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Jay Cutler retires, headed to FOX

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/j...rom-nfl-to-join-fox-sports-as-a-game-analyst/

Jay Cutler retires from NFL to join Fox Sports as a game analyst

Jay Cutler, who played 11 NFL seasons with the Broncos and Bears, is no longer a free agent. He's joining Fox Sports to be part of the network's No. 2 broadcast team -- behind Joe Buck and Troy Aikman -- working alongside Kevin Burkhardt and Charles Davis. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Peter Schrager of "Good Morning Football" first reported the news.

Here's Cutler's statement:

I don't know if retirement is the right word; I don't feel that anyone ever really retires from the NFL. You are either forced to leave, or you lose the desire to do what's required to keep going. I'm in between those situations at this point in my life.

Words can't express how grateful I am to everyone who helped me along the my journey. I started playing tackle football at the age of 10 and was so lucky to have supportive parents and great coaches along the way that made my path possible. If I listed each person individually, this would quickly turn into an essay, but you know who are and I wouldn't be in this situation without you. So thank you.

To my parents, my sisters, my wife and kids - thank you for putting your wants and needs on the back burner while I played a game every Friday, Saturday or Sunday. You made it all possible.

I recently read a quote that struck a cord with me at the time. It was attributed to Henry Rollins (but with the internet these day, you can never be too sure who really said it). 'I did that, I gave everything I had to give to that. Now, if I returned to that it would be repetition - it might be fun repetition, but it wouldn't be meaningful repetition.' Thank you to everyone along the way. You made my dream come true.

"We're thrilled to welcome Jay to the Fox Sports family," Fox president of production and executive producer John Entz said in a statement. "We're very excited about the potential he brings to the booth and are looking forward to hearing his analysis during what is sure to be another great season of the NFL on Fox."

As recently as last week, days before the 2017 NFL Draft, Cutler's agent sounded surprised by retirement rumors.

"He never has mentioned retirement to me," Bus Cook told ESPN's Adam Schefter. "Jay Cutler, as far as I know, is ready to play and wants to play, and his skill set is as good as any quarterback in the league."

The feeling wasn't mutual, apparently; when the Bears released Cutler in early March , the Jets appeared to be the only suitor -- accept they never came calling. And the Texans, another team desperately searching for a quarterback, traded up to take Deshaun Watson with the No. 12 pick last week. The Browns, perpetually in the quarterback market, also used the draft to fill that need (DeShone Kizer, second round), and the 49ers preferred Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley to Cutler.

It explains why Garafolo first reported a career in broadcasting could be in Cutler's immediate future . The decision comes a month after Tony Romo retired from the Cowboys to join CBS Sports as its lead NFL game analyst beginning with the 2017 NFL season.

Cutler, 33, played in just five games last season because of injury, but in 2015, he ranked ninth in value per play among all quarterbacks, according to Football Outsiders, which was better than Matthew Stafford and league MVP Cam Newton. But that was the anomaly for Cutler, who regularly put up replacement-level numbers during his Chicago career.

Rams reportedly seeking $30M/year stadium naming rights deal

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/r...shing-naming-rights-deal-for-new-l-a-stadium/

Rams reportedly seeking record-smashing naming rights deal

If any company out there is hoping to put its name on the Rams' new stadium in Los Angeles, they better run the plan by their accounting department first, because it's not going to be cheap.

As a matter of fact, if the Rams get their way, it will go down as the most expensive naming rights deal in NFL history.

According to the Sports Business Journal, the Rams are seeking a minimum of $30 million per year from any company that's willing to buy the naming rights at the team's new $2.7 billion palace in Inglewood, California.

Not only does the team want $30 million per year, but the Rams also want the deal to run for at least 20 years, which means any potential company looking to purchase the naming rights would have to commit a minimum of $600 million to the team.

rams-stadium-naming-rights-05-05-17.png

The Rams want someone to pay $600 million for the naming rights to their new stadium. HKS Sports & Entertainment

SBJ also noted that the Rams are giving AT&T the first crack at the new stadium's naming rights. Apparently, the Rams are trying to take advantage of the fact that AT&T is trying to beef up its presence on the West Coast, and a $600 million deal would definitely be one way to do that for the telecom company.

