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Identifying new leadership on Rams' priority list for OTAs
By Nick Wagoner
[espn.go.com]
The Los Angeles Rams are moving closer to the beginning of the final phase of the offseason conditioning program. That's the time all players can come together on a field and go through full-squad practices (with some limitations, of course): organized team activities.
The Rams' first OTA is set for May 31 at their current temporary training facility in Oxnard, Calif. Before we get there, we're counting down five of the questions we'll look to get answered when the Rams get going again:
The question: By deleting James Laurinaitis and Chris Long, the Rams lost some important leadership in the locker room. Who are some candidates to step into those roles and provide some leadership at a time when the team needs it more than ever?
Outlook: Leadership in an NFL locker room can be a tricky thing. Because it's intangible, nobody really knows the effect that strong leaders can have until, perhaps, it's gone. The Rams probably would have liked to have kept Laurinaitis and Long around forever if the decision was solely about what they brought to the table in terms of leadership. But that obviously wasn't possible, and they decided they needed to get better at middle linebacker and defensive end while also ushering in a new era of leadership on the roster.
But in subtracting Long and Laurinaitis, the Rams lost a combined 15 years of valuable playing experience. Yes, Long and Laurinaitis were leaders of a team that never reached the playoffs, but the Rams have been the youngest team in the league for each of the four seasons that Jeff Fisher has been head coach. They project to be right in the mix to hold that title once again. That wouldn't be a big deal if they'd had some success in those four seasons, but without so much as a .500 season in those years, the Rams need someone who can step to the forefront and serve as the on-field voice when things might go wrong.
On defense, the Rams have some options who already have showed signs of leadership. End Robert Quinn would seem to be the best bet as he's proved himself as a player and has been around long enough to share his experience. Quinn and defensive tackle Aaron Donald are the two best defenders on the team, but neither has a reputation for being a vocal leader. End William Hayes is another good candidate who could step to the forefront now that he's entrenched as a starter. Linebacker Alec Ogletree will have to take on some of those responsibilities if for no other reason than the fact that he's replacing Laurinaitis. Leadership from his position is imperative, and Ogletree will have to be key in getting his teammates lined up as well as calling the defense. Safety T.J. McDonald would seem to be another candidate to step into more of a leadership role.
On offense, ideally, that player to lead would be rookie quarterback Jared Goff -- if for no other reason than he was the first overall pick and plays the most important position on the field. That will probably come in time for Goff, but he has enough to do now without worrying about everyone else. Last year, the Rams hoped Nick Foles would be that guy, naming him captain before he ever played a snap, but his struggles on the field got him benched. Case Keenum has leadership qualities and could also help in the interim. Todd Gurley is already the best player on the offense, but like Donald isn't known for being vocal. Offensive linemen Rodger Saffold and Garrett Reynolds are other logical candidates to at least help their position group and the same is true of receiver Kenny Britt and tight ends Lance Kendricks and Cory Harkey.
All told, leaders generally have to grow into their roles in a more organic way. They can't be forced, although positions like quarterback and middle linebacker often lend themselves to the job. It's a process that takes time and one that starts on the practice field and in the weight room at this time of year.
By Nick Wagoner
[espn.go.com]
The Los Angeles Rams are moving closer to the beginning of the final phase of the offseason conditioning program. That's the time all players can come together on a field and go through full-squad practices (with some limitations, of course): organized team activities.
The Rams' first OTA is set for May 31 at their current temporary training facility in Oxnard, Calif. Before we get there, we're counting down five of the questions we'll look to get answered when the Rams get going again:
The question: By deleting James Laurinaitis and Chris Long, the Rams lost some important leadership in the locker room. Who are some candidates to step into those roles and provide some leadership at a time when the team needs it more than ever?
Outlook: Leadership in an NFL locker room can be a tricky thing. Because it's intangible, nobody really knows the effect that strong leaders can have until, perhaps, it's gone. The Rams probably would have liked to have kept Laurinaitis and Long around forever if the decision was solely about what they brought to the table in terms of leadership. But that obviously wasn't possible, and they decided they needed to get better at middle linebacker and defensive end while also ushering in a new era of leadership on the roster.
But in subtracting Long and Laurinaitis, the Rams lost a combined 15 years of valuable playing experience. Yes, Long and Laurinaitis were leaders of a team that never reached the playoffs, but the Rams have been the youngest team in the league for each of the four seasons that Jeff Fisher has been head coach. They project to be right in the mix to hold that title once again. That wouldn't be a big deal if they'd had some success in those four seasons, but without so much as a .500 season in those years, the Rams need someone who can step to the forefront and serve as the on-field voice when things might go wrong.
On defense, the Rams have some options who already have showed signs of leadership. End Robert Quinn would seem to be the best bet as he's proved himself as a player and has been around long enough to share his experience. Quinn and defensive tackle Aaron Donald are the two best defenders on the team, but neither has a reputation for being a vocal leader. End William Hayes is another good candidate who could step to the forefront now that he's entrenched as a starter. Linebacker Alec Ogletree will have to take on some of those responsibilities if for no other reason than the fact that he's replacing Laurinaitis. Leadership from his position is imperative, and Ogletree will have to be key in getting his teammates lined up as well as calling the defense. Safety T.J. McDonald would seem to be another candidate to step into more of a leadership role.
On offense, ideally, that player to lead would be rookie quarterback Jared Goff -- if for no other reason than he was the first overall pick and plays the most important position on the field. That will probably come in time for Goff, but he has enough to do now without worrying about everyone else. Last year, the Rams hoped Nick Foles would be that guy, naming him captain before he ever played a snap, but his struggles on the field got him benched. Case Keenum has leadership qualities and could also help in the interim. Todd Gurley is already the best player on the offense, but like Donald isn't known for being vocal. Offensive linemen Rodger Saffold and Garrett Reynolds are other logical candidates to at least help their position group and the same is true of receiver Kenny Britt and tight ends Lance Kendricks and Cory Harkey.
All told, leaders generally have to grow into their roles in a more organic way. They can't be forced, although positions like quarterback and middle linebacker often lend themselves to the job. It's a process that takes time and one that starts on the practice field and in the weight room at this time of year.
