We need to start thinking beyond Higbee these days (one year left on contract?) and this draft has been reported to be historically bad except in one spot which is TE. Draft analysts suggest that this is the best TE class in 10 years and strong through round 3. Jourdan suggested today on her IG story that Rams should trade Robinson and draft a plug-and-play TE (even with how long it takes TE's to come along) in this years draft. Additionally, two-TE sets are offering more advantages against the defenses of the day and could offer much more scheme flexibility to us going forward. What thinks you? Can we restock at Edge, Oline and still get one of the top TE's in the draft? What could we get for Robinson (a 7th, a conditional pick in 2024)?


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I guess what I am asking… the Rams seemed like a model franchise through 2021. Then along came 2022… and things got wobbly.

The first nose wrinkler was the Akers situation. That whole situation was weird.

As we reached the off-season… we had another round of McVay retirement drama and the almost cryptic messaging as that unfolded. Was he burned out? Or, what was going on? Do we really know?

Now a piece by Jourdan Rodrigue suggests the Rams were skeptical of success in 2022, from the get go, and how Morris was acting as glue to the team struggles.

Lastly… yesterday’s surprise Bobby Wagner release. This might have been all cap related, but the comment “he wants to be on a winner” sort of jumps off the page.

Is there drama behind the scenes we should be concerned about?

Dan Orlovsky asked this question on twitter.
Which Team Are You On? Team Pizza or Team Pasta


You know what team @CGI_Ram and myself are on!

Week 2 XFL schedule

Thursday, February 23
9:00 PM ET — St. Louis Battlehawks at Seattle Sea Dragons, FX

Saturday, February 25
7:00 PM ET — D.C. Defenders at Vegas Vipers, FX

Sunday, February 26
4:00 PM ET — San Antonio Brahmas at Orlando Guardians, ESPN
7:00 PM ET — Arlington Renegades at Houston Roughnecks, ESPN2

The Athletic is a very affordable site with amazing content like this for all sports it's highly recommended.

Name a place you’ve been or a thing you’ve done that you enjoyed, but never need/wish to go to/do again.

Mine:

Place: Egypt - really cool seeing pyramids, but don’t need to see again.

Thing: helicopter tour. Did one on Maui on my honeymoon. Too many accidents - would not take that risk again.

Well… this settles it. See you Feb 11, 2024…

‘We’re going to beat them in the Super Bowl next year.'”​

Stafford’s wife, Kelly, revealed as much in a recent episode of her podcast “The Morning After with Kelly Stafford.” She shared the Rams QB’s thoughts after watching the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII, highlighting the promise of her husband to beat the Chiefs in 2023.

“We did end up going to Coach [Sean] McVay’s house for the last part of the [Super Bowl] game, and you could see the hunger. Going into this season, there wasn’t that hunger. It was kind of like, ‘Oh gosh, here we go again,'” Kelly detailed.

“We left that house, and Matthew’s like ‘We’re going to beat them in the Super Bowl next year.'”

Now that is certainly what Rams fans would want to hear from Matthew Stafford as they gear up for another season. There are plenty of things that went wrong for the team in 2022, but now that it’s all over, all LA can do is move on and make sure to bounce back come 2023.

Can we make a 'Sticky' of this ?


MOD EDIT. OTA SCHEDULE:

How many days of OTAs will there be?​

Teams are allowed to hold 10 days of OTAs, which is exactly how many the Rams will have. They’ll begin with a two-day session on May 22-23, followed by one practice on May 25, two on May 30-31, one on June 2 and four straight days from June 5-8.

Reporters will only be permitted to attend the practices on May 23, 30 and June 6, so it won’t be like training camp where videos and highlights are shared daily by reporters. We’ll have to rely on videos and photos shared by the Rams’ social media accounts.

Here is my first stab at a Rams mock. As we are pre-Combine, the slotting of players remains very fluid, so these projections are very preliminary (and, I believe I have the Rams selections, including projected Comp picks, correct, though I found conflicting information on line). I don’t do trades, by the way!

