7th Round / Pick #242 Konata Mumpfield, WR, Pittsburgh

[TheTackle]

This is a bit OTT, but even so, Konata’s performance at OTAs sounds promising

“Konata Mumpfield was absolutely brilliant on the day. He showed off his ball tracking skills on an underthrown pass by Jimmy Garoppolo, but it was a constant ability to snatch balls out of the sky that truly exemplified how he dazzled.

Mumpfield was consistent in his approach and execution, putting together some great film as he battles for his opportunities.

Mumpfield is a legitimate NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate. His skills from college have not only translated, but with improved quarterback play, those skills have evolved. His candidacy will likely depend not on whether he's able to execute on opportunities, but is more dependent on opportunities being called to come his way”

3 Observations on Rams OTA No. 1

The Los Angeles Rams were flying at OTAs and we were on sight to observe it all. Here are three observations from Wednesday's activities. 1. Konata Mumpfield ma

www.si.com

 

[LouisvilleRam]

This my one gripe with Mcvay always looking at late round recivers … I want a reciver with size speed athletism

We have what some people consider the #2 duo in the league only behind Chase & Higgins

 

[RamBradford85]

I think they see Robinson starting to slide. Plus, Davante Adams is Robinson’s upgrade and will play his position. Paying Demarcus makes no sense once Robinson is a part of the plan.

The biggest question is how does Tutu replace Kupp? Maybe they move Puka to Kupp’s position but I think he’s best as is. So, do they ask Tutu to block like Kupp? Or do they plan to ease Ferguson or Whittington into that short underneath role?

It’s going to be interesting to see how it evolves over the course of the season. But, a one year deal makes it seem unlikely that Tutu is in the long term plans as a feature of the offense. Who knows though. Maybe he plays well enough to get an extension.

I think the offense will look different I don’t think they will ask tutu to block as much … ya looking into kupps role to much they said they wanted a more explosive offense

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I think the offense will look different I don’t think they will ask tutu to block as much … ya looking into kupps role to much they said they wanted a more explosive offense

After 7 years of McVay requiring his receivers to block, getting away from that would be a major shift in philosophy/scheme. It remains to be seen, but I don’t think he changes things in that regard. It’s in his DNA.

 

[RamBradford85]

I’ll never believe the notion that McVay didn’t know what he was doing. He always says it’s about playing his best players. If he felt Atwell was his one of his best 11 then he would have played more.

I don’t recall McVay ever saying anything negative about a player on the team either. So, taking what he says about players isn’t always a good measure to judge his intentions.

Tutu can’t block like Kupp. So, either McVay adjusts his scheme to not rely on Atwell blocking as much as Kupp or he switches to more 12 personnel. I think a lot of it depends on who blocks the best among the three tight ends, not named Higbee, and Atwell/Whittington. Because without Kupp level blocking the run game will suffer a bit. I don’t think McVay wants that to happen.

Otherwise, maybe he thinks Atwell’s speed draws the defense back, but why won’t the defenses just go back to what they did in the past and get hands on him?

I won’t be surprised if the offense starts a bit more with Tutu early in the season but eventually evolves into a lot of 12 personnel or Whittington taking over ahead of Atwell because he’s a more physical option. If they were building an offense to feature Atwell’s skillset more, then it would have been a three year deal.They

the last two seasons tutu does his best work when he’s the roll man with his speed he gets a head start I know people don’t belive in tutu but I see no reason Mcvay brings him back and doesnt plan to use him …. Also don’t see tutu coming back without him and Mcvay talking about what kind of playing time he would be getting

 

[RamBradford85]

After 7 years of McVay requiring his receivers to block, getting away from that would be a major shift in philosophy/scheme. It remains to be seen, but I don’t think he changes things in that regard. It’s in his DNA.

I’m not saying get away from it but u can’t expect tutu to block like that… I would also argue that Mcvay the reason kupp get so nicked up he essentially played him as a te

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I’m not saying get away from it but u can’t expect tutu to block like that… I would also argue that Mcvay the reason kupp get so nicked up he essentially played him as a te

I agree. Thats why I think the end game is more two tight end sets.

