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*** Official 2014 St. Louis Rams Thread *** (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Bob Magaw
- Start date
Bob Magaw
Footballguy
SIs Dour Farrar on the Robinson pick.
http://nfl.si.com/2014/05/08/st-louis-rams-select-greg-robinson-2014-nfl-draft/
SI on Donald.
http://nfl.si.com/2014/05/08/st-louis-rams-select-aaron-donald-2014-nfl-draft/
USA Today on Robinson and Donald.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/05/08/draft-second-2nd-pick-st-louis-rams-ol-ot-og-greg-robinson-auburn/8873573/
Nick Wagoner on the first round picks (I think he correctly picked Robinson and Donald in his last ESPN mock before the draft).
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/8204/rams-pick-dt-aaron-donald-in-1st
* Rams reportedly were looking at Donald, Martin and Mosley at 1.13. They were trying to trade up for Martin with BAL until DAL took him. Interesting. Maybe XSF in play if he slides to #44, or Bittonio. Lamarcus Joyner could be the best remaining safety (Buchanon and Ward went to division rivals ARI and SF).
** There should be some battle royales in practice between Robinson and Donald for the next decade. They could make each other better.
*** Assuming Robinson plays LG initially (best for OL continuity) and Saffold RG, STL will have a four OT OL.
http://nfl.si.com/2014/05/08/st-louis-rams-select-greg-robinson-2014-nfl-draft/
SI on Donald.
http://nfl.si.com/2014/05/08/st-louis-rams-select-aaron-donald-2014-nfl-draft/
USA Today on Robinson and Donald.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/05/08/draft-second-2nd-pick-st-louis-rams-ol-ot-og-greg-robinson-auburn/8873573/
Nick Wagoner on the first round picks (I think he correctly picked Robinson and Donald in his last ESPN mock before the draft).
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/8204/rams-pick-dt-aaron-donald-in-1st
* Rams reportedly were looking at Donald, Martin and Mosley at 1.13. They were trying to trade up for Martin with BAL until DAL took him. Interesting. Maybe XSF in play if he slides to #44, or Bittonio. Lamarcus Joyner could be the best remaining safety (Buchanon and Ward went to division rivals ARI and SF).
** There should be some battle royales in practice between Robinson and Donald for the next decade. They could make each other better.
*** Assuming Robinson plays LG initially (best for OL continuity) and Saffold RG, STL will have a four OT OL.
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lyon812
Footballguy
Great draft so far. I wasn't expecting Donald to be available, but he fits alongside Quinn perfectly. Go ahead, double team Quinn, we dare you. =) I'm glad we got him instead of Zack Martin, to be honest. The NFC West arms race continues.
Hoping we grab Joyner or Brooks at FS, and wouldn't be surprised to see another OL pick on Day 2.
Hoping we grab Joyner or Brooks at FS, and wouldn't be surprised to see another OL pick on Day 2.
cstu
Footballguy
Thought Matthews would have been a better pick but they appear happy with their receivers.
lyon812
Footballguy
They've spent too much draft capital on WRs the last couple of years to give up already, particularly since they've been passing on areas of need like FS in order to do so. Nice to see them take a breath and fill that gaping hole in our backfield.
Bob Magaw
Footballguy
Joyner can be the starting FS and slide to nickel CB in sub-packages.
Same height as Bob Sanders (not as big, though), similar size to Antoine Winfield and the Honey Badger. He could complement the skill set of the bigger McDonald like Thomas does Chancellor.
Never missed a game in four years. One of the highest recruited defenders in Florida State history, led the nation among DBs in sacks and/or FFs.
If he was a few inches taller and proportionately heavier (10 lbs.), he is probably a first rounder.
Murray could make it to the third, maybe even fourth, but if they want him, not sure they risk him making it to them day three.
Same height as Bob Sanders (not as big, though), similar size to Antoine Winfield and the Honey Badger. He could complement the skill set of the bigger McDonald like Thomas does Chancellor.
Never missed a game in four years. One of the highest recruited defenders in Florida State history, led the nation among DBs in sacks and/or FFs.
If he was a few inches taller and proportionately heavier (10 lbs.), he is probably a first rounder.
Murray could make it to the third, maybe even fourth, but if they want him, not sure they risk him making it to them day three.
Bob Magaw
Footballguy
A snapshot/recap of the 32 teams.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000349134/article/2014-nfl-draft-second-day-quicksnap-grades-for-all-32-teams
STL let the draft come to them more than in the first two years of the Fisher/Snead era, and liked the value where it found them (with the exception of the slight move up for Joyner).
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/8286/rams-sit-still-to-add-quality
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000349134/article/2014-nfl-draft-second-day-quicksnap-grades-for-all-32-teams
STL let the draft come to them more than in the first two years of the Fisher/Snead era, and liked the value where it found them (with the exception of the slight move up for Joyner).
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/8286/rams-sit-still-to-add-quality
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dkp993
Footballguy
The brutal thing is, this team is so light years ahead of where it was before Snead/Fisher but unless the NFL decides to allow 3 wild cards into the playoffs this year the playoff chances for us are almost no better then when Seattle won the division with a 7-9 record and our team was a nightmare. And after what will no doubt be a competitive year and a team you can believe in if we don't make the playoffs everyone will be talking about Fishers failure. Just such bad timing in EVERY team in the division stepping up at the same time. Someone's going to get the short end of the stick.
cstu
Footballguy
The Rams have added a ton of talent the past couple years but it's probably too much to expect them to compete with more established teams like SF and Seattle. I think both of them will be fearing the Rams in 2015 though.
Sweetness_34
Footballguy
I think the Rams can knock the Niners off.....If Aldon Smith misses games again and with their top LB out for at least half of the regular season games, Iupati injured, do not be surprised if the Niners tank this year.
Bob Magaw
Footballguy
Fisher said the plan was to use Joyner at nickel CB, at least initially (though Honey Badger started there and his play increasingly forced his way onto the field at FS).
So they may still be looking for a safety, two of the best left might be USCs Dion Bailey and Stanford's Ed Reynolds.
There are also a few remaining "high profile" interior OL like Yankey and Richardson.
STL doesn't have a fifth round pick (used to move up in the second for Joyner), so if they don't take Murray in the fourth, they don't have another pick until the sixth (unless they trade up). They do have two sixths (one comp) and four sevenths (two comps), maybe they package some of them to move up?
So they may still be looking for a safety, two of the best left might be USCs Dion Bailey and Stanford's Ed Reynolds.
There are also a few remaining "high profile" interior OL like Yankey and Richardson.
STL doesn't have a fifth round pick (used to move up in the second for Joyner), so if they don't take Murray in the fourth, they don't have another pick until the sixth (unless they trade up). They do have two sixths (one comp) and four sevenths (two comps), maybe they package some of them to move up?
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lyon812
Footballguy
They've addressed their secondary needs in a big way. Now we just hope everyone pans out. Can't say I'm disappointed. Defense is in place, next year I expect them to think about QB and WR if there's no progress. Beyond that, we're starting to have few holes and a lot of depth.
flapgreen
Footballguy
Bob Magaw
Footballguy
I like the fact that they effectively bolted the Auburn run game onto the West Virginia passing attack, by drafting the twin pairs of Robinson/Mason in 2014 following Austin/Bailey in 2013.
After getting nickel CB (maybe one of the two best in the draft with first rounder Verrett) Joyner on day two, they hit the secondary hard on day three, with two safeties and another CB.
Adding Robinson (Roaf and Ogden also started on the inside) to Saffold gives STL two 330+ lb. guards with LT skill sets.
IMO smart move after drafting one of the best run blocking OTs ever, adding another RB to the stable with the proven ability to take advantage of and exploit those blocks. The puzzle pieces seem to be coming together. A ball control offense with the potential for explosive plays based on play action.
Not sure if the Rams have had a dominant DT since Sean Gilbert? Interior pressure will flush more QBs to Quinn and Long, and the edge rush will help finish some off himself. Donald is going to be hard to double team with the other DL, but is virtually unblockable one on one, which will allow him to be disruptive and cause chaos behind the LOS.
I think Joyner will be the most instinctive DB the Rams have had in a long time, fills a huge hole (with ever-proliferating passing attacks, nickel CB is more of a "starter" than the third LB) and should quickly become a coach and fan favorite. The slot is a perfect place for new DC Williams to blitz him from (where he looks like he is shot out of a cannon), giving him a shorter path and more direct vector to the QB. It is easy to root for Joyner to succeed, the physicality, toughness, intensity and explosiveness he plays with are contagious, very excited to see what he brings to the secondary, defense and team.
Mason may not seem to have addressed some of their more overt needs, but if he plays up to the Ray Rice comp, it will be a brilliant pick.
If there is a common denominator or theme to the first four picks (aside from a high level of production), they are all physically tough, relentlessly high motor, great football character tone setters.
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Bob Magaw
Footballguy
Joyner is a little stick of dynamite. He ran a 4.5, but has incredible burst, short area explosion and game speed. When he is closing on the ball carrier he looks like the fastest player on the field, and hits like a player 40-50 lbs. heavier.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qu77jfo5_eE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qu77jfo5_eE
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jurb26
Footballguy
Doubt it. It shows confidence in the WRs as a whole but I doubt Britt is atop that pecking order.
Not for lack of trying. Maybe going back to the Pitt well will change their luck, but excitement ran pretty high over the potential of Jimmy Kennedy and Damione Lewis as well.
Maybe a different story now being able to bring so much pressure from the ends, though. Here's hoping.
Yeah, it's not the first time I've heard that song in the last several years. I think the Hags' brass have earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to ordering from off the menu on draft day.
Bob Magaw
Footballguy
Congrats to SF fans as well, one of my "favorite" drafts.
Best of luck in 2014. Let the NFC West bloodletting begin.
saintfool
Dead sexy
I agree, though, they will be on the waiver wire looking. I have Bailey, Quick, and Givens and breathe easier with them now. I still think Bailey can be their #1 but really hope Quick shows *something* this year. He has the traits you look for to dominate. Britt will hopefully light a fire under him.
Bob Magaw
Footballguy
Lamarcus "The Human Hand Grenade" Joyner hits like an electric axe handle.
Article about early challenges, easy to root for players with an indomitable will.
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/florida-state-s-lamarcus-joyner-won-t--pass-the-eyeball-test--but-he-s-on-his-way-to-nfl-after-grueling-upbringing-224619159-nfl.html?.tsrc=lgw
Article about early challenges, easy to root for players with an indomitable will.
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/florida-state-s-lamarcus-joyner-won-t--pass-the-eyeball-test--but-he-s-on-his-way-to-nfl-after-grueling-upbringing-224619159-nfl.html?.tsrc=lgw
Bob Magaw
Footballguy
Good day one wrap article - Rams choose building blocks over circus picks
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/joe-strauss/strauss-rams-choose-building-blocks-over-circus-picks/article_5f8fc0ae-2bb5-5cbe-83e7-db001c4113d2.html
Summation of the first two days by Bryan Burwell: Nothing flashy, but Rams make right moves
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/bryan-burwell/burwell-nothing-flashy-but-rams-make-right-moves/article_4d13de2d-707d-5c1f-ab0b-9d69e2e7e46e.html
Day two capsules on Joyner and Mason
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/a-look-at-the-rams-latest-draft-picks/article_f0ac4987-fe04-57ff-a825-ff9e0eb22084.html
Nick Wagoner's day three round up
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/8349/rounding-up-rams-day-three-picks
Wagoner draft wrap
http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/127214/rams-draft-wrap-up
Jim Thomas on an impact draft (with wider reverberations)
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-have-an-eventful-draft/article_7b99838d-aeb9-5e35-bff8-6ed7730c54fe.html
Michael Sam article
http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2014/story/_/id/10915199/michael-sam-great-opportunity-succeed-st-louis-rams
Fourth round safety Maurice Alexander, used to clean up the Edward Jones dome after Rams games, will soon be playing in it for them, another pretty cool story.
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/8303/rams-bring-safety-maurice-alexander-home
* Frank Coyle Scouting Yearbook, pre-draft positional rank synopsis
KEY - rank, blue chip designation and categories they were #1 in class at their position (where applicable), projected round and NFL projection, comp (Hindu theory - reincarnation allusion
)
Day one and two prospects, I'll try to get to day three later
Greg Robinson
#2 OT, one of three blue chips (with Matthews and Lewan), best run blocker, strongest, first round, Pro Bowl OT with dominant skills to move early to LT, comp = Jason Peters
Aaron Donald
#1 DT, one of two blue chips (with Nix), best athlete, best pass rusher, pursuit, shed blocks, recognition, ball instincts, most developed, first round, warrior and early starter with the rare combination of athleticism and intangibles to overcome marginal size, comp = Geno Atkins (also mentioned Sapp)
Lamarcus Joyner
#6 CB (not listed as safety), second round, highly versatile prospect with developed skills and starting grade, fine intangibles to make the jump quickly, early starter and a factor in several roles in multiple packages and ST coverage, comp = Lardarius Webb
Tre Mason
#2 RB, one of two blue chips (with Hyde), most durable, second round, can be an early feature back, though undeveloped as a blocker and receiver, comp = Ray Rice
** a list of STL UFAs (CB Roberson and DE Westbrooks maybe stand out the most)
Alex Bayer TE Bowling Green
Jarrid Bryant CB South Dakota
Johnny Millard LB Cal Poly
Austin Franklin WR New Mexico State
Ethan Westbrooks DE West Texas A&M
Kadeem Jones FB W. Kentucky
Avery Cunningham DB Central Michigan
Trey Watts RB Tulsa
Jamaine Sherman, WR, East Texas Baptist
Marcus Roberson CB Florida
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/joe-strauss/strauss-rams-choose-building-blocks-over-circus-picks/article_5f8fc0ae-2bb5-5cbe-83e7-db001c4113d2.html
Summation of the first two days by Bryan Burwell: Nothing flashy, but Rams make right moves
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/bryan-burwell/burwell-nothing-flashy-but-rams-make-right-moves/article_4d13de2d-707d-5c1f-ab0b-9d69e2e7e46e.html
Day two capsules on Joyner and Mason
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/a-look-at-the-rams-latest-draft-picks/article_f0ac4987-fe04-57ff-a825-ff9e0eb22084.html
Nick Wagoner's day three round up
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/8349/rounding-up-rams-day-three-picks
Wagoner draft wrap
http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/127214/rams-draft-wrap-up
Jim Thomas on an impact draft (with wider reverberations)
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-have-an-eventful-draft/article_7b99838d-aeb9-5e35-bff8-6ed7730c54fe.html
Michael Sam article
http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2014/story/_/id/10915199/michael-sam-great-opportunity-succeed-st-louis-rams
Fourth round safety Maurice Alexander, used to clean up the Edward Jones dome after Rams games, will soon be playing in it for them, another pretty cool story.
