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znModeratorVincent Bonsignore@VinnyBonsignore
#Rams rookie minicamp is set for May 10. Full team mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 11-13. Also, OTA’s set for May 20, May 22-23, May 28-30 and June 3-6.J.B. Long@JB_Long
The #LARams had a great draft. But there’s no denying their NFC West competitors got better over the weekend.Scott Dochterman@ScottDochterman
The best DE before the AFL-NFL merger. Fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Broke his leg during the 1958 NFL title game but refused to leave the field. Gino Marchetti was an all-time great.==
.@HarrisonNFL has released his post-draft power rankings!
FULL RANKINGS: https://t.co/WfNmcDRh3v pic.twitter.com/MwU1BVMfxi
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 30, 2019
znModeratorbut yes. the fact kromer sees both as candidates for the left tackle spot can only be a good thing.
So. The Edwards/Noteboom wars have begun.
znModeratorMerlin
Gaines to me is the best pick in this draft. Been saying forever that being able to anchor in and not get washed out in the run game while playing one gap on the nose in this defense are not mutually exclusive. This guy looks like he’s got the toolset to do that for us. Rams did a good job dealing with neither of the early options being available at 31 and played the strengths of one of the best DL drafts in a long time to go get a guy who fits what they need.
Gaines is more disciplined than Suh was. When he’s doubled up he doesn’t try to roll around and out of his gap for pressure, he’ll eat that $#!T with some barbeque sauce and pile it up. But look at his tape. The guy is a threat to reset the line of scrimmage and penetrate so he is not just some space eater.
Honestly I am not sure I’d limit him to being a 2 down nose. He has good short area burst in traffic and also has great vision even when he’s doubled up where a ball carrier squirting through a gap he’s moving that way. This is a guy who gave an impressive Senior Bowl OL class all they could handle too. I don’t doubt that he’ll need a blow now and then but outside that basic rotation requirement he’s going to see third down IMO and he and Donald are going to do just fine.
They wanted to improve run defense on the nose. This was obvious two years in with Wade’s defense struggling against the run for most of that time. Players they wanted (probably Simmons & Lawrence) were nabbed early so oh well. The guy they got is the prototype in some ways, I’ve heard some guys like Kirwan go on over the years about the ideal nose being athletic and stumpy, former FB types who can pack on the muscle and stand up to the traffic in the middle and here we get a guy who was precisely that in a former FB who converted. He ain’t Lawrence, but next to Donald he might be just as effective in his primary role of anchoring in while AD does his thing. He is going to start this season and from camp on that dude next to Donald gives the OL two guys to deal with who go full tilt all the time so expect some fireworks.
znModeratorI would say that Edwards is the more athletic, quick footed player, and he’s taller and leaner, which fits a tackle profile. I mean this is a converted QB then TE.
Nothing wrong with Noteboom. And no one is saying he can’t play tackle. But he is shorter (by a bit) and heavier, built along the lines of Saffold. If you were just to stand them next to one another in uniform and full pads and ask, which is the guard and which is the OT, I would think most people would automatically go Edwards is the tackle and NB is the guard.
It’s all speculation at this point, but, saying the Rams have 2 potential tackles and only one of them can play there? Nice problem to have.
April 30, 2019 at 10:57 am in reply to: reporters on the "Henderson drafted cause of Gurley" discussion #100779znModeratorThe Todd Gurley insurance policy: Meet Darrell Henderson
Lindsey Thiry
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — It could, and perhaps should, be called a Todd Gurley II insurance policy.
But that is not how the Los Angeles Rams described their decision to move up in the NFL draft to select Memphis running back Darrell Henderson in the third round with the 70th overall pick.
Darrell Henderson rushed for nearly 2,000 yards in his career at Memphis. Justin Ford/USA TODAY Sports
General manager Les Snead characterized Henderson as the “change-of-pace” back that the organization has been in search of since coach Sean McVay arrived two seasons ago. And McVay said Henderson could “provide a different threat” behind Gurley and backup Malcolm Brown.Both Snead and McVay’s descriptions of their newest back could be true.
