- Joined
- Jul 31, 2010
- Messages
- 8,874
Rams rookie review: Preseason week 2
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/10628/rams-rookie-review-preseason-week-2
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- A look at playing time and production of each of the St. Louis Rams' drafted rookies and a quick glimpse at the undrafted rookie class in Saturday's 21-7 preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Robinson
OL Greg Robinson, first round, No. 2 overall: Robinson again split time between left guard and left tackle, but started at tackle this time. He played 32 snaps, one less than last week and appeared to do OK though he had a couple of pass protection hiccups against Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers (who hasn't?). The plan is to continue working him at both spots, but he should be able to settle in more at guard with the impending return of tackle Jake Long.
DT Aaron Donald, first round, No. 13 overall: Donald played well into this one, clocking 38 snaps before all was said and done. Starting alongside Kendall Langford, Donald didn't do much damage in his time on the field. He didn't show up on the stat sheet but did get in the backfield a couple of times. He'll be better off when he can line up next to Michael Brockers or someone like William Hayes, inside but despite how impressive Donald has been in camp, it's important to remember he's still learning.
DB Lamarcus Joyner, second round, No. 41 overall: Joyner continues to be perhaps the team's most consistent tackler, leading the team with six stops, a pass defended and a forced fumble on his defense-high 51 snaps. Joyner had some rough moments in coverage, though, including one play in which he lost his man as Aaron Rodgers scrambled, resulting in a big completion.
Mason
RB Tre Mason, third round, No. 75 overall: The Rams still aren't shy about getting Mason plenty of work as he led the team in carries for a second straight week with 12. But he finished with just 30 yards and had some major struggles in pass protection during his 22 snaps. Mason is going to need some time to get squared away in that regard but there's no cause for alarm here yet. Just don't expect to see him taking work from Zac Stacy or Benny Cunningham just yet.
S Maurice Alexander, fourth round, No. 110 overall: Alexander clearly gets more comfortable each week and had a solid performance against the Packers while playing 40 snaps on defense and 14 more on special teams. It's obvious he's going to be a key contributor on special teams right away but he also looks like he's making progress on defense. He finished with five tackles against Green Bay, second most on the team.
CB E.J. Gaines, sixth round, No. 188 overall: Gaines didn't play against the Packers after a strong outing in the first preseason game. Although his injury is unclear, he suffered it in practice earlier in the week, returned to practice and then apparently tested it in warmups before deciding not to go.
QB Garrett Gilbert, sixth round, No. 214 overall: Gilbert was the third quarterback in the game, playing 19 snaps before his day was finished. For the second time in as many weeks, his performance was mostly nondescript. He went three-of-six for 32 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions though it's hard to judge much of his performance considering the shaky protection.
OT Mitchell Van Dyk, seventh round, No. 226 overall: Van Dyk played 39 snaps, including a lot of work at guard. Fellow young lineman Sean Hooey struggled more but Van Dyk wasn't far behind. He's a developmental project who is probably going to have to go the practice squad route to stick around.
S Christian Bryant, seventh round, No. 241 overall: After sitting last week, Bryant made his first preseason appearance, playing 17 defensive snaps and two on special teams. He didn't offer anything in the way of statistical output but the act of being back on the field at least gives him a chance to compete over the next couple of weeks.
DE Michael Sam, seventh round, No. 249 overall: Sam came in later than he did in the first preseason game, waiting until the third defense entered before getting a chance. When all was said and done, though, Sam played 27 defensive snaps with three more on special teams and was effective for most of them. He posted his first sack to go with two tackles and a pair of quarterback hits. He remains in the hunt for a roster spot.
C Demetrius Rhaney, seventh round, No. 250 overall: Rhaney suffered an injury in practice earlier in the week and did not play.
Undrafted rookie roundup: Defensive lineman Ethan Westbrooks was one of the team's standouts against the Packers, racking up four tackles, a sack and two quarterback hits on 39 snaps. As expected, his stock is rising. ... Cornerback Marcus Roberson was a surprise starter in place of Janoris Jenkins but played 34 defensive snaps and six more on special teams. He had just one tackle but showed good instincts in coverage and has at least nudged his way into the conversation for a roster spot. ... Tight end Alex Bayer followed his big first outing with a much quieter second effort. On 37 offensive snaps and 11 on special teams, Bayer caught the lone pass thrown his way for 11 yards but struggled as a blocker.
