The Daryl Richardson Thread (3 Viewers)

[JohnnyU]

Richardson is not the starter in 2013

link?

 

[Sabertooth]

Richardson is not the starter in 2013

who is?

 

[Leroy's Aces]

Looks like I may have overvalued Richardson a bit if the below info is true. It makes sense that Fisher would not want the team led by Richardson and Pead.

This article is from March 21st.

http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2013/3/21/4130272/jeff-fisher-wants-a-veteran-running-back

Jamey Eisenberg ✔

@JameyEisenberg
#Rams coach Jeff Fisher said they'll be in the market for another RB to help replace Steven Jackson. He wants a "big back".

#Rams coach Jeff Fisher said "we'll be shopping" for another RB. Look for them to go after DeAngelo Williams when he's released.

#Rams coach Jeff Fisher did say he likes Daryl Richardson and Isaiah Pead, but clearly he's not sold on them leading the backfield.

 

[Inspiration]

I posted this in another thread, but Jeff Fisher-coached teams have drafted at least one RB in 8 out the last 9 drafts he has participated in. The Titans once spent two 2nd round picks and a 1st round pick on RBs in a three year span under Fisher, so having used two picks on RBs last year likely isn't much of an deterrent to using another high pick on a RB this year.

 

[EBF]

But I would like to get the opinion of some of the valued FBG posters about Daryl Richardson for 2013 as we head into the NFL draft. Is he the surefire starter? I think so. Do the Rams look at RB yet again after taking Pead and Richardson last year? I say they do not and Richardson becomes the lead back. He does not have the speed of a Charles or a Spiller, but he has other amazing metrics (broad jump and vertical are both elite) as EBF has pointed out. Is he a dynasty guy to target and what kind of rookie pick would you trade to get him? I am thinking a mid-first may do it and end up being a fantastic trade for the buyer. Thoughts from the FBG dynasty experts out there?

I think he's a good player, but his lack of size and sheer speed limits his upside. In an absolute best case scenario, I could envision him as a Warrick Dunn-like back. I think the more likely scenario is him leveling out as a good change of pace back who can handle 80-150 carries in a season.

I've sold him in 6 of my 7 leagues over the past several months. Most recently in two different 12 team ppr leagues for a random 2014 2nd round rookie pick. That's approximately where I value him. I wouldn't pay a first to get him, but I wouldn't sell him for a third.

In terms of what the Rams will do, I expect them to add somebody. I don't think they would be wise to roll with what they have. They need at least one 215+ pound back who can run with some power. There are a handful of decent candidates in this draft. Eddie Lacy. LeVeon Bell. Spencer Ware. Christine Michael.

If they stand pat, I would give Richardson the edge over Pead. He outplayed him last year despite having the odds stacked against him. I wouldn't say Pead is totally finished just yet, but I didn't like him out of Cincy and he didn't do anything last year to change my mind.

 

[TheFanatic]

Richardson is not the starter in 2013

who is?

Someone not on the team. Maybe Terrance Gannaway, but I doubt it. Richardson is what he is. He's a COP back and that's it. He does well in that role, but so did Amp Lee.

 

[lawrenceofbruno]

Any idea how much the banning of cut blocks affects his game? He is pretty small. At 5'10", 196lbs can he hold up in pass protection? Pead is just a tad smaller. Is this where Ganaway figures in, or do they draft a 3down back? What are Coach Fishers proclivities as a play caller, and will they enhance or diminish DRich's value?

 

[Xue]

Any idea how much the banning of cut blocks affects his game? He is pretty small. At 5'10", 196lbs can he hold up in pass protection? Pead is just a tad smaller. Is this where Ganaway figures in, or do they draft a 3down back? What are Coach Fishers proclivities as a play caller, and will they enhance or diminish DRich's value?

The new rule is for "peel-back cut blocks" affecting linemen not running backs. You can cut block anyone, one-on-one, running towards you.

 

[Sabertooth]

Richardson is not the starter in 2013

who is?

