I had to share this. McVay doing his thang!
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I’m so sick of this whole thing and now there’s some kind of confirmation bias that the Rams didn’t belong in the SB which is why it was one of the worst ever. I even heard Goff called McVay’s puppet, and now to top it all off PI can be challenged.
Payton has been crying about this since it happened but I had hoped it would go away. Last few days it’s resurfaced though, I’ve heard many talking heads preaching about “getting it right” , but there won’t be any more challenges than before so I assume they will review upstairs in the last 2 minutes or something. So we’re going to go from fallible humans to the 100% reliable and definitive replay, decided on by some anonymous individual who we never see. Looks like the nfl will be the only sport in human history where mistakes and oversights don’t occur.

This whole thing is driven by the outrage that Drew Brees was robbed of his chance,that was the storybook scenario, nobody seems to care about the blow to Goff’s head or the lack of one to Brady’s.
So now what? I mean what is pi anyway? There is contact every pass play on both sides,what about Hail Marys? It’s like rugby.
One thing it might do is increase scoring even more, if you’re behind in the 4th just throw it in the end zone as often as possible. You’re bound to get one eventually, save your challenges for the 4th. And does anyone really believe this is going to solve the issues? Wasn’t replay supposed to fix things when they introduced it, it hasn’t. Are things really better than before replay, there’s no perfect angle and someone’s going to get robbed no matter what. How long before everything is reviewable, I would love to see fewer penalties, like in the playoffs.

https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2019/...-to-sign-cb-marcus-peters-to-extension-roster

Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay: “We absolutely want to sign CB Marcus Peters to extension”
Can a tiger change his stripes? We’ll find out in the next year or so.
By Sosa Kremenjas

At the annual NFL league meetings, Los Angeles Rams Head Coach shared the idea that the Rams absolutely want to sign CB Marcus Peters to a long-term extension, per Lindsey Thiry:Sean McVay said that the Rams "Absolutely" want to sign CB Marcus Peters to an extension, noting his improved play in the second half of the season. Peters is entering fifth season of rookie deal.

— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) March 26, 2019
Peters was originally acquired by the Rams in the 2018 offseason by way of a trade which sent the Rams’ 2019 second-round pick and 2018 fourth-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs for the mercurial cornerback. His first season with the Rams was a roller coaster as a calf injury sustained in week three against the Los Angeles Chargers hampered him for a while, making him one of the least effective corners in the league up until about week 10, per Pro Football Focus. The return of CB Aqib Talib sparked a change in Peters’ play though, and he went on to finish the second half of 2018 with a strong showing. Part of that can be attributed to playing more off coverage both in zone and man, and not needing to shadow receivers, instead living at his spot at right cornerback.

Peters is currently on a fifth-year option that’ll cost the Rams just under $9.1m this year. Peters is slated to be a free agent in 2020, though according to Sean McVay, the Rams have interest in extending Peters for the foreseeable future. Looking at the cornerback market, it’s fair to assume Peters will demand top dollar, looking to likely top former Rams’ CB Trumaine Johnson’s five-year $72.5m with $45m guaranteed contract from the New York Jets.

Where things become interesting is that the Rams simply have been reluctant to prioritize the secondary in terms of long-term extensions. It dates back to the days of CB’s Janoris Jenkins, Trumaine Johnson, and safeties Rodney McLeod, Lamarcus Joyner, T.J. McDonald, and Maurice Alexander, all of which weren’t handed long-term contracts and walked away to different franchises. General Manager Les Snead even called retaining the secondary “Priority A” many years ago, though things never materialized.Peters remains a highly talented player who is emotional and not a cookie-cutter personality, but does that mean he’s not worthy of a long-term extension? Who knows. The important factor is the Rams have another 16 games (potentially more) to evaluate how Peters fits into Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips’ defense.

There is another report from bleacherreport.com below

https://bleacherreport.com/articles...t-to-sign-marcus-peters-to-contract-extension

WUT?????

All 16 charges were dropped.

