Rams Offseason Roster Review: Position by Position

[RamBill]

St. Louis Rams offseason roster review: A revamped quarterback room
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...son-roster-review-a-revamped-quarterback-room

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams don't start organized team activities until June 3, but with most of the offseason heavy lifting complete, the current roster likely will make up the vast majority of players come the start of the regular season.

With that in mind, we'll spend the next week or so delving into each position group with some thoughts on who will start, who might be on the bubble and how the depth chart could shake out.

Position: QB

Returning: Austin Davis

Newcomers: Nick Foles, Case Keenum, Sean Mannion

Departures: Sam Bradford, Shaun Hill

Projected starter: Foles

Battle to watch: Rams coach Jeff Fisher has already declared Foles his starter and there's probably nothing short of an injury or off the field issue that can change that. After spending a third-round pick on Mannion, he also is pretty much a lock to make the roster. So the real battle here is to be the third quarterback on the roster and the likely backup for Foles. That means a battle of two players who spent time with the Rams in 2014: Davis and Keenum. Since Mannion will take some time to develop, the winner of that battle will probably be the No. 2 signal caller to start the season and the loser will be in the strange position of being out of a job entirely.

Outlook: The Rams are hoping that the drastic changes they've made to the quarterback room will finally be enough to get them over the hump and into playoff contention. They even made a change with the coaching staff here, hiring Chris Weinke as quarterbacks coach and bringing Jeff Garcia on as an offensive assistant. Foles isn't as physically gifted as Bradford as a passer but the simple act of being healthy and cheap represents a potential upgrade. In the Rams' offense, Foles doesn't need to be the 27-touchdown, two-interception guy he was in 2013 but he also can't be the guy who missed time with injuries and struggled with turnovers in 2014. Instead, the Rams need a quarterback who can not make the critical mistakes that Davis had a knack for last year and take advantage when downfield opportunities arise. To reacquire Keenum, the Rams dealt a seventh-round pick in next year's draft to Houston and he should get a better look this time around. Davis signed a tender offer as a restricted free agent and has at least flashed the ability to spot start when needed. Mannion is a project but not as much of one as some of the spread-system quarterbacks now entering the league. In an ideal world, Foles emerges as a top choice both short and long term but barring that, the hope is that Mannion can develop into a potential long-term fit capable of giving the Rams options moving forward.

 

[RamBill]

St. Louis Rams offseason roster review: Status quo at tight end
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...fseason-roster-review-status-quo-at-tight-end

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams don't start organized team activities until June 3, but with most of the offseason heavy lifting complete, the current roster likely will make up the vast majority of players come the start of the regular season.

With that in mind, we'll spend the next week or so delving into each position group with some thoughts on who will start, who might be on the bubble and how the depth chart could shake out.

Position: TE

Returning: Jared Cook, Lance Kendricks, Cory Harkey, Justice Cunningham, Alex Bayer, Brad Smelley

Newcomers: None

Departures: None

Projected starter(s): Cook, Kendricks

Battle to watch: The Rams find themselves in the enviable position of having no real changes at tight end. Which means that any meaningful battle will be further down the depth chart. It's probably a safe bet that Cook, Kendricks and Harkey won't be going anywhere but the Rams have consistently kept at least four tight ends under coach Jeff Fisher. That means round two of a potential battle between Bayer and Cunningham for a spot. The team initially kept both at the end of last year's preseason, but Bayer stuck around while Cunningham left and was brought back later in the season. Smelley has bounced around in multiple stints with the Rams' practice squad but has had some good moments in practice. The winner of the battle will almost certainly have to be able to contribute on special teams to stick around.

Outlook: Because everybody is back, roles are pretty clearly defined and, after bringing Kendricks back on a long-term deal, this group should only continue to evolve and grow together. Cook remains the top target in the passing game out of this group and led the team's tight ends in catches (52) and yards (634) last year. There are many who would like to see more from him given his contract and this could be an important year for him as he nears the end of his deal. Kendricks has said that he's been told he'll be more active in the passing game as that was a condition of his return in free agency but will also continue in his versatile role doing a bit of everything. Harkey is one of the team's hardest working and dependable pieces. He'll likely continue to get plenty of snaps in a de facto fullback role and with the Rams looking to power up the run game, his playing time could actually increase. The Rams have kept four or even five tight ends at times under Fisher so Cunningham, Bayer and Smelley will have to jockey for position with Bayer a likely leader in the clubhouse based on his flashes from 2014.

