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No Happy Ending for Florida Prosecutors vs Robert Kraft

An Appeals Court ruled that the police operation violated Kraft's Constitutional rights by videotaping inside a massage parlor because he had a reasonable expectation of privacy?

Yeah, he had the means to fight this unlike a normal joe sixpack, who would had to take a plea deal.

OLB Leonard Floyd leads surprising LB surge in 2020

OLB Leonard Floyd leads surprising LB surge in 2020

The LA Rams are finally getting the pads on, speeding up play, and banging some big ole bodies. Of course, the who, the where, and the when are all questions so far, particularly on defense. After all, the Rams are transforming into a never-seen-before version of a 3-4 defense. Right now, the only player who has the most experience in this virgin territory on the football field? Outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, that’s who.

While still early, it’s given him quite the jump to the 2020 NFL season. So far, that’s shown up on the practice field.

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A veteran like Floyd is so very important to this defense. Why is that?

Experience is a premium for 2020

Outside linebacker Leonard Floyd walks onto the football field with experience of the Staley system. That gives him a serious advantage in what to expect. As the Rams install their defense packages, that type of background is critically important to ensure defenders align properly and get auto-corrections during the games. After all, the Rams linebackers are a brand new crew.

While the Rams linebackers are starting over from scratch this season, the team has a few opportunities to exceed expectations from the linebackers room. After all, the focus of everyone so far is the loss of key players from the linebacking corps of 2019. But what about the new linebackers playing in 2020? Here are three upsides for LA Rams linebackers this year:

Upside III – ILB Kiser true starter for Rams defense.

LA Rams projected starting ILB Micah Kiser is truly a starting-caliber linebacker. Let that sink in for a moment. It’s a key to the entire Rams defense this year. Just like the Rams had confidence in Cory Littleton, which allowed them to move on from former linebacker Alec Ogletree, so too did the Rams’ confidence in Micah Kiser allow the Rams to allow veteran Littleton sell his services to the highest bidder.

Let’s state some bold facts. The Rams will work pass coverages from other players. Kiser merely needs to zone defend the middle of the field. And he does that well. But where Kiser is truly needed is that punishing enforcer in the middle of the field. He’s that guy that nobody wants to run into because they’ll walk away seeing stars. After all, he’s a 6-foot-0 244-pound fireplug with a 38-inch waist and 36-inch thighs. That’s power, sheer power.

Have Rams had a thumper like Kiser?

Kiser is a tough player to envision as a starting linebacker for the Rams because he is unlike other players to start at the position. The closest comparative match is the comparison to Green Bay Packers linebacker Blake Martinez. Martinez averages 128 tackles and 2.5 sacks per season over his four-year career so far. The Rams would love to have that sort of production out of Kiser this year.

Kiser could do those numbers. He’s a powerful linebacker playing the middle of a 3-4 defense which will have a lot of defensive backs on the field. That means he’ll see more than his share of running plays. On those plays, he will definitely be the player most responsible for the tackle on any inside rushers. Behind Donald, and hopefully Robinson this season, the Rams will get all they need out of Kiser patrolling the middle.

Upside II – OLB Lewis is athletically gifted for the edge

Rookie outside linebacker Terrell Lewis is an athletic freak who will eventually dominate from the edge. So gifted, in fact, that the projections for him start at very good and run up to elite as an NFL pass rusher. Of course, projections are crystal ball versions of the future. That can be whatever we want it to be. So let’s go with some facts:

Lewis is 6-foot-5 and weighs 262-pounds. He is just 21 years old but has a wingspan that exceeds 83-inches which is a phenomenal reach for an edge rusher. So good, in fact, are his dimensions alone that he joins rather elite company – Jadaveon Clowney. Surprisingly, that fact has not been discussed much. In fact, most reports indicate that Lewis can be good if he stays healthy. Just for chuckles, let’s assume he stays healthy. How good can he be?

Lewis’ potential just pops

Much like Clowney joining the Houston Texans in 2014 with star defensive lineman J.J. Watt, Lewis is joining the LA Rams with star defensive lineman Aaron Donald. Clowney’s first season was an injury-shortened effort, but his stock rose rapidly as he played both defensive end and outside linebacker for the Texans. Is that the route of Lewis’ career track? Perhaps, but most likely not.

The Rams like Lewis in Dante Fowler Jr.’s spot. And at two-inches taller, about ten pounds heavier, and a longer wingspan, the Rams like the chances of matching Fowler’s production down the road. Of course, Lewis will need to get some defensive snaps, and will likely see a gradually increasing number in the rotation. Even if Lewis doesn’t see much action until the second half of this NFL season, he could still put up 5.0 sacks and 30 tackles. That will be a huge plus for the Rams this year.

Upside I – Veteran Floyd knows Staley’s system

Veteran outside linebacker Leonard Floyd knows how to shine in Brandon Staley’s defense. Most of the projections for Floyd this year ignore the fact that he is so experienced with Staley and Staley with him. Compounded that underestimation, Staley is a bit of an expert at elite outside linebacker play, having coached both OLB Khalil Mack and Von Miller. So why did he settle for Leonard Floyd?

“Settling” is the first mistake. The Rams signed Floyd with a specific skill set in mind, and the team got the guy they wanted. So what are those skills? Ideally, he is the veteran outside linebacker who will be the cover guy as well as the edge setter and the pass rusher. While some had pointed out his declining sack numbers, keep in mind that the Bears picked up Mack to rush the passer. That forced Floyd to be the “other guy” on the defense.

Rams’ role for Floyd

The Rams have neither Von Miller nor Khalil Mack. That means that the primary “rusher” role is up for grabs, and will certainly feature Floyd this year. That will not only serve the team’s needs this year. But the following year, as Lewis assumes Floyd’s vacated spot, he will be the featured pass rusher for next year.

Floyd is a very cerebral player. He is a solid tactician on the field but is fundamentally solid as well. Until now, he’s been a team-first player. While he is still a team player, the move to the Rams has been his wake up call. He needs to focus on his production as well, and that will be something to look for from him this year. I’m convinced the Rams will be pleased with what develops from Floyd, and the entire linebacking group, this season.

Rams see a fitter, faster Jared Goff as high-speed practice begins

Rams see a fitter, faster Jared Goff as high-speed practice begins

THOUSAND OAKS >> Jared Goff opened training camp earlier this month with a joke.