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/10628/rams-rookie-review-preseason-week-2
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- A look at playing time and production of each of the St. Louis Rams' drafted rookies and a quick glimpse at the undrafted rookie class in Saturday's 21-7 preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Robinson
OL Greg Robinson, first round, No. 2 overall: Robinson again split time between left guard and left tackle, but started at tackle this time. He played 32 snaps, one less than last week and appeared to do OK though he had a couple of pass protection hiccups against Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers (who hasn't?). The plan is to continue working him at both spots, but he should be able to settle in more at guard with the impending return of tackle Jake Long.
DT Aaron Donald, first round, No. 13 overall: Donald played well into this one, clocking 38 snaps before all was said and done. Starting alongside Kendall Langford, Donald didn't do much damage in his time on the field. He didn't show up on the stat sheet but did get in the backfield a couple of times. He'll be better off when he can line up next to Michael Brockers or someone like William Hayes, inside but despite how impressive Donald has been in camp, it's important to remember he's still learning.
DB Lamarcus Joyner, second round, No. 41 overall: Joyner continues to be perhaps the team's most consistent tackler, leading the team with six stops, a pass defended and a forced fumble on his defense-high 51 snaps. Joyner had some rough moments in coverage, though, including one play in which he lost his man as Aaron Rodgers scrambled, resulting in a big completion.
Mason
RB Tre Mason, third round, No. 75 overall: The Rams still aren't shy about getting Mason plenty of work as he led the team in carries for a second straight week with 12. But he finished with just 30 yards and had some major struggles in pass protection during his 22 snaps. Mason is going to need some time to get squared away in that regard but there's no cause for alarm here yet. Just don't expect to see him taking work from Zac Stacy or Benny Cunningham just yet.
S Maurice Alexander, fourth round, No. 110 overall: Alexander clearly gets more comfortable each week and had a solid performance against the Packers while playing 40 snaps on defense and 14 more on special teams. It's obvious he's going to be a key contributor on special teams right away but he also looks like he's making progress on defense. He finished with five tackles against Green Bay, second most on the team.
CB E.J. Gaines, sixth round, No. 188 overall: Gaines didn't play against the Packers after a strong outing in the first preseason game. Although his injury is unclear, he suffered it in practice earlier in the week, returned to practice and then apparently tested it in warmups before deciding not to go.
QB Garrett Gilbert, sixth round, No. 214 overall: Gilbert was the third quarterback in the game, playing 19 snaps before his day was finished. For the second time in as many weeks, his performance was mostly nondescript. He went three-of-six for 32 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions though it's hard to judge much of his performance considering the shaky protection.
OT Mitchell Van Dyk, seventh round, No. 226 overall: Van Dyk played 39 snaps, including a lot of work at guard. Fellow young lineman Sean Hooey struggled more but Van Dyk wasn't far behind. He's a developmental project who is probably going to have to go the practice squad route to stick around.
S Christian Bryant, seventh round, No. 241 overall: After sitting last week, Bryant made his first preseason appearance, playing 17 defensive snaps and two on special teams. He didn't offer anything in the way of statistical output but the act of being back on the field at least gives him a chance to compete over the next couple of weeks.
DE Michael Sam, seventh round, No. 249 overall: Sam came in later than he did in the first preseason game, waiting until the third defense entered before getting a chance. When all was said and done, though, Sam played 27 defensive snaps with three more on special teams and was effective for most of them. He posted his first sack to go with two tackles and a pair of quarterback hits. He remains in the hunt for a roster spot.
C Demetrius Rhaney, seventh round, No. 250 overall: Rhaney suffered an injury in practice earlier in the week and did not play.
Undrafted rookie roundup: Defensive lineman Ethan Westbrooks was one of the team's standouts against the Packers, racking up four tackles, a sack and two quarterback hits on 39 snaps. As expected, his stock is rising. ... Cornerback Marcus Roberson was a surprise starter in place of Janoris Jenkins but played 34 defensive snaps and six more on special teams. He had just one tackle but showed good instincts in coverage and has at least nudged his way into the conversation for a roster spot. ... Tight end Alex Bayer followed his big first outing with a much quieter second effort. On 37 offensive snaps and 11 on special teams, Bayer caught the lone pass thrown his way for 11 yards but struggled as a blocker.
