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Perceptions and ignoring Yogi Berra
- By PARAM
- GENERAL SPORTS TALK
- 0 Replies
As Sean Mullin’s admiring documentary “It Ain’t Over” makes clear, Yogi Berra wasn’t built like a Baseball Hall of Famer. The longtime New York Yankees catcher, who died in September 2015 at age 90, stood at 5-foot-7, never exactly sculpted his squat physique and would have been the first to admit he didn’t have magazine-cover looks.
But Berra’s accomplishments belied his unassuming image: 10 World Series titles, three MVP awards and 18 all-star selections during a playing career that spanned 1946 to 1965. So it’s fitting that “Over,” at a compact 98 minutes, proves to be such a comprehensive encapsulation of an American icon known more for his ubiquitous turns of phrase — “It ain’t over till it’s over” chief among them — than for his exploits on the diamond.
Mullin’s documentary seeks, first and foremost, to correct that perception. “[Mickey] Mantle was Elvis in pinstripes, and Yogi was Sancho Panza,” says Billy Crystal, Berra’s longtime friend and an incisive source of on-screen insight. “I think it’s quite evident that his personality overshadowed his talent as a ballplayer.” Mullin comes out swinging at that distortion. As “It Ain’t Over” opens with a ceremony from the 2015 All-Star Game that recognized Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, Sandy Koufax and Willie Mays as baseball’s four greatest living legends, the film cuts to Berra’s incredulous granddaughter wondering why her grandfather got short shrift.
Related video: Big names turn out for premiere of Yogi Berra documentary at Lincoln Center (News 12)
Series champion Yogi Berra and that film premiering tonight at
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Big names turn out for premiere of Yogi Berra documentary at Lincoln Center
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The ensuing scroll through Berra’s life story efficiently but affectionately hits its biographical beats. Wielding a trove of vintage photographs and archival footage, “It Ain’t Over” paints a colorful portrait of a working-class player with no shortage of wit, pluck and self-deprecation. Musings on Berra’s humble upbringing, as a second-generation Italian immigrant from St. Louis, and his experience storming the beaches of Normandy quickly ground the larger-than-life figure. The sweetly sentimental tale of how Berra wooed his wife, Carmen, further fleshes out a man often flattened into a caricature, as do reflections on their 65-year marriage.
But it’s the movie’s position on Berra the ballplayer that justifies the entire enterprise. Crisp graphics convincingly make the case that Berra remains underappreciated. A fawning collection of talking heads — such as sportswriters Bob Costas and Claire Smith, retired all-stars Derek Jeter and Nick Swisher, and managerial greats Joe Torre and Joe Maddon — intricately deconstruct Berra’s knack for making contact at the plate and calling a pristine game behind it. His role in catching the only perfect game in World Series history, from Don Larsen in 1956, gets its due in transfixing detail. And Berra’s lifelong insistence that he tagged out Jackie Robinson when the Brooklyn Dodgers star stole home in the 1955 World Series makes for a charming recurring gag.
“It Ain’t Over” also doesn’t shy away from the less glamorous phases of Berra’s life. His tumultuous coaching career gets as much time as his decorated playing days. Berra’s son Dale bravely opens up about his own cocaine addiction and the tough love his father administered to help him get sober. For all of the Berra family’s consternation over Yogi’s cartoonish public image, there’s still fun to be had as those closest to him — and, in amusing archival interviews, Berra himself — struggle to decipher his Yogi-isms. (For the uninitiated, he also coined the phrases, “It’s deja vu all over again,” “If you can’t imitate him, don’t copy him,” and “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”)
A clever framing device places Berra’s sayings alongside comparable pearls of wisdom from the likes of William Shakespeare, Plato and Albert Einstein. Berra’s advice, of course, tends to be dizzyingly contradictory but deceptively simple. The same could be said of “It Ain’t Over,” which zips through Berra’s life without ever feeling rushed. When it comes to Mullin’s well-paced depiction of a misunderstood legend, Berra’s words put it best: “You can observe a lot by watching.”
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Johnny Bench has long been considered the best catcher ever. Take a look at his career numbers and Berra's.
Bench >>>> https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/benchjo01.shtml
Berra >>>> https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/berrayo01.shtml
They're almost identical. And where there's a disparity, Berra has the better numbers.
Avg. Berra .285 / Bench .267
OB% Berra .348/ Bench .342
OPS Berra .830 / Bench .817
HR Berra 358 / Bench 389
RBI Berra 1430 / Bench 1376
Runs Berra 1175 / Bench 1091
Walks Berra 704 / Bench 891
MVP Berra 3 / Bench 2
Runner up Berra 2 / Bench 0
World Series Berra 14 / Bench 4
Champions Berra 10 / Bench 2
Don't tell me Johnny Bench was better defensively. Looking at the two, Berra is the clear leader but perception is Bench was the greatest catcher. Pahleese!!!!