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/8303/rams-bring-safety-maurice-alexander-home
* Frank Coyle Scouting Yearbook, pre-draft positional rank synopsis
KEY - rank, blue chip designation and categories they were #1 in class at their position (where applicable), projected round and NFL projection, comp (Hindu theory - reincarnation allusion
Day one and two prospects, I'll try to get to day three later
Greg Robinson
#2 OT, one of three blue chips (with Matthews and Lewan), best run blocker, strongest, first round, Pro Bowl OT with dominant skills to move early to LT, comp = Jason Peters
Aaron Donald
#1 DT, one of two blue chips (with Nix), best athlete, best pass rusher, pursuit, shed blocks, recognition, ball instincts, most developed, first round, warrior and early starter with the rare combination of athleticism and intangibles to overcome marginal size, comp = Geno Atkins (also mentioned Sapp)
Lamarcus Joyner
#6 CB (not listed as safety), second round, highly versatile prospect with developed skills and starting grade, fine intangibles to make the jump quickly, early starter and a factor in several roles in multiple packages and ST coverage, comp = Lardarius Webb
Tre Mason
#2 RB, one of two blue chips (with Hyde), most durable, second round, can be an early feature back, though undeveloped as a blocker and receiver, comp = Ray Rice
** a list of STL UFAs (CB Roberson and DE Westbrooks maybe stand out the most)
Alex Bayer TE Bowling Green
Jarrid Bryant CB South Dakota
Johnny Millard LB Cal Poly
Austin Franklin WR New Mexico State
Ethan Westbrooks DE West Texas A&M
Kadeem Jones FB W. Kentucky
Avery Cunningham DB Central Michigan
Trey Watts RB Tulsa
Jamaine Sherman, WR, East Texas Baptist
Marcus Roberson CB Florida
Bob Magaw
Footballguy
Stedman Bailey suspended for four games.
National reaction to the STL draft.
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/jeff-gordon/tipsheet-rams-draft-got-grade-a-results/article_b4f095d2-2217-5628-af20-db43f533e3ca.html
Tipsheet: Rams draft got Grade A results
by Jeff Gordon
The Rams organization committed to rebuilding through the draft. After locking in core veterans to long-term deals, Jeff Fisher, Les Snead and Co. didn’t have a lot of money for free agency.
Instead, the team sought to continue building with youth while exploiting the extra picks gained in the Robert Griffin III trade. Fisher stuck with his emphasis on improving his team’s basic blocking and tackling skills.
Not every expert agrees with this approach. Some have been campaigning for the team to give up on quarterback Sam Bradford and/or fire offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
But Fisher and Snead stayed the course heading into Year 3 of their rebuild — earning universally high marks for their 2014 draft haul.
Here is what some of the experts were writing about the Rams:
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: “I've been saying this roster was going to be loaded, and it's really there. Les Snead and Co. just keep piling up talent. The draft only dips for two small reasons, but I'll get to those later. Starting at the top, Greg Robinson brings that rare potential to be a star offensive tackle. Yeah, it's projection. But Walter Jones, Jonathan Ogden -- these are the names that get mentioned by really smart football people. Robinson doesn't have to start at tackle, more likely left guard, which will aid his development. Aaron Donald isn't the same type of player as Sheldon Richardson, but could be the Richardson of 2013. By that I mean the breakout rookie, taken in the same range, and plugged into a situation that was already considered a strength. Richardson blew up on a solid Jets D-line; Donald can do the same here. The kid is a stud, and the this line is terrifying. Yes, the Rams needed a corner, and not only does the certainty of pressure make the secondary better, they got a versatile talent in Lamarcus Joyner. He's undersized, but he's that hybrid in the secondary, a slot safety type who is on the field all the time. Tre Mason is solid depth at RB, and Maurice Alexander has starting potential. Garrett Gilbert isn't a player I'd consider a challenger at QB, but there's upside, and they needed the depth. E.J. Gaines adds depth at corner. While there isn't much of an immediate need for Michael Sam along the defensive line, he gives them depth in the pass rush and is a high-effort player with a chance to contribute despite average athleticism. I agree with Jeff Fisher that he's a good value late in Round 7. The Rams get dinged a little because I think they should have taken at least one WR in a draft loaded with them, and the fact that they still have a question at QB -- after all, this draft haul is tied to the fact that they opted not to draft Robert Griffin III. They have a ton of talent, but the QB question lingers.”
Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com: “General manager Les Snead killed the draft. He was loaded with extra picks the past two years, but hit on a bunch. I mentioned his first two as picks I liked, but I also liked second-round corner Lamarcus Joyner. Grade: A-plus”
Rob Rang, SportsXChange: “With two of the first 13 picks, the Rams were in an ideal position to boost their roster. GM Les Snead and head coach Jeff Fisher took full advantage, adding mauling run blocker Greg Robinson to significantly upgrade their physicality on the offensive line and making a very good defensive line the league's best with the addition of defensive tackle Aaron Donald to complement star Robert Quinn, rising talent Michael Brockers and steady veteran Chris Long. Snead filled arguably the team's biggest need with their next selection, nabbing a Honey Badger-like weapon in versatile defensive back Lamarcus Joyner in the second round. The addition of Tre Mason - a back some graded as the best in the class - in the third round gives the team better big play possibilities than incumbent starter Zac Stacy, a quality back in his own right. The Rams added several intriguing prospects to their secondary on Day Three of the draft, as well as Michael Sam, the co-SEC Defensive Player of the Year and the first openly gay player to get drafted into the NFL. Sam (the 249th player selected overall) is no guarantee to make the roster but given the talent on this defensive line, he'll get one-on-one opportunities off the edge and possesses the burst, strength and motor to endear him to coaches and fans, alike. Grade: A”
Doug Farrar, SI.com: “Obviously, the seventh-round pick of Missouri defensive end Michael Sam will get all the press, but realistically, Sam is little more than a backup for Chris Long. At the top of their draft, St. Louis scored two immense hits with the additions of Auburn left tackle Greg Robinson and Pitt defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Both were seen by many to be the best players at their positions, and any time you can do that twice, it’s a big deal. The Rams also took running back Tre Mason, who gained 6.5 yards per carry running behind Robinson last year, and Missouri cornerback E.J. Gaines was a nice get in the sixth round. The only possible knock on this draft is that Florida State cornerback LaMarcus Joyner doesn’t really look like a second-round talent, but with the first round St. Louis had, we’re splitting hairs. Grade: A- minus”
Eric Edholm, Yahoo! Sports: “There’s just little not to love. The Rams could have gotten cute and traded up and down all over the draft, but they mostly stayed put and loaded up the roster with quality players. They are more talented in the run game and better defensively. Have to buck up in the salty NFC West. The Rams did just that. Auburn OG Greg Robinson . . . Could be an all-pro at guard or tackle and we love the fact he is only now starting to realize his immense talent. The Rams want to be more of a power run team and Robinson is exactly what they need. Grade: A
Here are some other reactions:
Bryan Fischer, NFL.com: “Perhaps the champs of the first two days of the draft, St. Louis found some nice finds on Day 3. Alexander can get lost in coverage at times but is explosive. Gaines limited Mike Evans and has potential. There will be plenty of discussion about the pick of Sam, but on top of being historic, it gives the team another pass-rush threat for an already dangerous front seven.”
Mike Tanier, Sports on Earth: The Rams and Cardinals also gained on the 49ers, and by extension the Seahawks. The Rams kicked things off by drafting Greg Robinson, who plays with the force and subtlety of a semi with a snapped brake line, followed by defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who is as wide as he is tall and as ornery as he is wide. Running back Tre Mason is also squat and as tough as differential calculus. He carried the ball 5,000 times at Auburn -- 317 in 2013, actually -- making him perfect for coordinator Brian Schottenheimer’s master plan to reintroduce 1986 tactics to the NFL.Because some downfield passing is bound to happen against even the best defensive line -- opposing quarterbacks can take the snap and treat the football like a live grenade, for example -- the Rams added cornerback Lamarcus Joyner. Joyner is built like a G.I. Joe action figure but strikes like an elite task force. Donald, Mason and Joyner illustrate that short and mean has replaced tall and mean in St. Louis. The Rams may not score many points this season, even with Robinson and Mason aerating the middle of the field, but they won't allow many either. Out-of-division opponents will suffer lots of 27-6 losses, while divisional games will devolve into 0-0 soccer draws. But then, that has been the case for two years.”
Todd McShay, ESPN.com: “The Rams' first four picks of tackle Greg Robinson (No. 2 overall pick), defensive tackle Aaron Donald (No. 13), cornerback Lamarcus Joynet (No. 41) and running back Tre Mason (No. 75) really stood out. All four ranked in the top 61 of our prospect rankings, and all four have the potential to contribute as rookies. Robinson should be a Day 1 starter at right tackle or left guard, Donald figures to make an impact as an interior pass-rusher (even if it's just in a rotation to start) and Joyner joins a secondary that could use some improvement. Mason will likely serve as the second back in a two-back rotation with Zac Stacy. The Rams put together a really good class and should begin reaping the benefits during the 2014 season.”
National reaction to the STL draft.
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/jeff-gordon/tipsheet-rams-draft-got-grade-a-results/article_b4f095d2-2217-5628-af20-db43f533e3ca.html
Tipsheet: Rams draft got Grade A results
by Jeff Gordon
The Rams organization committed to rebuilding through the draft. After locking in core veterans to long-term deals, Jeff Fisher, Les Snead and Co. didn’t have a lot of money for free agency.
Instead, the team sought to continue building with youth while exploiting the extra picks gained in the Robert Griffin III trade. Fisher stuck with his emphasis on improving his team’s basic blocking and tackling skills.
Not every expert agrees with this approach. Some have been campaigning for the team to give up on quarterback Sam Bradford and/or fire offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
But Fisher and Snead stayed the course heading into Year 3 of their rebuild — earning universally high marks for their 2014 draft haul.
Here is what some of the experts were writing about the Rams:
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: “I've been saying this roster was going to be loaded, and it's really there. Les Snead and Co. just keep piling up talent. The draft only dips for two small reasons, but I'll get to those later. Starting at the top, Greg Robinson brings that rare potential to be a star offensive tackle. Yeah, it's projection. But Walter Jones, Jonathan Ogden -- these are the names that get mentioned by really smart football people. Robinson doesn't have to start at tackle, more likely left guard, which will aid his development. Aaron Donald isn't the same type of player as Sheldon Richardson, but could be the Richardson of 2013. By that I mean the breakout rookie, taken in the same range, and plugged into a situation that was already considered a strength. Richardson blew up on a solid Jets D-line; Donald can do the same here. The kid is a stud, and the this line is terrifying. Yes, the Rams needed a corner, and not only does the certainty of pressure make the secondary better, they got a versatile talent in Lamarcus Joyner. He's undersized, but he's that hybrid in the secondary, a slot safety type who is on the field all the time. Tre Mason is solid depth at RB, and Maurice Alexander has starting potential. Garrett Gilbert isn't a player I'd consider a challenger at QB, but there's upside, and they needed the depth. E.J. Gaines adds depth at corner. While there isn't much of an immediate need for Michael Sam along the defensive line, he gives them depth in the pass rush and is a high-effort player with a chance to contribute despite average athleticism. I agree with Jeff Fisher that he's a good value late in Round 7. The Rams get dinged a little because I think they should have taken at least one WR in a draft loaded with them, and the fact that they still have a question at QB -- after all, this draft haul is tied to the fact that they opted not to draft Robert Griffin III. They have a ton of talent, but the QB question lingers.”
Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com: “General manager Les Snead killed the draft. He was loaded with extra picks the past two years, but hit on a bunch. I mentioned his first two as picks I liked, but I also liked second-round corner Lamarcus Joyner. Grade: A-plus”
Rob Rang, SportsXChange: “With two of the first 13 picks, the Rams were in an ideal position to boost their roster. GM Les Snead and head coach Jeff Fisher took full advantage, adding mauling run blocker Greg Robinson to significantly upgrade their physicality on the offensive line and making a very good defensive line the league's best with the addition of defensive tackle Aaron Donald to complement star Robert Quinn, rising talent Michael Brockers and steady veteran Chris Long. Snead filled arguably the team's biggest need with their next selection, nabbing a Honey Badger-like weapon in versatile defensive back Lamarcus Joyner in the second round. The addition of Tre Mason - a back some graded as the best in the class - in the third round gives the team better big play possibilities than incumbent starter Zac Stacy, a quality back in his own right. The Rams added several intriguing prospects to their secondary on Day Three of the draft, as well as Michael Sam, the co-SEC Defensive Player of the Year and the first openly gay player to get drafted into the NFL. Sam (the 249th player selected overall) is no guarantee to make the roster but given the talent on this defensive line, he'll get one-on-one opportunities off the edge and possesses the burst, strength and motor to endear him to coaches and fans, alike. Grade: A”
Doug Farrar, SI.com: “Obviously, the seventh-round pick of Missouri defensive end Michael Sam will get all the press, but realistically, Sam is little more than a backup for Chris Long. At the top of their draft, St. Louis scored two immense hits with the additions of Auburn left tackle Greg Robinson and Pitt defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Both were seen by many to be the best players at their positions, and any time you can do that twice, it’s a big deal. The Rams also took running back Tre Mason, who gained 6.5 yards per carry running behind Robinson last year, and Missouri cornerback E.J. Gaines was a nice get in the sixth round. The only possible knock on this draft is that Florida State cornerback LaMarcus Joyner doesn’t really look like a second-round talent, but with the first round St. Louis had, we’re splitting hairs. Grade: A- minus”
Eric Edholm, Yahoo! Sports: “There’s just little not to love. The Rams could have gotten cute and traded up and down all over the draft, but they mostly stayed put and loaded up the roster with quality players. They are more talented in the run game and better defensively. Have to buck up in the salty NFC West. The Rams did just that. Auburn OG Greg Robinson . . . Could be an all-pro at guard or tackle and we love the fact he is only now starting to realize his immense talent. The Rams want to be more of a power run team and Robinson is exactly what they need. Grade: A
Here are some other reactions:
Bryan Fischer, NFL.com: “Perhaps the champs of the first two days of the draft, St. Louis found some nice finds on Day 3. Alexander can get lost in coverage at times but is explosive. Gaines limited Mike Evans and has potential. There will be plenty of discussion about the pick of Sam, but on top of being historic, it gives the team another pass-rush threat for an already dangerous front seven.”
Mike Tanier, Sports on Earth: The Rams and Cardinals also gained on the 49ers, and by extension the Seahawks. The Rams kicked things off by drafting Greg Robinson, who plays with the force and subtlety of a semi with a snapped brake line, followed by defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who is as wide as he is tall and as ornery as he is wide. Running back Tre Mason is also squat and as tough as differential calculus. He carried the ball 5,000 times at Auburn -- 317 in 2013, actually -- making him perfect for coordinator Brian Schottenheimer’s master plan to reintroduce 1986 tactics to the NFL.Because some downfield passing is bound to happen against even the best defensive line -- opposing quarterbacks can take the snap and treat the football like a live grenade, for example -- the Rams added cornerback Lamarcus Joyner. Joyner is built like a G.I. Joe action figure but strikes like an elite task force. Donald, Mason and Joyner illustrate that short and mean has replaced tall and mean in St. Louis. The Rams may not score many points this season, even with Robinson and Mason aerating the middle of the field, but they won't allow many either. Out-of-division opponents will suffer lots of 27-6 losses, while divisional games will devolve into 0-0 soccer draws. But then, that has been the case for two years.”
