Rams hit it on the nose with the 2019 Draft

J.B. Long

https://www.therams.com/news/rams-hit-it-on-the-nose-with-the-2019-draft

Here’s the standard caveat that there are over four months to go before the Rams travel to Carolina. But it sure sounds like Greg Gaines walks into the Rams facility as the projected starter at nose in base defense. If the La Habra product delivers on that promise, he’ll become a remarkable Day Three steal for Los Angeles, at 134 overall.

“I think some of the things we talked about – how we get better specific to our scheme, but then also defensively in terms of playing the run a little bit better,” Sean McVay explained Saturday regarding why the Rams felt the urge to trade up for the former Washington Husky. “I think that will be a key factor of being really stout inside and we feel like Greg will provide that.”

Michael Brockers moving back inside from his five-technique had been discussed, in anticipation of Ndamukong Suh signing elsewhere in free agency. Brockers, while willing, seemed lukewarm on the concept. Now, that may not be necessary. Nonetheless, his versatility on the defensive front remains a great asset to the organization.

Some Dawgs on Defense

With the selections of Taylor Rapp and Gaines, the Rams could have four recent Huskies on their game day defense, as the rookies join returning starters Marcus Peters and Cory Littleton.

Chris Petersen has not only rejuvenated a championship program in Seattle, he’s also hired one of the best defensive staffs in college football. Under the tutelage of Washington co-defensive coordinators Pete Kwiatkowski and Jimmy Lake, the Huskies routinely churn out pro-ready talents.

Rapp and Gaines should be as well-versed as any rookies arriving at NFL camps.

Game Recognize Game Speed

Unless you’re picking at the top of the first round—and even if you are—it can be difficult to find prospects who check every box. One area where the Rams evaluators tended to lean in this Draft?

“Short-area quickness.”

It was a term McVay and Les Snead used repeatedly in their post-Draft press conferences.

Their contention is that the game speed of players like Rapp and David Long exceeds what can be measured by a 40-yard dash.

“He’s one of the guys that jumps off the screen,” McVay said of Rapp, who the Rams selected on Friday. “He’s got unbelievable instincts – talk about a guy that has a feel for navigating traffic and being able to make knife tackles as a blitzer.”

L.A. may feel fortunate Rapp didn’t blow away the field with his straight-line speed in Indianapolis. If he had, it’s unlikely he’d have been available with the 61st pick.

Rapp did post the top time in the long shuttle, though, and finished runner-up to Long in the short shuttle. Long also posted the top time in the three-cone drill. So while Rams scouts are encouraged to trust the tape, it doesn’t hurt to have some Combine measurables reinforcing their beliefs regarding game speed.

Better Safety than Sorry

One other thought on Rapp: If he’s as ready as I believe him to be, expect the Rams first pick to find the field early.

Even with Eric Weddle and John Johnson entrenched as starters, Wade Phillips and safeties coach Ejiro Evero and assistant head coach Joe Barry will find ways to leverage Rapp’s ability.

One of the under-the-radar themes of 2018 was Marqui Christian playing 34 percent of defensive snaps as a hybrid linebacker. Might the defensive staff find similar ways to incorporate Rapp without taking Weddle or Johnson off the field?

It’s also worth noting here that Mark Barron’s void needs to be filled.

Bones to pick with you

There may not be a seventh-rounder anywhere in the league with a better chance of making a 53-man roster than safety Nick Scott.

Saturday, Les Snead said that the 243rd overall selection out of Penn State “was one of (John Fassel’s) favorite ever special teams player that he’s graded.”

No franchise values special teams more than the Rams, and when those difficult decisions have to be made at the end of the preseason, Bones’ opinion carries weight.

The impact New England’s Matthew Slater made on the Rams most recent game came to mind when L.A. made the Scott selection.

Center of Attention

We have to be careful not to read too many tea leaves with respect to the positions that the Rams addressed on Draft weekend.

However, I’m inclined to interpret L.A.’s selections as yet another vote of confidence in center Brian Allen.

Instead of making a play for Garrett Bradbury, Elgton Jenkins, or Erik McCoy – centers who were taken in the first two rounds – the Rams layered in more depth and competition at tackle and guard by selecting Bobby Evans and David Edwards.

