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http://sports.yahoo.com/news/team-report-st-louis-rams-205339358--nfl.html
Sam struggles to avoid drama
NOTES, QUOTES
--Tackle Mitchell Van Dyk, one of the Rams' four seventh-round picks, was present for the team's three days of rookie orientation Thursday through Saturday, but wasn't able to report earlier with the rookies and he had to leave after Saturday's sessions.
Portland State is on the quarter system, and players from those schools aren't permitted to report to their teams until final exams are concluded. Van Dyk is set to graduate June 13. He doesn't have final exams and is completing his degree requirements as an intern at City Hall in a crime prevention program.
He told the St. Louis Post-Disoatch, "It stinks that I can't stay and learn along with the other guys, but I'll make it work. I'm hoping I can come back for a few days here and there, but if not, I'll continue to work out on my own and just bury myself in the playbook."
Rams rookies will participate in skill development workouts with the veterans starting May 19, prior to the June 3 start of OTAs. The Rams are hopeful Van Dyk might be let loose earlier. The team's OTAs are June 3, June 5-6, June 9-10, June 12, June 16-17 and June 19-20.
--NFL teams have a cap of $80,362 for signing bonuses for undrafted rookies, and the Rams spent $77,500 on their 15 additions. There were 25 players at the three-day rookie orientation: 11 draft picks and 14 free agents. Tackle Emmanuel McCray was waived Thursday. No players were brought in for tryouts.
Of the total spent, $62,500 went for four players: Defensive tackle Ethan Westbrooks, $20,000; wide receiver Austin Franklin, $17,500; cornerback Marcus Roberson, $15,000; and tight end Alex Bayer, $10,000. The Rams strongly targeted six players when the draft ended and got five. The next highest bonus of $6,000 went to running back Trey Watts. Westbrooks also had $30,000 of his 2014 base salary guaranteed.
Linebacker Aaron Hill and tackle Abasi Salimu each got a $2,000 bonus. Cornerback Jarrid Bryant, defensive tackle Deantre Harlan, fullback Kadeem Jones, McCray and wide receiver Jamaine Sherman each received $1,000. Safety Avery Cunningham and linebackers Johnny Millard andTavarius Wilson did not receive a bonus.
--Once the Rams made their pick at No. 2 on the first night of the draft and didn't trade it, that completed the deal they made with the Redskins in March, 2012, that landed quarterback Robert Griffin III in Washington.
While the total evaluation of the trade won't be truly known for several years, the selection of tackleGreg Robinson gave the Rams seven players that were the result of choices obtained from the Redskins as well as additional picks in subsequent trades.
With the Rams set to pick at second overall in 2012, they sent that choice to Washington for the Redskins' first- (sixth overall) and second-round (39th overall) picks that year plus first-round choices in 2013 and 2014.
The Rams traded that sixth overall choice to Dallas for the Cowboys' 14th overall selection and a second-round pick (45th overall). With pick No. 14, the Rams selected defensive tackle Michael Brockers, and they then traded the 45th choice to Chicago for a second-round pick (50th overall) and a fifth-round choice (150th overall). With those selections, the Rams picked running back Isaiah Pead and guard Rokevious Watkins.
In 2013, the Redskins' pick was 22nd in the first round. More wheeling and dealing commenced. After trading up from their own 16th pick for Buffalo's eighth pick and selecting wide receiver Tavon Austin, the Rams sent that 22nd selection along with a seventh-round pick in 2015 to Atlanta for the Falcons' first- (30th overall), third- (92nd overall) and sixth- (198th overall) round selections.
At 30, the Rams chose linebacker Alec Ogletree and added wide receiver Stedman Bailey at 92. They then parlayed the 198th pick with another sixth-round pick (184th overall) and sent them to Houston for the Texans' fifth-round choice (160th overall). With that choice, the Rams took running back Zac Stacy.
So, reviewing: the Rams turned that second overall choice in 2012 into eight players, seven of whom are on the roster with four starters and likely a fifth: Greg Robinson (1/2, 2014), Michael Brockers (1/14, 2012), Alec Ogletree (1/30, 2013), Janoris Jenkins (2/39, 2012), Isaiah Pead (2/50, 2012), Stedman Bailey (3/92, 2013), Rokevious Watkins (5/150, 2012) and Zac Stacy (5/160, 2013). Only Watkins is not on the roster.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
The Rams added more depth on the offensive line with the addition of former Buccaneers guardDavin Joseph. Both Joseph and guard Daryn Colledge had tryouts in March.
