Dotson and a contract

[AvengerRam]

People talk about our track record of drafting certain positions.

What is our track record at RB? Is it Cam Akers, Darell Henderson, John Kelly and Jake Funk…or Kyren Williams?

How about WR? Didn’t the same people who overestimated and took Tutu Atwell and Van Jefferson too early, and whiffed on Jacob Harris, also hit home runs with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua?

Yes, the Rams have missed on several OL picks. That can change, though, and if the Rams believe they’d be better off spending money elsewhere and drafting an OG in the first three rounds, I’m not going to assume it’s a mistake before I see the whole picture.

 

[Allen2McVay]

People talk about our track record of drafting certain positions.

What is our track record at RB? Is it Cam Akers, Darell Henderson, John Kelly and Jake Funk…or Kyren Williams?

How about WR? Didn’t the same people who overestimated and took Tutu Atwell and Van Jefferson too early, and whiffed on Jacob Harris, also hit home runs with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua?

Yes, the Rams have missed on several OL picks. That can change, though, and if the Rams believe they’d be better off spending money elsewhere and drafting an OG in the first three rounds, I’m not going to assume it’s a mistake before I see the whole picture.

Fair objective ... and well written ... post. Who is you editor?

The Draft is so much fun. Not just before but after. Always have thought analysts should look-back at teams (and their own) successes and failures but hardly ever do.

Earlier this week, there was a brief discussion on Rams' DL Earnest Brown, who was cut a couple weeks ago, then signed to the Practice Squad but was one of only two PS players to not be re-signed this week to a reserve/futures contract. I never liked Brown. Posted that in limited snaps, he just never "flashed" in my opinion ... as opposed to Desjuan Johnson, where I see a lot of exciting potential.

Earnest Brown was the 174th overall pick in his draft. Puka Nacua was #177 last year. Draft is such a crapshoot.

 

[CGI_Ram]

With our first round pick, even with a trade down, we’d be in that range for the top interior lineman.

 

[Allen2McVay]

With our first round pick, even with a trade down, we’d be in that range for the top interior lineman.

Yes but they have some huge needs at other positions; and two straight drafts using the top pick on a guard?

There may be some really good cornerbacks at #19, and I think the Rams really need help there. Only a couple top free agents (players like Johnson and Snead) and they may get re-signed or receive monster contracts.

One of the best Edge-rushers could fall, especially if the top-six-QBs all impress. Even a top-tier WR at #19.

 

[OldSchool]

Yes but they have some huge needs at other positions; and two straight drafts using the top pick on a guard?

There may be some really good cornerbacks at #19, and I think the Rams really need help there. Only a couple top free agents (players like Johnson and Snead) and they may get re-signed or receive monster contracts.

One of the best Edge-rushers could fall, especially if the top-six-QBs all impress. Even a top-tier WR at #19.

Too early to lock in on a position being picked or not really. We could sign a top end Edge and CB then heck yeah boost the line with a guard and a safety early or RB or WR really. It's fun chatter for now though.

 

[PARAM]

Yes but they have some huge needs at other positions; and two straight drafts using the top pick on a guard?

It's already been two straight years.....Bruss &Avila.

They're gonna shock everybody and take a WR!

 

[OnceARam]

I think I know what you are saying (definitely know what you are thinking, and you have a dirty very mind ... shame on you) but I don't agree.

I thought Dotson was outstanding this season. However, Lions' interior DL Alim McNeill destroyed Dotson a number of times on the pass rush last Sunday. Thought that was surprising given pass protection is supposed to be Dotson's strength.

Thought @OldSchool made a good point yesterday (don't tell him ... the man has a massive ego as it is) about being careful rewarding a player with a huge contract after just one good year. Think that sound thought process applies to Not overly criticizing a player for one bad game.

At the end of the day, I am in the camp hoping Dotson is re-signed. Thought the OL (with pretty good health and one good reserve) was a strength this year; and would love some continuity. Unfortunately, two starters will be unrestricted free agents, and a third will be a restricted free agent.

You are too funny. Thanks for the confirmation that it was Dotson that was getting blown up. Also, my understanding was that his strength was the run game.

I think it comes down to price with Dotson. He is replaceable in the passing game.

Will be interesting to see what the Front Office will do this offseason. If we thought they were masterful last offseason, they will need to be genius this one to utilize both draft capital and capital capital.

 

[Ellard80]

Why are posters calling it an overpay? If it is the market rate, it's the market rate
The top guards are making over 20 mill
I also dont buy the "one good year" deal. Avila had only 1 good year and here we are fully depending on him going forward

overpay is the wrong word...

allocate too much of the budget to guard is what i was driving at.

 

[Allen2McVay]

Too early to lock in on a position being picked or not really. We could sign a top end Edge and CB then heck yeah boost the line with a guard and a safety early or RB or WR really. It's fun chatter for now though.

Agree. I think draft analysis and speculation (understand, it's not for everyone) is so much fun.

Love the NFL off-season. The deconstruction of a team, followed by its reconstruction. Coaching changes, talent issues, business issues, money (cap) issues, Free Agency, Draft, post-Draft Free Agency.
Like a real-life Madden Franchise!

