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St. Louis Rams - TeamReport
http://www.globalpost.com/article/6623711/2015/07/30/st-louis-rams-teamreport
NFL Team Report - St. Louis Rams - INSIDE SLANT
For a team that has won just 20 games in the three seasons that Jeff Fisher has been the head coach of the St. Louis Rams, you'd think there might be numerous battles for jobs when training camp opens with the first practice Friday.
However, that doesn't appear to be the case. While there are some questions on what will be an extremely young offensive line, most starting jobs throughout the roster are set unless there are surprises that occur in what could be the team's last training camp in St. Louis.
Aside from the line, the only real question is how soon wide receiver Brian Quick will be ready to practice after suffering a serious shoulder injury last season.
Meanwhile, one major question was answered when the team's rookies had their conditioning test Tuesday: running back Todd Gurley was so impressive that he will begin on-field work immediately, although it's still unknown how quickly he will participate in team drills as opposed to individual work.
Gurley suffered a torn ACL last Nov. 15 while playing for Georgia, but the Rams believed in him so much they went out on a limb and selected him with the 10th overall pick in the draft. For now, that decision looks like it's paying dividends.
Defensively, with the team playing for coordinator Gregg Williams for the second consecutive season, Jo-Lonn Dunbar will try to hold off Akeem Ayers at strong-side linebacker, and E.J. Gaines is expected to be the starter at one cornerback spot instead of Trumaine Johnson. But those are the only positions where there is any mystery.
Now, back to that offensive line. The Rams look like they will enter camp with Barrett Jones at center, and rookies Jamon Brown and Rob Havenstein at right guard and right tackle, respectively. Jones has never started in the NFL, but he is expected to win the competition with Tim Barnes and Demetrius Rhaney.
For Gurley and Tre Mason to run well, and for quarterback Nick Foles to be productive, the line will have to grow up in a hurry. The Rams are seen as a potential surprise team in many quarters, despite the young line and the possible lame-duck position the franchise is in. The latter might not have much of an effect on the on-field performance, but the former certainly will. The pressure is on line coach Paul Boudreau to get his young charges playing together quickly.
CAMP CALENDAR
July 27: Rookies reported
July 29: Veterans reported
July 31: First practice
Aug. 17-18: Joint practices with Cowboys in Oxnard, Calif.
Aug. 28: Camp ends
-----------------------------------------------
NFL Team Report - St. Louis Rams - NOTES, QUOTES
--Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was interviewed on St. Louis radio station KMOX and opened up about the bounty episode that cost him the 2012 season when he was suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
Williams said, "That was a difficult year in a lot of ways because there was a lot of information that was misinformation that got out and I'm the only person in the whole deal that never said anything. I never said a word. Everybody got out there and pushed their information one way or the other and I didn't."
As for the gist of what the Saints did, Williams said, "One of the things was it was on my watch, but there was nothing that hasn't been done in the last 50 years in the sport and there was nothing done to try to hurt somebody. There was never anything done with anybody trying to injure somebody. I've said this before, I take a look at all these high school programs, little league programs, college programs and you see the decals on the side of the helmet and you wonder, you get those decals because you shake hands and kiss after the game or you get those decals because you rushed for 100 and you threw 17 touchdown passes and you knocked the stuffing out of somebody?
"I remember over at Excelsior Springs when I'm 16 years old I had a big hit in a ballgame and all of a sudden I got a movie certificate and it wasn't because I helped the guy up, it's because I knocked the guy down. It's just one of those things that we're always trying to find little bitty advantages in sport and it was unfairly and uncharacteristically portrayed the wrong way."
--Guard Cody Wichmann, a sixth-round pick and one of five linemen the Rams drafted this offseason, will begin camp on the physically unable to perform list because of a leg injury suffered during OTAs.
The Rams selected four linemen in the regular draft, then added tackle Isaiah Battle in the fifth round of the July supplemental draft.
--Team strength: Defensive line.
