Rams WR thread (1 Viewer)

[baconisgood]

Whats Clayton's projected value this season?

He hasn't cleared a physical yet so he hasn't signed.

 

[Bri]

More than any other Ram, Donnie Avery needs to play in Saturday's preseason game. He will play and he is excited about it. Bradford has this to say about Donnie.

"I thought Donnie looked really good (Wednesday)," Bradford said. "I thought he looked quick. I thought he looked fast. He made good decisions. He had a 'sight adjust' where he saw the safety come, and he made the right read."

http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2011/8/19/2372362/random-ramsdom-8-19-vermeil-speaks-out

 

[Bri]

another sbnation opinion:

Free agent wide receiver Mark Clayton will visit the New England Patriots for a workout tomorrow. The St. Louis Rams almost had a deal worked out with Clayton before the lockout, which made it seem like a foregone conclusion that Clayton would re-sign with the Rams as soon as the lockout ended. However, his injured knee made did not pass muster with the Rams medical staff once the league returned to business.

Last week, ESPN's John Clayton - no relation - said that Clayton would likely rejoin the Rams at some point. That seems less likely since the team hasn't re-signed him. St. Louis could re-sign Clayton and put him on the PUP list, since he hasn't practiced since the start of the league year, obviously. That the Rams did not sign him and add him to the PUP list suggests several possibilities.

First, it seems unlikely that the Rams would have given Clayton the same deal he almost signed in March with his knee still a concern some ten months after he injured it. Perhaps they did make him an offer, with the intent of putting him on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list, but the two sides could not agree to a contract.

After adding Mike Sims-Walker to the roster on a one-year prove it deal, I suspect the Rams interest in bringing Clayton back sagged. Remember, Clayton was brought in as a replacement for Donnie Avery last year. Avery is back with the team, practicing for the first time in a week and a half yesterday, and the Rams have a bevvy of other receivers, including two new draft picks and a rookie tight end who already looks like Sam Bradford's go-to option. There's also a new offensive coordinator, as you may have heard, who has no attachment to Clayton.

The Rotoworld link suggests that Clayton's physical with the Patriots is more likely than not for New England's benefit, a chance to check out a potential replacement for later in the preseason or regular season and stick his name in the Rolodex. Doubtlessly, that's how the Rams view him too.

We'll see how the receivers look in preseason action Saturday. An injury or a performance that makes coaches uncomfortable might help Clayton's chances for returning to the Rams. At this point, I wouldn't put very good odds on Clayton putting on a Rams uniform this year. Bummer for Clayton too; he got a place in the area and even a Missouri driver's license this summer.

http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2011/8/18/2371067/nfl-free-agent-news-mark-clayton

 

[Bri]

Whats Clayton's projected value this season?

He hasn't cleared a physical yet so he hasn't signed.

I don't think he has to in order to sign but can just go on PUP. The previous article mentioned as such too. Basically I saw your post and went digging.

 

[Bob Magaw]

as to the possibility of salas going on IR, the vereen thread mentioned that if before season started, he would have to clear waivers... i doubt he would, as a 4th rounder, who some scouts were high on...

after the season started, if you are IRed, don't think you have to clear waivers...

to place on practice squad (not necessarily related to IR designation), again, i think he would have to clear waivers...

i still think rookies are as close as anything to a lock to making roster, with amendola...

MSW seems likely if healthy... not sure how to interpret increased playing time of gibson... has he surpassed avery, or is he out there out of necessity (like last year?)...

IF the former, which i'm not sure is the case... that would be your top five, with avery, DX & gilyard vying for one spot...

if avery isn't on the outs, make that gibson, DX & gilyard...

gilyard seems like most likely to get the axe... DX is tough call, talented, but it would be a shame to cut a potentially good player (avery has flashed potential with awful QBs, what could he do with bradford? i think they would like to find out), only to have DX's knee blow up week one... HE would be a good candidate to IR, but not sure he would clear waivers, either (imo more likely than salas, given condition of his knees)...

my guess would be avery makes it, and last spot down to gibson & DX, with gibson having edge...

that said, wouldn't be shocked if avery doesn't make it...

if the vereen thread was right (post from yudkin), and preseason IR exposes player to waivers, i don't see it happening that way (regarding salas)... maybe they could carry seven WRs into season, THEN IR somebody (DX?), without exposing them to waivers... cut a marginal player (at another position), with an agreement to re-sign him once the season starts?

