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http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...-case-scenarios-for-each-st-louis-rams-rookie
Best- and Worst-Case Scenarios for Each St. Louis Rams Rookie
By Steven Gerwel, Featured Columnist
Jeff Roberson/Associated Press
The St. Louis Rams have a promising group of rookies for the 2015 season. The Rams are hoping each player can reach his potential and take the team to the next level.
The best-case scenario would be for all the rookies to contribute in some way, either in 2015 or at some point down the line. Unfortunately, that's not how the NFL works. Some of the players will have long careers, while others will barely see the field.
With any luck, one or two of the 2015 rookies will become cornerstones for the team and possible display Pro Bowl talent.
This slideshow will look at each St. Louis rookie from the 2015 draft class and determine his best- and worst-case scenarios. It will be based on the player's individual skill set, the team's needs and other factors.
The best-case scenario for all the undrafted free agents is simply making the roster or practice squad, and contributing in some small way (most likely on special teams). So to avoid sounding repetitive, those rookies will be left out.
RB Todd Gurley
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Best Case
Todd Gurley—the No. 10 overall pick in the draft—has limitless potential and immense talent. That's precisely why St. Louis drafted him, despite not having an immediate need at running back.
Gurley's perfect blend of tackle-shedding power and breakaway speed is a rare commodity. Not only can he run, but he's also a reliable receiver out of the backfield.
He's the best running back prospect to enter the draft in quite some time. He's quite similar to Marshawn Lynch and Adrian Peterson. At 6'1" and 222 pounds, his body is identical to both players, and his mixture of power and speed matches their style of play.
In a best-case scenario, Gurley is a perennial Pro Bowler who carries the St. Louis offense out of the gutter. The Rams have been in desperate need of a keystone on offense, and Gurley can be that guy.
Worst Case
Despite Gurely's potential, he doesn't come without risk.
He's coming off a knee injury, and there's no telling when he'll see the field in 2015. Even if he does have a role on offense, it will be nerve-wracking every time he touches the ball. His knee injury was a non-contact injury, which has to be a major concern.
In a worst-case scenario, Gurley's promising career is derailed by health concerns. That would be a tragedy, so hopefully he can overcome that and have a productive career.
T Rob Havenstein
Tom Lynn/Getty Images
Best Case
The Rams are returning just two starters from the 2014 offensive line. We knew entering the draft that St. Louis would not only be drafting linemen, but the rookie linemen will be expected to start.
And that's not only the best-case scenario for Rob Havenstein, it's the expected scenario.
Havenstein's status as a lofty second-round selection came as a surprise. You'll have a hard time finding a single mock draft that predicted Havenstein going in Round 2. Since he cost St. Louis a high pick, he'll immediately be considered a disappointment if he's not the starting right tackle at some point in 2015.
The best-case scenario for Havenstein is taking over the right tackle job and thriving. The Rams are building a run-first offense, so the team needs his skills as a mauler in order to be successful.
Worst Case
The worst-case scenario for Havenstein would be riding the bench all year.
The Rams used a second-round selection on Havenstein, and many critics feel he was overdrafted. If he doesn't see significant playing time in 2015, the criticism will be overwhelming.
But just because critics are vocal doesn't mean they're correct. If Havenstein isn't ready, there's no need to force him in the lineup. As long as he pans out eventually, things will work out.
OL Jamon Brown
Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Best Case
If fans think Havenstein was overdrafted, they definitely feel the same about third-round pick Jamon Brown. CBSSports.com had the Louisville lineman as a seventh-round prospect or possibly even an undrafted rookie.
Those low expectations should make it easy for Brown to impress. Earning a starting job at right guard or right tackle and playing at an average level would certainly prove a lot of people wrong.
Worst Case
Since Brown is only a third-round pick, it would not be a total catastrophe if he's not in the starting lineup at any point in 2015. As long as he's on the depth chart and generates positive training camp reviews, he'll get a pass.
However, if he gets beat out for a starting job by one of the rookie linemen drafted later on, that will certainly fuel some complaints.
QB Sean Mannion
Steve Dykes/Getty Images
Best Case
Few Rams fans actually want Sean Mannion's best-case scenario to play out (at least in 2015). That would involve new quarterback Nick Foles going down with an injury or struggling on game day.
If Foles experiences either of those negative outcomes, it will allow Mannion to step into the lineup and show us what he can do.
Few are expecting the third-round pick to have any impact on the 2015 season. If he simply sees the field at all (even during garbage time) and performs somewhat admirably, it will be considered a major success.