But the Rams’ selection of Henderson with their second pick also raises more questions about the status of Gurley’s left knee, which kept him sidelined for the final two games of the regular season. Gurley returned for the playoffs, and — as he shared carries with C.J. Anderson — appeared to return to form as he rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown in a divisional-round win over the Dallas Cowboys. But he struggled in the NFC Championship Game, gaining only 13 total yards on five touches, and then was held to 35 yards in 10 carries in Super Bowl LIII.
“This had to do with his skill set,” McVay said, when asked if Henderson’s addition was tied to Gurley’s knee. “He was a player that we identified as a unique playmaker.”
Henderson is small, at 5-foot-8 and 208 pounds, with big-play ability. He rushed for 22 touchdowns and caught three more as a junior last season and averaged 8.9 yard per carry on his way to 1,909 career rushing yards.
“I’m able to catch out of the backfield. I’m able to return kicks,” Henderson said. “I’m able to run the ball, run hard and do a lot of things.”
“You see the explosiveness,” McVay said.
But it remains to be seen how much all three backs — Gurley, Brown (who signed a two-year, $3.25 million deal as a restricted free agent last month) and Henderson — will get to play.
McVay said that Henderson was a back who could prompt him to break from his almost singular use the past two seasons of his 11-personnel scheme (three receivers, one running back and one tight end) and that he could deploy more personnel groupings, perhaps to include two running backs, this season.
“Being able to give somebody a chance to come in and provide a different threat is exactly what we identified” in Henderson, McVay said.
Since the Rams’ loss in the Super Bowl, Snead and McVay have said that they must manage Gurley’s workload. But McVay also has maintained that Gurley would remain a focal point of the Rams’ prolific offense.
“We anticipate Todd being a huge part of this like he has been the last couple years,” McVay said. “As far as managing the workload, those are things that we talk about with Todd and as you continue to get educated on, is that something that we should do for the long haul or something that is or isn’t going to affect Todd most importantly and how does that affect our team.”
Gurley said at the start of voluntary offseason workouts two weeks ago that he was “feeling good” and was “taking it day by day” as he prepared for the upcoming season. But when asked if he could confirm reports that he was suffering from a degenerative condition or arthritis, Gurley offered no label at all. “All I can focus on is how I’m doing right now,” he said.
So while Gurley remains focused on the present, the Rams have clearly mapped a plan for their future. How exactly it involves Gurley is unlikely to be seen until September.
znModeratorfrom: https://theathletic.com/949929/2019/04/29/2019-nfl-draft-wrapup/?source=dailyemail
NFC West
Los Angeles RamsBest Pick: RB Darrell Henderson, Memphis
The third-round pick is an explosive weapon and the newest toy for head coach Sean McVay to utilize offensively. He’s also insurance in case Todd Gurley’s injured left knee means a reduction in usage.
Most Questionable: S Nick Scott, Penn State
He did not produce much in non-special teams situations until his senior year in college, and he doesn’t project as much more than a special teams player in the NFL. The Rams selected Scott in the seventh round.
Sleeper Pick: NT Greg Gaines, Washington
Gaines fell in the draft due to measurables, including a lack of height. But he was an effective run stopper throughout his college career and he is expected to contend for a starting job immediately. To get that kind of value in the fourth round is impressive.
—Vinny Bonsignore
znModeratorRams' 3 biggest needs following 2019 NFL draft https://t.co/qTVpt9CQJC
— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) April 30, 2019
znModeratorznModeratorfrom Dane Brugler’s NFL Draft Class Power Rankings
…
Los Angeles Rams
Rank: 27Favorite pick: Taylor Rapp, SS, Washington
Without a pick in the top 60, it was going to be tough for the Rams to rank high on this list, but they maximized the value with their first three picks, starting with Rapp near the end of the second round. There were some questions about his hip flexor and his average long speed, but his short-area quicks and intelligence show on tape.Questionable pick: David Edwards, OT, Wisconsin
After an All-American sophomore season, Edwards battled injuries and inconsistency last season as a junior. There are reasons to be encouraged with his hand strength and mobility, but his upper and lower halves speak different languages, leading to mistakes.Day 3 pick who could surprise: Dakota Allen, LB, Texas Tech
While he has some limitations with his redirect and recovery skills, Allen is an eager run defender with the downhill play speed and toughness that also translate to special teams. With his attitude and competitive drive, he should earn a roster spot.znModerator#LARams GM Les Snead says goal coming into Day 3 was to figure out a way to get to a place where the team could draft DL Greg Gaines to play NT in the 3-4 base package.
