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Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Aaron Donald was absent because of a contract situation, but the Rams completed their first week of organized team activities.
They have seven workouts remaining over the next few weeks, and they also will hold a mandatory mini-camp June 13-15.
Now, on to your questions. Keep them coming at @latimesklein or gary.klein@latimes.com.
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BlueBlood_Rams @Blueblood_Rams
What is the state of negotiations between @RamsNFL and @AaronDonald97 ? Prediction: https://twitter.com/latimesklein/status/867416543046516736 …
Aaron Donald did not participate in the first week of organized team activities, which are voluntary.
That means there is no financial penalty for being absent. If Donald skips the mandatory mini-camp next month, he could be fined more than $70,000.
But in the grand scheme of things — when we’re talking about deals that could guarantee more than $50 million or $60 million — that doesn’t cause much pain for an elite player.
I do not know the exact state of the negotiations, but it’s clear the Rams want to keep Donald happy and in the fold.
And Donald, in my experience being around him last season, is one player who does not enjoy missing team workouts.
Follow
Dave Shull @tattooer_dshull
@LATimesklein Do you see Tavon being phased out?
Receiver Tavon Austin is not participating in OTA workouts while recovering from wrist surgery. But he is performing drills on other areas of the practice field and is expected to be ready for training camp.
Coach Sean McVay and offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur have spoken about finding the best ways to utilize Austin, who signed a four-year, $42-million extension before last season.
The Rams added receiver Robert Woods and drafted receivers Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds. They also have second-year pros Pharoh Cooper and Mike Thomas, among others.
Until it proves otherwise, that’s not a receiving corps that will necessarily strike fear into defensive coordinators.
So look for McVay to make Austin an integral part of the scheme.
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Sly Gonzalez @ThinkBlue47
@LATimesklein Any word on scouting department hirings or people of interest
A few weeks before the NFL draft, the Rams told Ran Carthon, director of pro personnel, and three scouts that they would not be retained.
Carthon was hired last week by the San Francisco 49ers.
The Rams have been interviewing candidates for various positions but have not announced any hires.
They reportedly had interest with Joe Hortiz, the Baltimore Ravens’ director of college scouting, but he is expected to remain with the Ravens.
Andrew Whitworth to play left tackle will take some of the onus — and perhaps officials’ attention — off Robinson, who is now playing right tackle.
McVay was offensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins, who committed 55 offensive penalties, three more than the Rams.
New defensive coordinator Wade Phillips comes from the Denver Broncos, who were called for 48 defensive penalties last season, the same number as the Rams.
Jared Goff in a Thursday night game at Seattle.
Thomas, however, made several outstanding special teams plays throughout the season.
After the first OTA workout last Monday, McVay noted that Thomas had made a couple of nice plays on offense.
So it’s reasonable to expect that Thomas has matured and grown.
Despite the success of some rookies, the initial transition to the NFL is difficult for most first-year players.
With a season behind him, perhaps Thomas will develop into a more reliable pass-catcher.
Jeff Fisher’s staff included one of his sons, Brandon, who coached defensive backs.
McVay’s staff includes offensive line coach Aaron Kromer and his son, Zack, an offensive assistant.
David Carpenter @carpy45
@LATimesklein How would you compare Goff and Mannion at this point for accuracy and knowledge of playbook and McVay's system?
12:47 PM - 25 May 2017
The Rams have made only one practice open to reporters so far during OTAs, so it’s a small sample size.
Jared Goff and Sean Mannion both looked accurate at times. Both also made some poor throws.
I could not give you an accurate read on their knowledge of the playbook, though Goff did note that he has had an easier time learning this scheme.
Goff is getting the first-team reps so he will probably progress faster.
Follow
Robert Schaeffer @MynamesPierce
@LATimesklein #16 gained 5-10lbs. How high should he get? He needs much more muscle. Thoughts?
Follow
Robert Schaeffer @MynamesPierce
@LATimesklein Maybe you #132 could give #16 some of your cookies.
Quarterback Jared Goff said he added five to 10 pounds during the offseason and the Rams now list him at 6-feet-4 and 223 pounds.
I would not venture to designate his ideal weight. But it was clear last season that he needed a sturdier frame, especially if the offensive line does not improve.
Goff will almost certainly rely on the Rams’ strength and conditioning staff and, perhaps, a personal trainer to improve his physical condition and add weight.
The Christmas cookies that colleague Lindsey Thiry heroically brought to the Dec. 24 game against the 49ers last season would have no chance of ever leaving the press box uneaten.
Thanks, as usual, for the great questions. Let’s do it again next week.
