Interesting...

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2019/05/02/nfl-rams-josh-carraway-sign-free-agent/

I look at small school guys as potential hits when it comes to UDFAs.

These guys are not getting scouted like big school kids do and the level of competition often downgraded them to no fault of their own.

This kid has a shot. Big WR from small school.

WR Justin Sumpter, Kennesaw State

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https://bleacherreport.com/articles...be-bracing-for-the-end-of-the-todd-gurley-era
The Rams May Already Be Bracing for the End of the Todd Gurley Era
Mike TanierMay 2, 2019


There's a sense of tragedy built into the brief careers of great running backs like Todd Gurley II. As soon as we really get to know and appreciate them, it's almost time to say goodbye.

When we last saw Gurley, the Rams' $57.5 million All-Pro running back looked like he was in danger of Thanos-poofing out of existence.

Gurley was an MVP candidate in the first 12 games of last season. After a pair of poor games in December, he sat out the final two regular-season games, resting what was thought to be a minor knee injury.

In the playoffs, Gurley split carries with C.J. Anderson, a lovable waiver-wire veteran who looked like he had been trying to stay in shape at Old Country Buffet before the Rams called him. Anderson saw the bulk of the action in the NFC Championship Game while Gurley rushed just four times for 10 yards, one goal-line touchdown and several blunders. Neither back could get anything going in the Super Bowl as Gurley rushed just 10 times for 35 yards and the Rams offense bricked in a 13-3 loss to the Patriots.

In the months since that loss, the Rams have acquired a suspiciously large amount of Gurley insurance.

First, the Rams matched an offer sheet from the Lions during free agency to keep running back Malcolm Brown in Los Angeles for two more seasons. Brown was Gurley's backup before a late-season clavicle injury prompted the Rams to rent Anderson's services.

The Rams then traded a pair of late third-round picks to move to the early third round of the draft to select Memphis running back Darrell Henderson. Between the trade for Henderson and the matched offer for Brown, the Rams clearly prioritized the back end of their running back depth chart.

Meanwhile, Gurley's knee remains a source of mystery.

Anderson said on Undisputed in February that Gurley was far more injured in the playoffs than "everybody in the building thought, including himself." John Breech of CBSSports.com reported in March the team could consider a stem-cell treatment for Gurley's knee; Sean McVay vaguely conceded "new methods" and a "program" for Gurley's knee were being discussed.

Maybe this is all just much ado about some minor transactions and a lingering sprain. Or maybe this is the beginning of the end for Gurley and the Rams.


Memphis running back Darrell Henderson was drafted by the Rams in the third round, the place from which more than a few eventual star running backs have emerged in recent seasons.John Raoux/Associated Press
Now before we get carried away and tell you to trade Gurley off your fantasy dynasty league or something, let's be clear: There are many reasons to think the Rams are just taking reasonable precautions about Gurley's health, not laying the groundwork to something earth-shattering:

• Gurley told reporters (per the Rams website) in mid-April that his knee feels fine, that he feels better after some rest, that he doesn't need any unusual procedure and so forth.
• Gurley has also been supportive of Brown (advocating for his backup to get a pay raise) and Henderson (he sent a congratulatory tweet, our culture's most sincere expression of true feelings), so he doesn't sound too worried about his job security.
• McVay said the team selected Henderson because of his unique skill set, which provides a "different threat" for their offense. The 5'8" Henderson does indeed look like more of a handy change-of-pace back than a threat to take anyone's starting job. And Brown has never been more than the guy who soaks up carries when Gurley needs a breather.
• Gurley rushed for 1,251 yards, added 580 receiving yards and scored 21 touchdowns in 14 regular-season games last year. He still looked pretty darn amazing as of early December.
• Here's the biggie: Gurley is in just the second year of the four-year, $57.5 million deal he signed in July. He's already guaranteed a huge hunk of cash for the 2020 season because of some shrewd contract triggers designed to protect Gurley from ruthless NFL running back economics (bum knee + two bad games + hotshot rookie = INSTANT CAP CASUALTY).

That's a lot of caveats to slalom through before we bid a premature farewell to the Gurley era. The official story—Henderson is just here to catch some screen passes; Gurley will be fine—is mostly convincing.

Yet the official story during the playoffs and Super Bowl, from both McVay and Gurley, was also that Gurley was healthy. Gurley claimed he just had a "sorry as hell" game against the Saints. McVay pretended giving C.J. Dadbod lots of extra carries was a tactical decision.

Sure, they were dis-informing the Patriots by concealing Gurley's injury. But it sounds like they are still practicing information control. And what happens if Gurley rushes 10 times for 35 yards in some September game and a "different threat" like Henderson has a big game? Will we be talking about keeping Gurley fresh for the late season and playoffs? Or will we be talking about stem cells, mystery injuries and perhaps second thoughts about a very expensive investment?

Not even a two-time All-Pro like Gurley is immune to the powerful forces that shape the careers of running backs:

Running back careers are short. Gurley is just 24 years old but already has absorbed 1,229 NFL touches, many of them grueling journeys between the tackles during the Jeff Fisher dark ages. The football encyclopedias are full of running backs whose careers peaked around their fourth seasons and/or 25th birthdays. For a recent, unfortunate example: Check out how things have gone for Devonta Freeman since the Falcons' Super Bowl.

The difference between good and great at running back is slight. The Rams watched Anderson walk off the street last year and gain 299 yards in two late-season games, so they understand the concept of replacement value at the position. Gurley at his best is a difference-maker worth every penny of an eight-figure salary. Gurley at about 90 percent of his best can be replaced by a third-round pick.