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) April 27, 2019
znModeratorOne of the PFF favorites headed to Los Angeles to join the Rams as Michigan CB David Long was selected with the 79th overall pick! pic.twitter.com/zBK7eOSIOF
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) April 29, 2019
===
#PFF swooned over CB David Long prior to the draft. Check out just one of the reasons why #Rams fans should be excited about their newest corner addition:https://t.co/lJEjNjT5xS
— PFF LA Rams (@PFF_Rams) April 29, 2019
znModeratorOn the Rosen trade:
— Washington lol'd at Keim's 1st-rd price tag.
— When Keim suggested keeping both QBs, Rosen said: "Then I’ll just beat him out."
— Rosen took it in stride: “It’s not like I’m some child soldier in Darfur. I’ve had it pretty good."https://t.co/8TaiQ8RCKk— Robert Klemko (@RobertKlemko) April 29, 2019
znModeratorMe: Rams shouldn't have spent a 3rd-round pick on a RB because they have Gurley
Angry fans: https://t.co/LCXUW0ab4d
— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) April 29, 2019
znModerator#Rams coming in at 10 1/2 wins according to pist-draft odds in Las Vegas pic.twitter.com/XbCoSlxuCy
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) April 29, 2019
znModeratorRocket and Thor go to Asgard. Skippable. I took time out to see that too and shouldn’t have. But my daughter and I have a standing deal to see the MCU films every opening night.
znModeratorWV,
Waaay off topic:
Did you catch my review of the new book, This Life, by Martin Hagglund? I think all the leftists here would love it, but it’s especially right up your alley, I’m betting.
IMO, it’s immensely important philosophy, and he makes a provocative case for democratic socialism along the way. Builds up to it. Takes us on a journey, etc. by critiquing both religion and capitalism.
It’s not as exciting as Game of Thrones, and there aren’t any dragons or zombies in it, at least that I remember, but it’s damn good all the same.
You wasn’t talkin to me, but let me sneak in a response. As it happens late April in my world gets crowded with Many Things, and the decision I always make to pay attention to the draft crowds it even more. So speaking for myself, I have been neglectful of other Many Things, reading a wide range of posts being one of them. I know that topic was important to you but it’ll be a week at least till I am free enough to be a good board buddy and give it a read.
Plus, I’m missing Game of Thrones.
That’s how out of balance life is around here.
But soon.
…
znModeratorRams 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.
April 29, 2019 at 6:46 pm in reply to: UDFAS: videos & write-ups + (continually) updated list of Rams udfas #100750znModeratorA look at the Rams’ 14 undrafted free agents
Clarence Dennis
https://www.therams.com/news/a-look-at-the-rams-14-undrafted-free-agents
The Rams wrapped the 2019 NFL Draft with eight selections, but the offseason onboarding continued through the weekend. On Monday, the team announced its list of 14 undrafted free agents who agreed to terms with the defending NFC Championship club and will hit the practice field in mid-May when as the offseason program gets into full swing.
Here’s a look at each college free agent:
UDFA_Web
WR Alex Bachman, Wake ForestThe Rams will welcome former Wake Forest wide receiver Alex Bachman to Los Angeles when rookies arrive in Southern California. Bachman played in 32 games and reeled in 82 receptions for 1,162 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns in four seasons at Wake Forest. The undrafted rookie averaged 17.4 yards per catch as junior in 2017.
TE Kendall Blanton, Missouri
Blanton appeared in 10 games as a redshirt senior at Mizzou in 2018 and will add some size to the Rams’ tight ends room. The former Tiger stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 265 pounds. He caught a career-high 22 balls for 177 yards and two touchdowns in his final season on campus.
