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(Camp Series Part 2 the DEFENSE)
For archive entertainment and a reference guide, this is part 2 (the Defense) which completes the Entire Camp Roster series. A quick Summary of the all the Rams players to view as we wait to see how the Rams 2016 final 53 man roster shakes out.
As camp and preseason begin to sort out the Roster based on Performance, Injures & miscellaneous reasons, this should be a good Go to Guide for a quick reference and review of all the players and what their estimated roster value was at the beginning of camp.
NFL TOP 10 DEFENSIVE LINES OF 2015 (PFF)
https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-top-10-defensive-lines-of-2015/
Analyst John Breitenbach breaks down the list of this season's top-performing NFL defensive lines, with Denver reigning supreme. With a full 17-week season in the books, it’s time to look ahead to the playoffs. Before we dive deep into the postseason, however, it’s important to recognize the outstanding play from the year. So, where better to start than the defensive side of the ball? 2015 Top Ranked Defensive Line Rankings: (#1) BRONCOS.
2015 RAMS Defensive Line Rank (#3)
Starters: DE Robert Quinn, DT Aaron Donald, DT Michael Brockers, DE Chris Long
Rotation: DT Nick Fairley, DE William Hayes, DE Ethan Westbrooks, DE Eugene Sims, DE Matt Longacre
The Rams would be a strong candidate for the top spot if Robert Quinn had not gone down for the year with a back injury. Aaron Donald (99.9) is playing better than he’s ever done before. He finished first amongst DIs with the highest pass rush (98.8) and second-highest run defense grade (96.9). Donald ended the year with 79 combined pressures (11 sacks, 26 hits, and 42 hurries) to go with 51 defensive stops.
While Donald is the star of the show, the Rams have good depth inside with Brockers (79.7) and Fairley (82.0) also part of the rotation. William Hayes, meanwhile, is one of the more underrated players in the NFL. He mitigated for the loss of Quinn by finishing with an 83.3 grade, good enough for 18th amongst EDs. The Rams could use some depth at defensive end, but pass rushers aren’t easy to find.
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/dl (Revised as of 5/16/2016)
FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS:
2015 RAMS
VS PASS PROTECTION: RANK #17.. (Total Sacks 41) (Adjusted Sack Rate 6.3%)
VS RUN BLOCKING....... RANK #6.. (Power Rank #14) (Stuff Rank #7) (2nd level Rank #14) (Open Field Rank #24)
https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/stat/opponent-yards-per-game
2015 OVERALL DEFENSIVE RANKINGS RAMS..
Yards Allowed Vs Pass.. Rank.. #23
Yards Allowed Vs Run... Rank.. #21
Points Allowed............... Rank.. #12
Redzone Scoring........... Rank... #2
Avg Points Allowed....... ( 20.6 ppg )
(Part 2) The Entire Camp Roster for the 2016 Rams "DEFENSIVE" Personnel
2016 Rams Camp: Total Number of DE's on the current Roster is (8)
(Note: some of the DE's also take snaps at DT & some of the rookies are listed as DE/OLB)
(The Defensive Ends)
#94 DE ROBERT QUINN 6'4 265 lbs (Turns 27 on 05/18/2017)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 176.. Solo.. 146.. Int.. 0.. Sacks.. 50
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/6557/robert-quinn
Sep 13, 2014: Rams signed RE Robert Quinn to a four-year, $66.575 million extension through 2019. The deal includes $41.2 million guaranteed. Only 24, Quinn is already one of the most dominant edge rushers in the league, earning first-team All-Pro honors in 2013. Quinn has 34.5 sacks in only 48 career games.
http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6557/robert-quinn
Jan 4, 2016: Rams RE Robert Quinn (back surgery) is without a timetable for a return, and could miss the beginning of the offseason program. Quinn is still less than a month removed from going under the knife, and the Rams have zero reason to rush their superstar pass rusher. Even if Quinn missed the entire offseason program, he should be ready for training camp. Jan 4
http://sfo.247sports.com/Gallery/42242788/GallerySlides/219558-219558?View=Full#219558-219558
2015: DE Robert Quinn, St. Louis (PFF grade: 83.3) Quinn had 21 tackles and five sacks before undergoing season-ending back surgery earlier in December.
http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/p...-quinn-on-road-to-recovery-after-back-surgery
"I didn’t realize what it was until we really figured it out," Quinn said. "I just thought I was getting old or slow or something. After time, I realized that my get-off didn’t seem as fast as it used to be, and of course we had other problems. It’s a frustrating situation that I technically never had [a football injury]. So it’s frustrating, but what can I do besides prepare for another run at it next year?"
http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/5/13/8599785/pro-football-focus-top-101-robert-quinn-st-louis-rams
2014: A big fall for Quinn who couldn’t replicate his monstrous 2013 season. That would have been some achievement, but Quinn was still able to bring plenty of pressure on his way to the sixth highest pass rushing grade of all 4-3 defensive ends. He wasn’t as consistent as we’ve seen him be but there’s no reason to think he hasn’t got it in him to push back up the list next year. Key Stat: 49 quarterback disruptions were 32 less than in 2013 but still 13th most of 4-3 defensive ends.
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...s-de-robert-quinn-aiming-to-get-back-to-great
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- To hear St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn tell it, his 2014 season was a borderline disappointment. Yes, a season in which Quinn finished with 46 tackles, 10½ sacks and five forced fumbles on his way to a second consecutive Pro Bowl berth simply wasn't good enough for the Rams' best player.
When you consider the context in which Quinn places the season, it's much easier to understand why he wasn't exactly thrilled with his production. "You’re never really satisfied," Quinn said. "Yeah, it’s great to make a Pro Bowl but, I mean, I set my bar extremely high. Ten-and-a-half [sacks] is a good season, but I want great seasons every year I’m here." In other words, Quinn became a victim of his own success. In 2013, Quinn emerged as one of the most dominant players in the NFL, regardless of position.
He won the Pro Football Writers of America's Defensive Player of the Year award after recording 57 tackles, 19 sacks, seven forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. In other words, Quinn became a victim of his own success. In 2013, Quinn emerged as one of the most dominant players in the NFL, regardless of position. He won the Pro Football Writers of America's Defensive Player of the Year award after recording 57 tackles, 19 sacks, seven forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_447c1e72-44cb-57e7-846d-875232d5cd21.html
2014: On Monday, the Rams cleared out their lockers, went through final meetings and talked hopefully about the future. The team also presented its annual awards, as voted on by teammates. Defensive end Robert Quinn repeated as the Daniel F. Reeves Memorial Award for team MVP.
Quinn, who was recently named to play in his second consecutive Pro Bowl, took home the MVP award after leading the Rams for the second straight season with 10½ sacks. In addition to reaching double digits in sacks for the third time in as many seasons, Quinn posted 14 tackles for loss, 37 quarterback pressures and 24 quarterback hits.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/the-pff-101-no-2-robert-quinn/
2013:This season Quinn blew that out of the water. His +77.2 grade moved the bar up another 22.9 points and his pass-rushing grade alone stands some way clear of Wake’s overall mark. Quinn broke out in 2013 and immediately became the new standard for speed edge rushing in the NFL.
#95 DE WILLIAM HAYES 6'3 272 lbs (Turns 32 on 05/02/2017)
Titans/Rams Career.. Total Tackles.. 270.. Solo.. 196.. Int.. 1.. Sacks.. 29.5
http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4872/william-hayes
March 9, 2016: Rams re-signed DE William Hayes to a three-year, $17.5 million contract. The deal contains $10 million guaranteed and carries a maximum value of $21 million. Despite being a 30-year-old rusher with zero seasons of more than seven sacks, Hayes was a hot name during the tampering window. The Rams were "intent" on keeping Hayes to replace the released Chris Long, however, and they paid up to keep their man. Hayes will bookend RE Robert Quinn.
http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/5...m-hayes-ranked-pro-football-focus-pff-top-101
Pro Football Focus is putting together their top 101 players from the 2015 NFL season kicking things off today with Nos. 76-101. Just one Los Angeles Ram makes the back end of the list: DE William Hayes. After not making last year's list, here's what they had to say about Brah Brah Bojangles: Hayes was good enough this past season that the Rams were comfortable with cutting Chris Long entirely and passing the torch to the player that was outperforming him in the same position.
Hayes had strong performance against both the run and pass, posting 47 total pressures from fewer than 600 total snaps of action. He earned himself a full-time starting role and could be primed for a huge season in 2016 with Aaron Donald still taking all of the attention on that D-line. Best performance: Week 11 at Baltimore: +7.5 grade.. Key stat: Hayes led all edge defenders in run-stop percentage at 11.5. Hayes is in fine company at the back of the PFF Top 101, so it's not an insult in the least.
The real impact here is what they allude to with the first sentence: Hayes taking over the starting role in earnest for Week 1 for the first time since he signed with the Rams in 2012. After Hayes signed, here's what I said in reaction to PFF listing him as "a secret superstar": He may not be a flourishing starter-caliber player, but every team needs rotational guys to come in and not be entirely deficient for whatever stretch of time they're on the field. William Hayes could well fall in that category.
http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2016/3/9/11187856/william-hayes-signing-contract-rams-free-agent
Hayes was set to become a free agent at the start of the new league year on Wednesday, and had reported interest from multiple teams before the Rams locked him up. Los Angeles has had one thing going for it over the last few years: a strong front seven anchored by a stellar defensive line. Hayes was a huge part of that line and has been since he joined the Rams in 2012. Hayes will turn 31 before next season gets underway, but he didn't look slowed down at all this past season.
He had 53 combined tackles, 5.5 sacks and a pair of forced fumbles. The sack number was the second-highest of his career, behind the seven sacks he had with the Rams in 2012. Hayes was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft and has played in all 16 games in three of his last four seasons. He missed two games due to injury in 2013, but aside from that has no real concerns entering his ninth NFL season.
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...yes-already-make-presence-felt-on-hard-knocks
Rams' William Hayes on his way as 'Hard Knocks' breakout star: The first episode of the Los Angeles Rams' edition of HBO docuseries "Hard Knocks" won't air until Aug. 9 at 10 p.m. ET. But filming for the show began in earnest soon after the Rams agreed to do the show and it was announced on March 23.
The Rams are now settling in to Los Angeles with film crews documenting every moment. That also includes interviews with the players, who began arriving last week before the start of the offseason conditioning program on Monday. As we mentioned here after the show was announced, Rams defensive end William Hayes has all the makings of the show's breakout star.
According to now former Rams teammate Chris Long, Hayes has already begun the climb to stardom (not that Hayes is doing anything out of the ordinary). Chris Long @JOEL9ONE: Just got a call from William Hayes bragging about lying to hard knocks that he slammed me in the bushes in Vegas! I fell! For the record, Long went on to say that Hayes probably didn't tell the story of what happened on a different casino trip.
Chris Long @JOEL9ONE: William probably didn't tell hard knocks about the time I slammed him under a tree outside the casino + he spent the next hr feeding pigeons. Chris Long @JOEL9ONE: Lies aside. William Hayes is the best reason to ever watch hard knocks. Hayes does not have Twitter so was unable to immediately refute or corroborate Long's claims but there's no doubt he'll get his chance to shine when the show begins airing in August.
#97 DE/DT EUGENE SIMS 6'6 269 lbs (Turns 31 on 03/18/2017)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 125.. Solo.. 92.. Int.. 2.. Sacks.. 9.5
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/5947/eugene-sims
Rams re-signed DE Eugene Sims to a three-year, $10 million contract. The deal comes with $3.5 million guaranteed. Sims started nine games at right end last year after Robert Quinn bowed out with a season-ending back injury. He's a solid depth signing for one of the league's better pass-rushing units.
http://www.therams.com
Originally a sixth-round pick by the Rams in 2010, defensive end Eugene Sims will continue his career with the club on a three-year deal. A key rotational piece at defensive end, Sims filled in admirably for the injured Robert Quinn through the second half of 2015. Sims finished the season with 45 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, 21 quarterback pressures, and seven quarterback hits. He also made an athletic interception during the second quarter of the Rams’ Week 17 matchup against the 49ers, returning the pick 42 yards.
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...ms-hoping-to-return-to-rams-even-in-same-role
Jan 23, 2016: EARTH CITY, Mo. In a season in which the Rams starting defensive ends Chris Long and Robert Quinn missed chunks of time because of injury, there was no shortage of opportunities for backup Eugene Sims. By the time it was over, Sims started nine games, posting 24 tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and an interception he nearly returned for a touchdown in the season finale. The production was modest, to be sure, but Sims has proved a solid rotation piece on the defensive line in his six seasons with the Rams.
Believe it or not, the former sixth-round pick in the 2010 NFL draft is one of the three longest-tenured Rams on the roster. How much longer he holds that distinction, though, remains to be seen. Sims is one of a dozen Rams set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, which means the 29-year old could be on the move. But if Sims gets his way, he won't be going anywhere except to Southern California with his Rams teammates.
"Oh man, this is my heart," Sims said. "This locker room is where I want to be. I've had this locker for six years and I don't think I can see myself in another uniform. I love the coaching staff and the locker room is about brotherhood to me. I'd rather be here and I'm not looking to go nowhere else so we'll see how it goes."
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/5947/eugene-sims
Sept 2, 2013: Rams signed DE Eugene Sims to a two-year extension through 2015. Sims, 27, recorded 20 tackles and three sacks off the bench in 2012, adding one interception and starting two games. He's a long 6-foot-6, 265 and versatile pass rusher whom the Rams are high on as a rotational end. Sims was previously signed through only 2013 at a base salary cost of $1,201,021.
DE Eugene Sims' 2013 base salary increased from $575,000 to $1,201,021 after he hit escalators in his rookie deal. Sims started two games in 2012, and he's appeared in 38 of a possible 48 games over his first three seasons. In 2012, Sims set career-highs with 20 tackles, three sacks, and one interception.
#93 DE/DT ETHAN WESTBROOKS 6'3 267 lbs (Turns 26 on 11/15/2016)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 24.. Solo.. 16.. Int.. 0.. Sacks.. 2
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_86590219-ec15-5a33-96c0-4ddbd6e39b60.html
But now it’s another opportunity for Westbrooks, who has 22 tackles and two sacks in nine games this season. He has been playing both end and tackle this season, and it’s been tricky finding a weight that makes him bulky enough to be effective inside but quick enough to get around the edge at end.
“He’ll get back in the mix (against Detroit),” Williams said. “You’ll see him do that. He has versatility on being able to play inside and outside. He’s a very powerful man, too. “The big thing with him is I just don’t want to fill his head up with too many things where he has to over-think. So he can just play fast.” Fast enough to get to the quarterback — which hasn’t been happening nearly enough for the Rams minus Quinn.
http://www.scout.com/nfl/rams/story/1606066-ethan-westbrooks-steps-up-for-rams
11/01/2015: Second-year defensive end Ethan Westbrooks is stepping up for the St. Louis Rams. ST. LOUIS — Ethan Westbrooks was the talk of training camp a year ago when the beat the odds and beat out a much more well known draft pick to earn a roster spot along the St. Louis Rams defensive line. Now, with Chris Long out with a knee injury, the former undrafted rookie free agent from West Texas A&M that beat out Michael Sam for a roster spot is making an impact for the Rams as a reserve defensive end.
He played 35 snaps on defense in last week’s 24-6 win over the visiting Cleveland Browns and recorded his first career sack. The starter at left defensive end, William Hayes, added two sacks and two forced fumbles. “I felt like we made Chris real proud today,” Westbrooks said. “I know he’s hungry to get back in there. Myself, I’m just looking to fill a hole wherever I can and do my job.” The 6-foot-4, 267-pound Westbrooks, who beat out another seventh-round pick, Martin Ifedi, for a roster spot this season. He has 13 tackles, five quarterback pressures, three quarterback hits and one sack in five games so far this season.
http://archauthority.com/2014/08/14/just-good-st-louis-rams-ethan-westbrooks/
After beginning his college career at Sacramento City Junior College, the 6-foot-4, 267-pounder played the past two seasons at West Texas A&M. He was nearly unstoppable in 2012, picking up 60 tackles, 19.5 sacks, and 29.5 tackles for loss while rushing from every position on the defensive line. Because of that unbelievable production, he was awarded the Division II National Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Though his play dropped off as a senior and he collected a less-impressive seven sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss, Westbrooks showed his potential again (while playing against significantly better competition) in the East-West Shrine Game, collecting two sacks and another two tackles for loss on his way to winning the Defensive MVP award for the game. Despite Westbrooks’ talent and versatility, he still failed to be selected in the draft, while guys who had less heralded college careers, such as Illinois State’s Shelby Harris, Marist’s Terrence Fede, and Louisiana Tech’s IK Enemkpali, were taken instead.
In a recent interview with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Bryan Burwell, Westbrooks attributed this to perceived “character issues”, an obvious one of which may be the tattoos that prominently adorn his throat and the left side of his face. Westbrooks got the facial tattoo as a motivator for himself to strongly pursue a professional football career after deciding that he never wanted to work a normal job again.
While he didn’t exactly jump out as an extremely productive player during Friday night’s preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints, Westbrooks did in fact have a very solid night, registering three tackles, two stops, and two quarterback hits according to Pro Football Focus, while also receiving the second-highest grade for a 4-3 defensive end by PFF for the league week. Westbrooks is receiving $50,000 guaranteed, the highest amount of any Rams undrafted rookie, which actually trumps the reported $46,000 guarantee that Sam received in his rookie contract.
#98 DE QUINTON COPLES 6'6 285 lbs (Turns 26 on 06/22/2016)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 113.. Solo.. 76.. Int.. 0.. Sacks.. 16.5
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...ton-coples-agrees-to-2year-contract-with-rams
March 16, 2016: The Los Angeles Rams are the latest team that hopes to eek a pass rush out of Quinton Coples. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports Coples agreed to a two-year deal to join L.A.. NFL Media's Rand Getlin adds the deal has a base value of $6.5 million, with a max value of $9.75 million, according to a source familiar with the deal.
http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/7438/quinton-coples
Coach Jeff Fisher believes newly-signed DE Quinton Coples is a good fit with the Rams. "Coples, we think, is probably better suited with his hand down and rushing in an even front," Fisher said. "Now we’ll do some variation stuff with him, but it was just kind of a little out of place." The No. 16 overall pick by the Jets in 2012, Coples struggled as a 3-4 outside linebacker before being waived midway through last season. He did not do much in a short stint with the Dolphins last year, but a full offseason in a 4-3 scheme could be what he needs to turn his career around. Coples has 16.5 sacks in four seasons, but he did not record any last year.
http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/3...ency-visiting-los-angeles-rams-quinton-coples
Mar 14, 2016: DE Quinton Coples Visiting LA Rams. Free agency is rolling along ahead of the 2016 NFL Draft for the Los Angeles Rams with news that DE Quinton Coples is coming in for a visit. For one, Coples would have room for playing time as a fourth defensive end in a rotation that will be without Chris Long for the first time in many, many years as he was released a month ago along with MLB James Laurinaitis and TE Jared Cook. Perhaps more interestingly, it would reunite Coples with fellow Tar Heel DE Robert Quinn; the two were teammates in 2008 and 2009.
http://nypost.com/2015/08/23/jets-coples-is-unleashed-and-predicting-huge-sack-totals/
August 23, 2015: Coples hasn’t been a bust since the Jets selected him in the first round (16th overall) of the 2012 draft out of North Carolina, but he hasn’t been a boom, either. He has failed to produce more than 6.5 sacks in a season. He has shown flashes, but has lacked consistency. He was ranked 39th among 46 of the league’s 3-4 outside linebackers by Pro Football Focus — 27th as a pass rusher, 17th in coverage, and 42nd against the run.
Those numbers were somewhat down compared to his first year at outside linebacker, when PFF ranked him 31st overall, 38th as a pass rusher, 22nd in coverage and 18th against the run. But, it should be noted, Coples was used more in coverage last season because the Jets were so weak in the secondary. He was asked to line up outside and bump wide receivers. Shortly after the new staff was hired, Coples spoke with Bowles and defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers. They both told him they planned to use him on the line of scrimmage much more
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/7438/quinton-coples
Nov 26, 2015: Newly-acquired DE Quinton Coples is expected to be active for the Dolphins' Week 12 game against the Jets. Coples was waived by New York on Monday. Miami claimed him on Tuesday, and he could be playing against his former team on Sunday. Coples flamed out in New York, but the former No. 16 overall pick is a much better fit as a defensive end in the Dolphins' 4-3 scheme.
With Cameron Wake (Achilles') done for the year, Coples could play serious snaps down the stretch. Feb 12, 2016: Dolphins released DE Quinton Coples. Coples had a $7.8 million team-option for 2016. It's an expected move after he played 78 snaps in six games with Miami last year. A 2012 first-round pick, Coples should draw interest in 4-3 schemes as a post-hype flyer.
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/7438/quinton-coples
Jets selected North Carolina DE Quinton Coples with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft. One of the draft's true boom-or-bust prospects, Coples will be paired with one of the league's top defensive minds in Rex Ryan after mailing in his senior year at North Carolina.
Accused of playing more not to get hurt than anything else, Coples saw his numbers fall across the board before turning in a dominant Senior Bowl performance. Despite being a mammoth 6-foot-6, 284 pounds, Coples ran a 4.72 40 at the Combine in addition to an eye-popping 1.63 ten-yard split. If Ryan's motivating powers are successful, Coples could immediately emerge as one of the league's top young pass rushers.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/archive/1630323
05/20/2011: ESPN.com, citing anonymous sources, is reporting the NCAA talked to defensive end Quinton Coples about his attendance at a post-NFL draft party earlier this month in Washington also attended by ex-teammates Marvin Austin and Robert Quinn. Photos of Coples, Austin and Quinn surfaced online.
According to the report, the NCAA wants to know how Coples paid for his trip and whether he accepted food or drink. Coples is considered a top NFL prospect. Austin was kicked off the team and the NCAA ruled Quinn permanently ineligible during its probe into improper benefits and academic misconduct. - AP Sports
#96 DE MATT LONGACRE 6'3 261 lbs (Turns 25 on 09/21/2016)
Career Rams... Total Tackles.. 11... Solo... 7.. Int.. 0.. Sacks.. 0
Career NwM.St. Total Tackles.. 148.. Solo.. 64.. Int.. 0.. Sacks.. 26
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...-de-matt-longacre-finding-his-place-with-rams
Longacre's promotion to the active roster probably didn't qualify as a big deal in league circles. Faced with injuries to ends Robert Quinn and Chris Long, the Rams needed more depth at the position and Longacre was the best in-house option. He'd been a pleasant surprise in training camp and the offseason program, making a case to stick on the roster in the last round of cuts before falling victim to the numbers game at the position that was probably the Rams' greatest strength entering the season.
Finally, after a few weeks of what ifs and maybes with defensive line coach Mike Waufle, the Rams promoted Longacre on the Friday before the Nov. 8 game against Minnesota. Rams coach Jeff Fisher informed Longacre of the promotion before the team's walkthrough that day. Longacre played 24 snaps against the Vikings, posting four tackles. When Quinn returned the following week, Longacre was inactive but he was back on the gameday roster last week against Baltimore. In that game, Longacre played 25 snaps and had three tackles and two quarterback hits.
In the process, Longacre impressed Fisher. "Yeah, Matt's getting pressure on the quarterback and he's reading the run really well and he's playing the run really well," Fisher said. "He's making plays. So, he's hard to move and he's instinctive. Really, it's the same thing he did in the preseason. He's been very productive, so it's good that we were able to bring him up."
http://www.foxsports.com/midwest/st...imbing-a-steep-hill-with-st-louis-rams-062915
No Combine invite. Little contact from NFL teams. He knew the knocks against him: smaller school (he went to Northwest Missouri State, a Division II program that won a national championship in 2013), shorter-than-desirable arm length for his 6-foot-3 frame, a horrible showing in the 40-yard dash his junior day. When scouts came the following fall, they queried him about that number.
"What's up with this?" Longacre remembers them saying. "You caught me on a bad day," he told them. It was true. The day Longacre ran, the team had already done all their workouts that week. They'd maxed out. His body felt dead even before he lined up.
But here, at least, was a weakness he could do something about. That spring, at his Pro Day, he made up for the lackluster performance his junior year. According to ChiefsDigest.com, Longacre put up a 4.75 in the 40-yard dash, which, compared with the numbers put up by defensive linemen at the NFL Combine this year, tied for fifth best. He also finished the season as his conference's Defensive Player of the Year.
http://bearcatsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1838
NW Missiouri State 2014: MIAA Defensive Player of the Year. AFCA All-America. Daktronics Super Region 3 Defensive Player of the Year and First Team. Don Hansen All-Region First Team. All-MIAA First Team. MIAA Academic Honor Roll. Appeared in 11 games on the year, had 37 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, 17 quarterback hurries, four pass breakups and one forced fumble.
2013: Don Hansen co-Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-America (DE)… AP Little First Team All-America. Daktronics/CoSIDA First Team All-America. First Team All-MIAA.. Finished the season with 20.5 tackles for a loss of a total 120 yards, 19 quarterback hurries, 12 sacks, five forced fumbles and one fumble recovery
2012: Appeared and started all 13 games for the Bearcats in 2012 … named all-MIAA honorable mention … finished the year with 51 tackles, nine tackles for loss, seven sacks and seven quarterback hurries. Recorded a tackle in every game and had 11 multi-tackle performances.
#72 DE/OLB IAN SEAU 6'2 242 lbs (Turns 24 on 12/04/2016)
Nevada Career.. Total Tackles.. 106 Solo.. 71.. Int.. 1.. Sacks.. 18
http://theramswire.usatoday.com/2016/05/03/report-rams-sign-junior-seaus-nephew-nevada-de-ian-seau/
The Los Angeles Rams aren’t done adding talent it seems, and their most recent signing is one that features a name that any NFL fan knows. According to KOLO 8 News in Reno, the Rams have decided to sign former Nevada defensive end Ian Seau. Yes, Seau. Ian is the nephew of Pro Football Hall of Famer Junior Seau, and had an impressive final season with Nevada. In 2015, he totaled 18.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks, while also being named to the All-Mountain West team in back-to-back seasons.
Over three seasons with the Wolfpack, Seau totaled 106 combined tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss, 18 sacks, an impressive eight forced fumbles and seven passes defensed. There’s a lot to love about Seau’s game, and it’ll be interesting to see if he can make an impact this offseason in Los Angeles.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2079356/ian-seau
The nephew of longtime NFL star and Pro Football Hall of Fame member Junior Seau, Ian Seau played in 37 career games for the Wolfpack, earning first team All-Mountain West honors in 2015 after being a second team pick the previous season. He leaves Nevada with 100 tackles over three seasons, including 31.0 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles. He's eighth in school history in sacks and 11th in tackles for loss. Seau was the first Nevada player to earn back-to-back All-Mountain West accolades. He said at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl that he understands the Seau family name will always draw attention.
"It's a good and bad thing," Seau told SB Nation in January. "Obviously, people probably give me more leeway because of who my uncle is, but it also comes with people expecting a lot more of you. He's my uncle, he's not my dad, so the genes really aren't all there, but I mean, he's my uncle so I guess I've got a little bit of bloodline in me, even though he was the only line. It is what it is."
12/30/2015: 2015 ALL-MOUNTAIN WEST FIRST TEAM (COACHES/MEDIA): DL Ian Seau, Sr., Nevada...A native of Oceanside, Calif., Seau improved upon last year's All-MW second team selection by posting 38 tackles, 15.5 TFL and 9.0 sacks to earn All-MW first team honors as a senior. Seau's 9.0 sacks tied for first in the MW and 15th in the nation, while his 15.5 TFL ranked third in the league. Seau also forced five turnovers this season with four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Earlier this year, Seau tied a MW record with four sacks against Hawai'i. - Nevada Football
STRENGTHS: Sports a compact, powerful frame that belies terrific initial quickness as an edge rusher. Anticipates the snap well, complementing this awareness with an explosive get-off to cross the face of offensive tackles. Flexible enough to turn the corner without losing momentum and showing a burst to close. Arrives with a thud, often leaving his feet to deliver jarring tackles and showing a knack for ripping the ball free, forcing seven fumbles in 37 games at Nevada.
Varies his rush technique, incorporating swim and rip moves back to the inside to counter his speed. Shows a nice jump-cut inside to take advantage of gaps created between the guard and tackle, demonstrating the body control to get skinny and slip through to disrupt plays. Competitive against the run, showing toughness to anchor, as well a high-revving motor in pursuit.
WEAKNESSES: A bit of a one-trick pony as a pass-rushing specialist, lacking ideal bulk to remain as a full-time defensive end and lacking the change-of-direction skills necessary for coverage duties as a traditional linebacker. Lacks the length and strength preferred as defensive end, too often getting washed out in the running game.
Some core stiffness when attempting to change direction, leaving him lunging at ball-carriers and occasionally missing targets seemingly within his strike zone. Predominately rushed out of the three-point stance at Nevada and may prove as explosive off the edge as a stand-up rusher.
IN OUR VIEW: Seau doesn't possess the same raw athleticism as his famous late uncle, but he is a proven playmaker off the edge entering a league always on the lookout for them. His best fit might be as a third down pass-rush specialist attacking offensive tackles with his trademark anticipation and burst. --Rob Rang (2/13/16)
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/ian-seau?id=2556146
OVERVIEW: In 2015, Seau was named first-team All-Mountain West, and became the first player in program history to be named to the All-MW first or second team in consecutive seasons.
PRO DAY RESULTS: 40-yard dash: 4.68 seconds.. Vertical: 34 1/2 inches.. Broad jump: 9 feet, 9 inches.. Short shuttle: 4.51 seconds.. 3-cone: 7.63 seconds.. Bench: 22 reps of 225 pounds
STRENGTHS: Doesn't look athletic as pass rusher and then he unleashes legitimate spin move. Rushes with a plan and with technique. Uses aggressive hand swipes to soften the edge. When he turns corner as rusher, actively seeks out strip sacks. Forced five fumbles this season and eight during career. Pursuit zombie who refuses to stop until the whistle blows. Plays with natural power at point of attack.