C.J. Anderson arrived in L.A. via the waiver wire last season and emerged as the Rams' primary ball-carrier through much of the postseason.Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
Rookie running backs are drafted to play. Henderson was selected in the third round, just like Alvin Kamara, Kareem Hunt, David Johnson, Duke Johnson, Tevin Coleman, James Conner and others in years past. Third-round running backs have a habit of starting out as "different threats" and becoming the primary threat or the successor to an expensive, underperforming (or disgruntled) veteran.

In the wake of the Odell Beckham Jr. trade, there's no such thing as an indispensable superstar, and even players with guaranteed money left on their contracts can wind up on the market under the right set of circumstances.

The ideal situation for the Rams—and for fans who love watching outstanding running backs and hate seeing careers cut short so quickly—will be for Gurley's knee to spring back to health so he can enjoy another 1,800 scrimmage-yard season. Anderson can munch the fourth-quarter clock, Henderson can do Darren Sproles-like stuff, and everyone will forget last year's postseason disappearance as a fresh Gurley trucks and hurdles defenders in this season's playoffs.

That's what the Rams want, for Henderson, Anderson and the talk about alternative knee therapies to be just a contingency plan.

But after an offseason of vague stonewalling and bolstering the running back depth chart, the contingency looks less and less like a fallback option and more like the plan of attack.

From the Rams web site. Part two of three parts.

https://www.therams.com/news/inside...a0YVU_R7lI0anDP2zWiFeLYLUmAPl2Nh2keXaxj_A1TXo

Inside the draft room: Four trades, four picks on Day 2

Myles Simmons
RAMS INSIDER

This is part two of our three-part Inside the Draft Room series. If you missed part one, you can check it out here.

After trading out of the No. 31 overall pick on Thursday night, the Rams entered the second day of the 2019 NFL Draft with four selections slated for the second and third rounds — No. 45, No. 79, No. 94, and No. 99.

While Los Angeles would end Friday night having selected four players, only one would come from of the four initial positions.


Even before the Cardinals officially came on the clock at about 4 p.m., general manager Les Snead was fielding a trade proposal in the draft room. And a few minutes after, he provided a clue about what was to come in an interview with therams.com.

"What I do know about this — things happen a little quicker this round than they do last night,” Snead said. “So you get a lot of calls, it’s fast and furious. So looking forward to analyzing what happens when we get to around pick 45, and then seeing if there’s an opportunity to move back and acquire more shots at the basket in the top 100.”


Both Snead and head coach Sean McVay referred to selecting multiple players in the top 100 as one of Los Angeles’ primary objectives in this year’s draft. As Snead put it, Los Angeles had been able to acquire solid, starting-caliber players like wide receiver Cooper Kupp and safety John Johnson in that range recently, and felt they could draft the same kind of quality individuals.

As the beginning of the second round progresses, Snead paces back and forth in the rear of the draft room. There are grease boards in the back of the room, too, and Snead periodically reviews what’s written down on them with senior personnel advisor Taylor Morton and director of college scouting Brad Holmes.

While the phones have been ringing throughout the round, calls begin to come in just as Snead described — fast and furious — once the draft hits No. 40 overall. Snead, head coach Sean McVay, executive vice president of football operations Kevin Demoff, and vice president of football and business administration Tony Pastoors evaluate the proposals as they come in. One particular proposal Pastoors fielded clearly wasn’t going to work, simply based on the faces Snead and McVay make once they hear it.

While there were a couple realistic proposals on the table when the Rams came on the clock at No. 45, New England’s won out. Pastoors called the league to make the swap official, and the Rams acquired No. 56 and No. 101 for No. 45 overall.

This gave the Rams essentially five selections in the top 100 — that is, if you still count No. 101 as one of them since it’s just outside of it. But this is where the Rams’ brass really started to delve into who they wanted to pick.

Snead, McVay, Morton, and Holmes were standing in the middle of the room. They have two key players they like, and they were strategizing on the best way to acquire both of them.


And given how the group has apparently made both players a priority, it’s somewhat surprising that the club trades down at No. 56 to acquire No. 61 and No. 167 from Kansas City. But the Rams (we’d find out, correctly) projected that no other teams would want to select their targeted players. And that gave L.A. another asset to use in a later trade — which they would execute the next day.

With Snead and the Rams continuing to wheel and deal, Snead did tell one caller, “We’re absolutely gonna move around.”

Those in the room were quiet, as there was some understandable nervous energy watching names come off the board in the lead up to No. 61. There was certainly a confidence that the two targets would still be there, based on all the work L.A. had done to prepare for this year’s draft, including looking at the needs of other teams. But as Snead often says, the 31 other “enemies” could foil the Rams’ best-laid plans.

But that doesn’t happen. When the Rams come on the clock, they’re able to get the first priority target: Washington safety Taylor Rapp. Morton comes over to scouting assistant Ryon Lynn — who’s on the headset with Los Angeles’ reps in Nashville — telling him the name for Los Angeles’ first official card of 2019. Lynn has those in Nashville repeat the name back to him, but then hold the card so Snead can dial up the player and give him the news.

As Snead says, “Taylor? This is Les Snead, general manager, Los Angeles Rams,” Morton tells Lynn to have those in Nashville turn the card in.

After three trades back, the Rams officially have their first pick of the 2019 draft at No. 61.


While there is applause as Lynn announces the Rams’ pick to the room, the team is quickly back to work in trying to acquire the second target on the list. Snead, McVay, Pastoors, and Demoff all work the phones to try to trade back up and get a running back who McVay feels has the specific skillset to be the kind of change-of-pace player L.A. hasn’t had with McVay. Some of the trade proposals appear close to being executed, but they’re contingent on the player the trade partner wants not being on the board.

