Camp report 8/6/14 A Look at the Roster: Secondary and Specialists

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CoachO

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Cornerbacks:

21 Janoris Jenkins 5'10 198 3 North Alabama

He still shows tremendous potential and should benefit greatly from the Greg Williams scheme. Has been on the sideline for the past week, he will no doubt step right back in to the starter’s role when he returns. Sometimes overly aggressive in coverage, he needs to learn when to let the play come to him. But his man to man skills can be impressive when he locks on to a guy. They will need a big comeback year out of Jenkins, as his absence in practice has exposed the huge void when he isn’t out there.

22 Trumaine Johnson 6'2 204 3 Montana

Appears ready to take the next step as a starting CB. He has flashed and had one of his best practices earlier this week, posting multiple pass break ups both in one on one drills, and 11 on 11. He can get caught being too aggressive and ends up giving up a big play, but overall, he has shown to be the most consistent CB on the roster right now. He has struggled with what looks to be nagging injuries throughout camp, but when he is on the field he steps up.

32 Brandon McGee 5'11 193 2 Miami (FL)

McGee has rotated in with regular 1st unit reps, due to Jenkins being on the sideline. He has shown marginal improvement over last year’s training camp. But has been “picked on” at times. He has all the physical traits to be a good CB, but just hasn’t put it all together to be consistent on a daily basis. That being said, he is a core contributor on Special Teams, so his roster spot should be safe.

20 Lamarcus Joyner 5'8 184 R Florida state

Joyner has been used exclusively in the Nickel CB role, since the first two days of camp. He was exposed on the outside at CB, but since assuming the Nickel role, he has shown to have very good instincts and should thrive in Williams’ scheme. While physically limited, he struggles at times in one on one situations, but has a knack for coming up with a big play. Has had multiple Interceptions in team drills, and has been very physical in the padded practices. This guy just oozes “football player”. Somewhat surprised that he hasn’t been included in many Special Teams, and so far hasn’t taken a single rep at Safety.

33 E.J. Gaines 5'10 195 R Missouri

Gaines has quickly moved up the depth chart. Part of it is due to the injuries cropping up to players ahead of him, but also because he has shown the ability to make plays when on the field. While his measureables might not jump off the page, he plays fast. He has gotten steady 2nd unit reps at CB and Nickel, while mixing in some 1st team reps this week at CB. His football IQ is obvious, he reads the play as well as anyone. Similar to Joyner, he has had multiple Interceptions in camp by just being able to read the play and adjust to the ball in the air. He is showing up on multiple Special Teams.

35 Darren Woodard 5'11 175 1 Texas - El Paso

As one of the returning CBs on the roster, he was given early reps with the 2nd unit and rotated in with the 1st unit when injuries started to pop up. He has struggled to maintain his standing, and seems to have reverted back to his UDFA standing of last year. He will need another strong showing in the Preseason games to regain his roster spot. Another DB who is rarely seen on Special Teams.

39 Greg Reid 5'8 190 1 Valdosta State

Already a fan favorite, he has struggled to shake of the rust from his previous injuries. Has been relegated to 3rd unit reps, rotating with other back end of the depth chart guys. He benefited from the injuries and moved up to 2nd unit reps this week, and seemed to be energized by the opportunity. The first two weeks of camp, he appeared disinterested and dejected, and did virtually nothing to stand out. He had a few moments this past week, with an INT versus the 3rd unit, and has played more physical in the padded practices. But the bothersome to me, he is on NONE of the core Special Teams, other being 4th in line as a Punt Returner at this point. That he isn’t showing up on any of the coverage units is telling.

47 Marcus Roberson 6'0 191 R Florida

He has been getting all of his reps with the 3rd unit. Like Reid, he is part of the rotation with the other back of the Depth chart guys. He displays good cover skills, but has not shown even a little interest in the physical part of the game. For him to have any chance of making the roster as the 6th CB, he needs to show up on Special Teams. As thus far, he isn’t included on a single ST unit. Not a good sign.

41 Jarrid Bryant 6'3 185 R South Dakota

Easily the biggest of all the CBs, he hasn’t really shown much to distinguish himself. Has missed the past week of practice, which won’t help his case to make it past the first cut.


