Key dates for the Rams' 2020 offseason

The offseason is underway for the Los Angeles Rams. Here are the key dates to keep in mind as they prepare for the 2020 season.

January

• Jan. 17 - Deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL Draft: College prospects who wish to forego their senior season and turn pro must apply for special eligibility by this date. NFL teams will receive a list of approved players by Jan. 21.
• Jan. 18 - East-West Shrine Bowl: Hosted at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, the East-West Shrine Bowl marks the beginning of the all-star circuit for college players and a key evaluation period for each team's personnel department. The annual event claims Tom Brady, Walter Payton, Brett Favre, Gale Sayers, John Elway, Dick Butkus, Roger Staubach, Mike Ditka, Mark Brunell, Troy Vincent and Willie McGinest among its former participants.
• Jan. 18 - NFLPA Collegiate Bowl: The all-star game in closest proximity to the Rams' Thousand Oaks facility, the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be hosted at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. This is an event that has historically played a role in the Rams' evaluation process leading up to the draft, with linebacker Samson Ebukam (2017) and offensive lineman Jamil Demby (2018) among their finds from it.
• Jan. 25 - Senior Bowl: One week later, the Senior Bowl will take place at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. As the name indicates, this event is exclusively for college seniors. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp (2017), offensive lineman Joe Noteboom (2018) and defensive tackle Greg Gaines (2019) are former participants, so this is another game to keep an eye on.
• Jan. 26 - NFL Pro Bowl: The NFL Pro Bowl will be played this year at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The Rams had two players selected this year: Defensive tackle Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

February

• Feb. 3: The NFL waiver system will begin for the 2020 season.
• Feb. 24 - March 2: The NFL Scouting Combine will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
• Feb. 25: Clubs can begin to designate franchise and transition tags.

March

• March 10: The deadline for teams to designate franchise and transition tags ends at 1 p.m. PT.
• March 16-19: NFL teams are permitted to begin the "legal tampering period" before free agency begins. Teams are allowed to contact and enter contract negotiations with certified agents of players who will be Unrestricted Free Agents.
• March 18: The deadline for teams to exercise options for the 2020 season on all players who have option clauses in their contracts is 1 p.m. PT. Teams must also submit qualifying offers to their Restricted Free Agents with expiring contracts to retain a Right of First Refusal/Compensation by 1 p.m. PT. Teams must submit a minimum salary tender to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2019 contracts who have fewer than three accrued seasons of free agency credit by 1 p.m. PT. The Top 51 Rule goes into effect. This means all teams bust be under the 2020 salary cap by 1 p.m. PT. All 2019 contracts expire and the 2020 league year begins with free agency at 1 p.m. PT. Teams will receive a notice that will include all transactions submitted to the league office during the period between 1 p.m. PT and 8:59:59 p.m. PT. The trading period will also begin at this time.
• March 29-April 1: The NFL will host its annual league meeting in Palm Beach, Florida.

April

• April 6: Newly hired head coaches may begin their offseason workout programs.
• April 17: Deadline for Restricted Free Agents to sign offer sheets.
• April 20: Teams with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.
• April 23-25: 2020 NFL Draft in Las Vegas, Nevada.
• April 27: Beginning this date, NFL clubs may request permission to visit with, try out, or sign any player who was under contract to the XFL at the conclusion of the XFL season.

May

• May 1-4: Teams may elect to hold their one three-day post-Draft rookie minicamp from Friday-Sunday or Saturday-Monday.
• May 5: Deadline for prior club to send “May 5 Tender” to its unsigned Unrestricted Free agents. If the player has not signed a player contract with a club by July 22 or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later, he may negotiate or sign a player contract from that date until the Tuesday following the 10th weekend of the regular season, at 4:00 p.m., New York time, only with his prior club.
• May 8-11: Clubs may elect to hold their one three-day post-Draft rookie minicamp from Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday.
• May 11: Rookie Football Development Programs begin.
• May 14-17: NFLPA Rookie Premiere. Invited rookies (typically, first- and/or second-round selections) must be permitted by their respective clubs to attend. Such players are unavailable for offseason workouts, OTA days, and minicamps during this period.
• May 19-20: Spring League Meeting, Marina Del Ray, California.

