Rams Updated Offseason Grades (Personal Opinion!)

[paceram]

With all the exciting moves/transactions the Rams have made so far during this offseason I thought I would give me personal opinion on how I think the individual transactions have gone but more importantly I am hoping to see how other Rams Fans feel about the Rams transactions:

1) Nick Foles/Sam Bradford Trade - As much as I like & respect Sam Bradford (And, I have always
been a Sam Bradford fan since the day the Rams drafted him! But, to be totally honest I would had
been more than happy just to make the Sam Bradford for Nick Foles trade straight up just to get
rid of Bradford's salary. It will be interesting to see which QB ends up having the better career
(My money is on Nick Foles). And, I do wish Bradford the best of luck and I hope he has a
great career with the Eagles (Except when he plays the Rams!)! And, to think the Rams got a
couple of pretty good draft picks included in this trade was just a very added bonus!
Grade: A+

2) Akeem Ayers - I have to admit that I don't know much about Akeem Ayers but from what I
have read he seems to be a pretty good signing for the Rams. Ayers should help make an
already very good Rams defense even better!
Grade: B

3) Nick Fairley - I will also have to admit that I was shocked when the Rams signed Nick Fairley!
I never thought the Rams really were that interested in Fairley nor did I think they really
had a shot at getting him if they were interested! But, adding Fairley to a defensive line that
that already has Quinn, Long, Donald and Brockers should make the already very good Rams
defense one of the better (Potentially the best?!) defenses in the league! And, it sounds like
they got him at a very reasonable price.
Grade: A

4) Lance Kendricks - This is probably my most questionable signing. Not that I doubt how
good Kendricks can be or that he can definitely contribute to the Rams offense but his contract
seemed to be a little steep to me (But, I honestly don't know all the specifics of his contract so
maybe it is not as expensive as I think) and I personally probably would had tried to offer
some of his salary to sign another offensive lineman or two. But, if the Rams can still sign
Barksdale and another offensive lineman (Winsiewski, Blalock, etc) then Kendrick's signing
will make a lot more sense to me.
Grade: C

5) Kenny Britt - I really thought the Rams needed to re-sign Britt and I am very happy they
did but kind of like Kendricks I am not sure if they overpaid or not. But, then again I do
not know the specifics of his contract and I do think he was almost a must have sign player!
Grade: B+

Overall - I am thrilled with the Rams offseason so far and if they can re-sign Barksdale AND sign
another quality offensive lineman (Wisniewski, Blalock, etc) I will be one very happy
Rams Fan going into the Draft!!!

 

[Ballhawk]

Yes, it seems that they are just going to try to put another patch work o line out there and that will not be good!

 

[V3]

Kendricks is the move I question most, as well. To me, he's just an average TE that wouldn't be too hard to replace. He's not vital to the offense. I've heard O-lines are pretty vital to offenses, though. I'll have to look at the metrics on that to verify.

 

[DaveFan'51]

Overall - I am thrilled with the Rams offseason so far and if they can re-sign Barksdale AND sign
another quality offensive lineman (Wisniewski, Blalock, etc) I will be one very happy
Rams Fan going into the Draft!!!

I couldn't agree with you more!!

 

[JackDRams]

Kendricks is the move I question most, as well. To me, he's just an average TE that wouldn't be too hard to replace. He's not vital to the offense. I've heard O-lines are pretty vital to offenses, though. I'll have to look at the metrics on that to verify.

I think Kendricks got extra money cuz he plays tackle too.

 

[JackDRams]

I like your thoughts, tho I think the Ayers signing might be my favorite of them all. My grades from high to low would prob be Ayers, Britt, Kendricks, Fairley. Not that I'm knocking the Fairley deal, but he's likely gone after this year anyway. I like the terms for the other guys and the upside they have going forward. Fairley might continue taking plays off which hurts my thoughts on him a little.

 

[snackdaddy]

So far, I like the signings. I like the Kendricks signing because he's a nice blend of a TE who can block and catch. Sometimes his hands are questionable but I've seen him make some big catches too. Britt, IMO was the biggest one. He's a guy with the ability to be one of those big play receivers a team like ours needs. With the right QB he can be our first pro bowl receiver since Holt.

So far nothing on the offensive line. If they don't address that we'll be hearing the same negative things about Foles that we heard about Bradford. Bradford got a tough break with the injuries and lack of support. I hope they don't put Foles in the same situation.

