2015 Rams Thread (1 Viewer)

[Bob Magaw]

St. Louis Rams offseason roster review: An important year for defensive ends By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/18822/st-louis-rams-offseason-roster-review

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams don't start organized team activities until June 2 but with most of the offseason heavy lifting complete, the roster you see now likely has the vast majority of players who will be on it come the start of the regular season.

With that in mind, we'll spend the next week or so delving into each position group with some thoughts on who will start, who might be on the bubble and how the depth chart could shake out.

Position: Defensive end

Returning: Chris Long, Robert Quinn, Eugene Sims, William Hayes, Ethan Westbrooks

Newcomers: Martin Ifedi, Matt Longacre

Departures: None

Projected starter(s): Quinn, Long

Battle to watch: There's very little drama to be found here as Quinn and Long are set in their spots with Hayes and Sims as one of the best backup duos in the league. That leaves a battle similar to what the Rams had in last year's camp although with far less profile for a fifth defensive end. In 2014, it was Ethan Westbrooks overcoming Michael Sam for the fifth end and ninth defensive lineman spot. This year, the battle figures to center on Westbrooks and Ifedi. Ifedi is a seventh-round pick but is coming off injury and the Rams are intrigued by his upside. But Westbrooks is also a player the Rams believe in and his versatility makes him especially enticing. Longacre can't be entirely overlooked, either, after a wildly productive college career.

Outlook: This is an interesting and big year for this group. Quinn is locked in through the 2019 season and remains the team's most proven elite player. Beyond Quinn, though, there are plenty of questions that need answering. Long would be the first to say he needs to have a strong bounce back year after an injury derailed his 2014 season. Even after coming back from that ailment, he was playing at about two-thirds of his usual speed. He's due to count more than $14 million against the cap in 2016 so ideally he could get back up to speed and earn an extension. Sims and Hayes add important depth because of their ability to line up anywhere on the line but both are also scheduled to become unrestricted free agents after the season. Westbrooks has similar versatility to Hayes and Sims and some believe Ifedi could offer the same. Much is expected from this group in 2015 and the more it provides, the better the chances it will have to remain together beyond this season.

 

[Bob Magaw]

“Life on the Streets” debuts in the 10 a.m. ET SportsCenter on Sunday, May 31, and will air in other editions of the program throughout the day. A companion piece on ESPN.com will also be posted Sunday.

SC Featured goes undercover into homeless community with St. Louis Rams (includes brief video)

http://www.espnfrontrow.com/2015/05/sc-featured-goes-undercover-into-homeless-community-with-st-louis-rams/

In Sunday’s editions of SportsCenter, the weekly SC Featured segment will follow two St. Louis Rams players as they go undercover for 24 hours to learn more about the plight of the homeless.

The players, William Hayes and Chris Long, wore makeup to help hide their identities and were dressed in second-hand clothes. They had small button cameras on their clothing and were wired for sound as they were followed by the ESPN crew.

Co-producers Gustavo Coletti and Steve Buckheit from the ESPN Features Unit learned of their assignment on a Friday night in March and were quickly on their way to St. Louis to start shooting on Sunday night.

“Within 36 hours, we had to put together a team,” said Coletti.

“The challenge for us was that this was a little bit out of our element,” said Buckheit. “We needed someone who knew how to spy on someone at night, be sort of a fly on the wall, and not intrude on what we wanted to remain a very organic experiment. We got consultation of a private investigator for that.”

Coletti said equipment such as night vision lenses was needed. “There were a lot of quick decisions and quick research,” he said.

Working with ESPN Global Security, Coletti and Buckheit hired some off-duty police officers to work with them, one of whom was also disguised and stayed with the players, and others who stayed with the ESPN crew. They also communicated with local police so that law enforcement was aware of what was going on and would not be suspicious.

“At no point did we feel unsafe,” Coletti said.

Although they were never recognized as Rams, an issue did arise after the first night when the players began to express concern that some in the tight-knit homeless community might think they were undercover police officers. For their own safety, they decided to stop the experiment after one of two planned days.

“We still feel like we captured the essence of their wide-eyed experience of being homeless,” said Buckheit. “I was very relieved at how genuine our two principles came across. There was no agenda; they were very genuine in everything they did. I feel it was mission accomplished.”

“Life on the Streets” debuts in the 10 a.m. ET SportsCenter on Sunday, May 31, and will air in other editions of the program throughout the day. A companion piece on ESPN.com will also be posted Sunday.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Rams DEs Chris Long, William Hayes confront homelessness in St. Louis

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12977001/st-louis-rams-des-chris-long-william-hayes-experience-homelessness

THE IDEA WAS hatched as the St. Louis Rams' team bus inched through a rugged part of downtown St. Louis, and, like many of the plans William Hayes and Chris Long come up with, it wasn't taken very seriously. Hayes and Long are the team's jokesters, bantering about everything from the existence of mermaids to opening a plus-size yoga studio.

But this conversation was different. From their comfortable seats in the bus, they saw homeless people on the streets, and Hayes turned to Long and asked him if he thought they could handle living like that. Hayes had been moved by the plight of the homeless since his days in Tennessee when he befriended a man who panhandled near the Titans' practice facility. On the Rams' bus, Hayes told Long he wanted to experience what it was like to be homeless and asked if Long would join him.

They'd turn in their cell phones and credit cards and wander the streets in sub-40-degree temperatures with no place to go. Long, one of the NFL's deep thinkers, gave Hayes a funny look at first, but then he said yes.

"I wasn't going to let him do that alone," Long says. "I'm sure he wouldn't let me, either."

THEY ARE BEST friends with little in common, aside from the fact that they are both enormous 30-year-old men who play defensive end. Chris Long has never wanted for anything. His mother is a retired lawyer and his father is Howie Long, a Hall of Fame defensive end. Shortly after Howie's career ended, he moved his family from Los Angeles to a 65-acre spread in Virginia because they had the means to live anywhere, and this seemed the most peaceful place to settle in. Chris inherited many of his father's athletic gifts, dominated in college at the University of Virginia, and was picked second overall in the 2008 draft.

Hayes wasn't invited to the NFL combine back in '08, and it was a surprise when the Titans selected the unknown lineman from Winston-Salem State in the fourth round. As his parents scrimped to stay afloat, his childhood was full of nos: No, he couldn't have the toy he wanted, and no, this bill couldn't be paid on time. But Hayes had a roof over his head and food in his belly. He was happy. He was showered with love, and never felt as if he was missing anything. It wasn't until Hayes was older that he realized how much his family really struggled.

The thing Hayes loved most about Long is that he never acted like a guy who had everything. "Treat the bellman the same as you treat the president of the United States," Howie Long used to tell his three boys, hoping that privilege wouldn't affect the way they acted toward others.

Long's mom, Diane, always called her son an old soul. He has a bucket list, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, and started a project to help provide clean water to the underprivileged in east Africa. He has always seen the world differently. But he had no clue what kind of challenges the homeless face.

For the past several years, the Rams' defensive line has donated $1,000 for every sack to the St. Patrick Center, a local homeless resource. Long had never visited the center.

Meanwhile, Hayes became a regular. He took a group of teenagers to the movies and played bingo at the Rosati Group Home, St. Patrick's mental illness facility. This spring, Hayes treated about 15 homeless people to a meal at Golden Corral, an all-you-can-eat buffet.

"I'm telling you, you'd thought they'd died and went to heaven," says Judson Bliss, chief program officer at St. Patrick. "It's very rare for these folks, so it was very special.

"We have a lot of people who give money to us, and that's a good thing. But I think a lot of these social problems that we have, with homelessness and the violence, what it really does take is people being involved in other people's lives. That's what makes a difference."

HAYES IS SO entertaining that some say he deserves his own reality show, and, sure enough, this had all the makings for prime-time television. Long and Hayes wore makeup, hats and second-hand clothing to avoid being recognized. They were followed around by hidden ESPN cameras and were flanked by an off-duty police officer in case they ran into trouble.

Many of these details were hammered out by Nicole Woodie, the Rams' community outreach manager. Woodie went to several thrift stores in search of clothes big enough to fit 270- and 280-pound bodies. She then distressed the clothes to make them look more lived-in, adding dirt and holes.

Long and Hayes took to the streets on the afternoon of March 22, Hayes in floodwater pants too short for his long legs; Long with penciled-in wrinkles around his eyes. Though the forecast called for a fairly mild evening, the temperature dropped into the 30s. Between them, Long and Hayes had $8 in their pockets.

Surprisingly, neither one was recognized, even when they panhandled for money to buy hamburgers just outside the Edward Jones Dome, their home on Sundays. When night fell, they searched for a place to sleep. Long and Hayes found warmth from a fire in a barrel, but were quickly chased off by a scruffy middle-aged man who said they were trespassing on his space.

They came upon an empty box truck and slept in the back. It provided little warmth, and Hayes couldn't sleep.

"I wasn't scared," he says, "but it was more so the idea of not knowing the next move. I'm trying to close my eyes. We have a security guard with us, but he was like, 'If somebody really wanted to come in here to lift this thing up to shoot all of us and rob us, they could easily do it.'

"Basically, I'm trying to sleep, but I'm trying to figure out what's going to be my next move in the morning. When you get up, it's like, gosh, we've got nowhere to go."

They awoke just after 5 a.m. It rained that morning, and Long said he was glad they were able to experience the elements. Hayes wasn't so enthusiastic. Their experiment lasted about 24 hours. Then they hopped in a van and toured the places they'd gone the day before. When they reached the abandoned warehouse where they'd gone to warm up near the fire, they came upon the man who ran them off the night before. His name is Marty.

Marty ran his own construction business once, but then he split up with his wife, got some DWIs and couldn't get his driver's license back. His life unraveled, and he wound up in the warehouse along with a homeless woman named Nancy, whom he was trying to protect.

Hayes and Long were so moved by Marty's story that they decided to put him and Nancy up in an extended-stay hotel for two months. When Woodie came by to pick them up a couple of days later, Marty was surprised. He said he didn't think anyone would come back. So many times in their lives, nobody came back.

"It's something intangible," Woodie says. "It's like someone believes in them and has hope in them.

"We want this to be the moment that changes their lives forever. We hope that's the case. We also know it might not be."

Hayes and Long bought disposable cell phones for Marty and Nancy and paid for groceries and bus passes.

Marty found a job in construction recently; Nancy received help through outreach support. But it's far more complicated than that. The issues that put them on the streets for years can't be fixed in two months.

Hayes is "absolutely" worried about them, he says. "I can't change the world. They could relapse.

"With Marty, I see he wants to make a difference. I feel like he was getting tired of the lifestyle he was living."

WHEN HAYES CAME up with the idea for this experiment, he did not want cameras following him and Long. He didn't want to make it look like he was grandstanding or being fake. But both Woodie and the St. Patrick Center encouraged him to use his platform to raise awareness of homelessness.

Both Hayes and Long say the experience changed their lives. Hayes hated the way people stared at him as he walked the streets, judging him by the way he looked. Long used to look the other way when he saw a homeless person. He'd write checks to the St. Patrick Center, but for a long time, he says, the people there were just faceless recipients of his good fortune. Long made his first trip to the facility right after his night on the streets, and promised he'd be back.

"We don't understand," Long says. "We weren't hoping to understand. We were just hoping to gain a little perspective and put kind of a feeling with the cause that we had been [donating to] from a distance the last couple of years."

Long went home that night, rested his head on a pillow in his apartment and stared at the ceiling. He felt warm and lucky, but not quite comfortable. He hopes that feeling lasts.

ESPN's Steve Buckheit contributed to this story.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Behind the scenes of the ESPN special on Long and Hayes’ homeless 24 hours on the streets of St. Louis (VIDEO 11 minutes).

http://www.stlouisrams.com/videos/videos/Home/62619e6b-b6d9-4b06-a943-e7bee8e43c2d

 

[Bri]

Signing Jeff Garcia to coach the WRs with longtime well respected Ray Sherman already doing that makes me wonder about how Weinke is doing with Foles. It just doesn't make me think "oh Sherman needs some help"

 

[Bob Magaw]

Rams were a top 4 top 5 defense in the second half of the season: Over their last eight games, the Rams ranked fourth in rushing yards allowed per game (84.4), tied for fourth in sacks (26), fifth in points allowed (16.8) and tied for sixth in takeaways (15).

Rams ready to put offseason program into high gear • By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-ready-to-put-offseason-program-into-high-gear/article_c0240813-0206-56da-8a33-7f31058b318e.html

The Rams are ready to take the next step in preparation for the coming NFL season. On Tuesday, the team will hold the first of its 10 organized team activities.

These “OTAs” are not open to the public, but members of the media will be able to watch six of the onfield sessions over the next three weeks.

The Rams began their offseason workout program — weight training, meetings and skill development — on April 20. But OTAs mark the first time the offensive and defensive players can come together on the practice field.

“We started the journey when we came together for workouts, but (OTAs) take it to another level,” Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis said. “Personally, I enjoy it. You can only do so many workouts before you get bored. So any time I get to play football or even do football stuff, it’s fun.

“It’s limited, of course, because we’re only in helmets. But you’ll see some competing between the offensive and defensive linemen, and we’ll get some work in the secondary and in pass defense. And the run game always looks good when you can’t tackle.’’

With Gregg Williams back for his second season as defensive coordinator and the majority of the starters and top reserves returning, the Rams are counting on the defense to pick up where it left off a year ago.

The Rams have talked about simplifying the defense during this offseason. Last year, despite dominating at times, the team finished 17th in total defense, 14th against the run and 19th vs. the pass. But it was a different unit during the second half of the season.