Someone not on the team. Maybe Terrance Gannaway, but I doubt it. Richardson is what he is. He's a COP back and that's it. He does well in that role, but so did Amp Lee.

lol

 

[Touchdown There]

iPead

 

[helix]

The Ram RB with the most fantasy points in 2013 will be-

40% chance for Richardson

30% chance for Pead

20% chance for a Rookie

10% chance for a UFA

Roll the dice accordingly

 

[Sinn Fein]

 

[Dez]

But I would like to get the opinion of some of the valued FBG posters about Daryl Richardson for 2013 as we head into the NFL draft. Is he the surefire starter? I think so. Do the Rams look at RB yet again after taking Pead and Richardson last year? I say they do not and Richardson becomes the lead back. He does not have the speed of a Charles or a Spiller, but he has other amazing metrics (broad jump and vertical are both elite) as EBF has pointed out. Is he a dynasty guy to target and what kind of rookie pick would you trade to get him? I am thinking a mid-first may do it and end up being a fantastic trade for the buyer. Thoughts from the FBG dynasty experts out there?

I think he's a good player, but his lack of size and sheer speed limits his upside. In an absolute best case scenario, I could envision him as a Warrick Dunn-like back. I think the more likely scenario is him leveling out as a good change of pace back who can handle 80-150 carries in a season.

I've sold him in 6 of my 7 leagues over the past several months. Most recently in two different 12 team ppr leagues for a random 2014 2nd round rookie pick. That's approximately where I value him. I wouldn't pay a first to get him, but I wouldn't sell him for a third.

In terms of what the Rams will do, I expect them to add somebody. I don't think they would be wise to roll with what they have. They need at least one 215+ pound back who can run with some power. There are a handful of decent candidates in this draft. Eddie Lacy. LeVeon Bell. Spencer Ware. Christine Michael.

If they stand pat, I would give Richardson the edge over Pead. He outplayed him last year despite having the odds stacked against him. I wouldn't say Pead is totally finished just yet, but I didn't like him out of Cincy and he didn't do anything last year to change my mind.

I was told he was worth a mid 1st round pick not long ago.

 

[EBF]

That's a lot more realistic after the draft. So far he and Pead have dodged a bullet.

 

[Gawain]

That's a lot more realistic after the draft. So far he and Pead have dodged a bullet.

Fixed your post. You've already given Mendenhall the benefit of no significant competition being added via the draft and that's with the Cards adding Stepfan Taylor. (I tend to agree with you that Taylor is likely no challenge to the starting job, but that's beside the point.) Any RB added now has very long odds to be fantasy relevant (Zac Stacy at 184 is probably worst case scenario). Fischer gave Pead/Richardson a big vote of confidence by not selecting one of the top tier backs, even though the Rams had multiple opportunities. I have to think the only big hurdle still out there is Ahmad Bradshaw, but I haven't heard any rumors of him being linked to the Rams.

 

[Nero]

I'm a Richardson owner 4 times. I'd have a big problem if they add Stacy.

 

[EBF]

That's a lot more realistic after the draft. So far he and Pead have dodged a bullet.

Fixed your post. You've already given Mendenhall the benefit of no significant competition being added via the draft and that's with the Cards adding Stepfan Taylor. (I tend to agree with you that Taylor is likely no challenge to the starting job, but that's beside the point.) Any RB added now has very long odds to be fantasy relevant (Zac Stacy at 184 is probably worst case scenario). Fischer gave Pead/Richardson a big vote of confidence by not selecting one of the top tier backs, even though the Rams had multiple opportunities. I have to think the only big hurdle still out there is Ahmad Bradshaw, but I haven't heard any rumors of him being linked to the Rams.

The issue with Richardson and Pead is that neither one of them brings any size or power, so any 220+ pound type back thrown into the mix would have the potential to disrupt things for them. I don't see a lot of great candidates in this particular draft class, but Alfred Morris and Bryce Brown were both still on the board at this time a year ago. If the Rams grab a bigger back late, there's a chance that he could be a factor.

