2nd Training Camp Practice News, and Reports

[lockdnram21]

When you're talking about the last guy on the depth chart there is usually a guy or two ahead of him and the reason he makes the cut is his impact on special teams. Particularly with Fish that is critical, and judging from college his special teams play is strong. The guy is physical for his size, fearless in play style, and is a steady return man.

Teams are how Marquez made the cut last year. There is always room for that guy at the bottom if he pulls his weight there.

Spruce wasn't on st. I remember him saying g that

 

[bubbaramfan]

What are Rams WR's know for last few years? Poor route running, no separation, dropped balls. What is Nelson Spruce known for? Good route running, good separation, no dropped balls. Speed is so overrated for WR's. Its not "how fast can you run" its " can you get open and can you catch?" Spruce also plays special teams as a gunner and return man. Its going to be why Spruce makes the team.

 

[lockdnram21]

What are Rams WR's know for last few years? Poor route running, no separation, dropped balls. What is Nelson Spruce known for? Good route running, good separation, no dropped balls. Speed is so overrated for WR's. Its not "how fast can you run" its " can you get open and can you catch?" Spruce also plays special teams as a gunner and return man. Its going to be why Spruce makes the team.

He's not a outside receiver tho.... That's all I'm saying. We can't have a bunch of slot receivers. I still think between him marques, and Cooper 1 of them will be cut

 

[ReddingRam]

What are Rams WR's know for last few years? Poor route running, no separation, dropped balls. What is Nelson Spruce known for? Good route running, good separation, no dropped balls. Speed is so overrated for WR's. Its not "how fast can you run" its " can you get open and can you catch?" Spruce also plays special teams as a gunner and return man. Its going to be why Spruce makes the team.

Exactly ... too many guys try to pigeon hole a guy based by 40 times only. If you run crisp,smooth routes, your 40 time don't matter. Trust me ... Spruce can play on the outside .. .but the even different way to look at is personnel packages. Fisher has said they are going to be spreading the ball around .. well that also means different groupings and formations.

Jerry Rice ran a 4.71 timed 40. Isaac Bruce ran a 4.55 40 ... but both were excellent route runners who gained separation by being smooth and crisp.

 

[ReddingRam]

He's not a outside receiver tho.... That's all I'm saying. We can't have a bunch of slot receivers. I still think between him marques, and Cooper 1 of them will be cut

why? Why isn't he?

 

[lockdnram21]

why? Why isn't he?

He's not going to get separation vs #1 and 2cbs he's strictly slot

 

[ReddingRam]

He's not going to get separation vs #1 and 2cbs he's strictly slot

you are really going to have a better argument than that because ,,, the guy did it at Colo. in to Pac-12. If you even want anyone to consider you know what you are talking about, you are going to have to spell out your case other than just saying you only see him as a slot. Has Fisher...Snead....Groh ... Boras ... anyone said he is strictly a slot WR??

 

[hotanez]

you are really going to have a better argument than that because ,,, the guy did it at Colo. in to Pac-12. If you even want anyone to consider you know what you are talking about, you are going to have to spell out your case other than just saying you only see him as a slot. Has Fisher...Snead....Groh ... Boras ... anyone said he is strictly a slot WR??

Almost every draft evaluation out there said he would have have major issues separating at the NFL level. They also mention that because of it his best position would be the slot. Watch his Pac-12 tape and you will notice he doesn't get a lot of separation at the college level. He has a chance to make the roster but in my opinion he will have to kill it on special teams to do it.

 

[Rams43]

I have to agree with Redding and bubba about Spruce.

Separation
Crisp routes
Great hands (not good, but great hands)

Such players can make this Ram WR roster. Or virtually ANY team's WR roster.

Draft status doesn't matter.
Timed 40 in shorts doesn't matter.
Height doesn't matter.

Only desire and results matter.

Let's don't overthink this one, fellas.

 

[ReddingRam]

Almost every draft evaluation out there said he would have have major issues separating at the NFL level. They also mention that because of it his best position would be the slot. Watch his Pac-12 tape and you will notice he doesn't get a lot of separation at the college level. He has a chance to make the roster but in my opinion he will have to kill it on special teams to do it.

That may be ... but that is the case for most rookies LOL. But as far as the slot thing .. ."draft evaluators" ... oh yeah ... those guys. who are mostly 50/50 on their "evaluations". Guys prove themselves ON the FIELD. Not draft guides ... JMHO

 

[ReddingRam]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KwIqIsVZCs

 

[kurtfaulk]

.

didn't everyone say the same thing about tj moe last season? catches everything, finds holes, etc. let preseason play out before we make any bold predictions about an udfa.

.

 

[CGI_Ram]

.

didn't everyone say the same thing about tj moe last season? catches everything, finds holes, etc. let preseason play out before we make any bold predictions about an udfa.

.

Keenan Burton, Greg Salas, too. (Not UDFA... But you get the point)

But; I do like Spruce.

 

[hotanez]

That may be ... but that is the case for most rookies LOL. But as far as the slot thing .. ."draft evaluators" ... oh yeah ... those guys. who are mostly 50/50 on their "evaluations". Guys prove themselves ON the FIELD. Not draft guides ... JMHO

? What's the case for most rookies? Lost me there. You asked where we getting the info on Spruce and I told you. Of course the players prove themselves on the field. So why can you say he will make the team and everyone else has to prove it because they said he won't. It goes both ways brother and we all have the right to our opinion.

 

[StealYoGurley]

Fisher has said Spruce will need to make the transition to the slot to make it in the league. You can't call the guy the next Danny Amendola then say he can play on the outside. To me he is a JAG like Greg Salas overachiever solid hands, solid routes, but highly replaceable and will need to schemed open.

Spruce is clearly behind Marquez and Cooper. Can he be a marquez level special teamer? I don't know, but WRs who play on all special teams like Marquez are hard to find and if he cant do that where is his spot? Higbee, Cooper, Marquez and occasionally Kendricks and Tavon will all get reps in the slot before he does. Rams need guys on the outside and their only clear options at this point are Tavon, Britt, and maybe Mike Thomas. I would rather give that 6th WR spot to someone who could be more sucesful on the outside instead of adding yet another slot option.

 

[ReddingRam]

? What's the case for most rookies? Lost me there. You asked where we getting the info on Spruce and I told you. Of course the players prove themselves on the field. So why can you say he will make the team and everyone else has to prove it because they said he won't. It goes both ways brother and we all have the right to our opinion.

Yes ... most rookies have to prove themselves on ST's ... correct?? And I never said that he will make it without proving it ... but if you read the reports .. he IS proving it. THAT is what I am going by. And yes you do have a right to your opinion. But during a disagreement, I like to see something concrete if the other side of it wants me to change my thinking. Draft guides .. .and just spewing he can't play anything other than the slot doesn't jive with reports of what he IS doing, nor his play in college.

But to each his own. I see it as Austin, Britt, Cooper, Marquez, Thomas and Spruce as making this team.

 

[kurtfaulk]

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/rams-spirited-practice-without-fans-1st-time-220621911--nfl.html

Rams get in spirited practice without fans for 1st time


DAN GREENSPAN (Associated Press)•Aug 2, 2016, 8:06 AM


IRVINE, Calif. (AP) -- Los Angeles Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson remembers when he was a rookie determined to make a name for himself on special teams.

''I knew that you do good on special teams, you get on the field. I took pride in that,'' Johnson said.

Johnson is now a firmly established part of the Rams defense, allowing him to enjoy the increased intensity of Monday's practice focused entirely on special teams. Without fans in attendance for the first time during training camp at UC Irvine, the Rams more than made up for the possible energy deficit during spirited drills as George Thorogood's ''Bad to the Bone'' blared over the speakers.

''Man, this is the most exciting practice for me to see what young guys come up and step up,'' Johnson said. ''This is the first day in pads, so you know it's going to be physical.''

Set to play under the franchise tag after he and the Rams failed to come to terms on a long-term extension, Johnson refused to discuss those negotiations, saying that he would let his play do the talking and address his contract status after the season ends.

Instead, Johnson singled out former Auburn wide receiver Duke Williams as one youngster that impressed. As an undrafted rookie free agent who struggled with dropped passes during the first two practices, carving out a role on special teams might be Williams' best path to a roster spot.

Special teams coordinator John Fassel pointed out the success the Rams have had in recent years with players that initially made the roster because of their special teams contributions and have gradually built a larger role. That group includes safeties Maurice Alexander and Cody Davis and running back Benny Cunningham.

''If it's a toss-up at a certain position, then trump card is special teams,'' Fassel said. ''We've been fortunate the last couple years that Coach (Jeff) Fisher recognizes that and picks a guy out that looks like they might have some potential to play 25 snaps a game on special teams. Three, four, five guys a year find that role and then perform.''

After teaching technique during organized team activities, Fassel's focus is now on seeing those lessons put into practice. Fassel said these early practices are especially telling, given how little special teams film exists for most college starters.

''You're looking for guys that can run,'' Fassel said. ''Who's doing the right thing? Who's fighting and scrapping?''

The Rams already have a steady group of specialists in punter Johnny Hekker, kicker Greg Zuerlein, and long snapper Jake McQuaide, with wide receiver Tavon Austin and Cunningham excelling on returns. With a strong nucleus already in place, Fassel wants the Rams to cut down on penalties and create better field position for the offense.

Johnson recognized that effort when Alexander spun down a teammate during a joint blocking and coverage drill, giving his fellow defensive back a subtle chest bump. He might not play much on special teams anymore, but Johnson still has pride in what happens there.

NOTES: Wide receiver Tavon Austin returned to action after leaving Sunday's practice early due to cramps. . Hekker wore No. 3 during practice as a tribute to former Michigan State punter Mike Sadler, who was killed in a car accident in Wisconsin on July 23.

 

[ReddingRam]

Fisher has said Spruce will need to make the transition to the slot to make it in the league. You can't call the guy the next Danny Amendola then say he can play on the outside. To me he is a JAG like Greg Salas overachiever solid hands, solid routes, but highly replaceable and will need to schemed open.

Spruce is clearly behind Marquez and Cooper. Can he be a marquez level special teamer? I don't know, but WRs who play on all special teams like Marquez are hard to find and if he cant do that where is his spot? Higbee, Cooper, Marquez and occasionally Kendricks and Tavon will all get reps in the slot before he does. Rams need guys on the outside and their only clear options at this point are Tavon, Britt, and maybe Mike Thomas. I would rather give that 6th WR spot to someone who could be more sucesful on the outside instead of adding yet another slot option.

Can you show me that quote by Fisher? i must have missed it

 

[Legatron4]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KwIqIsVZCs

He didn't look very slow to me. Reminds me of Jordy Nelson.

 

[ReddingRam]

Spruce may very well get beat out by the end of camp ... but from all accounts .... he is out proving himself Vs. the others that have been mentioned. We shall see.