Over their last eight games, the Rams ranked fourth in rushing yards allowed per game (84.4), tied for fourth in sacks (26), fifth in points allowed (16.8) and tied for sixth in takeaways (15).

“It took some time for everyone to get familiar and learn what Gregg expected,” said Laurinaitis, who’s heading into his seventh NFL season. “But once we started to understand, things really started to click for us. Gregg knows us and we know him and there’s a great level of trust both ways.”

Key offseason additions to the defense included a pair of free agents — defensive tackle Nick Fairley, a first-round pick by Detroit in 2011, and linebacker Akeem Ayers, a second-round pick by Tennessee in 2011 who finished last season with Super Bowl champion New England.

While the defense appears set, questions abound for the Rams on offense. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer left shortly after last season ended to take the same position at the University of Georgia.

The Rams promoted from within, elevating Frank Cignetti to the job, then brought in Chris Weinke to take over as quarterbacks coach — Cignetti’s old job.

On March 10, the team swapped quarterbacks with Philadelphia, bringing in Nick Foles and sending Sam Bradford to the Eagles.

Then came the draft, in which the Rams added what coach Jeff Fisher called their “back of the future” by selecting former Georgia star Todd Gurley with the 10th pick.

Gurley, who had knee surgery in November, is not expected to do much, if anything, in OTAs.

The team followed in the draft by addressing its needs on the offensive line by selecting Wisconsin’s Rob Havenstein in Round 2, Louisville’s Jamon Brown in Round 3, Iowa’s Andrew Donnal in Round 4 and Fresno State’s Cody Wichmann in Round 6.

“We know something about Nick (Foles) because we faced him with Philly, but I think we’re all interested to see how things will come together for him here,” Laurinaitis said. “I know he’s been working hard, trying to develop some chemistry and timing with the receivers.”

Laurinaitis is especially intrigued by the development of the offensive line, which returns just two starters — left tackle Greg Robinson and left guard Rodger Saffold.

“We won’t have full contact, but there’ll be some mirroring drills and stuff like that against guys like Aaron Donald, Robert Quinn and Chris Long,’’ he said. “It’s a big step-up for the young guys and I’m looking forward to see if they’re ready to compete or if they’re going to shy away.’’

Laurinaitis said another key aspect of OTAs is the opportunity to re-learn the playbook and set a foundation for training camp, which is to begin in late July.

“You learn all this stuff in OTAs to establish the base you can build on,’’ he said. “That gives you something to study during the summer and then really get after it when camp starts.’’

Laurinaitis continued: “Something Gregg Williams has been stressing lately is starting fast. I think that may be our motto through OTAs. We have to have the mindset that we can’t waste any reps, especially knowing that we open at home against Seattle (on Sept. 13).

“We’ve gotta be able to start fast and get out of this 1-3 rut we’ve been in the last three years.”

Joe Lyons jlyons@post-dispatch.com

 

[Bob Magaw]

Rams offseason roster review: Nick Fairley adds more push at DT By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/18850/rams-offseason-roster-review-nick-fairley-adds-more-push-at-dt

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams don't start organized team activities until June 2, but with most of the offseason heavy lifting complete, the roster you see now likely has the vast majority of players who will be on it come the start of the regular season.

With that in mind, we'll spend the next week or so delving into each position group with some thoughts on who will start, who might be on the bubble and how the depth chart could shake out.

Position: Defensive tackle

Returning: Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers, Doug Worthington

Newcomers: Nick Fairley, Louis Trinca-Pasat

Departures: Kendall Langford

Projected starters: Donald, Brockers

Battle to watch: There's really not much suspense to be found here. Donald and Brockers will start, with Fairley getting plenty of opportunities to work his way into the mix, especially on passing downs. Theoretically, Trinca-Pasat and Worthington could evolve into a competition for a possible fourth defensive tackle spot on the roster. But the Rams paid Trinca-Pasat a hefty bonus, and he appears to be in the driver's seat for a job. One thing that could alter the situation is how the Rams view end Ethan Westbrooks. Westbrooks can play inside as well and so, too, can fellow linemen William Hayes and Eugene Sims. Most likely, the competition won't be to win the fourth defensive tackle spot so much as competing to prove they should keep one.

Outlook: Donald changed the entire look of this group in 2014, instantly becoming one of the best pass-rushing defensive tackles in the NFL on his way to the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Entering his second season, Donald should be even better than he was as a rookie. And it should only help him that the Rams have added a motivated Fairley, who signed a one-year "prove it" deal with an eye toward cashing in following a big season. He's already trimmed his weight below 300 pounds and looks poised for a breakthrough season. With Fairley, Chris Long and Robert Quinn, the Rams have a group that should leave plenty of one-on-one opportunities. Brockers embraced his role as a run-stuffing nose tackle in the latter stages of last season but is still only 24 years old with plenty of upside as a pass-rusher. Trinca-Pasat is built like Donald but without the quickness or hands. He still figures to have some upside as a pass-rusher. Donald, Brockers and Fairley should handle the majority of the work inside on a line that should again be among the best in the league in 2015.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Nick Foles' transition to Rams' offense an important piece of OTAs By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/18890/nick-foles-transition-to-rams-offense-an-important-piece-of-otas

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- At the news conference introducing new St. Louis Rams quarterback Nick Foles back in March, coach Jeff Fisher lamented the fact that he couldn't simply get Foles in the building and up to speed on the team's offense right away.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, there are rules on when players can be in their training facilities, who they can meet with and what they can do when they're there. For his part, Foles was eager to get started after the Philadelphia Eagles traded him and a 2016 second-round pick to the Rams for Sam Bradford. But he had to wait.

Now that waiting is over and as the Rams began organized team activities on Tuesday, Foles can set about getting to know an offense that figures to be quite different from the one he ran under Chip Kelly with the Eagles.

In Kelly's wide-open, spread based system, Foles was asked to do a lot of things that he probably won't in St. Louis. Despite not qualifying as a running quarterback, the Eagles still asked Foles to run read-option out of the shotgun the majority of the time. Over the past two seasons, Foles lined up in the shotgun on 645 drop-backs and was under center for just 42 snaps in 21 games. As a team, the Eagles had their quarterbacks drop back out of shotgun formation 1,188 times, the most in the league and clear of second-place San Diego by 38 snaps.

By comparison, the Rams have had 756 drop backs out of the shotgun over the past two seasons, which is second-fewest in the league. So not only will Foles be adjusting to a new power run-heavy scheme, he will even be adjusting to taking snaps under center on a regular basis.

One thing that won't be new for Foles in St. Louis is throwing play-action passes, long ones.

The Rams didn't use play-action as much as they'd like last season, opting for such calls on 97 dropbacks for the season (tied with the Jets and Falcons for 22nd in the NFL). But that easily could be a product of not having an offensive line capable of protecting the quarterback or a running game operating at a high level on a consistent basis.

Fisher has repeatedly said he'd like his offense to be centered on the run with a successful run game setting up play-action opportunities down the field.

On play-action, Rams quarterbacks were 63-of-90 for 732 yards with seven touchdowns and three interceptions for a passer rating of 108.7, which ranked seventh best in the league on such plays in 2014. Given that success, it's something they would like to do more of in 2015.

That could be a good fit for Foles, who in two seasons as the starter in Philadelphia averaged 9.1 yards per attempt with 21 touchdowns and three interceptions on play-action passes.

Foles still has plenty of time to learn the new scheme, and it will be just as important for him to develop rapport with his new teammates over the next few weeks. Fisher is generally OK with using OTAs and the offseason program as a way to get his players up to speed, but when training camp comes, there's no time to wait and see.

During these OTAs, Foles' progress might be the most important item on the agenda.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Rams offseason roster review: Akeem Ayers adds to linebacker depth By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/18877/st-louis-rams-offseason-roster-review-akeem-ayers-adds-to-linebacker-depth

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams finally begin organized team activities on Tuesday and with most of the offseason heavy lifting complete, the roster you see now likely has the vast majority of players who will be on it come the start of the regular season.

With that in mind, we'll spend the next week or so delving into each position group with some thoughts on who will start, who might be on the bubble and how the depth chart could shake out.

Position: Linebacker

Returning: James Laurinaitis, Alec Ogletree, Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Daren Bates, Marshall McFadden, Korey Toomer

Newcomers: Akeem Ayers, Bryce Hager, Cameron Lynch, Keshaun Malone

Departures: Will Herring

Projected starter(s): Laurinaitis, Ogletree, Ayers

Battle to watch: Laurinaitis and Ogletree are as settled as can be in their spots. It's the third linebacker spot that bears watching. That should come down to a battle between new addition Ayers and incumbent Dunbar. Dunbar knows the system and is a well-respected leader in the locker room, but the Rams clearly went out and got Ayers for a reason. At the March owners meetings, Rams coach Jeff Fisher said Ayers and Dunbar would compete for the starting spot. It's a competition that figures to begin in OTAs and carry on into training camp. Dunbar is known as more of a run-stopper while Ayers flashed pass-rush potential in his stint with the Patriots at the end of last season. It's possible the Rams could use both and safety Mark Barron's name should be mentioned here as well but given the investment made in Ayers, it stands to reason he's going to win the job. Either way, that's the position to watch as the rest of the spring and summer unfold.

Outlook: Laurinaitis is still the captain and leader of the entire defense. His knowledge of the system and ability to put his teammates in the right spot is as valuable as his ability to tackle. He remains the focal point of this group heading into 2015. Ogletree is the player who might be most poised for a breakout season. After some serious struggles early in 2014, he hit his stride midway through the year and went on to lead the team in tackles as well as forcing four fumbles and coming up with a pair of interceptions. He also had 10 pass breakups. If he can become more consistent, Ogletree has a chance to continue to ascend this season. What happens with the other spot is more up in the air as Dunbar and Ayers battle for snaps. Barron also figures into the mix and the Rams might begin tinkering more with their alignments on third down and in the nickel. Ogletree looks to be the only member of this group all but assured of staying on the field all three downs for the bulk of the time. The rest of the group should be able to provide depth and special-teams value though there looks to be some jobs available. Dunbar is currently the backup in the middle, but the Rams will be examining all options behind the starting group. Bates is a core special-teams player and unlikely to go anywhere. Hager could fit into a similar role but he'll have competition from the likes of Toomer, McFadden, Lynch and Malone.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Signing Jeff Garcia to coach the WRs with longtime well respected Ray Sherman already doing that makes me wonder about how Weinke is doing with Foles. It just doesn't make me think "oh Sherman needs some help"

I was reading a recent chat by Nick Wagoner, Bri (I tend to link bigger ones, which this wasn't), and it said Garcia's position was strictly entry level. I don't think it reflects on Weinke in any way? I had heard Weinke in the news in the past year or so as an in demand personal QB coach (there are a few guys, the one who uses brooms that Manziel used, Carson Palmer's brother worked with Sean Mannion to tighten up his fundamentals and footwork and have more urgency and quickness in his drops and release [[some scouts were raving about his improvement and said he looked like a better overall passer better than Mariota?]], there is the guy Tom Brady used, back to high school or college I think, there is the one with the baseball background who focuses on biomechanical efficiency, etc.), so intrigued to see how he works with Foles and Mannion, and the winner of the battle between Davis and Keenum, to a lesser extent.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Sad, but glad not a potentially tragic situation like Hank Gathers (not sure why this wasn't detected earlier?).

Rams to waive sixth-rounder Bud Sasser because of heart condition by Michael David Smith on 6-4-15, 1:13 PM EDT

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/06/04/rams-to-waive-sixth-rounder-bud-sasser-because-of-heart-condition/

Rams sixth-round draft pick Bud Sasser is being waived before he ever practiced.

Sasser has a heart condition and hasn’t been cleared to play, and as a result he will be waived with a non-football illness designation, ESPN reports.

A wide receiver out of Missouri, Sasser has sought multiple medical opinions and has not received clearance. He said last month that he was struggling with wanting to be on the field and not being allowed to play.

“It’s a little frustrating, just have to wait for this whole physical thing to go through and that’s all I can do is just wait,” Sasser said. “That’s for them, their whole staff to be looking at that. I have to play the waiting game. I’m just waiting on the physical at this point.”

Now it looks like Sasser may be done playing football, at age 23.

UPDATE 1:25 p.m. ET: The Rams signed Sasser to his rookie contract and he will keep his signing bonus of $113,737.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Could just be a contingency plan (?), but also possibly one of the first examples of "smoking gun"-type evidence of Kroenke's intent to leave St. Louis for Los Angeles.

Report: Rams lining up business contracts to match relocation window by Darin Gantt on 6-4-15, 7:50 AM EDT

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/06/04/report-rams-lining-up-business-contracts-to-match-relocation-window/

The Rams might not be packing up for a move right away, but they’re at least making sure to line up boxes for when they do.

According to Brian Feldt of the St. Louis Business Journal, the Rams have changed the timing of their annual deals with local contractors and advertisers to coincide with the league’s relocation window.

Such deals with local businesses and others used to run May-to-May, but the recent versions have been changed. One such company is IT consulting firm Perficient, and their spokesman said their contract with the team now runs through February 2016.

Another contractor who did not want to be named (lest he risk the last seven months of a contract) said the goal wasn’t stated, but didn’t need to be.

“To me, right away, it made sense,” he said. “As a business, they have to notify the league in February if they are moving, so why would they want to pay people beyond February? They didn’t say that was why, but I put two and two together.”

