www.rotoworld.com/headlines/nfl/357643/Rams-want-Tavon-to-be-more-DeSean-Jackson-ish

Rams want Tavon to be more DeSean Jackson-ish

The Rams want Tavon Austin to become more of a downfield threat similar to DeSean Jackson.

Easier said than done. Jackson is one of the premier deep threats the sport has seen over the last decade. While not big at 5'10/175, Jackson still plays bigger than the 5'9/174 Austin. Both ran similar forties as straight-line speedsters, with Jackson blazing a 4.35 coming out of Cal and Austin clocking a 4.34 out of West Virginia. New Rams coach Sean McVay obviously got a ton out of Jackson in Washington and hopes to develop Austin into more as a receiver after Jeff Fisher's staff seemed clueless how to use him, using Austin more as a gimmick.
Source: ESPN.com
May 5 - 12:19 PM

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Didn't see this posted yet

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Doing some reading on PFF this evening and ended up doing a site search
for Sam Rogers.Just thought I would share some of the results that I enjoyed.
No doubt he will be Gurley's new best friend.
I think he will quickly become a fan favorite.Blocker,receiver,special team demon.
Just really love this pick and the value of getting him in the 6th round.



VS UNC

Top offensive grades

FB Sam Rogers, 86.5
T Yosuah Nijman, 73.7
TE Chris Cunningham, 70.7
G Augie Conte, 69.9
HB Travon McMillian, 67.5

Sam Rogers leads VT offense on the ground

In a rainy, ugly, sloppy game, it was the FB who stood above everyone else. To be honest, I’m having a tough time putting into words exactly how exceptional of a performance Sam Rogers put on Saturday afternoon. Whether he was leading the HB up the middle or sealing off the edge for a run to bounce outside, he simply did it all. Rogers finished the game with an 88.5 run-blocking grade, with only a few minor blemishes keeping that from reaching 90.
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Senior Bowl Grades

Top offensive grades:

WR Zay Jones, 84.6
FB Sam Rogers, 82.4
C Tyler Orlosky, 73.6
G Jordan Morgan, 72.4
HB Kareem Hunt, 71.4

Virginia Tech fullback Sam Rogers was a lead-blocking machine and finished with a game-high 79.8 run-blocking grade.
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Mid Season All - American Team

Fullback: Sam Rogers, Virginia Tech 87.2

Rogers moves around the formation for Virginia Tech, providing strong work as a run blocker (80.1) and as a receiver (77.3) while also carrying the ball 33 times for 109 yards.
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Fullback: Sam Rogers, Virginia Tech

Sam Rogers fits into the traditional fullback mold, but also offers diversity to the Hokies offense. He has seen playing time at tailback, fullback and tight end this year. With the quickness to run routes, and the physicality to punish defenders between the tackles, Rogers offers a match-up problem for defensive coordinators. He ranked second in the nation at the position with 287 receiving yards, adding three touchdowns and six broken tackles. Virginia Tech head coach Justin Fuente has even used him as a passer on trick plays, with reasonable effectiveness. Oh, and he loves to smash linebackers at the point of attack, ranking second in the nation in the regard in 2016.

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Defensive tackle out of Monmouth college and younger brother of NBA player J.R. Smith.

http://www.monmouthhawks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14300&ATCLID=211583603

http://www.monmouthhawks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14300&ATCLID=205405832

Not greatly productive, and I can't find any any pro day results, but at least there's a blood line.

And it's such a simple basic thing.

We added 3 new receivers via draft with good hands. On top of FA Woods who also has good hands.

Fans of most teams would expect good hands in their receivers and kinda take it for granted. Not Ram fans. Not for a long, long time, anyway.

We've all seen the vids of Kupp, Everett, and Reynolds. They're open even when they're not open, at times. A few acrobatic one handed catches, even.

Goff must think he's died and gone to heaven as he watches those vids. Lol.

Combine this QB with the hands of those receivers, stir in a little Gurley behind an improved OL and what do you have?