“I may have put on a couple of pounds,” he said when asked how he feels, adding with a laugh. “I don’t know if that’s muscle or a couple of cheeseburgers.”

The Rams’ quarterback opened the padded-practice portion of camp Tuesday with the truth.

Goff spent this unusual offseason focusing on his fitness. If his body is any beefier, it’s because he hit the weights, not the barbecue. He appears leaner and quicker on his feet as a result.

“I worked out and ate right,” Goff, still listed at 6-foot-4 and 222 pounds at age 25, said in a Zoom chat with reporters after having his mobility tested on the official first day of full-speed practice.

“At the end of the day that’s really all you can do to further your body. I have a trainer, I have a nutritionist, I have the whole thing going now, and I feel really good.”

The result should make him more mobile. It’s all relative, since Goff has never been known for his ball-carrying or six-pack abs.

“I’ve been working pretty hard to be that way,” he said. “I would like to be more mobile. Up to this point, I do feel a little bit faster. Hopefully I can extend plays better than I have throughout my career.”

Add that to a narrative that’s growing in Rams camp in Thousand Oaks.

It says Goff, coming off his worst season since he was a rookie under coach Jeff Fisher, is coming up to one of his best as he enters his fourth year under coach Sean McVay and his first working with new offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell.

Goff went from eighth in the league in passer rating in the Rams’ Super Bowl season of 2018 to 22nd as they finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs in 2019.

He and the team open the 2020 season and SoFi Stadium in Inglewood against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 13.

Expectations are nothing new for Goff, the NFL’s No. 1 overall pick in 2016. But they seem to be gaining weight again. Gym weight, not extra-cheese weight.

“(He’s) probably in the best shape of his life right now,” said tight end Tyler Higbee, who is close to Goff and says he has seen how the quarterback changed his diet. “Seeing him just moving around, throwing the rock around, his mobility is better.

“I think his leadership skills have even taken another step and being one of the sole guys in there commanding the offense. He’s just getting better every year. I don’t see anything else but him taking that next step this year.”

O’Connell said he has worked with Goff to improve his lower-body position when he throws and to maintain those fundamentals under a rush.

“To me what it’s translating to is just his natural accuracy. It’s truly something really special, and that’s what we’re working towards,” O’Connell said.

“The pleasant surprise to me is that he is moving his feet really well. He’s really spent a lot of time in the offseason getting a little bit stronger as well as getting some foot speed.”

McVay came off the practice field Tuesday singling out Goff for praise.

“I thought today he had his best day yet (at training camp),” McVay said. “Made completions, took what the defense gave him, made good decisions consistently. I thought we got in and out of the huddle the right way.

“It was on track to do things with the standards we have set, and I thought it started with his performance today.”

Fitter Goff, sharper offense. The two could go together like ketchup and mustard, or, more likely, exercise and nutrition.

NOTES

• No player looked happier with the Rams’ first day of practice in pads Tuesday than Michael Brockers, the defensive tackle whose 2019 season ended with a severe left-ankle sprain. He reported no lasting effect of the injury last December. “I’ve been going full speed every practice, no let-up. I’m having a little treatment, just old-man stuff, to keep me going,” said Brockers, 29, for whom the cancellation of official offseason workouts because of the coronavirus pandemic was a blessing in disguise. “I used that time to do more rehab, to totally get comfortable with the ankle, pushing off of it and stuff like that,” Brockers said.

• The only projected starter to miss practice Tuesday was safety Taylor Rapp. Sean McVay said Rapp has “a little knee” injury, nothing serious. Rapp was on the sideline in his jersey and shorts, a sleeve on his left leg. Linebacker Justin Lawler sat out practice and was being examined after having a foot stepped on, McVay said.

• McVay’s reaction to the first episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” which premiered Aug. 11: “I just wanted to make sure that I didn’t come off as a total tool with my shirt off at my house and pool. As soon as I did that with them, I said, ‘I can’t believe I was that dumb to do that.’”

10 Observations from the Rams' first 2020 training camp practice in pads

10 Observations from the Rams' first 2020 training camp practice in pads

After each practice of Rams Training Camp presented by UNIFY Financial Credit Union, Rams staff writer Stu Jackson will share 10 observations from the session. Here are his notes from Tuesday, Aug. 18.

1) Our first look at the first team offensive line in a pads-on setting saw Joe Noteboom getting first-team reps at left guard, with Austin Corbett holding down right guard. This, of course, is the first glimpse of the combination since the two never got a chance to play together during the 2019 season: Noteboom was the team's starting left guard in 2019 until sustaining a season-ending left knee injury in the sixth game; Corbett took over at left guard late in the season after Los Angeles moved Austin Blythe over to center as the replacement to Brian Allen (season-ending knee injury in Week 10). That guard combination was also different from what Episode 1 of Hard Knocks showed us. In that episode, Corbett was at left guard and David Edwards at right guard.

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2) At outside linebacker, Leonard Floyd and Samson Ebukam handled first team duties. Like Lewis, both players looked the part physically, especially Floyd and his 6-5, 240-pound frame. Of course, Ebukam at 6-3 and 245 deserves credit too, given how hard he was working this offseason with the opportunity in front of him.

3) This hasn't been the first time rookie wide receiver Van Jefferson's route-running and separation skills have been touted, but if a reminder is needed, both were on full display at Tuesday's practice. He hauled in a deep touchdown pass from quarterback John Wolford during 11-on-11 work, and had a nice over-the-shoulder catch for a score during 1-on-1 drills against cornerback Adonis Alexander.

4) Second-year safety Taylor Rapp's non-participation – which Rams head coach Sean McVay attributed to "a little knee" issue – created ample opportunities for rookies Jordan Fuller and Terrell Burgess to show what they could do, and they delivered. During 11-on-11 drills, they each had an interception.

5) On that note about the safeties, there were other defensive backs who made plays too. Cornerback Darious Williams' interception of quarterback John Wolford came after Burgess' pick, giving the defense interceptions on back-to-back plays. Cornerback Dont'e Deayon also had a nice pass breakup in coverage against Robert Woods.

6) The running backs rotated often, though this was to be expected based on what McVay has told reporters about the committee approach to the position as well as what running backs coach Thomas Brown told me earlier this month about how he planned to approach training camp reps.

7) The team drills also provided a look at the kicking competition. CFL product Lirim Hajrullahu and XFL product Austin MacGinnis each drilled a 42-yard field goal during that stretch.