G Chandler Brewer, Middle Tennessee
A First Team All-Conference USA honoree in his senior season at Middle Tennessee State, Brewer was a force on the offensive line freshman through senior year in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Brewer started in 50 games over four years at MTSU, allowing just two sacks in over 450 pass attempts in 2018.
TE Romello Brooker, Houston
Brooker’s production bloomed in his final season at the University of Houston. The young tight end pulled in 33 receptions for 409 yards and seven touchdowns as a true senior. Brooker was named the MVP of the Armed Forces Bowl the last time he stepped on the field, when he caught four receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown in the loss against Army.
TE Keenan Brown, Texas State
Brown played just one season as a grad transfer at Texas State in 2018, where he was named a First Team All-American tight end by Pro Football Focus. The former Oklahoma State Cowboy ranked third nationally among all tight ends with 51 receptions for 577 yards and five touchdowns in his final college season.
RB Matthew Colburn, Wake Forest
The Rams will get to work with two new running backs this summer, with the addition of third-round pick Darrell Henderson and former Wake Forest rusher Matthew Colburn. Colburn, 5-foot-10 and 200 pounds, picked up 2,550 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns on the ground in 542 attempts in four seasons.
DT Marquise Copeland, Cincinnati
Copeland could bring a versatile skill set to the Rams offseason program after four years of getting after quarterbacks at Cincinnati as both a defensive end and tackle. In 47-career games, Copeland totaled 187 tackles — 21 for a loss — along with 8.5 sacks, four passes defensed, and two forced fumbles.
LB Landis Durham, Texas A&M
Durham might fit in with the powerful pass rushers in Los Angeles. In his final two seasons as an Aggie, Durham posted 17.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss in 26 games. The Rams new young edge rusher finished a half-sack short of the SEC’s top spot in 2018.
G Brandon Hitner, Villanova
Offering experience at both left tackle and guard, Hitner earned a 5.24 mark at the NFL Combine, which grades out to ‘an NFL backup or special teams potential.’ At his Pro Day, Hitner showed off some athleticism, recording a 32.5-inch vertical jump and 115.5-inch broad jump.
C Vitas Hrynkiewicz, Youngstown State
Hrynkiewicz anchored the offensive line that paved the way for an average of 179.3 yards rushing and 23.1 points per game for the Youngstown State offense in 2018. The young offensive lineman joins Hitner as an athletic big man headed to L.A. Hrynkiewicz ran the 40-yard dash in 5.38 seconds and also eclipsed the 32-inch mark with his vertical.
LB Natrez Patrick, Georgia
Patrick was a four-year contributor in the heart of the SEC as a linebacker at Georgia. He made 160 total tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, and added 2.0 sacks in 40 games with the Bulldogs.
LB Troy Reeder, Delaware
Reeder transferred from Penn State to his home state of Delaware after two seasons and made an immediate impact for the Blue Hens. As a redshirt senior, Reeder posted 88 tackles and 2.5 sacks as the ‘Mike’ linebacker in Delaware’s 3-4 defense.
DT Tyrell Thompson, Tarleton State
In two seasons at Tarleton State, Thompson stuffed the stat sheet with 103 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, three passes defensed, and three forced fumbles in 24 games played.
WR Nsimba Webster, Eastern Washington
Webster will join fellow Eastern Washington products wide receiver Cooper Kupp and linebacker Samson Ebukam in horns as the offseason program rolls on. Webster had a huge senior year — more than doubling his yards receiving total from the previous season. The wideout finished his final year at EWU with 84 catches for 1,379 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 16.4 yards per catch.
April 29, 2019 at 6:45 pm in reply to: UDFAS: videos & write-ups + (continually) updated list of Rams udfas #100749znModeratorMoved post from another thread.
Thanks Snow!
znModeratorMultiple people saying Noteboom will likely stay at LG. I don’t understand why. Last year, we were all expecting he was Whitworth’s eventual replacement. Now he’s not?
We shall see.
