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- Jan 13, 2016
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This will be long but worth it (IMO) I wont bother yall with more than 3 versions over the course of the offseason. The rams have about $40 mil in cap space before cuts. My objectives were to find players that fit the system based on extensive tape study of the scheme of our new coaches, add players I have studied who have the skill set to excel in those schemes, maximize our current talent, and attack the positional strengths of Free Agency and The Draft at the right value points.
Cuts (Total Savings $10.5m)
Eugene Sims (+2.5m)- Not a great system fit not good enough to stay.
Tre Mason (+.75m)- Self explanatory
Ethan Westbrooks (Original pick tender $1.6m)- Will be fine as rotational 3-4 end his calling card is power and has even been our backup NT in the past. Solid depth at 1.6m, doubt he gets any offers.
Greg Robinson LT -> LG. Cant trust Robinson on an island pass protecting, and that will happen at LT frequently with McVay using primarily 3 WRs and detaching the TE off the line alot. Some parts of Robinson's struggles are on the coaching, but we have to hold him accountable at some point. He has been bad for three years even when seeking outside help from LeCharles Bentley who helped multiple lineman step their game up. On the bright side, Robinson could be a good guard, McVay doesn't use a full back and runs some zone schemes so having guards that move and pull out in front is essential. You could easily argue pulling is the best part of Robinson's game at this point, so maybe Kromer will be able to salvage him at OG, but he will have to compete with our other young lineman.
Roger Saffold LG-> LT. This is not a good tackle class in FA or the draft, so as unappealing as it is Saffold could be our best option at LT. Saffold was our best lineman last year even though that isn't saying much. IF he stays healthy he will be solid and wont get Goff killed and can hold the Rmas over long enough to get a franchise LT next draft with a much better tackle class and a first round pick.
Cody Wichman OG->C. Wichman was terrible last year but still has some value. Both Kroemer and McVay converted 6'6 guards to center to make them more versatile with good results. Allows Kroemer to replace Rhaney as versatile backuo interior OL Rhaney he doesn't fit the typical profile of the lineman he likes
Larry Warford, OG, Lions (5yr/$8m per season)- It was rumored Snead was a huge fan of Warford coming out of Kentucky and even considered him when they picked Alec Ogletree and would have picked him if he lasted to our 3rd round pick. Warford is a solid pass protector, powerful run blocker, who fits the mold of a Kroemer lineman, and will help Goff and Gurley immensely.
Pierre Garcon, WR, Redskins (3yr/$8m per season)- Another guy Snead wanted as a UFA when his Colts contract was up, so he will be on the same page with McVay. Garcon is reliable as they come and was key part of Mcvay's offense winning on in breaking routes, being tough over middle, running after the catch, moving the chains, and being clutch on 3rd down. At 31 he pairs with Stills and Tavon to provide the perfect blend of youth, experience, and upside out wide for Goff.
Jason McCourty, CB, Titans (3yr/$6m per season)- McCourty is currently under contract, but will likely get cut after 2 injury ravaged seasons in Tennessee. McCourty is only 29 so he can bounce back and still play well. He is a solid vet corner who can play well in Philip's heavy man to man scheme. McCourty also has the ability to move to safety down the line like his all pro twin Devin.
Connor Barwin, EDGE, Eagles (2yr/$4.5m per season)- Another likely cap casualty who was not as productive as reserve end in Jim Schwartz's 4-3. Barwin had some of his best years playing as 3-4 OLB under Wade in Houston and gives the Rams a veteran OLB who knows and fits the system.