To put the Rams' asking price in perspective, AT&T doesn't pay anywhere near $30 million for the naming rights to the Cowboys' stadium in Dallas. According to the New York Times, the company pays between $17 million and $19 million per year to have AT&T Stadium be the official name of Jerry World.

The upside for any company that might decide to drop the $600 million for the naming rights at the Rams' stadium is that their name will be everywhere. The new stadium is scheduled to host Super Bowl LV, and could also eventually host an NFL Draft. Not to mention, there will be two teams playing in the stadium, which means a home game -- and national television coverage -- pretty much every week.

The new stadium is also hoping to one day host the NFL combine and eventually become an off-site home for NFL Network.

The potential 20-year, $600 million deal would also blow out every other stadium naming rights deal that has ever been made in the NFL. The two most recent stadium naming rights deals in the NFL didn't even fetch $600 million combined.

In Atlanta, Mercedes-Benz is paying $324 million over 27 years ($12 million per year) for the naming rights to the Falcons' stadium, which is set to open this season. In Minnesota, U.S. Bank is paying $220 million over 25 years ($8.8 million per year) for naming rights to the Vikings' new stadium, which opened in 2016.

Those two markets don't compare to Los Angeles, though. A better comparison might be Levi's Stadium and MetLife Stadium. In Santa Clara, the 49ers received $220 million over 20 years ($11 million per year) for naming rights, while the Jets and Giants are getting roughly $17 million to $19 million per year from MetLife.

The situation with the Jets and Giants is probably the most comparable since it also involves a stadium being used by two teams.

Basically, if the Rams get what they're asking for, they would blow every other naming rights deal out of the water, and they would get a lot more than what they were going to get in St. Louis.

Before the Rams moved to Los Angeles, National Car Rental committed $158 million over 20 years ($7.9 million per year) for the naming rights on a potential new stadium in St. Louis.

Tavon Austin has wrist surgery

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...cted-to-miss-otas-after-having-wrist-surgery/


It looks like Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin will miss much of the team’s offseason work due to a wrist injury.

The Rams confirmed that Austin had arthroscopic surgery on his left wrist on Tuesday. The wideout is expected to miss the final phase of the team’s offseason program, which consists of 10 organized team activities that kick off on May 23. He is expected to be healthy in time for training camp.

Austin set career highs with 59 catches and 508 receiving yards last season and scored four touchdowns overall after signing a six-year extension with the team before the start of the season. New coach Sean McVay talked about taking advantage of Austin’s skills as a receiver and a runner shortly after being hired earlier this year.

“You look at some of the things that Tavon Austin does with the ball, both in the run game and when he’s able to catch it as a receiver,” McVay said, via Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. “He’s a guy that you want to move all over the formation.”

Any on-field work with Austin will have to wait, but he’ll still be able to attend meetings until he’s healed enough to return to action.

_____________________________________

Hopefully this isn't a lingering injury all year, this must have been what his snap story was about....Mods if you want to merge I understand, I thought this deserved it's own thread

Rams want Tavon to be more like Desean Jackson

www.rotoworld.com/headlines/nfl/357643/Rams-want-Tavon-to-be-more-DeSean-Jackson-ish

Rams want Tavon to be more DeSean Jackson-ish
8402.jpg

The Rams want Tavon Austin to become more of a downfield threat similar to DeSean Jackson.

Easier said than done. Jackson is one of the premier deep threats the sport has seen over the last decade. While not big at 5'10/175, Jackson still plays bigger than the 5'9/174 Austin. Both ran similar forties as straight-line speedsters, with Jackson blazing a 4.35 coming out of Cal and Austin clocking a 4.34 out of West Virginia. New Rams coach Sean McVay obviously got a ton out of Jackson in Washington and hopes to develop Austin into more as a receiver after Jeff Fisher's staff seemed clueless how to use him, using Austin more as a gimmick.
Source: ESPN.com
May 5 - 12:19 PM

Sam Rogers our Mr. Multi

Doing some reading on PFF this evening and ended up doing a site search
for Sam Rogers.Just thought I would share some of the results that I enjoyed.
No doubt he will be Gurley's new best friend.
I think he will quickly become a fan favorite.Blocker,receiver,special team demon.
Just really love this pick and the value of getting him in the 6th round.