With that, here are my picks:

Round 2 (36): Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Remember how the Rams used 224 lb. Ben Skowronek as a WR/TE/FB hybrid? Well, imagine the Rams had a guy who was 3 inches taller, 45 lbs. heavier, and faster than Skoronek who could do the same types of things, and also act as a “3rd OT” in short yardage. That’s Washington, who, mark my words, will blow up the Combine. McVay won’t be able to resist.

Round 3 (69): Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State
With their next pick, the Rams make a more conservative, sensible choice. Wypler had 26 starts at center over the past two seasons, played over 1,600 snaps, and gave up one sack. He’s a plug and play guy who could make Brian Allen instantly expendible.

Round 4 (C): Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina
This is my first, “yeah, I know he could be gone by this point” selection. That said, Rush is the type of Senior Bowl riser that the Rams have gravitated towards over the years. The CB pool is deep, so I’m hoping Rush lasts. Either way, I’d definitely be targeting the position at this point in the draft.

Round 5 (C): Israel Abanikanda, RB, Pittsburgh
I’m confident that the Rams will add a RB to their roster. Part of me thinks they will do so earlier in the draft, but there should be some good options at this point as well. Abanikanda was productive and durable at Pitt, and can catch and block. A younger and more athletic Malcolm Brown, perhaps.

Round 6 (168): Nick Herbig, OLB/EDGE, Wisconsin

Round 6 (175): Dylan Horton, EDGE, TCU

Round 6 (177): Jackson Kirkland, OG, Washington

Round 6 (C): Bryce Baringer, P, Michigan State

Round 7 (213): Kearis Jackson, WR/RS, Georgia

Round 7 (C): Chamarri Conner, S, Virginia Tech

I don't know how this guy does it. It's like he reads the minds of every NFL fan of every team.
It's funny in that it's way to accurate IMO.
What do you guys think?


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What is the biggest question mark you have right now with the 2023 Rams?

For me; How do we get under the cap? Is it all via restructure , or… Do we trade or release one of our cornerstones to get under the cap?

Floyd, Ramsey, Donald, Kupp, or Stafford… do we part with one, or more?

Or is it just me? The last 2 years I noticed a pattern.

The Rams/Chiefs won. Ok...post weeks there are more articles and opinions whining about...

Refs

Field conditions

Location of the game

League wanting "X" team to win because of "Y" player/city.

Focus on players of the loser team

Ok not Super Bowl but more whining in OT games about the other team not getting a chance

How many articles came out last year about the Rams DL balling out vs the amount bitching over the refs? How many articles are coming about the Chiefs vs bitching over the field?

Idk...just more voices in my head in my daily commutes.

Rams' Baker Mayfield: 'I'm A Starting QB!' Which Teams Agree?​

If Derek Carr rides to New York, the New Orleans Saints could reportedly look to the west to fill in their vacant franchise quarterback spot.

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer listed Los Angeles Rams thrower Baker Mayfield as a name for Saints observers to keep an eye on in free agency as the team continues to work its way through the post-Drew Brees era. While the Saints have been linked to Carr, the former Las Vegas Raider who's visiting the New York Jets this weekend, their relative past with Mayfield could help them find some stability under center after working through the first Brees-free season with Andy Dalton and the injured Jameis Winston.

Another quarterback to watch in free agency for New Orleans would be Baker Mayfield," Breer claims. "The Saints staff was high on Mayfield ahead of the 2018 draft, and those old draft evals can definitely have an impact down the road with guys as they get older and hit free agency, especially when there’s a need that can be tied to it."

At season's end, Mayfield said of his time with the Rams, “This place has been unbelievable for me. I think I’m going to look back and be really, really grateful for ... the things I learned.”

But he also made a declaration.

“I know I’m a starting quarterback,” he said. “I’m confident in that, and we’ll just see what happens.”