And there's still the prospect of someone like Benson, Turner, McGahee, or Beanie entering the fray. That's a pretty gruesome group of players, but introduce any one of them into the mix and I think he would pose some threat.

 

[Gawain]

LOL harbinger of doom here

 

[EBF]

I'm a Richardson owner 4 times. I'd have a big problem if they add Stacy.

 

[cstu]

That's a lot more realistic after the draft. So far he and Pead have dodged a bullet.

Fixed your post. You've already given Mendenhall the benefit of no significant competition being added via the draft and that's with the Cards adding Stepfan Taylor. (I tend to agree with you that Taylor is likely no challenge to the starting job, but that's beside the point.) Any RB added now has very long odds to be fantasy relevant (Zac Stacy at 184 is probably worst case scenario). Fischer gave Pead/Richardson a big vote of confidence by not selecting one of the top tier backs, even though the Rams had multiple opportunities. I have to think the only big hurdle still out there is Ahmad Bradshaw, but I haven't heard any rumors of him being linked to the Rams.

The issue with Richardson and Pead is that neither one of them brings any size or power, so any 220+ pound type back thrown into the mix would have the potential to disrupt things for them. I don't see a lot of great candidates in this particular draft class, but Alfred Morris and Bryce Brown were both still on the board at this time a year ago. If the Rams grab a bigger back late, there's a chance that he could be a factor.

And there's still the prospect of someone like Benson, Turner, McGahee, or Beanie entering the fray. That's a pretty gruesome group of players, but introduce any one of them into the mix and I think he would pose some threat.

Neither is Chris Johnson but Fisher didn't mind not having a bigger back in Tennessee.

 

[Dez]

I'm a Richardson owner 4 times. I'd have a big problem if they add Stacy.

Ruh roh

 

[EBF]

That's a lot more realistic after the draft. So far he and Pead have dodged a bullet.

Fixed your post. You've already given Mendenhall the benefit of no significant competition being added via the draft and that's with the Cards adding Stepfan Taylor. (I tend to agree with you that Taylor is likely no challenge to the starting job, but that's beside the point.) Any RB added now has very long odds to be fantasy relevant (Zac Stacy at 184 is probably worst case scenario). Fischer gave Pead/Richardson a big vote of confidence by not selecting one of the top tier backs, even though the Rams had multiple opportunities. I have to think the only big hurdle still out there is Ahmad Bradshaw, but I haven't heard any rumors of him being linked to the Rams.

The issue with Richardson and Pead is that neither one of them brings any size or power, so any 220+ pound type back thrown into the mix would have the potential to disrupt things for them. I don't see a lot of great candidates in this particular draft class, but Alfred Morris and Bryce Brown were both still on the board at this time a year ago. If the Rams grab a bigger back late, there's a chance that he could be a factor.

And there's still the prospect of someone like Benson, Turner, McGahee, or Beanie entering the fray. That's a pretty gruesome group of players, but introduce any one of them into the mix and I think he would pose some threat.

Neither is Chris Johnson but Fisher didn't mind not having a bigger back in Tennessee.

And neither Pead nor Richardson is anywhere near the talent that Johnson is.

 

[JohnnyU]

I'm a Richardson owner 4 times. I'd have a big problem if they add Stacy.

I don't see much of a threat from Stacy.

Edited: spelling correction.

 

[lsutigers]

Any RB added now has very long odds to be fantasy relevant (Zac Stacy at 184 is probably worst case scenario). Fischer gave Pead/Richardson a big vote of confidence by not selecting one of the top tier backs, even though the Rams had multiple opportunities.

As a Pead dynasty owner, I'd like to kick you squarely in the shin. But seriously, good call.

 

[Nero]

I'm a Richardson owner 4 times. I'd have a big problem if they add Stacy.

I don't see much of a thread from Stacy.

I settled in on Stacy as my #1 ranked back pre-draft. I realize he won't be given every opportunity like high draft picks since he was drafted late. However, I think Stacy has the goods to be a starter, he will prove to be much tougher competition for Richardson than Pead. I don't really see a scenario where Stacy won't carve out a sizeable role.

