Sully gone

Barron gone

Weddle signed in about 15 minutes to be an upgrade over the departing Joyner.

Anybody else seeing a pattern emerging?

Quick decisions with an eye to strengthening positions with bonus points for salary cap savings.

Hot Damn!

I will try to keep up on these. It may not be daily and I will also probably be posting some trivia from the NFL as a whole. Good luck and have fun.

Note: These questions may change almost daily - or it could be every month or two. I will lock them as soon as I post the answer and then unsticky them a day or so later.

OK so here is the deal. Years ago I found an LA Rams Trivia Game in a Goodwill. I pretty much bought it as a piece of memorabilia. Now with the Rams moving back, I thought it might make for a fun game for some of us old timers. Odd thing is that about 70% of the questions have nothing to do with the Rams.

So here is what I will do. I will post the questions that are Rams related and let you guys answer. I will then post the answers the next day. These are not easy questions as far as I can tell but maybe the memory function of my brain has been compromised.
.
There is only basically one rule. No search engines or internet sites to look up answers that you will post later. I realize some will still look up the answers. I know I would if I didn't have the cards. But I want to see how many out there actually know the answers. So if you do feel like looking them up on the internet, feel free.

And if you know the answer, don't post it. Comment all you want.

Now - keep in mind. I said the internet is off limits. But if you have books, magazines, football cards, etc... feel free to use them. That may seem hypocritical but it's about time some of us got some use out of all that stuff we've bought over the years.

Cheers.

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One of my favorites growing up. AirWolf was also one of my favorite shows

Operator please connect us to 2017 when two NFC West rivals hit the offseason skids with head coaching searches. Rams basically swiped the 9ers heirloom head coaching candidate from under their noses (9ers owner reportedly wanted McVay after their first interview but never got the chance for a second if my memory serves), while the 9ers ended up with Shanahan who had been linked mostly to the Rams. Both division rivals seemed to win the day on their hires, though, ending up with young and top offensive-minded head coaches so all looked well and it appeared would have an added incentive to their long rivalry in the coming seasons.

First up that offseason was the free agency period, where both organizations were looking for help in the passing game. Rams had a young QB who needed weapons he could count on. 9ers needed the QB and WR they could count on.

Enter a 30 old receiver named Pierre Garcon, who was very much coveted by many of the Rams' faithful, and going into the FA period I recall hoping we'd at least get him in the building as he'd played under McVay in Washington. But of course it wasn't to be, as the hated whiners brought him in and threw bags of money at him with a 5 year deal totaling nearly $50M and around $23M up front in the first couple years. His stats in his first two seasons:

2017 8 games, 40 receptions, 500 yards, 0 TD
2018 8 games, 24 receptions, 286 yards, 1 TD

Our Rams, meanwhile, went out and snapped up the unheralded Robert Woods, who in his Buffalo days had lived in the shadow of the heralded Sammy Watkins. At the time there were some in the media who actually bagged on the Rams for this signing, too, that we reached/overpaid to fill a need with $39M over five years with $15M guaranteed. His stats his first two seasons:

2017 12 games, 56 receptions, 781 yards, 5 TD
2018 16 games, 86 receptions, 1219 yards, 6 TD

With the news that the whiners will be parting ways with Garcon this offseason, plus the fact that they are poised to throw more money around on the market, I find it very interesting to look back on how these two regimes started their runs. We all know that McVay has outperformed Shanny Jr. But the Rams as an organization have outperformed the 9ers as well, and that's even with the fact that they haven't exactly hit on all their moves (most have been good of course). Will the whiners learn? Stay tuned looooooool. :rolllaugh:

I think he would be perfect. He could handle 1/4 season if needed. Dare I say the perfect backup QB for us.
Also once cut he has no leverage to sign elsewhere. I can only see "maybe the bucs or skins if their willing to pay 2 QBs.

Thoughts?

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...ncos-skins-agree-to-terms-on-trade-for-keenum


Published: March 7, 2019 at 05:21 p.m.
Updated: March 7, 2019 at 06:05 p.m.
Broncos, 'Skins agree to terms on trade for Keenum

Herbie Teope
Around The NFL Writer

Denver Broncos general manager John Elway said last week at the NFL Scouting Combine that he didn't know what quarterback Case Keenum's role would be in 2019.

Now, it is known Keenum will need to determine where he fits with another team.

The Broncos and Washington Redskins have agreed to terms on a trade that would send quarterback Case Keenum to Washington, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, via sources informed of the situation.

Denver will get a sixth-round pick and Washington will get a seventh-rounder plus Keenum, Rapoport added.

If the XFL is to succeed, much of the burden rests upon the shoulders of former Penn State two-way star Justin King.

King has been hired as the fledgling league’s manager of football operations, an XFL spokesman confirmed to PennLive on Thursday. He spent the past two seasons as an assistant recruiting coordinator at Penn State.

King will report to former Buffalo Bills GM Doug Whaley, the XFL’s vice president for football operations.

While Whaley and league commissioner Oliver Luck will map the vision for XFL 2.0, King will be charged with making that vision come to life.

