https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...-teams-that-could-dictate-this-nfl-offseason/

The Jets, with cash to burn, are one of six teams that could dictate this NFL offseason

I am already well on record as being a skeptic about this NFL free-agent class. As it currently shapes up, this group is significantly lacking in true star power, and looks even less potent than last year's middling crop. Of course, some of that could change between now and mid-March, when free agency officially begins.

The consensus among the executives I have informally chatted with about the 2018 offseason is that it looks to offer few solutions at the skill position spots. "On paper, it's the worst group of free agents I've seen since I've been doing this," is how one top exec for a team put it to me. Of course, things could get a little more interesting via the trade route, and undoubtedly a handful of accomplished veterans will hit the market at some point due to being released for cap or other purposes.

And that's where the intrigue may hinge.

Those players who get cut don't negatively impact the equation for being rewarded with compensatory picks and many of them have already made a ton of money and want to get a chance to go for a Lombardi with a contending team. There won't be a flurry of huge-name signings when the market opens, because there simply aren't that many players of that stature set to become unrestricted free agents. But with every team and every agent about to hit Indianapolis for the combine in less than two weeks, there will be heavy chatter about teams shopping certain contracts and players who must take a pay cut or risk being released (given the dearth of talent on the open market I'd reckon most legit starters would call their team's bluff).

And there will also be a few teams that are so overloaded with cap space and payroll flexibility that they will be willing to set the market at key positions in free agency and also will still be able to aggressively seek other upgrades via trades with teams that are in more of a cap crunch. After having reviewed the cap and cash situation of all 32 teams, and gone over every pertinent contract in the league, there were six teams that stood out to me beyond the rest as having the ability to swing the pendulum of this offseason one way or the other.

A half-dozen teams could set the tone for the ensuing months and add substantial spice and flavor to an otherwise bland free-agent group. These movers and shakers, depending on the direction they chart for their franchise, could have a substantial trickle-down impact on transactions around the league. Perhaps, this offseason will go as they go. Here are the teams that I kept going back to as I poured over contracts, depth charts, cap space and payrolls:

New York Jets
I get the sense that no team is more primed to make a heavy imprint next month than the Jets. They have cash and cap to burn, with no quarterback making even $1 million on their roster and they're about to shed the contract of their highest-paid player, defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson (they'd save another $17 million in cash and create another $11 million in cap space – on top of the $80-odd million they already have – once they make this move). They may try to find some trade value for Wilkerson, and despite his rough go last season, I could see the Patriots, Ravens or Steelers exploring him as a free agent. Oh, and they will come after Kirk Cousins with vigor and intensity and still have a massive amount of resources left to spend on upgrading around him. More than enough to sign a guy like Jarvis Landry if they like, or to acquire a former Pro Bowl receiver via trade should they wish (more on those options later). Beyond Leonard Williams there are few current Jets in line for an extension, and New York doesn't have too many free agents of its own to focus on either (beyond tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins or linebacker Demario Davis). So they will be on the hunt for talent from the other 31 rosters, big time.

Denver
So, those receivers I just mentioned? Yeah, the Broncos have two in Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, who other GMs believe will be available via trade. Denver is also looking to peddle former Pro Bowl corner Aqib Talib (his attitude and lapses in discipline may make that difficult to accomplish as teams wait it out for him to be released). Then there is the matter of the Broncos' quarterback situation. If they don't pony up upwards of $30 million a year for Cousins, then which bridge guy do they go with? Trade for Tyrod Taylor? Sign AJ McCarron if he is ruled an unrestricted free agent this week when his grievance is resolved? And if John Elway still wants to draft a quarterback, then does he see what he can get for Paxton Lynch, who he just traded up to draft in the first round a few years ago? Or do they clear out a bunch of salary and cap space to funnel much of that into Cousins, and then rebuild around him? This is a team at a crossroads, and its direction will directly impact corresponding moves from other clubs.

Seattle
The Seahawks have critical decisions to make with their defense, and limited cap space as things currently stand. But John Schneider is always among the most proactive general managers in the game. The Seahawks entertained trade offers for Richard Sherman a year ago and certainly would do so again – though his injury situation clouds things. Will Kam Chancellor be able to pass a physical? With Chancellor on the roster this week, his $6.8 million salary became guaranteed, but questions remain about his health following a neck injury. Cliff Avril is facing a possible injury-forced retirement. Will the Seahawks transition or franchise Sheldon Richardson to keep him off the open market? If not, he will be one of the most sought after players next month. Can they restructure Russell Wilson's deal to create more cap space – they can – and funnel those resources into the offensive line? Does Schneider have another surprise move up his sleeve (like trading for Percy Harvin or Jimmy Graham)? If the Seahawks remain in win-now mode while still transitioning, then the trade route might be their best option. Plenty of intrigue in Seattle.

Miami
The Adam Gase/Mike Tannenbaum coupling enters what is often the decisive third year together, and they do so at a crossroads. Things fell apart in 2017 after a surprise playoff run in 2016, and Tannenbaum's impulse has always been to try to throw more money at a problem. But will that best serve the Dolphins and their coach here? Jarvis Landry wants mega-money as a slot receiver, and I wouldn't franchise him, but might Miami? Gase loves Ryan Tannehill, but the Dolphins, barely under the cap, would create over $15 million in cap space by moving off of him. Would Tannenbaum be intrigued by a splashy quarterback out there? Can you count on Tannehill, given his recurring major injuries? Confidants of owner Stephen Ross told me during the season that the owner was ready to move on from defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, set to count a staggering $26 million against the cap. Does he have a change of heart now? Are the Dolphins buyers, or more like sellers? Teams have been interested in acquiring veteran pass rusher Cam Wake for years. I'd expect other teams to feel out the Dolphins at the combine. Maybe Miami rides things out, staying largely status quo, but if they don't they could be at the nexus of several big transactions.