 

[Gawain]

I'm a Richardson owner 4 times. I'd have a big problem if they add Stacy.

I don't see much of a thread from Stacy.

I settled in on Stacy as my #1 ranked back pre-draft. I realize he won't be given every opportunity like high draft picks since he was drafted late. However, I think Stacy has the goods to be a starter, he will prove to be much tougher competition for Richardson than Pead. I don't really see a scenario where Stacy won't carve out a sizeable role.

To me it's all a function of size. Richardson/Pead play about 195-200, while Stacy plays at 215-220. Pead is 5' 11", Richardson is 6' 1", while Stacy is only about 5' 8". You are looking at tremendously different BMI and play styles between the two incumbents and Stacy. Stacy easily has the inside track to goalline and short-yardage. Pead/Richardson have a much better shot at third down running back and long yardage roles. I figure the winner of the Pead/Richardson competition fills that role, with the other settling into the third spot on the depth chart and maybe contributing on special teams.

The big question is stacking up Stacy with the winner of the Pead/Richardson derby. Will Stacy get the bulk of the work with Pead/Richardson only coming in for long-yardage, third-down opportunities, or will the Pead/Richardson winner become the main RB, only being spelled in short yardage and goal line opportunities. I don't have tremendous faith in Stacy's combine numbers and Richardson's are better across the board (as they should be weighing 20lbs less), so I like to think Richardson sees the majority of the touches with Stacy in a GL role and Pead as the third string RB.

 

[cstu]

I'm a Richardson owner 4 times. I'd have a big problem if they add Stacy.

I don't see much of a thread from Stacy.

I settled in on Stacy as my #1 ranked back pre-draft. I realize he won't be given every opportunity like high draft picks since he was drafted late. However, I think Stacy has the goods to be a starter, he will prove to be much tougher competition for Richardson than Pead. I don't really see a scenario where Stacy won't carve out a sizeable role.

To me it's all a function of size. Richardson/Pead play about 195-200, while Stacy plays at 215-220. Pead is 5' 11", Richardson is 6' 1", while Stacy is only about 5' 8". You are looking at tremendously different BMI and play styles between the two incumbents and Stacy. Stacy easily has the inside track to goalline and short-yardage. Pead/Richardson have a much better shot at third down running back and long yardage roles. I figure the winner of the Pead/Richardson competition fills that role, with the other settling into the third spot on the depth chart and maybe contributing on special teams.

The big question is stacking up Stacy with the winner of the Pead/Richardson derby. Will Stacy get the bulk of the work with Pead/Richardson only coming in for long-yardage, third-down opportunities, or will the Pead/Richardson winner become the main RB, only being spelled in short yardage and goal line opportunities. I don't have tremendous faith in Stacy's combine numbers and Richardson's are better across the board (as they should be weighing 20lbs less), so I like to think Richardson sees the majority of the touches with Stacy in a GL role and Pead as the third string RB.

Pead - 1st and 2nd

Richardson - 3rd

Stacy - GL and short yardage

 

[ItsOnlytheRiver]

I'm not sure there really exists a clear fantasy option here. Gotta figure Austin might take some carries, too.

 

[Nero]

I'm a Richardson owner 4 times. I'd have a big problem if they add Stacy.

I don't see much of a thread from Stacy.

I settled in on Stacy as my #1 ranked back pre-draft. I realize he won't be given every opportunity like high draft picks since he was drafted late. However, I think Stacy has the goods to be a starter, he will prove to be much tougher competition for Richardson than Pead. I don't really see a scenario where Stacy won't carve out a sizeable role.

To me it's all a function of size. Richardson/Pead play about 195-200, while Stacy plays at 215-220. Pead is 5' 11", Richardson is 6' 1", while Stacy is only about 5' 8". You are looking at tremendously different BMI and play styles between the two incumbents and Stacy. Stacy easily has the inside track to goalline and short-yardage. Pead/Richardson have a much better shot at third down running back and long yardage roles. I figure the winner of the Pead/Richardson competition fills that role, with the other settling into the third spot on the depth chart and maybe contributing on special teams.