Ryan Groy, OL, Bills (RFA 4yr/$4m per season)- Groy is an RFA, but I expect the Bills to give him the original pick tender making him compensation free because he was a UDFA. The Bills have 23 Free Agents and are in the bottom 25% in cap space even before making decisions on Tyrod Taylor and franchising Stephon Gilmore. Additionally, Eric Wood their franchise center comes back healthy as one of the higher paid centers in the league. For these reasons I don't expect them to tender Groy at a high level or match an offer, so the Rams will be happy to add him. Kroemer seems to be a big fan of Groy he traded for him In Chicago and brought him in when he went to Buffalo. Groy is a natural guard Kroemer converted to center before Wood got hurt and Groy did a solid job filling in for Wood when he went down. At 6'5 320 he has the requisite size Kroemer likes in his interior lineman and would be big upgrade over Barnes.
2. Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama- Wade will be banging the table for a CB and I considered it along with OT, but Everett makes more sense to me. This is the best TE class in a while chock full of top notch talent especially at the top. As a former TE coach I don't think picks in rounds 4 and 6 last year, even though talented, will stop McVay from getting his guy early. Ive watched alot of tape on McVays offense and when healthy Jordan Reed was the straw that stirred the drink. in 2015 before an injury ravaged 2016 Reed lead the Skins in targets, even with Garcon and DeSean and was used in so many different ways. Everett has a Reed like skill set, even more so than the more heralded Evan Engram because Everett is; more explosive, more physical in all facets, and is better in contested situations. This may seem like a reach now, but it wont be after the combine, since Everett is a great athlete and has been just as productive, if not more so than more highly regarded guys like David Njoku and and OJ Howard, granted at a lower level. Adding Everett to Stills, Garcon, Tavon, and Higbee would give the rams the best set of weapons they have had in years.
3. Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA- The local kid is very talented and could certainly go higher, but in this deep corner class you can get a quality player here regardless. Phillips runs a heavy man coverage/match up zone scheme that fits Moreau's strenghths. Moreau has the size (6'0), quick feet, and loose hips to stay with receivers in man to man coverage and can instantly start for Wade.
4. Avery Gennesy, OT, Texas A&M- It's not a Snead draft without adding some SEC talent. Gennesy a first team all SEC lineman has great feet and is an athletic pass protector. He played well against top notch edge rushers who will be drafted early in Alabama's Tim Williams and UCLA's Takk McKinley. However he struggled with the power of Alabama's Jonathan Allen and needs to add more strength. An NFL strength program will help him add more power so he can anchor better and be more effective in the run game. With that said he can come in and initially be our swing tackle with potential for more.
4. Derek Rivers, EDGE, Youngstown State- No one loves small college defensive lineman more than Snead and his scouts. Rivers is a talented edge rusher who has some experience standing up and performed well at the Senior Bowl playing against a higher level of competition. Rivers can instantly come in a provide solid reps behind Barwin and has starting potential down the line.
5. Josh Carraway, EDGE, TCU- You can never have enough pass rushers and Wade had solid 4 man Rush OLB rotation even with super star starters Demarcus Ware and Von Miller. Carraway fits the bill as an open ended rush OLB in the new scheme. Carraway has experience rushing standing up, but sometimes struggles to set the edge as a run defender, however he has the ability to contribute rushing the passer right away. Backing up Quinn as an open ended rusher is a good spot for him because he can use his speed and athleticism to chase plays in pass rush situations instead of taking blocks on head on.
6. Harvey Langi, LB, BYU- Langi is a former RB who moved to the defensive side of the ball, but spent most of his time miscast as an edge player. He finally got to play in the middle in his bowl game and in the Senior Bowl and performed well. He has good size and athleticism at 6'2 250. Langi Can come in and instantly compete with Forrest for the early down mike plugger role freeing up Ogletree to make plays at the MO linebacker spot.
6. TJ Logan, RB, UNC- Chris Thompson was an underrated cog in McVay's Redskins dynamic attack. The small, but speedy Thompson played a key role as third down back, on draws, screens, and by creating mismatches against LBs in the pass game. Logan is also a smaller explosive back with a similar skill set who can fill that roll, and also replace Cunnigham as an explosive kickoff returner.