Todd McShay, ESPN.com: “The Rams' first four picks of tackle Greg Robinson (No. 2 overall pick), defensive tackle Aaron Donald (No. 13), cornerback Lamarcus Joynet (No. 41) and running back Tre Mason (No. 75) really stood out. All four ranked in the top 61 of our prospect rankings, and all four have the potential to contribute as rookies. Robinson should be a Day 1 starter at right tackle or left guard, Donald figures to make an impact as an interior pass-rusher (even if it's just in a rotation to start) and Joyner joins a secondary that could use some improvement. Mason will likely serve as the second back in a two-back rotation with Zac Stacy. The Rams put together a really good class and should begin reaping the benefits during the 2014 season.”
Bob Magaw
Footballguy
Inside look at the Rams draft by Michael Silver.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/0ap2000000349663/article/jeff-fisher-st-louis-rams-embrace-michael-sam-an-inside-look
ST. LOUIS -- The war room carries a prodigious mystique, fueled by a public faith in the draft's transformative powers and the fact that professional football teams conduct this weighty bit of business shrouded from public scrutiny. And yet, for the most part, the actual machinations that take place in an NFL war room over a three-day period are downright dull -- restrained, orderly, methodical and relentlessly mundane.
On Saturday, near the end of a three-day stretch of businesslike talent-acquisition, some genuine, heart-racing drama arrived unannounced and swept through the war room, spreading quickly across the entire second floor of Rams Park. And for the 40 or so coaches, scouts, front-office executives and other team officials present as history unfolded -- and for a fortunate NFL Media analyst who had the best seat in the house -- the selection of former Missouri star Michael Sam with the 249th overall pick was a unique and exhilarating experience, all of it made possible by one man's distinctive comfort zone.
This out-of-nowhere call by St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher was a real-life plot twist more charged than anything "Draft Day" could have produced on the silver screen, and brought new meaning to the term "The Blind Side."
In the immediate aftermath, there was confusion, followed by a surreal, What the hell just happened? sinking in of the act's significance -- and, eventually, sincere celebration.
There was also something else buzzing through that room: A sort of awed appreciation for Fisher, the magnificently mustached face of the organization, and the man who made the seemingly spontaneous decision to alter both its national perception and its workplace environment without a shred of hesitation or fear.
As Fisher felt the love from virtually everyone in his midst, exchanging fist bumps and accepting congratulations, one of his younger employees put it thusly: "Such a pimp move. It was, Guess what I'm gonna do? Whatever the (expletive) I want. In the world today, it's truly impressive. That's what makes him the best guy to work for, and why so many of us would kill for the guy. It's very simple: Trust The 'Stache. It's big and powerful for a reason."
By the end of the evening, as Fisher sat in his corner office planning a series of team-related activities designed to ensure that Sam will enter a supportive and accepting environment as he attempts to become the NFL's first openly gay player, the legend of The 'Stache had grown to unprecedented proportions.
It's like this: In NFL circles, Johnny Manziel, this draft's most polarizing player other than Sam, is known simply as JFF, an abbreviation paraphrasing the quarterback's "Johnny Football" nickname, with an F-bomb inserted into the middle for emphasis.
At Rams Park on Saturday night, JFF stood for Jeff (Expletive) Fisher.
Confronted with a conundrum that most of his peers preferred to avoid like a "Hard Knocks" camera crew -- or a Tim Tebow practice video -- Fisher welcomed and embraced the opportunity. In the face of numerous reasons not to draft Sam, Fisher got in touch with his inner Jay Cutler, essentially leaning back his head and telling the rest of the football world, Donnnnnnn't Care.
"I know exactly what we're getting into, and I'm not worried at all," Fisher said Saturday night as he sipped a glass of sublime red wine while reclining in his large, brown office chair. "Michael Sam will help us, and we'll give him every chance to succeed, and you know what? It's gonna be pretty cool."
Creating cool storylines, of course, is not Fisher's primary mission. He arrived in St. Louis in 2012 -- after a 17-year run with the Titans/Oilers, followed by an involuntary year away from football -- determined to reshape a talent-deficient roster and mold the Rams into contenders. Playing in what has turned out to be the toughest division in football, if not professional sports, Fisher's teams have gone 7-8-1 and 7-9, extending the franchise's streak of non-winning seasons to 10. He understands more than anyone that 2014 is the year St. Louis must make a move.
Fisher's sense of urgency was apparent when, during a Mexican fly-fishing vacation in January, he pulled out his cell phone while standing barefoot on a beach, called his estranged friend Gregg Williams and set up a meeting that led to the once-banished Bountygate villain's unlikely return to Rams Park as defensive coordinator. And it was obvious in the weeks leading up to the draft -- and all the way up through the middle stages of Thursday night's first round, with St. Louis already having selected two of the draft's first 13 players -- as Fisher and many of his closest confidants pondered the possibility of picking Manziel.
By draft's end, having chosen to ride or die with Sam Bradford, Fisher was at peace with the way things had played out. On Thursday, the Rams had muscled up in the trenches, taking the draft's top offensive lineman (Auburn's Greg Robinson) and No. 1 interior defensive lineman (Pitt's Aaron Donald); on Friday and Saturday, St. Louis, among other undertakings, fortified its secondary with some potentially impactful players, most intriguingly second-round nickel corner Lamarcus Joyner and fourth-round safety Mo Alexander.
It was the arrival of Joyner -- and the way the Rams finessed it -- that brought the most pleasure to Fisher and those close to him. Intent on drafting the former Florida State star with the 44th overall pick, Fisher and others in the Rams' war room became convinced that the Titans were preparing to snag Joyner two picks earlier. Rams general manager Les Snead began working the phones, agreeing to a trade with the Bills, who held the selection before Tennessee's, that saw St. Louis give up a fifth-round selection to move up three spots.
When the deal was consummated, and the Rams turned in the card for Joyner, Fisher burst into a huge grin, and there were hoots and hollers of excitement. A few minutes later, when the Titans traded out of the 42nd selection -- a move viewed in the Rams' war room as confirmation that Tennessee had targeted Joyner, only to come up empty -- there was another surge of congratulatory cheers.
"I don't know how we did it," Fisher said afterward, concealing a twinkle in his eye. "I just had a feeling."
The subtext: Things ended poorly for Fisher in Tennessee, where he confronted an inordinate share of obstacles (coaching out of temporary trailers, having an immature quarterback shoved down his throat by a meddlesome owner) while cultivating a cadre of loyal lieutenants like Rams assistant head coach Dave McGinnis.
"Look, we're all in it for him," McGinnis said outside the war room a few minutes after the Joyner pick. "That's it. This is a pretty tight fellowship group. When the Cardinals fired my ### (as head coach, after the 2003 season), he called and said, 'Mac, come work for me. I'll never leave you.' Since that time, I've gotten five or six offers to leave as a (defensive) coordinator, and I've turned them all down. I'm with him till he gets out, or till he decides he doesn't want me anymore.
"He is such a genuine person. Everybody in this building's 'all in' for him. You can feel it."
I felt that same sensation 14 years ago when, in the immediate aftermath of the Music City Miracle -- the trick-play kickoff return that gave the Titans a stunning playoff victory over the Bills, launching a postseason run that ended a yard shy of a potential Super Bowl triumph -- I stood in the kitchen of Fisher's Franklin, Tennessee, home with Alan Lowry, the special-teams coach who engineered the iconic play, and watched him get choked up while describing how his boss had stood up to owner Bud Adams and successfully fought to keep him on the staff.
In an NFL landscape teeming with overbearing taskmasters intent on flexing their power, Fisher manages to exude total control without appearing contrived or insecure. In that sense, he is the ideal coach to handle the media circus -- and the potentially tricky intra-squad dynamics -- that might accompany Sam's presence. Rest assured, Fisher will give and receive respect in equal proportions, will demand it from everyone in his midst, and won't act like a tantrum-throwing tyrant if issues present themselves along the way.
Fisher has a healthy partnership with Snead, the first-time general manager he handpicked after accepting owner Stan Kroenke's offer (and spurning the advances of Dolphins owner Stephen Ross) to coach the Rams, and with Kevin Demoff, the team's chief operating officer. Both front-office executives are forward-thinking and supportive, and each was enthusiastic about bringing Sam into the fold and confronting any challenges that might ensue.
It's also significant that Fisher is secure enough to solicit and consider feedback from employees far lower on the organizational flow chart -- such as 27-year-old scout Brian Heimerdinger, who wrote an extensive report on Manziel and was involved in discussions about possibly drafting the junior JFF. Heimerdinger's father, Mike, who served two stints as Fisher's offensive coordinator in Tennessee and was one of his closest friends, died of cancer in September of 2011. It's clear that Fisher has relished the opportunity to bring "Young 'Dinger," as Fisher calls Brian, into the fold.
Fisher agreed with several coaches and scouts that Manziel has the potential to be a phenomenal quarterback with exceptional competitive qualities. However, the coach remained committed to Bradford (the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft), who was off to a strong start last season before tearing his ACL in an October defeat to the Carolina Panthers.
At a Wednesday night event for season-ticket holders held at the team's indoor training facility, Snead and Fisher each joined Bradford onstage and pledged allegiance to the quarterback, a clear signal that the Rams would not be drafting Manziel second overall. Shortly after heading home Wednesday night, Fisher laid out his philosophy while sharing his strategy for the first round.
"I've got three hellacious defensive fronts in my division, and I want some big, strong maulers who go right at Seattle and San Francisco's linebackers and let us pound the ball," Fisher explained. "To survive in the NFC West, we have to win in the trenches. That's what this draft is about."
The second overall pick, obtained from Washington as the final prize of the 2012 blockbuster deal that allowed the Redskins to acquire Robert Griffin III, would be used on Robinson -- unless, of course, someone dangled another absurdly rich package of picks to trade into the spot. The caveat: If the Houston Texans somehow decided not to select defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (and didn't trade the pick to a team targeting Clowney), the Rams would pounce on the former South Carolina star as quickly as they could place the call to draft headquarters in New York City.
"I'm gonna go out and get the best (offensive) lineman in the draft," Fisher said. "And then I might go get another at 13."
Notre Dame's Zack Martin was the secondary target, though Fisher and Snead were legitimately worried that each of the three players they liked at that spot -- Martin, Donald and Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley -- would be off the board. In that scenario, St. Louis would have tried to trade down into the 20s, where they'd be able to land an offensive lineman a bit lower on their board.
Come Thursday night, however, the first round played out swimmingly for the St. Louis: All three of those players were there for the taking as the Rams went on the clock for the 13th pick. Fisher settled on Donald, who'll join an already-potent unit that features a pair of talented defensive ends (Chris Long and 2013 All-Pro selection Robert Quinn) and tackle Michael Brockers, picked 14th overall in 2012.
Fisher's faith in that unit -- and, not insignificantly, his belief in veteran defensive line coach Mike Waufle's ability to prod his players to exceptional performance levels -- increased exponentially once Donald was safely in the fold.
"I think people look at our defensive line, specifically last year, as a problem for them," Fisher would tell me later. "Now it's become a bigger problem."
Even after drafting Donald, however, Fisher didn't abandon the dream of further upgrading his offensive line. As two more teams passed on Martin, Snead began working the phones, with the idea of acquiring a third top-20 pick. The parameters of a deal were discussed with the Ravens, who held the 17th pick; the Rams threw out the possibility of surrendering second- and third-round picks, along with next year's second-rounder, should Martin continue to fall.
Watching NFL Network's draft broadcast on the TV in his office, Fisher saw the Dallas Cowboys snag Martin with the 16th pick, rendering the Ravens discussions moot. That led to a follow-up question from a visitor: "Why not trade back in to go get the quarterback? He's still sitting there!"
Over the next half hour, several staffers pitched the idea of trading up for Manziel. Taking him with a third first-round selection, they reasoned, would be less threatening to Bradford, who'd remain the incumbent quarterback for at least 2014. Also, as one person put it to Fisher: "This isn't the Johnny Manziel of two hours ago. It's a guy who's mad at the world because he keeps getting passed over, and wants to take it out on everyone."
It was a persuasive argument, but it didn't work: Fisher stood pat; the Browns finally traded up to draft Manziel with the 22nd pick; and Bradford remained the Rams' undisputed quarterback of the present and future, as the coach had intended all along.
The challenge, in Fisher's eyes, was to upgrade the roster around Bradford. Having traded up in last year's first round for diminutive speedster Tavon Austin, a year after selecting Brian Quick with the first pick of the second round, he was averse to spending one of his first-round selections on another wideout (such as Clemson's Sammy Watkins). He did use his third-round selection on a running back, Tre Mason -- albeit one who is highly unlikely to crack the starting lineup, with two second-year players, Zac Stacy and Benny Cunningham, expected to receive the bulk of the work.
Late Friday night, shortly before leaving his office for the night, Fisher met with Snead and Demoff to map out the following day's strategy. After laying out several options for the fourth-round pick, Fisher locked in on Alexander, a St. Louis native with a remarkable story: Forced to withdraw from Utah State for the 2012 campaign after a bar fight in which he punched an Aggies teammate -- and was subsequently sued by the player's family, leading to his season-long suspension -- Alexander supported himself by working as a janitor at the Edward Jones Dome, sometimes cleaning up after Rams home games.
He returned to Utah State for the 2013 season, switched from linebacker to safety and, as the scouting process played out, became an under-the-radar obsession of sorts for Fisher.
"If I don't get him," he told Demoff and Snead on Friday night, "I'm gonna be mad."
"How mad?" Demoff asked.
"Like, Bobby Wagner mad."
Ouch -- the reference to Wagner, another ex-Utah State defender, evoked an unpleasant memory from the 2012 draft: Rather than picking Wagner, the middle linebacker he coveted with the 45th overall selection, Fisher got greedy, trading down five spots to pick up a fifth-round pick from the Chicago Bears. Two selections later, the Seahawks took Wagner, who would become an instant standout and, in his second season, serve as the defensive signal-caller for their Super Bowl-winning team. The Rams (who still could have drafted future Tampa Bay Buccaneers star linebacker Lavonte David, for what it's worth) instead took running back Isaiah Pead, a major disappointment who probably will have to fight for his roster spot this summer.
"If you want him that much," Demoff advised Fisher, "just take him in the fourth round, even if you think he might be around later. It's not worth messing around."
Before Demoff and Snead departed, the subject of Sam came up, but there wasn't a lot of serious discussion: Viewed as a "tweener" who doesn't necessarily fit their 4-3 scheme, Sam wasn't high on the Rams' draft board, and it was assumed he'd be gone by the time the team made its four picks in the seventh round, which was about where they had him rated.
