Well, I'll start off by saying this: what the fuck, Yairo Munoz? I've never seen someone bail on his team the way he did. Hopefully Edmundo Sosa can earn a spot on the 26, because he's paid his dues and he's the best defensive utility player we have.

10 things with Greg Gaines

Each week during the season, we interview a different Rams player to find out about their lives on the field as well as off of it. Team Reporter, Sarina Morales, asks the questions fans want to know, in a fun and conversational interview. This week, nose tackle, Greg Gaines, spoke to Sarina about why he named his son Colt, his favorite crayon color and describes the most horrifying combination on a football field.

1: Wedding, babies and the NFL

Sarina: What would you say to a friend who's about to become a husband, and then a father, and then an NFL player, in a very short amount of time? Considering you just did that.

Greg: It's a lot of work.It's going to be tough, but it's worth it.A lot of excitement and challenges…I got married in 2017. I had baby a month before the draft...March 25th, and then the draft was like April 25th, or something.

Sarina: It's a very short amount of time. And now you have another one on the way. Was that like, "All right, let's get all the kids out of the way so I can focus on football"?

Greg: Kind of. It's better than having little babies for like 10 years. Just get them out of the way early, the baby stage. We've already got one baby, so it's like, "What's another one?" It's a little more work, but not as bad as having it spread out over seven years or something.

2: Being a soft parent

Sarina: How would you describe your parenting style?

Greg: I think I'm too soft as a parent.

Sarina: What? No way. What, do you let Colt drool a little extra?

Greg: He hits me in the face and stuff, and I'm just like, "That's cute, for now." But now it's like, "Might have to get on that." I don't want him going to preschool and hitting other kids in the face or something.

3: Born to be a star

Sarina: Why did you name your son Colt?

Greg: It's just a name that my dad had thought of for me originally. He told me he was thinking about naming me that, and I was like, "Dang, that's a cool name. Colt Gaines sounds really cool. "So I was like, I'm going to name my kid Colt."

Sarina: Greg Gaines has good alliteration though. You get the double G. Colt Gaines, though, that's pretty powerful.

Greg: Born to be a star.

4: Put em' in coach!

Sarina: Is he going to play football?

Greg: I hope so. He's pretty big. He's in like the 98th percentile for height. He's not quite as heavy though. He's a little skinnier. I don't know if he'll have my bulk, but he might be taller than me, hopefully.

Sarina: Does your family, just in general, have big genes?

Greg: Honestly, I don't even know where it came from. My grandma's like 5'2", little Italian lady. Somehow they had my dad who's like 6'2" and 315 pounds. He's built exactly like me.

5: Brock is his rock

Sarina: Who's your go-to guy on defense?

Greg: Probably Michael Brockers. He's just a really nice guy, and always willing to help. If I have an issue with something, or I need to work something out on the field, or figure something out, he's always there to help. Or maybe E-Dub (Eric Weddle), last year he was pretty helpful too. He knew his football, that's for sure. You ever had a question about what we're supposed to be doing on something, E-Dub.

6: A horrifying combination

Sarina: What makes Aaron Donald so good?

Greg: I think it's his quickness.He's so big, and he's like quick at the same time.That's a horrifying combination for anybody to go against. Because usually you're either big or you're quick. He's both. I think he could play safety on our team. He's that athletic.

7: Washington Boys

Sarina: You, [Taylor] Rapp, Cory [Littleton], all Washington boys. You got any funny stories on Cory Littleton or T. Rapp?

Greg: I guess I got some funny stuff about Cory. I don't know, people have probably said it before, but that guy, before games, he just eats like two bags of hot Cheetos, and like watches Netflix. And they're like, "Hey, Cory, you got to get ready. The game starts in like two minutes." He's like, "Okay." Puts his pads on, and then goes and gets 15 tackles, an interception, force fumble, touchdown. It's like, "Well, you do you, man."

8: I Nose your funny

Sarina: Nose guards are dot, dot, dot. Fill in the blank.

Greg: The heart and soul of the defense. I think nose guards in general are always the funniest dudes on the defense. We're all like big dudes, and we have a big personality, too, I guess.

9: Get out the way!

Sarina: You said there's no better feeling than getting to a QB. What's second to that then?

Greg: Probably just knocking a dude on his back. Like getting an O-lineman and just putting him straight on his back. That's one of the best feelings, also.

10: Purple

Sarina: You are a new addition to a crayon box. What color would you be and why?
Greg: Purple. Darker purple.

Sarina: Why? Just as a Husky thing?

Greg: Yeah. Dawg. I like purple, though. It's cool. It's my favorite color.

Sarina: Would you have a name for your crayon color?

Greg: I don't know. Purple.

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Top 10 NFL Players Most Likely to Be Traded

Every offseason, there are a handful of NFL stars who are moved via trade.

In 2019, big-name players such as Antonio Brown, Odell Beckham Jr. and Frank Clark were traded not long after the new league year began. It seems NFL franchises have been more open to blockbuster trades in recent years, which makes the offseason all the more enjoyable.

There are a handful of notable players who are already rumored to be on the trading block when the new league year kicks off on March 18. With that in mind, here are the 10 players most likely to be traded this offseason, as well as potential landing spots for each star.

David Njoku, TE, Cleveland Browns
1 of 10

The 2020 tight end market, both in free agency and in the NFL draft, leaves a lot to be desired. One of the top tight ends expected to hit the open market is Austin Hooper, who has yet to rack up an 800-yard season in his NFL career. Per B/R's Matt Miller's latest mock draft, there isn't a tight end expected to be selected in the first round, and there is a chance one isn't picked inside the top 50.

Teams needing tight ends would be wise to explore the trade market, where there could be better options available. One player who could be moved this offseason is 2017 first-round pick David Njoku of the Cleveland Browns.

Njoku dealt with a broken wrist in 2019, limiting him to just four games. But that wasn't the only thing that held Njoku back last season, as he fell out of favor with his coaching staff. Undrafted rookie Stephen Carlson played ahead of Njoku, even when he was fully healthy.

Now with a new general manager and coaching staff in place, the Browns could look to move on from Njoku this offseason for a more traditional tight end. If that is the case, teams such as the Washington Redskins or Dallas Cowboys could be interested in his services if he were available via trade. In Washington's case, both Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis are due to become unrestricted free agents, while Dallas could look to replace Jason Witten, who is also scheduled to hit the open market.

Look for several teams to call about the former Miami Hurricanes tight end this offseason.

Corey Davis, WR, Tennessee Titans
2 of 10

Teams searching for wide receiver help this offseason would be wise to wait until the NFL draft, as this is one of the deepest and most talented classes in recent memory. However, there are a few free agents and potential trade candidates who could be appealing to certain teams.

