Rams DC Brandon Staley talks building around Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey

Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is no stranger to working with some of the best talent the NFL has to offer, especially when it comes to pass-rushers and defensive backs.

Last year in Denver, he worked with eight-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time first team All-Pro Von Miller as the Broncos' outside linebackers coach. Before that, he spent two seasons in the same capacity in Chicago working with Khalil Mack as the Bears' outside linebackers coach.

This year, he enters his first season as an NFL defensive coordinator with the Rams, he'll have six-time Pro Bowl choice and five-time first team All-Pro Aaron Donald on the defensive line and three-time Pro Bowl selection Jalen Ramsey in the defensive backfield to work with and build his scheme around.

Like Miller and Mack, Staley knows the best way to put Donald in a position to succeed, and in turn the defense as a whole, is to take as much attention away from him as possible. Thus, as he shapes his approach to Los Angeles' defense, one of his main goals will be just that.

"We want to make sure we can get him as many isolations as possible," Staley said during a May video conference. "If we can get Aaron to play against one person as opposed to two, then our odds of being successful go through the roof."

Meanwhile, Staley has already made it clear how much he values Ramsey and the kind of plans he has in store for him. Though Staley – understandably – did not specifically outline how Ramsey will be utilized, he may have offered a hint by saying he didn't view him as only a cornerback given his command of every position in the secondary.

"I look at him as a DB," Staley said. "This guy can do anything."

The only obstacle: While Staley is making the most of the current circumstances with energetic virtual presentations of his vision for the unit, the lack of in-person instruction means neither Donald nor Ramsey have a full grasp yet of what that will look like on the field.

"As far as the defense, I can't tell you if I love it or not because I didn't actually go on the grass and do anything yet," Donald said during a May video conference. "But as far as the scheme of things and the way he's going about it, trying to do certain things and the different installs we've been getting thus far, I'm definitely starting to like it a lot. I'm anxious to actually get on the grass and get to play and see how this thing plays out."

Still, both Donald and Ramsey seemed to see enough during the Rams' seven-week virtual offseason program to feel good about what Staley has planned.

"I'm not familiar with everything he shares, so I don't want to overshare, but I'm very excited about the way I'm going to be utilized in this defense, I'll leave it at that," Ramsey said during a May video conference. "I think my talents will be shown thoroughly, not just in one aspect, if you're catching my drift."

Man, going through these linemen numbers made me question how the Rams in the 60s and 70s didn’t win the Super Bowl every year. The amount of HOF talent they had on those rosters was insane. Anyway, yet another all time great, Tom Mack.
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Set those DVR’s! I did.

Two Rams Hall of Famers to compete on 'Celebrity Family Feud'

It may not be in the traditional football sense, but a pair of Rams will be on TV this Sunday night. The upcoming episode of ABC’s “Celebrity Family Feud” will feature two Rams on the NFLPA Hall of Famers team, which will square off against the Rising Stars. It airs on Sunday, July 12 at 8 p.m. ET.

Orlando Pace and Kevin Greene will represent the Rams this weekend, teaming up with Michael Irvin, Bruce Smith and Cris Carter. On the Rising Stars squad, it will be Marlon Humphrey, Darius Leonard, Courtland Sutton, Aaron Jones and Damien Williams.

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This isn’t the first time a Rams player has appeared on “Family Feud.” In 2018, Todd Gurley and his family competed on the show, which is hosted by Steve Harvey. It’s also the fifth year in a row that the NFL will be represented on “Celebrity Family Feud.”

Pace is regarded as one of the best left tackles in NFL history, making seven Pro Bowls, being named a three-time All-Pro and winning one Super Bowl. He spent all but one year with the Rams, finishing his career with the Bears in 2009.

Greene’s resume is quite decorated, too, making the Pro Bowl five times and being selected to two All-Pro teams. He spent eight years with the Rams, recording 72.5 of his 160 career sacks in Los Angeles.

How will LA Rams DC Brandon Staley deploy 4 rookies on D?

The LA Rams‘ first draft for their new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is in the history books. Of the nine players chosen in the draft, the Rams selected four offensive players, four defensive players, and one special teams’ player. Will that give Staley enough talent to work with as he congeals his defense for 2020? Or said more simply, is there every enough of a good thing?

Perhaps not when it comes to the number of rookies added from the NFL Draft. But LA Rams DC Staley knew as the team headed into the 2020 NFL Draft that no matter his needs, the team would take care of head coach Sean McVay’s offense first. After all, the Rams parted ways to two talented skill players from the offense in the offseason. So the team likely had already decided to focus upon replacing both of those players first

Defense addressed in round three

After those two needs were addressed, the team could then turn towards the defensive side of the ball. While the team lost starters, the defensive depth was far more robust. In fact, many players on the defensive side of the ball already earned defensive snaps as part of their rotation.

Many post-draft evaluations were positive, as the Rams seemed to find solid fits for their needs. But what about the views of the coaching staff themselves? It just so happened that Stu Jackson at Therams.com posted a recent article about the LA Rams’ new defensive coordinator’s views about his share of the 2020 NFL Draft class.

Round 3, pick 84

When the LA Rams used the 84th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft to select Terrell Lewis, an outside linebacker from the University of Alabama, it was as though the Rams had an extra second-round pick. In many mock drafts, Lewis came off the board long before the Rams stepped up to make a selection. Yet somehow, in the actual draft, Lewis fell past the Rams twice before the team finally chose him at 84.

I would have been delighted if the Rams had chosen him at 52, so the euphoria when they picked Lewis at 84 was pretty noticeable. After all, the guy is ripped at 6-foot-4 and 262 pounds. He has an amazing wingspan and can play in a two-point or three-point stance. When he was on the field, he flashed NFL-edge-rusher brilliance. When he was injured, he wasn’t on the field. And there was the reason he dropped to the Rams in round three.

Post-selection impressions

Ramblin Fan contributor Larry Brake feels that the LA Rams may have found their pass-rusher of the future. Contributor Manuel Harari loved the pick, despite Tyler Biadasz still on the board at that selection. Finally, contributor Noah Schlaebitz believes Lewis will fall somewhere between veteran Justin Houston or Nick Perry.

What about Brandon Staley? From the Stu Jackson article, he had this to say:

“I think you guys are probably aware of his talent. His talent is not indicative of where he was drafted, but we’re excited about the skill set he brings to the table, and hopefully, we can get his best football. I think it’s still ahead of him. I think he’s still a developing player, but from a skillset standpoint, he’s what you’re looking for in an outside rusher.”

Keep in mind that Staley has deep experience with excellent NFL outside linebackers. So Lewis will likely be a very good one.

Round 3, pick 104

With the 104th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, the LA Rams selected Terrell Burgess, safety, from the University of Utah. Well, the draft profile claims safety, but the defensive back is a better category. While Burgess did not appear in pre-draft mocks specifically for the LA Rams, he certainly did show up in a number of complimentary pre-draft profiles. Standing 5-foot-11 and tipping the scales at 200-pounds, Burgess possesses a good “tweener” size, a build that will allow him to succeed at either safety or cornerback.