But Berra’s accomplishments belied his unassuming image: 10 World Series titles, three MVP awards and 18 all-star selections during a playing career that spanned 1946 to 1965. So it’s fitting that “Over,” at a compact 98 minutes, proves to be such a comprehensive encapsulation of an American icon known more for his ubiquitous turns of phrase — “It ain’t over till it’s over” chief among them — than for his exploits on the diamond.
Mullin’s documentary seeks, first and foremost, to correct that perception. “[Mickey] Mantle was Elvis in pinstripes, and Yogi was Sancho Panza,” says Billy Crystal, Berra’s longtime friend and an incisive source of on-screen insight. “I think it’s quite evident that his personality overshadowed his talent as a ballplayer.” Mullin comes out swinging at that distortion. As “It Ain’t Over” opens with a ceremony from the 2015 All-Star Game that recognized Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, Sandy Koufax and Willie Mays as baseball’s four greatest living legends, the film cuts to Berra’s incredulous granddaughter wondering why her grandfather got short shrift.
Series champion Yogi Berra and that film premiering tonight at
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Big names turn out for premiere of Yogi Berra documentary at Lincoln Center
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News 12Documentary ‘It Ain’t Over’ takes a look at Yogi Berra’s legacy in baseball
1:40
Tribune Content AgencyBig names turn out for premiere of Yogi Berra documentary at Lincoln Center
2:00
1:40
The ensuing scroll through Berra’s life story efficiently but affectionately hits its biographical beats. Wielding a trove of vintage photographs and archival footage, “It Ain’t Over” paints a colorful portrait of a working-class player with no shortage of wit, pluck and self-deprecation. Musings on Berra’s humble upbringing, as a second-generation Italian immigrant from St. Louis, and his experience storming the beaches of Normandy quickly ground the larger-than-life figure. The sweetly sentimental tale of how Berra wooed his wife, Carmen, further fleshes out a man often flattened into a caricature, as do reflections on their 65-year marriage.
But it’s the movie’s position on Berra the ballplayer that justifies the entire enterprise. Crisp graphics convincingly make the case that Berra remains underappreciated. A fawning collection of talking heads — such as sportswriters Bob Costas and Claire Smith, retired all-stars Derek Jeter and Nick Swisher, and managerial greats Joe Torre and Joe Maddon — intricately deconstruct Berra’s knack for making contact at the plate and calling a pristine game behind it. His role in catching the only perfect game in World Series history, from Don Larsen in 1956, gets its due in transfixing detail. And Berra’s lifelong insistence that he tagged out Jackie Robinson when the Brooklyn Dodgers star stole home in the 1955 World Series makes for a charming recurring gag.
“It Ain’t Over” also doesn’t shy away from the less glamorous phases of Berra’s life. His tumultuous coaching career gets as much time as his decorated playing days. Berra’s son Dale bravely opens up about his own cocaine addiction and the tough love his father administered to help him get sober. For all of the Berra family’s consternation over Yogi’s cartoonish public image, there’s still fun to be had as those closest to him — and, in amusing archival interviews, Berra himself — struggle to decipher his Yogi-isms. (For the uninitiated, he also coined the phrases, “It’s deja vu all over again,” “If you can’t imitate him, don’t copy him,” and “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”)
A clever framing device places Berra’s sayings alongside comparable pearls of wisdom from the likes of William Shakespeare, Plato and Albert Einstein. Berra’s advice, of course, tends to be dizzyingly contradictory but deceptively simple. The same could be said of “It Ain’t Over,” which zips through Berra’s life without ever feeling rushed. When it comes to Mullin’s well-paced depiction of a misunderstood legend, Berra’s words put it best: “You can observe a lot by watching.”
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Johnny Bench has long been considered the best catcher ever. Take a look at his career numbers and Berra's.
Bench >>>> https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/benchjo01.shtml
Berra >>>> https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/berrayo01.shtml
They're almost identical. And where there's a disparity, Berra has the better numbers.
Avg. Berra .285 / Bench .267
OB% Berra .348/ Bench .342
OPS Berra .830 / Bench .817
HR Berra 358 / Bench 389
RBI Berra 1430 / Bench 1376
Runs Berra 1175 / Bench 1091
Walks Berra 704 / Bench 891
MVP Berra 3 / Bench 2
Runner up Berra 2 / Bench 0
World Series Berra 14 / Bench 4
Champions Berra 10 / Bench 2
Don't tell me Johnny Bench was better defensively. Looking at the two, Berra is the clear leader but perception is Bench was the greatest catcher. Pahleese!!!!