8) It was great to see inside linebacker Micah Kiser full-go after last year's setback with the preseason pectoral injury that forced him to miss the rest of the year. "I know we have high regard for Micah Kiser in our building," defensive coordinator Brandon Staley told reporters in May, and that was reflected Tuesday with Kiser getting reps with the first-team defense alongside Travin Howard.

9) Fourth-year pro Josh Reynolds was regularly the third wide receiver alongside Woods and Cooper Kupp on the first-team offense. Again, this development also doesn't come as too much of a surprise given how McVay said in the spring that he expected Reynolds to have a bigger role in the offense in 2020.

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10) Tight end Tyler Higbee seems to be picking up where he left off in December, hauling in consecutive passes from Goff during one point during 11-on-11 drills to help move the chains.

Rams DT Michael Brockers happy to be back in pads

Rams DT Michael Brockers happy to be back in pads

THOUSAND OAKS — The annual head-count of players at the first Rams training-camp session open to reporters turned up little immediate reason to worry, with only one starter sitting out Tuesday’s beginning of padded practices, and that because of an injury described as minor.

One relief was seeing Michael Brockers looking completely healthy.

“I feel like a baby in water a little bit, man, just putting these pads on for the first time in (eight) months,” said Brockers, his way with words intact as well.

Brockers needed a lot of help to walk up the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum tunnel for the last time in December after suffering a severe left ankle sprain in the second half of the Rams’ season-ending victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

He hopes to charge onto the field at SoFi Stadium for the first event at the new Inglewood venue when the Rams open the season Sept. 13 against the Dallas Cowboys.

So far, so good, through one day of offense vs. defense contact drills.

“I’ve been going full speed every practice, no let-up. I’m having a little treatment, just old-man stuff, to keep me going,” said Brockers, 29.

When he turned his ankle, the defensive line’s leading tackler had to fear the injury would derail his free agency. It did, but in a way to worked out well for him and especially the Rams.

A three-year contract agreement with Baltimore fell through because the coronavirus pandemic prevented the Ravens from examining the ankle. The Rams immediately took advantage by re-signing Brockers for three years and $24 million.

The turn of events looks even more fortuitous after A’Shawn Robinson, the former Detroit defensive tackle the Rams signed when it appeared Brockers was leaving, was diagnosed with a reported cardiovascular condition. Robinson is on the NFL’s non-football-injury list and expected to miss at least part of the season.

Brockers said the pandemic became a “blessing in disguise” when it forced the cancellation of official offseason workouts.

“I used that time to do more rehab, to totally get comfortable with the ankle, pushing off of it and stuff like that,” Brockers said in a Zoom chat with reporters.

“He looks like himself on that field,” Rams coach Sean McVay said in a separate Zoom chat.

(Even though reporters are at the Rams’ facility at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, interviews are being conducted by video stream.)

Brockers said he’s “as comfortable as I can be” with the NFL’s health protocols, which include daily coronavirus testing for players.

“This is our little getaway here, to get away from the world, to understand how healthy our little ecosystem is,” Brockers said. “It’s almost like this is the best place to be right now.”

The defensive line of Brockers, Aaron Donald and Sebastian Joseph-Day worked Tuesday against an offensive line that usually consisted of, left to right, Andrew Whitworth, Joseph Noteboom, Austin Blythe, Austin Corbett and Rob Havenstein.

It was a sometimes spirited practice. With no fans allowed to attend this year, the loudest reaction to a play came from the defensive players on the sideline when defensive back Darious Williams intercepted a pass by backup quarterback John Wolford. A moment later, rookie safety Terrell Burgess (Utah) picked off Jared Goff.

Brockers had great first impressions of the two outside linebackers the Rams acquired to replace Dante Fowler and Clay Matthews.

He said of Leonard Floyd, the ex-Bear: “The guy has a motor out of this world.”

He said of Terrell Lewis, the 6-foot-5, 262-pound rookie from Alabama: “He’s a massive dude. At first, I was like, ‘That’s the guy they got to replace me’ (Robinson). Then I saw he’s at outside linebacker.”

And Brockers praised new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s energy.

“I wanted to put my helmet on on a Zoom call, I was so fired up,” Brockers said.

Helmet and pads on, Brockers looked 100% ready to go Tuesday.

Notes

• The only projected starter to miss practice Tuesday was safety Taylor Rapp. Sean McVay said Rapp has “a little knee” injury, nothing serious. Rapp was on the sideline in his jersey and shorts, a sleeve on his left leg.

• Linebacker Justin Lawler sat out practice and was being examined after having a foot stepped on, McVay said.

• A’Shawn Robinson was on the sideline in jersey and shorts.

• McVay’s reaction to the first episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” which premiered last Tuesday: “I just wanted to make sure that I didn’t come off as a total tool with my shirt off at my house and pool. As soon as I did that with them, I said, ‘I can’t believe I was that dumb to do that.’”

8 Rams veterans on the roster bubble in camp

8 Rams veterans on the roster bubble in camp

The pads come on for Monday’s practice during Rams training camp, which is the next step ahead of the 2020 regular season. Players won’t be going full speed with contact yet, but it’s now easier for coaches to evaluate players on the field in practice.

As a result, those on the roster bubble will begin to emerge. Undrafted rookies are always on the bubble, but these veterans could be right there with them as their roster spots are hardly secured.

Here are eight veterans who need to worry about potentially being cut in September before the season begins.

C Brian Allen

A starter in 2019, Allen now finds himself on the roster bubble. Austin Blythe has clearly grabbed hold of the starting center job after revealing that’s the reason the Rams re-signed him, leaving Allen as a backup. Allen doesn’t have the position versatility that some of the Rams’ other linemen have, which puts him behind the eight ball.

Undrafted rookie Cohl Cabral could take his roster spot, as could Coleman Shelton. Allen really struggled last season before getting hurt and the Rams might feel it’s time to move on from the 2018 third-round pick.

WR Nsimba Webster

Webster received a subtle vote of confidence when the Rams waived Greg Dortch, who was expected to be the top competitor for the return specialist role. With Dortch out of the picture, the job seems to be Webster’s to lose. However, the Rams have four undrafted rookie receivers on the roster who may be able to contribute more on offense than Webster.