A Pittsburgh native and a WPIAL Hall of Famer, King was a 5-star recruit in Penn State’s 2005 class. He played wide receiver as a true freshman on a Nittany Lions team that went 11-1, won the Big Ten and the Orange Bowl and finished No. 3 in both polls, tied with the 1991 season as the program’s highest finish since winning the 1986 national championship.

He played cornerback for his final two seasons, earning an All-Big Ten nod in 2007, before becoming a fourth-round pick of the St. Louis Rams and crafting a six-year career with the Rams, Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Along with fellow 2005 signee Derrick Williams, King was one of the first two 5-star recruits to sign with Penn State during the modern era of recruiting.

The XFL is scheduled to begin play on Feb. 8, 2020.


Good for him for finding something after football, hopefully he is much better at it then he was for us. Lol.

Has anyone watched this shit on Netflix yet?

My only response is-What is the actual fuck did I just watch?

I’m half way waiting for it to come out that this shit was a hoax. Holy fuck!

It’s just un-fucking-believable—how on earth could this actually happen?

https://www.rotoworld.com/football/nfl/player/51114/jerry-tillery
Notre Dame DT Jerry Tillery had surgery to repair a torn labrum.

It's a 3-4 month recovery. Tillery (6'6/295) participated in the Combine with the injury — testing in the 84th percentile and leading all defensive lineman in SPARQ. He's expected to be ready for training camp, but this takes a hit on his rising draft stock. Tillery is in the first-round mix.

Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter
6 Mar 2019, 15:13


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I know he's 34, but he seems to still have some gas. For the right price... I'd be OK with the move.

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Does this guy ever shut up?

4 catches for 36 yards and a loss yet trying to somehow find a W in there for himself :rolllaugh:

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/03/05/rams-dont-pick-up-john-sullivans-option/

Looks like Rams will be saving some money. 5+Million is too much for him.
I wonder if Rams will move on or sign him for something like 3M.

My guess is that they will move on. Either Blythe or Brian Allen will be starter.

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2019/03/05/nfl-combine-draft-rams-prospects-winner-stock/
10 draft targets for Rams who stood out at NFL combine
By: Cameron DaSilva


The 2019 NFL combine wrapped up on Monday with the final group of prospects taking the field in Indianapolis. The “Underwear Olympics,” as it’s sometimes called, featured a number of players who stood out for good and bad reasons, while others reaffirmed their statuses as top draft prospects.

With regards to the Rams, several potential draft targets opened some eyes with excellent performances, primarily on the defensive side of the ball. Here are 10 prospects who helped their stock at the combine and could be possible picks by Los Angeles.

Florida State EDGE Brian Burns
Burns came away as one of the biggest winners at any position, elevating his stock immensely at the combine. He came in bulked up with about 15 added pounds, while maintaining the speed and explosiveness that made him dangerous at Florida State.

It’s possible he’s pushed himself out of the Rams’ range at 31, but if he were to fall the way Harold Landry did, Los Angeles would have a hard time passing him up.

Florida S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
Gardner-Johnson will probably be on the Rams’ shortlist for prospects to target in the first round if Lamarcus Joyner doesn’t return. He can play free safety, strong safety or cover the slot, providing excellent versatility in the secondary. Gardner-Johnson timed well in the 40 with a 4.48 and while his 7.03 three-cone leaves some to be desired, it’s not a stock-killer.

Johnson looked great in the limited on-field drills showed on NFL Network, particularly in the backpedal.

Gardner-Johnson with a tight backpedal and turn. I like it. pic.twitter.com/sdLbzUL1Nf

— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) March 4, 2019

Virginia S Juan Thornhill
Thornhill can play either safety spot at the next level, and after seeing him test at the combine, there’s no doubt he has the speed and athleticism to play the deep middle. He jumped out of the gym with 44 inches in the vertical jump and 11-9 in the broad, while also clocking a tremendous 4.42 in the 40-yard dash.

He’ll be an option in the first round like Gardner-Johnson, assuming the Rams move on from Joyner.

OKAY. @Juan_Thornhill just jumped 44" in the vertical!

Iowa S Amani Hooker
Hooker is a versatile player in the secondary, as well, and has the requisite speed with a 4.48 40-yard dash. At 5-foot-11, 210 pounds, he’s certainly not undersized, but the Rams would probably prefer to keep John Johnson on tight ends if Hooker were added.

He timed well in the three-cone drill (6.81) and short shuttle (4.1), which only helps his stock. Hooker would likely be a trade-back target because he’s unlikely to make it to No. 94 for the Rams.

Houston CB Isaiah Johnson
Unless the Rams cut Marcus Peters or Aqib Talib, they likely won’t be spending a first-round pick on a cornerback, but with both players’ contracts expiring next year, it’s still possible. Johnson going in the first round is probably too rich, but if Los Angeles trades down from 31 or up from 94, he should be a top target.

He’s tall (6-2), thick (208 pounds) and long (33-inch arms), but none of those traits hurt his speed or quickness. He cruised to a 4.4-second 40-yard dash and posted a stellar time of 6.81 seconds in the three-cone drill.