[[URL='http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-mailbag-20170526-story.html']www.latimes.com][/URL]
Follllow Gary Klein on Twitter @latimesklein
They have seven workouts remaining over the next few weeks, and they also will hold a mandatory mini-camp June 13-15.
Now, on to your questions. Keep them coming at @latimesklein or gary.klein@latimes.com.
Follow
BlueBlood_Rams @Blueblood_RamsWhat is the state of negotiations between @RamsNFL and @AaronDonald97 ? Prediction: https://twitter.com/latimesklein/status/867416543046516736 …
Aaron Donald did not participate in the first week of organized team activities, which are voluntary.
That means there is no financial penalty for being absent. If Donald skips the mandatory mini-camp next month, he could be fined more than $70,000.
But in the grand scheme of things — when we’re talking about deals that could guarantee more than $50 million or $60 million — that doesn’t cause much pain for an elite player.
I do not know the exact state of the negotiations, but it’s clear the Rams want to keep Donald happy and in the fold.
And Donald, in my experience being around him last season, is one player who does not enjoy missing team workouts.
Follow
Dave Shull @tattooer_dshull@LATimesklein Do you see Tavon being phased out?
Receiver Tavon Austin is not participating in OTA workouts while recovering from wrist surgery. But he is performing drills on other areas of the practice field and is expected to be ready for training camp.
Coach Sean McVay and offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur have spoken about finding the best ways to utilize Austin, who signed a four-year, $42-million extension before last season.
The Rams added receiver Robert Woods and drafted receivers Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds. They also have second-year pros Pharoh Cooper and Mike Thomas, among others.
Until it proves otherwise, that’s not a receiving corps that will necessarily strike fear into defensive coordinators.
So look for McVay to make Austin an integral part of the scheme.
Follow
Sly Gonzalez @ThinkBlue47@LATimesklein Any word on scouting department hirings or people of interest
A few weeks before the NFL draft, the Rams told Ran Carthon, director of pro personnel, and three scouts that they would not be retained.
Carthon was hired last week by the San Francisco 49ers.
The Rams have been interviewing candidates for various positions but have not announced any hires.
They reportedly had interest with Joe Hortiz, the Baltimore Ravens’ director of college scouting, but he is expected to remain with the Ravens.
Andrew Whitworth to play left tackle will take some of the onus — and perhaps officials’ attention — off Robinson, who is now playing right tackle.
McVay was offensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins, who committed 55 offensive penalties, three more than the Rams.
New defensive coordinator Wade Phillips comes from the Denver Broncos, who were called for 48 defensive penalties last season, the same number as the Rams.
Jared Goff in a Thursday night game at Seattle.
Thomas, however, made several outstanding special teams plays throughout the season.
After the first OTA workout last Monday, McVay noted that Thomas had made a couple of nice plays on offense.
So it’s reasonable to expect that Thomas has matured and grown.
Despite the success of some rookies, the initial transition to the NFL is difficult for most first-year players.
With a season behind him, perhaps Thomas will develop into a more reliable pass-catcher.
Jeff Fisher’s staff included one of his sons, Brandon, who coached defensive backs.
McVay’s staff includes offensive line coach Aaron Kromer and his son, Zack, an offensive assistant.
David Carpenter @carpy45
@LATimesklein How would you compare Goff and Mannion at this point for accuracy and knowledge of playbook and McVay's system?
12:47 PM - 25 May 2017
The Rams have made only one practice open to reporters so far during OTAs, so it’s a small sample size.
Jared Goff and Sean Mannion both looked accurate at times. Both also made some poor throws.
I could not give you an accurate read on their knowledge of the playbook, though Goff did note that he has had an easier time learning this scheme.
Goff is getting the first-team reps so he will probably progress faster.
Follow
Robert Schaeffer @MynamesPierce@LATimesklein #16 gained 5-10lbs. How high should he get? He needs much more muscle. Thoughts?
Follow
Robert Schaeffer @MynamesPierce@LATimesklein Maybe you #132 could give #16 some of your cookies.
Quarterback Jared Goff said he added five to 10 pounds during the offseason and the Rams now list him at 6-feet-4 and 223 pounds.
I would not venture to designate his ideal weight. But it was clear last season that he needed a sturdier frame, especially if the offensive line does not improve.
Goff will almost certainly rely on the Rams’ strength and conditioning staff and, perhaps, a personal trainer to improve his physical condition and add weight.
The Christmas cookies that colleague Lindsey Thiry heroically brought to the Dec. 24 game against the 49ers last season would have no chance of ever leaving the press box uneaten.
Thanks, as usual, for the great questions. Let’s do it again next week.
[[URL='http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-mailbag-20170526-story.html']www.latimes.com][/URL]
Follllow Gary Klein on Twitter @latimesklein