VS UNC

Top offensive grades


FB Sam Rogers, 86.5
T Yosuah Nijman, 73.7
TE Chris Cunningham, 70.7
G Augie Conte, 69.9
HB Travon McMillian, 67.5


Sam Rogers leads VT offense on the ground

In a rainy, ugly, sloppy game, it was the FB who stood above everyone else. To be honest, I’m having a tough time putting into words exactly how exceptional of a performance Sam Rogers put on Saturday afternoon. Whether he was leading the HB up the middle or sealing off the edge for a run to bounce outside, he simply did it all. Rogers finished the game with an 88.5 run-blocking grade, with only a few minor blemishes keeping that from reaching 90.
********************************************************************************
Senior Bowl Grades

Top offensive grades:


WR Zay Jones, 84.6
FB Sam Rogers, 82.4
C Tyler Orlosky, 73.6
G Jordan Morgan, 72.4
HB Kareem Hunt, 71.4

Virginia Tech fullback Sam Rogers was a lead-blocking machine and finished with a game-high 79.8 run-blocking grade.
*************************************************************************************
Mid Season All - American Team

Fullback: Sam Rogers, Virginia Tech 87.2


Rogers moves around the formation for Virginia Tech, providing strong work as a run blocker (80.1) and as a receiver (77.3) while also carrying the ball 33 times for 109 yards.
****************************************************************************************

Fullback: Sam Rogers, Virginia Tech

Sam Rogers fits into the traditional fullback mold, but also offers diversity to the Hokies offense. He has seen playing time at tailback, fullback and tight end this year. With the quickness to run routes, and the physicality to punish defenders between the tackles, Rogers offers a match-up problem for defensive coordinators. He ranked second in the nation at the position with 287 receiving yards, adding three touchdowns and six broken tackles. Virginia Tech head coach Justin Fuente has even used him as a passer on trick plays, with reasonable effectiveness. Oh, and he loves to smash linebackers at the point of attack, ranking second in the nation in the regard in 2016.

************************************************************************************


Rams Invite Dimitrius Smith (J.R. Smith's Younger Brother) to Rookie Mini-Camp

Defensive tackle out of Monmouth college and younger brother of NBA player J.R. Smith.

http://www.monmouthhawks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14300&ATCLID=211583603

http://www.monmouthhawks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14300&ATCLID=205405832

Not greatly productive, and I can't find any any pro day results, but at least there's a blood line.

One of my favorite things about this draft...

And it's such a simple basic thing.

We added 3 new receivers via draft with good hands. On top of FA Woods who also has good hands.

Fans of most teams would expect good hands in their receivers and kinda take it for granted. Not Ram fans. Not for a long, long time, anyway.

We've all seen the vids of Kupp, Everett, and Reynolds. They're open even when they're not open, at times. A few acrobatic one handed catches, even.

Goff must think he's died and gone to heaven as he watches those vids. Lol.

Combine this QB with the hands of those receivers, stir in a little Gurley behind an improved OL and what do you have?

I think you have a highly combustible mixture. One that, if coupled with a Wade D and a Fassel ST, can get us to 10-6 or better THIS year. Maybe the playoffs, even.

Hot Damn!

Thordaddy

I got a text from Rich's daughter last night. It's been 2 years (today) since we lost our great friend.

She said that she was watching the NFL Draft last week and she noticed that Denver drafted a Tight End named Jake Butts. She laughed out loud, and then said the 1st thing she wanted to do was tell Rich... because she knew he would laugh his ass off too. She misses him so much.

I really miss him too. Send some positive vibes to Rich and his family today. I know Rich is keeping up with our crazy asses... he'll appreciate it.

