Rams GM Les Snead will be on the Colin Cowherd show at some point Wednesday 7/26. Cowherd is on record saying he thinks the Rams are one of two teams that will double their 2016 win total. I believe his radio show is also on tv, Fox Sports 1 maybe?

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/07/25/agent-all-charges-dropped-against-lucky-whitehead/

1] (Monday morning/afternoon) Erroneous report on Whitehead
2] (Monday afternoon) Garrett and Cowgirls say they are going to make sure they investigate the charges fully
3] (Monday night - hours later) Cowgirls cut Whitehead, basically suggesting he's an example that they won't put up with these off-the-field distractions (like Elliott? )
4] (Tuesday) All charges dropped against Whitehead (mistaken identity)

Had the Cowgirls actually talked to the Prince William County police, they probably would have learned that the charges were going to be dropped Monday night.

Instead, they try to sell that they did their due diligence and Whitehead was wrong and so he had to be released.

I have not heard of any apology from the Cowgirls. The spineless owner and coach probably never will.

Now... Whitehead was a long shot to make the team despite this episode. But to use the guy as an example and not get the facts just makes the Cowgirls look like the buffoons they are.

I'm glad Fisher is gone... this is something he probably would have done...

The Cowgirls are unstable... I still predict a precipitous fall from grace this year.

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/...cent-brains-donated-deceased-football-players

CTE found in nearly 90 percent of brains donated by football players
ESPN.com news services

CHICAGO -- Research on 202 former football players found evidence of brain disease in nearly all of them, from athletes in the NFL, college and even high school.

It's the largest update on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease linked with repeated head blows.

But the report doesn't confirm that the condition is common in all football players; it reflects high occurrence in samples at a Boston brain bank that studies CTE. Many donors or their families contributed because of the players' repeated concussions and troubling symptoms before death.

"There are many questions that remain unanswered," said lead author Dr. Ann McKee, a Boston University neuroscientist.

Among those questions: How common is this? How many years of football are too many? What is the genetic risk?

"Some players do not have evidence of this disease despite long playing years," McKee noted.

It's also uncertain if some players' lifestyle habits -- alcohol, drugs, steroids, diet -- might somehow contribute, McKee said.

Dr. Munro Cullum, a neuropsychologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, emphasized that the report is based on a selective sample of men who were not necessarily representative of all football players.

He said problems other than CTE might explain some of their most common symptoms before death, such as depression, impulsivity and behavior changes. Cullum was not involved in the report.

McKee said research from the brain bank may lead to answers and an understanding of how to detect the disease in life, "while there's still a chance to do something about it." There's no known treatment.

The strongest scientific evidence says CTE can only be diagnosed by examining brains after death, although some researchers are experimenting with tests performed on the living.

Many scientists believe repeated blows to the head increase risks for developing CTE, leading to progressive loss of normal brain matter and an abnormal buildup of a protein called tau. Combat veterans and athletes in rough contact sports like football and boxing are among those thought to be most at risk.

The new report was published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

CTE was diagnosed in 177 former players -- nearly 90 percent of brains studied. That includes 110 of 111 brains from former NFL players; 48 of 53 college players; nine of 14 semi-professional players; seven of eight Canadian Football League players; and three of 14 high school players. The disease was not found in brains from two younger players.

A panel of neuropathologists made the diagnosis by examining brain tissue, using recent criteria from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, McKee said.

The NFL issued a statement saying these reports are important for advancing science related to head trauma and said the league "will continue to work with a wide range of experts to improve the health of current and former NFL athletes."

After years of denials, the NFL has acknowledged a link between head blows and brain disease and agreed in a $1 billion settlement to compensate former players who had accused the league of hiding the risks.

The journal update includes many previously reported cases, including former NFL players Bubba Smith, Ken Stabler, Junior Seau and Dave Duerson.

New ones include retired tight end Frank Wainright, whose 10-year NFL career included stints with the Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens. Wainright died last October at age 48 from a heart attack triggered by bleeding in the brain, said his wife, Stacie. She said he had struggled almost eight years with frightening symptoms including confusion, memory loss and behavior changes.

Wainright played before the league adopted stricter safety rules and had many concussions, she said. He feared CTE and was adamant about donating his brain, she said.

"A lot of families are really tragically affected by it -- not even mentioning what these men are going through and they're really not sure what is happening to them. It's like a storm that you can't quite get out of," his wife said.

Frank Wycheck, another former NFL tight end, said he worries that concussions during his nine-year career -- the last seven with the Tennessee Titans -- have left him with CTE and he plans to donate his brain to research.

"Some people have heads made of concrete, and it doesn't really affect some of those guys," he said. "But CTE is real."

"I know I'm suffering through it, and it's been a struggle and I feel for all the guys out there that are going through this," said Wycheck, 45.

In the new report, McKee and colleagues found the most severe disease in former professional players; mild disease was found in all three former high school players diagnosed with the disease.

Brain bank researchers previously reported that the earliest known evidence of CTE was found in a high school athlete who played football and other sports who died at age 18. He was not included in the current report.

The average age of death among all players studied was 66. There were 18 suicides among the 177 diagnosed.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2723599-tre-mason-nfl-rams

Tre Mason can be found here, in Lake Worth, Florida, on a pier that stretches into the Atlantic Ocean.

On this humid July day, he doesn’t resemble a volatile renegade at all. The running back who disappeared from the NFL takes a seat at Benny’s on the Beach and gazes off into the sparkling blue waves that crash quietly against the shore. Ray-Bans shield his eyes. He has a ring on each pinkie. Two gold chains and their pendants hang around his neck—one of Jesus Christ, one of the cross.

He’s not anxious, not paranoid. He’s not threatening to call the White House anymore or fleeing the cops on his ATV. No, Mason polishes off an omelet smothered in cheese and…philosophizes.

Are you happy?

It’s a question, he says, people don’t ask enough.

“Yeah,” Mason replies to himself. “I woke up today. I have no complaints. Zero complaints.”

Mason points to the beach below, where he trains, and describes a scene straight out of Rocky. According to him, it’s gotten to the point where kids gather ’round in awe to watch him cut and sprint and sweat.

The back who shattered Bo Jackson’s single-season rushing record at Auburn didn’t play a down of football last season and isn’t even on a team, yet is still built like a 5’9” UFC fighter and hasn’t lost a shred of confidence.

Any team that seeks a stick of human dynamite capable of going the distance at any moment should give him a call. Mason assures he’s the one who “applies the pressure,” the one who’ll “set it off.”


“I woke up today," Mason says to B/R Mag. "I have no complaints. Zero complaints.”(Jeffery Salter for B/R Mag)

“People call Bo one of the best athletes of all time,” Mason says, “and I broke his record.”

After citing Jay-Z as one of the true “GOATs” of hip-hop, he pauses for eight seconds.

“That’s my mentality,” Mason says. “I’m trying to be the greatest of all time. I believe in myself. If you think there are limits, you must not know the sky.”

And yet the reputation that precedes Mason—that he was a lost cause spiraling out of control—is impossible to ignore.

To recap: In March 2016, Mason was pulled over for driving 75 mph in a 35 mph zone and Tased when he refused to exit his vehicle. In July 2016, he was caught doing wheelies and driving recklessly in an ATV before then fleeing the cops.

His mother, as captured on tape, subsequently told authorities her son was “22 in a 10-year-old’s mindset” due to concussions, adding, “Tre is not himself at all.”

Cops were called to his home five times in four months, once for what Mom described as “irrational statements.” That police report indicated that when Mason saw the cops he threatened to call the White House and have them all fired before then saying police were responsible for teaching al-Qaida how to fly planes.

In July of that year, Mason was admitted to a South Florida hospital for a mental health evaluation, according to a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office report. Then, in August, Mason was cited for blocking a lane of traffic with his Maserati.

He never showed up for Los Angeles Rams training camp.

He was AWOL, unresponsive and in need of help, at least according to then-Rams coach Jeff Fisher, who said the team tried to reach Mason “numerous times” but that he “made a decision not to communicate with us, not to talk.” The Rams, Fisher said then, were “more concerned about Tre Mason’s well-being” than his football career.


Mason was let go by the Rams in March 2017 after spending two seasons with the team.(Getty Images)

Thinking back to when the Rams made him out to be a pariah, all joy fades from Mason’s face.

“How would they call it nowadays? Fake news. ‘Oh, we just hope he’s OK.’ You come to Florida and find out,” Mason says. “Fly your ass down. Sit next to me right on this beach, eat some food and you’ll see. You tell me. I’m not going to sugarcoat for nobody. If you’re really worried about me, fly your ass down.”

So that’s what B/R Mag did. Turns out, the cloud of mystery that engulfs Mason from afar still looms in person.

Is he the best running back on the market…or someone you wouldn’t want in your locker room? Is he noble for fleeing an untenable situation with the Rams...or a quitter? No teams have shown interest. Not yet.

Mason says he’s available and happy, that any team with doubt should talk to him face to face.

Whenever a team does, it’ll need to answer a different question: Do you believe in Tre Mason?

He holds out his hand, palm up, toward the beach as if presenting it as a gift.

This water. That sun. Those palm trees.

“I came back to paradise,” Mason says, “back to my hometown.”

Football is almost always ripped away from players. Rarely does anyone choose to stay home when practice begins. But that’s precisely what Mason did before last season. The “why” is not simple or straightforward. He’s blisteringly honest about one reason (the Rams) and elusive on others (the off-field trouble).

Before venting, Mason spells it out: “J-O-B.” He knows playing running back in the NFL is work. But he also felt insulted. Betrayed, even. After he rushed for 765 yards and four scores in 12 games as a rookie, the Rams drafted Todd Gurley in 2015, and Mason was marginalized.

Coaches, he said, would promise “X” number of carries, and then he’d spend practically all of Sunday standing idly on the sideline. He had three or fewer carries in seven games.

In his mind, why accept this? Why settle? Mason felt compelled to make a decision himself.


“Of course it’s difficult to step away from something you’re so passionate about,” Mason says to B/R Mag. “This is what I really want to do. This is what I love to do."(Jeffery Salter for B/R Mag)

“I’m not going to be used as a puppet,” Mason says. “I want to leave a great legacy. I don’t want to just be thrown to the side and ate up by the business of football. You know your worth. I was always told, ‘Know your worth.’ … I’m not going to say I’m Albert Einstein and have all the answers. But I know what I’m capable of doing.”

He doesn’t have answers for the Rams. He has questions.

“What are you trying to do? If you want to win a championship, let me know. I don’t have time for these games. This bullshit. … I’ve had enough people lie to me in my life. I ain’t got time for no more.”

He speaks so passionately, so convincingly, that you want to believe the Rams were 100 percent in the wrong in tossing Mason aside. His refusal to accept such a piecemeal role feels principled.

Of course, you could also believe Mason quit.

Mason calls the Rams a “clown show” more than once.

“Of course it’s difficult to step away from something you’re so passionate about,” Mason says. “This is what I really want to do. This is what I love to do. But it’s also, you have to be smart about the situation of ‘OK, I do know there are 32 teams in the NFL. Maybe one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.’”

The cruel irony is that when the Rams cut Mason, the other 31 teams wanted nothing to do with him.


“What are you trying to do," Mason says to B/R Mag. "If you want to win a championship, let me know. I don’t have time for these games. This bullshit. … I’ve had enough people lie to me in my life. I ain’t got time for no more.”(Jeffery Salter for B/R Mag)

Mason is ominous and ambiguous when it comes to discussing other forces at play. He cites “family emergencies” as another reason he wouldn’t return. Football isn’t life, he asserts. He had to help his family through…something. Mason won’t detail what exactly. While owning up to the fact that he is “not perfect,” Mason doesn’t divulge much over brunch.

That ATV joyride? “In South Florida. Whoops. My bad. I’ve been riding ATVs and dirt bikes all my life. Since fifth grade. It’s not like I’m harming anybody.”

The White House and al-Qaida comments? He brushes that off as “he say, she say,” before asking, “Who wrote this?” Told that cops did in a police report, he says that “something was up,” that somebody was “masterminding” a plan.

So Mason never said it? “I don’t know. I’m not going to say.”

He does try to clear the air on his mom’s comments that went viral. Mason repeats that he never, not once, suffered a concussion. He swats away the notion that hits to the head changed him. An undying love for Mom bursts out of him. They’re still very close. He describes Tina Mason’s reaction simply as motherly instinct.

It irks Mason that four or five incidents defined him, and that those four or five incidents are what fed concern about his mental well-being. When asked if mental health was a struggle for him as it is for millions of Americans. Mason is clearly looking to keep his past in the past. “I don’t know,” he says. “I just … no comment.” He then reiterates that he’s in a great place right now.

In Mason’s mind, he never disappeared. Rams teammates actually trained with him here in South Florida while the front office simultaneously expressed concern.


“People call Bo one of the best athletes of all time,” Mason says to B/R Mag on beating Bo Jackson's rushing record at Auburn. “And I broke his record.”(Jeffery Salter for B/R Mag)

Missing? He’s been here. Training.

Missing? He insists he never received a call personally from the Rams and would’ve appreciated one rather than the Rams' “making all these fucking stupid-ass stories.”

Mason could’ve put all public concern to rest with a public comment on Twitter, Facebook, in an interview, anywhere, but he wasn’t having any of that either.

“What kind of asshole or idiot would tell everyone where I’m at?” Mason says. “Am I supposed to tell you and the world where I’m at, 24/7? No. Not doing it.”

Since then, he has re-emerged. Someone hacked Mason’s old Twitter account, so he created a new one and now regularly tweets inspirational quotes. He agreed to this interview by responding directly to an Instagram message.

Mason says he’s eliminated bad influences in his life, telling anyone who texts or calls that he’s busy working on his craft. If they want to join, they can. Otherwise, he won’t be distracted.

To Mason, there was never a lowest of lows, a rock bottom. If there were dark days the last year and a half, Mason has effectively buried them and refuses to let such thoughts creep back into his consciousness.

“Down?” he asks. “I wake up ready to attack the day.”


“I’m not going to be used as a puppet,” Mason says to B/R Mag. “I want to leave a great legacy. I don’t want to just be thrown to the side and ate up by the business of football."(Jeffery Salter for B/R Mag)

His hope is for general managers to keep his transgressions in perspective. He wants them to realize for themselves that he never inflicted pain on others like some NFL players who have received second chances.

Mason then removes his shades, taps open FaceTime on his cellphone and calls Ricardo Louis, his former Auburn teammate who now plays wide receiver for the Browns. Louis is his go-to training partner. Eight rings pass before Louis answers from his couch and says he was already up at 4 a.m. to work out.

“That’s what I like to hear!” Mason says. “Four o’clock.”

They agree to meet in an hour. Mason hangs up and then rubs his hands together in anticipation. Mason believes he’s still writing his autobiography, still only one call away, and he knows everyone will soon associate his name with the chiseled optimist who trains on that beach below, at his old high school field, in gyms.

“The drudgery. Is that a word?” Mason says. “You know when you’re tired in the morning and don’t want to do something, but you do it anyways and afterward you say: ‘That feels good. I dragged myself out of bed. I’m working.’ I like that feeling.”

That’s how Mason believes he should be defined.

Do you believe in him?

The humidity is suffocating, but that’s the way Mason likes it. Loves it. “Lava,” he repeats. He trains when it’s “lava” hot like this 91-degree day. Sweat trickles down his tattoo-covered torso—past "Only the Strong Survive" ink—as Juvenile’s “Set It Off” booms from a speaker.

It’s no coincidence that this is the first song playing. Raw, ear-piercing rap fits his workout on this Park Vista Community High School field perfectly. Mason treats each cut with life-or-death purpose.

To Young Jeezy, his feet sing horizontally in 1-2-1-2-1-2 succession through seven cones, and Mason finishes with a paralyzing juke against an imaginary defender, the kind he used to waste tacklers throughout a 304-yard detonation in the 2013 SEC Championship Game.


As training camps open this week, Mason is optimistic about playing in the NFL again.(Jeffery Salter for B/R Mag)

He still views himself as the runt of the litter forever told he’s too small, too brittle. Alabama, for one, didn’t even send Mason a letter of interest after he tore up defenses on this very field, which made it that much sweeter to pound away at a loaded ‘Bama defense for 164 yards on 29 carries in the Iron Bowl.

“I was always told I wasn’t an every-down back,” Mason said earlier at Benny’s. “Until, school, then they’re like, ‘Oh shit.’ I gave ’em that ‘think twice' type of shit.”

The music stops abruptly, and Mason hustles over to see why. His phone, plugged into a speaker, overheated and died. Oh well. Mason tucks it into shade and hustles back to the field to resume his workout.

He can still start and stop and start in a dizzying, demoralizing blur.

Right here, right now, the sky truly does feel like the limit. You believe. Mason steps away for a photo shoot, and the belief only grows. The five other players here repeat that Mason sincerely loves the game. They see it daily. He’s literally sled-driving vehicles one day and then lifting weights until 11 p.m. the next.

“I don’t think he went anywhere,” Louis says. “I think it’s still in him. I think he can go into the league now and still dominate. He just has to continue to stay on a positive path. … I’m telling you, expect the unexpected.”

Picture this all as filling up a cup with water, Louis explains. Fill that cup to the top and it starts overflowing. That’s the point Mason’s at in his training. Then again, Louis is on the Browns. Tevin Homer, sitting nearby on the same bench, plays cornerback for Washington. Mason isn’t on a team. Nobody’s even calling him to talk, let alone sign a contract.


“Down?” Mason asks. “I wake up ready to attack the day.”(Jeffery Salter for B/R Mag)

“This grind,” Louis says, “isn’t going to go unnoticed.”

The crew heads back toward the bleachers here at the “Snake Pit,” where Mason is posing for a final photo. Smiling like a proud brother, Louis busts out his phone to Snapchat his friend.

They laugh, they joke, they plan a recovery session for later that night and agree to meet up on the beach to train in the morning. A photographer would like to get some more photos of Mason, and it’d be good to chat a little more too.

Mason says 8:30 a.m. works for him, heads to the parking lot, slides into his Maserati, slams the gas pedal and jets off into the distance.

Nearly three hours pass the next morning and Mason is a no-show. It rains, clears up, rains again and clears up before Mason finally reaches out past 11 a.m. He assumed we wouldn’t show up with this erratic weather. Plus, Mason adds, “My phone was dead.’’

All understandable, of course, but one more conversation sure would be helpful. One more conversation could shed light on those family emergencies, what it feels like to be Tased, if he believes he’s better than Gurley, if he did seek help through therapy and, above all, why any NFL team should believe in him. So Mason is asked if he’s up for lunch, dinner, you name it.