WEAKNESSES: Doesn't have NFL edge presence or upfield juice off the snap. Stiff-legged pass rusher whose technique must be on point due to lack of reactive athleticism. Hip stiffness limits chase speed down the line and general change of direction. Tackle production will always be average. Might be too stiff and slow to play in space as outside linebacker.
BOTTOM LINE: The nephew of the late Junior Seau plays with a motor his uncle would be proud of and has a history of making impactful plays rather than padding stats with tackles down the field. Seau is missing the natural athleticism as an NFL edge rusher or and stand-up linebacker, but the effort and his technique shouldn't be completely discounted. Seau could be a late Day 3 selection or priority free agent who will compete hard in camp. DRAFT PROJECTION Undrafted free agent
#42 DE/OLB MORGAN FOX 6'3 245 lbs (Turns 22 on 09/12/2016)
CSUpueblo DIV-II Career.. Total Tackles.. 164.. Solo.. 82.. Int.. 0.. Sacks.. 36
http://www.gothunderwolves.com/sports/fball/2015-16/bios/fox_morgan_j57w
2015 (Sr.): Named a finalist for the Cliff Harris Small College Defensive Player of the Year. Honored as the runner-up for the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year Award. Associated Press Little All-America Second Team . AFCA All-America Team. D2-Football.com All-America Second Team. D2CCA All-America First Team. Don Hansen All-America First Team. D2CCA All-Region First Team Defense. Don Hansen All-Region First Team. Named Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year and All-RMAC First Team.
USA College Football Division II Preseason All-America First Team. Preseason RMACDefensive Player of the Year. Preseason All-RMAC. Finished first in the nation in sacks per game with 1.42, while the 128 sack yards was first nationally. In 12 games he totaled 17.0 sacks to rank second in Division II and his 15 solo sacks was second. Finished 17th nationally with 1.8 tackles for loss per game and has totaled 21.5 tackles for loss resulting in -137 yard (third nationally). Finished the season with 52 tackles (32 solo), forced and recovered a fumble and added one pass break-up.
Posted five multi-sack games, which included three sacks on three occasions. Totaled a career-high 10 tackles (five solo), 3.5 tackles for loss (-23 yards and two sacks (-20 yards) at West Texas A&M. During the regular season, Fox was named RMAC Defensive Player of the Week twice. Member of a Pack defense that finished third nationally in interceptions (24), third in scoring defense (15.8), 11th in rushing defense (94.6), 17th in total defense (308.8), 18th in tackles for loss (8.2) and 19th in sacks per game (3.0).
Owns the program record for sacks in a season (17) and career (36). 164 career tackles (82 solo). 49.5 tackles for loss (-276 yards) and -250 yards from sacks. Four fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles. 11 break-ups.
2014 (Jr.): Daktronics All-Super Region Four Second Team … Beyond Sports Network Foundation All-Super Region Four Third Team. All-RMAC First Team Defense. National Football Foundation–Colorado Chapter First Team. Fox appeared in 15 games at defensive end for the Pack. Recorded 57 total tackles, 27 were solo efforts. Second on the team with a career-high 12.5 sacks.
His 18.5 tackles for loss (91 yards) was also second on the squad. Recorded one forced fumble, while recovering two fumbles. Totaled three pass breakups. Recorded a season-high eight tackles Sept. 20 at Western State. Blocked a field goal in the NCAA Semifinal game against West Georgia.
2013 (So.): The six foot five defensive end in 2013 made an appearance in all twelve games, starting them as well, had an amazing 45 tackles for an average of 8.5 yards a loss, and six sacks for 41 yards. With such a great performance on the field he recieved defensive player of the week for the Thunderwolves. he was named to the second team All-RMAC.
http://fox21news.com/2016/03/28/multiple-players-standout-at-csu-pueblos-pro-day/
Multiple players stand out at CSU-Pueblo’s Pro Day: Another playing looking to make the NFL is defensive end Morgan Fox. He wants to prove he is ready to play in the NFL. In 12 games he totaled 17 sacks this season, and even though he is coming from a decorated Division II program, he feels he has more to prove out on the field.
“You know you have to be better. Everyone else has certain goals they need to hit, but you have to be better than their goals and work a little harder than a lot of people because you have to prove you can play with guys from Michigan State, Ohio State, guys from these competitive one areas,” Fox said.
2016 CAMP SUMMARY DE's
The Rams will likely only keep 4 or 5 DE's so this is the Rankings of which players will be kept on the final 53 at this early stage in camp. The players who were on the 53 man in 2015 get the benefit of the doubt until they're knocked out by the lesser unknown players fighting for their roster spot.
(The Early Camp Top 5 DE's until proven different)
1.) R. QUINN
2.) W. HAYES
3.) E. SIMMS (also takes snaps at DT)
4.) E. Westbrooks (also takes snaps at DT)
5.) Q. COPLES
(The Next Tier Up)
6.) M. LONGACRE
7.) I. SEAU .. DE/OLB
8.) F. MORGAN.. DE/OLB
_________________________________________________________________________________
2016 Rams Camp: Total Number of DT's on the current Roster is (4)
(Note: some of the DE's take snaps at DT)
(The Defensive Tackles)
#99 DT AARON DONALD 6'1 285 lbs (Turns 25 on 05/23/2017)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 117.. Solo.. 81.. Int.. 1.. Sacks.. 20
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...ron-donald-i-have-to-earn-jj-watt-comparisons
Jan 28, 2016: Still, being compared to Texans All-World lineman J.J. Watt is a nice start. Donald has been keeping track of the Texans sack-master and was happy to be named in the same sentence, especially if Watt continues on the same trajectory. "That's pretty cool. He's one of the best defensive players -- when he's done he'll be considered one of the best defensive players to ever play the game," Donald said.
"The things he does, the numbers he puts up, it's hard to do. To put up 20.5 sacks and come back and do 17.5, he's a special player and to have his name associated with mine -- it's pretty cool. I still have a lot of work to do to have my name associated in a conversation with that guy and I gotta continue to put up the numbers to match."
It's pretty incredible to see Donald at this stage so early in his career. A few years ago, he was considered a lukewarm prospect after being selected by the Rams with the No. 13 overall pick. But in a class full of stars -- Odell Beckham, Sammy Watkins, Anthony Barr and Khalil Mack -- Donald may be the most valuable to his current team.
"I never let nothing ever get to me. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion," Donald said when asked about critics who thought he was too small to play in the NFL. "People are going to doubt Aaron Donald and they're going to like Aaron Donald. But at the end of the day, my job is to make plays and let them speak for me. People will change their mind eventually, right?"
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/9356/aaron-donald
Dec 16, 2015: Rams DT Aaron Donald has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 14. Donald thoroughly dominated the interior of the Lions' offensive line this past Sunday, tossing C Travis Swanson around like a rag doll on his way to three sacks, six quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss. Donald is Pro Football Focus' No. 1 overall defensive player after 14 weeks by a healthy margin. Donald may be the biggest bargain in football at $880,750.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/rams-702751-donald-line.html
Feb. 18, 2016: Over the course of a debut 2014 season in which he won Rookie of the Year, Donald graded higher than any other tackle in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. In an All-Pro second season, Donald racked up an outstanding 79 total pressures and 11 sacks. The result at Pro Football Focus was a 99.9 grade out of 100 – the highest the site has ever handed out, better even than Watt’s previous bests.
“He’s just a dominant force, almost downright unblockable,” Sam Monson, an analyst at Pro Football Focus said. “Donald is a guy that changes how offenses try to block the line. He transforms the entire front.” With such a dominant presence in the middle, offenses are forced to double-team Donald, leaving one-on-one matchups along the rest of the line. But too often the Rams’ talented front has squandered that mismatch.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-defensive-player-of-the-year/
PFF 2015 DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: At one point, people argued that Donald was the product of a dominant Rams D-line, but this season if, it does nothing else, should dispel that fallacy. Without Robert Quinn for much of the season, Donald continued to dominate. He was so unblockable that he began to draw the kind of attention reserved for the best players in the game, and suddenly Michael Brockers earned the best grade of his career for a full season, almost twice as good as his previous best.
Donald was the line superstar on that defensive front and dominated all season long, ending the year even stronger than he began it, and posting a season grade the likes of which we have only ever seen from Watt in the past. He notched 79 total pressures, 51 defensive stops, missed just two tackles, and was a more consistently dominant force than any other defensive player in football this season. Aaron Donald deserves the Defensive Player of the Year award, and his NFL career is just two seasons old. What if there is more to come?
https://www.profootballfocus.com/pr...tts-all-time-grade-record-and-should-be-dpoy/
That’s why Aaron Donald should be the Defensive Player of the Year. He ends the season with a perfect 99.9 rating in PFF’s new rating system, and the highest grade we have ever given over a single season. Watt’s 2015 stands as a higher-graded 16-game body of work than any season we have seen from Watt, who held the previous best marks.
Watt may have had a statistically better season than Donald in some areas, but he has also played on the edge far more than Donald has (63.2 percent of his snaps this season, compared with three snaps from Donald lining up outside the tackle). Rushing from the outside leads to more pressure, sacks and statistics, and yet Watt has just nine pressures more than Donald over the season.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...nald-nets-defensive-rookie-of-the-year-honors
Jan 31,2015: PHOENIX- Jeff Fisher predicted as early as last spring that Aaron Donald would finish this season as the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year. The Rams coach was dead on. Donald was announced as the top defensive rookie at Saturday's NFL Honors awards show. It marks the second-consecutive year that a defensive lineman has taken home the trophy after Sheldon Richardson of the Jets nabbed the award last winter. We give credit to the voters for seeing in Donald one of the league's most disruptive young defensive forces.
Around The NFL handed Donald our highest grade among any defensive first-year player after the run-stuffing terror ranked above Gerald McCoy, Ndamukong Suh and every other defensive tackle, per Pro Football Focus. His nine sacks -- tied for second among all players at his position -- were more than fellow first-round picks Khalil Mack and C.J. Mosley combined.
#90 DT MICHAEL BROCKERS 6'5 322 lbs (Turns 26 on 12/21/2016)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 153.. Solo.. 109.. Int.. 0.. Sacks.. 14.5
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/7466/michael-brockers
Feb 25, 2016: Brockers was a rumored trade candidate last offseason, but ended up having his finest season in 2015. Brockers offers little pass-rushing heat, but is a mauling run defender. He's ticketed for $6.146 million entering his age-25 season.
Apr 30, 2015: TFY Draft Insider Tony Pauline reports the Cowboys, Texans, Cardinals, and Dolphins have all expressed interest in trading for Rams DT Michael Brockers. Brockers rumors are swirling, though Rams COO Kevin Demoff essentially said there's a zero percent chance Brockers would be dealt.
We've grown to not believe anything St. Louis -- or any other team -- says because they lie constantly. Brockers, the 14th overall pick in 2012, has been about as "meh" as possible with the Rams, simply being average both as a run stopper and pass rusher. The Rams have Nick Fairley and Aaron Donald at defensive tackle, though they are both three-technique gap shooters, while Brockers is a "one" (nose).
https://www.profootballfocus.com/best-players-at-every-position-for-week-8/
BEST PLAYERS FOR WEEK 8: Defensive interior – nose: Michael Brockers, Rams (+1.5) With Brockers spending 27 of his snaps either shading or head-on from the center, we feel comfortable with him at this position—especially after he added three defensive stops in the run game.
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...so-he-doesnt-get-lost-on-rams-dominant-d-line
Sep 17, 2015: "We talk about who is going to eat today?" Brockers said. "There’s probably no food left at the end of the day when you have Rob and Aaron and Chris. I’m just trying to get the little scraps I can, man." Brockers feasted as much or more than his fellow linemates last week against Seattle.
According to the coaches review of the film, he had 13 tackles, which is rare for someone playing Brockers' position. None of those were more important than the fourth-and-1 stop he and Donald combined for on Seattle back Marshawn Lynch to cement the team's overtime victory.
Before the play, Brockers lobbied defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to go back to a defensive scheme he used earlier in the game but Brockers didn't play as well as he'd hoped. That Brockers and the Rams knew what Seattle was going to do is actually not the most important part of the play. "The last play of the game spoke for itself," Brockers said. "Early in the game I had a bad play on that same play.
I wasn’t in my gap or something happened where I messed it up. I told coach, ‘You have got to trust me on the next one and next time you call that call I will be in the backfield and I will do my assignment,' and it showed up on the last play of the game. I told him to call it and he came back to it and I did my job."
That Brockers relentlessly pushed for Williams to go back to a play he didn't handle properly the first time represented an important step forward in Brockers' development. It's easy to forget that when the Rams drafted Brockers in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft, he was only 21 years old.
http://www.scout.com/nfl/rams/story/1558741-rams-brockers-lands-on-overrated-list
06/26/2015 Nate Latsch Rams' Brockers lands on "overrated" list: “This 2012 first round pick hasn't lived up to the expectations inside and was clearly outplayed by 2014 rookie Aaron Donald next to him last season,” Prisco wrote of Brockers. Nick Fairley was signed to a one-year contract and could take some playing time away from Brockers.” Brockers was the Rams’ first-round pick in 2012 at No. 14 overall after they traded back from the sixth overall pick with the Dallas Cowboys.
Three more high profile defensive players were picked between Claiborne at No. 6 and Brockers at No. 14. The Carolina Panthers plucked tackling-machine middle linebacker Luke Kuechly at No. 9, while the Kansas City Chiefs took defensive tackle Dontari Poe at No. 11 and the Philadelphia Eagles selected defensive tackle Fletcher Cox at No. 12.
Brockers, 24, has been a solid player for the Rams but hasn’t come close to matching the potential or production of guys like Kuechly, Poe or Fletcher. The LSU product has started 44 of his 44 career games with the Rams, including every game of the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
He was credited with four sacks as a rookie in 2012 and then 5.5 the following season, but that number decreased to two in 2014 while playing alongside Kendall Langford and then Aaron Donald, a first-round pick who became the NFL’s defensive rookie of the year.
According to the Rams’ coaches’ video tape evaluations of the 2014 season, Brockers finished with 73 total tackles — which ranked behind defensive end William Hayes’ 75, but ahead of Donald’s 72 among the team’s defensive linemen — along with 14 quarterback pressures, two sacks, two quarterback hits and one fumble recovery.
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_336f3a86-c0bb-5e84-a9f3-d74ce56051c8.html
June 15, 2015: Say what you will about Michael Brockers, but the Rams’ defensive tackle leaves no stone unturned when it comes to trying to improve his game. A couple of years ago, he hired a personal chef to make sure he was eating right. Last season he showed up lighter in an attempt to improve his quickness and overall effectiveness. As for this offseason, he has taken up mixed martial arts training in an effort to use his hands better on the football field and keep opposing blockers’ hands away.
“In life, I think every day you have to learn something,” Brockers said. “If you’re not learning, you’re not living. So definitely for the most part, I try to ‘up’ my game. There’s never a time where I feel like I know it all.” Line play at the NFL level isn’t only about strength, power, and quickness; it’s also about leverage and technique. Usually, once an offensive lineman gets his hands on you, it’s over for a defensive lineman.
“It’s about getting that man’s hands off you, especially playing defensive tackle and nose guard,” Brockers said. “It’s all about physicality, and not trying to let them get their hands on you and grab you and stuff like that.” The most interesting aspect of Brockers’ fray into martial arts is his teacher. It’s none other than Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame defensive tackle Randy White.
Brockers made the hookup through his agent Scott Casterline, who also represents White. Prior to the start of the Rams’ offseason conditioning program on April 20, Brockers made regular weekend visits to work with White in Dallas. Brockers, whose permanent residence is in Houston, would make the four-hour drive to Dallas on a Thursday and stay there working with White until returning on Sunday. “It’s been a slow process,” Brockers said. “He’s been doing this stuff all his life, for all his career. So learning from him I’m starting to get like the steps down. I’m trying to implement it a little bit in my game, trying to use it for 2015.”
#91 DT DOMINIQUE EASLEY 6'2 288 lbs (Turns 25 on 02/24/2017)
PATS Career.. Total Tackles.. 25.. Solo.. 16.. Int.. 1.. Sacks.. 3
FLOR Career.. Total Tackles.. 72.. Solo.. 38.. Int.. 0.. Sacks.. 5.5
http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/9606/dominique-easley
May 20 2016: Updating a previous item, Rams DT Dominique Easley's one-year contract is worth $600,000 and contains no guaranteed money. It's a no-risk, high-reward deal for the Rams. The $600K is the league minimum for third-year players, and should Easley not hold up, the Rams can release him with no salary-cap penalty. The former first-rounder's knees are allegedly in bad shape, but Easley has always been highly effective when on the field.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-daily-focus-the-rams-pass-rush-just-got-even-better/
The Rams’ interior pass rush gets even better with Dominique Easley signing: It came as something of a surprise when the New England Patriots released Easley, their first-round draft pick from 2014. The move was reportedly more due to off-field reasons than his play on the field, which makes sense given that, when healthy, Easley was a pretty good defensive lineman for New England.
He had the 12th-highest grade among defensive tackles in 2015, playing just 275 snaps. While he graded positively against the run, it was as a pass-rusher where he really made his mark. Rushing the passer on 210 of his 275 snaps, Easley had the highest pass-rushing productivity of any defensive tackle in the NFL at 12.9. With three sacks, eight hits and 24 hurries, not even new teammate Aaron Donald was as productive on a per-snap basis.
That’s not to say he’s better than Donald, who was the best player in football last year, and dominated across a much higher sample size, but it’s an indication of how good Easley was in limited action. The knock on Easley is that, at 6-foot-2 and 290 pounds, he’s considered undersized for his position. That was the same knock on Donald coming into the league, and was the same knock on Nick Fairley, who played in St. Louis with the Rams last year, and recently signed with the New Orleans Saints.
Fairley played 427 snaps for the Rams last year, and that’s the kind of role that we can expect to see from Easley, with Donald and Michael Brockers seeing the bulk of the snaps in the interior of the Rams defensive line. That’s the beauty of this signing for the Rams. They don’t need Easley to come in and be a superstar, they just need him to be productive as part of a defensive line rotation, and replace Fairley’s production. https://www.profootballfocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/EasleyFairley.png
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/9606/dominique-easley
April 13, 2016: The Boston Herald's Jeff Howe reports ex-Patriots DT Dominique Easley's knees "are in pretty bad shape, and there's not a lot of room for improvement." Howe admits Wednesday's Easley release was still "stunning," and it doesn't sound like the lone reason was Easley's health.
It's perhaps worth noting that Easley is being sued in Florida for animal negligence, allegedly permitting his dog to attack and bite a man named Wiley Brown. Easley's injury history is checkered to put it mildly. He tore both of his ACLs at Florida, tore his quadriceps last December, missed 2015 time with a hip pointer, and finished his 2014 rookie year on I.R. due to additional knee problems.
We still wouldn't be surprised if Easley were claimed off waivers on Thursday. Patriots waived DT Dominique Easley. This comes as a shock. Even though Easley has ended each of his first two seasons on injured reserve, he's flashed big-time ability in his 22 games played since being the 29th pick in the 2014 draft. Coach Bill Belichick spent much of last summer talking up Easley.
Knee problems ended his final season at Florida early and hampered him as a rookie. His 2015 season was cut short in December with a torn quad. There's potentially more to this story. Easley turns 24 later this month and should resurface quickly as long as there aren't any serious off-field issues that have yet to come to light.
Dec 15, 2015: Patriots placed DT Dominique Easley on injured reserve with a thigh injury, ending his season. Easley went down in Sunday night's win over the Texans. A situational player, Easley had played only 275 snaps through 11 games, but was stuffing the run and also putting heat on the quarterback. It's a big blow to a front seven that's quietly been one of the better ones in the league. A 2014 first-rounder, Easley should be ready for training camp.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/dominique-easley?id=2543487
OVERVIEW: Earned a starting defensive tackle spot in '11 and played in 12 games, recording 37-7.5-1.5 sacks. In October, he was allegedly involved in an altercation with former Alabama football player Reggie Myles. After an investigation, the University of Florida Police Department recommended he be charged with misdemeanor battery, but the State Attorney's Office declined to press charges.
In the regular-season finale against Florida State, he tore the ACL in his left knee and missed playing in the Gator Bowl. Returned to the field in '12 and started 11 games at defensive end, recording 26-8.5-4 with one pass batted. Missed two games with a sprained meniscus. Started the first three games of '13 at defensive tackle and had 5-2-0. His season was cut short when he ruptured his right ACL and medial meniscus in a non-contact practice drill. Team captain.
STRENGTHS: Has natural leverage to give blockers fits. Explodes off the snap -- thrusts into gaps and wins with suddenness. Plays on his feet. Quick, active paws -- shoots his hands and locks out. Disruptive penetrating ability. Relentless and energetic. Excellent pursuit effort -- doesn't quit on plays and chases outside the box and downfield. Has played inside and outside. Works hard in the weight room.
WEAKNESSES: Lacks ideal length and bulk. Could stand to get functionally stronger. Has short arms and can be neutralized by larger linemen. Cannot be counted on to two-gap. Average production. Can be overaggressive and lose sight of the ball. Durability is a concern -- both knees have required ACL surgery.
BOTTOM LINE: Undersized, explosive, athletic, high-motor three-technique whose junior season was cut short in Week 3 by a knee injury. Injury history will likely affect his draft stock, but when healthy, he shows the ability to disrupt the backfield and pressure the quarterback. Fits best in an aggressive scheme in which he could use his quickness to slant, stunt and shoot gaps. Medical evaluations will determine draft standing.
#92 DT CAM THOMAS 6'4 335 lbs (Turns 30 on 12/12/2016)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 99.. Solo.. 71.. Int.. 1.. Sacks.. 6.5
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/5920/cam-thomas
Jun 6, 2016: Rams signed DT Cam Thomas, formerly of the Steelers]Chargers. Thomas didn't generate much interest on the open market, though he did visit the Seahawks at the beginning of free agency. The 29-year-old contributed 11 tackles in 16 games for Pittsburgh last year. He gives the Rams some depth at defensive tackle behind starters Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers.
April 26, 2014: Cam Thomas is currently penciled in as the Steelers' starting left end. Thomas was a 3-4 nose tackle with San Diego, but the Steelers plan to use him at five-technique end opposite Cameron Heyward. Still only 27 years old, Thomas offers some upside as a two-gap lineman whose primary responsibility will be run stopping. He likely won't play on passing downs. The Steelers lean on their linebackers and Dick LeBeau's zone blitzes to create pressure.
Steelers signed NT Cam Thomas, formerly of the Chargers, to a two-year, $4 million contract. It was Thomas' only visit of free agency. He appeared in all 16 games in 2013, starting ten, and made 23 tackles. Thomas is best against the run but isn't a game changer and doesn't generate much pressure as a pass rusher. His addition could force NT Steve McLendon to one of the end spots, replacing departed Ziggy Hood.
The Steelers plan to use Cam Thomas at five-technique defensive end. Thomas played nose tackle at North Carolina and with the Chargers, but the Steelers envision him as a two-gap space eater at left end. Thomas was an inconsistent run defender in San Diego, but has never lacked talent and is only 27. Steve McLendon will stay at nose tackle. Cam Heyward is the other end.
http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/6/9/11894044/2016-los-angeles-rams-cam-thomas-scouting-report
June 9, 2016: TurfShowTimes: The Rams made several roster moves this week - one of which was adding former Chargers and Steelers DT Cam Thomas. We reached out to the managers of two SBNation communities from his former teams, Richard Wade from Bolts from the Blue (the home for fans of the San Diego Chargers) and Jeff Hartman of Behind the Steel Curtain (for fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers), to get some insight about what type of players the Rams were getting:
The Rams didn’t see much of Thomas during his time in the AFC. How would you describe his style of play? The Rams made several roster moves this week - one of which was adding former Chargers and Steelers DT Cam Thomas. We reached out to the managers of two SBNation communities from his former teams, Richard Wade from Bolts from the Blue: Cam Thomas is a decent run stuffer. His pass rushing ability is mediocre.
Hartman: Thomas is a versatile player who can play both 3-4 DE as well as nose tackle. He was more of a depth defensive lineman for the Steelers, but did flex into the nose tackle position when an injury required him to assist there. Other than position, Thomas is your standard 3-4 defensive lineman. Not ridiculously athletic, but takes up blockers to allow the linebackers to make plays behind him.
Thomas has played both NT and DE in a 3-4 his entire career – first with the Chargers then with the Steelers. At 6-4 and a massive 330 pounds he has the build of a traditional DT. Do you think his ability transfers to the Rams 4-3 base defense?
Wade: He's a better fit as a tackle in an even front than he was as 0-technique in San Diego. The position asked more of him than he had to give and he could not hold up.
Hartman: Tough question considering I didn't see him in a 4-3 set while in Pittsburgh. Thomas is a player who is large, but not very athletic. He tends to get pushed off the ball easily, and his inside pass rushing moves are not the greatest. He is best against the run, but any type of movement which requires him to break down laterally will be a challenge for Thomas. The Rams had a lot of leadership leave the defense when James Laurinaitis and Chris long were released this offseason. Is Thomas the type of player who likes to step up and fill that role?
Wade: I've never seen him as a leader. He was, at least during his time in San Diego, much more of a "me-first" player, if anything. Hartman: If he is that type of player, he never showed it in Pittsburgh. In his time with the team he rarely saw the field with any regularity.
Relegated to a backup position, Thomas simply wasn't able to crack the starting lineup. The same situation could be true with the Rams' stout defensive front. I will say he was never an issue in the locker room and off the field. His veteran leadership could help a young group like the Rams.
Hartman: As a writer who has covered Thomas, what type of impact do you think he can have with stars like Aaron Donald and Robert Quinn playing alongside him?
Wade: Thomas is a role player. He will probably have more success with Los Angeles because in that defense he won't be asked to play the kind of snaps that he did here and Pittsburgh. Playing next players the caliber of Donald and Quinn cannot help but make him look better than he ever has before.
Hartman: Thomas will know his responsibilities. When playing alongside guys like Donald and Quinn, you need to just do your job. Eat up the blockers and let them attack the backfield. Thomas will be able to do that for the Rams' defense. Unfortunately, Thomas does not display many playmaking characteristics which will impact the team on a regular basis. A special thanks to Richard and Jeff for taking the time to answer these questions.
2016 CAMP SUMMARY DT's
The Rams will likely only keep 3 or 4 pure DT's so this is the Rankings of which players will be kept on the final 53 at this early stage in camp. The players who were on the 53 man in 2015 get the benefit of the doubt until they're knocked out by the lesser unknown players fighting for their roster spot.
(The Early Camp Top 3 DT's until proven different)
1.) A. DONNALD
2.) M. BROCKERS
3.) D. EASLEY
4.) C. Thomas
_______________________________________________________________________________
2016 Rams Camp: Total Number of LB's on the current Roster is (10)
(The Linebackers)
#52 MLB/OLB ALEC OGLETREE 6'2 242 lbs (Turns 25 on 09/25/2016)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 270.. Solo.. 206.. Int.. 3.. Sacks.. 3.5.. Pass Defensed.. 22
(2015 STATS: Total Games.. 4.. Total Tackles.. 42.. Solo.. 27.. Int.. 0.. Sacks.. 2)
(2014 STATS: Total Games. 16. Total Tackles. 111.. Solo.. 85.. Int.. 2.. Sacks.. 0.. Pass Defensed.. 12)
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/8383/alec-ogletree May 2, 2016
The Rams have exercised MLB Alec Ogletree's fifth-year team option for 2017. It was never in doubt. A born playmaker, Ogletree was sorely missed as he sat out the final 12 games of last season with a broken leg. Still only 24, Ogletree is making the move from the outside to the middle this season. He's a candidate for a long-term extension.
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...th-year-options-on-tavon-austin-alec-ogletree
For the Rams, exercising the option on Ogletree was a no-brainer given the relatively low cost of the option and his performance to this point in his career. The decision on Austin was more difficult because, as a top-10 pick, his fifth-year option is more expensive and his production thus far hasn't been commensurate to that price. It's also worth noting that the fifth-year options are only guaranteed for injury so players with options picked up now could theoretically be released before the start of the next league year when the money becomes guaranteed.
As the No. 30 overall pick in his class, Ogletree is only due the average of the third-through-25th highest salaries at his position. That means Ogletree would be due $8.369 million for the 2017 season. That's a high price but not an outrageous one for a player who led the team in tackles his first two seasons and was an early Pro Bowl candidate before suffering a season ending injury in Week 4 last season.
This year, Ogletree is moving to middle linebacker, where he'll have a chance to become more of a team leader and focal point for coordinator Gregg Williams' group. And, of course, just because the Rams exercised his option doesn't mean they won't try to get a contract extension done with him before he'd play under it.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13811619/alec-ogletree-st-louis-rams-surgery-right-ankle Oct 4, 2015
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The St. Louis Rams will be without emerging linebacker Alec Ogletree for extended time, possibly the season, after he suffered a right ankle injury Sunday afternoon that will require surgery. "Alec is going to require surgery, and I don't know the extent of it right now," coach Jeff Fisher said. "The doctors still have some discussions, and we still have to do MRIs and things like that.
Either way, Ogletree's loss is a big blow for the Rams' defense. He had 10 tackles, including two for loss, Sunday before the injury, and was the team's leading tackler through the first three games with 32, along with two sacks. Ogletree led the Rams in tackles each of the past two seasons.
http://www.bigblueview.com/2013-nfl...aft-alec-ogletree-mlb-georgia-new-york-giants
2013 NFL Mock Draft: SB Nation chooses Alec Ogletree, MLB, Georgia, for New York Giants: I am certain Jesse will weigh in on Ogletree with a profile at some point. The odd thing I find is that Ogletree played inside collegiately in a 3-4, and early profiles list him as an outside linebacker in the NFL.
http://www.redandblack.com/sports/w...cle_72766e78-9287-11e2-a891-0019bb30f31a.html
Winners and losers from Georgia's Pro Day: After a strong Combine, Ogletree didn’t have to do much to show scouts he’s worth a top 15 or 20 pick. What he needed to do was improve upon his 4.70 40-yard dash and show humility and intelligence about his rocky off-the-field presence.