Fisher didn't get much sleep Friday night, what with the early start (11 a.m. central time) to Saturday's proceedings. He was quiet and restrained until, to the coach's delight, Alexander was there for the taking when the Rams went on the clock in the fourth round.
Perhaps the happiest person in the building as the pick was made: Fisher's assistant secondary coach and eldest son, Brandon, who spilled out into the hallway outside the war room and said, "This kid's biggest problem was he practiced so hard, he kept injuring his teammates. Seriously. They had to pull him back. I can't wait to coach him."
Williams, one of the NFL's most aggressive defensive coordinators, excitedly joined the conversation. "The last guy I had like that was Sean Taylor," Williams said, referring to the late Pro Bowl safety he coached as the Redskins' defensive coordinator from 2004-07. "He would go out and try to jack up Santana Moss and our other receivers. He didn't know any other way, other than trying to show, I'm better than you, all the time."
While Williams' surprising return to the Rams was a highly popular move among Fisher's assistants, it was also a bit awkward. The background: After a highly successful stint as Fisher's defensive coordinator in Tennessee from 1997-2000, Williams left to become head coach of the Buffalo Bills, and the two men remained close friends and confidants. When Fisher took the Rams job, he hired Williams as his defensive coordinator, a reunion that excited both men.
Two months later, however, Williams was suspended indefinitely by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for his role in the New Orleans Saints' pay-for-injure scandal, shortly before an audiotape surfaced of Williams exhorting Saints players to inflict physical punishment on their opponents before a 2011 playoff game with the San Francisco 49ers. Suddenly, Williams was castigated as a symbol of all that was wrong with football, and Fisher had to move on without his friend, barred from even communicating with him during the suspension by the commissioner's decree.
With Williams out of the mix, Fisher went without a defensive coordinator in 2012, delegating many of the coordinator's responsibilities to his young linebackers coach: Williams' son, Blake. Though considered brilliant by his fellow coaches, Blake Williams alienated many of them -- and several Rams players -- on an interpersonal level, and Fisher fired him after the season. Fisher also officially parted ways with Gregg Williams upon his reinstatement by Goodell, instead hiring former Detroit Lions defensive backs coach Tim Walton as the Rams' defensive coordinator for 2013 (after Rob Ryan served briefly in that role, only to bolt for the Saints in semi-comical fashion, leaving abruptly one morning and racing across the street to a McDonald's, never to return, with Fisher figuratively feeling a kinship to the "Billions and Billions Served").
Fisher and Gregg Williams, who spent the 2013 season as a senior defensive assistant for the Titans, went more than a year without speaking, and it appeared that their relationship was severed permanently. Fisher's ice-breaking phone call from Mexico, however, led to several heart-to-heart discussions, and he enthusiastically welcomed Williams back into the fold. For now, at least, it's all kumbaya, largely because both men believe in the power of the partnership.
Having a bona fide star as a coordinator is a luxury for Fisher, allowing him to delegate one of his many responsibilities. He is immersed in all facets of the Rams' football operations, from evaluating pro and college personnel to setting the daily schedule, and sometimes, even The 'Stache is overtaxed. On Saturday, for instance, shortly before using a sixth-round pick on a developmental quarterback (SMU's Garrett Gilbert, after having considered trading up to grab Alabama's AJ McCarron a round earlier), Fisher was informed that a clip of a couple having sex had been posted to recently signed receiver Kenny Britt's Instagram account.
"Seriously?" was Fisher's exasperated reaction.
Britt, a former Titans standout whose career has been derailed by injury and off-the-field incidents, is attempting to resurrect himself professionally under the tutelage of the coach with whom he enjoyed his greatest success. Needless to say, Fisher was not thrilled to learn of the most recent development, especially with the Rams only a few minutes away from being on the clock.
"Can you take care of this, please?" Fisher asked in a frazzled tone, delegating the assignment to the Rams' player programs and security department.
Britt, undoubtedly, expected the worst: On Day 3 of the draft, this ranked as a legitimate headline, and headache. Little did he know -- hell, little did anyone at Rams Park know -- that Fisher was about to render him a mere footnote to history.
With four remaining picks, all in the seventh round, the Rams had a chance to fill out their roster with some imperfect but intriguing prospects. It's a time when talent evaluators are prone to taking chances, and they're also looking for value.
Sam, Fisher knew, was just looking for a chance to make somebody's team -- the same way Fisher, a former USC safety, felt before the Chicago Bears took him in the seventh round of the 1981 draft. Certainly, the Rams could have given Sam a shot as an undrafted free agent, but the coach also understood the symbolism that a formal selection would carry, and he decided St. Louis was the perfect place to provide a safe haven for the former Missouri star.
He broached the idea with Snead and Demoff, then left to place a call to Kroenke, who was fully supportive. ("I trust you guys," he told Fisher. "Go for it."). Back in the war room, with the Rams holding consecutive compensatory picks near the bottom of the draft -- selections 249 and 250 out of 256 -- Fisher had a brief phone conversation with Tennessee State center Demetrius Rhaney (on whom he'd use the 250th pick, destined to be noticed by virtually no one in America outside of Rhaney's household). Then Fisher got on the phone with Sam, who started bawling, and there was no turning back.
At 5:48 p.m., the Rams officially selected Sam, and the war room scene turned surreal. The 'Stache soaked it all in, thoroughly enjoying the experience. He got excited when informed by Artis Twyman, the team's senior director of communications, that the Rams were the franchise which 68 years earlier signed the first African-American player of the NFL's modern era, UCLA product Kenny Washington.
"That's pretty cool," Fisher said, before heading downstairs to meet the media.
Certainly, Fisher understood and embraced the social significance of what he had done. In the end, however, football is what drives JFF, and as he sat in his office Saturday night, picking at a plate of Chinese food with a pair of wooden chopsticks and sipping his glass of wine, he spoke of Sam's potential impact as a pass rusher on a team full of athletic men who do it well.
"I know he's up against a big challenge," Fisher said as Brandon and Young 'Dinger nodded in unison. "On paper, we don't really need him. But you know what? Mike Waufle will coach him up, and he'll figure out a way to maximize his particular skill set. And Gregg's a mad scientist, and he'll come up with a scheme that suits his talents. I can see it now, during the preseason. Gregg will be on the sidelines yelling, 'Sam! Sam! Sam!' We'll have a package, and we'll roll it out, and he'll get after it."
And for a few practice games -- and perhaps a whole lot of real ones -- Sam will be a Ram, and Fisher will have a vested interest in the young man's football future. It's not what anyone at Rams Park other than the head coach had in mind until about 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, but now it's happening, and the momentum behind it is unmistakable.
Perhaps, in retrospect, we should have seen this coming -- for it's very simple, and it can be summed up in three words: Trust The 'Stache.
Follow Michael Silver on Twitter @MikeSilver.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/0ap2000000349663/article/jeff-fisher-st-louis-rams-embrace-michael-sam-an-inside-look
ST. LOUIS -- The war room carries a prodigious mystique, fueled by a public faith in the draft's transformative powers and the fact that professional football teams conduct this weighty bit of business shrouded from public scrutiny. And yet, for the most part, the actual machinations that take place in an NFL war room over a three-day period are downright dull -- restrained, orderly, methodical and relentlessly mundane.
On Saturday, near the end of a three-day stretch of businesslike talent-acquisition, some genuine, heart-racing drama arrived unannounced and swept through the war room, spreading quickly across the entire second floor of Rams Park. And for the 40 or so coaches, scouts, front-office executives and other team officials present as history unfolded -- and for a fortunate NFL Media analyst who had the best seat in the house -- the selection of former Missouri star Michael Sam with the 249th overall pick was a unique and exhilarating experience, all of it made possible by one man's distinctive comfort zone.
This out-of-nowhere call by St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher was a real-life plot twist more charged than anything "Draft Day" could have produced on the silver screen, and brought new meaning to the term "The Blind Side."
In the immediate aftermath, there was confusion, followed by a surreal, What the hell just happened? sinking in of the act's significance -- and, eventually, sincere celebration.
There was also something else buzzing through that room: A sort of awed appreciation for Fisher, the magnificently mustached face of the organization, and the man who made the seemingly spontaneous decision to alter both its national perception and its workplace environment without a shred of hesitation or fear.
As Fisher felt the love from virtually everyone in his midst, exchanging fist bumps and accepting congratulations, one of his younger employees put it thusly: "Such a pimp move. It was, Guess what I'm gonna do? Whatever the (expletive) I want. In the world today, it's truly impressive. That's what makes him the best guy to work for, and why so many of us would kill for the guy. It's very simple: Trust The 'Stache. It's big and powerful for a reason."
By the end of the evening, as Fisher sat in his corner office planning a series of team-related activities designed to ensure that Sam will enter a supportive and accepting environment as he attempts to become the NFL's first openly gay player, the legend of The 'Stache had grown to unprecedented proportions.
It's like this: In NFL circles, Johnny Manziel, this draft's most polarizing player other than Sam, is known simply as JFF, an abbreviation paraphrasing the quarterback's "Johnny Football" nickname, with an F-bomb inserted into the middle for emphasis.
At Rams Park on Saturday night, JFF stood for Jeff (Expletive) Fisher.
Confronted with a conundrum that most of his peers preferred to avoid like a "Hard Knocks" camera crew -- or a Tim Tebow practice video -- Fisher welcomed and embraced the opportunity. In the face of numerous reasons not to draft Sam, Fisher got in touch with his inner Jay Cutler, essentially leaning back his head and telling the rest of the football world, Donnnnnnn't Care.
"I know exactly what we're getting into, and I'm not worried at all," Fisher said Saturday night as he sipped a glass of sublime red wine while reclining in his large, brown office chair. "Michael Sam will help us, and we'll give him every chance to succeed, and you know what? It's gonna be pretty cool."
Creating cool storylines, of course, is not Fisher's primary mission. He arrived in St. Louis in 2012 -- after a 17-year run with the Titans/Oilers, followed by an involuntary year away from football -- determined to reshape a talent-deficient roster and mold the Rams into contenders. Playing in what has turned out to be the toughest division in football, if not professional sports, Fisher's teams have gone 7-8-1 and 7-9, extending the franchise's streak of non-winning seasons to 10. He understands more than anyone that 2014 is the year St. Louis must make a move.
Fisher's sense of urgency was apparent when, during a Mexican fly-fishing vacation in January, he pulled out his cell phone while standing barefoot on a beach, called his estranged friend Gregg Williams and set up a meeting that led to the once-banished Bountygate villain's unlikely return to Rams Park as defensive coordinator. And it was obvious in the weeks leading up to the draft -- and all the way up through the middle stages of Thursday night's first round, with St. Louis already having selected two of the draft's first 13 players -- as Fisher and many of his closest confidants pondered the possibility of picking Manziel.
By draft's end, having chosen to ride or die with Sam Bradford, Fisher was at peace with the way things had played out. On Thursday, the Rams had muscled up in the trenches, taking the draft's top offensive lineman (Auburn's Greg Robinson) and No. 1 interior defensive lineman (Pitt's Aaron Donald); on Friday and Saturday, St. Louis, among other undertakings, fortified its secondary with some potentially impactful players, most intriguingly second-round nickel corner Lamarcus Joyner and fourth-round safety Mo Alexander.
It was the arrival of Joyner -- and the way the Rams finessed it -- that brought the most pleasure to Fisher and those close to him. Intent on drafting the former Florida State star with the 44th overall pick, Fisher and others in the Rams' war room became convinced that the Titans were preparing to snag Joyner two picks earlier. Rams general manager Les Snead began working the phones, agreeing to a trade with the Bills, who held the selection before Tennessee's, that saw St. Louis give up a fifth-round selection to move up three spots.
When the deal was consummated, and the Rams turned in the card for Joyner, Fisher burst into a huge grin, and there were hoots and hollers of excitement. A few minutes later, when the Titans traded out of the 42nd selection -- a move viewed in the Rams' war room as confirmation that Tennessee had targeted Joyner, only to come up empty -- there was another surge of congratulatory cheers.
"I don't know how we did it," Fisher said afterward, concealing a twinkle in his eye. "I just had a feeling."
The subtext: Things ended poorly for Fisher in Tennessee, where he confronted an inordinate share of obstacles (coaching out of temporary trailers, having an immature quarterback shoved down his throat by a meddlesome owner) while cultivating a cadre of loyal lieutenants like Rams assistant head coach Dave McGinnis.
"Look, we're all in it for him," McGinnis said outside the war room a few minutes after the Joyner pick. "That's it. This is a pretty tight fellowship group. When the Cardinals fired my ### (as head coach, after the 2003 season), he called and said, 'Mac, come work for me. I'll never leave you.' Since that time, I've gotten five or six offers to leave as a (defensive) coordinator, and I've turned them all down. I'm with him till he gets out, or till he decides he doesn't want me anymore.
"He is such a genuine person. Everybody in this building's 'all in' for him. You can feel it."
I felt that same sensation 14 years ago when, in the immediate aftermath of the Music City Miracle -- the trick-play kickoff return that gave the Titans a stunning playoff victory over the Bills, launching a postseason run that ended a yard shy of a potential Super Bowl triumph -- I stood in the kitchen of Fisher's Franklin, Tennessee, home with Alan Lowry, the special-teams coach who engineered the iconic play, and watched him get choked up while describing how his boss had stood up to owner Bud Adams and successfully fought to keep him on the staff.
In an NFL landscape teeming with overbearing taskmasters intent on flexing their power, Fisher manages to exude total control without appearing contrived or insecure. In that sense, he is the ideal coach to handle the media circus -- and the potentially tricky intra-squad dynamics -- that might accompany Sam's presence. Rest assured, Fisher will give and receive respect in equal proportions, will demand it from everyone in his midst, and won't act like a tantrum-throwing tyrant if issues present themselves along the way.
Fisher has a healthy partnership with Snead, the first-time general manager he handpicked after accepting owner Stan Kroenke's offer (and spurning the advances of Dolphins owner Stephen Ross) to coach the Rams, and with Kevin Demoff, the team's chief operating officer. Both front-office executives are forward-thinking and supportive, and each was enthusiastic about bringing Sam into the fold and confronting any challenges that might ensue.
It's also significant that Fisher is secure enough to solicit and consider feedback from employees far lower on the organizational flow chart -- such as 27-year-old scout Brian Heimerdinger, who wrote an extensive report on Manziel and was involved in discussions about possibly drafting the junior JFF. Heimerdinger's father, Mike, who served two stints as Fisher's offensive coordinator in Tennessee and was one of his closest friends, died of cancer in September of 2011. It's clear that Fisher has relished the opportunity to bring "Young 'Dinger," as Fisher calls Brian, into the fold.
Fisher agreed with several coaches and scouts that Manziel has the potential to be a phenomenal quarterback with exceptional competitive qualities. However, the coach remained committed to Bradford (the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft), who was off to a strong start last season before tearing his ACL in an October defeat to the Carolina Panthers.
At a Wednesday night event for season-ticket holders held at the team's indoor training facility, Snead and Fisher each joined Bradford onstage and pledged allegiance to the quarterback, a clear signal that the Rams would not be drafting Manziel second overall. Shortly after heading home Wednesday night, Fisher laid out his philosophy while sharing his strategy for the first round.