Top official short shuttles for cornerbacks at #NFLCombine:

1. David Long, @UMichFootball, 3.97
2. Isaiah Johnson, @UHCougarFB, 4.06
t3. Kris Boyd, @TexasFootball, 4.08
t3. Montre Hartage, @NUFBFamily, 4.08
5. Justin Layne, @MSU_Football, 4.09

— NFL Draft (@NFLDraft) March 4, 2019

Clemson NT Dexter Lawrence
Lawrence’s day ended early on Sunday after suffering a minor quad strain during his 40-yard dash, but he still ran a 5.05 at 342 pounds, which is astonishing. His 36 reps in the bench press were also impressive, and while it’s disappointing we didn’t get to see him go through other drills, the athleticism is clearly there.

He’d be a perfect Day 1 target for the Rams at the end of the first round if he gets there, slotting right in at nose tackle and replacing Ndamukong Suh.

Dexter Lawrence with a 5.05 (1.76 10-yard split) LET’S GO

He’s 342 pounds pic.twitter.com/zuFoJ1ZRZ4

— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) March 3, 2019

Texas LB Gary Johnson
Johnson is one of the fastest linebackers in the draft, as evidenced by his 4.43-second 40-yard dash. He also jumped 121 inches in the broad and posted a respectable 7.15 in the three-cone drill – 10th at his position. He’d be a nice complement next to Cory Littleton as a potential Day 3 selection.

There’s no question he helped himself in Indianapolis.

Gary Johnson clocks a 4.43 on his first 40 attempt. @_GaryJohnson @nflnetwork #ThisIsTexas #HookEm #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/bWDqXrqkSx

— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) March 3, 2019

Boston College OL Chris Lindstrom
Rodger Saffold may not be back and as it stands right now, the Rams don’t have a comfortable replacement for him. Lindstrom would fit in at left guard and after running a 4.91 40-yard dash, there’s no question he has the athleticism to pull and get to the outside and set blocks for Todd Gurley.

He played tackle in college and can also fit in at center, as well, in the event that John Sullivan doesn’t return or retires after next season.

N.C. State OL Garrett Bradbury

Another potential guard target for the Rams, Bradbury would probably have to be picked in the first round if Los Angeles wants him. He’d also be a good target if they trade out of Round 1, but there’s no chance he’ll reach No. 94.

He also stood out at the combine with a 4.92 40-yard dash and could be an immediate starter at guard for the Rams.

Notre Dame DL Jerry Tillery
The Rams met with Tillery at the combine so there’s definitely interest, but he may not be available to them at No. 31 anymore. He ran an impressive 4.93 40-yard dash at 6-foot-6, 293 pounds with a broad jump of 115 inches. He’d likely play defensive end in the Rams’ 3-4 scheme, but if needed, he could also move down to nose tackle in some situations.

Having him next to Aaron Donald would be a nice combination, especially in the event that the Rams cut Michael Brockers to save $10 million.

Jerry Tillery with an excellent 4.94 and even better 1.71 10-yard split pic.twitter.com/bQncvnR4ml

— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) March 3, 2019

Yeah, the weather outside is awful. Anyway, here's the mock:

Cut:

Mark Barron

(Barron is obvious.)

Re-sign:

Cory Littleton (four years)
Ethan Westbrooks (one year)
Sam Shields (one year)
Malcolm Brown - RFA
Kevin Peterson - ERFA
Blake Countess - RFA
Morgan Fox - RFA
JoJo Natson - ERFA
Dominique Hatfield - ERFA
KhaDarel Hodge - ERFA

(I'd gladly give Littleton an extension, as I think he's going to blow up next year. Westbrooks and Shields are cheap depth, whom I mistakenly neglected to include in my last mock. Brown is another addition who should help with depth behind running back. Fox deserves a chance to compete for an outside linebacker/defensive end slot. Peterson deserves a chance to compete for a spot as well. I'm not a fan of Countess as a starter, but he's cheap depth, so he stays. Hatfield should never see the starting field, but he's a good special teams player, so he stays. Natson and Hodge are key special teams players. They stay.

Release:

Rodger Saffold
Ndamukong Suh
Dante Fowler
Lamarcus Joyner
C.J. Anderson
Dominique Easley
Matt Longacre
Troy Hill
Bryce Hager
Ramik Wilson
Sean Mannion
Garrett Sickels

(I'd love to keep Saffold, but he'll cost too much. Suh and Joyner ask for too much for what they're being paid. I'd love to keep Anderson, but it's not feasible with Gurley and Brown in the backfield. Fowler asks for too much and we look elsewhere. I'm not sure if Hill is an UFA or not, but he's replaceable. Easley is injury prone, Longacre is ineffective, Hager and Wilson are replaceable, Mannion isn't the answer for backup quarterback, and Sickels is practice squad material at best.)

Free Agents:

Justin Houston (three years)

(My biggest splurge of the offseason. Houston is a legitimate pass-rushing demon off the edge who also excels in run-stopping. Would I love to bring him in to not only mentor Ebukam, Okoronkwo, and Fox, but to also bring fear to a defense? You bet!)

Kwon Alexander (four years)

(I think that Alexander might cost less than one would think, as he has an ACL injury and suspension history. When on the field, though, he's one of the most talented inside linebackers there is. And I think that he'd be a huge fit in Wade's system next to Littleton. And did I mention that Alexander is only twenty-five years old?)

Luis Perez (three years)

(Yeah, I like Perez as a backup.)