 

[Firecap]

I'll throw in one more name for the battle of the 4th TE spot ... FB Zach Laskey. The Rams could easily keep 3 TE and 1 FB. That would allow Harkey to play inline more.

Go Rams

 

[LACHAMP46]

I like Cunningham, due to expected ST work....

 

[RamBill]

St. Louis Rams offseason roster review: Big moves at running back
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...eason-roster-review-big-moves-at-running-back

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams don't start organized team activities until June 3, but with most of the offseason heavy lifting complete, the current roster likely will make up the vast majority of players come the start of the regular season.

With that in mind, we'll spend the next week or so delving into each position group with some thoughts on who will start, who might be on the bubble and how the depth chart could shake out.

Position: RB

Returning: Tre Mason, Benny Cunningham, Chase Reynolds, Trey Watts, Isaiah Pead

Newcomers: Todd Gurley, Malcolm Brown, Terrence Franks, Zach Laskey

Departures: Zac Stacy

Projected starter: Mason (until Gurley is healthy)

Battle to watch: There's an argument to be made here that the battle to watch is for the starting job between Mason and Gurley. At this point, we don't know when Gurley will be healthy but when he does return, it's pretty safe to assume he'll be the starter. Coach Jeff Fisher has already referred to Gurley as the team's "back of the future" and acknowledged that he envisions Gurley becoming his new Eddie George. So the attention here turns to how the Rams plan to sort things out beyond the top three of Gurley, Mason and Cunningham, who figures to stick because of his ability to help on special teams and in pass protection. The Rams have kept five running backs the past two seasons with Reynolds and Watts contributing on special teams last year. Now, there figures to be a four-way battle for the remaining two spots with Reynolds, Watts, Pead and Brown as the contestants. Brown was one of the more coveted rookie free agents for the Rams and could push Watts for a spot if he can prove valuable on special teams. Pead seems to be on his last chance and will also need to prove capable of helping on special teams. Reynolds is a core special teams player and will be hard to displace on the roster.

Outlook: In this edition of the Rams offense, there's no more important position than running back. Gurley clearly comes with the most talent and could have a big future but it remains to be seen when that future will begin. His time will come but it might not be for a few weeks which means it's on Mason to carry the load in the meantime. Mason rushed for 765 yards while averaging 4.3 yards per carry as a rookie but the Rams would like to see more consistency from him on a carry-to-carry basis. Ideally, Mason's home run ability will complement Gurley's every down running with Cunningham helping out on third downs and in clear passing situations. The Rams have made no bones about what they want to be offensively and the amount of talent to have more success on the ground looks to be in place. Until Gurley returns and proves himself, though, the rest of the group will need to pick up the slack.

 

[RamBill]

St. Louis Rams offseason roster review: Standing pat at receiver with Kenny Britt back
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...tanding-pat-at-receiver-with-kenny-britt-back

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams don't start Organized Team Activities until June 2 but with most of the offseason heavy lifting complete, the roster you see now likely consists of most of the players who will be on it when the regular season starts.

With that in mind, we'll spend the next week or so delving into each position group with some thoughts on who will start, who might be on the bubble, and how the depth chart could shake out.

Position: Wide receiver

Returning: Kenny Britt, Tavon Austin, Brian Quick, Stedman Bailey, Chris Givens, Emory Blake, Devon Wylie, Damian Williams

Newcomers: Bud Sasser, Bradley Marquez, Isiah Ferguson, Daniel Rodriguez, Tyler Slavin

Departures: None

Projected starter(s): Britt, Quick

Battle to watch: It might fly under the radar, but it's fair to wonder whether Bailey has a chance to unseat Austin in the slot. But the reality is that both will get opportunities with the bigger, more physical Britt and Quick on the outside, which could leave an intriguing battle for the fifth receiver spot. The Rams have kept six receivers in the past but tend to prefer to keep an extra tight end. If they only keep five, the onus then falls on Givens to secure his spot. Givens was once considered the top receiver on the team but hasn't developed beyond being a deep threat. Givens is entering the final year of his contract and if he is unable to chip in on special teams, the Rams could look to replace him. Sasser stands as the most likely to claim the job after the Rams used a sixth-round pick on him in this year's draft. Sasser is a bigger, more physical threat than Givens and would seem to fit into the power running offense with his ability as a blocker. The rest of the group probably won't pose much of a threat, though it's always possible an under-the-radar wideout could emerge as a dark horse.