“OK,” he texts at 11:12 a.m.

“Where do u want to eat?” he writes at 1:26 p.m.

The address for a seafood joint, Hurricane Alley, in Boynton Beach is sent, and the subsequent seven texts and three phone calls over the next seven-plus hours go ignored. Mason doesn’t show up.

He’s not sneaking in a late-night workout with his crew either. Reached by phone, Homer, the Washington cornerback, is fresh off a weightlifting session at a local gym but says Mason wasn’t with him.

Homer has known Mason since childhood. They’ve always considered each other cousins even though they’re not blood-related. As a friend, as family, Homer has zero concern about Mason.

“I feel like he had to find himself,” Homer says. “He came home and came back to what really mattered.”

Of course, living back in Florida has been a double-edged sword. Living in Florida led to trouble.


“I’m trying to be the greatest of all time," Mason says to B/R Mag. "I believe in myself. If you think there are limits, you must not know the sky.”(Jeffery Salter for B/R Mag)

Homer backs up Mason’s claim that he has effectively weeded out all negativity in his life, adding that if teams have any questions whatsoever they should ask Mason themselves.

“Bring him in and see where his mind’s at,” Homer says. “I know where his mind is and, man, he’s trying to take over the game. … You can’t really believe everything you see on the news and stuff. I look at it like, ‘That’s probably not what happened really.’ Seriously.

“Me, I don’t think there’s anything mentally wrong with him. At all. I know Tre. Tre’s fine. Tre’s ready to get back in the league.”

Moments later, at 9:05 p.m., Mason finally calls back. He’s been busy “handling something” and promises to circle back when he’s free. He never does.

Training camps officially open this week, and unlike last year, Mason will report.

If a team calls, he’ll answer.

Then that team must decide if it believes in him.

To read the entire list click the link below. Steelers are ranked first. Colts are ranked last.
*************************************************************************************
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-ranking-all-32-backfields-heading-into-the-2017-season

26.



Todd Gurley and fellow first-rounder Melvin Gordon have had two polar opposite seasons to start their careers. After a strong rookie season, Gurley massively declined in 2016 to a 53rd ranked 50.7 season grade. With new head coach Sean McVay in town, Gurley should be in line to have a bounce back year but its tough to say how much so.

Running backs needs to be able to show patience and create yards on their own and Gurley was able to do neither in 2016 as he forced just 28 missed tackles and gained 2.2 yards per carry after contact.

Lance Dunbar (48.9) will spell Gurley and FB Cory Harkey(73.4 run-block grade) will lead the way, though Sam Rogers was drafted and will compete for that starting fullback position.

To read the entire list click the link below.
*******************************************
https://www.si.com/nfl/mmqb-400-nfl-top-players

RANK
381



LOS ANGELES
Rams
Connor Barwin
4-3 DE

For a long time, Barwin has done everything well, including the dirty work that doesn't show up on paper. He's only 30 years old. The Rams should have a quality starter here.
**************************************************************************
RANK
310



LOS ANGELES
Rams
Mark Barron
STACK LB

When he's attacking, he's terrific. When he's reacting, he's so-so. That's why Barron has been better at linebacker than he was at safety.
******************************************
RANK
224



LOS ANGELES
Rams
Alec Ogletree
STACK LB

It was no sure thing that he'd transition well to middle linebacker; he's always been a see-it-and-Go! type, not necessarily a read-and-react guy. So far, Ogletree has done a commendable job. Now he must answer a challenge again as he learns Wade Phillips' system.
*******************************************************************
RANK
140



LOS ANGELES
Rams
Michael Brockers
4-3 DT

Brockers is an unsung hero on first and second down who is very athletic in the way he gets off blocks.
***************************************************************************
RANK
135



LOS ANGELES
Rams
Todd Gurley
RB

With a new coaching staff and O-line coach, the Rams' ground game should rebound from an atrocious 2016. Expect to once again see the Todd Gurley who has excellent stop-start quickness and almost imperceptible change-of-direction ability.
*****************************************************
RANK
126



LOS ANGELES
Rams
Trumaine Johnson
CB

He squeaks into that select group of corners who can travel with plus-sized No. 1 receivers. Johnson is most comfortable in off-coverage, where he can jump routes, but is plenty capable in press, as well.
************************************************
RANK
82



LOS ANGELES
Rams
Andrew Whitworth
LT

Is there something besides a fine wine that ages well? It's time to replace that cliche. This would be a good spot to do it.
******************************************************
RANK
68



LOS ANGELES
Rams
Robert Quinn
4-3 DE

When he's right, there isn't a swifter edge-rusher on the planet, but Quinn has missed basically half of the season each of the last two years. Another concern: He's not particularly strong against the run.
***********************************************************
RANK
13



LOS ANGELES
Rams
Aaron Donald
4-3 DT

There isn't a quicker lineman off the ball. That quickness allows him to attack gaps that aren't his responsibility. It's a high-risk, high-reward style of play; the rewards are winning handily.

http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angele...better-draft-results-to-turn-franchise-around

Rams need better draft results to turn franchise around

ESPN recently put together power rankings based on how each NFL team is positioned for thee next three seasons. The Los Angeles Rams finished 28th. That is, um, not good. It's not good because, well, 28th is bad. It's really not good because of what the next three seasons represent for this franchise.

Thanks to heavy rainfall in a city that never experiences heavy rainfall, these next three years now constitute the buildup to the Rams -- and the Los Angeles Chargers -- moving into their vast, opulent $2.6 billion stadium in Inglewood, California.

The Rams -- 13 years removed from their last playoff appearance, 14 years removed from their last winning season -- want to become legitimate contenders as quickly as possible. More specifically, they want to ensure they are a playoff-caliber franchise by the time they move into that new stadium. ESPN's Louis Riddick, Mike Sando and Field Yates don't believe they will be -- at least not as currently constructed. The trio graded each team's roster, quarterback, draft, coaches and front office, and crunched the numbers to come up with a final score. The result: 27 of the 31 other teams are, in their minds, better positioned for success from 2017 through 2019.

The Rams can't have that. They can't have an uninterested fan base in the nation's second-largest media market, and they can't play second fiddle to the Chargers in a stadium they themselves are funding. Leading up to training camp, we're going to take a look at the five things that need to happen in order for the Rams to be a lot better than the 28th-best team at the conclusion of this three-year stretch.

No. 2: Draft better.

Three months ago, The Washington Post published an interesting breakdown that illustrated how each team fared in the draft during the 20-year stretch from 1996 to 2016. The Post took the cumulative approximate value for the first five seasons of each player selected and compared it to the expected approximate value for that player's respective draft slot. Each team was ranked with respect to the difference (the AV gap). Based on this measure, the Rams placed 16th from 2012 to '16, compiling an AV gap of plus-16.2 in the five drafts conducted by general manager Les Snead and former head coach Jeff Fisher.

They had some hits and they had some misses, and they needed to do better.

It's as simple as this: The Rams had five first-round picks from 2012 to '14, a total surpassed by only the Minnesota Vikings during that three-year stretch, and were unable to put together a winning team.

They hit on defensive players such as Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers and Alec Ogletree. But they whiffed on offensive players such as Greg Robinson and Brian Quick, and they're still waiting to find out how they did with Tavon Austin, Todd Gurley and Jared Goff, the 2016 No. 1 overall pick who cost the Rams a first-round pick in 2017. There were a handful of late-round highlights like Janoris Jenkins, Trumaine Johnson and T.J. McDonald, but some forgettable ones like Isaiah Pead and Barrett Jones. The Rams haven't drafted terribly; they just haven't drafted well enough. And with the latest collective bargaining agreement controlling rookie wages, a team's success is more tied to the draft now than it has ever been.

The Rams have built a solid defense but have been unable to construct an adequate offensive line or receiving corps despite burning some serious draft capital. In 2014 and '15, the Rams drafted seven offensive linemen, only one of whom, Rob Havenstein, has shown real promise. They then selected seven wide receivers and tight ends in 2016 and '17 and are now waiting for at least one player to separate himself from the pack.

This latest draft haul is an interesting one, because the Rams had only one pick within the first 68 slots and because it was the first one Snead conducted with rookie head coach Sean McVay.

"The sixth is my favorite -- concise, clear," Snead said after it was over. "It's a tribute to Sean. It really is."

For McVay and new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, the Rams prioritized scheme fits over raw talent. They drafted an athletic tight end (Gerald Everett), a sure-handed slot receiver (Cooper Kupp), a versatile safety (John Johnson), a developing vertical threat (Josh Reynolds) and a gifted pass-rusher (Samson Ebukam) with their first five picks, caring very little about the popularity of their programs or where they fell on other draft boards. ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. gave the Rams a C-minus, the lowest grade he distributed for the draft.

But that means very little right now. Nobody really knows how the Rams did in this draft just yet, not even the Rams themselves.

They just know they have to do better.

Evidently, Cooper Kupp has made a big impression with the Los Angeles Rams.

With fall camp a few days away, the former Eastern Washington All-American already is atop the preseason depth chart for the team that drafted him in April.

The Rams recently provided an unofficial list of preseason starters. There were few surprises, but Kupp was one of them.

That may raise a few eyebrows among the pros but not for Eagles fans, who watched Kupp break every major receiving record in the Football Championship Subdivision during his four years in Cheney.

From the first minicamp, the Yakima native impressed coach Sean McVay and offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur with his reliability.

“I think the first thing you know about Cooper is he’s a pro and you can see that,” LaFleur said.

“He came in here not like most rookies do. He’s an extremely polished route runner who’s got great hands, is a precise route-runner. You can tell he works at his craft each and every day,” LaFleur said.

Kupp likely made the top of the depth chart because the list is based on a three-wide receiver set. The other projected starters are Tavon Austin, a four-year veteran out of West Virginia; and projected go-to receiver Robert Woods.

Woods, a former USC star who played the last four years at Buffalo, signed a five-year, $39 million contract with the Rams this spring.

Kupp’s chances for early playing time increased on July 14, when second-year receiver Mike Thomas was hit with a four-game suspension for violating NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Thomas won’t be eligible to play until Oct. 2.

Expectations for Kupp are all over the board. NumberFire.com recently projected that Kupp would have 29 catches this year. However, Peter Schrager from Good Morning Football predicts a 70-catch season.

The Rams open camp on Wednesday afternoon at UC Irvine, with rookies reporting first. Full camp begins on Saturday.

The Rams open the preseason at home on Aug. 12 against the Dallas Cowboys.

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/jul/24/cooper-kupp-atop-depth-chart-for-los-angeles-rams/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...triots-falcons-tom-brady-matt-ryan/506421001/

17 things to watch in 2017 NFL season

It's been six months since the New England Patriots' unforgettable Super Bowl LI comeback. If you've been in football hibernation since then, here's your primer for the upcoming NFL campaign — 17 subplots to monitor for the '17 season:

1. What can the Patriots do for an encore?

Little more to prove for the franchise that takes "no days off." New England has reached a record nine Super Bowls, seven during the Bill Belichick/Tom Brady era. One more Lombardi Trophy would give the Pats six, tying the Pittsburgh Steelers for most , while making Brady — he already has a record four Super Bowl MVPs — the first player with six rings.

And the Patriots seem uniquely armed, even by their singular standards, to potentially mount a new title march with rare flair. Brady has finally escaped the pall of Deflategate and will enter the season with several new weapons (WR Brandin Cooks, TE Dwayne Allen, RBs Mike Gillislee and Rex Burkhead among them) and presumably will have TE Rob Gronkowski back at full strength. CB Stephon Gilmore and DE Kony Ealy are among the defensive newcomers, while MLB Dont'a Hightower returned after free agent flirtations elsewhere.

Bottom line, despite parting with proven players like TE Martellus Bennett and RB LeGarrette Blount, this roster looks fully loaded and may be good enough — perhaps — to pull off a perfect season 10 years after coming up just short in the wake of the league’s lone 16-0 regular season.

2. Can anyone in the AFC realistically challenge New England?

The Patriots might be vulnerable ... if Brady gets suspended ... or tears another knee ligament ... or if Belichick decides to coach the Naval Academy lacrosse team. But barring that?

Aside from 2008, when Brady's ACL snapped on opening day, the Patriots haven't failed to win the AFC East since 2002. The Miami Dolphins made great strides under coach Adam Gase last year, but the Fins still aren't ready to swim with the Pats even through WR Jarvis Landry has promised a 2017 sweep of New England. (LOL.)

The Pittsburgh Steelers appear improved, but will the return of WR Martavis Bryant and a healthy Le'Veon Bell — along with some apparent defensive upgrades — vault a team that was thoroughly outclassed in last season's AFC Championship Game?

The X-factor may be the Oakland Raiders. If QB Derek Carr reaches postseason in one piece, RB Marshawn Lynch can still tap that Beast Mode button, and the defense takes a step up in class, the Silver & Black just might have a chance.

3. How do the Atlanta Falcons respond?

The Carolina Panthers suffered a massive Super Bowl hangover in 2016, a season after going 15-1. Now the Falcons appear in need of a greasy breakfast and cold shower after watching a 25-point third-quarter lead evaporate as the Patriots' blitzkrieg prevented Atlanta from finally winning the Super Bowl.

From a roster perspective, the Falcons return virtually intact and even picked up some nice pieces for a promising defense that crumbled when it counted. But this team won't sneak up on anyone in a conference far more balanced than the AFC. And the biggest question will be whether Steve Sarkisian, whose only season of NFL experience came as a quarterbacks coach more than a dozen years ago, can sustain one of the most productive offenses in NFL history now that previous coordinator Kyle Shanahan is in San Francisco.

And history isn't on the Falcons' side: no team has lost the Super Bowl and returned the following season since the 1990s Buffalo Bills did it three times.

4. MVP! MVP!

Brady, Manning and Aaron Rodgers had passed the MVP hardware around for years until Cam Newton emerged as a surprise winner in 2015. Then Falcons QB Matt Ryan stunned the NFL in 2016 with a record-setting campaign, suddenly morphing into superstardom in his ninth season. So who's got next?

Maybe the award remains in the loaded NFC South — awash with new weapons, Jameis Winston might be primed for his own star turn, or perhaps stat machine Drew Brees will finally win it in his 17th year. Two-time winners Brady and Rodgers will surely be in the running; the Steelers have a troika of candidates (Bell, Antonio Brown and Ben Roethlisberger) capable of huge individual seasons; perhaps an elite pass rusher like Von Miller or Khalil Mack might break offensive players’ three-decade stranglehold on the award; Jerry Rice (1987) is the only receiver to win MVP, but Brown, Julio Jones and Odell Beckham are all capable in a league that now features the position so heavily; and any number of youngsters — Carr, Ezekiel Elliott, David Johnson, Marcus Mariota, Dak Prescott or Russell Wilson — could be ready to elevate themselves.

5. Sophomore slump? Or surge?

Elliott and Prescott were almost inarguably the greatest rookie tandem in NFL history, launching the Dallas Cowboys back to relevance. So now what? No one will be sleeping on Prescott, the 2016 offensive rookie of the year, and the NFC East champs' reliance on him and Elliott is bound to increase amid the club’s defensive shake-up. The Cowboys are almost sure to face a tougher challenge from the Philadelphia Eagles and QB Carson Wentz, who has been armed with playmakers he lacked in an up-and-down freshman season.

Elsewhere, the Los Angeles Rams will be looking for a quantum leap from 2016 No. 1 pick Jared Goff, while the Denver Broncos are allowing QB Paxton Lynch, their first rounder a year ago, to compete for the starting job. Bears RB Jordan Howard will look to overtake Elliott after finishing second to him for the rushing title in 2016; Michael Thomas takes over as the No. 1 receiver for the New Orleans Saints; and defensive stars like Joey Bosa, Jalen Ramsey, Leonard Floyd and Deion Jones seek to make even larger footprints.

6. Young Guns

Some of the greatest quarterbacks the league has seen — Brady, Brees, Roethlisberger, Eli Manning, Philip Rivers — are approaching 40. But it appears there are maturing youngsters worthy of eventually succeeding them.

After being the draft's top two picks, respectively, in 2015, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Winston and Tennessee Titans' Mariota seem to have their teams on the cusp of contention. The Raiders' revival can largely be credited to Carr. Prescott and Wentz seem primed to lead for years, but it's time for the Jacksonville Jaguars' Blake Bortles to finally prove he can do the same.

This year's highly billed rookie quarterbacks — Mitchell Trubisky (Bears), Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Deshaun Watson (Texans) and DeShone Kizer (Browns) — aren't expected to play extensively, if at all, in 2017. But as Bortles, Prescott and Wentz can attest, such plans tend to change quickly.

7. Rookie coaches

Five teams will deploy head coaches who have no experience beyond the coordinator level. Sean McVay — he was 30 at the time of his hiring, making him the youngest head man in modern NFL history — must get Goff on the right track while keeping the Rams relevant in the fickle L.A. market, especially since Anthony Lynn inherits a more talented Chargers roster on the other side of the town.

Vance Joseph takes over the Broncos, who come with significant expectations just one season removed from winning the Super Bowl. The Buffalo Bills' Sean McDermott and San Francisco 49ers' Kyle Shanahan, armed with a six-year deal, should enjoy more patience after quickly beginning the process of reshaping their teams in accordance with their respective philosophies.

8. Hot seat

All it takes is a poor September before mobs start massing with pitchforks in some cities. With rare exceptions like Belichick and Pete Caroll, almost every NFL coach is susceptible to the pink slip with just one disastrous season.

Grace periods could be over for the Chicago Bears' John Fox, who apparently doesn’t see eye to eye with GM Ryan Pace anyway, and Todd Bowles after a year of turmoil and regression with the New York Jets. After narrowly avoiding a winless season in 2016, Hue Jackson needs to get the Cleveland Browns moving forward, while Jim Caldwell may have to prove he can get the Detroit Lions further than one-and-done status in the playoffs.

And keep an eye on some more established figures, too.

Chuck Pagano is working for a new general manager and hasn't taken the Indianapolis Colts to postseason since 2014. John Harbaugh is almost an institution in Baltimore, but the Ravens haven't won a playoff game since their Super Bowl victory more than four years ago. And the Cincinnati Bengals' Marvin Lewis and New Orleans' Saints Asshole Face have been in their posts for more than a decade.

9. Change of venue

Two NFL teams will be in new stadiums. As the Chargers migrate from San Diego to Los Angeles, they'll move into suburban Carson's StubHub Center for the next two seasons. It's a facility designed for soccer, and though capacity will be expanded from 27,000 to 30,000 for NFL games, that's still less than half of what most of the league's buildings hold. Maybe the Bolts will enjoy an intimate and potentially raucous setting ... or maybe it will feel like they're playing in front of a high school crowd.