"I've got three hellacious defensive fronts in my division, and I want some big, strong maulers who go right at Seattle and San Francisco's linebackers and let us pound the ball," Fisher explained. "To survive in the NFC West, we have to win in the trenches. That's what this draft is about."
The second overall pick, obtained from Washington as the final prize of the 2012 blockbuster deal that allowed the Redskins to acquire Robert Griffin III, would be used on Robinson -- unless, of course, someone dangled another absurdly rich package of picks to trade into the spot. The caveat: If the Houston Texans somehow decided not to select defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (and didn't trade the pick to a team targeting Clowney), the Rams would pounce on the former South Carolina star as quickly as they could place the call to draft headquarters in New York City.
"I'm gonna go out and get the best (offensive) lineman in the draft," Fisher said. "And then I might go get another at 13."
Notre Dame's Zack Martin was the secondary target, though Fisher and Snead were legitimately worried that each of the three players they liked at that spot -- Martin, Donald and Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley -- would be off the board. In that scenario, St. Louis would have tried to trade down into the 20s, where they'd be able to land an offensive lineman a bit lower on their board.
Come Thursday night, however, the first round played out swimmingly for the St. Louis: All three of those players were there for the taking as the Rams went on the clock for the 13th pick. Fisher settled on Donald, who'll join an already-potent unit that features a pair of talented defensive ends (Chris Long and 2013 All-Pro selection Robert Quinn) and tackle Michael Brockers, picked 14th overall in 2012.
Fisher's faith in that unit -- and, not insignificantly, his belief in veteran defensive line coach Mike Waufle's ability to prod his players to exceptional performance levels -- increased exponentially once Donald was safely in the fold.
"I think people look at our defensive line, specifically last year, as a problem for them," Fisher would tell me later. "Now it's become a bigger problem."
Even after drafting Donald, however, Fisher didn't abandon the dream of further upgrading his offensive line. As two more teams passed on Martin, Snead began working the phones, with the idea of acquiring a third top-20 pick. The parameters of a deal were discussed with the Ravens, who held the 17th pick; the Rams threw out the possibility of surrendering second- and third-round picks, along with next year's second-rounder, should Martin continue to fall.
Watching NFL Network's draft broadcast on the TV in his office, Fisher saw the Dallas Cowboys snag Martin with the 16th pick, rendering the Ravens discussions moot. That led to a follow-up question from a visitor: "Why not trade back in to go get the quarterback? He's still sitting there!"
Over the next half hour, several staffers pitched the idea of trading up for Manziel. Taking him with a third first-round selection, they reasoned, would be less threatening to Bradford, who'd remain the incumbent quarterback for at least 2014. Also, as one person put it to Fisher: "This isn't the Johnny Manziel of two hours ago. It's a guy who's mad at the world because he keeps getting passed over, and wants to take it out on everyone."
It was a persuasive argument, but it didn't work: Fisher stood pat; the Browns finally traded up to draft Manziel with the 22nd pick; and Bradford remained the Rams' undisputed quarterback of the present and future, as the coach had intended all along.
The challenge, in Fisher's eyes, was to upgrade the roster around Bradford. Having traded up in last year's first round for diminutive speedster Tavon Austin, a year after selecting Brian Quick with the first pick of the second round, he was averse to spending one of his first-round selections on another wideout (such as Clemson's Sammy Watkins). He did use his third-round selection on a running back, Tre Mason -- albeit one who is highly unlikely to crack the starting lineup, with two second-year players, Zac Stacy and Benny Cunningham, expected to receive the bulk of the work.
Late Friday night, shortly before leaving his office for the night, Fisher met with Snead and Demoff to map out the following day's strategy. After laying out several options for the fourth-round pick, Fisher locked in on Alexander, a St. Louis native with a remarkable story: Forced to withdraw from Utah State for the 2012 campaign after a bar fight in which he punched an Aggies teammate -- and was subsequently sued by the player's family, leading to his season-long suspension -- Alexander supported himself by working as a janitor at the Edward Jones Dome, sometimes cleaning up after Rams home games.
He returned to Utah State for the 2013 season, switched from linebacker to safety and, as the scouting process played out, became an under-the-radar obsession of sorts for Fisher.
"If I don't get him," he told Demoff and Snead on Friday night, "I'm gonna be mad."
"How mad?" Demoff asked.
"Like, Bobby Wagner mad."
Ouch -- the reference to Wagner, another ex-Utah State defender, evoked an unpleasant memory from the 2012 draft: Rather than picking Wagner, the middle linebacker he coveted with the 45th overall selection, Fisher got greedy, trading down five spots to pick up a fifth-round pick from the Chicago Bears. Two selections later, the Seahawks took Wagner, who would become an instant standout and, in his second season, serve as the defensive signal-caller for their Super Bowl-winning team. The Rams (who still could have drafted future Tampa Bay Buccaneers star linebacker Lavonte David, for what it's worth) instead took running back Isaiah Pead, a major disappointment who probably will have to fight for his roster spot this summer.
"If you want him that much," Demoff advised Fisher, "just take him in the fourth round, even if you think he might be around later. It's not worth messing around."
Before Demoff and Snead departed, the subject of Sam came up, but there wasn't a lot of serious discussion: Viewed as a "tweener" who doesn't necessarily fit their 4-3 scheme, Sam wasn't high on the Rams' draft board, and it was assumed he'd be gone by the time the team made its four picks in the seventh round, which was about where they had him rated.
Fisher didn't get much sleep Friday night, what with the early start (11 a.m. central time) to Saturday's proceedings. He was quiet and restrained until, to the coach's delight, Alexander was there for the taking when the Rams went on the clock in the fourth round.
Perhaps the happiest person in the building as the pick was made: Fisher's assistant secondary coach and eldest son, Brandon, who spilled out into the hallway outside the war room and said, "This kid's biggest problem was he practiced so hard, he kept injuring his teammates. Seriously. They had to pull him back. I can't wait to coach him."
Williams, one of the NFL's most aggressive defensive coordinators, excitedly joined the conversation. "The last guy I had like that was Sean Taylor," Williams said, referring to the late Pro Bowl safety he coached as the Redskins' defensive coordinator from 2004-07. "He would go out and try to jack up Santana Moss and our other receivers. He didn't know any other way, other than trying to show, I'm better than you, all the time."
While Williams' surprising return to the Rams was a highly popular move among Fisher's assistants, it was also a bit awkward. The background: After a highly successful stint as Fisher's defensive coordinator in Tennessee from 1997-2000, Williams left to become head coach of the Buffalo Bills, and the two men remained close friends and confidants. When Fisher took the Rams job, he hired Williams as his defensive coordinator, a reunion that excited both men.
Two months later, however, Williams was suspended indefinitely by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for his role in the New Orleans Saints' pay-for-injure scandal, shortly before an audiotape surfaced of Williams exhorting Saints players to inflict physical punishment on their opponents before a 2011 playoff game with the San Francisco 49ers. Suddenly, Williams was castigated as a symbol of all that was wrong with football, and Fisher had to move on without his friend, barred from even communicating with him during the suspension by the commissioner's decree.
With Williams out of the mix, Fisher went without a defensive coordinator in 2012, delegating many of the coordinator's responsibilities to his young linebackers coach: Williams' son, Blake. Though considered brilliant by his fellow coaches, Blake Williams alienated many of them -- and several Rams players -- on an interpersonal level, and Fisher fired him after the season. Fisher also officially parted ways with Gregg Williams upon his reinstatement by Goodell, instead hiring former Detroit Lions defensive backs coach Tim Walton as the Rams' defensive coordinator for 2013 (after Rob Ryan served briefly in that role, only to bolt for the Saints in semi-comical fashion, leaving abruptly one morning and racing across the street to a McDonald's, never to return, with Fisher figuratively feeling a kinship to the "Billions and Billions Served").
Fisher and Gregg Williams, who spent the 2013 season as a senior defensive assistant for the Titans, went more than a year without speaking, and it appeared that their relationship was severed permanently. Fisher's ice-breaking phone call from Mexico, however, led to several heart-to-heart discussions, and he enthusiastically welcomed Williams back into the fold. For now, at least, it's all kumbaya, largely because both men believe in the power of the partnership.
Having a bona fide star as a coordinator is a luxury for Fisher, allowing him to delegate one of his many responsibilities. He is immersed in all facets of the Rams' football operations, from evaluating pro and college personnel to setting the daily schedule, and sometimes, even The 'Stache is overtaxed. On Saturday, for instance, shortly before using a sixth-round pick on a developmental quarterback (SMU's Garrett Gilbert, after having considered trading up to grab Alabama's AJ McCarron a round earlier), Fisher was informed that a clip of a couple having sex had been posted to recently signed receiver Kenny Britt's Instagram account.
"Seriously?" was Fisher's exasperated reaction.
Britt, a former Titans standout whose career has been derailed by injury and off-the-field incidents, is attempting to resurrect himself professionally under the tutelage of the coach with whom he enjoyed his greatest success. Needless to say, Fisher was not thrilled to learn of the most recent development, especially with the Rams only a few minutes away from being on the clock.
"Can you take care of this, please?" Fisher asked in a frazzled tone, delegating the assignment to the Rams' player programs and security department.
Britt, undoubtedly, expected the worst: On Day 3 of the draft, this ranked as a legitimate headline, and headache. Little did he know -- hell, little did anyone at Rams Park know -- that Fisher was about to render him a mere footnote to history.
With four remaining picks, all in the seventh round, the Rams had a chance to fill out their roster with some imperfect but intriguing prospects. It's a time when talent evaluators are prone to taking chances, and they're also looking for value.
Sam, Fisher knew, was just looking for a chance to make somebody's team -- the same way Fisher, a former USC safety, felt before the Chicago Bears took him in the seventh round of the 1981 draft. Certainly, the Rams could have given Sam a shot as an undrafted free agent, but the coach also understood the symbolism that a formal selection would carry, and he decided St. Louis was the perfect place to provide a safe haven for the former Missouri star.
He broached the idea with Snead and Demoff, then left to place a call to Kroenke, who was fully supportive. ("I trust you guys," he told Fisher. "Go for it."). Back in the war room, with the Rams holding consecutive compensatory picks near the bottom of the draft -- selections 249 and 250 out of 256 -- Fisher had a brief phone conversation with Tennessee State center Demetrius Rhaney (on whom he'd use the 250th pick, destined to be noticed by virtually no one in America outside of Rhaney's household). Then Fisher got on the phone with Sam, who started bawling, and there was no turning back.
At 5:48 p.m., the Rams officially selected Sam, and the war room scene turned surreal. The 'Stache soaked it all in, thoroughly enjoying the experience. He got excited when informed by Artis Twyman, the team's senior director of communications, that the Rams were the franchise which 68 years earlier signed the first African-American player of the NFL's modern era, UCLA product Kenny Washington.
"That's pretty cool," Fisher said, before heading downstairs to meet the media.
Certainly, Fisher understood and embraced the social significance of what he had done. In the end, however, football is what drives JFF, and as he sat in his office Saturday night, picking at a plate of Chinese food with a pair of wooden chopsticks and sipping his glass of wine, he spoke of Sam's potential impact as a pass rusher on a team full of athletic men who do it well.
"I know he's up against a big challenge," Fisher said as Brandon and Young 'Dinger nodded in unison. "On paper, we don't really need him. But you know what? Mike Waufle will coach him up, and he'll figure out a way to maximize his particular skill set. And Gregg's a mad scientist, and he'll come up with a scheme that suits his talents. I can see it now, during the preseason. Gregg will be on the sidelines yelling, 'Sam! Sam! Sam!' We'll have a package, and we'll roll it out, and he'll get after it."
And for a few practice games -- and perhaps a whole lot of real ones -- Sam will be a Ram, and Fisher will have a vested interest in the young man's football future. It's not what anyone at Rams Park other than the head coach had in mind until about 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, but now it's happening, and the momentum behind it is unmistakable.
Perhaps, in retrospect, we should have seen this coming -- for it's very simple, and it can be summed up in three words: Trust The 'Stache.
Follow Michael Silver on Twitter @MikeSilver.
cstu
Footballguy
Bob Magaw
Footballguy
NFC West Draft review. I've learned to give SEA the benefit of the doubt, for obvious reasons.
http://www.thehuddlereport.com/huddlenotes/?p=1524
Drew Boylhart
May 21, 2014
Cardinals – For me personally, the Cardinals at the 27th pick of the first round, selected a player I thought was the best pure safety in this draft: Deone Bucannon (Washington St). He fit a need, has excellent talent and is a wrap up, head up squeeze and drive tackler with the leadership skills and football intelligence to impact the day after the draft. They followed that up with tight end Troy Niklas (Notre Dame) who I think will struggle big time to be consistent and to adjust to the NFL level. DT Kareem Martin was a solid pick, but the selection that really bothers me is the player they selected at the 91st pick of the draft. I’m sure that WR John Brown (Pittsburgh St–Ks), is a nice kid and maybe he has one of those stories that bring tears to your eyes, but Rob had him rated as the 176th player on his board of 200 players and Rob has a 80% accuracy rate; therefore, to suggest that this is not a reach of immense proportions is BS. I know it’s possible John will be an impact player, but let’s be honest– with WR Bruce Ellington (South Carolina) who played in the SEC sitting there to be selected, I just think that this pick was questionable to say the least. Seriously the Cardinals could have selected this small school wonder at the 120th pick or the 160th pick. We shall see…I’m sure John will adjust, learn how to use his speed and become the next great all purpose player in the NFL and I’ll be inundated with E-mails telling me what a jerk I am, but something tells me I won’t be wrong on this one. QB Logan Thomas will either be a great tight end or a QB in the same mold as Cam Newton. Either way you have yourself a talented player who could be starting at more than one position in the very near future. Overall this was a strange draft, but they did add talent to the team that has the potential to impact at more than one position and that’s what the draft is all about.
Rams – The Rams made a plan and then they worked that plan. They selected OT Greg Robinson (Auburn) who was the top rated offensive player on just about everyone’s board. The followed that up with a 1-gap DT who has remarkable athletic talent. Aaron Donald, who in spite of his size has athletic talent, work ethic and character to impact right away and will improve with experience. CB/S Lamarcus Joyner is a smart, athletic playmaker. He will become a fan favorite and a core player for the defensive backfield. RB Tre Mason (Auburn) is a tough back and as long as the coaches can solve his fumble issues, he should impact and help out right away. They need healthy running backs and Tre has the talent to become a starting running back in the future if need be. CB EJ Gains is an underrated corner back and the type of player that once he gets on the field, will be hard to get him off the field. Of course I have to say something about Michael Sam. I said in my profile that Michael would have to change positions like Teddy Bruschi had to when he was drafted. I said some team with a 3-4 defense that wanted to develop an inside linebacker might feel that Michael was worth developing because he is smart, had good enough talent and showed leadership skills on the field. Here is a quote from my profile:
“Michael is a developmental player who may need a position change to become a productive player and that could affect his value to all 32 teams. Look at Rob’s board to find out what round Michael is most likely to be selected in”.