CBS predicting a 9-8 season
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 28 Replies
Rams projected to finish above .500 in 2023 by CBS Sports
With the full schedule out, CBS Sports' Will Brinson projected the Rams' final record and he's more confident in them than most experts
Oddsmakers have set the Rams’ win total between 6.5 and 7.5, and even as low as those numbers are, most experts are predicting them to finish with seven or fewer victories in 2023. CBS Sports’ Will Brinson is not among that contingent of doubters, however.
Brinson predicted the final record for every team in the NFL and he’s surprisingly confident in the Rams despite their roster holes and lack of top-end talent. Brinson predicts the Rams to finish 9-8 this season, which would be Sean McVay’s sixth season with a record above .500.
Brinson cites his affinity for Matthew Stafford, as well as the Rams’ bad injury luck in 2022 as reasons for him believing they can go 9-8 this season.
The Rams will be tested right away in 2023, facing the Seahawks on the road, followed by a home game against the 49ers and a road trip against the Bengals in the first three weeks. They’ll also host the Eagles in Week 5 after visiting the Colts in Week 4. With four playoff teams in the first five weeks, the Rams may need to win that matchup with Indianapolis in order to keep their season from falling apart early on.
Though they moved on from several stars this offseason, including Jalen Ramsey and Bobby Wagner, they do still have Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald. If those three can stay healthy, which they failed to do last season, the Rams will have a chance to sneak into the playoffs in a weak NFC.
Higbee Higbee Higbee!
- By WestCoastRam
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 129 Replies
So there's a lot of talk about getting rid of Higbee so I thought I'd dig this up for people to see a little of what he provides play in and play out. Now the blocks don't look that devastating but 80% of blocking is getting to your guy which Hopkins nor Long have shown and we don't know enough about Davis yet to see if he can do it. Higbee's not gonna be worth another contract but I just don't see the Rams getting rid of him when he's a HUGE part of the offense.
weeklyspiral.com
Tyler Higbee is the unsung hero of the Rams offense - Weekly Spiral
Tyler Higbee might not have huge numbers, but he’s an unsung hero of the Los Angeles Rams offense.
weeklyspiral.com
NFL: 12 Day 3 Rookies Who Could Compete For Starter Snaps In Year 1. (3 Rams on the list)
- By snackdaddy
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 11 Replies
2023 NFL season: Day 3 rookies who could compete for starter snaps in Year 1
Chad Reuter identifies 12 rookies picked on Day 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft who could be in line for starter snaps in Year 1. Which newbies will take advantage of potential opportunities for playing time?
www.nfl.com
Writers Can Be Insufferable Blowhards! VENT THREAD
So unlike myself
In everyone's profession, there are posers. I sure hope I am not one of those. It drives me crazy when others who have submitted story after story for years without winning much, act paternalistic toward fellow authors/competitors. Winning this contest could be a steppingstone towards greater visibility and connections. The Five Grand could also help me make a great mancave in the future!
It's been my goal since before I went to my first class at University to "pass" as an educated person with the letters after my name for credibility sake. After all the heartache in earning those degrees, I want a publisher...a real honest to God publisher to say "we want to print your book."
That's my dream, so screw the blowhards! I have no time for them.
VENT about Blowhards in your chosen profession!
In everyone's profession, there are posers. I sure hope I am not one of those. It drives me crazy when others who have submitted story after story for years without winning much, act paternalistic toward fellow authors/competitors. Winning this contest could be a steppingstone towards greater visibility and connections. The Five Grand could also help me make a great mancave in the future!
It's been my goal since before I went to my first class at University to "pass" as an educated person with the letters after my name for credibility sake. After all the heartache in earning those degrees, I want a publisher...a real honest to God publisher to say "we want to print your book."
That's my dream, so screw the blowhards! I have no time for them.
VENT about Blowhards in your chosen profession!
Ranking the 5 Worst NFL Rosters Ahead of 2023 OTAs
- By kurtfaulk
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 29 Replies
.
WARNING - Bleacher Report Rubbish
View: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10075830-ranking-the-5-worst-nfl-rosters-ahead-of-2023-otas
.
WARNING - Bleacher Report Rubbish
View: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10075830-ranking-the-5-worst-nfl-rosters-ahead-of-2023-otas
5. Los Angeles Rams
1 OF 5
AP Photo/Doug Benc
The Los Angeles Rams forsook long-term prosperity to chase a championship. The organization achieved its goal when it won Super LVI. Since then, a combination of injuries, overpayments and a lack of high-end draft assets has eroded the once-prolific roster.