And Darrell Henderson has experience on kickoff returns, while Cooper Kupp could conceivably return punts if Webster is cut. He has a decent chance to make the roster, but Webster’s spot is far from secured.

RB John Kelly

Xavier Jones is one of the most intriguing undrafted rookies on the roster, especially after making it through the first round of roster cuts. Kelly has remained on the roster the last two years, but his time might be coming to an end with all the depth Los Angeles has at running back now.

Malcolm Brown, Henderson and Cam Akers are all essentially locks to make the roster, and it’s possible the Rams will only carry three running backs with another one on the practice squad. Kelly will need to really shine in camp to earn a roster spot, otherwise Jones could take his place as RB4.

OLB Justin Lawler

Lawler is in a deep group of edge rushers that has a lot still to be sorted out. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and Terrell Lewis are likely ahead of Lawler on the depth chart, with Leonard Floyd and Samson Ebukam atop the list, too. For Lawler, it’ll probably come down to whether he can beat out Natrez Patrick and Jachai Polite for the fifth or sixth outside linebacker spot.

Lawler is a decent run defender, but he’s only played 33 defensive snaps in two seasons and hasn’t contributed much up to this point. He must provide some pass rush in practice in order to make the team.

ILB Kenny Young

Young was part of the trade that sent Marcus Peters to the Ravens, but he never appeared on defense for the Rams last year. The inside linebacker group is one of the weakest on the team, but not because it lacks depth.

Young is competing with Travin Howard and Troy Reeder, who both played snaps on defense last year. Rookie Clay Johnston’s job is probably more secure than Young’s too, while Micah Kiser is likely to be the starter. Young has to impress the Rams’ new coaching staff.

OLB Jachai Polite

Polite couldn’t stick with the Jets as a third-round pick in 2019, getting waived in the final round of cuts. The Seahawks scooped him up, but he only lasted three weeks on their practice squad. The Rams seem to have more faith in Polite than any other team, keeping him on the practice squad all year, but he could wind up back there if he can’t rise to the occasion in camp.

Polite needs to show he can stay in shape, put in the work to succeed and contribute on defense, not just special teams. Like Lawler, he’s in competition with some talented young pass rushers.

S Jake Gervase

Gervase was already cut once this offseason before being re-signed last week, so it’s clear he’s on the roster bubble. The Rams added Jordan Fuller and Terrell Burgess this offseason, as well as Tyrique McGhee and Juju Hughes after the draft.

Nick Scott’s spot should be secure thanks to his special teams contributions, leaving Gervase on shaky ground. The Rams are highly likely to carry five or fewer safeties this season, and Gervase is currently on the outside looking in.

OL Jamil Demby

It seems like Demby is always on the bubble and that’ll remain the case this season. Cohl Cabral is an intriguing undrafted free agent, while Tremayne Anchrum comes aboard as a seventh-round pick. Demby has good versatility, but so do a lot of the Rams’ linemen.

He has struggled in the opportunities he’s received, particularly in the preseason last year. His time might be running out in Los Angeles.

It sounds like Samson Ebukam has inside track to starting OLB role

It sounds like Samson Ebukam has inside track to starting OLB role

Having productive and dynamic edge rushers in a 3-4 defense is crucial, especially when it comes to freeing up an interior defender like Aaron Donald. The Rams have been cycling through outside linebackers since 2017, and they have yet to land on a long-term plan at the position.

They put a Band-Aid on the situation by signing Leonard Floyd to a one-year, $10 million contract that’s fully guaranteed, but they don’t have a surefire starter on the other side.

Or do they?

Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley hinted at Samson Ebukam being the other starter opposite Floyd, returning to the role he held in 2018 when he started 14 games. Here’s what Staley said about the outside linebacker competition in camp, immediately pointing toward Ebukam after mentioning Floyd.

“Outside rusher, you really have Leonard Floyd – who we’re just really excited to have him – and he is going to be leading that group,” Staley said on a conference call this weekend. “Then Samson has played a lot of football here and played a lot of winning football here. He is a guy that I followed throughout his career as a young player to now. We are excited for him to be able to take a step forward and really get a chance to show what he can do.”

The Rams certainly don’t lack depth at outside linebacker, specifically young talent. Behind Floyd and Ebukam are unproven edge rushers such as Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Terrell Lewis, Jachai Polite and a few others.

If Ebukam is going to be a starter as it sounds he will, the others will be fighting for snaps in sub-packages and as situational pass rushers. Staley didn’t leave them out, they just weren’t mentioned in the group with Floyd and Ebukam. But he did indicate that the competition at outside linebacker will be ongoing throughout the season, which is a good sign for these younger players.

“And then you’ve got really a bunch of young players that are looking to prove themselves in the NFL. I’m talking about ‘Obo,’ I am talking about Terrell Lewis, Natrez Patrick, Justin Lawler, all those guys, Jachai Polite,” Staley continued. “There is a group of young players that are looking to establish themselves in the NFL. So, a lot of competition at that position. (Outside linebackers coach) Chris Shula is one of the best coaches I know coaching them, so that process is going to be all the way up until the game and probably throughout the season. You will see a lot of competition at that position and just sorting through who is going to play what role and all that good stuff.”

The Rams don’t lack intriguing options at edge rusher, it’s just a matter of sorting through the competition and finding which players can emerge as playmakers.

4 Rams veterans who could look a lot more important by the end of 2020

4 Rams veterans who could look a lot more important by the end of 2020

The Los Angeles Rams enter the season with expectations that could range anywhere from last in the division to returning to the playoffs and more. Given that the Rams have one of the most accomplished head coaches of the last three years, were recently in the Super Bowl, and return a number of elite players like Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, the difference in the end result will likely be how the “role players” perform.

The “middle” of the roster could be the most important names to watch right now. And in some cases, maybe these players won’t be considered role players for much longer.

Because LA didn’t have much money to spend in the offseason, most replacements other than Leonard Floyd at either inside or outside linebacker and potentially Cam Akers at running back, will be in-house promotions. Much like the players who left — Cory Littleton, Dante Fowler, Nickel Robey-Coleman — these are guys who could prove to be better with more and better opportunities.

These are four such candidates.

Gerald Everett, TE
2019: 37 of 60 targets, 408 yards, 2 TD

Age: 26

2021: Free agent

A number of people prefer Everett to Tyler Higbee, and that might include Sean McVay. In six games leading up to his injury that opened the door for Higbee to become a number one target for Jared Goff, Everett was targeted 49 times. That is a full season pace of 131 targets! In Higbee’s final six games, he had 62 targets, for a full season pace that would be 161 targets.