July

• July 15: At 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for any club that designated a Franchise Player to sign such player to a multiyear contract or extension. After this date, the player may sign only a one-year contract with his prior club for the 2020 season, and such contract cannot be extended until after the club’s last regular season game.
• Mid-July: Clubs are permitted to open preseason training camp for rookies beginning seven days prior to the club’s earliest permissible mandatory reporting date for veteran players. Veteran players (defined as a player with at least one pension-credited season) other than quarterbacks or “injured players” (as defined in CBA Article 21, Section 6) may report to a club’s preseason training camp no earlier than 15 days prior to the club’s first scheduled preseason game or July 15, whichever is later. Veteran quarterbacks and injured players may be required to report to the club’s preseason training camp no earlier than five days immediately prior to the mandatory reporting date for all other veteran players, provided the club has already opened (or simultaneously opens) its official preseason training camp for all rookies and first-year players. A three-day acclimation period will apply to players who are on a club’s roster up to and including the mandatory veteran reporting date. Players who rejoin the roster after that date may practice (including wearing pads) and play immediately after passing a physical.
• July 22*: Signing period ends for Unrestricted Free Agents to whom a “May 5 Tender” was made by prior club. After this date and until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the Tuesday following the 10th weekend of the regular season, prior club has exclusive negotiating rights.

* or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later.

• July 22: Signing period ends for Transition Players with outstanding tenders. After this date and until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the Tuesday following the 10th weekend of the regular season, prior club has exclusive negotiating rights.​

Offseason program dates announced

• The Rams will start Phase 1 of their offseason program on April 20.

• Rookie minicamp will be held May 8-10.

• Phase 2 will begin May 4, while the third and final phase will start May 26.

• The club's mandatory veteran minicamp will take place June 15-18.

which game do we feature for the weekly PTS contest.

poll closes Friday 2/9/20

2. TE Gerald Everett
3. WR Cooper Kupp
3. S John Johnson
4. WR Josh Reynolds
4. OLB Samson Ebukam
6. DL Tanzel Smart
6. FB Sam Rogers
7. LB Ejuan Price

Well now that 3 full seasons are here for us to grade the 2017 draft I figured I'd throw this up, and rather than hand out grades I've grouped these guys in rough categories (Elite, Above Average, JAG, Not Good Enough).

Gerald Everett has been disappointing for me personally. Every year we think this is his year, and every season he doesn't live up to his talent level and expectations. It's been a common them around here for fans to associate his lack of production with our coaching not utilizing his ability, however I believe McVay is very good at featuring guys in the passing game when they're ready. McVay has a grasp of the TE position far beyond most coordinators IMO and the lack of production to date has been a mix of Everett not being ready along with unfortunately timed injury. Looking forward he has every opportunity to become a plus starter for us, and I would think there's a good chance of that happening next season, but not gonna give it to him until I see it on the field consistently.

Cooper Kupp has grown into an elite receiver in this league. He gets open quickly, can play inside and outside the hashes, has exemplary hands, and greater size/strength than people realize. Still feel like not having him last year in the playoffs ended our championship aspirations just as much as Belichick's surprising defensive adjustments. Still believe we would have won our second Super Bowl had Kupp been on the field for us. Going forward he should have another elite season particularly if the Rams improve their run game as expected. And the Rams will make room for him cap space-wise and get him locked up.

John Johnson seemed like he was on the cusp of being an elite player in 2018, and I had every belief he'd be one right now and still believe that were it not for his injury. So next season is a big one for him where he will be playing for his next contract and hopefully it'll be with the Rams, however whether they make room for him is going to factor in with Rapp's play not to mention Ramsey and whether they can lock him up. IMO at the very least and due to the cost of franchising a safety JJ will be kept around for 2 more seasons even if one of them is under the tag.

Samson Ebukam is another guy who's been on the cusp for a while and has flashed but not made that transition to consistent play. His lateral speed aside, he has a lot of things I like in my linebackers from physicality to motor and he does have the ability to be a plus starter still down the road. If the Rams transition to a 4-3 he might find his niche as a SAM in fact due to these things. But either way he's got a chance to stick around as a core player for us even if it's as a depth and teams type not to mention he's a great person and locker room type so I would expect the Rams to find a way to lock him up before next season particularly if they think he is in for a big season.

Tanzel Smart I am simply not a fan of. I cannot count how many times I've seen him washed out vs the run or stoned in his rush while spelling different positions on the line, and I don't see that changing even if they transition to a 4-3. Based on pure numbers that might allow him to stick around as depth for another season, but outside of that I project him to not make this roster for 2020. IMO he is a subpar player.

Rogers & Price couldn't stick of course. And Rogers' drafting in particular (i.e. McVay wanting a FB in this offense) is something that we might see the Rams try again in the form of one of the physical backs in this draft who have some hands.

In summary what I believe makes the 2017 draft special is the fact that the Rams found a bonafide elite player in Kupp along with a plus starter in Johnson in a draft that didn't have a first round pick. And to go further there are still 3 players in that draft (Everett, JRey and Ebukam) who might still establish themselves as something more.

Ohio considers whether being a Browns/Bengals fan qualifies for use of Medical Marijuana.

What is the world coming to...

