as Rams coach, Sean McVay brought in a little-used veteran running back on a free-agent visit.
Over five injury-riddled seasons in Dallas, Lance Dunbar didn’t play a featured role. He’d never reached 50 touches in a season and had just one career touchdown. Nonetheless, McVay saw in Dunbar an underutilized, all-purpose puzzle piece that could unlock his multifaceted offense. The slashing 5-foot-8 back, McVay believed, would be a perfect pass-catching complement to Todd Gurley. He told Dunbar his skillset reminded him of Chris Thompson, whose explosiveness as a diminutive change-of-pace back helped take his offense to another level in Washington.
It seemed like a promising fit with Dunbar. Until his knee intervened.
Soon after signing a $3 million deal with the Rams, the oft-injured back landed on the “physically unable to perform” list. He touched the ball in just two games in 2017, never quite regaining his explosiveness. The next March, he was cut.
Ever since, the Rams have been searching for the right fit for a role McVay has long viewed as crucial to his offense. They considered a few options in the middle rounds of last year’s draft – a group which included the likes of Colts running back Nyheim Hines and Atlanta’s Ito Smith. But, Rams general manager Les Snead said, “a couple of enemies chose those change-of-pace backs ahead of us.”
They couldn’t let the same scenario play out again. Whether or not Gurley’s knee is worse than the team has led on, the Rams already acknowledged the need to lighten his load. So they did their due diligence on many of the draft’s running backs. They were looking for “a very specific human being,” as Snead put it – a compact, explosive runner, with great hands and great vision, who could motion into the slot and run routes, but also take an off-tackle handoff, break through tackles and go the distance on a stretch play.
By draft night, the Rams were sure they’d found their guy. His measurables suggested he was a perfect fit. They wondered if he might add “a Kamara element” to an offense that was already quite explosive without such a weapon. They even considered pouncing with the 45th overall pick to make sure another team wouldn’t swoop in.
“We’ll play against him and you’ll feel it,” Snead warned the war room.
So the Rams traded up, sacrificing a valuable compensatory third-round pick to move to No. 70.
University of Memphis coach Mike Norvell was watching as picks ticked off the board in the third round, crossing his fingers that the Tigers’ top running back would wind up in an offense that suited his unique abilities. When the Rams finally selected Darrell Henderson, Norvell rejoiced.
It was a perfect marriage, he thought.
“I don’t know if there’s a better fit in the NFL for him than the Rams,” Norvell said.
Norvell had already digested hours of the Rams offense over the past year, gleaning what he could. He noted how similarly he and McVay used running backs, deploying them all over the field. Memphis handed off to its backs out of shotgun formation more frequently. But like the Rams, the Memphis offense subsisted on a heavy dose of outside zone runs, which asked backs to run off tackle while patiently reading the defense before cutting upfield.
The Rams ran more outside zone than any other team in the NFL last season. That scheme can be a difficult adjustment for some backs, but for the 5-foot-8 Henderson, it shouldn’t be an adjustment at all. Over the past two seasons, according to Pro Football Focus, he led all of college football with a staggering 10.7 yards per carry on such runs. Highlight reels offer endless examples of how Henderson’s extraordinary vision could translate to an NFL zone blocking scheme.
“The number of explosive runs he’s had on stretch plays is incredible,” Norvell said. “I think he was the most dynamic back in college football last year because of it.”
Henderson won’t even be the most dynamic back in his own backfield with the Rams, assuming Gurley returns to full health. But operating out of a committee isn’t a new concept for him, either. Even as he finished second in the nation in rushing last season, Henderson accounted for fewer than 35 percent of his own team’s rushing attempts.
For Memphis, that was by design … to a point. Often, when Norvell resolved to give Henderson more carries, he broke off huge gains that rendered longer drives unnecessary. Norvell didn’t complain. Over the past two seasons, Henderson tallied 18 runs of 50-plus yards — an insane two-year total that no collegiate running back over the past decade can match.
Still, in spite of that historic efficiency, Henderson shared carries with fellow running backs Patrick Taylor Jr. and Tony Pollard, who combined for 1,674 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns of their own last season.
“To have multiple explosive backs that are able to stay fresh and able to put together a complete season, that’s important,” Norvell said. “When you look at the situation there, having Gurley, a guy who’s experienced, who’s one of the best, that can help both of their careers. They can be a dynamic duo.”
It’s not difficult to envision such an arrangement, with Gurley, health pending, in the lead role. The Rams already dabbled with a two-back approach last season, as C.J. Anderson became a crucial part of their run to the Super Bowl. Now, with Henderson, they’ll have a more explosive second option to complement Gurley.What the Rams will ultimately get from the 2017 NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2019 remains somewhat of a mystery. After missing two games at the end of last season with knee inflammation, then struggling through the playoffs, Gurley said in mid-April that his knee felt “pretty good”, but otherwise didn’t offer much detail. When asked if Henderson’s selection had anything to do with Gurley’s health, McVay shook his head.
“This had to do with (Henderson’s) skillset,” McVay said. “He was a player that we identified as a unique playmaker. He can obviously do some things as a runner, but the versatility that he provides and some of the things he can do are what’s so enticing for us.”
How quickly might we see that skillset at work? Norvell has seen enough of Henderson to know it probably won’t take long. Whether Gurley is healthy or not.
“I don’t think Darrell is a guy that you want to put any limitations on what he can or can’t do,” Norvell said. “I believe he can do it all.”
Trait: Through gap acceleration
What makes Henderson special is his all-time elite acceleration ability. Chris Johnson ran 1.40 from 0-10 at the NFL combine, Darrell Henderson 1.42.