The league recently changed the relocation window to between Jan. 1 and Feb. 15, and Rams owner Stan Kroenke is expected to submit a bid to take his team to Los Angeles.

The Rams declined to comment for the story, but they hardly need to. Sometimes, things are exactly as they appear to be.

 

[Bri]

Signing Jeff Garcia to coach the WRs with longtime well respected Ray Sherman already doing that makes me wonder about how Weinke is doing with Foles. It just doesn't make me think "oh Sherman needs some help"

I was reading a recent chat by Nick Wagoner, Bri (I tend to link bigger ones, which this wasn't), and it said Garcia's position was strictly entry level. I don't think it reflects on Weinke in any way? I had heard Weinke in the news in the past year or so as an in demand personal QB coach (there are a few guys, the one who uses brooms that Manziel used, Carson Palmer's brother worked with Sean Mannion to tighten up his fundamentals and footwork and have more urgency and quickness in his drops and release [[some scouts were raving about his improvement and said he looked like a better overall passer better than Mariota?]], there is the guy Tom Brady used, back to high school or college I think, there is the one with the baseball background who focuses on biomechanical efficiency, etc.), so intrigued to see how he works with Foles and Mannion, and the winner of the battle between Davis and Keenum, to a lesser extent.

Weinke is an odd bird, always has been. I have always found him impressively different. He was like 30 as a rookie.

He must be one heckuva interview to become the director at that IMG Academy. Former player to train draftees before combine and pro days...I get why they'd want a former player but does he have any business sense or experience and...I just chalked it up to wow he must be a great interview.

I'm missing who Weinke has coached and helped improve. I'd like to see a list like a track record.

Garcia has also had an odd career with CFL, NFL, XFL? and USFL II. Playing-wise I feel like he's been around a lot more than most QBs

Garcia worked with McGloin who played OK as a rook, especially for an undrafted guy. Sanchez who is improved but is that the Eagles system? and Tyrod Taylor whom is suddenly in the news. He was also the Alouettes QB coach-hired as a special assistant then became QB coach.

The way I understood it Weinke loved Bradford and had an awesome plan to simplify the game. Obviously that won't be happening.

His hire was odd too because he played for Cignetti in SF and the guy won one game in the NFL. He must have been so cerebral in those meetings back then-something must have really "hit" Cignetti that this guy is a future coach.

Garcia played well for Cignetti didn't he? And he has more QB play and QB coaching experience.

WR wise-dude you threw to Owens! that's about all the experience I know of. A QB sees the field and surely knows the routes and when a WR is doing well. Experience wise I don't see WR coach for him.

You mentioned entry level-both are I think, first time NFL coaches.

My own personal is that I'd call Bruce or Holt if I wanted a WR coach who used to play. IIRC Bruce's wife is an olympic trainer so he's probably heard 10k stories of athletes training besides what he's experienced. They could invite her to coach up some speed with them and...I've gone on a tangent here.

I'm intrigued by all this. Bradford seemed to have new guy after new guy and I was confused trying to predict how the O would play, nevermind him adjusting to a new O and understanding that. Assuming everyone stays put, they seem to have given Foles a QB he can ask Qs of everywhere he turns. That's gotta be pretty sweet for a young QB. What they don't have on the roster is some cagey veteran so Garcia probably has some extra value to a young guy. Weinke can be all about mechanics and Cignetti about the offense...it's a nice concept Fisher is trying. I think Foles is setup well.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Sounds like Weinke can teach Foles the proper way to hand the ball off to Gurley as well as Garcia.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Fisher couldn't say 'no' to Garcia • By Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/fisher-couldn-t-say-no-to-garcia/article_f74e2cbc-072d-5842-91f4-bc2824b3a37a.html

When he interviewed Jeff Garcia for the Rams’ quarterbacks coach job in February, coach Jeff Fisher came away impressed. So impressed, in fact, that for a while it looked like Garcia would get the job.

Always the competitor, Garcia didn’t take the news well when Fisher hired Chris Weinke instead.

“It was like the wind was let out of my sail,” Garcia recalled.

That same day, Garcia left a message for Fisher, thanking him for the opportunity while making it clear he remained interested in joining the Rams’ staff in any capacity.

“He got back to me later that day and just said, ‘Hey, I was extremely impressed by you and I want you on my staff,’ “ Garcia said.

Turns out that wasn’t just lip service. Three months later, Garcia has been hired as an offensive assistant by the Rams. Garcia accepted the job in late May (the week of the NFL owners meetings in San Francisco), and the Rams formally announced the hiring earlier this week.

As a player, Garcia was MVP in the Canadian Football League for the Calgary Stampeders, and went on to earn four Pro Bowl berths in the NFL at quarterback. But with the Rams he will help wide receivers coach Ray Sherman with that unit.

“When I was done (interviewing) Jeff, I just felt like he’s got some special qualities and characteristics,” Fisher said. “Kind of one of those guys you want on your staff.”

It took a while to make that happen, but Fisher likes what Garcia can add to the wide receiver room.

“He gives a different perspective,” Fisher said. “He gives that quarterback perspective to the receivers, which I think is helpful.”

Garcia and Fisher have no prior history, other than the fact that Garcia played against some of Fisher’s Tennessee Titans teams over the years. That’s worth noting because coaching jobs often go to buddies in the NFL.

“Coaches that I played for are still coaching,” said Garcia, whose 12-year NFL playing career included five seasons with San Francisco as well as stints with Cleveland, Detroit, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay and Houston. “When I started to pursue a (coaching) opportunity in the NFL, I thought it may come through the relationships that I had.”

Didn’t happen that way, however.

“The great thing about Jeff (Fisher) is he saw value in what I brought as a former player,” Garcia said. “Maybe part of it was my background — how I had to scratch and claw my way into the league, battle and fight for everything. And just the type of player that I was out there on the field.”

The feisty Garcia was as competitive as they come as a player. In terms of approach, he was a grinder — a gridiron version of a gym rat. Beyond the X’s and O’s, if some of those qualities rub off on the Rams’ wideouts, the team will be better off for it.

And he’s from a coaching family. It’s in his blood. His father, Bob Garcia, coached him in junior college at Gavilan College in his hometown of Gilroy, Calif.

Once his playing career ended, Garcia opened Jeff Garcia Football in San Diego, where he trained quarterbacks from the junior high level up. Among the NFL quarterbacks he tutored there were Mark Sanchez, Matt McGloin and Tyrod Taylor.

But at the end of the day, he missed the preparation for a game. His one-year stint with the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes last season, first as a consultant and then as quarterbacks coach, only whetted his appetite to get into coaching.

“This is where I need to be,” Garcia said. “This is where I feel I can have a tremendous impact. I can still mentor and direct and guide and inspire young people to reach above and beyond what they ever thought they could do themselves, and bring out more.”

Garcia thinks his quarterback background will help a still-young Rams wide receivers group grasp the big picture.

“Understanding what the mindset is of a quarterback, and what he’s thinking about a given concept,” Garcia said. “How so many of the technical, fundamental things about the game are so important in order to create great timing.”

But the Rams also plan to tap into Garcia’s vast experience playing quarterback. Toward that end, new offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti has involved Garcia in the meeting room with Weinke in discussions and film review.

“Being able to talk about, not just receivers but quarterbacks, and the fundamentals of playing the position,” Garcia said. “Where their eyes, where their thoughts, where their progressions should be in creating success on the field.”

Even so, Garcia made it clear that the last thing he wants to do is step on Weinke’s toes when it comes to the quarterback position.

So he’s getting to know the wideouts, and vice versa. With a slight grin, Garcia says the wide receivers have “a little bit” of an understanding about who he was as a player.

“I know they were young when I was playing,” he added. “A couple of the defensive players asked if I could sign a ball for them. They remember what I was all about.”

Despite his NFL success, Garcia was only 1-7 as a San Francisco starter against the Rams. Then again, all of those starts came from 1999 through 2003, the period encompassing the Rams’ greatest success in St. Louis as the Greatest Show on Turf.

Now, he finds himself on the other side of the rivalry.

“I grew up in the Bay Area, so I was a big Niners fan,” Garcia said.

But that was then. Now he wears a blue and gold Rams cap at work.

“Hey, this is my new favorite team,” he said.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Jets, Dolphins, Eagles among teams with best offseasons so far By Gil Brandt NFL Media senior analyst

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000495423/article/jets-dolphins-eagles-among-teams-with-best-offseasons-so-far?campaign=Twitter_writers_brandt

Now that OTAs are in full swing, we've reached a turning point in the NFL offseason. The off-field moves that have dominated the past few months -- the free-agent signings, trades and draft picks -- are giving way to honest-to-goodness on-field action. As we leave the transaction-heavy portion of the offseason behind, I thought I'd review all the wheeling and dealing to see which teams have been most productive.

Below is my list of the six teams that have had the best offseasons, with five more to consider at the end for good measure:

1) New York Jets

Key additions: CB Darrelle Revis, DT Leonard Williams, offensive coordinator Chan Gailey.

When you add one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL and the best defensive lineman in the draft, you know you've had a good offseason. The Jets ranked sixth in overall defense last season but 14th against the pass; Revis, Antonio Cromartie, Buster Skrine and Marcus Gilchrist will improve what was considered a weak secondary last year. Linebacker David Harris -- the quarterback of their defense -- was retained. Williams, meanwhile, will only bolster a fearsome front that already included Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson.

I'm a Geno Smith backer, and I think he can make good on the flashes of promise we've seen, especially under new coordinator Chan Gailey, who will iron out the erratic throws and forced passes and help Smith establish consistency. Receivers Brandon Marshall and Devin Smith, running backs Stevan Ridley and Zac Stacy and guard James Carpenter will further boost the offense and improve Geno's chances of breaking out. And if the young quarterback falters, New York can turn to veteran backup Ryan Fitzpatrick, whom Gailey knows well from their days together in Buffalo.

New head man Todd Bowles is an exceptional coach, and new general manager Mike Maccagnan has done a heck of a job, especially in the draft. Much depends on the quarterback play, but if Smith makes a leap, the Jets can definitely contend for a wild-card spot.

2) Miami Dolphins

Key additions: DT Ndamukong Suh, TE Jordan Cameron, WR DeVante Parker.

Suh might have cost a lot, but it's hard to overstate the impact he can have on a team. He's a tremendously competitive and hard-working guy who makes everyone around him better, and he should seriously elevate a defense that was already decent (12th overall in 2014) before he arrived.

Health has been an issue for Cameron, but if the tight end can stay on the field, he'll be a boon to quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Cameron's larger, faster and more athletic than departed tight end Charles Clay. Parker and second-year pro Jarvis Landry are two very good young receivers, while trade acquisition Kenny Still also should help. (UPDATE: Ian Rapoport reports that Parker underwent foot surgery this week. He is expected to be ready for the season opener.) Getting back tackle Branden Albert -- who missed seven games in 2014 with ACL and MCL tears -- will be huge.

I think there's a great chance either the Dolphins or the Jets join the Patriots as AFC East teams in the playoffs. I like the Jets' overall roster a bit better, but the Dolphins do have Tannehill under center and could snag a wild-card berth if the Jets stumble.

3) Philadelphia Eagles

Key additions: QB Sam Bradford, LB Kiko Alonso, RB DeMarco Murray.

Trading quarterback Nick Foles for Bradford was a bold move, one that can pay off brilliantly, provided the oft-injured former No. 1 overall pick can have a healthy 2015. In terms of ability, I like everything about Bradford; he's athletic, smart and accurate. Even accounting for the risk he'll miss significant time, I would have made this trade if I were in Chip Kelly's shoes, because the potential upside is so high -- and because the quarterbacks behind Bradford (Mark Sanchez, Matt Barkley) can be effective enough in this offense, should they have to play.

Some thought the Kiko Alonso-LeSean McCoy trade was somewhat lopsided in favor of the Bills, but I like Alonso quite a bit. The playmaking linebacker had 159 tackles and four picks as a rookie in 2013 before missing the 2014 season with a torn ACL. He's a tough-minded competitor who makes your defense better, and I think he'll have a significant impact playing for his old Oregon coach. Veteran cornerbacks Byron Maxwell and Walter Thurmond and second-round pick Eric Rowe will boost a pass defense that finished 31st in 2014.

Losing McCoy and receiver Jeremy Maclin could hurt, but I really like rookie receiver Nelson Agholor; the first-round pick has a chance to be special, like Odell Beckham was with the Giants last year. Murray might not approach his league-leading yardage total from last season, but Philly's system suits him. Between Murray, free agent Ryan Mathews and incumbent Darren Sproles, the Eagles are set at running back.

Kelly's a pretty smart guy. In Year 3 of his tenure, opposing teams are bound to have adjusted to his scheme somewhat, which no doubt motivated Kelly to adjust his roster to better match his approach.

4) Houston Texans

Key additions: QB Brian Hoyer, WR Jaelen Strong, DT Vince Wilfork.

Bill O'Brien's squad -- which won nine games with three starting quarterbacks in 2014 -- has talent. Signing Hoyer, who I expect to beat out Ryan Mallett for the top job, will go a long way toward stabilizing the position and should help Houston reach double digits in wins this season. O'Brien coached Hoyer in New England and knows how to get the most out of him, especially with a promising rookie (Strong) joining rising youngster DeAndre Hopkins on the receiving corps. Re-signing Derek Newton, one of the more underrated right tackles in the NFL, was key, as Newton is a good run-blocker and pass protector.