Only Michael Thomas of the Saints had more than 161 targets last year (185 targets, catching an unfathomable 149 of those) and only 15 players had over 131.

Travis Kelce (136) and Zach Ertz (135) were the only tight ends over 131 targets. Whether it was Everett or Higbee, McVay and Goff were regularly pitching the ball over to the tight ends and often not sharing between the two, even when both were healthy.

It could be that Everett ends up as Goff’s favorite tight end target in 2020 and that may result in a season somewhat close to what he was on pace for at midseason last year. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Everett finish the year with more than 600 yards and five touchdowns — numbers right in line with tight ends like Austin Hooper and Hunter Henry. Both of those guys are now making over $10 million in salary.

Austin Corbett, OG/C
2019: 8 games, 7 starts with Rams

Age: 25 in early September

2021: Final year of rookie contract

It’s somewhat unbelievable that the first pick of the second round was dumped by his team in less than two seasons, but we are talking about the Cleveland Browns here. It’s surprising that Jedrick Wills is still on the Browns. Cleveland ditched 2017 second round pick DeShone Kizer after one season, traded 2017 first round pick Jabrill Peppers after two seasons, and every first or second round pick prior to then is gone with the exception of Joel Bitonio.

Speaking of which, the Browns have done a decent job with the offensive line picks. Even when they leave, they turn out pretty good. For example, 2012 second round pick Mitchell Schwartz is arguably the best right tackle in the NFL, now with the Chiefs. Bitonio has a case as an all-pro left guard. Alex Mack is one of the best centers of this century. And Kansas City was at least able to do enough with Cam Erving to put up an elite offense in 2018 and win the Super Bowl in 2019, as the former first round bust filled in at various positions.

And the only thing the Browns have done right since re-joining the league in 1999 is draft Joe Thomas.

The Rams are hoping that Cleveland’s next “mistake” that helps someone else is Austin Corbett, the 33rd overall pick in 2018. Bitonio was high on Corbett when the two became teammates two years ago, they were both college left tackles drafted early in the second round moved inside, but not even that mentor could help him locally. The Browns traded him to LA last season and he filled in at left guard.

It’s far too soon to give up on Corbett and an entire offseason with McVay, Andrew Whitworth, and offensive line coach Aaron Kromer could do more for him than we expect. When he was with the Bills, Kromer rebuilt the career of left guard Richie Incognito, who made the Pro Bowl in both years with Buffalo. Center Eric Wood made his first and only Pro Bowl under Kromer in 2015. With the Saints, Kromer had Pro Bowl center Jonathan Goodwin and all-pro right guard Jahri Evans, both enjoying their greatest career successes with Kromer. And way back in 2002 with the Raiders, Kromer coached up all-pro (and infamous) center Barret Robbins.

Corbett may be the exact type of lineman that Kromer anxiously waits to coach next.

Micah Kiser, LB
2019: DNP

Age: 25

2021: Final year of rookie deal

Let’s not make it too complicated and we don’t need as much of a deep dive on Kiser: With Littleton gone, 1,000 snaps opened up in the middle of the defense. We don’t know how the linebacker depth chart will shake out, maybe Leonard Floyd benefits the most from the opportunities, but Kiser seems in the lead to start somewhere alongside Floyd.

Maybe that doesn’t turn out to be the case and the next snap on defense played will be Kiser’s first non-special teams snap in the NFL, but most expect him to be on the field regularly. If that instead turns out to be Travin Howard, Kenny Young, or other, then that is someone who could look a lot more important by the end of the year.

Or perhaps LA doesn’t find “the next Cory Littleton.” He’s not necessarily the type of talent who grows on trees, or branches out from the middle of the roster every year.

Troy Hill, CB
2019: 14 games, 43 tackles, 2 INT, 8 PD, 26 of 57 targets caught, 5.8 yards per target, 2 TD allowed

Age: 29

2021: Free Agent

Hill will start opposite of Ramsey and if you believe Pro-Football-Reference’s advanced stats, that could be a very good thing for defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. If those numbers were correct, Hill allowed fewer yards per target then 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore (5.9 YPT allowed) and he was right in line with Pro Bowl numbers for the position.

Can he do that for 16 games, maybe add two or three more interceptions, and become an unlikely premier signee in the 2021 free agent market at age 30?

Hill is basically the same age as Darius Slay, A.J. Bouye, and Bryce Callahan, while being one year younger than Patrick Peterson, Gilmore, Malcolm Butler, and Desmond Trufant. When you think of “young,” you probably don’t think of Peterson, Butler, and Trufant. (Although geez, Peterson is younger than we often believe probably.)

It will be interesting to monitor that situation as Hill could be a popular player for opposing quarterbacks who are looking to avoid both Ramsey on the edges and Donald in their faces. If he turns those targets into turnovers, Hill could be a late stage household name. Assuming those households are really into football.

24 days until football

This guy didn’t get the recognition he deserved when he was playing. So I’m giving it to him now. Ron Bartell was an underrated CB on a bad team. He was able to hold some of the best receivers in the league to pedestrian numbers. He was also one of the fastest human beings I’ve ever seen.
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Should Sean McVay Take Torry Holt’s Advice?

Should Sean McVay Take Torry Holt’s Advice?

During the debut of the Los Angeles Rams Camp Virtual Tailgate, co-host and ex-Rams megastar receiver Torry Holt might have handed the Rams the most effective solution to what plagued the offense last season. Keep in mind, this is not you or I or just any jock-turned-analyst. This is one of the best receivers to ever grace a football field at the pro level on one of the all-time best scoring offenses ever. Therefore, it’s not really a question of should but will Sean McVay consider Holt’s advice?

Should Sean McVay Head the Advice of Torry Holt?

Directed at receivers Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp within the context of the live Rams Camp Virtual Tailgate via Zoom video conferencing, Holt had this to say:

“You got Robert Woods as a two-time thousand-yard, you know, receiver – back to back…A thousand-yard wide receiver in Cooper Kupp, right? Van Jefferson all of a sudden is now on the roster. What will a 4-receiver set look like in L.A.?”