His college background included both. Based on that alone, Burgess entered the 2020 NFL Draft as a versatile prospect as either a cornerback, a slot corner, or safety. So it’s really no surprise that he was the second player added to the Rams defense. After all, the team stressed versatility and flexibility in the pre-draft rhetoric. Burgess delivers on all fronts.

Post-selection impressions

Ramblin’ Fan contributor Manuel Harari loved the selection, describing his skillset like a hand fitting into a glove. Larry Brake also loved the pick, projecting the Rams starting safeties as Burgess and Taylor Rapp as early as 2021. Contributor Noah Schlaebitz projects Terrell Burgess’ NFL career to fall somewhere between that of veterans Tyrann Mathieu and Jabrill Peppers.

What are Brandon Staley’s thoughts about Burgess? He had quite a bit to say about him, and all were very positive comments, as cited by Stu Jackson’s interview:

“Really formed good relationships with his college coaches, who I have a very high opinion of. (They had) like nine players drafted, they were the number two defense in the country. This guy played everywhere for them. I think he’s a safety to start, but he can play nickel (defensive back). He’s a 4.4 guy who’s got movement, and so I think we can activate him in some different roles.”

Now seeing Coach Staley’s comments, he could be the first backup safety off the bench for the Rams this year. It’s clear that Staley has plenty in store for Burgess.

Round 6, pick 199

WIth the 199th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, the LA Rams added another defensive back, this time it was Jordan Fuller, safety, from Ohio State University. The LA Rams lost two significant defensive backs this off-season. The first was the retirement of veteran safety Eric Weddle. The second loss happened when the Rams chose not to pick up the last year of Nickell Robey-Coleman’s contract. While the roster has replacements for both, that means that others are needed to take over those newly vacated roster spots. Thus the Rams selected two defensive backs in the draft.

Fuller was a player mocked to 0 he Rams but in the fourth-round. That’s because the 6-foot-2 203-pound prospect had both safety and cornerback college experience, and he demonstrated great character and a solid work ethic. He was a two-time team captain for the Buckeyes’ defense, a rare event in their history. And after 212 college tackles and five interceptions, he’s ready to go pro.

Post-selection impressions

Ramblin’ Fan contributor Manuel Harari noticed a dip in Fuller’s performance his senior season but believes fans will appreciate his football IQ. While Larry Brake was satisfied with the pick, he pointed out that both J.R. Reed out of Georgia and Josh Metellus out of Michigan were both still on the board when the Rams drafted Fuller. Finally, Noah Schlaebitz set the career projection for Fuller somewhere between veterans Kurt Coleman and special teamer Daren Bates.

What about Staley? From the Stu Jackson article, he spoke briefly about Fuller:

“Two-time captain at Ohio State. I mean, you’re talking about the premiere program in the country, two-time captain and he’s only one of 14 guys that’s ever been that. (Former Ohio State co-defensive coordinator) Jeff Hafley, we have a good relationship with him and he’s just been raving about this guy. He’s proven that so far in these meetings. We’re excited to work with him.”

The character of Fuller seemed to have made an impression upon Staley. Staley is just in his first season, so advice from trusted friends will be at an all-time high this year. Fuller will benefit from those strong endorsements.

Round 7, pick 234

Finally, with the 234th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, the LA Rams added their first linebacker by selecting Clay Johnston, inside linebacker, from Baylor University. Many expected interior linebackers to be selected prior to round seven, but the Rams had limited draft picks and more urgent roster needs. By round seven, the team was ready to roster the middle of the defense, and there was a highly productive but recently injured Johnston.

He is 6-foot-1 and weighs in at 227-pounds. He’s a highly talented linebacker, perhaps one of the reasons for the Baylor Bears’ football team’s quick rise to national prominence. He made plays, directed traffic, and was always moving, thinking, and working on defense to make plays. But he suffered an injury in a season where medical flags were enough to drop talented prospects right out of the draft. So the news of his selection came after he had accepted the belief that he would not be drafted, and his reaction was legendary.

Post-selection impressions

Ramblin’ Fan contributor Larry Brake truly liked the pick. Not only did he see Johnston as better than his round seven selection might suggest, he even stated that Johnston would push hard for playing time this year. That sentiment was echoed by retired safety Eric Weddle. Noah Schlaebitz projects Johnston’s professional career somewhere between veterans Danny Trevathan and Bryce Hager.

What about Staley? From the Stu Jackson article, he spoke briefly about linebacker Johnston:

“He’s probably going to be known for his reaction to being drafted for now, but hopefully we’ll be getting him to playing some good football. But just the makeup, being a coach’s son, being part of that transformation of Baylor and that team becoming a national program, he’s an impressive guy to talk football with and hopefully we can get his knee healthy.”

Staley is not an easy guy to impress with football knowledge. But Johnston already has. That will open the door for Johnston to remain with the team – whether active roster or practice squad. The difference-maker? Will Johnston be ready to step onto the field for training camp later this month? We’ll learn the answer to that one in less than three weeks.

Rams Ogbonnia Okoronkwo ready for larger role on defense

As the LA Rams sat down to plan for the 2020 NFL season and reviewed all the players on the roster who would contribute to the team’s success this year, OLB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo‘s name most certainly came up in the conversation. After all, here was a player who saw action on just 115 defensive snaps in 2019, and recorded 1.5 sacks, 4 quarterback hits, and seven tackles as a result. What could happen if he saw more action in 2020? We may soon find out.

After all, he was the 160th player selected from the 2018 NFL Draft. He underwent foot surgery in May of 2018, and his rehab required more time than originally expected. That resulted in the team placing him on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to begin that 2018 season. He recovered in time, but not soon enough to play that season. Instead, he was activated in 2019.

Oh Oh, here he comes again!

At 6-foot-2 and 253-pounds, Okoronkwo is a compact guy who excels at getting excellent leverage and can pivot the hairpin turn around blockers to get to the quarterback. His pass rush off the edge is very similar to that of 6-foot-2 269-pound defensive end Brandon Graham. And much like Graham’s early years, he is making the most of limited opportunities. But he continues to work out viciously, not only improving his strength and size, but improving his balance, footwork, and all-important handwork:

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He is prepared to step up for the team when he is given his next opportunity to make plays. In all of the conversations about the team’s outside linebackers of Leonard Floyd, Terrell Lewis, and Samson Ebukam, Okoronkwo is frequently overlooked. While he is a returning veteran, the Rams had only afforded him a few defensive snaps, and about a third of the special team snaps last year.

Ok Ok, time to play!

That will likely change this year. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo had been smoldering for the Rams defense in 2019, but in each appearance on defense, a sudden burst into a red hot player would have surprised nobody. He flashed on October 27, 2019, when he chalked up 1.5 sacks in one game. The Rams defeated an outgunned Cincinnati Bengals on that Sunday afternoon, but the flame-up of Okorankwo never happened after that for the rest of the 2019 season.