Wilfork might be entering his 12th NFL season, but I think he played pretty good, all things considered, last year; I wouldn't say he's over the hill just yet. Safety Rahim Moore will also help this J.J. Watt-led defense. First-round pick Kevin Johnson (cornerback) and second-round pick Benardrick McKinney (linebacker) are both capable of starting; Johnson, who can cover and play the run, has Pro Bowl potential, while McKinney brings size and competitiveness. I also like sixth-round pick Reshard Cliett (linebacker), who should be a great addition to the special teams unit. Getting 16 effective games out of Jadeveon Clowney, who lost 12 games to injury in 2014 and underwent knee surgery in December, will be key.

O'Brien is a heck of a coach with a history of shepherding quarterbacks to success, and I expect Houston to compete for a playoff spot.

5) Indianapolis Colts

Key additions: RB Frank Gore, WR Andre Johnson, DE Trent Cole.

I can't say enough good things about Andrew Luck, but the Colts really needed to address the running game. Gore is a tough, hard-nosed guy who will block, runs well and can catch the ball when needed. I'm not sure he'll reach the 1,000-yard mark, but I'm not sure he'll need to; 750 or so should be enough, considering the Colts reached the AFC title game without a single back topping 520 last season. Johnson isn't the big-play threat he once was, but the veteran wideout can still make the clutch reception when you need a first down. He'll also help keep defenses from keying on T.Y. Hilton. Plus, he'll likely be on something of a crusade after the less-than-rosy way his 12-year tenure in Houston ended.

The Colts boosted their pass rush by signing Cole (85.5 career sacks) and shored up the defensive line with Kendall Langford. And while they didn't use their first-round pick on defense, they did help the unit in the draft; I like third-rounder D'Joun Smith, a cover corner who can play in the slot, and fellow third-rounder Henry Anderson, a big defensive lineman with pass-rushing skills. Presuming the Colts had receiver Phillip Dorsett rated well above the defensive players available at the time, I can't fault them for prioritizing talent over need with the 29th overall pick.

6) St. Louis Rams

Key additions: RB Todd Gurley, QB Nick Foles, OTs Rob Havenstein and Jamon Brown.

Jeff Fisher wants to run. He hasn't had a 1,000-yard back in St. Louis since Steven Jackson put up 1,045 in 2012, and none of his Rams squads have finished better than 19th in rushing, but I think he's finally found a back to build around in Gurley. The Rams also drafted three offensive linemen (Havenstein, Brown and Andrew Donnal), two of whom (Havenstein and Brown) have a chance to start. Between the fresh blood and what I expect will be the continued improvement of last year's second overall pick, tackle Greg Robinson, St. Louis' ground game should be in good shape.

I liked the decision to ship Bradford to Philly in exchange for Foles. (Yes, I thought the trade was win-win for both sides.) Foles might not have the star power or upside of Bradford. But while Foles has had his share of injury issues, I think he's more reliable, at this point, than Bradford, who hasn't played in a regular-season game since Oct. 20, 2013. The Rams can count on the big-armed Foles to be there and give them significantly more than they got from backups Shaun Hill and Austin Davis last season.

I loved the signings of defenders Nick Fairley (tackle) and Akeem Ayers (linebacker). Fairley has plenty to prove and will benefit from being part of a rotation in St. Louis. Ayers can rush the passer or drop into coverage, and he brings a solid veteran presence, despite his relative youth (25). The Rams have a good roster and a chance to make some noise, as long as the off-field subplot of a potential move to Los Angeles doesn't distract the players too much.

OTHER TEAMS I CONSIDERED:

» Buffalo Bills: New running back LeSean McCoy was a big get.

» Dallas Cowboys: Defense should be helped by first-round pick Byron Jones.

» Green Bay Packers: Keeping Randall Cobb and Bryan Bulaga was crucial.

» Jacksonville Jaguars: Second-round pick T.J. Yeldon is a heck of a player.

» Seattle Seahawks: Any offseason in which you land a dynamic weapon like Jimmy Graham is a good offseason.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Ready to play: Rookie Havenstein an odds-on favorite to start on O-line this fall Elisabeth Meinecke
FOX Sports Midwest JUN 05, 2015 6:57p ET

http://www.foxsports.com/midwest/story/rookie-rob-havenstein-ready-to-play-for-st-louis-rams-060515

ST. LOUIS -- Yeah, there's a chance rookie tackle Rob Havenstein may not be starting on the St. Louis Rams' offensive line come fall. There's also a chance that Taylor Swift finds true love, Brett Favre unretires or the zombies take over (OK, maybe not the last one).

Havenstein, the team's second-round draft pick this year, finds himself in this excellent position through hard work, but also by default. There are two gaping holes on the right side of St. Louis' offensive line, and few candidates with any notable pro experience to fill them. The team did add veteran Garrett Reynolds during the offseason but also used four of their nine draft picks on offensive linemen. Of these, Havenstein is the highest selection, and comes from Wisconsin, a program Rams head coach Jeff Fisher clearly respects when it comes to offensive linemen.

"When you come from programs like Iowa, like Wisconsin -- you're technique-sound," Fisher says.

That doesn't mean transitioning to the NFL has been a cakewalk, even for Havenstein. Like a typical rookie, he's spent the past month trying to master the NFL playbook and adjust to a faster pace of play.

"Speed's definitely different," Havenstein admits. "There can be different calls for the same movement, and you've gotta be able to decipher between that, and it's all got to happen like this."

Since he got to St. Louis, he and offensive guard Jamon Brown, a third-round draft pick this year, have become something of an odd couple on the right side of the offensive line. Working closely together in practice has led to them also meeting outside of it, either downtown or at their hotel, to ensure they're on the same page when they get on the field.

Havenstein is a Maryland native who spent his college career playing up north, while the 323-pound Brown is Savannah-born and Louisville-raised. Brown found out he loved playing football in middle school, where he had a pretty good career as a right guard and middle linebacker. Havenstein, meanwhile, never even played football until ninth grade -- and it took him even longer to figure out he was good at it.

"Maybe senior year (of high school), I thought I was good, but whether or not I was actually good ..." Havenstein leaves the question hanging. "Freshman year (of college) was freshman year, and you don't really think you're great because you're going out there and getting your butt kicked on scout team all the time, and trying to get better and better."

After redshirting and then seeing game action the following season, he got the starting job at right tackle for the Badgers his sophomore year, and never missed a start through three full seasons. As his college career progressed, so did his dream of reaching the NFL. The guys he'd played on a line with, Havenstein noticed, were going to the pros, so maybe he had a shot, too.

"Instead of kind of (being) on the outside looking in and saying, 'Can I actually do that?' I had something to kind of base it off of," Havenstein says.

The Rams thought he was capable. They liked his durability, his smarts, the fact that he came from an offense that ran the ball well. In fact, general manager Les Snead called him "ready to play" when talking to reporters on the day Havenstein was drafted.

Now, the opportunity seems his for the taking.

"This is the dream for a lot of people," Havenstein said during Rams' rookie orientation in May. "At least we get a chance to make it a reality here in the upcoming months. That alone is just something absolutely special. It's the best job in the world, and I wouldn't want to be doing anything else."

 

[Bob Magaw]

Rams offseason roster review: Seeking improvement in static secondary By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/18880/st-louis-rams-offseason-roster-review-looking-for-improvement-in-static-secondary

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams officially began organized team activities Tuesday and with most of the offseason heavy lifting complete, the roster you see now likely has the vast majority of players who will be on it come the start of the regular season.

With that in mind, we'll spend the next week or so delving into each position group with thoughts on who will start, who might be on the bubble and how the depth chart could shake out.

Position: Secondary

Returning: Janoris Jenkins, Trumaine Johnson, Rodney McLeod, T.J. McDonald, E.J. Gaines, Lamarcus Joyner, Marcus Roberson, Brandon McGee, Mark Barron, Maurice Alexander, Cody Davis, Christian Bryant

Newcomers: Imoan Claiborne, Montell Garner, Jacob Hagen, Jay Hughes

Departures: None

Projected starter(s): CB Jenkins, CB Gaines, Joyner (nickel), FS McLeod, SS McDonald

Battle to watch: Let's put a finer point on the potential position battle set to take place at cornerback. Jenkins figures to have one starting spot locked up. The way the other outside spot shapes up will have a definitive trickle-down effect on how the rest of the picture looks. At the March owners meetings, Rams coach Jeff Fisher said he anticipated Gaines and Johnson battling for the spot opposite Jenkins. After Gaines' impressive rookie season, it's hard to imagine him losing out on that spot but the Rams might feel like they can go different directions to put the three best corners on the field in the nickel. In other words, it's possible Gaines will win the job opposite Jenkins and then kick into the slot in nickel situation. Perhaps more likely, Gaines will stay outside with Joyner in the slot in those nickel packages, leaving Johnson as the fourth corner. Really, the question could be whether the Rams feel better with Johnson on the outside or Joyner on the inside to determine how this all eventually works out.

Outlook: This is a big year for the Rams, especially at cornerback. Jenkins and Johnson are scheduled to be unrestricted free agents after the season and my hunch is that they'll attempt to keep Jenkins. If he can cut down on some of the lapses he had in coverage a year ago and continue to make big plays, he'd be worth a future investment. Gaines looks like he's going to be a big part of the team's future one way or another but the Rams will need to find his best fit. Joyner also still figures into the plans as a nickel back capable of helping at safety if need be. Roberson is an X-factor, for whom the Rams have high hopes for down the line. McGee will need to prove himself all over again and Claiborne is an interesting name to watch among the undrafted class. At safety, it's still status quo but it's an important year for McLeod as he heads toward free agency. The Rams think highly of him and would like to keep him around. A big year could mean a nice payday. McDonald was one of the team's most improved players a year ago and should only continue to ascend moving forward. Barron is perhaps the most intriguing player on the entire defense as coordinator Gregg Williams will continue to devise ways to get him on the field more in his second season with the team. Overall, this group should be improved in 2015 but there's still plenty to prove for a unit that allowed too many big plays in 2014.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Foles already vocal leader for Rams • By Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/foles-already-vocal-leader-for-rams/article_0315c057-661b-57f4-b79b-54bbde050d4b.html

Before he wins any football games, Nick Foles must first win over the locker room. Less than three months after the surprise trade that brought him here from Philadelphia, that process is well underway at Rams Park.

“He’s very boisterous, very up-tempo,” offensive guard Rodger Saffold said. “Seems to be really excited about every day, about every opportunity. Which is really good.

“He really likes to lift guys. So you see him a lot in the locker room. You hear him a lot on the field. Those are good things to get from your quarterback. He’s very inspiring. That’s a good thing for us, especially with so many young guys. They need that.”

At first blush, it’s a different personality than predecessor Sam Bradford. Bradford began his pro career respectful of running back Steven Jackson’s status as the undisputed team leader. But Bradford was more low-key, and even after Jackson left the coaching staff encouraged him to exert more of a leadership role.

Apparently, Foles needs no nudging in that direction.

“That chemistry’s been great from Day 1, since he’s been in here,” wide receiver Kenny Britt said of Foles. “He’s been one of the guys that goes in the locker room and pumps people up. If you’re down, he’s the first one (to say): ‘Hey c’mon. We’ve gotta go right now.’ To tell you the truth, it’s kind of exciting to see him in there.”

Foles is smart enough to realize that’s a key part of his job in St. Louis, as important as learning the playbook or making throws on the field.

“Absolutely,” Foles said. “The way we’re going to be successful on Sunday is the relationships. Come the fourth quarter, we have to know each other. We have to care about each other. That’s where you stick together through adversity.

“So just getting to know the guys in the workouts, in the film room, in the training room — whatever we do — is a key part of it.”

Britt hopes the “whatever we do” element of Foles’ relationship-building effort expands to include taking the wide receivers out to dinner.

“I asked him: ‘Hey bro, we’ve got to get something going right now. We’ll go to Five Guys. It doesn’t matter to me,’” Britt said, laughing.

After three seasons and one Pro Bowl in Philadelphia, Foles was as surprised as anyone by the March 10 trade that sent him to St. Louis and Bradford to Philly. Shocked might be a better word.

“Yeah, I did not expect a trade, and that’s the truth,” Foles said. “But that was the realization. Once I started talking to Coach (Jeff) Fisher I was excited to get to know him because that’s where my life was taking me. I enjoyed my time in Philadelphia. I was there for three years, I built a lot of relationships.”

But now it’s time to build new relationships and embrace a new opportunity to be a starter.

“Nick’s been great, not only in the team stuff but in the individual days with the receivers and everybody,” Fisher said. “He’s taken charge.”

Fisher said Foles has gone out of his way to meet everybody from the day he walked in the door of the team facility in Earth City.

“Everything that we heard is true, and I’m sure we’re gonna be surprised as we move ahead with him because we’ve been really pleased,” Fisher said.

For now, Foles has a lot on his plate.

“He’s got a good feel for our offense right now,” Fisher said. “He’s got his hands full because we have great defensive team speed, and they’re doing a lot of thing over there right now.”

That, in a nutshell, encapsulated Foles’ first week of organized team activities as a Ram. During the two days of practices open to the media, Thursday and Friday, Foles was under frequent pressure from the pass rush.

Even with spring football’s league-mandated limitations — namely, no pads and nothing close to full contact — the defensive press made it difficult for Foles to operate at times. The result was hurried throws, and even several throwaways.

All of which has been compounded by the fact that he’s working behind a very young offensive line, one missing starting left tackle Greg Robinson (toe) and starting left guard Saffold (shoulder). Both are continuing their rehab work from offseason surgery, and both are sitting out 11-on-11 work at this time.