After a couple of potential swaps fall through, the Rams find their dancing partner in the Buccaneers, who agree to send No. 70 to Los Angeles in exchange for No. 94 and No. 99. The trade happens quickly, as L.A. gets on the clock and Morton tells Lynn to have the Nashville reps fill out the card for Darrell Henderson, running back out of Memphis.

Two targets acquired. The room is all smiles as Snead calls Henderson to give him the news.

“This is what you love,” McVay says as Snead dials the phone, knowing he now has an offensive weapon who averaged 8.9 yards per carry in 2017 and 2018 at his disposal.

Since the Rams traded two of their late third-round picks to move up and select Henderson, there isn’t much time before the club is back on the clock at No. 79. Just before the pick happens, Snead and McVay have cornerbacks coach Aubrey Pleasant come into the room — an indication that L.A. is leaning toward his position. Pleasant clearly likes the player, and that’s all the confirmation the room needs — L.A. is picking Michigan cornerback David Long.

Of course, the Rams weren’t quite done on day two — illustrating just how prescient Snead was when he told the earlier team that his club would be moving around. Los Angeles executes one last trade on Friday, giving up No. 101 and No. 133 to acquire No. 97 and No. 162 from New England in order to pick offensive lineman Bobby Evans out of Oklahoma.


Much like the Long choice at No. 79, run game coordinator/offensive line coach Aaron Kromer comes in as L.A. is about to make the pick. And after speaking to Evans on the phone, Kromer is all smiles as he exits the draft room.

“Thanks for the present!” he says, giving out fist bumps to fellow members of the Rams’ staff. “Appreciate the present!”

This is part two of our three-part Inside the Draft Room series. If you missed part one, you can check it out here.

https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/05/01/n...l&utm_campaign=themmqb&utm_source=twitter.com

SAFETY FIRST (OR AT LEAST SECOND)
Expanding your defensive scheme almost always involves safeties, the most maneuverable pieces on the chessboard. Lately, with offenses using more flex tight ends and running the ball out of three-receiver sets, defenses have taken to replacing their third linebacker with a third safety, putting more athleticism on the field. And so it’s no surprise that, after free agency this year brought sizable contracts to a host of safeties (Landon Collins, Earl Thomas, Tyrann Mathieu, Lamarcus Joyner, Adrian Amos and, on the second tier, Kenny Vaccaro, Tashaun Gipson and Eric Weddle), this draft also proved how highly teams value the position. Since 2010, NFL drafts have averaged 4.7 safeties taken in the first two rounds, but this year, teams selected six pure safeties in those rounds (including Darnell Savage, the first one off the board, at 21 to the Packers), plus two more who may well play the position (Joejuan Williams in New England and Lonnie Johnson in Houston).

Source

Nick Scott was watching the NFL scouting combine on television March 4, and wishing he was there, when his relationship with the Los Angeles Rams began.

Scott, a Penn State safety who grew up in Lancaster, was in Fort Lauderdale, Florida training for a shot at a pro career. After a workout, he went back to his hotel and turned the TV to NFL Network. Defensive backs, Scott’s peers, were testing at the combine.

Scott’s phone rang, an unfamiliar number. It was John Fassel, the Rams’ special teams coordinator.


“I’m here in Indy, sitting in the stands,’’ Fassel said. “I’ve got your highlights up, and I’m wondering why in the heck you’re not here.’’

Scott had been a foundational special teams player at Penn State, special teams captain in 2017 and defensive captain in 2018. But most media outlets that rate potential draftees didn’t even have a rating for him.

Fassel, and the Rams, were exceptions.

That March day, on the phone, Fassel told Scott, “I’m going to to everything I can to get you drafted for the Los Angeles Rams.’’

They chose Scott in the seventh round, with the 243rd pick.

When Fassel called this time, Scott said, “What’s up, coach? You kept your word. I appreciate it.’’

Back in State College, Penn State coach James Franklin was posting on Twitter a video of his daughter, Addy, seeming to have an hysterical fit.

She was hysterically happy for Scott, whom Franklin described in the tweet as, “my daughter’s big brother and role model.’’

By the end of the video, Addy had pulled herself together enough to say, “Congratulations, …. I miss you.’’

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The friendship began when some Penn State players were visiting Addy’s school, and a pickup football game broke out.

“She was having a bad day,’’ Scott said. “She didn’t want to play. I said, what if I put you on my shoulders and go out and play. So we did that, and eventually she got down and started running around on her own.

“Ever since then, me being a goofy guy, still having a considerable inner child that comes out, we’ve been like peas on a pod.’’

The Rams have nine safeties on their roster, including a veteran free agent, Eric Weddle, signed in March, and a second-round pick in this draft, Taylor Rapp.

Special teams appear to be Scott’s meal ticket for now.

“I do see myself as a safety first,’’ he said, “But I have a lot of experience, and a lot of passion, for special teams. It’s a phase of the game I’ve really grown to love.’’

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In todays age of TV viewing, the commercial is going by the wayside. Companies have to get even more creative to capture the attention of the consumer.

While I fast-forward as much as the next guy, every once in a while I run into a commercial that deserves credit for it's humor and creativity. As someone who spent time writing, and voicing radio commercials, it leaves me saying, "why didn't I think of that?"

This thread is dedicated to those commercials. You guys have a favorite commercial you remember? Here's one as an example to start it off...



Login to view embedded media View: https://youtu.be/KI-OCTBJP5M

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2019/04/30/nfl-draft-class-salary-cap-rams-space/
Rams have $4.65M in cap space to sign 2019 draft class, free agents
By: Cameron DaSilva

The Los Angeles Rams entered the 2019 NFL draft with seven total selections, including one in the first round. After moving around the board with six trades – three of which were with the Patriots – the Rams finished with eight picks.