7. Josh Tupou, DL, Colorado- The backup NT plays the least snaps on Phillips defense, if at all since the ends become interior rushers in passing situations. With that said it may be more prudent to add a kicker here, but I trust Bones to find a solid one as a UDFA. Tupou is a massive man who is hard to move.
7. Sefo Liufau, QB, Colorado- Liufau has the skillset of a poor man's Dak Prescott. Could be decent developmental prospect as the 3rd QB with the potential to be Goff's back up in the future.
2017 Depth Chart (New Starters in Bold)QB: Goff, Mannion, Liufau
RB: Gurley, Logan, Brown, UDFA
X WR: Stills, Thomas
Z WR: Garcon, Spruce
Y WR: Tavon, Cooper
TE: Everett, Higbee, Harkey, Hemmingway
LT: Saffold, Genessy
LG: Robinson vs. Brown vs. Donnal
C: Groy, Wichman
RG: Warford, Donnal
RT: Havenstein
LE: Hayes, Westbrooks
NT: Brockers, Tupou
RE: Donald, Easley
SOLB: Barwin, Rivers, Littleton
Mike: Langi vs. Forrest
MO: Ogltree, Hager
WOLB: Quinn, Carraway
LCB: Moreau, Joyner, Jordan
RCB: McCourty, Gaines
FS: Alexander, Davis
SS: Barron, Randolph
P: Hecker
LS: McQuaide
K: UDFA
Cuts (Total Savings $10.5m)
Lance Kendricks (+$4.25m)- Hands like feet and way overrated as a blocker. The move TE spot needs a major upgrade and TE is one of the draft's best position groups
Tim Barnes (+3m)- Needs to be upgraded.Eugene Sims (+2.5m)- Not a great system fit not good enough to stay.
Tre Mason (+.75m)- Self explanatory
Rams RFAs (-$4.2m)
Dominique Easley (2nd round tender $2.6m)- At worst still an above average interior nickel rusher at best a starter in the new system great value at $2.6m.Ethan Westbrooks (Original pick tender $1.6m)- Will be fine as rotational 3-4 end his calling card is power and has even been our backup NT in the past. Solid depth at 1.6m, doubt he gets any offers.
Position Changes
Mark Barron LB -> SS. Everyone thought coming out of college Barron best position was SS in the box, but he has hardly played there because he has mostly been a cover 2 safety or LB. Barron Fills the TJ ward role in Phillips defense as a Safety in the box who can blitz, cover, TEs, and play nickel LB. Barron can be every bit as effective at SS as his All pro Alabama comrade Landon Collins if he is used in the right way. As rams fans we should know if Darian Stewart can play FS at a high level in this scheme so can Mo Alexander. Barron and Mo could a form a big fast hard hitting safety combo.Greg Robinson LT -> LG. Cant trust Robinson on an island pass protecting, and that will happen at LT frequently with McVay using primarily 3 WRs and detaching the TE off the line alot. Some parts of Robinson's struggles are on the coaching, but we have to hold him accountable at some point. He has been bad for three years even when seeking outside help from LeCharles Bentley who helped multiple lineman step their game up. On the bright side, Robinson could be a good guard, McVay doesn't use a full back and runs some zone schemes so having guards that move and pull out in front is essential. You could easily argue pulling is the best part of Robinson's game at this point, so maybe Kromer will be able to salvage him at OG, but he will have to compete with our other young lineman.
Roger Saffold LG-> LT. This is not a good tackle class in FA or the draft, so as unappealing as it is Saffold could be our best option at LT. Saffold was our best lineman last year even though that isn't saying much. IF he stays healthy he will be solid and wont get Goff killed and can hold the Rmas over long enough to get a franchise LT next draft with a much better tackle class and a first round pick.