As a result, Foles is working behind two rookies — right guard Jamon Brown and right tackle Rob Havenstein — with the first unit. Three players have been rotating at center: Barrett Jones, Demetrius Rhaney and Tim Barnes.

Brandon Washington, who’s spent most of his time with the Rams on the practice squad, has been the first-team left tackle in place of Robinson. Free-agent pickup Garrett Reynolds has been the starting left guard in place of Saffold.

“They’re going to do a great job,” Foles said speaking specifically of the rookies. “I remember my rookie year and what’s it’s like during these OTA’s. This is really the foundation. You’re going to have those growing pains. They’re doing a great job right now learning, getting reps, and they’re going against a pretty darn good defensive front.”

As he learns the playbook, his teammates, and his coaching staff, Foles is getting reacquainted with operating under center, something foreign to him in the up-tempo Philly offense of Eagles coach Chip Kelly.

“It’s a different offense, but I’m loving the offense.” Foles said. “We’re gonna have different terminology, different things going on, but that’s the fun of it. I get to learn more football.”

A big part of learning his teammates includes learning his receivers. Communication is key.

“What they see on the routes, how they’re gonna run their routes, what they see in the defenders,” Foles said. “When I see my receivers run routes, I can tell who’s good at what. So then you get an idea where to throw the ball to different guys.

“The receivers have been awesome. They’re buying in. They’re working hard, and they’re going to make some plays.”

But for Foles and the offense, the process has just begun.

 

[Bob Magaw]

The Rams top 5 performance in the second half of 2014 (scoring and rush defense, sacks and turnovers) was greatly helped by improvement at all three levels of the defense, especially by key young players, then second year LB Alec Ogletree and SS T.J. McDonald, as well as rookies Aaron Donald and CB E.J. Gaines.

Pro Football Focus Shines Light On Defensive Improvements From 2014

http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/6/8/8746391/st-louis-rams-defense-stats-roster-depth-hcart

The Rams' defense is expected to take a big step this year, but when you look a little closer there was pretty big step taken last year as well...

The Rams defense had high expectations entering the 2014 season. Most of the attention was placed on the defensive line with expectations soaring as high as possibly challenging the NFL sack record. A lot of that attention stemmed from the teams very own promotion of its vaunted defensive line, coming up with hash tags like #SackCity.

While no one can deny the squad began the season slower than expected they really lived up to the hype over the final three-quarters of the season. But this defense was more than just a unit that got after the opposing quarterbacks. They were also intimidating and aggressive against the run. As the season wore on the defense became one of the more physical units in the NFL, as week after week they delivered bone-jarring hits and piled up the sacks in the process.

The defense really began to spread its wings when players like T.J. McDonald, Aaron Donald, Alec Ogletree, and E.J. Gaines started to really raise their performance. This gave the defense extra impact players at each level. Donald assisted Robert Quinn with the pass rush, creating consistency when it was needed the most. Ogletree began to develop into a stud linebacker finally giving James Laurinaitis the running mate he's longed for since the day of his arrival. McDonald had what was arguably the biggest improvement of any player on the team, and maybe the league last season. The issue was it occurred in only in the second half of the season.

Pro Football Focus @PFF
Though he struggled early in 2014, no safety had a higher grade from Weeks 9 to 17 than Rams safety T.J. McDonald.

According to Pro Football Focus, T.J. McDonald received the highest PFF grade of any safety in football between weeks 9 and 17. Even so, the young safety finished 41st out of 87 qualifiers. That goes to show how poor he was performing overall to begin the season. Nevertheless, even while his pass defense was poor more times than not over the entire season, his run defense was some of the best in the NFL. Rodney McLeod on the other hand - McDonald's safety running mate - graded out as Pro Football Focus' No. 18 cover safety. As evident by the numbers, they compliment each other very well.

Pro Football Focus @PFF
Aaron Donald's +34.4 grade is best ever for interior defensive lineman in rookie season. JJ Watt's 2011? +18.8

Pro Football Focus @PFF
The only 2 rookie d-lineman since '07 with a run stop % over 10% and a PRP over 8.0 are Mike Martin and Aaron Donald.


Aaron Donald on the other hand, well he was just busy setting NFL records that people might not know about. We all know what Donald accomplished as a rookie, and so does the rest of the world as he made All-Pro and went to the Pro Bowl. But there was another rookie that shined pretty bright himself, that did not receive as many accolades. E.J. Gaines finished the season as the teams top cover corner. He proved to have the ability to run with any receiver regardless of size and speed. According to PFF, Gaines finished 16th in the NFL in coverage for cornerbacks.

E.J. Gaines was the second rookie to make the list. Injuries in the Rams’ secondary forced Gaines into the starting line-up from Week 1, and from that point he was rarely off the field prior to picking up an injury in the penultimate week. He had some difficult days, with four games grading less than -1.0, but showed a welcome propensity for making plays on the ball, with two picks and 10 batted passes.

- Pro Football Focus

Ogletree was another player that really turned it on in the second half of the season. He juggled the second half of the season being the number two and three 4-3 OLB. That's a helluva jump after being benched in week 8. All this from these guys and the performance of players like James Laurinaitis, Robert Quinn, Janoris Jenkins, and Mark Barron have yet to be included.

At first glance, one would see the Rams PPG allowed, and think that this unit drastically underperformed. But look again and you will see a unit that actually only allowed 30 touchdowns all season, which is tied with the Ravens for fourth in the league. The other 10 touchdowns came from the offense (8) and special teams (2). The defense only gave up 18.3 ppg, which is fifth in the league. Also, this unit finished in the top 12 for turnovers with 25 forced, and over the final 11 games - once the line got it rolling - averaged 3.4 sacks a game.

Considering the youth and the implementation of a new scheme/playbook, it makes sense why the defense began the year slow. But as the unit began to jell and comprehend its concepts, you could really see a drastic difference. Though it didn't always look this way, teams really struggled to run the ball and finish drives against the Rams - as from week 7 and on - the unit was a top ten run defense. Some rough performances early in the season against Minnesota, Tampa Bay, and Seattle, really skewed how well the defense performed over the course of the entire season. Oh, and let's not forget the back to back shut out performances.

Now that the unit has been kept intact completely, losing absolutely no one, expect to see the momentum carry over into this season. Also remember that there was two key additions in Akeem Ayers and Nick Fairley. I think most have forgotten that Lamarcus Joyner was not benched, but actually got hurt and Gaines performed to well to be taken off the field. Add in that Barron only played half the season with the team, and a full off-season with the Mad Scientist they call Gregg Williams, and one has to believe this defensive unit as a whole will not only prove how deep they really are - at all three levels - but also prove to how good they can be for an extended period of time.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Rams: 5 Keys To Success

http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/6/9/8692693/2015-st-louis-rams-five-keys-to-success

Can the St. Louis Rams finish with a winning record - and compete for a playoff berth - in 2015? If the Rams can show marked improvement in 5 key areas, the answer to the question may very well be a resounding "YES".

A Tale Of Two Teams

There was a semblance of Jekyll (the first half) and Hyde (the second half) in most of the Rams' games last season. The teams' point differential in the first half of games: plus 58. In the second half of games: minus 88. The Rams were leading or tied at the half in 11 games last season. The Rams' record was 6-5 in those games. The Rams lost all 5 games where they were behind at the half. In fact, the Rams didn't win a game in the past two seasons unless they were tied or winning at half-time.

The following is a breakdown of the Rams' points scored/points allowed in 2014 by quarter:

1st Q - 95-42
2nd Q - 98-93
3rd Q - 48-106
4th Q - 83-113

Four issues stand out from the statistics and 2014 scoring breakdown:

The Rams played winning football in the first half of most of their games...and losing football in the second half.
For two full seasons, the Rams were unable to mount a comeback from a half-time deficit to win a game.
The Rams' defense appeared to wither as the game progressed, giving up more points in each successive quarter.
The third quarter was easily the Rams' worst over the course of the season, especially on offense.

For the most part, the issues can be attributed to the Rams' less-than-stellar offense (especially QB play) and being out-coached by opposing teams. As noted last week, the Rams' defense actually ranked 5th in the NFL in points allowed (when adjusted to eliminate touchdowns scored by opponents on fumble/interception returns and on special teams).

The solution to the 3rd issue is keeping the defense off the field, so the unit isn't gassed in the second halves of games. It entails improving time of possession and the number of sustained drives by the offense. These are goals Jeff Fisher will be attempting to achieve this coming season with a more balanced, run-heavy, ball control offensive philosophy.

To rectify the remaining three issues, the Rams are banking on numerous changes made to the offense in the offseason: a new offensive coordinator (Frank Cignetti), establishment of a clear offensive identity, and the additions of QB Nick Foles, RB Todd Gurley, plus 4 skilled rookie run-blockers. In 2014, the Rams were victimized all too often by opponents' half-time adjustments, mediocre QB play at critical times, erratic play calling, stalled drives and questionable second-half game management.
Turnovers

It's a widely held belief that winning the turnover battle is important to a teams success on the field. Turnovers have played a significant role in the Rams' fortunes over the past two seasons. The Rams counted 13 wins in the 2013-14 seasons combined. In 9 of those victories the Rams had a positive turnover differential (and a zero differential in the other 4 wins). They didn't win a single game in the last two seasons without at least being on even terms in the turnover battle.

No facet of the game hurt the Rams more in 2014 than turnovers. The Rams coughed up the ball 27 times last season (24th in the NFL). 8 fumbles/interceptions were returned for touchdowns (by far the worst total in the league). QB play was the chief culprit. QB's Austin Davis and Shaun Hill combined for 16 interceptions and 4 lost fumbles last season.

The Rams acquired QB Nick Foles from the Eagles in the offseason. The Rams are looking for Foles to produce numbers closer to his 2013 results (2 interceptions in 317 attempts) than his 2014 results (10 interceptions in 311 attempts). The Rams' move to a more ground-based attack should result in fewer turnovers this coming season. In 2014, the Rams' RB's were responsible for only 4 lost fumbles. Ball control and ball protection are precisely what Jeff Fisher wants from his offense in 2015.

Penalties

The Rams led the NFL in penalty yards last season (1139). They were penalized 257 yards more than their opponents (3rd-worst in the league). For a team that would like to keep the ball on the ground, penalties all too often force that team into a passing situation. Penalties kill drives, contribute to bad field position and can change momentum in a game.

The Rams just don't have the kind of offensive firepower necessary to easily negate the effects of a high-volume, ill-timed number of penalties. They'll need to be a smarter and much more disciplined football team in 2015: minimizing costly penalties while still retaining their "edginess" and aggressiveness.
Running The Football

For all the talk of "Fisherball" and a strong rushing attack, the Rams haven't exactly run the ball down opponents' throats during Jeff Fisher's tenure. 2014 was no exception. The Rams ranked 20th in the league in rushing yards per game (102.2), and were tied for 16th in yards per carry (4.1).

The Rams' selections in the 2015 NFL Draft made one thing abundantly clear: they will emphasize the running game this coming season (and beyond). Selecting RB Todd Gurley and four run-blocking offensive linemen leaves little doubt about what the Rams' offensive identity will be in 2015. The Rams are gambling on a powerful rushing attack to help solve their offensive woes. The young offensive line gelling and maturing quickly holds the key to a successful running game for the Rams in 2015.

The goal for the offense should be to reach the number 50 in any game (a combination of pass completions and rushing attempts totalling the number 50). To successfully establish the running game and balance the offense, the breakdown of rushing/passing plays and yardage should look close to the following:

Rushing: 32 attempts - 4.3 ypc - 138 yards rushing.

Passing: 29 attempts - 18 completions - 62% completion % - 212 yards passing.

Total Yards: 350 per game - Points Per Game: 23.0

As Jeff Fisher noted shortly after Day 2 of the 2015 NFL Draft:

"We're trying to become more physical on offense. We did that today. We got two guys who are gonna go downfield and finish blocks -- and clear space for that guy we got last night to do what he does. It's not complicated: Hand it off, run play-action passes, get the ball out quickly, keep your defense off the field."

Secondary coach Chuck Cecil summed up Fisher's thoughts in his own words:

"We're gonna be going old-school on 'em."


Winning Early And Often

For the Rams to have a legitimate shot at a winning season (and a playoff berth) they must get off to a strong start. Under Jeff Fisher, the Rams' record in the first five games of the season has progressively worsened from year-to-year: 3-2 in 2012, 2-3 in 2013 and 1-4 in 2014.

The Rams begin their 2015 regular season with a tough slate of games:

Week 1 - vs. Seattle
Week 2 - @ Washington
Week 3 - vs. Pittsburgh
Week 4 - @ Arizona
Week 5 - @ Green Bay

4 of the 5 teams made the playoffs last season (all but Washington). Given the quality of their opponents to start the season, a 3-2 record is realistic and attainable. After those 5 games, the Rams enter the softest part of their schedule, with home games versus Cleveland, San Francisco and Chicago, plus road games at Minnesota and Baltimore.

If the Rams can get off to a 3-2 start, a 7-3 record after 10 games is an attainable goal. The Rams can't afford to (again) begin the season with a 1-4 record. If they falter early, the Rams will be hard pressed to finish the season with better than a .500 record. How the Rams fare in their first five games will likely set the tone for the remainder of the season. I believe the key word in this area is "preparation".

That's on Jeff Fisher and his coaching staff.

 

[Bri]

I like that Fish doesn't do a minicamp and reminds them how hard he expects them to work during training camp

 

[Bob Magaw]

Brockers is training in DL-related martial arts with DAL Hall of Famer Randy White (going for a Manster's Degree? ).