So now it looks like both the 2017 Astros and the 2018 Red Sox cheated to steal signs in their World Series wins over the Dodgers.

Freakin' ridiculous.

Obviously the Dodgers can't really be awarded retroactive titles - but at some point they (and the other teams beaten by the cheaters in the playoffs) deserve some sort of compensation, and the two cheating teams need harsh penalties. What would be appropriate?

In a surprising move, the New York Giants are finalizing a contract with New England Patriots special teams coordinator and wide receivers coach Joe Judge, ESPN reported Tuesday morning.

Hours after New York product Matt Rhule reportedly spurned them in favor of a job with the Carolina Panthers, the Giants moved on their hire, finalizing a deal with the Philadelphia native Judge. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the two sides began hashing out a contract on Monday night, the same day Judge interviewed with the team.

Among speculated and reported candidates, Judge wasn't widely expected to land a head-coaching gig, and it appeared the Giants were still evaluating their options as of Tuesday, when NFL Network indicated the club had requested permission from the Dallas Cowboys to speak with soon-to-be ex-coach Jason Garrett. Judge is their guy now, however, tapped to replace Pat Shurmur and become the third full-time Giants head coach in five seasons.

A Mississippi State graduate who attended Lansdale Catholic in the Philly area, the 38-year-old is best known for his eight years with the Patriots, with whom he won three Super Bowl rings. Fresh off a 2019 season in which he guided New England's special-teams unit to a top-10 finish in kick and punt coverage while also coaching the club's wide receivers, Judge originally joined the team in 2012 as a special teams assistant. Three years into his Pats career, he was promoted to STs coordinator, where he oversaw units that helped New England capture Lombardi Trophies in 2016 and 2018.

Prior to joining the Patriots, Judge spent three seasons under Nick Saban as Alabama's special teams assistant, winning two national championships as part of the Crimson Tide. He began his full-time coaching career in 2008 at Birmingham-Southern, where he coached the Cougars' linebackers.

Goff's style of play reminds me of Philip Rivers with Goff having a stronger arm. Rivers has put up HOF type numbers over his long career and he never played behind anything better than a mediocre o-line. That's why I'm saying the key to this offense is the o-line. Keep Goff clean and he will put up bigtime numbers. He simply needs to learn to read the complexities of the defense better and quicker. Once he does, he's going to be not just a good franchise QB but truly an elite talent.

I'm really encouraged by the way the o-line is shaping up. Allen at center will plug the hole Blythe is creating and improve the inside run game. Whitworth's performance this year has clearly declined. As pointed out in a recent article he's needed more help this year than almost any LT. That's why IMO Noteboom will be the LT of the future and he looked very good at LT in 2018.

Gurley and Henderson have shown they can be a very good tandem if the blocking in front of them is simply up to par. IMO the offense is going to change. They aren't going to stay the finesse type of offense they were in 2018-2019. I think we are going to see a power offense, going straight at the defense challenging them to stop the Rams. We saw a bit of that in the first game that Evans and Edwards started together on the right side. Why Kromer didn't build on that is why IMO he's the problem behind the run game, not the RBs. It's why I see them incorporating a lead blocker be it a TE in an H-back alignment or a true FB like I expect them to draft in the mid-rounds (rounds 3-5). They aren't blind to how much success the Niners are having with their power gap scheme. The Rams have a better pass game with much deeper receiving corps. They would be very tough to stop.

That's why Kromer has to go because up to this point he hasn't shown he can run that type of scheme. I really hope they promote Fisch to OC (Kromer's position). IMO Fisch has been and will continue to be the real force behind Goff's development. It's no coincidence Goff's development coincided with the hiring of Fisch. He knows how to develop QBs and WRs. It's why this offensive passing game has been so good. The Rams need to promote him to really keep him and allow his offense to blossom. IMO Kromer is a roadblock to this offense continuing to develop. This offense looks like Fisch's work because of the way Goff has developed and his style of play and how the WRs have blossomed (especially Kupp) into a truly elite unit.

If they really want to keep Kromer then keep him simply as the RB's coach. Regardless of the coaching staff changes, I think we will see a whole new offense next year running a completely different scheme. It will be interesting to see and we will be able to understand a lot by how they draft. IMO it will still be mostly defense, but I see a FB or big back with 4.4-4.5 speed to replace Brown.

Overtime rules still need to change

After the Chiefs lost the AFC Championship in overtime, the Chiefs proposed a rule that would allow the team that kicks off to start the extra session a chance to match a first-possession touchdown. It wasn’t passed. It still needs to be, as evidenced by Sunday’s first-possession, walk-off touchdown from the Vikings in New Orleans.