One such target could be Titans wide receiver Corey Davis, who is entering the fourth and final year of his rookie contract. Tennessee found its No. 1 receiver in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft after A.J. Brown put up a 1,000-yard, eight-touchdown season. Brown and veteran Adam Humphries will likely be the team's top two receivers going forward. That means Davis could start the season as the team's No. 3 option should he stay on the roster.

However, there would likely be a trade market for Davis if the Titans decided to shop him. The most obvious fit would be in Las Vegas as the Raiders search for more help on the outside. They will likely use one of their first-round picks on a receiver, but they could double-dip by sending one of their three third-round picks to the Titans for Davis.

Another potential landing spot could be in Philadelphia as the Eagles look to rebuild their wide receiver corps this offseason. After no Eagles wideout touched the 500-yard mark in 2019, Davis would be a good fit in Philly's offense as a reliable weapon for quarterback Carson Wentz.

It remains to be seen if the Titans will exercise the fifth-year option on Davis, but declining to do so would be a telltale sign the team is open to moving him this offseason.

Evan Engram, TE, New York Giants
3 of 10

When NFL teams change their coaching staff, there are always a few players that don't quite fit in with the new regime. In the case of the New York Giants, tight end Evan Engram doesn't seem to jibe with the new staff's offensive philosophy.

Jason Garrett is the team's new offensive coordinator, and he is known for using traditional tight ends in his offense. When he was with the Dallas Cowboys, the team would rarely use a tight end who wasn't an above-average blocker. Unfortunately for Engram, that's not his skill set. He is at his best when used as a big slot receiver, something Garrett has never figured out how to use in the NFL.

With the possibility of Jason Witten reuniting with his former head coach in New York, the Giants could look to trade Engram for draft picks. If that were the case, a team like the Green Bay Packers might be interested in one of the league's most dynamic tight ends; NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the Packers are expected to move on from Jimmy Graham this offseason. Another team that could show interest in Engram is the Jacksonville Jaguars, who could look to replace Geoff Swaim after a disappointing injury-shortened season.

Engram still has a year left on his rookie contract, but given the fact that he has struggled to stay on the field over the past two seasons, he could likely be had for a mid-round draft pick. Because of his clunky fit in a Jason Garrett offense, look for teams to call about the 2017 first-round pick.

Derek Carr, QB, Las Vegas Raiders
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Raiders head coach Jon Gruden has a history of being quick to make changes when it comes to the quarterback position. It seems he's always on the lookout for his next franchise quarterback or reclamation project. That's why it wouldn't be a surprise if the Raiders decided to move on from Derek Carr this offseason considering neither Gruden nor general manager Mike Mayock had a hand in drafting him. In fact, Mayock said back in February that "if there's a chance to upgrade, we will look into that," per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

According to Over The Cap, Carr has three years left on his current contract but only $2.9 million in guaranteed money. His average salary over the next three years is just over $21 million per season, which is fairly reasonable in today's quarterback market.

Teams that are searching for accuracy and a quarterback who doesn't turn the ball over often should be interested in Carr. Over the last two seasons under Gruden, Carr has completed nearly 70 percent of his passes and had just 18 interceptions in 32 starts.

But what teams could be interested in Carr? The Chicago Bears instantly come to mind if they're looking for an upgrade from Mitchell Trubisky, as well as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If the Buccaneers let Jameis Winston hit the open market, Carr would make sense in head coach Bruce Arians' scheme given his arm talent. Another potential destination could be New England if Tom Brady does in fact leave Foxborough.

Given Carr's relatively cheap contract, age and recent production, there should be several teams interested in adding him to their quarterback room. Expect Carr to be the subject of many trade rumors over the next few months.

Rob Havenstein, OT, Los Angeles Rams
5 of 10

One team that is going to be forced to make a few tough decisions this offseason is the Los Angeles Rams. According to Over The Cap, the Rams are scheduled to have just under $15 million in cap space in 2020 with key players such as left tackle Andrew Whitworth, linebackers Dante Fowler Jr. and Cory Littleton and defensive tackle Michael Brockers all set to become free agents. Making matters worse is the fact that the Rams do not have a first-round pick until 2022 after trading for cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2020 season.

For the Rams to clear cap space, they could look to trade a key veteran such as right tackle Rob Havenstein. After being selected in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft, Havenstein has gone on to start 68 games for the Rams, playing at a near Pro Bowl level. He was signed to a contract extension in 2018, but the team may need to move him off the books.

The New York Jets, who have nearly $50 million in cap space and holes all across the offensive line could be interested in an above-average right tackle such as Havenstein. And with the Jets having four picks in the top 80 of the 2020 draft, they would have plenty of resources to acquire the former Wisconsin product.

The Rams will likely be shopping several veterans on their roster this season, but look for Havenstein to be on the move sooner rather than later.

P.J. Hall, DT, Las Vegas Raiders
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Back in January, the Raiders made the surprising move to fire defensive line coach Brentson Buckner in favor of Rod Marinelli, who previously served as the Dallas Cowboys' defensive coordinator. Marinelli is widely regarded as one of the best defensive line coaches in the NFL, and he has a specific type of rusher he likes to use at defensive tackle.

Unfortunately for 2018 second-round pick P.J. Hall, he's not an ideal fit in Marinelli's scheme, as the coach prefers undersized defensive tackles who can get up the field with quickness. While Hall is certainly athletic, he has just 1.5 career sacks through two seasons in the NFL. With the Raiders already having veteran Johnathan Hankins on the roster as their 1-technique, it's certainly possible Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden look to move on from Hall, who was drafted to be a nose tackle.

If that's the case, there will likely be a handful of teams interested in Hall's services, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are expected to lose nose tackle Javon Hargrave in free agency. Hall would be a perfect fit inside with Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt next to him.

Another potential fit is with the Dallas Cowboys if they're looking to get bigger on the defensive line. Would Dallas be interested in swapping 2019 second-round pick Trysten Hill for P.J. Hall? That move would make some sense on paper, at least, though there's a chance Hill may not fit in Dallas coordinator Mike Nolan's multiple defense.

Look for Hall to be shopped after the first few weeks of free agency once the defensive tackle market calms down. But don't expect him to be traded for anything more than a late Day 3 selection.

Matt Judon, DE, Baltimore Ravens
7 of 10

One of 2019's breakout stars was none other than Matt Judon of the Baltimore Ravens. In his fourth year in the NFL, Judon tallied an incredible 33 quarterback hits along with 14 tackles for a loss and 9.5 sacks. He was arguably the Ravens' best defender and was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.