Minnesota
The Vikings came one game from being the first team in NFL history to play in their home stadium in a Super Bowl, and the roster remains deep and young and talented … everywhere but at quarterback. Which of their three free-agent passers (Case Keenum, Sam Bradford, Teddy Bridgewater) do they retain, if any, and how do they do it (franchise/transition/extension)? Are they going year-to-year at QB, or do they enter the Cousins sweepstakes? They have oodles of cap space and could possibly get more if Sharrif Floydis unable to play again, but also have Anthony Barr, Stefon Diggs and Trae Waynes all eligible for contract extensions, and GM Rick Spielman has done very well securing his own talent during their rebuild. Even if they are aggressive to extend those players now, there is ample room to make a big splash or two from outside the organization. Anytime a team has three pending free-agent quarterbacks who all have the wherewithal to be starters in 2018, it makes them a pivotal piece in the NFL's offseason puzzle for that alone.

Philadelphia
The Super Bowl winners have some interesting dilemmas ahead, including possibly trading the Super Bowl MVP, quarterback Nick Foles. Yeah, that will get you on this list. Add in the fact that no GM relishes making trades more than Howie Roseman (he moved up twice to get Carson Wentz), and you have the makings for big moves. What is the trade market like for Foles and does the uncertainty of Wentz's return from season-ending knee surgery complicate things? Do the Eagles keep left tackle Jason Peters, who they won the Lombardi without last year? Or can they move him for a pick and clear out some cap space? Philly is as tight against the cap as any team in the league. Do they pick up the $5 million option on receiver Torrey Smith? Do they trade someone like Vinny Curry? The Eagles lack two day-two picks from the Wentz trade, and no doubt want to recoup some of that young, cheap talent that comes from hitting on second- and third-round picks. Roseman has been trying to nail down an extension with Super Bowl hero Brandon Graham for months – can they get that done with one year left on his deal? Plenty of reasons why eyes around the league will be on Philadelphia, as well as these other five front offices, in the coming weeks.

Nothing unexpected from either. Heal up.

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Two of the Los Angeles Rams' top defenders have gone under the knife.

Rams linebacker Mark Barron and cornerback Kayvon Webster both underwent shoulder surgery recently, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday, per sources.

Barron should be ready for camp, while Webster's availability come summer will depend on how he recovers from the torn Achilles tendon that kept him out of L.A.'s final six games.

Barron played in and started 15 of Los Angeles' 17 games last season, recording three picks and 72 tackles. Webster, who had one interception and 34 tackles last season, is entering the final season of a two-year deal signed with the Rams in 2017.

If you’ve got the time to watch this; it is fascinating.

Fact; the world will look a lot different, very soon. Almost unsettling to think how this will impact the auto industry and industry that supports it.

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http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/02/12/jaguars-getting-a-uniform-makeover-too/

Jaguars getting a uniform makeover, too

The Jaguars are serious about rebranding themselves, now that they’re actually good at football.

In addition to today’s announcement that they’re removing the tarps from EverBank Field (and raising ticket prices almost 11 percent), they also said they’re getting new uniforms and helmets for the 2018 season, which will be unveiled later this spring.

That’s welcome news, as their current get-ups (home and road) are a mess of colors, and the two-tone helmet never really took off the way some marketing genius must have thought they would.

Perhaps the Tom Coughlin influence and the winning that came with old-school football will lead them to a more traditional style.

And if nothing else, it’s good news for Vince McMahon and the XFL, since he can pick up the hand-me-downs at the yard sale and have one of his teams outfitted for 2020.

http://www.espn.com/blog/nfcwest/po...g-nfc-west-titles-and-the-team-best-set-at-qb

Three years out, projecting NFC West titles and the team best set at QB

Now that the San Francisco 49ers have locked up their franchise quarterback for the near future in Jimmy Garoppolo, it's a good time to see how the NFC West stacks up.

ESPN's NFC West reporters Alden Gonzalez (Los Angeles Rams), Brady Henderson (Seattle Seahawks), Nick Wagoner (49ers) and Josh Weinfuss (Arizona Cardinals) answer two key questions about how the division and its teams will be set up for the immediate future. These projections are based on a three-year window because the teams are on the cusp of changes with upcoming free agency and the draft, and Garoppolo's contract altered the 49ers' long-term outlook more than their immediate one because it was a safe bet that the QB would stay in San Francisco.

Three years from now, which team will have the best quarterback situation?

Gonzalez: Three years from now, Jared Goff will be finished with his rookie contract. If he performs the way the Rams hope, his price tag could be exorbitant. How exorbitant? Well, in the previous three-year stretch, from 2015 to 2017, the highest average annual value went from $22 million (Aaron Rodgers) to $24.6 million (Andrew Luck) to $27 million (Matthew Stafford). Now, early in 2018, it's $27.5 million (Garoppolo). That's 25 percent growth (and it could be even higher after Kirk Cousins signs). If that trend continues, the highest average annual value could top $34 million heading into the 2021 season. A price tag such as that could belong to Goff, which is my long-winded way of saying that the 49ers will be better off with Garoppolo. He's going to shine under coach Kyle Shanahan, so much so that he might just be a bargain by then. Russell Wilson may be the best right now, but he’ll be 30 this year, and his contract expires after only two more seasons.

Henderson: The Seahawks currently have the best quarterback situation, and there's no reason to believe that anything short of a major injury to Wilson should change that over the next three years. Yes, another massive bill for Wilson will soon come due. He has two years left on his deal, which puts him in position next offseason for an extension that could be in excess of $30 million per season with the way the quarterback market is trending. That will make it difficult to retain talented players elsewhere on the roster, just like it has since Wilson signed his second contract in 2015. But that's the cost of doing business with an elite, proven QB. The 49ers, meanwhile, just paid a fortune to Garoppolo after only seven starts, albeit seven impressive starts. Neither he nor Goff has won a playoff game. Wilson is 8-4 in the playoffs, with a pair of Super Bowl appearances and one championship. He's also coming off another strong season in which he was in the MVP conversation until the final few weeks, so there's plenty of good football ahead of him. Until Garoppolo or Goff shows the ability to take a team all the way, like Wilson has, the Seahawks will have the best quarterback situation, even if it's also the most expensive one.