Joseph provides insurance in the event that left tackle Jake Long isn't ready for the start of the regular season as he comes back from ACL surgery. The Rams would have the option of playing rookie Greg Robinson at left tackle in that situation, but it's also possible the staff won't want to throw him in right away. Robinson will begin his NFL journey by working at both guard and tackle.
Rodger Saffold has also been moved to guard, but he could conceivably wind up at left tackle to start the season, with Joseph taking over guard. Joseph has had some injury issues, but did start all 16 games for Tampa Bay last season.
A closer look at the Rams' picks:
Round 1/2 -- Greg Robinson, T, 6-5, 332, Auburn
--He will likely begin as a guard as he gets comfortable with pass blocking and learning the angles, but the Rams expect him to be a long-time left tackle. Robinson is a crushing blocker in the running game, and the Rams love his passion for football. He blocked for running back Tre Mason, who was selected by the Rams in the third round.
Round 1/13 -- Aaron Donald, DT, 6-1, 285, Pittsburgh
--Donald is a fierce penetrator and had 28.5 tackles for loss last season. He doesn't have great size, but his quickness allows him to make plays. The Rams will likely use him to start out on passing downs. Some have compared him to standout Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins.
Round 2/41 -- Lamarcus Joyner, CB, 5-8, 184, Florida State
--Joyner plays bigger than his size, not much different than former Louisiana State defensive backTyrann Mathieu, who is now with the division rivalArizona Cardinals. He should strengthen the Rams' defense as a nickel defender in the slot. He has been durable in college, but will have to show he can do the same at the NFL level.
Round 3/75 -- Tre Mason, RB, 5-8, 207, Auburn
--He ran largely behind Robinson at Auburn, gaining 1,816 yards last season and scoring 23 touchdowns. The Rams see him as a change-of-pace back who will team with Zac Stacy. The Rams also have Benny Cunningham and Isaiah Pead on the roster. Mason gained 304 yards on 46 carries and scored four touchdowns in Auburn's SEC championship game win over Missouri.
Round 4/110 -- Maurice Alexander, S, 6-1, 220, Utah State
--Big hitter who will be playing in his hometown. Good size, and physical; is considered a good fit for coordinator Gregg Williams' defense. Should be a big contributor on special teams.
Round 6/188 -- E.J. Gaines, CB, 5-10, 190, Missouri
--An undersized playmaker, Gaines shut down Texas A&M wide receiver Mike Adams last season, holding him to four catches for eight yards. He is good against the run, and plays a physical game with aggressiveness. Good zone corner that loves to compete. Versatile, he believes he can help at corner, in the slot or even safety.
Round 6/214 -- Garrett Gilbert, QB, 6-4, 223, Southern Methodist
--Started his career at Texas before transferring to SMU and passed for 3,528 yards last season with 21 touchdowns. He had 635 yards of total offense in a game against Temple. Gilbert has good size and a strong arm, but hasn't played well in games against top opponents. Coaches believe he can compete and possible develop.
Round 7/226 -- Mitchell Van Dyk, T, 6-7, 313, Portland State
--Mostly a right tackle, but Rams believe he also could work on the left side. Van Dyk has good size and strength, but also has room to get stronger.
Round 7/241 -- Christian Bryant, S, 5-10, 193, Ohio State
--Was a three-starter at safety and a team captain last season. However, he suffered a broken ankle against Wisconsin in the fifth game of the season and didn't play again. The Buckeyes defense struggled without his leadership and production. He applied for a medical redshirt, but it was rejected by the NCAA. Bryant is somewhat undersized, but plays aggressively and is very physical.
Round 7/249 -- Michael Sam, DE, 6-2, 261, Missouri
--Sam doesn't have outstanding measureables, but all he does is produce. The co-Defensive Player of the Year last season in the SEC, he had 11.5 sacks, nine pressures and 19 tackles for loss. The Rams intend to use him as a designated pass rusher in the varied packages employed by defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. He has become a trailblazer for being the first openly gay player in the NFL, but he knows the ultimate judgment will be on his football prowess.
Round 7/250 -- Demetrius Rhaney, C, 6-2, 300, Tennessee State
--The Rams like him as a potentially versatile inside player. Transferred to Tennessee State from Ellsworth CC where he played right tackle and guard, and started at right guard at Tennessee State as a junior. Was switched to center for his final year and started the entire season. He caught NFL eyes at his Pro Day, and has an inherent passion for the game.