From the Cook County State Attorney

"After reviewing all of the facts and circumstances of the case, including Mr. Smollett’s volunteer service in the community and agreement to forfeit his bond to the City of Chicago, we believe this outcome is a just disposition and appropriate resolution to this case," according to a statement from the office of the Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx, sent to USA TODAY by her spokeswoman, Tandra Simonton.

Then his lawyers had the balls to say this, essentially placing the blame on the police!!!

“Today, all criminal charges against Jussie Smollett were dropped and his record has been wiped clean of the filing of this tragic complaint against him," according to a statement from Smollett's lawyers Tina Glandian and Patricia Brown Holmes. “... He was a victim who was vilified and made to appear as a perpetrator as a result of false and inappropriate remarks made to the public causing an inappropriate rush to judgement.
......................................................................................................
The dude faked/staged a hate crime. This should have drawn some months in county correctional facilities and a fine.

Instead, because he's famous he get's off with nothing.

It's like all celebs have to do is say "oops sorry my bad" and it all goes away.

Fuck him.

The NFL is working with each team to determine their signature play in honor of this centennial season.

What are your thoughts?

I have a few, but I decided on the Warner to Bruce TD that put us up for good in our Super Bowl win.

Devin Singletary and Kerrith Whyte Jr. Interesting.

Just read that we might be opening MNF hosting the Saints. When does the 2019 schedule officially come out?

My how things have changed. Especially involving safety. What do you remember from your childhood? Examples please.

Here's a baby in an overhead cradle on an airplane in the early 1950s. I wonder if it was water tight?

Myles Simmons
RAMS INSIDER

At every turn since the end of Super Bowl LIII, one of the main questions surrounding the Rams has been what is the explanation for running back Todd Gurley’s performance in Los Angeles’ last two postseason games?

Head coach Sean McVay has been consistent in saying that Gurley’s showings against the Saints and Patriots weren’t indicative of some larger unhealed injury in Gurley’s knee — mainly as evidenced by the running back’s 16-carry, 115-yard showing against the Cowboys in the Divisional Round.
the rest of the article here;
https://www.therams.com/news/at-the-start-of-the-new-league-year-what-s-the-latest-on-todd-gurley

I hope he does great for you guys. Happy he went to a classy team. Now we can pull hard for him. Big pickup for the Rams.

This quote from therams.com site just has me pumped the F up..!!!

“I would say right now if I sat where I am, this is the most desire and passion I’ve had to play in my 14 years. I can’t wait for it. I’m just looking forward to the opportunity to get out there.”

Five months to go... Argh!!!

I’m sure there are stories out ther, but yeah. He’s gone.

Every year is a new year...

The Chiefs have lost 4 really nice players in the last 6 months; Kareem Hunt, Justin Houston, Eric Berry, and Tyreek Hill (appears on the ropes).

Granted, one could argue they lost Berry and Houston off an already lousy defense. But, losing those guys feels like swimming against the current.

I don’t know... thought I’d see what you guys think. That feels like really big blows to them.

Alright fellas, I am back with another mock. With FA having mainly run its course, we have a good idea where we'll be picking. You'll see plenty of familiar names in this mock. I'm starting to reach a point where I have zoned in on the guys I really want.
Trade
LA Rams trade Round 3 Pick #36
NY Giants trade Round 4 Pick #6 and Round 5 Pick #4

Rams move down a few spots to grab an extra pick. Giants lack a third, but they have two fourths and three fifths.