Wagoner: The safe bet would still have to be on Seattle and Wilson. Put simply, he's the most accomplished quarterback in the division, and there's an argument to be made that he is the player most valuable to his team in the NFC West. In three years, Wilson will be only 32 and should still have a lot of good football in front of him. But if you're looking for the most upside, Garoppolo and Goff are well-positioned to be emerging superstars at the game's most important position, especially because they both work with QB whisperers in Shanahan and Sean McVay, respectively. Given what Garoppolo did with a lacking supporting cast last season, he looks to have the most potential if the Niners can bolster what's around him. Goff took a big step in part because the Rams did a nice job of improving what's around him. He figures to keep improving as well. Seattle would be wise to give Wilson more help to ensure that he keeps performing at his current level. If not, Garoppolo and Goff could surpass him.

Weinfuss: This might be as tough a question as there is in the NFL. While it's a great debate -- the Rams, Seahawks and 49ers all have a great quarterback situation for the near future -- there's also an element of unknown. As of now, the 49ers are the only team in the West with a starting quarterback under contract through 2020. Goff and Wilson both will be up for extensions or new contracts after the 2019 season. While it's likely that both will be either extended or re-signed, there's always that sliver of a chance it doesn't happen for whatever reason. However, with that said, as tough as it is to go against Wilson, it's the 49ers who have the best quarterback situation over the next three seasons. Garoppolo showed during the six games he played at the end of 2017 that he's more than capable of being a starting quarterback, as he took a team that won one game through its first 11 last season and won five straight to finish the season. If Garoppolo can continue those types of performances and the Niners can continue improving the roster, the team will be in very good shape.

Which team will win the most division titles in the next three years?

Gonzalez: I can't say the Seahawks, even though they still have the division's best quarterback and boast the division's most accomplished roster. They have replaced both coordinators, might have to rebuild on defense and definitely need to reconstruct the offensive line. I can't say the Cardinals, even though David Johnson will be back, and their defense is talented. A new head coach and no long-term solution at quarterback signal a dry spell. It comes down to the Rams and 49ers. Even though the 49ers showed so much promise down the stretch last season, I have to go with the Rams because they already have the roster in place for sustainable winning. Sure, their defense could look a little different in 2018. But they have the reigning Associated Press Coach of the Year (Sean McVay), Offensive Player of the Year (Todd Gurley) and Defensive Player of the Year (Aaron Donald). That's a great start. They're the reigning champs, but they're also very young on offense and, with coordinator Wade Phillips, in good hands on defense.

Henderson: I give the Rams a slight edge over the Seahawks while acknowledging that there might be some recency bias at play here. After all, the Seahawks won the NFC West in three of the previous five seasons before the Rams claimed the division title in 2017, their first since 2003. But the Rams' 35-point December victory in Seattle felt like a changing of the guard. The Rams are a young team that looks built to last. The Seahawks still have loads of talent, but there's some long-term uncertainty with an aging defense coupled with the question of how much longer Pete Carroll will coach.

Wagoner: This is a tough call because after a slight drop-off, the NFC West again looks to be on its way to being one of the NFL's toughest neighborhoods. The Rams earned the right to be the favorites heading into 2018, with their talented young core, but they have some difficult roster questions to answer and will need to continue drafting well the next few years as they presumably hand out big contracts to the likes of Donald, Gurley and Goff. The Niners are the most intriguing team in the bunch because of what they did after Garoppolo became the starter. That was without much time to work together and with a roster that still has some glaring holes. The onus now falls on general manager John Lynch to fill those holes and get the roster in place to make the Niners contenders again. Seattle still has Wilson, and as long as he's around, it has a chance. Arizona still has a salty defense, but until it answers its quarterback question in a positive way, it's the one team we can probably rule out. The Rams and Niners look to be the best bets, and their rivalry should continue to rekindle. I'll give the slight edge to the Rams for now until we have a better handle on whether Lynch, who is in only his second year on the job, can build the roster around Garoppolo to help San Francisco get back to the top of the division.

Weinfuss: Even though the 49ers might be in the best shape at quarterback over the next three years, Los Angeles is the best team currently and is set up to be the best team in the future. The Rams have a young QB in Goff, a young running back in Gurley, a young coach in McVay and a young foundation on defense starring Donald. The Niners could make a run at them with Garoppolo, and the Seahawks will be contenders in the division as long as Wilson is on the field, but it's impossible to predict how the Cardinals will fare given that they don't have a quarterback under contract for 2018. Regardless of whom Arizona will get for the most important position, it's hard to think the Cardinals will topple the powerhouse the Rams have built in Los Angeles.

https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-2018-free-agency-preview-los-angeles-rams

2018 Free Agency Preview: Los Angeles Rams
BY MIKE CAHILL


Nov 26, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams free safety Lamarcus Joyner (20) during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Rams defeated the Saints 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Los Angeles Rams have a lot of important pieces set to hit free agency. Seven of the 13 players set to become unrestricted free agents were regular starters or had started at some point in 2017. Five of those seven players combined to play over 3,200 snaps on the defensive side of the ball. Four of those five combined for over 2,250 snaps in the secondary.

Safety John Johnson III and cornerback Kayvon Webster are the only two starters in the secondary under contract next season. And Webster’s ruptured Achilles adds an extra wrinkle to the team’s free agency game plan as well.

The Rams do, however, have a good amount of cap space available to them. They should be able to keep their safety duo intact while also keeping the wide receiver core together for the 2018 season. The interesting part will be what they do about their cornerbacks with the upcoming free agent class.



SALARY CAP ROOM
$40,863,316 (12th in the NFL, as of 02/15/2018)

BIGGEST NEEDS

• Cornerback
• Edge defender
• Center
• Interior defender

NOTABLE FREE AGENTS

• Lamarcus Joyner, S, 90.3 overall grade
• Trumaine Johnson, CB, 74.2 overall grade
• Sammy Watkins, WR, 76.2 overall grade
• Nickell Robey-Coleman, CB, 84.9 overall grade
• John Sullivan, C, 74.6 overall grade

MUST RE-SIGN
Lamarcus Joyner, S, 90.3 overall grade

In his first season playing safety in the NFL, Joyner saw his highest-graded season by almost 12 points. He finished as the league’s third-highest-graded safety and tied for first in coverage grade at 92.2. On 406 coverage snaps, opposing quarterbacks targeted Joyner only 28 times. He allowed 12 of those targets to be complete while intercepting three of them and defending five more of those for a passer rating of 31.8 in his coverage.