Henderson gets to the 2nd level in a hurry and ruins angles of pursuing defenders. pic.twitter.com/aHlrqOn46N
— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) May 7, 2019
znModeratorQuotes & Notes 5/14: “Dude just come in and work.” What the Rams draft picks had to say after Day 1 on the practice field
Clarence Dennis
“You can tell it’s a brotherhood and this locker room is one as a whole.”
-RB DARRELL HENDERSONThe Rams traded into the third round to add Darrell Henderson out of Memphis to their running backs room.
Henderson seemed pleased with his new teammates after hitting the field for the first time in Los Angeles on Tuesday and said running back Todd Gurley’s biggest piece of advice was “don’t be afraid to mess up.”
Henderson rushed for 1,909 yards and 22 touchdowns in his final season at the college ranks, averaging 8.9 yards per carry.“That’s a lot of who I am as a person and as a player — just that want-to and that hunger.”
-S NICK SCOTTSpecial teams coordinator John Fassel was big on adding safety Nick Scott to his unit since well before he was taken in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
On Tuesday, Scott spoke extensively about his experience on special teams. He played in all four phases of special teams while at Penn State and won the team’s special teams player of the year award as a freshman before two seasons as a ST captain.“He was like, ‘Dude just come in and work.’”
-OL DAVID EDWARDSThe Rams got another University of Wisconsin offensive lineman in 2019 in David Edwards — who shared right tackle Rob Havenstein’s dose of advice as a fellow former Badger.
Edwards, who took reps at left guard in Spring practices at Wisconsin, said he looks forward to playing multiple spots on the offensive line for a greater understanding of the offense.“Actually coming out and being on the same field as those guys like Aaron Donald, obviously it’s crazy. Like wow these guys are superstars, but I’m on the same field as them.”
-OL BOBBY EVANSOffensive lineman Bobby Evans spent three seasons on the University of Oklahoma campus with both Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, but he found himself a bit star struck Day 2 in L.A.
Evans, who has a full season at both left and right tackle under his belt, said he believes there’s a possibility that he could play all four spots on the O-line — a challenge he’s up for.
Run game coordinator/offensive line coach Aaron Kromer usually cross-trains rookie offensive lineman at multiple spots along the OL.“They really like to preach learning from the veterans, the older guys and that’s what I’ve been doing.”
-LB DAKOTA ALLENRams seventh-round linebacker Dakota Allen is ready to lean on his new veteran teammates in year one.
He specifically mentioned linebacker Cory Littleton’s path to his starting role on defense as an undrafted player. He spent time on special teams before landing in the middle of the L.A. defense.
Allen posted 17.5 tackles and grabbed four interceptions in 34 games at Texas Tech.“I was trying to watch every little thing Aaron Donald did.”
-DT GREG GAINESDefensive tackle Greg Gaines said the coolest thing about being in L.A. is the chance to learn from players like Donald and defensive tackle Michael Brockers as the newest member of the defensive line.
Gaines said he believes he can be the ‘starting nose-type guy’ that both head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead forecasted of the former Washington Husky, who was selected in the fourth round.
Gaines logged 9.5 sacks and 21.5 total tackles for a loss in four seasons in Washington.“To be able to be thrown in that secondary with those guys, it’s almost the perfect fit for me.”
-S TAYLOR RAPPThe Rams top draft pick in 2019 will join a proven veteran in safety Eric Weddle and rising third-year safety and the Rams leader in interceptions in 2018, John Johnson, in his first season as a pro — an opportunity the young DB looks forward to.
Rapp finished his three years at the University Washington with seven interceptions — four of which came as a true freshman.
As for a role in 2019, Rapp said he plans to improve daily and see what happens come Week 1.“They allow corners to press and that’s what I did at Michigan.”
-CB DAVID LONG JR.Former Michigan standout corner David Long Jr. sees a fit for his skill set in coordinator Wade Phillips’ defense.
As for where he fits into the stacked Los Angeles secondary, Long said he plans to show he’s dependable, accountable, and willing to help the team.znModeratorRyan Kartje@Ryan_Kartje
I get that Dion Jordan has prior violations of the NFL’s substance abuse policy, but I just can’t square him being suspended for 10 games for ADDERALL, while Kareem Hunt attacks a woman and sits out just 8 weeksRams rookie corner David Long said he’s a good fit for Wade Phillips’ defense because Wade allows CB’s to press quite a bit. That was Long’s specialty at Michigan.
Sam Farmer@LATimesfarmer
I’m waiting for that NFL player who says, “I’m preparing like the backup.”Cameron DaSilva@camdasilva
Bobby Evans said it was “crazy” to be on the same field as superstars like Aaron Donald.znModeratorRams RB Darrell Henderson on Todd Gurley: “We do a lot of things different. He does a lot of things better than me.” pic.twitter.com/45wOqN9pnq
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) May 14, 2019
znModeratorGreg Gaines' first impression of Aaron Donald: 'He's a pretty good looking guy' https://t.co/lD6WHFyFsa
— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) May 14, 2019
znModerator“It’s just speed and violence..”
Watch out @RamsNFL fans, there could be a new favorite player brewing in Nick Scott pic.twitter.com/pI9fmcBc3b
— SeattleRams (@seattlerams_nfl) May 15, 2019
znModeratorRams rookies participated in on-field workouts today with veteran players. Safety Taylor Rapp is eager to contribute — however possible 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Ybtb281zi7
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) May 14, 2019
znModerator#Rams Jared Goff cracked the Top 10 with a 72.0% adjusted completion percentage on 3rd down in 2018. He looks to further improve on this in his 4th year next season https://t.co/WN0aiQkDYo
— PFF LA Rams (@PFF_Rams) May 14, 2019
znModerator.@trapp07 workin’‼️#LARams pic.twitter.com/0LCVmjvCEc
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 14, 2019
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