Is it possible that competition produces a strong candidate at right guard, freeing up Austin Blythe to play center? Perhaps.

But based on what the coaching staff has told us to this point, and how Allen performed in limited duty in 2018, it’s increasingly likely that he’s your Week One center in Carolina.

Similar dots could be connected for fellow second-year player Micah Kiser at middle linebacker, however that’s not a one-player, every-down role like center.

Compensatory Picks Pay Off

In the aftermath of Draft weekend, let’s circle back to see what became of the compensatory picks that were awarded to the Rams, and how valuable they proved to be.

The silver lining in losing Trumaine Johnson and Sammy Watkins in free agency (let’s not pick apart their 2018 performance for other teams relative to their contracts here) was a third round pick for each player.

Anticipating one of those picks allowed the Rams to acquire Dante Fowler at the deadline, who made some of the defense’s most critical plays on the path to Super Bowl LIII. The other third rounder was bundled into a move up the board to select running back Darrell Henderson on Friday.

The way the front office disciplines itself in free agency continues to pay dividends.

JackPMiller wrote:

Gaines is what we need at NT, which for now he can play behind Brockers for a season.

My feeling? Gaines will start. Brockers will be at DE. That will be a good line. Better than last year’s (ie. meaning last year during the regular season).

jrry32

Rapp: A+ – I thought he was a first round caliber player. I knew when he ran a bad 40 that he’d fall, but he’s a perfect scheme fit and should be an extremely valuable player in our scheme.

Henderson: B – This is one of those picks that McVay will likely scheme into an A+. He’s an explosive, big-play HB who looks outstanding running outside-zone plays and is quite surehanded, but I had a couple HBs rated higher.

Long: A+ – He was one of my favorite CBs in the Draft before he blew up at the Combine. He’s smothering in press-man coverage and can play any of the CB spots.

Evans: Inc. – Didn’t evaluate him. His profile makes sense for a Kromer OG.

Gaines: B+ – He’s a glue guy. I doubt he’ll be a Pro Bowler or anything special, but he’s quite good at clogging up the middle. I didn’t think Wade would value him because of his lack of juice, but it seems Wade wants to stop the run. Gaines can do that.

Edwards: Inc. – Also didn’t evaluate him. Wasn’t impressed when I watched Wisconsin this year, and I quite liked Dennis Daley (who was still available). However, I understand why Kromer wants him as a project.

Scott: Inc. – I’ve heard of him but never watched him. I knew when we made the pick that he was Bones’ guy.

Allen: Inc. – Never got around to evaluating him.

I don’t believe in grading players I haven’t personally evaluated.

InvaderRam wrote:

i don’t know. he seems to be pretty quick. it’d be nice if there were some short shuttle and 3-cone times to go off.

but my guess is they’d be pretty good numbers.

Yeah. Short area quickness too.

Combine numbers:

Rams’ 2019 draft board reflects emphasis on production over measurables: A player-by-player look

Vincent Bonsignore

https://theathletic.com/950653/2019/04/28/rams-2019-draft-board-reflects-emphasis-on-production-over-measurables-a-player-by-player-look/

The​ Rams came into​ the 2019 draft​ holding​ their only​ first-round​ pick since​ 2016​ and​ with​ various holes to​ fill both​​ presently and for the future.

They never got around to pulling the trigger on their first-round selection, opting to trade it away instead. They poured the assets they got in return into a handful of subsequent trades to steer themselves up and down the draft board to acquire eight players they believe will not only compete for roster spots but also lock down important roles.

The common thread among them — and characteristics the Rams put a particular emphasis on at the earliest stage of the draft-evaluation process — is intelligent, tough, productive players with a passion to play football.

Players who consistently show up on tape, if not always in physical measurables.

So much so that general manager Les Snead has a written reminder to that effect on an office whiteboard.

“The answers to your questions are basically right in front of you when you sit down and watch the kids play football on film when you do it December and April,” Snead said. “Take the testing — you always go back to the tape, right, and watch him play football.”

It may sound cliché, but as a Rams source told The Athletic, “It’s where we’ve had so much success the past few years.”

Their draft board this year reflects the emphasis they put on production over measurables.