NFL Draft
Round 1 Pick #31 - Nasir Adderley S/CB Delaware
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Analysis: It's hard to believe a player like Adderley will be available here, but this defensive class is stacked. On the negative side of the equation, Adderley is undersized at around 5'11"/6'0" 205 pounds and needs to be more disciplined against misdirection and fakes. On the positive side of the ledger, you have everything else. Adderley doesn't seem to recognize that he's undersized. He's fearless filling gaps and taking on blockers. He plays to the echo of the whistle and will mix it up with anybody. Frankly, I'd like to see him dial back some of the aggressiveness because he puts himself at risk of personal fouls in the NFL. In coverage, Adderley has phenomenal range and ball-skills. He also has CB/S versatility, which is great for us. We could use depth at both spots, and Wade loves to use a third safety in the nickel (see Marqui Christian last year). Adderley is also an outstanding tackler in space (and overall). He breaks quickly on the ball and will make plays on the football or lay out the target. Despite his size, Adderley is capable of lining up anywhere. You can put him in the box, you can put him as a single-high FS, you can put him in the slot or outside at CB, and you can have him play C-2 or quarters. He's just an excellent all-around safety. The two areas where he can improve are not biting on fakes/misdirection and taking better angles. His speed allows him to take overly aggressive angles against FCS competition, but that could burn him in the NFL. Regardless, I think he's very comparable to former Packers FS Nick Collins.

Round 3 Pick #31 - Kahale Warring TE San Diego State
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Analysis: Warring played in SDSU's old school, run-first, pro-style smashmouth offense. He has a lot of experience working as an inline blocker with the technical prowess, functional strength, and size (6'6" 250) to be effective in that role in the NFL. As it stands now, he's a solid blocker who handles LBs and DBs with his polished technical skill, outstanding body control and feet, and strong understanding of positioning; DLs give him a bit more trouble one on one because of their superior power. Still, the kid can block effectively, but that's not what excites me about him. Warring is an incredibly impressive receiving TE. He's a smooth route runner with the quickness and change of direction skills of a big WR. His routes are very crisp, and he uses his size/strength to create additional separation at the break point. Warring also possesses strong mitts (although, he does drop some passes), outstanding body control, and the ability to climb the ladder and win in the air. I think a guy like this will excite McVay because he has the ability block inline and be a mismatch in the slot. Warring reminds me a lot of Zach Ertz coming out of college.

Round 4 Pick #6 - Christian Miller OLB Alabama
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Analysis: Miller is player who is flying under the radar despite playing for Alabama. The reason for that is injuries. Miller didn't play much before this year due to injuries. If he had, I think we'd be talking about him in the late-first round. Miller is a versatile edge defender who looks comfortable dropping into coverage, rushing the passer, and setting the edge. He's technically sound in the run game and does an outstanding job of setting the edge and turning plays back inside. As a pass rusher, he's very dangerous. He has the flexibility to bend the corner and flatten, he uses a variety of pass rush moves (the long arm/stab move being his most effective) and flashes advanced pass rush plans, and he has a powerful punch that he lands with consistency. At 6'3" 245, Miller will need to add some bulk and get stronger for the NFL game. His injury history is concerning. And Miller is a tick slow off the snap too often for my taste. Still, Miller has all the tools as a pass rusher and can contribute both in run defense and coverage. You don't find too many guys in the fourth round you can say that about.

Round 4 Pick #31 - Nate Davis OL Charlotte
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Analysis: Davis started at RT this year, but he is a candidate to move inside in the NFL. At 6'3" 316 with 33" arms, Davis has solid length for a NFL guard, but not enough to remain at OT. I really like Davis for us because Kromer has made a career out of converting college OTs into quality NFL starting OGs. Davis should be another in that long line. He combines good feet with a great anchor and impressive overall power. Davis also is a finisher who possesses a nasty streak and plays through the whistle. As a run blocker, he has the power, athleticism, and natural leverage to thrive in our zone schemes. As a pass blocker, he has the feet, wide base, and strong anchor to play quite well inside. While Davis lacks a jolting punch, he does have quality punch timing and hand placement. All in all, I see Davis as a great developmental pick who will hopefully step in at OG after Whitworth retires.