Personally I don’t think this was a good fit for him because the Rams have a 4-3 defense but you never know, if Michael wants it bad enough (not for off field issues but for on field performance), there is no reason he can’t be successful, but I don’t think it will be with the Rams. It’s just not a good fit. I would guess the Jets, Ravens, Steelers, Seahawks would have been better fits for “the first openly gay player”. You do have to wonder if Michael’s goal was just to be drafted or is it to be a starting player in the NFL? Overall this was an excellent draft getting talent and impact in almost every round and a 7th round pick who most likely will not make the team really should not be in the discussion. Nevertheless, I would be remiss if I didn’t note it.
49ers – The rich get richer and prove my theory that there is no slot that guarantees that you will select a successful player, not even the 1st pick of the draft. At the 30th pick in the draft, S/CB Jimmie Ward was the pick and the 49er’s have themselves a playmaker for their defensive back field who might wind up being an all pro cornerback in spite of the fact he played safety for his college team. At the 57th pick, they select one of the biggest and most athletic running backs, Carlos Hyde (Ohio St) who, if they can keep him out of trouble, will impact. At the 70th pick, they select a center Marcus Martin who fits their offensive scheme and later add OG Brandon Thomas who I had a 2nd round TBR on. I also had WR Bruce Ellington with a 1st Rd TBR grade and CB/S Donte Johnson with a 1st RD TBR grade also. Add to that LB Chris Borland who, if he can get over his shoulder problems, could become an intricate part of defense because of his football intelligence and instincts to be a coach on the field and you have a draft that others teams should be looking at and saying to themselves how did we miss drafting those players?
Seahawks – When you look at the players the 49er’s drafted and then you look at the group of players the Seahawks drafted, you see a big difference in the talent level where there should not be. The Seahawks hit the incompetence switch over and over trading back and missing out on some excellent talent and for what reason? You got me! The only player I see having a real chance of impacting is the one player they didn’t reach for. At the 123rd pick of the draft they selected WR Kevin Norwood (Alabama) who is surprisingly similar in talent to the receiver they gave up in free agency to the Lions. But they did save some money in salary. I guess the complacency after winning a Super Bowl has set in to this administrative staff. This was a poor draft in a very deep and talent pool of players. WR Paul Richardson has talent, but will struggle to stay on the field because he lacks the bulk and injuries could be a big issue. OT Justin Britt was rated on our board at the 163rd best player and the Seahawks drafted him at 64. I’m not suggesting that we are always right, but after 30 years of doing the draft with the site being in existence for 14 yrs, I think we have some credibility. DE Cassius Marsh wasn’t rated and I saw nothing on film to warrant him being rated. Once again, we could be wrong. LB Kevin Pierre–Lewis has the speed to help out as a Safety/LB in nickel-dime situations. The rest of the players will struggle to make the team. This is a draft this team needed to stay on top, challenge the starters and give the team leverage in contract talks and free agency for the next few years. Boy, did they blow it big time. Let’s look at it this way: first, I would not have traded out of the 30th pick as I would have selected DT Ra’Shede Hageman. At the 45th pick, WR Cody Latimer was still on the board. At the 64th pick, OT Morgan Moses was still on the board, a player who can play either Tackle position. At the 108th pick I might have looked at selecting DT Daquan Jones Penn St or any number of player with excellent potential. This was not a good draft for the Seahawks.
http://www.thehuddlereport.com/huddlenotes/?p=1524
Drew Boylhart
May 21, 2014
Cardinals – For me personally, the Cardinals at the 27th pick of the first round, selected a player I thought was the best pure safety in this draft: Deone Bucannon (Washington St). He fit a need, has excellent talent and is a wrap up, head up squeeze and drive tackler with the leadership skills and football intelligence to impact the day after the draft. They followed that up with tight end Troy Niklas (Notre Dame) who I think will struggle big time to be consistent and to adjust to the NFL level. DT Kareem Martin was a solid pick, but the selection that really bothers me is the player they selected at the 91st pick of the draft. I’m sure that WR John Brown (Pittsburgh St–Ks), is a nice kid and maybe he has one of those stories that bring tears to your eyes, but Rob had him rated as the 176th player on his board of 200 players and Rob has a 80% accuracy rate; therefore, to suggest that this is not a reach of immense proportions is BS. I know it’s possible John will be an impact player, but let’s be honest– with WR Bruce Ellington (South Carolina) who played in the SEC sitting there to be selected, I just think that this pick was questionable to say the least. Seriously the Cardinals could have selected this small school wonder at the 120th pick or the 160th pick. We shall see…I’m sure John will adjust, learn how to use his speed and become the next great all purpose player in the NFL and I’ll be inundated with E-mails telling me what a jerk I am, but something tells me I won’t be wrong on this one. QB Logan Thomas will either be a great tight end or a QB in the same mold as Cam Newton. Either way you have yourself a talented player who could be starting at more than one position in the very near future. Overall this was a strange draft, but they did add talent to the team that has the potential to impact at more than one position and that’s what the draft is all about.
Rams – The Rams made a plan and then they worked that plan. They selected OT Greg Robinson (Auburn) who was the top rated offensive player on just about everyone’s board. The followed that up with a 1-gap DT who has remarkable athletic talent. Aaron Donald, who in spite of his size has athletic talent, work ethic and character to impact right away and will improve with experience. CB/S Lamarcus Joyner is a smart, athletic playmaker. He will become a fan favorite and a core player for the defensive backfield. RB Tre Mason (Auburn) is a tough back and as long as the coaches can solve his fumble issues, he should impact and help out right away. They need healthy running backs and Tre has the talent to become a starting running back in the future if need be. CB EJ Gains is an underrated corner back and the type of player that once he gets on the field, will be hard to get him off the field. Of course I have to say something about Michael Sam. I said in my profile that Michael would have to change positions like Teddy Bruschi had to when he was drafted. I said some team with a 3-4 defense that wanted to develop an inside linebacker might feel that Michael was worth developing because he is smart, had good enough talent and showed leadership skills on the field. Here is a quote from my profile:
“Michael is a developmental player who may need a position change to become a productive player and that could affect his value to all 32 teams. Look at Rob’s board to find out what round Michael is most likely to be selected in”.
Personally I don’t think this was a good fit for him because the Rams have a 4-3 defense but you never know, if Michael wants it bad enough (not for off field issues but for on field performance), there is no reason he can’t be successful, but I don’t think it will be with the Rams. It’s just not a good fit. I would guess the Jets, Ravens, Steelers, Seahawks would have been better fits for “the first openly gay player”. You do have to wonder if Michael’s goal was just to be drafted or is it to be a starting player in the NFL? Overall this was an excellent draft getting talent and impact in almost every round and a 7th round pick who most likely will not make the team really should not be in the discussion. Nevertheless, I would be remiss if I didn’t note it.
49ers – The rich get richer and prove my theory that there is no slot that guarantees that you will select a successful player, not even the 1st pick of the draft. At the 30th pick in the draft, S/CB Jimmie Ward was the pick and the 49er’s have themselves a playmaker for their defensive back field who might wind up being an all pro cornerback in spite of the fact he played safety for his college team. At the 57th pick, they select one of the biggest and most athletic running backs, Carlos Hyde (Ohio St) who, if they can keep him out of trouble, will impact. At the 70th pick, they select a center Marcus Martin who fits their offensive scheme and later add OG Brandon Thomas who I had a 2nd round TBR on. I also had WR Bruce Ellington with a 1st Rd TBR grade and CB/S Donte Johnson with a 1st RD TBR grade also. Add to that LB Chris Borland who, if he can get over his shoulder problems, could become an intricate part of defense because of his football intelligence and instincts to be a coach on the field and you have a draft that others teams should be looking at and saying to themselves how did we miss drafting those players?
Seahawks – When you look at the players the 49er’s drafted and then you look at the group of players the Seahawks drafted, you see a big difference in the talent level where there should not be. The Seahawks hit the incompetence switch over and over trading back and missing out on some excellent talent and for what reason? You got me! The only player I see having a real chance of impacting is the one player they didn’t reach for. At the 123rd pick of the draft they selected WR Kevin Norwood (Alabama) who is surprisingly similar in talent to the receiver they gave up in free agency to the Lions. But they did save some money in salary. I guess the complacency after winning a Super Bowl has set in to this administrative staff. This was a poor draft in a very deep and talent pool of players. WR Paul Richardson has talent, but will struggle to stay on the field because he lacks the bulk and injuries could be a big issue. OT Justin Britt was rated on our board at the 163rd best player and the Seahawks drafted him at 64. I’m not suggesting that we are always right, but after 30 years of doing the draft with the site being in existence for 14 yrs, I think we have some credibility. DE Cassius Marsh wasn’t rated and I saw nothing on film to warrant him being rated. Once again, we could be wrong. LB Kevin Pierre–Lewis has the speed to help out as a Safety/LB in nickel-dime situations. The rest of the players will struggle to make the team. This is a draft this team needed to stay on top, challenge the starters and give the team leverage in contract talks and free agency for the next few years. Boy, did they blow it big time. Let’s look at it this way: first, I would not have traded out of the 30th pick as I would have selected DT Ra’Shede Hageman. At the 45th pick, WR Cody Latimer was still on the board. At the 64th pick, OT Morgan Moses was still on the board, a player who can play either Tackle position. At the 108th pick I might have looked at selecting DT Daquan Jones Penn St or any number of player with excellent potential. This was not a good draft for the Seahawks.
Bob Magaw
Footballguy
Signed former TB first round guard Davin Joseph to provide interior OL depth.
He could also come in handy if Saffold needs to temporarily fill in at LT with Jake Long returning from a late season torn ACL (STL has an early week four bye, so that might allow him to rehab for another month).
Joseph is a two time Pro Bowler that used to be one of the best guards in the league, but wasn't the same in 2013 returning from a 2012 knee injury (patellar tendon?), hopefully he can return closer to form two years removed from the injury.
He could also come in handy if Saffold needs to temporarily fill in at LT with Jake Long returning from a late season torn ACL (STL has an early week four bye, so that might allow him to rehab for another month).
Joseph is a two time Pro Bowler that used to be one of the best guards in the league, but wasn't the same in 2013 returning from a 2012 knee injury (patellar tendon?), hopefully he can return closer to form two years removed from the injury.
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jurb26
Footballguy
That's a hell of a guy to add for depth.
Bob Magaw
Footballguy
First three games on the schedule are MIN, TB and DAL, it would be nice going into the bye 3-0 with some momentum, before heading into the two month meat grinder portion of their schedule (PHI, SF, SEA, KC, SF, ARI, DEN and SD), before finishing up with OAK, WAS, ARI, NYG and SEA the last five weeks (away against the Seahawks week 17 for at least the third year in a row - glitch in the matrix?).I think in 2013 the NFC West tied for the second best collective out of division record since the merger, and tied for the best since realignment (.750). STL beat IND, CHI and NO (and nearly knocked off SEA) last year without their starting QB, and have since added Greg Robinson, Aaron Donald, Lamarcus Joyner and Tre Mason.
But the battle for NFC West supremacy is going to be like a riot scene from Gangs of New York.
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cstu
Footballguy
If the game is truly won in the trenches then 6 wins is extremely pessimistic.First three games on the schedule are MIN, TB and DAL, it would be nice going into the bye 3-0 with some momentum, before heading into the two month meat grinder portion of their schedule (PHI, SF, SEA, KC, SF, ARI, DEN and SD), before finishing up with OAK, WAS, ARI, NYG and SEA the last five weeks (away against the Seahawks week 17 for at least the third year in a row - glitch in the matrix?).I think in 2013 the NFC West tied for the second best collective out of division record since the merger, and tied for the best since realignment (.750). STL beat IND, CHI and NO (and nearly knocked off SEA) last year without their starting QB, and have since added Greg Robinson, Aaron Donald, Lamarcus Joyner and Tre Mason.
But the battle for NFC West supremacy is going to be like a riot scene from Gangs of New York.
Bob Magaw
Footballguy
A scouting profile on two of the higher profile Division II undrafted free agents from the class of '14 for STL (CB Marcus Roberson was thought by some prior to the draft to carry a day two grade, but he competed at the FBS level for Florida). They signed the last two Division II National Defensive Players of the Year.
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-hope-to-find-hidden-gems-in-division-ii-standouts/article_c00d5384-887f-58a3-8000-2ad761cff71d.html
Rams hope to find hidden gems in Division II standouts
By Joe Lyons
Following a successful draft earlier this month, the Rams quickly turned their attention to filling out the roster with undrafted rookies.
I think were winning free agency, Rams general manager Les Snead as he and coach Jeff Fisher met with the media following the third and final day of the NFL draft.
In the group of 15 post-draft signees were a pair of former NCAA Division II national defensive players of the year: defensive tackle Ethan Westbrooks from West Texas A&M and ex-North Alabama linebacker Tavarius Wilson.
Its just a blessing to be here and to get an opportunity to keep playing football, said Wilson, a 5-foot-11, 239-pounder. As an undrafted guy, I think you definitely come in with a little bit of a chip on your shoulder, but once you put on the pads, everybody gets a chance to prove himself. Right now, Im just trying to make the team.
Westbrooks is taking a similar approach.
I think any time you take the field, you have something to prove, the 6-4, 267-pounder said. First and foremost, I feel like I owe the Rams for taking a chance on me and giving me this opportunity. I think its important to prove to your teammates and coaches that you belong, that you can work and learn to fit in.
PRODUCTIVE BUT OVERLOOKED
The 2013 NCAA Division II National Defensive Player of the Year, Wilson did it all at North Alabama last fall, helping the 10-3 Lions reach the DII quarterfinals. He finished the season with 123 tackles, 7½ tackles for loss, four interceptions, four sacks, three forced fumbles and a blocked kick.
All that while making a switch to outside linebacker.
Since high school, Ive always played in the middle, he said. But we needed help outside.
Despite his production, Wilson did not participate in any postseason all-star games and was not invited to the NFL combine.
Im not 6-2 or 6-3, so Im a guy who tends to be overlooked, the 23-year-old said. It was like that coming out of high school in Jackson, Mississippi, and its just the way it is. Rather than dwell on it, I try to focus on being prepared and on making plays.
Wilson, who starred at Hinds (Miss.) Community College before North Alabama, sees himself as a thinking mans player.
I feel like game preparation is my strength, he said. Knowing my opponent, knowing who Im up against, is always a priority for me.
Wilson said the biggest challenge with the step up from DII has been the Rams playbook.
In college, you might go into a game with 20 or 30 plays, he said. Here, its like youre trying to cram up to 100 plays into your brain. Theres a lot to learn because everythings so much more detailed.
But thats the challenge of making the step up in competition and thats why Im working hard to learn as fast as I can. I feel like once I get the terminology down, hopefully I can start looking to make a name for myself.