The Kansas City proposal had some support, prompting Chiefs owner Clark Hunt to tell PFT Live last March that a revision to overtime for the postseason could be coming. The owners had tabled the subject until May (Cowboys COO Stephen Jones, a member of the Competition Committee, told #PFTPM that he supported it), and then instead of voting on the change the owners delayed consideration for a year.

The decision to table the matter for a year made little sense, but political and P.R. considerationslikely influenced an outcome that didn’t entail a failure to make overtime more equitable.

And equity continues to be the primary consideration. As to everyone who shouts “Just play defense!” the reality is that if the team that wins the coin toss scores a touchdown on the opening drive, it never has to play defense in overtime. Both teams should have to play offense and defense if the score is tied at the end of regulation of a postseason game.

On Tuesday, the XFL will be announcing its official first set of rules, and the overtime procedures at last check were expected to be a shootout-style two-point conversation competition lifted (we were happy to help) from one of the ideas proposed by PFT for making the extra session more fair. Here’s hoping the NFL is willing to consider creative alternatives like this, especially if the XFL’s approach is as compelling as it promises to be, with 22 players at each end of the field alternative two-point tries with the game on the line.

NFL, NFLPA have continued to make ‘incremental’ progress toward new CBA

Representatives of the NFL and the NFL Players Association have been addressing the central economic issue in their labor negotiations — the split of revenue between the sides — as they attempt to complete a deal for a new collective bargaining agreement that would extend beyond the 2020 season.

Owners and the NFLPA have been discussing proposals that would give the players about 48 percent of league revenue under the salary cap, according to multiple people familiar with the negotiations. That’s a slight increase from the players’ current share of revenue under the existing 10-year CBA and is in the range of what the owners have believed would be necessary to complete a deal, those people said.

One person close to the deliberations said the sides continue to make “incremental” process toward a potential agreement. It’s not clear at this point when such slow and steady movement might produce a deal.
Hopes had been buoyed that an agreement was possible by the end of the postseason, which would enable the NFL to announce a new labor deal at the Super Bowl.

That remains within reach, according to those people familiar with the deliberations, but it’s not certain that an agreement will be completed so soon. The next goal, if not by the Super Bowl, would be to have the deal completed by early March, when the new league year begins with the opening of the free agent market.

“The deal is there to be done,” said one person familiar with the talks, adding that the prospects for finalizing a new CBA depend on the willingness of each side to make the remaining necessary compromises.

It is believed that if the split of revenue is resolved, other issues will fall into place and a deal would be almost certain to be completed. It is not clear exactly how close the league and NFLPA are on that issue, though, because it’s not only about the percentage of revenue that the players receive. There is a closely related issue involving stadium credits, or the amount of revenue for stadium construction that is taken off the top, essentially, before the players receive their share. The two issues must be negotiated simultaneously.

If there’s no deal by early March, the negotiating dynamic could change because the players must elect new leadership at their annual NFLPA meetings that month. Former NFL offensive lineman Eric Winston’s term as union president is ending. Owners have seen their relationship with DeMaurice Smith, the union’s executive director, improve during this round of negotiating, but they wonder what would happen if the deal is not completed before the NFLPA player leadership changes.

The league and union have been negotiating in hopes of avoiding a repeat of the bitter standoff that led the owners to lock out the players before the 2011 labor deal was completed. The owners seem increasingly convinced that this CBA will include a 17-game regular season, although that would not necessarily have to begin in the first year of the deal. The preseason would be reduced if the regular season is lengthened. Some owners also believe the playoff field could expand from 12 to 14 teams at some point during the next CBA.

The sides have been discussing changes to the league’s drug policy regarding marijuana testing. It is also possible that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s authority in player disciplinary matters will be reduced.

Duuude, $340K to your girlfriend? Worse yet, she is wearing a Charger's hardhat?
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Gurley has spoken very highly of him in the past. That’s the reason he was one of if not the only offensive coach retained when McVay came onboard.

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Well, my first mock in 2020 is going to admittedly steal some ideas from @jrry32 , but here it goes, anyway!

Coaching:

Wade Phillips - Retire
Andy Avalos - Hire as our DC (Oregon DC)

(I love Son of Bum, but he just hasn't delivered this year, and he's over seventy. Avalos has overseen top defenses at Boise State and now Oregon. He runs a base 3-4 with quite a few interesting hybrid concepts (everything from a 4-4-3 to a 1-4-6). He'll be a great addition, even though he's young (36 years old), and Wade could possibly stick on as a consultant.)

Cut:

Eric Weddle
Clay Matthews

(Both of them have long overstayed their welcomes.)