To be fair, the franchise pillars of three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, wide receiver Cooper Kupp and quarterback Matthew Stafford are still in place. But all three will be 30 or older at the start of the 2023 campaign. Plus, each suffered an injury last season, with Stafford's being the most concerning.
A return to form by all three can keep the Rams in the thick of things, though quality throughout the rest of the roster remains sparse. Andrew Whitworth, Austin Corbett, Odell Beckham Jr., Sebastian Joseph-Day, Greg Gaines, Leonard Floyd, Von Miller, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Troy Reeder, Jalen Ramsey, David Long Jr., Taylor Rapp, Nick Scott and Matt Gay are all gone from the 2021 champs.
Stafford lacks a second option at wide receiver. The offensive line will feature two new starting guards in second-round rookie Steve Avila and Logan Bruss, who suffered a torn ACL and MCL during last year's preseason.
The defense will rely heavily upon a quartet of rookies—Byron Young, Kobie Turner, Ochaun Mathis and Mr. Irrelevant Desjuan Johnson—to generate some kind of pass rush beyond what Donald provides.
And after Ramsey's departure, Los Angeles features a no-name secondary with Cobie Durant, Robert Rochell, Derion Kendrick and Russ Yeast expected to take on much bigger roles.
The Rams still have star power, but the light is much dimmer in other areas of the roster.
.
Linebacker Depth Chart
- By CGI_Ram
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 34 Replies
The opening line of the attached article is the topic I want to hear from ROD about.
“The departure of Bobby Wagner, the Los Angeles Rams had three true linebackers—Ernest Jones, Christian Rozeboom, and Jake Hummel—under contract entering the 2023 NFL Draft. The conscription came and went without L.A. adding a single off-ball linebacker.”
But, we signed 5 UDFA’s and they are profiled in the article below.
Bobby Wagner was on the field for 99% of the plays in 2022, while Ernest Jones was at 66%. Moving on from Wagner was likely in part to increase Jones snaps.
What do you think about the rest of our depth chart at Linebacker?
www.fantasypros.com
www.turfshowtimes.com
The Rams made up for it by signing five linebackers as undrafted free agents. With L.A.’s recent history of leaning towards more nickel and dime formations utilizing only one ‘backer on the field, the needs for this unit lean more towards special teams support. Even so, Rozeboom and Hummel both began their Rams careers as UDFAs and have moved up the roster. Let’s take an introductory look at the new second line additions.
Kelechi Anyalebechi - Incarnate Word
Two-time Buck Buchanan finalist as the top FCS defensive player in the nation and twice honored as a third team All-American. Multi-position versatility and coaches have schemed him all over the box, both from 3-point stance and standing. Just want to add this in because it’s kind of interesting, he’s vegan and practices yoga.
Began his Incarnate Word career with two seasons on special teams and in a rotational role the edge. Became a star when he moved to off-ball linebacker. In 48 games and 31 starts, Anyalebechi recorded 285 tackles, 25 for loss, 9.5 sacks, 12 passes defended, and four interceptions. He also forced six fumbles and recovered four others.
His Pro Day supported his on-field production. He measured in at 5’ 11” 230 lbs. with 9 1/2” hands and 31 3/4” arms. He timed a very good forty, 4.62 and 10-yard split, 1.58. In explosion drills he had a nice 38” vertical, 9’ 8” long jump, and pressed 22 on the bench. His 4.39 shuttle was just ok, but 7.01 is a very good 3Cone.
Fiery player who strikes with ferocity, both around the line and out in space. He will need to consistently wrap up as pro, NFL backs and tight ends have the contact balance to bounce off and plow forward. He’s a good pass rusher, nice burst through gaps, uses his low center of gravity and body control to navigate. Generally takes good angles and stays patient when faced with fakes and feints. Plays mostly close to the line of scrimmage, but smoothly drops into zone. Found one man coverage rep on film and he mirrored a tight end down the seam and broke up the pass.
How far he gets into the Rams future depend on his transition up from a lower level of competition. Every thing will come at him faster. Decisions, bigger, stronger linemen, and backs hitting the gaps. He appears to have the physicality and instincts for the pro game, but like most small school players, could use a strength/conditioning program. I’ll root for this prospect, he would bring some attitude to defense or special teams.
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Ryan Smenda - Wake Forest
From a military family, the self-disciplined Smenda is a stockily built hustler and was a three-time state champion high school wrestler. The 23 year-old logged 200 of his 355 total tackles in last two years. Over 56 games, he had 24.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, forced four fumbles, and defended nine passes.