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

wut?

 

[TheFanatic]

Gibson caught an 83 yard TD on the first play of the second preseason game. Looks like a blown coverage but still impressive. Bradford hit him in stride.

 

[TheFanatic]

51 weeks to the day after he blew his knee, Avery catches a TD pass in a preseason game. Nice route and nice catch.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I'm still not impressed. Gibson was by himself almost back there, he has to catch that ball. MSW had a terrible drop. Amendola was himself.

I won't be surprised if the Sophomore slump hits this team some.

 

[TheFanatic]

I'm still not impressed. Gibson was by himself almost back there, he has to catch that ball. MSW had a terrible drop. Amendola was himself.

I won't be surprised if the Sophomore slump hits this team some.

Yeah, Gibson started off with an impressive stat line, but followed it up with nothing. It was a blown coverage, not Gibson making some amazing play. We would all take 83 and a TD every week if we could get it, but he's not doing that every week. Lots of talk after the game by the players saying it's hard to learn a new O, even if they had a whole offseason. Lots of excuse making.

One thing about the game though to look at between the stat lines. The Rams called very few run plays. They wanted to pass, pass, pass, to sort out that WR mess. Had it been a more balanced offense, I think the team could've exploited the Titans better.

 

[rascal]

I'm still not impressed. Gibson was by himself almost back there, he has to catch that ball. MSW had a terrible drop. Amendola was himself.

I won't be surprised if the Sophomore slump hits this team some.

Yeah, Gibson started off with an impressive stat line, but followed it up with nothing. It was a blown coverage, not Gibson making some amazing play. We would all take 83 and a TD every week if we could get it, but he's not doing that every week. Lots of talk after the game by the players saying it's hard to learn a new O, even if they had a whole offseason. Lots of excuse making.

One thing about the game though to look at between the stat lines. The Rams called very few run plays. They wanted to pass, pass, pass, to sort out that WR mess. Had it been a more balanced offense, I think the team could've exploited the Titans better.

Say hello to McDaniels.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I'm still not impressed. Gibson was by himself almost back there, he has to catch that ball. MSW had a terrible drop. Amendola was himself.

I won't be surprised if the Sophomore slump hits this team some.

Yeah, Gibson started off with an impressive stat line, but followed it up with nothing. It was a blown coverage, not Gibson making some amazing play. We would all take 83 and a TD every week if we could get it, but he's not doing that every week. Lots of talk after the game by the players saying it's hard to learn a new O, even if they had a whole offseason. Lots of excuse making.

One thing about the game though to look at between the stat lines. The Rams called very few run plays. They wanted to pass, pass, pass, to sort out that WR mess. Had it been a more balanced offense, I think the team could've exploited the Titans better.

That's cause for concern IMO.

 

[LHUCKS]

Learning McDaniels complex offense in less than a month is a daunting task.

Bradford may be a great buy low if he stumbles out of the blocks.

 

[TheFanatic]

Say hello to McDaniels.

If he can turn Lloyd into a superstar, I'm glad to have him... With our WR's we need a miracle worker like that.

That's cause for concern IMO.

I didn't like them publicly saying it. SJax mentioned it specifically, which I thought was weird since he was barely used. He was standing up for his teammates I guess, but Bradford also mentioned it albeit much more diplomatically. I think having 12 WR's hurts this process too. Not only are they all trying to learn the O, but there aren't enough balls to go around to cement it in their heads. Not enough positive rewards for running the right route and a ball waiting for them when they get there. I'm sort of rooting against guys like Avery and Gilyard to fall back in the competition so they can focus on those doing better, but nobody is lighting it up and nobody is really sucking. It's all mediocre for as far as the eye can see.

 

[TheFanatic]

DX getting an MRI on his knee right now according to Rams beat writer...

 

[Couch Potato]

Learning McDaniels complex offense in less than a month is a daunting task.Bradford may be a great buy low if he stumbles out of the blocks.

Guys love to give you a lot of crap because of your sometimes smug or grating style. But you make a lot of good points for those paying attention and who are able to focus on that instead of the name of the poster. This is one of those points.

