OFFICIAL 2024 Training Camp / P.S. News, Notes, Discussion

[CGI_Ram]

2 Rams First-Stringers In Danger Of Losing Starting Jobs Ahead Of 2024 NFL Season

These expected Rams starters could lose their spots ⬇️

clutchpoints.com

2 Rams first-stringers in danger of losing starting jobs ahead of 2024 NFL season​

After taking one of the most experienced teams in recent memory to the Super Bowl a few years back, sacrificing draft pick after draft pick in the pursuit of name-brand star power, the Los Angeles Rams have taken things in a decidedly different direction over the past two seasons, embracing a youth movement around stalwarts like Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp.

Sometimes, this strategy has worked out seamlessly, as the team has found players like Byron Young, Kobie Turner, Kyren Williams, and a certain 1,486-yard receiver outside of the first round, but for it to keep going, a few more young players need to step up in 2024 and steal starting spots from long-in-the-tooth veterans with much less long-term upside.

Fortunately, the Rams have a pair of exciting perimeter players who could do just that, including a Day 3 wide receiver drafted in April and an ascending former fourth-round pick who is coming into his own in Year 3.

These expected Rams starters could lose their spots

1. Jordan Whittington could unseat Demarcus Robinson at WR3

Heading into 2023, few fans expected Puka Nacua to be, well, Puka Nacua, the all-time leading rookie wide receiver in NFL history and the Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist.

Did the Rams find a similarly exciting prospect in 2024 in Texas Longhorns sixth-round pick Jordan Whittington, who looked like an absolute player for LA during their first preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys?

Standing 6-foot-1, 206 pounds, Whittington was never a particularly dominant performer over his five years in Austin, but when his number was called, he played a consistent role for the Longhorns, catching at least 40 balls in each of the last two seasons while maintaining a yards-per-catch average of at least 14.5 since the 2021 season.

And needless to say, after hauling in six passes for 74 yards, including a very impressive 30-yard reception, fans are expecting big things from their brand-new rookie receiver.

Asked what he liked about Whittington after his big preseason game, Sean McVay celebrated his maturity, as he looks ready to play right away.

“Yeah, he's just a mature rookie,” McVay told reporters. “He's so conscientious. [Receivers Coach] Eric Yarber always does such a great job in addition to [Offensive Assistant/Pass Game Specialist] Nate Scheelhaase and [Offensive Assistant] Rob Calabrese You don't see guys on game day until you get to game day and just the look in his eyes… He's a grown man, and he played like a grown man with the ball in his hands, did a great job without it. I just really like him. He's going to be a factor for us, and I thought today was a good start for him, and he's the type of guy that's only going to continue to grow from that.”

Will Whittington eclipse 1,000 yards this fall? No, probably not, but he could be the Rams' WR3 over Demarcus Robinson or Tutu Atwell, be that in Week 1 or by the end of the season.

2. Cobie Durant could unseat Darius Williams at CB2

Turning from the men responsible for catching balls to the performer tasked with stopping them, the most surprising development of the 2024 preseason has to be the development of Cobie Durant, the former fourth-round pick out of South Carolina State who is entering his third professional season in the NFL.

After logging 643 snaps last season as a part-time starter, it looked like the Rams' influx of veteran cornerbacks would limit Durant's options this fall, but between the injuries suffered by Darius Williams on the outside and Derion Kendrick in the slot and Durant's own improved play, the timing could be right for him to snatch a starting spot and become a player for the team long-term.

Asked about what he's seen from Durant so far as a pro, defensive coordinator Chris Shula complemented his growth, noting that the former fourth-round pick is playing up to his talent more so than in years past.

“A guy that’s really grown,” Chris Shula told reporters earlier this month. “He’s playing a lot more outside now, where, his first year, I was actually the DBs coach, and he was playing more inside all the time. It’s a guy that’s really understanding. Tre White actually took him under his wing in the offseason. He’s really understanding route combinations, splits, exactly what he is going to get. A guy that has just been playing consistent, and he really has all offseason.”

With a unique blend of on-field experience, speed, and overall upside, Durant has the potential to be a player for the Rams long-term, even if Williams and Tre'Davious White have more overall experience and “better” accolades. If Durant can win the starting spot fair and square, it will only spell good things for the Rams long-term.

 

[Allen2McVay]

I would be more impressed if the author spelled Darious Williams' first-name correctly.