Rams DT Brockers taking his game to a new level • By Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-dt-brockers-taking-his-game-to-a-new-level/article_336f3a86-c0bb-5e84-a9f3-d74ce56051c8.html

Say what you will about Michael Brockers, but the Rams’ defensive tackle leaves no stone unturned when it comes to trying to improve his game.

A couple of years ago, he hired a personal chef to make sure he was eating right. Last season he showed up lighter in an attempt to improve his quickness and overall effectiveness.

As for this offseason, he has taken up mixed martial arts training in an effort to use his hands better on the football field and keep opposing blockers’ hands away.

“In life, I think every day you have to learn something,” Brockers said. “If you’re not learning, you’re not living. So definitely for the most part, I try to ‘up’ my game. There’s never a time where I feel like I know it all.”

Line play at the NFL level isn’t only about strength, power, and quickness; it’s also about leverage and technique. Usually, once an offensive lineman gets his hands on you, it’s over for a defensive lineman.

“It’s about getting that man’s hands off you, especially playing defensive tackle and nose guard,” Brockers said. “It’s all about physicality, and not trying to let them get their hands on you and grab you and stuff like that.”

The most interesting aspect of Brockers’ fray into martial arts is his teacher. It’s none other than Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame defensive tackle Randy White.

Brockers made the hookup through his agent Scott Casterline, who also represents White. Prior to the start of the Rams’ offseason conditioning program on April 20, Brockers made regular weekend visits to work with White in Dallas.

Brockers, whose permanent residence is in Houston, would make the four-hour drive to Dallas on a Thursday and stay there working with White until returning on Sunday.

“It’s been a slow process,” Brockers said. “He’s been doing this stuff all his life, for all his career. So learning from him I’m starting to get like the steps down. I’m trying to implement it a little bit in my game, trying to use it for 2015.”

Brockers grew up a Cowboys fan in part because there wasn’t a football team in Houston between 1997, when the Oilers left for Tennessee, and 2002, when the expansion Texans started playing. Brockers, still only 24, is too young to have seen White play but knew who he was before the martial arts tutoring begin.

“I knew a lot about some of the history about Dallas and knew he was part of it,” Brockers said. “So for the most part when I learned he wanted to work with me, I was like, ‘Yeah, let’s go.’

“It’s cool because of the fact that he’s a Hall of Famer and you think that they carry themselves a lot higher than they do. They’re at the top of the top. But he’s a real chill guy, cool, down to earth. So that’s the reason why I really like working out with him, because he’s a great guy to talk to and he listens and tries to really help my game.”

White was introduced to martial arts training in 1976, his second year in the NFL, by then-Cowboys strength and conditioning coach Bob Ward. In that sense, Ward and the Cowboys were way ahead of their time.

“Bob had the vision of incorporating the martial arts into our football,” White told the Post-Dispatch. “I enjoyed doing it and really took to it. It really helped my career.”

Even after his career ended following the 1988 season, White continued his martial arts training. And he started training others, from elementary school-age youths up to NFL players.

One of his past “students” was six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle La’Roi Glover, who spent three of his 13 NFL seasons with the Rams (2006-08) and is currently the Rams’ director of player programs.

(White met Glover at an arm-wrestling tournament, where Glover was a participant and White was doing commentary.)

“I’m not the great guru but I’ve got something to offer,” White said. “Something they can look at. If they like it, they can add it to what they do.”

White, now 62, has found Brockers to be a very willing pupil.

“Michael really is a very intense guy,” White said. “And is hungry to get better and be better. I’ve spent some time with him. I don’t know how many times we’ve trained. Quite a few.

“He really picked it up and he saw the value of what I was showing. It takes just a little bit to really grasp how you apply it. You develop sensitivity. We do hand drills and develop sensitivity.

“Most players, right off the bat they want to know, ‘Well, if he does this, what do I do?’ I can show ’em that, and I can show ’em a counter for a specific way a guy is trying to block you or attack you.”

But eventually, it’s got to come instinctively.

“When you’re on the football field, you don’t have time to be thinking about what move am I gonna use,” said White, who is training Brockers for free. “You’ve just gotta feel it. So you keep working the drills and develop sensitivity, and I show ’em all the different options that I know to make themselves effective as far as rushing the passer, pursuing a play.”

Just like learning more traditional defensive line techniques, Brockers knows it will take lots of repetition to take his martial arts techniques to that instinctive level. So once the Rams’ offseason program started in Earth City and he could no longer make the weekly trips from Houston to Dallas, Brockers studied videos to try to stay sharp.

“I even practice with my wife sometimes,” Brockers said.

(Now that’s a devoted wife.)

“Just hand movements,” Brockers said. “It’s not like I’m really throwing her or anything.”

The drills with White are strictly hands and footwork. The sessions last two to three hours, with a break thrown in here and there.

Once the Rams complete the final week of OTA practice sessions next week, the veterans have a five-week break before the start of training camp. Brockers plans to spend at least a couple of those weeks working with White in Dallas.

Once camp starts at the end of July, White might drop in at Rams Park to watch Brockers in practice, seeing if he’s applying the martial arts techniques on the football field.

“He wants to be the best he can possibly be,” White said. “And when you’ve got a guy that’s got that attitude, and he’s got the ability he has, he’s gonna be successful.”

 

[Faust]

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter 20s21 seconds ago

Former Clemson OT Isaiah Battle goes in 5th round of NFL Supplemental draft to...St. Louis Rams.

 

[Faust]

Rotowolrd:

Rams selected Clemson OT Isaiah Battle with a fifth-round pick in the 2015 supplemental draft.

St. Louis is very aware of its offensive-line need. GM Les Snead used four draft picks on linemen in April/May, and has now forfeited a 2016 fifth-round pick for the opportunity to add Battle, on whom many draft prognosticators placed a third-round grade. Battle offers ideal tackle dimensions at 6-foot-6, 312 with 35 3/8-inch arms, though he is a fairly mediocre athlete. We'd bet against Battle making a year-one impact. An intensive evaluation of Battle's game via Rotoworld prospects guru Josh Norris can be read at the link below.


Source: Josh Norris on Isaiah Battle
Jul 9 - 1:59 PM

 

[Faust]

St. Louis Rams take OT Isaiah Battle in NFL's Supplemental Draft

 

[jurb26]

So how many Olinemen is St. L bringing to camp, like 100?

Man, talk about committing to improving the Oline.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

INTERESTING!

---------------------

Evan Silva retweeted

Jimmy Kempski ‏@JimmyKempski 15m15 minutes ago
The Rams basically used the equivalent of an entire draft the last 2 years to try to fix their offensive line.

2015

2nd round - Rob Havenstein

3rd round - Jamon Brown

4th round - Andrew Donnal

6th round Cody Wichmann

(2015 supplemental draft) 5th round - Isaiah Battle

2014

1st round - Greg Robinson

7th round - Mitchell Van Dyk

7th round - Demetrius Rhaney

---------------------

Hmnn and they used their first round pick on the first RB taken in the first round in a few years. Hmnnn... INTERESTING eh?

 

[Faust]

Are the St. Louis Rams Building Their Run Game Backwards?

 

[Bri]

INTERESTING!

---------------------

Evan Silva retweeted

Jimmy Kempski ‏@JimmyKempski 15m15 minutes ago
The Rams basically used the equivalent of an entire draft the last 2 years to try to fix their offensive line.

2015

2nd round - Rob Havenstein

3rd round - Jamon Brown

4th round - Andrew Donnal

6th round Cody Wichmann

(2015 supplemental draft) 5th round - Isaiah Battle

2014

1st round - Greg Robinson

7th round - Mitchell Van Dyk

7th round - Demetrius Rhaney

---------------------

Hmnn and they used their first round pick on the first RB taken in the first round in a few years. Hmnnn... INTERESTING eh?

Life without Munchak I guess.

It'd be interesting if the Rams offered the Steelers a trade for an OL coach

 

[Bob Magaw]

The Rams have invested a lot of draft capital on the OL recently. But they had a lot to invest.

Maybe Fisher is making up for lost time. Until Robinson in 2014, he hadn't drafted an OL in the first round in about two decades. I'm not sure, but until Jamon Brown in 2015, I don't think he drafted an interior OL before the fourth round in that same span. Though it is unclear if Floyd Reese (or in some cases even owner Bud Adams) was making the calls in HOU/TEN for the first part of his tenure, and if perhaps GM Les Snead is having some personnel influence with the Rams? They tried free agent vet OL such as Jake Long, Scott Wells and Davin Joseph, and it hasn't worked out.

But back to draft capital, if Battle is counted, that stretches into the 2016 draft. I've heard some say he carries about a third round grade, so if he had returned to school and starred, maybe he becomes a second or even first rounder next draft (he does carry some character red flags and off-field risk, but that still sounds like pretty good value for where they got him)? Meanwhile, they get a year head start to physically develop and technically coach him up. I don't think the two seventh round OL in 2014 represent a massive investment (one, Rhaney, looks like he may stick), or the fourth and sixth this year, they are most likely depth. The biggest investments were the day one and two OL picks - Robinson at 1.2, and Havenstein and Brown with a late second and early third.

Due to the last first rounder from the RG3 trade they had two in 2014, the Bradford trade fetched an extra second in 2016 and trading down for Havenstein manufacured an additional third round pick in 2015. So in the three drafts from 2014-2016 (depending on what trades they make with the 2016 picks, and also Bradford's snap count - if he doesn't play a down it costs a third rounder, less than 50% of the snaps a fourth rounder, more than 50% nothing), they had/have four first, second and third round picks. Basically an extra draft class worth of day one and two picks. With which they have landed starting LT Robinson last year and two expected starters in bookend RT Havenstein and RG Brown this year (and could still have all their day one and two picks in 2016, plus an extra second).

Because of the extra 2014-2016 picks (kind of like playing with the house's money), and depending on what they do in the next draft, just on day one and two, they still have had the remaining draft capital to draft non-OL such as Defensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowler, DT Aaron Donald, RB Gurley, called by some scouts the best RB prospect since Adrian Peterson, as well as whoever they take next year in the first (again, including 2016 because supp. draft pick Battle was mentioned, and their string of extra day one and/or two picks extends into the next draft), probable nickle CB Lamarcus Joyner in the second and TWO second rounders in 2016, as well as RB Tre Mason, QB Sean Mannion and whoever they take next year in the third (unless Bradford doesn't play a down in 2015).

 

[Bri]

The Rams have invested a lot of draft capital on the OL recently. But they had a lot to invest.

Maybe Fisher is making up for lost time. Until Robinson in 2014, he hadn't drafted an OL in the first round in about two decades. I'm not sure, but until Jamon Brown in 2015, I don't think he drafted an interior OL before the fourth round in that same span. Though it is unclear if Floyd Reese (or in some cases even owner Bud Adams) was making the calls in HOU/TEN for the first part of his tenure, and if perhaps GM Les Snead is having some personnel influence with the Rams? They tried free agent vet OL such as Jake Long, Scott Wells and Davin Joseph, and it hasn't worked out.

But back to draft capital, if Battle is counted, that stretches into the 2016 draft. I've heard some say he carries about a third round grade, so if he had returned to school and starred, maybe he becomes a second or even first rounder next draft (he does carry some character red flags and off-field risk, but that still sounds like pretty good value for where they got him)? Meanwhile, they get a year head start to physically develop and technically coach him up. I don't think the two seventh round OL in 2014 represent a massive investment (one, Rhaney, looks like he may stick), or the fourth and sixth this year, they are most likely depth. The biggest investments were the day one and two OL picks - Robinson at 1.2, and Havenstein and Brown with a late second and early third.

Due to the last first rounder from the RG3 trade they had two in 2014, the Bradford trade fetched an extra second in 2016 and trading down for Havenstein manufacured an additional third round pick in 2015. So in the three drafts from 2014-2016 (depending on what trades they make with the 2016 picks, and also Bradford's snap count - if he doesn't play a down it costs a third rounder, less than 50% of the snaps a fourth rounder, more than 50% nothing), they had/have four first, second and third round picks. Basically an extra draft class worth of day one and two picks. With which they have landed starting LT Robinson last year and two expected starters in bookend RT Havenstein and RG Brown this year (and could still have all their day one and two picks in 2016, plus an extra second).

Because of the extra 2014-2016 picks (kind of like playing with the house's money), and depending on what they do in the next draft, just on day one and two, they still have had the remaining draft capital to draft non-OL such as Defensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowler, DT Aaron Donald, RB Gurley, called by some scouts the best RB prospect since Adrian Peterson, as well as whoever they take next year in the first (again, including 2016 because supp. draft pick Battle was mentioned, and their string of extra day one and/or two picks extends into the next draft), probable nickle CB Lamarcus Joyner in the second and TWO second rounders in 2016, as well as RB Tre Mason, QB Sean Mannion and whoever they take next year in the third (unless Bradford doesn't play a down in 2015).

I think Hopkins was the last 1st rounder in Fisher's Titans tenure.

It was different than the Rams. He had a HOF turn around and coach one or two HOFers and he (Munchak) was able to keep the level very high. Roos and Stewart in the 2nd and 4th round of one draft would become bookends for many years, adding Mawae was like a gift. Like many teams, their draft included mid to late round BPA linemen that never pan out. Some years they didn't bother because the depth was fine.

As I've said before, he was absolutely blessed with the best DL and OL coach in football. So what I've found interesting is to see what he's learned and applied in STL and...whew that DL is something special. I think you'll see them skip the DL in drafts or give a BPA type try because you're all set.