At the Hula Bowl he checked in at 6’ 1” 235 lbs., with 8 1/2” hands and 31 5/8” arms. Had to really dig for his Pro Day testing numbers, best that could be found are 4.68 in the forty, a 9” 2” broad jump, and 23 reps on the bench. On film, he’s not a smooth, gifted athlete, with more of a bull-in-the-china-shop play style.
Smenda is a hard-hitting downhill player. A good form tackler who flows to the ball and wraps up in space. Not afraid to take on bigger blockers in the hole, adequate linear burst to shoot gaps, and get slithery/thin fighting through traffic. Looks like a good pass rusher and is certainly a hard charger on blitz attempts. Kind of clunky when backpedaling into zone coverage, doesn’t get great depth. Reads quarterback eyes and reacts well, but has start/stop and change of direction limitations.
In an interview, Smenda said the Rams want him to play at 240+ lbs. Makes one wonder if they want to see him out on the edge as a pass rusher as well as ILB. It’s only a few pounds, but he already seems a step slow at off ball linebacker. One thing is sure, he has the mindset and attitude for special teams and that may get him an extra long look on defense.
DeAndre Square - Kentucky
Slightly undersized prospect that makes up for his moderate athletic skills with plus football instincts and passionate, non-stop play. Played in an aggressive college defense and seems best suited to downhill action.
Four-year Wildcat starter in 44 of 58 games. Put up 300 tackles, 22.5 for loss, 6.5 sacks, 10 passes defended, and three interceptions over his college career. Missed three games late in 2022 with an ankle injury. Was elected team captain in each of his final three years.
While there is no question of his heart or effort, his athleticism is only adequate. At the Kentucky Pro Day he scaled in at 6’ 226 lbs., with 10” hands and 33” arms. He clocked a ho-hum 4.77 forty, 7.26 3Cone, and 4.38 shuttle in speed and short area agility testing. In the explosion drills hopped a 9’ 2” long jump, a 32” vertical and repped 23 on the bench.
Quick to trigger downhill and pursue the ball and takes good angles. With his size, he can be clamped down and/or washed out by bigger blockers. He does do a good job of sifting through larger traffic around the line of scrimmage, ducking under, bouncing off, and leveraging his length. Pursuit is relentless and his strength, length, form make him a solid tackler. In zone pass coverage, Square moves smoothly in space, gets good drop depth, and hustles to cover his flat responsibilities. Turning and running with pass catchers is not a strong suit. He is a good tackler in space.
The kind of UDFA the Rams love. He is a hustler, has coach-on-the field smarts, and projects as a special teams warrior. Just a real good complementary football player. With the Rams leaning more towards one linebacker formations, to get extra defensive backs on the field, It is very hard to project Square into a defensive role.
Jaiden Woodbey - Boston College
Woodbey was a five-star recruit out of high who excelled in football and track. He originally signed with Florida State over many top schools. In his sophomore year, he suffered a horrific knee injury, tearing his ACL, MCL, meniscus, and posteromedial capsule. Over his three years in Talahassee, he recorded 105 tackles and 11 passes broken up. He earned his degree and became a graduate transfer to Boston College and spent his final two seasons on Chestnut Hill.
In 24 games at BC, he sheeted 131 tackles, 5.5 for loss, two interceptions, and seven passes defended. His primary role was at box safety. Most of his passes defended where knockdowns on blitzes, rather than coverage. In both seasons, he was honorable mention All-ACC.
Solidly built and proportioned at 6’ 1” 231 lbs., with 9 3/4” hands, 32 1/4” arms and 80” wingspan. The knee injury maybe the cause for his substandard 4.84 forty, but he kept his quick feet and short area agility. He scored 6.97 3Cone and 4.14 shuttle. In his explosion testing he leapt a 35” vertical and a 9’ 6” broad. He pushed 20 reps on the bench.
Woodbey has the ball, read/react, and change of direction skill to play in zone coverage, but will struggle in man. He’s a good form tackler, has a physical nature, and strong enough to take on blockers. Listed as a college safety, his poor long speed makes him a possible liability the farther he gets away from the line of scrimmage.
He fits the safety/ linebacker hybrid role, or an overhang defender. He has the lateral agility to play in the second line, but his lack of speed makes him a long shot. In his favor, he has history of special teams play.
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Matthew Jester - Princeton
Jester is a little different than the others, he lines up primarily outside as an edge. He did run a few reps from the middle, but was a fixture spread wide. Big, strong, fast prospect likely drafted for his athletic upside. Played in a rotation over college career and was not a regular starter.
He showed very well at his Pro Day measuring in at 6’ 3” 252 lbs. with 9 3/8” hands and 31” arms. His speed testing stood out, 4..66 in the forty with a fine 1.60 10-yard split. In the agility and short area quickness he timed a 7.44 3Cone and 4.24 shuttle. He put up 27 reps at the bench, a 37.5 vertical, and 10’ 1” broad in the explosion category.