On Thursday, Ogletree did both. He dropped his 40 time to 4.63, the second fastest among inside linebackers, and he faced tough questions about his DUI earlier this offseason. Ogletree told reporters that he had several personal interviews lined up between now and April 25. As long as he nails those interviews and remains out of trouble, he should have no problem finding teams that want to spend a first-round pick on him.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2013/profiles/alec-ogletree?id=2540143
At safety as a freshman, Ogletree recorded 34 total tackles, one of which went for a loss. Despite missing almost seven full games in 2011, Ogletree recorded 52 total tackles from his inside linebacker spot, including 7.5 for loss, three of which were sacks. He added two forced fumbles and two pass breakups.
During his final season in Athens, Ogletree accounted for 111 total tackles, 11.5 going for a loss with three sacks. He showed more comfort in coverage with five pass breakups, including his first interception. Ogletree also scored on a blocked field-goal attempt against Alabama in the SEC Championship Game.
http://www.milehighreport.com/2013/...aft-prospect-lb-alec-ogletree-scouting-report
In 3 seasons at the University of Georgia Ogletree totaled 197 tackles, 20 tackles for a loss, 6 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 defensive TD and 1 Int. 2012 was his best year. In 2012 Ogletree totaled 111 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, 1 Int, 6 passes defended, 1 forced fumble and 1 defensive TD. Ogletree was apart of a georgia defense that had top prospects OLB Jarvis Jones and NT/DT John Jenkins.
In Outback Bowl vs. No. 12 Mich. St., recorded a career-high and team-best 13 tackles including a two TFLs and two PBUs. In SEC Championship vs. No. 1 LSU, led team with six tackles including a 17-yard sack. Led the team with a career-high 11 tackles, including 10 solo stops, at No. 21 Ga. Tech. Led the team with eight tackles, including two TFL, vs. Kentucky. Six tackles including two TFL and a forced fumble vs. No. No. 24 Auburn. Recorded five tackles and a forced fumble vs. Florida. Recipient of the Don Leebern, Jr. & Don Leebern, III Scholarship. 2010: Named to SEC Coaches' All-SEC Freshman Team.
STRENGTHS: Has excellent speed for the position, can turn on the jets to chase plays down form behind. Beats blocks with hand quickness, plays the position like a safety with a chance to build a frame like a linebacker. That helps undercut blocks to make tackles for loss from behind. Can really hit when he wants to. Attacks blockers with authority.
Best at closing on the edge, when running back looks to bounce outside or the quarterback scrambles out of the pocket. Flashes plays where he looks possessed, like nothing will stop him. Stick to running backs out of the backfield in coverage, even with a slip he has enough closing speed to be reliable in coverage. Attacks the football when tackling in the hopes of creating a fumble. Outstanding straight-line speed. Plays loose.
WEAKNESSES: Rarely uses hands to fight with blockers despite an aggressive mentality. Overruns a lot of plays between the tackles, struggles to recover. Has a lot of issues dealing with second level blocks from the offensive line, rarely can work over top of them, there winds up walled off. Run and chase player at this point, loses gap integrity with false or wasted steps. Dives or lunges for a lot of tackles rather than running through them and wrapping up. Mentality changes when attacking an offensive lineman compared to a running back.
BOTTOM LINE: It is tough to question Ogletree's athleticism at the linebacker position. Just watching him close on runs or swing passes on the edge is worth the price of admission. Despite playing the last two years at inside linebacker in the Bulldogs 3-4 defense, it would not be surprising to see Ogletree make the switch to weakside linebacker in a defense that uses a four man front. The reason being is the junior struggles to get over top of blocks but does his best work chasing and closing. Expect the Bulldog to be a three down player if he cuts down on wasted steps.
http://247sports.com/Player/Alec-Ogletree-5078?PlayerInstitution=24601 (highschool scouting report)
Alec Ogletree is a 6-3, 224-pound Inside Linebacker from Newnan, GA. He is ranked No. 28 in the country by 247Sports. Ogletree is the No. 4 recruit in Georgia (GA) and is the No. 1 Inside Linebacker in the nation. Ogletree has a 247Sports rating of 97, making him a 4-star prospect. He has committed to Georgia Bulldogs.
#26 OLB MARK BARRON 6'1 213 lbs OLB (Turns 27 on 10/27/2016)
Bucs/Rams Career.. Total Tackles.. 364.. Solo.. 276.. Int.. 3.. Sacks.. 6
ALA Career: 2008-2011.. Tackles.. 235.. Solo.. 149.. Sacks.. 5.. Int.. 12
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/7497/mark-barron Mar 9, 2016
Rams re-signed WLB Mark Barron to a five-year, $45 million contract. It's a pretty penny for a player who only recently converted from safety. Per ESPN's Nick Wagoner, keeping Barron was the Rams' "top priority." Barron had a strong 2015 filling in for Alec Ogletree.
Ogletree will man the middle in 2016. Barron is a playmaker, one the Rams are counting on to force fumbles and pick off passes in coverage. The No. 7 overall pick of the 2012 draft has bounced all the way back after it looked like he was going to be a bust.
Mark Barron made a lot of tackles for the St. Louis Rams during the 2015 season.. The league says he made 116; the Rams coaches had him down for 135 – and he started for only three-fourths of the year at "whatever. "Barron started all 37 games he played for Tampa Bay after the Buccaneers took him out of Alabama with the seventh choice in the 2012 NFL Draft. But after being traded to the Rams, Barron started twice in his first 13 games with St. Louis.
http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/11/dont_call_mark_barron_a_lineba.html
Mark Barron had the best game of his four seasons in the NFL last week playing weakside linebacker for St. Louis in the Rams' 24-6 victory over the Cleveland Browns -- 19 tackles, two forced fumbles and two tackles for loss, according to the St. Louis coaching staff. Just don't call Barron a linebacker. "In my mind, I'm still playing safety," Barron said. "I'm just lining up in a different place."
https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-top-7-linebackers-set-to-hit-free-agency/
TOP LINEBACKERS SET TO HIT FREE AGENCY: Barron, a former top-10 pick as a safety for the Buccaneers, experienced something of a rebirth in St. Louis last season as an injury replacement at outside linebacker. He was especially good against the run, finishing first among 4-3 outside linebackers in run-stop percentage with 11.1.
Ironically, he struggled some as a cover man, giving up the sixth-most passing yards in coverage among 4-3 outside linebackers with 407, with 294 after the catch, failing to intercept a pass and surrendering a 94.1 passer rating into his coverage. The team that acquires Barron will likely continue using him at linebacker, furthering an interesting trend in using converted safeties in the front seven.
Barron was an All-American safety at Alabama and a starting safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from the time they selected him with the seventh choice in the 2012 NFL Draft until the Bucs trade him to the Rams for two draft picks last season. St. Louis has used Barron in a variety of defensive roles, either at safety or in the guise of one. But now he's on the Rams' depth chart as the weakside linebacker.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Barron
Barron was born in Mobile, Alabama. He attended St. Paul's Episcopal School in Mobile, where he played for the St. Paul's Saints high school football team, under the coaching of Eddie Guth. He played multiple positions, including running back, wide receiver, and linebacker from 2004 through 2007.
Barron was ranked as a five-star prospect and the number one weakside linebacker in the 2008 class by scout.com. He was also ranked as the 5th best player in the state of Alabama and the 55th best player in the nation in the class of 2008 by rivals.com. Barron chose to play at Alabama over offers from Auburn, LSU, Florida, Florida State and Tennessee among others.
#56 OLB AKEEM AYERS 6'3 255 lbs (Turns 27 on 07/10/2016)
Titans/Pats/Rams Career.. Total Tackles.. 299.. Solo.. 205... Int.. 3.. Sacks.. 13.5
(2015: 16 games.. Tot Tackles.. 47.. Solo.. 35.. Sacks.. 0.5.. Passes Defensed.. 5.. Int.. 0... Fumbles.. 3)
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/6453/akeem-ayers Mar 12, 2015
Rams signed DE/OLB Akeem Ayers, formerly of the Patriots, to a two-year contract. Ayers is an ex-Titan but has no connection to coach Jeff Fisher, who left Tennessee the year before Ayers was drafted. The 25-year-old is a hybrid stand-up edge rusher who has yet to find a real position in the NFL. He has pass-rush juice and can cover tight ends.
http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2015/12/28/3-things-we-learned-about-the-St-Louis-Rams/2161451313211/
Dec 28, 2015: That finally changed Sunday, when the Rams shocked Seattle with a 23-17 win, the first road win for St. Louis against the Seahawks since 2004. St. Louis linebacker Akeem Ayers had two key fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a first-quarter touchdown, sparking the Rams to a 16-0 lead midway through the second quarter.
Ayers finished off the day with another fumble recovery, at the St. Louis 8-yard line, to clinch the win.
"It's just running to the ball," Ayers said of his two fumble recoveries. "(Defensive coordinator) Gregg (Williams) preached getting to the ball. The more people getting to the ball, the more likely you'll make something happen." The Rams (7-8) have won three in a row after falling into a five-game funk that knocked them out of playoff contention.
http://www.bigblueview.com/2011/1/25/1949220/2011-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-akeem-ayers-olb-ucla
(NFL Draft scouting report)
Positives: Has ideal frame for playing outside in a 3-4 defensive scheme, has enough bulk to lock down strongside linebacker duties and can fill a lot of space... Has size and speed to line up at several positions on the field, has lined up at defensive end and multiple linebacker positions in the past... Solid open-field tackler, plays under control and wraps up, does not like to dive at ball carriers.
UCLA Career: 2008-2010.. Tackles.. 183.. Solo.. 128.. Sacks.. 14.. Int.. 6
Negatives: Does not possess great timed speed, but that is to be expected for his size, is more quick than fast with very good agility... Takes a little too long to diagnose plays, which allows ball carriers to get extra yardage on his side of the field... Has the ability to get to the quarterback in some situations (14 career sacks)
#54 ILB/OLB BRYCE HAGER 6'1 234 lbs (Turns 25 on 05/04/2017)
Rams-. Career.. Total Tackles..... 5.. Solo.. 2.... Int 0.. Sacks.. 0
Baylor- Career.. Total Tackles.. 322. Solo. 202. Int 1.. Sacks.. 7
http://www.scout.com/nfl/rams/story/1582255-rookie-linebacker-bryce-hager-impresses-rams
Sept 03, 2015: By NATE LATSCH: It hasn’t been easy for the rookie. “It’s coming along,” Hager said. “The more I’m doing it, the more reps I’m getting, it’s getting easier each time I step out there. But being able to switch from mike to will, being able to switch those plays in my head, what I’m supposed to be doing, just getting used to doing that, that’s just probably the biggest thing right now but it’s coming along.”
Hager has made plenty of plays throughout the Rams’ first three preseason games. He leads the team with 16 tackles (13 solo, three assisted) according to the coaching staff’s video tape evaluations and recovered a fumble against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday that led to a third-quarter rushing touchdown by Trey Watts. “The hole opened up, so I hit my gap, and the ball happened to bounce off the running back’s chest and right into my arms,” Hager said.
“So I guess it was the right time, right place.” Hager has played a team-high 125 defensive snaps through the first three preseason games, according to Pro Football Focus, and he has the third-highest grade for run defense among the Rams this preseason. The rookie linebacker is getting opportunities and he’s showing what he’s capable of.
http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/6...s-rams-roster-preview-depth-chart-bryce-hager
June 15, 2015: Now Bryce Hager is the latest in a line of late round draft picks in the attempt to fill that backup role. Rams fans have seen Aaron Brown, Josh Hull and Jabara Williams all largely fail to show enough promise to stick around long term.
While Williams made cameos and Hull stuck around as a core special teams player for a few years, neither could handle their business at LB and are no longer with the team. Enter Hager, the son of Jeff Fisher-Coached Britt Hager and the latest attempt by Snead and Fish to fill out the MLB depth chart.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/bryce-hager?id=2552307
WEAKNESSES Not a downhill linebacker. Won't beat offensive linemen to the spot against run. Delays in diagnosing interior runs. Play speed is inconsistent. Doesn't bring strong thump behind his pads as a hitter when asked to be face-up tackler. Needs to be clean and free-running to the ball to be effective.
BOTTOM LINE With his burst to the ball and ability to cover, Hager would be best suited for a 4-3 defense looking for an athletic linebacker who can make plays outside of his area. Hager might end up a late-round pick, but teams like his production and chase traits.
#50 OLB CAMERON LYNCH 5'11 227 (Turns 23 on 08/04/2016)
Rams-Career....... Total Tackles..... 4... Solo.... 4... Int.. 0... Sacks.. 0
Syracuse Career.. Total Tackles.. 243.. Solo.. 173.. Int 2.. Sacks.. 17
http://www.syracuse.com/orangefootb...nebacker_st_louis_rams_syracuse_football.html
Syracuse, N.Y. — Former Syracuse linebacker Cameron Lynch made the St. Louis Rams' 53-man roster on Saturday, he said in a text message. The 6-foot, 229-pound Lynch was a two-year starter and senior captain for the Orange before going unselected at this year's NFL Draft.
He signed with the Rams as a free agent shortly after but was likely a long shot to make the final cut. Lynch recorded 17 tackles, a pass deflection and a forced fumble during the preseason. Playing against the Chiefs on Thursday, he paced the Rams with nine tackles.
At Syracuse, Lynch posted a team-leading 97 tackles, inducing 12 for loss, and seven sacks as a senior last season. He earned third-team All-ACC honors from Phil Steele. Lynch finished with 69 tackles, including 12 for loss, six pass deflections and four sacks as a junior. He is also one of the stronger players to come out of Syracuse recently. He was named the No. 4 "freak" athlete in the country by NFL.com before last season.
http://www.syracuse.com/orangefootball/index.ssf/2014/05/cameron_lynch_freak_linebacker_athlete.html
May 30, 2014: Syracuse, N.Y. — While Marqez Hodge is on track to replace Marquis Spruill as Syracuse's starting middle linebacker, Cameron Lynch is working on filling another of Spruill's roles: team "freak. "Lynch was named the nation's No. 4 most freakish athlete by NFL.com college football writer Mike Huguenin on Thursday, after Spruill was listed as an honorable 'freak' by CBS' Bruce Feldman last season, just missing his annual top 20 list.
Here's the "buzz" that led Huguenin to place Lynch ahead of others including Mississippi State outside linebacker Benardrick McKinney, Georgia running back Todd Gurley and UCLA running back/linebacker Myles Jack, who was left off the list. He lacks ideal size, but has been an important player since he first stepped on campus and will start for the second season in a row this fall. He is both strong and fast.
He has been clocked at 4.7 seconds in the 40 and can squat 620 pounds, clean 374 pounds and bench press 435 pounds. He also can do 36 reps in the bench press at 225 pounds. He also can do a standing back flip, and his vertical jump has been measured at 36 inches.
Lynch is the next in a line of Syracuse players to thrive in the weight room, following Spruill and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Shamarko Thomas. At last year's training camp, former SU defensive tackle Jay Bromley called Lynch "like a bowling ball of just speed."
http://www.draftinsider.net/reports/2015/OLB/Cameron-Lynch
Positive: Small but explosive linebacker who makes plays to every area of the field. Instinctive, effectively diagnoses plays and shows a good change of direction. Gets depth on pass drops, makes plays sideline-to-sideline and fires to the action. Quick arriving on the scene and sells out to stop ball carriers.
Negative: Undersized and easily taken from the action. Will be overmatched by tight ends. Analysis: Lynch has size limitations but is an underrated linebacker who could fill a role in a one-gap system and play on special teams.
#59 ILB JOSH FORREST 6'3 249 (estimated age 23 DOB n/a)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 270.. Solo.. 206.. Int.. 3.. Sacks.. 3.5
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/josh-forrest?id=2555167 ........
(2016 NFL Draft: Rams draft Kentucky ILB Josh Forrest in the 6th round No. 190)
OVERVIEW: Although Forrest didn't play football until his junior year of high school, he did enough there (14 touchdowns receiving, seven interceptions - three returned for touchdowns) to earn a scholarship from the Wildcats.
After two years as a reserve, Forrest took over as a starter, leading the team in tackles in each of the past two seasons (110 in 2014, 93 in 2015). He also made plays in the passing game, intercepting two passes each year (including a 81-yard pick six against Louisville this year). PRO DAY RESULTS: 40-yard dash.. 4.78 and 4.85 seconds.. 20-yard short shuttle: 4/22 seconds.. 3-cone drill.. 7.48 seconds
STRENGTHS: Tall, long-limbed and athletic. Was used all over the field by Kentucky staff. Has 202 tackles during his two-year stint as starter. Has plus chase speed. Lateral quickness is a strength. Length and closing burst gives him extended range to make tackles.
Has quick direction change to put himself in position for difficult open field finishes. Uses hand and foot quickness to sidestep and brush away blockers targeting him on second level. Frequently used as blitzer and gap shooter. Able to "get skinny" and sneak through crevices and into the backfield.
WEAKNESSES: Could use more strength in his lower half. Needs to add play strength to avoid being washed down against run. Physical tight ends can push him at point of attack. Too upright on downhill charges and blitzes. Gets jostled out of the play by redirect blocks. Effort runs hot and cold. As tackler, below average job of breaking down in space.
Relies on catch and drag technique over chesting up and finishing. Had nine broken and 22 missed tackles over last two years. Slow to diagnose and gets few head starts on the play. Average awareness in pass coverage and needs to get better at squeezing targets in his zone. DRAFT PROJECTION Rounds 5 or 6
BOTTOM LINE: With his athleticism and length, teams may be tempted to try him out as an edge rusher, but he is a much better straight-line blitzer through the A and B gaps than he is around the edge. Forrest is a WILL linebacker with the size and range teams look for, but his combination of average instincts and wasted movement in space could be an indicator of up-and-down play in the pros.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1877310/josh-forrest
Forrest still looks a bit more like a receiver (or tight end) than a traditional 'thumper inside linebacker. He sports a relatively lanky, athletic frame, and his best attribute may be his acceleration as Forrest's speed and aggression make him a nice fit in coach Mike Stoops' scheme and potentially in the NFL.
He possesses impressive burst and closing speed for his size once he locates the ball - traits which could intrigue special teams coaches. Flashes physicality in taking on blockers. Boosted his cause by impressing with his overall athleticism at the Senior Bowl, including when he was asked to attack as an edge rusher, showing an intriguing combination of burst and bend off the corner.
#53 ILB BRANDON CHUBB 6'0 242 lbs (Turns 23 on 10/21/2016)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 313.. Solo.. 170.. Int.. 1.. Sacks.. 3.5
http://www.wakeforestsports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/brandon_chubb_742603.html
2015: 11 Games: 94 Tackles.. 46 Solo.. TFL 8.5.. Sacks.. 0.5.. INT..0.. Served as team captain in 2014 and 2015.. 2014: Collected career-best 109 tackles as a junior, the second-most on the team. Had 53 solos and 56 assists. Led the team with six quarterback hurries and added 3 sacks.
Started all 12 games. Recorded a then-career-high 18 tackles in the season-opener at ULM. It marked the most tackles by a Deacon since Brad White had 24 vs. Navy in 2002. Closed the year with a career-best 19 stops at Duke. Recorded three sacks on the year against Gardner-Webb, Clemson and Virginia Tech.
Earned honorable mention All-ACC from ACSMA. Third team All-ACC by the league coaches. Finished fifth in the ACC in tackles per game at 9.1 Was third on the club with 901 total plays in 2014. Played a season-high 93 snaps in the opener vs. ULM. Added 92 snaps at Utah State. Saw 70 or more plays in 10 games Forced two fumbles and had one fumble recovery on the season. Enters the season as the team's most experienced defender with 24 career starts.
2013: (Sophomore) Had a breakout season in his first year as a starter. Started all 12 games at inside linebacker. Finished second on the team with 88 tackles, including 57 solo and three for loss. Ranked 14th in the ACC with 7.3 tackles per game.
Had two pass breakups and returned an interception 29 yards for a touchdown in the season opener vs. Presbyterian (Aug. 29). Also had seven tackles vs. the Blue Hose. Made 10 tackles, including seven solo, vs. ULM (Sept. 14) Had nine tackles, including seven solo and one for loss, at Clemson
Sept. 28.. Had eight tackles in back-to-back games vs. Maryland (Oct. 19) and at Miami (Oct. 26) ... Led the team with 11 tackles, including eight solo, to go with two pass breakups at Syracuse (Nov. 2) ... Led the team in tackles with eight against Duke (Nov. 23) ... Made 10 tackles, with 1.5 for loss, at Vanderbilt (Nov. 30) ... Received the ACC Top Six for Service award for efforts in the community.
http://nflmocks.com/2016/04/24/brandon-chubb-olb-wake-forest-2016-nfl-draft-scouting-report/
Overview: Chubb is a relatively unknown prospect considering much of his work went unheralded for an irrelevant program. He has the production, and ability to get sideline to sideline and rush the passer which creates intrigue. He can be a solid pass rushing specialist in the short-term.
Strengths: He was elected a captain in two of the three seasons he started for the Demon Deacons. His production is something that strikes you seeing as he recorded 216 total tackles in two years. Has the toughness that you look for in an NFL linebacker.
Good run stopper, good in pursuit. Great interior pass rusher. Smart enough to run and understand a complex defensive scheme or plan. Great sideline to sideline ability, keeps his head on a swivel.
Weaknesses: Needs to work on pass coverage. Didn’t make enough of an impression to get an invite to the combine or Senior Bowl. Speed isn’t the best, but will be enough to get the job done. A little bit short for an edge rusher, questions about size will be there.
#49 LB DARREON HERRING 6'2 230 lbs (Turns 23 on 11/23/2016)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 226.. Solo.. 123.. Int.. 2.. Sacks.. 3.5
http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/darreon_herring_797775.html
2015: In his final season as a Commodore, Herring became a critical leader and top performer for one of the SEC's most improved defenses. Was voted squad's defensive captain by teammates after the campaign. Started all 12 games at linebacker, and filled an important leadership void when returning starter Nigel Bowden couldn't return from an early-season injury. Finished the season second on the team with 64 total tackles and fourth with 34 solo stops.
Also contributed 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 quarterback sacks and three defensed passes. Ended career as team's active leader with 123 solo tackles and 226 total tackles. Contributed at least three tackles in 11 of 12 games. Registered career high at South Carolina by contributing eight solo tackles.
Herring's two tackles for loss and QB sacks played critical role in SEC victory over Missouri. Also had eight total tackles in road games at Ole Miss and Houston. Concluded season on high note, posting six tackles against both Texas A&M and Tennessee.
2014: Herring showed versatility playing among the linebacking corps and secondary in team's new 3-4 defensive scheme. Participated in all 12 games, earning 11 starts. Earned eight starting assignments at inside linebacker and three starts at nickel back.
Finished the season with 23 solo tackles, 45 total tackles and 3.5 quarterback sacks. Ranks as the team's active career leader with 162 total tackles and 89 solo stops. Posted at least two tackles in every game. Season high tackle totals (8) came against SEC foes Ole Miss and Kentucky.
2013: Ranked among Commodores' top defensive performers as a first-year starting sophomore. Started every game at OLB, finishing the regular season ranked second on team with 84 total tackles and 11 passes defended, and third with 47 solo tackles. Also registered an interception and one QB sack. Herring was extremely consistent, contributing at least five tackles in 11 of 12 games.
Set career high with 10 total tackles in win over Georgia. In other SEC games, added nine tackles at South Carolina and at Texas A&M, and eight stops vs. Missouri. Posted 8-yard sack among five solo tackles in opener vs. Ole Miss. Interception came in win over UAB. Posted four tackles, including 1.5 stops resulting in lost yards, in Vanderbilt's 41-24 victory over Houston in the BBVA Compass Bowl.
#55 OLB NICHOLAS GRIGSBY 6'0 218 lbs (Turns 24 on 07/02/2016)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 144.. Solo.. 100.. Int.. 0.. Sacks.. 9.5
http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/nicholas_grigsby_764961.html
2015: Started all 13 games at Star linebacker...finished fourth on the team with 66 tackles and added 9.5 TFLs and 3.5 sacks...tied for the team lead in forced fumbles (two) and fumble recoveries (one) selected third team All-ACC by the coaches. Named the ACC Linebacker of the Week for his performance in Pitt's season-opening 45-37 win over Youngstown State.
Against YSU, Grigsby compiled 10 tackles, two quarterback sacks and three total TFLs--all career highs. His TFLs went for 19 lost yards and he added one pass breakup and one QB hurry...had nine tackles with a sack assist in a 17-13 win at Virginia Tech, helping Pitt limit the Hokies to just 100 total yards.
2014: Played in all 13 games, starting one...starting assignment came at middle linebacker against Georgia Tech...voted by his teammates as one of three Pitt captains for the 2014 season. Grigsby, who represented the special teams, was the only non-senior selected a captain. totaled 28 tackles, four TFLs and three sacks. tied for the team lead with two forced fumbles.
Had four tackles, two TFLs, a four-yard sack and a forced fumble at FIU. had four stops and a seven-yard sack against Houston in the Armed Forces Bowl. with Pitt protecting a 21-16 lead late in the fourth quarter, had a key 10-yard sack on Virginia Tech's final possession, helping to clinch the win.
http://optimumscouting.com/draft/20...bowl-scouting-preview-navy-vs-pittsburgh.html
Bottom Line: Grigsby is a versatile linebacker that can play the run, cover and rush the passer. He is a jack of all trades but a master a none meaning that he is not dynamic in any of the three above categories. Will be predominantly a special teams or sub package player at the NFL level. His hard work and leadership skills which led to him being All-ACC and also a team captain will also lead to him making an NFL roster as a UDFA.
#58 OLB CORY LITTLETON 6'3 226 lbs (estimated age 23 DOB n/a)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 176.. Solo.. 99.. Int.. 0.. Sacks.. 12
OVERVIEW: Littleton's career at "U-Dub" was a bit up and down, moving positions and moving in and out of the starting lineup. But as they say, it's not about how you start, but where you finish. Littleton's final year on campus saw him receive honorable mention All-Pac-12 notice as a Sam linebacker, racking up 65 stops, 11 for loss, and six sacks.
He had started all 13 games at defensive end as a sophomore, contributing 62 tackles, 10 for loss and five sacks for the Huskies, but found himself playing less in his junior campaign as a part-time starter. (37 tackles, 3.5 for loss, one sack). Even Littleton's first year in Seattle was a bit inconsistent, as coaches inserted him into the starting line-up against Oregon after not playing him at all in the first four games of the year. He made six tackles against the Ducks (one for loss), and finished the year with 14 stops, 1.5 for loss.
STRENGTHS: Athletic with long arms and big hands. Has decent closing speed. Sinks hips and accelerates out of his change of direction. Moderate tackle production, but reduced his broken tackles and misses from a year ago. As edge rusher, has some edge bend with flexible ankles, effective shoulder dip and cat-quick spin move. Credited with 35 pressures and six sacks on the season.
Consistent special teams performer with 19 career tackles. PRO DAY RESULTS: 40-yard dash.. 4.73 seconds.. Vertical.. 32 1/2 inches.. Broad jump: 9 feet, 11 inches. Short shuttle.. 4.39 seconds.. 3-cone.. 7.01 seconds.. Bench.. 17 reps of 225 pounds
WEAKNESSES: Play strength dips well below NFL norm for the position. Plays upright and blockers get under his pads. Allows both tight ends and fullbacks to derail his edge-setting attempts. Can't hold the edge and is a liability when teams run downhill at him. Shows some passivity. Needs to be more physical and use his hands to clear himself from blocks.
BOTTOM LINE Long-limbed, stand-up pass rusher who is built more like a wide receiver than a running back. Littleton showed some pass rush ability this season and his special teams ability may be his best attribute on the next level. However, his thin frame and poor play strength could make him a longshot to stick on the 53.
2016 CAMP SUMMARY LB's
The Rams will likely only keep 5 or 6 LB's so this is the Rankings of which players will be kept on the final 53 at this early stage in camp. The players who were on the 53 man in 2015 get the benefit of the doubt until they're knocked out by the lesser unknown players fighting for their roster spot.
(The Early Camp Top 6 LB's until proven different)
1.) A. OGLETREE ...... 4.) B. HAGER
2.) M. BARRON ......... 5.) C. LYNCH
3.) A. AYERS .............. 6.) J. FORREST
(The Next Tier Up)
7.) B. CHUBB
8.) D. HERRING
9.) N GRIGSBY
10) C. Littleton
________________________________________________________________________________________
RAMS 2015 PASSING DEFENSE
Yards Allowed Avg. 254... Rank 23rd
Yards per attempt... 7.1... Rank 15th
Total TD's Allowed... 21... Rank 7th
Completion %....... 66.8.... Rank 28th
Total Interceptions... 13... Rank 17th
2016 Rams Camp: Total Number of Cornerbacks on the current Roster is (8)
(The Cornerbacks)
#22 CB TRUMAINE JOHNSON 6'2 204 lbs (Turns 27 on 01/01/2017)
Career... Total Tackles 206... Solo... 178... Int 15... Sacks 0
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/03/01/rams-use-their-franchise-tag-on-trumaine-johnson/ 03/01/2016
The Rams have made their decision between their free agent cornerbacks. And they picked the one with the agent at the moment. According to Albert Breer of the NFL Network, the Rams have chosen to use the franchise tag on Trumaine Johnson, guaranteeing him $13.952 million as soon as he signs. They can still do a long-term deal between now and July 15.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-janoris-jenkins-or-trumaine-johnson/
Johnson has more than matched Jenkins in terms of production—both on a per-snap basis and overall. Johnson has never allowed more than two touchdowns in a season; Jenkins has allowed at least five in each of his four years in the league. On 116 fewer targets over their four years in the league, Johnson has 15 interceptions to Jenkins’ 10.