PERSONNEL TRACKER
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers)
--CB Quinton Pointer (not tendered as ERFA) contributed on special teams during his brief stint on the active roster.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
--S Matt Giordano provides rare experience at the safety spot and contributed on special teams. He could return at the veteran minimum.
--QB Brady Quinn ended the season on injured reserve because of a back problem and would be considered an extreme longshot to be re-signed.
--LB Will Witherspoon could be at the end of the line. He was signed last summer after the Jo-Lonn Dunbar suspension was announced, and rarely played from scrimmage after he returned.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS
--C Tim Barnes (tendered at $570,000) started and held his own late in the season when Scott Wells was injured.
DRAFT CHOICES SIGNED: None.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
--QB Austin Davis: ERFA; $570,000/1 yr.
--LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar: UFA; $2.006M/2 yrs, $128,821 guaranteed.
--G Rodger Saffold: UFA; $31.347M/5 yrs, $5M SB/$19.5M partially guaranteed/$11M fully guaranteed.
--WR Justin Veltung: ERFA; $495,000/1 yr.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
--WR Kenny Britt: UFA Titans; $1.4M/1 yr, $550,000 guaranteed.
--DL Alex Carrington: UFA Bills; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--QB Shaun Hill: UFA Lions; $1.75M/1 yr, $500,000 guaranteed.
--G Davin Joseph: FA Buccaneers; terms unknown.
PLAYERS LOST
--QB Kellen Clemens: UFA Chargers; 2 yrs, terms unknown.
--DT Jermelle Cudjo (released).
--G Harvey Dahl (released).
--CB Cortland Finnegan (released).
--TE Mike McNeill: Not tendered as RFA/Panthers; $1.52M/2 yr, $100,000 SB.
--RB Daryl Richardson (released).
--G Shelley Smith: UFA Dolphins; $5.5M/2yrs, $500,000/SB/$1.5M guaranteed.
--S Darian Stewart: UFA Ravens; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--G Chris Williams: UFA Bills; $13.5M/4 yrs, $5.5M guaranteed.
Sam struggles to avoid drama
NOTES, QUOTES
--Tackle Mitchell Van Dyk, one of the Rams' four seventh-round picks, was present for the team's three days of rookie orientation Thursday through Saturday, but wasn't able to report earlier with the rookies and he had to leave after Saturday's sessions.
Portland State is on the quarter system, and players from those schools aren't permitted to report to their teams until final exams are concluded. Van Dyk is set to graduate June 13. He doesn't have final exams and is completing his degree requirements as an intern at City Hall in a crime prevention program.
He told the St. Louis Post-Disoatch, "It stinks that I can't stay and learn along with the other guys, but I'll make it work. I'm hoping I can come back for a few days here and there, but if not, I'll continue to work out on my own and just bury myself in the playbook."
Rams rookies will participate in skill development workouts with the veterans starting May 19, prior to the June 3 start of OTAs. The Rams are hopeful Van Dyk might be let loose earlier. The team's OTAs are June 3, June 5-6, June 9-10, June 12, June 16-17 and June 19-20.
--NFL teams have a cap of $80,362 for signing bonuses for undrafted rookies, and the Rams spent $77,500 on their 15 additions. There were 25 players at the three-day rookie orientation: 11 draft picks and 14 free agents. Tackle Emmanuel McCray was waived Thursday. No players were brought in for tryouts.
Of the total spent, $62,500 went for four players: Defensive tackle Ethan Westbrooks, $20,000; wide receiver Austin Franklin, $17,500; cornerback Marcus Roberson, $15,000; and tight end Alex Bayer, $10,000. The Rams strongly targeted six players when the draft ended and got five. The next highest bonus of $6,000 went to running back Trey Watts. Westbrooks also had $30,000 of his 2014 base salary guaranteed.
Linebacker Aaron Hill and tackle Abasi Salimu each got a $2,000 bonus. Cornerback Jarrid Bryant, defensive tackle Deantre Harlan, fullback Kadeem Jones, McCray and wide receiver Jamaine Sherman each received $1,000. Safety Avery Cunningham and linebackers Johnny Millard andTavarius Wilson did not receive a bonus.