Re-sign:

Jalen Ramsey - five years, 84 million overall.
Cooper Kupp - five years, 45 million overall.
Greg Zuerlein - three years, 9 million overall.
Andrew Whitworth - one year, 9 million.
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
Landis Durham - 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 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 because he'll be worth more on the open market. Zuerlein, for all his inconsistency, is still our best option at kicker. Dante Fowler is a tag-and-trade candidate. Morgan Fox is the only RFA who gets re-signed, and the others are ERFAs and practice squad candidates.)

Release:

Cory Littleton
Michael Brockers
Andrew Whitworth
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 - goes to another team. Brockers is unfortunately not going to stay either. I'm a bit worried about Whitworth declining at his age, so I reluctantly let him go. Christian goes for an opportunity to start, as well as Bortles. The others, I'm fine with losing.)

Free Agency:

Trades (and there's a lot of them):

Malcolm Brown to the Los Angeles Chargers for Forrest Lamp.

(Yeah, this is my favorite of Jerry's trades (his was with our sixth), but I'm putting my own spin on it. We're buying low, but a healthy Lamp could solidify our interior. The only problem is if he stays healthy, but given that I think that the Chargers upset - and were cursed by - a voodoo priestess, I think this'll work out for us. In exchange, they get a running back who can help Ekeler and do some of what Melvin Gordon - a pending free agent - did: be a bigger back who can protect Rivers and be an outlet in the passing game.)

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

(Another of Jerry's trades, moving NRC just makes sense, given his contract and our depth. The Bengals, in return, get a solid nickel cornerback with the ability to fit their scheme, in the absence of their starting nickel cornerback, who is a free agent this year.)

Robert Woods to the Las Vegas Raiders for 2020 third and 2021 fifth.

(Yet aother of Jerry's trades I'm stealing, Woods is our second best trade chip - second to Fowler - and due to Higbee's emergence, Reynolds and Everett vying for more snaps, and having to eventually pay him more, it unfortunately makes sense.)

Dante Fowler to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 2020 second and 2020 fourth.

(This one is still another idea of Jerry's - albeit one he didn't use in his mock, with a 2020 fourth instead of a 2021 fifth, and with a different team altogether. Fowler is an attractive trade option, for sure. Normally, it would be a second and a fifth, but I'm adding a fourth because teams will often bid highly for good pass-rushers.)

Rob Havenstein and 2020 sixth (ours) to the New York Jets for 2020 fourth.

(This, however, is my idea, only downsized a bit. I get that it's little to give up Havenstein for, but given that Evans/Edwards have just about beaten him out at right tackle, and that right tackle is the only position he can really play...well, that's my reasoning. As for why the Jets do it, they have little at offensive line, and less still at offensive tackle. They also have a coach in charge of the front office in Gase, so I wouldn't be shocked if he made personnel moves that are, ah, questionable, shall we say?)

Brandin Cooks and 2022 second to the Buffalo Bills for a 2020 fourth.

(Also my trade. Buffalo is a veteran team who was godawful with the pass. The only good receiver they had was John Brown, and he's a free agent this year. They also have tons of cap space (fifth-most, from what I've seen), so getting a receiver in his prime, even with the cap hit, is something they'd have to look at. For us, we get a pick for a receiver who hasn't lived up to his contract.)

2020 second (ours), 2020 third (Raiders), and 2020 fourth (ours) to the Baltimore Ravens for 2020 first and 2020 fourth.

(Yes, this is Jerry's trade, but I'm going a different route. No Biadasz, but I'll go for the center later.)

2020 third (compensatory for Saffold) to the New England Cheatriots for 2020 fourth, 2020 sixth, and 2020 sixth.

(Also taken from Jerry because Les Snead needs his favorite round to have picks in.)

2020 fourth (Ravens) and 2020 sixth (Bengals) to the Miami Dolphins for 2020 fifth round pick and 2020 fifth round pick.

(Also taken from Jerry. I have no shame.)

Draft:

1st (Ravens) - Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville. (6'7", 369 lbs./355 lbs.)

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(I know, I know, another first round offensive tackle. But seriously, though? Becton is well worth it. He's absolutely built to play tackle, and he has incredible dancing-bear-like athleticism, incredible vine-like length to keep defenders off him, incredible bulldozing strength when it comes to imposing his will against the run. His only - and I mean, only - concern is his weight. That's it. And while it's enough to cause him to maybe slip to the Ravens, he's like Cordy Glenn - and I've heard Bryant McKinnie comparisons as well. That's absolutely worth the pick.)

2nd (Buccaneers) - Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State. (6'1", 206 lbs.)

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(Aiyuk has incredible athleticism, is deadly with the ball in his hands, has great hands, and great route-running. He's basically a faster Robert Woods, in my view. Why is he only in the second round? Mainly because, well, he's in a stacked class of receivers, and partially because he's almost useless against the press. Either way? I'd love to have him in horns.)