BIG-TIME POTENTIAL
The Rams thought enough of Westbrooks to give him a $20,000 signing bonus and guaranteeing $30,000 of his 2014 base salary.
Westbrooks, the 2012 Division II National Defensive Player of the Year, was a hot commodity following the draft, also drawing interest from Dallas, Kansas City and Oakland.
Above everything else, I think its important to be where youre wanted and I definitely got that feeling from the people in St. Louis, the 23-year-old Westbrooks said. The veterans are making the rookies feel like family; Im excited to learn from them and Im really excited to work with (defensive line coach Mike Waufel).
An Oakland native with seven siblings, Westbrooks starred at Sacramento City College before making the move to West Texas A&M. There, he enjoyed an incredible 2012 campaign that featured 28 tackles for loss to go along with 19½ sacks. In addition, he had 19 quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles and two pass breakups.
To be honest, I felt like I couldve done even more, said Westbrooks, who recorded 15½ of his sacks over the final nine games that season.
Last fall, with opponents game-planning for him, Westbrooks numbers tailed off. Still, he ended up with 14 tackles for loss, four sacks, six quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.
Its tough when all eyes are watching you and scheming you, Westbrooks said. On top of that, our defense was adjusted a little, so I was playing more of an inside position. I was doing what I could to help my team. We had a strong feeling of brotherhood and ended up having a great year.
The Buffaloes also reached the DII quarterfinals and finished 11-3 overall last fall.
An athletically-gifted but raw talent, Westbrooks flashed some of his potential when he was voted defensive MVP after picking up two sacks and two tackles for loss in the East-West Shrine Game in January and earned an invitation to the NFL combine in Indianapolis.
It wouldve been nice to be drafted, but when things like that are out of your control, you just have to give it to God and know that everything works out for the best, he said. I feel Im in a great situation here with the Rams, getting a chance to work with and learn from guys like Robert Quinn and Chris Long. Now its up to me to work hard and make the most of it.
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-hope-to-find-hidden-gems-in-division-ii-standouts/article_c00d5384-887f-58a3-8000-2ad761cff71d.html
Rams hope to find hidden gems in Division II standouts
By Joe Lyons
Following a successful draft earlier this month, the Rams quickly turned their attention to filling out the roster with undrafted rookies.
I think were winning free agency, Rams general manager Les Snead as he and coach Jeff Fisher met with the media following the third and final day of the NFL draft.
In the group of 15 post-draft signees were a pair of former NCAA Division II national defensive players of the year: defensive tackle Ethan Westbrooks from West Texas A&M and ex-North Alabama linebacker Tavarius Wilson.
Its just a blessing to be here and to get an opportunity to keep playing football, said Wilson, a 5-foot-11, 239-pounder. As an undrafted guy, I think you definitely come in with a little bit of a chip on your shoulder, but once you put on the pads, everybody gets a chance to prove himself. Right now, Im just trying to make the team.
Westbrooks is taking a similar approach.
I think any time you take the field, you have something to prove, the 6-4, 267-pounder said. First and foremost, I feel like I owe the Rams for taking a chance on me and giving me this opportunity. I think its important to prove to your teammates and coaches that you belong, that you can work and learn to fit in.
PRODUCTIVE BUT OVERLOOKED
The 2013 NCAA Division II National Defensive Player of the Year, Wilson did it all at North Alabama last fall, helping the 10-3 Lions reach the DII quarterfinals. He finished the season with 123 tackles, 7½ tackles for loss, four interceptions, four sacks, three forced fumbles and a blocked kick.
All that while making a switch to outside linebacker.
Since high school, Ive always played in the middle, he said. But we needed help outside.
Despite his production, Wilson did not participate in any postseason all-star games and was not invited to the NFL combine.
Im not 6-2 or 6-3, so Im a guy who tends to be overlooked, the 23-year-old said. It was like that coming out of high school in Jackson, Mississippi, and its just the way it is. Rather than dwell on it, I try to focus on being prepared and on making plays.
Wilson, who starred at Hinds (Miss.) Community College before North Alabama, sees himself as a thinking mans player.
I feel like game preparation is my strength, he said. Knowing my opponent, knowing who Im up against, is always a priority for me.
Wilson said the biggest challenge with the step up from DII has been the Rams playbook.
In college, you might go into a game with 20 or 30 plays, he said. Here, its like youre trying to cram up to 100 plays into your brain. Theres a lot to learn because everythings so much more detailed.
But thats the challenge of making the step up in competition and thats why Im working hard to learn as fast as I can. I feel like once I get the terminology down, hopefully I can start looking to make a name for myself.
BIG-TIME POTENTIAL
The Rams thought enough of Westbrooks to give him a $20,000 signing bonus and guaranteeing $30,000 of his 2014 base salary.
Westbrooks, the 2012 Division II National Defensive Player of the Year, was a hot commodity following the draft, also drawing interest from Dallas, Kansas City and Oakland.
Above everything else, I think its important to be where youre wanted and I definitely got that feeling from the people in St. Louis, the 23-year-old Westbrooks said. The veterans are making the rookies feel like family; Im excited to learn from them and Im really excited to work with (defensive line coach Mike Waufel).
An Oakland native with seven siblings, Westbrooks starred at Sacramento City College before making the move to West Texas A&M. There, he enjoyed an incredible 2012 campaign that featured 28 tackles for loss to go along with 19½ sacks. In addition, he had 19 quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles and two pass breakups.
To be honest, I felt like I couldve done even more, said Westbrooks, who recorded 15½ of his sacks over the final nine games that season.
Last fall, with opponents game-planning for him, Westbrooks numbers tailed off. Still, he ended up with 14 tackles for loss, four sacks, six quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.
Its tough when all eyes are watching you and scheming you, Westbrooks said. On top of that, our defense was adjusted a little, so I was playing more of an inside position. I was doing what I could to help my team. We had a strong feeling of brotherhood and ended up having a great year.
The Buffaloes also reached the DII quarterfinals and finished 11-3 overall last fall.
An athletically-gifted but raw talent, Westbrooks flashed some of his potential when he was voted defensive MVP after picking up two sacks and two tackles for loss in the East-West Shrine Game in January and earned an invitation to the NFL combine in Indianapolis.
It wouldve been nice to be drafted, but when things like that are out of your control, you just have to give it to God and know that everything works out for the best, he said. I feel Im in a great situation here with the Rams, getting a chance to work with and learn from guys like Robert Quinn and Chris Long. Now its up to me to work hard and make the most of it.
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Bob Magaw
Footballguy
On the potential impact of new/old DC in STL. They may have a shot to finish top 5-10 this season, its been a long time since that has happened (so long I can't remember ). This article doesn't even go into depth on the potential impact of Donald to the pass rush, another cause (and a big one) for an optimistic projection.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000355517/article/st-louis-rams-defense-will-fully-blossom-under-gregg-williams
Rams' defense will fully blossom under Gregg Williams
By Bucky Brooks
When the St. Louis Rams hired Gregg Williams as their new defensive coordinator in January, offensive coaches around the league immediately took notice. This appears to be the perfect marriage of coach and personnel, the type of development that could make the Rams a dark-horse contender in the NFC West -- and beyond.
Everyone, of course, is familiar with Williams' role in the New Orleans Saints' bounty scandal, something that earned him a suspension that kept him out for the 2012 season. But make no mistake about it: The man can coach defense.
A coaching disciple of Buddy Ryan, Williams adopted his former boss' ultra-aggressive approach. Williams developed his reputation as an innovative schemer during his first stint as a defensive coordinator, with the Tennessee Oilers/Titans from 1997 to 2000. He went on to enjoy defensive success at a number of other stops, including New Orleans, where he helped the Saints win their first and only Super Bowl title. The feisty play-caller employed a blitz-heavy game plan in the Big Easy to create chaos at the point of attack, leading to a host of turnovers and negative plays. (Williams' Super Bowl-winning unit finished second in the NFL in takeaways and excelled in the red zone.)
From a schematic standpoint, Williams will use every front in the book. At his core, though, he's a 4-3 over/under guy. He implements a defensive audible system that adapts to offensive formations, allowing his guys to be in the best possible call on every down. Although the complex nature of the scheme puts a ton of pressure on the linebackers and safeties to make adjustments, it is a system that produces outstanding results when mastered. On passing downs, Williams certainly isn't afraid to mix in a variety of blitzes from exotic looks -- including some Okie fronts (3-4 or nickel 3-3 packages) -- as well as the standard 4-2-5 nickel front. He will order up Cover 0 all-out blitzes in any area of the field, which makes him the ultimate gambler as a play-caller. I've talked to many of his former players over the past few years, and they've raved about his aggressiveness and attack mentality.
Looking at the principles of his scheme and the talented pieces in St. Louis, here are three things to watch for this fall:
1) Williams' blitz-heavy plan will make the NFL's best D-line even better.
When I played defensive back with the Kansas City Chiefs under Gunther Cunningham in the late 1990s, the ultra-aggressive defensive guru taught me that blitzes aren't necessarily diagrammed to get the designated rusher to the quarterback; many of them are crafted to help talented defensive linemen get one-on-one pass-rush opportunities. Cunningham repeatedly told me that dominant defensive linemen win the overwhelming majority of their snaps against single blocks. A team that consistently ratchets up the pressure will consequently rack up the big hits and turnovers.
In St. Louis, the Rams have the ideal personnel along the line to benefit from Williams' blitz-heavy nature. The team returns every starter from last season's front four: highly disruptive ends Robert Quinn and Chris Long as well as imposing defensive tackles Michael Brockers and Kendall Langford. And last month, St. Louis selected freakish defensive tackle Aaron Donald with the No. 13 pick of the 2014 NFL Draft. William Hayes and Eugene Sims will continue to make contributions as rotational players, while rookie Michael Sam could chip in as a pass-rush specialist. Long story short, the Rams will be able to attack opponents from every angle with waves of big, athletic bodies. Thus, a unit that accounted for 46 of the team's 53 sacks (the NFL's third-highest total in 2013) should make an even bigger impact this season with more one-on-one chances at the line of scrimmage.
Studying the Rams' personnel, the three defensive linemen to watch in Williams' scheme will be Quinn, Long and Brockers. As high-motor players with exceptional length, athleticism and first-step quickness, these three have the ability to create chaos on straight four-man rushes or exotic pressures. This should give Williams the flexibility to attack opposing quarterbacks with pressure or coverage on any down, which will make his pre-snap disguise package even more difficult to decipher at the line. Let's take a closer look at these three studs:
ROBERT QUINN
Quinn blossomed into a truly dynamic player in 2013, accumulating 19 sacks and seven forced fumbles. The first-team All-Pro selection overwhelmed opponents with his first-step quickness, using a traditional speed rush to tally the majority of his sacks. Although he occasionally flashes a spin move or an inside maneuver to work free, the overall repertoire is limited. No matter: He's so darn explosive on his upfield rush that offensive tackles have a tough time slowing him down. Expect Williams to keep it simple for his prized pupil. Closer Mariano Rivera finished off a lot of Yankee wins by utilizing a single pitch -- Quinn's speed rush is akin to Mo's cutter.
CHRIS LONG
It's easy to miscast Long as a "try hard guy" based on his fanatical effort, but scouts know the seventh-year pro is a polished pass-rusher. Long uses every trick in the book to win hand-to-hand combat battles. He also exhibits enough speed, quickness and athleticism to consistently get home. Long is more than capable of winning against tackles in one-on-one situations, which he's bound to see in 2014 as more attention heads in Quinn's direction following his breakout campaign. Williams might look to exploit Long's abilities by using more D-line stunts or by flip-flopping his defensive ends in exotic fronts. By adding a little creativity to the mix, Williams can isolate his top rushers on the opponent's inferior blockers, leading to constant penetration.
MICHAEL BROCKERS
The best defenses in the NFL typically feature a disruptive force on the interior. The Rams have a burgeoning star there, with the 23-year-old Brockers showing signs of developing into a Pro Bowl-caliber defensive tackle. The 6-foot-5, 326-pounder possesses the size, strength and athleticism to overpower blockers at the point of attack, making him a force against the run. Additionally, Brockers has shown good hand skills and power as a crafty pass rusher on the inside. With Brockers capable of lining up at the 1- and 3-technique spots, Williams can play right and left with his defensive tackles, or flip Brockers and Langford/Donald based on the strength of the formation.
2) The linebackers will wreak havoc from the second level.
As mentioned, Williams has made quite a living incorporating blitz-heavy schemes, but he has rarely possessed all of the pieces to truly maximize an ultra-aggressive approach. In St. Louis, however, Williams inherits a pair of linebackers with the speed, athleticism and instincts to excel in an attacking scheme that allows 'backers to run-and-chase all over the field. Thus, I would expect Williams to call more five-, six- and seven-man pressures than his predecessor, Tim Walton, to take advantage of the Rams' wealth of talent at linebacker. St. Louis has the makings of a dynamic duo. Allow me to further explain ...
JAMES LAURINAITIS
The sixth-year pro is the Rams' unquestioned defensive leader. He sets the tone for the unit with his relentless style, yet he is never out of control on the field. Laurinaitis always appears to be in the right spot at the right time, which is a testament to his football IQ and diligent preparation. Given the importance of those factors in Williams' defense, I expect to see Laurinaitis shine. After reviewing the tape from the 2013 campaign, I believe Williams will incorporate Laurinaitis into the pass rush on a number of blitzes and "green dogs" (linebacker will spy the running back but rush the quarterback if the running back stays in pass protection).
The following series of screengrabs is taken from the Rams' Week 16 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. St. Louis is aligned in a blitz-heavy front, with Laurinaitis preparing to charge in from the right side:
With Jo-Lonn Dunbar (highlighted in yellow) attracting attention through the C-gap, Laurinaitis walks into an easy sack:
In the next set of screengrabs, taken from the Rams' Week 7 loss to the Carolina Panthers, Laurinaitis is executing a "green dog" blitz through the C-gap. He is assigned to match up with RB DeAngelo Williams, but will attack the gap if the running back stays in pass protection:
With Williams picking up the edge rusher, Laurinaitis blows through the C-gap to sack Cam Newton for a big loss:
ALEC OGLETREE
The Rams landed one of the best young linebackers in football when they selected Ogletree with the 30th pick of the 2013 draft. The hyper-explosive playmaker recorded 117 tackles, 1.5 sacks and an interception as a rookie. Additionally, he finished the year with six forced fumbles and a number of splash plays that showcased his knack for disruption. Given Williams' affinity for turnovers, Ogletree is a perfect specimen for the scheme.
Imagining how Williams will deploy Ogletree, I envision the second-year pro thriving as an active, move-around linebacker in base and sub-packages. Ogletree's athleticism should make him an effective blitzer and cover man, giving Williams more options on exotic pressures.
In the following screengrab, also taken from the Rams' win over the Bucs, Laurinaitis and Ogletree are aligned on the right and assigned to blitz through the B- and C-gaps, respectively:
Laurinaitis dives in hard through the B-gap, with Ogletree checking the tight end before attacking the C-gap:
The Buccaneers are unable to account for the extra defenders, resulting in a sack and forced fumble for the Rams.