 

[AmosMoses]

DX getting an MRI on his knee right now according to Rams beat writer...

Again? Does anyone still have him on your roster?

 

[NBusiness]

Avery back at practice

I think MSW and Amendola are sure starters, the 3rd spot is up in the air.

Clayton, Avery or DX? 3 with injured knees but DX leads the group in surgeries. Too bad because he is probably the most talented.

I'm at this spot. Amendola is a poor man's Wes Welker.

I hate to say that because Welker is way way way more talented and its not even close. Sure Danny might catch 100 balls for about 800 yards this year. He is a PPR machine but offers nothing once he catches the ball, MSW was their FA signing, not that it should dictate but he will be not he field as much as possible, as long as he stays healthy. It's the WR3 slot that will see folks rotating in and out. Why is it assumed both rookie WRs make the team? I don't see Clayton coming back and being ready to roll before the 2nd half of the season. Avery is always hurt. I love DX but those knees are not holding up. They swell on him all the time. Shame as he flashes the most skills of these guys IMHO.

MSW and Amendola are both huge value in the 8th/9th/10th round

I wouldn't even give him that much credit. the reason I'm not drafting Amendola this year is that he wasn't an effective option for them last year. He produced 35 first downs on 85 receptions and over 120 targets. A guy like Mike Thomas had 38 on 66 receptions and 103 targets (IIRC). If everyone else gets injured again then he will get a bunch of targets but STL has more targets than they had last season and I don't expect that rash of injuries. Even more damning is that he was 2nd in the league in RZ targets but had only 3 TDs. Basically the Rams offense was Bradford looking downfield and when he realized his two starting WRs were lying on the ground with torn ACLs he dumped it off to Amendola. I look at him more like a Mike Furrey/shaun Mcdonald player. A fringe NFL talent that put up surprising stats when everything lined up for them but an afterthought any other time. I think he is a 40 catch guy this year.

Haha 40 catches. What did he do bang your girlfriend? He's good for 75 in his sleep. And the o/u is probably closer to 90. McD offense is tailor made for this dude.

 

[TheFanatic]

DX getting an MRI on his knee right now according to Rams beat writer...

Again? Does anyone still have him on your roster?

I do. 26 man rosters in a 12 team league that is WR intensive. Maybe not for long though...

 

[Couch Potato]

DX getting an MRI on his knee right now according to Rams beat writer...

Again? Does anyone still have him on your roster?

I do. 26 man rosters in a 12 team league that is WR intensive. Maybe not for long though...

Same here. Cut him loose in 3 20-man leagues, still holding (pending today's news) in a 24-man and a 26-man. I'm not encouraged.

 

[AmosMoses]

DX getting an MRI on his knee right now according to Rams beat writer...

Again? Does anyone still have him on your roster?

I do. 26 man rosters in a 12 team league that is WR intensive. Maybe not for long though...

Same here. Cut him loose in 3 20-man leagues, still holding (pending today's news) in a 24-man and a 26-man. I'm not encouraged.

Thanks. I have him in a few 20 man leagues (12 team). I love him upside, but it's painful owning him right now.

 

[damageinc]

Danario Alexander - WR - Rams

Danario Alexander underwent an MRI on his five-times surgically repaired left knee Monday.

The MRI was announced by the team. The fact that Alexander can't get over the hump with the same knee makes us think he'll eventually need to either 1) Take an extended period off from football, or 2) Need a more extensive knee surgery. At this point, we'd be a bit surprised if he made the Rams' roster.

Aug. 22 - 7:28 p.m. ET

 

[Bri]

Danario Alexander - WR - RamsDanario Alexander underwent an MRI on his five-times surgically repaired left knee Monday.The MRI was announced by the team. The fact that Alexander can't get over the hump with the same knee makes us think he'll eventually need to either 1) Take an extended period off from football, or 2) Need a more extensive knee surgery. At this point, we'd be a bit surprised if he made the Rams' roster.Aug. 22 - 7:28 p.m. ET

I thought it swelled up so they were following procedure and giving him an MRI. Scuze me Damage but isn't your wife a doc or nurse? Seems to me this is normal for guys that have had knee surgery and we simply have to treat it as nothing (but maybe keep an eye on it) until they release MRI results.Swelling is expected right?