Ryan Groy (two years)

(Groy provides solid depth on the interior, and can possibly start in a pinch.)


Trades:

Marcus Peters and 2020 fourth to the Indianapolis Colts for #34 overall.

(Indy desperately needs a cornerback in their secondary. We happen to have Marcus Peters. Trade makes sense.)

Josh Reynolds to the Buffalo Bills for #74 overall pick.

(Call me crazy? Perhaps. Still, the Bills have nothing at receiver. They also have nothing at offensive line, and they'll probably use draft picks on both. But Reynolds will be attractive to Buffalo because he's a veteran receiver for Josh Allen to trust.)

2019 first round pick (#31 overall) to the Jacksonville Jaguars for #38 overall and #98 overall.

(Stealing from Jrry's mock because it makes all kinds of sense.)

Draft:

#34 overall - Dexter Lawrence, NT, Clemson.

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(Lawrence is a steal at this point, but with the injury he suffered while running his forty, the suspension for PEDs, and his being considered a two-down player, we get him here. Lawrence has the potential to flat-out change a game when he's on. He's a dancing bear; men his size should not be that athletic.)

#38 overall - Taylor Rapp, SS, Washington.

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(Rapp is just a solid safety in every aspect. I love his reliability and tone-setting hitting. And he doesn't just go for the kill-shot in hitting; he's arguably the most consistent tackler in this class. He has the ability to blitz, play man coverage against tight ends, and sniff out the run with his top-of-the-scale instincts and football IQ.)

#74 overall - Amani Oruwariye, CB, Penn State.

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(Oruwariye is a tall press-man corner who would instantly start for us. He's not a burner, but he's fast enough and technical enough to succeed despite physical limitations.)

#94 overall - Tytus Howard, OL, Alabama State.

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(Howard is a sleeper prospect. He's very quietly worked his way into becoming a mid-round prospect. He's an incredibly-gifted athlete who can be molded by Kromer before starting, but I think he could be a hell of a guard.

#98 overall - Justin Layne, CB, Michigan State.

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(Layne is a former receiver and still learning the nuances of the job at cornerback. He's 6'3" with long arms and excellent ball skills. He's also surprisingly sturdy against the run and will stick his nose into the fray. He can back up Sam Shields until he's ready.)

#99 overall - Kahale Warring, TE, San Diego State.

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(Watch that Nevada tape throughout, and you'll see a top-notch receiver. Jrry made me notice him, and after watching film, he's on the top of my list for tight ends. Warring is a great blocker; he has to be because of the offense that SDSU runs. But he's simply so smooth as a route runner and knows how to high-point the ball. I want him in horns.)

#133 overall - Carl Granderson, OLB, Wyoming.

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(Granderson is a dynamic pass rusher who struggles mightily against the run. He didn't produce huge numbers, but that was because he was oftentimes doubled and chipped and everything you can think of. With the ability to learn under Wade, I think that he could be a solid rotational player.)

#169 overall - Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State.

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(Butler is a 6'5", 227 lbs. target who breaks tackles and just ran a 4.48 at the Combine. Why is he all the way down here, then? Drops. Not-so-good route running. Lacks short-area quickness. But I think that he could be an excellent replacement for Reynolds, all the same. He's such a gifted physical specimen that I think that playing with our receivers should do nothing but help him.)

#203 overall - Bryce Love, RB, Stanford.

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(Love went from Heisman contender to afterthought after his senior year. He's certainly not a bellcow, he's likely not going to be a starting running back, but he's one of the most explosive players in this draft, he's a great third down option with his hands, and getting him here would be a steal.)

251 overall - Sione Takitaki, ILB, BYU.

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(Takitaki is flying under the radar because of his off-the-field issues (has been suspended multiple times), but he plays like his hair is on fire. He showed well against Wisconsin, playing good coverage and making several key tackles. He started out as a defensive end, but moved to linebacker and put up monster stats. Also, those off-the-field issues seem to be a thing of the past, as he's married and earned the team captaincy. Overall, I'd love to see this kid in blue-and-gold.)

Roster:

QB - Jared Goff
RB - Todd Gurley
WR - Brandin Cooks
WR - Robert Woods
WR - Cooper Kupp
TE - Gerald Everett/Tyler Higbee
LT - Andrew Whitworth
LG - Joseph Noteboom
C - John Sullivan/Brian Allen (later in the season)
RG - Austin Blythe
RT - Rob Havenstein

DE - Aaron Donald
NT - Dexter Lawrence
DE - Michael Brockers
OLB - Justin Houston
ILB - Cory Littleton
ILB - Kwon Alexander
OLB - Samson Ebukam
CB - Aqib Talib
CB - Amani Oruwariye
CB - Nickell Robey-Coleman
FS - John Johnson III
SS - Taylor Rapp

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

Yeah, he’s always pretty creative, but I think this offseason he will be a virtuoso.

He will have to be in this last SB window season before Goff gets extended.

My predictions:

At least one trade for a starter, maybe more. Probably pick for player, probably a D player.

Lion’s share of offseason moves will be devoted to D. Duh!

I expect Barron for sure to be a cap casualty. Possibly Brockers, too. Rams will be ruthless.