That changes in 2020. The new Rams defensive philosophy, set by new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, is to use deception to outsmart opposing offenses. That not only opens the door for a big season for Okoronkwo, it literally kicks the door in. While the Rams give snaps on one side to the rookie Lewis, Oko will pick up snaps on the other side. Of the four, offenses will be most likely to underestimate the impact of Oko on defense. What will that mean in terms of stats? If Oko gets 350 defensive snaps, he could be in the five sack range with 25-30 tackles. That would be a huge season for his third NFL season, and just second year getting snaps. It would also be huge for the LA Rams defense this year.

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Those of you that follow MMA this next UFC is f'n loaded! Hell of a card! If you don't watch MMA, curious, or haven't watched in a while and want to watch a good card, THIS IS IT!. Got some free stream if you need.

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Anybody else going to watch Street Jesus get that belt? I might actually make some pretty big bets with 5Dimes on this card again.

Apologies for the absence the last few days. I’ve been busy as hell with work and the holiday weekend. I’ll go ahead and combine the last three days into one thread.

Day 68- Richie Incognito. Everyone’s favorite hothead. Some might wonder what would have happened if he kept his cool.

He lays a nice block into the second level for, you guessed it, Antonio Pittman.
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Day 67- Andy McCollum. He was as consistent as they come at Center. Played multiple seasons in a row without missing a game for the Rams until the injury bug hit. Nevertheless he was a great player.
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I tried to focus solely on the player in these highlights. And McCollum taking the long way around to make his guy is taking care of is extremely impressive. Most Centers pass that guy off.

Day 66. Tom Newberry. Another key cog in the Rams great history of OLinemen. Probably the best Guard the Rams have ever had. IMO. Watch as he makes way for a Greg Bell TD.
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Per Adam Schefter. Money details are yet to be disclosed.

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The Los Angeles Rams' coaching staff and roster underwent numerous changes throughout the offseason as star running back Todd Gurley was cut, receiver Brandin Cooks traded and three new coordinators arrived. But there was one group that went largely untouched: the offensive line.

After an uneven season, it was widely expected that the position group would be addressed in free agency, or more likely -- because of salary-cap constraints -- the NFL draft. But the lone addition came in the form of a seventh-round offensive guard. Rams general manager Les Snead said he knew the lack of movement within the group would buck conventional thinking.


"We did go into [the draft] probably a little different than maybe the outside of our building where, 'OK, hey, it's a major, major glaring weakness,'" Snead said. "We felt confident that if we continue grooming and developing these players, they'd have a chance to become a really solid offensive line."

Since Sean McVay joined the Rams as coach in 2017, the Rams have used six of 39 draft picks to select offensive linemen, all of whom remain on the roster. And all 13 linemen (including practice-squad players) from last season's 9-7 team will return in 2020, including left tackle Andrew Whitworth -- who signed a new three-year, $30 million contract -- and guard/center Austin Blythe, who returns on a fresh one-year, $3.9 million deal.

"We know we have players that can play, but it's about finding ways to get the best five on there," McVay said. "Certain guys might have a little bit more position flex."

After the Rams held a virtual offseason program amid the coronavirus pandemic, it remains uncertain who will make the starting five, and how they will line up.

Whitworth, who is entering his 15th season, will maintain his post at left tackle. After an unexpected decline in production last season, Rob Havenstein -- who was sidelined after nine games because of a knee injury -- is anticipated to return to right tackle. Blythe, a dependable starter at center and guard, also is expected to maintain a starting role.

"I'm still comfortable going back and forth," Blythe said. "Wherever the team thinks that I can help the best or help the most is a position that I'll play."

Last season, the Rams' line experienced instability previously unseen in McVay's tenure as coach.

In 2017, the Rams started the same five linemen in 15 games (McVay did not play starters in Week 17). In 2018, the Rams started the same five linemen every game as they powered their way to a Super Bowl LIII appearance.

But last season, the offensive line shuffled through five different starting lineups because of injuries and fit issues.

As the Rams drew 118 penalties in 2019, which ranked 25th in the NFL, 42 of those penalties were committed by the offensive line -- including 13 from Whitworth and eight from Havenstein.

The offensive line's pass block win rate dropped from 74.3% in 2018 to 56.9% last season, according to ESPN metrics powered by NFL Next Gen Stats. McVay and Snead have emphasized that the unanticipated injuries and growing pains last season could pay dividends in 2020. "We've been adding those players and I've said it many a times," Snead said. "Fortunately or unfortunately, a lot of them got to play last year." Whitworth emphasized the unit's steady growth through the final seven games after the lineup stabilized.

"You really think about the inexperience we had up front and how little guys have played in football games," said Whitworth, who played alongside four left guards during 2019. "To see where we finished the season offensively and really were able to build ourselves up." If optimism about the development of the offensive line pans out, the Rams' biggest issue next season could be sorting which players will fill interior spots.

Guard Joe Noteboom and center Brian Allen, who started a combined 15 games in 2019, return from season-ending knee injuries. Guard David Edwards and tackle Bobby Evans -- who both were thrust into starting roles as rookies -- and guard Austin Corbett, who started seven games last season, also will compete for starting spots. "We have a lot of guys who can play really good football," Blythe said. "When you have guys go down to injury like we did last year, there are silver linings to all of it."

Which linebackers, edge rushers, or cornerbacks could surprise next season?

It could be easy to define outcomes for any player as a “surprising breakout” candidate next season. I suppose there is some absurd circumstance in which Aaron Donald has yet another gear that we don’t know about. (And I don’t mean that we don’t know about from Donald as he’s already at the pinnacle; I mean it would have to be something we never thought we’d see in the game like when Brendan Fraser was in The Scout.)

Instead, let’s focus on players who’ve yet to really see success in the NFL. Among those members of the LA Rams on defense, who could have a surprising breakout season when football resumes?

Inside linebackers - Micah Kiser, Troy Reeder, Kenny Young, Travin Howard

The position was manned by one of the ultimate surprise breakout players in Cory Littleton and obviously Les Snead was comfortable with revolving this position based on the fact that he did extend so many players who weren’t Littleton. Part of the reason for that may have been Kiser’s ascent under Wade Phillips that nearly led to his starting in 2019 if not for injury. Littleton is gone, Phillips is gone, and Kiser is returning from his pectoral injury.

With four career tackles on his resume we have nothing of real substance to confirm that there’s reason for optimism with Kiser and yet also, “Sure, why not?” The opportunity will be there for Kiser just as it will be for the other names.

Reeder’s opportunity came when Kiser got injured and he made 58 tackles while playing in 27% of the defensive snaps and 65% of the special teams snaps. By Pro-Football-Reference’s standards, Reeder allowed 17-of-18 throws his way to be completed and that resulted in 246 yards and two touchdowns. He also missed nine tackles, which is a high mark for anyone, not just part-time players.

What you’ll often hear about Young is “speed” and yet his results with the Baltimore Ravens and Rams aren’t too different than what we’ve seen from Reeder. This is not to discount any of these linebackers are potential breakout stars on the defense, quite the contrary, but it is important to layout what causes the “surprise” aspect of this exercise.

Littleton didn’t have much of a resume after two seasons and he was a former undrafted free agent. The presence of several candidates like this is what made Littleton expendable, in Snead’s view. Howard is only 24 and has only had one regular season to start to prove himself.