Cooper Kupp vs Josh Reynolds

I have to say that my knowledge of both is sort of limited and is mostly from highlight clips. I am MOST excited about Josh Reynolds and am curious as to why:
1. Why Kupp was picked before Reynolds?
2. Why everyone seems to be geeked that Kupp will be a better pro?

Other fans don't know Reynolds, but watching him on tape he looks like a STUD. Kupp looks precise in his route running, but is not as physically imposing to me. Reynolds is aggressive in getting the ball and both he and Kupp seem to be a less than accurate QB's best friend (wide catching radius and large sticky hands). When I see Reynolds, I see a future dominant WR. In Kupp, I see a nice player and probably not a #1. JMO

and you?

Tavon's Snapchat

I don't know what to make of this but Tayvon had two snaps from last night that worry me a little bit.

The first one was just a black screen that said "I'm in so much pain"

The second was another black screen that had crying emojis and said "Fuckkkkkkkkkk" it was at like 1:40 am

I really hope he didn't suffer a bad injury
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NFC West Draft Grades - Rams Rated Worst

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...t-grades-49ers-gm-john-lynch-bolsters-defense


NOTABLE PICKS

BEST PICK: Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
San Francisco 49ers, Round 1, No. 3 overall

The 49ers desperately needed a pass rusher with a nonstop motor and explosive athletic attributes to solidify a defensive line that's brimming with young talent. Thomas is an Energizer Bunny with outstanding hand skills and first-step quickness. He can rush from the edge on early downs and slide inside in obvious passing situations to abuse offensive guards with his dynamic game. He could be the 49ers' version of Michael Bennett in their new defense, which is a scary thought for the rest of the NFC West.

MOST SURPRISING PICK: Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
San Francisco 49ers, Round 1, No. 31 overall

The arrival of Foster should fill the void created by Patrick Willis' retirement a few seasons ago. The Alabama standout is a heat-seeking missile between the tackles and his knack for putting big licks on runners will change the way teams attack the 49ers' defense. With Foster also showing outstanding awareness, instincts and ball skills in coverage, the 49ers snagged a blue-chip player at a bargain basement price at the bottom of the first round.

BIGGEST SLEEPER: Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State
Seattle Seahawks, Round 2, No. 35 overall

There's no denying McDowell's talents as a disruptive interior defender, but the Michigan State star failed to dominate Big Ten competition consistently due to a low-revving motor that frustrated every coach and scout that peeped the tape. In Seattle, however, he steps into a locker room where he will be held accountable for his performance and production by his peers, which could spark the ultra-talented playmaker to play up to his potential. If he simply raises his exertion level and competes like a mad man, McDowell could emerge as a Pro Bowl-caliber playmaker early in his career.

TEAM GRADES

NOTE: Draft classes are ranked from best to worst within the division.

1) San Francisco 49ers

» Round 1: (No. 3 overall) Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford; (No. 31) Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama.
» Round 2: (66) Ahkello Witherspoon, CB, Colorado.
» Round 3: (104) C.J. Beathard, QB, Iowa.
» Round 4: (121) Joe Williams, RB, Utah.
» Round 5: (146) George Kittle, TE, Iowa; (177) Trent Taylor, WR, Louisiana Tech.
» Round 6: (198) D.J. Jones, DT, Mississippi; (202) Pita Taumoepenu, OLB, Utah
» Round 7: (229) Adrian Colbert, DB, Miami


Credit John Lynch for knocking it out of the park in his first draft as the 49ers' general manager. The former broadcaster landed a pair of blue-chip players in the first round after convincing the Chicago Bears to cough up a boatload picks for the No. 2 overall selection. Thomas gives the 49ers a slippery pass rusher with dynamic skills as an inside/outside rusher. Foster is a menacing linebacker with a nasty demeanor and some serious "thump" to his game. He fills a void on the second level that's been missing since Patrick Willis retired a few years ago. Williams is a rugged runner with the speed to take it the distance. C.J. Beathard is a bit of a head-scratcher as a developmental quarterback prospect. GRADE: A


2) Arizona Cardinals

» Round 1: (No. 13) Haason Reddick, LB, Temple.
» Round 2: (36) Budda Baker, S, Washington.
» Round 3: (98) Chad Williams, WR, Grambling St.
» Round 4: (115) Dorian Johnson, OG, Pittsburgh.
» Round 5: (157) Will Holden, OT, Vanderbilt; (179) T.J. Logan, RB, North Carolina.
» Round 6: (208) Rudy Ford, S, Auburn.