Rams will let Fowler and Saffold walk UNLESS they agree to cap friendly numbers. Simply no other choice for the Rams. I really like both players but business is business. Rams now draft well and are fairly confident that they can find quality players to replace them with.

Rams will lean on 2nd tier FA’s for maybe a couple of starting positions. Ram coaches excel at developing and scheming players and the experience factor for incoming FA’s is highly valued.

I expect 5 new D starters next season, unless Fowler is extended. Both edge players, ILB, DL, and FS.

Snead will trade down from #31 if he possibly can. Just depends on whether there’s a trade partner. In any case, I expect Snead to trade down later in the draft, probably more than once. I bet we wind up with 10 or more picks.

It wouldn’t floor me if Snead traded away Peters. Not predicting it, just saying that it might be 30-35% likely. Peters is not untouchable. It depends on what Wade wants, tbh.

I expect improved DL play under coach Henderson. Noticeably improved.

LB play better improve next season or Joe Barry is a goner. I’m halfway surprised Barry was’t fired along with Johnson, tbh.

Can’t believe we started the ‘18 season with Ebu and Longacre as edge starters. McVay/Wade will NOT enter the ‘19 season weak at both edge starters. This is offseason Job One.

Edge or DT will be our first pick, unless somehow both have been fully addressed via trade or FA.

Sully will be opening day starter at C, but will be replaced by Allen at some point in mid season. Kromer loves Allen.

If Saffold extends, then Boom will be our starter at RG. If Saffold walks, Boom will be our starter at LG and Blythe remains at RG.

Malcolm Brown will extend and CJ will be gone. A RB will be drafted later rounds in this draft.

Brandon Allen will be our backup QB while Mannion departs. Doubt if a QB from this weak class is the backup plan.

Our first pick will NOT be one of the following positions:

RB
QB
C
OG
OT
TE
WR

Probably not CB, either. Value/need not there.

McVay will have come up with a counter to the Patriot, Bears, and Lions D schemes by opening day.

Goff will have his best year yet.

Rams will have 3 WR’s exceed 1000 yards.

All due respect to Ebu, Obo, and Kiser, but none of these 3 are likely to be starters this season, certainly by opening day. All 3 have to win me over.

JJ will be voted to the Pro Bowl this year.

Rams will have 50+ sacks after adding 4 new players on their front 7.

Rams will have a top 3 D in ‘19 if they add those 5 new starters I listed.

Rams sweep the division again.

Rams finish 13-3 again.

Rams not only return to the SB, but they win it!

Wade then retires.

These bold enough for y’all? Lol.


Okay, what did I miss? Your thoughts or comments wanted, because some of mine are controversial, to say the least.

The three guys I wanted at #31 were Montez Sweat, Devin Bush, and Jeff Simmons. Sweat and Bush blew up the Combine and are almost certainly gone. Simmons is an iffy proposition at best. I guess the one good thing is that we can trade down into the Second and take Jachai Polite after he damaged his stock.

https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2019/...lorida-gators-jachai-polite-nfl-draft-combine

Florida Gators EDGE Jachai Polite: “Los Angeles Rams were my best meeting”
Could Mr. Polite be the draft pick at #31?
By Sosa Kremenjas


If you’re a Los Angeles Rams fan, you should be thrilled to hear this news. Florida Gators edge rusher Jachai Polite stated the Rams were his most pleasant meeting in his combine press conference:

Jachai Polite said Rams were his best meeting “bc they didn’t bash me. Everybody else picking at my game”

— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) March 2, 2019
#Florida EDGE Jachai Polite said he loved his time meeting with the #Rams.

— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) March 2, 2019
Here’s Polite’s thoughts on the Rams’ Head Coach Sean McVay:

#Florida EDGE Jachai Polite: “Sean McVay is too cool. Idk how old he is. He look like my uncle or something. He’s cool.”

— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) March 2, 2019
And if Polite wasn’t already the perfect Ram, here’s some San Francisco 49ers bashing we can all get behind:

#Florida EDGE Jachai Polite said that when he met with the 49ers at the Combine, they didn’t even really talk football with him at all. “They just bashed me the whole time... Idk.”

— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) March 2, 2019
Polite is generally considered to be a pass-rush specialist who isn’t fantastic against the run, but I don’t think it’s a major concern either. Polite came in with these measurements at the combine:

#NFLCombine key measurements thread…

203. #Florida DE Jachai Polite
Height: 6-2 5/8
Weight: 258
Hand: 9 6/8
Arm: 32 5/8
Wingspan: 80 2/8

— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) March 1, 2019
Obviously his size isn’t fantastic, but it’s not a large issue either, especially when Polite’s best potential fit will be with a 3-4 defense. In three college seasons, Polite racked up 28.5 tackles-for-loss, 15 sacks, four pass deflections, and eight forced fumbles.

The Rams and Jachai Polite would make a perfect marriage as he’d offer some much needed pass rush help along the edge. Could #31 finally be the spot which allows Polite to finally “retire moms” as he desires?

I am starting to believe there could be something to this story.

And... if you’re the Cardinals, and love Murray, why not?

They’re in position to ensure they have the QB they want. It’s an unusual position, but they hold the cards.

Rosen has solid trade value.