That being said, there are surprises every year in starting roles and roster spots.

 

[Psycho_X]

2 Rams First-Stringers In Danger Of Losing Starting Jobs Ahead Of 2024 NFL Season

These expected Rams starters could lose their spots ⬇️

clutchpoints.com

2 Rams first-stringers in danger of losing starting jobs ahead of 2024 NFL season​

After taking one of the most experienced teams in recent memory to the Super Bowl a few years back, sacrificing draft pick after draft pick in the pursuit of name-brand star power, the Los Angeles Rams have taken things in a decidedly different direction over the past two seasons, embracing a youth movement around stalwarts like Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp.

Sometimes, this strategy has worked out seamlessly, as the team has found players like Byron Young, Kobie Turner, Kyren Williams, and a certain 1,486-yard receiver outside of the first round, but for it to keep going, a few more young players need to step up in 2024 and steal starting spots from long-in-the-tooth veterans with much less long-term upside.

Fortunately, the Rams have a pair of exciting perimeter players who could do just that, including a Day 3 wide receiver drafted in April and an ascending former fourth-round pick who is coming into his own in Year 3.

These expected Rams starters could lose their spots

1. Jordan Whittington could unseat Demarcus Robinson at WR3

Heading into 2023, few fans expected Puka Nacua to be, well, Puka Nacua, the all-time leading rookie wide receiver in NFL history and the Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist.

Did the Rams find a similarly exciting prospect in 2024 in Texas Longhorns sixth-round pick Jordan Whittington, who looked like an absolute player for LA during their first preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys?

Standing 6-foot-1, 206 pounds, Whittington was never a particularly dominant performer over his five years in Austin, but when his number was called, he played a consistent role for the Longhorns, catching at least 40 balls in each of the last two seasons while maintaining a yards-per-catch average of at least 14.5 since the 2021 season.

And needless to say, after hauling in six passes for 74 yards, including a very impressive 30-yard reception, fans are expecting big things from their brand-new rookie receiver.

Asked what he liked about Whittington after his big preseason game, Sean McVay celebrated his maturity, as he looks ready to play right away.

“Yeah, he's just a mature rookie,” McVay told reporters. “He's so conscientious. [Receivers Coach] Eric Yarber always does such a great job in addition to [Offensive Assistant/Pass Game Specialist] Nate Scheelhaase and [Offensive Assistant] Rob Calabrese You don't see guys on game day until you get to game day and just the look in his eyes… He's a grown man, and he played like a grown man with the ball in his hands, did a great job without it. I just really like him. He's going to be a factor for us, and I thought today was a good start for him, and he's the type of guy that's only going to continue to grow from that.”

Will Whittington eclipse 1,000 yards this fall? No, probably not, but he could be the Rams' WR3 over Demarcus Robinson or Tutu Atwell, be that in Week 1 or by the end of the season.

2. Cobie Durant could unseat Darius Williams at CB2

Turning from the men responsible for catching balls to the performer tasked with stopping them, the most surprising development of the 2024 preseason has to be the development of Cobie Durant, the former fourth-round pick out of South Carolina State who is entering his third professional season in the NFL.

After logging 643 snaps last season as a part-time starter, it looked like the Rams' influx of veteran cornerbacks would limit Durant's options this fall, but between the injuries suffered by Darius Williams on the outside and Derion Kendrick in the slot and Durant's own improved play, the timing could be right for him to snatch a starting spot and become a player for the team long-term.

Asked about what he's seen from Durant so far as a pro, defensive coordinator Chris Shula complemented his growth, noting that the former fourth-round pick is playing up to his talent more so than in years past.

“A guy that’s really grown,” Chris Shula told reporters earlier this month. “He’s playing a lot more outside now, where, his first year, I was actually the DBs coach, and he was playing more inside all the time. It’s a guy that’s really understanding. Tre White actually took him under his wing in the offseason. He’s really understanding route combinations, splits, exactly what he is going to get. A guy that has just been playing consistent, and he really has all offseason.”

With a unique blend of on-field experience, speed, and overall upside, Durant has the potential to be a player for the Rams long-term, even if Williams and Tre'Davious White have more overall experience and “better” accolades. If Durant can win the starting spot fair and square, it will only spell good things for the Rams long-term.