As of now, Los Angeles has just enough money to sign its 2019 draft class. The Rams have $4.65 million in cap space without including the incoming class of rookies, which is the fifth-lowest in the NFL.

According to Over The Cap, their eight draft picks will cost $5.3 million based on the structured contracts at each draft slot. However, the effective cap space needed is just $1.33 million. That means they have enough cap space to sign their rookies, but not much else.

Fortunately, their draft class won’t cost nearly as much as most other teams’ because they didn’t have a first-round pick. For comparison, the Giants’, Cardinals’ and Raiders’ classes will all cost them upwards of $13 million.

If the Rams want to free up additional money, they could restructure Johnny Hekker’s contract to create $1.74 million in cap space. The same goes for Nickell Robey-Coleman, whose restructured contract would save the Rams $2.1 million in 2019.

Last year, the Rams waited until June to sign their 2018 draft class, being the last team to get its rookies under contract. They like to teach their players about financial responsibility before signing them to lucrative contracts, which is smart.

I have no clue, personally, although I have high expectations from this whole draft class. So expectations are already pretty high.

I will say this. I predict that at least 2 of our draftees will be huge positive surprises. I just don’t know which two. Lol.

And I predict that at least one UDFA will really show up and make us ask how he never got drafted.

Okay, I’m gonna stick my neck out and make a guess from among the draftees. And this is hard because I’m so impressed with the whole class, especially the top 5 picks.

Hmmmmm...

This may surprise you, at least a little bit, but my nominee is Gaines. I’ve just got a feeling here. Sure, everybody has high expectations for this kid. But I predict that he will exceed even those already high expectations. Not only do I think he’s gonna be a starter, but I think he’s gonna be a beast next to AD. And I can only imagine what AD will now be able to accomplish.

At least one of Rapp, Henderson, Long, or Edwards will probably exceed our high expectations, too. Heck, maybe all of them.

Ain’t it great to be a Ram fan these days?

i know there was an injury thread but for some reason can’t find it despite searching. So maybe it’s time for a new one for 2019? Merge if there already is one.

Anyway, let’s get the offseason injury gauntlet started with the Raiders.

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https://www.cbsnews.com/news/matthe...ightning-runs-100-meter-dash-in-9-98-seconds/

Teen nicknamed "White Lightning" runs 100-meter dash in 9.98 seconds — fast enough for the Olympics
By Caitlin O'Kane

April 30, 2019 / 5:07 PM / CBS News

A high school senior in Texas just ran a 100-meter dash in 9.98 seconds — that's fast enough to be an Olympic final. Runner Matthew Boling, nicknamed "White Lightning," broke his school's record, and he may even be the fastest high school sprinter in the country, KHOU-TV reports.

Boling, who attends Strake Jesuit College Prep in Houston, clocked an astounding 100-meter dash in 10.22 seconds last month, according to KHOU-TV. That was just the track star hitting his stride. Last week, Boling announced on Twitter that he broke his personal record.

New PR and 100m high school record all conditions, 9.98 #AMDG pic.twitter.com/bLAekQnx0z

— Matthew Boling (@matthew_boling1) April 28, 2019
"New PR and 100m high school record all conditions, 9.98," he wrote. The tweet received more than 11,000 retweets and several people responded with the hashtag #WhiteLightning.

While I admit these are cursory ideas with no “insider” sources, there are logical reasons I believe the following projections are likely.

The Rams Left Tackle of the future is...Rob Havenstein. Both tackles drafted in 19 are too limited athletically for LT but can develop nicely on the right side. Like many, I see Noteboom as the permanent replacement for Saffold and stays at LG who can swing elsewhere if injuries dictate.

Taylor Rapp is Barron’s replacement, not Weddle’s. He will be in several packages this year in a similar role depending on the offense Wade faces.

Henderson should become the primary kick returner. I haven’t seen any discussions on this, but I prefer him to Jo Jo in ball security and sturdiness.

While not a projection, I’m wondering out loud if moving Ekuban inside and Littleton outside has merit. Does anyone else think Samson is stouter and Cory more athletic and therefore slightly miscast?

While many see Long as Talib’s replacement, I just can’t forget how long Wade tried to make Peters a press corner with disastrous results. I’ve seen some call long a slot guy but that sounds silly w NRC on board. While he may or may not be Peter’s replacement, I believe his packages this year will be in that role.

What think ye mates?

https://www.therams.com/news/inside-the-draft-room-rams-trade-back-on-day-1

Inside the draft room: Rams trade back on Day 1

It’s Thursday, April 25 at about 4:45 in the afternoon — the first day of the 2019 NFL Draft. Across the country, men and women of the league’s 32 teams are finishing up a final phone check, making sure each team can get in touch with one another just in case there’s an enticing trade proposal.

Inside the Rams draft room at their Cal Lutheran facility in Thousand Oaks, scouting assistant Tory Woodbury takes his seat in the back-left corner of the room where he’ll be on the phone with the team’s representatives at the site of the NFL Draft in Nashville. While the Rams have screens at each seat to display picks as they come through electronically, it’s Woodbury’s job to communicate everything that’s going on in Nashville — team selections, trades, and, most importantly, when the Rams are on the clock.

As he slips on the headset, Woodbury remarks that he wouldn’t be surprised if the Rams traded their first-round pick to gain extra selections. Woodbury’s a former pro quarterback, and head coach Sean McVay will later say to him, “I know your cadence came in strong,” after hearing Woodbury call out the picks throughout the first round.