As one would expect, there’s not a lot of film on Jester, or Princeton for that matter. He has good burst both off the snap and in pursuit. He is very raw with technique, wins by being a better athlete than the player across from him. Sometimes he used a little outside feint and counter inside, but the cupboard seems bare for other moves. His arms are a little short and he doesn’t really hand fight or stack and shed. He is a hustler and has tackle power.
His coach points out his leadership, work ethic, physicality and work in the weight room is contagious. Real long shot to stick, but a typical Rams UDFA, high football IQ, total hustler, and “we, not me” player.
Roster thoughts?
All these prospects share qualities. They are all high-effort, instinctual, physical, and can rush the quarterback. They are all a step slow, also.
With the logjam at edge/OLB, Matthew Jester seems like a camp body unless the Rams have a plan for him. Sure, a guy his size running down the field covering/blocking on kicks would be fierce, but there is not a lot on film to project him as being ready to add any other value.
Jaiden Woodbey is an L.A. kid and has that five-star pedigree. So many top schools wanted him, he has to have innate talent, but holy moly, that forty time is hard to get over. If the NFL stage is not too big, maybe he can supplement special teams with rotation work in jumbo or big nickel formations to help out in run support in the box.
Lacking in size and athleticism, Square would seem odd man out. But, he was a tough character in the SEC. That toughness and his pursuit ability could get him on the field. A teammate you can count on to man up his responsibilities and is simply a good football player never goes out of style.
If Ryan Smenda could channel ex-Ram Troy Reeder, there’s a lane as a thumping two-down “Mike”. His ability to blitz and willingness to bang heads with blockers would be a nice complement in the Rams bend-but-don’t-break style. Top wrestlers have that built in win-or- die attitude.
The wildcard in this group is Kelechi Anyalebechi. He has a lot of plus traits and now it’s about seeing how they hold up against NFL competition. His versatility is key, if can stand up to pro size, strength, and speed, being a moveable defensive piece would enhance his special teams core.
At this early stage, I like Smenda to crack the opening 53, although I’ll also be watching out for Anyalebechi. Both have the requisite size, aggressive nature, and are good tacklers.
“The departure of Bobby Wagner, the Los Angeles Rams had three true linebackers—Ernest Jones, Christian Rozeboom, and Jake Hummel—under contract entering the 2023 NFL Draft. The conscription came and went without L.A. adding a single off-ball linebacker.”
But, we signed 5 UDFA’s and they are profiled in the article below.
Bobby Wagner was on the field for 99% of the plays in 2022, while Ernest Jones was at 66%. Moving on from Wagner was likely in part to increase Jones snaps.
What do you think about the rest of our depth chart at Linebacker?
2025 NFL Snap Count Leaders | Linebackers %s | FantasyPros
View LB snap count leaders by week. Quickly see snap %s for all players in one convenient table and import your fantasy team to find out who's available in your league.
www.fantasypros.com
Meeting the Rams UDFAs: L.A.’s new linebackers who went undrafted
New recruits bring high-effort, physicality, and football IQ
www.turfshowtimes.com
Meeting the Rams UDFAs: L.A.’s new linebackers who went undrafted
With the abrupt departure of Bobby Wagner, the Los Angeles Rams had three true linebackers—Ernest Jones, Christian Rozeboom, and Jake Hummel—under contract entering the 2023 NFL Draft. The conscription came and went without L.A. adding a single off-ball linebacker.The Rams made up for it by signing five linebackers as undrafted free agents. With L.A.’s recent history of leaning towards more nickel and dime formations utilizing only one ‘backer on the field, the needs for this unit lean more towards special teams support. Even so, Rozeboom and Hummel both began their Rams careers as UDFAs and have moved up the roster. Let’s take an introductory look at the new second line additions.
Kelechi Anyalebechi - Incarnate Word
Two-time Buck Buchanan finalist as the top FCS defensive player in the nation and twice honored as a third team All-American. Multi-position versatility and coaches have schemed him all over the box, both from 3-point stance and standing. Just want to add this in because it’s kind of interesting, he’s vegan and practices yoga.
Began his Incarnate Word career with two seasons on special teams and in a rotational role the edge. Became a star when he moved to off-ball linebacker. In 48 games and 31 starts, Anyalebechi recorded 285 tackles, 25 for loss, 9.5 sacks, 12 passes defended, and four interceptions. He also forced six fumbles and recovered four others.