Ogletree's ability to also cover tight ends in space will make him a key part of the puzzle in Williams' scheme. Ogletree possesses the speed and quickness to run with tight ends down the seam, yet shows the quickness and instincts to undercut intermediate routes between the numbers. As a result, quarterbacks are unable to attack the underbelly of the defense with quick-rhythm throws, as evidenced in the video to the right.
The Rams' ferocious front line will limit deep-ball opportunities by applying constant pressure in the pocket. Add in a sticky cover linebacker like Ogletree and it's clear opposing quarterbacks are looking at some seriously limited options.
3) T.J. McDonald will become a monster in the middle of the field.
The common denominator on Williams' best defenses over the years has been the presence of a dominant safety between the hashes. The innovative defensive architect frequently utilizes one of his safeties as the designated playmaker in the middle of the field. Williams will deploy this player near the line of scrimmage to use him as an additional defender against the run or as an extra rusher on exotic blitzes. Additionally, Williams will position the guy as a "trapper" or "robber" in coverage to create turnover opportunities. While most defensive coordinators feature similar tactics, Williams' ability to cleverly craft a scheme that puts the chosen safety in prime position has helped a number of players earn Pro Bowl distinctions, including Blaine Bishop (Oilers/Titans), Sean Taylor (Redskins), Roman Harper and Darren Sharper (both with the Saints).
That's why I'm excited to see what Williams does with T.J. McDonald in St. Louis. Despite missing six games in the middle of the season with a broken leg, McDonald flashed big-time talent last season as a rookie starter, finishing with 53 tackles, one sack and an interception in 10 starts. This is a gritty, hard-nosed defender with outstanding instincts and a nasty demeanor. Most importantly, McDonald's a versatile defender capable of floating between the hashes as a center fielder or attacking near the line of scrimmage as a hybrid linebacker.
Williams likely will position McDonald at strong safety, which is the same spot where Bishop and Harper thrived under the coach. I expect to see him on slot receivers and tight ends in man coverage -- as evidenced by this video clip -- while covering curl/flat and hook areas in zone. Williams is likely to take advantage of McDonald's underrated athleticism while also allowing him to play as the enforcer between the hashes. As a ball hawk/headhunter combo, McDonald will discourage quarterbacks from attacking down the middle and greatly reduce the amount of big plays surrendered through the air.
In the passing game, Williams also can use McDonald as a rusher off the edge to enhance the Rams' formidable pass rush. This tactic, which Williams frequently incorporated with Harper in New Orleans, meshes well with McDonald's skills. Checking in at 6-2 and 217 pounds, McDonald is a big-bodied safety with the physicality, toughness and rush skills to overwhelm blockers in one-on-one situations. Additionally, he displays outstanding pre-snap anticipation and timing coming off the edge.
In the video to the right, McDonald is aligned in the slot in what appears to be man coverage. He is bluffing to keep the Buccaneers' offensive line from counting him as part of the rush. At the snap, however, McDonald blitzes from the slot as part of an overload zone pressure. The Bucs are outnumbered at the point of attack, resulting in an easy sack.
With McDonald capable of impacting the game as a pass defender or rusher, Williams can dig deep into his playbook to torment opponents with a variety of exotic blitzes designed to put his designated playmaker in a position to create chaos all over the field.
). This article doesn't even go into depth on the potential impact of Donald to the pass rush, another cause (and a big one) for an optimistic projection.http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000355517/article/st-louis-rams-defense-will-fully-blossom-under-gregg-williams
Rams' defense will fully blossom under Gregg Williams
By Bucky Brooks
When the St. Louis Rams hired Gregg Williams as their new defensive coordinator in January, offensive coaches around the league immediately took notice. This appears to be the perfect marriage of coach and personnel, the type of development that could make the Rams a dark-horse contender in the NFC West -- and beyond.
Everyone, of course, is familiar with Williams' role in the New Orleans Saints' bounty scandal, something that earned him a suspension that kept him out for the 2012 season. But make no mistake about it: The man can coach defense.
A coaching disciple of Buddy Ryan, Williams adopted his former boss' ultra-aggressive approach. Williams developed his reputation as an innovative schemer during his first stint as a defensive coordinator, with the Tennessee Oilers/Titans from 1997 to 2000. He went on to enjoy defensive success at a number of other stops, including New Orleans, where he helped the Saints win their first and only Super Bowl title. The feisty play-caller employed a blitz-heavy game plan in the Big Easy to create chaos at the point of attack, leading to a host of turnovers and negative plays. (Williams' Super Bowl-winning unit finished second in the NFL in takeaways and excelled in the red zone.)
From a schematic standpoint, Williams will use every front in the book. At his core, though, he's a 4-3 over/under guy. He implements a defensive audible system that adapts to offensive formations, allowing his guys to be in the best possible call on every down. Although the complex nature of the scheme puts a ton of pressure on the linebackers and safeties to make adjustments, it is a system that produces outstanding results when mastered. On passing downs, Williams certainly isn't afraid to mix in a variety of blitzes from exotic looks -- including some Okie fronts (3-4 or nickel 3-3 packages) -- as well as the standard 4-2-5 nickel front. He will order up Cover 0 all-out blitzes in any area of the field, which makes him the ultimate gambler as a play-caller. I've talked to many of his former players over the past few years, and they've raved about his aggressiveness and attack mentality.
Looking at the principles of his scheme and the talented pieces in St. Louis, here are three things to watch for this fall:
1) Williams' blitz-heavy plan will make the NFL's best D-line even better.
When I played defensive back with the Kansas City Chiefs under Gunther Cunningham in the late 1990s, the ultra-aggressive defensive guru taught me that blitzes aren't necessarily diagrammed to get the designated rusher to the quarterback; many of them are crafted to help talented defensive linemen get one-on-one pass-rush opportunities. Cunningham repeatedly told me that dominant defensive linemen win the overwhelming majority of their snaps against single blocks. A team that consistently ratchets up the pressure will consequently rack up the big hits and turnovers.
In St. Louis, the Rams have the ideal personnel along the line to benefit from Williams' blitz-heavy nature. The team returns every starter from last season's front four: highly disruptive ends Robert Quinn and Chris Long as well as imposing defensive tackles Michael Brockers and Kendall Langford. And last month, St. Louis selected freakish defensive tackle Aaron Donald with the No. 13 pick of the 2014 NFL Draft. William Hayes and Eugene Sims will continue to make contributions as rotational players, while rookie Michael Sam could chip in as a pass-rush specialist. Long story short, the Rams will be able to attack opponents from every angle with waves of big, athletic bodies. Thus, a unit that accounted for 46 of the team's 53 sacks (the NFL's third-highest total in 2013) should make an even bigger impact this season with more one-on-one chances at the line of scrimmage.
Studying the Rams' personnel, the three defensive linemen to watch in Williams' scheme will be Quinn, Long and Brockers. As high-motor players with exceptional length, athleticism and first-step quickness, these three have the ability to create chaos on straight four-man rushes or exotic pressures. This should give Williams the flexibility to attack opposing quarterbacks with pressure or coverage on any down, which will make his pre-snap disguise package even more difficult to decipher at the line. Let's take a closer look at these three studs:
ROBERT QUINN
Quinn blossomed into a truly dynamic player in 2013, accumulating 19 sacks and seven forced fumbles. The first-team All-Pro selection overwhelmed opponents with his first-step quickness, using a traditional speed rush to tally the majority of his sacks. Although he occasionally flashes a spin move or an inside maneuver to work free, the overall repertoire is limited. No matter: He's so darn explosive on his upfield rush that offensive tackles have a tough time slowing him down. Expect Williams to keep it simple for his prized pupil. Closer Mariano Rivera finished off a lot of Yankee wins by utilizing a single pitch -- Quinn's speed rush is akin to Mo's cutter.
CHRIS LONG
It's easy to miscast Long as a "try hard guy" based on his fanatical effort, but scouts know the seventh-year pro is a polished pass-rusher. Long uses every trick in the book to win hand-to-hand combat battles. He also exhibits enough speed, quickness and athleticism to consistently get home. Long is more than capable of winning against tackles in one-on-one situations, which he's bound to see in 2014 as more attention heads in Quinn's direction following his breakout campaign. Williams might look to exploit Long's abilities by using more D-line stunts or by flip-flopping his defensive ends in exotic fronts. By adding a little creativity to the mix, Williams can isolate his top rushers on the opponent's inferior blockers, leading to constant penetration.
MICHAEL BROCKERS
The best defenses in the NFL typically feature a disruptive force on the interior. The Rams have a burgeoning star there, with the 23-year-old Brockers showing signs of developing into a Pro Bowl-caliber defensive tackle. The 6-foot-5, 326-pounder possesses the size, strength and athleticism to overpower blockers at the point of attack, making him a force against the run. Additionally, Brockers has shown good hand skills and power as a crafty pass rusher on the inside. With Brockers capable of lining up at the 1- and 3-technique spots, Williams can play right and left with his defensive tackles, or flip Brockers and Langford/Donald based on the strength of the formation.
2) The linebackers will wreak havoc from the second level.
As mentioned, Williams has made quite a living incorporating blitz-heavy schemes, but he has rarely possessed all of the pieces to truly maximize an ultra-aggressive approach. In St. Louis, however, Williams inherits a pair of linebackers with the speed, athleticism and instincts to excel in an attacking scheme that allows 'backers to run-and-chase all over the field. Thus, I would expect Williams to call more five-, six- and seven-man pressures than his predecessor, Tim Walton, to take advantage of the Rams' wealth of talent at linebacker. St. Louis has the makings of a dynamic duo. Allow me to further explain ...
JAMES LAURINAITIS
The sixth-year pro is the Rams' unquestioned defensive leader. He sets the tone for the unit with his relentless style, yet he is never out of control on the field. Laurinaitis always appears to be in the right spot at the right time, which is a testament to his football IQ and diligent preparation. Given the importance of those factors in Williams' defense, I expect to see Laurinaitis shine. After reviewing the tape from the 2013 campaign, I believe Williams will incorporate Laurinaitis into the pass rush on a number of blitzes and "green dogs" (linebacker will spy the running back but rush the quarterback if the running back stays in pass protection).
The following series of screengrabs is taken from the Rams' Week 16 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. St. Louis is aligned in a blitz-heavy front, with Laurinaitis preparing to charge in from the right side:
With Jo-Lonn Dunbar (highlighted in yellow) attracting attention through the C-gap, Laurinaitis walks into an easy sack:
In the next set of screengrabs, taken from the Rams' Week 7 loss to the Carolina Panthers, Laurinaitis is executing a "green dog" blitz through the C-gap. He is assigned to match up with RB DeAngelo Williams, but will attack the gap if the running back stays in pass protection:
With Williams picking up the edge rusher, Laurinaitis blows through the C-gap to sack Cam Newton for a big loss:
ALEC OGLETREE
The Rams landed one of the best young linebackers in football when they selected Ogletree with the 30th pick of the 2013 draft. The hyper-explosive playmaker recorded 117 tackles, 1.5 sacks and an interception as a rookie. Additionally, he finished the year with six forced fumbles and a number of splash plays that showcased his knack for disruption. Given Williams' affinity for turnovers, Ogletree is a perfect specimen for the scheme.
Imagining how Williams will deploy Ogletree, I envision the second-year pro thriving as an active, move-around linebacker in base and sub-packages. Ogletree's athleticism should make him an effective blitzer and cover man, giving Williams more options on exotic pressures.
In the following screengrab, also taken from the Rams' win over the Bucs, Laurinaitis and Ogletree are aligned on the right and assigned to blitz through the B- and C-gaps, respectively:
Laurinaitis dives in hard through the B-gap, with Ogletree checking the tight end before attacking the C-gap:
The Buccaneers are unable to account for the extra defenders, resulting in a sack and forced fumble for the Rams.
Ogletree's ability to also cover tight ends in space will make him a key part of the puzzle in Williams' scheme. Ogletree possesses the speed and quickness to run with tight ends down the seam, yet shows the quickness and instincts to undercut intermediate routes between the numbers. As a result, quarterbacks are unable to attack the underbelly of the defense with quick-rhythm throws, as evidenced in the video to the right.
The Rams' ferocious front line will limit deep-ball opportunities by applying constant pressure in the pocket. Add in a sticky cover linebacker like Ogletree and it's clear opposing quarterbacks are looking at some seriously limited options.
3) T.J. McDonald will become a monster in the middle of the field.
The common denominator on Williams' best defenses over the years has been the presence of a dominant safety between the hashes. The innovative defensive architect frequently utilizes one of his safeties as the designated playmaker in the middle of the field. Williams will deploy this player near the line of scrimmage to use him as an additional defender against the run or as an extra rusher on exotic blitzes. Additionally, Williams will position the guy as a "trapper" or "robber" in coverage to create turnover opportunities. While most defensive coordinators feature similar tactics, Williams' ability to cleverly craft a scheme that puts the chosen safety in prime position has helped a number of players earn Pro Bowl distinctions, including Blaine Bishop (Oilers/Titans), Sean Taylor (Redskins), Roman Harper and Darren Sharper (both with the Saints).
That's why I'm excited to see what Williams does with T.J. McDonald in St. Louis. Despite missing six games in the middle of the season with a broken leg, McDonald flashed big-time talent last season as a rookie starter, finishing with 53 tackles, one sack and an interception in 10 starts. This is a gritty, hard-nosed defender with outstanding instincts and a nasty demeanor. Most importantly, McDonald's a versatile defender capable of floating between the hashes as a center fielder or attacking near the line of scrimmage as a hybrid linebacker.
Williams likely will position McDonald at strong safety, which is the same spot where Bishop and Harper thrived under the coach. I expect to see him on slot receivers and tight ends in man coverage -- as evidenced by this video clip -- while covering curl/flat and hook areas in zone. Williams is likely to take advantage of McDonald's underrated athleticism while also allowing him to play as the enforcer between the hashes. As a ball hawk/headhunter combo, McDonald will discourage quarterbacks from attacking down the middle and greatly reduce the amount of big plays surrendered through the air.
In the passing game, Williams also can use McDonald as a rusher off the edge to enhance the Rams' formidable pass rush. This tactic, which Williams frequently incorporated with Harper in New Orleans, meshes well with McDonald's skills. Checking in at 6-2 and 217 pounds, McDonald is a big-bodied safety with the physicality, toughness and rush skills to overwhelm blockers in one-on-one situations. Additionally, he displays outstanding pre-snap anticipation and timing coming off the edge.
In the video to the right, McDonald is aligned in the slot in what appears to be man coverage. He is bluffing to keep the Buccaneers' offensive line from counting him as part of the rush. At the snap, however, McDonald blitzes from the slot as part of an overload zone pressure. The Bucs are outnumbered at the point of attack, resulting in an easy sack.
With McDonald capable of impacting the game as a pass defender or rusher, Williams can dig deep into his playbook to torment opponents with a variety of exotic blitzes designed to put his designated playmaker in a position to create chaos all over the field.
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