Kupp mentioned that the Rams “touched on that a little” in 2019, missing the point completely so Torry then quickly and excitedly added,

“I’m saying with even more regularity…All of you can get open…That’s scary. Have you, [said] coach, [McVay] can you throw in a little bit more? I forgot to ask him!”

To be clear, it’s more likely than not that Holt was not intentionally giving the Rams head coach any advice on play-calling. This doesn’t mean that Sean McVay shouldn’t accept Holt’s plea as such. Let’s briefly examine the possibilities.

Those who can, first try to remember the era of The Greatest Show On Turf. Do you remember the Rams having among the best offensive lines in the NFL during that time? How many blockers can you recall not named Orlando Pace? What does this mean?

Examining the main three seasons of Jared Goff held up to Super Bowl Champion and Hall of Famer Kurt Warner‘s three best with the Rams could shed some light on the possibility of the current Rams returning to their 2018 (or championship) glory.

Kurt Warner
3-Year Passing Table

YearTmGQBrecCmpAttYdsTDIntSk
1999*+STL1613-3-03254994353411329
2000*STL118-3-02353473429211820
2001*+STL1614-2-03755464830362238
Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
*Pro Bowl selection, +First-Team All-Pro. Generated 8/16/2020.

Jared Goff
3-Year Passing Table

YearTmGQBrecCmpAttYdsTDIntSk
2017*LAR1511-4-0296477380428725
2018*LAR1613-3-03645614688321233
2019LAR169-7-03946264638221622
Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
*Pro Bowl selection, +First-Team All-Pro. Generated 8/16/2020

Not too dissimilar in overall numbers until you get to Touchdowns. Oddly, the similarity in total times sacked may indicate how success can be achieved despite having a mediocre offensive line, worst-case. The Greatest Show on Turf offense was speed, precision and timing-based. What 2020’s crop of Rams receivers lacks in speed, it makes up in route-running ability and smarts. Can this be enough to restore any lost luster? With Goff’s offseason dedication to footwork and preventing turnovers, quite possibly is the answer. Note: Jared Goff interrupted Holt’s comments to announce his goal for the 2020 season is to achieve having three 1000+-yard receivers, not two.

Holt’s Credentials

Torry “Big Game” Holt: 1999 first-round NFL draft choice (6th overall), 7-time Pro Bowler, Super Bowl XXXIV champion, First-Team All-Pro (2003), member of the NFL All-Decade Team (2000s) and 2020 Hall of Fame finalist.

Holt caught well over 1000 receiving yards eight of ten seasons while with the Rams (2000-2007). He led the NFL in that category twice (2000, 2003). What’s more, his totals might’ve been even better if not for sharing the stage with Hall of Fame receiver, Isaac Bruce.

Is Torry biased in his comments, simply looking out for the team’s receivers? Sure, but his excitement stems from firsthand knowledge of what legitimate offensive fire power is capable of. Add rule changes becoming more offensive-friendly since he, Bruce and Az-Zahir Hakim ran amok then stir.

Expect the Unexpected in 2020

The powers that be blew up the roster this past offseason so don’t expect every game to go as planned. Rookie receiver Van Jefferson, for one, may be too good to keep off the field. At first glance, he enters the NFL running crisper routes than half the veteran receivers. Perhaps, not good news for wideout Josh Reynolds but excellent news in the way of offensive creativity. Rookie running back Cam Akers probably won’t be mistaken for Marshall Faulk anytime soon but adds a respectable amount of duality just the same.

Those two additions being mentioned, Sean McVay and Company know not all that lay before them game plan wise. Additionally, it will take a great deal of faith and confidence from the coaching staff to consistently trust that these new weapons can handle it. It was, in fact, just as much confidence in drafting what amounts to the extra tools needed to be successful enough to overcome a bad or mediocre offensive line, should that problem return. Expect improvement as the season lengthens. This, in turn, can amount to a more competitive 2020 than many predict.

These are the Rams training-camp battles to watch

These are the Rams training-camp battles to watch

An offseason of veteran departures has left Rams coaches to audition unproven pros for key roles when training camp shifts this week into padded practices and bare-knuckled competition for jobs.

One position, middle linebacker, illustrates the challenge and the potential.

Two summers ago, the Rams had to replace their leading tackler. The previous March, they’d unloaded Alec Ogletree and his $10 million-a-year contract. They took a chance on an undrafted player who’d been used mostly on special teams until then. That was Cory Littleton.

Now Littleton is the team-leading tackler the Rams must replace. They let him go to the Raiders as a free agent in March. Littleton’s replacement might be as untested as he once was. Micah Kiser is the presumed leader among a handful of candidates, and he hasn’t played a defensive down in the NFL.

The coaches hope lightning strikes again.

Said Joe Barry, the linebackers coach and assistant head coach, on broadcaster J.B. Long’s Rams Revealed podcast: “We’ve got a group of guys that aren’t household names. But four years ago, three years ago, Cory Littleton wasn’t a household name.”

With preseason games canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, full-speed, full-contact practice sessions and intrasquad scrimmages will be the best chance coaches get to pick players for unsettled starting positions and backup roles.

This most intense phase of training camp begins Tuesday at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. Coach Sean McVay has said the team plans to hold scrimmages at SoFi Stadium. But the Rams haven’t released details.

An official depth chart won’t be released until closer to the Rams’ season opener against the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium on Sept. 13, although we maintain an unofficial depth chart online.

Here are 10 battles to pay attention to.

We’ll start with the defense, where the biggest changes are happening.

ILB: Kiser vs. Troy Reeder

It sounds as if Kiser has first crack at the position, where the 2018 fifth-round draft pick was on track to start in 2019 before a season-ending pectoral injury in the second exhibition game.

Reeder stepped in as an undrafted rookie after Kiser and then Bryce Hager got hurt and started eight games. Hager wasn’t re-signed.

Behind those two, seventh-round draft pick Clay Johnson, Travin Howard and Kenny Young should compete for snaps. Johnson is trying to bounce back from a knee injury that ended his senior year at Baylor.

OLB: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo vs. Terrell Lewis vs. Natrez Patrick vs. Jachai Polite vs. Justin Lawler

Free-agent signing Leonard Floyd and fourth-year Ram Samson Ebukam look certain to start, replacing Dante Fowler and Clay Matthews.

Lewis, a third-round draft pick (Alabama), is a candidate to start in the future. He was on the Reserve/COVID-19 list for the first two weeks of training camp after testing positive at the end of July.