Mayfield is seeking an aerial redemption after his time as the Cleveland Browns' primary passer came to an unceremonious end. He began the year with the Carolina Panthers but found a quantum of salvation with the Rams, who picked him up off waivers in December. Though Mayfield went 1-3 as a starter, he made national headlines for his substitute performance in a nationally-streamed victory over the Las Vegas Raiders mere hours after he was officially added to the Rams' roster.

With Matthew Stafford set to return to Los Angeles' passing domain this season, any desires Mayfield has at another starting opportunity would have to come elsewhere. In January, Mayfield claimed that he would not "chase a check" when it came to his looming free agency.

Rams CB Troy Hill Hits Free Agency After Contract Voids: Future in L.A.?​

Are the Los Angeles Rams willing to continue cornerback Troy Hill’s second tour of duty with the team?

The eight-year veteran is set to become an unrestricted free agent on March 15, the first day of the new league year, after the final two years of his contract automatically voided on Friday.

On the surface, Hill’s statically underwhelming 2022 season would seem to indicate that he has played his final down in Tinseltown.

However, it may not be that easy for the Rams to simply send the 31-year-old on his way.

While three-time All-Pro Jalen Ramsey clearly established himself as the alpha on the right side of the perimeter, Hill struggled to maintain his place on the left. He still started 12 games, logging 67 total tackles, four passes-defended and one interception. With both he and fellow left-sider David Long, Jr. headed for free agency, the Rams’ secondary may look quite different in the upcoming season.

Though likely to return, Ramsey continues to be the subject of trade rumors, linking him to various teams throughout the league. If Los Angeles decides to part ways with the talented defensive back, they may look to retain Hill on a team-friendly, short-term deal.

Hill’s struggles in 2022 may allow for such a deal to come to fruition. However, looking back at his initial tenure with the Rams shows the he is capable of being a stabilizing, and perhaps productive force in their secondary.

Off-field legal troubles forced Hill to enter the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2015, signing a three-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. He was waived by the Bengals after only one season with the team.

After his dismissal from Cincinnati, Hill was claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots. Yet, the Pats released him just five days following their being awarded of his services. The Rams (then in St. Louis) claimed him off waivers from New England, beginning his five-year stint with the Rams.

During his time with the team, Hill proved to be a solid perimeter cornerback. His most productive season came in 2020, when he led the league with two defensive touchdowns and 119 interception-return years. He capped his first stay by compiling 279 total tackles (five for loss), 33 passes-defended, eight interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.

Hill’s prowess set him up to sign a four-year, $24 million deal with the Cleveland Browns in the 2021 offseason. However, after only one season with the Browns, the team dealt him back to the Rams for a fifth-round pick in the 2023 draft. Hill was essentially returning to the Rams for only one season, as the final two years of his deal with the Browns were included as automatic void years to alleviate Cleveland’s salary cap strain.

While a groin injury, and a corresponding brief stay on injured reserve, slowed his production, Hill still flashed moments of the ball-hawk he was during his previous time with the Rams.

In addition to Ramsey, Los Angeles still has cornerbacks Cobie Durant, Derion Kendrick and Robert Rochell under contract for the upcoming season.

Whether Hill’s veteran leadership is enough to entice the Rams to extend his second stay with the team will be among the storylines to watch in L.A. as the new league year approaches.

Disclaimer: Draft made mostly with PFF's draft mock simulator (coded the best by far) and it's Pre-Combine so obviously this changes a ton after combine and fuckery before the draft in round where prospects are drafted. I prefer to look at prospects and players with a sliding grading scale of performance rather than production versus undergunned teams.