———

https://www.abc15.com/sports/nfl-dr...nals-will-trade-josh-rosen-draft-kyler-murray

NFL Draft expert: 'More probable than not' that Cardinals will trade Josh Rosen, draft Kyler Murray
Steve Keim added fuel to the fire Wednesday

Kliff Kingsbury unintentionally lit the fire four months ago, and Steve Keim poured fuel on it Wednesday.

Before being named the Arizona Cardinals' head coach in January, Kingsbury served as the head coach at Texas Tech -- and as his team was getting ready to play Oklahoma in October, he said he would draft OU quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray with the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft if he could.

Well, lo and behold, Kingsbury is now the head coach of the NFL team that happens to own the No. 1 pick in April's draft. This has led to speculation that the Cardinals could trade quarterback Josh Rosen, whom the Cardinals selected in the first round of the 2018 draft, and select Murray with that top pick.

Then, at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday, Keim, the Cardinals' general manager, was asked whether Rosen is the Cardinals' quarterback.

"Yeah. He is right now, for sure," Keim said.

"Right now?" That doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement for your franchise QB going forward. But then again, we in the media tend to over-analyze just about everything that coaches and GMs say.

So, what should we make of Keim's comment? Is there a real possibility that the Cardinals could deal Rosen in favor of Murray?

ESPN NFL Draft expert Louis Riddick says yes.

"There’s a lot you can actually read into what he said and how he said it," Riddick told ABC15 about Keim's comment. "General managers know what kind of signals they’re putting out there, especially when they use verbiage like that — 'for now’ — when they talk about quarterbacks in particular. You’ve heard people do it in the past, and usually what that means is, yeah, he is for now, unless we think we have something better.

"Kyler Murray is someone who new head coach Kliff Kingsbury has obviously a lot of admiration for and feels as though he would be someone in the type of offense he would ideally like to run. So, I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility at all. As a matter of fact, I think it’s more probable than not, to use some of the league’s terminology, that Kyler Murray winds up on this football team, and maybe as the No. 1 overall pick. I don’t think we should be shocked — as a matter of fact, I think we should prepare ourselves for that. It’s not a stretch to say go ahead and prepare yourself to see Josh Rosen in another uniform down the line."

The Cardinals selected Rosen with the 10th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. A prototypical pocket passer, he started 13 games in his rookie season, completing 55.2 percent of his passes with 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

Despite playing behind a makeshift offensive line, Rosen's mediocre numbers have some fans and experts wondering if he can develop into the Cards' QB of the future.

Murray, meanwhile, is a true dual-threat QB. He threw 42 touchdowns with seven interceptions and rushed for 1,001 yards and 12 touchdowns for Oklahoma last season.

"He's a dynamic talent," Kingsbury said about Murray in an interview with ESPN on Wednesday. "To be the quickest player on the field regardless of position, and then to be able to drop back and beat you in the passing game as well -- I just think the world of him as a player and a person, having recruited him in high school and knowing what he's about, and I think he's going to continue to prove people wrong at the next level."

But Kingsbury also gave his current quarterback a ringing endorsement.

"Josh is our starter. That's the guy that it's been and will continue to be," he said. "We love Josh. He's a top-10 pick for this organization for a reason, and I'm excited to work with him."

Regardless of how things play out, Riddick is intrigued to see what happens with the Cardinals and the No. 1 pick as April's draft approaches.

"Teams, a lot of times, mask their intentions. But again, reading into what (Keim) said -- and I don’t like to blow things out of proportion, quite honestly — but I think that was very telling what was said here today in Indianapolis," Riddick said.

———

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/03/02/does-washington-want-josh-rosen/

Does Washington want Josh Rosen?

Washington needs a quarterback, but Washington won’t be able to sink a lot of money into a quarterback, given the money committed to Alex Smith. With Smith likely to miss 2019 (and possibly never play again) after suffering a badly broken leg last season, Washington’s options are limited.

One option would be to trade for Josh Rosen, if the Cardinals indeed plan to take Kyler Murray with the first pick in the draft. Tony Pauline of DraftAnalyst.com reports that multiple sources have indicated that Washington is talking openly about trading for Rosen, if Arizona decides to make the move.

Washington holds the 15th pick in the 2019 draft; Arizona acquired Rosen with pick No. 10 a year ago. Arizona paid Rosen a signing bonus of $10.878 million and a 2018 base salary of $480,000, leaving only $6.239 million to be paid out over the next three years. Come 2022, Rosen’s fifth-year option would become the quarterback transition-tag number for 2021, since he was a top-10 pick. By 2021, however, Smith’s $31 million in remaining injury guarantees will have exited the books.

It’s unclear whether the Cardinals would take the 15th overall pick for Rosen, or whether they would want more — especially since they’d be handing to a new team a very affordable quarterback contract, with an average of $2.079 million per year through 2021.

There have been some interesting rumors since I last made my mock. In this mock, I'll explore a scenario where Saffold walks in FA. As always, I am not trying to guess what the Rams will do. I have no idea what they'll do. I am simply offering up possible scenarios based on my knowledge of our schemes, our tendencies, and players. I pick players I like whom I feel fit our scheme.
Cut
ILB Mark Barron

There's not much to say here. I think we're all agreed on this one. Barron stepped up in the playoffs, but we need somebody who offers more in terms of run fits.