Worst Case
While there aren't major expectations for Mannion in 2015, he still cost the Rams a third-round pick. That's not exactly a throwaway Day 3 pick. The pick is high enough where we can assume that the Rams have a long-term plan that involves the rookie quarterback.
With that in mind, a scenario where he struggles to make the roster and is outdone by Case Keenum and Austin Davis in training camp would be a major concern.
OL Andrew Donnal
Matthew Holst/Getty Images
Best Case
Andrew Donnal is yet another run-blocking mauler who fits what the Rams are trying to do. He doesn't carry the expectations we've placed on Havenstein or Brown, but he has a chance to help this team.
The absolute best-case scenario for Donnal would be to beat out Havenstein for the right tackle job. That scenario would be a disaster for Havenstein (St. Louis' second-round selection) but a major achievement for Donnal—and certainly not impossible.
If the starting job is out of the question, beating out Barrett Jones and Brandon Washington on the depth chart would also be a victory.
Worst Case
There aren't many disaster scenarios when it comes to Donnal. Not earning a starting job is definitely expected, so that would be far from a disappointment.
If, however, Donnal is soft in training camp and generates poor reports, that will cause concern. If he makes the final roster simply due to his status as a mid-round draft pick as opposed to his play on the field, that will also make people nervous.
Even if he's used exclusively as depth in 2015, he needs to be generating positive hype as a backup player.
WR Bud Sasser
Ed Zurga/Getty Images
Best Case
With a new quarterback in St. Louis, anything is possible. There's no telling which receiver Foles will develop an instant chemistry with, and it could even be sixth-round pick Bud Sasser.
Sasser won't step in and become the No. 1 receiver, even if him and Foles are on the same page. But if he contributes on a consistent basis, even in a minor way (like we've seen from Stedman Bailey the last two years), it would be a shocking bonus for the offense.
In addition to becoming a contributor on offense, Sasser will need to become a special teams guy. If a sixth-round pick can pitch in on offense and special teams in his first year, that's a great sign.
Worst Case
As a sixth-round pick, Sasser can do little to disappoint.
He has an uphill road ahead of him. Even if he's cut from the team, that would not be considered a major surprise or a big letdown.
If, however, the hometown favorite is completely invisible during training camp and preseason games, that would make a lot of Missouri fans upset.
OL Cody Wichmann
Jeff Roberson/Associated Press
Best Case
While it's highly unlikely sixth-round pick Cody Wichmann will crack the starting lineup, he can still surprise us in other ways.
The Rams have acquired numerous rookie offensive linemen, so there will be plenty of competition. If Wichmann can beat out one of the guys drafted ahead of him and make the final 53-man roster, he'll be considered a sixth-round steal.
Worst Case
We won't be overly upset if Wichmann is cut from the team and can't make an impact. That's the life of a late-round pick.
However, the Rams are extremely thin on proven offensive line talent. Even if Wichmann can't make the final roster, he should be able to earn a spot on the practice squad.
If he's cut outright without being signed to the practice squad, that would undoubtedly be his worst-case scenario.
LB Bryce Hager
Jeff Roberson/Associated Press
Best Case
The Rams have three capable starters at linebacker in James Laurinaitis, Alec Ogletree and Akeem Ayers, along with a capable veteran backup in Jo-Lonn Dunbar.
With the starting spots stacked with capable talent, it's not possible for Bryce Hager to crack the defensive lineup. Unless, of course, a drastic injury bug hits the linebackers.
The best case for the seventh-round selection is simply making the team and contributing on special teams. Even if he can't play on defense, he can still make a major impact as a special teams stud.
Worst Case
The top four linebackers for St. Louis are solid, but it's pretty wide open after that. Daren Bates has been a reliable talent on special teams, but he's the only backup besides Dunbar worth mentioning.
Hager should be able to make this team as a special teams guy. Failure to do so would not be a total disappointment, but it's something he should be able to handle.
DE Martin Ifedi
Jeff Roberson/Associated Press
Best Case
The best-case scenario for Martin Ifedi is simply making the team.
That seems like a laughable notion since the Rams are more stacked on the defensive line than practically every NFL team, but it's possible. Former undrafted rookie Ethan Westbrooks made the cut a year ago, and he was facing similar odds.
If Ifedi somehow makes this team, there's no doubt he's an extraordinary talent that was simply overlooked. No defensive lineman makes the Rams roster unless he's an absolutely frightening talent.
Worst Case
There really is no worst-case scenario for Ifedi. There's absolutely no shame in not making a unit that features five former top-15 draft picks, as well as two backup ends who could start for most 4-3 defenses (Eugene Sims, William Hayes).