That's a no-brainer. With left end Chris Long back from an injury that limited him to six games last season, the line should be even better especially after the free-agent addition of tackle Nick Fairley. Robert Quinn commands respect at right end, and Fairley will be in a rotation with 2014 defensive rookie of the year Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers. Making the line even deeper is the presence of Eugene Sims and William Hayes. Long, Quinn, Fairley and Brockers all entered the NFL as first-round draft picks.
--Breakout player: Wide receiver Tavon Austin. The diminutive 2013 first-round pick will be watched closely this summer. New offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti insists he will find ways to get Austin the ball more on offense. However, it's not simply about putting the ball in his hands, but getting it there in space where he has room to run.
--Work in progress: Offensive line.
Concern about the offensive line began in the offseason program and it remains that way now as the Rams open training camp.
Complicating matters in the offseason was that the most solid of the positions wasn't manned by starters because left tackle Greg Robinson (toe) and left guard Rodger Saffold (shoulder) did not participate in any team portions of the practices as they continued to rehab from their offseason surgeries. Taking their spots were Brandon Washington for Robinson and Garrett Reynolds for Saffold.
Offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti said he wasn't fazed by the absences of Robinson and Saffold. "I don't think it's a setback," he said. "You know what? First off, you've got to be healthy to play the game. So, they're on schedule. It's a great plan for them to be successful when they step on the field for training camp and it gives the other guys an opportunity to get better."
The right side of the line throughout OTAs was manned by rookies: second-round pick Rob Havenstein at right tackle and third-round choice Jamon Brown at right guard. Coaches have raved about both players, but the real test comes when the pads come on. Cignetti said, "Once again, you're talking about great kids, really good players. Once again, it's a process. Every day you want to see these young men come out here and continue to get better, which is what we've seen."
At center, three players rotated with the first unit through the three weeks of OTAs: Barrett Jones, Tim Barnes and Demetrius. Jones is believed to be the favorite to win the job, but it is expected to be a strong competition. Only Barnes has started any NFL games and that was four in place of the departed Scott Wells in 2013.
-----------------------------------------------
NFL Team Report - St. Louis Rams - STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
UNIT-BY-UNIT ANALYSIS
QUARTERBACKS: Starter - Nick Foles. Backups - Austin Davis, Case Keenum, Sean Mannion.
The Rams are anxious to find out if Foles is the quarterback that put together phenomenal numbers for the Eagles in 2013 or the one that came back to earth in 2014 and missed the final eight games of the season. He doesn't have the talent in front of him that he had in Philadelphia, and the line is very green. There could be a competition between Davis and Keenum for the backup job, but Davis actually had some better numbers in eight starts last season than Foles had with the Eagles. Mannion, selected in the fourth round, will likely be the third quarterback.
RUNNING BACKS: Starter - Todd Gurley. Backups - Tre Mason, Benny Cunningham, Chase Reynolds, Trey Watts, Isaiah Pead, Malcolm Brown, Terrence Franks, FB Zach Laskey.
It might be a stretch to think Gurley will start the season opener, but it's certainly within the realm of possibility. Even if he does, there's a question how much the Rams will feed him the ball, which is where Mason comes in. He won't give up the job without a fight, and his presence should help the offense. Cunningham is also talented, and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield. This might be the end of the line for Pead, a second-round pick in 2012 that has been a disappointment and missed the entire 2014 season with a torn ACL. Reynolds has been on the roster solely for his special teams play. Watt was on the roster as an undrafted free agent last year, but will be in a fight for a roster spot.
TIGHT ENDS: Starters - Jared Cook, Lance Kendricks. Backups - Cory Harkey, Alex Bayer, Justice Cunningham, Brad Smelley.
Cook and Kendricks are an excellent tandem. Cook doesn't block much, but can get down the field and make big plays. He just has to be more consistent. Kendricks re-signed as an unrestricted free agent because of his versatility. He is an excellent blocker, and also has grown as a receiver. He had five touchdowns on just 27 receptions last season. Harkey is also a good blocker. Bayer and Cunningham could compete for the job as the fourth tight end, if that many are on the roster.