His 0.36 yards allowed per coverage snap ranked 12th among 59 safeties. He was also one of only two safeties to not miss a single tackle in the passing game and he only missed three in the running game. Averaging 17 tackle attempts in between missed tackles combined, Joyner owned the sixth-highest tackling efficiency among all safeties. Though it was his first season at a new position, Joyner was one of three safeties to earn an elite grade (90.0-plus) and it would be criminal to let him walk.

DREAM SPLASH SIGNING
Junior Galette, edge, Washington Redskins

Before missing both the 2015 and 2016 seasons due to Achilles injuries, Galette produced the ninth-most pressures across the 2013 and 2014 seasons among edge defenders with 126. His 22 sacks in that time were tied for seventh-most, as well. This past season, Galette earned the second-highest grade of his career (82.4), tied for 31st among 106 edge defenders in 2017.

His 37 pressures on 251 pass-rushing snaps resulted in the 14th-highest pass-rush productivity )11.9) among edge defenders. The Rams desperately need someone outside of Aaron Donald to generate pressure, as he has been responsible for over 36 percent of the team’s total pressures since 2015. Pairing these two with Robert Quinn, who produced 18 of his 38 quarterback pressures in his final four games of the season could be devastating to opposing offenses come 2018.

2018 FREE AGENT PROSPECTS

Dontari Poe, DI, Atlanta Falcons

After moving Michael Brockers from nose tackle to a 3-4 defense end, the Rams’ three players at nose tackle combined for 18 run stops on 319 run snaps. That’s one fewer than Poe was able to generate on 298 run snaps in 2017. Before a down season in 2016, Poe had four straight seasons with at least 22 run stops, with a peak of 30 in 2013. Since Wade Phillips came to town and changed the defensive scheme to a 3-4 base, the Rams have been playing light at the nose tackle position.

Should they look to the open market to fulfill the position, Poe would change that, as he is a massive 6-foot-3, 346-pound player. Given that he’d be in between Brockers and Aaron Donald, two players ranked in the top-12 in run-defense grades among interior defenders, the Rams’ 31st-ranked PFF run defense would surely take a huge leap in 2018. Poe also ranked 26th among all interior defenders in pass-rush grade (77.0), which he earned with his career-high 39 pressures.

Kyle Fuller, CB, Chicago Bears

In his first two seasons, Fuller allowed almost as many touchdowns (10) as he had plays on the ball (13). This past season, he earned his highest-graded season at 84.3, 22nd among 121 cornerbacks. He saw a league-high 119 targets while averaging the second-fewest coverage snaps in between targets at 4.8. Despite being targeted so much, Fuller allowed the 14th-lowest passer rating into his coverage with a 69.0.

He also generated 17 pass breakups, two more than any other cornerback in the league. The one part about Fuller’s game that took a step back was his tackling. He led all cornerbacks in the league in missed tackled with 21, seven more than the next highest player. At 25 years old, Fuller is a very interesting player worth looking at in free agency.

Report: CB Trumaine Johnson will not be back with the Rams

February 16, 2018 | By:Jake Ellenbogen

According to a recent report by Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, "Trumaine Johnson will not be back with the Rams, according to a league source"

The 28-year old, Trumaine Johnson, has been the Rams starting CB for just about his whole career. The former third-round pick out of Montana has been with the team during its time with Janoris Jenkins, during it's darkest time and of course, this past season during what many would call a magical season. Johnson has been vocal about wanting to stay a Los Angeles Ram and despite the fact he was pretty much told he wasn't going to be back next year, he took on the 2017 season with an open mind and was voted a team captain by his teammates.

Johnson was rated as the number one cornerback in press man coverage and 15th overall as graded by Bleacher Report's Ian Wharton. It's become clear if the Rams are willing to part with Johnson despite the fact that their number two cornerback is coming off of two major surgeries, the team is putting more of a premium on bringing back FS LaMarcus Joyner and WR Sammy Watkins. Even more obvious now is the fact the Rams are likely to draft a CB and even sign one in free agency. Whether or not the Rams feel Johnson is a scheme fit or not is unknown but what is know is the fact that Johnson has made almost as much money in franchise tags as the Rams have cap space to spend in free agency.

One thing is for certain, this off-season is vital for the Rams and we have only seen a sneak peek of what's to come if these reports are indeed true.

I was joined by Turf Show Times writer Sosa Kremenjas on the 61st episode. In this episode we talked all about the Rams, NFL, Free Agency and the draft.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/downtownrams/dtr-podcast-61

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Rams Positional Outlook: Defensive Backs
Myles Simmons

The 2017 Rams won their first NFC West title since 2003 with an 11-5 regular-season record. As Los Angeles’ focus shifts to 2018 and beyond, we’ll take a position-by-position look at how the Rams performed in 2017 and how each group currently stands at the start of the 2018 offseason.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

CB | Trumaine Johnson
— Team-leading 14 pass breakups || two interceptions || one forced fumble || one fumble recovery || 70 tackles

CB | Kayvon Webster
— Eight pass breakups || one interception || 43 tackles

S | Lamarcus Joyner
— Tied for team lead with three interceptions || seven pass breakups || one forced fumble || 61 tackles

S | John Johnson III
— Third on the Rams with 91 total tackles || 11 pass breakups || one interception

CB | Nickell Robey-Coleman
— Nine pass breakups || two interceptions || one forced fumble || one fumble recovery || two tackles for loss || 50 tackles

CB | Troy Hill
— Five pass breakups || 18 total tackles

S | Cody Davis
— 25 total tackles || Three pass breakups || one interception || one QB hit

DB | Blake Countess
— One interception || 1.0 sack || 15 total tackles

DB | Isaiah Johnson
— Five total tackles

S | Marqui Christian
— Six total tackles || Four special teams tackles

*Signed to futures contracts: CB Taurean Nixon, CB Marcus Sayles, CB Dominique Hatfield

ANY FREE AGENTS?

Trumaine Johnson, Joyner, Robey-Coleman, and Davis are all slated to become unrestricted free agents when the new league year begins in mid-March. Hill is also an exclusive rights free agent.