--Once the Rams made their pick at No. 2 on the first night of the draft and didn't trade it, that completed the deal they made with the Redskins in March, 2012, that landed quarterback Robert Griffin III in Washington.
While the total evaluation of the trade won't be truly known for several years, the selection of tackleGreg Robinson gave the Rams seven players that were the result of choices obtained from the Redskins as well as additional picks in subsequent trades.
With the Rams set to pick at second overall in 2012, they sent that choice to Washington for the Redskins' first- (sixth overall) and second-round (39th overall) picks that year plus first-round choices in 2013 and 2014.
The Rams traded that sixth overall choice to Dallas for the Cowboys' 14th overall selection and a second-round pick (45th overall). With pick No. 14, the Rams selected defensive tackle Michael Brockers, and they then traded the 45th choice to Chicago for a second-round pick (50th overall) and a fifth-round choice (150th overall). With those selections, the Rams picked running back Isaiah Pead and guard Rokevious Watkins.
In 2013, the Redskins' pick was 22nd in the first round. More wheeling and dealing commenced. After trading up from their own 16th pick for Buffalo's eighth pick and selecting wide receiver Tavon Austin, the Rams sent that 22nd selection along with a seventh-round pick in 2015 to Atlanta for the Falcons' first- (30th overall), third- (92nd overall) and sixth- (198th overall) round selections.
At 30, the Rams chose linebacker Alec Ogletree and added wide receiver Stedman Bailey at 92. They then parlayed the 198th pick with another sixth-round pick (184th overall) and sent them to Houston for the Texans' fifth-round choice (160th overall). With that choice, the Rams took running back Zac Stacy.
So, reviewing: the Rams turned that second overall choice in 2012 into eight players, seven of whom are on the roster with four starters and likely a fifth: Greg Robinson (1/2, 2014), Michael Brockers (1/14, 2012), Alec Ogletree (1/30, 2013), Janoris Jenkins (2/39, 2012), Isaiah Pead (2/50, 2012), Stedman Bailey (3/92, 2013), Rokevious Watkins (5/150, 2012) and Zac Stacy (5/160, 2013). Only Watkins is not on the roster.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
The Rams added more depth on the offensive line with the addition of former Buccaneers guardDavin Joseph. Both Joseph and guard Daryn Colledge had tryouts in March.
Joseph provides insurance in the event that left tackle Jake Long isn't ready for the start of the regular season as he comes back from ACL surgery. The Rams would have the option of playing rookie Greg Robinson at left tackle in that situation, but it's also possible the staff won't want to throw him in right away. Robinson will begin his NFL journey by working at both guard and tackle.
Rodger Saffold has also been moved to guard, but he could conceivably wind up at left tackle to start the season, with Joseph taking over guard. Joseph has had some injury issues, but did start all 16 games for Tampa Bay last season.
A closer look at the Rams' picks:
Round 1/2 -- Greg Robinson, T, 6-5, 332, Auburn
--He will likely begin as a guard as he gets comfortable with pass blocking and learning the angles, but the Rams expect him to be a long-time left tackle. Robinson is a crushing blocker in the running game, and the Rams love his passion for football. He blocked for running back Tre Mason, who was selected by the Rams in the third round.
Round 1/13 -- Aaron Donald, DT, 6-1, 285, Pittsburgh
--Donald is a fierce penetrator and had 28.5 tackles for loss last season. He doesn't have great size, but his quickness allows him to make plays. The Rams will likely use him to start out on passing downs. Some have compared him to standout Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins.
Round 2/41 -- Lamarcus Joyner, CB, 5-8, 184, Florida State
--Joyner plays bigger than his size, not much different than former Louisiana State defensive backTyrann Mathieu, who is now with the division rivalArizona Cardinals. He should strengthen the Rams' defense as a nickel defender in the slot. He has been durable in college, but will have to show he can do the same at the NFL level.
Round 3/75 -- Tre Mason, RB, 5-8, 207, Auburn
--He ran largely behind Robinson at Auburn, gaining 1,816 yards last season and scoring 23 touchdowns. The Rams see him as a change-of-pace back who will team with Zac Stacy. The Rams also have Benny Cunningham and Isaiah Pead on the roster. Mason gained 304 yards on 46 carries and scored four touchdowns in Auburn's SEC championship game win over Missouri.