I would be ok with both of these but I think that WR3 position will have quite a few people playing out of it barring injuries. Robinson, Whittington, and Tutu will have a timeshare depending on the play so who plays the first snap every game is fairly meaningless. Either way, given that Robinson and Tutu have one more year left on current contracts I'm sure Whittington will take that spot by default next season.

If Durant has truly developed to be a trustworthy starting outside CB that would be huge. But I've heard training camp talk of Durant success for a couple years now. Will believe it when I see it but I'm glad he's showing up and catching coaches eyes. Darious was signed as vet insurance and is valuable as that whether it's as starter or other depth roles.

 

[JonRam99]

View: https://x.com/RamsNFL/status/1823795483623796910

....i guess I didn't realize just how big Fiske is.... for some reason, he seemed small to me but recently looking at some camp reports, Fiske is a big, big kid...
Reminds me a bit of Brockers, who I thought was underrated, but only in size -- he looked good gettin' off the bus. But Fiske seems so much more disruptive. MB was big & strong but not very disruptive, though that could've been a scheme fit as right next to him was AD, & you don't want everyone knifing into the backfield, someone's gotta keep the back door closed.
For us today, either BBIII or TD will plugging up NT, leaving Fiske & Turner to get home & BY / JV coming in hot on the edges.

 

[Merlin]

After logging 643 snaps last season as a part-time starter, it looked like the Rams' influx of veteran cornerbacks would limit Durant's options this fall, but between the injuries suffered by Darius Williams on the outside and Derion Kendrick in the slot and Durant's own improved play, the timing could be right for him to snatch a starting spot and become a player for the team long-term.

Asked about what he's seen from Durant so far as a pro, defensive coordinator Chris Shula complemented his growth, noting that the former fourth-round pick is playing up to his talent more so than in years past.

“A guy that’s really grown,” Chris Shula told reporters earlier this month. “He’s playing a lot more outside now, where, his first year, I was actually the DBs coach, and he was playing more inside all the time. It’s a guy that’s really understanding. Tre White actually took him under his wing in the offseason. He’s really understanding route combinations, splits, exactly what he is going to get. A guy that has just been playing consistent, and he really has all offseason.”

One thing that I consider to be a very strong indicator in Shula's favor is where he's been playing the corners this spring.

Personally I never liked Durant in the slot. His strength is his raw coverage ability, the boy is naturally sticky in man. His shitty tackling is what hurts him, but that hurts a corner no matter where they're at. In the slot you have help, but to me the best way to use that help is to plug a lesser coverage option who has better hitting ability. Not the other way around.

So anyway. Shula putting the pieces where I feel they fit more naturally is a good thing to me. I still find myself annoyed by what looks like an aversion to tackling, at least going off the film of the Dallas scrimmage that was put out by one of the fans. I don't like dudes who are late to commit to the run stop until it's a chase. And I know it's a tough job but that's the job in the NFL.

The beauty of Williams coming in is Durant is now gunning for a job instead of being one of few options they are trying to hand the job to, while it looks like a bad game of hot potato. So on the mental side I think that puts him in a position where he improves vs the run or he sits the pine, and that's ideal for a player like him. You want on the field, then tackle MFer.

What is ironic here is that Shula didn't have a great season as part of the DB staff. But clearly he learned some shit in that room at least, and hopefully he's about to put on a clinic. We won't know until the season of course but man am I hoping we have a young stud DC, even though he'll be snapped up quickly by the owners.

 

[BigRamFan]

Early indications seem to say we have upgraded at DC. Time will tell, of course. But I, for one, like what were seeing from the D at camp.

Come at me R. Morris supporters.

 

[RamFanWA]

I see OC in his future.

In a recent video, Coop said he would not put his family through the demands required of coaching, in the NFL... Sad, but he said it.

 

[Merlin]

In a recent video, Coop said he would not put his family through the demands required of coaching, in the NFL... Sad, but he said it.

People say a lot of shit and over time end up thinking differently. It's hard to imagine him doing anything other than coaching when he's done playing, because you can tell the dude lives and breathes the game. So maybe his wife will intervene on that one and tell him to just do it, or time will season him in his perspectives. Maybe he'll just do college ball or high school but I just can't see that dude doing anything other than football. Could be wrong of course but we'll see.

 

[WestCoastRam]

Ooophf... best of luck to the kid who wrote that article.