3rd (ours) - Leki Fotu, DE, Utah. (6'5", 335 lbs.)

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(Fotu is an absolute monster when it comes to strength and surprising quickness for his size. He's got a hell of a motor for his size, outstanding against the run, can easily eat double and triple teams, and makes offenses pay if he's left with one to beat. He doesn't have the best lower-body, though and his leverage is poor at best. He needs more pass-rushing moves, as well. If anyone can unlock his potential, though, it's this team. And if I were this kid? I'd pay attention to AD when it comes to learning technique and leverage.)

4th (Jets) - Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan. (6'2", 208 lbs.)

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(The former number one wide receiver in his class, Peoples-Jones hasn't had a great start to his career. His stats will not wow you at all; you'll be wondering, instead, why the hell hasn't he produced? The simple answer could be the quarterback play, but that wouldn't explain it. I think he might be the rare athlete who performs better in the NFL than college. Anyway, onto the good: he breaks a lot of tackles and has good - not great - athleticism. He excels in the physical part of the game, as he's a willing blocker and defeats press-coverage rather easily. He presents a big target, and although he could use work on his hands, they aren't bad. He just lets too much of them into him. Either way, he could definitely be a starting wideout on this team.)

4th (Buccaneers) - Nekane Muti, OC/OG, Fresno State. (6'3", 307 lbs.)

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(OUR NEW CENTER, PEOPLE! Yes, I know that Muti hasn't really played center, but with cross-training and weight-rooms in the NFL, I think he could be a fixture at center. His movement skills are one-of-a-kind. He's got a serious mean streak in the run game, and loves to impose his will. His pass-protection needs work, but there's tons of potential there as well. His problem is that he's had numerous injuries in college, which has cost him all but one season: his redshirt-freshman year (as he even lost his true freshman year to injury. If he's ever healthy, though...he will be an elite center. You heard it here, and if I'm wrong, feel free to slam me.)

4th (Bills) - Luq Barcoo, CB, San Diego State., (6'1", 175 lbs.)

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(Barcoo had nine picks to lead the NCAA in interceptions. He also recorded sixteen other pass break-ups to tie for the lead. He's a lot like Marcus Peters...except he's a willing tackler and doesn't tend to freelance. Basically? He's like a homicidal magnet when it comes to the ball. He's better in zone coverage than man, but I think he could do either. His main problem is that he's rail-thin, but really, that's pretty much it. I have no idea why people aren't talking about him more.)

5th (Dolphins) - David Woodward, ILB, Utah State. (6'2", 235 lbs.)

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(I know that it seems like Woodward is low, but a history of concussions and an injury-plagued junior season will do that to one's draft stock. Still, Woodward has several good qualities. He has excellent man-coverage skills, and can easily cover tight ends and running backs both with his instincts. He hits hard, and is a hellion in the run game. He'd be a good pick here.)

5th (Dolphins) - Amik Robertson, CB, Louisiana Tech. (5'9", 183 lbs.)

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(The first thing you noticed about Robertson was his size, right? What if I told you that he's the active college leader in pass break-ups and interceptions? Yeah, he is. Robertson is simply explosive in the secondary. He will fearlessly hit a runner and wrap up, play press-man coverage, play the slot, basically do it all well. Unfortunately for him, his size is going to work against him, and that's the only reason why he falls this far.)

6th (Cheatriots) - Jeremy Chinn, SS, Southern Illinois. (6'3", 213 lbs.)

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(Chinn is a small school prospect with serious production: he's averaged three interceptions a year, and had four in his senior year. He's the absolute heart of his defense, a physical tone-setter who is instinctive and versatile enough to play nickel cornerback, in the box, or in a single high. He doesn't have the speed to play cornerback or single high at the next level, but the role that Rapp and Christian played would suit him perfectly.)

6th (Cheatriots) - Sewo Olonilua, RB, TCU. (6'3", 240 lbs.)

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(My first point I want to make: Olonilua is an athletic freak of nature. He squats 770 (705 as a double), benches 470, and runs a 4.47. I'm not making this shit up. And that athleticism translates to the football field. He's got quick feet, can bounce runs to the outside, but he's an absolute monster to take down. He will break through arm tackles and has been noted to drag defenders with him. Then why, you ask, is he in the seventh round? One of the reasons is that he was arrested on a felony drug charge (that he has since been off, to my knowledge.) He's been suspended a few times as well, aside from that. Also, his vision isn't the greatest. But seriously, in the sixth round, with the last selection, this is a solid pick.)

Roster: (italics = rookie, bold = starter.

