Pack it in everyone. Chargers have taken over

Jared Goff confident in Rams despite loss of Todd Gurley, Brandin Cooks

From hiring three new coordinators to releasing running back Todd Gurley and trading wide receiver Brandin Cooks, the Los Angeles Rams have experienced significant turnover throughout the offseason.

But roster changes aren't cause for concern for quarterback Jared Goff, and he said he doesn't think fans should be worried about the changes, either.

"Just relax," Goff said on Wednesday. "It's going to be just fine."

The Rams are looking to rebound from a 9-7 season that kept them from earning a playoff berth. Along with Gurley and Cooks, the Rams also lost several key players on defense, including outside linebacker Dante Fowler and linebacker Cory Littleton to free agency, and they released outside linebacker Clay Matthews and cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman in an effort to save salary-cap space.

Goff said he has spoken several times to Gurley since his release last month, and the fifth-year quarterback expressed some surprise that his career would move forward without Gurley and Cooks, despite the three players signing contract extensions within a 14-month span.

"Those guys were such an integral part of our team and it's tough to move without them," Goff said. "But like I said, it's part of the business. Stuff like this happens all the time."

According to Goff, second-year running back Darrell Henderson and longtime backup Malcolm Brown will replace Gurley. Fourth-year receiver Josh Reynoldswill take over for Cooks. Henderson last season rushed for 147 yards on 39 carries, and Reynolds caught 21 passes for 326 yards and a touchdown.

Goff expects the offense will appear different without Gurley and Cooks, but how much the Rams will need to adapt remains to be seen.

"I would expect some of the stuff that was tailored to Brandin and Todd to be not there anymore," Goff said. "That's the easiest way to say it. There was a lot of runs that Todd really liked and a lot of stuff that we did to get Todd the ball in certain ways."

Gurley's numbers dipped last season, but over the past five years, he has accumulated the most touches in the NFL (1,483). Cooks also experienced a drop in production last season and was sidelined for two games because of reoccurring concussions, but his speed remained a crucial component of the offense with his ability to stretch the field.

The Rams' decision to move on from Gurley and Cooks leaves them in a challenging salary-cap situation. The dead money between the two players amounts to nearly $30 million in 2020.

According to ESPN Roster Management, the Rams are over the salary cap by more than $5 million. Goff said a restructuring of his four-year, $134 million extension remains among options for cap relief.

"There's been some stuff about like being able to clear some cap space, and if so, I'm all for it -- I don't see why not," Goff said. "It doesn't change anything for me and it helps the team out."

While Goff remains confident about the Rams' ability to evolve without several key players, including the departures on defense, he seemed less certain about the team's debut inside its new home at SoFi Stadium. The stadium remains on pace to open for the 2020 season. But because of the coronavirus pandemic, it's uncertain whether the NFL will play the season or if fans will be allowed in attendance.

"Not ideal, not what you want to do," Goff said, when asked about the potential of opening a new stadium with no fans. "I do understand that there are a lot of bigger implications in place right now as far as health of the world, but I know that's not the vision that we had moving to L.A. ...

"If that is what it is, then we have to roll with it. I don't think it's anything we want to do."

Alright, ya meathead bastids, I’ll give y’all a helpful head start.

The new guy, Hajrullahu, is pronounced Hy-roo-la-hoo.

Given that, my challenge to you is this: can you pronounce the following five names, CORRECTLY AND PERFECTLY, without making a single mistake on any syllable (and without looking to the internet for help)?

Here they are:


Hajrullahu
Hoomanawanui
Okoronkwo
Tinoisamoa
Manumaleuna

Well, how’d ya do?

Strictly from guessing or memory, I’ll post the answer later tonight.


Who is the first Ram to score a Touchdown when the Rams returned to L.A.?

Story link
Ranking the 5 Worst Moves of the 2020 NFL Offseason

There's still some meat left on the free-agent bone in 2020 (including three of the last 10 No. 1 overall picks), but the NFL's focus has largely shifted from spending big on veteran players to looking toward the April 23-25 draft.

We're all going to find out what Roger Goodell's basement looks like.

Now that free agency is winding down, it's only natural to look back at the winners and losers of the 2020 iteration. The signing of Tom Brady has injected the most enthusiasm we've seen from the fanbase in Tampa, Florida, since, well, maybe ever. The Las Vegas Raiders overhauled one of the NFL's weakest linebacker corps. The New Orleans Saints look like arguably the league's best team after adding veteran wideout Emmanuel Sanders.

Those franchises want the draft to get here so they can keep the good times rolling.

Others, however, want the draft to get here for a different reason. They're tired of being lambasted publicly for offseason gaffes. Maybe they overpaid dramatically for an aging player. Made an ill-advised trade. Some may even have done both.

Might as well be thorough.

At the lowest of those depths—the nadir of neglect—is this quintet of questionable strategy.

These are the five worst moves of the 2020 offseason.

(Dis)Honorable Mention

These transactions didn't make the top five, but the general managers below seemingly tried hard to be bad at their jobs. They just weren't quite able to make the countdown no one wants to be part of.

Houston Texans Trade for Brandin Cooks

Bill O'Brien is a name you'll see with frequency in this piece. The Texans dealt second- and fourth-round picks for an expensive receiver who is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career and who has five documented concussions in six NFL seasons. That this wasn't close to the worst idea O'Brien had in 2020 is both terrifying and oddly impressive.

Detroit Lions Sign OLB Jamie Collins for Three Years, $30 Million

Collins had a great season with the Patriots in 2019, topping 80 tackles and amassing a career-high seven sacks. He's also familiar with Lions head coach Matt Patricia from their days together in New England. But Collins is 30 and has never consistently thrived away from Bill Belichick's team. The last time he got a big contract, from Cleveland, the results were...ungood.

New Orleans Saints Re-Sign OG Andrus Peat for Five Years, $57.5 Million

It's not all that often that Saints general manager Mickey Loomis swings and misses, and an argument can be made that continuity in front of Drew Brees is worth an overpay. But there's a difference between overpaying and giving a player who has missed nine games over the past two years—and struggled in 2019—the second-most guaranteed cabbage among guards in NFL history.

New York Jets Sign OT George Fant for Three Years, $27.3 Million

It was no secret that the New York Jets desperately needed to bolster the offensive line, and the team spent a lot trying to do so. But Fant is not a sure bet by any stretch—he's a middling talent who hasn't started the majority of his games at left tackle since his rookie year (with mediocre results). He also missed the entire 2017 season with a torn ACL.

Houston Texans Sign S Eric Murray for Three Years, $18 Million

More O'Brien! This isn't an especially big contract, but it's a baffling one. Murray is an excellent special teams player and an OK depth safety, but when pressed into starting duty in Kansas City and Cleveland, he struggled. Players like that get one-year deals—not $6 million per season and over $10 million guaranteed.