Washington safety Tayler Rapp ran a pedestrian 40 at his pro day. But his game tape showcased a hard-nosed, instinctual defensive playmaker. The Rams took him in the second round and believe he’ll compete for immediate playing time.

Rapp’s teammate, Huskies defensive lineman Greg Gaines, is on the shorter side at just 6-foot-1. But he was one of the best run-stuffers in the Pac-12 and dominated against his peers at the Senior Bowl. The Rams traded up in the fourth round on Saturday to select him with the 134th pick overall and have already pegged him as their starting nose tackle in the base 3-4 defense.

Their last pick, Texas Tech inside linebacker Dakota Allen, was kicked out of college after being arrested for burglary, then worked his way back to Lubbock after all charges were eventually dropped, and he has been a model citizen and productive player ever since.

Where some teams removed Allen from their board altogether, the Rams sat down with him face-to-face and reached out to the people who know him best at Texas Tech.

They were satisfied with how Allen owned his mistakes and impressed with how ardently people vouched for him. On tape, he was a tackling machine who they believe will add special teams flair and has the potential to start eventually at inside linebacker.

The Rams are counting on that process leading them to players they can count on as early as next season.

“I think the thing you feel so good about coming out of this weekend is that there’s a vision for all eight of these guys and how they fit in the framework of our roster,” said Rams head coach Sean McVay. “Immediately, all these guys are going to have to come in and compete, but you can at least feel like, ‘All right, if this works out the way we project, these are guys we anticipate being Rams a long time.’”

Here is a player-by-player look at the Rams’ draft class:

Tayler Rapp, second round, No. 61 overall
School: Washington

Position: Safety

Vitals: 6-foot, 208 pounds

What’s good: Rapp was being mocked as a first-rounder before running a 4.7 40 at his pro day, a mark that could have been affected by a hip injury he suffered late in the 2018 season. The Rams benefited from the resulting fall and landed a great value pick. Rapp fills a future need at one of the safety spots but will likely get on the field early in sub-packages thanks to his advanced ability to diagnose plays and be a factor in run support and pass defense.

What’s bad: His overall speed could cause issues in certain pass-coverage matchups, and while he packs a punch physically, it can sometimes leave him vulnerable to injury.

Short-term impact: Rapp will be a Day 1 contributor in sub-packages when the Rams play three-safety sets and will likely make an impact as a rookie.

Long-term impact: With the clock ticking on veteran Eric Weddle, Rapp provides an organic procession plan to ultimately replace him in a year or two.

What they’re saying: “I think when you watch the tape, obviously, Les (Snead) had been a huge fan. He and his group had really looked at him, and he’s one of the top-rated players that we had in terms of just a guy who’s showing up, making a lot of different plays, showing a versatile skill set. And then once the coaches started to really look at him, he’s one of the guys that jumps off the screen. He’s got unbelievable instincts.” — McVay

Grade: B+

Darrell Henderson, third round, No. 70 overall
School: Memphis

Position: Running back

Vitals: 5-foot-8, 208 pounds

What’s good: Henderson was one of the most dynamic, productive running backs in this draft class after rushing for 1,909 yards, scoring 22 touchdowns and averaging 8.9 yards per carry. There is little reason to believe his combination of speed, quickness, power and vision won’t immediately translate to the NFL.

What’s bad: He can sometimes play too fast for his own good in terms of setting up blocks and maneuvering around defenders. He might be a bit smallish relative to being a carry-the-load back. Blocking on pass downs could be a wrinkle to iron out.

Short-term impact: Henderson offers so much in terms of speed and home-run potential as a runner or pass-catcher; it seems natural that McVay will scheme up ways for him to make an immediate impact as a change-of-pace weapon.

Long-term impact: Depending on the status of Todd Gurley’s left knee, Henderson could turn out to be the long-range replacement answer for Gurley or the copilot who shares a significant amount of duties.

What they’re saying: “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 that he can do are what was so enticing about him for us.” — McVay

Grade: A-

David Long, third round, No. 79 overall
School: Michigan

Position: Cornerback

Vitals: 5-foot-11, 195 pounds

What’s good: Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips prefers tough, physical, athletic corners who can jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and provide tight, effective man coverage. And Long perfectly fits that profile.