Judon is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the opening of the new league year. However, it's been suggested the Ravens could franchise-tag Judon before trading him, per NFL.com's Tom Pelissero. That certainly isn't unheard of; three defensive ends were tagged and traded last season in Frank Clark, Jadeveon Clowney and Dee Ford.

While Judon isn't as proven as Clark or as athletic as Ford, it's not unreasonable to expect the Ravens to receive a Day 2 pick in exchange for their Pro Bowl pass-rusher. Teams such as the Indianapolis Colts and the New York Jets would be wise to inquire about Judon, as the options in the draft are pretty limited after Ohio State's Chase Young.

While Justin Houston performed well for the Colts last season, he is entering the final year of his contract and is 31 years old. Adding another top-flight edge-rusher like Judon would significantly help their defense, especially because he excels in stopping the run.

The Jets could use Judon's services even more so, as Jamal Adams was the team's second-best pass-rusher (6.5 sacks) behind only Jordan Jenkins (eight sacks). No other Jets player topped three sacks. While their defense outperformed expectations last season, it's a unit that needs more production on the edge next year.

Judon is on his way to receiving a monster contract extension, but it will be interesting to see if it comes from the Baltimore Ravens or another team with the help of the franchise tag. Don't be surprised if Judon is traded ahead of the draft.

Trent Williams, OT, Washington Redskins
8 of 10

The No. 1 offensive lineman on the trade block this offseason will likely be Trent Williams of the Washington Redskins. Williams sat out the entire 2019 season after vowing not to play in Washington due to several medical mishaps. The Redskins would surely love to bring back the seven-time Pro Bowl tackle, but it appears his days in Washington are numbered.

If and when the Redskins finally decide to move on from Williams, there will likely be multiple suitors. At the top of the list has to be the Cleveland Browns, who reportedly expressed interest in Williams at the trade deadline last offseason before bowing out due to the enormous price tag.

The Patriots are another team that would make some sense, as left tackle Isaiah Wynn has struggled to stay healthy during the first two years of his career. A trade for Williams would allow Wynn to slide into a guard position, potentially replacing Joe Thuney, who is set to become a free agent as well.

While there might still be hope in the Redskins organization that Williams can be retained, expect him to be moved at some point this offseason for an early Day 2 selection.

Darius Slay, CB, Detroit Lions
9 OF 10

One star reportedly already on the trade block is former All-Pro cornerback Darius Slay. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Lions have already discussed a trade with several teams ahead of free agency. Slay reportedly wants a new contract, and Detroit does not seem all that interested in giving it to him.

The Eagles make a lot of sense as a potential trade partner; they have a big need at cornerback as well as the available draft picks to make a trade. General manager Howie Roseman has never shied away from making a bold move, and acquiring a three-time Pro Bowl cornerback in his prime would significantly help Philly's defense.

With the Lions holding the No. 3 pick in the 2020 draft, Matt Miller is projecting them to select cornerback Jeff Okudah out of Ohio State. And with that pick becoming more and more likely every day, expect the Lions to move on from Slay in short order.

Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
10 OF 10

The one player who will almost certainly be traded this offseason is the Cincinnati Bengals' Andy Dalton. With the Bengals owning the No. 1 pick in the draft, the assumption is they will take LSU quarterback Joe Burrow. While the team could surely utilize Dalton as a mentor and high-end backup, his services can be better used elsewhere.

While no team will likely trade for Dalton with the intention of making him a long-term face of the franchise, there are a few situations where he could be an upgrade over the current options. The most obvious trade destination is Chicago, where he could compete with Mitchell Trubisky. In head coach Matt Nagy's offense, Dalton actually makes a lot of sense due to his quick release and accuracy in the short-to-intermediate parts of the field. A change from Trubisky to Dalton might seem inconsequential, but it could be the difference in two or three wins in a season.

Another reason why this trade makes sense is that the Bears are still low on draft picks due to the Khalil Mack trade and cap space. According to Over The Cap, Dalton is set to make under $18 million this season with no guaranteed money attached to his contract. Chicago would need to move some money around to acquire Dalton, but his contract is reasonable enough for the Bears to make this potential trade.

Look for Dalton and his contract to be moved early on during the new league year and for him to potentially help a team like the Bears get back into the playoffs.

Steven Jackson talks NFL Combine Mentor experience

Heading into the 2004 NFL Draft, Rams legend Steven Jackson did not have a mentor helping him navigate the scouting combine nor any other aspect of the pre-draft process.

So when the league's Legends Community called and asked if he'd like to mentor the running backs invited to this year's combine, he "jumped at the opportunity."

"The mentorship role that the league implemented this year was the added touch that I believe all rookies or participants will benefit from," Jackson told theRams.com in a phone interview Friday. "I wish I would have had it."

Jackson joined 13 other members of the Legends Community to help steer combine invitees through their busy week in Indianapolis. This is the sixth year of the program, which is part of the NFL's continuous efforts to connect the game's greats with current NFL players and the next generation of stars.

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The week began with Jackson having dinner with the running backs invited to the combine on Monday and Tuesday. They also met each morning to go over what the day had in store for them, whether it was medicals, interviews or on-field workouts. The mentors were present for their corresponding position group's on-field workouts at Lucas Oil Stadium as well.

"We had a chance to have dinner with them then earlier in the week, kind of get acquainted with one another and share our story," Jackson said. "Outside of that, we would meet with them in the morning, started by talking about what they had on their agenda, what they had to get done, if there was any questions. We shared some light stories, maybe MRI, knowing when to load up on protein and things like that, because they were probably not going to eat for a number of hours. Just giving them some guidance so they didn't have to think as much about some things and they can just really focus on nailing their interviews and making sure that they're hydrated and things like that."

Of course, with the on-field workouts in primetime and interviews taking place during the day instead, there was also the schedule itself that all involved had to get acclimated to.

"It was a new schedule for everybody, not only the participants but the mentors and staff," Jackson said.

"So it was quite an adjustment. So for those guys to not only realize it was an adjustment for us, people who have been a part of the NFL, but for them (as well), it allowed for them to know these things are unusual, it's a relatively long day and whatever they need, they have people and resources to help ease the day, ease the stress that they were feeling."

Mentor or no mentor 16 years ago, Jackson managed just fine.

The Rams selected him with the 24th overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft and he went on to enjoy a 12-year NFL career, including nine seasons with the club from 2004-12. Jackson was named to three All-Pro teams and three Pro Bowls and finished his career as the franchise's all-time leading rusher with 10,138 yards.

Now, his goal is to impart the wisdom he collected from more than a decade in the league onto its incoming players.