WIDE RECEIVERS: Starters - Kenny Britt, Brian Quick. Backups - Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, Chris Givens, Damian Williams, Bradley Marquez, Emory Blake, Devon Wylie, Tyler Slavin, Daniel Rodriguez, Isiah Ferguson.
Britt resurrected his career with the Rams last season, and he expects to have an even bigger season. The key to the pass-catching corps is Quick. He struggled for his first two seasons, and was then establishing himself in 2014 when a serious shoulder injury ended his season. If he picks up where he left off, Foles will be a happy quarterback. Austin has to find ways to get open, so Foles can get him the ball. Bailey has the ability to be a solid No. 3 receiver. Givens has fallen off after a rookie year laden with big plays, and could be in danger of losing his roster spot. Perhaps some consistency at quarterback would help him.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters - LT Greg Robinson, LG Rodger Saffold, C Barrett Jones, RG Jamon Brown, RT Rob Havenstein. Backups - T/G Garrett Reynolds, T Andrew Donnal, T Isaiah Battle, T Steven Baker, G/T Brandon Washington, G/T Travis Bond, T Darrell Williams, G Cody Wichmann, C Tim Barnes, C Demetrius Rhaney, David Wang.
Saffold is the veteran among the starters, and looks forward to a hopefully injury-free year after finally getting his shoulder fixed. Even with some bumps and bruises last season, he was able to start all 16 games. He will be helping the young linemen a lot, especially Robinson, who missed offseason work because of a toe injury, but will be the left tackle where he must improve his pass blocking. Jones has the opportunity to win the center spot, and he probably will unless another injury hits. Still, Barnes and Rhaney will be battling for the job and a roster spot. It will take major problems for Brown and Havenstein to be beaten out, but the savvy Reynolds is ready if either of them falters. Donnal, a fourth-round pick, and Battle, will be in the mix for a backup tackle job. There are a lot of numbers on the line, but not that many jobs.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters - LE Chris Long, DT Aaron Donald, DT Michael Brockers, RE Robert Quinn. Backups - DE William Hayes, DE Eugene Sims, DT Nick Fairley, DT Doug Worthington, DE Ethan Westbrooks, DE Martin Ifedi, DT Louis Trinca-Pasat, DE Matt Longacre.
There aren't many jobs available on one of the best lines in the NFL. They got off to a slow start last season, and Quinn had no sacks in the first five games. But it came together in the second half even with Long sidelined. Donald was a revelation as a rookie, and he is determined to be even better. Fairley was motivated in the offseason, and could help the line get to another level. Both Hayes and Sims are able to get snaps inside in passing situations. Westbrooks is best known for winning the fifth defensive end job from Michael Sam a year ago, and he also can play inside. The surprise could be Trinca-Pasat, an undrafted free agent, who will try and show he can be part of the rotation inside.
LINEBACKERS: WLB Alec Ogletree, MLB James Laurinaitis, SLB Akeem Ayers. Backups - SLB Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Daren Bates, Bryce Hager, Marshall McFadden, Korey Toomer, Cameron Moore, Keshaun Malone.
This should be the year Ogletree raises his game as he becomes comfortable in the defense. Laurinaitis is simply solid, calling defensive signals and never missing games. Dunbar and Ayers will battle it out for a position that also sees the field for at most 50 percent of the plays. Bates is outstanding on special teams and that's how the rookie Hager will try and win a job. He will have to hold off McFadden and Toomer.
DEFENSIVE BACKS: Starters - CB Janoris Jenkins, CB E.J. Gaines, S T.J. McDonald, S Rodney McLeod. Backups - Lamarcus Joyner, Mark Barron, CB Trumaine Johnson, CB Marcus Roberson, CB Brandon McGee, S Maurice Alexander, S Cody Davis, S Christian Bryant, S Jay Hughes, S Jacob Hagen, CB Montell Garner, CB Imoan Claiborne.