What’s bad: He isn’t the tallest corner, and he’ll likely play in the slot early on in his career, which will be an adjustment for a player so accustomed to lining up outside.

Short-term impact: Depending on how the situations of Troy Hill and Kevin Peterson play out, Long has a good chance to earn a role in nickel- and dime-coverage packages as a rookie.

Long-term impact: Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters are both entering the final year of their contracts, and given the ideal skill set Peters brings as a press-cover corner, there is a good chance he will be in the mix for a starting role by the 2020 season.

What they’re saying: “When you get into David Long, the character is off the charts, and he is a guy that has a skill set, the ability to come off and play man coverage, be able to play physical and be able to stay in guys’ back hips and mirror. You can see he is able to cancel routes out as he goes, and he just shows up and in a really, really productive defense over the last couple years. This was one of the best corners based off a production standpoint and another guy that loves football.” — McVay

Grade: B

Bobby Evans, third round, No. 97 overall
School: Oklahoma

Position: Tackle

Vitals: 6-foot-5, 295 pounds

What’s good: Evans was a three-year starter at both right and left tackle at Oklahoma, and his body type, power and skill set suggest a capability to move to guard if need be. That versatility is critical on a Rams offensive line that prefers prospects who can cross-train at multiple line positions.

What’s bad: He isn’t the best athlete, and at 6-5, he’s on the short side for a tackle. His average athletic ability could pose problems against athletic edge rushers.

Short-term impact: Barring an injury, the Rams don’t have any starting-job openings at tackle or guard, enabling Evans to learn, grow and develop as a rookie while providing insurance as a short-term starter if need be.

Long-term impact: Rams left tackle Andrew Whitworth might be playing his final year in 2019, and with current left guard Joe Noteboom likely moving back to tackle to replace him, Evans could be in the mix as Noteboom’s eventual replacement at guard. Worst-case scenario: The Rams have a quality backup who can fill in at both tackle and guard spots in relief.

What they’re saying: “A tackle that has some versatility, some athleticism. Playing the left tackle position, I think you saw him do a lot of really good things on an excellent offense this past year, and we have full confidence that he is a guy that really can play across the line, both the left and the right side; he might be able to play in that guard spot as well. When you look at where we are at offensively, we feel really good about Brian Allen and Joe Noteboom stepping up into big-time roles this year, and we feel like Bobby is going to provide some depth and continue to learn and develop under the leadership.” — McVay

Grade: C+
Greg Gaines, fourth round, No. 134 overall
School: Washington

Position: Defensive tackle

Vitals: 6-foot-1, 300 pounds

What’s good: Gaines was a personal favorite of Rams GM Les Snead, who was on the lookout for a true run-stuffing nose tackle content with manning his gap and stonewalling the run — as opposed to players more focused on the pass rush at the expense of their run responsibility. Gaines played that role at an extremely high level at Washington, and his relentlessness and passion for football make him a likely candidate to make a seamless transition to the NFL.

What’s bad: He needs to immediately win one-on-one battles to avoid being overwhelmed by bigger opponents. He’s still a developing pass-rusher who might not add much to that part of the game early on. Lacks massive size and arm length.

Short-term impact: Gaines is a relentless, instinctive run defender who could forge an early role on run-down situations.

Long-term impact: If Gaines can develop some counter pass-rush moves, he has the capability to be a big-time contributor as a 3-4 nose guard.

What they’re saying: “He’s a guy we identified that we feel like will really do a great job as a nose guard in our base package. He was an outstanding, productive player for Washington, but then when you get a chance to really watch the Senior Bowl, where he’s going against some of the best interior linemen in this draft, guys that we really thought highly of, I think you got a sense for what a competitive player he is — a guy that loves football kind of in the mold of what we talk about. But what Greg was able to do at Washington, and then when you see the production he had at the Senior Bowl, that was what we felt strongly about.” — McVay

Grade: B+

David Edwards, fifth round, No. 169 overall
School: Wisconsin

Position: OT

Vitals: 6-foot-6, 308 pounds

What’s good: A former high school quarterback and college freshman tight end, Edwards has great feet for the tackle position and an easy, natural fluidity to his movement.

What’s bad: Edwards lacks great core strength and power, and in spite of the three years he spent as a starting tackle at Wisconsin, he is still a work-in-progress in terms of the technical aspects of offensive line play.