The Cardinals continue to collect hybrids for their multi-faceted defense. Reddick can play multiple spots as an inside linebacker with edge-rush skills. He could have a stellar rookie season, starring in their exotic packages. Baker is a Tyrann Matheiu clone with exceptional instincts and awareness. He might be the best slot corner in the draft, which is a huge asset to a team that loves to attack with blitz pressure from all angles. Williams came off the board sooner than most expected but the All-SWAC pass catcher has a combination of size, speed and ball skills that could make him a solid WR2 in the Cardinals' scheme. Logan is an electric returner with outstanding speed and burst. He could enhance their return units and fill a role as an RB3. GRADE: B+


3) Seattle Seahawks

» Round 2: (35) Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan St.; (58) Ethan Pocic, C, LSU.
» Round 3: (90) Shaquill Griffin, DB, Central Florida; (95) Delano Hill, SS, Michigan; (102) Nazair Jones, DT, North Carolina; (106) Amara Darboh, WR, Michigan.
» Round 4: (111) Tedric Thompason, FS, Colorado.
» Round 6: (187) Michael Tyson, S, Cincinnati; (210) Justin Senior, OT, Mississippi St.
» Round 7: (226) David Moore, WR, East Central (OK); (249) Christopher Carson, RB, Oklahoma St

The Seahawks don't mind gambling on talented prospects with prototypical physical traits and inconsistent games. McDowell is a boom-or-bust prospect with immense talent and potential. His production at Michigan State doesn't reflect a big-time playmaker because of his low-revving motor. If the Seahawks can get McDowell to play with more urgency, the ex-Spartan could blossom into a Pro Bowl performer. Jones is also an enigmatic talent with Pro Bowl traits but scant production. The 300-pounder flashes as a disruptive tackle, but coaches will want to see him play with more energy and focus as a pro. If the light comes on for Jones, he could shine in the Seahawks' scheme. Offensively, Pocic should shore up a hole in the middle. He's a versatile interior blocker with size and strength. Darboh gives the team a sturdy pass-catcher to throw into the rotation as a WR3/WR4. GRADE: B-


4) Los Angeles Rams

» Round 2: (44) Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama.
» Round 3: (69) Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington; (91) John Johnson, S, Boston College.
» Round 4: (117) Josh Reynolds, WR, TexasA&M; (125) Samson Ebukam, OLB, Eastern Washington.
» Round 6: (189) Tanzel Smart, DT, Tulane; (206) Sam Rogers, FB, Virginia Tech.
» Round 7: (234) Ejuan Price, DE, Pittsburgh.

The Rams wanted to add weapons around their young franchise quarterback, Jared Goff, to help him grow into a playmaker at the position. Everett is a hybrid tight end with size, speed and ball skills. He could play the Jordan Reed role in Sean McVay's offense as a versatile pass catcher on the perimeter. Kupp, a polished route runner with strong hands and superb ball skills, could occupy a big role as a WR3 in the Rams' passing attack. Johnson gives Wade Phillips a dynamic safety with cornerback-like skills. He could be a surprise starter in the secondary as a rookie. Ebukam is an athletic freak with the physical tools to emerge as a rotational player early in his career. GRADE: C

Follow Bucky Brooks on Twitter @BuckyBrooks

  • Poll Poll
Dr. McVay's Miracle Goff Syrup

Goffs 2nd Rookie season will be:

  • Better than his first.

    Votes: 82 82.8%
  • Like his first, but better.

    Votes: 9 9.1%
  • Not as bad as the last one.

    Votes: 15 15.2%

Have you been feeling a bit "4 and 12" lately?
Had some bad Fish and now you can't get off the toilet on third down?
Are you backed up to your own endzone and can't squeeze a drop of offense?

Get back to scoring with Dr. McVay's All-Natural GOFF SYRUP !!!