https://www.thefantasyfootballers.c...rson-something-worth-believing/?udk=mharmon25

Sometimes it just clicks. You witness an event unfold and almost instantaneously it hits you that you’re taking in something different from the norm, perhaps even something special.

In the best of cases, those feelings and a logical assessment of them afterward inspire us to take a stand, to believe in something. A mere observation alone isn’t something worth celebrating, but rather the action that follows it.

Watching Carlos Henderson play wide receiver creates that effect. His play inspires you to craft the story of his future NFL success and believe in its coming to pass.

After the consensus top two receivers in this class, Mike Williams and Corey Davis, it’s essentially open season in terms of who will fill out the rest of draft analysts’ top 10 position rankings. Henderson is one of the best x-factors to shoot up those lists in the coming months.

Unlike his peers Williams and Davis, or even the likes of John Ross and Juju Smith-Schuster, Carlos Henderson hasn’t been on the scene for multiple years. He’s a newcomer, and those not inundated in the deepest depths of college football might just be learning about him. I certainly fell into that category before charting out his Reception Perception sample.

I expected Henderson’s numbers to be just another set to round out my database of wide receiver prospects for the 2017 draft class. What I didn’t see coming was that by the end of the process, he would easily be my favorite wide receiver prospect of the 2017 draft class. Yet, that’s exactly what the data bore out.

When viewed in totality, Carlos Henderson’s Reception Perception results speak to a player with perhaps more upside than any other receiver outside the top two. There are few flaws to pick out of his game, and cartons of potential of which to unpack.

Alignment and target data
Games sampled: Texas Tech, Arkansas, Western Kentucky 12/3, Southern Methodist, Western Kentucky 10/6, Massachusetts

Louisiana Tech lists Carlos Henderson at 5-foot-11, 191 pounds. While he’s not the biggest player, he almost exclusively functioned as the Bulldogs’ X-receiver this season. Henderson lined up at left wide receiver on 51.4 percent of his snaps over the six games sampled for Reception Perception and on the right side for 44.6 percent. He was on the line of scrimmage for 91.1 percent of his plays.

While slot receiver Trent Taylor recorded more catches than Henderson this year, it’s clear who the focal point of the aerial attack was. Louisiana Tech’s quarterbacks targeted him on 36.1 percent of the 202 routes he ran in the Reception Perception sample. His targets often come in high-leverage, big play potential situations, as Henderson maintained 19.6 yards per reception average for his collegiate career.

In space and contested catch ancillary metrics
Before looking at his success rate vs. coverage scores, it’s important to quantify the aspects of Henderson’s game that “pops” on film. It’s his performance in these ancillary metrics in conjunction with his raw profile that got him on the draft world’s radar.

Carlos Henderson is a dynamic player in space, that’s easy to see when watching a highlight reel of his big plays. Yet, Reception Perception helps shine a light on just how dominant he was in this regard, as he is bar none the best prospect charted the last two years “in space” with the ball in his hands.

Of his 202 routes charted, Henderson was out “in space” with the opportunity to break a tackle on 13.9 percent of them. He was only brought down on first contact on 21.4 percent of those attempts, the lowest rate of the 40-plus prospects charted over the last two seasons. Conversely, his astronomical multiple broken tackle rate of 39.3 percent was the best score recorded. To put that into context, Corey Davis has the second highest rate at 22.6 percent and Corey Coleman led the 2016 class with 17.4 percent.

What Carlos Henderson did at Louisiana Tech with the ball in his hands was special, no questions asked. His combination of tenacity, power and agility make it hard to imagine that he won’t at least translate that skill to the NFL level. Don’t be surprised if Henderson tests off the charts and performs in the top-five of several drills at the NFL Scouting Combine this year.

Of course, a sub 6-foot-0 receiver is expected to be something of an asset after the catch. Their abilities in space are meant to offset the potential worries brought on by a lack of height. However, what makes Henderson so unique is that he is a small receiver who wins in the air and in contested situations.

Henderson posted a 76.9 contested catch conversion rate on 13 attempts in his Reception Perception sample. That score slides him into the 87th percentile among prospects charted over the last two years. Despite his lack of size, Henderson is an excellent leaper who doesn’t shy away from tight physical coverage. We have plenty of examples in the NFL today of smaller receivers who end up becoming the focal point of their team’s passing offense, due to their ability to integrate playing above the rim with the separation they create. Henderson appears to have the skills to do that as well.

Success rate vs. coverage
While winning contested catches and making highlight-reel athletic feats after the catch will get you on the draft radar, showing consistent route-running and earning separation get you into the Day 2 conversation. It was in the success rate vs. coverage metric, which measures how often a receiver gets open on each individual route run, that Carlos Henderson established himself as one of the better receiver prospects in this draft.

Last season, Sterling Shepard was the best performer almost across the board in success rate vs. coverage. His 82.8 and 91.1 percent success rate vs. man and press coverage, respectively, were far and away the top scores in the class. His 80.2 percent success rate vs. zones was also a top-three mark. All of those metrics pointed to Shepard being a strong NFL prospect, something he showed to be true right away in year one of his career.

Among the 2017 prospects, it was Carlos Henderson who stood above the crowd. Henderson bested Shepard’s success rate vs. press coverage score with a 92.6 percent score this year. Now, he didn’t face much press coverage in his lower-level conference, but when defenders took the chance to try and square him up at the line of scrimmage, Henderson defeated their efforts with a variety of release moves. Henderson also took home the highest success rate vs. zone coverage score in Reception Perception’s prospect database with 90.5 percent. While Shepard still holds the best score against man coverage after the entry of the 2017 prospects’ data, Henderson’s 78.9 percent success rate v. man coverage checks in above the 91st percentile.

Carlos Henderson has a more refined technical arsenal than one may expect. He shows precision timing when breaking off his routes, as well as the ability to use deception in the nuanced sections of creating separation. His unhinged athleticism on the field helps put a crescendo on his efforts to get open at all levels of the field.

Route data
I’ve long been on the record as someone who believes “doesn’t run the full route tree” should not be levied as a critique against draft prospects. It’s a note that assesses the environment a receiver exists in, not the player himself.

With that being said, what a player is asked to do as a route-runner is a part of the story that helps bring context to their Reception Perception profile. What Carlos Henderson’s route percentage shows is a player with a narrow utilization portfolio.



Red is below the two-year prospect average, green is above and yellow is within the average.

What we clearly notice is Henderson’s lack of deployment on out-breaking routes. The corner, out, comeback and flat routes combined for just 4.5 percent of his patterns overall. Given Henderson’s skills after the catch, it makes sense to assign him in-breaking routes to best get him in space. Still, such limited use on outside routes is noteworthy.

Henderson’s most run routes compared to the two-year prospect average were the nine, dig, curl and screen. He’s capable of picking up vertical chunk plays on vertical routes, as well as using and creating cushion for himself by breaking back to the quarterback on curls. Those routes will help him become an asset as a downfield receiver in addition to what he does after the catch. His high usage rate on digs is striking, and points to some of the more under-noticed aspects of his precision that show up on his route success rate chart.



Not only was Henderson used frequently on digs routes compared to the average prospect, he was also incredibly successful. His 94.4 percent success rate on dig routes was the best score of any prospect charted this year. Henderson shows a strong understanding of where to break off his routes at the 90-degree angle, and does so with pristine foot frequency.

Carlos Henderson posted a success rate vs coverage score above the two-year prospect average on every route on the tree outside of the screen and comeback (which he never ran in this sample). Also showing his versatility, he was one of the top-two performing receivers in both the short and deep game.

Among the six prospects who ran the nine route at a rate above the two-year average (20.6 percent), Carlos Henderson’s 66 percent success rate was the best score. His 88.9 percent success rate on post route tied Mike Williams for the best among prospects this year. His 87.9 percent score on slant route trailed on slants trailed only Isaiah Ford. There isn’t a level on the field where Henderson isn’t one of the best receivers in this class.

It’s easy to get swept away with enthusiasm watching Carlos Henderson play. The fact that Reception Perception quantifies his abilities on a route-to-route basis doesn’t make it any easier to avoid getting bullish with the projections.

Still establishing his NFL Draft story, expect Henderson’s stock to continue to gain steam in the coming weeks. As perhaps a surprise underclassmen declaration, the big draft industrial complex and even the most passionate observers have just turned their gaze to this star over the last few weeks. It won’t be long before Henderson replaces names like Cooper Kupp and Zay Jones, still riding off the buzz from strong Senior Bowl weeks, as the darling of the second-tier of receiver prospects this year.

As a player who clearly has it all when it comes to on-field ability, Carlos Henderson checks all the boxes of a player we need to monitor closely in his career, especially if he lands with an NFL team able to nurture that clear upside in his corner. Henderson’s is a story worth believing in, one that Reception Perception believes won’t stay a tale of folklore for much longer. When it comes to “my guys” this year, Henderson is squarely at the forefront of the group.

If you’re interested in more Reception Perception analysis, make sure to visit our Reception Perception pages for college prospect evaluations and pre-order The Ultimate Draft Kit for access to 50 NFL players’ full data this summer. You can keep up with all of the work using the #ReceptionPerception hashtag on Twitter.

Steve Wyche on possibly pursuing Pierre Garcon,and blocking scheme change.





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http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/s...o-five-year-contract-worth-nearly-73-million/

Antonio Brown is arguably the league’s best receiver. Now, he’s going to get paid like it.

On Monday, the Steelers signed Brown to a new five-year contract, which will keep him in Pittsburgh through the 2021 season. Browns’ contract was set to expire after the 2017 season, so this can also be viewed as a four-year extension.

According to CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora, the deal is worth nearly $73 million.

And that means Brown is now the NFL’s highest-paid receiver. Bengals receiver A.J. Green led the league with $15 million per season, but Browns’ four-year extension means he’s getting $17 million per season.

Clearly, he’s worth the investment. In 2016, Brown caught 106 passes for 1,284 yards, and 12 touchdowns. Since he entered the league in 2010 as a sixth-round pick (seriously), Brown has gone on to rack up the second most receiving yards (8,377) -- only Calvin Johnson, who retired a year ago, has more. He’s also caught 50 touchdowns in that span, which is the 10th highest total.

Gangland Undercover is returning for a second season. If you missed season 1 you can probably catch reruns on the History Channel. The second season starts March 2 on History.

I loved the first season. This is a true story about Charlie Falco. He was a Meth dealer and eventually was busted. He cut a deal with an ATF agent to infiltrate the Vagos and bring the local chapter down. It was an insightful look at what a real Motorcycle gang is like these days. It is narrated like a story being told. They are true accounts only the star of the series, Damon Runyan, does the narrating also.