Safeties:

25 T.J. McDonald 6'2 219 2 So. California

Has been a fixture since the first day of training camp last year. He is being used primarily near the Line of Scrimmage, and will have coverage responsibility in matching up with the second TE or picking up RBs coming out of the backfield. He still struggles in one on one matchup, but is very effective in zone when close to the LOS. He provides a presence in run support, and has been utilized frequently blitzing off the edge. He needs to build off his rookie season, and become a difference maker for this defense to take the next step. He is also being included on the coverage units on Special Teams.

23 Rodney McLeod 5'10 195 3 Virginia

Head Coach Jeff Fisher all but announce earlier this week that Rodney McLeod will be the starting Free Safety in 2014. He is primarily being used as the single high Safety, and has shown to the instincts to read the play and go side to side in deep coverage. If he can focus solely on playing Safety, and so far he hasn’t taken a single rep as a Nickel CB, he should be able to develop into a much more consistent performer. His biggest issue is missing on too many tackles, and since they just don’t tackle in practice, he will have to show he is capable in the Preseason Games. Will also resume his role as one of the leaders on Special Teams.

38 Cody Davis 6'1 206 2 Texas Tech

He has taken every rep at Free Safety with the 2nd unit. He is not flashy, but he just makes plays. Hardly a practice goes by, without Davis coming up with some sort of turnover, be it in 1 on 1 , 7 or 7 or 11 on 11. If he shows he can make the same sort of impact during the Preseason Games, he could challenge McLeod for more playing time at FA. Regardless, he is on virtually every Special Teams and his roster spot appears safe.

31 Maurice (Mo) Alexander 6'2 220 R Utah State

Like Davis, Alexander has taken every rep as the 2nd unit Strong Safety. His athleticism is obvious. But after missing all of the OTAs, he is behind the rest in terms of his comfort level in the system. He can look lost on one play, and flash the next. While his inclusion on defense might still be a year away, I can see him being this year’s Ray Ray Armstrong on Special Teams. When he stops thinking first, and starts playing fast, he will be fun to watch.

37 Matt Daniels 6'0 211 3 Duke

Having missed most of OTAs, and the first two weeks of training camp, Daniels is just now getting his legs and starting to participate on a regular basis. He is still relegated to 3rd team reps at Strong Safety, he needs to earn his roster spot on Special Teams. His inability to stay healthy might finally catch up with him, but they do seem to like what he brings on Special Teams.

43 Avery Cunningham 6'0 203 R Central Michigan

He has been getting regular reps at Free Safety with the 3rd unit, and looks like he has a decent understanding of the system. He hasn’t done much to show he will last, but he hasn’t embarrassed himself either. Might be a Practice Squad candidate.

26 Christian Bryant 5'9 198 R Ohio State

Recently activated from the Non-football PUP list, he is now participating in the full practices. He missed all of OTAs, but he seems to have a pretty good grasp of the position. He is now getting regular reps with the 3rd unit at Free Safety, displacing A. Cunningham. It’s been obvious he is anxious to get on the field, as his first day back, they had to pull him off the field during a Special Team drill. While his roster spot in murky, I would imagine he sticks around on the Practice Squad.


Specialists:

Kicker:

4 Greg Zuerlein 6'0 196 3 Missouri Western

He has picked up where he left off. He has been very consistent in practice, and was routinely hitting from outside 50 yards. Many people overlook last year, but he was 26-28 for 92.9 % which was among the league leaders. It’s not IF he will break the record for longest FG, it’s WHEN.

Punters:

6 Johnny Hekker 6'5 236 3 Oregon State

Coming off his ProBowl season, it may be hard for some to believe that Hekker actually looks better this year in camp. He is working on his directional punting every day, and continues to just pound the football. Routinely kicking the ball 65 yards in the air, with 4.9-5.1 hang time.

2 Bobby Cowan 6'4 219 1 Idaho

The left-footed punter is having a decent training camp in his own right. If he wasn’t competing with the reigning ProBowler, he might have a chance to open a few eyes. If he kicks the ball in the Preseason as he has in practice, he may find a team willing to give him an extended look after the cuts are made.



Long Snapper:

44 Jake McQuaide 6'2 244 4 Ohio State

I was skeptical when they chose to keep McQuaide over Massey, but so much for what I know. He is every bit as consistent, and I cannot remember a bad snap even at practice. Be it deep snapping on the punt team, or on FG’s he is as good as anyone in the league.