Best- and Worst-Case Scenarios for Each St. Louis Rams Rookie
By Steven Gerwel, Featured Columnist
Jeff Roberson/Associated Press
The St. Louis Rams have a promising group of rookies for the 2015 season. The Rams are hoping each player can reach his potential and take the team to the next level.
The best-case scenario would be for all the rookies to contribute in some way, either in 2015 or at some point down the line. Unfortunately, that's not how the NFL works. Some of the players will have long careers, while others will barely see the field.
With any luck, one or two of the 2015 rookies will become cornerstones for the team and possible display Pro Bowl talent.
This slideshow will look at each St. Louis rookie from the 2015 draft class and determine his best- and worst-case scenarios. It will be based on the player's individual skill set, the team's needs and other factors.
The best-case scenario for all the undrafted free agents is simply making the roster or practice squad, and contributing in some small way (most likely on special teams). So to avoid sounding repetitive, those rookies will be left out.
RB Todd Gurley
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Best Case
Todd Gurley—the No. 10 overall pick in the draft—has limitless potential and immense talent. That's precisely why St. Louis drafted him, despite not having an immediate need at running back.
Gurley's perfect blend of tackle-shedding power and breakaway speed is a rare commodity. Not only can he run, but he's also a reliable receiver out of the backfield.
He's the best running back prospect to enter the draft in quite some time. He's quite similar to Marshawn Lynch and Adrian Peterson. At 6'1" and 222 pounds, his body is identical to both players, and his mixture of power and speed matches their style of play.
In a best-case scenario, Gurley is a perennial Pro Bowler who carries the St. Louis offense out of the gutter. The Rams have been in desperate need of a keystone on offense, and Gurley can be that guy.
Worst Case
Despite Gurely's potential, he doesn't come without risk.
He's coming off a knee injury, and there's no telling when he'll see the field in 2015. Even if he does have a role on offense, it will be nerve-wracking every time he touches the ball. His knee injury was a non-contact injury, which has to be a major concern.
In a worst-case scenario, Gurley's promising career is derailed by health concerns. That would be a tragedy, so hopefully he can overcome that and have a productive career.
T Rob Havenstein
Tom Lynn/Getty Images
Best Case
The Rams are returning just two starters from the 2014 offensive line. We knew entering the draft that St. Louis would not only be drafting linemen, but the rookie linemen will be expected to start.
And that's not only the best-case scenario for Rob Havenstein, it's the expected scenario.
Havenstein's status as a lofty second-round selection came as a surprise. You'll have a hard time finding a single mock draft that predicted Havenstein going in Round 2. Since he cost St. Louis a high pick, he'll immediately be considered a disappointment if he's not the starting right tackle at some point in 2015.
The best-case scenario for Havenstein is taking over the right tackle job and thriving. The Rams are building a run-first offense, so the team needs his skills as a mauler in order to be successful.
Worst Case
The worst-case scenario for Havenstein would be riding the bench all year.
The Rams used a second-round selection on Havenstein, and many critics feel he was overdrafted. If he doesn't see significant playing time in 2015, the criticism will be overwhelming.
But just because critics are vocal doesn't mean they're correct. If Havenstein isn't ready, there's no need to force him in the lineup. As long as he pans out eventually, things will work out.
OL Jamon Brown
Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Best Case
If fans think Havenstein was overdrafted, they definitely feel the same about third-round pick Jamon Brown. CBSSports.com had the Louisville lineman as a seventh-round prospect or possibly even an undrafted rookie.
Those low expectations should make it easy for Brown to impress. Earning a starting job at right guard or right tackle and playing at an average level would certainly prove a lot of people wrong.
Worst Case
Since Brown is only a third-round pick, it would not be a total catastrophe if he's not in the starting lineup at any point in 2015. As long as he's on the depth chart and generates positive training camp reviews, he'll get a pass.
However, if he gets beat out for a starting job by one of the rookie linemen drafted later on, that will certainly fuel some complaints.
QB Sean Mannion
Steve Dykes/Getty Images
Best Case
Few Rams fans actually want Sean Mannion's best-case scenario to play out (at least in 2015). That would involve new quarterback Nick Foles going down with an injury or struggling on game day.
If Foles experiences either of those negative outcomes, it will allow Mannion to step into the lineup and show us what he can do.
Few are expecting the third-round pick to have any impact on the 2015 season. If he simply sees the field at all (even during garbage time) and performs somewhat admirably, it will be considered a major success.