5. New York Giants Sign CB James Bradberry for 3 Years, $43.5 Million

The New York Giants shook things up by going against years of tradition and not ignoring the inside linebacker spot again. Bringing in Blake Martinez from Green Bay on a three-year deal that averages $10.3 million per season fills a massive need without significantly overpaying to do so.

Don't worry, Giants GM Dave Gettleman still got around to the overpaying part. It was just with a different player.

Martinez wasn't the Giants' biggest splash on defense. That honor went to veteran cornerback James Bradberry, who got $14.5 million per year over three seasons and a whopping $31.9 million in guarantees to leave Carolina for the Big Apple. As Michael Eisen reported for the team's website, Gettleman thinks they're both big additions to a Giants defense that ranked 25th in the league in 2019:

"Martinez gives us a guy that has played in the system for Pat Graham and will get us lined up. I think that this scheme is going to fit him better. Everybody knows I drafted James when I was in Carolina. He gives you a big, long body that has played against number ones (receivers). He has the mindset, he's not shy and the moment is not too big for him."

In fairness, Bradberry's a good cornerback. Last season with the Panthers, his passer rating against was a highly respectable 70.1.

But Bradberry, by most estimations, isn't a great player. His completion percentage against a season ago shot up 15.6 points relative to 2018, and he's yet to log more than three picks in a season.

He's also now a top-five player at his position in terms of average annual salary, and only Stephon Gilmore and Byron Jones sport contracts among cornerbacks with a bigger initial guarantee.

4. Chicago Bears Sign TE Jimmy Graham for 2 Years, $16 Million

Two years ago, the Chicago Bears were a 12-win division champion. They took a massive step backward in 2019, however—a slide that spurred them to action in free agency.

Chicago made an aggressive play at quarterback by bringing in veteran Nick Foles to push or replace Mitchell Trubisky. General manager Ryan Pace also acquired a new receiving weapon, inking veteran tight end Jimmy Graham to a two-year, $16 million contract.

Per Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times, Pace said the entire Bears brain trust thought Graham would give them a boost:

"I think it's a good example where we are all connected to a vision with a player on our team. You start with the physical evaluation on the player. He's a guy we know well. But then you have to fit with our offensive scheme. And I just think there are a lot of discussions on how to maximize Jimmy Graham in this offense, and that's with [coach] Matt [Nagy] and all of our offensive coaches and our scouts."

The question here is: What date was on that physical evaluation?

There was indeed a time that Graham was arguably the NFL's best tight end. From 2011 to 2013, he caught at least 85 passes each year and averaged 1,169 yards and 12 scores per season.

However, 2013 was a long time ago. The Graham we saw last year in Green Bay had just 38 catches for 447 yards and three scores. The catches and yardage were his fewest since his rookie year.

Graham is a shell of the player he once was—a shell the Bears guaranteed $9 million to.

3. Cincinnati Bengals Sign CB Trae Waynes for 3 Years, $42 Million

We've seen all sorts of rare events this offseason.

Like the Cincinnati Bengals spending money in free agency.

In defensive tackle D.J. Reader, the Bengals got an up-and-coming lane-clogger who can collapse the pocket and is just entering his prime at 25. In cornerback Trae Waynes, the Bengals signed a 2015 first-round pick who's coming off maybe the best season of his career.

As Geoff Hobson reported for the team's website, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo talked up Cincinnati's new No. 1 corner.

"He's gritty, he's tough, he can run like the wind. He's got length. A quality player," Anarumo said. "No doubt about it. He comes from all that stuff. He comes from good pedigree."

There are plenty of expectations for the 6'0", 190-pound Waynes after he inked a three-year deal that averages $14 million per season and contains a $15 million signing bonus. The 27-year-old is the NFL's sixth-highest paid cornerback in terms of average annual salary.

Waynes is being paid like an elite corner. But he hasn't played like one. Heading into 2019, he was widely regarded as a bust. Last year, he allowed 74 percent of the passes thrown in his direction to be completed and posted a passer rating against of 107.9.

It was a classic (and substantial) overpay.

Maybe team owner Mike Brown would be better served if he went back to being cheap.

2. Houston Texans Sign WR Randall Cobb for 3 Years, $27 Million

O'Brien has had quite the offseason.

After a certain trade (that we'll get to shortly) left the Texans woefully thin at wide receiver, O'Brien wasted no time in putting pen to paper with veteran slot man Randall Cobb. The 29-year-old, who had 55 catches for 828 yards and three scores for the Dallas Cowboys in 2019, told reporters that signing with Houston was an easy decision:

"The reason I picked the Texans is, obviously, I think that you look at what they've been able to do over the past few years. [They] went to the playoffs four of the past five times. At this point in my career, I still don't have a ring, so I want to be in a situation where I have that possibility. I think when you look at Deshaun [Watson] and what he's been able to do since he's been in the league, I've been really impressed from afar watching him."

The truck full of money the Texans pulled up to Cobb's house didn't hurt.

In an offseason when the wide receiver market produced significantly lower deals than many expected for the top players who switched teams, Cobb got a three-year deal at an average of $9 million per season. Two-thirds of that deal is guaranteed.

That's for a slot receiver who will turn 30 before the season starts, has missed time in each of the last four years and hasn't logged a 1,000-yard season since 2014.

That 2014 campaign was also the only 1,000-yard season of Cobb's nine-year career.

1. Houston Texans Trade WR DeAndre Hopkins to Arizona Cardinals

Like there was any question which transaction would top this list.

Over six seasons as the Texans head coach, O'Brien has won just over 54 percent of his games and guided the team to four AFC South titles. In terms of regular-season success, he's had a good run.

His tenure as the team's general manager the past year or so has been another story.

There's just no way to view his decision to trade star wideout DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals for tailback David Johnson, a second-rounder and a fourth-round pick swap as anything less than a fiasco. Per Kevin Patra of NFL.com, Hopkins passed his physical Monday. As soon as Johnson passes his, said fiasco will become official.

Whether Hopkins wanted a new contract doesn't come close to excusing this mess. The Texans dealt arguably the game's best receiver for what amounts to a second-rounder and a running back who has battled injuries and hasn't gained 1,000 rushing yards or averaged four yards per carry since his breakout 2016 campaign.

Even if you factor in Houston's subsequent acquisition of Cooks from the Rams, this is still a hot mess. For all intents and purposes, the Texans gave Hopkins to get Johnson, Cooks and a second-rounder. That would be a solid switch. If this was fantasy football. And the year 2016.

ESPN's Jeff Darlington reported O'Brien is "squarely" on the hot seat after he bungled the offseason so spectacularly (h/t Garrett Stephen of 247 Sports). Quarterback Deshaun Watson made a number of cryptic statements on social media that spurred speculation that he's unhappy with the team's direction.