 

[FRO]

There is still a ton of offseason left, but if they don't fix the dang line I will have to give them an F. Foles is a solid QB, but if he isn't protected and if we can't run the ball he is going to look horrible, like most QBs will. I don't think he can carry the offense with a bad line. I think in order for him to succeed he needs a great run game to set him up. If we decided to go with a patchwork line again, I see failure. We blamed Hill and Davis for our sucky offense and while they had a hand in it sucking, the biggest thing holding our offense back was the offensive line. They were pure garbage.

 

[Big Willie]

Paceram, I agree with your overall assessment, but I think the Kendricks was a good deal too. He is a multipurpose tool that blocks, plays Hback, and catches the occasional pass. Cook makes also twice as much and is one dimensional (based on size and speed) as a pass catching specialist. Also, Kendricks signing tells the rest of the players that is they work hard, the Rams will pay them for their efforts.

 

[paceram]

Paceram, I agree with your overall assessment, but I think the Kendricks was a good deal too. He is a multipurpose tool that blocks, plays Hback, and catches the occasional pass. Cook makes also twice as much and is one dimensional (based on size and speed) as a pass catching specialist. Also, Kendricks signing tells the rest of the players that is they work hard, the Rams will pay them for their efforts.

I am glad to see your opinion on Kendricks! I am by no means an expert on him other than I know he is a Ram and that he is pretty athletic for a NFL TE and he probably has not been used as much as he could have been if it wasn't for all the Rams QB's issues the past couple of seasons. Hopefully, with Foles at the helm Kendricks will get an opportunity to get more involved in the passing game for the Rams.

 

[Fatbot]

It's nothing against Kendricks, it's the fact the Rams pay $16.8 million --2nd most in the NFL -- to the TE position. Do we get the 2nd best TE receiving production or 2nd best TE blocking in return? As of now 34% of the Rams offense cap goes to TE. That will go down a bit when more OL are (hopefully) signed, but it will still end up to me a misplaced priority of funds. It wouldn't be a big deal except in a salary cap system every dollar misused means it's not being used better in another position of need. And to state the obvious, the Rams have a lot of other needs than just throwing money at TE. Not to mention if Kendricks took the more money supposedly offered by Atlanta, that would be the level of a 4th round compensation pick (if all the criteria were met).

 

[paceram]

It's nothing against Kendricks, it's the fact the Rams pay $16.8 million --2nd most in the NFL -- to the TE position. Do we get the 2nd best TE receiving production or 2nd best TE blocking in return? As of now 34% of the Rams offense cap goes to TE. That will go down a bit when more OL are (hopefully) signed, but it will still end up to me a misplaced priority of funds. It wouldn't be a big deal except in a salary cap system every dollar misused means it's not being used better in another position of need. And to state the obvious, the Rams have a lot of other needs than just throwing money at TE. Not to mention if Kendricks took the more money supposedly offered by Atlanta, that would be the level of a 4th round compensation pick (if all the criteria were met).

I have to admit that I agree with you! As much as Kendricks will probably be a valuable player to the Rams offense I don't think he is as important to the Rams offense as some good offensive linemen right now. Now, if the Rams end up signing two or three good free agent offensive linemen before the Draft then I will admit I was wrong (Which, unfortunately, happens way too often!)! Hopefully, the Rams had a plan in place concerning offensive linemen before they committed that contract to Kendricks.

 

[GabesHorn]

Seems from what I've read on another board that a resign of Barksdale will get done as He is getting married and finding out he is'nt being sought after too seriously as all he is , is an ORT and nothing else and at an average level unless playing next to Saffold can bring him up to a B- taking in his speed rush pass blocking ability he could really work on that specifically this offseason once signed.

I saw some tweets where he is gonna get a little more from the Rams initial offer due to the influx of cap dollars from Foles trade. Seems no one is sure if Rams are gonna go with Barrett Jones or pay Wiz the money he is seeking after getting low balled from Seattle. Hoping Rams just did'nt play Jones over the stinking Wells at the end of season not to risk another injury as he has been getting his Muscle bulk back up after his back surgery. Something makes me think Jones is our secret this off season as they were more patient with him then even what they should have been with Bradford. My opinion only based on many sources.

I still want a hard hitting plugger at MLB as I'm not a drag down tackler fan of JL. I want his replacement this year as both SB teams and playoff teams have great MLB tacklers. Picture one behind our front four on defense instead of JL. Blaylock has a visit scheduled and I hope he takes a lowball offer as we have 13 mill left to re-sign Barksdale ,Wiz and Blalock of which I want all three so we can go BPA at #10 pick.

Very worried Barksdale will want a longer contract than what I think we will offer as he is just a ROT only. Don't want to be forced to start a rookie or move Saffold back outside. We all know how that will end up. We can get a starting guard with our second rounder and hoping we have freedom to choose one of the 3 WR's or possibly Scherff if he gets by the giants. He could play ORT but could be awesome at ORG instead.