I'd like to first point out:

A. The last couple of years I've been pretty good of guessing at least one draft prospect we've taken which is pretty good considering we haven't had first day and sometimes 2nd round picks.
B. When we moved from STL, it was obviously going to happen way before. No one listened. When we were going to get rid of Fisher very few at the time wouldn't consider it until it happened. Trading Goff? It was thick in the air and made a mock of it and many were upset and said there was no chance etc etc.
This year I have a very strong feeling we are going to move on from Ramsey and/or Donald. Obviously Ramsey is the more ideal candidate for a trade but AD I feel could be had for a decently valued price. I'd say the Steelers or New England would be good matches for an AD trade and the Raiders or Detroit for Ramsey since they've had the leagues worst passing defense for what 3 seasons now?

I smell change in the air again...


With that being said

(stole some resigns and restructures from @jrry32 )

Restructure
WR Cooper Kupp

Re-sign
QB Baker Mayfield
DL Greg Gaines
DL A'Shawn Robinson
CB Troy Hill
K Matt Gay

All ERFAs
OL Ty Nsekhe
RS Brandon Powell
LS Matt Orzech

Estimated even on the cap in 2023 but in 2024 50 million plus free with the potential of cutting/trading Haventstein/Noteboom of 25 million extra

Trades
Jalen Ramsey to Detroit for picks 18,48,55,
Aaron Donald to New England for picks 14,46,76,107 and 2024 2nd Rd.
Bengals 14 for 28,60,131,165
NO 18 for 29,71
Rams 32 for Steelers 36,136,252
Rams 85 for Chargers 107,131,172,182,211


NFL Draft
(5th year option draft picks)
All I have to say is Imagine McVay having both Higbeast and Baby Gronk aka Mayer together? He's been trying to find a cheap version of a dual dominating TE for a while since he became our head coach.


Round 1 Pick #28 - Michael Mayer TE Notre Dame
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Where he wins: Physicality

Mayer’s entire game stems from being the aggressor. Whether it’s his work as a blocker, the subtle shove to get away from coverage or an ill-intentioned stiff arm in the open field — Mayer is going to take the fight to defenders.

What’s his role: Inline tight end

If you want a tight end who can go head-to-head with defensive ends in the run game while being an option route savant over the middle of the field, Mayer is your guy. That’s what he was put on this Earth to do.

What can he Improve: Speed

I know, I know: speed is not something that can usually improve. However, Mayer is very young for a top tight end prospect coming out and doesn’t have to be 265 pounds. There’s some excess weight there he could trim to add a little more dynamism to his game.

Round 1 Pick #29 - O'Cyrus Torrence G Florida
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Where he wins: Easy power

Torrence makes moving people against their will look like child’s play. He can move defensive tackles off the line with his lower body or torque them out of the hole with his upper body.

What’s his role: Guard

There’s never been a more “guardy” guard prospect. Torrence was built in a lab to play guard.

What can he Improve: Very little

Physical limitations are the biggest thing holding Torrence back at this point. There’s not much else on tape that I’d call a glaring issue.

Round 2 Pick #32 - B.J. Ojulari EDGE LSU
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Where he wins: Pass-rush plan

Ojulari has answers for almost everything an offensive tackle can throw at him. He already has a repertoire that’s well beyond his years.

What’s his role: 3-4 OLB/designated pass-rusher

Ojulari’s skill set is tailor-made to be a stand-up outside backer on the line. He can’t fill too many other roles.

What can he Improve: Play strength

There’s so much to like about Ojulari’s game at the moment, but it’s glaringly obvious on tape how much his moves need a little more “oomph” to them. In fairness, he at least flashes some speed-to-power. It’s not dissimilar a problem to his brother Azeez, who’s struggled to transition to the NFL because of it.

Round 2 Pick #46 - Luke Wypler C OSU
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Where he wins: Leverage

Wypler understands line-of-scrimmage play. He’s so good at establishing and re-establishing leverage. His game is what you’d expect from a fifth- or sixth-year player.

What’s his role: Center

Wypler doesn’t have an ideal frame to move to guard. He’s going to be a center at the next level.

What can he Improve: Anchor

This isn’t too surprising considering he’s a third-year player declaring early. One can expect this to improve in the coming years, but it’ll likely still be an issue early on in his NFL career.

