COACHING STAFF CHANGES
OUT: OC Brian Schottenhiemer
Schottenhiemer did some good things with the talent on hand, but in order to take this team to the next level, the Rams need to make a some changes.
IN: OC Rhett Lashlee (Auburn)
Time for this team to focus more on running the football and who better than to Gus Malzahn’s right hand man to implement the change.
This change may lead to other changes on the offensive coaching staff that the organization should be able to figure out to implement the new offense.
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VETERAN PERSONNEL MOVES
OUT (via free agency, outright release,
or trade): Davin Joseph, Shaun Hill, Alex Carrington, Austin Davis, Isaiah Pead, Scott Wells, Jake Long, &
YES Sam Bradford.
This is the part of my plan that most will scoff at and probably stop reading and believe me, I understand.
I really like Sam Bradford. I really believe that he has the talent to be an effective NFL QB. And if he can stay healthy, he will probably go on to have a decent career.
BUT:
- At his best, I don’t believe that he is a difference maker.
- And while I’ve fought the good fight, I really have little to no confidence in him staying healthy. Availability is a
HUGE part of being THE GUY at the position in
a traditional offense which requires a pocket passer and he will have missed
31 of the team’s last
80 games.
- Finally, the new offense would probably get him killed if it's run to it’s max capabilities.
Note: Most have Kendall Langford listed as on the way out, but I’d try to extend him at a cheaper salary cap rate and keep the Beast DLine strong.
IN:
Re-Signings: Kenny Britt, Lance Kendricks, Joe Barksdale, Corey Harkey
I believe that each of these guys will be great in the new offense and that none of them have really done that much to have any other team break the bank for their services.
Big Time Free Agent Additions:
No One
Overall, these haven’t really panned out too well. In fact, has one even come close to living up to his contract? Sure the Rams should try to find some bargains, but unless someone like Darrelle Revis could be had to lock down the opposing team’s best WR and make this defense
REALLY dominant,
the focus of this off-season should be on re-signing the players listed above and extending some of the soon to be 2016 free agents like Michael Brockers, Mark Barron, Janoris Jenkins, Trumaine Johnson, and maybe even the earlier mentioned Kendall Langford.
Lesser Known Free Agent Additions: QB Tyrelle Pryor (Street), QB Tyrod Taylor (UFA Ravens)
In the new offense, QBs now have to contribute to the running game. These names wouldn’t excite anyone not familiar with the new offensive scheme, but said scheme allows the Rams the opportunity to take advantage of
the glut of talented available QBs who don’t fit the typical and traditional drop back, pocket passer model non-creative OCs of NFL teams prefer. I’m throwing these names out because they were the first two that came to mind, but it would be up to Lashlee to determine who can best run his offense. And I believe that he can do it as he taught Nick Marshall (an incoming junior college transfer who played CB as a freshman at Georiga) the offense without the benefit of spring practices. Yes, he learned it that Fall and was in the National Championship Game.
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RAMS MOCK DRAFT
With the loss, I‘m now guessing that the Rams will be selecting somewhere between 10-16. And ideally, the goal would be for the team to trade down and acquire more picks. But, for the sake of this mock draft there are no trades listed.
Round 1) Brandon Scherff, OL, Iowa
Currently playing OT, but has the potential to be an All-Pro interior lineman.
Round 2) D’Haquille “Duke” Williams, WR, Auburn
Reminds me of a slightly faster Anquan Boldin. And he knows the offense.
Round 3) Reese Dismukes, C, Auburn
Some say he’s the best run blocking center in the draft. And he knows the offense.
4) Traded to Tampa Bay for Mark Barron
Round 5) Nick Marshall, QB, Auburn
Rocket Arm. 4.40/40 speed. Elusive. If this were 2001, he’d be Michael Vick.
And Yes. Again……He knows the offense
6) Traded to Tampa Bay for Mark Barron[/b]
7) Traded to Alanta to complete Olgetree trade down
Round 7) Blake Sims, QB, Alabama
Smart one year starter with similar measurables and skills to Marshall to compete
Undrafted Free Agency:
Rams should be able to have their pick of Auburn Seniors, like speedy RB Corey Grant, quick wideout Quan Bray, TE/H-Back Brandon Fulse, etc…
None of this will probably even come close to happening, because it takes some guts to pull off. But, this was a fun exercise and I really believe could take this team to the next level.
