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http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...guing-rookie-storylines-at-st-louis-rams-otas
The Most Intriguing Rookie Storylines at St. Louis Rams OTAs
By Steven Gerwel, Featured Columnist May 18, 2015
One week after the NFL draft, the St. Louis Rams rookies took the practice field at Rams Park. Things have been a bit slow without the veterans, but the rookie storylines are beginning to take shape.
Unlike most NFL teams, the Rams will not hold minicamps. Instead, the St. Louis rookies will join the veterans on the first day of organized team activities on June 2. Still, the rookies are getting some work in.
This article will discuss some of the key highlights and headlines from those practices.
Rams Hoping to Repeat History with Undrafted Rookies
Jeff Roberson/Associated Press
One of the most underrated sources of NFL talent is the undrafted rookie pool. Under head coach Jeff Fisher, the Rams have secured some competent players through rookie free-agent signings over the last few years.
Last year, Ethan Westbrooks of West Texas A&M managed to make the final cut as an undrafted defensive end. Considering the Rams are stacked on the defensive line, his accomplishment was nothing short of remarkable. He'll improve St. Louis' depth this season, yet he barely costs the Rams anything.
Linebacker Daren Bates is another example. He came out of Auburn in 2013 and went undrafted. He's now a valuable asset on special teams in St. Louis.
Johnny Hekker was added following the 2012 draft. He's now a Pro Bowl punter and one of the most feared kickers in the league, given his ability to run the fake and toss the ball down field.
Quarterback Austin Davis, running backs Benny Cunningham and Trey Watts, tight ends Alex Bayer and Cory Harkey, cornerback Marcus Roberson and safety Rodney McLeod are just a few of the many other examples.
The Rams have killed it in this area. In 2015, they'll attempt to do the same.
A crop of 15 undrafted rookies joined the Rams for rookie camp. The group primarily consists of skill-position players on offense and several defensive backs.
One exception is South Florida left tackle Darrell Williams. Williams started two consecutive seasons on the blindside for the Bulls. South Florida featured underwhelming offensive talent in 2014, but Williams helped running back Marlon Mack reach 1,000 yards and average over five yards per carry.
Texas running back Malcolm Brown is a promising addition as well. He was projected as a possible fifth-round pick by CBS Sports, yet St. Louis grabbed him as a free agent. His carries were limited in college, but he averaged 4.3 yards per attempt and 3,060 yards from scrimmage.
Wide receiver Tyler Slavin of New Mexico Highlands is another player to watch. He had an excellent 2014 campaign with 1,418 yards and 17 touchdowns. At 6'2" and 215 pounds, he has decent size for an NFL wide out.
It's hard to predict which undrafted rookie will step up. However, if the last several years are any indication, we can rest assured that someone will.
Offensive Line Receives Injection of Youth
Jeff Roberson/Associated Press
After losing Jake Long, Scott Wells, Davin Joseph and (possibly) Joe Barksdale, it was obvious St. Louis needed offensive line help entering this offseason.
The Rams answered that need by grabbing four linemen in the first six rounds of the draft. Not only that, but they targeted a specific type of lineman: the road-grader.
If you didn't take the hint after the team grabbed Todd Gurley at No. 10 overall, then the lineman picks certainly removed all remaining doubt. This team is going to run the football in 2015. That is, until someone can stop them.
Fourth-round selection Andrew Donnal is eager to begin his role as a mauler, according to Myles Simmons of the official St. Louis Rams website.
“That’s a lineman’s dream,” he said. “We want to run the ball, push people around. We like it dirty and messy. We don’t like everything clean. So yes, that’s an awesome situation for us to come into.”
Donnal went on to mention that, despite a difference in language, the St. Louis system is fairly similar to the system in place at Iowa.
Some might be wondering if linemen selected higher in the draft, such as second-round pick Rob Havenstein, are a little more privileged around Rams Park. According to Donnal, draft status is irrelevant.
“They kind of left their egos at the door, and they’re just here for football," said Donnal. "They don’t care if you were the first pick or the 300th pick—whatever. We’re all here to earn spots and we’re here to compete.”
It sounds like all the linemen will be starting from square one and that favoritism will take a backseat.
That's the ideal way to handle the competition. With so many young linemen competing, it's important for the Rams to identify which players are truly stepping up, rather than who they want to see step up.
Todd Gurley Getting It Done from the Sidelines
Jeff Roberson/Associated Press
Gurley has still not fully recovered from the knee injury that nearly shattered his draft stock, but he's still dressing and in attendance at Rams Park, according to Fox Sports.
The 20-year-old running back did not participate in a running activities, but he was on the sidelines in his new Rams jersey wearing No. 30. According to the article, he's soaking up some experience despite watching from the bench.
"I'm getting the mental reps so I know what's going on," Gurley said. "I'm listening to the play calls. I can still go through the plays by myself. I'm in the back trying to make sure I'm on my stuff."
The fact that he's paying attention and doing everything in his power to prepare himself is a good sign. As a No. 10 overall pick, the Rams are certainly counting on him as a long-term keystone on offense.
The big question is whether or not the mental reps will be enough to get him ready for early-season action. The Rams certainly don't want to rush him, but it'll be hard not to if the offense struggles in the first several games.
Without a doubt, the way St. Louis handles Gurley will be a key storyline throughout the summer.