Re-sign
CB Sam Shields
S Blake Countess
ILB Bryce Hager
ILB Cory Littleton - Second Round RFA Tender
CB Dominique Hatfield - ERFA Tender
RS Jojo Natson - ERFA Tender
DL Morgan Fox - ERFA Tender
CB Kevin Peterson - ERFA Tender
OLB Garrett Sickels - ERFA Tender
WR KhaDarel Hodge - ERFA Tender

I doubt there are too many surprises here (as I already mentioned Saffold leaving above). I would say the only two possible surprises are not re-signing Ndamukong Suh or Dante Fowler Jr. I think Suh wants his final multi-year contract. That will make it not feasible to bring him back. I like Fowler Jr., but I am wary of his price tag as a former top pick. I think we all expect Joyner to go.

Free Agency

Timmy Jernigan NT

The Eagles look likely to let Jernigan go due to his high salary and missing a large chunk of 2018. Many of us want a large NT, but that has never been Wade's forte. While some will think Jernigan undersized at 6'2" 295, Jernigan is a country-strong DT who specializes in run stopping. However, Jernigan does have the ability to put some pressure on the QB. He's an outstanding fit as a 3-4 1-gap NT. Don't let size fool you, Jernigan is an ox in the middle.


Brian Poole SS

Some people have already made it clear that they're not a fan of this move. That's fine, but I'm trusting my gut here. Poole is interesting because he has spent three years as a slot CB in Atlanta. He was great as a rookie, but he has been so-so (at best) since then. Where he has consistently shined, though, is in his physicality as a run defender and his blitzing off the edge. I think, like LaMarcus Joyner, Poole is a better safety than CB. He doesn't possess the short-area quickness or loose hips to match up well in the slot. Nonetheless, Poole has terrific instincts and is quite adept at reading route combinations. I think he offers exactly the sort of well-rounded skill-set that Wade values in a safety. And after not being tendered by Atlanta and so-so years as a slot CB, I think we can land him at a discounted price despite the fact that he's only 26 years old.


Blake Bortles QB

Bortles' stock is at the lowest it has ever been. He stunk up the field in 2018 and was one reason why the Jaguars drastically under-performed. Once he is cut, I don't see him getting a big-money deal. I think we can swoop in and offer him a fairly cheap deal. Why I love this idea is because Bortles has actually played solid football when things around him are good. When he's protected, has good play-calling, and good WRs, he's capable of being a competent starting QB. We're only looking for a backup QB. If we have a guy who is capable of being a competent starter in the right situation, we're ahead of most other teams. Think of guys like Nick Foles, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Case Keenum. When they were in bad situations, they looked bad. But they looked like competent QBs when things were going well around them. That made them valuable.



Ryan Groy C/OG

We tried to sign Groy after the 2016 season when McVay and Kromer had just been hired. The Bills matched our offer and kept him. Groy hasn't played as well away from Kromer's system, so I think we can sign him now cheaper than what we offered a couple years ago. He'll provide quality depth at Center and Guard. With Saffold gone, it's smart to have a guy who can give us quality snaps off the bench at all three interior OL positions.

Trade
LA Rams trade Round 4 Pick #31
Kansas City Chiefs trade OLB Justin Houston

Chiefs are looking to move Houston because of how much he costs and their need to open cap room. They've been shopping him of late. With Houston's age, injury history, and salary, I don't see the Chiefs getting a lot for him. We got Talib for a 5th last year; I think we can land Houston for similar compensation. Houston is still a good all around OLB.

LA Rams trade Round 1 Pick #31
Jacksonville Jaguars trade Round 2 Pick #6 and Round 3 Pick #35

The Jaguars trade up for a player in the late first (possibly an OL). We get our third round pick back.

LA Rams trade Round 3 Pick #31 and Round 3 Pick #35
Tennessee Titans trade Round 3 Pick #18 and Round 4 Pick #19

NFL Draft
Round 2 Pick #6 - Jerry Tillery DL Notre Dame
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Analysis: The Rams met with Tillery at the Combine. As it stands now, Tillery is a gifted pass rushing DT who needs to improve as a run defender. He's our replacement for Brockers after 2019. During 2019, he'll be a hell of a rotational pass rusher. At 6'6" 295 with long arms, Tillery possesses an explosive get-off with impressive hand usage and a variety of pass rush moves. He keeps OLs off balance with his diverse approach to pass rushing. He has the ability to win with both quickness and power. On one snap, he'll fire off the LOS, get to the OG's hip early, and win with a rip or swat. On the next snap, he'll fire off the LOS and attack the OG, who overset to counter his speed, with a stab move and push him back to the QB. Simply put, Tillery has a full arsenal of moves and uses them throughout the game to get consistent pressure. I look forward to him learning from Aaron Donald. As a run defender, Tillery has the quickness and speed to disrupt zone blocking schemes, but his high pad level allows him to get washed out of plays too often. At times, he shows the ability to anchor, power his way into the backfield, and play through blocks with his length to disrupt running plays. Nevertheless, he's very inconsistent as a run defender. For every good rep he has, he has a rep where he's moved far too easily out of his gap. That all said, the potential is there if he improves his pad level and anchor.