Some people don’t even like the Edwards pick, and others have him being LT next year? That’s quite a range of expectation.
Last year they didn’t have a possible alternative at LOT. If Edwards comes through, then if you move Noteboom, you have to make 2 shifts–OT and OG–but if Noteboom stays put, you only need to make one.
It’s speculation either way. All that assumes a lot, including that Noteboom even works out (which I expect btw).
In terms of Edwards, there are reasons for the disparity. He played hurt last year (shoulder) and it had an effect on his tape. He says that much himself. Also, he is a twice converted player who has played OL for just 3 years, so he has gaps in his game. He was a high school qb and started college as a TE. Those who like him (including, reportedly, Kromer) point to his innate physical traits and psychological disposition and see a potential left OT there.
Kromer has a long very good history developing OL, but also on top of it, of all the good Rams OL coaches (including Hanifan and Boudreau), he is the only one who also seems to be able to pick players in a draft (both Hanny and Boudreau were famously bad at that). So all that combined fuels optimistic views.
The theory then becomes, in year 1, Evans and Edwards learn all 4 non-center spots, as per the Kromer way of things. Then it splits up. Some of us see Evans as destined for right guard/tackle, and Edwards as destined for left OT.
As I said Edwards has a lot of juicy left OT traits. Bits from his write-ups:
Early quickness in pass sets
Mirror movement needs work, but is fairly natural and fluid
Natural length is terrific
body control for his size is terrific.
Graceful big body
A long torso tackle with good feet and base.
he has started for the past three seasons, protecting the blindside for his starting quarterback Alex Hornibrook, who is left-handed.
Edwards possesses an excellent blend of size, length, power and agility
Has top-tier athleticism for a player at his height
Edwards who seems more than capable of playing either left or right.
long, athletic kid. … Really light on his feet
That all sounds like a left OT.
Plus there’s this:
Violent thanks to explosive first step and force generated in short space, will be reliable to run behind, even on short yardage down and distances.
is a bully and plays chippy when he’s let off the leash
Controlled aggression. Plays with attitude and effort.
Unpleasant disposition in the run game.
April 29, 2019 at 2:13 pm in reply to: UDFAS: videos & write-ups + (continually) updated list of Rams udfas #100737znModeratorNsimba Webster – WR/KR, Eastern Washington, 5’9 176
==
from: https://relativeathleticscores.com/2019/03/15/2019-draft-class-ras/
WR Nsimba Webster Eastern Washington 4.44
==
Report: Patriots meet with Eastern Washington WR Nsimba Webster
Report: Patriots meet with Eastern Washington WR Nsimba Webster
Ahead of the 2019 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots have met with lesser-known wide receiver Nsimba Webster of Eastern Washington, according to Yahoo’s Eric Edholm.
Webster had impressive production in his senior season at the FCS school, with 84 receptions for 1,379 yards (16.4 yards per reception) and 11 touchdowns in 15 games in 2018. During his junior year, he had 59 receptions for 693 yards and five touchdowns.
Eastern Washington lost in the FCS championship game against North Dakota State. Webster finished the game with four receptions for 92 yards. In the semifinal, a win over Maine, he had nine receptions for 188 yards and four touchdowns. He was also a solid kick returner early in his college years, with 31 attempts for 680 yards in his sophomore season.
znModeratorden-the-coach
I actually think Edwards will get time at LT more than Evans, but Evans can slot in at RG as he was a RT in 2017. IMO, for now Kromer will have Evans & Edwards playing all positions on the Offensive Line besides Center, but longterm Edwards feet are quick because of him being a former QB/TE and so now that he’s healthy, I look for Noteboom to stay at LG with Edwards being at LT and Evans being at RT/RG.
znModeratorGaines 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).
znModeratorfrom Washington Post
Los Angeles Rams
The defending NFC champs traded out of the first round but did extremely well by getting S Taylor Rapp late in the second. The first of their three third-round choices was RB Darrell Henderson, perhaps a reflection of lingering concerns about Todd Gurley’s workload and the condition of his knee.