QB - Jared Goff, John Wolford.
RB - Todd Gurley, Darrell Henderson, Sewo Olonilua.
WR - Cooper Kupp, Josh Reynolds, Brandon Aiyuk, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Nsimba Webster, Greg Dortch.
TE - Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett, Johnny Mundt, Kendall Blanton.
OL - Mekhi Becton, Forrest Lamp, Austin Corbett, David Edwards, Bobby Evans, Netane Muti, Joseph Noteboom, Chandler Brewer, Brian Allen.
DL - Aaron Donald, Leki Fotu, Greg Gaines, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Morgan Fox.
LB - Samson Ebukam, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Travin Howard, Micah Kiser, Justin Lawler, Natrez Patrick, David Woodward, Kenny Young, Jachai Polite, Jeff Holland.
DB - Jalen Ramsey, Troy Hill, John Johnson III, Taylor Rapp, David Long, Darious Williams, Luq Barcoo, Amir Robertson, Jeremy Chinn, Adonis Alexander, Jake Gervase.
ST - Greg Zuerlein, Johnny Hekker, Jake McQuaide.

Best player on the Rams.
Best Player in the NFL.
Best 3 Tech DT in NFL History. (STFU, Warren Sapp!)

Forty years ago today the Rams punch the ticket to their first Super Bowl defeating Tampa Bay 9-0.

Just saw on Twitter that Wade has been informed he will not be brought back

vote

Only one Playoff team from 2018 make final 8 in 2019

The NFL’s 12-team playoff field typically undergoes significant turnover. The final eight teams feature an almost complete overhaul from last year’s quarterfinalists.

Seven of the eight teams that played in last year’s divisional round won’t be back: the Colts, Chargers, Patriots, Cowboys, Rams, Saints, and Eagles.

The new seven are the Titans, Texans, Ravens, Vikings, Seahawks, Packers, and 49ers.

The only holdover? The Chiefs.

It’s the kind of extreme turnover that makes the NFL more interesting, and that gets fans to embrace the notion that, in any given year, they’re only one year away from turning things around.

Offseason Outlook: What are the options for Eric Weddle and the Rams in 2020?

After the Rams were eliminated from playoff contention their Week 16 loss to the 49ers, safety Eric Weddle's eyes began to well up as he spoke with reporters the next day, becoming emotional as thought of retirement crossed his mind during that conversation.

The 13-year veteran understands his future his uncertain, and he understands the rise of rookie Taylor Rapp and return of John Johnson III from injury could make him expendable. It's a possibility not only for those reasons, but because he has a team option in his contract for 2020.

If the Rams decline to pick it up prior to March 17 – the end of the current league year – he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

"I know how teams go, and organizations, and to go in that direction like that makes sense to not keep the old guy around," Weddle said on Dec. 22. "Like that’s the reality. If I’m the GM, I’m smart. I know how those things work, so I’m just enjoying this week and whatever the decision, whether it’s me or them, it’s all good.”

When Weddle spoke to reporters after the season finale against the Cardinals, he said he had not made an official decision yet on retiring. The decision on the Rams moving forward with Rapp and Johnson wasn't, and still isn't, set in stone either.

Johnson started all 16 regular season games and three postseason contests in 2018, including Super Bowl LIII, posting a career-high 119 tackles, 11 pass breakups, four interceptions and one forced fumble. His 119 tackles were the second-most by a non-linebacker in the NFL that season. Rapp, meanwhile, earned a starting role after Johnson was placed on injured reserve with a season-ending shoulder injury, doing so in 10 of 15 games as a rookie.

Though Rapp's starts came at strong safety, his designation position at Washington was reportedly free safety. If he stays at strong safety, however, it's possible Johnson could also move over to free safety, since Johnson also played that position in college.

It's possible Los Angeles could still pick up Weddle's option. However, Weddle also said he did not want to return to the team as a backup.

It's unclear exactly what the future holds for Weddle, but he seems prepared for what lies ahead regardless.

Before he makes that decision, though, his first order of business will be getting healthy. According to ESPN's Lindsey Thirty, Weddle needs knee surgery and shoulder surgery for nagging injuries he endured during the season.

I dreamed that the 49’s and Seahawks were getting ready to play in the NFC Championship Game!!! Please tell me that was just a Terrible/TERRIBLE NIGHTMARE!!!

GO Packers!!!
GO Vikings!!!

Cameron DaSilva

9 hours ago


Few teams have been more willing to use the franchise tag in recent years than the Los Angeles Rams. They tagged a player in three straight years from 2016-2018, with Trumaine Johnson receiving the first two tags and Lamarcus Joyner the third in 2018.
The Rams opted not to use it in 2019, seeing no viable candidates worth tagging at such a high price. The only possible options were Rodger Saffold and Joyner, who both signed elsewhere in free agency.