Jenkins is entering the final year of his contract, as is Johnson, who will have a tough time beating out Gaines. However, there will still be plenty of snaps for him in the nickel. Jenkins has big-play ability, but also gives up big plays when he takes too many chances. Joyner had a strong offseason, and coaches will be looking for ways to get him on the field along with Barron, who can play close to the line of scrimmage against the run and also blitzes well. Roberson has loads of ability and will challenge for playing time. McGee has had a star-crossed career because of injuries and this might be his last chance. Alexander's head was spinning as a rookie, but he could be primed to make a move this year. Bryant could also be a surprise after his rookie season was delayed by a foot injury suffered in his final college season.
SPECIAL TEAMS: K Greg Zuerlein, P Johnny Hekker, P Michael Palardy, LS Jake McQuaide, LS Tyler Ott, KOR Benny Cunningham, PR Tavon Austin.
Zuerlein and Hekker are excellent in what they do, and Hekker was rewarded with a new contract late last season. McQuaide is consistent. Cunningham is solid on kickoff returns, but more explosiveness is needed. Austin is a threat to take it the distance every time he touches the ball.
PERSONNEL TRACKER
FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers)
--LB Will Herring (not tendered as UFA).
--G Davin Joseph (not tendered as UFA).
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.
DRAFT CHOICES SIGNED (all signed)
--RB Todd Gurley (1/10): $13,823,180 guaranteed/4 yrs, $8,313,224 SB.
--T Rob Havenstein (2/57): $3,970,018/4 yrs, $2,197,743 guaranteed/$1,147,288 SB.
--G Jamon Brown (3/72): $3,250,974/4 yrs, $754,816 SB.
--QB Sean Mannion (3/89): $3,250,896/4 yrs, $625,796 SB.
--T Andrew Donnal (4/119): $2,776,936/4 yrs, $496,936 SB.
--T Isaiah Battle (Supplemental fifth-round pick); 4 yrs, terms unknown.
--WR Bud Sasser (6/201): $2,393,736/4 yrs, $113,736 SB; subsequently released from reserve/non-football illness.
--G Cody Wichmann (6/215): $2,370,484/4 yrs, $90,484 SB.
--LB Bryce Hager (7/224): $2,352,140/4 yrs, $72,140 SB.
--DE Martin Ifedi (7/227): $2,351,896/4 yrs, $71,096 SB.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
--C Tim Barnes: Not tendered as RFA; $710,017/1 yr, $50,017 RB.
--WR Kenny Britt: $9.15M/2 yrs, $2.55M guaranteed.
--QB Austin Davis: RFA tendered at $1.542M with no compensation; $1.542M/1 yr.
--TE Cory Harkey: RFA tendered at $1.542M with no compensation; $1.542M/1 yr.
--TE Lance Kendricks: UFA; $18.5M/4 yrs, $10M guaranteed/$4M RB 2015/$1.25M RB 2016.
--S Rodney McLeod: RFA tendered at $2.356M with second-round pick as compensation); $2.365M/1 yr.
--RB Chase Reynolds: ERFA; $585,000/1 yr.
--G Brandon Washington: ERFA; $585,000/1 yr.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
--LB Akeem Ayers: UFA Patriots; $6M/2 yrs, $2.75M guaranteed.
--DT Nick Fairley: UFA Lions; $5M/1 yr; $1.5M guaranteed.
--QB Nick Foles (trade Eagles).
--QB Case Keenum (trade Texans).
--T/G Garrett Reynolds: UFA Lions; $2.2M/2 yrs, $249,999 RB guaranteed.
PLAYERS LOST
--T Joe Barksdale: Not tendered as UFA/Chargers; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--QB Sam Bradford (traded Eagles).
--DT Alex Carrington: UFA Bills; terms unknown.
--QB Shaun Hill: UFA Vikings; $6.5M/2 yrs, $3M guaranteed.
--DT Kendall Langford (released).
--T Jake Long (released/failed physical).
--T/G Mike Person: UFA Falcons; $3.35M/3 yrs, $500,000 SB.
--RB Zac Stacy (traded Jets).