 

[damageinc]

That wasnt my opinion , I was just copying it from USA today.

I thought it swelled up so they were following procedure and giving him an MRI.

Scuze me Damage but isn't your wife a doc or nurse? Seems to me this is normal for guys that have had knee surgery and we simply have to treat it as nothing (but maybe keep an eye on it) until they release MRI results.

Swelling is expected right?

 

[whodeywhodey]

Anyone putting stock in this?

Brandon Gibson was the Rams' starter when they opened Saturday's preseason game in a three-tight end, one-receiver formation.

He caught an 83-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage, although he was wide open after a nasty Sam Bradford play-action fake. It was one of two targets for Gibson. Mike Sims-Walker played in three-receiver sets, but had a rough night with a drop that was intercepted and set up a Titans touchdown. MSW fell on another pass route on third-and-long to force a punt. At this rate, Sims-Walker won't pass Gibson before Week 1. Aug 21, 12:44 PM

 

[TheDirtyWord]

The question I would have though is this.

McDaniels throws the ball...ALOT. So much so, he turned Kyle Orton into an elite fantasy QB through 12 weeks of the season last year. Bradford should be competent enough in such a scheme to at least hit 3500 yards at a minimum. Who catches the passes?

I'm sure that's what this thread is about, but it seems like at this point, we've ruled everybody out leaving nobody.

 

[daveR]

Learning McDaniels complex offense in less than a month is a daunting task.Bradford may be a great buy low if he stumbles out of the blocks.

Guys love to give you a lot of crap because of your sometimes smug or grating style. But you make a lot of good points for those paying attention and who are able to focus on that instead of the name of the poster. This is one of those points.

+1

 

[Anonymous Internet User]

Learning McDaniels complex offense in less than a month is a daunting task.Bradford may be a great buy low if he stumbles out of the blocks.

Guys love to give you a lot of crap because of your sometimes smug or grating style. But you make a lot of good points for those paying attention and who are able to focus on that instead of the name of the poster. This is one of those points.

+1

didn't Sims-Walker claim to have learned the book in less than a week?

 

[Bigboy10182000]

The question I would have though is this.McDaniels throws the ball...ALOT. So much so, he turned Kyle Orton into an elite fantasy QB through 12 weeks of the season last year. Bradford should be competent enough in such a scheme to at least hit 3500 yards at a minimum. Who catches the passes?I'm sure that's what this thread is about, but it seems like at this point, we've ruled everybody out leaving nobody.

That's a good question and I would love to hear some answers. For starters I can't understand the rankings of Amendola on DD for a PPR given all the camp reports and looking like Wes Welker lite. Its hard to imagine him NOT at the very least matching what he did last season but it wouldnt shock me to see 85-900-5 from him.

 

[whodeywhodey]

Targeting Gibson in every league that I can. I think he is THE late round pick to own.

Okay well he and Denarius Moore.

 

[thecardiackid]

I read the last page, and didn't see anything, so (more dynasty related i guess) what's going on w/ austin pettis the 3rd round rookie? MFL has no news. Given MSW's injury history and avery coming back from the knee kinda early, this should be interesting.

 

[Mr Rodgers neighborhood]

The question I would have though is this.McDaniels throws the ball...ALOT. So much so, he turned Kyle Orton into an elite fantasy QB through 12 weeks of the season last year. Bradford should be competent enough in such a scheme to at least hit 3500 yards at a minimum. Who catches the passes?I'm sure that's what this thread is about, but it seems like at this point, we've ruled everybody out leaving nobody.

That's a good question and I would love to hear some answers. For starters I can't understand the rankings of Amendola on DD for a PPR given all the camp reports and looking like Wes Welker lite. Its hard to imagine him NOT at the very least matching what he did last season but it wouldnt shock me to see 85-900-5 from him.

For him to get to 900 yards off of 85 receptions, he'd have to improve his yards per catch by nearly two yards a catch. He had 85 catches last year for 689 yards. I think that is one of the problems with him... He has little when it comes to YAC.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

The question I would have though is this.McDaniels throws the ball...ALOT. So much so, he turned Kyle Orton into an elite fantasy QB through 12 weeks of the season last year. Bradford should be competent enough in such a scheme to at least hit 3500 yards at a minimum. Who catches the passes?I'm sure that's what this thread is about, but it seems like at this point, we've ruled everybody out leaving nobody.