But before NFL commissioner Roger Goodell steps to the podium in Nashville, senior personnel advisor Taylor Morton comes to Woodbury just to go over the draft procedures one last time — Morton will be the one to communicate Los Angeles’ pick to Woodbury, who will then tell the representatives Nashville, who will write the name on the card to turn it in.

Simple, really. But it must be done right.

Assembled staff are fairly quiet as the draft starts. With four big screens in the middle of the room, the Rams’ electronic draft board lies on the two center screens. NFL Network and ESPN’s telecast of the NFL Draft sandwiches the board to the left and right. There’s an additional, smaller screen with the official time left for teams on the clock above these four. And to the left of the room, there’s a projector screen displaying the last few picks and the picks to come.

There is, however, a bit of stirring when Woodbury announces Arizona’s No. 1 overall pick — quarterback Kyler Murray out of Oklahoma.

McVay tells the room that even though Murray will be a twice-a-year opponent for the foreseeable future, the silver lining is that Los Angeles won’t have to face him in new Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s offense until late in the season — when there will be a substantial amount of NFL tape to break down.

This happens around 5:15. The Rams’ selection isn’t until No. 31 overall, so there’s still hours before the club will be on the clock. Because of that, McVay and general manager Les Snead occasionally disappear to another room to ostensibly meet privately about plans for the first-round pick. But they’re in the draft room enough that it becomes clear toward the backend of the first round that the club’s first-round dream-scenario targets were off the board.

And once the draft selections reach the mid-20s — with Oakland, Baltimore, and Washington on the clock, for instance — the phones start to ring more often for Snead, McVay, executive vice president of football operations Kevin Demoff, and vice president of football and business administration Tony Pastoors.

Between the four men, you’d probably need a few hands to count the amount of times a person on the other end of the line heard, “We’ll get back to you.” At about 8 p.m., 40 minutes before the Rams would get on the clock, McVay asks if Atlanta’s trade proposal — No. 31 and No. 203 for No. 45 and No. 79 — was the best, receiving nods in the affirmative.

Around five minutes later, Denver’s potential interest in quarterback Drew Lock is brought up in the room — since he was still on the board as the first round was coming to an end. In his Monday Football Morning in America column, NBC Sports’ Peter King had actually put in his mock draft that the Rams could trade with the Broncos for exactly that reason.

Of course, nothing on this comes to fruition, and the Broncos eventually draft Lock at No. 42 on Friday.

The potential trade offers continue to come in even as the Seahawks trade back to the Giants at No. 30 overall so that New York can take Georgia cornerback Deandre Baker.

At that point, it’s 8:40 and the Rams are on the clock.

It’s clear the team will trade back, as Morton comes over to Woodbury and asks to have the contingent in Nashville confirm the time on the clock. They do, and the time in the draft room is correct.

There’s no sense of panic, and in all it’s not as tense as it might be were the Rams unsure of their plan. But L.A. has been working through these types of scenarios for weeks, so the course of action is clear. The Rams have accepted the Falcons’ proposal, so now Pastoors gets on the phone with the league to officially call in the trade. Pastoors’ conversation couldn’t have taken more than 40 seconds, and when he hangs up, he lets the room know, “We’re out.”

The Falcons logo appears on the “on the clock” screen, as Woodbury announces to the room that Atlanta has selected offensive lineman Kaleb McGary with the 31st overall pick.

With all this coming at the end of the first round, there’s not much more to watch after the Falcons’ pick. New England takes Arizona State wide receiver N’Keal Harry at No. 32, and that’s all she wrote for Day 1.

“It’s good — it’s what we wanted,” McVay says to the room of the first-round trade. “Good job.”

https://www.sportsaldente.com/rams-draft-rebuilt-several-key-positions-at-a-low-cost/
Rams Draft Rebuilt Several Key Positions At A Low Cost
Chauncey Telese April 30, 2019


Another NFL Draft is in the books and the Rams’ draft was another win for General Manager Les Snead. The team came in with a few positional groups it needed to rebuild and they did so by adding high-value talent at a low cost. If Snead has yet another draft where he gets multiple blue-chip players out of it, the Rams will continue to be set up for the long term. NFL Twitter may have dunked on the Rams a bit for trading down but in the end, they got five players in the top 100 picks, all of whom can make an impact this year.

Taylor Rapp – S, Washington
After trading out of the first round and then trading down in the second, the Rams drafted Rapp who many had as a late first rounder. Teams were likely scared off by a hip injury that occurred prior to the Rose Bowl. Rapp told reporters that the injury was no longer a concern and he is ready to go. He provides both much-needed depth behind John Johnson III and Eric Weddle and the potential to be a starter once Weddle retires or his contract expires.

Rapp’s been praised for his motor, his football IQ, and his skills in man coverage. He has the reputation of being a great tackler but has a Bob Sanders/Roy Williams tendency to lay the hammer down too much and take unnecessary punishment. If he can develop by the time Weddle is gone the Rams will have one of the scariest safety duos in the league. He was an absolute steal at the end of the second round.

Darrell Henderson – RB, Memphis
This pick surprised both fans and analysts. Sure, there was speculation that the Rams’ draft board would have room for a running back given Todd Gurley‘s knee situation, which Turf Show Times has dubbed the “patella novella”, but this soon and this particular running back was definitely a surprise.

Henderson scored 31 touchdowns in his three seasons at Memphis. He was yet another player that somehow fell to the Rams. Henderson ran a 4.49 40 at the combine and is explosive enough to level Avengers Headquarters. There are questions about his ability to adapt when the holes aren’t there and he isn’t great at shedding tacklers but in the open field, he’s Barry Allen.