Round 2 Pick #48 - Garrett Williams CB Syracuse

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Where he wins: Feet

Williams can really pick ’em up and put ’em down. He can match a receiver’s every move with relative ease — a great starting point for a corner.

What’s his role: Outside corner

He’s played enough off-zone in his career to get by, but he’ll really shine in man coverage. Teams that play a lot of off-man should be coveting Williams’ services.

What can he Improve: Mentality

Williams could use a little dog in him. Tools-wise, he’s not all that dissimilar to PFF’s CB1 Devon Witherspoon, but he is on opposite ends of the spectrum playstyle-wise.

Round 2 Pick #55 - Sydney Brown S Illinois

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Where he wins: Athleticism

Brown is smooth and explosive in the open field. He has range on the back end and the hips to track receivers in man coverage.

What’s his role: Versatile safety

Brown’s tackling and take-on skills would probably make him a better fit as a deep safety in single- or two-high shells, but he’s good enough in coverage if you want to drop him down closer to the line of scrimmage in man.

What can he Improve: Tackling

This one is obvious.

Round 2 Pick #61 - Eli Ricks CB Alabama

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Where he wins: Length

Ricks’ long arms and long strides make him one of the tougher cornerbacks in college football to beat deep despite average speed. He well understands how to use contact to stick with receivers.

What’s his role: Press cornerback

Don’t overthink this one. More than half of Ricks’ college snaps came in press. And he was spectacular on them. He allowed nine catches on 34 targets for 171 yards on 347 press snaps in his career.

What can he Improve: Pay strength

To keep his same playstyle at the next level, Ricks needs to add serious mass to his frame. There aren’t any 6-foot-2, 190-pound cornerbacks who consistently impose their will on NFL receivers

Round 3 Pick #69 - B.J. Keanuu Benton DT Wisconsin

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Where he wins: Hands

Benton’s hands are strong and violent. His wins on tape come almost exclusively from a strong shock to an offensive lineman’s shoulder pads.

What’s his role: Versatile DT

Benton has split his time almost evenly between the A- (698 snaps) and B-gap (612) over the course of his career. He can easily fill the same role in the NFL.

What can he Improve: Hand placement

When Benton plays with tight hands and low pad level, it’s a sight to behold. However, those reps are too few and far between for the big fella.

Round 3 Pick #71 - Darnell Wright RT Tenn

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Where he wins: Power

Few tackles in college football were more awe-inspiring when they engaged in the run game. He overpowered defenders everywhere he lined up across from.

What’s his role: Right tackle/guard/gap scheme

Wright’s skill set is traditionally placed on the right side, although that’s fairly antiquated thinking. It also wouldn’t be a surprise if some wanted him to move inside.

What can he Improve: Playing on balance

Wright can get a little out over his toes and leave himself exposed to getting knocked off balance when he does catch defenders cleanly. He’ll end up on the ground a lot more doing that in the NFL.

Round 3 Pick #76 - Jaelyn Duncan LT Maryland

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2/11/23: Duncan has a good skill set and improved throughout his college career. For the NFL, he looks like he has starting left tackle potential. Duncan is quick out of his stance and does a nice job of moving his feet to glide with edge rushers. To maintain proper leverage, Duncan bends at the knee and shows the agility to move. Duncan could stand to improve his hand placement, but he has starting skill set of size, athleticism and strength. Duncan had some issues against Ohio State late in the 2022 season, illustrating that he is raw and needs some development, but Duncan is talented with the physical skills to be a starter. At the Senior Bowl, Duncan was uneven in his performance, but he displayed he has a good skill set to work with.

6/27/22: Duncan has been solid for Maryland and received a quality grade from NFL advance scouts. Duncan is a team leader and captain with good size and athleticism. If Duncan does well against top opponents, he could be a riser. Duncan broke into the starting lineup as a redshirt freshman in 2019 and has been a mainstay at left tackle for the Terrapins.