The big question is stacking up Stacy with the winner of the Pead/Richardson derby. Will Stacy get the bulk of the work with Pead/Richardson only coming in for long-yardage, third-down opportunities, or will the Pead/Richardson winner become the main RB, only being spelled in short yardage and goal line opportunities. I don't have tremendous faith in Stacy's combine numbers and Richardson's are better across the board (as they should be weighing 20lbs less), so I like to think Richardson sees the majority of the touches with Stacy in a GL role and Pead as the third string RB.

The Richardson/Pead winner has already been decided IMO. Richardson's didn't perform at the combine and his pro day #'s are not better across the board. Stacy beat him in the shuttle(4.17/4.36) and 3 cone (6.7/7.07). Stacy pro day broad 10'6 and his 40 time (4.53) are not far off despite being shorter and heavier.

 

[Gawain]

I'm a Richardson owner 4 times. I'd have a big problem if they add Stacy.

I don't see much of a thread from Stacy.

I settled in on Stacy as my #1 ranked back pre-draft. I realize he won't be given every opportunity like high draft picks since he was drafted late. However, I think Stacy has the goods to be a starter, he will prove to be much tougher competition for Richardson than Pead. I don't really see a scenario where Stacy won't carve out a sizeable role.

To me it's all a function of size. Richardson/Pead play about 195-200, while Stacy plays at 215-220. Pead is 5' 11", Richardson is 6' 1", while Stacy is only about 5' 8". You are looking at tremendously different BMI and play styles between the two incumbents and Stacy. Stacy easily has the inside track to goalline and short-yardage. Pead/Richardson have a much better shot at third down running back and long yardage roles. I figure the winner of the Pead/Richardson competition fills that role, with the other settling into the third spot on the depth chart and maybe contributing on special teams.

The big question is stacking up Stacy with the winner of the Pead/Richardson derby. Will Stacy get the bulk of the work with Pead/Richardson only coming in for long-yardage, third-down opportunities, or will the Pead/Richardson winner become the main RB, only being spelled in short yardage and goal line opportunities. I don't have tremendous faith in Stacy's combine numbers and Richardson's are better across the board (as they should be weighing 20lbs less), so I like to think Richardson sees the majority of the touches with Stacy in a GL role and Pead as the third string RB.

Pead - 1st and 2nd

Richardson - 3rd

Stacy - GL and short yardage

I don't see this at all. Has there ever been a situation where an NFL team had three running backs in well-defined roles? When a team uses three or more running backs, it's because they all suck. The Steelers didn't have a Mendenhall/Batch/Redman/Dwyer quartet because they each fit roles...it was because none of them were effective. Same goes for the Packers last year. A smaller back can get paired up with a Goal line option (early Fred Taylor, Tiki Barber, Warrick Dunn) or a big back can get paired with a pass catching option (Turner, Benson), but not both.

If Pead is good enough to garner all the first and second down work, he'll likely also be there for the third down work as well. If Stacy is so effective at goalline and short yardage, he'll likely carve out playing time in the first two downs as well. If Richardson is so dynamic that the Rams have to get him on the field for third down, they will want him out there for earlier downs as well. Someone will separate themselves from the pack and get the bulk of the work, or else all three of them will be so bad they'll have no fantasy value.

 

[Billy Ball Thorton]

Peas suxor

 

[Sabertooth]

Peas suxor

my kids agree.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

So...

Rams receivers: Austin, Quick, Givens, Bailey, Cook (TE)

Rams backs: Pead, Richardson, Stacy, Ganaway

Austin, Cook and one of the backs should be fantasy relevant, but who?

 

[donkshow]

Think Cook is going to be relevant this year with Bradford?

 

[ItsOnlytheRiver]

Think Cook is going to be relevant this year with Bradford?

Why not?