Rookies such as Clay Johnston, it’s impossible to say right now and the lack of these offseason camps, we just don’t know what impact that will have.

Edge rushers - Terrell Lewis, Samson Ebukam, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo

I think in the case of almost anyone on the defense other than Leonard Floyd, I think it should be considered “surprising” if the Rams have a player with double-digit sacks. I’m not saying it won’t happen, but there are plenty of surprises in this group and that’s why LA is spending much less on edge rushers than most NFL teams.

Lewis has plenty of potential but playing a full season falls under “surprising” for him right now. This is also a player who didn’t have much experience at the college level and who will be missing out on an entire first offseason because of the pandemic.

Ebukam played in 69% of the defensive snaps in 2018 and still only managed three sacks. Perhaps he will get in on more pass rushing opportunities next season but I’m not sure many people are projecting Ebukam to cash in when he becomes a free agent in 2021. Look at the list of edge rushers who are still available today and you have to wonder if teams are willing to use up space on underwhelming veterans.

Okoronkwo is doing the “best shape of my life” routine this offseason and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. But a lot of NFL players are in great shape that’s why they’re NFL players. Will more playing time equate to more sacks for the former fifth round pick?

Yes, I’d be a bit surprised if Floyd hit 10 or more sacks, but as a former top-10 pick I have to disqualify him from being in the same category as these other players.

Cornerbacks - Troy Hill, David Long, Darious Williams, Terrell Burgess

Finally, I’ll address the cornerbacks. Yes, it would be surprising if a player had a breakout season on defensive line because that unit is pretty well spoken for by veterans right now. The safeties are young, but it shouldn’t be too surprising if Taylor Rapp improves his coverage skills and becomes a highly regarded player.

Hill is well known by Rams fans but could he become a nationally-recognized figure with a full season opposite of Jalen Ramsey? Perhaps it could be something similar to the breakout that A.J. Bouye experienced during his first year with Ramsey.

Long was a third round pick a year ago and Williams has plenty of fans at PFF and in the comments section here. Certainly Williams would qualify as one of the biggest surprises on the defense and yet he may have the most support from some based on that six-week sample size. Which could be entirely justifiable.

PFF first recognized Williams in college when he was playing at UAB in 2017. He was undrafted, signed with the Ravens, released by the Ravens, and now he’s hoping to be the starting nickel in LA next season.

Like Lewis, Burgess is a rookie and losing previous learning time on the field. Perhaps that is compounded by the fact that he is also potentially learning a new position after playing mostly safety in college.

My pick: Kiser. He may have the clearest path to an opportunity that could bear the most fruit to whoever wins that job.

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Rams should take advantage of Jalen Ramsey's ability in man coverage

Brandon Staley will deploy a new-look defense in his first year as the Rams’ defensive coordinator, and there’s one aspect of his scheme that should be close to a no-brainer. He and the Rams would be wise to utilize man coverage often this season, given the strengths of their cornerbacks.

Jalen Ramsey, in particular, is excellent in man coverage – and has been since he came into the NFL. Last season, he graded out as Pro Football Focus’ 10th-best cornerback in man coverage with a mark of 68.7.

He was the only Rams corner to make PFF’s list, though Troy Hill also seemed to thrive when the Rams went to their man-heavy defense toward the second half of the season. Here’s what PFF wrote about Ramsey and his man-coverage abilities.

An interesting component of this with Ramsey is that the Rams bumped their man usage significantly once he joined the team. From Weeks 1 through 6, the Rams utilized man coverage on 19% of their coverage snaps (30th in NFL). That number rose to 34% over the remainder of the season (18th). His PFF grading may fall under the good-not-great category bar an outstanding showing in 2017, but that doesn’t mean you should mistake Ramsey for merely being good. He remains one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL.

Wade Phillips used zone coverage a lot early in the season with Marcus Peters, but after Peters was dealt to the Ravens, things changed. Ramsey’s arrival and Hill’s emergence caused the Rams to use more man coverage, which worked well.

Staley would be smart to continue this trend with a similar group of cornerbacks led by Ramsey and Hill. In college, David Long was one of the best corners in man coverage, and even Darious Williams showed flashes of potential when given chances at the end of last season.

Sean McVay wants the defense to be more “multiple” and able to adapt by week, so the scheme will likely depend on the opponent, too. If there’s a clear No. 1 cornerback, expect the Rams to stick Ramsey on him in man coverage. If a quarterback succeeds more against man than zone, then Staley could opt for more zone calls.

But the Rams should certainly be in man coverage more than they were in the beginning of last season.

Kupp, Woods are becoming next best franchise WR duo

Since the beginning of the LA Rams, there have always been good receivers on the team. Split end Jim Benton, during the time of the Cleveland Rams, had more receiving yards than running back Corby Davis had running the ball. The Rams have always liked to throw the ball around the yard.

Tom Fears and Elroy “Crazy Legs” Hirsch emerged in the 1940s as a tough duo to contain. The move to Los Angeles helped glamorize the passing game while most NFL teams were running to daylight. Game highlights seem to look better when the footage includes that long pass for a touchdown, if for nothing else simply for the suspense during the ball arcing through the air to come down into the outstretched hands of the receiver in full stride.

Over the past ten years, the NFL has been morphing into a passing league. Quarterbacks and receivers are in more demand than the traditional fullback and running back. The Rams have led the way in that movement for some time.

For more than a half a century, the Rams have had the NFL’s top receiving duos. Now, the dynamic duo of WRs Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods are beginning to emerge as one of the franchise’s top duos. Do you realize that Woods has the potential of rising into the top ten on the all-time Rams reception and receiving yards list? He needs 100 receptions for 1000 yards to achieve that honor.

The top WR duos in LA Rams receiving history

First, the wide receiver tandem of Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt are the best receiving duo ever in Rams’ history. Together they caught 1811 passes for 26,769 yards with 158 touchdowns. They were the two featured star receivers of the “Greatest Show on Turf”.

Secondly, the match of wide receivers Henry Ellard and Flipper Anderson were very good together in 1988 through 1993. They combined for 15,007 yards with 74 touchdowns while catching 852 passes. Anderson averaged an amazing 20.3 yards per catch.

Thirdly, the wide receiver pairing of Jack Snow and Harold Jackson joined fabulous receivers in the short time they played together. In their Rams career, they caught 540 passes for 9603 yards with 81 touchdowns. Remember, Jackson played four seasons in Philadelphia from 1969-72. Wonder what kind of number he and Snow would have put up if Jackson had stayed in Los Angeles?

Fourth, Kupp and Woods are moving up the charts quickly. Since 2017, they have caught 428 passes for 5730 yards with 30 touchdowns. Hopefully, the Rams can keep this duo intact for the next several years.

Kupp is a free agent after the 2020 season unless he signs an extension. Woods becomes a free agent in March of 2022. There is the potential of them becoming the “greatest show on any turf”. Let’s see how things play out.

There is still a lot to be determined about 2020... There seems to be quite a few “how is this going to work?” articles popping up.