Other than that, everything's fine.

Doesn't want to embed, but hopefully the mods can fix that.

Rams' draft prep mostly unaffected by working remotely

The COVID-19 pandemic has closed the facilities of NFL teams, forcing them to conduct draft meetings from inside their homes.

Fortunately for the Rams, the impact of working remotely has been minimal.

"The plan from here is really get with our IT department and make sure each home is is locked and loaded from an IT standpoint," Snead said on a video conference last week. "Interestingly, in today's time, we're probably finding the number one obstacle is somebody who has an actual phone line, a hard line."

Small hurdle to clear aside, Los Angeles has actually been ahead of the curve when it comes to virtual preparations.

With so many key members of their personnel department living in different parts of the country, they began implementing virtual meetings over the last year and a half, according to Snead, in an effort to make the time scouts spend on the road, away from families and meeting with the front office in-person more efficient.

"We've been practicing this a little bit so it's not as foreign to us," Snead said.

If there is one area where the Rams – and likely other NFL teams – have been impacted the most, it's top-30 visits.

Normally, teams are allowed to have up to 30 prospects visit their facilities prior to the draft. Besides a tour of those facilities, those visits also typically include in-person meetings with front office executives, scouts and position coaches, making it an important part of the pre-draft process. Two years ago, the Rams used two of them on future starters Cooper Kupp and Gerald Everett.

Despite the cancellations of those visits, though, Rams head coach Sean McVay said the thorough background vetting done by the personnel department, especially on prospects' character, gives the team confidence and peace of mind. McVay also said the tape is the best evaluation tool of a prospect.

"We've had a chance to watch more tape than I know I would in normal a year," McVay said.

With that worry out of the way, it appears the phone line hiccup has also been resolved.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport on Monday reported teams' IT departments have completed their work, including installing cameras in the homes of coaches and general managers for this year's virtual draft broadcasts and compliance. A systems test will be conducted next week in the form of a mock draft with all 32 teams participating through Microsoft teams, and a separate and secure line established by the NFL for draft trades will also get checked out.

Between those additional safeguards and the Rams' early adoption of virtual meetings, the circumstances are more than manageable.

"I think big picture, right, less distraction at home, probably depending on the age of your kids," Snead said, chuckling. "But less distraction at home, more specific preparation for meetings and intentional about your communication. You can make this work, for sure."

Don’t have time to watch this yet, so don’t kill the messenger.


Login to view embedded media View: https://youtu.be/HqPoYLCG5js

no more orange (jerseys or pants ) : still nothing on the helmet : so so , I give it a C- . Hopin' we go back to our old joints = Royal Blue / White (no more stupid yellow color rush ). However that would make too much sense, sure Demoff will louse it up .

I know conventional wisdom around here is to trade down - but that would be a mistake in my view. We have the draft capital to pick 3 or 4 potential starters at positions of need, including a potential pro-bowl talent at the top of round 2

picks 52 and 57 = 710 points


Why not trade up with, for example, Cleveland for their 41st pick and 74th pick? Then draft a top WR or RB?

If one or more of Josh Jones, Denzil Mims, JK Dobbins, Cesar Ruiz, Zack Baun, Tee Higgins or Clyde Edwards-Helaire was available and had been evaluated as a plus-starter, would you trade up to draft them? I know I would...

We would still have lots of freedom to move around the board with the 74th 84th 104th and 126th picks...

Leverage 74 & 84 to trade with, for example, Dallas at 51 - leaving us with a 3rd (104th) and 4th (126th)
Trade our 84th and 104th picks to move into Detroit's slot at 67 - leaving us with a high 3rd (74th) and mid 4th (126th).
Trade 74th and 104th to Baltimore for pick 60 - leaving us with a mid 3rd (84th) and mid 4th (126th)
Stand pat at 74 and 84 but trade up from 104 and 126 with, for example, Tennessee at pick 93 - with them sending a makeweight 6th or 7th our way

Just saying

It is hard to get normal appointments, some impossible. Haircut, one of them.

The article at the bottom of this post inspired the topic... and the fact I’ve cut my own hair 2x already just trying to keep close to the “last hair cut template”

Who is growing their hair out?

My wife is... Looks great.

How is your hair getting managed?

Per this....
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Top 100 picks of McVay era: S Taylor Rapp

As part of theRams.com's coverage leading into this year's NFL Draft, we will be examining each of the Top 100 picks of the Sean McVay era in Los Angeles. The series continues with a look at safety Taylor Rapp.

Before joining the Rams...

If playing both sides of the ball in high school didn't establish Rapp's reputation for toughness, the first nine months of his college career certainly did.

An early enrollee at the University of Washington, Rapp broke his left hand during spring practices in 2016 but decided to play through it by wearing a cast that fall, according to his NFL.com draft profile.
It seemed to have little effect on his level of play.

He started in 10 of the 14 games he appeared in, making 53 tackles, four interceptions and two pass breakups. Rapp also earned Pac-12 Championship Game MVP after intercepting two passes and returning one of them for a 35-yard touchdown on the first play of the second half. The Pac-12 named him its Freshman Defensive Player of the Year, while the Football Writers Association of America and USA Today each selected him to their Freshman All-American First Teams.

Rapp earned back-to-back First Team All-Pac-12 honors after his sophomore and junior seasons, making 59 combined tackles, five sacks, two interceptions, seven pass breakups and three fumble recoveries in the latter in 2018. His performance earned him First Team All-American honors from The Athletic, ESPN, Pro Football Focus and USA TODAY, helping him eventually decide that the time was right to declare for the NFL Draft.

Unsurprisingly, his decorated college career made him one of the top safeties in his class. NFL Media analyst Lance Zierlein gave him a Round 2 projection and a 6.30 grade, which fell into the range of a player who is expected to be a starter within their first two seasons in the league.

Though the Rams traded down three times and did not make their first selection until the No. 61 overall pick, Rapp was still available for the taking.

It was quite the steal for Los Angeles, too. Rapp was considered a top 40 prospect by NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah in his final top 100 big board ahead of the draft.

Rams highlights

Rapp eventually landed a starting role on the Rams' defense during his rookie season, stepping up in place of John Johnson III after Johnson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 6 against the 49ers. Overall, Rapp started in each of the Rams' final 10 games, appearing in 15.

Praised for his short-area quickness and reliability as a tackler, Rapp made 100 combined to finish third on the team last season. Both of his two interceptions were off of 2019's top overall pick, Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, including a pick-six in Week 13 for the first of his career.

Rapp is expected to retain his starting role and play alongside Johnson in 2020.

I will give this a go folks. Tried to match ranking to draft spot & our needs. No trades tho I may try later in the week. Feel free to to rip this apart drafkniks!

52.)