Adding Washington safety Taylor Rapp and Michigan cornerback David Long to a defense already full of super-smart and hyperaggressive defenders doubles down on both attributes. And in Sean McVay’s offense, it’s hard to imagine a better fit than third-round running back Darrell Henderson, who lit up the NCAA last season with an 8.9 yards-per-carry average. McVay can use Henderson as backs like Alvin Kamara and Kareem Hunt have been deployed, and he makes this offense even more dangerous. Fourth-round defensive tackle Greg Gaines out of Washington is a nice rotational fit for a line in need of reinforcements around Aaron Donald. Another guy to watch is Oklahoma tackle Bobby Evans, who plays with a real nasty streak and might be Rodger Saffold’s replacement over time.
Grade: B
znModeratorjrry32
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.
znModeratorfrom YahooSports
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/final-team-grades-for-the-2019-nfl-draft-190428303.html
—
Los Angeles Rams
Picks: Washington S Taylor Rapp; Memphis RB Darrell Henderson; Michigan CB David Long; Oklahoma OG Bobby Evans; Washington DT Greg Gaines; Wisconsin OT David Edwards; Penn State S Nick Scott; Texas Tech LB Dakota Allen
Best pick: Rapp
It was a tossup here between Rapp and Long, but we’ll take a player – our No. 28 overall prospect – who fell surprisingly far following one bad 40-yard dash at his pro day. Running in the 4.7s took him out of first-round consideration, and he has a hip injury that is worth monitoring, but this is a Wade Phillips defender if we ever saw one. Lining up alongside Eric Weddle affords the Rams some tremendous versatility and playmaking with their safeties, so we consider this an inspired selection late in Round 2. It was a shock he tumbled that far.
[IMG]
Washington safety Taylor Rapp might turn out to be a steal for the Los Angeles Rams. (AP Photo)Worst pick: Henderson
And by worst, we just mean it was one of the few picks we didn’t absolutely love. Henderson in the hands of Sean McVay does feel like a cheat code admittedly, as the big-play back can be schemed into success in this system. But perhaps the bigger story here is that the Rams now have invested quite a bit in the running back position with 2018 preseason standout John Kelly (a sixth-round pick), re-signing Malcolm Brown and giving Gurley a contract that still leaves the team with more than $25 million in dead money into the 2020 season. It’s perhaps more of an indication that Gurley’s long-term health remains a real worry.
Overall: What a haul for the Super Bowl runners-up. GM Les Snead continues to pull rabbits out of hats with his free-agent maneuverings and his draft work, especially with the foresight a year ago to add Day 3 talent on the offensive line. Those picks, along with this year’s selections of Evans and Edwards, should patch a lot of holes up front. And adding Rapp and Long to the secondary was just terrific. Long has the type of man-cover skills Phillips seeks and might be one of the better Day 2 sleepers. So much to like here, even without a full till of picks and no first-rounder.
Grade: A-
znModeratorNFL345@NFL345
2019 NFL DRAFT REACHES NEW HEIGHTS AND RECORD NUMBERS – 47.5 MILLION VIEWERS AND 600,000 FANS IN ATTENDANCE YIELDING THE HIGHEST RATED, MOST WATCHED, AND MOST ATTENDED EVERznModeratorznModeratorGaines has opportunity to make immediate impact at nose tackle
Myles Simmons
https://www.therams.com/news/gaines-has-opportunity-to-make-immediate-impact
The Rams entered the final day of the 2019 NFL Draft with one clear objective — draft defensive lineman Greg Gaines out of Washington.
General manger Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay were able to pull that off at No. 134 after a draft-day trade.
“I know Sean and I spent this morning kind of going through the day’s game plan and the first … priority was to try to figure out how we could get to a spot in the draft and draft Gaines to fill the nose-tackle-type spot in our base defense,” Snead said following the day’s action.
As you may have seen on Gaines’ inside the call video on therams.com, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips pointed out that there’s a place for the incoming rookie on Los Angeles’ defensive line at nose tackle with Ndamukong Suh’s departure.
“Big shoes to fill — I’m up for it,” Gaines told Phillips on the call.