Gurley’s knees are going to be a question mark until the end of time. Malcolm Brown was retained to be the immediate solution to an injured Gurley but Henderson won’t be buried on the depth chart like the soon to be departed John Kelly. Even if Gurley is “healthy”, Sean McVay indicated that Henderson could be that change of pace back he so desperately wanted.

David Long – CB, Michigan
The Rams’ draft board netted yet ANOTHER steal in the third round. Long played in Los Angeles while attending Loyola High School and his time at Michigan allowed him the ability to play in cold weather. More importantly, though, he ran a 4.45 40 and was so productive at Michigan that he was rarely thrown to because of his ability to recognize routes and doesn’t get caught out of position by receivers. Long also possesses tremendous footwork and football IQ. He will serve as Aqib Talib‘s replacement but could easily step in for what is a thin corner group, especially if the team trades the disgruntled Troy Hill.

Bobby Evans – OT, Oklahoma
The Rams last third-round selection netted them a quality tackle to develop behind the soon to be retired Andrew Whitworth. Evans started at both sides and has received high marks for his upper body/core strength as well as his technical skills. The knocks against him are his lack of speed and agility as well as his lack of blocking moves. Luckily Aaron Kromer is adept at whipping lineman into shape so this is all fixable. Last year the Rams fixed the interior of their line and the rebuild of their line continues on the outside.

Greg Gaines – DL, Washington
Gaines is the most likely candidate to start on day one. He was drafted to play inside so that Michael Brockers can remain at defensive end. He’s replacing Ndamukong Suh and while he can’t match Suh’s skill set he’s not a complete drop-off. Gaines is another guy with a killer motor and is explosive out of his stance. He’s athletic enough to shed blockers, split double teams, and can create a ton of pressure. The cons to him though are his lack of pass rush moves and his below-average agility balance. He’s a high effort guy so hopefully, he can correct some of those issues.

David Edwards – OT, Wisconsin
This was the first Rams’ draft pick that received skepticism. Edwards is yet another pick used to provide depth and take over for Andrew Whitworth once his watch has ended. The problem is, last season Edwards was easier to get past than Euron Greyjoy’s security team. On the plus side, he’s got solid quickness and is skilled at run blocking. He’s got quick feet and handwork. He’s definitely a Chip and Joanna style fixer-upper but he’s got time since Evans is likely to get the majority of the backup reps.

Nick Scott – S, Penn State
The Rams get some solid depth at safety as well as a guy who can contribute immediately on special teams. He’s got tremendous explosion and ran a 4.43 at the combine. He’s aggressive and is big enough to match up with tight ends. He doesn’t have much experience at safety having only played one year but he can develop along with Rapp.

Dakota Allen – LB, Texas Tech
The former star of Netflix’s ‘Last Chance U’ provides much-needed depth at linebacker after the departure of Mark Barron. He’s too aggressive and is cited for being easily baited on plays and can miss tackles. On the plus side, he’s well conditioned and possesses tremendous burst. Perhaps he can find a role on special teams while he learns how to play linebacker.

Overview
The Rams’ draft wasn’t the sexiest group on the block but considering how much late round value they got, they added to their already solid foundation of young guys. Les Snead has managed to add depth all over the roster and once the more expensive guys come off the books they should be prepped to have someone to take their place. The Rams have become one of the smartest teams in the league and if they continue to hit on mid-late round picks they can extend their championship window for years to come.

There are a few good free agents left out there that could come at a reasonable cost. Three that would be of help to the Rams:

Zach Brown ILB
Ryan Groy - G/C
LaGarrette Blount - RB

Blount is getiing old, but he is still a good goaline/power back

Come on, this ain't better than the "double slot" draft: Pettis and Salas back to back in the 3rd and 4th----two good dudes banging out 4.6/40s with nothing but big bodies to offer

Sports
Ex-Raiders, Seahawks kicker Sebastian Janikowski retiring
The Associated Press 5 hours ago.

FILE - This June 2018 file photo shows Sebastian Janikowski of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. Former Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski is set to retire after an 18-year career. Janikowski spent 17 of his seasons with Oakland before kicking last season with the Seattle Seahawks after signing a one-year deal. Janikowskis agent, Paul Healy, confirmed to The Associated Press on Monday, April 29, 2019, his client intends to retire. Janikowksi, 41, told ESPN over the weekend he didnt believe his body could handle kicking in the NFL anymore. (AP Photo/File)


Former Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks kicker Sebastian Janikowski is set to retire after an 18-year career.

Janikowski spent 17 seasons with Oakland before kicking last season with Seattle after signing a one-year deal. Janikowski's agent, Paul Healy, confirmed to The Associated Press on Monday that his client intends to retire. Janikowski, 41, told ESPN over the weekend he didn't believe his body could handle kicking in the NFL anymore.

The Raiders took Janikowski with the 17th overall pick in the 2000 draft out of Florida State. Nicknamed ''Seabass,'' Janikowski converted 80.4% of his field goal attempts during his career, including a career long of 63 yards during the 2011 season, the only time he was selected for the Pro Bowl. The kick at the time matched the NFL record for longest field goal made.

Janikowski was synonymous with the Raiders during his tenure in Oakland. He played in 268 regular-season games for the Raiders and made more than 30 field goals in three straight seasons from 2010-12, including a league-high 33 in 2010.

Janikowski missed the entire 2017 season due to a back injury and his final season in Seattle was the first time he kicked anywhere other than Oakland. Janikowski had some conversations with the Chargers about kicking last season in Los Angeles, but he decided Seattle was the better opportunity. Janikowski was 22 of 27 on field goals in his one season with Seattle, but hit three game winners.