DT: Sebastian Joseph-Day vs. Greg Gaines

Free-agent signing A’Shawn Robinson’s reported cardiovascular condition re-opens the door for Joseph-Day and Gaines to divide the snaps in the middle of the defensive line.

DB: Darious Williams vs. David Long vs. Terrell Burgess vs. Jordan Fuller vs. Dont’e Deayon

The battles are for slot-cornerback and backup safety roles, because Jalen Ramsey and Troy Hill will be the starting corners and John Johnson and Taylor Rapp the starting safeties.

The roles might be indistinct, given hints that new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley will take full advantage of players’ versatility. Burgess, the third-round pick (Utah), can play both the slot and safety.

Now, the offense:

RB: Cam Akers vs. Darrell Henderson

The hope must be that Akers, the Rams’ top draft pick (second round out of Florida State), earns Todd Gurley’s old starting role. It could be that he and Henderson, last year’s third-rounder, open the season in a running-backs committee with Malcolm Brown, the career backup.

WR: Josh Reynolds vs. Van Jefferson

Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp are the first and second, or second and first, wide receivers. The Brandin Cooks trade allows Reynolds to step up into No. 3. Jefferson, the later second-round draft pick (Florida), will get his chance and the question is how soon.

TE: Johnny Mundt vs. Brycen Hopkins

A backup battle behind Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett. Mundt partnered with Higbee when Everett was hurt. Hopkins, a fourth-round pick (Purdue), is in the HIgbee mold.

QB: John Wolford vs. Josh Love vs. Bryce Perkins

Another backup battle, behind Jared Goff. Wolford, who spent last season on the practice squad, is the clear favorite over the two undrafted free agents.

None of the three has thrown a regular-season pass in the NFL, with the coronavirus danger on top of everyday injury risks to a starting quarterback.

OL: Austin Corbett vs. David Edwards vs. Joe Noteboom

Corbett and Edwards, who started at the end of 2019, and Noteboom, who started before getting hurt, compete for two guard positions. That assumes Austin Blythe remains at center, while Andrew Whitworth holds down left tackle and Rob Havenstein takes right tackle back from Bobby Evans.

It might be unwise to assume anything about how the offensive line will line up after a season of injuries and mixing and matching.

Finally, one important special-teams battle:

K: Sam Sloman vs. Lirim Hajrullahu vs. Austin MacGinnis

The Rams might have to get creative on the practice field to replicate the pressure of games as they choose Greg Zuerlein’s replacement as kicker from among Sloman, a seventh-round pick (Miami of Ohio); Hajrullahu, a veteran of the CFL, and MacGinnis, an, uh, veteran of the XFL’s truncated season.

Real ghost stories

I for one have had so many encounters with those who have passed I can't even count them. It's been happening since I was a child. The first event was when I was 4 or 5. My grandparents were very elderly when I was a child. My grandmother was older than my grandfather as it was an arranged marriage between two families. But they grew to love each other deeply, and that was readily apparent. She was ill the entire time I knew her. I had very little contact with her because she spoke no English (my grandfather did) and her frailty and illness scared me.

I was sleeping when I was awaken by someone calling me. I sat up and looked around but my brother was the only one in the room and he was sound asleep. I lay back down and started to drift off when I heard the voice again only this time angry. It was a woman's voice and instinctively I knew it was my grandma. I was shocked because she was speaking English! I asked her what she wanted. She answered that she only wanted to say goodbye and no one else could hear her. She said she only wanted to say goodbye and to tell everyone she loved them all. I asked her where she was going and she said not to worry everything is fine. She told me to always be a good boy and to have a happy life. Then she was gone.

That's when I heard the telephone ring and my dad answering. I knew it was my uncle or aunt calling to say grandma died. That was the first time I remember that happening and it was like opening a door that has never been completely closed thereafter. There have been many, many more instances in my life. But the single most incredible one happened shortly after I got out of the Navy. My best friend Ron (who recently passed) was actually involved.

Ron and I used to be roommates living in Sherman Oaks, CA. He was going back to UCLA to finish up his degree and I was working in the MacArthur Park area as a business analyst trainee for Dunn & Bradstreet. Ron came home from school and when he walked into the apartment he encountered a very pretty young blonde who was standing in the short hallway leading to the two bedrooms. Ron was taken aback but she simply turned and walked into my room without saying anything. Ron simply sat down and began watching TV (Monday night Football actually, it was the iconic Charger vs Dolphins game I believe). I came home shortly thereafter and Ron snickered my girlfriend was waiting in my bedroom saying next time warn him and he will give us privacy. I was shocked and said what girlfriend? I got real serious and asked him to describe her. He did to a tee. I asked him what she said and he told me she hadn't spoken.

We both walked into my bedroom and of course, it was empty. That's when I told him that Randi died over a year ago. Ron had never met Randi as she died when a drunk ran a red light before Ron & I got out and he never had the opportunity to meet her. Yes, she returned the next night and spoke to me for about 2 minutes before she left. She couldn't hear me and kept saying she hoped I was hearing her. She just wanted me to know she was ok and things with her are "different" but for me not to worry and to simply go on with my life and be happy and not to fear death. Finally, she simply faded away. Ron was a staunch Catholic but even then with all the belief in the Holy Spirit he was not a believer in ghosts prior to that night.

My encounters have always been different. With most, there is no real interaction and many times there is no embodiment of the entity be it human or animal. Perhaps the most common are the returns of a beloved pet who has died. Many people myself included have felt the return of a pet. Sometimes lying in bed you feel the beloved dog jump up on the bed to settle next to you. It's why I can't hunt.

I have friends who are haunted by men they have killed in combat. Some call it PTSD but I sometimes wonder because of the nature of what they describe. I'm thankful that hasn't happened to me and I wouldn't want to have to keep killing them the rest of my life.

Oh yeah and one more story I've really got to tell you. I used to co-own a store in Santa Monica. The original owner was a lecherous old geezer (no not me) who owned the building and had his apartment on the second floor. One day while I was manning the counter, my manager a pretty young woman in her twenties, came in to start her shift. But she was early and coming from her workout at a nearby gym. She asked to use the shower upstairs where I was living, to cleanup and change. I said sure no problem. Another employee showed up at the same time and he took over the cash register and I went upstairs to my den which served as an office.

