Searching for gems in Rams' rookie class/Wagoner

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RamBill

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Searching for gems in Rams' rookie class
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/8724/searching-for-gems-in-rams-rookie-class

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The majority of the heavy lifting in the rebuild of the St. Louis Rams roster is over. At least that's how coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead look at the project.

Which means as spring turns into summer and training camp arrives, things figure to heat up in the battle for roster spots.

After adding 11 drafted rookies and 15 more rookie free agents when the draft was over, the Rams have a crop of 26 players hoping to make enough of an impression to land on the 53-man roster. But the reality is there probably aren't many spots available barring some injuries or off-field issues cropping up. Some training camp battles might be more geared toward landing a spot on the eight-player practice squad more than the roster.

Back before the draft, Fisher and Snead indicated in interviews the roster might have somewhere between eight and 10 spots up for grabs in training camp. They clearly feel good about the development of their many young players at a number of positions so most of those battles figure to come in the form of backup spots that dot the depth chart.

Here's a look at a few of the spots that could be up for grabs with the reminder the existence of some jobs may not even come to fruition depending on how the Rams want the opening-day roster to open up.

Third quarterback: This is a prime example of a job that may not even exist but if it does it's between sixth-round choice Garrett Gilbert and Austin Davis. Clearly, Gilbert will get the first shot at winning the gig as the Rams look to bring along a youngster at the position. But the Rams could opt to carry two and keep someone like Gilbert for the practice squad.

Fourth (and fifth?) cornerback: The Rams haven't gone heavy at this position in two years under Fisher but it seems reasonable they'll carry as many as five. Janoris Jenkins, Trumaine Johnson and Lamarcus Joyner are locks. After that, the Rams have E.J. Gaines, Greg Reid and promising undrafted rookie Marcus Roberson among a group of those vying for spots. Roberson is an intriguing name to watch after a strong college career was derailed by injuries and off-field issues that kept him from being drafted.

Extra offensive linemen: Considering the presence of multiple linemen capable of playing all over the line (guys like Rodger Saffold, Barrett Jones and Greg Robinson), the Rams might not have to go as heavy on offensive linemen as they have in the past. But they carried double digits for part of last season and like to allow line coach Paul Boudreau the opportunity to develop youngsters. Beyond the projected starting five, you have a crowded group that includes Jones, Tim Barnes, Brandon Washington, Mike Person, Sean Hooey, Mitchell Van Dyk and Demetrius Rhaney jockeying for position. Not all will make the roster and it seems logical for the Rams to go a bit lighter at the position this year.

Fourth tight end: The Rams have carried four at this position in the past and probably will do so again but it's not a lock after the offseason departure of Mike McNeill. Justice Cunningham is a name to watch here. The Rams wanted him in 2013 but weren't able to add him until late in the season. Mason Brodine is attempting to transition to this spot from defensive end and could be interesting if he is able to prove capable as a blocker. Undrafted rookie Alex Bayer is another who could fight his way into the mix.

Sixth linebacker: There's an obvious need for a veteran backup here which means the Rams could bring back someone like Will Witherspoon later on. If not, it's fair to wonder if they'll even carry a sixth. Behind the starting trio, the Rams have youngsters Ray Ray Armstrong and Daren Bates and only Armstrong has flashed the upside to play in the base defense if needed. But Armstrong and Bates are special teams dynamos when under control meaning a potential sixth spot would add a third special teams player to the group. The current roster is full of unknowns for this possible spot with names like Etienne Sabino, Caleb McSurdy and Phillip Steward. Undrafted rookie Tavarius Wilson from North Alabama is another name to watch.

There are, of course, always some surprises in camp and this list is in no way complete. Battles for spots down the depth chart at safety and, potentially, wide receiver could also be worth watching. And that says nothing of the potential for the team to carry a ninth defensive linemen with the first eight spots likely locked up.
 

Memphis Ram

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Way Too Early Final Roster Guess

QB: Sam Bradford, Shaun Hill, Gilbert Garrett (3)
RB: Zac Stacy, Tre Mason, Benny Cunningham, Isaiah Pead (4)
TE/FB: Jared Cook, Lance Kendricks, Corey Harkey, Justice Cunningham (4)
WR: Chris Givens, Brian Quick, Tavon Austin, Justin Britt, Austin Pettis, T.J. Moe (6) Steadman Bailey suspended
OL: Jake Long, Greg Robinson, Rodger Saffold, Joe Barksdale, Barrett Jones, Veteran Pickup, Tim Barnes, Demetrius Rhaney, Last Cutdown Waiver Claim (9)