Thinking our #3 pick could be a QB and I'm not crazy about that wishing we could go OL where we could get another player as we don't even have 10 OL on the squad today as Person was signed and we are looking desperate to add bodies like even the old Blaylock , who at worst could be another bust as was our rehabbed Tampa Bay pro bowler who stunk all last season.

I'm torn at getting Foles a deep threat with his long ball and getting as many OL we can get to compete with this offseason. My dream list still includes about 3 sleeper MLB players other teams are well aware of and can be gotten in 3rd and 4th rounds. Not sure how hungry we are for a 2 down player over our needs right now but JL needs his replacement to start playing soon with the 5 studs we will have on the line next season.

Fairley is my only head scratcher so far unless he knows he will be a rotational guy who CANNOT take any plays off and must keep his weight under control all season if he wants a real contract the next season. He needs to outplay Brockers and with his one breakout year of play at Auburn that made him a 1st rounder we need to see a very hungry player and not just a pass rusher but run stopper also. Williams and Fisher I know just could'nt resist the signing being auburn and defensive lovers. Ayers is a solid sign and a perfect person to cover Jimmy Graham at TE with the seahags unless we want our Improving AO to cover him.

I think Wiz is asking for a giant deal so if he was'nt sold with the Seahawks winning ability he must be looking for as much $$$ as he can get and will continue to make more visits till someone gives it to him. Just wishing I knew what Fisher and Boo know about Barret Jones and his ability that has yet to be seen off the practice field. I'd really like Wiz and Barks signed with our remaining money but feel it will be Barks and Blaylock instead. Thats not the offensive line upgrade I want going into the season. Draftees will fill one starting spot only. We are in trouble if we try to go with 2 rookies starting 18+ games.

Wonder if Barks will wait till after honeymoon to sign since he now knows the newer upgraded offer from Rams? Don't think Fish and Snead will break the bank for Wiz with just 13 million left and need money for rookies too. Guess we could drop Pead or something to get the extra cash. Just spit balling here. Think the re-signings have all been pretty good incentive deals that are all prove it deals so far. Nothing over 2 year on anyone we can't get out of. Lots of incentive deals once they are truly looked at which will make them worth it. Even the Britt deal is heavily incentive laden and not as rich as it first seems.

 

[paceram]

Seems from what I've read on another board that a resign of Barksdale will get done as He is getting married and finding out he is'nt being sought after too seriously as all he is , is an ORT and nothing else and at an average level unless playing next to Saffold can bring him up to a B- taking in his speed rush pass blocking ability he could really work on that specifically this offseason once signed.

I saw some tweets where he is gonna get a little more from the Rams initial offer due to the influx of cap dollars from Foles trade. Seems no one is sure if Rams are gonna go with Barrett Jones or pay Wiz the money he is seeking after getting low balled from Seattle. Hoping Rams just did'nt play Jones over the stinking Wells at the end of season not to risk another injury as he has been getting his Muscle bulk back up after his back surgery. Something makes me think Jones is our secret this off season as they were more patient with him tan even what they should have been with Bradford. My opinion only based on many sources.

I still want a hard hitting plugger at MLB as I'm not a drag down tackler fan of JL. I want his replacement this year as both SB teams and playoff teams have great MLB tacklers. Picture one behind our front four on defense instead of JL. Blaylock has a visit scheduled and I hope he takes a lowball offer as we have 13 mill left to re-sign Barksdale ,Wiz and Blalock of which I want all three so we can go BPA at #10 pick.

Very worried Barksdale will want a longer contract than what I think we will offer as he is just a ROT only. Don't want to be forced to start a rookie or move Saffold back outside. We all know how that will end up. We can get a starting guard with our second rounder and hoping we have freedom to choose one of the 3 WR's or possibly Scherff if he gets by the giants. He could play ORT but could be awesome at ORG instead.

Thinking our #3 pick could be a QB and I'm not crazy about that wishing we could go OL where we could get another player as we don't even have 10 OL on the squad today as Person was signed and we are looking desperate to add bodies like even the old Blaylock , who at worst could be another bust as was our rehabbed Tampa Bay pro bowler who stunk all last season.

I'm torn at getting Foles a deep threat with his long ball and getting as many OL we can get to compete with this offseason. My dream list still includes about 3 sleeper MLB players other teams are well aware of and can be gotten in 3rd and 4th rounds. Not sure how hungry we are for a 2 down player over our needs right now but JL needs his replacement to start playing soon with the 5 studs we will have on the line next season.