Short-term impact: Edwards will likely spend his rookie season as a redshirt candidate able to learn, grow and develop under the tutelage of respected Rams offensive line coach Aaron Kromer.

Long-term impact: All the attributes are there for Edwards to be developed under Kromer into a dependable backup able to swing from guard to tackle.

What they’re saying: “The last tackle we really, really desired, and thought we could put him in the hands of (offensive line coach Aaron Kromer) and start the development process.” — Snead

Grade: C

Nick Scott, seventh round, No. 243 overall
School: Penn State

Position: Safety

Vitals: 5-foot-11, 200 pounds

What’s good: A standout special-teams ace at Penn State, Scott is willing and able to pridefully and productively play that role. Has blazing speed, toughness and instincts to be a valued special-teams contributor.

What’s bad: Didn’t play much aside from special teams until his senior year, when he made 12 starts at safety.

Short-term impact: Scott has a good chance of cracking the regular roster as a rookie special-teams player.

Long-term impact: Scott has a ways to go in terms of making an eventual mark outside of special teams, but he’s got enough speed and athletic ability to turn himself into a useful reserve over his career while being a standout on special teams.

What they’re saying: “One of (special-teams coach John Fassel’s) favorite ever special-teams players that he’s ever graded. He’s probably been our No. 1 priority since Bones brought the POA to me.” — Snead

Grade: C

Dakota Allen, seventh round, No. 251 overall
School: Texas Tech

Position: Linebacker

Vitals: 6-foot-1, 232 pounds

What’s good: Allen is a productive and instinctive tackler at a position of major need for the Rams, who go into next season needing a replacement for Mark Barron. Fits all the traits needed to be a run-stuffing ILB in terms of adequate-enough speed and toughness and instincts.

What’s bad: Was dismissed from Texas Tech after his freshman year after getting arrested for home burglary, so there is some obvious baggage. All the charges were eventually dropped, and Allen worked his way back to Texas Tech after spending time at a community college. Allen still has some refining in terms of fighting off blocks and flowing to action.

Short-term impact: Has a chance to earn an immediate role on special teams while competing for the open job at inside linebacker.

Long-term impact: Fits the profile of a Wade Phillips-type 3-4 ILB and likely would have been drafted higher without the baggage from Texas Tech. If he continues to grow and develop, he will put himself into consideration for a starting job.

What they’re saying: “What was really neat, going through the process, was the mistake he made at Texas Tech — there were people at Texas Tech who definitely fought for him to get a second chance based on who he was. Great phone call today; I think it was one of our favorites because you could tell he was definitely appreciative to get this opportunity. Fun football player to watch.” — Snead

Grade: B –

***

Rams Fourth-Round Draft Selection DT Greg Gaines – Conference Call – Saturday, April 27, 2019

(On his reaction when he got the phone call from the Rams)

“I was just in shock. I was talking to my mom and all of the sudden my phone started ringing. I don’t know, it was just amazing. It’s cool because I’m going back home. I grew up in L.A., so it’s just, it’s awesome. I’m super excited.”

(On his reaction to joining a defensive line that includes DT Aaron Donald)

“I mean, I’m just like excited to learn from those guys. I’ve watched (DT) Aaron Donald a lot on film and studied a lot of his techniques. It’s going to be amazing to learn from him firsthand. I think he’s going to really help me improve as a player.”

(On the Rams interest in him prior to the draft)

“I met with them at the Senior Bowl in like a formal interview, so that was about it. They said that they liked me. But, I don’t know, I really wasn’t sure.”

(On being drafted to the same team as University of Washington teammate S Taylor Rapp)

“Yeah, that’s super cool. I love (S) Taylor Rapp. He’s a great guy. We get along really well. It’s going to be fun being with him again. He’s a guy I trust back there and it’s going be fun being together still.”

(On if he thinks he has the potential to step in and play immediately in the NFL)

“Yeah, I think so. I’m really strong. I got good technique, quickness, and I’m pretty smart – I think that’s one of my biggest assets. I learn the playbook fast and I’m good at studying offenses, so I think I can make an impact right away.”