49 Jordan Hus 6'1 233 1 Regina, Canada

Again, if it were it not a case of trying to compete with the incumbent who is as good as there is, Hus should get a look from other teams once the Preseason is over.



This is just one man’s opinion of how the roster has taken shape in the three weeks they have been in training camp. This roster has come together, and from where I sit, only has a handful of spots still up in the air. The Preseason games should makes things crystal clear for many of the back end of the roster guys.

Looking forward to seeing them hit the field against someone other than themselves.

September 7th cannot get here fast enough.
 
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12intheBox

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Most would project us to keep 10 DBs, 6LBs, and 9 DLs.

As of right now ....

DL: Quinn, Long, Brockers, Donald, Sims, Hayes, Langford, Carrington, and __________ (Sam, Conrath, Westbrooks)

LB: JL, Tree, Dunbar, Ray Ray, Bates, Steward (I suppose someone could knock Steward out - but that group seems to be set)

DB: Tru, Jenkins, Joyner, McLeod, McDonald, Alexander - all complete locks
McGee, Gaines, Davis - very likely to make the team

That leaves one DB spot open. Do they take a 5th safety (Daniels, Bryant) or a 6th CB (Reid, Roberson, Woodard) - my money is still on Reid, but this is one of my favorite roster battles we have going and the meat and potatoes of the battle is still ahead of us.

Great threads, Coach O - all of them.
 

CoachO

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I'm really surprised that Joyner hasn't taken a single snap at Safety. Could you speculate as to why that is!?

Already a crowded cast at Safety and his primary role will be as the Nickel back. So why split his focus, and make the same mistake they were forced to make with McLeod last year?
 

CoachO

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Most would project us to keep 10 DBs, 6LBs, and 9 DLs.

As of right now ....

DL: Quinn, Long, Brockers, Donald, Sims, Hayes, Langford, Carrington, and __________ (Sam, Conrath, Westbrooks)

LB: JL, Tree, Dunbar, Ray Ray, Bates, Steward (I suppose someone could knock Steward out - but that group seems to be set)

DB: Tru, Jenkins, Joyner, McLeod, McDonald, Alexander - all complete locks
McGee, Gaines, Davis - very likely to make the team

That leaves one DB spot open. Do they take a 5th safety (Daniels, Bryant) or a 6th CB (Reid, Roberson, Woodard) - my money is still on Reid, but this is one of my favorite roster battles we have going and the meat and potatoes of the battle is still ahead of us.

Great threads, Coach O - all of them.

At this point, and I agree that there is still a whole lot that could change, but my guess is Daniels is the frontrunner to be the 10th guy. I say this because of his involvement on Special Teams. And just as telling to me is the exclusion of many of the other candidates from Special Teams.

I realize as a general rule, teams will more often than not, keep a 6th CB over a 5th Safety. But with McLeod having the ability to slide down into the Nickel if needed, they have enough flexibility to keep that 5th S.
 

wrstdude

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This group still worries me. I'm hoping the DL lives up to the hype and makes their job easier.
 

LACHAMP46

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Love the takes Coach0, thanks for this series...Corners are pretty set, as I said in another thread, it'll take some remarkable things to happen, and/or somebody in the top 5 gets toasted over and over...I could see movement in the safety spot...Like, this Bryant cat, I actually got to see him on draftbreakdown by looking at Sabino..firey player. Reminds me of Matt Daniels...and Daniels, I've seen make some bone jarring hits every preseason, guys from Duke, The Ohio State, Vanderbilt, I like those kinds...oh, I forgot USC at the "thinking" positions...Safety, MLB, QB, Center, really any O-Line position. I'm not all Ray Ray all the time...ahahahhaha...But I'd hate to lose a type like Matt Daniels without getting a looksie. If Cody Davis could just play as fast as he timed, man I could really like the kid...still seems like a future BR writer to me. But, I'll be looking at all these guys closely. Finally a preseason game I can watch every single play with intent, and just pass on the beers going around....
Coach0, will you be doing this again after Aug. 26th or when they get to the final 53? I'd hate to expose some of these guys (remember the year the cb's were dropping like flies?) on the practice squad. I guess it's a good problem to have....Thanks for taking the time man. Oh, have you seen some of your stuff in a BR thread yet?
 