After taking a year off from playing tag, the Rams could get back into the game by using it on one of two players this year. Cory Littleton and Dante Fowler Jr. are viewed as the Rams’ most important free agents this offseason, and it’s possible neither will return in 2020.
Littleton has become one of the best linebackers in the NFL despite not earning a Pro Bowl nod, putting together an outstanding 2019 season with 134 tackles, 3.5 sacks and two interceptions. He can do it all from his inside linebacker spot, proving to be the Rams’ second-most valuable player behind Aaron Donald.
Fowler also had the best season of his career. He recorded 11.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss, ranking second on the team in both categories. His pass-rush win rate of 23% ranked ninth among all edge rushers, finishing in the company of players such as Za’Darius Smith, Jadeveon Clowney, Joey Bosa and Shaq Barrett.
Both players are going to be coveted in free agency, but the Rams can prevent one of them from reaching the market by using the franchise tag. Using the tag typically isn’t good business because of the strain it usually puts on the relationship between the team and player, but it can be a preventative measure to ensure a player is back in the same uniform for at least one more year.
Not only that, but it also opens the door for trades. Last offseason, six teams used the franchise tag. Three of those players were traded, with two of them signing extensions with their new teams. Clowney was dealt from the Texans to the Seahawks after holding out, while Seattle also traded Frank Clark to Kansas City after he was tagged. Clark replaced Dee Ford, who the Chiefs traded to the 49ers.
If the Rams were to tag either Fowler or Littleton, they’d cost the same because in the NFL’s eyes, they play the same position. They’re both considered linebackers, even though they have completely separate responsibilities.
The projected franchise tag for linebackers in 2020 is $16.27 million fully guaranteed. For a defensive end – if Fowler played in a 4-3 scheme – the tag is projected to cost $19.316 million. That’s a significant difference, obviously.
The target price for Littleton is probably in the range of what Shaq Thompson ($13.6 million per year) and Jaylon Smith ($11.4 million per year) got in the last year. He can shoot for Bobby Wagner and C.J. Mosley’s range of $17-18 million per year, but he probably won’t get that.
That makes the $16.27 million tag an expensive one for someone like Littleton. The Rams would be far better off signing him to an extension and locking him up long-term for around $13 million per year.
For Fowler, though, the tag wouldn’t be a bad idea. At $16.27 million, Fowler would rank 12th among all edge rushers in average salary. He can probably earn what Ford got from the 49ers ($17.1 million per year) last offseason on a long-term deal, but it’s unlikely the Rams would break the bank with a long-term extension at that price.
It’s still very early in the process, but there’s no doubt the franchise tag is on the table for Los Angeles this offseason. Andrew Whitworth, Michael Brockers and Greg Zuerlein are also eligible to be tagged, but paying them what the franchise tender is worth in 2020 would not be a wise move by the Rams.
It’ll likely come down to Littleton and Fowler, if Los Angeles decides to use it at all.

Cameron DaSilva

10 hours ago
The NFL rewards players who outperform their draft position and earn significant playing time in their first three seasons, and four Rams players are earning raises in 2020 as a result. That’s done with Proven Performance Escalators, which players drafted in the third round or later can qualify for.
In order to earn the PPE, players either have to play 35% of their team’s snaps (offense or defense) in two of their first three years, or play at least 35% of the total snaps over the course of their first three seasons.

For 2020, these PPEs go to players drafted in 2017. The Rams nailed that draft class and have gotten key contributions from players selected that year, primarily with Cooper Kupp and John Johnson. Josh Reynolds and Samson Ebukam have also played key roles in the last three years and all three qualify for PPEs in 2020.
Kupp has played 63.7% of the snaps in his career, with Johnson playing 65.9%. Both players missed significant time in the last two years due to injury, each landing on IR. Ebukam was a starter in 2018 and has played 50.7% of the defensive snaps, while Reynolds has played 41.9%.
All four players will see their salaries increase in 2020, and not by an insignificant amount. Their base salaries will rise to the lowest restricted free agent tender amount in 2020, which is projected to be $2.144 million, according to Over The Cap.
Here’s how much each player’s base salary was set to be in 2020 before earning PPEs.

• Kupp: $961,169
• Johnson: $775,577
• Reynolds: $735,000
• Ebukam: $735,000

This will have an impact on the salary cap for the Rams, costing the team about $4.6 million more than originally expected. Of course, the Rams knew these raises were coming, so it’s not as if this is a surprise to Les Snead and the front office. If the salary cap is $200 million in 2020, the Rams will have about $21 million in cap space after these raises take effect.
All four players will also be free agents in 2021.

He was an exceptional player even if it was for the Bears. His body just never could get healthy and stay there so he's getting out before it's too late. Like his brother a smart move by a smart guy. Best of luck little Long.

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