(On if there is a spot on the defensive line where he is most comfortable playing)

“I like head-up nose (guard), three (technique) – anywhere on the inside between the guards – anywhere in there. From guard-to-guard, I’m good. That would be my sweet spot.”

(On returning home to Los Angeles to play for an NFL team that wasn’t here a few years ago)

“I’ve never personally been to an NFL game. My first NFL game, I’ll be playing in it, hopefully.”

(On why he hasn’t ever been to an NFL game)

“I don’t know. Well, I grew up in L.A. and there were no teams anywhere nearby, so I just never got to go to an NFL game. I was always playing football during (the NFL season).”

(On if he is in L.A. right now)

“I am in Dallas, Texas right now. I was training out here and my wife had a baby, so I couldn’t fly back. Just didn’t want to fly the newborn around.”

(On everything happening in his life right now)

“Yeah, it’s been a big month that’s for sure.”

***

Rams Fifth-Round Draft Selection T David Edwards – Conference Call – Saturday, April 27, 2019

(On his reaction to being drafted by the Rams)

“Complete shock. Just really grateful and appreciative that they gave me this opportunity. When I got the call, I was in the middle of a conversation with my girlfriend and my agent and was like, ‘Holy smokes, this might be it!’ But yeah, just really shocked and really excited.”

(On if he had any idea that the Rams were considering drafting him)

“I didn’t, but I thought I had a really good interview with them at the combine and really felt like I had a good connection with them. I can tell you, when I left my interview with the Rams at the combine, I felt really good about it. Even though I didn’t know that this was kind of a chance, I thought I’d be in a good spot if the Rams were to take me.”

(On how well he knows former Badger and current Rams T Rob Havenstein)

“I don’t know (T) Rob (Havenstein) very much. I met him when he was a senior (at Wisconsin) and I was a senior in high school. I had the opportunity to cross paths with him, but I’ve never had the chance to really talk to him. Everything I’ve heard from guys like (Wisconsin Teammates Michael) Deiter and Beau (Benzschawel) that had the chance to play with him are really cool. So, he’s a really good dude. Nothing but excitement to learn from him and play behind him and get the chance to compete with him.”

(On if he’s played anywhere else on the line besides right tackle)

“So I’ve played left tackle in spring ball, but I’ve played pretty much right tackle my entire career at Wisconsin.”

(On his capabilities at guard if the Rams moved him inside)

“Yeah, I think if I had the opportunity and the reps to play at guard and even at center, I would definitely welcome that. Wherever they decide to play me and give me the opportunity is fine with me. I have no reservations on moving inside or playing at any other position.”

(On if his shoulder affected his draft status and the status of it now)

“Yeah, I think it definitely did. The biggest thing that hurt me this year was my tape – I tried battling through it and giving myself a chance to play with my teammates. But in terms of right now, we actually had the chance to figure out what was wrong, it was something very minor and we were able to fix it actually pretty quickly and it was non-surgical or anything like that. I’m feeling confident, I’m healthy and ready to head into OTAs and rookie minicamp.”

(On his attempt to play through the injury and if that impressed the Rams and showed his commitment to the team)

“Yeah, I hope so. I think the biggest thing that I took away from that was at the end of it, I came out of it as a team guy, I proved I was a team guy. As much as I wanted my tape to be better or the season for myself to be better, I had the chance to play 10 games with teammates and make memories that I will never forget. So, in terms of regretting it or feeling bad about it – I don’t feel bad at all and I hope that the Rams can see that they got a really good dude and a team guy that is going to work his tail off for everybody in the building.”

***

Rams Seventh-Round Draft Selection S Nick Scott – Conference Call – Saturday, April 27, 2019

(On his reaction to getting drafted by the Rams)

“Oh, man. I was speechless. I was trying to find the right words to say to the coaches. I was just so glad to hear their voice and talk to them. My family was going crazy in the background. I’m sure that the coaches heard that. But, just a huge sense of relief and I just feel extremely blessed to see all of the work I’ve put in over the years come into fruition.”