 

[Ramstien]

I know it is too early to get overly excited but hearing about how Mumpfield is preforming in early OTAs is very interesting to say the least.

 

[OldSchool]

I’m not saying get away from it but u can’t expect tutu to block like that… I would also argue that Mcvay the reason kupp get so nicked up he essentially played him as a te

Then you can't expect him on the field as much.

 

[majrleaged]

I don't think McVay is going to go 2 TE sets as much as some seem to think on this board. The big change in the O will be with 3 Receiver sets. Tutu will get his snaps and instead of blocking he will be stretching the field, more like 2017 and 18. There will be less of the Receivers lined up close to the line of scrimmage. The O will be more explosive because they will be spreading the D out from side to side and deep. The Rams have more speed now on the outside and can win with it so there is not the need to bring everybody in to block or fake to block then go out to get open. Kyren will still get his yards because there won't be so many players around the line of scrimmage.
McVay came up with the style of the last 2 years because of the lack of speed on the outside and the great blocking ability of his receivers. It just didn't couldn't create the explosiveness he has always wanted. So out goes a lesser Kupp and in comes Tutu, a faster field stretcher and Devante.
@Mojo Ram you will get your explosiveness schemed in. The players we have are good enough.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I don't think McVay is going to go 2 TE sets as much as some seem to think on this board. The big change in the O will be with 3 Receiver sets. Tutu will get his snaps and instead of blocking he will be stretching the field, more like 2017 and 18. There will be less of the Receivers lined up close to the line of scrimmage. The O will be more explosive because they will be spreading the D out from side to side and deep. The Rams have more speed now on the outside and can win with it so there is not the need to bring everybody in to block or fake to block then go out to get open. Kyren will still get his yards because there won't be so many players around the line of scrimmage.
McVay came up with the style of the last 2 years because of the lack of speed on the outside and the great blocking ability of his receivers. It just didn't couldn't create the explosiveness he has always wanted. So out goes a lesser Kupp and in comes Tutu, a faster field stretcher and Devante.
@Mojo Ram you will get your explosiveness schemed in. The players we have are good enough.

Adams ran a 4.56 at the combine and is now 32 years old. So he’s likely more like a 4.6 or slower by now. Where is all of the new found speed coming from?

 

[Merlin]

This is a bit OTT, but even so, Konata’s performance at OTAs sounds promising

Definitely. OTAs are about lining up in the right spot, it's orientation. But of the positions involved the only ones who get decent work are the QB/pass catchers, and the DBs. ILBs can too I suppose to some extent, but much of their work will be evaluated in pads in camp.

So for a late round WR to impress in OTAs in his rookie season... That is promising news. And as it pertains to McVay's offense the dudes who excel in it are the intelligent players with good instincts. Which means I'll definitely be waiting to hear more about this player.

I don't think McVay is going to go 2 TE sets as much as some seem to think on this board. The big change in the O will be with 3 Receiver sets. Tutu will get his snaps and instead of blocking he will be stretching the field, more like 2017 and 18.

I can't recall anyone here saying we're going to see a very high rate of 12 sets. Maybe I missed it idk. But the Rams have been consistently the lowest rate of 12 set offense in this league for some time. I haven't looked it up, but assuming that's what the numbers will say for 2024.

Either way what I expect in 2025 is more 12 in certain conditions and vs certain defenses. Like for example in redzone situations look at the height of the weapons Stafford can throw to... Adams 6'1" / Nacua 6'2" / Higs 6'5" / Ferguson 6'5".

That's a big boy lineup of weapons right there. Lot of room for high pointed sideline routes, fades, back of the endzone post routes, etc. QB just has to check and see who's drawing the best matchup, make his anticipation call of what they're doing, and he should have a good chance of getting that completion. And this applies to short yardage too.

Now early on we may see more Allen than Ferguson and that is fine by me provided Allen shows well in camp and preseason. He should be in that window now where he knows his responsibilities and is ready to step up. But if not then I think the kid TE is good enough to mix in to a lot of the 12 sets. And I expect the staff will ensure he's ready.

 

[majrleaged]

Adams ran a 4.56 at the combine and is now 32 years old. So he’s likely more like a 4.6 or slower by now. Where is all of the new found speed coming from?

Tutu. It is the reason for the 10mil.

 

[RamBradford85]

Then you can't expect him on the field as much.

I expect Mcvay to change

 

[jjab360]

This is a bit OTT, but even so, Konata’s performance at OTAs sounds promising

“Konata Mumpfield was absolutely brilliant on the day. He showed off his ball tracking skills on an underthrown pass by Jimmy Garoppolo, but it was a constant ability to snatch balls out of the sky that truly exemplified how he dazzled.

Mumpfield was consistent in his approach and execution, putting together some great film as he battles for his opportunities.

Mumpfield is a legitimate NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate. His skills from college have not only translated, but with improved quarterback play, those skills have evolved. His candidacy will likely depend not on whether he's able to execute on opportunities, but is more dependent on opportunities being called to come his way”

3 Observations on Rams OTA No. 1

The Los Angeles Rams were flying at OTAs and we were on sight to observe it all. Here are three observations from Wednesday's activities. 1. Konata Mumpfield ma

www.si.com

Puka 2.0?

 

[OldSchool]

I expect Mcvay to change

You want our coach to not care about WR's blocking in the run game? A key component to his offense is going to change because you want Tutu on the field more? good luck with that. Maybe making him not block will make him a game changer

 

[RamBradford85]

Then you can't expect him on the field as much.

I just look at that tutu didn’t even gauge interest of other teams Mcvay had to tell him he’s going to be a bigger part of the plans … if he didn’t get some kind of guarantee or vote of confidence that he was going to have a bigger role then I would question him as a compe

 

[RamBradford85]

You want our coach to not care about WR's blocking in the run game? A key component to his offense is going to change because you want Tutu on the field more? good luck with that. Maybe making him not block will make him a game changer

Not necessarily change but adapt with players

 

[OldSchool]

Not necessarily change but adapt with players

Good luck with that. It's a core principle of the Rams running attack. We've seen countless players for years not get playing time until they were better at it. It's likely one of the reasons he wasn't out there a lot on his rookie contract. McVay has adapted with the OL but that's about the only time I can think of him doing it. Personally I don't want a guy on the field who can't contribute to the fullest shocked you want our coach to change to make the offense worse in one of the things it does well just to conform to this one player. Seems bad coaching to me.

 

[fanotodd]

This is a bit OTT, but even so, Konata’s performance at OTAs sounds promising

“Konata Mumpfield was absolutely brilliant on the day. He showed off his ball tracking skills on an underthrown pass by Jimmy Garoppolo, but it was a constant ability to snatch balls out of the sky that truly exemplified how he dazzled.

Mumpfield was consistent in his approach and execution, putting together some great film as he battles for his opportunities.

Mumpfield is a legitimate NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate. His skills from college have not only translated, but with improved quarterback play, those skills have evolved. His candidacy will likely depend not on whether he's able to execute on opportunities, but is more dependent on opportunities being called to come his way”

3 Observations on Rams OTA No. 1

The Los Angeles Rams were flying at OTAs and we were on sight to observe it all. Here are three observations from Wednesday's activities. 1. Konata Mumpfield ma

www.si.com

Yeah, the article is a bit premature. I’ll give you that. But it is encouraging, and I’m all for that.

As for potentially being a ROY candidate, we had better hope not. That would mean Adams and Nacua are hurt and/or Atwell has not stepped into his increased role effectively. That is the only way Mumpfield would get enough targets in his first season.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m as excited to see him play as any other draft pick. I can’t wait to see him in preseason games.