Falco moved to the East coast through witness protection and must have got the itch to get back to work because he went undercover two more times. I believe it is the Mongols he goes after this season.

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Thoughts? Personally I hope this leads to a long term deal or walk away from him. I think we will add 3 CB via FA & draft to rebuild the position.

These are excerpts. To read the whole article click the link below.
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http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2017/02/27/nfl-draft-mike-mayock-combine-top-prospects-peter-king

The Book on Draft Prospects, According to Mike Mayock
Heading into the combine, the NFL Network analyst spreads the good word on the best quarterback, the deepest position group and more
By Peter King

Never been a big combine fan. I’ve always felt it (in part) bastardizes the draft class by getting fans and some scouts and coaches all heated up when some average college player runs fast and jumps high in Indianapolis, and pushes that so-so player up the draft board. Gratuitously.

Stephen Hill. 2012. Georgia Tech receiver. Caught 49 passes in his college career. Big guy: 6'4", 215. Ran a 4.30 and 4.31 in the 40-yard dash at Indy. Much frothing over Hill around Lucas Oil Stadium. Jets traded second-, fifth- and seventh-round picks to move up to take Hill in the second round. Hill caught 45 NFL passes, total. Out of football now.

But it is the start of the draft season, and I do have an inordinate amount of respect for Mike Mayock, who cares so much about his craft and is not afraid to admit when he errs—as he did publicly and with much hand-wringing about thinking Johnny Manziel had turned his life around three years ago.


Mike Mayock is the lead analyst of the NFL Network’s draft coverage
Photo: Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

So when he says this from his Pennsylvania bunker, taking a break on Friday from watching five game tapes of every prospect of import, I listen:

“This is as good and as deep a class as I’ve seen in a draft in several years—with the exception of quarterback and offensive line. Running backs and tight ends, top end and depth are outstanding. Tight ends—I haven’t seen a group like this in years. Wide receivers, very good.

Defensively, it’s unbelievable. The edge rushers … we haven’t seen a group like this in a long, long time. You’ll be able to get a starting edge rusher in the fourth round that last year or most drafts you’d compare to an edge rusher in the second round. Cornerbacks and safeties, it’s the best I’ve seen in 10 years at least.”

Hmmm. With some Stephen Hill-ian perspective, let’s go over the Ten Things Mayock Thinks About the 2017 NFL scouting combine.

* * *

• Mayock thinks he has no idea which quarterback is best. “Not a great class, but it doesn’t mean there isn’t talent there,” he said. “The talent at the top end is not ready to contribute anytime soon. Two or three years down road, though, is your owner patient? Your fan base patient?” Mayock says put DeShone Kizer of Notre Dame, Mitch Trubisky of North Carolina, Clemson’s Deshaun Watson and Texas Tech’s Pat Mahomes in any order.

“I do top-five lists, and this was the toughest I ever remember at any position. An intriguing class, for different reasons. All have holes in their games, all a little inexperienced.” This was the best thing Mayock said: “I try to focus so that I am not mired in old-school philosophy. But one thing that really bothers me is a one-year starter at the quarterback position.

I like Trubisky, but 13 college starts bothers me for a top 10-pick. Look at his bowl game against Stanford. Some great throws in the last two minutes. But also a throw on a wheel route that a DB returned for a pick-six. What’s he thinking?” Kizer, he says, is the most compelling. “I think he has the most upside, the highest ceiling. But he is 12-11 as a starter at Notre Dame.

He played a lot of bad football with the game on the line in the fourth quarter this year. That is not acceptable. But he is 6'5", 235. He has that kind of prototypical franchise quarterback look, a Philip Rivers type … if he gets everything right.”

• Mayock thinks he is fascinated by Deshaun Watson. “The positives I love: 28-2 as a starter in the last two seasons, played his best when the lights were brightest, embraces the moment—and you cannot discount that. As you watch him play, what it really comes down to: He’s gonna have the same conversation in draft rooms as Jared Goff, Marcus Mariota, RG3, Johnny Manziel, all of these spread quarterbacks: Can he win from the pocket?

I’ve done five games of his. When his post-snap look matches up with pre-snap, when he gets what he thinks he’s gonna get, he can make every throw with accuracy on all three levels, no question. When his post-snap look is different from pre-snap, he struggles.”

• Mayock thinks the backs are dreamy. “There are five backs this year that you can give a first-round grade,” he said, “and the average number of backs to go in the first round in the last five years is 1.2.” He has Florida State’s Dalvin Cook one and all-world Leonard Fournette of LSU two, because he thinks Cook’s a better all-around back and has been healthier.

To get the value out of Fournette, he says, you must treat him like Ezekiel Elliott and plan for 25 touches a game. He also likes Alvin Kamara of Tennessee and thinks without the off-field problems Joe Mixon would be a first-round pick. With the problems? Maybe in the Tyreek Hill, fifth-round range.

• Mayock thinks Christian McCaffrey is a great match for the team picking 32nd. I said to Mayock, “Wouldn’t New England—where every game plan is a snowflake, so different and so diverse—be a perfect landing spot for McCaffrey?” The Patriots select last in the first round, and Mayock said: “I would be surprised if he lasted that long, but I am in 100 percent agreement with you.

The NFL’s become a matchup league, and Christian McCaffrey is a matchup player. You can line him up anywhere: the I, slot, all the way out wide, sidecar to QB, he becomes a chess piece for a smart offensive mind. He will run 4.5 or better, and I’ve never seen him get caught from behind. He’s going to be a very good NFL player.”

• Mayock thinks the lesser wideouts will be very good pros. He’s like everyone: Mike Williams (Clemson), Corey Davis (Western Michigan) and John Ross (Washington) are the cream. But at the Senior Bowl, Mayock fell in love with two great-hands guys: Cooper Kupp of Eastern Washington and Zay Jones of East Carolina. “Every year, when Eastern Washington played a PAC-12 school, Cupp dominated, so that eliminated any question to me about level of competition,” Mayock said. “Zay Jones … what hands. No fear.”

• Mayock thinks the edge guys could set a record this year. It’s not surprising to say seven or eight defensive linemen could go in the first round. But seven or eight pass-rushers in the first round? That’s a great class. Mayock said he would be surprised if the Browns do not stick at number one and take Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett, who at 252 pounds is six pounds heavier than Von Miller was at the combine six years ago, and was just as impactful around the corner as Miller was in college.

The first pick, Mayock thinks, will be one of two players: Garrett or Alabama defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. That leads us to a non-first-rounder, but one of Mayock’s favorites …

• Mayock is a Philly guy, so forgive him for this, but he thinks the hidden gem in the edge class and maybe the draft is a guy from his ’hood (Villanova). The son of a chemist from Uganda and economist from Ivory Coast, rusher Tanoh Kpassagnon (repeat after me: TAWN-o pass-N-yoh) had 21 tackles for loss at the I-AA level last year. “He has no idea what he’s doing,” said Mayock, “but he was really good at the Senior Bowl, and it’ll be interesting to see what he runs. Lots of teams love him.” Look for him to go in the late-second-round range.

• Mayock thinks J.J. Watt’s brother could sneak into the first round. “He could,” Mayock said. Wisconsin linebacker T.J. Watt declared early for the draft after one very good pass-rush season (15.5 tackles for loss, including 11.5 sacks). Like his brother, T.J. is a Tazmanian Devil in terms of motor, but Mayock compares him to another frenetic player.

“The easy comparison is [Green Bay’s] Clay Matthews. He’s an edge rusher who fits best into a 3-4 system. He has a similar game to Clay—an edge who can drop in coverage and has a motor that just won’t stop.”

• Mayock thinks the defensive backfield will be fascinating in Indy. Think of these two Swiss army-knife players: Jabrill Peppers of Michigan and UConn’s Obi Melifonwu. Peppers was king of the versatile guys going into the Senior Bowl—he is probably the third safety in the crop, and could play nickel or even a light linebacker. But Melifonwu could run in the low 4.4s, and if he does, the buzz will start about trying him at corner.

That’s crazy talk, a 6'4", 219-pound guy playing NFL corner, but imagine the matchup nightmare he’d be if he had the quickness to cover quick-twitch tall receivers. Of course, no one in the NFL does that, and even the 6'1" Jalen Collins got beaten on dig routes and double-moves in the Super Bowl by Tom Brady. So no one knows if the college safety could transition to cornerback. But as Mayock said.

“I know NFL guys who think, ‘I’d love to try him [at corner]. Let’s see if he fails.’ That’s where the NFL is going. A big, very athletic guy, and instead of thinking him automatically as a safety who may be able to play linebacker, now we’re thinking of him as a safety who just might be able to play cornerback.”

• Mayock thinks the elephant in the room might be best off being out of the room. Two elephants, actually. Quarterback Chad Kelly and running back Joe Mixon, in particular, are two good prospects who won’t be in Indianapolis because they’ve had major disciplinary and/or criminal problems off the field. “Remember Michael Sam?”

Mayock said. “For him it was a circus at the combine. Here is what I think is going on, and it’s worth a conversation. I almost think it’s an advantage Mixon won’t be there. He won’t get poked and prodded from 5 in the morning to midnight for two days at the combine.

He won’t deal with all the questions from all the teams. We know Joe Mixon is gonna be in the NFL next year. Tyreek Hill went in the fifth round last year, after all his trouble in college, and the Chiefs got away with one, and he’s been clean off the field since the draft. Every team will vet him.”

Mixon punched a woman in the face in 2014 and was kicked off the Oklahoma team for the season. He did later return, but the video of the incident has haunted him and caused the NFL to ban him from the combine. Albert Breer of The MMQBspoke to Mixon, who said he was not upset about being excluded from the combine.

“It’s not in my hands, to make that decision,” Mixon told Breer. “At the end of the day, I respect the NFL not inviting me. And I’ve got another opportunity to show what I can do, at the pro day … They came up with a decision. And like I said, I respect it.”

Breer will write in-depth about Mixon later this week here at The MMQB. For now, be ready to get inundated by combine talk. Mayock and NFL Network will bring the event into living rooms Friday through Monday, beginning at 9 a.m.

We’ll have staffers of The MMQBon hand, writing later this week. We’ve got some good stories working, so check back often.

* * *

Browns Are on the Clock, in More Ways Than One

Finding a long-term answer at quarterback continues to be a priority for the Browns and coach Hue Jackson
Photo: Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images

Cleveland has such an embarrassment of riches in the draft that soon they’re going to run out of reasons why they can’t win. Last year the Browns had 14 overall picks, the most they’ve had in a season since they had 15 in 1979. [Ozzie Newsome had just finished his rookie year at the time of that draft.] This year Cleveland enters the draft season with eight picks in the top 150 … two more than any other team in the NFL in the top 150.

The picks: 1, 12, 33, 52, 65, 108, 142, 145.

In a way it’s almost cruel that such a crop of picks falls in an overall mediocre year for the quarterback position. If the Browns don’t trade for a promising quarterback like Jimmy Garoppolo, or try to steal a franchised quarterback like Kirk Cousins (well, he’s likely to be franchised by Washington) in free agency, then they’ll be in a tough spot in this draft.

There’s no logical quarterback to take first overall if going by grades; surely Myles Garrett or Jonathan Allen, likely the top two defensive players on the board, will have grades superior to any quarterback in the draft. But with all the teams high in the draft that will need a quarterback (San Francisco at 2, Chicago at 3 and possibly the Jets at 6 and Bills at 10), the Browns may be in a very tough spot.

They may have to over-draft the quarterback they love (if there is one) or risk losing him before they can pick again at 12. Or they may have to trade a significant amount of draft capital to pair with the 12th pick to move up.

I feel for Browns coach Hue Jackson and GM Sashi Brown. Despite letting go three quality offensive players in Alex Mack, Mitchell Schwartz and Taylor Gabriel, they’ve done a lot of right things in the past year.

But the crying need for a quarterback in a year where there’s no sure thing will test every brain in the Cleveland organization, including top scout Andrew Berry and strategist Paul DePodesta. What’s the right thing to do when there’s no obvious right thing to do? For a team that’s 4-33 since Thanksgiving 2014, it’s another crucial—and likely tortured—decision to have to make.

What would I do? Though I continue to think the Patriots won’t trade Garoppolo, I’d offer the Patriots the 12th and 65th picks for him. (This is only if the Browns really like Garoppolo, which I hear they do.) No other team in the league will offer such a lucrative package, and even if Bill Belichick doesn’t want to trade him, it’s likely he’d be tempted by that deal.

I know that so many Browns fans are anti-Garoppolo because of his limited sample size, and I understand that, and I get that the 12th and 65th picks in a very good draft should be Day 1 contributors. But there’s also the matter here of hoarding draft picks, and becoming slaves to them.

Cleveland fans have gotten used to the draft being their Super Bowl. It’s time to sacrifice something significant to get a quarterback. If there’s a QB you love available in April, no package is too rich to get him.

It may come down to this: Do you have more faith in Garoppolo or in one of the rookies to be the best option for the future of the Browns? If you believe one of the kids in the draft is, then you shouldn’t feel bad about the Browns picking him first overall. The quarterback workouts are Saturday on NFL Network. (This week is Plug Central for NFL Network.) Lovers of the Browns should eat up the workouts.

* * *

The Dominant Combine Story

In his SI.com media column, Richard Deitsch often surveys people in the field about a specific question or issue, and I’m thieving from him today. I asked a few draftniks entering scouting combine week: “What’s going to be the dominant story angle coming out of the combine this year?”

Their answers:

Todd McShay, ESPN

“The tight end and running back droughts end in 2017. We haven’t had a tight end selected in the first round of the past two drafts. This year’s group features two that belong in round one: O.J. Howard (Alabama) and David Njoku (Miami). Both are expected to test extremely well in Indianapolis. We’ve only had three first-round backs in the past four drafts.

This group could have up to four: Leonard Fournette of LSU, Dalvin Cook of Florida State, Alvin Kamara of Tennessee and Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey. Final note: One of the three most talented backs in this class was not invited to Indy, Joe Mixon. First-rounder on tape … but which team is willing to take a chance, and at what point of the draft, on a player who knocked out a young lady, and it’s on tape for everyone to see?”

Chris Burke, SI.com

“The wide receiver position is too important, and too many teams are lacking weapons there, for Corey Davis and Mike Williams to be the only two wideouts taken in round one. The combine will throw a few more names into the hat, especially with Davis sitting out drills because of an ankle injury. Washington’s John Ross can fly and might solidify himself as a first-rounder, but he’s not alone.

Prospects like Isaiah Ford (Virginia Tech), Curtis Samuel (Ohio State), K.D. Cannon (Baylor) and Dede Westbrook (Oklahoma) are well-built for the combine’s athletic testing. Will Fuller, now of the Texans, helped push his stock into the first round by breaking off a 4.32-second time in the 40-yard dash at last year’s event, and those named above—and several others—could pull a similar trick this time around. This is a deep receiver group that’s going to open some eyes in Indianapolis.”

Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com

“This is the deepest group of cornerbacks and safeties I’ve seen in a very long time. I think we’ll all be gushing about this secondary class following this year’s combine. I currently have 10 cornerbacks in my top 50 list, and I could easily add another four to five names based on what I’ve studied thus far. I think we will be blown away after watching the on-field workouts.

All of them have an impressive combination of size/speed, and they are very fluid movers. The safety group has a nice mixture of over-the-top free safety prospects and rolled-up box safety types. The personnel community will be giddy after watching them run, jump and move around on the field.”

Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

“The biggest storyline coming out of the 2017 combine will be the athleticism of Leonard Fournette. He’s been a forgotten man for much of the season due to the ankle injury that sidelined him and then the fact that he wasn’t eligible to compete in the Senior Bowl. That will change next week. Fournette is a beast at 6'1" and 235 pounds, and I’ve been told in training he was running in the low 4.4s in the 40-yard-dash.

That’s unreal. His overall numbers will best those of Derrick Henry and be on par with Ezekiel Elliott. The running back may not be a premium draft pick anymore, but elite athletes like Fournette are always prioritized at the top of the draft order. Leaving Indianapolis, Fournette should be talked about as a top-five player.”

Dane Brugler, CBS Sports and NFLDraftScout.com

“Many tend to judge draft classes by the quarterback prospects and although this year’s crop doesn’t have a clear-cut number one overall candidate, it is not a weak class. North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky, Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer, Clemson’s Deshaun Watson and Texas Tech’s Pat Mahomes are the top four, and while each of their games has holes, each is also uniquely talented with NFL starting potential.

But what order will they come off the board? How many in the top 10? Will another quarterback work his way into the mix? With several NFL teams searching for an upgrade at the position, the quarterback dominoes will start to fall at the combine and give us a better idea of how the quarterback market will all shake out.”

Josh Norris, RotoWorld, NBCSports.com

“The 40-yard dash. ‘Who ran fast?’ What Bill Walsh called the universal measurable has been the athleticism identifier at the combine. That is wrong, and we need to progress our understanding and interpretation of NFL combine results. Shining in one area does not make a top athlete, and I would throw in Chicago running back Jeremy Langford as an example. He ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash at the combine in 2015, which led all running backs.

The rest of his workout was below average, but he was labeled as a top athlete due to the singular run. Each test and result should be factored in with a prospect’s weight in order to create a composite score. That composite score, from a consistent formula, can act as an athletic profile. Too many, including NFL teams, misunderstand how to identify athleticism and use it as a tool.”

* * *

“I’ve never been to the combine. You can’t watch anything. It’s a waste.”

—ESPN’s Mel Kiper, to The MMQB’s Kalyn Kahler, in “Talking Football.”

That’s a little bit like Peter Gammons saying he’s never been to the World Series.

* * *

A linebacker likely to go in the top half of the first round, Alabama’s Reuben Foster, has overcome quite a bit to get to the combine this week. When Foster was 18 months old, according to AL.com, his mother was holding him, and his father shot her multiple times in the back. One of the bullets hit Reuben. She didn’t tell him until he was 5, and the wound didn’t impact his football career.

* * *

Things I Think I Think

I think it’s silly to not have Joe Mixon and Chad Kelly at the scouting combine. Isn’t the object of the post-season information-gathering season to gather as much information as you can about all good prospects in the draft—particularly the ones whose cases will be the toughest to figure out? How does it benefit information-gatherers if they can’t learn first-hand about the toughest cases?

I think this is the oddest configuration in the draft order announced by the NFL on Friday:

• Seattle has no picks between the first and 25th overall slots.
• Seattle has five picks between the 26th and 106th overall slots.
• Seattle has no picks between the 107th and 209th overall slots.

I think Myles Garrett is going to be the first overall pick on April 27. By someone.

Rams should focus on receiver, O-line, secondary at combine

By Alden Gonzalez


A closer look at the positions the Los Angeles Rams could target at the NFL combine in Indianapolis:

Positions of need: The Rams have numerous holes on offense, and it isn't because they haven't used past draft picks to address them. They picked seven offensive linemen from 2014 to '15 but had one of the game's worst lines in 2016. They finished last season with five rookie receivers, but not one of them made much of an impact. This might sound repetitive, but the Rams will probably be scouting offensive linemen and wide receivers at this year's combine. They must also be on the lookout for defensive backs, because their depth has eroded quickly there. The Rams lost their primary cornerback (Janoris Jenkins) and their starting free safety (Rodney McLeod) through free agency last offseason and replaced them internally. No. 1 corner (Trumaine Johnson) and starting strong safety (T.J. McDonald) are set to become unrestricted free agents. The Rams don't have much impact talent left beyond them.

Gareon Conley (cornerback), Ohio State: Conley has drawn comparisons to star Broncos corner Aqib Talib, which should be enough to get you excited. Conley became an All-Big Ten honorable mention as a sophomore in 2015 and was then named second-team all-conference in 2016. Conley is listed at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds. He has NFL size and length to go with soft hands and outstanding timing, as stated in a scouting report by NFL.com. Conley projects to be an early starter who can immediately play in a zone scheme and hold his own in press coverage. But he isn't very physical and needs to work on his tackling. Over the past two years, Conley has combined for six interceptions and 13 pass breakups.

Cam Robinson (tackle), Alabama: A freshman All-American and two-time first-team All-SEC pick, Robinson has been a reliable, physical left tackle for the Crimson Tide. He was named a consensus All-American as a junior in 2016, an undefeated regular season that finished with a last-second loss to Clemson in the national championship game. Robinson is listed at 6-6 and 326 pounds, a similar body type as another left tackle with the same last name. That would be Greg Robinson, the former No. 2 overall pick who has struggled as Rams left tackle these past couple of years. Cam Robinson brings great power and explosiveness, as you might expect, and has shown the ability to adequately get to the second level with his blocks. His balance and instincts are deemed weaknesses at this point, and Robinson has struggled against quicker, more athletic defensive ends.

JuJu Smith-Schuster (receiver), USC: Smith-Schuster, listed at 6-2 and 220 pounds, was first-team All-Pac-12 as a sophomore in 2015, catching 89 passes for 1,454 yards and 10 touchdowns in 14 games. Those numbers dropped partly because of a back injury in his junior season -- to 70 catches for 914 yards and 10 touchdowns -- but Smith-Schuster was still good enough to be named second-team all-conference. He brings good size, a willingness to go across the middle and a great feel for eluding defenders. He's a solid route runner, a reliable blocker and a hyper-competitive athlete. The only negative, it seems, is Smith-Schuster's speed and acceleration. And granted, that's important. But, as NFL.com said in its scouting report, teams with speed elsewhere at receiver can complement that nicely with Smith-Schuster's physicality. The Rams have speed with Tavon Austin and Pharoh Cooper, so perhaps there's a fit.

[www.espn.com]

Here's a reference guide for your favorite NFC West team throughout the combine and free agency

by Rob Rang & Dane Brugler

[www.cbssports.com]

The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com have evaluated all 32 rosters and created shopping lists for each team to be used in free agency and referenced during the combine and draft season. Below, we tackle the four NFC West teams.

Los Angeles Rams

Last season, the Rams transitioned from St. Louis to Los Angeles and played worse. This year, they will transition from the Jeff Fisher coaching era to Sean McVay and other coaching changes. That includes defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, who will implement a new scheme to a talented defense led by defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

The issue remains on offense, as the Rams try to build around quarterback Jared Goff with a potential franchise running back (Todd Gurley), but with an offensive line that needs help.

2016 Breakdown
Finish: Third in NFC West (4-12)
Total offense: 262.7 (32nd)
Rushing offense: 78.3 (31st)
Passing offense: 184.4 (31st)
Total defense: 337.0 (9th)
Rushing defense: 103.8 (16th)
Passing defense: 233.3 (10th)

Offseason shopping list

Need 1: Offensive line

The Rams need an overhaul of this unit. Aside from right tackle Rob Havenstein, no one should be assured of their job or spot on the roster, most of all underachieving left tackle Greg Robinson.

Potential UFA targets (age, previous contract’s average annual salary)
Tackle:
Andrew Whitworth, Cincinnati (36 in December, $9M)
* Russell Okung, Denver (29 in October, $10.6M)
Rick Wagner, Baltimore (28 in October, $576K)
Luke Joeckel, Jacksonville (26 in November, $5.3M)
Matt Kalil, Minnesota (28 in July, $4.94M)
* Option not expected to be exercised
Guard/center:
Kevin Zeitler, Cincinnati (27 in March, $1.89M)
T.J. Lang, Green Bay (30 in September, $5.2M)
Ronald Leary, Dallas (28 in April, $2.55M)
JC Tretter, Green Bay (26, $644K)
Potential draft targets (ranking pos/overall, player, school, height, weight, 40, proj. round)
Tackle:
1/14 Ryan Ramczyk, Wisconsin, 6-5, 314, 5.29, 1 (underclassman)
2/25 Cam Robinson, Alabama, 6-6, 310, 5.28, 1 (underclassman)
3/38 Garett Bolles, Utah, 6-5, 296, 4.97, 1-2 (underclassman)
Guard:
1/33. Dan Feeney, Indiana, 6-4, 304, 5.09, 1-2
2/35. Forrest Lamp, Western Kentucky, 6-4, 305, 5.12, 1-2
Center:
1/64. Ethan Pocic, LSU, 6-6, 307, 5.18, 2
2/80. Pat Elflein, Ohio State, 6-2, 300, 5.22, 2-3


Need 2: Wide receiver

The Rams lack a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver and have virtually no one who strikes fear in the hearts of opposing defenses.

Potential UFA targets (age, previous contract’s average annual salary)

DeSean Jackson, Washington (31 in December, $6M)
Alshon Jeffery, Chicago (27, $14.6M)
Pierre Garcon, Washington (31 in August, $8.5M)
Terrelle Pryor, Cleveland (28 in June, $1.67M)
Anquan Boldin, Detroit (37 in October, $2.75M)
Cordarrelle Patterson, Minnesota (26 in March, $1.8M)

Potential draft targets (ranking pos/overall, player, school, height, weight, 40, proj. round)

1/8 Mike Williams, Clemson, 6-3, 225, 1 (underclassman)
2/16 Corey Davis, Western Michigan, 6-3, 213, 1
3/19 John Ross, Washington, 5-11, 190, 1 (underclassman)
4/37 Curtis Samuel, Ohio State, 5-11, 200, 1-2 (underclassman)
5/42 Dede Westbrook, Oklahoma, 5-11, 175, 2


Need 3: Linebacker

The Rams are thin behind current starters Alec Ogletree and Mark Barron, so help is needed to play coordinator Wade Phillips’ scheme.
Potential UFA targets (age, previous contract’s average annual salary)

Outside linebacker:
Chandler Jones, Arizona (27, $2.04M)
Nick Perry, Green Bay (27 in April, $5.05M)
Melvin Ingram, L.A. Chargers (28 in April, $2.1M)
DeMarcus Ware, Denver (35 in July, $10M)
Julius Peppers, Green Bay (37, $8.67M)

Inside linebacker:
Dont’a Hightower, New England (27 in March, $1.93M)
Lawrence Timmons, Pittsburgh (31 in May, $9.6M)
Malcolm Smith, Oakland (28 in July, $3.5M)
Akeem Dent, Houston (30 in September, $2.25M)
Potential draft targets (ranking pos/overall, player, school, height, weight, 40, proj. round)

Outside linebacker:
1/18 Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt, 6-3, 230, 4.74, 1 (underclassman)
2/26 Takkarist McKinley, UCLA, 6-2, 258, 4.58, 1
3/27 Tim Williams, Alabama, 6-3, 252, 4.76, 1
4/31 Haason Reddick, Temple, 6-1, 237, 4.54, 1-2
5/48 T.J. Watt, Wisconsin, 6-4, 243, 4.76, 2 (underclassman)

Inside linebacker:
1/7 Reuben Foster, Alabama, 6-1, 236, 4.72, 1
2/41 Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State, 6-2, 240, 4.78, 2 (underclassman)
3/44 Jarrad Davis, Florida, 6-1, 238, 4.78, 2

Potential UFA keepers
CB Trumaine Johnson (27, $13.95M)
WR Kenny Britt (29 in September, $4.58M)
S T.J. McDonald (26, $732K)
K Greg Zuerlein (30 in December, $1.25M)
RB Benny Cunningham (27 in July, $1.67M)

Roster review
Major coaching changes
Sean McVay replaces Jeff Fisher as head coach
Matt LaFleur replaces Rob Boras as offensive coordinator
Wade Phillips replaces Gregg Williams as defensive coordinator

Depth chart
Starters and backups are as of the end of the season, but include players that were starters before being injured.

QB: Starter -- Jared Goff. Backups -- Sean Mannion, Case Keenum (UFA).

RB: Starter -- Todd Gurley. Backups -- *Benny Cunningham (UFA), Malcolm Brown, Chase Reynolds (UFA), Aaron Green, *FB Zach Laskey.

WR: Starters -- Kenny Britt (UFA), Tavon Austin, Brian Quick (UFA). Backups -- Pharoh Cooper, Michael Thomas, Nelson Spruce, Paul McRoberts, *Bradley Marquez, *Marquez North.

TE: Starter -- Lance Kendricks. Backups -- Tyler Higbee, Temarrick Hemingway, *Cory Harkey.

OL: Starters -- LT Greg Robinson, RT Rob Havenstein, LG Rodger Saffold, RG Jamon Brown, C Tim Barnes. Backups -- G David Arkin, C Demetrius Rhaney, T Pace Murphy, *T Darrell Williams, G Cody Wichmann, G Andrew Donnal.

DL: Starters -- *DLE Robert Quinn, DLT Michael Brockers, DRT Aaron Donald, DRE William Hayes. Backups -- DE Ethan Westbrooks, DE Matt Longacre, DE Eugene Sims, DE Morgan Fox, DT Cam Thomas (UFA), DT Dominique Easley (UFA), *DT Louis Trinca-Pasat.

LB: Starters -- WLB Mark Barron, MLB Alec Ogletree. Backups -- MLB Bryce Hager, MLB Nicholas Grigsby, WLB Cory Littleton, *MLB Josh Forrest.

DB: Starters -- LCB Trumaine Johnson (UFA), RCB E.J. Gaines, Slot CB Lamarcus Joyner, SS T.J. McDonald (UFA), FS Maurice Alexander. Backups -- CB Blake Countess, CB Troy Hill, CB Michael Jordan, FS Cody Davis, SS Isaiah Johnson, *S Brian Randolph, *DB Marqui Christian.

ST: K Greg Zuerlein (UFA), P Johnnie Hekker, KOR Benny Cunningham, PR Tavon Austin, LS Jake McQuaide.
* Indicates player that ended 2016 season on reserve; & Indicates player released since the Super Bowl.

Happy birthday to the player that got me hooked into football and being a Rams fan. Marshall Faulks dual threat ability and elusiveness really caught my eye as a youngster, he just so happen to have the coolest helmet as well haha. And here I am the Rams fan I am today, possibly because of Marshall. Here is to a legend!

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Pure gold? Or fools gold? Maybe somewhere in between?

The Rams may want a fresh break from Britt and Quick. If nothing else because this staff may see the position differently and/or might want to move players just to change the culture and feel around the team.

So, our current guys behind Britt and Quick seem to be key in solving what the squad looks like as we go into a new offense.

Spruce is an interesting guy, but he also feels like the guy everyone is rooting for... and maybe just doesn't have the speed or differentiation of skills to perform at this level. But, I also am impressed by his hands and route potential? I have no clue.

I've seen us fall in love with these kind of tier guys; Stedman Bailey, Greg Salas, Austin Pettis, Keenan Burton, etc.

I guess the simple answer is; let him battle it out in camp and go from there. And... I doubt anyone sees him as more than a depth guy at this point and certainly not a replacement to the top spots.

Just curious if anyone thinks we know more than we did beyond last preseason?

Over on the NCAA/Draft board I see a lot of mocks cutting Lance for the savings of 4.25 Million with NO dead money. Lance also will get the same amount in 2018 the last year of his contract. I put some things together to figure out if Lance is worth keeping around.

$$$$$$$$$
I looked up the TE contracts and found their average dollars over the contract length. The top guys are averaging 9 Million plus and even 10 Million for Jimmie Graham. It shows that Lance is on the lower end for a 29 year old veteran TE. Higbee is at 6 685K, Hemmingway is just shy 625K. Harkey TE?FB is at 1.8 M.So the Rams don't have a lot of money invested in the TE position. I'm not sure what free agents would be a good fit money, age and ability.

Blocking
I know it's pro football focus but it's what availble. It shows he is top 10 pass protector. I know Kendricks makes and misses some blocks in the run game. I would think he is solid and better than average but, you tll me.

https://www.profootballfocus.com/signature-stats-pass-blocking-efficiency-rbs-and-tes/

1 Gary Barnidge CLV 62.6 Pass Block %
2 Ben Watson NO 45.2
3 Michael Hoomanawanui NE 41.7
4 Jeron Mastrud OAK 36.5
5 Jim Dray ARZ 34.5
6 Marcedes Lewis JAX 26.7
7 Lance Kendricks SL 26.6
8 Jermaine Gresham CIN 24.7
9 Logan Paulsen WAS 24.1
10 Anthony Fasano KC 22.5

Pass Catching
Right off the top two passes dropped last year come to mind. IIRC both were critical drops.

"The Sun was in my eyes TD"
"Crossing pattern right to left that Goff fired right on the numbers."

https://www.sportingcharts.com/nfl/stats/drops/2016/
Over all Kendricks is a little high on the drop % but, not a complete butter fingers. He dropped 6.9% of his targets 87 and caught 50 passes. Lance was a outlet or safety value. We know Boras was not very creative and he seemed to not get Lance deep down the middle like in 2015. Lance is about in the middle on drops for TEs. If he caught the two mentioned drops maybe many wouldn't want he cut.

What do you think? Please give reasons for your answer.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...ll-generate-most-buzz-at-nfl-scouting-combine

Every year, the NFL's top draft prospects gather in Indianapolis to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine (March 3-6 on NFL Network). This is a great opportunity for these players to impress decision makers for all 32 teams, by either testing well on the field during the day or interviewing well in the evenings.

Some players put up eye-popping testing numbers, while others blow away coaches/executives with their football knowledge and personality. Without fail, we will start hearing the buzz build on a handful of players immediately following the event. I reached out to five NFL team executives to get their prediction: Which player will generate the most buzz at this year's combine? Here are their answers:

Executive 1: Ashland TE Adam Shaheen
"He's clearly the third-best tight end in this year's class and I think you'll start to hear first-round buzz about him by the time his workout is finished. It's hard to find tight ends with his combination of size, speed and toughness. He's a unique talent."

Executive 2: Texas Tech QB Patrick Mahomes
"He will check every box in Indy. Tech was terrible (in 2016) and he didn't get much attention, but everyone will be talking about him after the combine."

Executive 3: Stanford DL Solomon Thomas
"I'm tempted to say Tak McKinley, but I'll go with Solomon Thomas. He's going to have an Aaron Donald-type workout. He's a freak show."

Executive 4: Stanford DL Solomon Thomas
"Solomon Thomas is going to put on a show. He's incredibly explosive and he'll destroy the change-of-direction drills. I wouldn't be shocked if he ran (the 40-yard dash) in the 4.6s and jumped in the high 30s (inches)."

Executive 5: Vanderbilt LB Zach Cunningham
"We're split on Cunningham in the draft room but we all agree he's going to test really well. He can really run and he's going to impress teams in the interview room as well."

Summary: That's two votes for Thomas and one apiece for Shaheen, Mahomes and Cunningham.

Conclusion: This is a great group of players to keep an eye on during the combine. Thomas is building a lot of momentum and I've been told by sources at Stanford to expect some incredible testing numbers from him. Shaheen is a personal favorite of mine. I just recently gained access to his 2016 tape and it was extremely impressive. If he were playing at a Power 5 school, he would be in the discussion to be the top tight end in the draft class. Mahomes definitely has his supporters around the league. He has rare arm talent and his upside is sky high. I'm not as high on him as others, but I recognize his potential. Cunningham is one of the toughest players for me to evaluate in this class. I love his size/speed combination, but I thought he was a little tight and a little late to key/diagnose in the run game. I need to do more homework on him.

My Dad passed away a week ago today and I just wanted to share a few stories that were shared by one of his best friends and his partner in crime in his dabble into the racing life. I always knew my Dad had deep roots in the early days of Nascar and had heard hundreds of those stories told by him and his compadres. Here are some that I just heard this past week. These are copied from facebook posts I made.

I thought I'd heard all of Dad's racing stories but Bill Wilkerson told us a couple of good ones today and I have to share. Some of you know that Bill and Dad used to run a race team in the mid 70s. Bill bought a race car and Dad turned the wrenches. Bill helped work on the cars but said Dad usually did most of the work because Dad would spend too much time fixing Bill's work. Bill said Dad sure was good spending Bill's money. They mostly had lots of fun but worked awful ...hard trying to develop a recapped racing tire. While they were never able to find the right compound, they created many memorable stories. They painted one car in the old Junie Donlavey blue and gold colors and slapped the 71 on it. They later got an old Bill Dennis car too. These old cars raced in the Late Model Sportsman Series which is now the Nationwide Series. Al Grinnan was hired to be the driver and they raced against the likes of Tommy Ellis, Sonny Hutchins, Ray Hendricks , and Red Farmer. One weekend, they took the car to race at Langley Speedway in Hampton, Va. They unloaded the car but the driver, Al Grinnan, doesn't show. So they start to load the car back up and the track promoter comes over and says he has a kid that he wants them to give a shot in the car. Bill says no, he's not risking his car to a kid he doesn't know. Back then , you got show money just for showing up and place money for where you finished in a race. So the promoter offers Bill show money, place money, and $1000 to let the kid drive the car. Bill still refuses. The promoter then evidently gets a little upset and tells Bill that he won't even pay Bill show money anymore. That changed Bill's mind. He and Dad proceeded to change the seating to fit the kid. They gave him a fire suit and helmet and the kid climbed in. At the end of the night, the 18 year old finishes second place without putting a scratch on the car. The kid's name? RICKY RUDD. He was my favorite driver his entire NASCAR career and I never knew this story. I'll have to tell you the other story later but it's a good one as well.

Another new story for me about my Dad. Bill Wilkerson and Dad take one of the race cars to Southside Speedway to race some time in the late 1970s. Southside, for those who don't know, is a small oval just outside of Richmond. Back then, a lot of the big boys of NASCAR would come race the local talent during the race week at Richmond. This particular week, Wendell Scott, the first African American driver and the first and only winner in the highest division of NASCAR was p...resent promoting the biographical movie of his life, Greased Lightning. This movie came out in 1977 starring Richard Pryor as Wendell Scott, Beau Bridges and Pam Grier. There was another movie made about Wendell's life. Dad spots Wendell at the track and tells Bill, "Hey Bill, let's go talk to Wendell". Of course Bill must think Dad is crazy and says, " Are you kidding Amos? I don't know that man". Dad says, "Oh come on Bill" And starts walking towards Wendell Scott and his entourage. As Dad gets close to Wendell, Wendell spots Dad and says "Amos!" Bill says they then start talking and joking around like two long lost buddies. Turns out Dad is old friends with Wendell Scott. Dad had told us many stories about Wendell over the years like him using a tree limb to pull the motor out of his old baby blue #34 Or the fact that not only did Wendell drive the wheels off his car but he also turned wrenches on it as well. Wendell Scott deservedly was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015. My sisters and I made sure Mom and Dad were there as well when the Hall opened by purchasing a brick that was placed on the walk outside the entrance in their honor. It kinda really feels appropriate now.

Ok, Bill Wilkerson told another fantastic story about his and Dad's racing escapades today at Dad's memorial and this one might be the best of all. First, I'd like to thank Bill so much for these recolllections of their time together. It is priceless to me and my sister and with each new story, I'm more and more enthralled in what was my Dad's life. It is becoming more and more apparent to me that Dad wasn't one to brag about his exploits in the racing world. Looking back on hearing him tell his stories, they were never about him but what he witnessed. He was not one to boast but to share. And hearing Bill Wilkerson tell these stories, he's the same way. He tells these stories to tell of Dad but he's smack dab in the middle of these experiences as well. So here is a fantastic gem. Once again, Bill and Dad are fixing to go racing but this time, they have stepped up their game and are getting ready to race at Richmond against the big boys. Back then, Richmond was the 2nd race of the season right after Daytona. Bill and Dad had just got back from going down to Daytona to purchase an engine from Darrell Waltrip. Now that is enough for this to be a good story to me but it's just the beginning. Race weekend at Richmond arrives and Bill and Dad have been hard at work, in their spare time mind you, getting the car ready. They go to load the car up on the trailer and it won't move. They have to break down the transmission to see what the problem was and Dad says, " Who put this throw out bearing in?" Bill sheepishly says, "Me". I'm sure Dad knew that already since it's just the two of them competing against everybody else's 10 or more men teams. So Dad informs Bill the bearing is n backwards and they won't make qualifying in time. They manage to get the car loaded, call the track, talk themselves into a provisional starting position and head to Richmond. Once there, they go to work on the car. As Dad climbs under the car and goes to work, Dale Earnhardt walks up and asks what's the problem? Bill explains the problem and goes off to scrounge parts from his competitors. Now for those of you that know how competitive NASCAR is know that THAT probably isn't an easy thing to do but Bill pulls this feat off all the time out of necessity because it's expensive to race much less race competitively. When Bill gets back, he finds Dale Earnhardt under the car with Dad fixing the transmission. while under the car, Earnhardt tells them the set up is all wrong in the front of the car and helps Dad set up the car. Well, when you get a provisional start, you start shotgun in the field, meaning dead last. It's a 150 lap race but by lap 102, Bill and Dad's car is in 4th and moving up. By lap 104, they take 3rd and are closing in on guess who? Yep, Dale Earnhardt. Shortly after, they are passing Dale when Dale takes a right turn, imagine that, and puts Bill and Dad's car into the wall destroying it. After the race Dad goes up to Earnhardt and asks, "Why would you help us just to put us in the wall?" Earnhardt says, " Well, because you were about to pass me!" Bill says there was nothing to do at that point but shake their heads and laugh. Bill says those encounters happened all the time when with Dad because he never met a stranger and he'd make you talk to him. And once you knew Dad, people said you couldn't get enough of him. I sure never did.

Sorry this was so long and I know those of you that don't follow or have never followed the sport really don't know what these stories mean but they are way cool to me, especially now.

http://people.com/movies/bill-paxton-dead-complications-surgery-age-61/

Actor Bill Paxton has died due to complications from surgery, People magazine reported.

He was 61.

“It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Bill Paxton has passed away due to complications from surgery,” a family representative said in a statement. “A loving husband and father, Bill began his career in Hollywood working on films in the art department and went on to have an illustrious career spanning four decades as a beloved and prolific actor and filmmaker. Bill’s passion for the arts was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth and tireless energy were undeniable. We ask to please respect the family’s wish for privacy as they mourn the loss of their adored husband and father.”

Paxton, born in Forth Worth, Texas, had a long and accomplished

career in television and film. Memorable films include “Titanic,” “Aliens,” “The Terminator,” “Tombstone,” “Apollo 13” and “Twister.”

He was also featured in many television shows, including the lead in

HBO’s “Big Love,” the “Hatfield & McCoys." He was most recently cast in the CBS drama "Training Day."

Paxton is survived by his second wife, Louise Newbury, a son, James, 22, and daughter, Lydia, 19

http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-combine-20170225-story.html

Last year it served as the site for the genesis of one of the most historic trades in NFL draft history.

In Indianapolis, between watching more than 300 prospects show off their skills at the scouting combine, Rams General Manager Les Snead began laying the groundwork for a blockbuster deal that enabled the Rams to move to the top of the draft to select quarterback Jared Goff.

The transaction with the Tennessee Titans cost the Rams six draft picks.

Early returns proved hardly overwhelming — Goff struggled in seven winless starts for a 4-12 Rams team — but whether the trade was worth it remains to be determined under new Coach Sean McVay and his staff.

A headline-grabbing trade is not expected to be on the Rams’ agenda this week when the combine begins at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Snead and McVay are among a contingent of about 45 Rams employees who will attend the annual talent bazaar in preparation for the April 27-29 draft in Philadelphia.

A main focus: identifying possible complementary pieces for Goff.

“There’s some obvious ones,” Snead said of the Rams’ needs, adding that without a first-round pick this year, the Rams will attempt to “make the most of the back end of the draft.”

Janoris Jenkins, Rodney McLeod and Nick Fairley. That gives them eight picks in rounds two through seven, including the 37th overall pick and two picks in the fourth and seventh rounds.

So they will be on the lookout for receivers to improve what for two consecutive years has ranked as the NFL’s worst offense.

The Rams last August gave receiver Tavon Austin a $42-million extension and, judging from McVay’s comments since his hiring in January, Austin appears on track to become a centerpiece. The Rams are not expected to re-sign receivers Kenny Brittand Brian Quick, who are on their way to free agency. Pharoh Cooper and Mike Thomas played sparingly as rookies, and undrafted free agent Nelson Spruce was sidelined last season because of injuries.

The Rams are expected to add a veteran free-agent receiver or two but they also could utilize the draft.

“You can’t have enough playmakers,” McVay said. “Certainly, that’s something that we’re always looking to upgrade. That receiver position is very important — a lot of yards and offensive production goes through that room.”

Clemson’s Mike Williams, Western Michigan’s Corey Davis, Washington’s John Ross, Ohio State’s Curtis Samuel, Eastern Washington’s Cooper Kupp, East Carolina’s Zay Jones and USC’s JuJu Smith-Schuster are among receivers participating in the combine.

The Rams’ offensive line struggled last season but the team is expected to utilize free agency to improve that position group.

However, they will keep their eye on offensive linemen as well as running backs and tight ends at the combine.

Linebackers and defensive backs also are priorities as the Rams prepare to implement a hybrid 3-4 scheme under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.

UCLA’s Takkarist McKinley, who will reportedly have shoulder surgery after the combine, is part of an outside linebacker class that includes Vanderbilt’s Zach Cunningham and Alabama’s Tim Williams among others.

The lack of a first-round pick, Snead said, would enable the Rams to streamline their effort at the combine.

“There’s a good probability they’re gone,” he said of elite prospects that will be selected among the first 32, “so now let’s really focus on the ones that are going to be there.”

Before Snead, McVay and Rams’ front office personnel begin evaluating 40-yard dash times and conducting player interviews, there is a major piece of business to address.

Wednesday is the deadline for NFL teams to put the franchise tag on players. The Rams must decide whether to tag cornerback Trumaine Johnson for the second year in a row, sign him to a long-term deal or let him test the market as a free agent.

Last year, the Rams tagged Johnson rather than Jenkins, who signed a five-year $62.5-million contract with the New York Giants. Johnson, coming off a seven-interception performance in 2015, earned nearly $14 million last season under the tag. He intercepted only one pass and was sidelined for several games because of injuries.

Tagging him again would cost the Rams nearly $17 million, according to several reported estimates based on a projected $168-million salary cap.

The Rams have spent the last three weeks evaluating their players and how they fit into Phillips’ defense, Snead said. They also have compared them to pending free agents.

“We like what Trumaine offers and we don’t want him to leave the building,” Snead said. “We’ve got a decision to make whether signing him long term or franchise him for the second year in a row, which we are OK doing.”

Road to Success: Creating the ultimate Rams off-season for HC Sean McVay

http://www.downtownrams.com/single-...he-ultimate-Rams-off-season-for-HC-Sean-McVay

Out with the old and in with the new...That's the new mantra with the Rams, bringing in 31-year old HC Sean McVay to replace veteran HC Jeff Fisher. The Rams have some pieces that they will be keeping from the Fisher era of Rams football, but those are the good pieces. In this piece, I try my best to do the impossible and project what the 2017 Los Angeles Rams will look like.

Total Available Cap: $168,304,311
Total Team Cap: $106,079,595
Cap Space at the moment: $37,394,280
Cap Space in this scenario: $62,224,716
Cap Space left in this scenario: $6,534,716

Cap Casualties: $12,023,368 saved
C Tim Barnes $3,000,000 saved
DE Eugene Sims $2,500,000 saved
FS Cody Davis $1,611,111 saved
TE Cory Harkey $1,300,000 saved
G David Arkin $775,000 saved
RB Tre Mason $752,257 saved
OT Darrell Williams $615,000 saved
RB Brandon Wegher $540,000 saved
WR Marquez North $465,000 saved
FB Zach Laskey $465,000 saved

Analysis:

Tim Barnes has been really bad for the Rams and shedding his salary would free up $3 million for a team that will need to allocate that space elsewhere. With the roster cuts of Eugene Sims, Cody Davis and Cory Harkey they come because it's a new era. Expect some extra roster moves to come with the new look coaching staff in Los Angeles.

Trades: $5,3591,077 saved
OLB Mark Barron & DE William Hayes traded to Cleveland Browns for ILB Demario Davis and NT Danny Shelton

Analysis:
I have been thinking for awhile that Hayes and Barron really fit with Gregg Williams scheme and may not be part of the plans moving forward for the new look Wade Phillips defense. That's not to say Phillips wouldn't be against keeping them, but with lengthy and hefty contracts on top of lack of fit I would likely trade them away now. The Rams need another inside linebacker and a nose tackle. Introducing both of those needs addressed by acquiring Demario Davis and Danny Shelton. Davis is more of a plug-in-play for the Rams defense as they could possibly grab their inside linebacker in next year's draft and Shelton gets to move Brockers over in a role that could utilize his underrated strength as a pass rusher. It sure would look like a nightmare scenario for opposing offenses to have to go up against Brockers, Shelton and Donald on the line.

Other Cap Moves: $9,169,193 saved
DE Robert Quinn $3,591,077 saved with base salary restructure
WR Tavon Austin $2,180,000 saved with base salary restructure
G Rodger Saffold $1,911,116 saved with base salary restructure
TE Lance Kendricks $1,487,000 saved with base salary restructure

Analysis:
This one is pretty obvious. The players listed above have been unable to live up to their respective contracts. This wouldn't be a pay cut this just allocates the money and lowers the cap hit for this year. If players like Tom Brady can restructure their contract year in and year out then these guys can as well.

Re-signings: $21,690,000
RB Chase Reynolds $900,000 annually
DE Matt Longacre $840,000 annually
DE Ethan Westbrooks $1,750,000 annually
DT Dominique Easley $3,000,000 annually
CB Blake Countess $700,000 annually
CB Trumaine Johnson $13,000,000 annually
K Greg Zuerlein $1,500,000 annually

Analysis:
The biggest headline is what will happen with Trumaine Johnson? The Rams let Janoris Jenkins leave in free agency last year to keep Johnson. It's time they actually gave a contract to their cornerback. The other guys mentioned like Easley, Longacre, Westbrooks and Zuerlein will all have spots on the Rams roster. Blake Countess is someone I expect the Rams to bring back and have compete for a roster spot in camp. Coach Bones is back with the Rams, expect him to retain Chase Reynolds for his special teams. I believe the Rams will lose T.J. McDonald and Benny Cunningham in free agency.

Free agent signings: $34,000,000
WR Pierre Garcon $8,500,000 annually
WR Robert Woods $8,000,000 annually
OT Benjamin Ijalana $4,000,000 annually
OT Jordan Mills $1,500,000 annually
CB AJ Bouye $11,000,000 annually
CB Kayvon Webster $1,000,000 annually

Analysis:
The Rams are unlikely to bring back Kenny Britt or Brian Quick who were made up of over half of the offensive production last season. To replace them? How about a seasoned veteran Sean McVay knows and a 24-year old that has already surpassed anything Quick did with the Rams. The Rams would have Robert Woods, Pierre Garcon, Tavon Austin and Pharoh Cooper as their top four wide receivers which would be a huge improvement over of the last seven years. Ben Ijalana would be the solid addition from the Jets who could be plugged in at left tackle in front of a draft pick or if god forbid . . . the Rams still think Greg Robinson can play left tackle. Jordan Mills from Buffalo would be the one piece that comes over to join new OL coach Aaron Kromer who is from the Bills. Both A.J. Bouye and Kayvon Webster were coached by Wade Phillips and I think that connection guarantees Webster to the Rams, but makes it likely Bouye leaves for the Rams if he actually ends up leaving Houston.

Free agent losses:
QB Case Keenum
RB Benny Cunningham
WR Kenny Britt
WR Brian Quick
DT Cam Thomas
SS T.J. McDonald

2017 Draft Picks:
2nd Round 37th: Ethan Pocic, C, LSU
3rd Round 69th: Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado
4th Round 112th: Roderick Johnson, OT, Florida State
4th Round 141st: Fish Smithson, FS, Kansas
5th Round 149th: Glen Antoine, NT, Idaho
6th Round 161st: Joe Mathis, EDGE, Washington
7th Round 225th: Jalen Robinette, WR, Air Force
7th Round 236rd: Joshua Dobbs, QB, Tennessee

53-Man Roster:
QB: Jared Goff/Sean Mannion/Joshua Dobbs
RB (5): Todd Gurley/Malcolm Brown/Aaron Green/Chase Reynolds (ST)
WR: Robert Woods/Jalen Robinette
WR: Pierre Garcon/Nelson Spruce
SWR: Tavon Austin/Pharoh Cooper
TE (3): Lance Kendricks/Tyler Higbee/Temarrick Hemingway
LT: Benjamin Ijalana/Roderick Johnson
LG: Greg Robinson/Jamon Brown
C: Ethan Pocic/Cody Wichmann
RG: Rodger Saffold/Andrew Donnal
RT: Rob Havenstein/Jordan Mills
DE: Aaron Donald/Dominique Easley
NT: Danny Shelton/Glen Antoine
DE: Michael Brockers/Ethan Westbrooks
OLB: Josh Forrest/Joe Mathis
ILB: Alec Ogletree/Bryce Hager
ILB: Demario Davis/Cory Littleton
OLB: Robert Quinn/Matt Longacre
CB: Trumaine Johnson/Mike Jordan
CB: A.J. Bouye/Kayvon Webster
NCB: Chidobe Awuzie/LaMarcus Joyner
FS: Fish Smithson/Brian Randolph
SS: Maurice Alexander/Marqui Christian
K: Greg Zuerlein
P: Johnny Hekker
LS: Jake McQuaide

Practice Squad:
RB Shock Linwood, Baylor
WR Paul McRoberts, SE Missouri State
TE Bryce Williams, East Carolina
OT Pace Murphy, Northwestern State
G Jessamen Dunker, Tennessee State
ILB Cassanova McKinzy, Auburn
OLB Javancy Jones, Jackson State
CB Blake Countess, Auburn
CB Daquan Holmes, American International, College
SS Leon McQuay III, USC

Final summary:
In this scenario the Rams finish the 2017 off-season with little to no positional weaknesses. I believe that you really can't do much at QB seeing as how much stock has been poured into Jared Goff. Todd Gurley leads a good group of all returning running backs besides Benny Cunningham who is in this scenario leaves in free agency. The Rams bulk up their wide receiver corps with new WR's Pierre Garcon and Robert Woods leading the charge with their field stretcher in the form of Tavon Austin in the slot. Out of the tight end position the Rams keep it pretty similar to last year in hopes of developing Higbee and Hemingway the right way. The offensive line stays pretty similar to last year's except for the addition of Ethan Pocic at center via the draft and a new left tackle to be a placeholder for the time being in former Jets left tackle Benjamin Ijalana.

With the switch to the 3-4 base defense that Wade Phillips runs, the Rams move their face of the franchise Aaron Donald to defensive end along with former defensive tackle Michael Brockers due in part to a trade with Cleveland. The Rams trade DE William Hayes and OLB Mark Barron to the defensive scheme they fit the most. In return the Rams receive a veteran who can start immediately as an inside backer in a 3-4 Demario Davis and a true nose tackle in young stud Danny Shelton. Robert Quinn mans the "Von Miller" role on the edge standing up as a pass rusher and Phillips starts former sixth round pick Josh Forrest on the outside so he can now fit the scheme. What is most impressive is the type of secondary Phillips has himself built in the first season in Los Angeles. Right off the bat he has a 6-foot-2 physical CB Trumaine Johnson, 6-foot CB he coached in Houston A.J. Bouye and at nickel corner he has Colorado stud third rounder Chidobe Awuzie. Playing behind them, fourth round pick Fish Smithson starts at free safety to allow rising star safety Maurice Alexander to kick into his natural position at strong safety.

There is no telling how well this team will compete in Sean McVay's rookie year as a Head coach but this is the ultimate off-season that the Rams brass can put together for McVay to succeed. It would just be up to him after all of these moves. Looking forward to Free Agency, the NFL scouting combine and the eventual NFL draft this gives you an idea of the type of moves general manager Les Snead will have to make to give his young head coach the best chance to succeed.

Downtown Rams Draft Profile: Houston LB Steven Taylor

http://www.downtownrams.com/single-...n-Rams-Draft-Profile-Houston-LB-Steven-Taylor

Our new massive series here at Downtown Rams will give you players that catch our eye. We will bring you bring you draft prospects, see where their fit is with the Rams and of course give you a player comparison.
Login to view embedded media Who is the 6-foot-1, 225 pound LB Steven Taylor?
Steven Taylor was one half of the duo that terrorized college football with NFL draft prospect Tyus Bowser. Taylor was a four-year starter at Houston and he has a terror in the backfield. He is looking like an underdog in this draft but you can never have too many pass rushers and Taylor has a nice blend of insticts and quickness that could put him in position to succeed in more than one role.

Strengths
Four-year starter
Production
Shows versatility; played both ILB and OLB
Has impressive timing
Great awareness
Hard working and high motor
Ability to intercept passes
Swiss army knife on defense
Excels in tackling

Weaknesses
Not a great athlete
Lacks burst
Lacks long speed
Lacks the strength to hold the edge

How does he fit with the Rams?
Steven Taylor if you really think about it doesn't fit the Rams 3-4 scheme that they are about to run. However, there are players on the roster right now that don't fit the scheme either. Taylor can be a swiss army knife as a situational pass rusher, cover linebacker and even a possible in the box safety. I would expect Taylor to be like having Ray Ray Armstrong (without the penalties and athleticism) again. Armstrong is actually looking very good in San Francisco as even more than a special teams ace. I think with Steven Taylor he would be the new Rams special teams ace if he went there. There is a disclaimer however, I think the Rams might have a "Steven Taylor" in their 2016 team Rookie of the Year Cory Littleton. Take that how you will but I also think it's important not to count out Taylor, we have seen plenty of non-athletes make a name for themselves. This is a name to watch as someone who could "come out of nowhere" and end up having a real good career.

Draft Grade:
6th round-7th round

Player comparison
Deion Jones

Steven Taylor has nowhere near the freakish athleticism of Jones, but both were slept on in their drafts because of their "undersized" label. Jones made short work of that finishing in the top three in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting after an outstanding season. Taylor could have the same impact, again he's not as athletic but makes up for it in other areas.

Will he be like Jeff Fisher and focus on players that have only been property of the Washington Redskins? Will he be like Milquetoast Linehan and just do whatever his defensive coordinator tells him to do or will he be like Steve Spagnuolo and go for one year rentals on players that best days are behind them?

Hopefully none of the above, but if the Rams start looking like Redskin West I’m going to be somewhat concerned. I don’t mind maybe one or two signings, but let’s hope unlike under past regimes the Wunderkind can showcase he is truly beyond his years to not focus on players that are (FOSM) Friends of Sean McVay.

This is also an area where General Manager Les Snead needs to stand up and showcase he’s improved in this area. If the Rams let Trumaine Johnson walk, they will need to sign a significant Cornerback a wide receiver and an offensive lineman and the Rams cannot afford to whiff in free agency like they did time and time again under Jeff Fisher Kenny Britt & Williams Hayes notwithstanding.

For this franchise to take a major step forward free agency will enable us to have a good barometer as to the direction of this regime and although I do believe you build through the draft, you need to sign serviceable free agents to enhance the roster and the Los Angeles Rams have not been successful at this for quite some time IMHO.

I am looking forward to the 9th of March because it’s obvious that ESK will spare no expense, but this regime needs to be able to add players that can make a contribution laying the foundation in order to restore this franchise back into the upper echelon of the National Football League!

Most recently losing Jenkins stung... and now we have Trumaine at a contract crossroad... so I'm asking;

Which player left the Rams (by free agency or as a result of a release) that went on to have a really strong career elsewhere?

Kurt Warner?
Ryan Pickett?

Dickerson and Bettis were traded, otherwise they'd clearly be in the conversation.

I'm sure I'm missing someone, which is why I've started the topic. But, off the top of my head we haven't really had a Charles Woodson or Champ Bailey type of loss.

One might say we've not had an over abundance of talent to have these problems.

So we start the mock with the Rams having $39 million in cap space then we go on to roster cuts.

Roster Cuts:
Roger Saffold saves $4.3 million
Lance Kendricks saves $4.25 million
Tim Barnes saves $2.5 million
Eugene Sims saves $3.25 million
David Arkin saves $775k
Demetrius Rhaney saves $690k

Total Savings $15.675 Million
New cap space $54.675 Million

Trade:
Rams send DE William Hayes and OLB Mark Barron to the Cleveland Browns for ILB Demario Davis and OLB Nate Orchard. It's a trade that makes too much sense so it likely won't happen. Gregg Williams gets a couple guys he likes and has worked with and the Rams get a couple guys for Wade that are better scheme fits than Hayes and Barron. In addition to the scheme fits the Rams save about $9.5 million more in cap space bringing our new total cap space to $64.265 Million.

Free Agency

Resign:

Greg Zeurlein 3 years $7.5 (7.5-8 million is the numbers I've seen most for what he could get)
Dominique Easley RFA tender
Matt Longacre RFA tender

Ronald Leary: 5 years $40 million

Steps in and starts at LG, Dallas has his replacement already on the roster and will find he's too expensive to keep as a backup.

Ty Neschke: 3 years $21 million

Playing around with something here. He's an RFA so the Skins could match but they have 2 very good starting OT and might find this too rich for their blood with them needing to improve the defense.

Brandon Carr: 4 years $30 million

We need more than just one guy who can come in and start at CB. Carr may not be the best option to a lot of people but he can certainly start in the NFL especially with the front 7 Wade Phillips will field here in LA.

Jerraud Powers: 2 years $4 million

Steps in and competes at the nickle position. He's played well there in the past for Arizona and is worth a look at this price.

Sylvester Williams: 2 years $3.5 million

NT that will fit and excel in Phillips' scheme.

Pierre Garcon: 3 years $23 Million.

Makes too much sense and as others have mocked him before I'm keeping the theme going. Prefer him and his possession receiver aspects more than what Jackson provides.

Other signings:
TE Gavin Escobar 1 year $1 million
LB Dekoda Watson 2 years $2.5 million
C Brian Schwenke 1 year $1 million

We bring in three CB who can all start. Upgrade LG and bring in a veteran possession WR who knows the offense. A backup C who was good when healthy is brought in on a prove it deal. We trade 2 guys who aren't a great scheme fit and save cap space while bringing in a couple guys who can start or contribute at LB. Give Wade a NT allowing us to move Brockers around from DE to DT. Resign a couple guys for depth at DE and bring back our kicker who had a good year for us in 2016. By my calculations that leaves us roughly $22 million in cap space which we can use towards resigning Aaron Donald which is a much for the Rams and for the sake of the mock leaves room to up any deals people may feel are undervalued..

Draft:

Round 2 pick 5 (37)

T.J. Watt OLB Wisconsin



I've seen too much on him from everybody else to not realize he makes a great amount of sense and is likely to be the BPA at this pick. We're putting him with Quinn, Tree, Davis, Orchard, Forrest, Hager, Grigsby and Littleton. He's likely starting from day one and Wade turns him into a beast opposite Quinn.

Round 3 pick 5 (69)

Ahkello Witherspoon CB Colorado



Jrry has sold me on this guy. Steps in opposite Carr and starts day 1.

Round 4 pick 5 (112)

John Toth C Kentucky



Three picks and three guys that step in to start day one. All have veterans to support and coach them and even to back them up. Toth should anchor our OLine for years to come.

Round 4 pick 35 (141)

Roderick Johnson OT Florida St



Physically gifted LT prospect that could use a few years behind Neshke to be coached up by Kromer. There are things that he can definitely improve on but with a comp selection we take a guy who could be developed by Kromer into our future LT. Keep in mind the FA I signed for 3 years is already 31.

Round 5 pick 5 (149)

Eddie Jackson FS Alabama



The center fielder for the amazing 'Bama defense this past year. His leg injury and the depth in the secondary in this draft allow him to drop a round or two to us in the 5th. If he comes in and wins the job it allows us to float Joyner around as the 4th DB. Joyner in that spot gives us flexibility and depth for injuries.

Round 6 pick 5 (191)

Mack Hollins WR North Carolina



This guy can just flat out play. Good size and speed and can step in at kick or punt returner as well as contribute on coverage teams. Very good deep threat IMO he's criminally under rated.

Round 7 pick 5 (225)

T.J. Logan RB North Carolina



Back to back Tar Heel home run hitters. Nice change of pace back who again can contribute in the return game.

Round 7 pick 16 (236 via Balt)

Ezra Robinson CB Tennessee St



Transfer from Michigan St put up a very good year. Again with the secondary so deep this year this is a guy had he stayed at Mich St and it wasn't so deep in the secondary this draft goes 2-3 rounds earlier. We get a steal here and add more depth to our secondary which we all know was the week spot of the defense.

Some of the players by now have become pretty common and we should be somewhat used to them by now. Some of these are my own preference some I have been sold one. One of my common points to people wanting to move GRob from his LT position is they don't provide solutions. I am not sure that Neshke is that solution but it's an option and one of the few free agents I'd be willing to give a shot to. We took his replacement so he better be a solution for a year or two. This draft and free agency makes our defense top notch even though some people won't like me letting TruJo walk. We're going to rely heavily on Carr and Witherspoon but there really aren't many options unless you want to pay TruJo 13+ million. There was cap space in my mock to make it happen I just like this route more. Hollis and Logan also give us something I'd like to do and that's replace Austin at PR. Austin had another sub par year returning including 3 fumbles. I've harped on him before and would like to get a new PR and let him focus on the offense. Some can do both some just can't. Looking at this mock I'll go with this as our starting lineup.

QB: Jared Goff
HB: Todd Gurley
FB: Cory Harkey
WR: Pierre Garcon
WR: Tavon Austin
WR: Cooper/Thomas/Hollins
TE: Tyler Higbee
LT: Ty Neschke
LG: Ronald Leary
C: John Toth
RG: Jamon Brown vs. Greg Robinson
RT: Rob Havenstein

LDE: Michael Brockers
NT: Sylvester Williams
RDE: Aaron Donald
LOLB: T.J. Watt
LILB: Demario Davis
RILB: Alec Ogletree
ROLB: Robert Quinn
LCB: Brandon Carr
RCB: Ahkello Witherspoon
SLCB: Jerraud Powers
FS: LaMarcus Joyner/Eddie Jackson
SS: Maurice Alexander

K: Greg Zuerlein
P: Johnny Hekker
LS: Jake McQuaide
KR: Thomas/Cooper/Hollins/Logan
PR: Tavon Austin/Hollins/Logan

Ok tear into me about it

I know some people on the board want to give Greg Robinson another shot at LT because they think Kroemer will help him play at a higher level. IMO Robinson's many problems and bad habits cannot be fixed in one year with the CBA practice restraints. Kroemer isn't guaranteed more than this season to correct those issues because the Rams probably wont pick up Robinson's 5th year option. Robinson spent the offseason working with LeCharles Bentley a renowned offseason OL tutor to and he couldn't correct G-Rob's issues.

So how do you get the most out of G-Rob in the last year he is guaranteed to be a ram? IMO play to his strengths and move him to guard. One strength of G Rob's game that has translated from Auburn's offense to the NFL is his ability to pull and get to the second level. In addition you put him next to most knowledgeable guy on the OL the center, which will help him stay assignment sound like Garrett Reynolds. Furthermore, he won't be on an island where refs can zone in on his terrible hand use.

Kroemer has always had solid OT play, but the stars on his offensive line groups have always been the guards. In New Orleans he had pro bowlers Jahri Evans and Ben Grubs, he turned a raw prospect Kyle Long into an all pro, and in Buffalo revitalized the career of former Ram Richie Incognito turning him into one of the better guards in the league. What do all Kroemer's pro bowl guards have in common? They are bigger guys who can pull.

I love the run scheme Kroemer ran last year with the Bills. It was a power run game, but the QB was often in shotgun instead of under center. It allowed Tyrod Tayor to play where is most comfortable in the gun and acquiesced with the power scheme that fit LeSean McCoy. IMO this also fits Goff and Gurley perfectly. Goff is clearly more comfortable and more experienced playing in the gun. Gurley IMO is too impatient of a runner to play as much in a zone running scheme like we did last year. Gurley is at his best seeing the hole hitting hard and having a clear idea where the play should go. In a power scheme there is a more defined direction of the run play with the RB following the pulling guard with a fullback or TE leading through the hole. Let the OL and TEs attack the DL and LBs and then good luck to opposing DBs facing Gurley with a head of steam hitting the second level.

You can find some examples of Kroemer's run scheme below. Focus on Richie Incognito the LG because this is the role I imagine Robinson playing in this scheme. Sorry, NFL makes you click an extra link and wont let you start the clip at my time stamp, so I just put the time when the specific play starts underneath the video.

Login to view embedded media Play 1 (.05 mark): Traditional I formation: Pretty straightforward. LT kicks out the end, Cogs Immediately gets to the second level and walls off Ogletree and Full back blows up Mark Barron springing McCoy free into the secondary where TJ has to make a 1 on 1 tackle


Play 2: Great formation here attacked the Rams smaller LBs. Power run with a FB, but in the pistol formation. Unbalanced line with the RT shifting over to the left side. SLB Forrest is technically in the right spot opposite the TE, but the unbalanced formation means all the beef is attacking smaller WLB Mark Barron. On top of that you have the right guard pulling to the unbalanced side of the formation kicking out the end and the FB leading through the hole. Way too much power for the Rams smaller LBs to handle and the result is a huge run.

Login to view embedded media Play 3 (1:17 mark): Pistol Power formation once again. Cogs pulls out and seals the edge off of RT allowing McCoy to bust a big outside the tackle run

Login to view embedded media Play 4 (0:13 mark): Power play out of the shotgun with the full back to left of Tyrod and Lesean to his right. This time the RG pulls to the left and leads through a huge hole along with the FB.

Login to view embedded media Play 5 (1:05 mark): Another pistol power play. McCoy breaks off a huge run despite facing an 8 man box. RTs blocks down washing the end out of the play, Cogs pulled around and kicked out the 3-4 OLB and the full back leads the play and takes out the LB trying to fill the hole letting McCoy hit the hole at full speed with the secondary chasing

Login to view embedded media Play 6 (2:57 mark): Great run when the Jags know the Bills are going to run it to run down the clock to end the game on 3rd and long.Single back with another heavy formation with an extra tackle on the right side of the formation. WR comes in orbit motion towards the strong side of the formation. Bills run a quick toss to the opposite side of the heavy formation. LT pulls out in front both guards instantly get out to second level and take out the LBs who are trying to chase. First down game over.

Login to view embedded media Play 7 (1:52 mark): Shotgun formation with 3 WRs and a wing TE (Probably fits McVay's offense the most). LT and LG block down. Slot WR comes in orbit motion to the opposite side of the run play. Center gets the kick out block on the quick pull. TE comes from the right wing to lead through the hole and get enough of the LB so, McCoy is untouched through the hole and allowed to hit the second level untouched with a full head of steam

I don't see the Rams using a FB as much as the Bills did, but they have a guy like Corey Harkey who can do that in certain situations and will likely use TEs in traditional FB situations instead. This just shows you how the rams can be successful in Kroemer's run scheme by playing to the strengths of Goff, Gurley, and Robinson in a shotgun formation, while still incorporating the run motions integral to Tavon's game.

Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/MylesASimmons/status/835224048170721280

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Special teams should remain a strength for Rams

Alden Gonzalez

From now until the start of free agency on March 7, we've taken a position-by-position look at the Los Angeles Rams in eight installments. The Rams -- coming off a 4-12 season that prompted the hiring of rookie head coach Sean McVay -- have about $40 million in cap space but do not have a first-round draft pick. They also have a lot of needs, all of which can feel a little overwhelming without breaking it down by section. We'll do that here. Last but not least: special teams. (Previous: WR/TE, DL, OL, LB, RB, QB, D

Key returnees: P Johnny Hekker, PR Tavon Austin, LS Jake McQuaide

Notable free agents: K Greg Zuerlein, KR Benny Cunningham

Top free agents available (for now): Ks Phil Dawson, Steven Hauschka, Robbie Gould, Nick Novak, Connor Barth

Key stat: The Rams broke an NFL record by placing 51 punts inside the 20-yard line in 2016, with only one touchback. Hekker, invited to his third Pro Bowl, also led the NFL with a 46.0 net punting average, breaking his own single-season record. The Rams' punt coverage team allowed an average of 4.3 yards per punt return, the lowest in the league.

You can critique a lot about these Rams, but not on special teams. Their punter, Hekker, is the best in the business, someone who is also a threat with the pass on fourth down and someone who was worthy of effusive praise from the typically reticent Bill Belichick. Their kick returner, Cunningham, has averaged 27.1 return yards over the last three years, fifth-best in the NFL. Their punt returner, Austin, has returned three punts for touchdowns in his four-year career, with a handful of others called back because of penalties. Their kicker, Zuerlein, has one of the game's strongest legs, with two field goals of 60 yards or longer in his career. And the likes of Bradley Marquez, Chase Reynolds and Cody Davis are solid in coverage.

The Rams have a decision to make with Zuerlein, who returned on a one-year contract last offseason and improved his field-goal percentage from 66.7 in 2015 (dead last among those with at least 15 attempts) to 86.4 in 2016 (10th). They also have to think about Cunningham, who doubles as a valuable change-of-pace running back for Todd Gurley. If Cunningham doesn't return, Pharoh Cooper, a fourth-round pick out of South Carolina in 2016, could take over on kickoff returns. That will be up to the new coaches. And they'll make those decisions alongside longtime special-teams coordinator John Fassel, a team favorite and one of few holdovers from the Jeff Fisher staff.

“I’m very fortunate, really," Fassel, the interim coach for the final three games of the 2016 season, said of returning. "I’m super happy to be back. Coach McVay invited me back. It took about half a second to say yes because this is where I wanted to be. To be here with the new staff, it kind of feels like you’re joining a new team, even though I’ve been here now in my sixth year. It’s a fun, fresh start.”

[www.espn.com]