His Pro Day supported his on-field production. He measured in at 5’ 11” 230 lbs. with 9 1/2” hands and 31 3/4” arms. He timed a very good forty, 4.62 and 10-yard split, 1.58. In explosion drills he had a nice 38” vertical, 9’ 8” long jump, and pressed 22 on the bench. His 4.39 shuttle was just ok, but 7.01 is a very good 3Cone.
Fiery player who strikes with ferocity, both around the line and out in space. He will need to consistently wrap up as pro, NFL backs and tight ends have the contact balance to bounce off and plow forward. He’s a good pass rusher, nice burst through gaps, uses his low center of gravity and body control to navigate. Generally takes good angles and stays patient when faced with fakes and feints. Plays mostly close to the line of scrimmage, but smoothly drops into zone. Found one man coverage rep on film and he mirrored a tight end down the seam and broke up the pass.
How far he gets into the Rams future depend on his transition up from a lower level of competition. Every thing will come at him faster. Decisions, bigger, stronger linemen, and backs hitting the gaps. He appears to have the physicality and instincts for the pro game, but like most small school players, could use a strength/conditioning program. I’ll root for this prospect, he would bring some attitude to defense or special teams.
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Ryan Smenda - Wake Forest
From a military family, the self-disciplined Smenda is a stockily built hustler and was a three-time state champion high school wrestler. The 23 year-old logged 200 of his 355 total tackles in last two years. Over 56 games, he had 24.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, forced four fumbles, and defended nine passes.
At the Hula Bowl he checked in at 6’ 1” 235 lbs., with 8 1/2” hands and 31 5/8” arms. Had to really dig for his Pro Day testing numbers, best that could be found are 4.68 in the forty, a 9” 2” broad jump, and 23 reps on the bench. On film, he’s not a smooth, gifted athlete, with more of a bull-in-the-china-shop play style.
Smenda is a hard-hitting downhill player. A good form tackler who flows to the ball and wraps up in space. Not afraid to take on bigger blockers in the hole, adequate linear burst to shoot gaps, and get slithery/thin fighting through traffic. Looks like a good pass rusher and is certainly a hard charger on blitz attempts. Kind of clunky when backpedaling into zone coverage, doesn’t get great depth. Reads quarterback eyes and reacts well, but has start/stop and change of direction limitations.
In an interview, Smenda said the Rams want him to play at 240+ lbs. Makes one wonder if they want to see him out on the edge as a pass rusher as well as ILB. It’s only a few pounds, but he already seems a step slow at off ball linebacker. One thing is sure, he has the mindset and attitude for special teams and that may get him an extra long look on defense.
DeAndre Square - Kentucky
Slightly undersized prospect that makes up for his moderate athletic skills with plus football instincts and passionate, non-stop play. Played in an aggressive college defense and seems best suited to downhill action.
Four-year Wildcat starter in 44 of 58 games. Put up 300 tackles, 22.5 for loss, 6.5 sacks, 10 passes defended, and three interceptions over his college career. Missed three games late in 2022 with an ankle injury. Was elected team captain in each of his final three years.
While there is no question of his heart or effort, his athleticism is only adequate. At the Kentucky Pro Day he scaled in at 6’ 226 lbs., with 10” hands and 33” arms. He clocked a ho-hum 4.77 forty, 7.26 3Cone, and 4.38 shuttle in speed and short area agility testing. In the explosion drills hopped a 9’ 2” long jump, a 32” vertical and repped 23 on the bench.
Quick to trigger downhill and pursue the ball and takes good angles. With his size, he can be clamped down and/or washed out by bigger blockers. He does do a good job of sifting through larger traffic around the line of scrimmage, ducking under, bouncing off, and leveraging his length. Pursuit is relentless and his strength, length, form make him a solid tackler. In zone pass coverage, Square moves smoothly in space, gets good drop depth, and hustles to cover his flat responsibilities. Turning and running with pass catchers is not a strong suit. He is a good tackler in space.
The kind of UDFA the Rams love. He is a hustler, has coach-on-the field smarts, and projects as a special teams warrior. Just a real good complementary football player. With the Rams leaning more towards one linebacker formations, to get extra defensive backs on the field, It is very hard to project Square into a defensive role.
Jaiden Woodbey - Boston College
Woodbey was a five-star recruit out of high who excelled in football and track. He originally signed with Florida State over many top schools. In his sophomore year, he suffered a horrific knee injury, tearing his ACL, MCL, meniscus, and posteromedial capsule. Over his three years in Talahassee, he recorded 105 tackles and 11 passes broken up. He earned his degree and became a graduate transfer to Boston College and spent his final two seasons on Chestnut Hill.