And listed at 6-foot-1 and 312 pounds, Gaines’ ability to be a strong nose tackle was a big part of the reason Los Angeles wanted to draft him in the first place.
“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, I think that’ll be a key factor for really being stout inside,” McVay said. “And we feel like Greg will provide that.”
“When you look at a Greg Gaines, you can really take a specific approach where as a nose in our base defensive package, here’s the skillset he provides, and here’s why they thought of him so highly with our scouting staff,” McVay later added. “And then when you bring him [to the coaches], we feel like we see the same things.”
After the Rams finished last season last in the league surrendering an average of 5.1 yards per carry, the team certainly wants to improve the run defense heading into 2019. Rams West Coast area scout Vito Gonella said he could tell on Gaines’ tape that he was a potential fit for the defensive line to do just that.
“He’s a run stuffer — just a block in the middle that will eat up multiple blocks from offensive linemen to allow our linebackers to run free, and get more one-on-one situations for Aaron Donald,” Gonella said. “He’s a very tough, high-motor, high-effort kid who will run sideline-to-sideline down the line. Can’t say enough good things about him.”
As McVay said, the coaches noticed that, too. In an interview with therams.com, defensive line coach Eric Henderson called Gaines “a true grinder.”
“I think he can really help the run defense, has the ability to take moves, double teams, and split guys to make plays in the backfield,” Henderson said. “You got to have tough guys inside and Greg provides that toughness for us. We like what he’s able to bring to the table and be able to help us from a substitution standpoint, staying fresh, and will really, really help improve our rush defense in first- and second-down situations.”
Nothing is guaranteed for Gaines, coming in as a rookie. But there is certainly opportunity in front of him as a nose tackle in the Rams’ 3-4 base defensive scheme. Given the way teams have employed more and more three wide-receiver sets — perhaps best exemplified by the Rams almost always lining up in 11 personnel with one running back, one tight end, and three wideouts — Gaines wouldn’t necessarily be on the field all the time. But from a run-defense standpoint in those early-down situations, Gaines has a chance to really help out — and contribute early.
“We like him inside,” Henderson said. “He has the ability to hold those A gaps at the nose position like Ndamukong Suh last year, so the ability to replace that will help continue to move forward from a run defense standpoint inside, being able to help us at the nose spot.”
“He’s going to get a chance to compete,” McVay said, “but he’s a guy that we identified that we feel like will really do a great job as a nose guard in our base package.”
As for Gaines himself, the defensive lineman said he feels like he can come in and contribute right away.
“I think so,” he said. “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.”
Time will tell, but Gaines’ progression in the defense will certainly be a factor to watch throughout the rest of the offseason program and training camp.
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Evan Silva
https://www.rotoworld.com/article/nfl-draft-grades/silvas-nfc-draft-grades
Los Angeles Rams
Marcus Peters and Dante Fowler should be included in this haul after the Rams acquired them for the Nos. 63 and 98 picks, respectively. GM Les Snead traded down twice in round two, dipping from No. 45 to No. 61 and adding the Nos. 101 and 167 picks along the way. He traded back up for Henderson, Evans, and Gaines after pocketing the extra ammo. Top-pick Rapp ran slow (4.74) at his Pro Day but crushed the three cone (6.82) and short shuttle (3.99) and was arguably the best tackling safety in college football over the past three years. He should be the Rams’ third safety behind Eric Weddle and John Johnson as a rookie. Henderson’s 8.2 yards-per-carry average in 2018 tied for the highest mark in NCAA history since 1956. The Rams clearly have concerns about Todd Gurley’s arthritic knee, and Henderson offers explosive insurance. An elite athlete, Long allowed just nine completions last season despite shadowing No. 1 receivers. Peters and Aqib Talib are entering contract years. Both Evans and Edwards made over 30 starts on power-five offensive lines, and the Rams’ front five badly needs replenishment after parting with Rodger Saffold and John Sullivan. Especially with Super Bowl starters Peters and Fowler factored in, Snead and coach Sean McVay should be pleased with this group.
Grade: B
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