For the duration of his career, Jenkins’ passer rating allowed is only just shy of 100 (99.5); in the same timeframe, Johnson’s passer rating allowed is 67.1. That mark is better than Josh Norman’s (72.1), Stephon Gilmore’s (84.1), and even Casey Hayward’s (70.2), the stars of the 2012 cornerback class.
When Jenkins was sidelined in Week 14 last season, it was Johnson who took center stage, earning the highest single-game grade of his career (+5.2), snagging an interception (a pick-six, no less) and a pass defense on five targets, while also cutting off Calvin Johnson on a double-move late in the fourth quarter, with the Rams protecting a two-score lead. If Los Angeles is looking for a corner to lead their secondary, Johnson’s career to date, and in particular, his performance since Week 9 of the 2014 season, suggest that he is the man to do it.
#33 CB EJ GAINES 5'10 195 lbs (Turns 24 04/01/2017)
Career... Total Tackles 70... Solo... 63... Int 2... Sacks 0
http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/3...ams-roster-depth-chart-e-j-gaines-cornerbacks
Last year, Gaines suffered a Lisfranc injury in just the second practice of training camp well before any preseason action. And while Marcus Roberson filled in admirably as the fourth corner behind Jenkins, Johnson and Joyner, he hardly had the same level of success Gaines did a year prior as the starter on the outside.
So now in 2016 with Janoris Jenkins gone, many Rams fans are eager to see Gaines back on the field across from Tru as the Rams starting corner duo. Some are overeager to the point of relying on it.
Gaines was drafted by the Rams in the sixth round in 2014 out of Missouri. The 5-foot-10, 190 pound cornerback had a solid rookie campaign starting 15 games and collecting 70 tackles, two interceptions and 15 passes defended. Gaines was poised for a breakout season in 2015, but suffered a foot injury during the first week of training camp and never returned.
http://theramswire.usatoday.com/2016/03/16/ej-gaines-poised-for-a-remarkable-comeback-in-2016/
The Rams expect him back at full strength for 2016. No doubt he’ll be a vital part of the Rams’ secondary, and he’s up for it. Gaines showed flashes of a star corner in his rookie season and actually graded better than Trumaine Johnson and Janoris Jenkins in 2014, per Pro Football Focus. Gaines will be competing for the No 2 corner spot, versus the likes of Lamarcus Joyner, Marcus Roberson and newly-acquired Coty Sensabaugh.
#47 CB MARCUS ROBERSON 6'0 191 lbs (Turns 24 on 10/04/2016)
Career... Total Tackles 39... Solo... 34... Int 1... Sacks 0
http://nflspinzone.com/2015/09/15/st-louis-rams-find-star-marcus-roberson/
Johnson was injured making a tackle on wide receiver Tyler Lockett in the second quarter. The play itself was rather benign, and as he made his way off the field, I wondered if it was an arm injury, rather than a possible concussion. In the face of this loss, it put second-year cornerback Marcus Roberson into the starting spot opposite Janoris Jenkins.
All Roberson did was play 71 percent of snaps at cornerback, and finished with six tackles and one pass defended. What didn’t show up in the box score was Roberson did a great job keeping Lockett out of the game plan for a huge chunk of the game. Roberson declared for the draft after his junior year, but was inexplicably undrafted. The Rams recognized that although inconsistent, had an NFL-caliber set of skills.
Now, in his second season, Roberson is showing that teams were wrong in passing him up in the draft. As a draft analyst, I loved what I saw of Roberson on film, but lapses in concentration really hurt him. One play his footwork is solid, and the next sloppy. One play anticipation and play recognition happens in an instant, and the next he’s burned deep.
Some additional character red flags and less-than-exceptional triangle numbers spelled disaster for his draft stock. Putting all that aside, Roberson’s confidence and energy were never missing in games, and he showed that on Sunday.
#20 CB/FS LARMARCUS JOYNER 5'8 184 lbs (Turns 26 on 11/27/2016)
Career... Total Tackles 112.. Solo... 89...Int 0... Sacks 3
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...s-joyner-regrets-hit-but-focused-on-moving-on
As the outrage about the late hit he put on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater continued to build past Sunday and into Monday, St. Louis Rams cornerback Lamarcus Joyner did his best to stay oblivious to the anger. "I have been watching Discovery Channel and 'SpongeBob [Squarepants]' so I don’t know what’s going on," Joyner said.
"But like I said, this past weekend was terrible for me. We had an incident out there, it wasn’t intentional, it was a hard feeling after the game. But it’s on to Chicago now. I poured my heart out. I gave my sorrows and my apologies, so it’s time to move forward."
http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/8...-review-is-lamarcus-joyner-a-corner-or-safety
When the Rams drafted him it was to be a sub-package player...not a guy to be on the field on every down. He was also brought in because in college he had a knack for producing turnovers and he was a pretty good blitzer. After watching Joyner playing throughout the season there is much to like.
He has the qualities that will make him a key member of the team. He is a sound tackler and is not afraid of making contact. He may struggle covering on deep routes, but as long as he keeps the receiver in front of him he is fine. He usually brings the ball-carrier down before he gains any additional yards.
http://www.therams.com
2014: Selected by the Rams in the second round (41st overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft (5/9/14). PRO: In his rookie season, saw action in 10 games...tallied 48 tackles (33 solo) with three passes defended and 1.0 sack for six yards. 2014 SEASON: Saw action in 10 games...tallied 48 tackles (33 solo) had three passes defended and a 1.0 sack for six yards... vs. Minnesota (9/7): Made his NFL debut...tallied two solo tackles...added one special teams tackle.
At Philadelphia (10/5): Recorded eight tackles (five solo)...registered two passes defensed...vs. Seattle (10/19): Saw action at cornerback...registered nine tackles (six solo)...added three assists...at Kansas City (10/26): Saw action at cornerback...recorded a single-game high 11 tackles (10 solo)...at San Francisco (11/2): Saw action at cornerback...garnered seven tackles (three solo)...had one quarterback pressure and one pass defensed...at Seattle (12/28): Saw action at cornerback...notched four tackles (three solo)...registered a 1.0 sack for six yards, first of his first career.
#24 CB COTY SENSABAUGH 5'11 189 lbs (Turns 28 on 11/15/2016)
Career... Total Tackles 169... Solo... 131... Int 2... Sacks 1
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...king-down-coty-sensabaughs-contract-with-rams
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The Los Angeles Rams made cornerback Coty Sensabaugh their first free-agent signing from outside the organization on Monday, bringing him into the fold on a three-year deal. Sensabaugh's new contract is worth just shy of $15 million but can go as high as $19 million with incentives. It includes $6.5 million guaranteed, with $5.5 million of that fully guaranteed at the time of signing.
http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/7572/coty-sensabaugh
Sensabaugh was forced to play major snaps on the outside last season, but should slot in as the nickel back between Trumaine Johnson and E.J. Gaines in Los Angeles. He's also an insurance policy on Gaines, who is returning from a Lisfranc injury. The Rams needed another starting-caliber corner after losing Janoris Jenkins to the Giants.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/sport...ornerback-coty-sensabaugh-20160314-story.html
Sensabaugh, 27, started 15 games last season. Included in his two interceptions was a return of 2013 Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston's first career pass for a touchdown. The 5-foot-11, 189-pound Sensabaugh was selected by the Titans in the fourth round of the 2012 draft after playing at Clemson.
http://www.christianpost.com/news/l...-sensabaugh-agrees-to-three-year-deal-159259/
His acquisition by the Rams is partly attributed to the team's defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams, who once served as the senior assistant defensive coach for the Titans back in 2013. ESPN noted that if he gives up the position to Gaines, he can be used to play nickelback – something he's familiar with when he played for Williams.
With the Titans, he was the regular nickelback while appearing in 59 games for the team in four seasons. But when Jason McCourty suffered a sports hernia, he was forced to take on a bigger role, to which he made the most of the opportunity.
#32 CB TROY HILL 5'10 182 lbs (Turns 25 on 08/29/2016)
BENGALS: Total Tackles.. 6... Solo... 5..... Int 0... Sacks 0
OREGON: Total Tackles 169.. Solo... 137... Int 4... Sacks 0
http://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/12/...-from-practice-squad-waive-chris-lewis-harris
The Cincinnati Bengals have signed cornerback Troy Hill from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, the team announced Saturday. In a corresponding move, the team waived cornerback Chris Lewis- Harris to make room for Hill. This isn't a surprising move since the Bengals are dealing with a banged-up secondary that features their top three corners dealing with injuries. In his three regular-season games with the Bengals, Hill registered just six total tackles (5 solo).
This is the first call-up for Hill, and the first Bengals practice squad member to join the roster in 2015. HIll was signed by the Bengals as an undrafted free agent out of Oregon following the 2015 draft. Hill finished his final college season with the Ducks by earning Second-Team Pac 12 All-Conference honors after notching 71 total tackles, four tackles for loss, 18 pass defenses, and one interception. Hill was quietly one of the better corners in college football, but off-field problems helped lead to him going undrafted.
The guys at Pro Football Focus were very high on Hill and praised the Bengals for signing him following the end of the 2015 NFL draft: With the way this cornerback class was bunched together, both myself and Sam Monson actually saw Hill as one of the five best available. Our sixth-highest graded player at the position, Hill allowed just 435 yards and a quarterback rating of 63.9 on passes thrown into his coverage.
His 11 pass breakups were tied for second in the class, and he added an interception for good measure. Our own Anthony Cosenza interviewed Hill during the NFLPA Bowl game following Ohio State's win during the National Championship game. Hill had a good showing for the Bengals in training camp and the preseason, but the Bengals ultimately felt better going with the more experience Lewis-Harris as that sixth and final corner on the 53-man roster.
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/10649/troy-hill
Hill was the Ducks' nickel back his first three seasons before taking over as a starter in 2014, amassing three career interceptions, 6.5 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. He ran 4.55 at the Combine with a 32 1/2-inch vertical and 10-foot broad jump. Slight of build and not overly athletic, Hill is an overachiever who won with effort and aggressiveness in college. Although he lacks top-end physical attributes, Hill's feisty playing mentality would translate well to the slot. He also has special teams value.
#35 CB/FS MICHAEL JORDAN 6'1 200 lbs (Turns 23 on ?)
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/mike-jordan?id=2556196
STRENGTHS: Has NFL height, weight and length. His ball skills will force teams to take notice. Former high school receiver who has soft, sure hands and finds his way to the ball at a high rate. Plays with decisive break on the ball from his pedal. Loves to undercut routes out of breaks and ruin the quarterback's day. Instinctive with a natural feel from man-off and zone coverage.
WEAKNESSES: Tape doesn't show player with ability to carry long speed. Jump in competition will be difficult challenge early on. Might need to reassess angles to the ball against NFL arms and wide receiver speed. Big, but not very physical. Technique is very raw. Will declare early from press causing stall when release changes direction.
BOTTOM LINE: Jordan's size, ball skills and consistency of production is going to garner attention from NFL traits on Day 3. While he shows decent hips and feet in man coverage, he may not have the recovery speed to make a living in that kind of scheme. Jordan has the instincts and ball skills to challenge for a roster spot for a zone cover team and could be an interesting consideration at safety if a team believes he is tough enough as a tackler.
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/colu...cle_acb69af7-0547-5260-bf6e-7fd3226a1e18.html
After he redshirted in 2011, he beat out a senior and a junior to start, then won the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s freshman of the year award. He made first team all-conference every season after that. He recently became the first Missouri Western player to earn back-to-back All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association. His athletic ability and ball-hawking skills have always been there. The finer points, like his footwork, have improved.
His physicality increased with his strength. His coaches shifted defenses, from a 4-3 to a 3-4, and toggled between zone and man coverage. Jordan, usually a cornerback, sometimes a safety, just kept making plays. “At times, I couldn’t be beat,” he said. His 16 career interceptions are tied for second-most in school history. His five interceptions and 22 passes defended as a senior ranked second nationally after the regular season.
“I’m addicted to getting interceptions,” he said. One game in his sophomore season stands out, not because of a pick, or even a win. Missouri Western lost to Pittsburg State 34-14 on Oct. 26, 2013. But Jordan held a 5-foot-11 speedster named John Brown to four catches for 48 yards. Brown, Pitt State’s all-time leader in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, became a third-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2014. Jordan said his mouth dropped when he learned of the selection. It was more evidence he could make it.
#41 CB/FS JABRIEL WASHINGTON 5'11 185 lbs (Turns 23 on DOB n/a)
ALABAMA... Total Tackles 26... Solo... 16... Int 2... Sacks 0
SENIOR (2015): Provided depth at the defensive back position and worked on special teams during his senior season. Missed the first five games due to a knee injury suffered before the season opener. Saw his first action against Arkansas, but did not record any stats in the first game back since injury ... recorded a tackle on kickoff coverage, his first stop of the season, at Texas A&M.
Notched one more tackle on kickoff coverage against Tennessee. Mississippi State: Had his best game since returning from injury, recording three tackles. Charleston Southern: Collected his first interception of the season and added one tackle on his senior day ... saw significant time in the secondary against the Buccaneers.
JUNIOR (2014): Appeared in 13 games... Had 17 tackles, two pass breakups and one interception. Made the first start of his career against Southern Miss ... West Virginia: Recorded one tackle versus the Mountaineers. FAU: Had one tackle and a pass breakup. Southern Miss: Made two tackles in his first start. Florida: Hauled in his first career interception in the win over the Gators.
2016 CAMP SUMMARY CB's
The Rams will likely only keep 5 or 6 CB's so this is the Rankings of which players will be kept on the final 53 at this early stage in camp. The players who were on the 53 man in 2015 get the benefit of the doubt until they're knocked out by the lesser unknown players fighting for their roster spot.
(The Early Camp Top 5 CB's until proven different)
1.) T. JOHNSON
2.) EJ GAINES
3.) M. ROBERSON
4.) L. JOYNER
5.) C. Sensabaugh
(The Next Tier Up)
6.) T.HILL
7.) M.JORDAN (also projected as FS)
8.) J.Washington
_______________________________________________________________________________
2016 Rams Camp: Total Number of Safeties on the current Roster is (7)
(The Safeties)
#25 SS T.J. MCDONALD (jr) 6'2 219 lbs (Turns 26 on 01/26/2016)
Career... Total Tackles 221... Solo... 168... Int 2... Sacks 4
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/8458/tj-mcdonald Wed, Dec 9, 2015
Rams placed SS T.J. McDonald (shoulder surgery) on injured reserve, ending his season. It's another blow to a Rams secondary already without Trumaine Johnson (thigh) and Janoris Jenkins (concussion). McDonald had 63 tackles and a sack prior to going down, grading as PFF's No. 32 safety against the run. Maurice Alexander is McDonald's backup.
May 10, 2015 TMZ Sports reports Rams SS T.J. McDonald was arrested for DUI early Tuesday morning. McDonald allegedly crashed into a parked car and waited for police to arrive to the scene where he was then taken into custody. McDonald wasn't arrested for alcohol abuse, but it's believed he was on some sort of medication that had him acting out of the ordinary. He was later released on his own recognizance. McDonald is now subject to a suspension.
Though he struggled early in 2014, no safety had a higher grade from Weeks 9 to 17 than Rams safety. T.J. McDonald. He received the highest PFF grade of any safety in football between Weeks 9 and 17. He still finished just 41st out of 87 qualifiers thanks to a poor first half. McDonald's fast improvement is encouraging but the Rams need their third-year strong safety to play with more consistency. McDonald finished with a negative grade overall in pass coverage but was excellent against the run.
June 13, 2013 Rams signed third-round SS T.J. McDonald to a four-year contract. McDonald, the No. 71 overall pick, is penciled in as the Rams' starting strong safety, but his cover skills are suspect. McDonald possesses a boat load of athleticism, but he took a lot of bad angles at USC. McDonald (6-foot-2 1/2, 219) is the latest in a long line of big, athletic USC safeties with suspect cover skills. T.J. started 36 college games, recording eight interceptions and 12 tackles for loss. He ran 4.59 at the Combine with a 40-inch vertical and 10-foot-11 broad jump.
#31 SS MAURICE ALEXANDER 6'1 229 lbs (Turns 26 on 02/16/2017)
Career... Total Tackles 43... Solo... 34... Int 0... Sacks 2
http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/9655/maurice-alexander
April 2, 2016: Rams coach Jeff Fisher said Maurice Alexander is an option at free safety following the departure of Rodney McLeod in free agency. A fourth-round pick in 2014, Alexander struggled in five starts last season. Cody Davis and Christian Bryant are the other in-house options, and the Rams could look to the draft for help. T.J McDonald is locked in at strong safety.
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_8d1aa609-8c90-5c47-b646-f0863d77571c.html
“His first start at home this weekend. But he’s played a lot of football for us already this year,” Fisher said. “He’s continued to progress and we’re really proud of where he’s ended up.” Alexander has gotten a little bit of seasoning this year. He was in for a handful of plays at safety against Cleveland, San Francisco, Chicago, Baltimore, and Cincinnati. He was in for every defensive play, 72 of them, in the start at Minnesota.
And with injuries to cornerback Janoris Jenkins and McDonald last week against Arizona, Alexander was on the field for 26 defensive plays. His season totals are eight tackles, two sacks, and one quarterback hit. Those two sacks attest to his pass-rushing skills. He played some defensive end in college, but mainly outside linebacker before finally moving back to safety.
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/9655/maurice-alexander
June 12, 2014: Rams signed No. 110 overall pick S Maurice Alexander to a four-year contract. More of an in-the-box safety than center fielder, Alexander (6-foot-1, 220 pounds) played linebacker as a sophomore, and does his best work close to the line. He does, however, offer plus athleticism with a 38-inch vertical and 4.54 forty. He'll begin his Rams career on special teams.
#38 FS CODY DAVIS 6'1 204 lbs (Turns 27 06/06/2016)
Career... Total Tackles 23... Solo... 18... Int 0... Sacks 0 (Had 2nd most Special Teams Tackles with 10 in 2015)
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/03/09/rams-re-sign-brian-quick-tim-barnes-cody-davis/
Rams re-sign Brian Quick, Tim Barnes, Cody Davis Posted by Josh Alper: On March 9, 2016: Barnes and Davis both signed two-year deals. Davis has seen action in 43 games over the last three years for the Rams and most of it has come on special teams, which will likely be the case again in 2016.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cody_Davis
Davis played collegiately at Texas Tech. As a senior in 2012, Davis was a 1st Team Capital One Academic All-American and was a Second-team All-Big 12 selection for the second consecutive season after making 84 solo tackles and 101 total tackles. He finished his Texas Tech career with 49 starts, including 22 consecutive starts at safety.
As a junior in 2011 he was Academic All-Big 12 (1st Team) and led team in tackles (93) while making 72 solo tackles and 21 assisted tackles. In 2010 he was All-Big 12 (Honorable Mention) and an Academic All-Big 12 (1st Team) Davis made 87 total tackles and played in 13 games (13 starts) and was second on the team with 87 total tackles while tying for the team lead (Bront Bird) with 68 solo tackles.
#24 SS CHRISTIAN BRYANT 5'10 192 lbs (Turns 25 on 3/21/2017)
Career... Total Tackles 3... Solo... 2... Int 0... Sacks 0
http://archauthority.com/2015/10/03/st-louis-rams-release-brandon-mcgee-promote-christian-bryant/
St. Louis Rams Release Brandon McGee, Promote Christian Bryant: Bryant, an undersized safety, was a seventh-rounder of the Rams last season and will be making his first appearance on the active roster after a year-plus on the practice squad. Bryant, who was a noted special-teamer coming out of Ohio State, has flashed skills that indicated he could hang with NFLers during both of his preseasons to date, but with the exceptional depth that the Rams already possess at the safety position, there hadn’t really been space on the roster for him until now.
http://www.scout.com/nfl/rams/story/1595211-rams-christian-bryant-to-make-nfl-debut
10/14/2015: Christian Bryant will make his NFL regular-season debut on Sunday, approximately a year and a half after the St. Louis Rams drafted him. He is expected to make his NFL regular-season debut for the St. Louis Rams against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, more than a year after the team drafted him.
“I’m definitely excited for the opportunity,” Bryant said on Friday. “It’s a huge opportunity for me. I’m looking forward to it.” Bryant was one of the Rams’ four picks in the seventh round in the 2014 Draft. Fisher talked on Friday about how far Bryant has come. “Christian was their Defensive MVP before he got hurt there at Ohio State,” he said.
“On the trip we made there to look at the offensive lineman, I got a chance to visit with (Ohio State coach) Urban (Meyer) and talk to him a little bit about him. So, we brought him in. “It was a long rehab, but he had a great offseason here. He’s one of those classic examples of what a difference a year makes. So, had a really good preseason. I’ve got all the confidence in the world that he’ll go out there and do the right things.”
It has been almost two years since Bryant took the field in a game that mattered. He’ll appreciate the opportunity, knowing how far he has come since then and how much he has worked to get to this moment. “I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting on the field finally, playing some real football on Sundays.”
#43 FS BRIAN RANDOLPH 6'0 205 lbs (Turns 24 on 10/20 2016)
TENN: Career... Total Tackles 306... Solo... 217... Int 6... Sacks 0
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2629004-tennessee-pro-day-2016-recap-and-results-for-vols-players March 30, 2016
Tennesee PRO DAY: Randolph showed out in the weight room and in the 40-yard dash, bench-pressing 225 pounds 31 times, which is ridiculous for a defensive back. That bench number would have put him tied for seventh overall in this year's NFL Scouting Combine, regardless of position, per NFL.com. He also posted a 4.47 and 4.42 40-yard dash in his two runs. UT's official site had that second time at a 4.4 flat.
The four-year starter at UT told the media afterward that he called his shot that he'd stand out, per VolQuest's Rob Lewis and Brent Hubbs: With those gaudy numbers, Randolph definitely helped himself. He could slide onto somebody's big board now, despite getting spurned from the combine. Unlike a few of the Vols eligible for this draft, he has the on-field resume to prove his potential.
I told you all I was going to get that 4.4 and do 30 reps and that's what happened. I have never lacked speed or strength. I have just lacked hype. I don't like to talk too much till it's time. I gave you a little preview yesterday and had to back it up today. They want to see speed. I tried to tell them. I don't know where they were getting numbers from. It's nonsense. I was hearing stuff like 4.7. Golly, I didn't run a 4.7 in fifth grade.
I don't know how I'm going to do it now. I'm glad I got to prove that wrong. I was having fun today. I didn't feel any pressure. I was suppose to run a 4.7. I don't think could get much worse than that. I probably could have backpedaled 4.7. There was no pressure. It was just fun.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1851177/brian-randolph
PLAYER OVERVIEW While Tennessee's secondary was leaky, as a whole, Randolph proved a standout, leading the team with four interceptions while recording another three pass breakups and making 75 stops, 50 of them solos. Randolph started all 12 games at strong safety in 2013, a year after tearing the ACL in his right knee just three games into his sophomore campaign.
Randolph's injury in 2012 was a critical loss to Tennessee's secondary as the talented defender was coming off a freshman campaign in which he started eight games (and played in all 12) and posted 55 tackles while splitting duty between free safety and nickel.
STRENGTHS: Randolph is an athletic, aggressive safety with good open-field tackling skills. He sports a compact frame with good overall musculature and is reportedly "noticeably" bigger in his upper body after his year in the weight room. He shows good body control and vision to avoid would-be blockers in the open field and is generally a reliable wrap-up tackler. He's shown good hands when interception opportunities are there, as well as a flair for big plays in clutch situations.
WEAKNESSES: Randolph doesn't possess elite straight-line speed and is high in his back pedal but he deciphers the action quickly and closes on the ball aggressively. Randolph's medical will play an important part in his ultimate grade. Besides the ACL tear, he struggled a bit last season with recurring shoulder issues, including stingers. Coach Butch Jones joked that Randolph was 180 pounds last year and the safety made it a point to bulk up in the offseason.
Randolph claims he's gained 15 pounds since last year and the Vols' official website lists him at a solid 209 pounds. Randolph was overshadowed by A.J. Johnson a year ago and that may occur again in 2014. If the redshirt junior elects to give up his final year of eligibility, however, he could "surprise" as the Vols' top NFL prospect in 2015. Rob Rang (8/26/14)
#37 FS JORDAN LOMAX 5'10 205 lbs (Turns 23 on 10/13/2016)
IOWA... Total Tackles 201... Solo... 99... Int 2... Sacks 0
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/jordan-lomax?id=2555541
OVERVIEW: After three years of waiting his turn to get on the field, including a lost 2012 season due to a spring shoulder injury and 2013 season where he missed four more games due to injury, Lomax finally earned the starting nod in 2014 and stayed healthy. He put forth an honorable mention All-Big Ten effort at safety (he started his Iowa career at cornerback), making 92 tackles, intercepting a pass and breaking up six others.
Lomax followed that up with a third team all-conference campaign (96 tackles, one interception, six pass break-ups), where he used his compact build and athleticism to patrol the secondary for the Hawkeyes. PRO DAY RESULTS: 40-yard dash: 4.62 seconds... Vertical: 38 1/2 inches... Broad jump: 10 feet, 1 inch... 3-cone: 6.82 seconds
STRENGTHS Aggressive, willing demeanor in run support. Loves to hit. Will get his licks in when he gets a chance. Might offer kickoff coverage value. Closes hard on receivers drifting into his area for the catch and can land a disruptive strike to jar ball free. Former cornerback with enough twitch to slam on brakes from backpedal and burst downhill. Hard worker in the classroom and weight room and noted team leader.
WEAKNESSES Stout but short safety with small hands. Carries longer torso on shorter legs. Hesitates to jump routes on crossers and slants in front of him. Lacks playmaking instincts and length. Had just two interceptions in two years as starter. More buildup acceleration than short area burst in coverage.
Great hitter, but average finisher. Questionable angles and poor space adjustment led to 29 broken or missed tackles as a starter. DRAFT PROJECTION Round 7 or priority free agent: SOURCES TELL US "He's short but he's pretty well built so that shouldn't kill his chances.
He's not a reliable tackler in space and if he doesn't run really well he won't drafted. He'll be in a camp though." -- NFC East area scout.. BOTTOM LINE Physical hitter who plays with desire and urgency, but lacks the physical traits and downhill cover skills teams covet at the position. Comparisons to Bob Sanders by locals is understandable due to his frame and physicality, but Lomax lacks the juice and top-end speed that Sanders possessed.
#36 SS ROHAN GAINES 5'11 195 lbs (Turns 24 on 04/01 2017)
ARKANSAS... Total Tackles 234... Solo... 137... Int 2... Sacks 0
Senior (2015) Participated and started in all 13 games … Ranked third on the team in tackles and first among defensive backs (67) … 44 of his 67 tackles were solo stops … Had 1.5 tackles for loss, one interception and one pass breakup … Had at least four tackles in 10 games, including each of his last four contests.
Was the most experienced player on the Razorback defense with 47 games played and 39 career starts … vs. Texas Tech (Sept. 9): Had 10 tackles, marking the third double-digit performance of his career … vs. UT Martin (Oct. 31): Made his second career interception, which came in the first quarter on the Skyhawks’ first possession of the game … Earned preseason All-SEC third team honors from coaches.
Junior (2014) Started in 10 of 12 games participated in … Posted 59 tackles, 1.0 for loss, on the season … Added one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and five pass breakups … at No. 6 Auburn (Aug. 30): Registered eight tackles, seven solo in the season-opener.
At No. 1 Mississippi State (Nov. 1): Racked-up seven tackles and a pass breakup against the top-ranked Bulldogs … vs. No. 8 Ole Miss (Nov. 22): Returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown, tying for the longest interception return in school history, in Arkansas’ 30-0 shutout over Ole Miss.
At No. 17 Missouri (Nov. 28): Posted seven tackles and recovered a fumble. Sophomore (2013) Played in 10 games with five starts and recorded 33 tackles, 1.0 for loss, one fumble recovery, two quarterback hurries and one pass breakup … vs. No. 14 South Carolina (Oct. 12): Made four tackles and two quarterback hurries … vs. Mississippi State (Nov. 1): Totaled a season-high nine tackles and added one fumble recovery … at Ole Miss (Nov. 9): Made five tackles, with 0.5 for loss.
2016 CAMP SUMMARY SAFETIES
The Rams will likely only keep 4 or 5 Safeties so this is the Rankings of which players will be kept on the final 53 at this early stage in camp. The players who were on the 53 man in 2015 get the benefit of the doubt until they're knocked out by the lesser unknown players fighting for their roster spot.
(The Early Camp Top 4 Safeties until proven different)
1.) TJ MCDONALD
2.) M. ALEXANDER
3.) C. DAVIS
4.) C. BRYANT
(The Next Tier Up)
5.) B. RANDOLPH
6.) J. LOMAX
7.) R. GAINES
_______________________________________________________________________________
This was the DEFENSE Position Count for the first Available 2015 Final 53
DT Aaron Donald ........ Nick Fairley
DT Michael Brockers .... Ethan Westbrooks
DE Chris Long .......... William Hayes ........ D-LINEMAN 8
DE Robert Quinn ........ Eugene Sims
MLB James Laurinaitis .. Bryce Hager
OLB Alec Ogletree ...... Daren Bates
OLB Akeem Ayers ........ Cameron Lynch ................ LB's 6
CB Janoris Jenkins ..... Marcus Roberson
CB Trumaine Johnson .... Lamarcus Joyner ............ CB's 4
FS Rodney McLeod .......... Cody Davis
SS T.J. McDonald ... (ss/olb) Mark Barron ............. SS/FS's 5 (9 total defensive backs)
SS Maurice Alexander
Again I hope most of you all found this series informal & enjoyed (Part 2) of the Defense as this completes the 2016 Camp Roster Guide.