LOOK BACK, LOOK AHEAD

The Rams’ secondary had a solid year under coordinator Wade Phillips, cornerbacks coach Aubrey Pleasant, and safeties coach Ejiro Evero. As a team, Los Angeles finished tied for sixth with 18 interceptions, 13 of which came courtesy of the club’s defensive backs. Two of the Rams’ DBs also returned interceptions for touchdowns, and the club nearly had a third early on in the season.

The unit often showed it was ready to go early in games, as Trumaine Johnson, Robey-Coleman, Joyner, and Webster each recorded an interception on an opponent’s opening possession. Joyner also forced a fumble in Seattle, to account for five of Los Angeles’ eight opening-possession takeaways.

The Rams had to fight through some injury issues in the secondary, with Trumaine Johnson and John Johnson the only major contributors to play in all 16 regular-season games. Webster suffered a season-ending Achilles injury during the Rams’ Week 13 contest against Philadelphia, and Hill filled in at the starting spot opposite Trumaine Johnson through the rest of the realgar season and playoff game against Atlanta.

At safety, John Johnson started the year behind Maurice Alexander, but the rookie moved into the starting role opposite Joyner in Week 5 after playing much of the second half against Dallas the week before. Joyner also was quite effective in his position switch from slot corner to free safety, receiving a 90.3 “elite” grade from Pro Football Focus for his 2017 performance.

As for the future, however, the Rams have a bevy of key free agents in their secondary. After playing under the franchise tag for consecutive seasons, Trumaine Johnson is likely to become an unrestricted free agent in mid-March. A second-round pick out of FSU in 2014, Joyner is at the end of his rookie contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent, too. Robey-Coleman and Davis are at the end of their veteran contracts, and are also slated to hit the open market.

With so many key free agents, the organization and players will likely have decisions to make over the next few weeks if the majority of the secondary is to remain in tact on the roster to start the 2018 offseason program. Plus, Webster is still recovering from separate surgeries to repair his Achilles and shoulder.

Given all that, it’s fair to expect Los Angeles could have some movement in the secondary over the next couple of months.

https://www.dailynews.com/2018/02/15/los-angeles-rams-offseason-analysis-tight-ends/

Los Angeles Rams offseason analysis: Tight ends
By RICH HAMMOND


Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee, left, looks to avoid New Orleans Saints free safety Marcus Williams during an NFL game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, November 26, 2017. (John Valenzuela/Daily News/SCNG)

There seemed to be only one certainty about the Rams’ offense going into the 2017 season, that the tight ends would thrive under Coach Sean McVay, who adored the position as offensive coordinator in Washington.

It didn’t work out. While the Rams turned running back Todd Gurley into a masterful receiver and got more than expected out of receiver Robert Woods, the tight ends faded to the background and caught a total of only 49 passes (out of a team total of 320) and three touchdowns (out of 28).

There’s still plenty of reason for optimism, because the Rams have three tight ends who are young, talented and versatile.

The question this offseason might be, will the Rams complement that group with a new veteran? As part of an ongoing series, here’s an in-depth glance at the Rams’ situation at tight end:

2017 STARTERS: Tyler Higbee (25 receptions, 295 yards, one touchdown).

RESERVES: Gerald Everett (16 receptions, 244 yards, two touchdowns), Derek Carrier (8 receptions, 71 yards, 0 touchdowns).

PENDING FREE AGENTS: Carrier.

GRADING 2017

Everett, the Rams’ second-round draft pick, got some attention at the start of training camp when he opined that he and Higbee could be as good as the talented Washington tight-end duo of Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis.

It didn’t work out. Higbee, for a second consecutive year, looked strong in camp, and perhaps on the verge of a breakout, but then caught only 25 passes for 295 yards and one touchdown.

Everett had an intriguing, boom-or-bust rookie season. He totaled 244 receiving yards, but 152 of those yards came on three catches. Listed at 6-foot-3, 245 points, Everett displayed an impressive variety of skills but couldn’t consistently remain a part of the Rams’ attack.

The Rams brought in veteran Derek Carrier, who knew McVay’s system from Washington, and Carrier was reliable and made a handful of nice catches. GRADE: B-

ANALYZING 2018

It’s time to find out about these guys. Everett seems to have the highest ceiling, and if he can improve his consistency, he should become a significant downfield threat for quarterback Jared Goff.

Higbee is more of a question mark. He’s been solid but far from spectacular, even though he seems to have great rapport with Goff. Higbee ended his 2016 rookie season well and had some good moments early in 2017 but then faded and played a small role in the offense late in the season.

The wild card is Temarrick Hemingway, who broke his leg in a preseason game and missed the entire season. He’s another playmaker, in the mold of Everett, but the question is whether he can offer anything different that would justify a roster spot.

It’s highly doubtful that the Rams would use another draft pick on a tight end. Carrier, who is only 27 years old, easily could return in the same role he filled in 2017, or the Rams could look for a slight upgrade on the free-agent market. LEVEL OF NEED: LOW

Broke ass truck I saw being towed on my way to work this morning.

Assuming player grades are more or less equal at #23, of course.

I see lots of discussion about cornerback and edge rusher as our pick in the first round. Almost every pundit is calling for CB with that pick, in fact. But nose tackle, not so much... Why is that?

If a suitable nose tackle is there at number 23, is it not possible that that would provide the most bang for our buck? I mean, think about it.

Suitable nose tackle would “finish“ our DL. And wouldn’t it make our linebackers and cornerbacks even more effective?

I think it’s a legit question. Is a near elite NT a bigger help to our D than a near elite LB? At least on run D? Perhaps a bigger boon to our CB’s, too?

Food for thought, anyway. Or is this a chicken vs egg thing?

Probably will come down to who falls, I guess.

Any ideas out there on this? Talk to me.

With FA right around the corner I wanted to take a stab at what we're going to see transpire here shortly. This offseason is enormously important to the team, and while yes all offseasons are important this particular one comes with a lineup of hard decisions that would challenge even the most seasoned GM. Anyway here's a shot at what I think is going to transpire:

TRADE
Robert Quinn

I think Quinn's sack total in the face of his non-fit with this scheme lead to him being moved in trade. There will be a market for him (still young and reasonable sack total), and no we won't get a day one pick for him, but this class is very nice at rush OLB and they will get another pick they can use to address that position. This clears cap space as well, which is important, and adds young legs that can do a better job dropping into coverage to our front seven.