--C Scott Wells (released).
http://www.globalpost.com/article/6623711/2015/07/30/st-louis-rams-teamreport
NFL Team Report - St. Louis Rams - INSIDE SLANT
For a team that has won just 20 games in the three seasons that Jeff Fisher has been the head coach of the St. Louis Rams, you'd think there might be numerous battles for jobs when training camp opens with the first practice Friday.
However, that doesn't appear to be the case. While there are some questions on what will be an extremely young offensive line, most starting jobs throughout the roster are set unless there are surprises that occur in what could be the team's last training camp in St. Louis.
Aside from the line, the only real question is how soon wide receiver Brian Quick will be ready to practice after suffering a serious shoulder injury last season.
Meanwhile, one major question was answered when the team's rookies had their conditioning test Tuesday: running back Todd Gurley was so impressive that he will begin on-field work immediately, although it's still unknown how quickly he will participate in team drills as opposed to individual work.
Gurley suffered a torn ACL last Nov. 15 while playing for Georgia, but the Rams believed in him so much they went out on a limb and selected him with the 10th overall pick in the draft. For now, that decision looks like it's paying dividends.
Defensively, with the team playing for coordinator Gregg Williams for the second consecutive season, Jo-Lonn Dunbar will try to hold off Akeem Ayers at strong-side linebacker, and E.J. Gaines is expected to be the starter at one cornerback spot instead of Trumaine Johnson. But those are the only positions where there is any mystery.
Now, back to that offensive line. The Rams look like they will enter camp with Barrett Jones at center, and rookies Jamon Brown and Rob Havenstein at right guard and right tackle, respectively. Jones has never started in the NFL, but he is expected to win the competition with Tim Barnes and Demetrius Rhaney.
For Gurley and Tre Mason to run well, and for quarterback Nick Foles to be productive, the line will have to grow up in a hurry. The Rams are seen as a potential surprise team in many quarters, despite the young line and the possible lame-duck position the franchise is in. The latter might not have much of an effect on the on-field performance, but the former certainly will. The pressure is on line coach Paul Boudreau to get his young charges playing together quickly.
CAMP CALENDAR
July 27: Rookies reported
July 29: Veterans reported
July 31: First practice
Aug. 17-18: Joint practices with Cowboys in Oxnard, Calif.
Aug. 28: Camp ends
-----------------------------------------------
NFL Team Report - St. Louis Rams - NOTES, QUOTES
--Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was interviewed on St. Louis radio station KMOX and opened up about the bounty episode that cost him the 2012 season when he was suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
Williams said, "That was a difficult year in a lot of ways because there was a lot of information that was misinformation that got out and I'm the only person in the whole deal that never said anything. I never said a word. Everybody got out there and pushed their information one way or the other and I didn't."
As for the gist of what the Saints did, Williams said, "One of the things was it was on my watch, but there was nothing that hasn't been done in the last 50 years in the sport and there was nothing done to try to hurt somebody. There was never anything done with anybody trying to injure somebody. I've said this before, I take a look at all these high school programs, little league programs, college programs and you see the decals on the side of the helmet and you wonder, you get those decals because you shake hands and kiss after the game or you get those decals because you rushed for 100 and you threw 17 touchdown passes and you knocked the stuffing out of somebody?
"I remember over at Excelsior Springs when I'm 16 years old I had a big hit in a ballgame and all of a sudden I got a movie certificate and it wasn't because I helped the guy up, it's because I knocked the guy down. It's just one of those things that we're always trying to find little bitty advantages in sport and it was unfairly and uncharacteristically portrayed the wrong way."
--Guard Cody Wichmann, a sixth-round pick and one of five linemen the Rams drafted this offseason, will begin camp on the physically unable to perform list because of a leg injury suffered during OTAs.
The Rams selected four linemen in the regular draft, then added tackle Isaiah Battle in the fifth round of the July supplemental draft.
--Team strength: Defensive line.