What I hope doesn't happen the same but hmmm it just may is to get a wow type Jevon Kearse only to see him leave and get wow type Haynesworth and it begins to wear on you that you'd like to keep these gems and pay em' all.

Anyhow, he seems to have moved onto the OL.

It's like the oldest football cliche to win games in the trenches but he absolutely believes it and IMO there's games they shouldn't "be in" but are because of those trenches.

I think you'll find these top trenches also bring about the "replace the coach" talk because who can't win with two lines built like that? If only soandso could orchestrate the offense they'd...it's probably coming if they don't do well this year.

Fisher didn't do much line coaching. I thought he was very much like Parcells. Parcells said an often used phrase where he wanted the lesser linemen or developing linemen to at least be street fighters. Fisher said many things that were quite similar. He didn't want to notice them. He would be all over someone for lack of effort or showing up late but otherwise, that was the line coaches job and if the "head honcho" had to get on you, you were in trouble. He did not get all over linemen for getting beat, giving up sacks etc. Being all about effort, trusting his coaches, he was very successful with his lines.

I don't see it with Battle. Battle looks like a BPA type they wind up cutting. I see nice feet (4.97 on draftscouts list of 40 times is better than pro day) but he gets bullied. The highlight reels are nice, but all the article with a negative spin have pretty damning video evidence. The way I see it, if he got beat in those but was a street fighter battling-that's something they can build on. He wasn't, so he'll get Fisher's attention too much and be gone.

When Fisher left the Titans, he left some failed free agent baggage on the line. The Rams free agents (as you said) haven't panned out. Maybe he's got more patience now. Someone has to pan out and become a player. Maybe Battle is a worthwhile project and can play tougher than that.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Hopkins was drafted in the first in '93, Fisher replaced Pardee during the '94 season. Robinson was the first OL taken in the first round during his tenure at HOU/TEN/STL.

On DL, Chris Long turns 30, is the most expensive player on the team after Quinn, and was hurt and didn't play very well last year. Top reserve DEs Hayes and Sims are in contract years, and top reserve DT Fairley is on a one year deal, so DL could be a possibility in the 2016 draft. Starting CB Jenkins, top reserve CB Trumaine Johnson and trade acquisition big nickel SS Mark Barron are also all in contract years. Not to mention Foles. So the Rams will have to make some decisions before the 2016 season.

Kroenke seems pretty patient and to like Fisher. Not having a starting QB for the past season and a half has been one of the biggest issues, so if Foles can play better than Clemens, Hill and Davis, that could be a big step to improvement. How quickly Gurley is ready, and whether he can return to form, could have a big impact this year and beyond. Also, how long it takes the OL to gel (I'm more confident in their ability to run block early, not as sure about pass blocking).

I haven't scouted Battle. I'd be shocked if he doesn't make the team this year. You could be right, long term. I assume they think they can coach him up or wouldn't have taken him, but every team makes mistakes on players that don't work out. We'll see.

 

[Faust]

Have Rams solved their offensive line issues?

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/19520/have-rams-solved-their-offensive-line-issues

 

[Bri]

Bob, others...I saw this

St. Louis Rams WR Brian Quick (shoulder) is making good progress in his recovery from shoulder surgery and was able to participate in individual drills during offseason workouts. Quick may be able to participate in team drills at some point during training camp and could be ready for Week 1 if he does not suffer any setbacks.

and think how he's relatively inexperienced and could use another training camp, it gives someone time to get comfy in his spot and...curious what the collective thought is here.

Do you mind if I back you in a corner a sec- late in a redraft draft, you have to pick one of Bailey, Austin, Givens, or Quick. Which do you take?

 

[dkp993]

Bob, others...I saw this

St. Louis Rams WR Brian Quick (shoulder) is making good progress in his recovery from shoulder surgery and was able to participate in individual drills during offseason workouts. Quick may be able to participate in team drills at some point during training camp and could be ready for Week 1 if he does not suffer any setbacks.

and think how he's relatively inexperienced and could use another training camp, it gives someone time to get comfy in his spot and...curious what the collective thought is here.

Do you mind if I back you in a corner a sec- late in a redraft draft, you have to pick one of Bailey, Austin, Givens, or Quick. Which do you take?

I think you have to go Quick but I've got a really good feeling about Bailey this year. His consistent route running and best hands on the team are going to make it hard to keep him off the field.

 

[Bri]

Bob, others...I saw this

St. Louis Rams WR Brian Quick (shoulder) is making good progress in his recovery from shoulder surgery and was able to participate in individual drills during offseason workouts. Quick may be able to participate in team drills at some point during training camp and could be ready for Week 1 if he does not suffer any setbacks.

and think how he's relatively inexperienced and could use another training camp, it gives someone time to get comfy in his spot and...curious what the collective thought is here.

Do you mind if I back you in a corner a sec- late in a redraft draft, you have to pick one of Bailey, Austin, Givens, or Quick. Which do you take?

I think you have to go Quick but I've got a really good feeling about Bailey this year. His consistent route running and best hands on the team are going to make it hard to keep him off the field.

At this point, most of the guys know most of the spots right? A depth chart with Bailey backing up Britt doesn't really mean anything, it's fluid right?

 

[Phantom Knight]

Do you mind if I back you in a corner a sec- late in a redraft draft, you have to pick one of Bailey, Austin, Givens, or Quick. Which do you take?

Assuming he is healthy... in this scenario, I pick Quick(ly).

 

[Bob Magaw]

I think Britt and Quick are the starters (health permitting). They say they want to get Austin more involved. If either Britt or Quick stumble or are injured, Bailey would be the beneficiary. Givens is least likely to have an impact and almost certainly gone after this season. Quick is in a contract year, so if not re-signed, that could position Bailey to be a starter (or maybe they draft a starter next year?).

 

[Bri]

Bob, others...I saw this

St. Louis Rams WR Brian Quick (shoulder) is making good progress in his recovery from shoulder surgery and was able to participate in individual drills during offseason workouts. Quick may be able to participate in team drills at some point during training camp and could be ready for Week 1 if he does not suffer any setbacks.

and think how he's relatively inexperienced and could use another training camp, it gives someone time to get comfy in his spot and...curious what the collective thought is here.

Do you mind if I back you in a corner a sec- late in a redraft draft, you have to pick one of Bailey, Austin, Givens, or Quick. Which do you take?

I think you have to go Quick but I've got a really good feeling about Bailey this year. His consistent route running and best hands on the team are going to make it hard to keep him off the field.

Why this year? Any news or reports or anything make you think this is his year?

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

According to NFL.com's Gil Brandt, the Rams see third-round OG Jamon Brown as having "Pro Bowl potential."

Brown played tackle at Louisville, but the Rams are using him at guard, where they're "really excited" about Brown's upside. The 72nd pick in May's draft, Brown is a terrific athlete at 6-foot-4, 323 and has 34 3/8-inch arms. He has a legit chance to open the season as St. Louis' starting right guard.

Source: Gil Brandt on Twitter
Jul 13 - 3:59 PM

 

[dkp993]

Bob, others...I saw thisSt. Louis Rams WR Brian Quick (shoulder) is making good progress in his recovery from shoulder surgery and was able to participate in individual drills during offseason workouts. Quick may be able to participate in team drills at some point during training camp and could be ready for Week 1 if he does not suffer any setbacks.

and think how he's relatively inexperienced and could use another training camp, it gives someone time to get comfy in his spot and...curious what the collective thought is here.

Do you mind if I back you in a corner a sec- late in a redraft draft, you have to pick one of Bailey, Austin, Givens, or Quick. Which do you take?

I think you have to go Quick but I've got a really good feeling about Bailey this year. His consistent route running and best hands on the team are going to make it hard to keep him off the field.

Why this year? Any news or reports or anything make you think this is his year?

No new news reports or anything of the like, I just really liked what I saw from him in the second half of the year last year and I feel like year three is going to be his break out. Pure gut feeling here

 

[Bob Magaw]

Team Report

http://www.globalpost.com/article/6623711/2015/07/30/st-louis-rams-teamreport

For a team that has won just 20 games in the three seasons that Jeff Fisher has been the head coach of the St. Louis Rams, you'd think there might be numerous battles for jobs when training camp opens with the first practice Friday.

However, that doesn't appear to be the case. While there are some questions on what will be an extremely young offensive line, most starting jobs throughout the roster are set unless there are surprises that occur in what could be the team's last training camp in St. Louis.

Aside from the line, the only real question is how soon wide receiver Brian Quick will be ready to practice after suffering a serious shoulder injury last season.

Meanwhile, one major question was answered when the team's rookies had their conditioning test Tuesday: running back Todd Gurley was so impressive that he will begin on-field work immediately, although it's still unknown how quickly he will participate in team drills as opposed to individual work.

Gurley suffered a torn ACL last Nov. 15 while playing for Georgia, but the Rams believed in him so much they went out on a limb and selected him with the 10th overall pick in the draft. For now, that decision looks like it's paying dividends.

Defensively, with the team playing for coordinator Gregg Williams for the second consecutive season, Jo-Lonn Dunbar will try to hold off Akeem Ayers at strong-side linebacker, and E.J. Gaines is expected to be the starter at one cornerback spot instead of Trumaine Johnson. But those are the only positions where there is any mystery.

Now, back to that offensive line. The Rams look like they will enter camp with Barrett Jones at center, and rookies Jamon Brown and Rob Havenstein at right guard and right tackle, respectively. Jones has never started in the NFL, but he is expected to win the competition with Tim Barnes and Demetrius Rhaney.

For Gurley and Tre Mason to run well, and for quarterback Nick Foles to be productive, the line will have to grow up in a hurry. The Rams are seen as a potential surprise team in many quarters, despite the young line and the possible lame-duck position the franchise is in. The latter might not have much of an effect on the on-field performance, but the former certainly will. The pressure is on line coach Paul Boudreau to get his young charges playing together quickly.

CAMP CALENDAR

July 27: Rookies reported

July 29: Veterans reported

July 31: First practice

Aug. 17-18: Joint practices with Cowboys in Oxnard, Calif.

Aug. 28: Camp ends

-----------------------------------------------

NFL Team Report - St. Louis Rams - NOTES, QUOTES

--Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was interviewed on St. Louis radio station KMOX and opened up about the bounty episode that cost him the 2012 season when he was suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

Williams said, "That was a difficult year in a lot of ways because there was a lot of information that was misinformation that got out and I'm the only person in the whole deal that never said anything. I never said a word. Everybody got out there and pushed their information one way or the other and I didn't."

As for the gist of what the Saints did, Williams said, "One of the things was it was on my watch, but there was nothing that hasn't been done in the last 50 years in the sport and there was nothing done to try to hurt somebody. There was never anything done with anybody trying to injure somebody. I've said this before, I take a look at all these high school programs, little league programs, college programs and you see the decals on the side of the helmet and you wonder, you get those decals because you shake hands and kiss after the game or you get those decals because you rushed for 100 and you threw 17 touchdown passes and you knocked the stuffing out of somebody?

"I remember over at Excelsior Springs when I'm 16 years old I had a big hit in a ballgame and all of a sudden I got a movie certificate and it wasn't because I helped the guy up, it's because I knocked the guy down. It's just one of those things that we're always trying to find little bitty advantages in sport and it was unfairly and uncharacteristically portrayed the wrong way."

--Guard Cody Wichmann, a sixth-round pick and one of five linemen the Rams drafted this offseason, will begin camp on the physically unable to perform list because of a leg injury suffered during OTAs.

The Rams selected four linemen in the regular draft, then added tackle Isaiah Battle in the fifth round of the July supplemental draft.

--Team strength: Defensive line.

That's a no-brainer. With left end Chris Long back from an injury that limited him to six games last season, the line should be even better especially after the free-agent addition of tackle Nick Fairley. Robert Quinn commands respect at right end, and Fairley will be in a rotation with 2014 defensive rookie of the year Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers. Making the line even deeper is the presence of Eugene Sims and William Hayes. Long, Quinn, Fairley and Brockers all entered the NFL as first-round draft picks.

--Breakout player: Wide receiver Tavon Austin. The diminutive 2013 first-round pick will be watched closely this summer. New offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti insists he will find ways to get Austin the ball more on offense. However, it's not simply about putting the ball in his hands, but getting it there in space where he has room to run.

--Work in progress: Offensive line.

Concern about the offensive line began in the offseason program and it remains that way now as the Rams open training camp.

Complicating matters in the offseason was that the most solid of the positions wasn't manned by starters because left tackle Greg Robinson (toe) and left guard Rodger Saffold (shoulder) did not participate in any team portions of the practices as they continued to rehab from their offseason surgeries. Taking their spots were Brandon Washington for Robinson and Garrett Reynolds for Saffold.

Offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti said he wasn't fazed by the absences of Robinson and Saffold. "I don't think it's a setback," he said. "You know what? First off, you've got to be healthy to play the game. So, they're on schedule. It's a great plan for them to be successful when they step on the field for training camp and it gives the other guys an opportunity to get better."

The right side of the line throughout OTAs was manned by rookies: second-round pick Rob Havenstein at right tackle and third-round choice Jamon Brown at right guard. Coaches have raved about both players, but the real test comes when the pads come on. Cignetti said, "Once again, you're talking about great kids, really good players. Once again, it's a process. Every day you want to see these young men come out here and continue to get better, which is what we've seen."

At center, three players rotated with the first unit through the three weeks of OTAs: Barrett Jones, Tim Barnes and Demetrius. Jones is believed to be the favorite to win the job, but it is expected to be a strong competition. Only Barnes has started any NFL games and that was four in place of the departed Scott Wells in 2013.