DL: Robert Quinn, William Hayes, Michael Brockers, Chris Long, Kendall Langford, Aaron Donald, Alex Carrington, Ethan Westbrooks (8)
LB: Alex Ogletree, James Laurinaitis, Jo Lon Dunbar, Tavarius Wilson, Etienne Sabino, Darren Bates (6)
CB: Trumaine Johnson, Janoris Jenkins, Lamarcus Joyner, Brandon McGee, E.J. Gaines (5)
S: TJ McDonald, Rodney McCleod, Mo Alexander, Christian Bryant, Matt Daniels (5)

Specialist (3)
K: Greg Zuerlein
P: Johnny Hekker
LS: Jake McQuaide
 

CGI_Ram

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Way Too Early Final Roster Guess

QB: Sam Bradford, Shaun Hill, Gilbert Garrett (3)
RB: Zac Stacy, Tre Mason, Benny Cunningham, Isaiah Pead (4)
TE/FB: Jared Cook, Lance Kendricks, Corey Harkey, Justice Cunningham (4)
WR: Chris Givens, Brian Quick, Tavon Austin, Justin Britt, Austin Pettis, T.J. Moe (6) Steadman Bailey suspended
OL: Jake Long, Greg Robinson, Rodger Saffold, Joe Barksdale, Barrett Jones, Veteran Pickup, Tim Barnes, Demetrius Rhaney, Last Cutdown Waiver Claim (9)

DL: Robert Quinn, William Hayes, Michael Brockers, Chris Long, Kendall Langford, Aaron Donald, Alex Carrington, Ethan Westbrooks (8)
LB: Alex Ogletree, James Laurinaitis, Jo Lon Dunbar, Tavarius Wilson, Etienne Sabino, Darren Bates (6)
CB: Trumaine Johnson, Janoris Jenkins, Lamarcus Joyner, Brandon McGee, E.J. Gaines (5)
S: TJ McDonald, Rodney McCleod, Mo Alexander, Christian Bryant, Matt Daniels (5)

Specialist (3)
K: Greg Zuerlein
P: Johnny Hekker
LS: Jake McQuaide

Nice list.

I'd like to keep 6 CB's.

Let's hope we stay healthy at LB, because we are lean there!
 

SierraRam

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Way Too Early Final Roster Guess

QB: Sam Bradford, Shaun Hill, Gilbert Garrett (3)
RB: Zac Stacy, Tre Mason, Benny Cunningham, Isaiah Pead (4)
TE/FB: Jared Cook, Lance Kendricks, Corey Harkey, Justice Cunningham (4)
WR: Chris Givens, Brian Quick, Tavon Austin, Justin Britt, Austin Pettis, T.J. Moe (6) Steadman Bailey suspended
OL: Jake Long, Greg Robinson, Rodger Saffold, Joe Barksdale, Barrett Jones, Veteran Pickup, Tim Barnes, Demetrius Rhaney, Last Cutdown Waiver Claim (9)

DL: Robert Quinn, William Hayes, Michael Brockers, Chris Long, Kendall Langford, Aaron Donald, Alex Carrington, Ethan Westbrooks (8)
LB: Alex Ogletree, James Laurinaitis, Jo Lon Dunbar, Tavarius Wilson, Etienne Sabino, Darren Bates (6)
CB: Trumaine Johnson, Janoris Jenkins, Lamarcus Joyner, Brandon McGee, E.J. Gaines (5)
S: TJ McDonald, Rodney McCleod, Mo Alexander, Christian Bryant, Matt Daniels (5)

Specialist (3)
K: Greg Zuerlein
P: Johnny Hekker
LS: Jake McQuaide


Looks Good! By far, this is the best we've looked on paper in a long time. My only 3 concerns in order:

1. Experience in secondary
2. Depth on OL
3. Depth at LB

I'm sure Fish and Snead will be all over the waiver wire... We're good to go gentlemen!
 