That's a good question and I would love to hear some answers. For starters I can't understand the rankings of Amendola on DD for a PPR given all the camp reports and looking like Wes Welker lite. Its hard to imagine him NOT at the very least matching what he did last season but it wouldnt shock me to see 85-900-5 from him.

For him to get to 900 yards off of 85 receptions, he'd have to improve his yards per catch by nearly two yards a catch. He had 85 catches last year for 689 yards. I think that is one of the problems with him... He has little when it comes to YAC.

I understand but I'm chalking that extra 2 YAC up to experiance. He seems to fit that slot role so good and looks to be pretty quick...with more experiance I think he should be able to build off of last season. I don't watch him so maybe a Rams homer could chime in but everything I read says hes been their best WR so far and he seems to be the only sure WR they have at the moment.

 

[Anonymous Internet User]

The question I would have though is this.McDaniels throws the ball...ALOT. So much so, he turned Kyle Orton into an elite fantasy QB through 12 weeks of the season last year. Bradford should be competent enough in such a scheme to at least hit 3500 yards at a minimum. Who catches the passes?I'm sure that's what this thread is about, but it seems like at this point, we've ruled everybody out leaving nobody.

That's a good question and I would love to hear some answers. For starters I can't understand the rankings of Amendola on DD for a PPR given all the camp reports and looking like Wes Welker lite. Its hard to imagine him NOT at the very least matching what he did last season but it wouldnt shock me to see 85-900-5 from him.

For him to get to 900 yards off of 85 receptions, he'd have to improve his yards per catch by nearly two yards a catch. He had 85 catches last year for 689 yards. I think that is one of the problems with him... He has little when it comes to YAC.

I understand but I'm chalking that extra 2 YAC up to experiance. He seems to fit that slot role so good and looks to be pretty quick...with more experiance I think he should be able to build off of last season. I don't watch him so maybe a Rams homer could chime in but everything I read says hes been their best WR so far and he seems to be the only sure WR they have at the moment.

YAC is not solely due to the receiver. If the QB doesn't lead the WR or if they don't have good pace on the throw, a receiver will be forced to dive to the ground often. What was the YAC for all StL receivers last year for receptions under 20 yards? I'd be willing to bet that Amendola's wasn't much different than any other receivers. A year of experience for Bradford will also do wonders for this.

 

[Couch Potato]

Found this, dated today (8/22), from Turfshowtimes. Could be helpful.http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2011/8/22/2376880/st-louis-rams-wide-receivers