The Most Intriguing Rookie Storylines at St. Louis Rams OTAs
By Steven Gerwel, Featured Columnist May 18, 2015
One week after the NFL draft, the St. Louis Rams rookies took the practice field at Rams Park. Things have been a bit slow without the veterans, but the rookie storylines are beginning to take shape.
Unlike most NFL teams, the Rams will not hold minicamps. Instead, the St. Louis rookies will join the veterans on the first day of organized team activities on June 2. Still, the rookies are getting some work in.
This article will discuss some of the key highlights and headlines from those practices.
Rams Hoping to Repeat History with Undrafted Rookies
Jeff Roberson/Associated Press
One of the most underrated sources of NFL talent is the undrafted rookie pool. Under head coach Jeff Fisher, the Rams have secured some competent players through rookie free-agent signings over the last few years.
Last year, Ethan Westbrooks of West Texas A&M managed to make the final cut as an undrafted defensive end. Considering the Rams are stacked on the defensive line, his accomplishment was nothing short of remarkable. He'll improve St. Louis' depth this season, yet he barely costs the Rams anything.
Linebacker Daren Bates is another example. He came out of Auburn in 2013 and went undrafted. He's now a valuable asset on special teams in St. Louis.
Johnny Hekker was added following the 2012 draft. He's now a Pro Bowl punter and one of the most feared kickers in the league, given his ability to run the fake and toss the ball down field.
Quarterback Austin Davis, running backs Benny Cunningham and Trey Watts, tight ends Alex Bayer and Cory Harkey, cornerback Marcus Roberson and safety Rodney McLeod are just a few of the many other examples.
The Rams have killed it in this area. In 2015, they'll attempt to do the same.
A crop of 15 undrafted rookies joined the Rams for rookie camp. The group primarily consists of skill-position players on offense and several defensive backs.
One exception is South Florida left tackle Darrell Williams. Williams started two consecutive seasons on the blindside for the Bulls. South Florida featured underwhelming offensive talent in 2014, but Williams helped running back Marlon Mack reach 1,000 yards and average over five yards per carry.
Texas running back Malcolm Brown is a promising addition as well. He was projected as a possible fifth-round pick by CBS Sports, yet St. Louis grabbed him as a free agent. His carries were limited in college, but he averaged 4.3 yards per attempt and 3,060 yards from scrimmage.
Wide receiver Tyler Slavin of New Mexico Highlands is another player to watch. He had an excellent 2014 campaign with 1,418 yards and 17 touchdowns. At 6'2" and 215 pounds, he has decent size for an NFL wide out.
It's hard to predict which undrafted rookie will step up. However, if the last several years are any indication, we can rest assured that someone will.
Offensive Line Receives Injection of Youth
Jeff Roberson/Associated Press
After losing Jake Long, Scott Wells, Davin Joseph and (possibly) Joe Barksdale, it was obvious St. Louis needed offensive line help entering this offseason.
The Rams answered that need by grabbing four linemen in the first six rounds of the draft. Not only that, but they targeted a specific type of lineman: the road-grader.
If you didn't take the hint after the team grabbed Todd Gurley at No. 10 overall, then the lineman picks certainly removed all remaining doubt. This team is going to run the football in 2015. That is, until someone can stop them.
Fourth-round selection Andrew Donnal is eager to begin his role as a mauler, according to Myles Simmons of the official St. Louis Rams website.
“That’s a lineman’s dream,” he said. “We want to run the ball, push people around. We like it dirty and messy. We don’t like everything clean. So yes, that’s an awesome situation for us to come into.”
Donnal went on to mention that, despite a difference in language, the St. Louis system is fairly similar to the system in place at Iowa.
Some might be wondering if linemen selected higher in the draft, such as second-round pick Rob Havenstein, are a little more privileged around Rams Park. According to Donnal, draft status is irrelevant.
“They kind of left their egos at the door, and they’re just here for football," said Donnal. "They don’t care if you were the first pick or the 300th pick—whatever. We’re all here to earn spots and we’re here to compete.”
It sounds like all the linemen will be starting from square one and that favoritism will take a backseat.
That's the ideal way to handle the competition. With so many young linemen competing, it's important for the Rams to identify which players are truly stepping up, rather than who they want to see step up.
Todd Gurley Getting It Done from the Sidelines
Jeff Roberson/Associated Press
Gurley has still not fully recovered from the knee injury that nearly shattered his draft stock, but he's still dressing and in attendance at Rams Park, according to Fox Sports.
The 20-year-old running back did not participate in a running activities, but he was on the sidelines in his new Rams jersey wearing No. 30. According to the article, he's soaking up some experience despite watching from the bench.
"I'm getting the mental reps so I know what's going on," Gurley said. "I'm listening to the play calls. I can still go through the plays by myself. I'm in the back trying to make sure I'm on my stuff."
The fact that he's paying attention and doing everything in his power to prepare himself is a good sign. As a No. 10 overall pick, the Rams are certainly counting on him as a long-term keystone on offense.
The big question is whether or not the mental reps will be enough to get him ready for early-season action. The Rams certainly don't want to rush him, but it'll be hard not to if the offense struggles in the first several games.
Without a doubt, the way St. Louis handles Gurley will be a key storyline throughout the summer.