CUTS
Tavon Austin
Mark Barron

I am sure Les is trying to find a trade partner for both during this period leading up to FA, but it's a longshot since teams know both are likely to be cut. Of the two Barron has the most value, in that a 4-3 defense needing a WILL would be an ideal fit and so that might happen, but going to call them both cuts at this juncture because I don't feel like perusing the depth charts of all the 4-3 teams and if we get a pick, well, Les will be able to pat himself on the back because that will be huge.

RE-SIGNS/TENDERS
Aaron Donald
Sammy Watkins
LaMarcus Joyner
Nickell Robey-Coleman
Malcolm Brown
Troy Hill
Matt Longacre

The bottom three are no-brainers as RFAs, all get tendered. Donald has to get done. Watkins is required for at least one season (also bad FA period and weak draft for the position factor in), but I think they agree on a deal for a few years given how much he was open. Joyner is a requirement and insulates them at CB worst-case. NRC is a guy I expect them to get done but he's also a potential "hard choice" since he's primarily a nickel and they have Joyner returning, so if he plays hardball he will be a FA loss.

FA LOSSES
Trumaine Johnson
Connor Barwin
Cody Davis
John Sullivan
Tyrunn Walker
Connor Barwin
Jake McQuaide

Rams are going to need to make some hard calls. They can't bring everyone back, and tbh they shouldn't, as this team was not good enough last year to advance in the playoffs. Of the above Barwin might stick if he elects to sign an affordable deal, same with Sullivan and Davis, but the more of those they do the more they chink away at the FA money that should be reserved for impact players. Rams have been looking at LS through the predraft period, I expect them to address the position through UDFA or late rounds. Lastly, re: Trumaine, if they somehow end up agreeing to a contract with him (longshot but possible) then it likely means NRC will depart in FA.

FA ADDITIONS
Jimmy Graham

I think McVay goes after a TE who can stretch the seam to improve our 12 personnel package, many disagree with me here but it's a big need for adding to the potency of this offense.

Not a fan of this FA CB class and IMO it is best to use a very strong CB draft to replace Trumaine. I think they take one early and maybe one mid to late.

There will be some other FA additions to help address depth chart weaknesses, but I don't expect them to be the kind of signings that will drastically alter needs going into the draft.

DRAFT NEEDS
1. CB (need a CB1)
2. OLB (need a blindside rusher)
3. ILB (need a strongside interior run stuffer)
4. NT (need a run stuffer and space eater minimum)
5. OL (need to add at least a couple guys who can be depth but might have starting future)
6. LS (might be UDFA but they are going to need to bring one in)


PICKS BY ROUND
1
2 (assuming Quinn nets a round 2 pick)
3
4
5
6
6
6

Five ILB prospects that can be upgrades if the Rams let go of Mark Barron

February 14, 2018 | By:Jake Ellenbogen

Mark Barron has been a really solid football player for the Rams since his acquisition from Tampa Bay. The former first-round pick lays the wood and has improved in almost every aspect of his game but unfortunately, the team that traded for Barron back in 2014 is no longer that type of team. They are a team that has switched defensive schemes under legendary Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and will likely need to upgrade the linebacker position. Even though Barron has likely outplayed Alec Ogletree, it will not be enough due to the fact Ogletree was recently extended. The Rams need that "thumper" on the inside next to Ogletree and Barron as great as he looked is not a fit for a 3-4 defense. Here are five linebackers that can replace and upgrade the position left behind by a potential departure of Mark Barron.

Rashaan Evans, Alabama

Let's start off with the best and most realistic option for the Rams, Rashaan Evans. Do you want that big-time thumper in the middle? Evans has that. Why did I not mention Tremaine Edmunds and Roquan Smith, because they won't be there at 23. Evans might, and that is due to his injury. Aside from that Evans is clearly a top-15 player in this draft class.

He's a quick processor of what is going on around him, he's fast and can chase his target sideline-to-sideline. One thing to bear in mind as a linebacker prospect is the ability to play with instincts and not have to think about what to do. Evans is an instinctual player that has the athletic ability to turn him into a star at the next level. Does he hit harder than Barron? That's debatable, but what Evans would do is fit in like a glove in a 3-4 scheme and fill a role that the Rams haven't had to fill in years. The Rams for years were a 4-3 operating team and now since their defensive scheme switch, they officially need to upgrade.

He's a natural fit and he has shown the ability to consistently improve upon himself. He is going to be able to step in right away from day one and play the position well. He won't be baited and he won't find himself completely out of a play. The Rams saw consistently during their first playoff game how hard it is to stop a running game without the proper linebackers. If you would have plugged Evans in that game it would have been a different game altogether. That right there, is exactly why the Rams need to upgrade the position and Evans have to be number one on that list if that's truly the case.

Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State

Next, we have the late first-to-second round option Leighton Vander Esch. It's not a guarantee the Rams even recover a second-round pick but it is a guarantee that Vander Esch does not make it to round three. He's someone that has a fit right away just like Evans as a thumper, he doesn't have the quickness Evans possesses, but he can do a multitude of different things.

He has the instincts, the versatility to play inside or outside and once he makes contact he finishes the tackle. This is someone that is going to be relentless until the whistle is blown and he's someone that could be a mainstay on your roster for a long time. The Rams need that inside presence as already mentioned and while Evans is the best fit, we are still talking about a player that will have first-round buzz leading into the draft. This is a good player that would make an immediate impact for the Rams next Ogletree in 2018.

Shaun Dion Hamilton, Alabama

Durability concerns are a shame and it's likely what is holding Hamilton from becoming a day two pick but that's okay. The Rams will have the opportunity to land a natural leader at the position. Hamilton can be had likely on the third day of the draft. He's short but that's not an issue because he is built well overall. Hamilton has the toughness and passion to play the inside linebacker position.

He's played next to Rueben Foster and now aforementioned Rashaan Evans and has worked well with them. Hamilton is a highly intelligent player that is great at controlling gaps and would be a great fit next to Alec Ogletree. He's kind of the consolation prize that has the talent to go in the first three rounds if he never had those injuries. Above all, Hamilton excels dropping into coverage like a defensive back, he's going to be a great find for whoever is willing to bite the bullet and draft someone coming off a torn ACL in 2016 and a broken kneecap last year.

