I'm guessing Kaep was too expensive for them.

http://www.seahawks.com/news/2017/06/05/seahawks-sign-quarterback-austin-davis

Stedman Bailey - WR - Free Agent
Free agent WR Stedman Bailey is still hoping to return to the NFL.

Bailey was shot twice in the head during a drive-by in November of 2015, but TMZ Sports reports he has been "training like a maniac" to get back on the field despite being waived by the Rams in April. "Got a procedure coming up that will increase my chances of stepping back out there drastically," Bailey said. "I damn sure owe it to myself to try everything within my power to get back on the field." Bailey said he will move on if he is not cleared following the procedure. Bailey spent last season as a student coach at West Virginia, his alma mater.


Source: TMZ Sports
Jun 5 - 12:21 PM

No Peter King today. Which means no mention of his man-squeeze or the team that will not be named.
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http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2017/06/05/oakland-raiders-jack-del-rio-guest-mmqb-nfl

The Raiders Are Not Getting Ahead of Themselves
AFC contender? Vegas in 2020? Jack Del Rio pumps the brakes on talk of his team’s future in this guest edition of Monday Morning Quarterback. Plus items on a growing Giant, Jeremy Maclin’s next move and more
by Jenny Vrentas


Jack Del Rio is entering his third season as Raiders coach. The team went 12-4 in 2016
Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP

On Friday afternoon, Bay Area native Jack Del Rio cautiously mentioned that he has NBA Finals tickets for Game 5 of Warriors-Cavaliers. Of course, at that point in time, with the Warriors still undefeated in the NBA playoffs and fresh off a convincing Game 1 win (they’re now up 2-0 after Sunday night’s Game 2 victory), the obvious response was: If there even is a Game 5…

Del Rio wasn’t having that. “I’m not getting ahead of things,” he said firmly. He was talking about the Warriors, but he could have been talking about his own team.

In the annual offseason riddle—which AFC team can challenge the Patriots?—the Raiders are an overwhelmingly popular pick this year. They were for much of last season, too, until the moment quarterback Derek Carr fractured his right fibula on Christmas Eve. They have an explosive offense that can keep pace with anyone; the reigning Defensive Player of The Year, Khalil Mack; and the offseason addition of Marshawn Lynch, a physical presence that diversifies their offense.

For the first time in a decade and a half, the Raiders are entering the season as a contender. That’s why, while filling in for vacationing boss Peter King during this quiet early-summer week in the NFL, I thought we’d start out in Oakland with one of the hottest teams of the moment. But Del Rio is, yes, not getting ahead of things.

Case in point: On Friday, the day of their sixth OTA practice this spring, the Raiders head coach spent time talking to the team about what a winning mindset is. Invest time in your relationships; don’t take anything for granted; the habits you create now will allow you to play well when the season comes.

“We have so much to do and so far to go and so much work ahead of us,” Del Rio says, “that we can’t really worry about anything like expectations or how good we can be or thoughts about where we are going to play.”

That’s the other thing making this season very unique for the Raiders. The future Las Vegas Raiders will continue to play in the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum as Bay Area lame ducks for at least two years—though season tickets for 2017 nonetheless sold out, the San Francisco Chronicle reported last week.

Their new home in Vegas is scheduled to open in 2020, and where they’ll play in 2019 is anyone’s guess (they only have stadium lease options in Oakland for 2017 and 2018). Del Rio says he’s addressed the pending move with his veterans exactly once, at the start of the offseason program. And he’ll address it once more, for the rookies. After that, he says, there’s nothing else to talk about.

“It’s really easy for me,” Del Rio says. “I grew up about 10, 12 miles from here, so it’s not hard for me to stand up in front of the team and say: These are my people, these are my family and friends, and I’m telling you what I need. We are going to give our very best to where we are, and that’s where we are here and now, and not worry about things in the future.”

“You are talking about three years from now,” he continues. “It really serves no purpose to talk about something that’s going to happen in three years when you are talking about an NFL team. That’s the message, and every time I get asked about it, it’s the same message.

We are here, and we are going to focus on the here and now. We are all about returning ourselves to greatness and committing to the things that need to happen to make that happen.”

Del Rio took the Raiders job in 2015 asking owner Mark Davis for upgrades to everything, from the roster to the facilities. That’s continuing, even if the team won’t be in these facilities for that much longer. On this year’s to-do list, Del Rio says, are adding a rehab pool to help players with their recovery as well as an on-site kitchen (unlike most teams, all the food at the Raiders’ facility is currently brought in from outside).

“Those are a few of the things I’m working on right now,” he says, “to let our guys know we are going to continue to invest in them here and now, and do great things while we are here.”

The goal for Del Rio’s first season in Oakland was to teach the team to compete for a full 60 minutes. In his second season, the Raiders took a big step forward in navigating the late-game situations necessary to win games in the NFL. (Carr led seven game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime in 2016.) The challenge for this season is to build on the success of last year’s 12-4 regular season and a return to the playoffs after a 13-year drought.

But as fun as that ride was for the Raiders, everything stopped the second Carr fell to the turf and mouthed the words, “It’s broken.” Asked at the combine if there is a takeaway from how last season ended—the Raiders didn’t win another game after losing Carr—Del Rio quipped, “Yeah, don’t lose your quarterback.” One-liners aside, the idea of building a team that’s stronger all-around has been the focus this spring.

“It’s easier said than done,” Del Rio says. “But when Tom Brady was out for the first four games last year, New England still won three of those games. So, they did a pretty solid job of carrying on. That’s a great example of a team executing that.”

The addition of Lynch certainly adds an extra dimension on offense to balance out the Raiders’ explosive passing game. But Del Rio, the former NFL linebacker who worked his way up through the coaching ranks on the defensive side, takes most personally the performance of the defense.

The Raiders have one of the NFL’s most exciting young defenders in Mack, but they ranked in the bottom half of the league in points allowed and gave up the seventh-most yards per game last season. The breakdowns in the secondary were impossible to miss, as the Raiders gave up 61 pass plays of 20 yards or greater, more than any other team in the league.

Del Rio was blunt about what the biggest change from 2017 needs to be: “We need to get our defensive play up to the level our offense is operating.” To that end, the Raiders added former Chargers defensive coordinator John Pagano as an assistant head coach, and used six of their nine draft picks on defense.

Del Rio also said they “tightened up” their system, to guard against some of the simple communication breakdowns that happened last season on the field and help the players better understand the “why” of what they are doing.

Del Rio is making sure his team isn’t looking too far into the future, but he also isn’t looking too far the past. The injury Carr sustained last season was, as far as NFL injuries go, a relatively simple one.

The bone is healed, and Carr was ready to be a full participant in the team’s offseason program a few months later. But what about the psychological side? Does the sudden end to the Raiders’ Super Bowl aspirations last season, and the disappointment that followed, still linger?

“No,” Del Rio said decisively. “I don’t think about it a lot.”

His mind wandered back to Christmas Eve once this spring, when NFL officials visited the Raiders facility as part of their annual rounds to go over rules and calls from the previous season. One of the plays Del Rio disputed was the intentional grounding call against the Colts one series before Carr was injured, a flag Ed Hochuli’s crew threw on a passing play when Seth Roberts ran the wrong route and Carr’s pass hit the turf in the end zone where the young receiver was supposed to have been.

The play could have been a TD if completed, but after the penalty the Raiders were pushed out of field-goal range, and Carr returned on the next possession to find himself in a long-yardage situation … and well, you know how the rest of the story goes.

“That’s the only thing that brought me back to even thinking about it,” Del Rio says of the officials’ meeting. “Last year is behind us, we learn the lessons from last year, and we’re looking forward to being stronger this year.”