 

[El Chapo Jr]

People say a lot of shit and over time end up thinking differently. It's hard to imagine him doing anything other than coaching when he's done playing, because you can tell the dude lives and breathes the game. So maybe his wife will intervene on that one and tell him to just do it, or time will season him in his perspectives. Maybe he'll just do college ball or high school but I just can't see that dude doing anything other than football. Could be wrong of course but we'll see.

Yes things can definitely change but I sense Kupp is a family man at the end of the day. Think he'll end up coaching his kids first before ever even entertaining the pros. My best guess but we'll eventually find out.

 

[CGI_Ram]

DC Chris Shula says Rams' edge rushers are a 'special group'

The Rams’ edge rushers may be young, but Chris Shula loves the group Les Snead has assembled from top to bottom

theramswire.usatoday.com

DC Chris Shula says Rams' edge rushers are a 'special group'​

There’s no doubt that the Rams have one of the younger pass-rushing duos in the NFL with second-year man Byron Young and rookie Jared Verse. However, youth does not determine ability as Young and Verse have both.

This was backed up by defensive coordinator Chris Shula. The Rams’ first-year defensive coordinator took an opportunity to praise his edge rushers after Wednesday’s practice, complimenting the team’s top four outside linebackers.

“One of the things we knew, when we drafted Jared, we’d heard the reports about him and it’s exactly what we wanted,” Shula said. “He’s brought a great energy to that group. Byron’s coming out of his shell from last year, having some success. Obviously, Mike Hoecht brings great leadership and [Nick] Hampton’s like the silent assassin of the group. So, it’s a special group that’s just growing day to day and it’s been fun to watch.”

With a seemingly perfect mix of youthful enthusiasm and veteran experience, Shula has an arsenal of weapons at his disposal.

 

[TheTackle]

DC Chris Shula says Rams' edge rushers are a 'special group'

The Rams’ edge rushers may be young, but Chris Shula loves the group Les Snead has assembled from top to bottom

theramswire.usatoday.com

DC Chris Shula says Rams' edge rushers are a 'special group'​

There’s no doubt that the Rams have one of the younger pass-rushing duos in the NFL with second-year man Byron Young and rookie Jared Verse. However, youth does not determine ability as Young and Verse have both.

This was backed up by defensive coordinator Chris Shula. The Rams’ first-year defensive coordinator took an opportunity to praise his edge rushers after Wednesday’s practice, complimenting the team’s top four outside linebackers.

“One of the things we knew, when we drafted Jared, we’d heard the reports about him and it’s exactly what we wanted,” Shula said. “He’s brought a great energy to that group. Byron’s coming out of his shell from last year, having some success. Obviously, Mike Hoecht brings great leadership and [Nick] Hampton’s like the silent assassin of the group. So, it’s a special group that’s just growing day to day and it’s been fun to watch.”

With a seemingly perfect mix of youthful enthusiasm and veteran experience, Shula has an arsenal of weapons at his disposal.

I would feel even better if Brennan Jackson also ascends this season. Bright days ahead! Our front office have done an outstanding job assembling so much talent and character

 

[So Ram]

I can’t decide if I should Hi-Five or Laugh rate?

Well you go back when The Rams WON there last SUPER BOWL & ask yourself who was THAT PLAYER leading The Rams LBer group ?

Chris Shula was The Rams LBer coach.You look at Jacob Hummel running around making plays in the preseason & Troy Reeder is ahead of him.That’s saying something.

What I’m saying is he has always been a mentor to Ernest Jones who is the Leader of The DEFENSE!! Sean Mcvay is helping Jared Verse on Leading.Who knows if he gets CUT ? Kool to see he is still doing his thing,but Rosenboom is going to surprise some Folks!! He is playing faster.

 

[Merlin]

Yeah I expect Jackson to force his way into some playing time. Cannot wait to see this defense settle in.

 

[dpjax]

Rams dominant pass-rushing rookie named 'draft day steal' following strong preseason
Story by Chris Roling

MSN

The Los Angeles Rams’ near-impossible task of replacing Aaron Donald’s production got a major boost this month courtesy of a late-round rookie.

Tyler Davis, a sixth-rounder (No. 196), was all over the place in his pro debut against the Dallas Cowboys. No exaggeration—Davis racked up six total tackles, including two for a loss, plus a quarterback hit.

That showing was enough to land Davis on a top 10 rookie steals list from Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox:

“It was a surprise to see Davis go as late as he did in the draft—he was the 117th-ranked prospect on the B/R Scouting Department's final draft board—and the Rams got a huge endorsement from Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney when he was finally selected.”