Christian Sam, Arizona State

He's got the expected size to play inside but he packs a mean punch. Christian Sam is a punishing tackler that has the strength to take down bigger ball-carriers and the speed to play sideline-to-sideline. Sam is not going to blow the doors off for any team but he's another one of those blue-collar linebackers that will play for your team for years and be productive while doing it.

He's going to be able to drop into shallow coverage but if you ask him to do too much he's bound to be overwhelmed. He's going to need to improve as a blitzer for a team that blitzes the inside backer as often as Wade Phillips does, but he's going to fill his role well.

Sam can likely be had in the later portion of the draft. He doesn't have the upside of Hamilton as mentioned above but he might be selected ahead of him due to him being the "safer" pick. If you want an honest evaluation Sam has a lot of good things you like and is likely the "safe" do everything well pick but not anything at an elite or great level.

Micah Kiser, Virginia

We hear the term "old school Thumper" a lot during the draft season and that's exactly what Kiser is. His stock has been victimized by the fact that players like Rashaan Evans (who are the new breed of linebacker) exist. Micah Kiser is another one like Christian Sam that is not going to blow you away with measurables and might be the perfect value if he tests poorly at the combine. He's well-built for the old school 3-4 inside linebacker position and is going to produce at the next level. He's a sound tackler that has the football instincts and overall feel for the game.

So, why is he predicted to fall to later day three then? Well, he's simply not that guy that can drop into coverage, he's not a sideline-to-sideline athlete and he doesn't have that elite short-area burst that will make him successful like a Roquan Smith at the next level. His play speed is barely above average unlike Smith's who looks like he has turbo straight out of a video game. The Rams can decide who they really want, it's important to keep in mind that Barron was fast and losing him and adding a guy like Kiser might look more like the part but will slow down the linebacker group. Still, Kiser in the later portion of the draft possesses great value and will be hard to pass up if a team wants the look of the 3-4 inside linebacker. Kiser is certainly that.

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Check us out. Good convo about upcoming FA's and a potential re-structure of Quinn, who walks, who stays?

We will be on iTunes over the next 14 days.

Follow us on twitter: @rampageradiopod

View: http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Rams-Positional-Outlook-Offensive-Line/72f662c3-a841-41ea-b35c-d9ed666f5688

Rams Positional Outlook: Offensive Line
Kristen Lago

The 2017 Rams won their first NFC West title since 2003 with an 11-5 regular-season record. As Los Angeles’ focus shifts to 2018 and beyond, we’ll take a position-by-position look at how the Rams performed in 2017 and how each group currently stands at the start of the 2018 offseason.

OFFENSIVE LINE

G | Jamon Brown

— 16 games played, 16 game started.

G | Rodger Saffold

— 15 games played, 15 games started.

C | John Sullivan

— 15 games played, 15 games started.

T | Andrew Whitworth *^

— 15 games played, 15 games started.

T | Rob Havenstein

—15 games played, 15 games started.

C | Austin Blythe

— 16 games played, one game started.

T | Darrell Williams

— 16 games played, one game started.

T | Cornelius Lucas

— One game played, one game started.

C/G | Aaron Neary

— One game played, one game started.

OL | Jake Eldrenkamp

— Eldrenkamp signed a futures contract with the Rams.

*Pro Bowl

^All-Pro

ANY FREE AGENTS?

Sullivan and Lucas will be unrestricted free agents, while Williams will be a restricted free agent at the start of the new league year in March.

LOOK BACK, LOOK AHEAD

The Rams underwent a major overhaul of their offensive line during the offseason — adding veteran linemen Whitworth and Sullivan. The two have a combined 23 NFL seasons between them and helped elevate the play of Saffold, Havenstein, and Brown throughout 2017.

While the Los Angeles’ offense as a whole surged under head coach Sean McVay — finishing the regular season No. 1 in scoring — the front five were key to the Rams’ success. All five lineman started the first 15 games, bringing much-needed consistency to the offense.

After giving up 49 sacks in 2016, the Rams gave up just 28 sacks on the season, according to Pro Football Focus. Quarterback Jared Goff was given much more protection up front, allowing him to throw for 3,804 yards and 28 touchdowns. Last year the Cal product was sacked 26 times in seven games, but was sacked just 25 times in 15 games in 2017.

Plus, the unit was able to limit negative runs to finish the year with 17 rushing touchdowns.

Per PFF, Whitworth and Saffold allowed just seven sacks and eight quarterback hits.

But Sullivan had a solid campaign as well, allowing just one sack on the season. The right side was equally as impressive as Brown and Havenstein showcased significant year-over-year improvements.

Scheme and execution allowed the Rams to open up run lanes, as the team's 1.89 average rushing yards before contact ranked No. 2 in the league. And according to PFF, no team was better than Los Angeles at opening holes through the middle, as the club produced 3.02 an average of 3.02 yards per contact.

The starting O-line remained healthy throughout the year so the reserves did not have many opportunities. But because of the Rams practice schedule — which allows for several veteran rest days throughout the week — Blythe and Williams received extended time practicing alongside the starters. That preparation paid off several times when they were asked to step up into game action, especially in Week 17 when Brown was the only starter to take the field.

What’s this? Something from the Rams PR department that’s actually creative and...even... funny?

Check ‘em out:

http://m.therams.com/photos/photo-g...ay-Cards/fb46de47-610f-431f-9b7f-ce2760d13e86

Several years ago, the NFL moved the draft to Thursday night in an effort to generate prime-time viewership. Starting this year, the NFL plans to take it the rest of the way, generating prime-time broadcast-network viewership.

Per multiple sources, the draft will be televised by FOX.

It’s believed FOX will carry a simulcast of the NFL Network feed, with ESPN continuing to televise the event on its own.

Last year, a separate source told PFT that the league already had the ability to place the draft on a broadcast network, hinting that it would be the next logical step in making the draft a bigger and better event. The league drew rave reviews for choosing Philadelphia as the destination, with more than 70,000 fans showing up for the first night.