-----------------------------------------------

NFL Team Report - St. Louis Rams - STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

UNIT-BY-UNIT ANALYSIS

QUARTERBACKS: Starter - Nick Foles. Backups - Austin Davis, Case Keenum, Sean Mannion.

The Rams are anxious to find out if Foles is the quarterback that put together phenomenal numbers for the Eagles in 2013 or the one that came back to earth in 2014 and missed the final eight games of the season. He doesn't have the talent in front of him that he had in Philadelphia, and the line is very green. There could be a competition between Davis and Keenum for the backup job, but Davis actually had some better numbers in eight starts last season than Foles had with the Eagles. Mannion, selected in the fourth round, will likely be the third quarterback.

RUNNING BACKS: Starter - Todd Gurley. Backups - Tre Mason, Benny Cunningham, Chase Reynolds, Trey Watts, Isaiah Pead, Malcolm Brown, Terrence Franks, FB Zach Laskey.

It might be a stretch to think Gurley will start the season opener, but it's certainly within the realm of possibility. Even if he does, there's a question how much the Rams will feed him the ball, which is where Mason comes in. He won't give up the job without a fight, and his presence should help the offense. Cunningham is also talented, and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield. This might be the end of the line for Pead, a second-round pick in 2012 that has been a disappointment and missed the entire 2014 season with a torn ACL. Reynolds has been on the roster solely for his special teams play. Watt was on the roster as an undrafted free agent last year, but will be in a fight for a roster spot.

TIGHT ENDS: Starters - Jared Cook, Lance Kendricks. Backups - Cory Harkey, Alex Bayer, Justice Cunningham, Brad Smelley.

Cook and Kendricks are an excellent tandem. Cook doesn't block much, but can get down the field and make big plays. He just has to be more consistent. Kendricks re-signed as an unrestricted free agent because of his versatility. He is an excellent blocker, and also has grown as a receiver. He had five touchdowns on just 27 receptions last season. Harkey is also a good blocker. Bayer and Cunningham could compete for the job as the fourth tight end, if that many are on the roster.

WIDE RECEIVERS: Starters - Kenny Britt, Brian Quick. Backups - Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, Chris Givens, Damian Williams, Bradley Marquez, Emory Blake, Devon Wylie, Tyler Slavin, Daniel Rodriguez, Isiah Ferguson.

Britt resurrected his career with the Rams last season, and he expects to have an even bigger season. The key to the pass-catching corps is Quick. He struggled for his first two seasons, and was then establishing himself in 2014 when a serious shoulder injury ended his season. If he picks up where he left off, Foles will be a happy quarterback. Austin has to find ways to get open, so Foles can get him the ball. Bailey has the ability to be a solid No. 3 receiver. Givens has fallen off after a rookie year laden with big plays, and could be in danger of losing his roster spot. Perhaps some consistency at quarterback would help him.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters - LT Greg Robinson, LG Rodger Saffold, C Barrett Jones, RG Jamon Brown, RT Rob Havenstein. Backups - T/G Garrett Reynolds, T Andrew Donnal, T Isaiah Battle, T Steven Baker, G/T Brandon Washington, G/T Travis Bond, T Darrell Williams, G Cody Wichmann, C Tim Barnes, C Demetrius Rhaney, David Wang.

Saffold is the veteran among the starters, and looks forward to a hopefully injury-free year after finally getting his shoulder fixed. Even with some bumps and bruises last season, he was able to start all 16 games. He will be helping the young linemen a lot, especially Robinson, who missed offseason work because of a toe injury, but will be the left tackle where he must improve his pass blocking. Jones has the opportunity to win the center spot, and he probably will unless another injury hits. Still, Barnes and Rhaney will be battling for the job and a roster spot. It will take major problems for Brown and Havenstein to be beaten out, but the savvy Reynolds is ready if either of them falters. Donnal, a fourth-round pick, and Battle, will be in the mix for a backup tackle job. There are a lot of numbers on the line, but not that many jobs.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters - LE Chris Long, DT Aaron Donald, DT Michael Brockers, RE Robert Quinn. Backups - DE William Hayes, DE Eugene Sims, DT Nick Fairley, DT Doug Worthington, DE Ethan Westbrooks, DE Martin Ifedi, DT Louis Trinca-Pasat, DE Matt Longacre.

There aren't many jobs available on one of the best lines in the NFL. They got off to a slow start last season, and Quinn had no sacks in the first five games. But it came together in the second half even with Long sidelined. Donald was a revelation as a rookie, and he is determined to be even better. Fairley was motivated in the offseason, and could help the line get to another level. Both Hayes and Sims are able to get snaps inside in passing situations. Westbrooks is best known for winning the fifth defensive end job from Michael Sam a year ago, and he also can play inside. The surprise could be Trinca-Pasat, an undrafted free agent, who will try and show he can be part of the rotation inside.

LINEBACKERS: WLB Alec Ogletree, MLB James Laurinaitis, SLB Akeem Ayers. Backups - SLB Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Daren Bates, Bryce Hager, Marshall McFadden, Korey Toomer, Cameron Moore, Keshaun Malone.

This should be the year Ogletree raises his game as he becomes comfortable in the defense. Laurinaitis is simply solid, calling defensive signals and never missing games. Dunbar and Ayers will battle it out for a position that also sees the field for at most 50 percent of the plays. Bates is outstanding on special teams and that's how the rookie Hager will try and win a job. He will have to hold off McFadden and Toomer.

DEFENSIVE BACKS: Starters - CB Janoris Jenkins, CB E.J. Gaines, S T.J. McDonald, S Rodney McLeod. Backups - Lamarcus Joyner, Mark Barron, CB Trumaine Johnson, CB Marcus Roberson, CB Brandon McGee, S Maurice Alexander, S Cody Davis, S Christian Bryant, S Jay Hughes, S Jacob Hagen, CB Montell Garner, CB Imoan Claiborne.

Jenkins is entering the final year of his contract, as is Johnson, who will have a tough time beating out Gaines. However, there will still be plenty of snaps for him in the nickel. Jenkins has big-play ability, but also gives up big plays when he takes too many chances. Joyner had a strong offseason, and coaches will be looking for ways to get him on the field along with Barron, who can play close to the line of scrimmage against the run and also blitzes well. Roberson has loads of ability and will challenge for playing time. McGee has had a star-crossed career because of injuries and this might be his last chance. Alexander's head was spinning as a rookie, but he could be primed to make a move this year. Bryant could also be a surprise after his rookie season was delayed by a foot injury suffered in his final college season.

SPECIAL TEAMS: K Greg Zuerlein, P Johnny Hekker, P Michael Palardy, LS Jake McQuaide, LS Tyler Ott, KOR Benny Cunningham, PR Tavon Austin.

Zuerlein and Hekker are excellent in what they do, and Hekker was rewarded with a new contract late last season. McQuaide is consistent. Cunningham is solid on kickoff returns, but more explosiveness is needed. Austin is a threat to take it the distance every time he touches the ball.

PERSONNEL TRACKER

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers)

--LB Will Herring (not tendered as UFA).

--G Davin Joseph (not tendered as UFA).

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

DRAFT CHOICES SIGNED (all signed)

--RB Todd Gurley (1/10): $13,823,180 guaranteed/4 yrs, $8,313,224 SB.

--T Rob Havenstein (2/57): $3,970,018/4 yrs, $2,197,743 guaranteed/$1,147,288 SB.

--G Jamon Brown (3/72): $3,250,974/4 yrs, $754,816 SB.

--QB Sean Mannion (3/89): $3,250,896/4 yrs, $625,796 SB.

--T Andrew Donnal (4/119): $2,776,936/4 yrs, $496,936 SB.

--T Isaiah Battle (Supplemental fifth-round pick); 4 yrs, terms unknown.

--WR Bud Sasser (6/201): $2,393,736/4 yrs, $113,736 SB; subsequently released from reserve/non-football illness.

--G Cody Wichmann (6/215): $2,370,484/4 yrs, $90,484 SB.

--LB Bryce Hager (7/224): $2,352,140/4 yrs, $72,140 SB.

--DE Martin Ifedi (7/227): $2,351,896/4 yrs, $71,096 SB.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

--C Tim Barnes: Not tendered as RFA; $710,017/1 yr, $50,017 RB.

--WR Kenny Britt: $9.15M/2 yrs, $2.55M guaranteed.

--QB Austin Davis: RFA tendered at $1.542M with no compensation; $1.542M/1 yr.

--TE Cory Harkey: RFA tendered at $1.542M with no compensation; $1.542M/1 yr.

--TE Lance Kendricks: UFA; $18.5M/4 yrs, $10M guaranteed/$4M RB 2015/$1.25M RB 2016.

--S Rodney McLeod: RFA tendered at $2.356M with second-round pick as compensation); $2.365M/1 yr.

--RB Chase Reynolds: ERFA; $585,000/1 yr.

--G Brandon Washington: ERFA; $585,000/1 yr.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--LB Akeem Ayers: UFA Patriots; $6M/2 yrs, $2.75M guaranteed.

--DT Nick Fairley: UFA Lions; $5M/1 yr; $1.5M guaranteed.

--QB Nick Foles (trade Eagles).

--QB Case Keenum (trade Texans).

--T/G Garrett Reynolds: UFA Lions; $2.2M/2 yrs, $249,999 RB guaranteed.

PLAYERS LOST

--T Joe Barksdale: Not tendered as UFA/Chargers; 1 yr, terms unknown.

--QB Sam Bradford (traded Eagles).

--DT Alex Carrington: UFA Bills; terms unknown.

--QB Shaun Hill: UFA Vikings; $6.5M/2 yrs, $3M guaranteed.

--DT Kendall Langford (released).

--T Jake Long (released/failed physical).

--T/G Mike Person: UFA Falcons; $3.35M/3 yrs, $500,000 SB.

--RB Zac Stacy (traded Jets).

--C Scott Wells (released).

 

[deeshoo]

There's been a lot of talk lately about Melvin Gordon and the San Diego Chargers' O-line. Anybody have any news or PFF tidbits on St Louis' O-line thus far? Hoping for some good news for Gurley.

 

[bulger2holt]

There's been a lot of talk lately about Melvin Gordon and the San Diego Chargers' O-line. Anybody have any news or PFF tidbits on St Louis' O-line thus far? Hoping for some good news for Gurley.

o-line has been terrible. Rookie RT Havenstein is looking like a rookie and hasn't been good at all. RT Saffold has been hurt, but he should be ready for week 1. That will help a lot. He's a good one when healthy. Rookie LG Brown is looking pretty good. Big and powerful. 2nd year LT Greg Robinson is still struggling. Not much experience on this line and it's showing. I wouldn't touch any Rams players at all and this is coming from a Rams homer.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Cut down to 53 announced.

Biggest surprises for me were former fourth rounder and prospective starting center Barrett Jones, as well as 2015 sup. draft pick Isaiah Battle (cost 2016 fifth round pick). Other notables are QB Austin Davis, as expected, and SLB JoLonn Dunbar.

 

[dkp993]

Cut down to 53 announced.

Biggest surprises for me were former fourth rounder and prospective starting center Barrett Jones, as well as 2015 sup. draft pick Isaiah Battle (cost 2016 fifth round pick). Other notables are QB Austin Davis, as expected, and SLB JoLonn Dunbar.

Jones is a bummer, Was pulling for that guy. Battle was a shocker imho, what a waste of a future pick if he doesn't clear waivers and come back to us via the practice squad.

 

[Bob Magaw]

There's been a lot of talk lately about Melvin Gordon and the San Diego Chargers' O-line. Anybody have any news or PFF tidbits on St Louis' O-line thus far? Hoping for some good news for Gurley.

o-line has been terrible. Rookie RT Havenstein is looking like a rookie and hasn't been good at all. RT Saffold has been hurt, but he should be ready for week 1. That will help a lot. He's a good one when healthy. Rookie LG Brown is looking pretty good. Big and powerful. 2nd year LT Greg Robinson is still struggling. Not much experience on this line and it's showing. I wouldn't touch any Rams players at all and this is coming from a Rams homer.

Did somebody hack your account?

Seriously, I've felt at times you were overly optimistic, maybe this is a correction? Extremist positions can be off in either direction. Knowing the team well may not equate with sound fantasy advice. Though I respect your right to your opinion.

In 12-14 team leagues, if you carry 6-8 WRs, that could be anywhere from 70-100+ WRs. So, while I'm aware many drafts go by with no Rams skill position players taken in the passing game, it is very possible one or even two among Britt, Quick (pacing for about 1,000 receiving yards before his injury), Austin and Bailey could be rosterable.

As to Gurley, his ACL rehab progression and timing does make him a question mark. Sometimes with great potential there is great risk. But imo, the Rams don't take him #10 overall if they thought he could succeed only with perfect blocking. If so, they made a mistake, but I don't think they did. I think the best RB prospect SINCE (not necessarily AS GOOD) Peterson comps are on the mark. Gurley can run over, around, between and away from defenders, and therefore, effectively be his own blocker at times, or render it a moot point.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Defense

1st round - Long, Quinn, Brockers, Donald, Fairley, Ogletree, Barron

2nd round - Laurinaitis, Ayers, Jenkins

 

[Bob Magaw]

Aaron Donald and Tavon Austin won the NFC Defensive and ST Player of the week awards.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Rams top NFL defensive front rankings by Chris Wesseling of NFL.com

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000531622/article/st-louis-rams-headline-top-10-defensive-fronts

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