That's a no-brainer. With left end Chris Long back from an injury that limited him to six games last season, the line should be even better especially after the free-agent addition of tackle Nick Fairley. Robert Quinn commands respect at right end, and Fairley will be in a rotation with 2014 defensive rookie of the year Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers. Making the line even deeper is the presence of Eugene Sims and William Hayes. Long, Quinn, Fairley and Brockers all entered the NFL as first-round draft picks.
--Breakout player: Wide receiver Tavon Austin. The diminutive 2013 first-round pick will be watched closely this summer. New offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti insists he will find ways to get Austin the ball more on offense. However, it's not simply about putting the ball in his hands, but getting it there in space where he has room to run.
--Work in progress: Offensive line.
Concern about the offensive line began in the offseason program and it remains that way now as the Rams open training camp.
Complicating matters in the offseason was that the most solid of the positions wasn't manned by starters because left tackle Greg Robinson (toe) and left guard Rodger Saffold (shoulder) did not participate in any team portions of the practices as they continued to rehab from their offseason surgeries. Taking their spots were Brandon Washington for Robinson and Garrett Reynolds for Saffold.
Offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti said he wasn't fazed by the absences of Robinson and Saffold. "I don't think it's a setback," he said. "You know what? First off, you've got to be healthy to play the game. So, they're on schedule. It's a great plan for them to be successful when they step on the field for training camp and it gives the other guys an opportunity to get better."
The right side of the line throughout OTAs was manned by rookies: second-round pick Rob Havenstein at right tackle and third-round choice Jamon Brown at right guard. Coaches have raved about both players, but the real test comes when the pads come on. Cignetti said, "Once again, you're talking about great kids, really good players. Once again, it's a process. Every day you want to see these young men come out here and continue to get better, which is what we've seen."
At center, three players rotated with the first unit through the three weeks of OTAs: Barrett Jones, Tim Barnes and Demetrius. Jones is believed to be the favorite to win the job, but it is expected to be a strong competition. Only Barnes has started any NFL games and that was four in place of the departed Scott Wells in 2013.
-----------------------------------------------
NFL Team Report - St. Louis Rams - STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
UNIT-BY-UNIT ANALYSIS
QUARTERBACKS: Starter - Nick Foles. Backups - Austin Davis, Case Keenum, Sean Mannion.
The Rams are anxious to find out if Foles is the quarterback that put together phenomenal numbers for the Eagles in 2013 or the one that came back to earth in 2014 and missed the final eight games of the season. He doesn't have the talent in front of him that he had in Philadelphia, and the line is very green. There could be a competition between Davis and Keenum for the backup job, but Davis actually had some better numbers in eight starts last season than Foles had with the Eagles. Mannion, selected in the fourth round, will likely be the third quarterback.
RUNNING BACKS: Starter - Todd Gurley. Backups - Tre Mason, Benny Cunningham, Chase Reynolds, Trey Watts, Isaiah Pead, Malcolm Brown, Terrence Franks, FB Zach Laskey.
It might be a stretch to think Gurley will start the season opener, but it's certainly within the realm of possibility. Even if he does, there's a question how much the Rams will feed him the ball, which is where Mason comes in. He won't give up the job without a fight, and his presence should help the offense. Cunningham is also talented, and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield. This might be the end of the line for Pead, a second-round pick in 2012 that has been a disappointment and missed the entire 2014 season with a torn ACL. Reynolds has been on the roster solely for his special teams play. Watt was on the roster as an undrafted free agent last year, but will be in a fight for a roster spot.
TIGHT ENDS: Starters - Jared Cook, Lance Kendricks. Backups - Cory Harkey, Alex Bayer, Justice Cunningham, Brad Smelley.
Cook and Kendricks are an excellent tandem. Cook doesn't block much, but can get down the field and make big plays. He just has to be more consistent. Kendricks re-signed as an unrestricted free agent because of his versatility. He is an excellent blocker, and also has grown as a receiver. He had five touchdowns on just 27 receptions last season. Harkey is also a good blocker. Bayer and Cunningham could compete for the job as the fourth tight end, if that many are on the roster.