Round 3 Pick #18 - David Montgomery HB Iowa State
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Analysis: David Montgomery reminds me of Le'Veon Bell. While Montgomery has pedestrian speed, he is a highly effective runner due to his elite vision and patience. Montgomery makes it look easy as he sifts his way through chaos. Beyond his vision and patience, Montgomery makes defenders look silly with his ability to stop and start, cut on a dime, and fluid elusive moves. At 5'10" 222, he moves like a ballerina. However, while he's very elusive, he runs like a 220 pound back should, with power and contact balance. He has consistently ranked among the NCAA leaders in broken tackles since becoming a starting HB. Montgomery, like Bell, also shines in the other areas of the game. He's already a NFL-caliber pass protector, showing great blitz recognition, highly effective cut blocks, and a willingness to sacrifice his body to protect his QB. As a receiver, Montgomery is an excellent checkdown option. He's a sure-handed receiver who runs quality routes and is good at settling in the soft spots underneath coverage. Montgomery is a three-down HB who has the entire sets of tools except for top-end speed. Gurley and Montgomery can keep each other fresh.

Round 3 Pick #36 - 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, 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 #19 - Dennis Daley OT/OG South Carolina
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Analysis: Daley is a bit of a late bloomer as a JUCO transfer. He was tossed into the fire at SC and has generally held up well. Josh Allen and Jachai Polite gave him some problems, but Daley improved as the year went on and had a very impressive performance against Clemson's gifted DL (especially Clelin Ferrell). At 6'5" 317 with around 33.5" arms, Daley has the size to play either tackle or guard. He also has the physical attributes to play either tackle or guard. Daley's best attributes are his power and anchor. At SC, he played LT. He has good enough feet and bend to stick outside in the NFL. As a run blocker, while he has punch, power, and explosion, he doesn't get as much movement as he should because he doesn't play with leverage. As a pass blocker, Daley needs to improve on his sets to keep speed rushers from running the arc on him. He has the base and anchor to stymie bull rushers, his punches are generally well timed and well placed, and he has a great understanding of the game. He is, however, susceptible at times to inside counters because he's a split second late to react. All in all, Daley is an OL who legitimately has the potential to start at every OL spot but Center. He has a high football IQ and has improved rapidly at the college level. I think he'd be a great fit here learning from Kromer and our vets on the OL.

Round 5 Pick #31 - Khalil Hodge ILB Buffalo
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Analysis: Hodge didn't receive an invite to the Combine (which is just nuts). 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" 250) 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. That all said, instincts, play recognition, and football IQ will take you a long ways in the NFL.

Round 6 Pick #31 - David Long CB Michigan
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Analysis: I like David Long. He has some limitations. He's undersized at 5'11" 198. He doesn't possess great long speed, so he isn't a guy you'll want to play consistently on an island. That all said, Long can play both outside and in the slot (and did so in college). He has great press-man technique. He's accurate with his hands and patient with his footwork. He is a sound and aware zone defender who doesn't freelance, and he tackles well when needed. I was a bit disappointed with how passive he is as a run defender. He seems content to stay glued to his blocks. But in coverage, he's very sticky, very physical, and consistently pesters the WR. On the down side, he can get bullied by bigger WRs and can be a bit grabby at times. Still, he's a guy who could step in and provide solid play if Talib, Peters, or NRC suffers an injury.

Round 7 Pick #37 - Malik Carney OLB North Carolina
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Analysis: Carney is an intriguing pick late in the Draft. At 6'2" 251 with average athleticism, he's probably not going to be a future star. However, Carney is a guy who could stick on the roster as a solid all around OLB and a good special teamer. As an OLB, he has the ability to drop into coverage, play the run, and get after the QB. As a pass rusher, he doesn't have the explosive get off or speed to win with speed in the NFL, but he does have heavy hands, good power, natural leverage, an assortment of moves, and relentless effort which give him some upside in this area. His best move is his spin move, which is quite fluid and plays well off his power. As a run defender, Carney has strength and natural leverage, but his height and play recognition limit him at this stage. He can anchor in against the run and set the edge, but he's late to recognize plays and needs to improve at understanding the blocking schemes to prevent from getting pushed out of the play upfield or pushed down the LOS on down blocks. All in all, Carney is a guy who has the tools to potentially be a solid starter or a good rotational player, and his relentless effort and strong football character should give him a chance to stick here.

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: Joseph Noteboom
C: John Sullivan
RG: Austin Blythe
RT: Rob Havenstein

5T: Michael Brockers
NT: Timmy Jernigan
3T: Aaron Donald
WOLB: Justin Houston
Mo LB: Cory Littleton
Mike LB: Micah Kiser
SOLB: Samson Ebukam
RCB: Aqib Talib
LCB: Marcus Peters
SLCB: Nickell Robey-Coleman
FS: John Johnson
SS: Brian Poole

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

Heres a buffstream link. http://buffstream.live/ufc/ppv-live-stream.php

Our offense....all of it depends on the consistency of great RB play. Arthritis doesn't go away, as far as I know, and so Gurley won't be the guy we need him to be, imo. Our window is open while Goff has a rookie deal, and so that shortens it some without a healthy Gurley. Who is a great RB that we could get at #31?

Good thing that freakin' groundhog said it was gonna be a short winter....