In 24 games at BC, he sheeted 131 tackles, 5.5 for loss, two interceptions, and seven passes defended. His primary role was at box safety. Most of his passes defended where knockdowns on blitzes, rather than coverage. In both seasons, he was honorable mention All-ACC.
Solidly built and proportioned at 6’ 1” 231 lbs., with 9 3/4” hands, 32 1/4” arms and 80” wingspan. The knee injury maybe the cause for his substandard 4.84 forty, but he kept his quick feet and short area agility. He scored 6.97 3Cone and 4.14 shuttle. In his explosion testing he leapt a 35” vertical and a 9’ 6” broad. He pushed 20 reps on the bench.
Woodbey has the ball, read/react, and change of direction skill to play in zone coverage, but will struggle in man. He’s a good form tackler, has a physical nature, and strong enough to take on blockers. Listed as a college safety, his poor long speed makes him a possible liability the farther he gets away from the line of scrimmage.
He fits the safety/ linebacker hybrid role, or an overhang defender. He has the lateral agility to play in the second line, but his lack of speed makes him a long shot. In his favor, he has history of special teams play.
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Matthew Jester - Princeton
Jester is a little different than the others, he lines up primarily outside as an edge. He did run a few reps from the middle, but was a fixture spread wide. Big, strong, fast prospect likely drafted for his athletic upside. Played in a rotation over college career and was not a regular starter.
He showed very well at his Pro Day measuring in at 6’ 3” 252 lbs. with 9 3/8” hands and 31” arms. His speed testing stood out, 4..66 in the forty with a fine 1.60 10-yard split. In the agility and short area quickness he timed a 7.44 3Cone and 4.24 shuttle. He put up 27 reps at the bench, a 37.5 vertical, and 10’ 1” broad in the explosion category.
As one would expect, there’s not a lot of film on Jester, or Princeton for that matter. He has good burst both off the snap and in pursuit. He is very raw with technique, wins by being a better athlete than the player across from him. Sometimes he used a little outside feint and counter inside, but the cupboard seems bare for other moves. His arms are a little short and he doesn’t really hand fight or stack and shed. He is a hustler and has tackle power.
His coach points out his leadership, work ethic, physicality and work in the weight room is contagious. Real long shot to stick, but a typical Rams UDFA, high football IQ, total hustler, and “we, not me” player.
Roster thoughts?
All these prospects share qualities. They are all high-effort, instinctual, physical, and can rush the quarterback. They are all a step slow, also.
With the logjam at edge/OLB, Matthew Jester seems like a camp body unless the Rams have a plan for him. Sure, a guy his size running down the field covering/blocking on kicks would be fierce, but there is not a lot on film to project him as being ready to add any other value.
Jaiden Woodbey is an L.A. kid and has that five-star pedigree. So many top schools wanted him, he has to have innate talent, but holy moly, that forty time is hard to get over. If the NFL stage is not too big, maybe he can supplement special teams with rotation work in jumbo or big nickel formations to help out in run support in the box.
Lacking in size and athleticism, Square would seem odd man out. But, he was a tough character in the SEC. That toughness and his pursuit ability could get him on the field. A teammate you can count on to man up his responsibilities and is simply a good football player never goes out of style.
If Ryan Smenda could channel ex-Ram Troy Reeder, there’s a lane as a thumping two-down “Mike”. His ability to blitz and willingness to bang heads with blockers would be a nice complement in the Rams bend-but-don’t-break style. Top wrestlers have that built in win-or- die attitude.
The wildcard in this group is Kelechi Anyalebechi. He has a lot of plus traits and now it’s about seeing how they hold up against NFL competition. His versatility is key, if can stand up to pro size, strength, and speed, being a moveable defensive piece would enhance his special teams core.
At this early stage, I like Smenda to crack the opening 53, although I’ll also be watching out for Anyalebechi. Both have the requisite size, aggressive nature, and are good tacklers.
Favorite Comic Strip Cartoons
If you were on a deserted island with a case of Yuengling Black and Tan and ONE compilation/book of your favorite comic strip, which one would you choose? I know @Merlin is choosing Hagar the Horrible, @CGI_Ram is choosing Doonesberry and @Allen2McVay is clutching a book of Peanuts....
My favorite would be the Far Side by Larsen. 2nd favorite would be Bloom County by Berke Breathed and 3rd would by Dilbert by Scott Adams.
I choose the Far Side because I have never belly laughed over a comic in my life, like I have with the Far Side. What is your choice and why?
My favorite would be the Far Side by Larsen. 2nd favorite would be Bloom County by Berke Breathed and 3rd would by Dilbert by Scott Adams.
I choose the Far Side because I have never belly laughed over a comic in my life, like I have with the Far Side. What is your choice and why?