Round 4/110 -- Maurice Alexander, S, 6-1, 220, Utah State
--Big hitter who will be playing in his hometown. Good size, and physical; is considered a good fit for coordinator Gregg Williams' defense. Should be a big contributor on special teams.
Round 6/188 -- E.J. Gaines, CB, 5-10, 190, Missouri
--An undersized playmaker, Gaines shut down Texas A&M wide receiver Mike Adams last season, holding him to four catches for eight yards. He is good against the run, and plays a physical game with aggressiveness. Good zone corner that loves to compete. Versatile, he believes he can help at corner, in the slot or even safety.
Round 6/214 -- Garrett Gilbert, QB, 6-4, 223, Southern Methodist
--Started his career at Texas before transferring to SMU and passed for 3,528 yards last season with 21 touchdowns. He had 635 yards of total offense in a game against Temple. Gilbert has good size and a strong arm, but hasn't played well in games against top opponents. Coaches believe he can compete and possible develop.
Round 7/226 -- Mitchell Van Dyk, T, 6-7, 313, Portland State
--Mostly a right tackle, but Rams believe he also could work on the left side. Van Dyk has good size and strength, but also has room to get stronger.
Round 7/241 -- Christian Bryant, S, 5-10, 193, Ohio State
--Was a three-starter at safety and a team captain last season. However, he suffered a broken ankle against Wisconsin in the fifth game of the season and didn't play again. The Buckeyes defense struggled without his leadership and production. He applied for a medical redshirt, but it was rejected by the NCAA. Bryant is somewhat undersized, but plays aggressively and is very physical.
Round 7/249 -- Michael Sam, DE, 6-2, 261, Missouri
--Sam doesn't have outstanding measureables, but all he does is produce. The co-Defensive Player of the Year last season in the SEC, he had 11.5 sacks, nine pressures and 19 tackles for loss. The Rams intend to use him as a designated pass rusher in the varied packages employed by defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. He has become a trailblazer for being the first openly gay player in the NFL, but he knows the ultimate judgment will be on his football prowess.
Round 7/250 -- Demetrius Rhaney, C, 6-2, 300, Tennessee State
--The Rams like him as a potentially versatile inside player. Transferred to Tennessee State from Ellsworth CC where he played right tackle and guard, and started at right guard at Tennessee State as a junior. Was switched to center for his final year and started the entire season. He caught NFL eyes at his Pro Day, and has an inherent passion for the game.
PERSONNEL TRACKER
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers)
--CB Quinton Pointer (not tendered as ERFA) contributed on special teams during his brief stint on the active roster.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
--S Matt Giordano provides rare experience at the safety spot and contributed on special teams. He could return at the veteran minimum.
--QB Brady Quinn ended the season on injured reserve because of a back problem and would be considered an extreme longshot to be re-signed.
--LB Will Witherspoon could be at the end of the line. He was signed last summer after the Jo-Lonn Dunbar suspension was announced, and rarely played from scrimmage after he returned.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS
--C Tim Barnes (tendered at $570,000) started and held his own late in the season when Scott Wells was injured.
DRAFT CHOICES SIGNED: None.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
--QB Austin Davis: ERFA; $570,000/1 yr.
--LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar: UFA; $2.006M/2 yrs, $128,821 guaranteed.
--G Rodger Saffold: UFA; $31.347M/5 yrs, $5M SB/$19.5M partially guaranteed/$11M fully guaranteed.
--WR Justin Veltung: ERFA; $495,000/1 yr.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
--WR Kenny Britt: UFA Titans; $1.4M/1 yr, $550,000 guaranteed.
--DL Alex Carrington: UFA Bills; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--QB Shaun Hill: UFA Lions; $1.75M/1 yr, $500,000 guaranteed.
--G Davin Joseph: FA Buccaneers; terms unknown.
PLAYERS LOST
--QB Kellen Clemens: UFA Chargers; 2 yrs, terms unknown.
--DT Jermelle Cudjo (released).
--G Harvey Dahl (released).
--CB Cortland Finnegan (released).
--TE Mike McNeill: Not tendered as RFA/Panthers; $1.52M/2 yr, $100,000 SB.
--RB Daryl Richardson (released).
--G Shelley Smith: UFA Dolphins; $5.5M/2yrs, $500,000/SB/$1.5M guaranteed.
--S Darian Stewart: UFA Ravens; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--G Chris Williams: UFA Bills; $13.5M/4 yrs, $5.5M guaranteed.