I think you have a highly combustible mixture. One that, if coupled with a Wade D and a Fassel ST, can get us to 10-6 or better THIS year. Maybe the playoffs, even.

Hot Damn!

I got a text from Rich's daughter last night. It's been 2 years (today) since we lost our great friend.

She said that she was watching the NFL Draft last week and she noticed that Denver drafted a Tight End named Jake Butts. She laughed out loud, and then said the 1st thing she wanted to do was tell Rich... because she knew he would laugh his ass off too. She misses him so much.

I really miss him too. Send some positive vibes to Rich and his family today. I know Rich is keeping up with our crazy asses... he'll appreciate it.

I have to say that my knowledge of both is sort of limited and is mostly from highlight clips. I am MOST excited about Josh Reynolds and am curious as to why:
1. Why Kupp was picked before Reynolds?
2. Why everyone seems to be geeked that Kupp will be a better pro?

Other fans don't know Reynolds, but watching him on tape he looks like a STUD. Kupp looks precise in his route running, but is not as physically imposing to me. Reynolds is aggressive in getting the ball and both he and Kupp seem to be a less than accurate QB's best friend (wide catching radius and large sticky hands). When I see Reynolds, I see a future dominant WR. In Kupp, I see a nice player and probably not a #1. JMO

and you?

1 - Pocket presence

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2 - Nice try, Sherman!

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3 - Climbing the pocket like a veteran!

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4 - The rare bootleg rollout!

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5 - Perfect placement

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6 - The bobbling TD!

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7 - That sweet one-hander!

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8 - The Josh Reynolds ticket to the Rams!

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9 - Sloppy feet, Britt!

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10 - The 14 million dollar fade!

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Bonus: The dual threat!

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https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/a...-auburn-ol-alex-kozan-signs-los-angeles-rams/

https://www.seccountry.com/auburn/alex-kozan-gets-signed-by-run-deficient-rams

Just signed.

Rams claimed NT Mike Purcell off waivers from the 49ers.
Purcell signed his exclusive rights tender, but was cut this week. His familiarity in 3-4 schemes make him a potential fit in a backup role. None of Purcell's $615,000 salary is guaranteed. May 3 - 5:14 PM

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/8997/mike-purcell

I don't know what to make of this but Tayvon had two snaps from last night that worry me a little bit.

The first one was just a black screen that said "I'm in so much pain"

The second was another black screen that had crying emojis and said "Fuckkkkkkkkkk" it was at like 1:40 am

I really hope he didn't suffer a bad injury

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...t-grades-49ers-gm-john-lynch-bolsters-defense


NOTABLE PICKS

BEST PICK: Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
San Francisco 49ers, Round 1, No. 3 overall

The 49ers desperately needed a pass rusher with a nonstop motor and explosive athletic attributes to solidify a defensive line that's brimming with young talent. Thomas is an Energizer Bunny with outstanding hand skills and first-step quickness. He can rush from the edge on early downs and slide inside in obvious passing situations to abuse offensive guards with his dynamic game. He could be the 49ers' version of Michael Bennett in their new defense, which is a scary thought for the rest of the NFC West.

MOST SURPRISING PICK: Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
San Francisco 49ers, Round 1, No. 31 overall

The arrival of Foster should fill the void created by Patrick Willis' retirement a few seasons ago. The Alabama standout is a heat-seeking missile between the tackles and his knack for putting big licks on runners will change the way teams attack the 49ers' defense. With Foster also showing outstanding awareness, instincts and ball skills in coverage, the 49ers snagged a blue-chip player at a bargain basement price at the bottom of the first round.

BIGGEST SLEEPER: Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State
Seattle Seahawks, Round 2, No. 35 overall

There's no denying McDowell's talents as a disruptive interior defender, but the Michigan State star failed to dominate Big Ten competition consistently due to a low-revving motor that frustrated every coach and scout that peeped the tape. In Seattle, however, he steps into a locker room where he will be held accountable for his performance and production by his peers, which could spark the ultra-talented playmaker to play up to his potential. If he simply raises his exertion level and competes like a mad man, McDowell could emerge as a Pro Bowl-caliber playmaker early in his career.