Outlook: The Rams could undoubtedly use more production from this group after it was second-worst in the NFL behind the Kansas City Chiefs in combined receiving yards last season. Getting Quick back at full strength and re-signing Britt offers plenty in the way of continuity. Britt led the team in receiving yards a year ago and could become a prime deep target for new quarterback Nick Foles. The Rams won't ask much of their receivers in the passing game, but those who prove capable of helping as blockers in the run game should be on the field the most. When they aren't doing that, the Rams' play-action game will ask this group to make plays down the field. Quick is a free agent after the season and needs a big season to prove he can be the guy who flashed potential last year before a season-ending shoulder injury. The Rams must find a way to use Austin more effectively than the past two seasons. As it stands, Austin looks like a square peg in a round hole, but new coordinator Frank Cignetti has vowed to get him more involved. No matter where it comes from, the Rams need this group to do more in 2015.

 

[RamBill]

St. Louis Rams offseason roster review: A new-look offensive line
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...eason-roster-review-a-new-look-offensive-line

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams don't start organized team activities until June 2, but with most of the offseason heavy lifting complete, the roster you see now likely has the vast majority of players who will be on it come the start of the regular season.

With that in mind, we'll spend the next week or so delving into each position group with some thoughts on who will start, who might be on the bubble and how the depth chart could shake out.

Position: Offensive line

Returning: Rodger Saffold, Greg Robinson, Tim Barnes, Barrett Jones, Demetrius Rhaney, Brandon Washington, Travis Bond, Steven Baker

Newcomers: Garrett Reynolds, Rob Havenstein, Jamon Brown, Andrew Donnal, Cody Wichmann, David Wang, Darrell Williams

Departures: Jake Long, Scott Wells, Joe Barksdale, Davin Joseph, Mike Person

Projected starter(s): Robinson, Saffold, Barnes, Brown, Havenstein

Battle to watch: There's no shortage of choices here given the amount of turnover on the offensive line, but the choice is clear: starting center. The Rams have three obvious candidates in Barnes, Jones and Rhaney. Barnes is the only one of the three with any sort of real playing time in the NFL though even that is limited to four starts and the bulk of another game as a replacement for Wells. He re-signed after the team didn't tender him as a restricted free agent. The Rams have invested two years in Jones, who hasn't been able to stay healthy but by all accounts is smart enough and up to speed on the playbook to step in and handle the mental side of things right away. Rhaney is more of an unknown after he arrived as a seventh-round pick last year and never got going because of an injury. The Rams like Jones' intelligence, Barnes' experience and Rhaney's toughness, which means this figures to be a wide-open competition as we head toward organized team activities and training camp. Barnes might be the current favorite on paper but keep a close eye on Jones and Rhaney as we proceed.

Outlook: There is no group on the roster that has undergone more change than the offensive line this offseason. Only Saffold was a starter on opening day in 2014 and though Robinson got his share of experience as the season went on, he's undoubtedly still a work in progress at left tackle. With center an unknown commodity, the Rams look like they're going to rely on a pair of rookies at the other guard spot and right tackle. Havenstein is all but set as Barksdale's replacement at right tackle and, as it stands, Brown looks like the favorite to win the other guard job. That plan could be put on hold if either struggles early on, though, as Reynolds could be a spot starter until Brown or Havenstein gets up to speed. The Rams could also theoretically still pursue a veteran like guard Justin Blalock. It's a move that still makes too much sense for the Rams not to do it, but there hasn't been any urgency on either side to make that happen. Beyond that, the Rams don't have much in the way of experience among the backups. Line coach Paul Boudreau has a big task in front of him to make all of the moving pieces fit together in a short period of time.