Barrison

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Way Too Early Final Roster Guess

QB: Sam Bradford, Shaun Hill, Gilbert Garrett (3)
RB: Zac Stacy, Tre Mason, Benny Cunningham, Isaiah Pead (4)
TE/FB: Jared Cook, Lance Kendricks, Corey Harkey, Justice Cunningham (4)
WR: Chris Givens, Brian Quick, Tavon Austin, Justin Britt, Austin Pettis, T.J. Moe (6) Steadman Bailey suspended
OL: Jake Long, Greg Robinson, Rodger Saffold, Joe Barksdale, Barrett Jones, Veteran Pickup, Tim Barnes, Demetrius Rhaney, Last Cutdown Waiver Claim (9)

DL: Robert Quinn, William Hayes, Michael Brockers, Chris Long, Kendall Langford, Aaron Donald, Alex Carrington, Ethan Westbrooks (8)
LB: Alex Ogletree, James Laurinaitis, Jo Lon Dunbar, Tavarius Wilson, Etienne Sabino, Darren Bates (6)
CB: Trumaine Johnson, Janoris Jenkins, Lamarcus Joyner, Brandon McGee, E.J. Gaines (5)
S: TJ McDonald, Rodney McCleod, Mo Alexander, Christian Bryant, Matt Daniels (5)

Specialist (3)
K: Greg Zuerlein
P: Johnny Hekker
LS: Jake McQuaide
Ray Ray isn't gonna make it eh?
 

Elmgrovegnome

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Way Too Early Final Roster Guess

QB: Sam Bradford, Shaun Hill, Gilbert Garrett (3)
RB: Zac Stacy, Tre Mason, Benny Cunningham, Isaiah Pead (4)
TE/FB: Jared Cook, Lance Kendricks, Corey Harkey, Justice Cunningham (4)
WR: Chris Givens, Brian Quick, Tavon Austin, Justin Britt, Austin Pettis, T.J. Moe (6) Steadman Bailey suspended
OL: Jake Long, Greg Robinson, Rodger Saffold, Joe Barksdale, Barrett Jones, Veteran Pickup, Tim Barnes, Demetrius Rhaney, Last Cutdown Waiver Claim (9)

DL: Robert Quinn, William Hayes, Michael Brockers, Chris Long, Kendall Langford, Aaron Donald, Alex Carrington, Ethan Westbrooks (8)
LB: Alex Ogletree, James Laurinaitis, Jo Lon Dunbar, Tavarius Wilson, Etienne Sabino, Darren Bates (6)
CB: Trumaine Johnson, Janoris Jenkins, Lamarcus Joyner, Brandon McGee, E.J. Gaines (5)
S: TJ McDonald, Rodney McCleod, Mo Alexander, Christian Bryant, Matt Daniels (5)

Specialist (3)
K: Greg Zuerlein
P: Johnny Hekker
LS: Jake McQuaide

What a difference a few years have made.
 

MFaulk107

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Seems I'm the only one who thinks Kenny will b our number 1 or 2ND receiver.

He's got the experience, the body stature, the hands. Britt has something to show us all, and mostly to him self. Hes showed he.can be a good WR. He WANTS to be that number 1 guy and most defiantly can be. Just gotta stay healthy n consistent. My guts telling me this is his year.
 

Boffo97

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Seems I'm the only one who thinks Kenny will b our number 1 or 2ND receiver.

He's got the experience, the body stature, the hands. Britt has something to show us all, and mostly to him self. Hes showed he.can be a good WR. He WANTS to be that number 1 guy and most defiantly can be. Just gotta stay healthy n consistent. My guts telling me this is his year.

To me, the Rams played getting him perfectly. He didn't have a huge amount of demand, so the Rams stayed patient and signed him to a pretty low 1 year contract. If he performs, great, sign him to a better deal during the season. If he doesn't, we've lost nothing.

So while I hope you're right, to me, it's a minor gamble where we stand to gain more than we stand to lose.
 

RamsAndEwe

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Seems Wagoner forgot about Brandon McGee.

I would not discount Brandon McGee. I've watched the tale of the tape... McGee's Movies, and I know Bandon is a funtabulous fumble enforcer, in addition to Brandon's Bombastic, kamikaze guided missile, special team torpedo, mace in your face, giant fly swatter punt returner destroyer!

Will Brandon McGee's superior athletic skills mesh with Gregg William's fresh new found super-nature, mature turbo charged corner back, freak of nature? Don't ask me...I don't know the answer. Who does?

But I do know if McGee matures on time, then McGee could be a very Nice Ram's SURPRISE.

Otherwise Brandon McGee will fall by the wayside like a sewage water, nicotine yellow stained cigarette butt boat, floating down a sewer trapped inside a twisted aluminum beer can, like any other undisciplined athletic freak-azoid!

History is littered with draft busts, muscular bodies, bubble butts and lazy asses resting on past laurels, scattered over bleached bone rusted tungsten steel skeletons frames of terminators terminated before they were ever born! Draft abortions! Busts! NFL fodder!
 
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Mojo Ram

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I'll take a stab.