Brandon Aiyuk Draft Profile
College: Arizona State
Class: Sr.
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 195

Strong Points
Stepping into a featured role with N’Keal Harry off to the NFL, Aiyuk emerged as a true star in his own right. He’s fast, physical and ultra-competitive, college football’s best receiver when it comes to running after the catch. Once the ball is in his hands, he’s a twitched-up mover with the ability to string together moves and slip multiple tackles, to go along with the vision and creativity of a running back. He showed signs of becoming a more complete receiver during his senior year. He has the long speed to threaten downfield and the leaping skills and competitive nature to win contested-catch situations despite not being the biggest receiver. He showed a better understanding of route running as a senior, with crisper footwork and a better feel for route stems, combining with his athleticism to allow him to create separation consistently. He offers value as a return specialist as well.

Weak Points
A junior college transfer, Aiyuk is still a bit raw when it comes to some of the nuances of the position. He ran a fairly limited route tree at ASU and has to become more consistent escaping press coverage. Physically, he’s not a particularly big receiver and might have a significantly lower success rate in contested-catch scenarios. He failed a physical before the Senior Bowl, and medicals might become an issue during the pre-draft process.

Summary
He’s a big-time talent who is ascending rapidly, and while Aiyuk might not hit his ceiling for a couple years, he has true No. 1 potential as a big-time catch-and-run threat and emerging deep threat. In the meantime, he should thrive as a complementary offensive weapon and return specialist.




57.)


MALIK HARRISON
OHIO STATE
LB
LB19
Prospect Info
COLLEGE
Ohio State
HOMETOWN
CLASS
Columbus, OH
Senior

HEIGHT
WEIGHT
ARMS
6' 3"
247 lbs
32 3/4”
HANDS
10 1/4”
Prospect Grade
6.34
WILL BE STARTER WITHIN FIRST TWO SEASONS
HOW WE GRADE
i

VIEW ALL PROSPECTS

Combine Results
u-unofficial

40 Yard Dash
4.66
SECONDS


Bench Press
--
REPS


Vertical Jump
36.0
INCHES


Broad Jump
122.0
INCHES


3 Cone Drill
6.83
SECONDS


20 Yd Shuttle
4.32
SECONDS


60 Yd Shuttle
--
SECONDS









PATH TO THE DRAFTDTs participating virtually in 2020 NFL Draft announced

Player Bio

Harrison was a top-50 ATH recruit nationally after starting for three years at quarterback for Columbus' Walnut Ridge High School. He wanted to play receiver at his hometown school but moved to linebacker to get more playing time given the team's depth on offense. Harrison played in 12 games as a reserve his true freshman season (13 tackles), and then in 14 games with a start against Michigan State in 2017 (36 tackles, three for loss, 1.5 sacks). Big Ten coaches named him honorable mention All-Big Ten as a junior, tying for the Buckeyes' lead with 81 tackles (8.5 for loss, 2.5 sacks, interception). Harrison again proved himself a playmaker for the Buckeyes as a senior, garnering third-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-Big Ten notice as the team's leading tackler (75 stops, 16.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks, four pass breakups in 14 starts).

Analysis

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison
K.J. Wright

Overview
Long-legged, loose-hipped linebacker with desired combination of size, physicality and range to help ruin the running game for teams needing linebacker help. His constant downhill mode disrupts blocking schemes and brings impact tackles, but it can be used against him with play-action and misdirection. The instincts are just average but his physical traits even it out on most snaps. He has some coverage limitations but can pressure the pocket as a blitzer and has the athleticism to spy mobile quarterbacks. He's big and tough with the potential to become a good starter inside or as a 4-3 strong-side linebacker.

Strengths

• Long, thick-boned frame
• Experienced playing all linebacker spots
• Aggressive, downhill demon making plays near the line of scrimmage
• Stacks and stands incoming blockers with stiff, upward strike
• Uses length and build-up speed to pounce on his prey from backside
• Impressive change of direction for a big, tall linebacker
• Leverages his gap with very good physicality
• Uses hands to separate and play off blocks
• Drives chest through targets and wraps to finish
• 66 percent of his total tackles as starter were solo
• Adequate spot dropper from zone
• Challenges quarterbacks to throw with touch over the top of him
• Background as core special-teamer

Weaknesses

• High-cut and slew-footed
• Movements are more segmented than fluid
• Downhill defaults can get him trapped in the trash
• Needs more consistent knee bend to play under angle blocks to anchor
• Can be undisciplined in contain duties against zone-reads
• Average instincts and play recognition from the middle
• Inconsistent angles to the ball
• Gets sucked up by play-action, opening passing windows
• Limitations in man coverage

84.)


MATT HENNESSY
TEMPLE
C

Prospect Info
COLLEGE
Temple
HOMETOWN
CLASS
Bardonia, NY
r-Junior

HEIGHT
WEIGHT
ARMS
6' 4"
307 lbs
32 1/4”
HANDS
10”
Prospect Grade
6.20
GOOD BACKUP WHO COULD BECOME STARTER
HOW WE GRADE
i

VIEW ALL PROSPECTS

Combine Results
u-unofficial

40 Yard Dash
5.18u
SECONDS


Bench Press
23
REPS


Vertical Jump
30.0
INCHES


Broad Jump
110.0
INCHES


3 Cone Drill
7.45
SECONDS


20 Yd Shuttle
4.6
SECONDS


60 Yd Shuttle
--
SECONDS





Player Bio

An offensive tackle at New Jersey's Don Bosco Prep, Hennessy moved to center for Temple and excelled. He was named third-team Associated Press All-American, first-team All-American Athletic Conference, and a finalist for the Remington Trophy as the nation's best pivot in 2019. Hennessy started 12 games in his final collegiate season, 11 in 2018, and 12 in 2017, missing four games due to injury over the three seasons. Coaches got him in for three games, including one start at left guard, in his first season on campus; he qualified for a redshirt that season. His brother, Thomas, was a long snapper at Duke and is now handling those duties for the New York Jets.

Analysis

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison
Joe Hawley

Overview
Three-year starter who uses hand placement, leverage and athletic ability to make up for his lack of mass and length. He's patient to center blocks and runs his feet to lock in and begin sustaining. He has the lateral quickness and body control to reach, pull and stay connected to blocks on the move. He has issues with timing blocks up to linebackers, but that should be correctable. Below-average physical traits could limit his suitors, but scheme fits will like the movement and intangibles he brings to the table. He has early backup, eventual starter potential.