Round 5 Pick #8 - Cortez Broughton DT Cincinnati
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Analysis: I really like the potential Cortez Broughton brings to the table. As a senior, he posted 52 tackles, 18.5 TFLs, and 7.5 sacks. At 6'2" 290, Broughton is undersized, but he has an explosive first step, great natural leverage, and a nasty bull rush. He also uses his hands well for a guy his age, but I would like to see him develop better counters and a go-to move. As a run defender, he is very disruptive due to his get-off and ability to get skinny through gaps. He holds up better than expected against double teams for his size due to his leverage and strength, and he lined up all over the DL for Cincy. He did have a tendency to fatigue late in games, but I really like him as a rotational option on our DL. He could learn a lot from AD.

Round 5 Pick #31 - Easton Stick QB North Dakota State
Login to view embedded media Analysis: Easton Stick is my favorite of the non-first round QBs this year. My gut just tells me that kid is going to outplay his draft spot. First and foremost, Stick nails all of the intangibles. He's a winner who has a 49-3 career record and led his team to two national championships. He's a smart QB coming from a pro-style offense who ran the offense from the LOS and is fast through his progressions. He maneuvers the pocket well and is very elusive in the pocket; due to his sturdy frame, underrated strength, and impressive athleticism, he's very difficult to sack. Stick has a compact release which allows him to get the ball quick and the footwork for quick setups in the passing game. He's a patient passer who will let his routes develop, is comfortable hanging in the pocket, and is tough as nails when it comes to taking hits. When he's on, Stick shows plus accuracy to all levels and parts of the field. In addition to his passing ability, Stick is a great scrambler and athlete who is more mobile than former teammate Carson Wentz imo. The negatives on Stick is that he's a streaky passer and decision maker. He also has only a middling arm. He can generate plenty of zip when he's mechanically sound, but he is going to struggle with zip when forced to throw off platform and some of the most difficult throws that Goff can hit will be tough for him. He also can hold onto the ball too long. Regardless, I love this kid for our offense. He's smart, he moves through his progressions well, he's mobile, and he is comfortable in a run-first offense working from under center. Of course, the cherry on top of everything is that Stick has the best play-action fake in this Draft. I'd compare Stick to Rich Gannon, another small-school QB with impressive athleticism, an average arm, and a whole lot of moxie.

Round 6 Pick #31 - Elijah Holyfield HB Georgia
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Analysis: The pre-draft process has not been good to Holyfield. Watching his film, I saw a third round pick. However, after Holyfield ran a 4.8 40 at the Combine, I had to go back and rewatch. I still saw the same player, but with his speed issues and the major questions about how much he'll contribute in the passing game, Holyfield has settled in as a late-Day 3 pick. Why do I like Holyfield? He's a thickly built runner at 5'10" 220 with incredible strength, contact balance, leg drive, and violence. Despite his lack of top-end speed, Holyfield has more than enough burst, great footwork, and very quick feet. He also possesses high-level instincts as a runner. He has great vision and displays the patience and technical skill to get the most out of what is blocked. In the passing game, Holyfield is a physical and powerful blocker. He needs to continue to improve on his blitz recognition, but if he can do that, he'll have no issues protecting the QB. However, there are legitimate questions regarding what he can contribute in the passing game. I watched a number of his games and only saw him catch a few passes. His hands seemed fine, but his routes and instincts were extremely raw. Ultimately, despite his terrible measurables at the Combine, I am willing to take a shot on Holyfield because I think he's a great pure football player. With him playing in the SEC, I feel his tape against teams like LSU, Alabama, and Auburn overcomes any concerns I had about him after his brutal Combine performance. He's an extremely powerful runner with quick feet, polished technical skill, and a great feel for where holes will develop. It's hard to doubt a man who averaged nearly 6.5 yards per carry and rushed for 1000+ yards this year in the SEC.