Round 3 Pick #85 - Keandre Miller RB TCU

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Where he wins: Flexibility

Miller runs like a world-class slalom skier. He makes it look so easy when he bounces left and right without losing any speed.

What’s his role: Bell cow

Miller has the size, speed and burst to handle a full workload in the league. He did just that for TCU last season.

What can he Improve: Short yardage

Miller still could stand to lower a shoulder and take what is available a little more often. He can get antsy searching for holes even when there’s none to be found.

Round 5 Pick #165 - Luke Shoonmaker TE Michigan

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Round 6 Pick #189 - Thomas Incoom Edge Central Michigan

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Round 6 Pick #191 - Michael Turk P Oklahoma aka punting GOAT (Matt Turks nephew)

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Round 7 Pick #222 - Jaren Hall QB BYU

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Projected Starters
QB: Matthew Stafford
HB: Keandre Miller
WR: Cooper Kupp
WR: Allen Robinson
WR: Van Jefferson
TE: Tyler Higbee
LT: Joe Noteboom (until he gets injured)
LG: O' Cyrus Torrence
C: Luke Wypler
RG: Alaric Jackson
RT: Rob Havenstein

DE: Greg Gaines
NT: A'Shawn Robinson
DE: Keanuu Brown
OLB: Leonard Floyd
ILB: Bobby Wagner
ILB: Ernest Jones
OLB: BJ Ojulari
CB: Garrett Williams
CB: Troy Hill
CB: Eli Ricks
S: Sydney Brown
S: Jordan Fuller

K: Matt Gay
P: Michael Turk
LS: Matt Orzech
RS: Brandon Powell

Pro Football Reference has a list of the top 25 QBs all time and there are a couple with which I disagree.

In alphabetical order:
Ken Anderson
*Terry Bradshaw
Tom Brady
Drew Brees
*Len Dawson
John Elway
Brett Favre
Dan Fouts
*John Hadl
Peyton Manning
Eli Manning
Dan Marino
Joe Montana
Warren Moon
Carson Palmer
Phillip Rivers
Aaron Rodgers
Ben Roethlisberger
Matt Ryan
Matt Stafford
*Fran Tarkenton
Vinny Testaverde
*Johnny Unitas
Russell Wilson
Steve Young

First off, I've always been against lists of TOP anything. But QBs are so different because the game has evolved so much. There was a time QBs used to call the plays*, not the HC or OC. And during that time running the ball was so much more important. But Carson Palmer, Vinny Testaverde and Ken Anderson over Roman Gabriel or Kurt Warner? I know that sounds like a "homer" but I could also include Sonny Jurgenson, John Brodie and Jim Kelly, from completely different eras. FWIW, I thought Ken Anderson had better intangibles than Palmer or Testaverde.

It seems PFR used some parameters. 17 of the 25 on their list are top 25 all time in passing yards, TDs and 4th quarter comebacks. 3 more are in the top 25 in TDs, Yards but just outside 4th quarter comebacks (Palmer #26, Fouts and Rodgers tied for #28). And if they're going to use those 3 catagories, where's Dave Krieg? #25 in yards, #20 in TD and #24 in CB. Not that I believe he should be on the list but under those parameters, he ranks right up there with them. He didn't play in a SB but neither did 6 of those 25. Fouts, Hadl, Moon. Palmer, Testaverde and Rivers. Of course I'd rank all of them except Testaverde and Palmer above Krieg at first look.

But I guess that's why I dislike "TOP" lists. Jim Kelly led his Bills to 4 Superbowls. Warner was one of the best passers of all time. Gabriel, Sonny Jurgenson, John Brodie, YA Tittle and many others called their own plays. That in itself is a burden from which modern QBs are relieved, except with audibles and certainly a few of them were very good at that (Marino, Brady, Peyton Manning, etc). Though I never saw him play Otto Graham went to 10 straight Championship Games prior to the SB era. 4 in the AAFC, then 6 in the NFL. He's #1 in career yds/att (9.0), another parameter that's important. 10 of the 25 on that list are in the top 25 all time.