Thanks for observing, Florida
For archive entertainment and a reference guide, this is part 2 (the Defense) which completes the Entire Camp Roster series. A quick Summary of the all the Rams players to view as we wait to see how the Rams 2016 final 53 man roster shakes out.
As camp and preseason begin to sort out the Roster based on Performance, Injures & miscellaneous reasons, this should be a good Go to Guide for a quick reference and review of all the players and what their estimated roster value was at the beginning of camp.
NFL TOP 10 DEFENSIVE LINES OF 2015 (PFF)
https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-top-10-defensive-lines-of-2015/
Analyst John Breitenbach breaks down the list of this season's top-performing NFL defensive lines, with Denver reigning supreme. With a full 17-week season in the books, it’s time to look ahead to the playoffs. Before we dive deep into the postseason, however, it’s important to recognize the outstanding play from the year. So, where better to start than the defensive side of the ball? 2015 Top Ranked Defensive Line Rankings: (#1) BRONCOS.
2015 RAMS Defensive Line Rank (#3)
Starters: DE Robert Quinn, DT Aaron Donald, DT Michael Brockers, DE Chris Long
Rotation: DT Nick Fairley, DE William Hayes, DE Ethan Westbrooks, DE Eugene Sims, DE Matt Longacre
The Rams would be a strong candidate for the top spot if Robert Quinn had not gone down for the year with a back injury. Aaron Donald (99.9) is playing better than he’s ever done before. He finished first amongst DIs with the highest pass rush (98.8) and second-highest run defense grade (96.9). Donald ended the year with 79 combined pressures (11 sacks, 26 hits, and 42 hurries) to go with 51 defensive stops.
While Donald is the star of the show, the Rams have good depth inside with Brockers (79.7) and Fairley (82.0) also part of the rotation. William Hayes, meanwhile, is one of the more underrated players in the NFL. He mitigated for the loss of Quinn by finishing with an 83.3 grade, good enough for 18th amongst EDs. The Rams could use some depth at defensive end, but pass rushers aren’t easy to find.
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/dl (Revised as of 5/16/2016)
FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS:
2015 RAMS
VS PASS PROTECTION: RANK #17.. (Total Sacks 41) (Adjusted Sack Rate 6.3%)
VS RUN BLOCKING....... RANK #6.. (Power Rank #14) (Stuff Rank #7) (2nd level Rank #14) (Open Field Rank #24)
https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/stat/opponent-yards-per-game
2015 OVERALL DEFENSIVE RANKINGS RAMS..
Yards Allowed Vs Pass.. Rank.. #23
Yards Allowed Vs Run... Rank.. #21
Points Allowed............... Rank.. #12
Redzone Scoring........... Rank... #2
Avg Points Allowed....... ( 20.6 ppg )
(Part 2) The Entire Camp Roster for the 2016 Rams "DEFENSIVE" Personnel
2016 Rams Camp: Total Number of DE's on the current Roster is (8)
(Note: some of the DE's also take snaps at DT & some of the rookies are listed as DE/OLB)
(The Defensive Ends)
#94 DE ROBERT QUINN 6'4 265 lbs (Turns 27 on 05/18/2017)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 176.. Solo.. 146.. Int.. 0.. Sacks.. 50
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/6557/robert-quinn
Sep 13, 2014: Rams signed RE Robert Quinn to a four-year, $66.575 million extension through 2019. The deal includes $41.2 million guaranteed. Only 24, Quinn is already one of the most dominant edge rushers in the league, earning first-team All-Pro honors in 2013. Quinn has 34.5 sacks in only 48 career games.
http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6557/robert-quinn
Jan 4, 2016: Rams RE Robert Quinn (back surgery) is without a timetable for a return, and could miss the beginning of the offseason program. Quinn is still less than a month removed from going under the knife, and the Rams have zero reason to rush their superstar pass rusher. Even if Quinn missed the entire offseason program, he should be ready for training camp. Jan 4
http://sfo.247sports.com/Gallery/42242788/GallerySlides/219558-219558?View=Full#219558-219558
2015: DE Robert Quinn, St. Louis (PFF grade: 83.3) Quinn had 21 tackles and five sacks before undergoing season-ending back surgery earlier in December.
http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/p...-quinn-on-road-to-recovery-after-back-surgery
"I didn’t realize what it was until we really figured it out," Quinn said. "I just thought I was getting old or slow or something. After time, I realized that my get-off didn’t seem as fast as it used to be, and of course we had other problems. It’s a frustrating situation that I technically never had [a football injury]. So it’s frustrating, but what can I do besides prepare for another run at it next year?"
http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/5/13/8599785/pro-football-focus-top-101-robert-quinn-st-louis-rams
2014: A big fall for Quinn who couldn’t replicate his monstrous 2013 season. That would have been some achievement, but Quinn was still able to bring plenty of pressure on his way to the sixth highest pass rushing grade of all 4-3 defensive ends. He wasn’t as consistent as we’ve seen him be but there’s no reason to think he hasn’t got it in him to push back up the list next year. Key Stat: 49 quarterback disruptions were 32 less than in 2013 but still 13th most of 4-3 defensive ends.
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...s-de-robert-quinn-aiming-to-get-back-to-great
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- To hear St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn tell it, his 2014 season was a borderline disappointment. Yes, a season in which Quinn finished with 46 tackles, 10½ sacks and five forced fumbles on his way to a second consecutive Pro Bowl berth simply wasn't good enough for the Rams' best player.
When you consider the context in which Quinn places the season, it's much easier to understand why he wasn't exactly thrilled with his production. "You’re never really satisfied," Quinn said. "Yeah, it’s great to make a Pro Bowl but, I mean, I set my bar extremely high. Ten-and-a-half [sacks] is a good season, but I want great seasons every year I’m here." In other words, Quinn became a victim of his own success. In 2013, Quinn emerged as one of the most dominant players in the NFL, regardless of position.
He won the Pro Football Writers of America's Defensive Player of the Year award after recording 57 tackles, 19 sacks, seven forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. In other words, Quinn became a victim of his own success. In 2013, Quinn emerged as one of the most dominant players in the NFL, regardless of position. He won the Pro Football Writers of America's Defensive Player of the Year award after recording 57 tackles, 19 sacks, seven forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_447c1e72-44cb-57e7-846d-875232d5cd21.html
2014: On Monday, the Rams cleared out their lockers, went through final meetings and talked hopefully about the future. The team also presented its annual awards, as voted on by teammates. Defensive end Robert Quinn repeated as the Daniel F. Reeves Memorial Award for team MVP.
Quinn, who was recently named to play in his second consecutive Pro Bowl, took home the MVP award after leading the Rams for the second straight season with 10½ sacks. In addition to reaching double digits in sacks for the third time in as many seasons, Quinn posted 14 tackles for loss, 37 quarterback pressures and 24 quarterback hits.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/the-pff-101-no-2-robert-quinn/
2013:This season Quinn blew that out of the water. His +77.2 grade moved the bar up another 22.9 points and his pass-rushing grade alone stands some way clear of Wake’s overall mark. Quinn broke out in 2013 and immediately became the new standard for speed edge rushing in the NFL.
#95 DE WILLIAM HAYES 6'3 272 lbs (Turns 32 on 05/02/2017)
Titans/Rams Career.. Total Tackles.. 270.. Solo.. 196.. Int.. 1.. Sacks.. 29.5
http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4872/william-hayes
March 9, 2016: Rams re-signed DE William Hayes to a three-year, $17.5 million contract. The deal contains $10 million guaranteed and carries a maximum value of $21 million. Despite being a 30-year-old rusher with zero seasons of more than seven sacks, Hayes was a hot name during the tampering window. The Rams were "intent" on keeping Hayes to replace the released Chris Long, however, and they paid up to keep their man. Hayes will bookend RE Robert Quinn.
http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/5...m-hayes-ranked-pro-football-focus-pff-top-101
Pro Football Focus is putting together their top 101 players from the 2015 NFL season kicking things off today with Nos. 76-101. Just one Los Angeles Ram makes the back end of the list: DE William Hayes. After not making last year's list, here's what they had to say about Brah Brah Bojangles: Hayes was good enough this past season that the Rams were comfortable with cutting Chris Long entirely and passing the torch to the player that was outperforming him in the same position.
Hayes had strong performance against both the run and pass, posting 47 total pressures from fewer than 600 total snaps of action. He earned himself a full-time starting role and could be primed for a huge season in 2016 with Aaron Donald still taking all of the attention on that D-line. Best performance: Week 11 at Baltimore: +7.5 grade.. Key stat: Hayes led all edge defenders in run-stop percentage at 11.5. Hayes is in fine company at the back of the PFF Top 101, so it's not an insult in the least.
The real impact here is what they allude to with the first sentence: Hayes taking over the starting role in earnest for Week 1 for the first time since he signed with the Rams in 2012. After Hayes signed, here's what I said in reaction to PFF listing him as "a secret superstar": He may not be a flourishing starter-caliber player, but every team needs rotational guys to come in and not be entirely deficient for whatever stretch of time they're on the field. William Hayes could well fall in that category.
http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2016/3/9/11187856/william-hayes-signing-contract-rams-free-agent
Hayes was set to become a free agent at the start of the new league year on Wednesday, and had reported interest from multiple teams before the Rams locked him up. Los Angeles has had one thing going for it over the last few years: a strong front seven anchored by a stellar defensive line. Hayes was a huge part of that line and has been since he joined the Rams in 2012. Hayes will turn 31 before next season gets underway, but he didn't look slowed down at all this past season.
He had 53 combined tackles, 5.5 sacks and a pair of forced fumbles. The sack number was the second-highest of his career, behind the seven sacks he had with the Rams in 2012. Hayes was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft and has played in all 16 games in three of his last four seasons. He missed two games due to injury in 2013, but aside from that has no real concerns entering his ninth NFL season.
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...yes-already-make-presence-felt-on-hard-knocks
Rams' William Hayes on his way as 'Hard Knocks' breakout star: The first episode of the Los Angeles Rams' edition of HBO docuseries "Hard Knocks" won't air until Aug. 9 at 10 p.m. ET. But filming for the show began in earnest soon after the Rams agreed to do the show and it was announced on March 23.
The Rams are now settling in to Los Angeles with film crews documenting every moment. That also includes interviews with the players, who began arriving last week before the start of the offseason conditioning program on Monday. As we mentioned here after the show was announced, Rams defensive end William Hayes has all the makings of the show's breakout star.
According to now former Rams teammate Chris Long, Hayes has already begun the climb to stardom (not that Hayes is doing anything out of the ordinary). Chris Long @JOEL9ONE: Just got a call from William Hayes bragging about lying to hard knocks that he slammed me in the bushes in Vegas! I fell! For the record, Long went on to say that Hayes probably didn't tell the story of what happened on a different casino trip.
Chris Long @JOEL9ONE: William probably didn't tell hard knocks about the time I slammed him under a tree outside the casino + he spent the next hr feeding pigeons. Chris Long @JOEL9ONE: Lies aside. William Hayes is the best reason to ever watch hard knocks. Hayes does not have Twitter so was unable to immediately refute or corroborate Long's claims but there's no doubt he'll get his chance to shine when the show begins airing in August.
#97 DE/DT EUGENE SIMS 6'6 269 lbs (Turns 31 on 03/18/2017)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 125.. Solo.. 92.. Int.. 2.. Sacks.. 9.5
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/5947/eugene-sims
Rams re-signed DE Eugene Sims to a three-year, $10 million contract. The deal comes with $3.5 million guaranteed. Sims started nine games at right end last year after Robert Quinn bowed out with a season-ending back injury. He's a solid depth signing for one of the league's better pass-rushing units.
http://www.therams.com
Originally a sixth-round pick by the Rams in 2010, defensive end Eugene Sims will continue his career with the club on a three-year deal. A key rotational piece at defensive end, Sims filled in admirably for the injured Robert Quinn through the second half of 2015. Sims finished the season with 45 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, 21 quarterback pressures, and seven quarterback hits. He also made an athletic interception during the second quarter of the Rams’ Week 17 matchup against the 49ers, returning the pick 42 yards.
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...ms-hoping-to-return-to-rams-even-in-same-role
Jan 23, 2016: EARTH CITY, Mo. In a season in which the Rams starting defensive ends Chris Long and Robert Quinn missed chunks of time because of injury, there was no shortage of opportunities for backup Eugene Sims. By the time it was over, Sims started nine games, posting 24 tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and an interception he nearly returned for a touchdown in the season finale. The production was modest, to be sure, but Sims has proved a solid rotation piece on the defensive line in his six seasons with the Rams.
Believe it or not, the former sixth-round pick in the 2010 NFL draft is one of the three longest-tenured Rams on the roster. How much longer he holds that distinction, though, remains to be seen. Sims is one of a dozen Rams set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, which means the 29-year old could be on the move. But if Sims gets his way, he won't be going anywhere except to Southern California with his Rams teammates.
"Oh man, this is my heart," Sims said. "This locker room is where I want to be. I've had this locker for six years and I don't think I can see myself in another uniform. I love the coaching staff and the locker room is about brotherhood to me. I'd rather be here and I'm not looking to go nowhere else so we'll see how it goes."
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/5947/eugene-sims
Sept 2, 2013: Rams signed DE Eugene Sims to a two-year extension through 2015. Sims, 27, recorded 20 tackles and three sacks off the bench in 2012, adding one interception and starting two games. He's a long 6-foot-6, 265 and versatile pass rusher whom the Rams are high on as a rotational end. Sims was previously signed through only 2013 at a base salary cost of $1,201,021.
DE Eugene Sims' 2013 base salary increased from $575,000 to $1,201,021 after he hit escalators in his rookie deal. Sims started two games in 2012, and he's appeared in 38 of a possible 48 games over his first three seasons. In 2012, Sims set career-highs with 20 tackles, three sacks, and one interception.
#93 DE/DT ETHAN WESTBROOKS 6'3 267 lbs (Turns 26 on 11/15/2016)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 24.. Solo.. 16.. Int.. 0.. Sacks.. 2
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_86590219-ec15-5a33-96c0-4ddbd6e39b60.html
But now it’s another opportunity for Westbrooks, who has 22 tackles and two sacks in nine games this season. He has been playing both end and tackle this season, and it’s been tricky finding a weight that makes him bulky enough to be effective inside but quick enough to get around the edge at end.
“He’ll get back in the mix (against Detroit),” Williams said. “You’ll see him do that. He has versatility on being able to play inside and outside. He’s a very powerful man, too. “The big thing with him is I just don’t want to fill his head up with too many things where he has to over-think. So he can just play fast.” Fast enough to get to the quarterback — which hasn’t been happening nearly enough for the Rams minus Quinn.
http://www.scout.com/nfl/rams/story/1606066-ethan-westbrooks-steps-up-for-rams
11/01/2015: Second-year defensive end Ethan Westbrooks is stepping up for the St. Louis Rams. ST. LOUIS — Ethan Westbrooks was the talk of training camp a year ago when the beat the odds and beat out a much more well known draft pick to earn a roster spot along the St. Louis Rams defensive line. Now, with Chris Long out with a knee injury, the former undrafted rookie free agent from West Texas A&M that beat out Michael Sam for a roster spot is making an impact for the Rams as a reserve defensive end.
He played 35 snaps on defense in last week’s 24-6 win over the visiting Cleveland Browns and recorded his first career sack. The starter at left defensive end, William Hayes, added two sacks and two forced fumbles. “I felt like we made Chris real proud today,” Westbrooks said. “I know he’s hungry to get back in there. Myself, I’m just looking to fill a hole wherever I can and do my job.” The 6-foot-4, 267-pound Westbrooks, who beat out another seventh-round pick, Martin Ifedi, for a roster spot this season. He has 13 tackles, five quarterback pressures, three quarterback hits and one sack in five games so far this season.
http://archauthority.com/2014/08/14/just-good-st-louis-rams-ethan-westbrooks/
After beginning his college career at Sacramento City Junior College, the 6-foot-4, 267-pounder played the past two seasons at West Texas A&M. He was nearly unstoppable in 2012, picking up 60 tackles, 19.5 sacks, and 29.5 tackles for loss while rushing from every position on the defensive line. Because of that unbelievable production, he was awarded the Division II National Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Though his play dropped off as a senior and he collected a less-impressive seven sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss, Westbrooks showed his potential again (while playing against significantly better competition) in the East-West Shrine Game, collecting two sacks and another two tackles for loss on his way to winning the Defensive MVP award for the game. Despite Westbrooks’ talent and versatility, he still failed to be selected in the draft, while guys who had less heralded college careers, such as Illinois State’s Shelby Harris, Marist’s Terrence Fede, and Louisiana Tech’s IK Enemkpali, were taken instead.
In a recent interview with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Bryan Burwell, Westbrooks attributed this to perceived “character issues”, an obvious one of which may be the tattoos that prominently adorn his throat and the left side of his face. Westbrooks got the facial tattoo as a motivator for himself to strongly pursue a professional football career after deciding that he never wanted to work a normal job again.
While he didn’t exactly jump out as an extremely productive player during Friday night’s preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints, Westbrooks did in fact have a very solid night, registering three tackles, two stops, and two quarterback hits according to Pro Football Focus, while also receiving the second-highest grade for a 4-3 defensive end by PFF for the league week. Westbrooks is receiving $50,000 guaranteed, the highest amount of any Rams undrafted rookie, which actually trumps the reported $46,000 guarantee that Sam received in his rookie contract.
#98 DE QUINTON COPLES 6'6 285 lbs (Turns 26 on 06/22/2016)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 113.. Solo.. 76.. Int.. 0.. Sacks.. 16.5
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...ton-coples-agrees-to-2year-contract-with-rams
March 16, 2016: The Los Angeles Rams are the latest team that hopes to eek a pass rush out of Quinton Coples. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports Coples agreed to a two-year deal to join L.A.. NFL Media's Rand Getlin adds the deal has a base value of $6.5 million, with a max value of $9.75 million, according to a source familiar with the deal.
http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/7438/quinton-coples
Coach Jeff Fisher believes newly-signed DE Quinton Coples is a good fit with the Rams. "Coples, we think, is probably better suited with his hand down and rushing in an even front," Fisher said. "Now we’ll do some variation stuff with him, but it was just kind of a little out of place." The No. 16 overall pick by the Jets in 2012, Coples struggled as a 3-4 outside linebacker before being waived midway through last season. He did not do much in a short stint with the Dolphins last year, but a full offseason in a 4-3 scheme could be what he needs to turn his career around. Coples has 16.5 sacks in four seasons, but he did not record any last year.
http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/3...ency-visiting-los-angeles-rams-quinton-coples
Mar 14, 2016: DE Quinton Coples Visiting LA Rams. Free agency is rolling along ahead of the 2016 NFL Draft for the Los Angeles Rams with news that DE Quinton Coples is coming in for a visit. For one, Coples would have room for playing time as a fourth defensive end in a rotation that will be without Chris Long for the first time in many, many years as he was released a month ago along with MLB James Laurinaitis and TE Jared Cook. Perhaps more interestingly, it would reunite Coples with fellow Tar Heel DE Robert Quinn; the two were teammates in 2008 and 2009.
http://nypost.com/2015/08/23/jets-coples-is-unleashed-and-predicting-huge-sack-totals/
August 23, 2015: Coples hasn’t been a bust since the Jets selected him in the first round (16th overall) of the 2012 draft out of North Carolina, but he hasn’t been a boom, either. He has failed to produce more than 6.5 sacks in a season. He has shown flashes, but has lacked consistency. He was ranked 39th among 46 of the league’s 3-4 outside linebackers by Pro Football Focus — 27th as a pass rusher, 17th in coverage, and 42nd against the run.
Those numbers were somewhat down compared to his first year at outside linebacker, when PFF ranked him 31st overall, 38th as a pass rusher, 22nd in coverage and 18th against the run. But, it should be noted, Coples was used more in coverage last season because the Jets were so weak in the secondary. He was asked to line up outside and bump wide receivers. Shortly after the new staff was hired, Coples spoke with Bowles and defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers. They both told him they planned to use him on the line of scrimmage much more
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/7438/quinton-coples
Nov 26, 2015: Newly-acquired DE Quinton Coples is expected to be active for the Dolphins' Week 12 game against the Jets. Coples was waived by New York on Monday. Miami claimed him on Tuesday, and he could be playing against his former team on Sunday. Coples flamed out in New York, but the former No. 16 overall pick is a much better fit as a defensive end in the Dolphins' 4-3 scheme.
With Cameron Wake (Achilles') done for the year, Coples could play serious snaps down the stretch. Feb 12, 2016: Dolphins released DE Quinton Coples. Coples had a $7.8 million team-option for 2016. It's an expected move after he played 78 snaps in six games with Miami last year. A 2012 first-round pick, Coples should draw interest in 4-3 schemes as a post-hype flyer.
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/7438/quinton-coples
Jets selected North Carolina DE Quinton Coples with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft. One of the draft's true boom-or-bust prospects, Coples will be paired with one of the league's top defensive minds in Rex Ryan after mailing in his senior year at North Carolina.
Accused of playing more not to get hurt than anything else, Coples saw his numbers fall across the board before turning in a dominant Senior Bowl performance. Despite being a mammoth 6-foot-6, 284 pounds, Coples ran a 4.72 40 at the Combine in addition to an eye-popping 1.63 ten-yard split. If Ryan's motivating powers are successful, Coples could immediately emerge as one of the league's top young pass rushers.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/archive/1630323
05/20/2011: ESPN.com, citing anonymous sources, is reporting the NCAA talked to defensive end Quinton Coples about his attendance at a post-NFL draft party earlier this month in Washington also attended by ex-teammates Marvin Austin and Robert Quinn. Photos of Coples, Austin and Quinn surfaced online.
According to the report, the NCAA wants to know how Coples paid for his trip and whether he accepted food or drink. Coples is considered a top NFL prospect. Austin was kicked off the team and the NCAA ruled Quinn permanently ineligible during its probe into improper benefits and academic misconduct. - AP Sports
#96 DE MATT LONGACRE 6'3 261 lbs (Turns 25 on 09/21/2016)
Career Rams... Total Tackles.. 11... Solo... 7.. Int.. 0.. Sacks.. 0
Career NwM.St. Total Tackles.. 148.. Solo.. 64.. Int.. 0.. Sacks.. 26
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...-de-matt-longacre-finding-his-place-with-rams
Longacre's promotion to the active roster probably didn't qualify as a big deal in league circles. Faced with injuries to ends Robert Quinn and Chris Long, the Rams needed more depth at the position and Longacre was the best in-house option. He'd been a pleasant surprise in training camp and the offseason program, making a case to stick on the roster in the last round of cuts before falling victim to the numbers game at the position that was probably the Rams' greatest strength entering the season.
Finally, after a few weeks of what ifs and maybes with defensive line coach Mike Waufle, the Rams promoted Longacre on the Friday before the Nov. 8 game against Minnesota. Rams coach Jeff Fisher informed Longacre of the promotion before the team's walkthrough that day. Longacre played 24 snaps against the Vikings, posting four tackles. When Quinn returned the following week, Longacre was inactive but he was back on the gameday roster last week against Baltimore. In that game, Longacre played 25 snaps and had three tackles and two quarterback hits.
In the process, Longacre impressed Fisher. "Yeah, Matt's getting pressure on the quarterback and he's reading the run really well and he's playing the run really well," Fisher said. "He's making plays. So, he's hard to move and he's instinctive. Really, it's the same thing he did in the preseason. He's been very productive, so it's good that we were able to bring him up."
http://www.foxsports.com/midwest/st...imbing-a-steep-hill-with-st-louis-rams-062915
No Combine invite. Little contact from NFL teams. He knew the knocks against him: smaller school (he went to Northwest Missouri State, a Division II program that won a national championship in 2013), shorter-than-desirable arm length for his 6-foot-3 frame, a horrible showing in the 40-yard dash his junior day. When scouts came the following fall, they queried him about that number.
"What's up with this?" Longacre remembers them saying. "You caught me on a bad day," he told them. It was true. The day Longacre ran, the team had already done all their workouts that week. They'd maxed out. His body felt dead even before he lined up.
But here, at least, was a weakness he could do something about. That spring, at his Pro Day, he made up for the lackluster performance his junior year. According to ChiefsDigest.com, Longacre put up a 4.75 in the 40-yard dash, which, compared with the numbers put up by defensive linemen at the NFL Combine this year, tied for fifth best. He also finished the season as his conference's Defensive Player of the Year.
http://bearcatsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1838
NW Missiouri State 2014: MIAA Defensive Player of the Year. AFCA All-America. Daktronics Super Region 3 Defensive Player of the Year and First Team. Don Hansen All-Region First Team. All-MIAA First Team. MIAA Academic Honor Roll. Appeared in 11 games on the year, had 37 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, 17 quarterback hurries, four pass breakups and one forced fumble.
2013: Don Hansen co-Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-America (DE)… AP Little First Team All-America. Daktronics/CoSIDA First Team All-America. First Team All-MIAA.. Finished the season with 20.5 tackles for a loss of a total 120 yards, 19 quarterback hurries, 12 sacks, five forced fumbles and one fumble recovery
2012: Appeared and started all 13 games for the Bearcats in 2012 … named all-MIAA honorable mention … finished the year with 51 tackles, nine tackles for loss, seven sacks and seven quarterback hurries. Recorded a tackle in every game and had 11 multi-tackle performances.
#72 DE/OLB IAN SEAU 6'2 242 lbs (Turns 24 on 12/04/2016)
Nevada Career.. Total Tackles.. 106 Solo.. 71.. Int.. 1.. Sacks.. 18
http://theramswire.usatoday.com/2016/05/03/report-rams-sign-junior-seaus-nephew-nevada-de-ian-seau/
The Los Angeles Rams aren’t done adding talent it seems, and their most recent signing is one that features a name that any NFL fan knows. According to KOLO 8 News in Reno, the Rams have decided to sign former Nevada defensive end Ian Seau. Yes, Seau. Ian is the nephew of Pro Football Hall of Famer Junior Seau, and had an impressive final season with Nevada. In 2015, he totaled 18.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks, while also being named to the All-Mountain West team in back-to-back seasons.
Over three seasons with the Wolfpack, Seau totaled 106 combined tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss, 18 sacks, an impressive eight forced fumbles and seven passes defensed. There’s a lot to love about Seau’s game, and it’ll be interesting to see if he can make an impact this offseason in Los Angeles.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2079356/ian-seau
The nephew of longtime NFL star and Pro Football Hall of Fame member Junior Seau, Ian Seau played in 37 career games for the Wolfpack, earning first team All-Mountain West honors in 2015 after being a second team pick the previous season. He leaves Nevada with 100 tackles over three seasons, including 31.0 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles. He's eighth in school history in sacks and 11th in tackles for loss. Seau was the first Nevada player to earn back-to-back All-Mountain West accolades. He said at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl that he understands the Seau family name will always draw attention.
"It's a good and bad thing," Seau told SB Nation in January. "Obviously, people probably give me more leeway because of who my uncle is, but it also comes with people expecting a lot more of you. He's my uncle, he's not my dad, so the genes really aren't all there, but I mean, he's my uncle so I guess I've got a little bit of bloodline in me, even though he was the only line. It is what it is."
12/30/2015: 2015 ALL-MOUNTAIN WEST FIRST TEAM (COACHES/MEDIA): DL Ian Seau, Sr., Nevada...A native of Oceanside, Calif., Seau improved upon last year's All-MW second team selection by posting 38 tackles, 15.5 TFL and 9.0 sacks to earn All-MW first team honors as a senior. Seau's 9.0 sacks tied for first in the MW and 15th in the nation, while his 15.5 TFL ranked third in the league. Seau also forced five turnovers this season with four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Earlier this year, Seau tied a MW record with four sacks against Hawai'i. - Nevada Football
STRENGTHS: Sports a compact, powerful frame that belies terrific initial quickness as an edge rusher. Anticipates the snap well, complementing this awareness with an explosive get-off to cross the face of offensive tackles. Flexible enough to turn the corner without losing momentum and showing a burst to close. Arrives with a thud, often leaving his feet to deliver jarring tackles and showing a knack for ripping the ball free, forcing seven fumbles in 37 games at Nevada.
Varies his rush technique, incorporating swim and rip moves back to the inside to counter his speed. Shows a nice jump-cut inside to take advantage of gaps created between the guard and tackle, demonstrating the body control to get skinny and slip through to disrupt plays. Competitive against the run, showing toughness to anchor, as well a high-revving motor in pursuit.
WEAKNESSES: A bit of a one-trick pony as a pass-rushing specialist, lacking ideal bulk to remain as a full-time defensive end and lacking the change-of-direction skills necessary for coverage duties as a traditional linebacker. Lacks the length and strength preferred as defensive end, too often getting washed out in the running game.
Some core stiffness when attempting to change direction, leaving him lunging at ball-carriers and occasionally missing targets seemingly within his strike zone. Predominately rushed out of the three-point stance at Nevada and may prove as explosive off the edge as a stand-up rusher.
IN OUR VIEW: Seau doesn't possess the same raw athleticism as his famous late uncle, but he is a proven playmaker off the edge entering a league always on the lookout for them. His best fit might be as a third down pass-rush specialist attacking offensive tackles with his trademark anticipation and burst. --Rob Rang (2/13/16)
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/ian-seau?id=2556146
OVERVIEW: In 2015, Seau was named first-team All-Mountain West, and became the first player in program history to be named to the All-MW first or second team in consecutive seasons.
PRO DAY RESULTS: 40-yard dash: 4.68 seconds.. Vertical: 34 1/2 inches.. Broad jump: 9 feet, 9 inches.. Short shuttle: 4.51 seconds.. 3-cone: 7.63 seconds.. Bench: 22 reps of 225 pounds
STRENGTHS: Doesn't look athletic as pass rusher and then he unleashes legitimate spin move. Rushes with a plan and with technique. Uses aggressive hand swipes to soften the edge. When he turns corner as rusher, actively seeks out strip sacks. Forced five fumbles this season and eight during career. Pursuit zombie who refuses to stop until the whistle blows. Plays with natural power at point of attack.
WEAKNESSES: Doesn't have NFL edge presence or upfield juice off the snap. Stiff-legged pass rusher whose technique must be on point due to lack of reactive athleticism. Hip stiffness limits chase speed down the line and general change of direction. Tackle production will always be average. Might be too stiff and slow to play in space as outside linebacker.
BOTTOM LINE: The nephew of the late Junior Seau plays with a motor his uncle would be proud of and has a history of making impactful plays rather than padding stats with tackles down the field. Seau is missing the natural athleticism as an NFL edge rusher or and stand-up linebacker, but the effort and his technique shouldn't be completely discounted. Seau could be a late Day 3 selection or priority free agent who will compete hard in camp. DRAFT PROJECTION Undrafted free agent
#42 DE/OLB MORGAN FOX 6'3 245 lbs (Turns 22 on 09/12/2016)
CSUpueblo DIV-II Career.. Total Tackles.. 164.. Solo.. 82.. Int.. 0.. Sacks.. 36
http://www.gothunderwolves.com/sports/fball/2015-16/bios/fox_morgan_j57w
2015 (Sr.): Named a finalist for the Cliff Harris Small College Defensive Player of the Year. Honored as the runner-up for the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year Award. Associated Press Little All-America Second Team . AFCA All-America Team. D2-Football.com All-America Second Team. D2CCA All-America First Team. Don Hansen All-America First Team. D2CCA All-Region First Team Defense. Don Hansen All-Region First Team. Named Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year and All-RMAC First Team.
USA College Football Division II Preseason All-America First Team. Preseason RMACDefensive Player of the Year. Preseason All-RMAC. Finished first in the nation in sacks per game with 1.42, while the 128 sack yards was first nationally. In 12 games he totaled 17.0 sacks to rank second in Division II and his 15 solo sacks was second. Finished 17th nationally with 1.8 tackles for loss per game and has totaled 21.5 tackles for loss resulting in -137 yard (third nationally). Finished the season with 52 tackles (32 solo), forced and recovered a fumble and added one pass break-up.
Posted five multi-sack games, which included three sacks on three occasions. Totaled a career-high 10 tackles (five solo), 3.5 tackles for loss (-23 yards and two sacks (-20 yards) at West Texas A&M. During the regular season, Fox was named RMAC Defensive Player of the Week twice. Member of a Pack defense that finished third nationally in interceptions (24), third in scoring defense (15.8), 11th in rushing defense (94.6), 17th in total defense (308.8), 18th in tackles for loss (8.2) and 19th in sacks per game (3.0).
Owns the program record for sacks in a season (17) and career (36). 164 career tackles (82 solo). 49.5 tackles for loss (-276 yards) and -250 yards from sacks. Four fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles. 11 break-ups.
2014 (Jr.): Daktronics All-Super Region Four Second Team … Beyond Sports Network Foundation All-Super Region Four Third Team. All-RMAC First Team Defense. National Football Foundation–Colorado Chapter First Team. Fox appeared in 15 games at defensive end for the Pack. Recorded 57 total tackles, 27 were solo efforts. Second on the team with a career-high 12.5 sacks.
His 18.5 tackles for loss (91 yards) was also second on the squad. Recorded one forced fumble, while recovering two fumbles. Totaled three pass breakups. Recorded a season-high eight tackles Sept. 20 at Western State. Blocked a field goal in the NCAA Semifinal game against West Georgia.
2013 (So.): The six foot five defensive end in 2013 made an appearance in all twelve games, starting them as well, had an amazing 45 tackles for an average of 8.5 yards a loss, and six sacks for 41 yards. With such a great performance on the field he recieved defensive player of the week for the Thunderwolves. he was named to the second team All-RMAC.
http://fox21news.com/2016/03/28/multiple-players-standout-at-csu-pueblos-pro-day/
Multiple players stand out at CSU-Pueblo’s Pro Day: Another playing looking to make the NFL is defensive end Morgan Fox. He wants to prove he is ready to play in the NFL. In 12 games he totaled 17 sacks this season, and even though he is coming from a decorated Division II program, he feels he has more to prove out on the field.
“You know you have to be better. Everyone else has certain goals they need to hit, but you have to be better than their goals and work a little harder than a lot of people because you have to prove you can play with guys from Michigan State, Ohio State, guys from these competitive one areas,” Fox said.
2016 CAMP SUMMARY DE's
The Rams will likely only keep 4 or 5 DE's so this is the Rankings of which players will be kept on the final 53 at this early stage in camp. The players who were on the 53 man in 2015 get the benefit of the doubt until they're knocked out by the lesser unknown players fighting for their roster spot.
(The Early Camp Top 5 DE's until proven different)
1.) R. QUINN
2.) W. HAYES
3.) E. SIMMS (also takes snaps at DT)
4.) E. Westbrooks (also takes snaps at DT)
5.) Q. COPLES
(The Next Tier Up)
6.) M. LONGACRE
7.) I. SEAU .. DE/OLB
8.) F. MORGAN.. DE/OLB
_________________________________________________________________________________
2016 Rams Camp: Total Number of DT's on the current Roster is (4)
(Note: some of the DE's take snaps at DT)
(The Defensive Tackles)
#99 DT AARON DONALD 6'1 285 lbs (Turns 25 on 05/23/2017)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 117.. Solo.. 81.. Int.. 1.. Sacks.. 20
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...ron-donald-i-have-to-earn-jj-watt-comparisons
Jan 28, 2016: Still, being compared to Texans All-World lineman J.J. Watt is a nice start. Donald has been keeping track of the Texans sack-master and was happy to be named in the same sentence, especially if Watt continues on the same trajectory. "That's pretty cool. He's one of the best defensive players -- when he's done he'll be considered one of the best defensive players to ever play the game," Donald said.
"The things he does, the numbers he puts up, it's hard to do. To put up 20.5 sacks and come back and do 17.5, he's a special player and to have his name associated with mine -- it's pretty cool. I still have a lot of work to do to have my name associated in a conversation with that guy and I gotta continue to put up the numbers to match."
It's pretty incredible to see Donald at this stage so early in his career. A few years ago, he was considered a lukewarm prospect after being selected by the Rams with the No. 13 overall pick. But in a class full of stars -- Odell Beckham, Sammy Watkins, Anthony Barr and Khalil Mack -- Donald may be the most valuable to his current team.
"I never let nothing ever get to me. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion," Donald said when asked about critics who thought he was too small to play in the NFL. "People are going to doubt Aaron Donald and they're going to like Aaron Donald. But at the end of the day, my job is to make plays and let them speak for me. People will change their mind eventually, right?"
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/9356/aaron-donald
Dec 16, 2015: Rams DT Aaron Donald has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 14. Donald thoroughly dominated the interior of the Lions' offensive line this past Sunday, tossing C Travis Swanson around like a rag doll on his way to three sacks, six quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss. Donald is Pro Football Focus' No. 1 overall defensive player after 14 weeks by a healthy margin. Donald may be the biggest bargain in football at $880,750.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/rams-702751-donald-line.html
Feb. 18, 2016: Over the course of a debut 2014 season in which he won Rookie of the Year, Donald graded higher than any other tackle in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. In an All-Pro second season, Donald racked up an outstanding 79 total pressures and 11 sacks. The result at Pro Football Focus was a 99.9 grade out of 100 – the highest the site has ever handed out, better even than Watt’s previous bests.
“He’s just a dominant force, almost downright unblockable,” Sam Monson, an analyst at Pro Football Focus said. “Donald is a guy that changes how offenses try to block the line. He transforms the entire front.” With such a dominant presence in the middle, offenses are forced to double-team Donald, leaving one-on-one matchups along the rest of the line. But too often the Rams’ talented front has squandered that mismatch.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-defensive-player-of-the-year/
PFF 2015 DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: At one point, people argued that Donald was the product of a dominant Rams D-line, but this season if, it does nothing else, should dispel that fallacy. Without Robert Quinn for much of the season, Donald continued to dominate. He was so unblockable that he began to draw the kind of attention reserved for the best players in the game, and suddenly Michael Brockers earned the best grade of his career for a full season, almost twice as good as his previous best.
Donald was the line superstar on that defensive front and dominated all season long, ending the year even stronger than he began it, and posting a season grade the likes of which we have only ever seen from Watt in the past. He notched 79 total pressures, 51 defensive stops, missed just two tackles, and was a more consistently dominant force than any other defensive player in football this season. Aaron Donald deserves the Defensive Player of the Year award, and his NFL career is just two seasons old. What if there is more to come?
https://www.profootballfocus.com/pr...tts-all-time-grade-record-and-should-be-dpoy/
That’s why Aaron Donald should be the Defensive Player of the Year. He ends the season with a perfect 99.9 rating in PFF’s new rating system, and the highest grade we have ever given over a single season. Watt’s 2015 stands as a higher-graded 16-game body of work than any season we have seen from Watt, who held the previous best marks.
Watt may have had a statistically better season than Donald in some areas, but he has also played on the edge far more than Donald has (63.2 percent of his snaps this season, compared with three snaps from Donald lining up outside the tackle). Rushing from the outside leads to more pressure, sacks and statistics, and yet Watt has just nine pressures more than Donald over the season.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...nald-nets-defensive-rookie-of-the-year-honors
Jan 31,2015: PHOENIX- Jeff Fisher predicted as early as last spring that Aaron Donald would finish this season as the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year. The Rams coach was dead on. Donald was announced as the top defensive rookie at Saturday's NFL Honors awards show. It marks the second-consecutive year that a defensive lineman has taken home the trophy after Sheldon Richardson of the Jets nabbed the award last winter. We give credit to the voters for seeing in Donald one of the league's most disruptive young defensive forces.
Around The NFL handed Donald our highest grade among any defensive first-year player after the run-stuffing terror ranked above Gerald McCoy, Ndamukong Suh and every other defensive tackle, per Pro Football Focus. His nine sacks -- tied for second among all players at his position -- were more than fellow first-round picks Khalil Mack and C.J. Mosley combined.
#90 DT MICHAEL BROCKERS 6'5 322 lbs (Turns 26 on 12/21/2016)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 153.. Solo.. 109.. Int.. 0.. Sacks.. 14.5
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/7466/michael-brockers
Feb 25, 2016: Brockers was a rumored trade candidate last offseason, but ended up having his finest season in 2015. Brockers offers little pass-rushing heat, but is a mauling run defender. He's ticketed for $6.146 million entering his age-25 season.
Apr 30, 2015: TFY Draft Insider Tony Pauline reports the Cowboys, Texans, Cardinals, and Dolphins have all expressed interest in trading for Rams DT Michael Brockers. Brockers rumors are swirling, though Rams COO Kevin Demoff essentially said there's a zero percent chance Brockers would be dealt.
We've grown to not believe anything St. Louis -- or any other team -- says because they lie constantly. Brockers, the 14th overall pick in 2012, has been about as "meh" as possible with the Rams, simply being average both as a run stopper and pass rusher. The Rams have Nick Fairley and Aaron Donald at defensive tackle, though they are both three-technique gap shooters, while Brockers is a "one" (nose).
https://www.profootballfocus.com/best-players-at-every-position-for-week-8/
BEST PLAYERS FOR WEEK 8: Defensive interior – nose: Michael Brockers, Rams (+1.5) With Brockers spending 27 of his snaps either shading or head-on from the center, we feel comfortable with him at this position—especially after he added three defensive stops in the run game.
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...so-he-doesnt-get-lost-on-rams-dominant-d-line
Sep 17, 2015: "We talk about who is going to eat today?" Brockers said. "There’s probably no food left at the end of the day when you have Rob and Aaron and Chris. I’m just trying to get the little scraps I can, man." Brockers feasted as much or more than his fellow linemates last week against Seattle.
According to the coaches review of the film, he had 13 tackles, which is rare for someone playing Brockers' position. None of those were more important than the fourth-and-1 stop he and Donald combined for on Seattle back Marshawn Lynch to cement the team's overtime victory.
Before the play, Brockers lobbied defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to go back to a defensive scheme he used earlier in the game but Brockers didn't play as well as he'd hoped. That Brockers and the Rams knew what Seattle was going to do is actually not the most important part of the play. "The last play of the game spoke for itself," Brockers said. "Early in the game I had a bad play on that same play.
I wasn’t in my gap or something happened where I messed it up. I told coach, ‘You have got to trust me on the next one and next time you call that call I will be in the backfield and I will do my assignment,' and it showed up on the last play of the game. I told him to call it and he came back to it and I did my job."
That Brockers relentlessly pushed for Williams to go back to a play he didn't handle properly the first time represented an important step forward in Brockers' development. It's easy to forget that when the Rams drafted Brockers in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft, he was only 21 years old.
http://www.scout.com/nfl/rams/story/1558741-rams-brockers-lands-on-overrated-list
06/26/2015 Nate Latsch Rams' Brockers lands on "overrated" list: “This 2012 first round pick hasn't lived up to the expectations inside and was clearly outplayed by 2014 rookie Aaron Donald next to him last season,” Prisco wrote of Brockers. Nick Fairley was signed to a one-year contract and could take some playing time away from Brockers.” Brockers was the Rams’ first-round pick in 2012 at No. 14 overall after they traded back from the sixth overall pick with the Dallas Cowboys.
Three more high profile defensive players were picked between Claiborne at No. 6 and Brockers at No. 14. The Carolina Panthers plucked tackling-machine middle linebacker Luke Kuechly at No. 9, while the Kansas City Chiefs took defensive tackle Dontari Poe at No. 11 and the Philadelphia Eagles selected defensive tackle Fletcher Cox at No. 12.
Brockers, 24, has been a solid player for the Rams but hasn’t come close to matching the potential or production of guys like Kuechly, Poe or Fletcher. The LSU product has started 44 of his 44 career games with the Rams, including every game of the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
He was credited with four sacks as a rookie in 2012 and then 5.5 the following season, but that number decreased to two in 2014 while playing alongside Kendall Langford and then Aaron Donald, a first-round pick who became the NFL’s defensive rookie of the year.
According to the Rams’ coaches’ video tape evaluations of the 2014 season, Brockers finished with 73 total tackles — which ranked behind defensive end William Hayes’ 75, but ahead of Donald’s 72 among the team’s defensive linemen — along with 14 quarterback pressures, two sacks, two quarterback hits and one fumble recovery.
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_336f3a86-c0bb-5e84-a9f3-d74ce56051c8.html
June 15, 2015: Say what you will about Michael Brockers, but the Rams’ defensive tackle leaves no stone unturned when it comes to trying to improve his game. A couple of years ago, he hired a personal chef to make sure he was eating right. Last season he showed up lighter in an attempt to improve his quickness and overall effectiveness. As for this offseason, he has taken up mixed martial arts training in an effort to use his hands better on the football field and keep opposing blockers’ hands away.
“In life, I think every day you have to learn something,” Brockers said. “If you’re not learning, you’re not living. So definitely for the most part, I try to ‘up’ my game. There’s never a time where I feel like I know it all.” Line play at the NFL level isn’t only about strength, power, and quickness; it’s also about leverage and technique. Usually, once an offensive lineman gets his hands on you, it’s over for a defensive lineman.
“It’s about getting that man’s hands off you, especially playing defensive tackle and nose guard,” Brockers said. “It’s all about physicality, and not trying to let them get their hands on you and grab you and stuff like that.” The most interesting aspect of Brockers’ fray into martial arts is his teacher. It’s none other than Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame defensive tackle Randy White.
Brockers made the hookup through his agent Scott Casterline, who also represents White. Prior to the start of the Rams’ offseason conditioning program on April 20, Brockers made regular weekend visits to work with White in Dallas. Brockers, whose permanent residence is in Houston, would make the four-hour drive to Dallas on a Thursday and stay there working with White until returning on Sunday. “It’s been a slow process,” Brockers said. “He’s been doing this stuff all his life, for all his career. So learning from him I’m starting to get like the steps down. I’m trying to implement it a little bit in my game, trying to use it for 2015.”
#91 DT DOMINIQUE EASLEY 6'2 288 lbs (Turns 25 on 02/24/2017)
PATS Career.. Total Tackles.. 25.. Solo.. 16.. Int.. 1.. Sacks.. 3
FLOR Career.. Total Tackles.. 72.. Solo.. 38.. Int.. 0.. Sacks.. 5.5
http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/9606/dominique-easley
May 20 2016: Updating a previous item, Rams DT Dominique Easley's one-year contract is worth $600,000 and contains no guaranteed money. It's a no-risk, high-reward deal for the Rams. The $600K is the league minimum for third-year players, and should Easley not hold up, the Rams can release him with no salary-cap penalty. The former first-rounder's knees are allegedly in bad shape, but Easley has always been highly effective when on the field.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-daily-focus-the-rams-pass-rush-just-got-even-better/
The Rams’ interior pass rush gets even better with Dominique Easley signing: It came as something of a surprise when the New England Patriots released Easley, their first-round draft pick from 2014. The move was reportedly more due to off-field reasons than his play on the field, which makes sense given that, when healthy, Easley was a pretty good defensive lineman for New England.
He had the 12th-highest grade among defensive tackles in 2015, playing just 275 snaps. While he graded positively against the run, it was as a pass-rusher where he really made his mark. Rushing the passer on 210 of his 275 snaps, Easley had the highest pass-rushing productivity of any defensive tackle in the NFL at 12.9. With three sacks, eight hits and 24 hurries, not even new teammate Aaron Donald was as productive on a per-snap basis.
That’s not to say he’s better than Donald, who was the best player in football last year, and dominated across a much higher sample size, but it’s an indication of how good Easley was in limited action. The knock on Easley is that, at 6-foot-2 and 290 pounds, he’s considered undersized for his position. That was the same knock on Donald coming into the league, and was the same knock on Nick Fairley, who played in St. Louis with the Rams last year, and recently signed with the New Orleans Saints.
Fairley played 427 snaps for the Rams last year, and that’s the kind of role that we can expect to see from Easley, with Donald and Michael Brockers seeing the bulk of the snaps in the interior of the Rams defensive line. That’s the beauty of this signing for the Rams. They don’t need Easley to come in and be a superstar, they just need him to be productive as part of a defensive line rotation, and replace Fairley’s production. https://www.profootballfocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/EasleyFairley.png
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/9606/dominique-easley
April 13, 2016: The Boston Herald's Jeff Howe reports ex-Patriots DT Dominique Easley's knees "are in pretty bad shape, and there's not a lot of room for improvement." Howe admits Wednesday's Easley release was still "stunning," and it doesn't sound like the lone reason was Easley's health.
It's perhaps worth noting that Easley is being sued in Florida for animal negligence, allegedly permitting his dog to attack and bite a man named Wiley Brown. Easley's injury history is checkered to put it mildly. He tore both of his ACLs at Florida, tore his quadriceps last December, missed 2015 time with a hip pointer, and finished his 2014 rookie year on I.R. due to additional knee problems.
We still wouldn't be surprised if Easley were claimed off waivers on Thursday. Patriots waived DT Dominique Easley. This comes as a shock. Even though Easley has ended each of his first two seasons on injured reserve, he's flashed big-time ability in his 22 games played since being the 29th pick in the 2014 draft. Coach Bill Belichick spent much of last summer talking up Easley.
Knee problems ended his final season at Florida early and hampered him as a rookie. His 2015 season was cut short in December with a torn quad. There's potentially more to this story. Easley turns 24 later this month and should resurface quickly as long as there aren't any serious off-field issues that have yet to come to light.
Dec 15, 2015: Patriots placed DT Dominique Easley on injured reserve with a thigh injury, ending his season. Easley went down in Sunday night's win over the Texans. A situational player, Easley had played only 275 snaps through 11 games, but was stuffing the run and also putting heat on the quarterback. It's a big blow to a front seven that's quietly been one of the better ones in the league. A 2014 first-rounder, Easley should be ready for training camp.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/dominique-easley?id=2543487
OVERVIEW: Earned a starting defensive tackle spot in '11 and played in 12 games, recording 37-7.5-1.5 sacks. In October, he was allegedly involved in an altercation with former Alabama football player Reggie Myles. After an investigation, the University of Florida Police Department recommended he be charged with misdemeanor battery, but the State Attorney's Office declined to press charges.
In the regular-season finale against Florida State, he tore the ACL in his left knee and missed playing in the Gator Bowl. Returned to the field in '12 and started 11 games at defensive end, recording 26-8.5-4 with one pass batted. Missed two games with a sprained meniscus. Started the first three games of '13 at defensive tackle and had 5-2-0. His season was cut short when he ruptured his right ACL and medial meniscus in a non-contact practice drill. Team captain.
STRENGTHS: Has natural leverage to give blockers fits. Explodes off the snap -- thrusts into gaps and wins with suddenness. Plays on his feet. Quick, active paws -- shoots his hands and locks out. Disruptive penetrating ability. Relentless and energetic. Excellent pursuit effort -- doesn't quit on plays and chases outside the box and downfield. Has played inside and outside. Works hard in the weight room.
WEAKNESSES: Lacks ideal length and bulk. Could stand to get functionally stronger. Has short arms and can be neutralized by larger linemen. Cannot be counted on to two-gap. Average production. Can be overaggressive and lose sight of the ball. Durability is a concern -- both knees have required ACL surgery.
BOTTOM LINE: Undersized, explosive, athletic, high-motor three-technique whose junior season was cut short in Week 3 by a knee injury. Injury history will likely affect his draft stock, but when healthy, he shows the ability to disrupt the backfield and pressure the quarterback. Fits best in an aggressive scheme in which he could use his quickness to slant, stunt and shoot gaps. Medical evaluations will determine draft standing.
#92 DT CAM THOMAS 6'4 335 lbs (Turns 30 on 12/12/2016)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 99.. Solo.. 71.. Int.. 1.. Sacks.. 6.5
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/5920/cam-thomas
Jun 6, 2016: Rams signed DT Cam Thomas, formerly of the Steelers]Chargers. Thomas didn't generate much interest on the open market, though he did visit the Seahawks at the beginning of free agency. The 29-year-old contributed 11 tackles in 16 games for Pittsburgh last year. He gives the Rams some depth at defensive tackle behind starters Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers.
April 26, 2014: Cam Thomas is currently penciled in as the Steelers' starting left end. Thomas was a 3-4 nose tackle with San Diego, but the Steelers plan to use him at five-technique end opposite Cameron Heyward. Still only 27 years old, Thomas offers some upside as a two-gap lineman whose primary responsibility will be run stopping. He likely won't play on passing downs. The Steelers lean on their linebackers and Dick LeBeau's zone blitzes to create pressure.
Steelers signed NT Cam Thomas, formerly of the Chargers, to a two-year, $4 million contract. It was Thomas' only visit of free agency. He appeared in all 16 games in 2013, starting ten, and made 23 tackles. Thomas is best against the run but isn't a game changer and doesn't generate much pressure as a pass rusher. His addition could force NT Steve McLendon to one of the end spots, replacing departed Ziggy Hood.
The Steelers plan to use Cam Thomas at five-technique defensive end. Thomas played nose tackle at North Carolina and with the Chargers, but the Steelers envision him as a two-gap space eater at left end. Thomas was an inconsistent run defender in San Diego, but has never lacked talent and is only 27. Steve McLendon will stay at nose tackle. Cam Heyward is the other end.
http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/6/9/11894044/2016-los-angeles-rams-cam-thomas-scouting-report
June 9, 2016: TurfShowTimes: The Rams made several roster moves this week - one of which was adding former Chargers and Steelers DT Cam Thomas. We reached out to the managers of two SBNation communities from his former teams, Richard Wade from Bolts from the Blue (the home for fans of the San Diego Chargers) and Jeff Hartman of Behind the Steel Curtain (for fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers), to get some insight about what type of players the Rams were getting:
The Rams didn’t see much of Thomas during his time in the AFC. How would you describe his style of play? The Rams made several roster moves this week - one of which was adding former Chargers and Steelers DT Cam Thomas. We reached out to the managers of two SBNation communities from his former teams, Richard Wade from Bolts from the Blue: Cam Thomas is a decent run stuffer. His pass rushing ability is mediocre.
Hartman: Thomas is a versatile player who can play both 3-4 DE as well as nose tackle. He was more of a depth defensive lineman for the Steelers, but did flex into the nose tackle position when an injury required him to assist there. Other than position, Thomas is your standard 3-4 defensive lineman. Not ridiculously athletic, but takes up blockers to allow the linebackers to make plays behind him.
Thomas has played both NT and DE in a 3-4 his entire career – first with the Chargers then with the Steelers. At 6-4 and a massive 330 pounds he has the build of a traditional DT. Do you think his ability transfers to the Rams 4-3 base defense?
Wade: He's a better fit as a tackle in an even front than he was as 0-technique in San Diego. The position asked more of him than he had to give and he could not hold up.
Hartman: Tough question considering I didn't see him in a 4-3 set while in Pittsburgh. Thomas is a player who is large, but not very athletic. He tends to get pushed off the ball easily, and his inside pass rushing moves are not the greatest. He is best against the run, but any type of movement which requires him to break down laterally will be a challenge for Thomas. The Rams had a lot of leadership leave the defense when James Laurinaitis and Chris long were released this offseason. Is Thomas the type of player who likes to step up and fill that role?
Wade: I've never seen him as a leader. He was, at least during his time in San Diego, much more of a "me-first" player, if anything. Hartman: If he is that type of player, he never showed it in Pittsburgh. In his time with the team he rarely saw the field with any regularity.
Relegated to a backup position, Thomas simply wasn't able to crack the starting lineup. The same situation could be true with the Rams' stout defensive front. I will say he was never an issue in the locker room and off the field. His veteran leadership could help a young group like the Rams.
Hartman: As a writer who has covered Thomas, what type of impact do you think he can have with stars like Aaron Donald and Robert Quinn playing alongside him?
Wade: Thomas is a role player. He will probably have more success with Los Angeles because in that defense he won't be asked to play the kind of snaps that he did here and Pittsburgh. Playing next players the caliber of Donald and Quinn cannot help but make him look better than he ever has before.
Hartman: Thomas will know his responsibilities. When playing alongside guys like Donald and Quinn, you need to just do your job. Eat up the blockers and let them attack the backfield. Thomas will be able to do that for the Rams' defense. Unfortunately, Thomas does not display many playmaking characteristics which will impact the team on a regular basis. A special thanks to Richard and Jeff for taking the time to answer these questions.
2016 CAMP SUMMARY DT's
The Rams will likely only keep 3 or 4 pure DT's so this is the Rankings of which players will be kept on the final 53 at this early stage in camp. The players who were on the 53 man in 2015 get the benefit of the doubt until they're knocked out by the lesser unknown players fighting for their roster spot.
(The Early Camp Top 3 DT's until proven different)
1.) A. DONNALD
2.) M. BROCKERS
3.) D. EASLEY
4.) C. Thomas
_______________________________________________________________________________
2016 Rams Camp: Total Number of LB's on the current Roster is (10)
(The Linebackers)
#52 MLB/OLB ALEC OGLETREE 6'2 242 lbs (Turns 25 on 09/25/2016)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 270.. Solo.. 206.. Int.. 3.. Sacks.. 3.5.. Pass Defensed.. 22
(2015 STATS: Total Games.. 4.. Total Tackles.. 42.. Solo.. 27.. Int.. 0.. Sacks.. 2)
(2014 STATS: Total Games. 16. Total Tackles. 111.. Solo.. 85.. Int.. 2.. Sacks.. 0.. Pass Defensed.. 12)
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/8383/alec-ogletree May 2, 2016
The Rams have exercised MLB Alec Ogletree's fifth-year team option for 2017. It was never in doubt. A born playmaker, Ogletree was sorely missed as he sat out the final 12 games of last season with a broken leg. Still only 24, Ogletree is making the move from the outside to the middle this season. He's a candidate for a long-term extension.
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...th-year-options-on-tavon-austin-alec-ogletree
For the Rams, exercising the option on Ogletree was a no-brainer given the relatively low cost of the option and his performance to this point in his career. The decision on Austin was more difficult because, as a top-10 pick, his fifth-year option is more expensive and his production thus far hasn't been commensurate to that price. It's also worth noting that the fifth-year options are only guaranteed for injury so players with options picked up now could theoretically be released before the start of the next league year when the money becomes guaranteed.
As the No. 30 overall pick in his class, Ogletree is only due the average of the third-through-25th highest salaries at his position. That means Ogletree would be due $8.369 million for the 2017 season. That's a high price but not an outrageous one for a player who led the team in tackles his first two seasons and was an early Pro Bowl candidate before suffering a season ending injury in Week 4 last season.
This year, Ogletree is moving to middle linebacker, where he'll have a chance to become more of a team leader and focal point for coordinator Gregg Williams' group. And, of course, just because the Rams exercised his option doesn't mean they won't try to get a contract extension done with him before he'd play under it.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13811619/alec-ogletree-st-louis-rams-surgery-right-ankle Oct 4, 2015
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The St. Louis Rams will be without emerging linebacker Alec Ogletree for extended time, possibly the season, after he suffered a right ankle injury Sunday afternoon that will require surgery. "Alec is going to require surgery, and I don't know the extent of it right now," coach Jeff Fisher said. "The doctors still have some discussions, and we still have to do MRIs and things like that.
Either way, Ogletree's loss is a big blow for the Rams' defense. He had 10 tackles, including two for loss, Sunday before the injury, and was the team's leading tackler through the first three games with 32, along with two sacks. Ogletree led the Rams in tackles each of the past two seasons.
http://www.bigblueview.com/2013-nfl...aft-alec-ogletree-mlb-georgia-new-york-giants
2013 NFL Mock Draft: SB Nation chooses Alec Ogletree, MLB, Georgia, for New York Giants: I am certain Jesse will weigh in on Ogletree with a profile at some point. The odd thing I find is that Ogletree played inside collegiately in a 3-4, and early profiles list him as an outside linebacker in the NFL.
http://www.redandblack.com/sports/w...cle_72766e78-9287-11e2-a891-0019bb30f31a.html
Winners and losers from Georgia's Pro Day: After a strong Combine, Ogletree didn’t have to do much to show scouts he’s worth a top 15 or 20 pick. What he needed to do was improve upon his 4.70 40-yard dash and show humility and intelligence about his rocky off-the-field presence.
On Thursday, Ogletree did both. He dropped his 40 time to 4.63, the second fastest among inside linebackers, and he faced tough questions about his DUI earlier this offseason. Ogletree told reporters that he had several personal interviews lined up between now and April 25. As long as he nails those interviews and remains out of trouble, he should have no problem finding teams that want to spend a first-round pick on him.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2013/profiles/alec-ogletree?id=2540143
At safety as a freshman, Ogletree recorded 34 total tackles, one of which went for a loss. Despite missing almost seven full games in 2011, Ogletree recorded 52 total tackles from his inside linebacker spot, including 7.5 for loss, three of which were sacks. He added two forced fumbles and two pass breakups.
During his final season in Athens, Ogletree accounted for 111 total tackles, 11.5 going for a loss with three sacks. He showed more comfort in coverage with five pass breakups, including his first interception. Ogletree also scored on a blocked field-goal attempt against Alabama in the SEC Championship Game.
http://www.milehighreport.com/2013/...aft-prospect-lb-alec-ogletree-scouting-report
In 3 seasons at the University of Georgia Ogletree totaled 197 tackles, 20 tackles for a loss, 6 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 defensive TD and 1 Int. 2012 was his best year. In 2012 Ogletree totaled 111 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, 1 Int, 6 passes defended, 1 forced fumble and 1 defensive TD. Ogletree was apart of a georgia defense that had top prospects OLB Jarvis Jones and NT/DT John Jenkins.
In Outback Bowl vs. No. 12 Mich. St., recorded a career-high and team-best 13 tackles including a two TFLs and two PBUs. In SEC Championship vs. No. 1 LSU, led team with six tackles including a 17-yard sack. Led the team with a career-high 11 tackles, including 10 solo stops, at No. 21 Ga. Tech. Led the team with eight tackles, including two TFL, vs. Kentucky. Six tackles including two TFL and a forced fumble vs. No. No. 24 Auburn. Recorded five tackles and a forced fumble vs. Florida. Recipient of the Don Leebern, Jr. & Don Leebern, III Scholarship. 2010: Named to SEC Coaches' All-SEC Freshman Team.
STRENGTHS: Has excellent speed for the position, can turn on the jets to chase plays down form behind. Beats blocks with hand quickness, plays the position like a safety with a chance to build a frame like a linebacker. That helps undercut blocks to make tackles for loss from behind. Can really hit when he wants to. Attacks blockers with authority.
Best at closing on the edge, when running back looks to bounce outside or the quarterback scrambles out of the pocket. Flashes plays where he looks possessed, like nothing will stop him. Stick to running backs out of the backfield in coverage, even with a slip he has enough closing speed to be reliable in coverage. Attacks the football when tackling in the hopes of creating a fumble. Outstanding straight-line speed. Plays loose.
WEAKNESSES: Rarely uses hands to fight with blockers despite an aggressive mentality. Overruns a lot of plays between the tackles, struggles to recover. Has a lot of issues dealing with second level blocks from the offensive line, rarely can work over top of them, there winds up walled off. Run and chase player at this point, loses gap integrity with false or wasted steps. Dives or lunges for a lot of tackles rather than running through them and wrapping up. Mentality changes when attacking an offensive lineman compared to a running back.
BOTTOM LINE: It is tough to question Ogletree's athleticism at the linebacker position. Just watching him close on runs or swing passes on the edge is worth the price of admission. Despite playing the last two years at inside linebacker in the Bulldogs 3-4 defense, it would not be surprising to see Ogletree make the switch to weakside linebacker in a defense that uses a four man front. The reason being is the junior struggles to get over top of blocks but does his best work chasing and closing. Expect the Bulldog to be a three down player if he cuts down on wasted steps.
http://247sports.com/Player/Alec-Ogletree-5078?PlayerInstitution=24601 (highschool scouting report)
Alec Ogletree is a 6-3, 224-pound Inside Linebacker from Newnan, GA. He is ranked No. 28 in the country by 247Sports. Ogletree is the No. 4 recruit in Georgia (GA) and is the No. 1 Inside Linebacker in the nation. Ogletree has a 247Sports rating of 97, making him a 4-star prospect. He has committed to Georgia Bulldogs.
#26 OLB MARK BARRON 6'1 213 lbs OLB (Turns 27 on 10/27/2016)
Bucs/Rams Career.. Total Tackles.. 364.. Solo.. 276.. Int.. 3.. Sacks.. 6
ALA Career: 2008-2011.. Tackles.. 235.. Solo.. 149.. Sacks.. 5.. Int.. 12
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/7497/mark-barron Mar 9, 2016
Rams re-signed WLB Mark Barron to a five-year, $45 million contract. It's a pretty penny for a player who only recently converted from safety. Per ESPN's Nick Wagoner, keeping Barron was the Rams' "top priority." Barron had a strong 2015 filling in for Alec Ogletree.
Ogletree will man the middle in 2016. Barron is a playmaker, one the Rams are counting on to force fumbles and pick off passes in coverage. The No. 7 overall pick of the 2012 draft has bounced all the way back after it looked like he was going to be a bust.
Mark Barron made a lot of tackles for the St. Louis Rams during the 2015 season.. The league says he made 116; the Rams coaches had him down for 135 – and he started for only three-fourths of the year at "whatever. "Barron started all 37 games he played for Tampa Bay after the Buccaneers took him out of Alabama with the seventh choice in the 2012 NFL Draft. But after being traded to the Rams, Barron started twice in his first 13 games with St. Louis.
http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/11/dont_call_mark_barron_a_lineba.html
Mark Barron had the best game of his four seasons in the NFL last week playing weakside linebacker for St. Louis in the Rams' 24-6 victory over the Cleveland Browns -- 19 tackles, two forced fumbles and two tackles for loss, according to the St. Louis coaching staff. Just don't call Barron a linebacker. "In my mind, I'm still playing safety," Barron said. "I'm just lining up in a different place."
https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-top-7-linebackers-set-to-hit-free-agency/
TOP LINEBACKERS SET TO HIT FREE AGENCY: Barron, a former top-10 pick as a safety for the Buccaneers, experienced something of a rebirth in St. Louis last season as an injury replacement at outside linebacker. He was especially good against the run, finishing first among 4-3 outside linebackers in run-stop percentage with 11.1.
Ironically, he struggled some as a cover man, giving up the sixth-most passing yards in coverage among 4-3 outside linebackers with 407, with 294 after the catch, failing to intercept a pass and surrendering a 94.1 passer rating into his coverage. The team that acquires Barron will likely continue using him at linebacker, furthering an interesting trend in using converted safeties in the front seven.
Barron was an All-American safety at Alabama and a starting safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from the time they selected him with the seventh choice in the 2012 NFL Draft until the Bucs trade him to the Rams for two draft picks last season. St. Louis has used Barron in a variety of defensive roles, either at safety or in the guise of one. But now he's on the Rams' depth chart as the weakside linebacker.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Barron
Barron was born in Mobile, Alabama. He attended St. Paul's Episcopal School in Mobile, where he played for the St. Paul's Saints high school football team, under the coaching of Eddie Guth. He played multiple positions, including running back, wide receiver, and linebacker from 2004 through 2007.
Barron was ranked as a five-star prospect and the number one weakside linebacker in the 2008 class by scout.com. He was also ranked as the 5th best player in the state of Alabama and the 55th best player in the nation in the class of 2008 by rivals.com. Barron chose to play at Alabama over offers from Auburn, LSU, Florida, Florida State and Tennessee among others.
#56 OLB AKEEM AYERS 6'3 255 lbs (Turns 27 on 07/10/2016)
Titans/Pats/Rams Career.. Total Tackles.. 299.. Solo.. 205... Int.. 3.. Sacks.. 13.5
(2015: 16 games.. Tot Tackles.. 47.. Solo.. 35.. Sacks.. 0.5.. Passes Defensed.. 5.. Int.. 0... Fumbles.. 3)
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/6453/akeem-ayers Mar 12, 2015
Rams signed DE/OLB Akeem Ayers, formerly of the Patriots, to a two-year contract. Ayers is an ex-Titan but has no connection to coach Jeff Fisher, who left Tennessee the year before Ayers was drafted. The 25-year-old is a hybrid stand-up edge rusher who has yet to find a real position in the NFL. He has pass-rush juice and can cover tight ends.
http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2015/12/28/3-things-we-learned-about-the-St-Louis-Rams/2161451313211/
Dec 28, 2015: That finally changed Sunday, when the Rams shocked Seattle with a 23-17 win, the first road win for St. Louis against the Seahawks since 2004. St. Louis linebacker Akeem Ayers had two key fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a first-quarter touchdown, sparking the Rams to a 16-0 lead midway through the second quarter.
Ayers finished off the day with another fumble recovery, at the St. Louis 8-yard line, to clinch the win.
"It's just running to the ball," Ayers said of his two fumble recoveries. "(Defensive coordinator) Gregg (Williams) preached getting to the ball. The more people getting to the ball, the more likely you'll make something happen." The Rams (7-8) have won three in a row after falling into a five-game funk that knocked them out of playoff contention.
http://www.bigblueview.com/2011/1/25/1949220/2011-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-akeem-ayers-olb-ucla
(NFL Draft scouting report)
Positives: Has ideal frame for playing outside in a 3-4 defensive scheme, has enough bulk to lock down strongside linebacker duties and can fill a lot of space... Has size and speed to line up at several positions on the field, has lined up at defensive end and multiple linebacker positions in the past... Solid open-field tackler, plays under control and wraps up, does not like to dive at ball carriers.
UCLA Career: 2008-2010.. Tackles.. 183.. Solo.. 128.. Sacks.. 14.. Int.. 6
Negatives: Does not possess great timed speed, but that is to be expected for his size, is more quick than fast with very good agility... Takes a little too long to diagnose plays, which allows ball carriers to get extra yardage on his side of the field... Has the ability to get to the quarterback in some situations (14 career sacks)
#54 ILB/OLB BRYCE HAGER 6'1 234 lbs (Turns 25 on 05/04/2017)
Rams-. Career.. Total Tackles..... 5.. Solo.. 2.... Int 0.. Sacks.. 0
Baylor- Career.. Total Tackles.. 322. Solo. 202. Int 1.. Sacks.. 7
http://www.scout.com/nfl/rams/story/1582255-rookie-linebacker-bryce-hager-impresses-rams
Sept 03, 2015: By NATE LATSCH: It hasn’t been easy for the rookie. “It’s coming along,” Hager said. “The more I’m doing it, the more reps I’m getting, it’s getting easier each time I step out there. But being able to switch from mike to will, being able to switch those plays in my head, what I’m supposed to be doing, just getting used to doing that, that’s just probably the biggest thing right now but it’s coming along.”
Hager has made plenty of plays throughout the Rams’ first three preseason games. He leads the team with 16 tackles (13 solo, three assisted) according to the coaching staff’s video tape evaluations and recovered a fumble against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday that led to a third-quarter rushing touchdown by Trey Watts. “The hole opened up, so I hit my gap, and the ball happened to bounce off the running back’s chest and right into my arms,” Hager said.
“So I guess it was the right time, right place.” Hager has played a team-high 125 defensive snaps through the first three preseason games, according to Pro Football Focus, and he has the third-highest grade for run defense among the Rams this preseason. The rookie linebacker is getting opportunities and he’s showing what he’s capable of.
http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/6...s-rams-roster-preview-depth-chart-bryce-hager
June 15, 2015: Now Bryce Hager is the latest in a line of late round draft picks in the attempt to fill that backup role. Rams fans have seen Aaron Brown, Josh Hull and Jabara Williams all largely fail to show enough promise to stick around long term.
While Williams made cameos and Hull stuck around as a core special teams player for a few years, neither could handle their business at LB and are no longer with the team. Enter Hager, the son of Jeff Fisher-Coached Britt Hager and the latest attempt by Snead and Fish to fill out the MLB depth chart.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/bryce-hager?id=2552307
WEAKNESSES Not a downhill linebacker. Won't beat offensive linemen to the spot against run. Delays in diagnosing interior runs. Play speed is inconsistent. Doesn't bring strong thump behind his pads as a hitter when asked to be face-up tackler. Needs to be clean and free-running to the ball to be effective.
BOTTOM LINE With his burst to the ball and ability to cover, Hager would be best suited for a 4-3 defense looking for an athletic linebacker who can make plays outside of his area. Hager might end up a late-round pick, but teams like his production and chase traits.
#50 OLB CAMERON LYNCH 5'11 227 (Turns 23 on 08/04/2016)
Rams-Career....... Total Tackles..... 4... Solo.... 4... Int.. 0... Sacks.. 0
Syracuse Career.. Total Tackles.. 243.. Solo.. 173.. Int 2.. Sacks.. 17
http://www.syracuse.com/orangefootb...nebacker_st_louis_rams_syracuse_football.html
Syracuse, N.Y. — Former Syracuse linebacker Cameron Lynch made the St. Louis Rams' 53-man roster on Saturday, he said in a text message. The 6-foot, 229-pound Lynch was a two-year starter and senior captain for the Orange before going unselected at this year's NFL Draft.
He signed with the Rams as a free agent shortly after but was likely a long shot to make the final cut. Lynch recorded 17 tackles, a pass deflection and a forced fumble during the preseason. Playing against the Chiefs on Thursday, he paced the Rams with nine tackles.
At Syracuse, Lynch posted a team-leading 97 tackles, inducing 12 for loss, and seven sacks as a senior last season. He earned third-team All-ACC honors from Phil Steele. Lynch finished with 69 tackles, including 12 for loss, six pass deflections and four sacks as a junior. He is also one of the stronger players to come out of Syracuse recently. He was named the No. 4 "freak" athlete in the country by NFL.com before last season.
http://www.syracuse.com/orangefootball/index.ssf/2014/05/cameron_lynch_freak_linebacker_athlete.html
May 30, 2014: Syracuse, N.Y. — While Marqez Hodge is on track to replace Marquis Spruill as Syracuse's starting middle linebacker, Cameron Lynch is working on filling another of Spruill's roles: team "freak. "Lynch was named the nation's No. 4 most freakish athlete by NFL.com college football writer Mike Huguenin on Thursday, after Spruill was listed as an honorable 'freak' by CBS' Bruce Feldman last season, just missing his annual top 20 list.
Here's the "buzz" that led Huguenin to place Lynch ahead of others including Mississippi State outside linebacker Benardrick McKinney, Georgia running back Todd Gurley and UCLA running back/linebacker Myles Jack, who was left off the list. He lacks ideal size, but has been an important player since he first stepped on campus and will start for the second season in a row this fall. He is both strong and fast.
He has been clocked at 4.7 seconds in the 40 and can squat 620 pounds, clean 374 pounds and bench press 435 pounds. He also can do 36 reps in the bench press at 225 pounds. He also can do a standing back flip, and his vertical jump has been measured at 36 inches.
Lynch is the next in a line of Syracuse players to thrive in the weight room, following Spruill and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Shamarko Thomas. At last year's training camp, former SU defensive tackle Jay Bromley called Lynch "like a bowling ball of just speed."
http://www.draftinsider.net/reports/2015/OLB/Cameron-Lynch
Positive: Small but explosive linebacker who makes plays to every area of the field. Instinctive, effectively diagnoses plays and shows a good change of direction. Gets depth on pass drops, makes plays sideline-to-sideline and fires to the action. Quick arriving on the scene and sells out to stop ball carriers.
Negative: Undersized and easily taken from the action. Will be overmatched by tight ends. Analysis: Lynch has size limitations but is an underrated linebacker who could fill a role in a one-gap system and play on special teams.
#59 ILB JOSH FORREST 6'3 249 (estimated age 23 DOB n/a)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 270.. Solo.. 206.. Int.. 3.. Sacks.. 3.5
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/josh-forrest?id=2555167 ........
(2016 NFL Draft: Rams draft Kentucky ILB Josh Forrest in the 6th round No. 190)
OVERVIEW: Although Forrest didn't play football until his junior year of high school, he did enough there (14 touchdowns receiving, seven interceptions - three returned for touchdowns) to earn a scholarship from the Wildcats.
After two years as a reserve, Forrest took over as a starter, leading the team in tackles in each of the past two seasons (110 in 2014, 93 in 2015). He also made plays in the passing game, intercepting two passes each year (including a 81-yard pick six against Louisville this year). PRO DAY RESULTS: 40-yard dash.. 4.78 and 4.85 seconds.. 20-yard short shuttle: 4/22 seconds.. 3-cone drill.. 7.48 seconds
STRENGTHS: Tall, long-limbed and athletic. Was used all over the field by Kentucky staff. Has 202 tackles during his two-year stint as starter. Has plus chase speed. Lateral quickness is a strength. Length and closing burst gives him extended range to make tackles.
Has quick direction change to put himself in position for difficult open field finishes. Uses hand and foot quickness to sidestep and brush away blockers targeting him on second level. Frequently used as blitzer and gap shooter. Able to "get skinny" and sneak through crevices and into the backfield.
WEAKNESSES: Could use more strength in his lower half. Needs to add play strength to avoid being washed down against run. Physical tight ends can push him at point of attack. Too upright on downhill charges and blitzes. Gets jostled out of the play by redirect blocks. Effort runs hot and cold. As tackler, below average job of breaking down in space.
Relies on catch and drag technique over chesting up and finishing. Had nine broken and 22 missed tackles over last two years. Slow to diagnose and gets few head starts on the play. Average awareness in pass coverage and needs to get better at squeezing targets in his zone. DRAFT PROJECTION Rounds 5 or 6
BOTTOM LINE: With his athleticism and length, teams may be tempted to try him out as an edge rusher, but he is a much better straight-line blitzer through the A and B gaps than he is around the edge. Forrest is a WILL linebacker with the size and range teams look for, but his combination of average instincts and wasted movement in space could be an indicator of up-and-down play in the pros.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1877310/josh-forrest
Forrest still looks a bit more like a receiver (or tight end) than a traditional 'thumper inside linebacker. He sports a relatively lanky, athletic frame, and his best attribute may be his acceleration as Forrest's speed and aggression make him a nice fit in coach Mike Stoops' scheme and potentially in the NFL.
He possesses impressive burst and closing speed for his size once he locates the ball - traits which could intrigue special teams coaches. Flashes physicality in taking on blockers. Boosted his cause by impressing with his overall athleticism at the Senior Bowl, including when he was asked to attack as an edge rusher, showing an intriguing combination of burst and bend off the corner.
#53 ILB BRANDON CHUBB 6'0 242 lbs (Turns 23 on 10/21/2016)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 313.. Solo.. 170.. Int.. 1.. Sacks.. 3.5
http://www.wakeforestsports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/brandon_chubb_742603.html
2015: 11 Games: 94 Tackles.. 46 Solo.. TFL 8.5.. Sacks.. 0.5.. INT..0.. Served as team captain in 2014 and 2015.. 2014: Collected career-best 109 tackles as a junior, the second-most on the team. Had 53 solos and 56 assists. Led the team with six quarterback hurries and added 3 sacks.
Started all 12 games. Recorded a then-career-high 18 tackles in the season-opener at ULM. It marked the most tackles by a Deacon since Brad White had 24 vs. Navy in 2002. Closed the year with a career-best 19 stops at Duke. Recorded three sacks on the year against Gardner-Webb, Clemson and Virginia Tech.
Earned honorable mention All-ACC from ACSMA. Third team All-ACC by the league coaches. Finished fifth in the ACC in tackles per game at 9.1 Was third on the club with 901 total plays in 2014. Played a season-high 93 snaps in the opener vs. ULM. Added 92 snaps at Utah State. Saw 70 or more plays in 10 games Forced two fumbles and had one fumble recovery on the season. Enters the season as the team's most experienced defender with 24 career starts.
2013: (Sophomore) Had a breakout season in his first year as a starter. Started all 12 games at inside linebacker. Finished second on the team with 88 tackles, including 57 solo and three for loss. Ranked 14th in the ACC with 7.3 tackles per game.
Had two pass breakups and returned an interception 29 yards for a touchdown in the season opener vs. Presbyterian (Aug. 29). Also had seven tackles vs. the Blue Hose. Made 10 tackles, including seven solo, vs. ULM (Sept. 14) Had nine tackles, including seven solo and one for loss, at Clemson
Sept. 28.. Had eight tackles in back-to-back games vs. Maryland (Oct. 19) and at Miami (Oct. 26) ... Led the team with 11 tackles, including eight solo, to go with two pass breakups at Syracuse (Nov. 2) ... Led the team in tackles with eight against Duke (Nov. 23) ... Made 10 tackles, with 1.5 for loss, at Vanderbilt (Nov. 30) ... Received the ACC Top Six for Service award for efforts in the community.
http://nflmocks.com/2016/04/24/brandon-chubb-olb-wake-forest-2016-nfl-draft-scouting-report/
Overview: Chubb is a relatively unknown prospect considering much of his work went unheralded for an irrelevant program. He has the production, and ability to get sideline to sideline and rush the passer which creates intrigue. He can be a solid pass rushing specialist in the short-term.
Strengths: He was elected a captain in two of the three seasons he started for the Demon Deacons. His production is something that strikes you seeing as he recorded 216 total tackles in two years. Has the toughness that you look for in an NFL linebacker.
Good run stopper, good in pursuit. Great interior pass rusher. Smart enough to run and understand a complex defensive scheme or plan. Great sideline to sideline ability, keeps his head on a swivel.
Weaknesses: Needs to work on pass coverage. Didn’t make enough of an impression to get an invite to the combine or Senior Bowl. Speed isn’t the best, but will be enough to get the job done. A little bit short for an edge rusher, questions about size will be there.
#49 LB DARREON HERRING 6'2 230 lbs (Turns 23 on 11/23/2016)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 226.. Solo.. 123.. Int.. 2.. Sacks.. 3.5
http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/darreon_herring_797775.html
2015: In his final season as a Commodore, Herring became a critical leader and top performer for one of the SEC's most improved defenses. Was voted squad's defensive captain by teammates after the campaign. Started all 12 games at linebacker, and filled an important leadership void when returning starter Nigel Bowden couldn't return from an early-season injury. Finished the season second on the team with 64 total tackles and fourth with 34 solo stops.
Also contributed 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 quarterback sacks and three defensed passes. Ended career as team's active leader with 123 solo tackles and 226 total tackles. Contributed at least three tackles in 11 of 12 games. Registered career high at South Carolina by contributing eight solo tackles.
Herring's two tackles for loss and QB sacks played critical role in SEC victory over Missouri. Also had eight total tackles in road games at Ole Miss and Houston. Concluded season on high note, posting six tackles against both Texas A&M and Tennessee.
2014: Herring showed versatility playing among the linebacking corps and secondary in team's new 3-4 defensive scheme. Participated in all 12 games, earning 11 starts. Earned eight starting assignments at inside linebacker and three starts at nickel back.
Finished the season with 23 solo tackles, 45 total tackles and 3.5 quarterback sacks. Ranks as the team's active career leader with 162 total tackles and 89 solo stops. Posted at least two tackles in every game. Season high tackle totals (8) came against SEC foes Ole Miss and Kentucky.
2013: Ranked among Commodores' top defensive performers as a first-year starting sophomore. Started every game at OLB, finishing the regular season ranked second on team with 84 total tackles and 11 passes defended, and third with 47 solo tackles. Also registered an interception and one QB sack. Herring was extremely consistent, contributing at least five tackles in 11 of 12 games.
Set career high with 10 total tackles in win over Georgia. In other SEC games, added nine tackles at South Carolina and at Texas A&M, and eight stops vs. Missouri. Posted 8-yard sack among five solo tackles in opener vs. Ole Miss. Interception came in win over UAB. Posted four tackles, including 1.5 stops resulting in lost yards, in Vanderbilt's 41-24 victory over Houston in the BBVA Compass Bowl.
#55 OLB NICHOLAS GRIGSBY 6'0 218 lbs (Turns 24 on 07/02/2016)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 144.. Solo.. 100.. Int.. 0.. Sacks.. 9.5
http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/nicholas_grigsby_764961.html
2015: Started all 13 games at Star linebacker...finished fourth on the team with 66 tackles and added 9.5 TFLs and 3.5 sacks...tied for the team lead in forced fumbles (two) and fumble recoveries (one) selected third team All-ACC by the coaches. Named the ACC Linebacker of the Week for his performance in Pitt's season-opening 45-37 win over Youngstown State.
Against YSU, Grigsby compiled 10 tackles, two quarterback sacks and three total TFLs--all career highs. His TFLs went for 19 lost yards and he added one pass breakup and one QB hurry...had nine tackles with a sack assist in a 17-13 win at Virginia Tech, helping Pitt limit the Hokies to just 100 total yards.
2014: Played in all 13 games, starting one...starting assignment came at middle linebacker against Georgia Tech...voted by his teammates as one of three Pitt captains for the 2014 season. Grigsby, who represented the special teams, was the only non-senior selected a captain. totaled 28 tackles, four TFLs and three sacks. tied for the team lead with two forced fumbles.
Had four tackles, two TFLs, a four-yard sack and a forced fumble at FIU. had four stops and a seven-yard sack against Houston in the Armed Forces Bowl. with Pitt protecting a 21-16 lead late in the fourth quarter, had a key 10-yard sack on Virginia Tech's final possession, helping to clinch the win.
http://optimumscouting.com/draft/20...bowl-scouting-preview-navy-vs-pittsburgh.html
Bottom Line: Grigsby is a versatile linebacker that can play the run, cover and rush the passer. He is a jack of all trades but a master a none meaning that he is not dynamic in any of the three above categories. Will be predominantly a special teams or sub package player at the NFL level. His hard work and leadership skills which led to him being All-ACC and also a team captain will also lead to him making an NFL roster as a UDFA.
#58 OLB CORY LITTLETON 6'3 226 lbs (estimated age 23 DOB n/a)
Career.. Total Tackles.. 176.. Solo.. 99.. Int.. 0.. Sacks.. 12
OVERVIEW: Littleton's career at "U-Dub" was a bit up and down, moving positions and moving in and out of the starting lineup. But as they say, it's not about how you start, but where you finish. Littleton's final year on campus saw him receive honorable mention All-Pac-12 notice as a Sam linebacker, racking up 65 stops, 11 for loss, and six sacks.
He had started all 13 games at defensive end as a sophomore, contributing 62 tackles, 10 for loss and five sacks for the Huskies, but found himself playing less in his junior campaign as a part-time starter. (37 tackles, 3.5 for loss, one sack). Even Littleton's first year in Seattle was a bit inconsistent, as coaches inserted him into the starting line-up against Oregon after not playing him at all in the first four games of the year. He made six tackles against the Ducks (one for loss), and finished the year with 14 stops, 1.5 for loss.
STRENGTHS: Athletic with long arms and big hands. Has decent closing speed. Sinks hips and accelerates out of his change of direction. Moderate tackle production, but reduced his broken tackles and misses from a year ago. As edge rusher, has some edge bend with flexible ankles, effective shoulder dip and cat-quick spin move. Credited with 35 pressures and six sacks on the season.
Consistent special teams performer with 19 career tackles. PRO DAY RESULTS: 40-yard dash.. 4.73 seconds.. Vertical.. 32 1/2 inches.. Broad jump: 9 feet, 11 inches. Short shuttle.. 4.39 seconds.. 3-cone.. 7.01 seconds.. Bench.. 17 reps of 225 pounds
WEAKNESSES: Play strength dips well below NFL norm for the position. Plays upright and blockers get under his pads. Allows both tight ends and fullbacks to derail his edge-setting attempts. Can't hold the edge and is a liability when teams run downhill at him. Shows some passivity. Needs to be more physical and use his hands to clear himself from blocks.
BOTTOM LINE Long-limbed, stand-up pass rusher who is built more like a wide receiver than a running back. Littleton showed some pass rush ability this season and his special teams ability may be his best attribute on the next level. However, his thin frame and poor play strength could make him a longshot to stick on the 53.
2016 CAMP SUMMARY LB's
The Rams will likely only keep 5 or 6 LB's so this is the Rankings of which players will be kept on the final 53 at this early stage in camp. The players who were on the 53 man in 2015 get the benefit of the doubt until they're knocked out by the lesser unknown players fighting for their roster spot.
(The Early Camp Top 6 LB's until proven different)
1.) A. OGLETREE ...... 4.) B. HAGER
2.) M. BARRON ......... 5.) C. LYNCH
3.) A. AYERS .............. 6.) J. FORREST
(The Next Tier Up)
7.) B. CHUBB
8.) D. HERRING
9.) N GRIGSBY
10) C. Littleton
________________________________________________________________________________________
RAMS 2015 PASSING DEFENSE
Yards Allowed Avg. 254... Rank 23rd
Yards per attempt... 7.1... Rank 15th
Total TD's Allowed... 21... Rank 7th
Completion %....... 66.8.... Rank 28th
Total Interceptions... 13... Rank 17th
2016 Rams Camp: Total Number of Cornerbacks on the current Roster is (8)
(The Cornerbacks)
#22 CB TRUMAINE JOHNSON 6'2 204 lbs (Turns 27 on 01/01/2017)
Career... Total Tackles 206... Solo... 178... Int 15... Sacks 0
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/03/01/rams-use-their-franchise-tag-on-trumaine-johnson/ 03/01/2016
The Rams have made their decision between their free agent cornerbacks. And they picked the one with the agent at the moment. According to Albert Breer of the NFL Network, the Rams have chosen to use the franchise tag on Trumaine Johnson, guaranteeing him $13.952 million as soon as he signs. They can still do a long-term deal between now and July 15.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-janoris-jenkins-or-trumaine-johnson/
Johnson has more than matched Jenkins in terms of production—both on a per-snap basis and overall. Johnson has never allowed more than two touchdowns in a season; Jenkins has allowed at least five in each of his four years in the league. On 116 fewer targets over their four years in the league, Johnson has 15 interceptions to Jenkins’ 10.
For the duration of his career, Jenkins’ passer rating allowed is only just shy of 100 (99.5); in the same timeframe, Johnson’s passer rating allowed is 67.1. That mark is better than Josh Norman’s (72.1), Stephon Gilmore’s (84.1), and even Casey Hayward’s (70.2), the stars of the 2012 cornerback class.
When Jenkins was sidelined in Week 14 last season, it was Johnson who took center stage, earning the highest single-game grade of his career (+5.2), snagging an interception (a pick-six, no less) and a pass defense on five targets, while also cutting off Calvin Johnson on a double-move late in the fourth quarter, with the Rams protecting a two-score lead. If Los Angeles is looking for a corner to lead their secondary, Johnson’s career to date, and in particular, his performance since Week 9 of the 2014 season, suggest that he is the man to do it.
#33 CB EJ GAINES 5'10 195 lbs (Turns 24 04/01/2017)
Career... Total Tackles 70... Solo... 63... Int 2... Sacks 0
http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/3...ams-roster-depth-chart-e-j-gaines-cornerbacks
Last year, Gaines suffered a Lisfranc injury in just the second practice of training camp well before any preseason action. And while Marcus Roberson filled in admirably as the fourth corner behind Jenkins, Johnson and Joyner, he hardly had the same level of success Gaines did a year prior as the starter on the outside.
So now in 2016 with Janoris Jenkins gone, many Rams fans are eager to see Gaines back on the field across from Tru as the Rams starting corner duo. Some are overeager to the point of relying on it.
Gaines was drafted by the Rams in the sixth round in 2014 out of Missouri. The 5-foot-10, 190 pound cornerback had a solid rookie campaign starting 15 games and collecting 70 tackles, two interceptions and 15 passes defended. Gaines was poised for a breakout season in 2015, but suffered a foot injury during the first week of training camp and never returned.
http://theramswire.usatoday.com/2016/03/16/ej-gaines-poised-for-a-remarkable-comeback-in-2016/
The Rams expect him back at full strength for 2016. No doubt he’ll be a vital part of the Rams’ secondary, and he’s up for it. Gaines showed flashes of a star corner in his rookie season and actually graded better than Trumaine Johnson and Janoris Jenkins in 2014, per Pro Football Focus. Gaines will be competing for the No 2 corner spot, versus the likes of Lamarcus Joyner, Marcus Roberson and newly-acquired Coty Sensabaugh.
#47 CB MARCUS ROBERSON 6'0 191 lbs (Turns 24 on 10/04/2016)
Career... Total Tackles 39... Solo... 34... Int 1... Sacks 0
http://nflspinzone.com/2015/09/15/st-louis-rams-find-star-marcus-roberson/
Johnson was injured making a tackle on wide receiver Tyler Lockett in the second quarter. The play itself was rather benign, and as he made his way off the field, I wondered if it was an arm injury, rather than a possible concussion. In the face of this loss, it put second-year cornerback Marcus Roberson into the starting spot opposite Janoris Jenkins.
All Roberson did was play 71 percent of snaps at cornerback, and finished with six tackles and one pass defended. What didn’t show up in the box score was Roberson did a great job keeping Lockett out of the game plan for a huge chunk of the game. Roberson declared for the draft after his junior year, but was inexplicably undrafted. The Rams recognized that although inconsistent, had an NFL-caliber set of skills.
Now, in his second season, Roberson is showing that teams were wrong in passing him up in the draft. As a draft analyst, I loved what I saw of Roberson on film, but lapses in concentration really hurt him. One play his footwork is solid, and the next sloppy. One play anticipation and play recognition happens in an instant, and the next he’s burned deep.
Some additional character red flags and less-than-exceptional triangle numbers spelled disaster for his draft stock. Putting all that aside, Roberson’s confidence and energy were never missing in games, and he showed that on Sunday.
#20 CB/FS LARMARCUS JOYNER 5'8 184 lbs (Turns 26 on 11/27/2016)
Career... Total Tackles 112.. Solo... 89...Int 0... Sacks 3
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...s-joyner-regrets-hit-but-focused-on-moving-on
As the outrage about the late hit he put on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater continued to build past Sunday and into Monday, St. Louis Rams cornerback Lamarcus Joyner did his best to stay oblivious to the anger. "I have been watching Discovery Channel and 'SpongeBob [Squarepants]' so I don’t know what’s going on," Joyner said.
"But like I said, this past weekend was terrible for me. We had an incident out there, it wasn’t intentional, it was a hard feeling after the game. But it’s on to Chicago now. I poured my heart out. I gave my sorrows and my apologies, so it’s time to move forward."
http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/8...-review-is-lamarcus-joyner-a-corner-or-safety
When the Rams drafted him it was to be a sub-package player...not a guy to be on the field on every down. He was also brought in because in college he had a knack for producing turnovers and he was a pretty good blitzer. After watching Joyner playing throughout the season there is much to like.
He has the qualities that will make him a key member of the team. He is a sound tackler and is not afraid of making contact. He may struggle covering on deep routes, but as long as he keeps the receiver in front of him he is fine. He usually brings the ball-carrier down before he gains any additional yards.
http://www.therams.com
2014: Selected by the Rams in the second round (41st overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft (5/9/14). PRO: In his rookie season, saw action in 10 games...tallied 48 tackles (33 solo) with three passes defended and 1.0 sack for six yards. 2014 SEASON: Saw action in 10 games...tallied 48 tackles (33 solo) had three passes defended and a 1.0 sack for six yards... vs. Minnesota (9/7): Made his NFL debut...tallied two solo tackles...added one special teams tackle.
At Philadelphia (10/5): Recorded eight tackles (five solo)...registered two passes defensed...vs. Seattle (10/19): Saw action at cornerback...registered nine tackles (six solo)...added three assists...at Kansas City (10/26): Saw action at cornerback...recorded a single-game high 11 tackles (10 solo)...at San Francisco (11/2): Saw action at cornerback...garnered seven tackles (three solo)...had one quarterback pressure and one pass defensed...at Seattle (12/28): Saw action at cornerback...notched four tackles (three solo)...registered a 1.0 sack for six yards, first of his first career.
#24 CB COTY SENSABAUGH 5'11 189 lbs (Turns 28 on 11/15/2016)
Career... Total Tackles 169... Solo... 131... Int 2... Sacks 1
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...king-down-coty-sensabaughs-contract-with-rams
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The Los Angeles Rams made cornerback Coty Sensabaugh their first free-agent signing from outside the organization on Monday, bringing him into the fold on a three-year deal. Sensabaugh's new contract is worth just shy of $15 million but can go as high as $19 million with incentives. It includes $6.5 million guaranteed, with $5.5 million of that fully guaranteed at the time of signing.
http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/7572/coty-sensabaugh
Sensabaugh was forced to play major snaps on the outside last season, but should slot in as the nickel back between Trumaine Johnson and E.J. Gaines in Los Angeles. He's also an insurance policy on Gaines, who is returning from a Lisfranc injury. The Rams needed another starting-caliber corner after losing Janoris Jenkins to the Giants.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/sport...ornerback-coty-sensabaugh-20160314-story.html
Sensabaugh, 27, started 15 games last season. Included in his two interceptions was a return of 2013 Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston's first career pass for a touchdown. The 5-foot-11, 189-pound Sensabaugh was selected by the Titans in the fourth round of the 2012 draft after playing at Clemson.
http://www.christianpost.com/news/l...-sensabaugh-agrees-to-three-year-deal-159259/
His acquisition by the Rams is partly attributed to the team's defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams, who once served as the senior assistant defensive coach for the Titans back in 2013. ESPN noted that if he gives up the position to Gaines, he can be used to play nickelback – something he's familiar with when he played for Williams.
With the Titans, he was the regular nickelback while appearing in 59 games for the team in four seasons. But when Jason McCourty suffered a sports hernia, he was forced to take on a bigger role, to which he made the most of the opportunity.
#32 CB TROY HILL 5'10 182 lbs (Turns 25 on 08/29/2016)
BENGALS: Total Tackles.. 6... Solo... 5..... Int 0... Sacks 0
OREGON: Total Tackles 169.. Solo... 137... Int 4... Sacks 0
http://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/12/...-from-practice-squad-waive-chris-lewis-harris
The Cincinnati Bengals have signed cornerback Troy Hill from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, the team announced Saturday. In a corresponding move, the team waived cornerback Chris Lewis- Harris to make room for Hill. This isn't a surprising move since the Bengals are dealing with a banged-up secondary that features their top three corners dealing with injuries. In his three regular-season games with the Bengals, Hill registered just six total tackles (5 solo).
This is the first call-up for Hill, and the first Bengals practice squad member to join the roster in 2015. HIll was signed by the Bengals as an undrafted free agent out of Oregon following the 2015 draft. Hill finished his final college season with the Ducks by earning Second-Team Pac 12 All-Conference honors after notching 71 total tackles, four tackles for loss, 18 pass defenses, and one interception. Hill was quietly one of the better corners in college football, but off-field problems helped lead to him going undrafted.
The guys at Pro Football Focus were very high on Hill and praised the Bengals for signing him following the end of the 2015 NFL draft: With the way this cornerback class was bunched together, both myself and Sam Monson actually saw Hill as one of the five best available. Our sixth-highest graded player at the position, Hill allowed just 435 yards and a quarterback rating of 63.9 on passes thrown into his coverage.
His 11 pass breakups were tied for second in the class, and he added an interception for good measure. Our own Anthony Cosenza interviewed Hill during the NFLPA Bowl game following Ohio State's win during the National Championship game. Hill had a good showing for the Bengals in training camp and the preseason, but the Bengals ultimately felt better going with the more experience Lewis-Harris as that sixth and final corner on the 53-man roster.
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/10649/troy-hill
Hill was the Ducks' nickel back his first three seasons before taking over as a starter in 2014, amassing three career interceptions, 6.5 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. He ran 4.55 at the Combine with a 32 1/2-inch vertical and 10-foot broad jump. Slight of build and not overly athletic, Hill is an overachiever who won with effort and aggressiveness in college. Although he lacks top-end physical attributes, Hill's feisty playing mentality would translate well to the slot. He also has special teams value.
#35 CB/FS MICHAEL JORDAN 6'1 200 lbs (Turns 23 on ?)
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/mike-jordan?id=2556196
STRENGTHS: Has NFL height, weight and length. His ball skills will force teams to take notice. Former high school receiver who has soft, sure hands and finds his way to the ball at a high rate. Plays with decisive break on the ball from his pedal. Loves to undercut routes out of breaks and ruin the quarterback's day. Instinctive with a natural feel from man-off and zone coverage.
WEAKNESSES: Tape doesn't show player with ability to carry long speed. Jump in competition will be difficult challenge early on. Might need to reassess angles to the ball against NFL arms and wide receiver speed. Big, but not very physical. Technique is very raw. Will declare early from press causing stall when release changes direction.
BOTTOM LINE: Jordan's size, ball skills and consistency of production is going to garner attention from NFL traits on Day 3. While he shows decent hips and feet in man coverage, he may not have the recovery speed to make a living in that kind of scheme. Jordan has the instincts and ball skills to challenge for a roster spot for a zone cover team and could be an interesting consideration at safety if a team believes he is tough enough as a tackler.
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/colu...cle_acb69af7-0547-5260-bf6e-7fd3226a1e18.html
After he redshirted in 2011, he beat out a senior and a junior to start, then won the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s freshman of the year award. He made first team all-conference every season after that. He recently became the first Missouri Western player to earn back-to-back All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association. His athletic ability and ball-hawking skills have always been there. The finer points, like his footwork, have improved.
His physicality increased with his strength. His coaches shifted defenses, from a 4-3 to a 3-4, and toggled between zone and man coverage. Jordan, usually a cornerback, sometimes a safety, just kept making plays. “At times, I couldn’t be beat,” he said. His 16 career interceptions are tied for second-most in school history. His five interceptions and 22 passes defended as a senior ranked second nationally after the regular season.
“I’m addicted to getting interceptions,” he said. One game in his sophomore season stands out, not because of a pick, or even a win. Missouri Western lost to Pittsburg State 34-14 on Oct. 26, 2013. But Jordan held a 5-foot-11 speedster named John Brown to four catches for 48 yards. Brown, Pitt State’s all-time leader in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, became a third-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2014. Jordan said his mouth dropped when he learned of the selection. It was more evidence he could make it.
#41 CB/FS JABRIEL WASHINGTON 5'11 185 lbs (Turns 23 on DOB n/a)
ALABAMA... Total Tackles 26... Solo... 16... Int 2... Sacks 0
SENIOR (2015): Provided depth at the defensive back position and worked on special teams during his senior season. Missed the first five games due to a knee injury suffered before the season opener. Saw his first action against Arkansas, but did not record any stats in the first game back since injury ... recorded a tackle on kickoff coverage, his first stop of the season, at Texas A&M.
Notched one more tackle on kickoff coverage against Tennessee. Mississippi State: Had his best game since returning from injury, recording three tackles. Charleston Southern: Collected his first interception of the season and added one tackle on his senior day ... saw significant time in the secondary against the Buccaneers.
JUNIOR (2014): Appeared in 13 games... Had 17 tackles, two pass breakups and one interception. Made the first start of his career against Southern Miss ... West Virginia: Recorded one tackle versus the Mountaineers. FAU: Had one tackle and a pass breakup. Southern Miss: Made two tackles in his first start. Florida: Hauled in his first career interception in the win over the Gators.
2016 CAMP SUMMARY CB's
The Rams will likely only keep 5 or 6 CB's so this is the Rankings of which players will be kept on the final 53 at this early stage in camp. The players who were on the 53 man in 2015 get the benefit of the doubt until they're knocked out by the lesser unknown players fighting for their roster spot.
(The Early Camp Top 5 CB's until proven different)
1.) T. JOHNSON
2.) EJ GAINES
3.) M. ROBERSON
4.) L. JOYNER
5.) C. Sensabaugh
(The Next Tier Up)
6.) T.HILL
7.) M.JORDAN (also projected as FS)
8.) J.Washington
_______________________________________________________________________________
2016 Rams Camp: Total Number of Safeties on the current Roster is (7)
(The Safeties)
#25 SS T.J. MCDONALD (jr) 6'2 219 lbs (Turns 26 on 01/26/2016)
Career... Total Tackles 221... Solo... 168... Int 2... Sacks 4
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/8458/tj-mcdonald Wed, Dec 9, 2015
Rams placed SS T.J. McDonald (shoulder surgery) on injured reserve, ending his season. It's another blow to a Rams secondary already without Trumaine Johnson (thigh) and Janoris Jenkins (concussion). McDonald had 63 tackles and a sack prior to going down, grading as PFF's No. 32 safety against the run. Maurice Alexander is McDonald's backup.
May 10, 2015 TMZ Sports reports Rams SS T.J. McDonald was arrested for DUI early Tuesday morning. McDonald allegedly crashed into a parked car and waited for police to arrive to the scene where he was then taken into custody. McDonald wasn't arrested for alcohol abuse, but it's believed he was on some sort of medication that had him acting out of the ordinary. He was later released on his own recognizance. McDonald is now subject to a suspension.
Though he struggled early in 2014, no safety had a higher grade from Weeks 9 to 17 than Rams safety. T.J. McDonald. He received the highest PFF grade of any safety in football between Weeks 9 and 17. He still finished just 41st out of 87 qualifiers thanks to a poor first half. McDonald's fast improvement is encouraging but the Rams need their third-year strong safety to play with more consistency. McDonald finished with a negative grade overall in pass coverage but was excellent against the run.
June 13, 2013 Rams signed third-round SS T.J. McDonald to a four-year contract. McDonald, the No. 71 overall pick, is penciled in as the Rams' starting strong safety, but his cover skills are suspect. McDonald possesses a boat load of athleticism, but he took a lot of bad angles at USC. McDonald (6-foot-2 1/2, 219) is the latest in a long line of big, athletic USC safeties with suspect cover skills. T.J. started 36 college games, recording eight interceptions and 12 tackles for loss. He ran 4.59 at the Combine with a 40-inch vertical and 10-foot-11 broad jump.
#31 SS MAURICE ALEXANDER 6'1 229 lbs (Turns 26 on 02/16/2017)
Career... Total Tackles 43... Solo... 34... Int 0... Sacks 2
http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/9655/maurice-alexander
April 2, 2016: Rams coach Jeff Fisher said Maurice Alexander is an option at free safety following the departure of Rodney McLeod in free agency. A fourth-round pick in 2014, Alexander struggled in five starts last season. Cody Davis and Christian Bryant are the other in-house options, and the Rams could look to the draft for help. T.J McDonald is locked in at strong safety.
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_8d1aa609-8c90-5c47-b646-f0863d77571c.html
“His first start at home this weekend. But he’s played a lot of football for us already this year,” Fisher said. “He’s continued to progress and we’re really proud of where he’s ended up.” Alexander has gotten a little bit of seasoning this year. He was in for a handful of plays at safety against Cleveland, San Francisco, Chicago, Baltimore, and Cincinnati. He was in for every defensive play, 72 of them, in the start at Minnesota.
And with injuries to cornerback Janoris Jenkins and McDonald last week against Arizona, Alexander was on the field for 26 defensive plays. His season totals are eight tackles, two sacks, and one quarterback hit. Those two sacks attest to his pass-rushing skills. He played some defensive end in college, but mainly outside linebacker before finally moving back to safety.
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/9655/maurice-alexander
June 12, 2014: Rams signed No. 110 overall pick S Maurice Alexander to a four-year contract. More of an in-the-box safety than center fielder, Alexander (6-foot-1, 220 pounds) played linebacker as a sophomore, and does his best work close to the line. He does, however, offer plus athleticism with a 38-inch vertical and 4.54 forty. He'll begin his Rams career on special teams.
#38 FS CODY DAVIS 6'1 204 lbs (Turns 27 06/06/2016)
Career... Total Tackles 23... Solo... 18... Int 0... Sacks 0 (Had 2nd most Special Teams Tackles with 10 in 2015)
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/03/09/rams-re-sign-brian-quick-tim-barnes-cody-davis/
Rams re-sign Brian Quick, Tim Barnes, Cody Davis Posted by Josh Alper: On March 9, 2016: Barnes and Davis both signed two-year deals. Davis has seen action in 43 games over the last three years for the Rams and most of it has come on special teams, which will likely be the case again in 2016.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cody_Davis
Davis played collegiately at Texas Tech. As a senior in 2012, Davis was a 1st Team Capital One Academic All-American and was a Second-team All-Big 12 selection for the second consecutive season after making 84 solo tackles and 101 total tackles. He finished his Texas Tech career with 49 starts, including 22 consecutive starts at safety.
As a junior in 2011 he was Academic All-Big 12 (1st Team) and led team in tackles (93) while making 72 solo tackles and 21 assisted tackles. In 2010 he was All-Big 12 (Honorable Mention) and an Academic All-Big 12 (1st Team) Davis made 87 total tackles and played in 13 games (13 starts) and was second on the team with 87 total tackles while tying for the team lead (Bront Bird) with 68 solo tackles.
#24 SS CHRISTIAN BRYANT 5'10 192 lbs (Turns 25 on 3/21/2017)
Career... Total Tackles 3... Solo... 2... Int 0... Sacks 0
http://archauthority.com/2015/10/03/st-louis-rams-release-brandon-mcgee-promote-christian-bryant/
St. Louis Rams Release Brandon McGee, Promote Christian Bryant: Bryant, an undersized safety, was a seventh-rounder of the Rams last season and will be making his first appearance on the active roster after a year-plus on the practice squad. Bryant, who was a noted special-teamer coming out of Ohio State, has flashed skills that indicated he could hang with NFLers during both of his preseasons to date, but with the exceptional depth that the Rams already possess at the safety position, there hadn’t really been space on the roster for him until now.
http://www.scout.com/nfl/rams/story/1595211-rams-christian-bryant-to-make-nfl-debut
10/14/2015: Christian Bryant will make his NFL regular-season debut on Sunday, approximately a year and a half after the St. Louis Rams drafted him. He is expected to make his NFL regular-season debut for the St. Louis Rams against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, more than a year after the team drafted him.
“I’m definitely excited for the opportunity,” Bryant said on Friday. “It’s a huge opportunity for me. I’m looking forward to it.” Bryant was one of the Rams’ four picks in the seventh round in the 2014 Draft. Fisher talked on Friday about how far Bryant has come. “Christian was their Defensive MVP before he got hurt there at Ohio State,” he said.
“On the trip we made there to look at the offensive lineman, I got a chance to visit with (Ohio State coach) Urban (Meyer) and talk to him a little bit about him. So, we brought him in. “It was a long rehab, but he had a great offseason here. He’s one of those classic examples of what a difference a year makes. So, had a really good preseason. I’ve got all the confidence in the world that he’ll go out there and do the right things.”
It has been almost two years since Bryant took the field in a game that mattered. He’ll appreciate the opportunity, knowing how far he has come since then and how much he has worked to get to this moment. “I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting on the field finally, playing some real football on Sundays.”
#43 FS BRIAN RANDOLPH 6'0 205 lbs (Turns 24 on 10/20 2016)
TENN: Career... Total Tackles 306... Solo... 217... Int 6... Sacks 0
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2629004-tennessee-pro-day-2016-recap-and-results-for-vols-players March 30, 2016
Tennesee PRO DAY: Randolph showed out in the weight room and in the 40-yard dash, bench-pressing 225 pounds 31 times, which is ridiculous for a defensive back. That bench number would have put him tied for seventh overall in this year's NFL Scouting Combine, regardless of position, per NFL.com. He also posted a 4.47 and 4.42 40-yard dash in his two runs. UT's official site had that second time at a 4.4 flat.
The four-year starter at UT told the media afterward that he called his shot that he'd stand out, per VolQuest's Rob Lewis and Brent Hubbs: With those gaudy numbers, Randolph definitely helped himself. He could slide onto somebody's big board now, despite getting spurned from the combine. Unlike a few of the Vols eligible for this draft, he has the on-field resume to prove his potential.
I told you all I was going to get that 4.4 and do 30 reps and that's what happened. I have never lacked speed or strength. I have just lacked hype. I don't like to talk too much till it's time. I gave you a little preview yesterday and had to back it up today. They want to see speed. I tried to tell them. I don't know where they were getting numbers from. It's nonsense. I was hearing stuff like 4.7. Golly, I didn't run a 4.7 in fifth grade.
I don't know how I'm going to do it now. I'm glad I got to prove that wrong. I was having fun today. I didn't feel any pressure. I was suppose to run a 4.7. I don't think could get much worse than that. I probably could have backpedaled 4.7. There was no pressure. It was just fun.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1851177/brian-randolph
PLAYER OVERVIEW While Tennessee's secondary was leaky, as a whole, Randolph proved a standout, leading the team with four interceptions while recording another three pass breakups and making 75 stops, 50 of them solos. Randolph started all 12 games at strong safety in 2013, a year after tearing the ACL in his right knee just three games into his sophomore campaign.
Randolph's injury in 2012 was a critical loss to Tennessee's secondary as the talented defender was coming off a freshman campaign in which he started eight games (and played in all 12) and posted 55 tackles while splitting duty between free safety and nickel.
STRENGTHS: Randolph is an athletic, aggressive safety with good open-field tackling skills. He sports a compact frame with good overall musculature and is reportedly "noticeably" bigger in his upper body after his year in the weight room. He shows good body control and vision to avoid would-be blockers in the open field and is generally a reliable wrap-up tackler. He's shown good hands when interception opportunities are there, as well as a flair for big plays in clutch situations.
WEAKNESSES: Randolph doesn't possess elite straight-line speed and is high in his back pedal but he deciphers the action quickly and closes on the ball aggressively. Randolph's medical will play an important part in his ultimate grade. Besides the ACL tear, he struggled a bit last season with recurring shoulder issues, including stingers. Coach Butch Jones joked that Randolph was 180 pounds last year and the safety made it a point to bulk up in the offseason.
Randolph claims he's gained 15 pounds since last year and the Vols' official website lists him at a solid 209 pounds. Randolph was overshadowed by A.J. Johnson a year ago and that may occur again in 2014. If the redshirt junior elects to give up his final year of eligibility, however, he could "surprise" as the Vols' top NFL prospect in 2015. Rob Rang (8/26/14)
#37 FS JORDAN LOMAX 5'10 205 lbs (Turns 23 on 10/13/2016)
IOWA... Total Tackles 201... Solo... 99... Int 2... Sacks 0
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/jordan-lomax?id=2555541
OVERVIEW: After three years of waiting his turn to get on the field, including a lost 2012 season due to a spring shoulder injury and 2013 season where he missed four more games due to injury, Lomax finally earned the starting nod in 2014 and stayed healthy. He put forth an honorable mention All-Big Ten effort at safety (he started his Iowa career at cornerback), making 92 tackles, intercepting a pass and breaking up six others.
Lomax followed that up with a third team all-conference campaign (96 tackles, one interception, six pass break-ups), where he used his compact build and athleticism to patrol the secondary for the Hawkeyes. PRO DAY RESULTS: 40-yard dash: 4.62 seconds... Vertical: 38 1/2 inches... Broad jump: 10 feet, 1 inch... 3-cone: 6.82 seconds
STRENGTHS Aggressive, willing demeanor in run support. Loves to hit. Will get his licks in when he gets a chance. Might offer kickoff coverage value. Closes hard on receivers drifting into his area for the catch and can land a disruptive strike to jar ball free. Former cornerback with enough twitch to slam on brakes from backpedal and burst downhill. Hard worker in the classroom and weight room and noted team leader.
WEAKNESSES Stout but short safety with small hands. Carries longer torso on shorter legs. Hesitates to jump routes on crossers and slants in front of him. Lacks playmaking instincts and length. Had just two interceptions in two years as starter. More buildup acceleration than short area burst in coverage.
Great hitter, but average finisher. Questionable angles and poor space adjustment led to 29 broken or missed tackles as a starter. DRAFT PROJECTION Round 7 or priority free agent: SOURCES TELL US "He's short but he's pretty well built so that shouldn't kill his chances.
He's not a reliable tackler in space and if he doesn't run really well he won't drafted. He'll be in a camp though." -- NFC East area scout.. BOTTOM LINE Physical hitter who plays with desire and urgency, but lacks the physical traits and downhill cover skills teams covet at the position. Comparisons to Bob Sanders by locals is understandable due to his frame and physicality, but Lomax lacks the juice and top-end speed that Sanders possessed.
#36 SS ROHAN GAINES 5'11 195 lbs (Turns 24 on 04/01 2017)
ARKANSAS... Total Tackles 234... Solo... 137... Int 2... Sacks 0
Senior (2015) Participated and started in all 13 games … Ranked third on the team in tackles and first among defensive backs (67) … 44 of his 67 tackles were solo stops … Had 1.5 tackles for loss, one interception and one pass breakup … Had at least four tackles in 10 games, including each of his last four contests.
Was the most experienced player on the Razorback defense with 47 games played and 39 career starts … vs. Texas Tech (Sept. 9): Had 10 tackles, marking the third double-digit performance of his career … vs. UT Martin (Oct. 31): Made his second career interception, which came in the first quarter on the Skyhawks’ first possession of the game … Earned preseason All-SEC third team honors from coaches.
Junior (2014) Started in 10 of 12 games participated in … Posted 59 tackles, 1.0 for loss, on the season … Added one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and five pass breakups … at No. 6 Auburn (Aug. 30): Registered eight tackles, seven solo in the season-opener.
At No. 1 Mississippi State (Nov. 1): Racked-up seven tackles and a pass breakup against the top-ranked Bulldogs … vs. No. 8 Ole Miss (Nov. 22): Returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown, tying for the longest interception return in school history, in Arkansas’ 30-0 shutout over Ole Miss.
At No. 17 Missouri (Nov. 28): Posted seven tackles and recovered a fumble. Sophomore (2013) Played in 10 games with five starts and recorded 33 tackles, 1.0 for loss, one fumble recovery, two quarterback hurries and one pass breakup … vs. No. 14 South Carolina (Oct. 12): Made four tackles and two quarterback hurries … vs. Mississippi State (Nov. 1): Totaled a season-high nine tackles and added one fumble recovery … at Ole Miss (Nov. 9): Made five tackles, with 0.5 for loss.
2016 CAMP SUMMARY SAFETIES
The Rams will likely only keep 4 or 5 Safeties so this is the Rankings of which players will be kept on the final 53 at this early stage in camp. The players who were on the 53 man in 2015 get the benefit of the doubt until they're knocked out by the lesser unknown players fighting for their roster spot.
(The Early Camp Top 4 Safeties until proven different)
1.) TJ MCDONALD
2.) M. ALEXANDER
3.) C. DAVIS
4.) C. BRYANT
(The Next Tier Up)
5.) B. RANDOLPH
6.) J. LOMAX
7.) R. GAINES
_______________________________________________________________________________
This was the DEFENSE Position Count for the first Available 2015 Final 53
DT Aaron Donald ........ Nick Fairley
DT Michael Brockers .... Ethan Westbrooks
DE Chris Long .......... William Hayes ........ D-LINEMAN 8
DE Robert Quinn ........ Eugene Sims
MLB James Laurinaitis .. Bryce Hager
OLB Alec Ogletree ...... Daren Bates
OLB Akeem Ayers ........ Cameron Lynch ................ LB's 6
CB Janoris Jenkins ..... Marcus Roberson
CB Trumaine Johnson .... Lamarcus Joyner ............ CB's 4
FS Rodney McLeod .......... Cody Davis
SS T.J. McDonald ... (ss/olb) Mark Barron ............. SS/FS's 5 (9 total defensive backs)
SS Maurice Alexander
Again I hope most of you all found this series informal & enjoyed (Part 2) of the Defense as this completes the 2016 Camp Roster Guide.
Thanks for observing, Florida
x2