Round 7 Pick #37 - Khalil Hodge ILB Buffalo
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Analysis: Hodge is another guy who turned in terrible measurables. His Pro Day was a disaster. However, he's such a good football player that I just have to pick him here. Over the past two years, Hodge has averaged 148 tackles per year. He is a three-time captain and a true defensive leader. His football character is off the charts. However, Hodge is also a limited athlete who fits more into that thumper role that a lot of teams no longer value. Hodge diagnoses plays quicker than any LB I've watched this year. He almost never gets it wrong. He also displays good speed downhill, he has the size (6'1" 240) and strength to take on blockers, he plays with consistent gap integrity, and he rarely misses tackles. Hodge also shows comfort backpedaling in zone coverage and reads the QB well. That all said, Hodge lacks the speed to run sideline to sideline, and he lacks the short-area quickness and fluid hips to handle man coverage responsibilities well in the NFL. He's a very smart and instinctual defender, but he has his athletic limitations. I'd also like to see him use his hands better to keep blockers from getting to his chest. Ultimately, he may not make the squad, but his instincts are so great that I want to give him a chance.

Projected Starters
QB: Jared Goff
HB: Todd Gurley
XWR: Brandin Cooks
ZWR: Robert Woods
SLWR: Cooper Kupp
TE: Tyler Higbee or Gerald Everett
LT: Andrew Whitworth
LG: Joe Noteboom
C: Brian Allen
RG: Austin Blythe
RT: Rob Havenstein

5T: John Franklin-Myers
NT: Michael Brockers
3T: Aaron Donald
WOLB: Dante Fowler Jr.
Mo LB: Cory Littleton
Mike LB: Micah Kiser
SOLB: Samson Ebukam
RCB: Aqib Talib
LCB: Marcus Peters
SLCB: Nickell Robey-Coleman
FS: Eric Weddle
SS: John Johnson

K: Greg Zuerlein
P: Johnny Hekker
LS: Jake McQuaide

Edge
Fowler (Average)
Ebukam (Subpar)
Lawler (Subpar)
Young (Subpar)

Off Ball
Littleton (Above Average)
Kiser (Subpar/Unproven)

Edge & Off Ball
Matthews (Above Average)
Okowrongkwo (Subpar/Unproven)

Some notes...

First, obviously Matthews was a big signing for two positions from a security standpoint. So if the Rams get great play from Kiser on the interior, or get lucky in the draft with a guy like Bush sitting there at 31 or some other option later on who comes in and plays lights out, they can play him with the edge group. Or of course from the other side, if an edge they love falls to them things might go the other way.

Second some might ask why I have Oko as "edge & off-ball" and it's because he showed ability to do a bit of both in college. And because he's probably not going to dictate edge snaps right out the gate unless he has one hell of a camp (which I would not rule out). He was actually my favorite pick in last year's draft, not that that means anything in reality or whatever, but my own expectations of him are pretty high as I think he's a very good all around backer and look forward to what this staff can do with him.

It's obvious we will see some serious roster squeezing/competition going on this year in camp, particularly on the edge. Matthews' signing puts enormous pressure on Ebukam and Okowrongkwo and hurts the guys on the bottom. And his ability to fill on the interior off ball is going to put some pressure Kiser.

Looking at it, it does seem like ILB is our biggest weakness. Good as Matthews is off ball, he's not a guy they're going to want hammering holes in the run game too much, so I have to think they're turning over every rock with the ILB possibilities in the draft. I expect a pick and probably a couple fresh new UDFA types where they hope they find a gem. And that's if Bush ain't there at 31.

Is he being serious?

Or is it coachspeak?

A smokescreen?

Hard to say at this point. But if it’s a genuine clue? Let’s see...

Might mean that OL is off the table at #31. OL players are rarely described as explosive.

Might mean that a trade down out of our 1st is less likely. Wouldn’t explosive players be less likely to be found in the 2nd and 3rd rounds?

Are DL players generally considered “explosive”? Maybe if they’re an Aaron Donald, but are there any such likely to be there at #31? Nope.

Most of us think of certain positions as “explosive”, such as RB, WR, maaaaaybe a certain TE (or two), perhaps Edge.

I doubt that there will be an ILB, CB, or S that would be described as explosive sitting there at #31.

Sooooo...