CoachO

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Love the takes Coach0, thanks for this series...Corners are pretty set, as I said in another thread, it'll take some remarkable things to happen, and/or somebody in the top 5 gets toasted over and over...I could see movement in the safety spot...Like, this Bryant cat, I actually got to see him on draftbreakdown by looking at Sabino..firey player. Reminds me of Matt Daniels...and Daniels, I've seen make some bone jarring hits every preseason, guys from Duke, The Ohio State, Vanderbilt, I like those kinds...oh, I forgot USC at the "thinking" positions...Safety, MLB, QB, Center, really any O-Line position. I'm not all Ray Ray all the time...ahahahhaha...But I'd hate to lose a type like Matt Daniels without getting a looksie. If Cody Davis could just play as fast as he timed, man I could really like the kid...still seems like a future BR writer to me. But, I'll be looking at all these guys closely. Finally a preseason game I can watch every single play with intent, and just pass on the beers going around....
Coach0, will you be doing this again after Aug. 26th or when they get to the final 53? I'd hate to expose some of these guys (remember the year the cb's were dropping like flies?) on the practice squad. I guess it's a good problem to have....Thanks for taking the time man. Oh, have you seen some of your stuff in a BR thread yet?

To answer your direct question, I will be reporting on all of the OPEN practices that I can see. Beyond that, there really isn't anything that I can add to what people in here can see for themselves. Obviously, I will continue to be a part of this forum, and add my thoughts like everyone else. I view my Camp Reports as just a way to share my observations with those who cannot see the practices for themselves.

I am fortunate to be able to attend, and am fortunate to have a few people who are close to the Rams I trust, who give me some insight as to what may be going on, and I try to disseminate what I see, from what I know, and hope it makes some sense.
 

-X-

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This stuff should be required reading.

Good job, Coach.
 

12intheBox

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@CoachO,

Is Daniels running with the first team on any of the STs?

I liked him quite a bit when we signed him - actually got to see him play in person two times in college and he stood out - but he hasn't seemed to be able to stay out of the training room so I've kind of given up on him of late.

Plus, it's time for you to get on the Greg Reid train. He is brushing the cobwebs off and is about to become a factor.
 

Mojo Ram

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As CoachO said, we REALLY need a big year from J.Jenkins.
Matchup-wise we could run into some problems vs a few teams including Arizona. Fitz and Floyd(who is a legit WR now) are both 6' 3" and strong. Tru is the only guy with cover skills who has any size, so we'll have to keep an eye on that when the time comes. Joyner will matchup well enough with their other guys on sub-packages.

I love the size and versatility we have at safety(although they're all puppies).
 

CoachO

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@CoachO,

Is Daniels running with the first team on any of the STs?

I liked him quite a bit when we signed him - actually got to see him play in person two times in college and he stood out - but he hasn't seemed to be able to stay out of the training room so I've kind of given up on him of late.

Plus, it's time for you to get on the Greg Reid train. He is brushing the cobwebs off and is about to become a factor.

Yes, Daniels is on the Special Teams,, Kickoff Coverage, and Punt Coverage. I am not a huge fan of his as anything more than a "in the box" safety on defense. He has some major issues tracking the ball in flight. I have seen him literally stop running while in coverage to try to find the ball. But that being said, he is a factor on ST WHEN he is healthy.

And you know this about Reid how? Sounds to me to be nothing more than wishful thinking on your part.

It's not that I have anything against Greg Reid. He just hasn't shown anything to suggest he belongs on this team. Will that change once the Preseason games get underway? For his sake, he better hope so.
 
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CoachO

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As CoachO said, we REALLY need a big year from J.Jenkins.
Matchup-wise we could run into some problems vs a few teams including Arizona. Fitz and Floyd(who is a legit WR now) are both 6' 3" and strong. Tru is the only guy with cover skills who has any size, so we'll have to keep an eye on that when the time comes. Joyner will matchup well enough with their other guys on sub-packages.

I love the size and versatility we have at safety(although they're all puppies).

The thing that stands out to me about the Arizona match up last year, was the constant cushion that they gave to Fitzgerald and Floyd. If I recall correctly, Palmer was something like 12 for 13 in one stretch vs. our "coverage". I will be shocked to see Williams play that type of coverage against them. Jenkins can play with the bigger guys, as long as he is in tighter coverage and can just run with them. Its when he lets them get into his back pedal that he has issues, especially with the bigger receivers.
 