 

[RamBill]

St. Louis Rams offseason roster review: An important year for defensive ends
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/18822/st-louis-rams-offseason-roster-review

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams don't start organized team activities until June 2 but with most of the offseason heavy lifting complete, the roster you see now likely has the vast majority of players who will be on it come the start of the regular season.

With that in mind, we'll spend the next week or so delving into each position group with some thoughts on who will start, who might be on the bubble and how the depth chart could shake out.

Position: Defensive end

Returning: Chris Long, Robert Quinn, Eugene Sims, William Hayes, Ethan Westbrooks

Newcomers: Martin Ifedi, Matt Longacre

Departures: None

Projected starter(s): Quinn, Long

Battle to watch: There's very little drama to be found here as Quinn and Long are set in their spots with Hayes and Sims as one of the best backup duos in the league. That leaves a battle similar to what the Rams had in last year's camp although with far less profile for a fifth defensive end. In 2014, it was Ethan Westbrooks overcoming Michael Sam for the fifth end and ninth defensive lineman spot. This year, the battle figures to center on Westbrooks and Ifedi. Ifedi is a seventh-round pick but is coming off injury and the Rams are intrigued by his upside. But Westbrooks is also a player the Rams believe in and his versatility makes him especially enticing. Longacre can't be entirely overlooked, either, after a wildly productive college career.

Outlook: This is an interesting and big year for this group. Quinn is locked in through the 2019 season and remains the team's most proven elite player. Beyond Quinn, though, there are plenty of questions that need answering. Long would be the first to say he needs to have a strong bounce back year after an injury derailed his 2014 season. Even after coming back from that ailment, he was playing at about two-thirds of his usual speed. He's due to count more than $14 million against the cap in 2016 so ideally he could get back up to speed and earn an extension. Sims and Hayes add important depth because of their ability to line up anywhere on the line but both are also scheduled to become unrestricted free agents after the season. Westbrooks has similar versatility to Hayes and Sims and some believe Ifedi could offer the same. Much is expected from this group in 2015 and the more it provides, the better the chances it will have to remain together beyond this season.

 

[PARAM]

"Coach Jeff Fisher has already referred to Gurley as the team's "back of the future" and acknowledged that he envisions Gurley becoming his new Eddie George. So the attention here turns to how the Rams plan to sort things out beyond the top three of Gurley, Mason and Cunningham, who figures to stick because of his ability to help on special teams and in pass protection."


Is it possible with a healthy Gurley and Mason, the Rams could have.....down the line......a Steven Jackson/Marshall Faulk - type combo. Certainly not saying "Steven Jackson and Marshall Faulk" but rather a bruising runner and a evasive runner-pass receiver with the Gurley-Mason combo.

 

[RamBill]

Rams offseason roster review: Nick Fairley adds more push at DT
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...ster-review-nick-fairley-adds-more-push-at-dt

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams don't start organized team activities until June 2, but with most of the offseason heavy lifting complete, the roster you see now likely has the vast majority of players who will be on it come the start of the regular season.

With that in mind, we'll spend the next week or so delving into each position group with some thoughts on who will start, who might be on the bubble and how the depth chart could shake out.

Position: Defensive tackle

Returning: Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers, Doug Worthington

Newcomers: Nick Fairley, Louis Trinca-Pasat

Departures: Kendall Langford

Projected starters: Donald, Brockers

Battle to watch: There's really not much suspense to be found here. Donald and Brockers will start, with Fairley getting plenty of opportunities to work his way into the mix, especially on passing downs. Theoretically, Trinca-Pasat and Worthington could evolve into a competition for a possible fourth defensive tackle spot on the roster. But the Rams paid Trinca-Pasat a hefty bonus, and he appears to be in the driver's seat for a job. One thing that could alter the situation is how the Rams view end Ethan Westbrooks. Westbrooks can play inside as well and so, too, can fellow linemen William Hayes and Eugene Sims. Most likely, the competition won't be to win the fourth defensive tackle spot so much as competing to prove they should keep one.