TEAM GRADES

NOTE: Draft classes are ranked from best to worst within the division.

1) San Francisco 49ers

» Round 1: (No. 3 overall) Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford; (No. 31) Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama.
» Round 2: (66) Ahkello Witherspoon, CB, Colorado.
» Round 3: (104) C.J. Beathard, QB, Iowa.
» Round 4: (121) Joe Williams, RB, Utah.
» Round 5: (146) George Kittle, TE, Iowa; (177) Trent Taylor, WR, Louisiana Tech.
» Round 6: (198) D.J. Jones, DT, Mississippi; (202) Pita Taumoepenu, OLB, Utah
» Round 7: (229) Adrian Colbert, DB, Miami


Credit John Lynch for knocking it out of the park in his first draft as the 49ers' general manager. The former broadcaster landed a pair of blue-chip players in the first round after convincing the Chicago Bears to cough up a boatload picks for the No. 2 overall selection. Thomas gives the 49ers a slippery pass rusher with dynamic skills as an inside/outside rusher. Foster is a menacing linebacker with a nasty demeanor and some serious "thump" to his game. He fills a void on the second level that's been missing since Patrick Willis retired a few years ago. Williams is a rugged runner with the speed to take it the distance. C.J. Beathard is a bit of a head-scratcher as a developmental quarterback prospect. GRADE: A


2) Arizona Cardinals

» Round 1: (No. 13) Haason Reddick, LB, Temple.
» Round 2: (36) Budda Baker, S, Washington.
» Round 3: (98) Chad Williams, WR, Grambling St.
» Round 4: (115) Dorian Johnson, OG, Pittsburgh.
» Round 5: (157) Will Holden, OT, Vanderbilt; (179) T.J. Logan, RB, North Carolina.
» Round 6: (208) Rudy Ford, S, Auburn.

The Cardinals continue to collect hybrids for their multi-faceted defense. Reddick can play multiple spots as an inside linebacker with edge-rush skills. He could have a stellar rookie season, starring in their exotic packages. Baker is a Tyrann Matheiu clone with exceptional instincts and awareness. He might be the best slot corner in the draft, which is a huge asset to a team that loves to attack with blitz pressure from all angles. Williams came off the board sooner than most expected but the All-SWAC pass catcher has a combination of size, speed and ball skills that could make him a solid WR2 in the Cardinals' scheme. Logan is an electric returner with outstanding speed and burst. He could enhance their return units and fill a role as an RB3. GRADE: B+


3) Seattle Seahawks

» Round 2: (35) Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan St.; (58) Ethan Pocic, C, LSU.
» Round 3: (90) Shaquill Griffin, DB, Central Florida; (95) Delano Hill, SS, Michigan; (102) Nazair Jones, DT, North Carolina; (106) Amara Darboh, WR, Michigan.
» Round 4: (111) Tedric Thompason, FS, Colorado.
» Round 6: (187) Michael Tyson, S, Cincinnati; (210) Justin Senior, OT, Mississippi St.
» Round 7: (226) David Moore, WR, East Central (OK); (249) Christopher Carson, RB, Oklahoma St

The Seahawks don't mind gambling on talented prospects with prototypical physical traits and inconsistent games. McDowell is a boom-or-bust prospect with immense talent and potential. His production at Michigan State doesn't reflect a big-time playmaker because of his low-revving motor. If the Seahawks can get McDowell to play with more urgency, the ex-Spartan could blossom into a Pro Bowl performer. Jones is also an enigmatic talent with Pro Bowl traits but scant production. The 300-pounder flashes as a disruptive tackle, but coaches will want to see him play with more energy and focus as a pro. If the light comes on for Jones, he could shine in the Seahawks' scheme. Offensively, Pocic should shore up a hole in the middle. He's a versatile interior blocker with size and strength. Darboh gives the team a sturdy pass-catcher to throw into the rotation as a WR3/WR4. GRADE: B-


4) Los Angeles Rams

» Round 2: (44) Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama.
» Round 3: (69) Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington; (91) John Johnson, S, Boston College.
» Round 4: (117) Josh Reynolds, WR, TexasA&M; (125) Samson Ebukam, OLB, Eastern Washington.
» Round 6: (189) Tanzel Smart, DT, Tulane; (206) Sam Rogers, FB, Virginia Tech.
» Round 7: (234) Ejuan Price, DE, Pittsburgh.

The Rams wanted to add weapons around their young franchise quarterback, Jared Goff, to help him grow into a playmaker at the position. Everett is a hybrid tight end with size, speed and ball skills. He could play the Jordan Reed role in Sean McVay's offense as a versatile pass catcher on the perimeter. Kupp, a polished route runner with strong hands and superb ball skills, could occupy a big role as a WR3 in the Rams' passing attack. Johnson gives Wade Phillips a dynamic safety with cornerback-like skills. He could be a surprise starter in the secondary as a rookie. Ebukam is an athletic freak with the physical tools to emerge as a rotational player early in his career. GRADE: C

Follow Bucky Brooks on Twitter @BuckyBrooks

there's more here...http://www.therams.com/photos/photo-gallery/PHOTOS-Rams-Get-Back-to-Work/f35d3e8f-142e-402a-b615-6a9e82a73321

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/h...aying-about-the-bears-draft-and-its-not-good/

The beauty of the draft is in the eye of the beholder. It will take years for these players to succeed or falter and the true outcome of which teams got it right and which ones struck out is impossible to know right now.

But that hasn't stopped evaluators and decision-makers around the NFL from whispering about what they liked and what they didn't like. And no team is being met with more scrutiny than the Bears. It's not a revelation that things are not great between young GM Ryan Pace and old-school head coach John Fox. I've been reporting and commenting on it since before last season. But it is reaching a nadir and the puzzling decision to give up a ransom to move up one spot and take QB Mitchell Trubisky, who would have been sitting there at pick No. 3 anyway, is just one of several decisions that has others questioning the longevity of this regime in Chicago.

"We don't know what the hell they were doing," said an executive from one team that is routinely in the postseason. "It's all anyone is talking about. It's really bad between Pace and Fox. Fox is fuming about being left in the dark on the trade (for Trubisky). I don't know anyone who likes their draft. From the first pick on, we can't figure out what they were doing. Go back and look at how many small-school kids they took. People around the league are shocked. It's really bad between Pace and Fox."

An executive from another team noted: "Either the Bears know something no one else in the league knows, or that draft just got a lot of people fired only they don't know it yet."

The Trubisky pick will tell the tale of this franchise moving forward. And it remains to be seen whether or not this old-school ownership group would blow everything up again in 2018 or not (front office and coaching staff), but few groups will go into this season under more scrutiny. The Bears had just five picks in total after trades, and selected players from Ashland University, North Carolina A&T and Kutztown to go with Trubisky and an injured safety from Alabama, despite having glaring holes all over the roster.

Oh, and don't forget they gave Mike Glennon $18.5M to play quarterback for them this season. Perhaps the Bears will prove the skeptics and critics wrong, but if they don't, there is almost certain to be a significant shakeup there come January. If Pace does get to hire another head coach next year, I expect you hear plenty about longtime Saints assistant Pete Carmichael, who he worked with in New Orleans, and highly-regarded Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald. Most assume Fitzgerald will never leave that program, but the Bears might well try to coerce him should they suffer another poor campaign -- as my man Brady Quinn astutely pointed out during our draft live show over the weekend.

....Look at all of the Forced Fumbles! The highlite below is of his last 2 seasons I believe. In the opening 3 or 4 minutes, I lost count of all the plays he knocks the ball loose. And, that's on top of his ability to get to the QB.

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