Offense
QB: Bradford, S.Hill (2)
RB: Stacy, Mason, Cunningham, Pead (4)
WR: Austin, Givens, Pettis, Quick, Britt, Bailey (6)
TE/FB: Cook, Kendricks, Harkey, someone who can block & play special teams (4)
OLine: Long, Robinson, Wells, Saffold, Barksdale, Barnes, Jones, FA vet Tackle pickup, Rhaney (9)

Defense
DLine: Quinn, Long, Brockers, Langford, Donald, Hayes, Sims, Carrington, Sam (9)
LB's: Laurinaitis, Ogletree, Dunbar, Armstrong, Bates, FA pickup (6)
CB's: Jenkins, Johnson, Joyner, McGee, Gaines (5)
S: McDonald, McLeod, Alexander, Bryant, Daniels (5)

Specialists (3)
K: Zuerlein
P: Hekker
LS: McQuaide
 

MFaulk107

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To me, the Rams played getting him perfectly. He didn't have a huge amount of demand, so the Rams stayed patient and signed him to a pretty low 1 year contract. If he performs, great, sign him to a better deal during the season. If he doesn't, we've lost nothing.

So while I hope you're right, to me, it's a minor gamble where we stand to gain more than we stand to lose.
Exactly! A loooot is to be gained rather than lost. Again....a loooot!

And you gotta think from Kennys POV. he's done great in his past, he clearly knows he has it, he just wants to show it!
 

BeerOClock

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Otherwise Brandon McGee will fall by the wayside like a sewage water, nicotine yellow stained cigarette butt boat, floating down a sewer trapped inside a twisted aluminum beer can, like any other undisciplined athletic freak-azoid!

History is littered with draft busts, muscular bodies, bubble butts and lazy asses resting on past laurels, scattered over bleached bone rusted tungsten steel skeletons frames of terminators terminated before they were ever born! Draft abortions! Busts! NFL fodder!

Damn, that almost sounds poetic. I could hear Springsteen's music to "Born To Run" playing as I read it.
 

RamsAndEwe

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Damn, that almost sounds poetic. I could hear Springsteen's music to "Born To Run" playing as I read it.

Thank you so very much BeerOClock. I'm so happy you get me... Some days I just got to wax away poetically... The Springsteen allusion is the best compliment you can give to moi. I am so humbled!

Hey, BeerOClock, Your the The Boss! Do you know which TV lyrics make me think of Bruce Springsteen? The theme to Gillian's Island. Hum along and take a trip with this mid 60's TV melody, and tell me it doesn't sound like Springsteen before Bruce The Boss blinded us by the light in Asbury Park!

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, A tale of a fateful trip
That started from this tropic port Aboard this tiny ship.
The mate was a mighty sailing man, The skipper brave and sure.
Five passengers set sail that day For a three hour tour,
a three hour tour.

The weather started getting rough, The tiny ship was tossed,
If not for the courage of the fearless crew The minnow would be lost,
the minnow would be lost. The ship set ground on the shore of this uncharted desert isle
With Gilligan The Skipper too,
The millionaire and his wife,
The movie star The professor and Mary Ann,
Here on Gilligans Isle.
 
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Rambitious1

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Way Too Early Final Roster Guess

QB: Sam Bradford, Shaun Hill, Gilbert Garrett (3)
RB: Zac Stacy, Tre Mason, Benny Cunningham, Isaiah Pead (4)
TE/FB: Jared Cook, Lance Kendricks, Corey Harkey, Justice Cunningham (4)
WR: Chris Givens, Brian Quick, Tavon Austin, Justin Britt, Austin Pettis, T.J. Moe (6) Steadman Bailey suspended
OL: Jake Long, Greg Robinson, Rodger Saffold, Joe Barksdale, Barrett Jones, Veteran Pickup, Tim Barnes, Demetrius Rhaney, Last Cutdown Waiver Claim (9)

DL: Robert Quinn, William Hayes, Michael Brockers, Chris Long, Kendall Langford, Aaron Donald, Alex Carrington, Ethan Westbrooks (8)
LB: Alex Ogletree, James Laurinaitis, Jo Lon Dunbar, Tavarius Wilson, Etienne Sabino, Darren Bates (6)
CB: Trumaine Johnson, Janoris Jenkins, Lamarcus Joyner, Brandon McGee, E.J. Gaines (5)
S: TJ McDonald, Rodney McCleod, Mo Alexander, Christian Bryant, Matt Daniels (5)

Specialist (3)
K: Greg Zuerlein
P: Johnny Hekker
LS: Jake McQuaide


No Ray Ray?