For me personally, NFL football is the only sport I intensely follow ... so it's year-round.
I had my time (decades) enjoying other sports, especially baseball and the NBA but no more for me.
Mazel Tov to all the posters and fans of a myriad of other sports. The Titans need a long-snapper!!!

 

[PARAM]

Will be interesting to see what the Front Office will do this offseason. If we thought they were masterful last offseason, they will need to be genius this one to utilize both draft capital and capital capital.

They don't have to be genius. Masterful again should be enough. Through 7 seasons, they've demonstrated, when one position group isn't hammered with injury, they produce a very good product. Our next Superbowl, if it comes in the next couple years, puts us at the top of the NFL along with the Chiefs. It's a great time to be a Rams fan.

 

[Corbin]

Yes, those were two productive guys. I do admit I am a fan of going after allen should the Rams choose the FA route.

…but am I reading the numbers correctly?

The discussion on this board is suggesting Dotson could get anywhere from $16mil/per to $19mil. Now I’m seeing $20 mil/per for an Edge and $16mil/per for a CB?

It looks like the NFL DOES value IOL. If the numbers truly are that comparable, then it would probably be easier to spend the $$ on defense and draft OL

Yeah man those fuckers have gotten expensive to now! lol

IMO Dotson doesn’t have the games played and the track record to come to the table asking for anything close to 20 mill. (Which is the numbers they use in negotiations between Snead, his staff and Dotson's agent.)

The kicker is I think Dotson realizes he had a bad experience with the Steelers, knew how close he potentially was being bounced out the league and will settle for a fair price with us.

 

[Londoner]

Which is the numbers they use in negotiations between Snead, his staff and Dotson's agent.

Where did you see this?

 

[fanotodd]

Too early to lock in on a position being picked or not really. We could sign a top end Edge and CB then heck yeah boost the line with a guard and a safety early or RB or WR really. It's fun chatter for now though.

It is fun. The Rams are in a great spot to address some key needs. Between Edge, CB, and OL (mission critical from where I’m sitting), the Rams have the means to get it handled. They have picks in the first 3 rounds and decent cap space to work with—plenty of ammo to get it done.

 

[Kupped]

Fair objective ... and well written ... post. Who is you editor?

The Draft is so much fun. Not just before but after. Always have thought analysts should look-back at teams (and their own) successes and failures but hardly ever do.

Earlier this week, there was a brief discussion on Rams' DL Earnest Brown, who was cut a couple weeks ago, then signed to the Practice Squad but was one of only two PS players to not be re-signed this week to a reserve/futures contract. I never liked Brown. Posted that in limited snaps, he just never "flashed" in my opinion ... as opposed to Desjuan Johnson, where I see a lot of exciting potential.

Earnest Brown was the 174th overall pick in his draft. Puka Nacua was #177 last year. Draft is such a crapshoot.

Such a crapshoot.
That's why I like the idea of trading back a little and loading up on picks.
FA you buy the sure thing.. or maybe trade.. draft, you play the numbers game.

 

[Londoner]

FA you buy the sure thing..

How many times have we seen players not bother once they’ve got paid?

I still get nightmares about Drew Bennett…

 

[Kupped]

How many times have we seen players not bother once they’ve got paid?

I still get nightmares about Drew Bennett…

Always a risk that it won't work out. Always a risk it won't work out in draft or trade.

But, you move forward.

Allen Robinson was a huge whiff.

Whitworth and Woods helped transform the franchise.
I'd say their recent record is pretty good.

 

[OldSchool]

Always a risk that it won't work out. Always a risk it won't work out in draft or trade.

But, you move forward.

Allen Robinson was a huge whiff.

Whitworth and Woods helped transform the franchise.
I'd say their recent record is pretty good.

We're trying to move forward with Noteboom too

 

[Kupped]

We're trying to move forward with Noteboom too

I'm not pounding the table for Noteboom OR Dotson.. I'm talking about what the options are for roster building and just being clear about what those options are.

For all the times we have fans have been "sure" the Rams wouldn't do something or that something wouldn't make sense.. and the Rams did it.. you'd think we'd be a little more open-minded.

I mean.. they traded Jalen Ramsey for a third-rounder.. who saw that coming?

 

[WestCoastRam]

I'm not pounding the table for Noteboom OR Dotson.. I'm talking about what the options are for roster building and just being clear about what those options are.

Absolutely.

I suspect the scenario might play out like this:

- Rams talk with Dotson's agent, find out what he's seeking in a contract and what agent thinks the market will be.
- If the numbers agreeable to them, they'll sign him right away (hardly a chance this happens).
- If number that's too high, they'll plan on letting him walk.
- It may end up being a number that could be doable depending on investment at edge and corner in which case they will prioritize signing edge or corner and then circling back to Dotson

- Rams may already have decided to move on from Boom before this but seems like they could wait for all this to play out before making the decision

It's not just one decision, it's a flow chart.

What I don't think Dotson is, is the first priority for them in FA.

 

[ramsince62]

I think Dotson will test free agency and get an absolutely gigantic contract. Hope I'm wrong though.

Debbie Downer??