What to make of this McVay comment? Is McVay’s priority at #31 different than that of the pundits and we fans? I’m thinking it’s probably more smokescreen than anything else. But it’s certainly heightened my interest in the Ram draft, if that’s even possible. Lol.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...e-julio-jones-the-nfls-highest-paid-receiver/

Falcons reportedly closing in on a deal to make Julio Jones the NFL's highest-paid receiver

For years now, Julio Jones has been one of the handful of best wide receivers in the NFL.

He has played at least 14 games in six of his eight seasons, and he has made the Pro Bowl in each of those six seasons, including the last five in a row. He's been named a First Team All-Pro twice and a Second Teamer once. He hasaveraged a 105-1,599-6 line over the past five years, while leading the league in receiving yards twice, and yards per game three times.

Last offseason, the Falcons gave Jones a small raise to make his salary more commensurate with his production. Now, they're getting ready to make him a far richer man. Per a report from Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman, the Falcons are preparing to make Jones the highest-paid receiver in the NFL.

My understanding is the Falcons and Jones are closing in on a deal that would pay him $20 million a year over a four- or five-year contract extension. He would get anywhere from $50 million to $60 million in new guarantees, one source told me.

The deal isn't done. As with any negotiation, contract talks are always fluid, and things can change in an instant. The talks with Jones could take longer, or fall apart, or continue to proceed smoothly. But the indications are that the two sides seem to be nearing an agreement that will make both Jones and the Falcons happy.

That would give Jones a deal just a bit larger than the one Odell Beckham Jr. signed last offseason that made him the highest-paid receiver in the NFL. Beckham signed a five-year, $90 million contract that contained just south of $41 million in fully guaranteed money. Jones would blow that deal out of the water under the framework reported by Freeman, receiving an additional $2 million in per-year value and an additional $9-19 million in guarantees. It's difficult to say Jones wouldn't deserve it, given his production to date.

And I think it started with our ‘18 draft and might continue into ‘19 draft and beyond.

First, look at these ‘18 draft picks. [www.si.com]

Noteboom
Allen
Franklin-Myers
Kiser
Kelly
Denby
Sebastian-Day-Joseph
Young
Howard
Lawler

Yeah, the jury is still out on several, but what are some of the commonalities we see?

None were immediate starters, but most were at positions that would require new starters the following year.

All seemed to be keepers at the very least. No big busts, IOW.

All could get a year of NFL strength training and development to prepare to hit the deck running the following year.

All were football loving, smart, high character types.

All were inexpensive potential replacements for expensive and aging ‘18 starters.

Hmmmmm...

Anyone else seeing what may be a brilliant strategy unfolding here? If Snead can keep finding such players and McVay and his staff can keep developing such players then we may see a never ending full pipeline of future starters coming to this Ram team each year via the draft alone. Just not starting until their 2nd year?

I get that all teams are trying to do the same, but it does seem that the Rams are doing a bit better at finding/developing players than most teams are.

Will be interesting to see if they continue with this strategy in the ‘19 draft. If they succeed, then the cap management becomes much less daunting as we pay Goff and others their earned big 2nd contracts.

Hot Damn!

I hadn't seen it posted yet, so here you go :

https://3sigmaathlete.com/sparq-rankings-2019/quarterback/

And we’re barely into the 2nd wave of FA.

Where to start?

Joyner’s Ram future? What future? Weddle is a clear upgrade, although a short term one.

Peters. Rams kept him and want to see him prove himself this year before any extension decisions are made. There had been some speculation that he might have been traded/cut in a cap move after he struggled so much last season.

Barron. Coaches evidently saw what we fans saw and they made the cap move/better fit decision.

Fowler. Lot of fans saw this as 50-50, but the Rams must have really liked his upside trajectory and gave him a pricey one year extension. Fingers crossed. Edge was a huge need, and still is, IMO.

Suh. AKA “the coaster”. Lol. Too much money for too little effort. Wasn’t a hard decision, especially with the DL talent in this particular draft.