The St. Louis Rams have several position battles brewing at training camp this year. No position battle is as eagerly watched as the log jam at wide receiver. It's a horse race, beyond the top two spots anyway. Through some three weeks of practice and a couple preseason games, no candidates have really emerged to nail down the four or five roster spots behind Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson. Where do things stand as of the preseason's halfway point ? Let's take a look.Star-divideBrandon Gibson and Danny Amendola clearly earned the starting jobs, barring some dramatic development. Amendola is his reliable self, looking for an offense that can give him more room to work this year. Before camp, many thought Gibson was a long shot to make the team, but he separated himself from the pack on the first day of camp. During the lockout we all speculated about who might be the Rams' version of Brandon Lloyd in McDaniels' offense, and it looks like Brandon Gibson is it. As for the rest...Mike Sims-Walker - The most accomplished of any receiver, the Rams signed him to an incentive-laden one-year contract. So far, the results have been mixed. He had a terrible game this week, getting a late break and bobbling a pass that led to an interception. That was followed by a fall on 3rd-and-12 with the ball coming his way. He did make one nice catch later in the game. MSW missed practice almost all week, so he gets a mulligan for his performance on Saturday. Greg Salas - Playing in his first NFL game this week, Salas quickly bounced back from a dropped pass to catch three more. A quick guy with good hands and the toughness to play all over the field, I'll be interested to see what he does with more reps this week.Austin Pettis - Starting with the ones in the first week of the preseason, he muffed some easy passes and looked jittery. This week, he was with the second and third teams, as well as working on special teams. His size and hands, reportedly his best asset per scouting reports, should make him a great red zone weapon for the Rams. You have to think they'll have some preference for keeping the two draft picks selected by the current administration. Donnie Avery - In my opinion, he earned himself more reps with the first team next week. He looked great on the 19-yard TD pass from Feeley to start the second half, after a nice week in practice. Danario Alexander - He played alright this week, but isn't doing much to stake his claim to a roster spot. Five knee surgeries, and already some missed time this summer, makes his NFL future cloudy. When healthy, he has the ablity to work deep and beat most corners with his size and style of play. Mardy Gilyard - The Rams really want to see what he can do as a returner, where his shiftiness could be a real asset. So far, he's been fine. He really stands out as a gunner on the kicking teams, and his special teams play could very well earn him a roster spot. Dominique Curry, Jared Jenkins, Greg Matthews and Joe West are also vying for a spot on the roster, one that will be difficult for them to earn given just how limited snaps are in a crowded filed of receivers. They've cobined for just one reception in the preseason. One of these players will land on the practice squad. And the winners are...If I had to make an educated guess right now, I'd say the receiver race shakes out like this: * Amendola, Gibson * Sims-Walker - gets it based on his track record and I expect him to play better this week. * Avery - He reminded us that he has the talent. Keep a close eye on him this week in the all telling third preseason game. * Salas - He won't last on the practice squad, and there's just too much potential here. * Gilyard - The special teams play is telling. * Pettis - It probably comes down to seven receivers for the Rams, and they won't want to let a third-round pick get away just because he had a rough preseason. Don't be surprised if receiver hungry teams come calling on the Rams. Guys like Mardy Gilyard or even Donnie Avery could be trade bait. They won't fetch a huge return, but with the reps they're getting teams in need will notice. Danario Alexander is the odd man out here, but he could easily play his way into the mix. Which players make your list?

 

[The Kerminator]

Thanks CP. That's a very helpful article.

 

[Bri]

* Pettis - It probably comes down to seven receivers for the Rams, and they won't want to let a third-round pick get away just because he had a rough preseason.

(CP quoted an article)They won't keep seven!I bet it takes a good month of research to come up with an NFL team that has ever kept seven.It can be spun any way ya want as final roster cuts go...but the Titans kept 5th WR Marc Mariani because he simply kept making play and could return kicks well. He made the pro bowl as a return guy (and got more WR work in the pro bowl than with the Titans-or so it seemed) so it was a reasonable move BUT they also had to cut a RB that wound up doing well for the Bucs. The Titans rolled with two RBs in 2010 in order to use 5 WRs. IIRC One went to PUP and you could call that 6 WRs. People in this thread are rrrrreally pushing the Rams WR numbers far too high.There's some serious roster manipulation once they cross 4 WRs-some decent player is getting cut so they can get to 5. To get to 6 WRs would be even more difficult.They can't have zero backup OL in order to keep 7 WRs. That is just not happening. My point is not that someone has said they'd have no backup linemen or no backup DBs, but that they haven't accounted for the "collateral damage" if another WR is kept. I mentioned the Titans because I think it paints a nice picture as to how difficult it can get for a coach to deal with the roster crunch. 7 is not happening.ETA and please don't add in "practice squad" because if "your boy" is doing well, then when he gets cut, he will be picked up by another team. Remember, a player has to clear waivers in order to be on the PS.

 

[TheFanatic]

ETA and please don't add in "practice squad" because if "your boy" is doing well, then when he gets cut, he will be picked up by another team. Remember, a player has to clear waivers in order to be on the PS.

That's why teams overstate injuries and even IR guys to basically try to redshirt him for a year. DX was a candidate for that last year but he was just healthy enough to stay on the team. True, a player can get claimed off waivers, but it doesn't mean teams won't try to stash a player on the PS.

 

[TheFanatic]

The latest on the DX MRI:

BY JIM THOMAS STLtoday.com | Posted: Monday, August 22, 2011 5:31 pm |Wide receiver Danario Alexander was not at practice Monday for the St. Louis Rams. He experienced more problems with his left knee following the Tennessee game Saturday. He underwent an MRI exam on Monday, but the knee checked out OK with the MRI showing no further damage. "It's not that anything happened," coach Steve Spagnuolo said. "It's just that it feels funny on him. We just want to make sure we're not dealing with anything serious, and put his mind at ease." Alexander, the former University of Missouri standout, has had five surgeries on the knee.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Learning McDaniels complex offense in less than a month is a daunting task.Bradford may be a great buy low if he stumbles out of the blocks.