Strengths

• Awarded single-digit practice jersey as one of the toughest players on the team
• Flexible lowers and plus athleticism to race and reach on zone
• Offers ability to pull and get out on screens
• Works low to high with consistent pad level into contact
• Leverages and lifts on base blocks
• Holds his post through double teams
• Stays after his single blocks with determination to sustain
• Consistent balance and posture in his pass sets
• Keeps hands quiet and punch-ready
• Lands tight punch into frame and immediately gets into mirror mode

Weaknesses

• Undersized and will need additional mass as a pro
• Lacks desired length to create separation
• Unable to do much with two-gappers
• Doesn't have two-position experience
• Lingers too long on initial block on combos
• Linebackers scrape downhill before he can catch up
• Occasional oversets open him to counters
• Needs head on a swivel to protect against twists

104.)


ZACK MOSS
UTAH
RB

Prospect Info
COLLEGE
Utah
HOMETOWN
CLASS
Hialeah Gardens, FL
Senior

HEIGHT
WEIGHT
ARMS
5' 9"
223 lbs
31 1/4”
HANDS
9 1/4”
Prospect Grade
6.32
WILL BE STARTER WITHIN FIRST TWO SEASONS
HOW WE GRADE
i

VIEW ALL PROSPECTS

Combine Results
u-unofficial

40 Yard Dash
4.65u
SECONDS


Bench Press
19
REPS


Vertical Jump
33.0
INCHES


Broad Jump
--
INCHES


3 Cone Drill
--
SECONDS


20 Yd Shuttle
4.37
SECONDS


60 Yd Shuttle
--
SECONDS








Player Bio

Zaccheus Moss was committed to Miami until the school moved on from head coach Al Golden in 2015. His cousins, Santana and Sinorice Moss, both played for "the U," but Zack decided to make his own path by heading to Salt Lake City. He played in 10 games for the Utes as a true freshman, starting three games but missing three others due to injury (84 carries, 382 yards, 4.5 ypc, two touchdowns). Moss started 12 of 13 games played in 2017, leading the team with 1,173 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 214 carries (5.5 per). He made an impact in Utah's win over West Virginia in the Heart of Dallas Bowl that season (20 carries, 150 yards, 7.5 ypc, one touchdown). Moss was a second-team All-Pac-12 pick in 2018, starting the first nine games of the year before aggravating a knee injury while getting into his bed one evening. He rushed for 1,092 yards and 11 touchdowns on 179 totes (6.1 per) despite missing four contests. The injury kept him from jumping to the NFL a year early. Moss returned with a vengeance, starting 12 of 13 games played and garnering third-team Associated Press All-American and first-team all-conference honors as one of the nation's top rushers (235 carries, 1,416 yards, 6.0 ypc, 15 touchdowns) and a threat in the passing game (28 receptions, 388 yards, 13.9 average, two touchdowns).

Analysis

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison
Marion Barber

Overview
Watching Moss' game tape is like watching an exercise in controlled violence on just about every carry, but his vision, balance, patience and wiggle are additional skills that help to make him a well-rounded runner. There is some wear and tear that could lend additional importance to his medicals and he may need to become more discerning with his physical challenges if he wants to see a second contract. He is a great fit for gap and inside zone-heavy rushing attacks and could become an effective, instant starter.

Strengths

• Well-built with power dispersed throughout
• Both patient and urgent gears at his disposal
• Runs with rare calm in the face of early penetration
• Underrated vision to process and game plan beyond the line of scrimmage
• Adequate burst inside with feel for the contour of the running lane
• Short-stepping running style with elite contact balance
• Arm tacklers might want to call in sick
• Absorbs contact like a cement truck
• Spin moves toss tacklers aside
• Drops and squares pads as a finisher
• Small space power to move the chains and find the paint
• Has ability to handle third down duties if called into action

Weaknesses

• Tight hips limit turn radius on first and second level
• Additional gather steps before making the cut
• Average overall game speed
• More likely to elude and punish rather than string moves together
• Running style could lead to durability concerns
• Had season-ending surgery on meniscus in 2018
• Quicker than fast and unlikely to run away from NFL speed
• Fumbling has been a small concern in the past

126.)


LOGAN WILSON
WYOMING
LB
LB43
Prospect Info
COLLEGE
Wyoming
HOMETOWN
CLASS
WY
Senior

HEIGHT
WEIGHT

6' 2"
241 lbs

ARMS 32 3/8”

HANDS
9 1/2”
Prospect Grade
6.33
WILL BE STARTER WITHIN FIRST TWO SEASONS
HOW WE GRADE
i

VIEW ALL PROSPECTS

Combine Results
u-unofficial

40 Yard Dash
4.63
SECONDS


Bench Press
21
REPS


Vertical Jump
32.0
INCHES


Broad Jump
121.0
INCHES


3 Cone Drill
7.07
SECONDS


20 Yd Shuttle
4.27
SECONDS


60 Yd Shuttle
--
SECONDS







Player Bio

Wilson was a two-time all-state player at both defensive back and wide receiver for Casper, Wyoming's Natrona County High School. The Cowboys fought off Colorado for his services. After a redshirt season, Wilson was a 14-game starter and Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year (94 tackles, 7.5 for loss, three sacks, three interceptions, and four pass breakups). He was even more productive as a sophomore, garnering second-team all-conference accolades with a team-high 119 tackles , eight for loss, one interception, and two forced fumbles in 13 starts. Wilson led his squad in tackles again in 2018 (103) as well as tackles for loss (11) while intercepting two passes and breaking up two others on his way to honorable mention All-MWC honors. He was a first-team all-conference pick as a senior and was also named third-team Associated Press All-American for his efforts (104 tackles, 9.5 for loss, one sack, three interceptions, six pass breakups in 13 starts).

Analysis

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison
Kelvin Sheppard

Overview

Ultra-productive three-year team captain with instincts and cover talent to find work as an every-down linebacker. His play recognition, burst and lateral agility help him play faster than his timed speed and his fundamentals as a tackler are as good as you'll find in this draft. Wilson needs more consistency of approach at taking on blocks and it may take him a minute to adjust to NFL game speed. He should be a core special teams member early, but possesses the tangibles and intangibles to become a productive pro as an inside or SAM (strong-side) linebacker.

Strengths

• Well-built with ability to play MIKE or SAM linebacker
• Plays and excels on all three downs
• Alert and instinctive pre- and post-snap
• Rarely trapped behind climbing blocks on stretch plays
• Shoots into backside zone gaps looking to make a play
• Quick diagnosis improves range as tackler
• Bends and squares to leverage his gap
• Elite fundamentals as a tackler
• Comes to balance and springs into runners like a bear trap
• Impressive recognition and ball skills from zone
• Athletic ability to handle some man coverage

Weaknesses

• Needs to balance activity level with early patience
• May not fully trust his own pursuit speed
• Can be too early to the spot and lose backside leverage
• Inconsistent attacking lead blocks downhill
• Baited out of position by false keys
• Average shed quickness once the block lands
• Has to guard against shallow pursuit angles in pros
• Could have issues covering seam speed

199.)