So, who's not on that list of top 25, you believe should be there? Who on that list should not be?

The Rams have created a real sense of family. During the preseason and during each season every game has given us a reason to join together. The "fiesta" atmosphere on game days is wonderful. My GF's family has embraced me as a member and our home as a real gathering spot. The BBQs and potluck nature of the gatherings is wonderful and is what I miss most during the offseason. I have gotten to know her brothers and sister very well in a way we never did before.

Now the "guys" gather once a month for an all night poker fest. It's not cutthroat, and $20-$40 will generally allow you to stay in the game all night. We play a lot of split pot games (2 pot winners) and it's all about luck good and bad. Everyone plays their hand and bluffing is the unspoken rule as being not acceptable. We are family, not competitors. My GF and her sister, girl in-laws have their own party. Everyone simply has a good time. My neighbor occasionally joins us and is amazed at how down-to-earth everyone is. These get togethers have evolved out of the weekly football game gatherings.

My GF's family were largely Cardinal fans who actually tired of their stupidity. The Rams gave them a team to get behind that actually tries to win it all every year. You have no idea how wild the Super Bowl was! Even my neighbor will probably convert from a Card fan to a Ram fan.

So the Rams have brought us closer together. My family is largely in Calif and most like my brother are Dodger fans. I have been largely the only real NFL fan in my family. My brother used to coach baseball at the high school level so that is where his passion lies. One of my sisters played softball from jr. high through college.

My GF is very much younger than I am. That disparity for a long time was a bit of an impairment between my GFs family and myself. But the Rams have helped to bridge that divide. She used to date a lot of guys "of more appropriate age" but ultimately decided that having a man was better than a good looking boy. She is now 40 but looks 10 years younger.

So thank you Rams for improving my life!

The Life And Career Of Jackie Slater (Story)​

Former Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Jackie Slater was a cut above the rest during his many years playing in the National Football League.

Slater played a demanding and bruising position on the offensive line for 20 seasons. Not many of his contemporaries can boast such longevity.

With Slater working hard on the offensive line, he helped the Rams win games in the trenches and reclaim lost glory in the 1980s.

Slater, Walter Payton’s college teammate with the Jackson State Tigers, blocked for sensational Rams running back Eric Dickerson from 1983 to 1987.

Slater also blocked for seven other 1,000-yard rushers during his memorable tenure with the Rams. He also helped protect aging quarterback Joe Namath and cleared the way for young running back Jerome Bettis.

Slater, a seven-time Pro Bowl and four-time Second-Team All-Pro selection, eventually earned his gold jacket and bust in Canton, OH in the summer of 2001.

This is Jackie Slater’s fascinating football journey.

Early Life

Jackie Ray Slater was born to parents John and Bessie in Jackson, MS on May 27, 1954. He has four younger brothers.

According to Sports Illustrated‘s Paul Zimmerman, John Slater labored at a Hertz facility to help make ends meet. Bessie was a stay-at-home housewife.

In 1967, when Jackie was thirteen years old, he already stood six feet tall and weighed 245 pounds. He easily dwarfed other kids his age.

Jackie was a typical junior high school student who wanted to spend time with his friends. He also wanted to learn how to play the guitar.

However, Slater’s life changed forever when the coaches at Blackburn Junior High School approached him and asked him to try out for football, per the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s official website.

Jackie accepted, and his life was never the same again.

High School

Slater attended Jim Hill High School before transferring to Wingfield High School in the early 1970s. He was a three-sport star who excelled in football, basketball, and track for the Wingfield Falcons.

Jackie’s high school days coincided with racial tensions in the deep south.

His football coaches at Jim Hill High and Wingfield High, Tommy Williams and Glen Slay, both told him not to let those racial tensions sidetrack his blossoming football career.