This year, the draft will be held in Dallas, and the crowd surely will be even larger. The TV audience definitely will be; events carried on channels available through the public airwaves always do better than events televised on cable.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/02/14/draft-will-be-televised-by-fox/

Personally I'm disappointed that they aren't doing their own production though I guess it'll be crowded with 3 networks doing their thing. Anything is better than ESPN though.

2018 isn't even 7 weeks old and we have 18 of these horrible events.

I don't blame "guns" or "gun laws" because they haven't really changed all that much over the years. If anything, they are slightly more restrictive. So it's not the law.

What the fuck is causing these to occur at an ever increasing rate???

Gun culture?

Violence in modern music?

Video games?

A sense of despair among young people?

I would bet that the US has more school shooting than the rest of the world combined.

Saw this at msn.com and and thought it was worth posting. Kinda where I'm at with the NFL. If the Rams had performed like they did in'16, I would never have made it through the season watching football.

MOD EDIT: Corrected link

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nf...athy/ar-BBJ7XMs?ocid=ob-tw-enus-1508523114409

View: http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Rams-Positional-Outlook-Special-Teams/3bbf3b2e-8c27-494c-a9b9-df05193c188c


Rams Positional Outlook: Special Teams

The 2017 Rams won their first NFC West title since 2003 with an 11-5 regular-season record. As Los Angeles’ focus shifts to 2018 and beyond, we’ll take a position-by-position look at how the Rams performed in 2017 and how each group currently stands at the start of the 2018 offseason.

SPECIAL TEAMS

K | Greg Zuerlein*^
— 38-of-40 field goals made (95.0 percent) || 44-of-46 extra points made || League-leading 158 points

P | Johnny Hekker*^
— 65 punts || 44.3-yard net average (No. 2) || 47.9-yard gross average (No. 4) || 30 punts downed inside the 20

RS | Pharoh Cooper*^
— 27.4-yard kick return average (No. 1) || 12.5-yard punt return average (No. 2)

K | Sam Ficken
— 2-of-3 regular-season field goals made, 2-of-2 postseason field goals made || 4-of-5 regular-season extra points made, 1-of-1 postseason extra point made.

LS | Jake McQuaide*

*Pro Bowl
^All-Pro

ANY FREE AGENTS?

McQuaide will be an unrestricted free agent. Ficken will be an exclusive rights free agent.

LOOK BACK, LOOK AHEAD

The Rams had arguably the best special teams unit in the league under coordinator John Fassel. Los Angeles’ starting kicker, punter, returner, and long snapper were each named to the Pro Bowl and to the Associated Press All-Pro team after the successful 2017 campaign.

Zuerlein was on pace to set an NFL scoring record when a back injury flared up in Week 15, causing the kicker to miss the rest of the season. According to general manager Les Snead, Zuerlein should be healthy in time for the 2018 season.

Hekker’s punting prowess is expected at this point, but he still had a noteworthy season in downing nearly half of his punts inside the 20-yard line and recording only four touchbacks in 2017. The punter signed a two-year extension last fall, keeping him under contract with L.A. through 2022.

Cooper began the season as Los Angeles’ kick returner, but began returning punts as well in Week 6 against the Jaguars. The South Carolina product excelled in both roles, and should enter the offseason program to as the favorite to continue in them going forward.

McQuaide has been the Rams’ long snapper since 2011, when he arrived as an undrafted rookie out of Ohio State. He signed a contract extension through 2017 back in the summer of 2013, which gave the franchise and the long snapper plenty of stability. He and Los Angeles will have to make a decision on the future, however, because McQuaide’s contract is up. The Rams will also have to make a determination on Ficken, who is an exclusive rights free agent — meaning the player will not be able to negotiate with any other team should L.A. extend a qualifying offer.

All the offseason moves remain to be seen, of course.

But I expect the NFC West to be an extremely tough and competitive division this year.

Think about it.

The resurgent Rams are now a well balanced team with a stellar coaching staff led by a fine talent evaluating group. I see no reason not to expect another very good offseason to further improve them, either. They’re my admittedly biased pick to repeat as division winners.

Niners are positioned to improve this offseason via picks and FA to the point that they will be legit challengers. I project them finishing second.

Cards have a new HC in Steve Wilks, so who knows? But I see Keim bringing in a QB through FA for the near term and with a good draft they should be right back in the mix. Shouldn’t go to sleep on the Cards if they get that QB. I project them finishing in 3rd place.

Well, what do you know? That leaves the Seahawks finishing 4th, doesn’t it? Hard to type those words, but I think that the Seahawks are in for a struggle this year. Coaching changes, possible Carroll slipping, players getting long in the tooth, suspect OL, cap issues, lack of premium picks, and the entire division improving around them makes this ‘18 outlook a little bleak for them, if you ask me. Still, they are the Seahawks and an outside team that must play them would do well to bring it’s A game.

What do y’all think?

Heck, maybe ever, if I’m gonna be totally honest.

Back to at least Vermiel for a HC.

And for a FO I have to go back to Klosterman. Yeah, Klosterman.

The ripple effects of the above combo are endless. Starting with my enjoyment level and peace of mind.

So, I intend to enjoy interesting and lively discussions about countless possible offseason moves, and I will certainly participate in my fair share. But I will be comfortable in the belief that this group will have self scouted, identified weaknesses, and formed strategies to best improve those weaknesses. Plans A, B, and C, at that.

Things like these:

Future LOT
Sully and/or draft future C
Our future at TE. Already on roster or FA or draft moves?
Extend Watkins and for how much and how long, or roll with another FA, or Reynolds and Thomas?
Our future at NT. Already here or FA or draft?
AD contract. How much, how soon, and for how long?
Barron stays or goes?
Ogletree moved over?
Quinn stays, goes, or renegotiated contract downwards?
Barwin one more year?
Can Ebukam be a legit starter?
TruJo extended and for how much? Or will another FA or draft be the decision?
What about a replacement for injured Webster? Draft, FA, Troy Hill?
Who will be our picks in the draft, especially at #23? Can S&M put together another quality draft?

All these interesting topics and many more will be examined by we loyal fans for months, no doubt. Gonna be fun.

But, like I said, when all is said and done, I have this wonderful feeling that this group is all over every single thing that we’ve considered and more. And that they will make solid decisions to improve our team. That feeling is priceless for this 74 year old fan.

Can’t wait to see how their moves unfold.