The situation is drastically different in Atlanta, where the Falcons will defend their NFC crown in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with its innovative oculus roof, halo video board and 100-yard bar.

10. Contract year

The NFL's financial landscape is in constant flux. But as things stand now, Kirk Cousins could be the prize of free agency next year — assuming the Washington Redskins don't franchise him for a third straight year at what would be a financially insane $34-plus million. Jimmy Garoppolo is scheduled to go free, though the Patriots could use the same tag-and-trade approach they utilized with Matt Cassel in 2009. Several other quarterbacks are heading into the final year of their current contracts (Brees, Sam Bradford, Matthew Stafford).

Other players who might be looking for new deals include Devonta Freeman, Jarvis Landry, Alshon Jeffery, Jimmy Graham and Le'Veon Bell.

11. Comeback trail

Several high-profile running backs could vie for comeback player of the year honors. Adrian Peterson (Saints) and Jamaal Charles (Broncos) hope to prove they can still be effective while learning the ropes for their new teams. The same goes for Marshawn Lynch, though early reports out of Oakland suggest he looks spry after enjoying a year of retirement.

In Tampa Bay, Doug Martin must prove he was worthy of last year's millions while beginning this season with a three-game suspension. The Rams' spotty play at quarterback and on the offensive line hurt Todd Gurley last season, but the 2015 offensive rookie of the year also must bear some responsibility for a poor 2016 campaign. Elsewhere, Bell and David Johnson should be ready to roll after being banged up at the end of last season.

On the quarterback front, Luck and Newton will be handled with kid gloves this summer as they recover from shoulder surgeries. Carr and Ryan Tannehill are expected to be fully functional in training camp after late-season injuries left each of their team's playoff hopes dead on arrival. Mariota is also virtually recovered from a broken leg. The big question is Teddy Bridgewater, whose career remains in limbo after last summer's devastating knee injury.

Other players to monitor include Gronk (back), J.J. Watt (back), Luke Kuechly (concussion), Keenan Allen (knee) and Martavis Bryant (suspended in 2016).

12. Newcomers

Perhaps no team got a better infusion of talent this offseason than the Jaguars, who lured DL Calais Campbell and CB A.J. Bouye in free agency before drafting Fournette and OL Cam Robinson. WRs DeSean Jackson (Bucs), Terrelle Pryor (Redskins), Brandon Marshall (Giants), Jeffery (Eagles), S Tony Jefferson (Ravens), RB Eddie Lacy (Seahawks), Gilmore (Patriots) and Bennett (Packers) could all be impact free agent finds. Other rookies who seems likely to make early splashes are RBs Christian McCaffrey (Panthers) and Dalvin Cook (Vikings), TEs O.J. Howard (Bucs) and Evan Engram (Giants), WRs Corey Davis (Titans), Mike Williams (Chargers) and John Ross (Bengals), LBs Haason Reddick (Cardinals) and Jarrad Davis (Lions), safeties Jamal Adams (Jets), Malik Hooker (Colts) and Jabrill Peppers (Browns) and pass rushers Myles Garrett (Browns), Solomon Thomas (49ers), Jonathan Allen (Redskins), Charles Harris (Dolphins), T.J. Watt (Steelers), Taco Charlton (Cowboys) and McKinley (Falcons).

13. It’s analytics, baby

Cleveland continues the league's most fascinating rebuild with an analytics-based approach that's arguably produced as many dividends as questions thus far.

One year after passing on the chance to take Wentz, the Browns also chose not to pick Deshaun Watson in the first round to shore up their perennial quarterback dilemma, though Kizer's value with selection No. 52 this year was apparently too good to ignore.

Executive VP of football operations Sashi Brown definitely seemed to obtain prime talent in this year's first round, picking Garrett, Peppers and TE David Njoku. He's also wheeled and dealed his way into five selections in the first two rounds next year, though he sacrificed $16 million of precious (we thought) salary cap space in order to eat QB Brock Osweiler's contract and obtain the Houston Texans' 2018 second rounder (this after letting Pryor walk).

Stay tuned as the plan continues to unfold ... assuming ownership doesn't run out of patience first.

14. Red flags not a stop sign?

It's been three years since Ray Rice was thrown out of the NFL for slugging his fiancee in an Atlantic City elevator. However at least five players accused of violence against women just got drafted. The jury — figurative for now — remains out on Raiders first rounder Gareon Conley, accused of rape days before the draft, something he's denied. The bone-breaking punch Bengals second rounder Joe Mixon threw at a woman in 2014 was captured on video. Jaguars fourth rounder Dede Westbrook and Browns sixth rounder Caleb Brantley have arrests on their records, while Cowboys third rounder Jourdan Lewis is scheduled to go on trial in July for one misdemeanor count of domestic violence. A troubling trend and group of players who bear close watching.

15. Broken records?

Every year, somebody gets the statheads excited.

Before finishing with 1,631 rushing yards (in 15 games), Elliott seemed to have a shot at 2,000 yards as a rookie. That should remain the case going forward — if he's available all season — as he operates behind the league's best line for an offense that will likely have to pile up yards and points as it compensates for what’s expected to be a shaky defense.

Brees has surpassed 5,000 passing yards five times — no other quarterback has done it twice — and is always a threat to reclaim his single-season record from Peyton Manning (5,477). (Brees would need an unprecedented 5,830 yards to overtake Manning's career mark for passing yards — 71,940 — this season.) And keep an eye on Brady, given his bolstered fleet of pass catchers and a relatively unproven group of running backs which could make the team more reliant than ever on its signature short passing game.

Brown, Jones and Beckham seem like the best candidates to become the first 2,000-yard receiver, a once unthinkable plateau which now seems inevitable. If J.J. Watt reclaims his superpowers, might he have a third 20-sack season in the tank — no other player has done that twice — and potentially break his tie with Lawrence Taylor by becoming the first four-time defensive player of the year?

16. Sam Darnold sweepstakes

None of the quarterbacks picked this year was considered a can't-miss prospect or even necessarily ready to play in 2017. But that probably won't be the case in the 2018 draft, where the buzz around Southern California's Sam Darnold is already growing. Fans don't want to endure a season that "earns" their team the No. 1 overall pick. But supporters of the Jets, Browns and 49ers might wind up rooting for defeats to pile up if Darnold is the consolation prize — assuming the redshirt sophomore doesn't pull a Peyton Manning or Andrew Luck by returning to school for an additional year.

17. TV

The spotlight always shines brightest on quarterbacks, and that will remain the case — literally — for Tony Romo and Jay Cutler as they transition from the field to the broadcast booth. Without an iota of experience, will Romo prove worthy of supplanting longtime CBS lead analyst Phil Simms? And after having his body language and personality parsed for years, will Cutler prove a fit in a three-man booth — not always a smooth set-up by definition — for FOX? Will either be lured back to a locker room despite vows that they'll never strap on a helmet again? Buckle up, fellas. If there's anything fans have less patience with than an ineffective quarterback, it may be an ineffective analyst.

http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angele...-term-success-begins-and-ends-with-jared-goff

Rams' long-term success begins and ends with Jared Goff

ESPN recently put together power rankings based on how each NFL team is positioned for the next three seasons. The Los Angeles Rams finished 28th. That is, um, not good. It's not good because, well, 28th is bad. It's really not good because of what the next three seasons represent for this franchise. Thanks to heavy rainfall in a city that never experiences heavy rainfall, these next three years now constitute the buildup to the Rams -- and the Los Angeles Chargers -- moving into their vast, opulent $2.6 billion stadium in Inglewood, California.

The Rams -- 13 years removed from their last playoff appearance, 14 years removed from their last winning season -- want to become legitimate contenders as quickly as possible. More specifically, they want to ensure they are a playoff-caliber franchise by the time they move into that new stadium. ESPN's Louis Riddick, Mike Sando and Field Yates don't believe they will be -- at least not as currently constructed. The trio graded each team's roster, quarterback, draft, coaches and front office, and crunched the numbers to come up with a final score. The result: 27 of the 31 other teams are, in their minds, better positioned for success from 2017 through 2019.

The Rams can't have that. They can't have an uninterested fan base in the nation's second-largest media market, and they can't play second fiddle to the Chargers in a stadium they themselves are funding. Leading up to training camp, we're going to take a look at the five things that need to happen in order for the Rams to be a lot better than the 28th-best team at the conclusion of this three-year stretch.

No. 1: Figure out the quarterback position.

The Rams' offensive struggles aren't just a last year thing. They aren't just a Jeff Fisher thing, either. The franchise's ineptitude in this department runs a whole lot deeper. Ten years, to be exact. The Rams' offense has ranked outside of the top 20 in Defense-adjusted Value Over Average (DVOA) every year since 2007. Yes, 2007. That stretches through five head coaches -- two of them on an interim tag -- and seven offensive coordinators. It's a plague.

During that 10-year run from 2007 to '16, the Rams saw 14 different quarterbacks make starts for them. They are, in some semblance of order: Marc Bulger, Gus Frerotte, Brock Berlin, Trent Green, Kyle Boller, Keith Null, Sam Bradford, A.J. Feeley, Kellen Clemens, Austin Davis, Shaun Hill, Nick Foles, Case Keenum and Jared Goff.

Now, about that last guy ...

The Rams moved up 14 spots to draft Goff No. 1 overall in 2016, as you probably already know. It didn't go well. You might have heard that, too. Goff, widely considered relatively raw coming out of Cal, never challenged for a starting spot during training camp and never won a game during the season. He took control of the offense during the final seven weeks, completing 54.6 percent of his passes, averaging 5.3 yards per attempt, throwing five touchdowns to seven interceptions, and finishing with a Total QBR of 22.9, dead last among those who started at least five times.

But is it really fair to judge Goff off that one season? Aside from the fact that it's only a seven-game sample size, and that he was only 22, and that he was transitioning out of a collegiate offense that didn't require him to call a play from the huddle or take a snap from under center, his supporting cast was atrocious. The Rams' offensive line was a mess, enough of one that Todd Gurley, the Offensive Rookie of the Year just a season earlier, barely had room to breathe. Their receiving corps continued to be less than adequate. And the entire Fisher-led staff entered 2016 with one season of directly coaching NFL quarterbacks.

You don't have to be some wide-eyed optimist to believe we might see a completely different Goff this year, now that offensive-minded Sean McVay has taken over as head coach and now that Goff has an entire year of NFL football under his belt. There's talent there. You don't get drafted before everybody else without it, regardless of whatever circumstances played into it. It's all about whether the Rams can actually tap into it and finally develop a legitimate, reliable starting quarterback, the kind this organization hasn't had since Bulger hung it up.

Yes, Sean Mannion, a third-round pick in 2015 -- and the man Eric Dickerson wants as his quarterback-- looms in the background. Sure, Kirk Cousins will probably be available next offseason. And of course, next year's draft looks a little bit more promising at quarterback, especially if USC's Sam Darnold declares early. But what the Rams really need is for Goff to solidify himself as the guy. It's why he's the focus of the final entry in this series. Goff becoming a bust could set this franchise back another half-decade. Goff figuring it out can help make the Rams a sustainable winner quickly

Goff added about 10 pounds since the start of the 2017 calendar year. He was exceedingly present throughout the offseason program, and he has already impressed teammates on the field.

He's doing everything he can.

"He wants to be great," said offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur, who spent the last two years working with Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons. "He’s doing everything that we’ve asked him to do, and then some. He’s working hard every day. I think he’s getting better every day."

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great way to take care of business mr sims.

let somebody else deal with the problem of the troubled bitch.

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_"2017 Rams Offensive Personnel"


With only days to go until the Rams officially report to their 2017 training camp, I'm releasing this years
"all in one stop" offensive personnel presentation. (A total of 42 players counting 3 on special teams)

Everyone knows the current roster is subject to change in the coming days and weeks leading up to the 2017 season opener. I have listed all of the the current "offensive players" currently on the 90 man roster.

For what ever the miscellaneous reasons were over the past 5 seasons, the Rams offensive rankings under the previous coaching regime were rather "elementary" and the product on the field rarely looked like it belonged in today's NFL.

In the previous five seasons the Rams rankings in "total yards" per game was 22nd in 2012, 30th in 2013, 27th in 2014, 32nd in 2015 and 32nd in 2016.

The Rams rankings in total "passing yards" per game was 17th in 2012, 27th in 2013, 22nd in 2014, 32nd in 2015 and 31st in 2016.

There has been plenty of hype and favorable press releases about the Rams new "young gun" offensive minded head coach Sean McVay. Several pundits inside NFL circles have labeled the new HC as an offensive "whiz kid" and some have given him credit for being a QB whisperer because of Kirk Cousins last 2 breakout seasons.

Those "titles" can quickly be removed should McVay's offense badly stumble in his first year as the Rams head coach.

On Jan 14, 2014 Washington head coach Jay Gruden promoted Sean McVay to offensive coordinator. How much freedom Sean had in 2014 as the OC nobody really knows. The Redskins finished the 2014 season ranked 13th in "total yards" per game.

In 2015, McVay's second season as Washington's OC, the Redskins offense ranked 15th in total yards per game and 4th year QB Kirk Cousins had his breakout season throwing for 4,166 yards.

In 2016, McVay's third season as Washington's OC, the Redskins finished 3rd in "total yards" per game and Cousins topped the 4K mark again with an impressive 4,917 passing yards.

Number sixteen, the Rams current starting QB who was the number one overall pick in 2016, on several occasions looked lost and unprepared to lead an NFL team in his rookie season. How Jared Goff ultimately performs in his second season, will be one of the key factors of how Sean McVay is judged over the course of his first season.

Added to the challenge of McVay polishing up a second year spread formation quarterback, the Rams overall pedigree on the offensive line, tight end and wide reciever positions puts McVay a good distance behind the eight-ball.

If the offensive minded HC is able to get quality production from the offense in his first season, he will become an instant icon in Los Angeles and be the talk of town with the NFL media.

At 31 years of age, McVay's youth has been scrutinized due to the responsibilities required of an NFL head coach. Even with the addition of Wade Phillips and the other seasoned coaches added to his staff, McVay will be floating over uncharted rough waters that a first time HC can only learn how to steer to calmer seas by acquiring on the job experience.

In his first season on the job, the Rams new head coach will also have the play calling duties on game days.

LaFleur said Goff had been coming in to the facility early and staying late in an effort to learn.

“When you get a new guy in an offense, there is a transition period with that,” LaFleur said, “but he’s done a nice job at picking it up at a surprisingly quick pace.”

“The idea is to kind of have that quarterback be a point guard and be a great distributor to all your guys,” McVay said. “You want to be able to get them touches and get them involved.”








2017 Rams Roster Preview "Offensive Personnel"



RAMS 2016 "Offensive Stats"

Total Snaps Per Game 60.0 Rank 31st
Total Points Scored 224 Rank 32nd
Total Yards Per Game 262 Rank 32nd
Total Yards Per Play 4.4 Rank 32nd

Passing Yards Per Game 184 Rank 31st
Passing Yards Per Att 6.1 Rank 31st
Rushing Yards Per Game 78 Rank 32nd
Rushing Yards Per Att 3.3 Rank 31st

1st Downs Per Game 15.3 Rank 32nd
3rd Down Conversion 31.4% Rank 32nd
T.O.P. Per Game 29:20 mins Rank 23rd
Sacks Allowed Per Game 3.1 Rank 31st


2017 Rams
OFFENSIVE LINE

LT #77 Andrew WHITWORTH 6'7 333 (11 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 35

2016 Total Snaps 1064
2015 Total Snaps 1023
2014 Total Snaps 1031

Summary: There is no more perennially underrated and under-appreciated tackle than Andrew Whitworth of the Bengals. He ended the 2016 season with the league’s best pass-blocking efficiency score (98.0), allowing just 14 total QB pressures across 561 pass-blocking snaps. Whitworth recorded six games this year in which he had perfect pass-protection games. His run blocking was solid, albeit not the strength it has been in seasons past.Even at $33.8 million over three years, the Rams got a bargain in the free-agent acquisition of offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth. Whitworth’s only negative is age 35 years old but he is still playing at an elite level and represents a colossal upgrade over Greg Robinson, a former first-round draft pick who has struggled badly thus far in his NFL career.

Whitworth’s play overall has been a model of consistency not just recently, but over his entire career, and particularly over the past eight seasons. He may rarely have been the best tackle in the game, but he has just as rarely been outside the top three at any given time. The most interesting aspect of this move is when Whitworth’s inevitable decline will hit. At 35 years old, he is already defying convention by playing as well as he is.

When players hit the wall erected by Father Time at the end of their careers, it can tend to happen fast, so the Rams are gambling a little that Whitworth’s arrest is still some way off in the future. Ultimately that is the part that none of us can reliably predict, but in the short term at least they have succeeded in a massive upgrade at their left tackle spot.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-andrew-whitworth-should-be-a-massive-upgrade-for-rams-line


LG #76 Rodger SAFFOLD 6'5 325 (7 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 29

2016 Total Snaps 916
2015 Total Snaps 232
2014 Total Snaps 845

Summary: Rodger Saffold actually had a solid season at guard, but for a rough few weeks early in the year. Saffold didn’t allow a sack over the final seven games of the season, and surrendered only one hit in that time, while consistently run blocking well. His overall Top grade: LG Roger Saffold, 80.7 (No. 26) Top pass-blocking grade: LG Roger Saffold, 80.7 (No. 40) Top run-blocking grade: LG Roger Saffold, 78.6 (No. 28).
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-ranking-all-32-nfl-offensive-lines-this-season

If Saffold stays healthy again in 2017 and performs up to the level of his current contract numbers, he might be retained by the Rams in 2018. His salary cap number after this season escalates to 7.5 million so he would need to perform at a pro bowl level or this could be his last season as a Ram. The often injured lineman has surprisingly stayed relatively healthy for 2 of his last 3 seasons. There is no guarantee, but it's possible the doctor that performed labrum surgeries on both his right and left shoulders has fixed Rodger for the long term.


