Any Surprise Players at Camp?

[SeminoleRam]

Just curious if there are any late Round Picks or Free Agents that are looking good at camp that might surprise some people and make the Rams final roster. The Rams seem to be pretty solid in most positions so it might be a real challenge for late Round Picks and especially Undrafted players to make the Rams final roster this year but it does seem like there are usually at least 2-3 pleasant surprises every season!

 

[bubbaramfan]

Pre season games are just around the corner. All the no name players will get plenty of playing time. Guys like Okoronkwo and Dakota Allen, who haven't been healthy, need to get on the field and perform if they want to make the team. I expect one or two surprises. If one steps up and can return kicks or punts and also contribute as a WR or RB, Jo Jo can give back a valueble roster spot.

 

[snackdaddy]

Pre season games are just around the corner. All the no name players will get plenty of playing time. Guys like Okoronkwo and Dakota Allen, who haven't been healthy, need to get on the field and perform if they want to make the team. I expect one or two surprises. If one steps up and can return kicks or punts and also contribute as a WR or RB, Jo Jo can give back a valueble roster spot.

That's the problem with Natson. He only does one thing. He's not bad at it. But If there is someone who can be serviceable as a punt returner and can play other special teams positions, that might be better. Preferably someone with consistent hands. I'd rather see a fair catch or short return than the occasional longer one but is a fumble risk. Just like I'd rather take the ball on the 25 if the kickoff goes in the endzone.

 

[Akrasian]

That's the problem with Natson. He only does one thing. He's not bad at it. But If there is someone who can be serviceable as a punt returner and can play other special teams positions, that might be better. Preferably someone with consistent hands. I'd rather see a fair catch or short return than the occasional longer one but is a fumble risk. Just like I'd rather take the ball on the 25 if the kickoff goes in the endzone.

I agree. He's not all that reliable with his hands - not horrible, but it's not a real asset either. His average yards per punt return is maybe 2 yards better than a bad returner - so he nets the Rams about 4 yards per game, given his 2 actual returns per game average. He's nothing special on kick off returns - and if I were in charge, I would fine anybody who returned a kick off from the end zone. Too many times someone will take it 3 yards deep, return it to the 22 yards, and celebrate a 25 yard return which actually cost the team 3 yards, with the added risk of injury or a fumble. I'm sure he's a nice enough guy - but I would rather the Rams keep somebody else who has a chance to develop into a quality position player.

 

[DR RAM]

Sounds like Nick Scott is a bit of a surprise, and besides special teams, he could get a shot at being our kick returner.

 

[Merlin]

SJD is the biggest surprise of camp for myself. I didn't buy in to all the hoopla about him gettin all "swol" during the offseason program but in his case it was an indicator that he was ready to step up. And it's a big surprise too, btw. It means we are going to be 2 deep on the nose, which is a huge improvement over last season where we were one deep and the starter was half-a$$ing through most of the season.

Wade now has rotation options that are very strong at 1T and 5T. 3T, well, Donald isn't human so it don't matter.

 

[Mojo Ram]

NOT Gerald Everett

@Merlin

 

[bubbaramfan]

Rams are embarrassing the Raiders in Napa. :banana:

 

[kmramsfan]

I agree. He's not all that reliable with his hands - not horrible, but it's not a real asset either. His average yards per punt return is maybe 2 yards better than a bad returner - so he nets the Rams about 4 yards per game, given his 2 actual returns per game average. He's nothing special on kick off returns - and if I were in charge, I would fine anybody who returned a kick off from the end zone. Too many times someone will take it 3 yards deep, return it to the 22 yards, and celebrate a 25 yard return which actually cost the team 3 yards, with the added risk of injury or a fumble. I'm sure he's a nice enough guy - but I would rather the Rams keep somebody else who has a chance to develop into a quality position player.

I agree. He's not all that reliable with his hands - not horrible, but it's not a real asset either. His average yards per punt return is maybe 2 yards better than a bad returner - so he nets the Rams about 4 yards per game, given his 2 actual returns per game average. He's nothing special on kick off returns - and if I were in charge, I would fine anybody who returned a kick off from the end zone. Too many times someone will take it 3 yards deep, return it to the 22 yards, and celebrate a 25 yard return which actually cost the team 3 yards, with the added risk of injury or a fumble. I'm sure he's a nice enough guy - but I would rather the Rams keep somebody else who has a chance to develop into a quality position player.

And of course, the likelyhood of a penalty. ALWAYS take it at the 25 if you catch it 3 yards or deeper in the end zone. Its 10 x better to start from there than at your 10. A couple of 10-12 yard1st downs and your at mid field.

 

[A.J. Hicks]

Sounds like Nick Scott is a bit of a surprise, and besides special teams, he could get a shot at being our kick returner.

This guy was Bones pick. I have no doubts he'll do good things.

I wouldn't doubt that he cracks the safety lineup in the next 3 years.

I'm excited to see what comes from him.

 

[BonifayRam]

SJD is the biggest surprise of camp for myself. I didn't buy in to all the hoopla about him gettin all "swol" during the offseason program but in his case it was an indicator that he was ready to step up. And it's a big surprise too, btw. It means we are going to be 2 deep on the nose, which is a huge improvement over last season where we were one deep and the starter was half-a$$ing through most of the season.

Wade now has rotation options that are very strong at 1T and 5T. 3T, well, Donald isn't human so it don't matter.