(On if the Rams were a team he thought could potentially draft him)

“Absolutely. As a matter of fact, Coach (John) Fassel, the special teams coordinator, he was the first actual coach that I heard from during this process. I was training down in Florida and the Combine was being aired on television, and he was the first coach that called me while he was at the Combine. He said, ‘Hey Nick, I’m looking at your film and I’m extremely surprised that you’re not here right now.” And we’ve been in contact ever since then. He told me he was going draft me and he kept his word. So, I’m looking forward to not only being a huge part of his special teams, but contributing to that defense.”

(On if he’s been a special teams guru throughout his college career)

“Yes ma’am, that’s right. That’s what I call myself. I’ve played special teams all four years. I was special teams player of the year my freshman year and special teams captain the two years after that.”

(On which special teams he played on)

“I’ve played on the core four, all of them. Kickoff, kickoff return. I was a returner for a couple of years. I was on kickoff coverage. I was on punt. I was a gunner on punt, a guard on punt, and I’ve also been on punt return.”

(On his impression on Rams Special teams Coordinator John Fassel)

“He’s awesome. I’ve only had a couple conversations with him over the phone. But, I can just tell from talking to him, he’s got a tremendous amount of energy and he’s passionate about what he does. I can tell that by talking to all the coaches and the coaching staff. I’m just extremely excited to work with those guys.”

***

Rams Seventh-Round Draft Selection LB Dakota Allen – Conference Call – Saturday, April 27, 2019

(On his reaction on being picked by the Rams)

“I’m emotional and I broke down in tears. Me and my family, we’ve been waiting on this moment for so long. And I’m just so excited to be an L.A. Ram.”

(On it being a long journey to get to this point and what enabled him to make the the turnaround going to East Mississippi Community College and going back to Texas Tech)

“You know, I had a mistake in my past and the biggest thing is, I learned from it and I grew from it as a person. I’m just excited to continue my football career as an L.A. Ram.”

(On if he thought the Rams might be a team to select him)

“I did have some contact with them. I wouldn’t just say 100 percent that I knew that they were going to pick me. I’m sorry I’m emotional.”

(On his interaction with NFL teams during the draft process regarding his past incident at Texas Tech and rebounding from it)

“Normally when I talked about it, I was just open and honest, and I told them what I learned from it. Their reaction to it was, ‘Everybody makes mistakes. As long as you learn from it, as long as you grow from it, and as you long as you don’t make the same mistake twice.’ So, that’s the most reaction I got.”

(On what he learned from his mistakes looking back)

“I’d say, I learned what’s important to me, and that’s definitely my family and that’s definitely football. I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize either one of those things.”

(On if he’s ever been out to Los Angeles before)

“I have. I want to say a couple of spring breaks ago, but definitely not under the same circumstances.”

(On his experience participating in the television show ‘Last Chance U’ and if people still recognize him from the show)

“Honestly, it was a weird experience, but also a great experience. People do recognize me from the show. They recognize me as sort of the good guy on the show (laughs). The whole experience was just amazing and I’m thankful for it because I was able to continue playing football.”

(On where he thinks he would fit in best in the NFL and what kind of player he thinks he can be)

“I will fit in wherever I am coached to fit in. When a get there, I’m going to work hard from day one. I’m going to take it day by day, get better and be coachable, and just hopefully contribute to the team.”

(On if he thought the NFL was no longer a possibility after he first left Texas Tech)

“Oh, yeah. Absolutely. When I first left Texas Tech, I thought I was never going to play football again. That’s why I was so grateful and thankful for the opportunity that East Mississippi provided me. Then once I got that opportunity, I just took it and ran with it. I honestly can’t believe I’m an L.A. Ram.”

(On playing in the same division as Kliff Kingsbury – his former college coach and now head coach of the Arizona Cardinals)

“Oh, that will be very interesting, but I have nothing but the utmost respect for Coach Kingsbury. I mean, he was the one that allowed me back on the team the second time. So, I mean, I love Coach Kingsbury, but I’m definitely a competitor and I’m ready to compete.”

(On where he was when he got the news that the Rams were drafting him)

“I was in my living room with my family.”

(On where he lives)

“In Humble, Texas. It’s like North Houston area.”

Zooey wrote:

I won’t be able to entirely shake that comment from my mind until I see Henderson do it.

Fair enough.

I can fully understand and appreciate how a diehard 49ers fan would be reluctant to admit the Rams picked a good offensive playmaker in this draft.

I have no problem with that.

…