A limited contact offseason...

Shortened preseason...

How do you evaluate rookies? I guess we should expect expanded final rosters of some type, but could players slip thru the cracks?

How do we select our kicker? Etc.

Many 2020 rookies won’t make it to training camp

The LA Rams knew it would be tough sledding this season. From the moment the NFL suspended direct contact with NFL Draft prospects, the NFL axis began to spin off-center. The NFL has created a year-round season of events intended to retain the focus of so many fans upon the sport of professional football.

Football is one of the most violent professional sports. The basic premise is 11 athletes in full pads attempt to advance an oblong-shaped football while the opposing team tries to prevent that from happening in alternating turns of possession.

Rams roster basics

Since the sport involves running, blocking, and tackling at full speed, the NFL teams are given large rosters to work with. NFL teams are capped at 90 players after the NFL Draft until a preset date after training camp. Roster cuts come in two forms. The first cut to 75 men and then the second to the season limit of 55.

Players who are not assigned to the active roster have the opportunity to be signed up to the teams “practice squad”. Rosters are further reduced to a limit of 48 players for game day, while the other seven are considered “inactive” for that contest. The roster is further defined must contain a minimum of eight players who play on the offensive line. Teams can expand their 53 man roster to 55 players by promoting a maximum of two players from the practice squad. Too much math? Okay, let’s approach this another way.

Roster reduction from the 2019 roster perspective

At the onset of 2020, the LA Rams signed nine players to future-reserve contracts. The team then added four new players via NFL Free agency, including two new kickers, drafted nine players, and added 22 undrafted rookies after the 2020 NFL Draft. That equates to 44 additional players to the roster. Doing the math, that means that the Rams entered the 2020 season with 46 players remaining on the roster. How could this be?

While the LA Rams faced 18 players leaving via the 2020 NFL Free Agency market, the Rams carried many more than 53 players into the end of the 2019 season. Whether good or bad fortune, the number of significant injuries to Rams players last season translated into many players moving to injured reserve, allowing the team to add a player from either the practice squad or signed from another team to the active roster.

Rams returning 46 is good for 2020

That illusion about the Rams 53 man roster shrinking to just 35 players contracted to return has proven to be fortunate for the team so far. After all, the Rams found that carrying 13 players from 2019 into 2020 only needed a tweak or two from the team’s active roster to be prepared for 2020. It’s that reason that gave the team confidence to draft just one offensive lineman, Tremayne Anchrum, in the 2020 NFL Draft, and added just one lineman after the draft by signing center Cohl Cabral.

Familiarity is at a premium this offseason. We are already aware that the NFL preseason schedule has been cut in half. We also know that the NFL offseason programs have been limited to remote virtual training programs. With each passing day, rookies have lost that day to make a direct connection to other players and coaches. While returning players already have those connections, rookies and new arrivals to the team have yet to enjoy an opportunity to do so.

Schedule upheaval to roster pruning

So the latest news to be reported is perhaps the most damning for all NFL rookies hoping to earn a spot on their team’s active roster. In the latest report, NFL teams will likely have smaller rosters at their 2020 NFL Training camps. Right now, the total is still in question. But it does mean that many LA Rams rookies will not even have an opportunity to practice, train, or participate in either of the team’s two preseason games. Pretty hard reality to face, particularly after signing on with the team.

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This pruning of the training camp roster is separate from previous reports that the NFL was considering expanding practice squad rosters to allow for more players to be available for teams should the active roster face quarantining multiple players due to a COVID-19 outbreak.

Rams roster complications

Even though the LA Rams had a significant number of returning players from 2019, the team was positioned for some extremely heated competition at several key positions: quarterback, linebacker, slot cornerback, offensive line, and kicker. At quarterback, returning veteran John Wolford has only a slight edge over rookies Josh Love and Bryce Perkins. At linebacker, the Rams have many talented players who could all earn playing time if they have the opportunity to do so. At slot cornerback and offensive line, the Rams have plenty of worthy veterans, but talented rookies promised to make things very interesting. And at kicker? The Rams must choose from three very talented kickers.

That will all now take place in much less time than previous seasons, with fewer preseason games, and some cuts will likely occur before coaches ever see the players on the practice field. Even though the LA Rams signing players to the practice squad is weeks away, the initial roster cuts taking place before the team even begins training camp will likely be too soon for the team to consider any of them for that roster.

We’ll analyze the Rams roster to the best of our ability given these circumstances, and try to identify players who are facing being cut prior to the team’s training camp. The first cut is the deepest is a famous song lyric originally sung by P.P. Arnold – The First Cut Is The Deepest (1967) and was written by Cat Stevens. That first cut of the LA Rams roster to ready the team for training camp is not only the deepest, it’s the hardest to justify.

The Conversation Thread - 4th of July Edition!






Continuing the casual offseason vibe... The Conversation Thread.

Think a thread, that goes like a “Chat Room”.

Tell us what you are up to. Anything cool or interesting going on? Cooking anything special? Ask a question. Comment. Chat.

EASY

Randomness encouraged.

Pics. Gifs. Music. Make us laugh. Whatever hits you.

BYOB.

Tomorrow we’ll move this thread to off topic. But for now... It’s Saturday Night!




What are you up to today/tonight?

Ram’s rookie S Jordan Fuller deserves pre-camp buzz

The LA Rams had a very good outcome from the 2020 NFL Draft at first appearances. After all, the team entered with a significantly long shopping list of needs for the offense, defense, and special teams. As the team prepared to enter the draft at the end of the 2019 season, questions persisted as to whether the team would even have enough picks to find rookies who could positively impact the team in 2020.

The Rams did get a bit of good news when the team was able to exchange WR Brandin Cooks and a 2022 fourth-round pick for the Texans 2020 second-round pick. The team also discovered that the team was awarded a valuable third-round compensatory draft pick in the 2020 NFL Draft thanks to the contract signed by 2019 free agent left guard Rodger Saffold. Those additional picks allowed the Rams to fill offensive needs in round two, and defensive needs in round three.

Freestyle

That allowed the Rams to go “free-style” in the NFL Draft in later rounds, where the team truly focused upon the best player available on the draft board. It was only after the team addressed their immediate and urgent roster needs that the team was free to find valuable and undervalued talent. While the Rams made a case for drafting players whose talents exceeded their drafted selection, the Rams truly hit gold with their 199th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft.

It was in round six at that 199th spot that the LA Rams found Ohio State Buckeyes’ safety Jordan Fuller. Despite contributing to the excellent Buckeyes’ football program for four seasons, he was overlooked by many teams as a player who simply contributed well for an excellent football program. Many teams either had needs elsewhere or were enamored with the talent and depth of other positions available in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Fuller was on the Rams radar

If you were not aware of Jordan Fuller’s potential as a rookie for the LA Rams prior to his selection by the Rams, you weren’t reading our articles very closely. Fuller stood out in videos, in draft profiles, and in draft projections as a solid addition to the Rams roster. We had featured the Ohio State starting safety in several pre-draft articles and pointed out that he was a solid fit for the type of player the Rams needed to select in the draft.