"It was a week's worth of advice, (so) I don't know which (piece) probably stands out to each guy. I'm hoping differently (for each guy) for different reasons," Jackson said. "One thing that I always make sure that I share with any rookie coming in is that they know, the season is going to be long and the career hopefully is even longer, but with that, there's going to come ups and downs. They're going to be combated with some things that they never thought they'd be challenged with. But the thing about it is, just continue to be consistent and show up daily. And with that consistently and showing up daily, those things work themselves out and they become wiser and smarter from it and are able to anticipate what may happen in the future."

Snead talks draft approach at No. 52 overall

INDIANAPOLIS – Barring an unforeseen trade, the Rams will not pick in the first round of the NFL Draft for the second year in a row.

Yes, it will affect their approach to the draft, but history has shown it shouldn't inhibit their ability to find talent.

"It does change," Snead said during his podium session with the media at the NFL Scouting Combine last week. "There will be some players that we ultimately will not really spend a lot more time vetting or evaluating because you've got a gut feeling they're not getting to 50. What you have to do then is the realistic players, really start spending your time vetting him."

The plan the last few years, according to Snead, has been about collecting as many picks in the top 100 or first three rounds as possible. Those selections have been acquired in various ways, including trading out of the first round.

Last year, the Rams sent their No. 31 and No. 203 overall picks to the Falcons for Atlanta's No. 45 overall and No. 79 overall picks. L.A. then made a second trade to acquire more draft capital and move back further in the second round, dealing that No. 45 overall pick to the New England Patriots for their No. 56 and No. 101 overall picks. The No. 56 overall pick acquired in that trade was sent to the Chiefs for their No. 61 and No. 167 overall picks.

The Rams used that No. 61 overall pick to take University of Washington safety Taylor Rapp, who finished as their third-leading tackler in his rookie season. They later sent their No. 133 overall pick and the No. 101 overall pick back to the Patriots to move up to No. 97 overall, which they used to select Oklahoma offensive tackle Bobby Evans. Like Rapp, Evans emerged as a starter late in his rookie season.

Beyond last year's class, another notable example of the Rams' ability to ability to identify talent outside of the first round was Los Angeles' leading receiver in 2019 – Cooper Kupp – who was a third-round pick, No. 69 overall, in 2017.

"We traditionally said it might be better, the math would say better, to trade back, collect as many picks in the second and third round," Snead said. "So you may have four picks in the second, third round a little bit later instead of just two. But we've also in the past been pretty aggressive in going from 15 or 16 to 1 to pick a quarterback (in 2016). Probably depends on the year."

With 51 selections coming before the Rams are on the clock and depth at multiple positions, Snead was asked if the Rams can afford to take more risk at their current draft position.

"Good question on boom-or-bust," Snead said. "When you have less draft picks you have to run that equation. Do you just get a solid, sound pick because you have less picks in the mutual fund, so it's probably better to go just solid, sound. But you can always be tempted if someone fell that is more boom or bust, probably because you're saying he's got some element or better skills than where you would be picking him but something caused him to fall. But that becomes a volatile investment that you've got to weigh."

Whether or not they take those risks remains to be seen until late April. In the meantime, expect Snead and the rest of the Rams' evaluators to do their due diligence over the next 6-7 weeks.

SATURDAY
Game: Seattle Dragons at Houston Roughnecks
Date: Saturday, March 7
Time: 2 p.m. ET
Location: TDECU Stadium (Houston, Texas)
TV: ABC

Game: New York Guardians at Dallas Renegades
Date: Saturday, March 7
Time: 5 p.m. ET
Location: Globe Life Park in Arlington (Arlington, Texas)
TV: Fox
Stream: fuboTV (try for free)

SUNDAY
Game: St. Louis BattleHawks at DC Defenders
Date: Sunday, March 8
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)
TV: FS1
Stream: fuboTV (try for free)

Game: Tampa Bay Vipers at Los Angeles Wildcats
Date: Sunday, March 8
Time: 9 p.m. ET
Location: Dignity Health Sports Park (Carson, California)
TV: ESPN

East Division
West Division

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wacky list.

ahh, nfl.com writers rankings. no wonder it makes no sense.

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Not moving to resign Fowler is a huge head-scratcher IMO. But if they feel they can afford to move on without him so be it. Considering they don't have a first round pick and 5th round pick they will probably be looking for one in the draft or in FA. But anyone they get in the draft will be only a part-time starter at best. What makes me curious about this attitude is they gave up a lot to get Fowler so to watch him walk could mean they have targeted someone else in FA or the draft. But until something breaks, and I'm not totally giving up on resigning Fowler I looked at the Rams roster and it's not bare by any means.

People need to realize that the Rams are running a true hybrid defensive scheme. In reality, they are running a 2-5 with both DE positions filled by OLB. Both Okoronkwo and Fowler are OLB not DE's. But in reality, when you look at the metrics of the players, Okoronkwo and Carraway are strictly a DEs not OLBs. When you look at Fowler he can play either position by his metrics. But by his style of play and his talent he's strictly a 4-3 DE as he is extremely limited as are the other two, in his ability to drop back. That was very apparent last year when he was asked to drop back. IMO it could be why they aren't pursuing him as aggressively as I thought they would.

They are very high on Kiser and IMO he's always been slated as the heir apparent to Littleton and I think they feel his time has come. So allowing Littleton to move on is no surprise to me. Kiser has the size and especially the speed they want at ILB. He gives them much more versatility at the position.

Young has the speed and build of a SS and although he's listed as an ILB I can see them playing him much as they would a 3rd safety in the passing package. Travin Howard is another ILB built like a SS with safety speed. Reeder has proven himself a good option as a two-down LB as well.

At OLB they do have an option to Fowler in Ebukam. He's shown he's an impact player who can play both the run and the pass better than Fowler who is limited in his ability to drop back. Fowler is really a classic 4-3 DE and not a true hybrid 3-4 OLB/Edge player. Ebukam is in fact the classic 3-4 hybrid OLB/Edge. So perhaps they will give him that shot? In fact, before they traded for Dante I felt that Ebukam was the guy they needed at the position.

Opposite Ebukam is Okoronkwo and he's shown enough that his time to be the fulltime Edge on the opposite side has come. Behind these two they have Mathews who IMO will become the fulltime 3 down SAM. I think the sleeper to watch is Josh Carraway. Before he got injured last year he flashed enough to see he has some upside as an Edge behind Okoronkwo. Carraway lacks the long speed but so does Okoronkwo. But what both these two have is an explosive first step. Ogbo uses his explosive first step to gain immediate leverage in his rush. Carraway does the same but where Ogbo is primarily a bull rusher, Carraway tries to win with leverage and technique.

So right now without the draft and or FA signing, IMO the front 7 looks like this. The Open TBD is where I think they will look to fill in the draft or FA signing.