Fairley is my only head scratcher so far unless he knows he will be a rotational guy who CANNOT take any plays off and must keep his weight under control all season if he wants a real contract the next season. He needs to outplay Brockers and with his one breakout year of play at Auburn that made him a 1st rounder we need to see a very hungry player and not just a pass rusher but run stopper also. Williams and Fisher I know just could'nt resist the signing being auburn and defensive lovers. Ayers is a solid sign and a perfect person to cover Jimmy Graham at TE with the seahags unless we want our Improving AO to cover him.

I think Wiz is asking for a giant deal so if he was'nt sold with the Seahawks winning ability he must be looking for as much $$$ as he can get and will continue to make more visits till someone gives it to him. Just wishing I knew what Fisher and Boo know about Barret Jones and his ability that has yet to be seen off the practice field. I'd really like Wiz and Barks signed with our remaining money but feel it will be Barks and Blaylock instead. Thats not the offensive line upgrade I want going into the season. Draftees will fill one starting spot only. We are in trouble if we try to go with 2 rookies starting 18+ games.

Wonder if Barks will wait till after honeymoon to sign since he now knows the newer upgraded offer from Rams? Don't think Fish and Snead will break the bank for Wiz with just 13 million left and need money for rookies too. Guess we could drop Pead or something to get the extra cash. Just spit balling here. Think the re-signings have all been pretty good incentive deals that are all prove it deals so far. Nothing over 2 year on anyone we can't get ot of. Lots of incentive deals once they are truly looked at which will make them worth it. Even the Britt deal is heavily incentive laden and not as rich as it first seems.

Great Post! But, I think it is pretty inconsiderate of Barksdale to put his wedding over making a fast decision on the Rams offer (Just Kidding!)! Seriously, I will be THRILLED if the Rams can accomplish your plan and sign Barksdale, Wisniewski and Blalock and draft the BPA!

 

[WestCoastRam]

I'd be happy to have Barksdale back. We know what we're getting. He's younger than Blalock. I think with stability at RG he can bounce back somewhat from the disappointing season this last year.

With him I think then we're just looking to pick up a starter and some depth on the oline in the draft. Heck, we could probably bring back Barnes with the change left over from Barksdale signing. I like Barnes but only as a backup.

 

[LazyWinker]

I consider myself a big Bradford fan but even when healthy he seemed unable to reach his potential. Maybe he's a late bloomer... that's what I've been telling myself.

I'm excited to see what we got in Foles. I think the Rams clearly won the trade.

I like the Ayers and Fairly signings.

I like resigning Kendricks because he does everything.

So far so good. I'd like to see the Rams retain Barksdale and add some OL help.

 

[Dick84]

Except for Foles... I can't give any grades out until I see the entire picture. Context matters to me. Did they make these acquisitions only to end up acquiring castoffs of the Davin Joseph variety and/or rookies to man the 3 offensive line spots? If so, I won't be able to give any of those signings anything higher than a C. If they open up some cash and can sign at least one *quality* FA lineman and at least one bargain veteran... I'll be more optimistic.

 

[RaminExile]

Excellent post PaceRam and I agree on the whole. Ayer's looks like a good pickup. Fairley was a great signing because the contract should ensure he's motivated and when he has been in the past he can be a beast.

I think Kendricks is extremely underrated. He's one of the more versatile tight ends about - and he's a genuine tight end. By which I mean he can protect, run block and run routes. Yes - he doesn't excel at anything (and he's been much maligned for some dreadful open pass drops which tend to stick in peoples minds - rightly so) - but I'd have made that deal to get him resigned even though he might be a bit overpriced. I'd like to see Smelly make the roster at some point but I think going with him, Cook and Harkey (and McQuaide as LS) gives us the strongest group there for now.

Britt? Leading receiver last year and has somehow magically become a good role model and mentor! Who'd a thought it? Get him resigned.

Re: the Bradford trade - what more is there to say? What's done is done. We freed up a lot of cap room and seem to be intent on spending it all! I don't think we'll have won that trade though until we see what we do with the pick next year (or this year if we trade it). Will Foles have a better career than Bradford? No way if Sam stays healthy. They're in different leagues talent-wise - but that's not the point. The point is Foles is here now and I hope he is ready to go.

 

[dbrooks25]

This ass hat at bleacher report seems to think that our trading for Foles was one of the more underwhelming moves. He ranks the top 50 additions from the past week and he has the Foles acquisition at #49 after Philly re-signed Sanchez. Oh, and he has Ryan Fitzpatrick signing with the Jets ranked at #20 and Bradford going to the Eagles at #44. THIS is why many view bleacher report as a joke.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...ignings-ranking-the-top-50-adds-from-1st-week