Suddenly Marge (the manager) starts screaming and comes running in dripping wet stark naked and hysterical screaming there was a man in the shower who was touching her. I went into the bathroom just down the hallway, and of course there was no man. Marge (still stark naked) had followed me and stood there wide eyed and saying over and over he was there. I stood there just staring at her.....oh man was I staring at her. She got mad and punched me in the chest, and I just laughed and told her now you know why I don't bring girlfriends here. The old geezer's ghost was haunting the place and would show up whenever a young pretty woman was present.

The movie the Entity was based upon a well documented event that happened in West LA (Palms area?). It was about a sexual predator entity, so this stuff really happens. If I remember correctly UCLA actually documented it. Thank god this geezer ghost never actually did more than fondle.

Rams OC not worried about John Wolford's inexperience as QB2

Rams OC not worried about John Wolford's inexperience as QB2

The Rams’ three quarterbacks behind Jared Goff on the depth chart have combined to take exactly zero regular-season snaps in the NFL. They’re all undrafted, two of them being rookies from the 2020 class.

John Wolford was signed as a free agent last year after shining in the AAF, but he spent the entire season on the practice squad. It’s reasonable to be concerned about him being one play away from starting for the Rams, but Kevin O’Connell doesn’t share that sentiment.

The Rams’ new offensive coordinator is pleased with the progress Wolford has made this offseason despite the lack of OTAs and minicamp, making it clear that he’s confident in the young quarterback as Goff’s backup.

“First and foremost, with John, I’m really happy with where he’s at right now,” O’Connell said on a conference call Saturday. “Obviously, coming in not getting the spring, the repetitions we hoped to get for John, it puts a certain amount of importance on everything we do here in training camp, but that’s all the quarterbacks really. You know, all four of them that we have in camp right now, including (QB) Jared, Bryce (Perkins) and Josh (Love), as well as John. But John is going to get a lot of reps, he’s going to get a lot of opportunities to really lead a group in that huddle with him, that maybe some young players, maybe some guys that have been around here that are ready to compete. So, I think he’s going to be in a great situation in that huddle, being able to lead that group.”

Wolford will get second-team reps in practice while Goff works with the starters, but he should get some chances to play with and against first-team contributors when the Rams hold scrimmages at SoFi Stadium.

Up until this point, he’s received high praise from the Rams’ coaches, which should only get better as he continues working this offseason.

“He’s prepared, he’s incredibly smart. I’ve been really happy with how he’s progressed fundamentally and he’s throwing the ball really well,” O’Connell said. “It’s just a matter now of, as we transition to playing real football, competitive full speed reps, how many times can he consistency go out there, do his job, and put our offense in a great position to have success? And you know, I don’t worry too much with John about the experience, just because I’ve seen him work already and just as you get in the meeting rooming with him you know he’s prepared to be a professional quarterback and he operates every single day on that basis. And it’s our job to get him ready to play if he were called upon.”

Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey: The best rush-and-cover duo in the NFL?

Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey: The best rush-and-cover duo in the NFL?

The debate rages on regarding what's most important in the NFL, pass rush or pass coverage?

To be an elite defense, you better have special talents in both areas. And the Rams can consider themselves in a select subset of franchises that boast such a tandem.

Are Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey the best rush-and-cover duo in the league?

We'll try to quantify that in a moment, but let's start with a subjective sentiment that most readers here will find agreeable: We wouldn't trade them for any other pairing in the NFL.

After all, Donald and I might be in the mix for best rush-and-cover duo, and I can't cover a grill.

Every time the All-Pro defensive tackle posts a picture of himself flexing, the Hall of Fame should be reminded it's not too early to start chiseling Donald's bust – in fact, go ahead and make his the first to include abs.

As for Ramsey, his accolades aren't as superlative, but plenty of informed minds around the NFL still view him as a preeminent threat to passing offenses. You can include the Rams front office in that group, as they indirectly chose him over Marcus Peters to be their future at corner, and paid a steep price to do so.

Using 2019 Pro Football Focus grades for coverage and pass rush, we can identify a list of tandems worth nominating as "the best in the NFL." For our query, we'll include defensive backs along with edge defenders and interior linemen, with a minimum of 450 defensive snaps played last year. We'll also display just one tandem per team. (More on this a bit later on, Vikings fans who happen to be reading this site. But the premise was: to be the best in the league, shouldn't you be the best on your team?)

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Okay, so the Rams duo makes the Top 10.

However, we owe Ramsey a bit of context, here. His coverage grade with Los Angeles (71.9) was significantly higher than his three games with Jacksonville (57.8). Using just his Rams grade would have left Ramsey/Donald with an average grade of 82.35 – moving them up to eighth on this list.

Further, Ramsey's final five games of 2019 averaged 75.5. So, if you're inclined to grade him on the curve after a three-week hiatus and a midseason trade, using that figure returns an 84.2 average for Ramsey/Donald – good for seventh.

Of course, the samples just as easily can be massaged in favor of the other players. For one poignant example, look no further than Peters grading higher in coverage as a Raven (84.0) than as a Ram (76.8) in 2019.

Since the most recent season isn't necessarily the best indicator of future success, ideally we'd plumb a three-year depth of data, which actually produces an intriguing reordering of our Top 10 from above.

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There you have it: Donald and Ramsey are the best rush-and-cover duo in the NFL. Why else would I be writing this article? Case closed.

In all seriousness, there are more nuanced conversations to be had about man or zone coverage strengths, scheme fit, age, contract value, and more. Some may like to see this lens narrowed to pure cover corners (excluding safeties), or even limited to edge rushers (thereby bouncing Donald and Jones).

This is not meant to be an exhaustive or conclusive study. Myles Garrett and Khalil Mack would like a word, after all. Likewise, Stephon Gilmore and Jamal Adams. It's hardly their fault they didn't have a corresponding teammate in 2019 to qualify them for this study.

Additionally, the good folks of Minneapolis would rightly argue that alongside Anthony Harris is fellow Vikings safety Harrison Smith, who boasted the second-best coverage grade in the NFL last season. So even the concept of a rush-and-cover "duo" is admittedly exclusive to a fault. (Once again, we'd like to thank Skol for their patronage of the Rams official site.)

Nonetheless, hope you found it an enjoyable exercise. And one that validates the belief that Donald and Ramsey belong in any such conversation, with ample reason for optimism based off their results down the stretch for the 2019 Rams.

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