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It’s early in the offseason… Anybody got a BOLD prediction?

Lots’s of speculation around Ramsey getting traded. The Rams need to do something to get under the cap. Any trades?

Do the Rams make a surprise FA signing? Free Agency starts in a little over 3 weeks.

Any surprise cuts?

What happens at backup QB?

Do we do anything unexpected on draft day?

What is your BOLD prediction?

Tanner McKee QB is expected to drop into the top of the second round. Remember Drew Brees did as well so it's not like only top first round QBs are worth taking. If the Rams can't hold on to Mayfield, I think the Rams could draft a QB at 36.

Tanner McKee looks to be a scheme fit for McVay's offense. He's got elite height at 6'6" and an NFL quality arm with good overall accuracy. He's a true pocket passer who has shown an ability to read defenses. His flaws are mostly coachable issues that have to do with his progression reads. A year behind Stafford would really benefit him. I've watched him play and IMO he can be a quality QB given a decent team, coach, and system. He's got good movement skills though his throws on the run need to be cleaned up as technique issues.

IMO McKee gets a bad rap because of the quality of the team around him. He played behind probably the worst OL in the Pac12. But no different than Stafford and Goff if given a decent amount of time he's got the arm talent to beat defenses. Unlike a running QB Tanner being a pocket passer understands how to play progression read schemes.

I look at him as a one year developmental QB who has Goff like potential. The problem IMO is that McVay obviously doesn't like young QBs, but if Tanner is on the board at 36 and if Mayfield isn't on board I think the Rams could grab McKee.

We had a brief thread on this, HERE, but I want to poke at this topic again…

For me, one of the bigger unknowns projecting the 2023 roster is… What do we have in Cam Akers?

WTH was that in 2022?

He starts the season and looks very below average out there. Akers gains 151 on 51 carries for 3.0ypc.

Then out of the blue, he’s on the trading block and misses a few games. Suddenly… In what can only be described as a whacky turn of events…. Akers and the Rams reconcile.

Whaaaat?

Akers returns to the team and gains 635yds on 137 attempts for 4.6ypc. Of which 345yds came in the final 3 games. He also looked noticeably more energetic on the field.

I got to admit… I am super confused! What do we have in Cam Akers?

Is he the guy we saw the first half of the season - or - the guy we saw down the stretch? Is the trade wackiness a sign of instability with Akers?

Kyren Williams looks like a nice player, but he’s pegged for the Darrell Henderson change-up role, IMO.

How urgent is the need to find another RB with starter potential?

Do the Rams draft a RB early?

Do the Rams add an established starter by FA?

My wife has started doing a little side work. She's making necklaces out of beads she's been making by hand. She decided to do a Rams version. Check it out.

The NFL has a QB salary problem. Guys like Daniel Jones, what do you do? It’s almost like they don’t have a place.

If you sign him, are you settling for a tier 2 guy, at STILL a very BIG cap number?

If he’s not worth busting your cap for years, or there is slight uncertainty, shouldn’t you move on?

Signing a tier 2 to a BIG CONTRACT for multiple years feels like a mistake to me.

The Giants are in a tough spot. Maybe the best move is to tag him.

Daniel Jones' price tag will determine if Giants can build contending team around him​

Predicting the annual value of Jones’ next contract is a bit of the wild, wild west right now. No, he’s not Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs). He doesn’t have the past career successes of Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Russell Wilson (Broncos) or Deshaun Watson (Browns). Schoen is a shrewd negotiator — easily able to separate sense and emotion. He won’t pay Jones $40 million plus. He’s not worth that.

The appropriate figure is believed to be somewhere between $35 and $37 million, two executives familiar with the quarterback market told SNY. Another, whose team is in need of a veteran quarterback and would “explore” Jones if he were available, said he’d have a “hard time” justifying a $40 million figure for him. In the $30 millions? “Sure,” the exec said, “but not above.”

New Daniel Jones contract should scare the hell out of Giants fans​