Extend or walkaway: Rams must choose between Greg Gaines, A’Shawn Robinson in 2023

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jrry32

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Rams added a NT to the DL as reported in another thread.


Khalil Davis and his brother, Carlos, are both freakish athletes. So that's at least a positive. (Carlos ran a 4.8 40 at 310+. Khalil ran a 4.75 40 at 300+.)
 

Merlin

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I've thought about this. I'd pick A'Shawn. Here's why:
  • Gaines is the better overall player, which will make him more expensive to retain.
  • A'Shawn is a totally dominant run defender, but he's not an impactful pass rusher. Gaines is a good run defender and pass rusher.
  • It will be easier to replace Gaines with a platoon (bring in a pass rush specialist on passing downs) than it will be replacing A'Shawn's impact as a run defender.
Yeah I agree that between the two Gaines will probably cost too much. He has a really nice ability to provide pressure at key moments.

Ashawn meanwhile is a one trick pony and he's been up and down in that one trick. We benefitted greatly from him having a fine season last year but if you look at him from a contract perspective yeah he's got risk. I don't think teams will offer him too rich a contract so I agree he's the best option to stick around.

But I'd still let both of them leave. I think Henderson is good enough to survive with a rotation of big guys who play through the whistle. Rams should be able to find a couple more of them.
 

BonifayRam

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Yeah I agree that between the two Gaines will probably cost too much. He has a really nice ability to provide pressure at key moments.

Ashawn meanwhile is a one trick pony and he's been up and down in that one trick. We benefitted greatly from him having a fine season last year but if you look at him from a contract perspective yeah he's got risk. I don't think teams will offer him too rich a contract so I agree he's the best option to stick around.

But I'd still let both of them leave. I think Henderson is good enough to survive with a rotation of big guys who play through the whistle. Rams should be able to find a couple more of them.
Unless DT Bobby Brown & the two new FA-DT's make a big splash in the next four games the Rams will sure be lacking girth if both Robinson & Gaines depart. Rams will be facing serious salary cap issues when this lossing season ends.

Gaines offers up some pass rush which is seriously needed in this DL unit.
 

Steve808

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Khalil Davis and his brother, Carlos, are both freakish athletes. So that's at least a positive. (Carlos ran a 4.8 40 at 310+. Khalil ran a 4.75 40 at 300+.)

Practice squad means any team can sign them to their active roster though. They are not protected.
 

OregonRamsFan

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Keep Greg “Freaking” Gaines, baby. I like his motor a lot better. A’Shawn is great when he’s battling, but often seems to lack motivation at times. He turns it up for the big games though.
 

Kupped

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Gaines is better at getting penetration.
If you're in dire need of a solid 1st and second down run-stopper.. you can usually get a decent value vet later in FA.