Pair that mentioned ranking with Davis’ 85.5 PFF grade from 2023, and indeed, he wasn’t much of a secret as a so-called “steal” right after the draft ended.

Still, the Rams won’t complain about him living up to that type of hype. They go into 2024 missing Donald’s eight sacks and everything that comes with his presence in the middle of the field. Kobie Turner, a third-round pick in 2023, returns after a nine-sack debut to help, but Davis providing a boost would solve many problems.

The Rams sure seem to know they have something potentially special, too, based on head coach Sean McVay’s reaction to Davis’ play:


View: https://x.com/RamsNFL/status/1822757763568812126

Or, say, the reaction from fellow teammate John Johnson III on social media:



View: https://x.com/iamjohnthethird/status/1823020548718563485

 

[RamFan503]

Rams dominant pass-rushing rookie named 'draft day steal' following strong preseason
Story by Chris Roling

MSN

The Los Angeles Rams’ near-impossible task of replacing Aaron Donald’s production got a major boost this month courtesy of a late-round rookie.

Tyler Davis, a sixth-rounder (No. 196), was all over the place in his pro debut against the Dallas Cowboys. No exaggeration—Davis racked up six total tackles, including two for a loss, plus a quarterback hit.

That showing was enough to land Davis on a top 10 rookie steals list from Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox:


Pair that mentioned ranking with Davis’ 85.5 PFF grade from 2023, and indeed, he wasn’t much of a secret as a so-called “steal” right after the draft ended.

Still, the Rams won’t complain about him living up to that type of hype. They go into 2024 missing Donald’s eight sacks and everything that comes with his presence in the middle of the field. Kobie Turner, a third-round pick in 2023, returns after a nine-sack debut to help, but Davis providing a boost would solve many problems.

The Rams sure seem to know they have something potentially special, too, based on head coach Sean McVay’s reaction to Davis’ play:


View: https://x.com/RamsNFL/status/1822757763568812126

Or, say, the reaction from fellow teammate John Johnson III on social media:



View: https://x.com/iamjohnthethird/status/1823020548718563485

Davis sure showed great instincts on that second play. How great would it be if he continues to show up in the regular season.

 

[Merlin]

I think Davis playing that well means he's about to disappear in preseason. Because unless they've been wowed by Brown chances are Davis will be splitting snaps with him or damn near, and that bigger role means McVay won't want to risk him.

 

[OldSchool]

Yes the Edge group led by Verse and Young look good but holy cow are that front 4 a promising group! Turner, Brown and Fiske? Gonna be eating those IoL every weekened! Add in Davis who looks like a beast rotating in and Desjuan has looked promising with Murchison always having moments of brilliance.

 

[norcalramfan]

Rams dominant pass-rushing rookie named 'draft day steal' following strong preseason
Story by Chris Roling

MSN

The Los Angeles Rams’ near-impossible task of replacing Aaron Donald’s production got a major boost this month courtesy of a late-round rookie.

Tyler Davis, a sixth-rounder (No. 196), was all over the place in his pro debut against the Dallas Cowboys. No exaggeration—Davis racked up six total tackles, including two for a loss, plus a quarterback hit.

That showing was enough to land Davis on a top 10 rookie steals list from Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox:


Pair that mentioned ranking with Davis’ 85.5 PFF grade from 2023, and indeed, he wasn’t much of a secret as a so-called “steal” right after the draft ended.

Still, the Rams won’t complain about him living up to that type of hype. They go into 2024 missing Donald’s eight sacks and everything that comes with his presence in the middle of the field. Kobie Turner, a third-round pick in 2023, returns after a nine-sack debut to help, but Davis providing a boost would solve many problems.

The Rams sure seem to know they have something potentially special, too, based on head coach Sean McVay’s reaction to Davis’ play:


View: https://x.com/RamsNFL/status/1822757763568812126

Or, say, the reaction from fellow teammate John Johnson III on social media:



View: https://x.com/iamjohnthethird/status/1823020548718563485

I really enjoy Baldy’s Breakdowns. Thanks

 

[hotanez]

Yes the Edge group led by Verse and Young look good but holy cow are that front 4 a promising group! Turner, Brown and Fiske? Gonna be eating those IoL every weekened! Add in Davis who looks like a beast rotating in and Desjuan has looked promising with Murchison always having moments of brilliance.