Worst Case
While there aren't major expectations for Mannion in 2015, he still cost the Rams a third-round pick. That's not exactly a throwaway Day 3 pick. The pick is high enough where we can assume that the Rams have a long-term plan that involves the rookie quarterback.
With that in mind, a scenario where he struggles to make the roster and is outdone by Case Keenum and Austin Davis in training camp would be a major concern.
OL Andrew Donnal
Matthew Holst/Getty Images
Best Case
Andrew Donnal is yet another run-blocking mauler who fits what the Rams are trying to do. He doesn't carry the expectations we've placed on Havenstein or Brown, but he has a chance to help this team.
The absolute best-case scenario for Donnal would be to beat out Havenstein for the right tackle job. That scenario would be a disaster for Havenstein (St. Louis' second-round selection) but a major achievement for Donnal—and certainly not impossible.
If the starting job is out of the question, beating out Barrett Jones and Brandon Washington on the depth chart would also be a victory.
Worst Case
There aren't many disaster scenarios when it comes to Donnal. Not earning a starting job is definitely expected, so that would be far from a disappointment.
If, however, Donnal is soft in training camp and generates poor reports, that will cause concern. If he makes the final roster simply due to his status as a mid-round draft pick as opposed to his play on the field, that will also make people nervous.
Even if he's used exclusively as depth in 2015, he needs to be generating positive hype as a backup player.
WR Bud Sasser
Ed Zurga/Getty Images
Best Case
With a new quarterback in St. Louis, anything is possible. There's no telling which receiver Foles will develop an instant chemistry with, and it could even be sixth-round pick Bud Sasser.
Sasser won't step in and become the No. 1 receiver, even if him and Foles are on the same page. But if he contributes on a consistent basis, even in a minor way (like we've seen from Stedman Bailey the last two years), it would be a shocking bonus for the offense.
In addition to becoming a contributor on offense, Sasser will need to become a special teams guy. If a sixth-round pick can pitch in on offense and special teams in his first year, that's a great sign.
Worst Case
As a sixth-round pick, Sasser can do little to disappoint.
He has an uphill road ahead of him. Even if he's cut from the team, that would not be considered a major surprise or a big letdown.
If, however, the hometown favorite is completely invisible during training camp and preseason games, that would make a lot of Missouri fans upset.
OL Cody Wichmann
Jeff Roberson/Associated Press
Best Case
While it's highly unlikely sixth-round pick Cody Wichmann will crack the starting lineup, he can still surprise us in other ways.
The Rams have acquired numerous rookie offensive linemen, so there will be plenty of competition. If Wichmann can beat out one of the guys drafted ahead of him and make the final 53-man roster, he'll be considered a sixth-round steal.
Worst Case
We won't be overly upset if Wichmann is cut from the team and can't make an impact. That's the life of a late-round pick.
However, the Rams are extremely thin on proven offensive line talent. Even if Wichmann can't make the final roster, he should be able to earn a spot on the practice squad.
If he's cut outright without being signed to the practice squad, that would undoubtedly be his worst-case scenario.
LB Bryce Hager
Jeff Roberson/Associated Press
Best Case
The Rams have three capable starters at linebacker in James Laurinaitis, Alec Ogletree and Akeem Ayers, along with a capable veteran backup in Jo-Lonn Dunbar.
With the starting spots stacked with capable talent, it's not possible for Bryce Hager to crack the defensive lineup. Unless, of course, a drastic injury bug hits the linebackers.
The best case for the seventh-round selection is simply making the team and contributing on special teams. Even if he can't play on defense, he can still make a major impact as a special teams stud.
Worst Case
The top four linebackers for St. Louis are solid, but it's pretty wide open after that. Daren Bates has been a reliable talent on special teams, but he's the only backup besides Dunbar worth mentioning.
Hager should be able to make this team as a special teams guy. Failure to do so would not be a total disappointment, but it's something he should be able to handle.
DE Martin Ifedi
Jeff Roberson/Associated Press
Best Case
The best-case scenario for Martin Ifedi is simply making the team.
That seems like a laughable notion since the Rams are more stacked on the defensive line than practically every NFL team, but it's possible. Former undrafted rookie Ethan Westbrooks made the cut a year ago, and he was facing similar odds.
If Ifedi somehow makes this team, there's no doubt he's an extraordinary talent that was simply overlooked. No defensive lineman makes the Rams roster unless he's an absolutely frightening talent.
Worst Case
There really is no worst-case scenario for Ifedi. There's absolutely no shame in not making a unit that features five former top-15 draft picks, as well as two backup ends who could start for most 4-3 defenses (Eugene Sims, William Hayes).