Outlook: Donald changed the entire look of this group in 2014, instantly becoming one of the best pass-rushing defensive tackles in the NFL on his way to the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Entering his second season, Donald should be even better than he was as a rookie. And it should only help him that the Rams have added a motivated Fairley, who signed a one-year "prove it" deal with an eye toward cashing in following a big season. He's already trimmed his weight below 300 pounds and looks poised for a breakthrough season. With Fairley, Chris Long and Robert Quinn, the Rams have a group that should leave plenty of one-on-one opportunities. Brockers embraced his role as a run-stuffing nose tackle in the latter stages of last season but is still only 24 years old with plenty of upside as a pass-rusher. Trinca-Pasat is built like Donald but without the quickness or hands. He still figures to have some upside as a pass-rusher. Donald, Brockers and Fairley should handle the majority of the work inside on a line that should again be among the best in the league in 2015.

 

[RamBill]

Rams offseason roster review: Akeem Ayers adds to linebacker depth
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...r-review-akeem-ayers-adds-to-linebacker-depth

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams finally begin organized team activities on Tuesday and with most of the offseason heavy lifting complete, the roster you see now likely has the vast majority of players who will be on it come the start of the regular season.

With that in mind, we'll spend the next week or so delving into each position group with some thoughts on who will start, who might be on the bubble and how the depth chart could shake out.

Position: Linebacker

Returning: James Laurinaitis, Alec Ogletree, Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Daren Bates, Marshall McFadden, Korey Toomer

Newcomers: Akeem Ayers, Bryce Hager, Cameron Lynch, Keshaun Malone

Departures: Will Herring

Projected starter(s): Laurinaitis, Ogletree, Ayers

Battle to watch: Laurinaitis and Ogletree are as settled as can be in their spots. It's the third linebacker spot that bears watching. That should come down to a battle between new addition Ayers and incumbent Dunbar. Dunbar knows the system and is a well-respected leader in the locker room, but the Rams clearly went out and got Ayers for a reason. At the March owners meetings, Rams coach Jeff Fisher said Ayers and Dunbar would compete for the starting spot. It's a competition that figures to begin in OTAs and carry on into training camp. Dunbar is known as more of a run-stopper while Ayers flashed pass-rush potential in his stint with the Patriots at the end of last season. It's possible the Rams could use both and safety Mark Barron's name should be mentioned here as well but given the investment made in Ayers, it stands to reason he's going to win the job. Either way, that's the position to watch as the rest of the spring and summer unfold.

Outlook: Laurinaitis is still the captain and leader of the entire defense. His knowledge of the system and ability to put his teammates in the right spot is as valuable as his ability to tackle. He remains the focal point of this group heading into 2015. Ogletree is the player who might be most poised for a breakout season. After some serious struggles early in 2014, he hit his stride midway through the year and went on to lead the team in tackles as well as forcing four fumbles and coming up with a pair of interceptions. He also had 10 pass breakups. If he can become more consistent, Ogletree has a chance to continue to ascend this season. What happens with the other spot is more up in the air as Dunbar and Ayers battle for snaps. Barron also figures into the mix and the Rams might begin tinkering more with their alignments on third down and in the nickel. Ogletree looks to be the only member of this group all but assured of staying on the field all three downs for the bulk of the time. The rest of the group should be able to provide depth and special-teams value though there looks to be some jobs available. Dunbar is currently the backup in the middle, but the Rams will be examining all options behind the starting group. Bates is a core special-teams player and unlikely to go anywhere. Hager could fit into a similar role but he'll have competition from the likes of Toomer, McFadden, Lynch and Malone.

 

[BonifayRam]

Sure looks as though both JL & Alec are entrenched as any Ram could be in a starting position here. With these two Lb'ers giving their best the Rams could ride them hard into the playoffs with out looking back.

The addition Akeem Ayers bring much interest from me on what the Rams org. wants to do here in this SSLB post. We saw late last season that Gregg used this post as a play making post with the multi talented Mark Barron & when Mark was up close to LOS he was highly involved in making plays. AA sure bring added pounds & length into that post by a large amount.

Are we thinking that we will see either MB or AA but not both on the field @ the same time?