QUEZ WATKINS
SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

WR

WO54
Prospect Info
COLLEGE
Southern Mississippi
HOMETOWN
CLASS
AL
r-Junior

HEIGHT
WEIGHT
ARMS
6' 0"
185 lbs
32 7/8”
HANDS
9”
Prospect Grade
5.95

HOW WE GRADE
i

VIEW ALL PROSPECTS

Combine Results
u-unofficial

40 Yard Dash
4.35
SECONDS


Bench Press
--
REPS


Vertical Jump
36.5
INCHES


Broad Jump
125.0
INCHES


3 Cone Drill
7.28
SECONDS


20 Yd Shuttle
4.36
SECONDS


60 Yd Shuttle
--
SECONDS






Player Bio

Watkins became a star receiver for the Golden Eagles over the past two years, garnering first-team All-Conference USA honors each season. In 2018, he started all 13 games and led the squad in receiving with 72 receptions for 889 yards (12.3 per) and nine touchdowns. Watkins missed the first two games of his senior year for an undisclosed reason but came back to rack up a team-high 1,024 yards and five touchdowns on 55 catches (18.6 per). He was a three-star recruit and second-team all-state selection from Athens, Alabama, who redshirted his first year in Hattiesburg before recording 23-337-14.7, two TDs in 13 games in 2017.

Analysis

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison
J'Mon Moore

Overview

Early-entry prospect with adequate size and speed but needs to prove he can rise to the occasion against NFL competition. Watkins' confidence has been affected by level of competition and his catch focus appears to change when he works into traffic. Hip tightness limits route effectiveness, but he runs well enough to work vertically and across the field with modest separation and above-average jump-ball talent. His leap in production is a good sign, but if he doesn't do a better job of getting away from press, he will have a hard time making it. The potential outweighs the concerns and he should be a Day 3 selection with a shot at becoming a WR4/5.

Strengths

• Adequate size/speed combination outside
• Grew into his athletic ability in 2019
• Play was much more composed and explosive
• At his best playing vertical and running through zones
• Workable separation on over routes and crossers
• Getting better making catches in a crowd
• Leaper with good timing to alter jump-ball odds
• Sudden burst after catch to get away from immediate tackler
• Can compete as kick/punt returner

Weaknesses

• Unable to maintain level of play against better competition
• Hemmed up by physicality of Alabama's Trevon Diggs
• Hands and feet need more schooling to defeat cramped release
• Hip tightness restricts flow of route
• Struggles to bend and brake on intermediate comebacks
• Late adjusting to underthrown balls
• Shows signs of skittishness working into traffic
• Appears to be a body-catcher by nature

Sources Tell Us

"I might be a little higher on him than some others you talk to because I saw improvement and I see areas of his game that can keep getting better with time and work." -- Area scout for NFC team


234.)


DEEJAY DALLAS
MIAMI (FLA.)
RB
RB07
Prospect Info
COLLEGE
Miami (Fla.)
HOMETOWN
CLASS
Brunswick, GA
Junior

HEIGHT
WEIGHT
ARMS
5' 10"
217 lbs
30 5/8”
HANDS
9 1/4”
Prospect Grade
5.93

HOW WE GRADE
i

VIEW ALL PROSPECTS

Combine Results
u-unofficial

40 Yard Dash
4.58
SECONDS


Bench Press
--
REPS


Vertical Jump
33.5
INCHES


Broad Jump
119.0
INCHES


3 Cone Drill
7.18
SECONDS


20 Yd Shuttle
4.32
SECONDS


60 Yd Shuttle
--
SECONDS








Player Bio

Dallas had issues with ball security during his sophomore season with the Hurricanes and began seeing the school's sports psychologist to overcome the problem. He had four fumbles on 109 carries in 2018, though his explosiveness was evident as he covered 617 yards (5.7 per) and scored a team-high six times on the ground (also 10-85-8.5 receiving, 17-367-21.6 kick returns, 11-191-17.4, TD punt returns). The mental work that Dallas put in before his junior year paid off; he led the Hurricanes in rushing in 2019 (115-693-6.0, eight TDs) and did not fumble once. He also contributed in the passing game (14-140-10.0, two TDs) despite playing in just 10 games (all starts) as his season was cut short by a dislocated left elbow. Dallas played in 12 games as a reserve in his true freshman campaign (41-217-5.3, three TDs rushing; 4-92-23.0 receiving, 2-40-20.0 kick returns). Miami signed Dallas out of Georgia's Glynn Academy as one of the top 15 athlete prospects in the country.

Analysis

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst

Overview

Dallas was a high school quarterback who came into Miami as a receiver and converted to running back during the 2017 season. The production is modest and the instincts are a work in progress, but there are flashes of run-lane feel and downhill smoothness that could be a sign of future development. He has size, speed and a surprising amount of pop as a finisher. His contact balance makes him hard to bring down through contact, but he needs to improve his open-field wiggle. He lacks third-down readiness, but his special teams talent should make up for that. The traits and toughness make him an intriguing upside prospect on Day 3.

Strengths

• Played WR and RB at Miami
• Added bad weight in 2018, but slimmed down in 2019
• Instincts and feel for rush track improved during season
• Does a nice job of running tacklers into blocks
• Plus burst with decent getaway juice at his disposal
• Willing accelerator through contact for heavy forward finish
• Slippery to tackle and hard to get down
• Choppy feet and contact balance to keep runs going
• Potential to become a four-phase special-teamer with return talent

Weaknesses

• Still learning to hone his instincts as a runner
• Inconsistent processing and resolving sudden traffic
• More one speed than patient in his approach
• Below average setting up open-field tacklers on the levels to miss
• Still figuring out efficiency of footwork for downhill cuts
• Doesn't always know where he needs to be in protection
• Take-on technique will need work
• Needs better tuck-away ball security

Sources Tell Us

"He's got good football character and kept running hard for a mediocre team." -- Pro personnel director for AFC team

================================================================================

PressureD41's review of his picks:

Thinks he found Cooks replacement w/ Brandon Aiyuk..
Thinks he found a thumper MLB in Malik Harrison
Thinks he found a future centre in Matt Hennessy
Thinks he found a good 1b RB in Zack Moss, found value@ 104 pick Despite turning away from the U! 4 min closer
Thinks he's found a possible ILB to develop in Logan Wilson, w/ hopes of pushing starters and a better Littleton clone (pair w/ Harrison)
Thinks he's found a Kick off returner in Quez Watkins, and developmental WR, tho mainly a KO guy in my mind
Thinks he's found a developmental RB in Deejay Dallas so Mr. Bown can mould and replace malcom brown soon. Plus another return option

Let me know if I took these guys at the correct spot in the draft. Feedback wanted boys & ladies. Pretty sure this will be a hall of fame drafted team here

In the event the Rams feel the need to move up in this draft for whatever reason, be it an X wideout falling into our range or an outright move to get a guy they love into round 1, we are likely talking about losing that round 2 pick we just got for Cooks. Or are we?

Who are the trade chips on their roster, the guys they can do without and more importantly what would they bring in terms of value if the Rams required a small move up?

1. TE Everett. He's probably got more value to us than another team, and him being in a contract year is a good thing for the Rams in terms of expectations, where I am sure he'll leave everything he's got on the field. But the fact is the Rams locked Higs up and Mundt has developed rather nicely into a backup and the blocking role and he might even see some classic FB type usage next season. But what would Everett's value be for another team? Well, probably not too much. Our trade partner would have to be a team that has a TE need but doesn't want to wait for development (Everett might be on the cusp of "arriving" in fact which would make him valuable for said team) and who is also underwhelmed by this TE group (which is indeed underwhelming).

For a team like that, I would guess the best comp we could see would be round 3 value, which on this year's trade chart would be 265 points, and which would get us to pick 29. Now if we're going to be a bit more realistic (which some might still say is too generous) with round 4 value, we would be talking 80 points which would get us to pick 44.

TE positional contract outlook:



2. RT Havenstein. Like with Everett he has more value to us than another team. That said, he represents an opportunity for a team to get a very good RT at an affordable contract that comes with 3 years of control. And if his play doesn't bounce back the interested team can cut him next offseason for a reasonable cap savings.

Because of his play in 2019 I think his value would be around the round 4 range. Doubtful he brings more than that when this OT group is as good as it is. But that said teams never have enough of the big guys and Hav is one season removed from being just that. And for an example of the way teams feel about these guys look at what Vaitai just got on the market (5 Years $50M). Now, granted, he showed some growth at OG to pair with his OT struggles but still. I think Hav is a reasonably good trade chip for a move up and that round 4 value gives us a rough range up to pick 44.

OL positional contract outlook:



3. NT Joseph-Day. I really like SJD and the way he fought and scratched his way to the starting job. Rams initially signed Robinson most likely to take the edge off Brockers' loss while upgrading the run defense and DL depth, but with Brock's return it is a certainty Robinson moves in to 1T. This means SJD is a trade chip. Once again he still has value to us in a "run stopping front" where he and Robinson are on the field together, however the Rams do have Gaines as a developing depth NT so there is room to move this value in order to jump in the draft.

As a general rule it seems like the stink of late round pick value hangs around on players, barring those who make big jumps to be high value starters. SJD isn't there quite yet, but he still might get there so I think his valuation would be largely as a run stopping NT of middling value at best. I'm guessing a round 5 compensation in trade due to the lack of upside coupled with two years of control, which would jump us up a very short distance to that 49 range.

DL positional contract outlook:



4. WR Reynolds. JRey is only a trade chip for a move up that includes a WR as the target IMO. From that perspective I think he is in play if required, because to my eye he's a middling wideout at best and that's assuming he takes advantage of his opportunities in this offense.

Valuation with him is going to be based on him being that middling level player, but teams do need that. And him being schooled by McVay and this offense are favorable too I think, where teams know they can plug him in and at least not worry about a wideout position outside the hashes. What works against him is this WR group, however, so the trade partner would need to be a team that is hell bent on moving down and building the roster, which IMO fits what his value is anyway (he's only going to bring a small move up and the teams who are building tend to be the early round 2 teams). He's a tough one because the combination of the above plus the short team control (1 year) so I'd guess like with SJD you're talking a round 5 comp and a move up potential of only a handful of spots at best (49 is the points correlation).

WR positional contract outlook:



Well there you have it. If you think I missed a trade chip I'm very interested in hearing it. And I suppose I'm a little interested in hearing how far off I am on my valuations too, as I know that's coming...

MemphisRams 2.0 Mock Draft (w/ one trade)

**********PRE-DRAFT TRADE**********
The Rams trade RT Rob Havenstein to the New York Giants for their 5th round selection (5-150).

COMMENTS:
This Havenstein trade provides the team with $5.4 million in salary cap relief.

****************************************************

2.52 - Chase Claypool, WR/TE, Notre Dame, 6042, 238
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This big athletic freak with his 4.42/40 and 40.5 vertical jump can be a serious match-up problem for opposing defenses in the passing game, while his blocking skills could vastly improve the running game. And to top it off, he's a top notch gunner on special teams.

2.57 Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU, 5072,207
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Sure, Gurley was bigger, stronger, and faster, but IMO this kid has better lateral agility, vision, and quickness. Also while both are good receivers out of the backfield, this kid runs routes like Kamara. Anoter matchup problem for opposing defenses. Henderson, Edwards-Helaire, & Brown gives the team a strong backfield committe.

3-84 - Bradlee Anae, EDGE, 6033,257
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I read somewhere that Staley's outside linebackers have to be able to set the edge vs. TEs and "dominate" the the edge in the run game. Anae has the size and heart to do so and is a good pass rusher to boot. Hopefully, NFL teams overthink and let his 4.91/40 keep him on the board this long.

3-104 - Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming, 6021, 241
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From what I've read, Staley looks for instinctive players who are "great processors" and "outstanding tacklers" with the ability to communicate and lead effectively at ILB. While he sorta reminds me of James Laurinatis, that seems to describe this Wyoming product.

4-126 Keith Ismael, C/G, San Diego State 6027,309
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Ismael more than held his own at Senior Bowl practices, played in a pro style offense that emphasized the running game in college and even has experience playing at both guard spots. I don't know if he ever hit his 30-30-30 goal (Scoring all 30s or Wonderlic, Vertical Jump, and Bench Press), but he sounds like a good fit, IMO.


5-150 - Blake Brandel, OT, Oregon State 6063, 308 (proposed NYG trade)
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Here Havenstein is dealt for someone cheaper who at least has to potential to play LT. 42 Consecutive starts (39 at LT) for the Beavers. May have been the best OLineman at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. Rams will have to see if his athletic ability is enough to get by at LT with 33 1/4 inch arms, but I read somewhere that pro football focus rated him high as a pass blocker.

6-199 - Parnell Motley, CB, Oklahoma 6000, 183
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Motley ran a 4.5/40 at the Oklahoma Pro Day and spoke to the Rams. After a rocky first few seasons, I read somewhere that he may have been Oklahoma's best defender last year as he allowed only a 43.4% completion percentage against 53 targets following the opposing team's top WRs.


7-235 - Charlie Taumoepeau, H-Back/FB, 6022, 240 Portland State
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Receiving TE who impressed the NFL.COM's Lance Zierlein, "with his attitude and consistency of effort as a run blocker." Perhaps, this kid could be the Rams version of Kyle Juszczyk (49ers) while helping this team improve it's rushing attack.

COULD LAS VEGAS RAIDERS CONSIDER STARTING 2020 SEASON IN ANOTHER CITY?

Football fans in Las Vegas have been anticipating the Raiders moving to their city and kicking off in Allegiant Stadium for years. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s now a chance the Raiders won’t play in Las Vegas when the NFL season begins.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Vincent Bonsignore, the Raiders considered playing in Salt Lake City, Phoenix or San Diego last offseason due to their stadium uncertainty in Oakland. Now with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the risk that further construction on Allegiant Stadium could be delayed, the Raiders are now contemplating contingency plans.

Recently, a construction worker helping at the Raiders’ new stadium tested positive for COVID-19. While areas of the construction project where the worker wasn’t in direct contact are still being worked on, further delays remain a realistic possibility for the project.

Construction work on Allegiant Stadium was deemed essential by the state government with the projected expected to be finished by the end of July. If further delays occur, though, that would push the project into August and the Raiders would need to find a temporary home for preseason games.

Given the expected restrictions in California, San Diego likely wouldn’t be a plausible option for the Raiders. In that case, Phoenix might serve as the team’s temporary home given its proximity to Las Vegas.

While these contingency plans are in preparation for the worst-case scenario, the COVID-19 pandemic has proven that the worst can happen. In the event of a delay, the Raiders could use the early portion of the season to continue construction on their new stadium.

Given the uncertainty for the NFL season even starting on time, though, the Raiders might not need to play games in an alternate location anyways.

Draft Memories: David Long Jr. stayed focused all the way through the phone call, and was rewarded

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – After declaring for the draft following his junior season at the University of Michigan, David Long Jr. took what is perhaps considered an unconventional approach this day and age leading into the 2019 NFL Draft.

While some prospects would be tempted to pay attention to mock drafts and other outside noise, the future Rams cornerback wanted no part of it. He said he didn't even text his agent about where he might get drafted.

It was all intentional so he could stay focused strictly on his workouts and nothing else as the weekend of April 25-27 approached.

"I feel like a lot of outside opinions influence kids to one, leave early, and then two, just in general, their perspective on what the process is going to be like," Long told theRams.com in an April 2 phone interview. "But I just left with a really open mind, kind of like going to college again, and I just told myself I'll put my best foot forward every day. That way, April 26, 27 rolls around, I'll leave no stone unturned."

When Long did solicit outside opinions, though, he did so with a clear purpose.

He had an open mind as he navigated the draft process, but he also didn't want to have unrealistic expectations for himself. In turn, he reached out to players who already made it to the NFL, including former Michigan teammates Maurice Hurst Jr., Jourdan Lewis, Delano Hill and Chris Wormley.

All told, he spoke with "countless guys" to get their perspective on what their rookie season was like and coming into the league. However, true to the disciplined mindset he applied from the day he declared, there was some information he intentionally did not seek.

"I really didn't ask them, should I come out? Because I feel like that's a really personal thing. I feel like if you're ready, you're ready," Long said. "And I also tried not to cloud my vision too much with outside opinions because so many people have been in this situation, whether they chose to leave early or stay in school, it was all personal preference. I felt like once I was ready, I was trying to ask guys to see, what should I get prepared for? I was a wealthy in a sense that I had a lot of guys that I played with at Michigan who were at the next level."

Expectations were managed until draft weekend, though it was for good reason.

Though the Pasadena native and Loyola High School grad said he would've been fine if it was just him and a couple of friends, his grandmother and other family members wanted people around to celebrate with him. It was mainly immediate family around him the first day of the draft, then "a good deal of people there" when he got drafted on day two.

"Me personally, I honestly didn't want anybody to be there. I just kind of wanted to do my immediate family," Long said. "Just in case, whatever situation happened, I was prepared for that, because I didn't really want anybody feeling sorry for me or anything, whatever the case may be. I just felt that was not the energy that I wanted, regardless of how anything happened. Whether I would've gone undrafted or later (in the draft), I didn't need anybody's sympathy."

Fortunately for Long, he didn't have to worry about that scenario. He got that long-awaited phone call from general manager Les Snead when the Rams went on the clock at No. 91 overall in the third round.
It was a full-circle moment for both Snead and Long, too.

When Snead first relocated to Los Angeles, his then-freshman son enrolled at Loyola when Long was a senior. Snead was at the school one day and struck up a conversation with Long's high school coach, Marvin Sanders, who then introduced Long to Snead on the spot.

"We just kind of sat in there and talked for a little bit," Long said, recalling the conversation with Snead. "I was just asking him questions. It was kind of crazy, I was asking him about safe draft picks and what do you build a team around, things like that."

Thanks to Long's pre-draft focus, the phone call from the Rams came as a pleasant surprise. He said he only spoke with them once during the pre-draft process and visited the team, but didn't hear from them after that.

"I didn't really have any expectations, but in your mind, when you realistically think where you would go, that was definitely not one of the top five teams that I thought were going to pick me up."

Given how well it worked out for Long, the way he approached the draft last year is the exact same advice he would give to prospects this year and in the future.

"I just tell guys, think about it like college, you know?" Long said. "When you are leaving high school, you've got all these decorated players and everybody's judging this and that, but the guys that are really focused on getting better and playing ball every day, those are the guys that meet expectations. You can't control where you're going to get drafted. I mean, you can't even control the situation we're in right now. Who knew at the combine that you wouldn't have a pro day? I always tell guys to just try to control the things that they can control. It reduces your stress level and just allows you to be a lot more productive. It reduces your stress level and just allows you to be a lot more productive."

McCaffrey gets new Deal 16 Mil Average

Crazy deal, so far he's earned it!

Just feels weird, ya know? That I'm the same age range as the world's oldest cats.

Edmonton Oilers player died of a brain bleed at the tender age of twenty-five. He leaves behind a newlywed wife (whose Instagram tribute about him shattered my heart and left me a sobbing mess) and his parents.

Former NFL QB Tarvaris Jackson dies in car crash

Former NFL quarterback Tarvaris Jackson died in a car crash on Sunday night. He was 36.

Jackson died in a crash in Alabama, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, according to a spokesperson for Tennessee State University.

The former NFL signal-caller was TSU's QB coach.

Jackson was a former second-round pick out of Alabama State by the Vikings in 2006. He spent five seasons in Minnesota, starting 20 games. The signal-caller generated his most prolific season as a 14-game starter for the Seattle Seahawks in 2011, throwing for 3,091 yards and 14 TDs.

Jackson then spent one year with the Buffalo Bills but did not play in a regular-season game.

The veteran returned to Seattle as a backup to Russell Wilson from 2013-2015, where he earned a Super Bowl ring.

Jackson transitioned into coaching in 2018, joining Alabama State as a quality control coach and QB coach. He moved to TSU in 2019.