Rams News Recap for March 25

[RamBill]

Rams News Items From March 25

Rams Get in the Free Agent Game, Sign Carrington –PD
Since the start of free agency two weeks ago, 30 NFL teams have combined to sign 112 unrestricted free agents. A 31st team, Green Bay, signed Julius Peppers after Chicago released the eight-time Pro Bowler.

As QB-Needy Teams Sort Through Options, Rams Look on with Interest –PD
A month removed from the NFL scouting combine, but still 1½ months before the draft, Houston’s Bill O’Brien is taking his time.

Mid-Round Quarterback Targets for Rams –Stalter
Whether the Rams sign Shaun Hill or another veteran to back up Sam Bradford next season, it shouldn’t preclude them from drafting a signal-caller in the middle rounds.

Rams Add Solid DT Depth in Carrington –Wagoner
The St. Louis Rams finally dipped their toes into the free-agent waters Tuesday afternoon, coming to terms on a one-year deal with Buffalo defensive lineman Alex Carrington.

Insiders Give Rams C-plus for Free Agency –Wagoner
As the waves of free agency have crashed ashore much faster than usual, the shelves that were once stocked with veteran options are now almost bare.

Rams Have Signed Free Agents — Just No One You’ve Heard Of –FSMW
You know it’s been a relatively quiet free agency period for the Rams when the biggest news is the re-signing of offensive lineman Rodger Saffold and linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar.

Rams Shore Up Secondary –Softli
The Rams’ newest addition to the secondary, Greg Reid, stands 5-foot-8 and weighs in at only 190 pounds. Despite his small frame, though, the one-time Florida State Seminole has lethal burst, acceleration and change-of-direction ability.

Jim Thomas Rams Chat Highlights: March 25

DT Alex Carrington, Rams Agree to Deal –NFL.com
Every major player from the Rams’ organization is tucked away here at the NFL Annual Meeting, but that didn’t stop St. Louis from making a move Tuesday.

Morning Ram-blings: Draft Order Set –Wagoner
After the NFL announced the 32 compensatory picks it was handing out to 13 teams on Monday, the 2014 draft order is finally set.

McLeod Tops Rams’ Performance Bonus List –Wagoner
If it wasn’t already clear that the St. Louis Rams have no problem giving playing time to young players, let the team’s distribution of performance bonuses serve as another reminder.

Rams Add Linebacker Etienne Sabino –Wagoner
The St. Louis Rams have made a habit of bringing in former Ohio State linebackers over the years, and added another to the list Monday when they signed former James Laurinaitis backup Etienne Sabino.

Kiper & McShay’s NFL Draft Lab: Running Backs –Video

Jeff Fisher Talks Draft Strategy –Video

 

[RamBill]

Morning Ram-blings: Sorting top safeties
By Nick Wagoner | ESPN.com

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/7049/morning-ram-blings-sorting-top-safeties

As individual positions go, the St. Louis Rams might not have a bigger need on their defense than rangy, athletic safety. Technically, the Rams don't have specific strong and free safety designations but if they did, the easier way to describe that need would be to say they need a true free safety.

Rodney McLeod filled the role in 2013 and, all things considered, improved as the season went along. But the fact remains that the Rams need an upgrade, especially if they intend to play more press-man coverage on the outside at cornerback under new coordinator Gregg Williams.

That's why it's been a common occurrence to see the Rams connected to top safeties such as Alabama's Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Louisville's Calvin Pryor in mock drafts all over cyberspace. If the Rams choose to look for a safety upgrade that early in the draft, there seems to be a split between camps on whether Clinton-Dix or Pryor is the better player.

On Tuesday afternoon, ESPN draft analyst Kevin Weidl offered his take on the comparisons between the two players.

Without giving away all of Weidl's analysis -- it's worth a read regardless -- there's one part that jumped out to me in trying to decipher the difference between the players. An excerpt of Weidl's thoughts:

"Where Clinton-Dix separates from Pryor as a prospect, though, is in coverage. Simply put, Clinton-Dix gives you more flexibility in the back end. He has clean movement skills, above-average range and the ability to drop down into the slot and match up in man coverage."


Of the many evaluations of Clinton-Dix and Pryor, the idea that Clinton-Dix is better in coverage has been prevalent. If that's the case, he would be a more natural fit for what the Rams need should they choose to go that direction come May.

I.C.Y.M.I.

A roundup of Tuesday's Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. ... In the Ram-blings, we started the day with a look at this year's official draft order. ... We then looked at the team's performance bonuses for the 2013 season. ... From there, it was a quick glance at the team's addition of linebacker Etienne Sabino. ... After that, we provided a glimpse at how ESPN Insider Mike Sando and others graded free agency so far. ... We closed the day with a breakdown of what the Rams hope to get out of newly signed defensive lineman Alex Carrington.

Elsewhere:

NFL.com cites a Pro Football Talk report that says the Rams are optimistic about landing free-agent receiver Kenny Britt.

Bucky Brooks' fourth mock draft imagines a league in which no quarterback goes in the first round.

At stltoday.com, columnist Bernie Miklasz offers some thoughts on the Rams and free agency.

Jim Thomas writes that the Rams' interest in Mark Sanchez is overblown.

Thomas also participated in his weekly chat.