AA spent much of his later 2014 season on vacationing SB trip & win meandering to the conclusion of the season as a outside pass rusher on that right side, same side a Robert Quinn rushes from. But from his on field playing history AA has shown he can play any of the LB'er positions plus both DE posts in a 43 or even a 34. Guess it would be good use of the word Versatile??

Depending on what shakes out as far as the main 9 on the DL may tell us where we will see AA much of the time this season. Rams have five bona fide candidates @ DE with some serious cap cash tied up in them & AA pass rush is close on par with several of them. I could argue that one of the 2016 UFA older costly secure back up DE's roster spot could be unstable.

If you have a AA who can play all over the outside of your defense....MB who can basically play anywhere he lines up The QB has no ideal what they are & what position they will be in when the ball is put in play.

It looks like the Rams could have some excellent pass rushers crashing in from many areas of this defense on passing downs.....With MB from a SS post, AA from the SSLB post & a Fairly/Donald combo in the middle.....WOW! Could cause some serious anxiety & many sleepless nights for upcoming opponents QB's.

 

[LACHAMP46]

Are we thinking that we will see either MB or AA but not both on the field @ the same time?

I love these thoughts...Saw so much Akeem at UCLA..He was Anthony Barr, B4 there was an Anthony Barr....I like him as a 3 down player, his pass coverage has improved since he's been in the pros. I deeply want Barron on the field all three downs as well...at the SS position....Which moves TJ McDonald to the full time FS role...I know, bunch on here think this robs us of a playmaker close to the LOS...Not So...Barron can rotate deep as needed. Keep Akeem in with Ogletree on 3rd down...Increase team speed & playmaking ability in Williams amoeba defense, where blitzes come from unusual angles...If Akeem can prove his worth against the run, he MUST be on the field in passing situations, he'll be out there all 3 downs. We all saw what the #7 overall pick Barron brought to the table...To become elite, we must find a way to keep our playmakers on the field...together.

 

[Fatbot]

I'll throw in one more name for the battle of the 4th TE spot ... FB Zach Laskey. The Rams could easily keep 3 TE and 1 FB. That would allow Harkey to play inline more.

This is exactly what I was rooting for last year because Harkey is the only TE that is a consistently good blocker. Sadly the FB we brought in got hurt and never got a chance. I think Wagoner is incorrect in saying "Cunningham left and was brought back later in the season". From what I remember Cunningham also got hurt, was placed on injured reserve, then put on the practice squad, then activated. I was hoping Cunningham would fit the blocking TE role, as according to his scouting report that's his forte. But sadly watching him last preseason he was a bad to horrible blocker. Hopefully he's gotten better over the past year, but yes Laskey is also an exciting possibility to add.

But there's just so much to scratch my head about here. Yes some bad luck was involved, but it's frustrating to be exactly back at square 1 where we were last year searching for this blocking role. Reminds me of a lot of other positions that linger far too long not getting resolved, like C or free safety. Stop settling for mediocrity, at some point blow it up and start over with a better ceiling possibility, like they finally did with the center position.

However this assumes that Fisher even sees a need here. Does he see TE needing a "solution", or is he happy with the status quo? Does he even want a true head-banging, snot-bubbling FB lead blocker or not? Does he care about dominating inline TEs that can pancake and set the edge or not?

Given Havenstein and the other OL additions in the power-blocking mold, and everything screaming "we are a power running team" identity, the answers should be "yes" or "god yes", we want as much blocking punishment as max possible!

Yet Fisher keeps playing with the TE/HB utility guys instead. The Rams paid $5mil to Kendricks with Fisher gushing about his "swiss army knife" utility. Sure Kendricks is flexible, but he simply does not consistently dominate in blocking in either role, so it seems Fisher doesn't care about blocking as much as I think he should. If we wanted a guy that can kind of block yet be a good passing threat, why pay for Kendricks? Just keep Bayer at minimum wage instead of Kendricks.

I guess it's just me but I just scratch my head over what I see as inconsistent logic in preaching power running yet not plugging all the pieces possible that make up a power running game.