Brockers. Another player that there was cap saving speculation about, but the Rams obviously liked him and his flexibility, even with the $11M pricetag.

Ebu. Stay tuned. He’s not going anywhere, of course, but his starter status is up in the air.

Clay Matthews. Vet leader that can maybe help on edge or inside. Kinda tells us that the coaches saw need for improvement in both areas. IOW, coaches weren’t happy with their LB play last year other than Littleton. CM reportedly signed for $10M base for the 2 years combined, so that makes him affordable, at least. And he’s almost certain to be an upgrade whereever Wade schemes him. What does this signing mean for Ebu and/or Kiser?

Sully. Sadly, the coaches recognized the obvious. Father Time had caught up with him late in the season. Let’s hope that Kromer has Allen ready to start. Or Blythe? Or maybe even a draft pick?

Saffold. A tough decision for the coaches. Saffold was/is elite but the Rams couldn’t handle the cap hit that he would have consumed. Best of luck, Rodger, and thanks for the memories, man.

Malcolm Brown vs CJ Anderson. Clearly, McVay preferred MB and I agree. CJ was invaluable late last season, but let’s be honest. That Ram OL was dominating and CJ had many nice holes to run through. IMO, MB is the better backup and McVay must have felt the same.

Mannion. This was a no brainer. Bortles for $1M for the year? Is this a trick question? Lol.

So there you have it. Quite a few speculative players have had questions answered by FO/coaching decisions already and the draft isn’t for another 6 weeks.

Any surprises (or disappointments) in that mix for y’all?

https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-samson-ebukam-rams-surgery-20190321-story.html


Rams’ Samson Ebukam had knee surgery after season
By GARY KLEIN
MAR 21, 2019 | 7:40 AM



Rams linebacker Samson Ebukam spikes the ball after returning an interception for a touchdown Nov. 19 against Kansas City. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Rams linebacker Samson Ebukamunderwent minor knee surgery after the season, and he is expected to be brought along slowly during offseason workouts so that he will be back to full speed by training camp, a person with knowledge of the situation said.

Ebukam, a fourth-round draft pick from Eastern Washington in 2017, started at outside linebacker last season. He made 40 tackles, six for losses, and had two sacks. In the Rams’ 54-51 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, Ebukam returned an interception and a fumble for touchdowns.

The Rams have made two offseason moves to fortify their edge-rushing presence.

And on Tuesday, they signed veteran Clay Matthews to a two-year contract. Terms were not disclosed. Matthews, who will turn 33 in May, amassed 83½ career sacks during 10 seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He is scheduled to be introduced at a news conference Thursday.

Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and Trevon Young are expected to get extended opportunities during offseason workouts and organized team activities.

Put your sleeper up here. You know, that one player that you in your vast and unappreciated football genius are the only one in the universe to know about.

I'm sure this one will provide some laughs post-draft. Here's mine:

Ben Banogu, Edge, TCU

He fits all the criteria that I think the Rams have been gunning for... He's the right size (6'3" and 250ish like Ebu was), excellent athlete with a lot of physical strength and upside, can play different spots potentially, and impressed a lot of coaches during the Senior Bowl. TCU was scheme heavy vs teaching them a lot of technique, so he's a guy our staff can levy with their proven system of teaching.

Ok so he blew up the combine and isn't exactly a big secretive sleeper. Sue me. I'm just a dude with a can of bud in my hand trying to figure out how to fit my easy chair under my computer desk.

I know Rams Cap $$$ is tight but I want to open a couple more Christmas gifts before taking a much needed nap:

- DL depth - socks (Westbrooks) or even better some new Nikes (Shelton, Liuget, Jernigan or Wilkerson)
- RB1B - golf balls (Brown) or how about a new Calloway driver (CJ Anderson, Jay Ajayi, Isaiah Crowell)
- OG - gift card (Ryan Groy) or tickets to the Black Keys concert (Quinton Spain, TJ Lang)

Google "Florida Man", followed by your birthday.
For example, "Florida Man, October 2" will get you mine.