OC #61 John SULLIVAN 6'3 310 (8 seasons in the NFL) AGE 31

2016 Total Snaps 98
2015 Total Snaps Injured
2014 Total Snaps 974

Summary: 04/05/2017: Rams agree to terms with veteran free-agent center John Sullivan. Sullivan, 31, played seven seasons for the Minnesota Vikings before sitting out 2015 while recovering from two back surgeries. He played last season for the Washington Redskins, starting one game. Rams Coach Sean McVay was the Redskins’ offensive coordinator from 2014 to 2016. Sullivan provides the Rams with an experienced center to help protect quarterback Jared Goff, who was sacked 26 times in seven games as a rookie. The Rams’ search for a center began last month after they released Tim Barnes, the starter the last two seasons. The Rams gave center Ryan Groy a two-year offer sheet, but the Buffalo Bills matched the offer to keep the 26-year-old restricted free agent.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-sullivan-nfl-20170405-story.html

12/04/2017: It took nine games into his tenure with the Washington Redskins, but John Sullivan finally made his offensive debut Sunday in the 31-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The center entered the game in the second quarter for Spencer Long, who suffered a concussion on the team’s fourth drive, in his first action since Week 17 of the 2014 season with the Minnesota Vikings after missing last season with a back injury. The organization has been amazing. The teammates have been great. It’s a great locker room, awesome coaching staff. I wish I could’ve helped deliver a win for everybody, but it felt good to get back out there and play in a regular season game.

At one point in time, I wasn’t sure I’d ever do that again. So, I’m pretty thankful.” It’s the first time Sullivan has entered the game as a backup in his eight-year career with 93 starts. He took just three practice snaps with quarterback Kirk Cousins before taking the field, and he didn’t appear to have any significant snap issues in his first game action with Cousins, who was under duress throughout the game from the Cardinals’ blitz.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...r-spencer-long-injury/?utm_term=.1f9dfb9d5ae5


RG #79 RG ROB HAVENSTEIN 6'7 328 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 25

2016 Total Snaps 934
2015 Total Snaps 727

Summary: In a surprise move, Havenstein has been moved from his starting right tackle position to right guard for the 2017 season. Rob has started 28 games at right tackle since joining the Rams as a second-round pick out of Wisconsin in 2015. In 2016 Havenstein started 15 games at right tackle. There were reports that he never completely healed from a foot injury in 2015 and that might have been part of the reason why he faltered in pass protection compared to his stellar rookie season.

Havenstein was the only OT to play 12 plus games and not give up a single sack in 2015. Since the new coaching regime has moved the tall right tackle inside at guard, their has been speculation that this might only be temporary. The experiment may provide to be a genius move or it could easily backfire, putting Havenstein back at his natural RT position before preseason ends. Either way, this was an unexpected offseason surprise by new offensive line coach Aaron Kromer.


RT #68 Jamon BROWN 6'4 330 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 25

2016 Total Snaps 395
2015 Total Snaps 530

Summary: When the Rams signed Bengals ageless warrior LT Andrew Whitworth, they quickly tinkered with their offensive line by moving former starting LT Greg Robinson to RT. Brown was getting some starting reps at RT in OTA's and then in a unforeseen move, the struggling Greg Robinson was traded to Detroit for a 2018 6th round draft pick. The starting RT position now belongs to Jamon Brown for as long as he can keep it. In 2016 Brown played approximately 40 percent of the offense snaps (395) total.

In 2016 Brown played in 11 games, starting five at both the left and right guard positions. In 2015 Brown started nine games at gaurd before being placed on reserve/injured (11/17/15). Jamon Brown will now be out on an island for the first time since his 2015 senior season at Louisville when he played tackle. Brown's switch to starting RT will be one of the most anticipated and followed stories when the preseason begins.


OT #64 Andrew DONNAL 6'6 310 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 25

2016 Snap Counts 297
2015 Snap Counts _90

Summary: Drafted in 2015 (4th rnd No.119 (Iowa) Donnal has played in a total of 19 games over his 2 year career, getting 4 starts in 2016 and 2 more in his 2015 rookie season. Donnal has been okay as a spot duty utility lineman. The former Iowa tackle overall was inconsistent in the 6 games he's started for the Rams. Andrew is still young but his talent level the last 2 seasons has been mostly average. He's not a finished product yet but his ceiling might not be much higher. Donnal is valuable because the Rams lack quality depth along the offensive line.


OG #69 Cody WICHMANN 6'5 325 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 25

2016 Snap Counts 594
2015 Snap Counts 426

Summary: Drafted In 2015 (6th rnd No.215 (Fresno St) Wichmann started at right guard in 11 games in 2016. In his 2015 rookie season, Cody played in 12 games with seven starts. Wichmann has shown some quality flashes over his first 2 seasons but not enough of them to lock up a starting spot heading into his 3rd season. Wichmann is projected to be a key backup in 2017 and he will get his number called quickly should the Rams have an injury to one of their starting guards. Going into his 3rd season, Wichmann should be an important piece to the Rams offensive line unit.


OT #72 Pace MURPHY 6'6 308 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 23

2016 Total Snaps 15

Summary: Last years UDFA surprise offensive lineman to make the Rams 53 will need to prove it was his talent and not Rams lack of qaulity depth at tackle that landed him on the roster. In 2016 Murphy played in two games his rookie season and logged some snaps on special teams. VS San Francisco (12/24) was Murphy's first career NFL game and he played on offense and special teams. He played college at North Western St DivII and registered 31 career starts. He was the Demons’ top graded offensive lineman 17 times in his last 23 games. In 2015 he started all 11 games and was named NSU’s best offensive lineman for the second consecutive season. Pace has a legitimate shot to make the 53 again this year due to how thin the Rams are at OT. Murphy will be watched with a close eye when the Rams sub in their reserves offensive tackles in the preseason games.


OC #66 Austin BLYTHE 6'2 300 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 25

2016 Snap Counts 89

Summary: The center group now includes Sullivan, Blythe, and undrafted free agent Jake Eldrenkamp. The Rams acquired Blythe on waivers (2016 Colts Drafted 7th rnd No.248) Blythe was cut after getting 89 reserve snaps in his rookie season for the Colts. Because he has a year of experience, he's probably a slight favorite to edge out UDFA Eldrenkamp. Nobody will be surprised if Eldrenkamp steals a roster spot from Blythe but their competition makes for an interesting roster battle that will be followed closely leading up to cut day. One of them needs to play well because Rams starting center John Sullivan's back isn't guaranteed to hold up for an entire 16 game season.


OC #60 Jake ELDRENKAMP 6'5 300 (Rookie UDFA) AGE 23


Summary: Eldrenkamp is rumored to be a pet project for offensive line coach Aaron Kromer. He was a UDFA for a reason but he should get plenty of snaps in the preseason to prove himself worthy of making the team. Good athlete. Plays with good bend and has easy, smooth movement skills. Shows off good lateral agility and quickness off the snap. Built for zone scheme. Has the feet to get to difficult reach blocks and work hips into place to seal his block. Able to stick defensive tackles on his inside shoulder and run his feet to keep them there. Takes quality angles up to second level. Hands are big and strong helping him sustain his blocks. An athletic zone-scheme fit at guard or potentially center if he proves he can snap it.

Possesses relatively narrow frame and may have issues adding and maintaining desired mass for interior. Needs to play on the move. Struggles to generate quality push at the point of attack as base blocker. Hands can swing a little too wide in run game. The biggest question for him will be whether or not he can carry more mass, but the tape looks like that of a backup or possibly eventual starter if he can find the right scheme fit. http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/jake-eldrenkamp?id=2558713 -Lance Zierlein

“He’s a guy that’s got good movement,” McVay said. “He’s got some flexibility to be able to play on the interior line, but he was a guy that Coach Kromer, our scouts, did a nice job identifying as a player that we feel like could project well with some of the things we’re looking for. It’ll be exciting to kind of watch him.”


OT #63 Darrell WILLIAMS 6'5 305 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 23

2016 Snap Counts 0 injured
2015 Snap Counts 25

Summary: Williams was the Rams 2015 UDFA surprise offensive lineman to make the roster. He logged 25 offensive snaps in 2015, 16 of them vs the Bears but he didn't last long after getting dinged up and was placed on reserve/injured list (11/17/15). In 2016 Williams' second season, he regressed badly displaying horrible pass protection skills in the preseason. Darrell is an extreme long shot now and unless he's had some kind of miraculous off-season make over, his chances to sneak back on the roster seem unlikely at this time.


"OFFENSIVE LINEMAN" Ranking & Summary

1) LT #77 A.WHITWORTH 6'7 335 (AGE 35) The Big fellow will protect the QB's blind side
2) LG #76 R.SAFFOLD 6'5 325 (AGE 29) Performed well & stayed on the field last season
3) OC #61 J.SULLIVAN 6'3 310 (AGE 31) If he plays 16 games the O-Line should be better
4) RG #79 R.HAVENSTEIN 6'7 328 (AGE 25) Moved from RT to RG but will he stay there?
5) RT #68 J.BROWN 6'4 330 (AGE 25) 3rd year pro moved outside to RT alone on the island

6) OT #64 A.DONNAL 6'6 310 (AGE 25) Should be the first reserve OT off the bench
7) OG #69 C.WICHMANN 6'5 325 (AGE 25) Will be active most games as the backup guard
8) OC #66 A.BLYTHE 6'2 300 (AGE 25) In a street fight to fend off UDFA C/G Eldrenkamp
9) OT #72 P.MURPHY 6'6 308 (AGE 23) Has the early upper hand to be a backup OT
10 OC #60 J.ELDRENKAMP 6'5 300 (AGE 25) UDFA will have to beat out Blythe or its P.Squad
11 OT #63 D.WILLIAMS 6'5 305 (AGE 23) 2016 preseason was a failure & pass pro disaster


2017 Rams
RUNNING BACKS

RB #30 Todd GURLEY 6'1 225 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 22

2016 Att 278 Yds__885 YPA 3.2 TD_ 6 Rec 43 Yds 327 YPC 7.6 TD 0
2015 Att 229 Yds 1,106 YPA 4.8 TD 10 Rec 21 Yds 108 YPC 9.0 TD 0

Summary: The 2015 offensive rookie of the year took a step back in 2016. Even though Gurley was often hit behind the line of scrimmage, his vision and strength to break tackles was not on par with his rookie season. Something was off with Todd in his second season and how he bounces back in his 3rd season will tell us more about what type of RB he's going to be for the long term. In a Tuesday appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Gurley was asked to categorize his 2016 season. "Like a nightmare. I still can't believe the season," Gurley said. "It was definitely a tough year, a learning experience for me. To be 4-12 this year? I don't want to feel that feeling again."Gurley made news in December, describing the Rams' attack as a "middle school offense" in the wake of back-to-back lopsided losses that led directly to the firing of coach Jeff Fisher.

Provided a forum to explain that criticism, Gurley clarified that he was speaking strictly of the players rather than the coaching staff. "The week before, we played New England. I think we probably scored one touchdown and that was the last two minutes of the game," Gurley explained. "Then we go play Atlanta, and they probably put more points up on us on defense than we actually put up on offense. "It was frustrating. I kind of told it like it was, kind of how we looked. It was too many mental errors from everybody, including myself, just turning the ball over. You just can't have that." http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...d-gurley-on-rams-2016-season-like-a-nightmare


RB #25 Lance DUNBAR 5'8 187 (5 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 27

2016 Att_ 9 Yds 31 YPA_ 3.4 TD 1 Rec 16 Yds 122 YPC_ 7.6 TD 0
2015 Att_ 5 Yds 67 YPA 13.4 TD 0 Rec 21 Yds 215 YPC 10.2 TD 0
2014 Att 29 Yds 99 YPA_ 3.4 TD 0 Rec 18 Yds 217 YPC 12.1 TD 0

Summary: Dunbar rushed for 422 yards on 94 carries in five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. Last season, playing behind rookie Ezekiel Elliott, Dunbar carried the ball only nine times for 31 yards while catching 16 passes for 122 yards. In 2015 Dunbar looked like he was going to have a good season before tearing his ACL on kickoff return vs the Saints in week 4. Dunbar originally signed with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent after playing football at North Texas. Dunbar's receiving skills out of backfield and his kickoff return ability made him an attractive UFA to the Rams. Dunbar is almost two years removed from his ACL injury and logged a total of 143 snaps in 2016.


RB #34 Malcolm BROWN 5'11 227 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 24

2016 Att 18 Yds 39 YPA 2.2 TD 0 Rec 3 Yds 46 YPC 15.3 TD 0
2015 Att 04 Yds 17 YPA 4.3 TD 0 Rec 1 Yds_ 0 YPC_ 0__TD 0

Summary: In 2016 Brown rushed 18 times for only 39 yards (2.2 avg) and caught 3 passes for 46 yards. He registered three special teams tackles. Brown is your typical power runner and has good hands out of the backfield. During his career with the Rams after being picked up as an undrafted free agent in 2015, Brown has shown flashes of developing into a solid running back. He looked great last preseason when he lead the NFL in rushing after the first two games, ending the 2016 preseason with 27 rushing attempts and 155 rushing yards. With his good preseason showing, there were expectations that Brown would make some type of impact for the Rams. It never materialized. During the 2016 regular season, Brown put up less than 100 total yards on the ground and through the air. Behind starting RB Todd Gurley, the rest of the depth chart is a toss up. The Rams brought in RB Lance Dunbar to be the change-of-pace back. https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/...roster-2017-preview-malcolm-brown-todd-gurley


RB #36 Aaron GREEN 5'11 205 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 24

2016 Att 0 Yds 0 YPA 0 TD 0 Rec 0 Yds 0 YPC 0 TD 0

Summary: Last season Green was signed to the Rams practice squad and stayed there most of his rookie year. Green was finally promoted to the active roster in Week 15. He saw limited action in two games at running back. Green is a talented shifty back with good receiving skills. He's not going to get many yards running between the tackles but his elusiveness and knack for making big plays in college could translate better in his second season as a pro. If he's added more strength in the off-season, Green should have a respectable shot at making the 53.


FB #39 Sam ROGERS 5'10 230 (Rookie Drafted 6th rnd No.205) AGE 22

V.Tech College:
2016 Att 67 Yds 283 YPA 4.2 TD 2 Rec 24 Yds 301 YPC 12.5 TD 4
2015 Att 61 Yds 260 YPA 4.3 TD 2 Rec 16 Yds 193 YPC 12.1 TD 2
2014 Att 32 Yds 140 YPA 4.4 TD 0 Rec 20 Yds 230 YPC 11.5 TD 1

Summary: In 2016 Rogers played in all 14 games with 12 starts and racked up 283 rushing yards and two touchdowns and 301 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Named an all-american and first-team All-ACC by Pro Football Focus. Played in the Reese's Senior Bowl. A three-year starter, Sam Rogers is a stout, powerful player with the three-down skills teams want in the modern fullback. He's shown himself to be a valuable receiver in the Virginia Tech offense, grabbing 72 catches in the last four seasons. Rogers runs with power and has great pad height going through the line of scrimmage or when meeting a tackler on a swing pass. He's an aggressive, powerful, physical player.

Rogers can play fullback and H-back, and he has experience on special teams. He's a versatile, valuable piece. Coaches we spoke to loved working with Rogers thanks to his weight-room and practice dedication. The fullback position might be losing value, but Rogers can play in the NFL with his running, receiving and special teams ability. Rogers lacks overall athleticism and doesn't have the speed to run away from defenders. He takes too many steps to reach top speed and isn't a quick cutter going through traffic. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...017-scouting-report-for-los-angeles-rams-pick


RB #41 Lenard TILLERY 5'9 195 (Rookie UDFA) AGE 23

Southern College:
2016 Att 247 Yds 1665 YPA 6.7 TD 13 Rec 20 Yds 307 YPC 15.4 TD 2
2015 Att 197 Yds 1211 YPA 6.1 TD 14 Rec 19 Yds 173 YPC_ 9.1 TD 1
2014 Att 209 Yds 1196 YPA 5.7 TD_ 9 Rec 19 Yds 196 YPC 10.3 TD 0

Summary: It took a little while, but the man who rushed for more yards in Southwestern Athletic Conference history than Walter Payton has found a home. Former Southern and McKinley High football star Lenard Tillery, who smashed the SWAC career rushing record last season, is expected to sign a free agent deal with the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday. Tillery was not available for comment Wednesday, but a source confirmed he agreed to join the Rams organization and will take part in the team’s rookie camp next week. The Baton Rouge native walked on to Southern’s football team in 2012 and built a massively productive career from that point on. He earned the starting job as a red-shirt freshman in 2013, then fought to hold on to that position as the coaching staff brought in challengers to take his place.

Tillery was at his peak during his magnificent senior season. In just 11 games, Tillery set a school single-season record with 1,665 rushing yards. He topped 100 yards in all but one game last season, and he eclipsed 200 yards twice in his final three games. Tillery perhaps saved his best game for his final game in a Southern uniform, blistering Grambling for 234 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown on the ground to go along with five catches for 35 yards and a receiving touchdown. Tillery finished his career with 4,837 yards — breaking the SWAC career record by nearly 800 yards — and 45 touchdowns. http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_ro...cle_ecb34488-3056-11e7-a2ee-9323e82ed09c.html


RB #42 Justin DAVIS 6'1 198 (Rookie UDFA) AGE 21

USC College:
2016 Att 110 Yds 607 YPA 5.5 TD 2 Rec 12 Yds 112 YPC_ 8.0 TD 0
2015 Att 169 Yds 902 YPA 5.3 TD 7 Rec 18 Yds 189 YPC 10.5 TD 0
2014 Att 129 Yds 595 YPA 4.6 TD 4 Rec 13 Yds _92 YPC_ 7.1 TD 2

Summary: Justin Davis is still processing the moment. USC’s dramatic game-winning field goal against Penn State in the Rose Bowl occurred two months ago, putting the finishing touch on Davis’ Trojans career. The running back still can’t quite believe it. “Once the field goal went through the uprights, I just had to pause for a minute and think about how we even got there,” Davis said Thursday at the NFL scouting combine. “It kind of still doesn’t even feel real, just in terms of all the stuff that we kind of went through in our time there. “It just makes it so much better, knowing that I finished a career that I really hoped something special would happen. For it to actually happen was unbelievable.” Davis, measured at 6-foot-1 and 208 pounds, completed 21 reps on the bench press on Thursday. On Friday, he continues testing with the 40-yard dash and other drills.

“It’s definitely exciting just to be around this stuff and all these great players,” he said. Davis arrived at the combine after four years at USC that featured multiple coaching changes and several ankle injuries. He finished with 2,465 yards rushing and scored 21 touchdowns. “I had the time of my life at SC and wouldn’t take any minute back,” he said. “When I think back about everything I went through, it’s crazy that I’m at the NFL combine getting ready to get to the next level.” Davis said he sought advice from former Trojans running backs Tre Madden and Soma Vainuku about the combine experience. “Just like when I was at SC, they let me know what to expect,” he said. “They always looked out for me.” Davis is eager to show NFL scouts and coaches he can become an asset. “With the injuries some people kind of shot me down a little,” he said. “But that just gives me more fire to come out and prove everybody wrong.” http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-usc-justin-davis-nfl-20170303-story.html


FB #45 Zach LASKEY 6'1 235 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 25

2016 Att 0 Yds 0 YPA 0 TD 0 Rec 0 Yds 0 YPC 0 TD 0

Summary: Waived/injured (8/29/16)...signed with the Rams as an undrafted free agent (5/7/15). 2015 SEASON: Spent the 2015 season on the Rams’ practice squad. Laskey is a fullback for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League. After going undrafted in the 2015 NFL draft, the Rams signed him to their practice squad. On August 30, 2016, he was waived/injured by the Rams and placed on injured reserve. Laskey is probably running out of chances to make the roster so he really needs to over achieve this time around.


"RUNNING BACKS" Ranking & Summary

1) RB #30 T.GURLEY 6'1 225 (AGE 22) Big letdown last season, will he rebound to stardom?
2) RB #25 L.DUNBAR 5'8 187 (AGE 27) Veteran needs to shine or he could be a surprise cut
3) RB #34 M.BROWN 5'11 227 (AGE 24) Early favorite to make the roster but not a guarantee
4) RB #36 A.GREEN 5'11 205 (AGE 24) Might bust loose did he add enough strength in offseason?
5) FB #39 S.ROGERS 5'10 230 (AGE 22) Seems to be a fan favorite & a throwback type of player
6) RB #41 L.TILLERY 5'9 195 (AGE 23) Small school RB should get plenty of looks preseason
7) RB #42 J.DAVIS 6'1 198 (AGE 23) Injury prone in college but don't sleep on the Trojans talent
8) FB #45 Z.LASKEY 6'1 235 (AGE 25) Not expected by anyone to compete for a roster spot


2017 Rams
TIGHT ENDS

TE #89 Tyler HIGBEE 6'6 255 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 24

2016 Rec 11 Yds 85 YPC 7.7 TD 1

Summary: Higbee had an underwhelming rookie season on a Rams team that had little talent at the tight end position. He's likely learned from his rookie lapses and with his legal issues behind him now, there is no reason for Tyler not to have a good second year. "We are going to be an offense that is going to involve the tight end in a variety of different ways," said McVay, hired as the Rams' head coach after three years as the Redskins' offensive coordinator. Higbee was only targeted 29 times and caught 11 passes as a rookie last season, but McVay liked him coming out of Western Kentucky. He considers Higbee someone with "a nice catch radius. He can stretch the seam; he's got a good feel and savvy in the pass game. How we use him will yet to be determined, but he's a guy we're looking forward to getting on the grass with." http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/233702/rams-expect-big-things-from-tyler-higbee


TE #81 Gerald EVERETT 6'3 245 (Rookie Drafted 2nd rnd No.44) AGE 23

South Alabama College:
2016 Rec 49 Yds 717 YPC 14.6 TD 4
2015 Rec 41 Yds 575 YPC 14.0 TD 8
2014 Rec 17 Yds 292 YPC 17.2 TD 1

Summary: The Rams moved down seven spots to No. 44 and selected South Alabama tight end Gerald Everett. “I think I bring the complete package of a tight end,” Everett said during a conference call with reporters. “Definitely the vertical threat, but also being a blocker in the run game and just being able to create that mismatch anytime in the game.” Everett joins a tight end corps that includes veteran Cory Harkey – who has played mainly as a fullback – and second-year pros Tyler Higbee and Temarrick Hemingway. Everett said he played youth football but in high school in Georgia he concentrated on basketball and track until his senior year.

He attended Hutchinson Community College in Kansas before transferring to Alabama Birmingham. He caught 17 passes for 292 yards and a touchdown. He transferred to South Alabama in 2015 and became a two-time All-Sun Belt selection, catching 90 passes, 12 for touchdowns, in two seasons. Everett said he visited the Rams before the draft. He said that although he played in a mid-major conference, he thought he would be drafted in the first three rounds. He is looking forward to playing for McVay, who oversaw the NFL’s third-best offense last season as the Washington Redskins’ offensive coordinator. “I just can’t wait to get out to Los Angeles and help the Rams win games,” he said. “I’ll do whatever is asked of me, whether it be special teams or receiver or tight end. It doesn’t matter. I just want to contribute to the organization and help them win games.”

6-foot-3, 240 pounds, South Alabama Notable: Everett was a basketball standout who played only one year of football in high school before he turned himself into an All-Sun Belt Conference football player. He began his college career at Alabama Birmingham, but transferred when the school temporarily closed the football program. Why Rams drafted him: The Rams released veteran tight end Lance Kendricks, leaving them thin at tight end. With his jumping ability, Everett is the kind of player that can make plays in the red zone. Last season: Everett caught 49 passes for 717 yards and four touchdowns. He was third nationally among tight ends in college football in receiving yards. He caught five passes for 103 yards in one game. http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp...-gerald-everett-out-1493425700-htmlstory.html


TE #84 Tamarrick HEMINGWAY 6'5 250 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 23

2016 Rec 0 Yards 0 YPC 0 TD 0

Summary: In 2016 Hemingway saw action in nine games with most of his snaps as a contributor on special teams. He did not record any receiving stats or tackles in his rookie season. Tamarrick was a raw project coming out of college so the experience he got his rookie season should have prepared to take a big jump in his second year. Unless your a Rams fan, Tamarrick is not on anyone's radar and he could be a sleeper threat in McVay's offense.


TE #46 Cory HARKEY 6'4 260 (6 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 27

2016 Rec 0 Yds_ 0 YPC__0 TD 0
2015 Rec 5 Yds 26 YPC 5.2 TD 0
2014 Rec 8 Yds 55 YPC 6.9 TD 1

Summary: Harkey's snap counts went down from 289 in 2015 to 111 in 2016. The former UDFA veteran is known for his grit and smash mouth blocking. If McVay values his blocking and thinks he can work with him, maybe Cory finds a spot on the roster. Tough to figure how the new coaching staff values his skill set.


TE #48 Johnny MUDT 6'4 232 (Rookie UDFA) AGE 22

Oregon College:
2016 Rec 23 Yds 334 YPC 14.5 TD 0
2015 Rec_ 5 Yds_ 39 YPC_ 7.8 TD 1
2014 Rec_ 2 Yds_ 29 YPC 14.5 TD 0

Summary: 2016 — Started the last six games of the season but saw action in eight games . . . Recorded three catches for 52 yards and one touchdown in the 2016 season opener against UC Davis . . . Started at tight end vs. Cal, ASU, USC, Stanford and Utah with 17 catches for 254 yards and three touchdowns in the five-game stretch . . . Recorded a 53-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter vs. ASU . . . Second on the team with four touchdown catches . . . Ended the season with 23 receptions for 334 yards and four touchdowns . . . Had three explosive plays during the season. http://www.goducks.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4610


TE #87 Travis WILSON 6'7 230 (Rookie UDFA) AGE 23

2016 No TE Stats: Former UTAH QB has been converted to TE

Summary: Wilson is a former college quarterback, who is converting to tight end in the hope of making it in the NFL. He wound up going undrafted out of Utah back in May of last year. According to Adam Caplan, Wilson took part in the Bengals minicamp last year on a tryout basis but wasn’t signed to a contract. The former Utah quarterback rushed for 1,226 yards and 21 touchdowns. Jordan Palmer, the younger brother of Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer, has the same bet going with multiple people. Palmer is adamant in his belief that Travis Wilson, undrafted as a quarterback last year, will make at least 35 catches as a rookie tight end for the Los Angeles Rams this season. And if you want a piece of the action, just let him know. http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angele...er-utah-qb-travis-wilson-will-catch-35-passes


"TIGHT ENDS" Ranking & Summary

1) TE #89 T.HIGBEE 6'6 255 (AGE 24) No excuses for him not to breakout in 2nd campaign
2) TE #81 G.EVERETT 6'3 245 (AGE 23) Will the 2nd round pick show is draft slot was worthy?
3) TE #84 T.HEMINGWAY 6'5 250(AGE 23) Could be the surprise TE by the end of the season

4) TE #46 C.HARKEY 6'4 260 (AGE 27) Does the blocking H-Back/TE fit the new scheme?
5) TE #48 J.MUDT 6'4 232 (AGE 22) Long shot had one decent college season at Oregon
6) TE #87 T.WILSON 6'7 230 (AGE 23) Can the Former QB translate his talent to TE?


2017 Rams
WIDE RECEIVERS

WR #17 Robert WOODS 6'0 195 (4 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 25

2016 Rec 51 Yds 613 YPC 12.0 TD 1
2015 Rec 47 Yds 552 YPC 11.7 TD 3
2014 Rec 65 Yds 699 YPC 10.8 TD 5

Summary: Back in his hometown of Los Angeles, Robert Woods is wasting no time settling in and stirring things up. Woods signed a big-time five-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams in free agency following a promising four-year stint in Buffalo. The former USC Trojan filled the void left by the departing Kenny Britt and Brian Quick, joining a receiving corps paced by Tavon Austin, Pharoh Cooper and rookie Cooper Kupp. But with Austin notably absent from workouts this week while recovering from wrist surgery, Woods had a chance to run with the ones, an opportunity on which he hopes to capitalize. "I always come in attacking the season trying to be the No. 1 receiver," Woods told reporters, per The Los Angeles Times. Woods might be paid like Los Angeles' top receiver, but Austin, since being drafted by the team in 2013, has been expected to be that guy. Austin even recently earned a new contract of his own, signing a four-year, $42 million extension in 2016.

However, under the new Sean McVay regime, roles could change. The 5-foot-8 Austin was often used more as a gadget guy than a go-to, 10-catch-a-game top target. In fact, the former top-10 selection has yet to record a season with over 510 receiving yards. Woods, on the other hand, has outpaced Austin's receiving production by 809 yards over the same four-year span. Might Woods make the leap over Austin in the depth chart? (For what it's worth, Jared Goff gave a glowing review Monday of his newest addition, saying, "He's been great. He's been more than I could have really expected, honestly." http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000811821/article/robert-woods-trying-to-be-rams-no-1-receiver


WR #11 Tavon AUSTIN 5'8 179 (4 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 26

2016 Rec 58 Yds 509 YPC 8.8 TD 3
2015 Rec 52 Yds 473 YPC 9.1 TD 5
2014 Rec 31 Yds 242 YPC 7.8 TD 0

Summary: Now, a new coaching staff has arrived, Austin has been absent after wrist surgery, and plenty of new receivers have been added. So what does it mean for Austin? “I think we have ideas of the way that we want to utilize him,” coach Sean McVay told reporters on Wednesday. “I think he’s done a lot of great things on tape, but until you’re actually able to get out on the grass with him, watch him do some of the things that we’re asking him to do, it does make it a little bit more difficult. But we’re certainly projecting him to be a big part of our offense. How exactly we use him is to be determined, but we have discussed those things as a staff. We’ll get a chance to see that early on in training camp.” For now, McVay and company haven’t been able to study Austin because he hasn’t been able to practice, due to the wrist surgery.

“I think he’s done a good job of controlling what he can control and that’s working and doing as much as he could with the limitations that he had with the wrist,” coach Sean McVay told reporters on Wednesday. “I think he’s done a great job in meetings, where he knows exactly what’s going on. He’s a guy that’s real conscientious, he’s going to get himself ready to go. I think that’s some of the things he can do in the meantime to kind of give himself a jump start so the first time catching live routes and things like that instead of just the Juggs [machine] or a tennis ball machine isn’t going to be once we report.”

Austin has never had 1,000 yards from scrimmage at the NFL level, and his career high as a receiver came in 2016, with 509 yards. Former coach Jeff Fisher’s staff used Austin in ways similar to his deployment at West Virginia, where it was simple enough to put him in space against defenders who couldn’t catch him. At the next level, they can — and so it will take more than bubble screens and jet sweeps to get the kind of production to justify not only the top-10 selection but the four-year, $42 million contract that the Rams gave Austin last year. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...tavon-austin-to-be-a-big-part-of-the-offense/


WR #18 Cooper KUPP 6'2 205 (Rookie Drafted 3rd rnd No.69) AGE 24

E.Washington College:
2016 Rec 117 Yds 1700 YPC 14.5 TD 17
2015 Rec 114 Yds 1642 YPC 14.4 TD 19
2014 Rec 104 Yds 1431 YPC 13.8 TD 16
2013 Rec_ 93 Yds 1691 YPC 18.2 TD 21

Summary: Cooper Kupp knows there will be questions about the level of competition. The Rams on Friday selected the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision’s all-time receiving leader in the third round of the NFL draft. The 6-foot-2, 204-pound Kupp achieved his record-setting career at Eastern Washington. “I’ve played against some very good football players and I’ve played against some very good team as well,” Kupp said in a teleconference. “I’ve been able to produce in both situations and I believe I prepare to be the best player when I step on the field. That’s not going to change moving up to the NFL.

“I pride myself on that preparation and what it takes it be great. If people want to question that, that’s fine. I’m just going to go out and do what I do and I believe that opinion will change soon.” Kupp, a Washington native, joins a receiving corps that includes Tavon Austin and Robert Woods among others. “I think I bring versatility, a guy that’s going to know the offense inside and out,” he said. “A guy that’s going to be ready to go Day 1. I pride myself on that. On learning the offense.

“I know exactly what I need to be, a guy that can be reliable and be able to get first downs. The ability to create in multiple different ways, play wherever you need me to play. I think that’s something that I bring that a lot of receivers can’t.” Kupp is looking forward to working with quarterback Jared Goff, the No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft. Kupp caught a Big Sky Conference record 117 passes for 1,700 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also passed for two touchdowns, rushed for another and scored on a punt return.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp...iver-cooper-kupp-of-1493432048-htmlstory.html


WR #83 Josh REYNOLDS 6'3 190 (Rookie Drafted 4th rnd No.117) AGE 22

Texas A&M College:
2016 Rec 61 Yds 1039 YPC 17.0 TD 12
2015 Rec 51 Yds_ 907 YPC 17.8 TD_ 5
2014 Rec 52 Yds_ 842 YPC 16.2 TD 13

Summary: When you watch Josh Reynolds, he shows a good catch radius, plus an ability both to high point the ball and snatch the ball with one hand out of the air. He shows incredible body control, and he makes great adjustments to the ball in midair. Reynolds is highly effective against man, running crisp routes, getting separation and creating throwing windows for his quarterback. He does a good job of tracking passes over his shoulder, and he was a consistent red zone threat. He caught 30 touchdowns in his three years at Texas A&M. Reynolds doesn’t just win down the field, as he has good lateral quickness and can win off of the line of scrimmage with his feet. Reynolds also shows good effort when his teammates catch the ball, coming back to the play and trying to block to spring them for a big gain.

Reynolds offers very little after the catch. He won’t run through very many tackles or make players miss. His yards after catch will be due to play design and his original separation. While he can win versus press, he needs to do so more consistently and show strength at the point of attack. Texas A&M runs a lot of RPO’s (run pass option) so he often wasn’t asked to block in the run game, and that will be an adjustment. While Reynolds shows the ability to make a spectacular play, he needs to be consistent in the easy ones. He had too many concentration drops for someone with his catching ability. Reynolds has a developed route tree but needs to be stronger at the stems of routes and push through contact. Too often on film, contact down the field can slow him down and throw him off of his route. While Reynolds is good versus man coverage he needs to improve settling down in zone coverages. The rookie carries a tall lean build and has deceptive speed because of his long stride. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...017-scouting-report-for-los-angeles-rams-pick


WR #10 Pharoh COOPER 5'11 205 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 22

2016 Rec 14 Yds 106 YPC 7.6 TD 0

Summary: Pharoh is still trying to find his identity in the NFL. He's cut from the mold "WR in a running backs body" and has a unique skill set. His value on special teams pushes him up the WR depth chart but his route running still some more polishing. Pharoh needs to elevate his game this year if he wants to be more than a part time spot player in McVay's offense. 2016 SEASON: Played in 10 games, started three, caught 14 passes for 106 yards and returned five punts and amassed 323 kickoff return yards. At New England (12/4) Pharoh started his first career game at wide receiver and caught one pass for eight yards and added eight yards on four punt returns. VS Atlanta (12/11) Caught three passes for 22 yards, with a career long 19-yard reception. At Seattle (12/15) Started his second career game at wide receiver logging three receptions for 21 yards and returned five kickoffs for 98 yards. VS San Francisco (12/24) Returned four kickoffs for a career-high 129 yards, with a career long of 51 yards. VS Arizona (1/1) Started at wide receiver and finished with four receptions for 36 yards.


WR #86 Nelson SPRUCE 6'1 210 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 24

2016 Rec 0 Yards 0 YPC 0 TD 0

Summary: Last years "sticky mitts" rookie UDFA was the talk of the town after his splashy performance vs Dallas in the preseason. Since that flash in the pan moment, the one game wonder has been MIA and quickly became an injured after thought. With preseason on the horizon again, Spruce's name as resurfaced and he appears to be 100% healthy. If he has equal success in the preseason this year and dodges the injury bug, Spruce will be on the 53 and possibly active for the opener vs the Colts.


WR #15 Bradley MARQUEZ 5'11 205 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 24

2016 Rec_ 3 Yds 37 YPC 12.3 TD 0
2015 Rec 13 Yds 88 YPC_ 6.8 TD 0

Summary: No player on the Rams has been more valuable to Fassel's special teams units over the last 2 seasons. Marquez is underappreciated by some because he takes up a roster spot carrying the WR label. His receiving skills are decent but his ability separate and make impact plays as a wide-out have been nonexistent. His blue collar work ethic and value on special teams alone gives him the upper hand vs bubble players fighting for a spot on the 53.


WR #19 Paul MCROBERTS 6'2 197 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 24

2016 Rec 1 Yards 6 YPC 6.0 TD 0

Summary: McRoberts played in two games in his rookie season after spending the first 15 weeks on the team’s practice squad. VS Arizona he caught his first career pass for six yards and logged snaps on special teams. Because of his size and good hands Paul might be overlooked my some to make the roster in his second season. If he's worked hard on his craft during the offseason and puts up some numbers in the preseason he could be tough cut for McVay.


WR #88 Mike THOMAS 6'1 195 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 22

2016 Rec 3 Yds 37 YPC 12.3 TD 0

Summary: His 4 game suspension gives the Rams time to evaluate their receiving corps the fist quarter of the season. If the Rams WR's are unable to show they can get separation on deep balls, someone will likely get waived and Thomas will be back on the 53 in a blink. He's shown he can get open and deep in the NFL but his hands were his shortcoming. PED's are tempting for young NFL players to enhance their physical attributes. Sadly Thomas took the risk and will watch the Rams from his living for the fist four games of the season.


WR #82 Brandon SHIPPEN 5'11 195 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 23

2016 Rec 0 Yards 0 YPC 0 TD 0

Summary: In 2016 Shippen signed with the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent out of Temple. Unfortunately, the Dolphins elected to cut him loose during the final week of the preseason. During his college career at Temple, Shippen caught 32 passes for 453 yards receiving and two touchdowns over the course of 28 games. He rushed for 48 yards on eight carries. Not expected to do enough to make the roster.


WR #12 Shakeir RYAN 5'8 165 (Rookie UDFA) AGE 21

NW State College:
2016 Rec 32 Yds 197 YPC_ 6.2 TD 1
2015 Rec 27 Yds 327 YPC 12.1 TD 3
2014 Rec 38 Yds 335 YPC_ 8.8 TD 1

Summary: This quick little mouse will have to put up some astounding numbers in the preseason to warrant any kind of chance to make the 53. Likely a practice a squad candidate. He might be a surprise on special teams as a returner but that alone won't be enough to stick around.


"WIDE RECEIVERS" Ranking & Summary

1) WR #17 R.WOODS 6'0 195 (AGE 25) Seasoned vet should have his best years ahead of him
2) WR #11 T.AUSTIN 5'8 179 (AGE 26) At a crossroads & needs to prove he's worth the contract$
3) WR #18 C.KUPP 6'2 205 (AGE 24) Most polished rookie WR to be drafted by the Rams since Holt
4) WR #83 J.REYNOLDS 6'3 190 (AGE 22) Skinny & long deep threat will get his chances to shine
5) WR #10 P.COOPER 5'11 205 (AGE 22) 2nd year pro better step up his game or he could slide
6) WR #86 N.SPRUCE 6'1 210 (AGE 24) One game wonder needs to stay healthy for all the preseason

7) WR #15 B.MARQUEZ 5'11 205 (AGE 24) Special teams demon will be hard to keep off the roster
8) WR #19 P.MCROBERTS 6'2 197 (AGE 24) If he explodes in the preseason games he could stick
9) WR #88 M.THOMAS 6'1 195 (AGE 22) 4 game suspension drops him here until week 5
10 WR #82 B.SHIPPEN 5'11 195 (AGE 23) Not expected to be much more than a camp receiver
11 WR #12 R.SHAKEIR 5'8 165 (AGE 21) UDFA Tiny tot has a very small chance to make the 53


2017 Rams
"QUARTERBACKS"

QB #16 Jared GOFF 6'4 223 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 22

2016 Att 205 Comp 112 Comp% 54.6 Yds 1,089 YPA 5.3 TD 5 INT 7 Rating 63.6

Summary: NFL Network's Steve Wyche reported that Rams GM Les Snead told him Goff returned this spring with a better grasp of what's expected of him as an NFL starter. Goff understood he had to understand the language and the alignments of the scheme," Wyche said. "So when they came up for their minicamp right before the draft, he said Goff was right on point. He said after the minicamp, coaches said (Goff) exceeded expectations. 'Last year he was a blank slate, now that is no longer the case.

He understands what NFL offenses want, and more importantly, he understands what NFL defenses want to do.'" The Rams' paint-by-numbers offense was the butt of league-wide jokes in 2016. Some of that had to do with the former coaching staff, some with an atrocious offensive line, some with a lack of playmakers, some with Todd Gurley's struggles, and some with Goff's difficulties making the transition. With Sean McVay taking over, upgrades on the offensive line through free agency, and adding pass-catching targets in the draft, some of those problems should be in the past.http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...goff-exceeding-expectations-in-mcvays-offense


QB #14 Sean MANNION 6'6 231 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 25

2016 Att 6 Comp 3 Yds 19 Comp% 50.0 YPA 3.2 TD 0 INT 1 Rating 17.4
2015 Att 7 Comp 6 Yds 31 Comp% 85.7 YPA 4.4 TD 0 INT 0 Rating 85.1

Summary: The former Oregon State star could get an opportunity during the 2017 season. Mannion could be called on to start if Jared Goff struggles during the season, according to a report. "One person who knows both players well said he wouldn't be surprised to see the Rams go to Mannion if Goff struggles during the regular season," The report said the Rams have been "pleased" with the work of Mannion, specifically noting his improved "quickness in his reads" and improved footwork. Sean McVay is the new head coach, and he doesn't have the same investment in Goff, which could result in less patience with Goff. http://www.oregonlive.com/nfl/index.ssf/2017/05/sean_mannion_could_take_over_i.html


QB #00 Dan ORLOVSKY 6'5 220 (12 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 33

2015 Att 40 Comp 22 Yds 201 Comp% 55.0 TD 1 INT 1
2012 Att 7 Comp 4 Yds 51 Comp% 57.1 TD 0 INT 0
2011 ATT 193 Comp 122 Comp% 63.2 TD 6 INT 4


2017 Rams
SPECIAL TEAMS P/K/LS

PP #06 JOHNN HEKKER 6'5 240 (5 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 27

2016 Punts 98) Yds 4,680 Avg 47.8 Net 46.0
2015 Punts 96) Yds 4,601 Avg 47.9 Net 43.7
2014 Punts 80) Yds 3,721 Avg 46.5 Net 42.3

Summary: In 2016, Hekker landed an NFL-record 51 of his punts inside the 20. No other punter even had 40 such kicks. He launched 98 punts this season, and only one crossed the goal line for a touchback. None of the 27 other punters with at least 50 punts had fewer than two touchbacks. His net average was 46.0 yards. No other punter averaged 45.0 net yards per punt, and only one had an average above 42.7. Opponents gained an average of 1.55 yards on returns on all of Hekker’s punts. No other punter had an opponent return average below 1.82. Fassel says one technical thing that makes Hekker special is “his ability as an athlete to get better faster, and to pick up new techniques and implement them into a game.

He is as athletic a punter as I’ve seen – I probably shouldn’t say in the history of the NFL – but as far as punters who are athletes, he’s in the 99th percentile.” Fassel says Hekker has also developed “three or four other special types of punts that have made him unique,” even if they can’t be deciphered by the naked eye. Hekker explains: “It’s really just about timing [and] how the ball comes out of your hands and how it moves in the air. If it’s not moving at all – a still drop – then you’ve really got a good chance. You really can tell when you connect on a good one. It feels good coming off the foot. You don’t want to peek too early – I’m a guy who keeps my head down through the follow-through – but there are some balls where I just can’t wait to take a look and see how it’s flying.”
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2...ker-rams-pro-bowl-punter-nfl?CMP=share_btn_tw


KK #04 GREG ZUERLEIN 6'0 190 (5 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 29

2016 19 of 22 FG Pct 86.4 Long 54 XP 23/23
2015 20 of 30 FG Pct 66.7 Long 61 XP 26/28
2014 24 of 30 FG Pct 80.0 Long 56 XP 34/35

Summary: The Los Angeles Rams maintained some continuity on special teams Tuesday when they re-signed kicker Greg Zuerlein. Per Myles Simmons of the Rams' official website, Zuerlein agreed to a three-year deal with the team. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Zuerlein's new contract will average $2.25 million per season. "Greg the Leg" entered the league as a sixth-round draft pick in 2012 and has spent his entire career with the franchise. He made 19-of-22 field goals (86.4 percent) in 2016 and was 17-of-18 from within 50 yards as one of the more consistent kickers in the league. He also converted every one of his extra points, which isn't as automatic as it used to be in the NFL since the yardage was moved back.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...igns-with-los-angeles-rams-on-3-year-contract


LS #44 JAKE MCQUAIDE 6'2 237(6 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 29


Summary: Jan 18, 2017: Rams long snapper Jake McQuaide established a first for the franchise Wednesday when he was named to the Pro Bowl. McQuaide, a sixth-year pro who played at Ohio State, is the first Rams long snapper to be selected for the annual all-star game, which will be played Jan. 29 in Orlando, Fla. McQuaide was selected as a “need “player by Dallas Cowboys Coach Jason Garrett, the Rams said in a release. McQuaide also snapped for kicker Greg Zuerlein, who made 19 of 22 field-goal attempts and all 23 conversion kicks.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-mcquaide-probowl-20170118-story.html


"QUARTERBACKS" & "SPECIAL TEAMS" Ranking & Summary

1) QB #16 J.GOFF 6'4 223 (AGE 22) Needs to display moments of a #1 pick to stop the bust chatter
2) QB #14 S.MANNION 6'6 231 (AGE 25) 3rd year backup is quietly waiting to get his opportunity
3) QB #00 D.ORLOVSKY 6'5 220 (AGE 33) Merely a camp arm to keep the # one & two qb's fresh

1) PP #06 J.HEKKER 6'5 240 (AGE 27) Johhny is arguably always the best punter in the league
2) KK #04 G.ZUERLEIN 6'0 190 (AGE 29) Rebounded last season & was rewarded with a new contract
3) LS #44 J.MCQUAIDE 6'2 237 (AGE 29) Mr. consistent earns his money & roster spot every year


This completes the 2017 series and finally in just days, we all get to see the players put on the pads
and start competing for jobs.

Hope all of you Rams faithful enjoyed this "all in one stop" offensive personnel roster presentation.

Click link below to listen to the podcast.
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https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/07/24/nfl-quarterbacks-top-10-tom-brady-aaron-rodgers-matt-ryan

The Top 10 Quarterbacks in Football
By Gary Gramling and Andy Benoit

Number 10—3:41 - Derek Carr(Raiders)

Number 9—10:06 - Eli Manning(Giants)

Number 8—12:00 - Matthew Stafford(Lions)

Number 7—17:06 - Phillip Rivers(Chargers)

Number 6—25:23 - Drew Brees(Saints)

Number 5—31:07 - Andrew Luck(Colts)

Number 4—40:00 - Ben Roethlisberger(Steelers)

Number 3—43:56 - Matt Ryan(Falcons)

(They did #1 before #2)

Number 2—56:27 - Aaron Rodgers(Packers)

Number 1—49:19 - Tom Brady(Patriots)

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...s-gm-andrew-luck-to-open-training-camp-on-pup

The Indianapolis Colts will open training camp with their franchise quarterback on the sideline.

General manager Chris Ballard announced Monday that Andrew Luck will be placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

While the early camp absence is obviously not ideal, Ballard insists Luck has encountered no setbacks in his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery.

Luck has started a throwing program and is expected to be healthy in time for the regular season.

"We're exactly where I thought we'd be at this time," Ballard said, via The Herald Bulletin.

Luck's status will be one of the NFL's major storylines of August. As optimistic as the team's brass has been, Ballard is reluctant to promise that the starting QB will practice before Week 1.

As former Colts interim coach and current Cardinals head man Bruce Arians referenced last week, Indianapolis has been overly reliant upon Luck to carry the team since the No. 1 overall pick entered the league in 2012.

That's unlikely to change in Luck's sixth NFL season.

The Colts also announced Monday that safety Clayton Geathers will miss at least the first six games of the 2017 regular season while he recovers from offseason neck surgery.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I know he'll play week 1, but still interesting. Not sure if posted anywhere.

http://www.nfl.com/fantasyfootball/...abianos-2017-fantasy-football-projections-qbs



Los Angeles Rams

The Rams will have a new look on offense, as the team signed 31-year-old Sean McVay to be their new head coach. While Matt LaFleur will take over as the offensive coordinator, it's McVay who will serve as the play caller and be given the task of developing Jared Goff into an NFL quarterback. In his three years as the coordinator in Washington, McVay helped Kirk Cousins finish in the top 10 in fantasy points at the position twice (2015, 2016). ... While McVay, LaFleur and quarterbacks coach Greg Olson have good track records as talent developers, Goff will be hard pressed to make a real fantasy impact in an offense that will need to run through Todd Gurley to find success.

These are excerpts. To read the whole article click the link below. Yes, the Rams were actually mentioned. Enjoy!
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https://www.si.com/mmqb/2017/07/24/...dinals-rams-chargers-robert-klemko-guest-mmqb

NFL Training Camps Begin, And So Does Competition for Toughest Non-QB Job
Our guest columnist is in Arizona to watch the first team hit the field and reports on the camp battle for the Cardinals cornerback position opposite Patrick Peterson. Plus more notes on moving a team to Los Angeles from a man who should know, an opinion on the Michael Vick hair flap and the keys for the 15 best teams heading into the season
By ROBERT KLEMKO


The Cardinals were the first team to crack camp on Saturday. The rest of the NFL follows suit over the next several days.
MATT YORK/AP

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The second-oldest man in the NFL watches with a gleam in his eye as the 19-million-pound mass of metal, concrete, soil and grass moves at a tortoise’s pace into position. It is Saturday morning, and it’s Phil Dawson’s first time watching the daily field installation at University of Phoenix Stadium.

For placekickers such as Dawson, it’s a veritable Field of Dreams; Arizona’s is the only playing surface in the NFL without a drainage crown, a slight slope descending from an imaginary line down the center of the field from end zone to end zone. “Oh yes, it makes a difference,” says Dawson, munching on an energy bar before the first day of practice with the first team to assemble for training camp in 2017. “Like in golf, when you have a downhill lie, it's going to affect the ball.”

Not here. Not on this removable grass field installed in 2006, which a team of engineers and helpers roll in and out of the air-conditioned stadium on a daily basis in an operation that takes a little more than an hour.

Its home for most of the year is a vast expanse south of the stadium, just outside massive airplane hangar-style doors, where it is fed city water that soaks through layers of Bermuda grass, soil, sand, rock and, finally, an 11-year-old rubber membrane. The whole thing is due for a change-out this offseason, which is a shame, because Dawson’s made some memories on it.

This is his first year in Arizona after signing a two-year deal worth up to $6 million in March, but the 42-year-old kicker has played in this stadium five times as a member of the Browns and 49ers. In those visits he’s 8-for-8 on extra points and 8-for-9 on field goals.

“It’s incredible,” Dawson says of the grass in front of him. “Cleveland doesn’t even compare. In that part of the world, the grass is long and thick and chunky. This is like hitting from the middle of a fairway.”

That lone blemish on his record in Glendale—a 24-yard miss on Dec. 29, 2013 (with the laces facing in, mind you)—was followed by a career-long-tying 56-yarder and a 40-yard game winner as time expired. The quarterback of the winning team was Colin Kaepernick. The head coach was Jim Harbaugh. Much has changed, but this sweet, 19-million pound baby crawling in front of Dawson never has.

The Cardinals will practice, and Larry Fitzgerald will serve up the highlight of the day, laying out for a laser down the right seam that thrills the assembled. Why the 33-year-old is laying out for passes on the first day of training camp, only he knows. The field staff, led by executive director of operations Fred Corsi, will wheel one of three such structures in the world (the other two are in Germany and Japan) back outside in the morning.

A computer connected to 76 one-horsepower motors propelling 547 wheels across 13 railroad tracks will introduce the field to the blistering Arizona heat once again. “When we take it out,” Corsi says, “you can see the blades actually move and reach up and try to grab some of that sun.”

Good morning. It’s football season.

* * *

As I fill in for my boss Peter King, who is squeezing in one more week of vacation before returning next Monday, here’s what’s ahead: More on the Cardinals and what I think is the hardest non-quarterback job in the NFL, and the two men fighting tooth and nail for it; I take a shot at a pre-training camp Fine 15 complete with the No. 1 priority for all 32 teams over the next month; we’ll also take stock of the stunning hypocrisy of a former superstar quarterback and run down my favorite reads of the NFL offseason.

But first, a check-in with the two teams whose success or failure will dictate the ambitions of the NFL for years to come.

Los Angeles, that elusive jewel of the west coast that saw two franchises flee in the ’90s, now once again has two NFL franchises. A notoriously capricious community of fans will be expected to split its rooting interests between the Rams and the Chargers, two teams that combined for a 9–23 record last year.

For first-year head coaches Anthony Lynn (Chargers) and Sean McVay (Rams), it’s win or go home. It’s with this overarching sense of organizational urgency that the Raiders took to Los Angeles in 1982 following team owner Al Davis’s public feud with the city of Oakland and NFL ownership at large.

The Raiders coach then, Tom Flores, took a 7-9 team with aging stars to a city with little patience for losers and in short order identified the nucleus of a team that wouldn’t have another losing season until 1987. Oh, and 1982 was a strike year.

“The L.A. audience was different,” says Flores, 80, now a color commentator for the team’s radio network. “We had good crowds immediately because we were competitive. We combined our fans throughout California with some of the fickle L.A. crowds and had a good crowd for a long time. But if you’re not winning, they won’t come. That’s the way it is there.”

Flores’s team finished 8-1 in 1982, taking advantage of a number of circumstances these Rams and Chargers won’t enjoy. He had a Super Bowl champion quarterback in Jim Plunkett, continuity on his coaching staff, veterans with playoff experience, and the benefit of a pre-internet existence (“There were a lot of things that happened that would end up on YouTube today, and honestly they would be pretty funny, if you’re not running the team,” Flores says.)

The only thing either of these teams have in common with Flores’s Raiders is the venue; the Rams will once again play in the cavernous 93,000-seat L.A. Memorial Coliseum. The Chargers will play at the 27,000-seat StubHub Center in Carson, home of Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy.

“Bottom line,” Flores says, “there’s an unknown future for these teams if they don’t succeed immediately in the win-loss column. Football is sacred in many other parts of the country; it is not sacred in Los Angeles.”

* * *

CHECK-IN WITH THE CHARGERS


After minicamp in San Diego, Branden Albert and the Chargers make the move to Costa Mesa for the start of training camp Saturday.
DENIS POROY/AP

Regarding the Chargers, two points about Anthony Lynn and his early moves as head coach that should get you up to speed on the man and his mission:

• During OTAs this year, the former NFL running back turned Rex Ryan protégé turned first-time head coach told his team explicitly that no one was to hit the ground during team drills. Under no circumstances, Lynn said, should a tackler bring a ballcarrier to the ground during the non-padded practice.

This is common practice during the non-padded portion of the NFL offseason, but rarely are there significant consequences for the occasional lapse. Mistakes happen. Men who weigh more than 200 pounds and run 40 yards in under five seconds often don’t know their own strength.

But the Chargers found out very quickly that Lynn isn’t here for the games. “In OTAs, you’re not supposed to go to the ground,” says Chargers running back Branden Oliver, “but some guys get tripped up and stuff like that, and if he thinks you’re doing more than you’re supposed to he’ll tell you to get out, get off the field, even to big-name guys.

So that really set a tone. He’s a players’ coach, he’s stern. When he puts his foot down, when he believes something, that’s the way it's going to be, no ifs, ands or buts about it. And just from OTAs you can tell he’s the kind of coach you want to run through a brick wall for.”

• Lynn’s new boss, 44-year-old general manager Tom Telesco, has long had a hand not only in roster building, but also in roster and depth chart organization. Where some GMs across the NFL are content to buy the groceries and let the head coach prepare the meal, Telesco is not.

Former head coach Mike McCoy, himself a first-timer when the Chargers hired him in 2013, operated on those terms with Telesco until his firing after the 2016 season, the team’s second losing campaign in a row. Lynn, on the other hand, has been more assertive from the get-go, intent to win or lose by his own design. It's been refreshing to many of those who have had a hand in the team’s slip from 9-7 and a playoff berth in 2013 to the AFC West doormat.

Oliver, who has shown flashes of brilliance since going undrafted in 2014 but missed the 2016 season with a torn Achilles, is especially thrilled to be a part of Lynn’s simplified running game. With Lynn as offensive coordinator in 2016, the Bills finished first in yards per rushing attempt (5.3) and rushing touchdowns (29).

A former NFL running back himself, Lynn under Ryan resurrected the ground-and-pound mentality using a zone running attack, which will be a departure for the Chargers’ returning offensive linemen from last season’s man-heavy scheme. (Starting running back and former first-round pick Melvin Gordon rushed for a meager 3.9 yards per attempt.)

“We’ve got some new run concepts, and a scheme that’s a little simpler,” Oliver says. “We’ve got a guy like Philip [Rivers] who puts us in the position to win games, so we’re gonna see some special things.”

* * *

COMPETITION IN L.A.


Getting second-year quarterback Jared Goff on the same page with new coach Sean McVay will be a priority for the Rams during training camp.
MARK J. TERRILL/AP

As for the Rams, the Sean McVay hire makes all the sense in the world on paper. Take the 32nd-ranked offense in the NFL and put it in the hands of the man who helped Kirk Cousins grow into one of the most prolific and accurate quarterbacks in the NFL. (If that sounds like an exaggeration, recall that Cousins passed for 4,917 yards last season in Washington, third-most in the NFL, and completed 67% of his passes, good for seventh.)

The bigger unknown when it came to McVay’s hiring was how his age (31) would translate into ability to lead and manage a football team of 53 egos and personalities on a middling franchise one year into relocating to the second-most populous city in the United States.

Andrew Whitworth took the leap of faith when he left the team that drafted him in 2006, the Bengals, to join the Rams at 35 years old on a three-year, $36 million contract to anchor an offensive line that allowed 49 sacks in 2016. Whitworth is one of two players on the roster who is older than McVay—who was a high school freshman quarterback running the triple option at Marist School in Atlanta when Whitworth was a redshirt freshman at LSU in 2001.

Adding Whitworth may prove to be the best decision McVay and GM Les Snead have made early in the process of turning around the Rams, not simply for his pass blocking but for his experience in McVay’s offense. The scheme Whitworth learned under Jay Gruden in Cincinnati is, with slight variations, the same one McVay learned under Gruden in Washington. Former No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff spends much of his time with Whitworth quizzing him on how Andy Dalton handled certain situations in the offense.

In Whitworth’s estimation, the message McVay would deliver this summer would resonate and had the potential to set a permanent tone for the season, good or bad.

“You listen to him talk about defense, offense, special teams and you realize this guy knows football like no other. He’s special in that way,” Whitworth says. “But there’s something else that makes him special.

I would imagine its very hard for a coach of his age to be as assertive as he has and cover the topics he has in a team meeting setting. Talking about character, about being accountable to one another, focus, discipline, the way we communicate with other.

“I think it’s a great place to start a football team. You see teams that are really successful when guys carry themselves the right way on and off the field.”

Connor Barwin, another veteran free agent acquired this offseason by Snead, came away similarly impressed with McVay: “He’s figured out what he believes in and what he wants to stand for and what he wants the team to stand for,” Barwin says. “That’s something that’s important, and something somebody might not expect out of a young coach.”

McVay has introduced in his short time with the football team a theme of competition. Whitworth says it was not as strong in Cincinnati, where he played in six playoff games between 2009 and 2015, losing each.

Minicamp was an offense vs. defense battle royale more than it was a cut-and-dried installation period, with McVay turning two-minute drills and other team activities into games, assigning points for first downs, turnovers and defensive stops. Losing sides ran gassers. It was all refreshingly collegial, Whitworth says.

“I think one of the coolest things we did in OTAs was create competition times where it’s not just scripted plays,” Whitworth says. “It’s always a positive to create competition when you’re starting a football team. It’s a big step towards being the best version of yourselves.

“You feel like there’s bragging rights, and you create that to help guys not just go through the motions.”

* * *

THE HARDEST JOB IN FOOTBALL


Patrick Peterson
MATT YORK/AP

Back to Phoenix, and for my money, the hardest job in football not counting the 32 quarterbacks.

Bruce Arians has a go-to expression about summer practices: “You’re gonna get exposure or you’re gonna get exposed.” Sixth-year cornerback Justin Bethel figures the phrase applies just as well to the job of playing cornerback opposite Patrick Peterson.

Among starting corners who played all 16 games in 2016, only Chris Harris had fewer targets (72) than Peterson, who allowed 43 catches on 74 targets for 539 yards for two touchdowns with three interceptions. The performance landed Peterson a sixth consecutive Pro Bowl appearance in an otherwise disappointing season for the Cardinals (7-8-1).

What makes Peterson special, and what sets him apart from the rest of the league, is his ability to shut down the best receivers in the NFL in man coverage for entire games. He led the league in coverage snaps vs. the other team’s No. 1 receiver with 259, per Pro Football Focus, and last season limited Atlanta’s Julio Jones to three catches for 31 yards when they were matched up.

So where do the rest of the targets go? In the Cardinals-Falcons game, Mohamed Sanu and Taylor Gabriel combined for 13 catches for 140 yards and two touchdowns. Much of that success came against Marcus Cooper, whose single season in Arizona was of model of inconsistency. Still he led the team with four interceptions and signed a three-year, $16 million deal in Chicago.

“You should look forward to that opportunity. Coop got his four interceptions and got paid,” Arians said. “There’s no doubt that’s one of the hardest jobs in the NFL, to play on the other side of Patrick. You’ve gotta have amnesia.”

Now the job goes to either Brandon Williams, last year’s third-round pick and a former college running back who moved to corner as a senior, or Justin Bethel, a three-time special teams Pro Bowler and the first draft pick ever produced by Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C. (2012, sixth round).

The competition is such that both Williams and Bethel stayed in Arizona and worked on conditioning and technique with the trainer who works with Peterson, former NFL defensive back Rod Hood. Unlike Bethel, Williams prefers not to ascribe any special significance to the job opposite Peterson.

“I don’t pay attention to all that being opposite of Patrick Peterson stuff,” says Williams, who spins a chrome fidget spinner between his fingers and has the words Why So Serious tattooed beneath his jaw. “As long as I do what I need to do, I’m going to dominate. To me that stuff is all hype. If he's open on Pat, they're going to throw at him, if my guy is open, they're going to throw on him. That’s how I look at it.”

Still, the admiration for Peterson is there. Williams says his Welcome to the NFLmoment came last season when Peterson took the entire defensive back group to a restaurant with a private room, bodyguards to protect the door and an atrium above their heads. “I was like dang,” Williams says. “If you work hard enough, you can live like that every day.”

Both Williams and Bethel are improving daily, with the former still learning the nuances of the position and the latter finally looking healthy after suffering a nagging foot injury early last season which limited his lateral mobility. Arians, who made headlines last winter when he said Bethel was a “failure in progress,” says this offseason Bethel has had his hands on the football more than any other defensive back.

“It’s a great opportunity for anybody because you’re going to get tons of opportunities to make plays and get picks,” Bethel says. “Any competitive person would love this. If you get that chance you’ve got to make the most of it and make the plays that come to you.”

* * *

THE FINE 15

A pre-camp look at how one man sees the top teams, along with their keys to camp...

1. PATRIOTS (2016 season record: 14–2): The Super Bowl champions were 11–0 without former all pro tight end Rob Gronkowski in 2016, so … yeah.

Key to camp: Who’s going to play nickel corner between Eric Rowe, Cyrus Jones and Jonathan Jones, and how will the defensive backfield adjust to the addition of Stephon Gilmore?

2. STEELERS (11–5): I’m banking on two big ifs with this team. If Martavis Bryant can return to 2015 form, and if Alejandro Villanueva is the stud left tackle he appeared to be towards the end of ’16, this is the AFC team with the best chance to unseat the Pats.

Key to camp: Who among these talented wide receivers will rise into a consistent No. 2 option for Ben Roethlisberger?

3. RAIDERS (12–4): Let’s see how the offense transitions to new coordinator Todd Downing in his first opportunity to call plays.

Key to camp: Those haranguing Sean Smith for his very visible struggles in coverage in 2016 are loathe to acknowledge the Raiders finished dead last in the NFL in sacks. All eyes on third-round defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes and veteran defensive end Mario Edwards, who missed almost all of 2016 with a hip injury.

4. PACKERS (10–6): I believe in Aaron Rodgers. I don’t believe in this offensive line. Losing T.J. Lang, Josh Sitton and JC Tretter will hurt, at least in the beginning.

Key to camp: Getting Martellus Bennett and Rodgers on the same page, early, and figuring out if one of the rookie running backs can complement Ty Montgomery and his limited pass-pro ability.

5. SEAHAWKS (10-5-1): I don’t trust this offensive line either, and I think it's only a matter of time before the beatings take a toll on Russell Wilson.

Key to camp: Between Eddie Lacy, Thomas Rawls and C.J. Prosise, who will earn the most carries?

6. FALCONS (11–5): Go back 10 years in NFL history and you will not find one instance of a Super Bowl team replacing a coordinator the following year with someone new to the organization. Steve Sarkisian, the former Alabama coordinator, has his work cut out.

Key to camp: Sarkisian and passing game coordinator Raheem Morris hammering out an effective routine for weekly game prep.

7. BUCCANEERS (9–7): Improved by three wins a year ago, compared to 2015, with Mike Evans leading the league in targets. The addition of rookie tight end O.J. Howard and vet receiver DeSean Jackson make the Bucs my breakout pick.

Key to camp: Can free agent safety J.J. Wilcox and second-round rookie Justin Evans acclimate fast enough to start from Day 1?

8. TITANS (9–7): So hot right now. Much hinges on a revamped secondary with newcomers Logan Ryan, Johnathan Cyprien and first-round corner Adoree’ Jackson.

Key to camp: Between newcomers Eric Decker, Corey Davis and Taywan Taylor, who’s the No. 2 receiver on this roster?

9. COWBOYS (13–3): A young, restocked secondary will lean on Byron Jones, and pray first-round pick Taco Charlton has an immediate impact on the defensive line. Ezekiel Elliott’s offseason drama isn’t doing anybody any favors.

Key to camp: What kind of impact can 2016 second-round pick Jaylon Smith have at linebacker in his long-awaited return from a knee injury?

10. DOLPHINS (10–6): Not-so-bold prediction: Despite Miami’s gains, a Ryan Tannehill team will not win the AFC East as long as Tom Brady is in uniform.

Key to camp: Can rookie defensive additions Charles Harris and Raekwon McMillan break into the starting lineup and improve one of league’s poorest run defenses?

11. EAGLES (7–9): Will challenge Dallas in the NFC East on the strength of a tremendous offensive line and an underrated pass rush.

Key to camp: Hammering down the interior line with Allen Barbre, Chance Warmack and Isaac Seumalo all fighting for one guard spot.

12. CARDINALS (7-8-1): Urgency will bring the best out of a rested Carson Palmer at age 37.

Key to camp: The maturation of wide receivers John Brown, Jaron Brown and J.J. Nelson needs to accelerate.

13. BRONCOS (9–7): Minus clarity at quarterback, world-class defense will keep the Broncos consistent, if not spectacular.

Key to camp: This one’s easy—Trevor Siemian or Paxton Lynch? Make a decision and stick to it.

14. CHIEFS (12–4): Bold prediction: Alex Smith’s starting role will not survive this three-game nightmare stretch in October—vs. Steelers, at Raiders, vs. Broncos.

Key to camp: Between Tyreek Hill, Chris Conley and Albert Wilson, is there a No. 1 receiver on the roster?

15. PANTHERS (6–10): It gets dicey here, and the NFC South will be stacked, but I like the Panthers with Christian McCaffrey better than the Saints without Brandin Cooks.

Key to camp: Michael Oher is out, leaving a big hole at right tackle. If rookie Taylor Moton isn’t ready, who’s up for the job?

* * *

STAT OF THE WEEK

In NFL history, 24 players have been targeted more than 180 times in a season, and not one of them won a Super Bowl during said season. The first to reach the threshold was Sterling Sharpe with the Packers in 1993, and the last three receivers to be so relied on each had more than 180 targets in 2015: Antonio Brown, DeAndre Hopkins and Julio Jones.

The Falcons, of course, added Mohamed Sanu and Taylor Gabriel, brought down Jones’ targets from 203 in 16 games to 129 in 14 games, and nearly won a Super Bowl in the process. Lesson learned: the only thing gained when leaning heavily on a superstar receiver is another year of high mileage on his body.

* * *

THINGS I THINK I THINK

1. I think these were my favorite reads of the offseason. If you’re the type of NFL consumer who isn’t glued to the Twitter machine in June, definitely check out what you might have missed…

a. Joe Person and Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer break down the surprise Dave Gettleman firing as only extremely plugged-in beat writers can.

b. Cyd Zeigler of Outsports with former Patriots and Chiefs tackle Ryan O’Callaghan’s heart-wrenching coming out story.

c. Brian Burnsed for SI.com with the story of Clinton Portis’s financial ruin. I mean, just take a gander at this lede: Fortune pilfered, Clinton Portis contemplated revenge under the veil of darkness. On a handful of late nights and early mornings in 2013 he lurked in his car near a Washington, D.C.–area office building, pistol at his side, and waited for one of several men who had managed a large chunk of the $43.1 million he earned with his 2,230 carries over nine NFL seasons.

d. Natalie Weiner of Bleacher Report, doing some fine legwork and coming out of an uncomfortable interview with Greg Hardy with a salient take on the NFL’s relationship with domestic violence.

e. Bomani Jones for The Undefeated with a potent takedown of the anti-Kaepernick crusaders in and out of the NFL.

f. Seth Wickersham of ESPN the Magazine turned in a thorough examination of the bubbling discontent in Seattle.

g. And finally, the boss, Peter King, with a sadly necessary exit interview with former Milwaukee Journal Sentinel NFL writer Bob McGinn.

2. I think I have a certain admiration for Teresa and Rick Kaepernick, the couple who adopted Colin as an infant and raised him in Turlock, Calif. I met the parents in Kaepernick’s second year in the league, when he was facing criticism for his body art, which was labeled thuggish by a Sporting News writer. They were bullish then in their defense of their son—“His tattoos are bible verses,” Teresa told me, her voice filled with exasperation—and they’re bullish now, though they don’t do interviews anymore.

I messaged Teresa to see if she’d help clear the air on Colin’s commitment to the game and desire to play in 2017, and here’s what she wrote: “Hello Robert, I think at this time Rick and I need to stay out of the discussion. If you knew me well you would know how hard that is for me! I can tell you that we support Colin and of course he is working hard and preparing to play football. Hope his message stays ahead of the misdirection and nonsense out there.”

3. I think these things made me laugh this week:

a. Here’s Jags defensive lineman Malik Jackson, with the quintessential July quote that let’s you know training camp is around the corner: "I'm very confident. It truly feels different ... I think it's a lot of guys coming in here and coming to Jacksonville saying, 'I'm gonna change this. I'm gonna do this. I'm gonna do that.

We have leaders. We have a lot of great players. We just need to be consistent, and that's on all three sides of the ball: offense, defense and special teams… I think having that and being who we all are, it should be a great year. After the Super Bowl, we're going 16-0, we're going all the way.”

b. This on-air takedown of former Bills corner Stephon Gilmore by WGRZ Buffalo host Jonah Javad, one of the best examples of how fun and essential local journalism can be. There’s nothing wrong with a little hometown boosterism when it’s this funny.

4. I think Eric Dickerson is trolling us when he says he believes Sean Mannion should start over former No. 1 overall pick. Jared Goff Week 1. "For me, my guy that I would start the season with is Sean Mannion," Dickerson said last week on The Herd. "I've been saying that since last year. Give him a shot. You drafted him. He was great at—where'd he go to school?—

Oregon State, playing in a pro-style offense. He's a big guy, got a great arm." Going after longtime head coach Jeff Fisher was one thing, but efforting to insert a QB controversy where there is none does no favors for first-time head coach Sean McVay, who has enough on his plate. Enough already with the armchair coaching.

5. I think I’ve never seen ex-players pile on after the firing of a general manager like I did last week when Panthers owner Jerry Richardson stunningly relieved GM Dave Gettleman of his duties. Steve Smith, Josh Norman and DeAngelo Williams each had unkind words for the departing executive whose team earned a Super Bowl berth in 2015. Tweeted Williams: “I want to publicly say Panthers is off my list of teams I won't play for due to the firing of that snake Dave Gettleman!”

6. I think Ezekiel Elliott should take this free advice: Stay away from bars. Get in your playbook and thank the Football Gods you were drafted with Dak Prescott onto a team with one of the premier offensive lines in football.

7. I think the Chargers might be cursed. Here is just a brutal factoid from ESPN’s Field Yates: “The Chargers haven't had a first-round pick play 16 games as a rookie since Melvin Ingram in 2012. Now, Mike Williams might miss the season.” Williams has since denied reports he required back surgery after suffering a mild disc herniation in rookie minicamp, saying “everything is good.” Here’s hoping the former Clemson receiver is right.

8. I think Le'Veon Bell's quest to be paid like a No. 1 running back plus a No. 2 receiver is novel though ultimately flawed. Setting aside the fact that Bell has played just one full 16-game season in four in Pittsburgh, the durability question inherent to the position prevents any team, much less the uber-cap conscious Steelers from setting a new market for dual threat running backs.

No. 2 receivers don't run between the tackles and get their legs caught under piles of bodies, which is why a solid No. 2 receiver is a better investment than your average No. 1 running back.

9. In putting together a Top 10 head coaching candidate list for publication later this week, I keep hearing one surprising name over and over: Mike Vrabel. The former Steelers, Patriots and Chiefs linebacker only retired in 2010, but he’s made quite the impression on several of the NFL personnel executives I’ve surveyed so far.

After just three seasons coaching linebackers with the Texans, Vrabel’s popularity is right up there with names like Jim Schwartz, Steve Spagnuolo and Harold Goodwin in terms of head-coaching hype. A Top 10 finish for the Texans defense in his first season as coordinator would all but guarantee him serious consideration for every head coaching opportunity next year.

Hey Ramly,

Long time no talk! I've been away because my grandma has been in the hospital for what seemed like eternity.


She contracted a weird virus called "C-Diff". It doesn't usually affect people SEVERELY unless you're young or old and fragile. Long story short, what was supposed to be a few weeks turned into months... those months went from bad to worse. She ended up being put on a breathing machine for the past 3 weeks... but she kept failing.

Today was the day that we unhooked all of her machines, gave her some morphine and let her pass peacefully on her own.

It sounds nice... and I was preparing for this for months... This whole weekend I spent day and night with her, talking about everything, the past... what her and I used to do, what she taught me in life... She never could speak back but I knew she was listening.

Today, D-Day, I went in 2 hours earlier than normal... and she had her eyes open! (it's been weeks since she did that). I was so excited, I had to take advantage. I played all of her old favorite songs, even song and dance music like Fred Astaire... all while brushing her hair, gazing into her eyes, seeing her look back at me. Knowing, by her eyes that she was happy at that moment. A moment with her and her grandson, listening to oldies together and talking about life like we used to

She couldn't speak, she could barely move the ends of her mouth... but everytime I talked about us, how much she meant to me, her love, her guidance... she would close her mouth and crack a toothless smile! (or attempted to).

It was good. It was peaceful and fulfilling.

But no matter how much I planned for months for this... no matter how many hours I spent with her just her and I... nothing could prepare me for that moment.

The moment where they take all of the machines off, unhook her mask... let her breath on her own until her ultimate moment.

I said I was strong, and I wouldn't break down. But damnit, this is my grandma... my mom most of the time... the person that never faulted me, never looked down on me, and always wanted to see me happy. My best friend.

That moment, when I was holding her hand, and her breaths kept getting shallower and shallower... her heartbeats slowing down... all culminating into that final moment... the moment where you see the line go flat.... and the constant buzzing sound with no beat... the flatline. Nothing could prepare me for that emotion freight train. It hit me hard.

My grandma, my best friend is gone.

I don't know why I'm posting this... maybe to vent, maybe just to get it out for some closure... I just couldn't write this on facebook.

RIP Grandma (Shirley Lain). I love you so much.




Does anyone have any books or songs that they read or listen to in times like this?

Thanks!

Love you all,
- Joe

...what has been reported about me this offseason.

Choose your Ram player and why. Obvious candidates include:

Jared Goff
Tavon Austin
Todd Gurley
Trumaine Johnson
EJ Gaines
Robert Woods

Who is your vote for the biggest chip on his shoulder going into camp?

Los Angeles Rams training camp capsule

The Associated Press
July 23, 2017

OPEN CAMP: July 29, UC Irvine, Irvine, California




CAMP NEEDS: McVay and Phillips face ample work across roster to transform Rams into winner. Goff's development into top-flight starter must be offense's top priority, but returning Gurley to elite form is key as well. Both depend on Whitworth, Sullivan leading offensive line's revival after miserable 2016. Phillips is moving Rams to 3-4 scheme that should suit Donald and NT Michael Brockers while moving Robert Quinn to OLB. Donald under contract for two more years, but could be unhappy with deal after sitting out OTAs during negotiations for huge extension, which still aren't completed. Must sort out playing time in secondary, where CB Trumaine Johnson is getting huge payday under franchise tender again this year. Every other job could be up for grabs, with Lamarcus Joyner, Maurice Alexander expected to step up at safety.

EXPECTATIONS: Rams seem almost certain to improve after last year's freefall, but roster hasn't improved noticeably with no first-round pick or major free-agent signing. Counting on new coaching staff, fresh mentality to lay groundwork for winner. Quick results would be huge with Chargers crashing LA party this fall. Legit playoff hopes have receded and are still years away, just like opening date of Rams' new stadium.

---

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angele...for-rams-to-thrive-sean-mcvay-must-learn-fast

For Rams to thrive, Sean McVay must not let his youth define him

ESPN recently put together power rankings based on how each NFL team is positioned for these next three seasons. The Los Angeles Rams finished 28th. That is, um, not good. It's not good because, well, 28th is bad.

It's really not good because of what the next three seasons represent for this franchise. Thanks to heavy rainfall in a city that never experiences heavy rainfall, these next three years now constitute the buildup to the Rams -- and Los Angeles Chargers -- moving into their vast, opulent $2.6 billion stadium in Inglewood, California.

The Rams -- 13 years removed from their last playoff appearance, 14 years removed from their last winning season -- want to become legitimate contenders as quickly as possible. More specifically, they want to ensure they are a playoff-caliber franchise by the time they move into that new stadium. ESPN's Louis Riddick, Mike Sando and Field Yates don't think they will be -- at least not as the team is currently constructed. The trio graded each team's roster, quarterback, draft, coaches and front office, and crunched the numbers to come up with a final score. The result: 27 of the 31 other teams are, in their minds, better positioned for success from 2017 through 2019.

The Rams can't have that. They can't have an uninterested fan base in the nation's second-largest media market, and they can't play second fiddle to the Chargers in a stadium they themselves are funding. Leading up to training camp, we're going to take a look at the five things that need to happen in order for the Rams to be a lot better than the 28th-best team at the conclusion of this three-year stretch.

No. 3: Sean McVay must learn fast.

History isn't necessarily kind to McVay's circumstances. He will be 31 years, seven months and 17 days old by the time the Rams play their first regular-season game, the youngest head coach in the NFL's modern era. Prior to McVay, the four youngest head coaches in that era went a combined 52-115 before being fired by their respective teams.

Lane Kiffin went 5-15 for the Raiders and was let go emphatically by owner Al Davis, who said in a news conference that he "picked the wrong guy" and "was embarrassed to watch" his team play under Kiffin. Raheem Morris lost the final 10 games of the 2011 season and was fired by the Buccaneers with an overall record of 17-31. David Shula, son of Hall of Famer Don Shula, guided a Bengals team that went 19-52 and lost 50 games faster than any team in NFL history. He was dismissed midway through the 1996 season. Then there was Josh McDaniels, whose 28-game stint with the Broncos included a videotaping scandal, strained relationships with Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall, and, ultimately, 17 losses.

None have received a second chance to be an NFL head coach.

Bottom line: This stuff's hard, and it is especially difficult at such a young age.

But those who know McVay best would caution against using his age to define him. His knowledge of the game, his ability to explain it and his capabilities as a leader are considered light years beyond whatever it says on his driver's license. Many believe McVay is a star in the making, including the Rams. They hired him before even sitting down with a more-accomplished Kyle Shanahan, the former Falcons offensive coordinator and current 49ers head coach. And they signed him to a five-year contract. They're committed to McVay long term, and his ability to adapt to the high-profile role of an NFL head coach will directly impact how the Rams look throughout this three-year stretch.

The Rams are great on special teams and very good on defense. Their success will come down to how quickly McVay can turn that offense around, and he will take a hands-on approach by calling the offensive plays. Aaron Donald has already been impressed by McVay's understanding of defensive schemes, even though McVay has been involved with only the offensive side of the ball. Jared Goff has raved about how simple McVay makes the game for quarterbacks. And everybody else will tell you the energy he brings is infectious.

"His ability to understand the game from every aspect -- fronts, coverages, line play, checks, from top to bottom -- is uncanny," said former Washington tight end Chris Cooley, who spent a lot of time around McVay these last few years. "To understand it in that way, and to speak it the way he speaks it, it's just a love thing. You have to spend unlimited time doing it. And it has to be what you love. When you talk to him, when I talk to him, you just hear it in his voice. You see it."

Cooley is like many who will tell you they hear Jon Gruden every time McVay speaks, which brings up a favorable precedent. Gruden was successful as a young head coach. So were John Madden, Don Shula, Mike Tomlin, Bill Cowher and Al Davis himself.

The Rams believe McVay is in that class, not the other.

http://www.espn.com/blog/philadelph...t-legarrette-blount-and-the-300-carry-concern

Ezekiel Elliott, LeGarrette Blount and the 300-carry concern

Unless you're Beast Mode, the 300-carry hangover is mighty hard to avoid.

Perhaps that's one reason 300-carry backs are becoming more scarce. According to ESPN Stats & Information, an average of 8.5 players per season reached that marker between 2001-10. That number has dropped to an average of two a season in the six years since, as many teams have moved to more of a running-back-by-committee approach.

In 2016, only one running back -- the Dallas Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott (322) -- carried that kind of load, while new Philadelphia Eagles running back LeGarrette Blount finished one attempt shy with 299 last season for the New England Patriots. He can be considered an honorary member of the club, with the Tennessee Titans' DeMarco Murray (293) and the Arizona Cardinals' David Johnson (293) not far behind.



The odds are strongly on the side of a statistical drop-off in the year after a 300-plus carry campaign. In many cases, it is drastic. Consider: In the past five years, only one player -- Marshawn Lynch -- did not experience a decline in production. The other nine over that span saw their output sink by an averageof 739 rushing yards the next season. Four missed significant time with injury, but even those who stayed healthy had a sharp downturn.

Elliott has youth and a top-shelf offensive line on his side to combat the trend. At 21 years old, the odometer reading is still relatively low even if he did carry the ball a total of 559 times over his last two seasons at Ohio State. A bigger question might be whether he'll be available for all 16 games as the league continues to look into his off-field behavior.

Blount, on the flip side, is 30 years old and entering his eighth NFL season. Establishing himself as the workhorse back during Tom Brady's four-game suspension to start last season, he finished with a career high in carries, yards (1,161) and rushing touchdowns (18).

"Just the number of opportunities," Blount said, explaining why he experienced such a spike in production. "Obviously, Tom missing four games played a part in the opportunities that I had. Just taking advantage of all of them."

The Eagles signed him to a one-year, $1.25 million contract in free agency with the hopes that he can be a workhorse back for them.

It's possible that Blount, like Elliott, delivers. But the evidence is hard to ignore: Of the 19 times a player has hit the 300-carry mark since 2010, a statistical dip was avoided twice the next season.

Eric Dickerson: Jared Goff Reminds Me Of Aaron Rogers, Joe Montana
http://ramblinfan.com/2016/04/29/eric-dickerson-jared-goff-reminds-me-of-aaron-rogers-joe-montana/

The Los Angeles Rams made headlines with the first overall pick when they selected quarterback Jared Goff with the first overall pick. LA Celebrities such as Magic Johnson and Eric Dickerson have already discussed the Rams quarterback, and have had some bold things to say.

Let’s start with Dickerson.

Dickerson joined Thompson and Trudell on ESPN710 LA to discuss Jared Goff as well as Todd Gurley. When it came to Goff here’s what Dickerson had to say:

T: What about Jared Goff jumps out at you?

ED: Accuracy. He’s a tough guy. He’s taken a lot of hits from not having a lot of great receivers outside, but overtime I see him throw I’m like, ‘Wow, this kid’s accurate. He reminds me a lot of Aaron Rogers.‘ Now that’s a big statement, because to me Aaron is very accurate. I mean, you talk about one being one of the top accurate quarterbacks in the NFL I think of him and I think of Joe Montana. Putting the ball exactly where it has to be, and that’s the main thing for a receiver. That makes it easier for the receiver and very very difficult for a defender.

If you plan to attend training camp, we have created an event for coordination of members who would like to potentially meet others.

http://www.ramsondemand.com/threads/jul-29-2017-rams-training-camp-2017-california.50174/

Two big changes that will make for a better fan experience: Shade awnings over the stands and my favorite, two beer gardens. (probably charge an arm and leg)

The stands will be packed now!

Rams' lineup filled with newcomers, position changes

Wide receiver Robert Woods didn't haul in more than 65 catches in any of his four seasons at Buffalo, but he seems destined to top that in L.A. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Alden Gonzalez

The Los Angeles Rams could have as many as 10 new starters when the NFL season opens. Here’s a starting-lineup projection.

Offense

Quarterback (Jared Goff): Goff was in an awkward spot at this time last year, coming off being drafted first overall but unsure if he would be given a chance to begin the season as the starting quarterback. Now, there isn't much doubt. We'll see how much it helps.

Running back (Todd Gurley): This is one of the most fascinating storylines of 2017. Gurley was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2015, then he had one of the worst seasons statistically for a running back in 2016, his 885 rushing yards the fewest ever for a player with at least 275 carries. Now what?

Wide receiver (Tavon Austin): Austin signed a four-year, $42 million extension weeks before the start of the 2016 season, but he still has a lot to prove. The Rams have picked up a combination of seven wideouts and tight ends during the past two NFL drafts, and another receiver was obtained on a long-term deal through free agency. They hope Austin can establish himself as more of a deep threat.

Wide receiver (Robert Woods): First-year head coach Sean McVay quickly identified Woods as a perfect fit for his system, so the Rams signed him to a five-year, $34 million contract on the first day of free agency. Woods is a sure-handed, precise route runner. He didn't haul in more than 65 catches in any of his four seasons at Buffalo, but he seems destined to top that in L.A.

Wide receiver (Cooper Kupp): The Rams picked Kupp up in the third round, and he already seems primed to begin the season as their go-to slot receiver. Kupp has excellent hands and excellent field awareness. He was the FCS Offensive Player of the Year during his last two seasons at Eastern Washington, where he amassed 6,464 receiving yards during his career. The guy can put up numbers.

Tight end (Tyler Higbee): Higbee, listed at 6-foot-6 and 257 pounds, didn't factor much into the passing game last season. But veteran Lance Kendricks departed via free agency, and now Higbee will compete with Gerald Everett, the 44th overall pick. Higbee still seems like the early favorite to start at this position. His strength and athleticism are major weapons.

Left tackle (Andrew Whitworth): The Rams' biggest splurge was on left tackle, where they allocated $15 million in guaranteed dollars for Whitworth to replace failed No. 2 overall pick Greg Robinson. Whitworth is 35, but he still is considered one of the NFL's best pass-blockers. He should be a major upgrade.

Left guard (Rodger Saffold): Saffold is the longest-tenured Rams player, and after playing several different positions last season, he seems solidified as the starting left guard.

Center (John Sullivan): Sullivan was considered one of the game's better centers while with the Minnesota Vikings, starting 93 of 96 games from 2009-14. But he spent the 2015 season recovering from back issues, then he was a backup on McVay's Washington Redskins in 2016. He now replaces Tim Barnes.

Right guard (Rob Havenstein): A second-round pick in 2015, Havenstein had a solid rookie season but struggled while playing through injuries in 2016. Now he is moving from right tackle to right guard. He's big for the position, at 6-foot-8 and 328 pounds, but the Rams think he has the smarts to make the transition.

Right tackle (Jamon Brown): Brown was used mostly as a guard in his first two seasons in the NFL. But he was a tackle at Louisville and was getting all the first-team reps at right tackle during the Ram' offseason program. He enters training camp as the starter.

Defense

Defensive end (Aaron Donald): Donald is the game's best interior pass-rusher, a three-time Pro Bowler who was first-team All-Pro during each of the past two seasons. Now the Rams are hoping to sign him to an extension, two years before he is scheduled to hit the free-agent market. Don't worry about the designation. The Rams are moving from a 4-3 to a 3-4, but Donald still will operate as a 3-technique.

Defensive end (Dominique Easley): Did Bill Belichick and the mighty Patriots actually make -- a mistake? Easley is proving that to be the case. He was New England's 29th overall pick in 2014 but was let go after two seasons, cast aside due to reported character issues. Easley was very good as a backup for the Rams in 2016, and now, with William Hayesgone, he's in line to start.

Nose tackle (Michael Brockers): Brockers, the 14th overall pick in 2012, didn't record any sacks last season. But he still ranked 26th among 126 qualified interior linemen by Pro Football Focus. He gets overshadowed because of Donald, but Brockers is a menace, as well.

Outside linebacker (Robert Quinn): Quinn racked up 40 sacks and made the Pro Bowl twice from 2012 to 2014. But he has been limited to just 15 starts during the past two seasons, and now he is changing positions, going from a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme to an outside linebacker in a 3-4. Still, Quinn will spend most of his time rushing the quarterback.

Outside linebacker (Connor Barwin): The Rams are hoping a reunion leads to a rejuvenation here. Barwin, 30, broke out under longtime defensive coordinator Wade Phillips while with the Houston Texans in 2011, the start of a five-year run in which he started all 80 games and registered 41 sacks. Barwin struggled while in a 4-3 scheme with the Eagles last season, but he's in a system -- and with a coordinator -- that suits him well.

Inside linebacker (Alec Ogletree): Ogletree registered a career-high 98 solo tackles while playing in all 16 games in his first season as a middle linebacker and captain in 2016. He will be a free agent at the end of this season, but the Rams are hoping to sign him to an extension.

Inside linebacker (Mark Barron): Barron thrived under former Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who used him as a hybrid safety and linebacker. Barron will serve strictly as an inside linebacker for Phillips, who has a reputation for getting very creative with that position.

Cornerback (Trumaine Johnson): For the second straight year, Johnson will be the Rams' primary cornerback and will play under the franchise tag. Johnson had 13 interceptions from 2013 to 2015 but only one in 2016. He's still looking to prove he can be an elite corner.

Cornerback (Kayvon Webster): Webster was buried on a star-studded depth chart in Denver that included Chris Harris and Aqib Talib. He was restricted to special teams. But now he has a chance to start for the Rams, under a coordinator, Phillips, with whom he has a history. Webster will have to beat out E.J. Gaines.

Strong safety (Maurice Alexander): Alexander served as the starting free safety last season, but he is moving to strong safety, a spot the Rams believe he is better suited for, after the departure of T.J. McDonald. Alexander had two interceptions and 50 tackles in 14 games in 2016.

Free safety (Lamarcus Joyner): Joyner shined as a slot corner over the past two seasons, but he will move to free safety, a position he handled well for Florida State. Joyner still might serve as a slot corner in substitution packages. The Rams simply want him on the field all the time. He is 5-foot-8 but as tough as they come.

Special teams

Kicker (Greg Zuerlein): Zuerlein improved his field goal percentage from 66.7 to 86.4 in 2016, then he earned a three-year extension. The 29-year-old has one of the NFL's strongest legs.

Punter (Johnny Hekker): Hekker is to punters as Donald is to interior linemen: the best, hands down. Hekker has been first-team All-Pro three times, including each of the past two seasons. And he can occasionally beat teams with his arm, as well.

Long-snapper (Jake McQuaide): McQuaide is entering his seventh season with the Rams and coming off his first Pro Bowl. He will be a free agent at season's end.

[www.espn.com]