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Think Cook is going to be relevant this year with Bradford?

Why not?

He mainly plays the slot and he can't block worth a lick. Won't Austin playing the slot kinda limit his potential?

 

[cstu]

Think Cook is going to be relevant this year with Bradford?

Why not?

He mainly plays the slot and he can't block worth a lick. Won't Austin playing the slot kinda limit his potential?

So they are paying him all that money to block...poorly?

 

[cstu]

I don't have any feel for the Rams offense other than they'll find a way to put the ball in Austin's hands. A lot of mouths to feed and I have a feeling that Austin and Cook become the primary targets.

 

[werdnoynek]

I don't have any feel for the Rams offense other than they'll find a way to put the ball in Austin's hands. A lot of mouths to feed and I have a feeling that Austin and Cook become the primary targets.

I agree. Givens and Quick should get theirs too though.

I'm interested to see what happens at RB. I saw Bloom mention on twitter that Pead's head wasn't in it last season saying he was "fed up" with football, etc. It's going to be interesting to see what comes out of the OTA's and the preseason with him. I think Richardson has a role but he's not a between the tackles guy. I think Stacy is a sleeper and someone I'm going to be targeting in rookie drafts. He landed in one of the better situations and has a chance for immediate impact.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Think Cook is going to be relevant this year with Bradford?

Why not?

He mainly plays the slot and he can't block worth a lick. Won't Austin playing the slot kinda limit his potential?

So they are paying him all that money to block...poorly?

That's what I'm saying...I have no idea how they plan to utilize both Cook and Austin when they play pretty much the same position. I do know they'll prioritize getting the ball in Austin's hands, but you would also think they had a good idea he was near the top of their draft board during FA when they paid Cook.4-wide with two slot receivers, like the Pats do? They do have tons of young, developing receiver talent now that they need to get on the field.

 

[cstu]

I don't have any feel for the Rams offense other than they'll find a way to put the ball in Austin's hands. A lot of mouths to feed and I have a feeling that Austin and Cook become the primary targets.

I agree. Givens and Quick should get theirs too though.

I'm interested to see what happens at RB. I saw Bloom mention on twitter that Pead's head wasn't in it last season saying he was "fed up" with football, etc. It's going to be interesting to see what comes out of the OTA's and the preseason with him. I think Richardson has a role but he's not a between the tackles guy. I think Stacy is a sleeper and someone I'm going to be targeting in rookie drafts. He landed in one of the better situations and has a chance for immediate impact.

Good article. On one hand you don't want to hear it was that bad for him but on the other at least he cares enough to be that upset. Better than just shrugging his shoulders and being fine with a backup role.

 

[TheFanatic]

Think Cook is going to be relevant this year with Bradford?

Why not?

He mainly plays the slot and he can't block worth a lick. Won't Austin playing the slot kinda limit his potential?

So they are paying him all that money to block...poorly?

That's what I'm saying...I have no idea how they plan to utilize both Cook and Austin when they play pretty much the same position. I do know they'll prioritize getting the ball in Austin's hands, but you would also think they had a good idea he was near the top of their draft board during FA when they paid Cook.4-wide with two slot receivers, like the Pats do? They do have tons of young, developing receiver talent now that they need to get on the field.

You wanna unpack the bolded part? They may catch the balls in similar areas sometimes, but they are no means the same position...

 

[cstu]

Think Cook is going to be relevant this year with Bradford?

Why not?

He mainly plays the slot and he can't block worth a lick. Won't Austin playing the slot kinda limit his potential?

So they are paying him all that money to block...poorly?

That's what I'm saying...I have no idea how they plan to utilize both Cook and Austin when they play pretty much the same position. I do know they'll prioritize getting the ball in Austin's hands, but you would also think they had a good idea he was near the top of their draft board during FA when they paid Cook.4-wide with two slot receivers, like the Pats do? They do have tons of young, developing receiver talent now that they need to get on the field.