Janikowski is 10th in career points scored with 1,913, ninth in career field goals made with 436 and 16th in career games with 284. He was a second-team AP All-Pro selection in 2011.


https://www.yahoo.com/sports/ex-rai...stian-janikowski-retiring-192114750--nfl.html

I don't know why, but I am having trouble getting into the offseason this year. We have a good-great team this year, after having participating in the Super Bowl. Yes, we lost and that hurt a lot at the time but I have a sense of trust about Snead & co during the McVay era. I didn't trust Snead in the Fisher era, but we found out what the problem really was when Fisher was replaced by McVay.

I have zero clues about the guys we drafted, except what some of you have said. We are relegated to the guys rarely spoken about in the press because of the teams draft position (because the team was great last year). I see guys that I mostly follow during the regular season, just going off the rails in player evaluation, talking about the greatness of this or that player that only they have heard of...I tried listening, but my eyes glaze over after a while. I did like Clay Matthews and Eric Weddle signings, but do I like them for what they were instead of what they are now?

I am looking forward to Camp and seeing/hearing about Aaron Donald, which we haven't heard since the first Camp in LA. So how about you guys?

While, I definitely think the Rams have signed some interesting/quality UDFA’s my favorite (By a HAIR over TE Kendall Blanton!) is LB Troy Reeder. Liked his Highlights and he just looks like a Tough Guy/MLB!!!

https://www.therams.com/news/rams-agree-to-terms-with-14-undrafted-free-agents

Myles Simmons
RAMS INSIDER

The Rams selected eight players in the 2019 NFL Draft, and now have agreed to terms with 14 college free agents to compete for spots during the offseason program and training camp.

The list includes three offensive linemen, three linebackers, and three tight ends — among other positions.

Additionally, Los Angeles signed offensive lineman Jeremiah Kolone to its roster. Kolone was a part of the Rams' offseason roster last year, and an initial member of the practice squad for the 2018 season, but was dropped shortly after the season started. He played in the Alliance of American Football league for the San Diego Fleet.

Check out the list of college free agents below, and check back later for a full breakdown of each player.

WR Alex Bachman, Wake Forest

TE Kendall Blanton, Missouri

G Chandler Brewer, Middle Tennessee

TE Romello Brooker, Houston

TE Keenan Brown, Texas State

RB Matthew Colburn, Wake Forest

DT Marquise Copeland, Cincinnati

LB Landis Durham, Texas A&M

G Brandon Hitner, Villanova

C Vitas Hrynkiewicz, Youngstown State

LB Natrez Patrick, Georgia

LB Troy Reeder, Delaware

DT Tyrell Thompson, Tarleton State

WR Nsimba Webster, Eastern Washington

https://www.ramsfansunited.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=10494

"As I've stated before I call the Rams PR dept. at least once a week for "insider news" lol. I've been doing this since the 80's and I've talked to the same guy this whole time. He's been mostly spot on, except twice.

First he told me the Rams were trading Cleveland Gary to Dallas for WR Jimmy Smith in 1992. Never happened. And last season he told Kupp would miss 3-6 weeks but came back in 2. He later said that was the original time frame for Kupp to come back but that the Rams rushed him back for the big game against the Saints.

Anyway, take it for what it's worth but this is what he had to say today:

1. The Rams may experiment with Ebukam inside during the preseason. They did this with him his rookie year. 2 reasons for this. Only one (Littleton) of the 3 ILB's on the roster have started an NFL game. "They like Samson for his big play ability but he just isn't much of a pass rusher."

2. Noteboom may stay at LG if he excels. The Rams drafted 2 OT's with no plans to move either of them inside. Their thoughts are one of the two of Evans or Edwards can replace Whit at some point. Kromer really likes Edwards. "Lindys had Edwards rated as a 2nd round pick, rated one spot after Evans."

3. Expect some activity on the DL as training camp approaches. The Rams have only 6 DL under contract, 7 if they move Morgan Fox back to DE like they are talking about. "No big names, and that includes Suh. Just some bargain basement types."

4. Training Camp battle will be at edge. Rams are 8 deep there with guys that can play. "After they re-signed Fowler and got Matthews, they quit looking for edge rushers. They are taking the wait and see approach with what they have."

5. UDFA Sleeper? Kendall Blanton – TE, Missouri, 6’6″ 262. "Great blocker and untapped potential as a receiver."

Nugget? "They gave Weddle Hill's # without his permission."

Like I said guys, this is just a guy I know and these are his opinions. The quotes are from him. He does work for them and has inside info, but by no means am I saying any this is etched in stone. Just thought I'd share with my Ram buds."

Taylor Rapp S
Smart, knows where to be and moves in a bee line and strikes. Looks fast on tape, if not in the 40. A winner pick. Guys like him don't have the combine stats, but form the back bone of a winning team. Like Ryan Pickett, or Dave Elmendorf or Jack Reynolds---winners, who have enough talent and play their role well, strike hard and are leaders.

Darrell Henderson RB
Competitiion was soooo low and slow--just my opine. IT is hard to know what you are getting--in my opinion.
HOwever, he is fearless in his explosiveness; he has good hands, catch ability will be great on screens and down the field. I don't think he will be ripping off so many long runs and catches in the NFL. He may have some Darren Sproles in him, but is he really that fast--or the competition that slow??? Again, look at the guys he was playing. A good pick, and will suit the Rams well. He plays tough---that is important. I still think this pick could fail, like T Candidate, but it was worth the risk...and, I think the Rams looked hard into this selection for months. Also, he looks tough to tackle because he makes nice, fast round cuts. Yes, he rounds all his cuts from what I saw, but at his speed, so what.