Cody Wichman OG->C. Wichman was terrible last year but still has some value. Both Kroemer and McVay converted 6'6 guards to center to make them more versatile with good results. Allows Kroemer to replace Rhaney as versatile backuo interior OL Rhaney he doesn't fit the typical profile of the lineman he likes
External Additions (-$38.5m)
Kenny Stills, WR, Dolphins (5yr/$8.5m per season)- Its rare seeing a 24 year old as an UFA, so a player with Stills skill set will be highly sought after and may cost even more than $8.5m per season. Stills is a So Cal guy so maybe the allure of LA and taking his game to the next level in McVay's offense can give the Rams a leg up on the competition. Stills can fill the explosive deep threat DeSean Jackson role in Mcvay's offense, but is 6 years younger, bigger, and better in contested situations.Larry Warford, OG, Lions (5yr/$8m per season)- It was rumored Snead was a huge fan of Warford coming out of Kentucky and even considered him when they picked Alec Ogletree and would have picked him if he lasted to our 3rd round pick. Warford is a solid pass protector, powerful run blocker, who fits the mold of a Kroemer lineman, and will help Goff and Gurley immensely.
Pierre Garcon, WR, Redskins (3yr/$8m per season)- Another guy Snead wanted as a UFA when his Colts contract was up, so he will be on the same page with McVay. Garcon is reliable as they come and was key part of Mcvay's offense winning on in breaking routes, being tough over middle, running after the catch, moving the chains, and being clutch on 3rd down. At 31 he pairs with Stills and Tavon to provide the perfect blend of youth, experience, and upside out wide for Goff.
Jason McCourty, CB, Titans (3yr/$6m per season)- McCourty is currently under contract, but will likely get cut after 2 injury ravaged seasons in Tennessee. McCourty is only 29 so he can bounce back and still play well. He is a solid vet corner who can play well in Philip's heavy man to man scheme. McCourty also has the ability to move to safety down the line like his all pro twin Devin.
Connor Barwin, EDGE, Eagles (2yr/$4.5m per season)- Another likely cap casualty who was not as productive as reserve end in Jim Schwartz's 4-3. Barwin had some of his best years playing as 3-4 OLB under Wade in Houston and gives the Rams a veteran OLB who knows and fits the system.
Ryan Groy, OL, Bills (RFA 4yr/$4m per season)- Groy is an RFA, but I expect the Bills to give him the original pick tender making him compensation free because he was a UDFA. The Bills have 23 Free Agents and are in the bottom 25% in cap space even before making decisions on Tyrod Taylor and franchising Stephon Gilmore. Additionally, Eric Wood their franchise center comes back healthy as one of the higher paid centers in the league. For these reasons I don't expect them to tender Groy at a high level or match an offer, so the Rams will be happy to add him. Kroemer seems to be a big fan of Groy he traded for him In Chicago and brought him in when he went to Buffalo. Groy is a natural guard Kroemer converted to center before Wood got hurt and Groy did a solid job filling in for Wood when he went down. At 6'5 320 he has the requisite size Kroemer likes in his interior lineman and would be big upgrade over Barnes.
DRAFT
(Compensation picks for Jenks, McLeod, Fairley in round 3,4,6) (Chris Givens trade round 7)
(Compensation picks for Jenks, McLeod, Fairley in round 3,4,6) (Chris Givens trade round 7)
2. Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama- Wade will be banging the table for a CB and I considered it along with OT, but Everett makes more sense to me. This is the best TE class in a while chock full of top notch talent especially at the top. As a former TE coach I don't think picks in rounds 4 and 6 last year, even though talented, will stop McVay from getting his guy early. Ive watched alot of tape on McVays offense and when healthy Jordan Reed was the straw that stirred the drink. in 2015 before an injury ravaged 2016 Reed lead the Skins in targets, even with Garcon and DeSean and was used in so many different ways. Everett has a Reed like skill set, even more so than the more heralded Evan Engram because Everett is; more explosive, more physical in all facets, and is better in contested situations. This may seem like a reach now, but it wont be after the combine, since Everett is a great athlete and has been just as productive, if not more so than more highly regarded guys like David Njoku and and OJ Howard, granted at a lower level. Adding Everett to Stills, Garcon, Tavon, and Higbee would give the rams the best set of weapons they have had in years.
3. Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA- The local kid is very talented and could certainly go higher, but in this deep corner class you can get a quality player here regardless. Phillips runs a heavy man coverage/match up zone scheme that fits Moreau's strenghths. Moreau has the size (6'0), quick feet, and loose hips to stay with receivers in man to man coverage and can instantly start for Wade.
4. Avery Gennesy, OT, Texas A&M- It's not a Snead draft without adding some SEC talent. Gennesy a first team all SEC lineman has great feet and is an athletic pass protector. He played well against top notch edge rushers who will be drafted early in Alabama's Tim Williams and UCLA's Takk McKinley. However he struggled with the power of Alabama's Jonathan Allen and needs to add more strength. An NFL strength program will help him add more power so he can anchor better and be more effective in the run game. With that said he can come in and initially be our swing tackle with potential for more.
4. Derek Rivers, EDGE, Youngstown State- No one loves small college defensive lineman more than Snead and his scouts. Rivers is a talented edge rusher who has some experience standing up and performed well at the Senior Bowl playing against a higher level of competition. Rivers can instantly come in a provide solid reps behind Barwin and has starting potential down the line.
5. Josh Carraway, EDGE, TCU- You can never have enough pass rushers and Wade had solid 4 man Rush OLB rotation even with super star starters Demarcus Ware and Von Miller. Carraway fits the bill as an open ended rush OLB in the new scheme. Carraway has experience rushing standing up, but sometimes struggles to set the edge as a run defender, however he has the ability to contribute rushing the passer right away. Backing up Quinn as an open ended rusher is a good spot for him because he can use his speed and athleticism to chase plays in pass rush situations instead of taking blocks on head on.
6. Harvey Langi, LB, BYU- Langi is a former RB who moved to the defensive side of the ball, but spent most of his time miscast as an edge player. He finally got to play in the middle in his bowl game and in the Senior Bowl and performed well. He has good size and athleticism at 6'2 250. Langi Can come in and instantly compete with Forrest for the early down mike plugger role freeing up Ogletree to make plays at the MO linebacker spot.
6. TJ Logan, RB, UNC- Chris Thompson was an underrated cog in McVay's Redskins dynamic attack. The small, but speedy Thompson played a key role as third down back, on draws, screens, and by creating mismatches against LBs in the pass game. Logan is also a smaller explosive back with a similar skill set who can fill that roll, and also replace Cunnigham as an explosive kickoff returner.
7. Josh Tupou, DL, Colorado- The backup NT plays the least snaps on Phillips defense, if at all since the ends become interior rushers in passing situations. With that said it may be more prudent to add a kicker here, but I trust Bones to find a solid one as a UDFA. Tupou is a massive man who is hard to move.
7. Sefo Liufau, QB, Colorado- Liufau has the skillset of a poor man's Dak Prescott. Could be decent developmental prospect as the 3rd QB with the potential to be Goff's back up in the future.
2017 Depth Chart (New Starters in Bold)
RB: Gurley, Logan, Brown, UDFA
X WR: Stills, Thomas
Z WR: Garcon, Spruce
Y WR: Tavon, Cooper
TE: Everett, Higbee, Harkey, Hemmingway
LT: Saffold, Genessy
LG: Robinson vs. Brown vs. Donnal
C: Groy, Wichman
RG: Warford, Donnal
RT: Havenstein
LE: Hayes, Westbrooks
NT: Brockers, Tupou
RE: Donald, Easley
SOLB: Barwin, Rivers, Littleton
Mike: Langi vs. Forrest
MO: Ogltree, Hager
WOLB: Quinn, Carraway
LCB: Moreau, Joyner, Jordan
RCB: McCourty, Gaines
FS: Alexander, Davis
SS: Barron, Randolph
P: Hecker
LS: McQuaide
K: UDFA