I see them starting Austin, Cook, Givens and Quick most of the time. I don't expect Kendricks to see the field much. Bailey would have to beat out Quick to get on the field.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Think Cook is going to be relevant this year with Bradford?

Why not?

He mainly plays the slot and he can't block worth a lick. Won't Austin playing the slot kinda limit his potential?

So they are paying him all that money to block...poorly?

That's what I'm saying...I have no idea how they plan to utilize both Cook and Austin when they play pretty much the same position. I do know they'll prioritize getting the ball in Austin's hands, but you would also think they had a good idea he was near the top of their draft board during FA when they paid Cook.4-wide with two slot receivers, like the Pats do? They do have tons of young, developing receiver talent now that they need to get on the field.

You wanna unpack the bolded part? They may catch the balls in similar areas sometimes, but they are no means the same position...

Cook played a majority of his snaps with the Titans out of the slot. The Rams presumably paid him a lot of money to do what he's good at with them--play the slot, since he can't block and can't really be the in-line TE. Austin will also presumably play the slot. They are technically playing different positions, but for all intents and purposes they play the same position on the field--the slot.

 

[Biabreakable]

Think Cook is going to be relevant this year with Bradford?

Why not?

He mainly plays the slot and he can't block worth a lick. Won't Austin playing the slot kinda limit his potential?

So they are paying him all that money to block...poorly?

That's what I'm saying...I have no idea how they plan to utilize both Cook and Austin when they play pretty much the same position. I do know they'll prioritize getting the ball in Austin's hands, but you would also think they had a good idea he was near the top of their draft board during FA when they paid Cook.4-wide with two slot receivers, like the Pats do? They do have tons of young, developing receiver talent now that they need to get on the field.

You wanna unpack the bolded part? They may catch the balls in similar areas sometimes, but they are no means the same position...

Cook played a majority of his snaps with the Titans out of the slot. The Rams presumably paid him a lot of money to do what he's good at with them--play the slot, since he can't block and can't really be the in-line TE. Austin will also presumably play the slot. They are technically playing different positions, but for all intents and purposes they play the same position on the field--the slot.

Right. Plays will be designed where a big player like Cook can pick a defensive back off with his route so that Austin can get space underneath, and vice versa when Cook is getting open. The only problem with Cook is he is not very good as a blocker so they might be looking for someone better in that area to improve Austin's support on these types of plays.

I think Bailey is going to be in this mix because he already works well in tandem with Austin as well. The Rams didn't just trade up to get Austin, they also got the combo, and they likely have plans to use some of the same things that were working for this duo in college with the Rams as well. They already have chemistry and timing working together.

I also think Zac Stacy wins the starting RB role as a rookie. The other 2 guys they have do not much impress me.

 

[smashingsilver]

I'm a Richardson owner 4 times. I'd have a big problem if they add Stacy.

I don't see much of a thread from Stacy.

I settled in on Stacy as my #1 ranked back pre-draft. I realize he won't be given every opportunity like high draft picks since he was drafted late. However, I think Stacy has the goods to be a starter, he will prove to be much tougher competition for Richardson than Pead. I don't really see a scenario where Stacy won't carve out a sizeable role.

To me it's all a function of size. Richardson/Pead play about 195-200, while Stacy plays at 215-220. Pead is 5' 11", Richardson is 6' 1", while Stacy is only about 5' 8". You are looking at tremendously different BMI and play styles between the two incumbents and Stacy. Stacy easily has the inside track to goalline and short-yardage. Pead/Richardson have a much better shot at third down running back and long yardage roles. I figure the winner of the Pead/Richardson competition fills that role, with the other settling into the third spot on the depth chart and maybe contributing on special teams.

The big question is stacking up Stacy with the winner of the Pead/Richardson derby. Will Stacy get the bulk of the work with Pead/Richardson only coming in for long-yardage, third-down opportunities, or will the Pead/Richardson winner become the main RB, only being spelled in short yardage and goal line opportunities. I don't have tremendous faith in Stacy's combine numbers and Richardson's are better across the board (as they should be weighing 20lbs less), so I like to think Richardson sees the majority of the touches with Stacy in a GL role and Pead as the third string RB.