David Long - CB
Fearless in coverage, even though he doesn't have the feet or long speed to have that dispositional thinking (lol, nice english I got). I am ok with him giving up 3 long TDs a year, if he shuts his guy out the other 90% of the time---which I saw him do on tape against O State. He is a 3rd round talent like LeRoy Irvin.....this guy is a football player, and if he is as smart as Irvin, this guy will be exactly what this defense requires. Tough attitude and fearless....will take him over M Peters any day, starting in 2020. He has a lot of Talib in him--with better feet. His size at 196 is good---who cares about the 5'11" thing.


Bobby Evans G/T
Great feet for a guard, very good feet for a RT, or just good enough feet for a LT. Somewhat tenacious. Naturally strong overall, so it looks, but needs to get more powerful. Playing out of position at LT makes his tape look mediocre at best. But, if he was at guard, he would have great tape. A future NFL starter 100% at guard, and 60% chance at RT. With his long arms, and if his 312 lbs becomes 320 with muscle, not fat, then we are talking a pro bowl in the future (in the Rams system). Many guards like him through the years don't have the communication or the intelligence....this is the difference between talent and pro bowl production. Yes, love the pick.

Also, he is a good communicator, knows where to be---which is very, very, very important...and that is why players like Blythe, with very little "NFL" talent, can start.

To copy and paste: I can see this guy playing left or right, guard or tackle. Strong and long armed. Quality person.


Greg Gaines DT
Fat and strong with very good effort for a NT, and has some quicks to pass rush. He won't pass rush consistently, but will make some big pass rush plays when no one expects it. I think this guy will surprise us as a pro bowler some day, but maybe not in in 2019. HOwever, his strength won't last so long in the NFL without some technique. I don't know if he can start, and 'beat' a lot of NFL centers now today. Plays with some fire, which is rare for a NT--also gives great effort on the chase, which again is rare. This is a real winner for a 4th round pick. Guarenteed this guy plays in the NFL. Ya, he does remind me of Jim Burt, too. Have been watching 1986-1989 games, and Burt has the emotions, and some quicks and enough power and intelligence to be great.


David Edwards G/T
Another perfect O line pick. Has good feet and athelticism. A more talented Havenstein, without all the power. But, he is a converted TE, so he will be adding bulk over the next 2-3 years, and still doesn't know what to do. His shoulder injury had to be the problem with his pass blocking---because his feet are too good to look that bad.

His tape wasn't overly impressive, but neither was Havenstein's in my opinion. THough his arms are below avg in length, he seems to play with length. He could start in theNFL some day, and not be a liability in pass blocking. When I saw Havenstein's tape I never knew how he could become what he became--a top 3 pass blocking RT. Intelligence in the O line transfers into knowing where to be, and when to get there. I am not sure Edwards has that now, but I think under Kromer's tutelage he will get there. Edwards is supposed to be a great run blocker---I don't know, he looked good enough in push-power--in line; again, he is more athletic than most guys his size, and he played TE, so he has good feet, so I think in 2021 the Rams will be very, very happy with the investment. IF he has to play in place of Hav, he might not be dominated--which is saying a lot for a rookie, 5th round pick. Why do I say that? Good feet.

Nick Scott S
4.4, former RB who converts to safety...? This is what special teams are made of.

Copy and paste: No doubt here for special teams. Excellent football mind.

Dakota Allen
Guys like this are exactly what the Rams want and need. Big heart is very, very important.

Copy and paste: Like Scott, he is a two time captain and leader. All Academic Big 12. Excelled in special teams

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.c...g-ovation-at-larry-fitzgeralds-softball-game/

Traded but not yet gone, former Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen had one more thing to do before packing up his stuff and moving to Florida.

He appeared at Larry Fitzgerald‘s Celebrity Softball Game on Saturday. According to the Arizona Republic, Rosen specifically stayed for that event.

“I think that’s just a testament to who he is as a man,” Fitzgerald said. “He could have very easily gone down to Miami already, or just said, ‘Hey, I’m not gonna do it,’ but it shows you his commitment, his character, and just friendship. I’m very fortunate to call him a friend. Looking forward to seeing him do great things in Miami.”

Per the Republic, Rosen received a standing ovation before winning the home run derby and ultimately being named MVP of the game. He also addressed the crowd.

“I just want to say thank you to everybody,” Rosen said. “We didn’t win as many games as I would have hoped, but I had a great time and an unbelievable year. Sad to see it up, but new chapters, new beginnings, and I’m excited for things to come. I’ll always be a Cardinal and root for you guys for as long as I’m on my feet.”

“I don’t think anybody could have handled it more professionally than he has,” Fitzgerald said. “I mean he’s been a consummate professional throughout this whole process. And, you know, I think he’s got a lot of people’s respect for the way he conducted himself. And I know all of us are rooting for him in his next stop.”

Plenty of other people will be rooting for Rosen, too. Despite the knocks he took prior to the 2018 draft for (God forbid) having opinions and being willing to share them, Rosen has handled himself admirably over the past few months. And, frankly, the Cardinals should have kept him.

What if Kyler Murray isn’t as good as he’s expected to be? What if he gets injured? The Cardinals will wish they’d kept Rosen and the three years, $6.2 million remaining on his contract.

It’s unclear why the Cardinals believed Murray and Rosen couldn’t coexist, for a year or maybe longer. Maybe the manner in which Rosen has handled himself shows that they could have.

_________________________________________________

For all the criticism of Rosen as a person, he has shown nothing but class since the trade. And none of his teammates have shown him anything but love.

I think the Cardinals have messed up big time.