He first appeared in an article featuring Big-Ten players attending the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine. In that article, he was an ideal LA Rams option to fill the roster vacancy of retired safety Eric Weddle. The 6-foot-2 205-pound defensive back was an ideal prospect for the LA Rams roster, as Fuller had experience at both safety and cornerback, competed at the highest level of NCAA football for four seasons, was a starter and team captain with a very successful football program, and had the ability to play the position at a very high level in the NFL.

Mock Draft 3.1

Fuller also appeared in the Ramblin Fan Mock Draft 3.1. In that article, Larry Brake mocked him to the LA Rams in round four. In that mock, Brake pointed to his 4.67-second 40-yard time, as well as his 35.5-inch vertical jump as key indications that Fuller would be able to remain close with receivers and leap high enough to deflect and even intercept passes thrown his way. Will that be enough to ensure he has a great NFL career? Perhaps not, but it’s certainly a good place to start from.

In both articles, the retirement of veteran safety and starter Eric Weddle opened the door for the Rams to draft Fuller. And Fuller’s talent and performance at Ohio State made him an undeniable candidate to take over for Weddle. That point is even more emphasized now that the Rams face the challenge of re-signing safety John Johnson while attempting to re-sign cornerback Jalen Ramsey, wide receivers Josh Reynolds and Cooper Kupp, and tight end Gerald Everett. Fuller gives the Rams a “plan B” option if the team is unsuccessful at retaining Johnson beyond 2020.

Round four value, but round six bargain

By all accounts, Jordan Fuller was good, far better than where the Rams found him in round six. He was one of the players added by the Rams who filled a future need, but also adds that hint of flexibility to the Rams defense which suddenly emphasizes versatility and flexibility. In Fuller, the Rams landed one of the best coverage safeties in the draft.

Don’t take my word for it, but you should respect the opinion of Pro Football Focus College analysis:

The best rate among college safeties, drafted in round six? Whodda thunk?

Worker bee work ethic

The other downside risk was picking a young man who had already known his share of success at the college level and would be content enough with that experience to ease up a bit on training for an NFL role. He’s a young man on a mission to succeed in the NFL. That includes a workout regiment that rivals that of NFL veterans

And so, the young man pushes himself to the limit now so that his limit will be more than enough when the team decides who makes this roster.

There are no guarantees of earning a roster spot if you hear your name called on day three of the NFL Draft, and Fuller is not about to leave his NFL career to random chance. That means good things for the LA Rams defense this year, and well into the future. After all, the Ohio State Buckeyes and the LA Rams have this similarity on defense: both enjoy very successful football programs.

The Declaration of Independence signed on July 4th, 1776 was an aspirational document. There was no federal govt, of course. General George Washington was getting his ass kicked in 1776 and 1777. Funding for the Continental Army was almost non-existent. The Brits didn't respect Washington nor his army of amateurs. My maternal Grandfather Philemon Hall was an Ensign with the 2nd Connecticut Regiment of Foot. This regiment endured Valley Forge's hunger, lack of clothing, and other essentials.

Yet, a Prussian named Baron Von Steuben arrived and trained Washington's Army into a professional fighting force near the end of this starving time.. Was he a Baron or a true General Prussian General? Who knows. He wrote the Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the troops of the United States, which became the US Army's field manual for decades. It was also called the Blue Book and was used until 1812. The Brits knew they faced a different army after this point.

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This is NOT a thread about whether or not the Washington team should change their name. This is NOT a political thread in any way. I DO NOT CARE if you personally want them to keep the name or change the name.

What I DO want to know is what fucking stupid name we can give these dicks.

Let me be the first to introduce... your... WASHINGTON WANKERS!!!

The NFL is known for being super strict about their uniforms, from limits on designs to their one shell rule, they have a lot of control.

However, I came across some guy who did some redesign uniforms and logos, and he had a theme with jerseys that had something to do with their city, and some of them were pretty interesting, which got me thinking. Should the NFL allow this? NFL teams already do fan appreciation games for their home fans, what if they wore special city specific jerseys for that game?

Here are some of the concepts that the guy came up with for city inspired uniforms.

Some of his uniforms are pretty out there like the changes he made for Houston in terms of their logo and design. However, that NASA inspired combination is what made me think it's not a bad idea.



Miami's don't say traditional football, but it does says "Miami" and I could see fans digging it.




With news that the Redskins are likely changing their names, this isn't a bad idea.. But that's not really what I care about here (so lets not pay attention to that)..
I just love anything P-51 related and the P-51 themed uniform looks awesome to me. Unfortunately he didn't do this sort of theme for the Jets, even though it fits perfectly for them already, otherwise I would have gone with them.



And last but certainly not least, Los Angeles.

I'm not going to get into the uniforms and the logos other than obviously yes, the third jersey is very interesting to me. It definitely has an LA/Hollywood vibe, and the gold doesn't look too bad.






Obviously these types of uniforms aren't traditional, and there are a lot of traditionalists out there, and on here. There's also the issue of potentially having nonlocal fans feel more alienated by these types of themes, but they could really be anything, from super classic throwbacks, to having the uniform be an NFL version of another local team (Lakers, Dodgers, etc), or something else entirely, the point would be that once a year the NFL would allow more fun and creativity with their uniforms, more than just "Oh you can be a highlighter with this color rush theme".

What say the minds of ROD?



*Edit*

Here are some other sorts of ideas.

Browns and Packers both have a very classic football theme in their third jersey that I like as well.





He gave Atlanta a uniform that is "inspired by the days of Deion Sanders." which would be pretty wild, but I bet fans in Atlanta would love.




Arizona has an Arizona flag theme.



Just more creativity. Or should they be more traditional?


And I almost forgot, link to the creator and his other stuff.

11 Rams players hurt most by shortened preseason

The NFL is shortening the preseason to only two games this year in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The first and last weeks of the preseason are being cut, leaving just Weeks 2 and 3 to be played in August.

While fans and most players seem fine with a shortened preseason, there will be plenty of guys hurt by this news. The preseason is an opportunity for lesser-known players and undrafted free agents to make a name for themselves, hoping to earn spots on the 53-man roster.

Here are 11 players who will be impacted most by the NFL trimming two exhibition games from this summer’s slate.

QBs John Wolford, Bryce Perkins and Josh Love

The Rams’ backup quarterbacks stand to lose the most with this shortened preseason. Wolford, Perkins and Love are all competing to back up Jared Goff, but with only two preseason games now, their game reps will be seriously limited.

It doesn’t bode well at all for the Rams and could lead them to sign a veteran such as Blake Bortles or Matt Moore. If not, they’ll roll into the regular season with three unproven backups behind Goff.

Kickers Austin McGinnis, Lirim Hajrullahu and Sam Sloman

It’s almost impossible to simulate the pressure of an NFL game in practice for kickers, but the Rams will need to do their best this year. With a wide-open kicking competition and only two exhibition games to work with, the Rams will have minimal opportunities to evaluate their kickers in game action.

The winner of this competition will probably be the guy who impresses most in practice, not necessarily in the preseason. As of now, no one really has an edge because none of them have been able to kick in front of coaches.