Pead - 1st and 2nd

Richardson - 3rd

Stacy - GL and short yardage

I don't see this at all. Has there ever been a situation where an NFL team had three running backs in well-defined roles? When a team uses three or more running backs, it's because they all suck. The Steelers didn't have a Mendenhall/Batch/Redman/Dwyer quartet because they each fit roles...it was because none of them were effective. Same goes for the Packers last year. A smaller back can get paired up with a Goal line option (early Fred Taylor, Tiki Barber, Warrick Dunn) or a big back can get paired with a pass catching option (Turner, Benson), but not both.

If Pead is good enough to garner all the first and second down work, he'll likely also be there for the third down work as well. If Stacy is so effective at goalline and short yardage, he'll likely carve out playing time in the first two downs as well. If Richardson is so dynamic that the Rams have to get him on the field for third down, they will want him out there for earlier downs as well. Someone will separate themselves from the pack and get the bulk of the work, or else all three of them will be so bad they'll have no fantasy value.

Ummm...how about the Saints? Technically, they used four backs last year at times, and it wasn't because they "all suck". A lot of teams would love to have the problem the Saints had at RB, lol.

There absolutely is room for a between the 20s back, a red zone/short yardage back, and a 3rd down back. Obviously, the roles don't have to be that strictly defined (one can cover for another), but three good RBs can definitely share the load in that fashion, to fantasy owners' chagrin.

 

[smashingsilver]

I actually foresee the Rams playing counter to the big, physical approaches that the Seahawks and 49ers have. They're not going to be able to play tougher than those teams, so it makes sense they would try a spread the field approach. I could easily see 11 personnel being the standard grouping for the Rams, with Cook as the TE much of the time. Their skill positions are dominated by speed and quickness, and I expect they will utilize that for mismatches against their divisional opponents. That potentially makes both Pead and Richardson valuable, as it is possible they will rotate consistently.

 

[TheFanatic]

Think Cook is going to be relevant this year with Bradford?

Why not?

He mainly plays the slot and he can't block worth a lick. Won't Austin playing the slot kinda limit his potential?

So they are paying him all that money to block...poorly?

That's what I'm saying...I have no idea how they plan to utilize both Cook and Austin when they play pretty much the same position. I do know they'll prioritize getting the ball in Austin's hands, but you would also think they had a good idea he was near the top of their draft board during FA when they paid Cook.4-wide with two slot receivers, like the Pats do? They do have tons of young, developing receiver talent now that they need to get on the field.

I see them starting Austin, Cook, Givens and Quick most of the time. I don't expect Kendricks to see the field much. Bailey would have to beat out Quick to get on the field.

Kendrick's started coming on at the end of the year. I actually see them going with a Pats like offense quite a bit. Dual pass catching TE's, particularly if Cook lined up in the slot so much in TE as is being reported here.

The Pats have been really good with that offense and the NFL is a copycat league. The Rams might be the first team to copy that.

As far as Bailey and Quick? Beating out Quick is not going to be all that hard. He had little impact last year. The offense very well may be Austin, Cook, Kendrick's and Givens with the latter going deep and getting single coverage because everyone else is in the box praying that Austin doesn't get the ball in space after he and the two TE's do some crossing patterns to throw off the LB's and secondary trying to clog up the middle.

 

[saintfool]

As far as Bailey and Quick? Beating out Quick is not going to be all that hard. He had little impact last year. The offense very well may be Austin, Cook, Kendrick's and Givens with the latter going deep and getting single coverage because everyone else is in the box praying that Austin doesn't get the ball in space after he and the two TE's do some crossing patterns to throw off the LB's and secondary trying to clog up the middle.

I think Quick is just being brought along slowly. I think he might a lot of work in the red zone because of his physical, athleticism. He's a great target to have around the goal line.

 

[Rhythmdoctor]

Does anyone have a refined opinion on Daryl Richardson's role for 2013 and beyond?