I see a three deep & a 3 headed monster @ NT this season myself. Wade has those two first year players (Gaines/SJD) but having a veteran like Brockers available for action if need be is a wonderful position to be in. Brockers being here showing those two youngsters as a player just how to do it in real full pad action.

Sounds like Nick Scott is a bit of a surprise, and besides special teams, he could get a shot at being our kick returner.

Can Scott win a 53 player roster spot based on his ST gunner role? That will be a very hard thing to do. KR role might be a small plus to add to the gunner but as we know KR is no longer important it's the Punt Returner that can stand a major upgrade IMO.

Wade has two outstanding starters in JJ III & Weddle. Then there's Snead top draft selection safety Taylor Rapp that will see a ton of snaps as his #3. Wade's 4th safety would seem to be set with safety Marqui Christian who played a ton of Snaps last season & appears he is an ascending player in this defense. This will be his 4th season & brings a true hitter element for our secondary. Can Nick Scott earn a role as Wade's 5th safety to go with his top gunner role? Do the Rams even need a 5th safety on this roster. Seems to me extra corners would have a much stronger need element.

 

[VeteranRamFan]

Keep an eye on #14 Webster, WR. Kid is fast, good hands and cuts on a dime.

The other one that looked really good in camp is #9 Wolford, QB. It will be hard to make the final 53 but look for him on the practice squad where I have a feeling he won't last long with the Eagles losing their back up.

 

[Ramstien]

Michael Thomas seems like he is having a great camp and may see a lot of playing time this preseason. I also want to see what Darrel Henderson looks like as a punt returner.

 

[den-the-coach]

Michael Thomas seems like he is having a great camp and may see a lot of playing time this preseason. I also want to see what Darrel Henderson looks like as a punt returner.

Well, I believe it's Mike Thomas not to be confused with the Saints Michael Thomas, but I concur, I truly believe that Mike Thomas and Blake Bortles will have a great preseason and that Thomas will beat out KhaDarel Hodge as they are both bigger WR's, but Thomas is much faster although Hodge has great hands, but seem to struggle to get separation when given a chance last year.

 

[den-the-coach]

Keep an eye on #14 Webster, WR. Kid is fast, good hands and cuts on a dime.

The other one that looked really good in camp is #9 Wolford, QB. It will be hard to make the final 53 but look for him on the practice squad where I have a feeling he won't last long with the Eagles losing their back up.

I like both guys here, Nsimba Webster is very fast ran a 4.4 forty at his pro day and John Wolford could be a long term solution to backup Goff next season. Not worried about the Eagles and IMO, they will make a deal to acquire someone more notable to backup Wentz because of durablity issues, look for them to make a move and try to get Ryan Fitzpatrick from Miami who is anxious to acquire draft capital and I believe will go with Josh Rosen anyway.

 

[SeminoleRam]

Did not get to see the game or any of the Highlights (From what I have read there were not very many Highlights!) so can anyone give any positives about any of the new Rams?

 

[FaulkSF]

Did not get to see the game or any of the Highlights (From what I have read there were not very many Highlights!) so can anyone give any positives about any of the new Rams?

Sure. Not many highlights on O-Line. Neary showed out best. Some good LB play. Namely Reeder, Dakota Allen, Carraway, and Hager were sure tacklers and made good stops. Rapp was good. Parker and Peterson played well. I'd also vouch that Hodge, Webster and Bachman showed flashes. Wolford looked good yesterday. Crisp passes and nimble on designed rollouts.

I think more or less the following players need to step up next game to avoid being cut:

Demby - Penalties and shoved into the backfield on numerous plays. Yes he was moved around the OL yesterday, but he didn't play adequately at one position.
Hatfield - The same one we know leaving receivers open and not securing tackles.
Natson - indecisive on returns, couldn't make any tacklers miss, and dropped a pass. Bachman and Webster moved ahead of him on depth chart yesterday.
Allen - Looked like the same camp body last year. Wolford outplayed him.

 

[Ram65]

I like both guys here, Nsimba Webster is very fast ran a 4.4 forty at his pro day and John Wolford could be a long term solution to backup Goff next season. Not worried about the Eagles and IMO, they will make a deal to acquire someone more notable to backup Wentz because of durablity issues, look for them to make a move and try to get Ryan Fitzpatrick from Miami who is anxious to acquire draft capital and I believe will go with Josh Rosen anyway.

I like both Webster and Wolford too.

The early word is the Eagles will wait for Sudfeld to return. Off throwing wrist that takes 6 weeks to heal. He could be ready by week 3 or 4. Reports here are the Eagles like Sudfeld. Fitz could learn their system quickly but others would have to come in very soon to be effective.

 

[Ants]

It's funny (and satisfying) to see that we're now talking about guys on the bubble, possible PS keepers, etc, rather than how it was a short 4 years ago when we were talking about needing 3 starting OL guys to step up, Laurenitus can't cover, blah, blah, blah. :blah:

:yess:

 

[Merlin]

WR position is interesting and tbh that battle is really just heating up with only one preseason game in the books. But there are 4 spots sewn up. Remaining 2 are probably not done just yet but as usual Hodge just shows up and produces in the games. That plus Thomas' history of not being available means Hodge has a strong chance to be WR5 IMO.

WR6 at this early juncture I believe goes to Webster. He looks smooth and confident, can do a bit of everything to include the return duties.

My bet is Thomas is dealt to another team before that final cut.