I see this lack of consistent logic at D-line as well. Seeing Fairley drop weight to me is a bad thing since we do not have anyone -- and apparently are not looking for anyone -- to fill the 4th DT position with a massive human that can stuff the run. This need opened when letting Langford walk. The Rams have decided quickness will defeat the opposing OL (while simultaneously building an OL that is massive but can be beat by quickness?)... but what happens on 3rd and 2? 4th and goal from the 1? The Rams undersized D-line is gonna get consistently flattened, or every once in a while one of them will swim thru and penetrate and make an amazing tackle for loss. Conceding the push in the trenches for the chance at the home run play to me is a worrisome thing.

It's also sacrificing run stuffing DL for pass rush. And yet we know that the Greg Williams philosophy is to concede short dump off passes, where the pass rush is rendered moot most of the time. So the defense is built to give up two 4-yard passes then force the offense into a 3rd and short where they can run over the undersized D-line? Again I'm scratching my head. Seems this screams to have the option of that girthy run-stuffing 4th DT off the bench to line up next to Brockers those times it's necessary.

 

[DaveFan'51]

Sure looks as though both JL & Alec are entrenched as any Ram could be in a starting position here. With these two Lb'ers giving their best the Rams could ride them hard into the playoffs with out looking back.

The addition Akeem Ayers bring much interest from me on what the Rams org. wants to do here in this SSLB post. We saw late last season that Gregg used this post as a play making post with the multi talented Mark Barron & when Mark was up close to LOS he was highly involved in making plays. AA sure bring added pounds & length into that post by a large amount.

Are we thinking that we will see either MB or AA but not both on the field @ the same time?

AA spent much of his later 2014 season on vacationing SB trip & win meandering to the conclusion of the season as a outside pass rusher on that right side, same side a Robert Quinn rushes from. But from his on field playing history AA has shown he can play any of the LB'er positions plus both DE posts in a 43 or even a 34. Guess it would be good use of the word Versatile??

Depending on what shakes out as far as the main 9 on the DL may tell us where we will see AA much of the time this season. Rams have five bona fide candidates @ DE with some serious cap cash tied up in them & AA pass rush is close on par with several of them. I could argue that one of the 2016 UFA older costly secure back up DE's roster spot could be unstable.

If you have a AA who can play all over the outside of your defense....MB who can basically play anywhere he lines up The QB has no ideal what they are & what position they will be in when the ball is put in play.

It looks like the Rams could have some excellent pass rushers crashing in from many areas of this defense on passing downs.....With MB from a SS post, AA from the SSLB post & a Fairly/Donald combo in the middle.....WOW! Could cause some serious anxiety & many sleepless nights for upcoming opponents QB's.

this ^ makes me think, I smell, at least, a Rams Season Sack Record coming THIS YEAR!!

 

[BonifayRam]

I love these thoughts...Saw so much Akeem at UCLA..He was Anthony Barr, B4 there was an Anthony Barr....I like him as a 3 down player, his pass coverage has improved since he's been in the pros. I deeply want Barron on the field all three downs as well...at the SS position....Which moves TJ McDonald to the full time FS role...I know, bunch on here think this robs us of a playmaker close to the LOS...Not So...Barron can rotate deep as needed. Keep Akeem in with Ogletree on 3rd down...Increase team speed & playmaking ability in Williams amoeba defense, where blitzes come from unusual angles...If Akeem can prove his worth against the run, he MUST be on the field in passing situations, he'll be out there all 3 downs. We all saw what the #7 overall pick Barron brought to the table...To become elite, we must find a way to keep our playmakers on the field...together.

Three down SSLB'er??? That would be " now for something completely different"! Can't wait!

I take it from reading the posts here, that is a given plan in 2015.......... that since we have resigned starting FS Rodney McLeod to a decent cap hit this season, plus having a serious budding NFL star @ strong safety in TJ McDonald that this TB Buc throw away trade safety Mark Barron will just fade quietly into the dark void of uselessness & into street short pants on game day.....

Mark Barron will be looking for a very big pay day in 2016. The Rams defense is the absolute best place for a play-maker like him to be in 2015 to launch himself into the stars & most coveted UFA's in 2016 off season.