DE Okoronkwo, Carraway
NT Gaines, SJD
DT AD, Open TBD
Edge/OLB Ebukam, Open TBD

MIKE Kiser
MO Reeder
ILB Young, Howard
SAM Mathews

What we might be seeing is that this team is really focusing upon scheme fit as much as anything else. In fact, when you look at the success of the Pats, (cheating aside) scheme fit is what has been a major factor in their ability to sustain their success even though they are forever drafting low. Seeking players that fit their scheme and not expecting them to play outside of that envelope.

IMO Ebukam has shown that he can be that 8-10 sack per year kind of Edge player I thought he was this time last year. Perhaps that was the rationale for signing Mathews to play SAM. With the expectation that now in 2021 Ebukam will be the replacement for Fowler and Mathews will be the bridge for them to develop the next SAM taken this year in the draft (remember Samson was a 4th round pick)

So IMO a SAM LB, Edge, DT, and FB are on their shopping list this offseason and draft.

The off season is hard so

PODCAST ALERT

We’re back at it again, this time with a special guest!

Our very own Chris sits down and interviews one of the most recognisable voices that Los Angeles Rams fans will know today... Sam Lagana️


#RamsHouse https://t.co/d6tiNywOlG

ESPN Considering $20 Million Offer To Peyton Manning For Monday Night Football

Tony Romo could have the shortest reign ever as the highest-paid sports TV analyst in history.

ESPN is preparing to offer Peyton Manning a record $18 million to $20 million a year to serve as lead analyst for “Monday Night Football,” sources tell Front Office Sports.

If so, that would eclipse Romo’s new multi-year contract from CBS Sports that will pay him $17 million annually.

The 43-year old Manning met with ESPN executives over the last few days, sources said. The two-time Super Bowl winner with the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts has an existing business relationship with ESPN, hosting the 30-episode “Peyton’s Places” documentary series on ESPN+.

ESPN declined to comment.

ESPN pays the NFL $1.9 billion a year for the rights to air MNF – double the $950 million paid by NBC for the higher-rated “Sunday Night Football.”

Despite the hefty price tag, ESPN’s all-out pursuit of Manning could make business sense.

ESPN will be the first network to negotiate its TV deal with the league. The network’s MNF contract is up after the 2021 season. NBC’s SNF deal runs through the 2022 season, as do CBS and Fox’s respective Sunday afternoon game packages.

The network’s MNF booth of Booger McFarland and Joe Tessitore was viewed by many as the weakest TV team last season, behind Romo and Jim Nantz at CBS, Cris Collinsworth and Al Michaels at NBC and Troy Aikman and Joe Buck at Fox.

During his 17-year career, Manning won two Super Bowls and five MVP awards. He also remains one of the league’s most popular players, with a 79 percent favorability rating among fans, according to a Morning Consult poll.

Manning is viewed by many as a natural for the TV booth and a good fit to announce today’s pass-happy NFL. He has been featured in numerous national advertising campaigns for sponsors such as Nationwide Insurance and hosted “Saturday Night Live.”

Additionally, ESPN views Manning as the ticket to finally breaking into the Super Bowl TV rotation, sources said, while also becoming the face of ESPN’s TV coverage just in time for the next billion-dollar round of negotiations on TV contracts.

ESPN also narrowly missed on landing Romo. In fact, sources close to Romo believed he was heading to MNF before CBS changed its mind and shut out ESPN with a higher offer for the 39-year old Romo.

This will be the third time ESPN has pursued Peyton Manning for the MNF job. He’s turned it down twice before.

Up until now, said sources, Manning has been more interested in running or owning a team similar to John Elway of the Broncos or Derek Jeter of the Miami Marlins.

Manning pocketed career earnings of $252,280,004 during his on-field career, according to Spotrac.

Jason Witten of the Dallas Cowboys, the last NFL star to move straight into the MNF broadcast booth, lasting one year before returning to the field.

The perfectionist Manning might not want to be unfavorably compared to Romo, the most popular NFL TV analyst since John Madden, a source said.

“After beating him on the field, why would Peyton Manning want to be judged against Tony Romo on TV every week,” said one source.

If ESPN can’t land Manning, Kurt Warner of NFL Network could be Plan B, sources said. Internally at ESPN, Louis Riddick, Matt Hasselbeck, and Dan Orlovsky are seen as candidates to succeed McFarland if ESPN makes a change as expected in the broadcast booth. McFarland could easily slide back to covering college football.

Tory Woodbury's long journey gets breakthrough as new assistant special teams coach

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – It has been a long journey as new Rams assistant special teams coach Tory Woodbury gets settled into his new role with the organization.

However, he makes two things clear: His path is one he doesn't take for granted, and also one he wants to use as a way to set an example for others, not put the spotlight on him.

"It feels great," Woodbury told theRams.com on Tuesday. "As a surprise move as it came, it just feels like I'm home where I'm belong, interacting with the guys on the field. I feel great about the situation."

This is the story of how he arrived at where he is today.

Navigating the ups and downs

During his senior season at Winston-Salem State University, quarterback Tory Woodbury was highlighted by ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. in his weekly series focusing on a "sleeper" prospect leading into the 2001 NFL Draft.

In addition to detailing Woodbury's standout performances as a junior and a senior, Kiper also predicted Woodbury would test well because of his multi-sport background, having also played basketball in high school. That athleticism could also make playing wide receiver or safety a possibility as a result, according to Kiper.

"You can rest assured that a multi-talented athlete like Woodbury will certainly be watched very closely the remainder of the season as well as during the postseason all-star games and combine/individual workouts," Kiper wrote.

Woodbury signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2001, spending two seasons with the franchise before getting released. He also had stints with the New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills, the Ottawa Renegades of the Canadian Football League, the Cologne Centurions (NFL Europe) and the Arena Football League's New Orleans Voodoo before retiring after the 2006 season.

It would be a while before Woodbury got re-involved with the sport, though, after tragedy struck his family and led him to taking a small hiatus post-retirement.

"My little brother was taken from me, unfortunately," Woodbury said. "Murdered."

When he returned to football, he started out coaching at the high school level before moving on to Division I-AA Delaware State in 2011. Woodbury remained at that school through 2014, then spent the 2015-17 seasons as an offensive coordinator at Johnson C. Smith University.

In that seven-year span, Woodbury said he juggled his coaching responsibilities with five different internships, including being a minority intern for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2012, a scouting intern for the Cleveland Browns in 2014, a pro scouting intern for the Rams in 2015 and a scouting intern for the Senior Bowl Scouting Academy in 2016.

"Sometimes I would coach, do my intern (duties) from about 10 (p.m.) to 2 a.m., wake back up, finish my coaching priorities," Woodbury said.

One would assume being a former professional football player would have its advantages, but Woodbury discouragingly discovered the opposite at first.

Woodbury said he would go into interviews and some schools and teams would tell him he was overqualified, or because he was late in the game, going in another direction. Being told he was overqualified especially stung – Woodbury said it was "extremely disappointing and upsetting, especially being a former player."

"Every time I was told that, I would just go back to the drawing board, like, alright, I am doing something wrong, do I need to work on something?" Woodbury said. "I just kept faith and just kept plugging away. But the hard part is not letting your frustrations stalemate you. I always use that as fuel, when people tell me I can't do something. It just motivates me."

Fortunately for Woodbury, he was able to productively channel that frustration and had help from key mentors such as former Washington Redskins quarterback Doug Williams, Rams Director of Pro Scouting Ray Agnew, and the late Sam Wyche, who coached the Cincinnati Bengals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The experience with the Rams, however, would pay off. They interviewed him again in 2017 and brought him on as a college scout that year, the start of three seasons working in L.A.'s scouting department.
At the end of the third season – 2019 – his patience and faith would finally be rewarded.

Breakthrough, and what's next

When special teams coordinator John Fassel was hired to the same position on the Dallas Cowboys' new coaching staff this winter, he brought assistant special teams coach Matt Daniels along with him – thus creating two voids the Rams needed to fill for that unit.

To fill Daniels' role, they promoted Woodbury.

"It was just over-joyous for me, because I just thought back about my my path to get here and (I've) been through a lot, overcame a lot," Woodbury said. "So it was just an emotional (moment), I had tears flowing. I was just excited."

When asked about his aspirations, Woodbury didn't want to look too far ahead. Though he always prepares "like I'm the starter" in every role he's had, he'll let his faith continue to guide him.

Right now, he's focused on excelling in his current role.

"Whatever happens, God will let me know," Woodbury said. "I'm just going to dominate this role as best as I can."

And maybe inspire a few people along the way.

.

And he nailed the Australian accent.

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Redskins just announced they are letting Williams seek a trade - we need him like I have said for the past year. He has 12.5m left on his deal. He is a 7 time pro bowler considered one of the two best LTs in the game. When Whit came he was a real big answer to our OL sure he is not the only OLman, but his impact was massive. They project he has 4 more probowls in him he is 7 years younger than Whit.

We need two strong olinemen and others we can make happen. We can give them Everett or possibly Fowler but I doubt they want him because they are going to take Chase Young.

I realize not everyone is into the XFL, but a pack of us are having fun with it... and a group has been following the BattleHawks.

Ta’amu was awesome last week. On fire.

BattleHawks quarterback Jordan Ta’amu named XFL star of week

St. Louis BattleHawks quarterback Jordan Ta’amu won XFL star of the week honors for Week Four.

Ta’amu claimed 64 percent of the 27,800 votes cast on the XFL’s Twitter account.

Ta’amu completed 20 of 27 passes for 264 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 63 yards in the BattleHawks’ 23-16 victory over the Seattle Dragons on Saturday. He leads the XFL with 1,062 total yards.

The XFL allows fans to decide the league’s top performer in voting for the XFL Star Of The Week. XFL Football Operations nominates one key player from each team after each game.

The players with the most votes from each day advance to the final round Monday, when fans determine the winner on Twitter. The XFL Star Of The Week is the league’s top weekly individual honor.

Ta’amu faced the Houston Roughnecks defense in the final round of voting. The Roughnecks forced five turnovers, four by Landry Jones, in a 27-20 victory over the Dallas Renegades.

Les Snead: Rams not expecting to use franchise tag

Despite having a few potential candidates worthy of the designation, the Los Angeles Rams don’t appear inclined to utilize the franchise tag on any of their pending free agents.

Rams General Manager Les Snead said on the team’s podcast that, while plans could change, the team is not expecting to use the franchise tag.

“As of today, (we) do not expect to tag, but there is a window of time and ultimately because there’s a window of time, you may get some later data points that would say it might be best to use that tool in the tool box,” Snead said, via Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com.

Outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr., defensive end Michael Brockers, linebacker Cory Littletonand kicker Greg Zuerlein are the team’s four most prominent unrestricted free agents. While the exact amounts of the franchise tag tenders hasn’t been announced, the 2019 value for linebackers was over $15 million while defensive ends commanded over $17 million. Kickers were just shy of $5 million.

With an extension to complete for cornerback Jalen Ramsey and several other high-value contracts extended to Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, Aaron Donald and Brandin Cooks already on the books, carrying a significant cap commitment with a franchised player could prove too prohibitive for the Rams at this stage. If they want any of their impending free agents back next season, they may have to allow them to first hit the market.

Tried finding a current thread but couldn’t find a current one so apologies if I missed it. But we’re getting close to the reveal.
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REPORT: FUTURE HOFER FRANK GORE CONTEMPLATING RETIREMENT

Frank Gore has been running through NFL defenders for 15 seasons. Now with his Hall of Fame resume established, Gore is reportedly considering hanging up his cleats for good.

According to The Athletic’s Matthew Fairburn, Gore is mulling retirement coming off his 15th season following one last run with the Buffalo Bills in 2019.

The 36-year-old served as a mentor to Bills running back Devin Singletary in 2019, but still managed to put up some nice numbers. He finished the season with 599 rushing yards and became just the fourth player in NFL history to hit the 15,000-yard mark.

Gore spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the San Francisco 49ers. During that stretch from 2005-’14, he racked up 11,073 rushing yards, 2,883 receiving yards and 75 total touchdowns.

A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Gore spent the next three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. After spending the 2018 season with the Miami Dolphins, he signed with the Bills this past offseason and appeared in the ninth playoff game of his career.

If Gore ultimately decides to walk away from the game, he’ll do it with the third-most rushing yards (15,347) and the 25th most total touchdowns (98) in NFL history.

Vikings Expected To Explore Kirk Cousins Extension

Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins receives his fair share of criticism, but regardless of how one feels about his job performance, there is no denying that he has been handsomely compensated for said performance. He is entering the final year of the three-year pact that he signed with Minnesota in March 2018, and he is due a $29.5MM salary in what would be his platform campaign.

But that salary now ranks as the seventh-highest in the league, and it could go down several more spots after QBs that are currently slated for free agency find new homes or sign extensions with their current clubs. And the Vikings have the lowest amount of cap space in the NFL at the moment, so it may make sense for both sides to work out a new deal.

According to Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune, that’s exactly what execs around the league expect to happen. Goessling says that there was a “widely held belief” at the scouting combine that the Vikings will pursue an extension for Cousins this offseason, though he cautions that such an extension will not necessarily give Minnesota a ton of financial breathing room. After all, the QB market remains player-friendly, and Cousins is coming off the best year of his career. Whether or not a new CBA is ratified by the league’s workforce could also impact the structure of the deal, as Goessling sets forth in more detail.

The Vikings fell short of capturing the NFC North in 2019, and though they upset the Saints in the wildcard round of the playoffs, they laid an egg in a divisional-round loss to the 49ers. Cousins was not the only culprit in that loss, but he has yet to shake the notion that he is incapable of winning big games.

However, in guiding a more run-oriented attack in 2019, he did post a career-high QB rating of 107.4 while throwing 26 TDs against six interceptions. He may have his flaws, but it’s not easy to find that type of production.

Draft, free agency prep for Rams' defense will be impacted most by new coordinator hires

INDIANAPOLIS – There is continuity among the staff with the amount of assistant coaches returning, but there are also new voices overseeing the Rams' offense, defense and special teams in offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell, defensive coordinator Brandon Staley and special teams coordinator John Bonamego.

Consequently, that also means there are new and more voices Rams head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead are collaborating with as they continue their preparations for free agency this year's NFL Draft. That of those new hires will be felt the most on defense, according to Snead.

"It definitely does change (our approach), probably more on defense than offense, in that, okay, let's really sit down with the two new coordinators, but because Brandon's philosophy is going to be slightly different than Wade's," Snead said at the NFL Scouting Combine last week. "Which positions are most important? What type of players do you need playing those positions? Do we have them? If we don't, can we get by? So those are very, very important and will be fruitful meetings before free agency starts and the draft."

Since Snead and McVay began working together in 2017, they've evaluated prospects with input from veteran defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. However, Los Angeles chose not to retain Phillips after the third and final year of his contract expired following the 2019 season, choosing to instead hand the reins over to the 37-year-old Staley.

Staley and other key Rams decision-makers have a trio of tough choices to make over the next two weeks heading into free agency, and after that the draft.

Those meetings will likely center around defensive lineman Michael Brockers, outside linebacker Dante Fowler and inside linebacker Cory Littleton, all of whom are pending free agents.

"As close as we can get," Snead said, when asked how much those decisions will impact who they target with draft position in mind. "Now, we probably have the initial draft board set and that always helps when you know which underclassmen are coming out-- who is staying in. Now you can ultimately start determining who probably has a chance at 50, who doesn't. Which positions you're maybe deep, thin and if they are thin and you needed one, maybe you do need to ensure that through free agency. So that's the part of the process we're in is matching out draft board with the free agent board, of being realistic where you may be able to pick players and if you don't pick them at 50, who might still be available in the third round and that gets a lot harder."

Snead said the Rams have identified their positions of need, but politely declined to specify. However, Staley does have an idea of the mold a player should fit at each of those positions.

For Staley, the outside linebackers in his 3-4 defensive scheme should be able to set the edge versus tight ends and "dominate" the edge in the run game – two defining characteristics of defenses led by Broncos head coach and former Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, whom Staley worked under for the last three years as outside linebackers coach before coming to L.A.

"I think it's something that's not talked about enough," Staley told theRams.com. "It's been the hallmark of where we played before."

At inside linebacker, Staley looks for instinctive players who are "great processors" and "outstanding tacklers" with the ability to communicate and lead effectively.

"(Outside linebacker and inside linebacker) are two different positions, but we definitely have a lot of specifics that we're looking for," Staley said. "And a lot of them are currently in place, so it's going to be exciting to work with the guys here."

Versatility, meanwhile, is a key piece for the defensive linemen and defensive backs Staley will work with, as well as connectedness between the two groups. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald has lined up at multiple positions along the defensive line, while Taylor Rapp has seen snaps at both safety and as a dime linebacker.

"That's something you'll probably hear me talk about a lot, having the versatility to play any place in the front, any place in the back," Staley said. "We're fortunate that we have that here, guys that have played a lot of roles. Groups that are connected, (because) those groups depend on each other a lot."

Free agency officially begins March 18 at 1 p.m. pacific time. A little more than a month later, the Rams will be on the clock with the No. 52 overall pick in the draft barring an unforeseen trade into the first round.

Until then, it's safe to say there will several conservations about how to best equip Staley to run his defense effectively.

Well, here we are, in March, less than two months from the most exciting NFL event other than the Super Bowl. But I digress: let's start the show!

Clay Matthews
Tanzel Smart
Jamil Demby

(Matthews has long overstayed his welcome. Smart and Demby are cut for both savings and because they aren't NFL-caliber players.)


Restructure:

Jared Goff
Aaron Donald

(Both restructures give us much needed cap space.)

Re-sign

Jalen Ramsey - five years, 84 million overall.
Cooper Kupp - five years, 65 million overall.
John Johnson III - four years, 48 million overall.
Andrew Whitworth - one year, 9 million overall.
Dante Fowler - franchise tag.
Morgan Fox - RFA
Johnny Mundt - ERFA
Nsimba Webster - ERFA
Kendall Blanton - ERFA
Coleman Shelton - ERFA
Marquise Copeland - Practice Squad
Greg Dortch - Practice Squad
Jachai Polite - Practice Squad
John Wolford - Practice Squad
Jeff Holland - Practice Squad
Adonis Alexander - Practice Squad
Nate Trewyn - Practice Squad
Ethan Wolf - Practice Squad

(Might as well get the Ramsey signing out of the way this year; pay the man to lock down one side of the field. It also makes sense to do an extension with Kupp and JJ3 because they'll be worth more on the open market. Whitworth looks like he'll re-up with us, so he's on this list. Morgan Fox is the only RFA who gets re-signed, and the others are ERFAs and practice squad candidates.)

Release:

Cory Littleton
Michael Brockers
Greg Zuerlein
Blake Bortles
Bryce Hager
Jojo Natson
Donte Deayon
Austin Blythe
Marqui Christian
Mike Thomas
Josh Carraway
Jeremiah Kolone

(Unfortunately, we can't keep everyone. That means that Littleton, as much as I hate it, will be let go, along with Brockers. Zuerlein goes to the Cowboys or Colts, who can both pay more than we can. Christian goes for an opportunity to start, as well as Bortles. The others, I'm fine with losing.)

Free Agency:

Forrest Lamp - two years, 5 million overall.

(Apparently, the Los Angeles Chargers have a voodoo curse upon them that gets all of their players hurt. Let's pick up Lamp from the scrap-heap after he gets cut by the Chargers. The contract is small and basically only one year, in case his injuries follow him here, but it could pay off in a big way.)

Trades:

Dante Fowler to the Miami Dolphins for 2020 second and 2020 fifth.

(Fowler is an excellent trade chip for us when it comes to Miami, where they have cap space, need, and fit.)

Robert Woods to the Indianapolis Colts for 2020 second.

(The Colts have nothing behind T.Y. Hilton. That, along with trying to compete in a division that's basically anyone's game, makes them able to send one of their two seconds to us for Woods.)

Gerald Everett to the New England Cheatriots for 2020 third.

(Yeah, I'm trading both Everett and Woods. Everett is in his final year, and we likely won't pay him. Here we get something for him from a team who desperately needs a decent tight end.)

Nickell Robey-Coleman and 2020 seventh to the Cincinnati Bengals for 2020 sixth.

(The Bengals need a nickel corner, and NRC fits the system. Makes sense.)

Rob Havenstein and 2021 sixth to the New York Jets for 2020 fourth and 2021 seventh.

(Havenstein is being sold low, but the Jets desperately need offensive line help, and I have a prospect in mind that's worth it.)

Malcolm Brown to the San Diego Chargers for 2020 sixth.

(The Chargers are likely going to let Melvin Gordon go to another team, so they're going to need a power back behind Austin Ekeler. Brown could be that back.)

2020 second (ours) to Washington for 2020 third, 2020 fourth, and 2020 seventh.

(Simple trade down with Washington to get more picks.)

Draft:

2nd (Dolphins) - Ross Blacklock, DE, TCU.

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(Blacklock is such a good player. I'd prefer him at his weight of 305, but he's such a good pass-rusher and run-stopper that I don't know if I tell him that. Either way, he's your starting five-tech with Gerald McCoy potential.)

2nd (Colts) - Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State.

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(I know y'all are upset that I traded away Woods. Aiyuk is basically a faster, younger Robert Woods. He's shifty, explosive, runs excellent routes, and catches the ball like his hands are made of glue.)

3rd (Washington) - Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn.

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(Wanogho is a lottery ticket. I know what y'all are thinking: another Auburn Tiger left tackle so soon after Greg Robinson. He's nothing like Robinson. He's intelligent, a great pass-protector, and even though he needs work on his technique and push in the run game, I wouldn't be surprised if he was the left tackle of the future.)

3rd (Rams) - Tyler Biadasz, OC, Wisconsin.

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(Biadasz is primed for a fall because other prospects have passed him up. I say that we're getting a steal here. He's got no weaknesses other than average athleticism. He's the kind of center you build your line around, and he'll start immediately.

3rd (Cheatriots) - Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota.

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(Johnson falls this far because he's not the best tester. Personally, I'd sprint to the podium if I were the Rams and he were here. Johnson is such a silky-smooth route runner who has underrated athleticism and excellent hands.)

4th (Washington) - Leki Fotu, DL, Utah.

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(Fotu is a big man who wasn't used correctly at Utah. He has better pass-rushing skills than one would think, even though he needs to work on it. His run-stopping skills, however, cannot be denied.)

4th (Jets) - Netane Muti, OG,/OC Fresno State.

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(Muti is one of my favorite prospects in this draft class, even with his injuries. His mobility, strength, and nastiness are jaw-dropping. His injuries are admittedly a problem, but he has the potential to be a Pro-Bowl guard.)

4th (ours) - Alex Highsmith, OLB, Charlotte.

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(Highsmith has eye-popping production, and he seems tailor-made to fit a 3-4. He's a good young player who should sit for a year because he needs work with technique and is coming from a small school, but the stats say it all.)

4th (compensatory) - Devin Asiasi, TE, UCLA.

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(I wanted to put Okwuegbunam here, but after watching more of Asiasi, I prefer the latter. He needs to monitor his weight, but his movement and hands...damn impressive. The Alge Crumpler comparison is apt.)

5th (Dolphins) - Amik Robertson, CB, Louisiana Tech.

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(Don't let Robertson's size fool you; he's one of the best ballhawks in the nation, and he's a feisty tackler to boot. He's not afraid to challenge bigger receivers, even in the slot; in my mind, he's a perfect replacement for NRC.)

6th (Bengals) - Thakarius "BoPete" Keyes, CB/FS/SS, Tulane.

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(Keyes is a lengthy press-man cornerback who should fit right into our system. He's frustrating at times; you wish he'd turn his head around so that he can locate and make a play on the ball, but he's sticky, and you're not going to find a better man coverage corner at this stage.)

6th (Chargers) - Sewo Olonilua, RB, TCU.

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(I'm telling you, Olonilua could be special. He reminds me a bit of Steven Jackson with his sheer height, size and power. He also catches the ball out of the backfield and pass protects well enough that a quarterback could remain standing. He had a felony drug charge against him, but given that he participated in the Combine, it's obviously been resolved.)

6th (Rams) - Cale Garrett, ILB, Missouri.

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(Garrett is one of my favorite players to watch. He finished a game with a torn pectoral muscle, and he had a pick six in that very game, I believe. In fact, his coverage had improved greatly from his junior to senior year. Don't let the 40 time fool you; he's much faster in pads, and he's an incredibly intelligent player. Reminds me of Laurinaitis, both good and bad.)

7th (Redskins) - Justin Rohrwasser, K, Marshall.

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(Here's our kicker of the future. I like Rohrwasser's leg, and unlike kickers like Blankenship, he'll be around in the sixth/seventh rounds and provide production just as good.)

Roster (bold = rookies; italics = starters):

QB: Jared Goff, John Wolford.
RB: Todd Gurley, Darrell Henderson, Sewo Olonilua,
WR: Cooper Kupp, Brandin Cooks, Josh Reynolds, Brandon Aiyuk, Tyler Johnson, Nsimba Webster, Greg Dortch.
TE: Tyler Higbee, Devin Asiasi, Kendall Blanton, Johnny Mundt.
OL: Andrew Whitworth, Austin Corbett, Tyler Biadasz, David Edwards, Bobby Evans, Forrest Lamp, Prince Tega Wanogho, Netane Muti, Joseph Noteboom.
DL: Aaron Donald, Ross Blacklock, Greg Gaines, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Leki Fotu, Morgan Fox.
LB: Samson Ebukam, Travin Howard, Micah Kiser, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Kenny Young, Natrez Patrick, Cale Garrett, Jachai Polite, Jeff Holland, Alex Highsmith.
DB: Jalen Ramsey, Troy Hill, David Long, John Johnson III, Taylor Rapp, Darious Williams, Jake Gervase, Amik Robertson, Thakarius Keyes, Adonis Alexander.
ST: Justin Rohrwasser, Johnny Hekker, Jake McQuaide.

How does this happen? I guess age, maybe? Perhaps environment?

For the last 6 months or so, I am into country music. The modern stuff, mostly.

I still always pick the news or modern hits on drive back and forth to work... but at home... when I want music playing... that’s what I am picking now.

Love it. But...

Can’t really explain it. If anything, I disliked country growing up.

Anyone else experience a shift like that, suddenly?