WIDE RECEIVERS: Starters - Kenny Britt, Brian Quick. Backups - Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, Chris Givens, Damian Williams, Bradley Marquez, Emory Blake, Devon Wylie, Tyler Slavin, Daniel Rodriguez, Isiah Ferguson.
Britt resurrected his career with the Rams last season, and he expects to have an even bigger season. The key to the pass-catching corps is Quick. He struggled for his first two seasons, and was then establishing himself in 2014 when a serious shoulder injury ended his season. If he picks up where he left off, Foles will be a happy quarterback. Austin has to find ways to get open, so Foles can get him the ball. Bailey has the ability to be a solid No. 3 receiver. Givens has fallen off after a rookie year laden with big plays, and could be in danger of losing his roster spot. Perhaps some consistency at quarterback would help him.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters - LT Greg Robinson, LG Rodger Saffold, C Barrett Jones, RG Jamon Brown, RT Rob Havenstein. Backups - T/G Garrett Reynolds, T Andrew Donnal, T Isaiah Battle, T Steven Baker, G/T Brandon Washington, G/T Travis Bond, T Darrell Williams, G Cody Wichmann, C Tim Barnes, C Demetrius Rhaney, David Wang.
Saffold is the veteran among the starters, and looks forward to a hopefully injury-free year after finally getting his shoulder fixed. Even with some bumps and bruises last season, he was able to start all 16 games. He will be helping the young linemen a lot, especially Robinson, who missed offseason work because of a toe injury, but will be the left tackle where he must improve his pass blocking. Jones has the opportunity to win the center spot, and he probably will unless another injury hits. Still, Barnes and Rhaney will be battling for the job and a roster spot. It will take major problems for Brown and Havenstein to be beaten out, but the savvy Reynolds is ready if either of them falters. Donnal, a fourth-round pick, and Battle, will be in the mix for a backup tackle job. There are a lot of numbers on the line, but not that many jobs.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters - LE Chris Long, DT Aaron Donald, DT Michael Brockers, RE Robert Quinn. Backups - DE William Hayes, DE Eugene Sims, DT Nick Fairley, DT Doug Worthington, DE Ethan Westbrooks, DE Martin Ifedi, DT Louis Trinca-Pasat, DE Matt Longacre.
There aren't many jobs available on one of the best lines in the NFL. They got off to a slow start last season, and Quinn had no sacks in the first five games. But it came together in the second half even with Long sidelined. Donald was a revelation as a rookie, and he is determined to be even better. Fairley was motivated in the offseason, and could help the line get to another level. Both Hayes and Sims are able to get snaps inside in passing situations. Westbrooks is best known for winning the fifth defensive end job from Michael Sam a year ago, and he also can play inside. The surprise could be Trinca-Pasat, an undrafted free agent, who will try and show he can be part of the rotation inside.
LINEBACKERS: WLB Alec Ogletree, MLB James Laurinaitis, SLB Akeem Ayers. Backups - SLB Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Daren Bates, Bryce Hager, Marshall McFadden, Korey Toomer, Cameron Moore, Keshaun Malone.
This should be the year Ogletree raises his game as he becomes comfortable in the defense. Laurinaitis is simply solid, calling defensive signals and never missing games. Dunbar and Ayers will battle it out for a position that also sees the field for at most 50 percent of the plays. Bates is outstanding on special teams and that's how the rookie Hager will try and win a job. He will have to hold off McFadden and Toomer.
DEFENSIVE BACKS: Starters - CB Janoris Jenkins, CB E.J. Gaines, S T.J. McDonald, S Rodney McLeod. Backups - Lamarcus Joyner, Mark Barron, CB Trumaine Johnson, CB Marcus Roberson, CB Brandon McGee, S Maurice Alexander, S Cody Davis, S Christian Bryant, S Jay Hughes, S Jacob Hagen, CB Montell Garner, CB Imoan Claiborne.