Me thinks those whomever they might be, are in for a very big surprise this season on just how can Gregg find so many ways to have both AA & MB along with TJ & the ramming big Rod on the field at the same time:heh:.

this ^ makes me think, I smell, at least, a Rams Season Sack Record coming THIS YEAR!!

With all that intense pass rush & pentrations on going in the middle of the defense with Fairley-Brockers-Donald the outside (QB rollouts & exterior runs) are sure to look much more inviting ....but with those speeder sack-makers like Barron, Ayers, Quinn & Long buzzing in the wings ......many stings & stungs are in the waiting's for those elude-rs.

 

[LACHAMP46]

Seeing Fairley drop weight to me is a bad thing since we do not have anyone -- and apparently are not looking for anyone -- to fill the 4th DT position with a massive human that can stuff the run.

The Rams undersized D-line is gonna get consistently flattened, or every once in a while one of them will swim thru and penetrate and make an amazing tackle for loss. Conceding the push in the trenches for the chance at the home run play to me is a worrisome thing.

Ahh, my young padawan, you assume 285-300 lbs is small....Not so...In fact many large men can produce the same amount of power more consistently at a lower weight. They can maintain their strength and endurance. The 4-3 defense can have 2 300lb men clogging the "A" gaps or the"1" holes and be very formidable. I have no worries of an in shape Nick Fairley having trouble filling a hole, or being blown back. He's not trying to "win" with quickness. He is a power player. Always has been. Together with Brocker, you will see an awesome sight on 3rd and short, 4th an inches...In fact, I bet Williams/Fisher has a short yardage package with Fairley/Brockers/Donald lined up side by side...I could care less what they all weigh...Now what they squat, that's a different story.

If we wanted a guy that can kind of block yet be a good passing threat, why pay for Kendricks? Just keep Bayer at minimum wage instead of Kendricks.

You also assume Kendricks is just a so-so blocker. I will agree, he has had trouble with edge rushers...I say he's a great move TE/FB blocking back type, not the smash mouth style of old, but more of a positional/seal type blocker. Can Bayer do any of this? Can Bayer make the clutch catches Kendricks now makes? In traffic? As a backup, is Bayer on all the ST's? I bet the other TE (Cunningham) will be...We definitely have enough pass catching TE's...We need more physical ones..And Kendricks can do all that...

 

[LACHAMP46]

Three down SSLB'er??? That would be " now for something completely different"! Can't wait!

My base defense

Quinn----Donald--Brockers---Long

Ayers---JL55---Ogletree

JJ--TJ McD--Barron--Tru Johnson

my nickle

Quinn--Donald--Fairley--Long/Hayes

Ogletree---Ayers

JJ--TJ McD--Barron--EJ Gaines--Tru

who knows how Williams will use Joyner/McLeod/Sims??????

 

[BonifayRam]

You also assume Kendricks is just a so-so blocker. I will agree, he has had trouble with edge rushers...I say he's a great move TE/FB blocking back type, not the smash mouth style of old, but more of a positional/seal type blocker. Can Bayer do any of this? Can Bayer make the clutch catches Kendricks now makes? In traffic? As a backup, is Bayer on all the ST's? I bet the other TE (Cunningham) will be...We definitely have enough pass catching TE's...We need more physical ones..And Kendricks can do all that...

lance Kendricks does have issues blocking the outside rushers (Cook is even worse though he is trying harder these days) not something mentioned much here but joy eventually comes when Lance gets his chance to be a wammer inside!

Bayer is much like Cook in the sense that up the end of his rookie pre season he is a clutch type receiver or even better than Cook in truth as far as being reliable but Yes Bayer was tarded in his LOS blocking skills....he was branded as "needs to improve" this past off season. Bayer who is deed very smart if he has learned this mandated requirement....then it will be very hard to dislodge him. Those who are lucky to attend this TC could help us out on Bayer's progress in this.

 

[Alan]

DaveFan'51 thinking big:
this ^ makes me think, I smell, at least, a Rams Season Sack Record coming THIS YEAR!!

A possibility but not if our DBs continue to give the opposing WRs huge cushions. If we delay/pick them up at the LOS it's going to be scary. :banana: