About this 2018 rookie class...

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Rams43

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I’ve read every beat writer piece and every camp report that I could get my hands on. Plus, I’ve watched and re-watched that Ravens game.

And, although it’s obviously early, I must say that I’m cautiously optimistic at this point.

First, the OL. We do seem to have a small nucleus of youngsters that Kromer can mold into possible future starters.

Noteboom. Looks like a solid future starter, maybe even at the all-important LOT position.
Demby. Looking like “den” may have been right. Looks kinda like he “belongs”, you know?
Brian Allen. Love his attitude, but I’m still not quite convinced. Hopefully, he will take some big steps forward in these next 3 games.

Gotta say that that looks like a darned good job addressing OL by S&M.

Kelly and Davis. Each is looking like a very good 3rd RB. Heck, maybe even a backup for Gurley. Zero RB worries at this point for me.

No dramatic “Cooper Kupp” type obvious steals among the above, mind you, but certainly worthy of some cautious optimism.


Next, the LB’s and “DE’s”. Not seeing any Bobby Wagners, but I am seeing a lot of kids that are diagnosing and making plays.

Myers. So good that he’s playing with the ones? Wow! Yeah, AD is absent, but still. McVay sat him with the starters vs the Ravens.

Kiser. Might be a classic so-so practice player that becomes a gamer when the lights come on. Liked him on draft day and like him even more after the Raven game. This kid can play. Solid pick.

Lawler, Scales, and Young. Gonna lump these guys together here. All have flashed at times and all have given reason to make me believe that they might become quality backups this year and even possible starters one day.

Christian and Countess. Both looking like very capable backups at S to me. I’m certainly not worried at this point, anyway.


All in all, it sure looks like S&M have done a workmanlike job of building quality depth in multiple positions with limited premium draft picks. Don’t know how much more we could have expected from them, tbh.

Now, here are a few things that trouble me and one that really worries me. Just so you know that I’m not blinded by sheer optimism. Lol.

First, my real worry. Backup QB is a ticking time bomb. Mannion has disappointed (to be polite) and Brandon Allen hasn’t yet looked like a capable replacement if Goff goes down, at least to me. That might change in these next 3 PS games. Sure hope so. Perez? We haven’t seen a snap on TV and camp reports haven’t exactly been glowing. So... Gulp!

My “troubles”?

Reynolds and Hemingway need to step it up. This is their golden opportunity to shine and they’re stumbling, instead. Maybe I had too high of hopes, but I don’t think so. Both will almost certainly make the 53 THIS year, but Snead might be drafting their respective replacements next year unless they really step it up. C’mon, fellas!

Not too many things to be concerned about at this point, huh?

No injuries, please! (Knocks on wood).

What (or whom) did I miss?
 

SteveBrown

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Mike Thomas over Reynolds.
Yes, if Goff goes down, we are 7-9 quality. Worst back up in the league.
Heminway---yep, too bad....but we will make up with other players.
 

VegasRam

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Reynolds and Hemingway need to step it up. This is their golden opportunity to shine and they’re stumbling, instead. Maybe I had too high of hopes, but I don’t think so. Both will almost certainly make the 53 THIS year, but Snead might be drafting their respective replacements next year unless they really step it up. C’mon, fellas!

Agree - and won't be shocked if one or both doesn't make it. They may be cutting Hemingway some slack due to his inactivity/inexperience from last year, but hasn't looked too good to me.
 

RamDino

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Great post 43. John Kelly looks to be solid. I am hoping that Gurley runs wild for 3 quarters, then Kelly comes in to run out the clock for the entire 4th quarter. And Micah Kiser looked like a stud against the Ravens. He plugged a lot of holes, and might be just what the Rams run-defense needed. Also hoping that JFM and Obo step up, in addition to Noteboom and Demby. Could be a great draft...gotta hand it to Snead and McVay and Wade!!!! I know it's early, but I am very excited about their potential.
 

Ramstien

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I look for Pharaoh Copper to really show up as a receiver this season, goodbye Reynolds.
 

Ram65

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So far so good for the Rams rookie class of 2018 Rams43. These are the Rams future starters and contributors. Looks like some with contribute this year. Kelly, JFM, Kiser (STs), Noteboom. Others that get good mentions are Lawler, SJD and Demby. Considering the Rams didn't have many picks nor early round picks this could become a great draft class.

DRAFT RECAP
Joseph Noteboom - OT, TCU.
Brian Allen - C, Michigan State.
John Franklin-Myers - DE, Stephen F. Austin.
Micah Kiser - LB, Virginia Tech.
Ogbonnia Okoronkwo - LB, Oklahoma.
John Kelly - RB, Tennessee.
Jamil Demby - OT, Maine.
Sebastian Joseph-Day - DT, Rutgers.
Trevon Young - DE, Louisville.
Travin Howard - LB, TCU.
Justin Lawler - LB, SMU.
 
Last edited:

WestCoastRam

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JFM is starting and I'm cautiously optimistic that he could offer not just above-average play but possibly star play eventually.

Notebroom and Demby seem to at least offer us backup talent for years. There are some inklings that they could be starters. We probably won't know that without a year in the weight room. Both do seem like at least a year away. Sounds like Allen has been really up and down and definitely needs a year in the weight room, the other two maybe could spot start, don't think Allen could do that this year.

John Kelly seems like he could eventually be the 2nd string RB for some years.

Lawler looks like he will be a nice rotational guy (prob nothing more) at OLB for us.

Jury's out on the other guys. I'll wait a bit on Kiser, he flashed in 1st preseason game, if he keeps flashing in games I'd say he's got a shot at ILB next year. (with Littleton moving over as Barron likely will be gone).
 

Memento

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I'm still waiting for Okoronkwo to get healthy. I think that he could be a difference-maker for us.
 

Akrasian

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I'm still waiting for Okoronkwo to get healthy. I think that he could be a difference-maker for us.

Isn't he still on the PUP? If he doesn't get into a couple of preseason games, I suspect he'll be on IR all season instead. How can a 5th round rookie be given a chance without having flashed when healthy?
 

Memento

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Isn't he still on the PUP? If he doesn't get into a couple of preseason games, I suspect he'll be on IR all season instead. How can a 5th round rookie be given a chance without having flashed when healthy?

True. I just loved the guy on college film, like quite a few others on this site.