HE WITH HORNS

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You know, if McLeod is the only real weak starter on the roster, then we aren't that bad off. Remember a few years ago how many holes we had?
 

PrometheusFaulk

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I have some concerns about this group. Hopefully another year of maturation and dedication to exclusively playing safety will benefit McLeod. I love Joyner but there are bound to be some rookie pratfalls. And I hope the positives in Jenkins aggressive plays outweigh the negatives.

I think Johnson and McDonald showed something last year (even though McDonald missed that spat of games), and hopefully they play well enough to support the potential deficiencies of some of the other guys. And of course, the front seven will help. But as we saw last year, that group can't carry the entire load. The back four (or five) have to play better than last year for the defense to reach their potential.
 

Dieter the Brock

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Greg Reid -- 4th in line for punt returns. ouch!!! So much for this years Ray Ray....

Thanks for the reports Coach O
 

RamFan503

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Great stuff as always Coach. @LACHAMP46 asked the question I was wondering. Good to know you will be attending practices during the year. Cracks me up when I read someone being referred to as an "insider". I feel like saying, "Have you read anything by CoachO?" Many thanks for doin' that thing you do.

This one kinda made me go o_O
41 Jarrid Bryant 6'3 185 R South Dakota

Easily the biggest of all the CBs, he hasn’t really shown much to distinguish himself. Has missed the past week of practice, which won’t help his case to make it past the first cut.

You sure you just didn't see him? Dude sounds like he could hide behind a 2x4.
 

Mojo Ram

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You know, if McLeod is the only real weak starter on the roster, then we aren't that bad off. Remember a few years ago how many holes we had?
2011 DB's
Ron Bartell IR
Bradley Fletcher IR
Al Harris IR
Brian Jackson IR
Marquis Johnson IR
Jerome Murphy IR

Finished with:
James Butler
Craig Dahl
Josh Gordy
Rod Hood
Justin King
Quintin Mikell
Nate Ness
Chris Smith
Darian Stewart
 

CoachO

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I have some concerns about this group. Hopefully another year of maturation and dedication to exclusively playing safety will benefit McLeod. I love Joyner but there are bound to be some rookie pratfalls. And I hope the positives in Jenkins aggressive plays outweigh the negatives.

I think Johnson and McDonald showed something last year (even though McDonald missed that spat of games), and hopefully they play well enough to support the potential deficiencies of some of the other guys. And of course, the front seven will help. But as we saw last year, that group can't carry the entire load. The back four (or five) have to play better than last year for the defense to reach their potential.

I honestly don't think you can take much from what this unit did last year. They were SO young, and with TWO first year starters at safety, they were forced to play some VERY basic coverages. They just couldn't do the things necessary to be competitive. When you hear someone like Finnegan come out (no it wasn't sour grapes) and talk about how bad the scheme was, this is what he was talking about.

Add in the variable that you had a 1st year starter, now being forced to play not one, but TWO positions, and replacing him with even more inferior players when he slid down to Nickel, it was like a runaway freight train.
 

12intheBox

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Yes, Daniels is on the Special Teams,, Kickoff Coverage, and Punt Coverage. I am not a huge fan of his as anything more than a "in the box" safety on defense. HE has some major issues tracking the ball in flight. I have seen him literally stop running while in coverage to try to find the ball. But that being said, he is a factor on ST WHEN he is healthy.

And you know this about Reid how? Sounds to me to be nothing more than wishful thinking on your part.

It's not that I have anything against Greg Reid. He just hasn't shown anything to suggest he belongs on this team. Will that change once the Preseason games get underway? For his sake, he better hope so.

It is little more than wishful thinking. Where it comes from is his play at Florida State - which is why the Rams signed him in the first place. You talk about Joyner being a true football player - before there was LaMarcus Joyner, Greg Reid was the Joyner in their defense.

Instinctive and fearless - he stuck his nose in there the way you want to see it done.

I'll be honest though - I'm surprised that he isn't showing more. I'm surprised he isn't making a splash on special teams, that he isn't turning heads at practice. Two obvious answers come to mind (1) rust and (2) I got it wrong on him.

Ever the optimist (and egoist) I'm going with #1 and I'm thinking it's going to start clicking again.

If I'm wrong it won't be the first time and it won't be the last. But that's where I'm coming from.