Jenkins is entering the final year of his contract, as is Johnson, who will have a tough time beating out Gaines. However, there will still be plenty of snaps for him in the nickel. Jenkins has big-play ability, but also gives up big plays when he takes too many chances. Joyner had a strong offseason, and coaches will be looking for ways to get him on the field along with Barron, who can play close to the line of scrimmage against the run and also blitzes well. Roberson has loads of ability and will challenge for playing time. McGee has had a star-crossed career because of injuries and this might be his last chance. Alexander's head was spinning as a rookie, but he could be primed to make a move this year. Bryant could also be a surprise after his rookie season was delayed by a foot injury suffered in his final college season.
SPECIAL TEAMS: K Greg Zuerlein, P Johnny Hekker, P Michael Palardy, LS Jake McQuaide, LS Tyler Ott, KOR Benny Cunningham, PR Tavon Austin.
Zuerlein and Hekker are excellent in what they do, and Hekker was rewarded with a new contract late last season. McQuaide is consistent. Cunningham is solid on kickoff returns, but more explosiveness is needed. Austin is a threat to take it the distance every time he touches the ball.
PERSONNEL TRACKER
FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers)
--LB Will Herring (not tendered as UFA).
--G Davin Joseph (not tendered as UFA).
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.
DRAFT CHOICES SIGNED (all signed)
--RB Todd Gurley (1/10): $13,823,180 guaranteed/4 yrs, $8,313,224 SB.
--T Rob Havenstein (2/57): $3,970,018/4 yrs, $2,197,743 guaranteed/$1,147,288 SB.
--G Jamon Brown (3/72): $3,250,974/4 yrs, $754,816 SB.
--QB Sean Mannion (3/89): $3,250,896/4 yrs, $625,796 SB.
--T Andrew Donnal (4/119): $2,776,936/4 yrs, $496,936 SB.
--T Isaiah Battle (Supplemental fifth-round pick); 4 yrs, terms unknown.
--WR Bud Sasser (6/201): $2,393,736/4 yrs, $113,736 SB; subsequently released from reserve/non-football illness.
--G Cody Wichmann (6/215): $2,370,484/4 yrs, $90,484 SB.
--LB Bryce Hager (7/224): $2,352,140/4 yrs, $72,140 SB.
--DE Martin Ifedi (7/227): $2,351,896/4 yrs, $71,096 SB.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
--C Tim Barnes: Not tendered as RFA; $710,017/1 yr, $50,017 RB.
--WR Kenny Britt: $9.15M/2 yrs, $2.55M guaranteed.
--QB Austin Davis: RFA tendered at $1.542M with no compensation; $1.542M/1 yr.
--TE Cory Harkey: RFA tendered at $1.542M with no compensation; $1.542M/1 yr.
--TE Lance Kendricks: UFA; $18.5M/4 yrs, $10M guaranteed/$4M RB 2015/$1.25M RB 2016.
--S Rodney McLeod: RFA tendered at $2.356M with second-round pick as compensation); $2.365M/1 yr.
--RB Chase Reynolds: ERFA; $585,000/1 yr.
--G Brandon Washington: ERFA; $585,000/1 yr.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
--LB Akeem Ayers: UFA Patriots; $6M/2 yrs, $2.75M guaranteed.
--DT Nick Fairley: UFA Lions; $5M/1 yr; $1.5M guaranteed.
--QB Nick Foles (trade Eagles).
--QB Case Keenum (trade Texans).
--T/G Garrett Reynolds: UFA Lions; $2.2M/2 yrs, $249,999 RB guaranteed.
PLAYERS LOST
--T Joe Barksdale: Not tendered as UFA/Chargers; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--QB Sam Bradford (traded Eagles).
--DT Alex Carrington: UFA Bills; terms unknown.
--QB Shaun Hill: UFA Vikings; $6.5M/2 yrs, $3M guaranteed.
--DT Kendall Langford (released).
--T Jake Long (released/failed physical).
--T/G Mike Person: UFA Falcons; $3.35M/3 yrs, $500,000 SB.
--RB Zac Stacy (traded Jets).
--C Scott Wells (released).