In the meantime, he’ll take a seat at Oracle Arena, if there is that Game 5. He’s a lifelong Warriors fan not afraid to, um, mix it up on Twitter as a true loyalist. He’s also a Bay Area kid watching the local team enjoy the kind of success he’d like to deliver with his own team. The clock is ticking, but in the NFL, when is it not?

“The Warriors play with great energy; they come out and they have fun; they express themselves,” Del Rio says. “They share the ball with each other as well as any team in basketball, and we want to share and be a team that’s willing to sacrifice and do whatever it takes as a team. I’d like to think there are some similarities there. But obviously, they are doing it at the highest level in their league.”

* * *

Where Maclin Might Land


The Chiefs released 29-year-old wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, who now might be a good fit for the Ravens
Photo: Larry French/Getty Images

This is the time of year in the NFL when, if a player makes news, it’s likely because something has gone wrong. (Performance in OTAs is never really that newsworthy, as much as we’d like it to be.) That was the case over the weekend with three players expected to be major contributors for their teams in 2017:

1) WR Jeremy Maclin, cut by the Chiefs on Friday night.
2) Ravens TE Dennis Pitta, who, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, dislocated his hip for the third time in his career during an OTA practice Friday, a potentially career-ending injury.
3) Saints DT Nick Fairley, who FOX Sports and NFL Network reported has been absent from OTAs after medical tests on a heart condition that could jeopardize his career.

If you were surprised by the Maclin release, you weren’t the only one. Chiefs QB Alex Smith was “shocked,” he told the Kansas City Star. It was just two years ago that Maclin signed a five-year, $55 million contract to join his former coach, Andy Reid, in Kansas City. He had a 1,000-yard season in 2015, but missed time with a groin injury in 2016 and posted a career-low 536 yards. The Chiefs evidently are looking to move on to their younger receivers, like Tyreek Hill and Chris Conley, but the timing was odd for a few reasons.

The Chiefs save $10 million in salary cap space cutting Maclin after June 1, but they could have gotten the same savings by cutting him earlier and simply designating him a post-June 1 cut. Secondly, the Chiefs aren’t a rebuilding team—they have made the postseason two years in a row, and believe they can contend now—so cutting your No. 1 receiver, and leaving your 33-year-old QB with a fourth-year pro as his most veteran receiver, is unexpected.

Where could Maclin end up? Certainly teams like the Browns and the 49ers have a big need at the position and the cap space, but I’m not sure a rebuilding club is the best fit for a 29-year-old receiver. Teams looking for another piece to make a playoff push are more likely to pay his price tag in the short term.

The Ravens make a lot of sense—they lost Steve Smith (retirement), Kamar Aiken (free agency) and now Pitta (injury), and Maclin began his career playing under Baltimore offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg—but they only have $2.1 million in cap space right now. Other possible fits: Buffalo, Carolina, Tennessee and New Orleans.

* * *


Ndamukong Suh has started every game but two during his seven-year NFL career
Photo: Jerome Davis/Getty Images

“I’ve never played against a more literal psychopath in my life.”

—Lions guard T.J. Lang, on Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take podcast, about facing Ndamukong Suh. Lang later clarified that he meant it as a compliment to Suh. At that position, in the down-‘n’-dirty trenches, that’s a definite compliment.

* * *

Stat of the Week

We’re past the halfway point of the current CBA, and the agreement has proven over time to work pretty well for both sides. Much of the focus has been on rising player salaries as the salary cap has risen about $47 million since the start of the agreement in 2011, but just as important is the benefits package negotiated between the league and the players’ union.

Players become eligible for the pension plan only after playing three seasons, but the payouts are very good for players who make it past that threshold. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated annual post-retirement income for an active player who began his career in 2016.

• If he takes his benefits starting at age 55: $127,008 (4 credited seasons), $297,204 (7 credited seasons), $441,168 (10 credited seasons)

• If he takes his benefits starting at age 65: $329,016 (4 credited seasons), $769,236 (7 credited seasons), $1,141,764 (10 credited seasons)

* * *

Last week, I wrote about the quest for a better helmet—and the NFL’s investing $60 million toward a better overall helmet within three years and position-specific helmets within five years. I got a number of responses on Twitter suggesting that nothing more can be done to stop the brain from sloshing inside the skull.

But research into the so-called invisible injury has presented a more nuanced picture than one long-held theory that concussions result simply from the brain sloshing around and bruising and swelling as it strikes the rough inside surface of the skull.

“When most people think of slosh or rattle, they think, ‘Well, I get hit in one direction, and the brain shifts forward and bunches up on the front of the skull,’” says Jeff Crandall, director of the University of Virginia’s Center for Applied Biomechanics and chair of the NFL’s Head, Neck and Spine Engineering Subcommittee.

“There is definitely some motion, but there is not a slosh or rattle the way you think about it. What actually happens is, if you rotate the skull, the brain will in a delayed way move with it and change shape. Based on the geometry and structures of the brain, it will change shape differentially, and those regional deformations cause the injury.”

Trying to mitigate those rotational forces, that cause the twisting and straining of the nerve cells and their connectors, the axons, is the primary focus of new helmet technology.

* * *

Things I Think I Think

1. I think the best way to summarize Odell Beckham Jr.’s absence from the Giants’ voluntary OTAs is how one member of the organization put it to me on Friday: “We would love to have him here, but he doesn’t need to be here. He’s doing great.” Coaches always like their guys in the building, but plenty of players train on their own in the offseason. I don’t sense any tension there at all.

2. I think it’s smart of Derek Carr—on and off the field—to put a deadline on contract negotiations by saying he won’t engage in any talks once camp begins. You know what’s also smart? Del Rio not touching the topic with a 10-foot pole, avoiding getting caught in an awkward spot between his boss (Mark Davis) and his quarterback. When I asked Del Rio’s opinion of Carr’s self-imposed deadline, he took a wiiiide sidestep.

“What I like the best about it is I don’t have to concern myself with contract stuff for our players,” he said. “That’s between Reggie and his agent. When I am talking with Derek, it is about football, or occasionally family and how he is scheduling his time. I don’t get into that area with him, and I don’t intend to. That stuff will all get handled at the appropriate time.”

3. I think Pete Carroll put on a clinic for how head coaches should address controversies when he was asked about Seth Wickersham’s thorough ESPN story detailing the rifts in the Seahawks locker room following the Super Bowl 49 loss. Carroll didn’t deny any aspect of the reporting. He didn’t attack the reporter. He simply called it “an old story that was revisited,” and expressed confidence in where the team is now.

4. I think rifts between offense and defense are pernicious in the NFL—but almost exclusively when it’s the defense out-performing the offense. When’s the last time you’ve heard of a conflict between a prolific offense and an underperforming defense? That’s been the case in New Orleans for, oh, the last decade, but other than coordinators getting fired, you never hear reports of locker-room malice.

5. I think it is possible the combine is moved to Los Angeles at some point down the road—but certainly not in 2018, as one report suggested this week. First of all, the NFL has a contract to host the event in Indianapolis at least through 2019. And the new stadium won’t open in L.A. until 2020. After that point, could it happen?

Yes, though that’s purely speculative. Indianapolis is a well-oiled machine for the combine, with the logistics easy and convenient. For the NFL to consider moving the event, the next site would need to be just as turnkey with things like hotels and access to hospitals.

But the open bidding process for the draft has proven that nothing is sacrosanct. At one point in time, no one would have ever considered moving the draft out of Radio City Music Hall in New York—and now, it’s hard to imagine it ever going back.

6. I think I’ll join the media chorus in saying that Dallas is a leading contender to be the host for the 2018 draft. Philadelphia raised the bar for the event with its open-air venue that drew close to 100,000 visitors on the first night alone.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, of course, is known for upping the stakes on pretty much everything, and would be able to do that by splitting the event between AT&T Stadium in Arlington and the team’s new headquarters in Frisco, Texas. Don’t rule out a return to Philly, though.

A total of 22 cities bid to host the event (including Canton), setting up exactly the kind of competition that the NFL wants to spur facility upgrades and continued expansion of the event. Expect a decision to be made later this summer.

7. I think this was a cool idea in Miami, spurred by head coach Adam Gase: The Dolphins have invited eight different teams—including high school, girls flag and youth—to their facility to watch OTA practices from the sidelines this spring.

Among the schools they targeted were ones with low participation or flag programs. The Dolphins posted some fun clips on social media of their veterans interacting with the younger players. Here’s Kiko Alonso (en Espanol!) and Michael Thomas advising some of the high schoolers.

8. I think this is a fantastic tidbit from Kalyn Kahler’s Talking Football with Michael Vick: Vick’s daughter Jada, a sixth-grader, is the high school varsity quarterback for the all-girls flag football team. Said Vick, “out of about four or five other quarterbacks, who were all freshmen through seniors, she won the job, so it says a lot about what a Vick can do.”

9. I think congratulations are in order for former NFL cornerback Chris Carr, who graduated from the George Washington University Law School just three years after retiring from football. (We wrote about his transition out of the game in 2014.) Carr will work in immigration and criminal defense law for the Zeman and Petterson law firm in Virginia starting in September, and he’s going to take the California bar exam with the goal of opening his own law firm out there within the next few years.

“Getting a law degree from George Washington gives me a sense of pride,” Carr said in a text message over the weekend. “It took a lot of hard work and focus to accomplish this goal (e.g., getting good grades in undergrad while playing football, and enduring the law school work load).”

Andrew Whitworth brings protective services to Rams

By Gary Klein

During the last eight of his 11 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, Andrew Whitworth played left tackle and protected a couple of very good quarterbacks.

With Whitworth minding their blind side, Carson Palmer and Andy Dalton each led the Bengals to the playoffs.

So it was no surprise in March when the Rams and new coach Sean McVay pursued the three-time Pro Bowl selection, and guaranteed him a handsome sum, to protect quarterback Jared Goff, the top pick in the 2016 draft.

Whitworth already sees traits that Goff shares with his previous high-profile teammates, especially the more “laid back” Palmer.

“It’s just getting him to let it out and be confident and be assertive and run the show,” Whitworth said of Goff, adding, “We all go as far as the quarterback goes and it’s our job to make his job easier.”

The Rams signed the 6-foot-7, 333-pound Whitworth to keep Goff upright, provide team leadership and set an example for members of the Rams’ embattled offensive line.

Last season, the same group fell apart after performing adequately in 2015.

Running back Todd Gurley, the 2015 offensive rookie of the year, could not escape the backfield without getting hit. Goff was under siege throughout nearly all of his seven starts.

Les Snead. Among their top priorities was finding a left tackle that could set the tone on the field and in the locker room.

They gave Whitworth, 35, a three-year, $36-million contract, with $15 million guaranteed, to replace struggling Greg Robinson and anchor the line.

“Obviously,” Goff said at the start of offseason workouts in April, “Whitworth is going to be great for me.”

McVay too.

“He’s been a great sounding board for me,” McVay said last week. “Just watching the way he communicates with his teammates. How receptive he is to coach Kromer’s techniques. … His presence has definitely been felt on our offense.”

Whitworth joined a position group that includes: Robinson, the No. 2 pick in the 2014 draft; seven-year veteran Rodger Saffold; third-year pros Rob Havenstein and Jamon Brown; and other young players. The Rams signed veteran center John Sullivan a month after acquiring Whitworth.

Leadership, Whitworth said, is “more about you just kind of being who you are” rather than telling someone what to do.

“The bottom line is the best way to lead is to play well,” he said a few weeks ago, after the first day of organized team activity workouts.

Whitworth said last week that he was by nature “an encourager” and that he was providing positive reinforcement for his linemates and other players.

The message: “Hey, let’s take these steps toward this direction and let’s let this be our new standard.”

Teammates are listening.

“What he’s brought to me is how to be a pro,” Brown said.

Brown, a third-round pick from Louisville in the 2015 draft, played guard during his first two NFL seasons. Last week, coaches moved him to right tackle, where he took first-team reps in place of Robinson.

Whitworth has shared his experience and knowledge with all linemen, Brown said.

“He’s really an open book,” Brown said. “He has a personality that he’s here for the unit and team to get better in whatever ways that are needed.

“So the energy that he gives off makes it easier for me and, I’m sure, the other guys to kind of go up and ask different questions. He gives you good feedback, and that allows you to be more confident and gives you the ability to really dive in and use him as a tool.”

Whitworth played at Louisiana State and was selected in the second round draft of the 2006 draft. He has played in 168 regular-season NFL games. Asked how long it took him to become comfortable as a pro, he said it was an ongoing process.

“I don’t think I’m comfortable now,” Whitworth said. “As I say, ‘Every tackle’s nightmare is third and long.’ … I get just as nervous and just as freaked out about games now as I did when I walked in the league.

“I think you just learn that, over time, what happens in the situation, what happens under pressure is what you’ve practiced and what you’ve repped.”

The Rams will conduct their final four OTA workouts this week. A mandatory minicamp June 13-15 will follow.

Whitworth knows that the Rams’ success will be tied to Goff’s play — and the performance of the offensive line.

A young quarterback such as Goff must not only find his way but also develop the ability to inspire his protectors, Whitworth said.

“I think sometimes they only think about skill — what can they get out of receivers, what can they get out of this and that,” Whitworth said. “And the reality is, man, the better that line plays, the more time they have, the more opportunities they have to do special things.”


[www.latimes.com]

I know JG has had plenty of things to occupy his time during the off-season but I wonder if he's watched these 2 videos from his 2016 NFL Season?

With today's social media networking, I'm sure he's been told about them. I only recently just watched them this weekend and they cover several of his worst and best moments.

I know it doesn't really matter if he's watched them but I'm pretty sure McVay has seen these videos in a much more in-depth, detailed production, as well as all of the missing snaps in-between.

You have to click the "Links" (not the play button) to watch the videos...

The "Worst" of Jared Goff in 2016
Login to view embedded media View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyq_dfVung8

The "Best" of Jared Goff in 2016
Login to view embedded media View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_0z8vw-H5k

Louis Riddick On Mike & Mike about Goff's 2016 season
Login to view embedded media View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyKUdX0R8gU

Decided to mow an area around some fruit trees that had not been disturbed since last fall. Another genius move was doing so after dusk. Push mower was a nice touch too.

Yes it is again that time of year in the South.

So what do you think happened?

Want to relive last year's Hard Knocks in LA show? You get your chance on the NFL Network on Tues. at 10pm. Fisher was right, the team would not do the 7-9 BS in the season...
Login to view embedded media

Ranking the entire Rams 90-man roster from 90-to-1

https://www.downtownrams.com/single...ng-the-entire-Rams-90-man-roster-from-90-to-1

We now have a full 90-man roster for the Los Angeles Rams going into rookie mini camp for the 2017 season. In this piece I decided to rank all of them 90-to-1 based off of talent.

Note: These are solely my opinion and doesn't reflect how I think the 53-man roster will end up or the Rams actual views on the roster. Also, I definitely took college production and NFL experience into account when forming this list.

90. Reggie Northrup, LB, Florida State (6-foot-1, 240 pounds) - 23 years old
Strong and physical, but lacks the stamina to play full-time in the NFL.

89. Brandon Shippen, WR, Temple (5-foot-11, 196 pounds) - 23 years old
Stronger, but smaller wide receiver that possesses average speed.

88. Zach Laskey, FB, Georgia Tech (6-foot-2, 238 pounds) - 24 years old
Solid size, but is limited in what he offers overall. Wins off special teams ability

87. Kevin Davis, LB, Colorado State (6-foot-2, 238 pounds) - 23 years old
Solid athlete, but lacking instincts, speed and power. Will need to improve his strength.

86. Cassanova McKinzy, LB, Auburn (6-foot-3, 257 pounds) - 24 years old
More of a situational pass rusher as his play doesn't really translate to today's NFL.

85. Darrell Williams, OT, South Florida (6-foot-5, 305 pounds) - 23 years old
Good sized, but slower tackle with a hard time staying quick on his feet against speed rushers.

84. Aarion Penton, CB, Missouri (5-foot-9, 187 pounds) - 22 years old
Smaller corner, feisty and physical, but serious limitations

83. Dylan Thompson, QB, South Carolina (6-foot-3, 215 pounds) - 25 years old
Solid size, decisive deep ball thrower, but lacks the necessary footwork and accuracy as a passer.

82. Dominique Hatfield, CB, Utah (5-foot-10, 170 pounds) - 22 years old
Small and gets too physical at times, but puts himself in good position more often than not to make a play.

81. Shakeir Ryan, WR, Northwestern State (5-foot-8, 169 pounds) - 21 years old
Very small, but packs a punch and has the ability to make tacklers miss in space.

80. Teidrick Smith, LB, Mary Hardin-Baylor (6-foot-1, 238 pounds) - 22 years old
Solid size, shows versatility as a pass rusher, run stopper and a coverage backer.

79. Isaiah Johnson, S, Georgia Tech (6-foot-1, 207 pounds) - 25 years old
Good size, good tackling safety that lacks the athleticism to play regularly.

78. Johnny Mundt, TE, Oregon (6-foot-4, 232 pounds) - 22 years old
Athletic tight end that will need to add more weight to play consistently.

77. Travis Wilson, TE, Utah (6-foot-7, 258 pounds) - 23 years old
Excellent size for the position after originally being a QB.

76. Casey Sayles, DT, Ohio (6-foot-3, 289 pounds) - 21 years old
Needs to put some weight on, but has a quick first step and is explosive out of his stance.

75. Lenard Tillery, RB, Southern (5-foot-10, 198 pounds) - 23 years old
Smaller and shifty back that could have a role in this league.

74. Justin Davis, RB, USC (6-foot-1, 198 pounds) - 21 years old
Good sized back that has the speed and power to be a starter if developed fully.

73. Marqui Christian, S, Midwestern State (5-foot-11, 200 pounds) - 22 years old
Classic in-the-box safety with solid athleticism and above average instincts to succeed.

72. Aaron Green, RB, TCU (5-foot-11, 206 pounds) - 24 years old
Scat back that shows off multiple moves to make a man miss in space, but lacks home run speed.

71. Omarius Bryant, DT, Western Kentucky (6-foot-3, 315 pounds) - 22 years old
Creates consistent pressure in the backfield, but not a manufacturer of big plays.

70. A.J. Jefferson, DT, Mississippi State (6-foot-3, 280 pounds) - 24 years old
Has big-play disruptive ability, can rush the passer and do it consistently well. Rotational guy.

69. Marquez North, WR, Tennessee (6-foot-3, 230 pounds) - 22 years old
Excellent big-play size with deceptive speed. Needs to develop quickly or likely faces a practice squad placement.

68. Louis Trinca-Pasat, DT, Iowa (6-foot-1, 300 pounds) - 25 years old
Unlimited motor that has been held back due to injuries. This could be his last chance if he doesn't stay healthy this preseason.

67. Kevin Peterson, CB, Oklahoma State (5-foot-11, 180 pounds) - 23 years old
Very underrated straight out of college, handles competition well, has football IQ off the page and is smooth in the hips. Could have a real chance at surprising everyone and falling on the Rams 53-man roster.

66. Pace Murphy, OT, Northwestern State (6-foot-6, 308 pounds) - 23 years old
Good size and athleticism combination that didn't really see the field last year.

65. Jake Eldrenkamp, C, Washington (6-foot-5, 305 pounds) - 23 years old
Great size and has the versatility as well as athleticism to make the roster. The Rams coaches seem to like him a lot.

64. Carlos Thompson, LB, Mississippi (6-foot-5, 250 pounds) - 25 years old
Big linebacker that fits Wade Phillips defense well. High quality motor that may outplay players more gifted than him just off his high effort.

63. Blake Countess, CB, Auburn (5-foot-10, 185 pounds) - 23 years old
The speedy nickel corner has the size to play on the outside and the football knowledge to stay in the league.

62. Demetrius Rhaney, C, Tennessee State (6-foot-2, 307 pounds) - 24 years old
Quick with good size for the center position. Has the versatility to play guard as well, will be interesting to see if he makes any significant strides under a new coaching staff.


61. Morgan Fox, DE, Colorado State-Pueblo (6-foot-3, 275 pounds) - 22 years old
A little undersized for the line, but uses leverage well and is athletic as well as explosive in the short area. Will have to really battle to sneak onto this roster.

60. Mike Purcell, DT, Wyoming (6-foot-3, 328 pounds) - 26 years old
Very good nose tackle size and sneaky athleticism to make big plays. Finds himself as a dark horse to make this roster.

59. Nicholas Grigsby, LB, Pittsburgh (6-foot-2, 230 pounds) - 24 years old
Athletic linebacker that played a decent amount last year. He's more of a special teams guy and with the Rams improving their LB corps this off-season, Grigsby might only be looking at a special teams spot.

58. Tyrunn Walker, DT, Tulsa (6-foot-3, 305 pounds) - 27 years old
A veteran presence the Rams signed that will fit Wade Phillips defense and offer initial depth.

57. Cody Wichmann, G, Fresno State (6-foot-5, 325 pounds) - 25 years old
Big and bulky guard that has the strength and durability to hold up in the league. The question remains if the new coaching staff will give him another year or not.

56. Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn (6-foot-5, 334 pounds) - 24 years old
Known for his athleticism has had a hard time adapting to the NFL level schematically and just the overall speed of the game. With Robinson in year four and having shown little to no improvement, it's looking like it could soon be safe to call him a bust.

55. Bryce Hager, LB, Baylor (6-foot-1, 237 pounds) - 25 years old
Very athletic linebacker with a high motor that is among one of the best special teams players on the roster. He came on a little more last year, but will have to give off a great first impression for thew new coaching staff.

54. Cory Harkey, TE, UCLA (6-foot-4, 262 pounds) - 26 years old
The former bruin plays more of an H-back role and is a vocal leader on special teams. Although, his job is far from safe this season.

53. Jake McQuaide, LS, Ohio State (6-foot-2, 225 pounds) - 29 years old
One of the older players on the team who ended up being selected as a pro-bowler. Might be too high on your list, but he's just right on mine.

52. Matt Longacre, DE, Northwest Missouri State (6-foot-3, 255 pounds) - 25 years old
One of the underrated and underutilized pass rushers on the roster. Longacre has is work cut out for him to make the team with a new system in place.

51. Tanzel Smart, DT, Tulane (6-foot-1, 290 pounds) - 22 years old
Quick-footed, leverage based one-gap penetrator. Will fit like a glove on the defensive line rotation under Wade Phillips.

50. Temarrick Hemingway, TE, South Carolina State (6-foot-5, 251 pounds) - 23 years old
Great size and athletic ability, has a chance to flourish in Sean McVay's new offense.

49. Sam Rogers, FB, Virginia Tech (5-foot-10, 235 pounds) - 22 years old
A do-it-all fullback that is quick, agile and powerful. Rogers, in my opinion, is going to be a nice weapon for Jared Goff out of the backfield.

48. Austin Blythe, C, Iowa (6-foot-3, 300 pounds) - 24 years old
Considered undersized, but offers the ability to maintain his blocks, use athleticism to pull, strength to stonewall assignments and an overall understanding of the game. I think Blythe is being criminally underrated.

47. John Johnson, S, Boston College (6-foot-1, 204 pounds) - 21 years old
Can play safety or cornerback, has ball skills and a smooth covering ability. This could end up being the Rams long term solution at safety.

46. Brian Randolph, S, Tennessee (6-foot-0, 199 pounds) - 24 years old
One of my favorite players on the Rams who was a dominant player at Tennessee. He possesses the athleticism, strength and overall football IQ to be a starter in the NFL.

45. Samson Ebukam, LB, Eastern Washington (6-foot-3, 240 pounds) - 22 years old
This former fourth round pick is a freakish athlete that will be a weapon on Phillips defense.

44. Malcolm Brown, RB, Texas (5-11, 227 pounds) - 24 years old
Former undrafted rookie free agent has the sneaky speed and plenty of power to be used often in the Rams backfield.

43. Ejuan Price, LB, Pittsburgh (6-foot-0, 250 pounds) - 24 years old
Likely way under drafted in the seventh round, Price has a chance to play instantly day one. He is a relentless pursuer with a quick first step that could do wonders in the Rams new look defense.

42. Nelson Spruce, WR, Colorado (6-foot-1. 210 pounds) - 24 years old
Undrafted preseason week one start has yet to play an NFL regular season game so it will be difficult for him to make the roster, but he catches seemingly everything and is a good route runner.

41. Cody Davis, S, Texas Tech (6-foot-1, 203 pounds) - 27 years old
Veteran safety that has speed and ball skills to start in the NFL if need be. He is likely looking at a backup gig with the Rams, but he's a fantastic special teamer so he will likely make the roster.

40. Paul McRoberts, WR, Southeast Missouri State (6-foot-2, 197 pounds) - 24 years old
Tall, fast and solid hands are the name of the game for McRoberts. He comes into this season with many talents ahead of him, but if he is given the chance McRoberts has the talent to win a job on the roster.

39. Sean Mannion, QB, Oregon State (6-foot-6, 231 pounds) - 25 years old
He is the backup moving forward and the Rams coaches seem to really like him.

38. Michael Jordan, CB, Missouri Western State (6-foot-1, 202 pounds) - 24 years old
Taller and physical corner that really fits what Wade loves in a cornerback. Definitely a guy to keep an eye on as I am really high on him.

37. Troy Hill, CB, Oregon (5-foot-11, 184 pounds) - 25 years old
A player that really had a chance to prove himself last year and did a decent job outside an off-the-field incident. Hill, still likely has to battle to get on this roster.

36. Josh Reynolds, WR, Texas A&M (6-foot-3, 192 pounds) - 22 years old
There is a good chance Reynolds is going to find himself a role this season. He is the longest receiver on the team and has a chance to really develop into a true No.1 receiver.

35. Lance Dunbar, RB, North Texas (5-foot-8, 187 pounds) - 27 years old
Dunbar is a shifty scat back that will take over the pass catching duties out of the backfield and play the "Chris Thompson role" in Sean McVay's offense.

34. Bradley Marquez, WR, Texas Tech (5-foot-10, 205 pounds) - 24 years old
Say what you will about Marquez being this high, but think about the fact he's a top five special teamer and in his limited amount of time, he has shown there is some upside as a slot receiver. Outside of Tavon Austin, Marquez has been with the Rams longer than any other receiver.

33. Andrew Donnal, OT, Iowa (6-foot-6, 310 pounds) - 25 years old
Extremely underrated in my mind. Donnal filled in well at tackle last year and has always shown the upside to be a valuable rotational offensive line piece. He has great size and I fully expect him to be the "sixth man" of the offensive line.

32. Mike Thomas, WR, Southern Mississippi (6-foot-1, 195 pounds) - 22 years old
This is a player that is already dominating special teams as a gunner and has some upside as a receiver as he continues to make strides this off-season.

31. E.J. Gaines, CB, Missouri (5-foot-10, 185 pounds) - 25 years old
Once a diamond in the rough now lost to everyone besides the coaches who believe in this injury ridden talent. We will see if he can come back and steal back his old starting job he lost due to injury.

30. Josh Forrest, LB, Kentucky (6-foot-3, 240 pounds) - 25 years old
Last year's rookie linebacker showed some promise as an inside backer and as a backfield disrupter. Unfortunately, an injury derailed his season. He will likely be in the linebacker rotation in year two.

29. Cory Littleton, LB, Washington (6-foot-3, 228 pounds) - 23 years old
Do not count out Cory Littleton. This kid was behind the whole LB room last year due to the fact he missed rookie mini-camp and OTAs for college and eventual graduation. He ended up winning the Rams team rookie of the year in that same year. If he can adapt like that he will be an interesting player for this new defense. Think Shaq Barrett type of linebacker.

28. Ethan Westbrooks, DE, West Texas A&M (6-foot-4, 283 pounds) - 26 years old
The perfect rotational pass rusher to take the heat off of Robert Quinn and William Hayes last year. Westbrooks had an off-the-field mishap which he was allegedly accused of domestic violence, but that has since past that and it appears that the Rams like Westbrooks a lot.

27. Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina (5-foot-11, 207 pounds) - 22 years old
The Rams likely new swiss army knife will be ready to get the season started. Cooper missed the majority of his rookie campaign due to injury so it will be interesting to see how McVay and LaFleur use him.

26. Jamon Brown, OT, Louisville (6-foot-4, 330 pounds) - 24 years old
Brown is really starting to come alive in his third year now the projected starting right tackle for the Rams in 2017. Brown has always been a powerful run blocker, but it's what he's improving on in pass protection that should excite fans.

25. Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama (6-foot-3, 245 pounds) - 22 years old
Sean McVay reportedly felt like Everett was similar to one of his favorite players in Jordan Reed. Everett is a very athletic tight end that will be a weapon for sure in Los Angeles. What he does after the catch is fascinating for a tight end.

24. Tyler Higbee, TE, Western Kentucky (6-foot-6, 257 pounds) - 24 years old
His teammates call him "Baby Gronk" and hopefully in a real offense coached by some knowledgeable coaches it will unlock his full potential. Higbee, by all measures, is just a flat out freak.

23. John Sullivan, C, Notre Dame (6-foot-4, 310 pounds) - 31 years old
Sullivan is by far the starting option for the Rams at center according to a recent article. The coaches brought in Sullivan because of the knowledge of the game that he possesses, his talent and his experience. He is likely just a placeholder and that is perfectly fine for the short-term.

22. Jared Goff, QB, California (6-foot-4, 223 pounds) - 22 years old
Goff is coming off one of the worst rookie seasons in NFL history, but there is a reason to believe he is going to turn it around with his new coaching staff, new weapons on offense and new protection in front of him. Goff has all the arm talent in the world and after this season he will likely be lurking near the top 10 if I decide to rank the players again.

21. Nickell Robey-Coleman, CB, USC (5-foot-8, 178 pounds) - 25 years old
One of the better young nickel corners in the game was an under-the-radar quiet signing for the Rams. I don't think fans realize how good this player is, but they will soon see Robey-Coleman is a playmaker.

20. Rodger Saffold, G, Indiana (6-foot-5, 325 pounds) - 28 years old
Saffold was the lone veteran on the line last year so this year will be a breath of fresh air knowing he has help around him. Saffold is still a very exceptional blocker and may breakout with the necessary pieces around him.

19. Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia (5-foot-8, 179 pounds) - 27 years old
Albeit, the bearer of a likely bad contract Austin still gives the Rams a rare type of playmaker. There aren't many 4.2 forty speeds out there like Austin. He will try to emulate DeSean Jackson this season in hope that the coaches can turn him into a top player.

18. Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington (6-foot-2, 205 pounds) - 23 years old
I absolutely believe this isn't too high for Kupp and I also believe I may have to place him much higher by seasons end. Catches everything, already the best route runner on the team and has good size? Count me in.

17. Greg Zuerlein, K, Missouri Western State (6-foot-0, 191 pounds) - 29 years old
A great kicker that doesn't get the credit he deserves. Likely will have to break the record to receive the credit he got from his rookie year again.

16. Kayvon Webster, CB, South Florida (5-foot-11, 192 pounds) - 26 years old
They call him blackjack now and he is going to take the Rams fanbase by storm this season. I think he was a top three special teamer, but he was pretty damn good at the cornerback position until the Broncos decided to stuff him down the depth chart. Breakout season coming for Webster.

15. Rob Havenstein, G, Wisconsin (6-foot-8, 328 pounds) - 25 years old
Big Rob already was a pretty good tackle, but he is about to really take off as a guard in Aaron Kromer's offensive line.

14. Connor Barwin, LB, Cincinnati (6-foot-4, 255 pounds) - 30 years old
Barwin may not go back to when he was a stud sack artist, but he's reuniting with Wade Phillips who he was with when he was a stud sack artist. So, anything can happen I guess.

13. Dominique Easley, DT, Florida (6-foot-2, 273 pounds) - 25 years old
So much potential and a lot of production was unleashed out of Easley last year. The Rams got this one right bringing him in last year. Easley is likely going to be starting this season and could break out in a big way.

12. Robert Woods, WR, USC (6-foot-0, 193 pounds) - 25 years old
The number one receiver on the Rams is about to show everyone this season why he was the worth the contract the Rams gave him. He has always been a good player in my opinion, but the scheme they ran in Buffalo held him back mightily. Luckily the Rams are looking to go more vertical than Buffalo and Woods is going to have some fun this season.

11. Mark Barron, LB, Alabama (6-foot-2, 225 pounds) - 27 years old
The former first round safety who transferred over to linebacker will have to endure another transfer. This time Barron moves inside to play in a new defense. I think a player that is two years removed from being the team's leading tackler is up for the challenge and the coaches seem to feel the same way.

THE TOP TEN

10. Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia (6-foot-1, 227 pounds) - 22 years old
A little low for Gurley? His sophomore slump almost was enough to push him out of the top ten, but he will likely be fighting to push his way into the top five if he bounces back well in year three. Still, without a doubt, Gurley is considered one of the stars on the Rams and that won't change unless he does have another disappointing season.


9. LaMarcus Joyner, S, Florida State (5-foot-8, 190 pounds) - 26 years old
I really don't think people realize the type of talent we have in Joyner. Right now according to Pro Football Focus, Joyner finished as the second best nickel cornerback in the league only behind Casey Hayward who mainly played on the outside anyway. Joyner gained some weight and will be playing free safety this season which could either skyrocket his potential or flatline it. That remains to be seen.


8. Michael Brockers, DT, LSU (6-foot-5, 302 pounds) - 26 years old
Talk about the ultimate "glue guy". Mike Brockers has taken on double teams and sometimes triple teams to help his fellow teammates out. Brockers has underrated pass rush ability, but his real strength is being a menace in the run stopping department. Get used to Brockers as he was signed long term last year.


7. Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana (6-foot-2, 213 pounds) - 27 years old
Johnson is just outside the top five after a disappointing 2016 season. While his future remains in question, there is no denying his status as a top 10 Ram and the best corner on the team.


6. Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia (6-foot-2, 235 pounds) - 25 years old
The former outside linebacker switched to middle linebacker last year and was named as an all-pro. The huge accomplishment is just a stepping stone of how good Ogletree can and will likely be.


5. Maurice Alexander, S, Utah State (6-foot-1, 222 pounds) - 26 years old
Alexander was tremendous last season for the Rams. He was drafted in the fourth round and had been on the back burner for awhile until he finally got his shot last year and was great. I expect now with Alexander playing at his most comfortable position at strong safety could elevate his play even more.


4. Robert Quinn, LB, North Carolina (6-foot-4, 250 pounds) - 27 years old
It's hard to move Quinn down on this list, so I didn't. Quinn had one of the greatest years for an edge rusher in the history of the league. He is extremely talented, but his issue has been staying healthy. Now under Wade Phillips and a new trainer in Ted Rath, Quinn should remain healthy and dominate again.


3. Johnny Hekker, P, Oregon State (6-foot-5, 241 pounds) - 27 years old
A punter at three?!? Yes, absolutely Hekker is a rare talent who will likely end up as the greatest punter ever.


2. Andrew Whitworth, OT, LSU (6-foot-7, 333 pounds) - 35 years old
An absolute model of consistency over his whole career, Whitworth and pure dominance to a position the Rams haven't had either since Orlando Pace. Whitworth would be the top player on the majority of teams in the league, but the Rams happened to have one of the top five players in Aaron Donald.


1. Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh (6-foot-1, 280 pounds) - 26 years old
Well, come on now...What did you expect? If you scrolled down to this spot thinking it would be anyone else then I don't really know what to tell you. Donald might be the best player in the game and that obviously translates to him being the best player on the Rams.

This is obviously a new thing, I don't think anyone has gone ahead and done an article like this, but I encourage you all to comment and let us know if you agree, disagree or if you have your own list to share. Thanks for reading!

The practice matchup has played out thousands of times in more than seven years, first when they were teenage teammates at USC, then as young pros with the Buffalo Bills and now as NFL veterans preparing for their first season with the Rams.

Cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman bends his knees, stares directly across the line of scrimmage at receiver Robert Woods and readies for a challenge.


It happened again during the Rams’ organized team activities last week.

On a third-down play near the goal line, Woods ran a slant pattern into the end zone. Robey-Coleman matched him stride for stride as Woods anticipated a pass from quarterback Jared Goff.

The 5-foot-8, 178-pound Florida native started for three seasons at USC before ignoring the advice of coaches and NFL evaluators and making himself available for the 2013 NFL draft after his junior year.

After going unselected, he said he had only a moment of regret about giving up his final year of college eligibility.

“It crossed my mind for one second,” he said.

But the opportunity to make a team and earn an NFL salary kept him motivated: “I told myself, ‘You’ve just got to capitalize. You not going in draft doesn’t determine who you really are.’”

Robey-Coleman made the Bills as a rookie and played in all 32 games his first two seasons as a nickel back and on special teams. In 2015, the Bills signed him to a two-year, $4.1-million extension.

After the 2015 season, he changed his name from Robey to Robey-Coleman in honor of his late mother, the former Maxine Coleman, who died from a heart attack during his senior year of high school.

Last season against the Rams, Robey-Coleman had a career-changing game at the Coliseum. With the score 16-16 late in the third quarter, he intercepted a pass by Case Keenum and returned it 41 yards for a touchdown. He added another interception late to seal a 30-19 Bills victory.

Rams general manager Les Snead recalled the performance when he saw Robey-Coleman’s name surprisingly appear on the NFL transactions wire before the start of free agency. The Bills had released him in a cost-cutting move.

“You immediately go back to, ‘Oh, yeah, there’s a pick-six and we lived it,’” Snead said, adding, “The play meant something, but what it also meant is you definitely go back and watch the film and review his history.”

Robey-Coleman is “undersized,” Snead said, but the executive saw a determined and competitive player who became a mainstay for the Bills in the nickel role. And with the Rams planning to move Lamarcus Joyner from slot corner to free safety, they were in the market for proven defensive backs.

“Any time that you add depth like a Nickell does add, where he’s played a lot of football, it gives you some versatility to move a special player like Lamarcus around,” coach Sean McVay said.

The Rams, Robey-Coleman said, were a good fit for him professionally and because the move brought him closer to USC. He attended spring semester classes and is close to earning his degree, a promise he made to his mother.

Woods, who graduated from USC last year, said he was happy to be reunited with Robey and continue their daily duels.

“He’s very, very smart — someone I can talk to on the side after plays,” Woods said. “It’s a great competition.”

Robey-Coleman considers his long association with Woods, completing his education and his return to Los Angeles something else.

“I’m just so grateful,” he said. “This is a blessing.”

http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-robey-coleman-woods-rams-20170603-story.html

Rams Insider Myles Simmons and Rams radio personality D’Marco Farr answer your questions about the Los Angeles Rams organized team activities.

Watch Rams Mailbag

Some NFL observers predict big things for former Eastern Washington receiver Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, left, talks with quarterback Jared Goff, center, as Cooper Kupp watches during practice last week. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)

By Jim Allen


By Jim Allen

The Cooper Kupp controversy is in full swing in Southern California.

That should surprise his many fans at Eastern Washington, where in five years the most audacious thing Kupp did was grow a beard.

But that was all in fun. The NFL is all business, including the serious business of predicting Kupp’s future before he even plays a down for the Los Angeles Rams.

The spotlight has shone brighter after the Rams picked Kupp in the third round of the NFL Draft. The reviews were positive, but now they border on gushing after Kupp performed well in rookie camp.

In a recent “bold predictions” segment on the NFL Network morning show, Good Morning Football’s Peter Schrager said Kupp will be the most prolific rookie wide receiver in the league this year.

“This is the cat that I’m excited for,” Schrager said. “I don’t care that he went in the third round, I don’t care that everyone’s ‘oohing’ and ‘aahing’ over Corey Davis and John Ross and Mike Williams and Zay Jones and JuJu and all these guys.”

“I’m going to even throw a number out there,” Schrager said. “I think he’s going to have 70 catches this year.”

That’s a big number, one that’s been reached by only 16 rookies in NFL history.

Schrager tries to back up his prediction by pointing out that Kupp will be the “perfect safety net” for second-year quarterback Jared Goff.

“He’s not gonna screw up that route. He’s gonna make the play,” Schrager says of Kupp, who will need to make a lot of them to hit 70 catches.

That won’t happen, writes Sosa Kremenjas of Turfshowtimes.com, a Rams social media and news website. Kremenjas points out that the Bleacherreport.com ranks the Rams receiving corps third-worst in the league post-draft.

That’s actually one spot better than last year, when the Rams finished just ahead of San Francisco. It doesn’t help that most experts rank the Rams quarterbacks – Goff and Sean Mannion – fourth-worst in the NFL.

Of the most recent players to get 70 receptions in their rookie season – Keenan Allen, Kelvin Benjamin, Amari Cooper, Jarvis Landry, Odell Beckham – all had proven “home run” ability before their first game.

In other words, Kremejas says, Kupp will have to prove he’s long-ball worthy to increase his time on the field.


[www.spokesman.com]

http://www.canalstreetchronicles.co...sent-otas-due-to-serious-medical-issue-report


Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

After shining last season on essentially a one-year ‘prove it’ type of deal, Fairley was rewarded with a big contract extension in early March worth $28 million. The four-year deal included an $8 million signing bonus. It would be a huge loss for the Saints interior line, who saw a big boost with Fairley in the mix. Of course, once we know more we’ll pass it along.
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Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson received the franchise tag for a second consecutive year. (John Cordes / Associated Press)



By Gary KleinContact Reporter

Cornerback Trumaine Johnson joined defensive tackle Aaron Donald on the absentee list during the second week of organized team activities.

The Rams have four OTA workouts remaining this week, and they also will hold a mandatory minicamp June 13-15.

Now, on to your questions. Keep them coming at @latimesklein or gary.klein@latimes.com.


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Sly Gonzalez @ThinkBlue47
@LATimesklein With all this @AaronDonald97 extension talks, any word on a @Trujohnson2 contract?! #RamsMailBag
1:55 PM - 30 May 2017


No word.

Only one OTA workout per week is open to the media, so we won’t know until Monday whether cornerback Trumaine Johnson’s absences during the second week were contract related.

Johnson received the franchise tag for the second consecutive year and is scheduled to earn nearly $17 million this season. The Rams have until July 15 to sign Johnson to an extension. Otherwise, he plays under the one-year deal.

General manger Les Snead has said that the Rams would wait until OTAs are complete to decide if Johnson is a “fit” for Wade Phillips’ 3-4 scheme.

OTAs are voluntary, and Johnson might have a personal situation that precluded him from participating. But if a player wants to establish himself as an integral part of the team — especially with a new coaching staff — it seems like it would serve him well to be there.


Follow
David Carpenter @carpy45
@LATimesklein Is not his $16 mil guaranteed? Why stay away? A longer contract is not going to get him that much in a year


Johnson will earn a guaranteed $16,742,400 this season.

As noted above, OTAs are voluntary. And if Johnson has a personal situation that requires attention, criticism about his absence is not warranted.

A longer contract might not pay him that much yearly, but it would probably come with more guaranteed money, a lot more.
Follow
Flipper Anderson @dcfilmninja
@LATimesklein If Johnson is disgruntled w @RamsNFL what options do they have to deal him? Seems like it could be stalemate. Eat contract & draft? #Rams

The Rams made Johnson available for trade after they put the franchise tag on him but apparently could find no takers or could not work out a deal.

Johnson has said he loves his teammates and is hopeful that his career will continue with the Rams. He, like all players, acknowledges that the NFL is a business, often a cold one.

I would not expect the Rams to “eat” the contract. If you’re paying a guy nearly $17 million, you want him on the field.

We’ll see how Kayvon Webster and other cornerbacks play this season. But I would expect cornerback to be high on the Rams’ priority list in the 2018 draft.

Follow
Gavin @Gavoth
@LATimesklein Now GRob is with the second team would it make sense to slot Jamon Brown in at RG and move Havenstein back to RT?

Greg Robinson began OTAs working as the first-team right tackle but appeared to be supplanted last week by Jamon Brown.

Rob Havenstein started at right tackle for two seasons and Brown played both guard spots, so it seems logical that they might return to those positions.

Except this is a new coaching staff.

Sean McVay and offensive line coach Aaron Kromer seem intent at this point on Havenstein playing guard.

Brown played tackle in college at Louisville, so it’s not like he’s a novice. In McVay/Kromer’s scheme, perhaps he’s a good fit.

Of course, it’s OTAs in May, not training camp in July.

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Robert Schaeffer @MynamesPierce
@LATimesklein Do you think #73 is still paying the price being put to T day one? Fish SAID he'd be a G at first. Kid had bad coaching from day 1. #16 sat.

Robinson, the No. 2 pick in the 2014 draft, played guard a few games during his rookie season before moving to tackle.

Robinson was benched twice last season and there was talk of him possibly moving to guard.

But McVay has opted to try him at right tackle.

It is difficult to determine if Robinson’s lack of progress is due to the player, the coaching or both.


Follow
Chris (R)ansom @Chris_Ransom
@LATimesklein Whats the odds Greg Robinson doesnt make the team?


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Frank-O @3_wide
@LATimesklein Odd GRob makes the 53 man cut? I say 0%, it's over.


I’m not an oddsmaker, but my sense is that Greg Robinson has better than a 0% chance of making the final roster.

A lot can happen — injuries, for example — that can change the situation for any team.

If Kromer is as accomplished as billed, it seems like he would welcome the challenge of molding Robinson into a productive player.

Follow
BlueBlood_Rams @Blueblood_Rams
How is Goff doing? Number of INTs, number of TDs, overthrown balls, pocket management.... etc what is the real word in there? https://twitter.com/latimesklein/status/869612550232526848 …


The media has only been allowed to observe two OTA workouts. Jared Goff looked competent in both and very good at times in the second workout.

I cannot provide you with accurate statistics on the numbers of touchdowns, interceptions and overthrown balls.

From what I have seen, his pocket presence and management have been good. But remember, there is no live contact and no one is wearing pads.

Follow
Mike Mulia @MikeMulia1
@LATimesklein What is going on with the QB? Does McVay potentially see Mannion as giving the Rams a better chance to win this year?


Jared Goff is the starting quarterback and Sean Mannion is the backup.

McVay, like most coaches, is going to publicly profess that there is competition at all positions.

The Rams invested heavily in Goff. He is getting all of the first-team reps. At this point, McVay sees Goff as the quarterback who gives the Rams the best chance to win this year.


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Jerry Souza @jjerbear17
@LATimesklein Don't you think the Rams need a backup qb with experience in case goff gets hurt and mannion underperformance?


Not necessarily.

If Goff suffers an injury and Mannion underperforms, the Rams can make a move then. Or play through the struggles.

The Rams are not projected as a Super Bowl contender and there is no internal pressure on McVay to make the playoffs in his first season.

Goff and Mannion are in their second and third seasons, respectively. They should play and develop, even if it becomes painful to watch.


Follow
DVH @d_v_h
@LATimesklein I find the discussion about a #1 WR unnecessary. If you have enough WRs with complementary skill sets, aren't the labels ridiculous?

You make a valid point.

The goal is to win games. And if a collection of receivers can get the job done without a pecking order, that is fantastic.

But ask a receiver — or their agent or a general manager — if a No. 1 receiver label makes a difference when they are negotiating contracts.

As Robert Woods told me when discussing the Washington Redskins and their offense under McVay last season: “They find ways to get receivers the ball and become a No. 1. Or two No. 1s.”

Follow
MiKe C. @BeastModeMike08
@LATimesklein Which rookie WR will have greater impact on the team Reynolds or Krupp?

Cooper Kupp from Eastern Washington was selected by the Rams in the third round, Josh Reynolds of Texas A&M in the fourth.

Kupp, the all-time receiving leader in the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision, started for four years and appears suited for short and mid-range passes. Reynolds is taller and perhaps more of a deep threat.

From what I have seen in rookie minicamp and OTA workouts, Kupp appears likely to have the more immediate impact. But Reynolds has made some notable plays as well.

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Brett Shepherd @brettshep43
@LATimesklein @LATimesfarmer Can the rams mysteriously remove the FUGLY GOLD from their uniforms?


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MICHAEL Threalkill @MThrealkill
@LATimesklein Can we get rid of the gold and blue uniforms? The ghost of Mike Martz #44years Rams fan

The Rams made some slight changes to their uniforms for this season — white horns on the helmets, blue stripe on the pants — but some gold accents will remain on the jerseys.

The Rams planned for a rebrand, including new uniforms, to coincide with a move into their new stadium in 2019. The stadium completion has been delayed until 2020.

The Rams could still opt to go with new uniforms in 2019.

I’m not certain what they will look like. But I do not anticipate even a stitch of gold.


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Kyle Aletter Oldham @sassygal09
@LATimesklein Gary, what team do u think used the drafting process to put themselves in contention 4 creating the perfect combination of passion & talent?

I am going to assume you are referring to the recent NFL draft rather than drafts over time.

It’s difficult to assess how newly drafted players will perform as rookies and develop. And as the Rams beat writer I’m pretty fixated on their situation and the teams in their division.

The Rams addressed some of their needs, the Seahawks under Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider have a history of drafting well, the Cardinals took care of some defensive needs early and the 49ers had a splashy draft under new coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch.

Outside of the NFC West …

The Cleveland Browns are a long way from winning a Super Bowl, but it was sure fun to watch them trade and utilize their stockpile of picks in this year’s draft. And they will have plenty next year as well.

If the talent develops — and if they ever develop a quarterback — one of the most passionate fan bases in sports might eventually be rewarded.


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Mike Mueller @mmueller1070
@LATimesklein How does Snead still have a job?Oh wait,I know.The Rams aren't trying to win.They are trying to maximize the value of Kroenke's portfolio.

General manager Les Snead survived the firing of Jeff Fisher even though the Rams have not had a winning season during his five-year tenure.

They are 31-48-1 in that time.

But I think it’s inaccurate to say the Rams aren’t trying to win.

Owner Stan Kroenke’s sizable portfolio would get a boost, it seems, if the Rams were annual contenders for the playoffs and the Super Bowl.


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Gavin @Gavoth
@LATimesklein If coming season is a disaster and Snead is fired would the coaching staff get second chance or would decks be cleared?

I guess it depends on what you define as a “disaster.”

A winless season? Players and coaches in trouble off the field?

The Rams are looking for McVay and his staff to make progress. This is a team that won four games last season.

The Rams did not hire a 31-year-old coach with the intent of keeping him around for one season. McVay will have a few years to turn around the franchise’s fortunes.


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RamFam Podcaster @RamfamPodcaster
@LATimesklein Who are we most likely to sweep this year in our division.

Not the Seahawks.

Probably not the Cardinals.

Perhaps the 49ers, though that’s what I thought in 2016 — and the Rams got swept.


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Brandon Bate @NoPlanB_
@LATimesklein if 7 Eleven is open 24 hours a day, why do the doors have locks?

Hmm.

Perhaps they are to be used on July 11 of each year, otherwise known as Free Slurpee Day. If a huge crowd descends on a store, the doors could be locked intermittently to control entry.

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Danny Trust @TrustLawrence
@LATimesklein Since you are a "Contact Reporter". Do you think you could put on pads and a helmut, and tell us what it`s like to be hit by Aaron Donald?


The late George Plimpton set the standard for that kind of participatory journalism with his book “Paper Lion.”

I’m all for giving readers an up-close look at sports and the athletes who play them.

But I’m not eager to be hit by Aaron Donald.

Especially if he’s upset about a contract situation.

Thanks for all the great questions. Let’s do it again next week.

Pretty funny.

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Looks like another attack in London. Hope everybody and their loved ones are safe and ok. This world is going crazy unfortunately

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Los Angeles Rams: There is a bright side to Jared Goff setting the bar so low last year. An improvement to passable with recognizable NFL skills in his second year will feel like a huge win for new head coach Sean McVay and the franchise. (This is the type of grading on a curve that Cam Newton, Andrew Luck and Jameis Winston were never afforded.) The entire 2017 Rams season is essentially a 16-part docu-series trying to solve the mystery: "Is Jared Goff an NFL quarterback?"

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000812320/article/biggest-remaining-weak-spot-of-each-nfc-team

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/06/03/texans-sign-sio-moore-and-flipper-andersons-son/

Texans sign Sio Moore, and Flipper Anderson’s son
Posted by Darin Gantt on June 3, 2017


Dres Flipper Anderson/The Salt Lake Tribune

The Texans filled their two available roster spots with a journeyman linebacker and the son of an NFL star.

According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, the Texans are signing linebacker Sio Moore and wide receiver Dres Anderson after they worked out for the team Friday.

Anderson's the son of former Rams wideout Flipper Anderson. He has spent time on the 49ers practice squad and was with the Bears earlier this offseason.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dres_Anderson

Dres Flipper Anderson (born July 20, 1992), 6'1", 187 lbs age 24, is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Utah. Anderson finished his college career with 134 receptions for 2,077 yards and 17 receiving touchdowns.

Anderson went undrafted in the 2015 NFL draft, allegedly due to concerns over his surgically repaired knee, but was quickly signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent.

On September 3, 2016, Anderson was released by the 49ers. The next day, he was signed to the 49ers' practice squad. On October 18, 2016, Anderson was released by the 49ers.

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