Agreed and further help--the Rams 1st seven games are brutal outside of the RedskinsHI@ NYGBALWAS-@ GB@ DALNO

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

The question I would have though is this.McDaniels throws the ball...ALOT. So much so, he turned Kyle Orton into an elite fantasy QB through 12 weeks of the season last year. Bradford should be competent enough in such a scheme to at least hit 3500 yards at a minimum. Who catches the passes?I'm sure that's what this thread is about, but it seems like at this point, we've ruled everybody out leaving nobody.

It's Gibson and Amendola and has been the entire camp. They were the mainstays regardless of injury in the line-up. MSW will get in in 3-receiver sets to start the season and I assume they will run a lot of those.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

This thread is a very interesting read. What I find the most interesting thing about it is that in all the articles/info I've perused regarding the Rams WR's, the most definitive information I'm gleaning is that Brandon Gibson has been, and continues to be, the closest thing to a bona-fide starting WR for the Rams...I'm not using many resources outside of the News Blogger, FWIW...

...I'm not going to go as far as to say that folks are in denial about this, but there seems to be at least some willful dismissal, not even unwilling acceptance, about Gibson being the most consistent WR getting starter reps in Rams camp...

...maybe because he's not a 'known commodity' like Avery or Clayton, or an exciting new toy Rookie like Salas or Pettis, or an easy to accept PPR hog like Amendola, or a strong upside guy like Danario Alexander or Gilyard...

...but there he is, plain old Brandon Gibson, getting the reps, and making the most of them, day after day, after day...

...I think Gibson IS a guy that probably occurs as one of the fewest Rams WR on anyone's Team Roster at this time, maybe that's part of it...

...I think this situation is still liquid, and still needs bearing out...maybe folks feel Gibson is just a placeholder getting opportunity in the absence of others, and his well will dry up when other WR are healthy enough to take reps, but it is...very interesting, that few people seem to be taking stock in the reality that when the Rams line up in practice, pretty much every day since training camp opened, the one constant WR in the starting lineup appears to be Brandon Gibson.

I'd like to hear more on this from the countless # of folks in this thread who are much closer to the situation than I am. I'm certainly willing to adjust my POV if it's warranted...

Perhaps the post of the thread

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Also like to add that this has been a model for how threads can really be informative without all the bs, nice job and props to the local Ramsfans on the board who have done an outstanding job of combing the internet for info.

 

[Tickle Monster]

 

[pghrob]

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/article_69ebe1ee-cdb6-11e0-910f-001a4bcf6878.html

Tony Velasquez: What's your percentage on which WR's, TE's, LB's make official roster?

Appreciate your work.

-Tony Velasquez

Jim Thomas: There are 8 WRs into probably six spots: Alexander, Amendola, Avery, Gibson, Gilyard, Pettis, Salas, Sims-Walker. I can't make a call on this yet.

There are 9 LBs into probably seven spots: Chamberlain, Diggs, Diles, Hull, Kehl, Laurinaitis, Leber, Poppinga, Williams. I'm not sure if you can hide Williams on the practice squad at this point. And I think Chamberlain has to make the club because of his considerable special teams value.

Tight end is a little more cut and dried: It's Bajema, Hoomanawanui, and Kendricks if the Rams keep three. I guess it's Onobun if the keep four.

Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/article_69ebe1ee-cdb6-11e0-910f-001a4bcf6878.html#ixzz1VsZjiiav

robbotis: JT- here's how I handicap the WR race:

1. Amendola

2. Sims-Walker

3. Gibson

4. Alexander

5. Avery

6. Salas

7. Pettis

8. Gilyard

Would that be how you'd handiap it at this time?

Jim Thomas: Interesting. I'd move Gilyard ahead of Pettis. Maybe switch Avery and Alexander.

Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/article_69ebe1ee-cdb6-11e0-910f-001a4bcf6878.html#ixzz1VsZq3N9F

Scott: Afternoon Jim, after watching Rams/Titans game Saturday , I was not impressed with front 7 performance against the run. We gave up a ton of yards to # 3 back. Should we expect this week in week out , or will this unit step up and stuff the run ? Also , getting the feeling D.Alexander is gone due to injury history. Thoughts ?

Jim Thomas: If as you suggest we can expect this kind of run defense week in and week out, it will be a long season.

As for Danario, it does make you wonder. He is a guy who has to be managed during the practice week in order to get through an entire season.

Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/article_69ebe1ee-cdb6-11e0-910f-001a4bcf6878.html#ixzz1VsZxYvfk

Haden: Hi Jim. With all the free agent signings, what do you think the teams's greatest need still is? Do you think this area will be addressed after cuts start occurring or do you think we will stay with what we have? Thanks for the chats.

Jim Thomas: To me there are depth concerns at cornerback and tight end. And I'm still not sure the Rams have enough at wide receiver. I think the Rams stand pat at WR (possible exception, if Mark Clayton gets healthy). The X-factor at TE is Hoomanawanui. If he's stays healthy, you're fine. But at the moment, that's a huge IF. At cornerback, I think the Rams will scour the waiver wires for another body there.

Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/article_69ebe1ee-cdb6-11e0-910f-001a4bcf6878.html#ixzz1Vsa8UUVv

 

[Beerguzzler]

Any news on Clayton? He looked fantastic last year before he got hurt. I have him on my IR still in my dynasty league, but will be forced to cut him this week unless there's some glimmer of hope he reconnects with Bradford.

All I can say is that Bradford's current collection of WR's still look pretty damn bad.

 

[bonesman]

Any news on Clayton? He looked fantastic last year before he got hurt. I have him on my IR still in my dynasty league, but will be forced to cut him this week unless there's some glimmer of hope he reconnects with Bradford. All I can say is that Bradford's current collection of WR's still look pretty damn bad.

Has been visiting other teams (Pats IIRC). Looks like the knee isn't coming along super fantastic. I think it's a foregone conclusion he won't be resigned.

 

[TheFanatic]

Any news on Clayton? He looked fantastic last year before he got hurt. I have him on my IR still in my dynasty league, but will be forced to cut him this week unless there's some glimmer of hope he reconnects with Bradford. All I can say is that Bradford's current collection of WR's still look pretty damn bad.

Has been visiting other teams (Pats IIRC). Looks like the knee isn't coming along super fantastic. I think it's a foregone conclusion he won't be resigned.

I wouldn't say it's a foregone conclusion. The Rams WR's are pretty terrible. Bradford seems like the real deal, but he might not be able to make these guys into anything. These guys still have to do something on Sundays and with their pedigrees, that's a long shot. The Rams continue to express interest, but the guy has to be healthy.That being said, Beerguzzler, I doubt he can pass a physical before you have to make that call.

 

[damageinc]

Danario Alexander - WR - Rams

Danario Alexander has opted against another clean-up procedure on his troublesome left knee.

It would have been the sixth known surgery on the knee. Though Alexander's MRI revealed no further damage, he's dealing with "chronic swelling" this year. Coach Steve Spagnuolo called DX "one tough sucker," noting that the receiver wants to play through the pain. We'll see if he gets that chance in a Rams uniform this year.

Aug. 23 - 5:17 p.m. ET

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Danario Alexander - WR - RamsDanario Alexander has opted against another clean-up procedure on his troublesome left knee.It would have been the sixth known surgery on the knee. Though Alexander's MRI revealed no further damage, he's dealing with "chronic swelling" this year. Coach Steve Spagnuolo called DX "one tough sucker," noting that the receiver wants to play through the pain. We'll see if he gets that chance in a Rams uniform this year.Aug. 23 - 5:17 p.m. ET

Biggest Alexander supporter since last year but at some point you have to admit when you're wrong. I don't do it all that often but I have gone from wanting to draft him and trade for him in dynasty leagues to doubting that he has any impact in 2011 and perhaps beyond that. I think it's safe to take Amendola and MSW in the 9th/10th, both will see plenty of action but folks should start scooping up Gibson if they haven't already. He seems like a lock to at least hit his numbers form a year ago and there points in the year last season where he was an every week flex option. I found Gibson in the 18th round the other day, last round in many other drafts to this point...he is going to start moving up I would think.