OLB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo

Okoronkwo is a player plenty of fans are excited about, but the reality is, he’s also a candidate to be cut if he doesn’t stand out in camp and the preseason. It’s not all doom and gloom, of course, because he could also be a starter opposite Leonard Floyd, but the clock is ticking on Okoronkwo.

He needs to make impact plays in the preseason with however many reps he gets. With four games, he had plenty of chances to shine, but those chances will be limited now.

ILB Travin Howard

Howard is in a wide-open competition at inside linebacker with Micha Kiser, Kenny Young and a few others. The Rams won’t have much time to evaluate this group now, which probably gives Kiser an edge after he was slated to be the starter last year before getting hurt.

Howard has to stay healthy and show he can succeed both against the run and the pass, using his athleticism and range to his advantage. If not, he could be cut before the season begins.

CB Darious Williams

David Long has the pedigree of a third-round pick, so he’s probably safe even if he doesn’t win the CB3 job. And even as high as the Rams are on Williams, he’s hardly a lock to make the roster.

A shortened preseason will give Williams even fewer chances than originally expected to prove himself to the coaching staff – including new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.

C Brian Allen and OL Joseph Noteboom

Allen and Noteboom should be safe this year, but their spots on the roster aren’t guaranteed by any means. They’re certainly not locks to be starters again after last year’s mess, and the absence of two preseason games won’t help their case.

Both Allen and Noteboom are coming off season-ending injuries, too, so they could be kept on the sidelines initially in camp. Any missed time will greatly hurt their chances of starting.

Tight end Brycen Hopkins was too intriguing for Rams to pass up in NFL draft

Long before he joined the Rams as a rookie this spring, Brycen Hopkins knew plenty about fellow tight end Tyler Higbee.

Hopkins played at Purdue under coach Jeff Brohm, who had utilized Higbee’s skills in a high-scoring offense at Western Kentucky. Purdue tight ends spent long hours studying Higbee’s route running and versatility in college.

“We would watch Higbee and the tight ends there and how they ran the plays, and tried to mirror that,” Hopkins said after the Rams selected him in the fourth round of the NFL draft.

Hopkins is now part of a Rams position group that includes Higbee, Gerald Everett and Johnny Mundt. Coach Sean McVay, new offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell and tight ends coach Wes Phillips are preparing for the start of training camp in late July, when they will have the four tight ends on the field for the first time.

Higbee, a fourth-round pick in 2016, had never eclipsed 100 yards receiving in an NFL game before he signed a four-year, $29-million extension on the eve of the 2019 season opener. Late in the season, Higbee made the investment appear sound when he put together a streak of four consecutive 100-yard receiving performances. Higbee carries a salary cap number of $9.1 million this season, according to overthecap.com.

Everett was a second-round pick in the 2017 draft. He has enjoyed some spectacular moments — his two-touchdown performance against the Kansas City Chiefs on “Monday Night Football” in 2018 among them — but he is in the final year of his rookie contract. He carries a salary number of $1.9 million this season.

Mundt, an undrafted free agent in 2017, has been a dependable blocker at the line of scrimmage and, at times, out of the backfield. He will earn $750,000 this season.

O’Connell is eager to incorporate all of the tight ends into an offense attempting to once again be considered among the NFL’s best.

“When you have the multiple skill sets — you’ve got guys that can both run routes and block in the run game — the options are limitless,” O’Connell said.

Hopkins, 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, has an NFL pedigree. His father, Brad, was the 13th player chosen in the 1993 draft, and he went on to play tackle for 13 seasons for the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans.

“He’s going to tell me how I need to get to the places I want to go and how hard it’s going to be to get there, how hard I have to work and committed and dedicated I’ll have to be,” Brycen said of his father. “But thanks to him, I’m ready to do that.”

Hopkins played at Ensworth High in Nashville before enrolling at Purdue. He redshirted his first season, started four games as a junior and then cemented his status as a pro prospect last season. Hopkins caught 10 passes for 140 yards against Maryland and finished the season with 61 catches for 830 yards and seven touchdowns.

But Hopkins also dropped seven passes, which became a point of predraft scrutiny.

“I want to become a more consistent catcher,” he said. “I don’t have bad hands. I just think that I can concentrate more on that ball and look it in and then my drop rate would go way down.

“I would just be able to become that more consistent catcher that everyone wants to see out of me.”

The Rams scouted Hopkins before, during and after his final college season. On the final day of the draft, the Rams traded down in the fourth round to acquire two seventh-round picks. The Rams did not have a pressing need at tight end, but general manager Les Snead intimated that the opportunity to select Hopkins spurred the Rams to alter their plans.

“We had him highly rated and felt like he could come in and carve out a role early, but also later,” Snead said. “We didn’t have to make that pick, but sometimes when you make those types of picks, there’s an element of drafting in a microscope, but also with a telescope and you feel like, ‘Hey, the guy can make plays.’”

Quarterback Jared Goff said Hopkins and rookie running back Cam Akers were among the first-year players that participated in informal on-field workouts during the offseason program.

From the day that he was drafted, Hopkins sounded eager to contribute to a team trying to get back to the playoffs.

“It’s just a crazy opportunity that I’m ready to take advantage of,” he said.

Rams DC Brandon Staley breaks down rookie additions to defense

Midway through the Rams' virtual offseason program, defensive coordinator Brandon Staley took the time to break down each of the unit's draft picks. Here's what he had to say about each as we get closer to training camp.

Terrell Lewis, OLB, Alabama

2019 college stats: 31 tackles, 11.5 for loss, six sacks and two pass breakups in 11 games; second team All-SEC selection.

Staley's take: "I think you guys are probably aware of his talent. His talent is not indicative of where he was drafted, but we're excited about the skillset he brings to the table, and hopefully we can get his best football. I think it's still ahead of him. I think he's still a developing player, but from a skillset standpoint, he's what you're looking for in an outside rusher."

Terrell Burgess, S, Utah

2019 college stats: 81 tackles, 7.5 for loss, one interception, five pass breakups while starting in 14 games; honorable mention All-Pac 12 recognition.

Staley's take: "Really formed good relationships with his college coaches, who I have a very high opinion of. (They had) like nine players drafted, they were the number two defense in the country. This guy played everywhere for them. I think he's a safety to start, but he can play nickel (defensive back). He's a 4.4 guy who's got movement, and so I think we can activate him in some different roles."

Jordan Fuller, S, Ohio State

2019 college stats: 62 tackles, two interceptions and four pass breakups in 14 starts; first team All-Big Ten selection.

Staley's take: "Two-time captain at Ohio State. I mean, you're talking about the premiere program in the country, two-time captain and he's only one of 14 guys that's ever been that. (Former Ohio State co-defensive coordinator) Jeff Hafley, we have a good relationship with him and he's just been raving about this guy. He's proven that so far in these meetings. We're excited to work with him."

Clay Johnston, ILB, Baylor

2019 college stats: 58 tackles, eight for loss, 2.5 sacks, one interception, five pass breakups in six games (suffered season-ending knee injury halfway through the year); second team All-Big 12 selection.

Staley's take: "He's probably going to be known for his reaction to being drafted for now, but hopefully we'll be getting him to playing some good football. But just the makeup, being a coach's son, being part of that transformation of Baylor and that team becoming a national program, he's an impressive guy to talk football with and hopefully we can get his knee healthy."

Rams 2020 breakout watchlist: LB Travin Howard

The Rams need a player or two to emerge at inside linebacker this season after losing Cory Littleton in free agency. Micah Kiser seems like the frontrunner to be one of the starters at linebacker, but Travin Howard is another player to keep an eye on.

Howard is a former college safety-turned-linebacker with good speed and athleticism in the middle of the defense. He hasn’t yet emerged as a key player for the Rams after two seasons, but Year 3 will be his best opportunity yet.

Let’s take a look at why he could break out this season – and also why he might not.

NFL career thus far

Howard didn’t play at all as a rookie in 2018, in part because of an ankle injury. He finally got the call up last year but his playing time was still limited. Although he played 329 special teams snaps, he was only on the field with the defense 9% of the time – mostly in blowouts and a meaningless Week 17 game.

He finished 2019 with 22 tackles and three passes defensed, showing some potential down the stretch. He broke up a pass in each of the last three games he played, which was an encouraging way to head into the offseason.

Why he could break out

Howard is more like Littleton than Kiser is, which is good news. He has good range as a former safety and in coverage, he’s performed relatively well. Obviously, he still has to improve and become a more well-rounded linebacker if he’s to become a starter in 2020, but he’s on the right track.

Take a look at this play he made in Week 14 against the Seahawks on a throw down the seam to the tight end. Howard plays trail technique knowing he has help over the top, and although he doesn’t get his head turned around, he reads the receiver and gets his hands up at just the right moment to prevent a touchdown.

That was his first pass breakup of the season, but his second came a week later against the Cowboys. Once again, Howard (lined up on the far hash) is in man coverage against the tight end, Blake Jarwin.

It’s essentially a pick play for the outside receiver, but after he falls down, Dak Prescott looks at his tight end. Howard breaks on the ball and knocks it away to prevent the first down.

Those were two of Howard’s best plays of the season and show why the Rams have some confidence that he’ll be able to step up in a larger role in 2020.

Why he may not

Howard’s experience is limited, having played just 102 snaps on defense. Being a seventh-round pick entering his third year, too, he doesn’t exactly come with great draft pedigree.

As good as he looked on some plays in coverage, he also had some lapses. This play below was his worst rep of the season, letting the tight end get behind him on a wheel route. His make-up speed isn’t bad, but it wasn’t enough to break up the pass.

Another reason Howard may not break out is because of the competition he’s facing at linebacker. Kiser is his toughest challenger, but Kenny Young is a former starter for the Ravens and Troy Reeder also started for the Rams last season. Clay Johnston, a seventh-round pick this year, will be in the linebacker battle, too.

Howard will need to make up for his lack of experience with impact plays in practice and the preseason this summer. If not, he could be on the outside looking in when roster cuts are made.

I have a soft spot for this guy. Sebastian Joseph Day is primed for a breakout year IMO. I love underdog stories too. SJD was a 6th round draft pick for the Rams in 2018.

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He’s got a great personality as well.
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Cameron DeSilva has 2 articles in April on him.I personally think he is due for a BREAKOUT 2020 & is being over looked by most Ram Fans.

2nd article

1st article

I really thinks he could bring a 3rd rd comp pick in 2022, and for $1.2 Million is a cheap cost for such a playmaker.

Rams 2020 breakout watchlist: CB David Long Jr.

One of the most surprising moves by the Rams this offseason was their decision to decline Nickell Robey-Coleman’s roster option for 2020. It made him a free agent and he was quickly scooped up by the Eagles for a relatively low price.

Robey-Coleman’s departure has opened the door for the Rams’ younger defensive backs, though, particularly 2019 third-round pick David Long Jr.

Long has a golden opportunity to contribute in a big way this season after playing minimal snaps as a rookie. He can play inside or outside corner, which is a plus, giving Brandon Staley options in the secondary.

He could be a second-year breakout candidate if he can capitalize on the chance that’s in front of him.

NFL career thus far

Long only has one year of NFL experience under his belt, and his time on the field as a rookie last season was limited. He played 109 defensive snaps (9.8%) in 2019, most of which came at the end of the year.

He made nine total tackles, broke up two passes and allowed nine completions on 13 targets (69.2%). One of those catches went for a touchdown, and he gave up 100 total yards in coverage.

Long came in as a third-round pick out of Michigan and one of the best coverage guys in college football. He didn’t transition as quickly as some thought he might, but clearly the Rams had a plan for him after moving on from Robey-Coleman.

Why he could break out

Long has the makings of a good NFL cornerback. He allowed the lowest completion percentage in coverage among all draft-eligible CBs in the 2019 class, shining in man coverage at Michigan. He may not have the prototypical size of someone like Jalen Ramsey, but he plays bigger than his 5-foot-11 frame indicates.

If utilized correctly and put in man coverage often, Long can stick with receivers. He showed that last season in limited action, either by breaking up passes or making tackles quickly after the catch.

Here’s an example from Week 17 when Long broke up a deep pass down the right side, running stride for stride with the receiver in man coverage. You can find him at the bottom of the screen.

He also showed good awareness in coverage. On the play below, it’s third-and-8 for the Cardinals. Long is in zone coverage at the bottom of the screen and it’s a two-route concept to his side of the field.

He drops deep enough to take away the deep corner route, forcing the underneath throw short of the sticks. He rallies to the ball and makes the stop to force fourth down.

Here’s another example of Long’s play recognition and instincts. He’s in zone coverage underneath and recognizes that Kyler Murray is going to the outside hitch route.

Long jumps it and breaks it up, nearly picking the pass off and returning it for a touchdown.

For a young corner, Long has the traits of a quality coverage guy. He just has to show that he can play consistently in the slot and also compete with bigger receivers outside.

Why he may not

Long doesn’t have elite long speed, which can hurt him in coverage on deep passes. Against the Cardinals in Week 17, he allowed two catches deep down the left side to Damiere Byrd – but one was negated by an offensive pass interference penalty, which wasn’t glaringly obvious.

On this play, which counted, he got beat deep by Byrd, who has great speed. That’s one of the concerns with Long playing outside corner against some of the faster receivers in the league.

It’s not terrible coverage on his part, but it allowed just enough separation for Byrd to make the play for 33 yards.

If Long struggles this season, it’ll likely be on passes like that one. He has to show he can hold up one-on-one outside when the Rams kick Ramsey or Troy Hill into the slot.

Another reason he may not break out is the competition he faces at corner. Rookie Terrell Burgess will also compete for the nickel corner role, as will Darious Williams – who the Rams have spoken highly about this offseason.

Long won’t be handed a starting job and will have to show in camp and the preseason that he’s the best CB3 option on the team. If he can’t do that, it’ll be another year of limited reps and putting off his contributions until 2021.