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What we learned after Rams OTAs and minicamp
By Vincent Bonsignore, Los Angeles Daily News
[www.dailynews.com]
OXNARD — As the final horn sounded Thursday to wrap up the Rams’ offseason workout program, it was impossible not to look ahead.
The next time the Rams gather as a team, it will be at training camp in late July in Irvine.
Two weeks later, they’ll open the preseason against the Dallas Cowboys at the Coliseum. A month beyond that, they’ll kick off their first season back in Los Angeles against the San Francisco 49ers.
It’s full steam ahead, to say the least.
But depending on which sideline you stood during the Rams’ Organized Team Activity practices, it’s either moving too fast or not fast enough.
Despite parting ways with veteran leaders Chris Long and James Laurinaitis and losing starting cornerback Janoris Jenkins and safety Rodney McLeod to free agency, the defense looked deeper, younger and more agile.
The offense looked like a work in progress under new coordinator Rob Boras in his first full season in charge. With a new playbook, trying to get rookie quarterback Jared Goff up to speed, and new faces in the wide receiver and tight end corps, the offense looked uncomfortable and tentative at times.
That said, here are some observations out of OTAs and some issues to keep an eye on moving forward:
DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD LOOKS FINE
There were legitimate concerns upon losing Jenkins and McLeod. Privately, though, the Rams expressed confidence not only in potential replacements, but also in development and scheme to adequately replace them.
That confidence so far has been justified by the numerous interceptions the defensive backfield forced over the three-week session and the emergence of certain players.
Lamarcus Joyner appears poised to take a step forward as a slot cornerback. E.J. Gaines, on target to be ready by training camp, is expected to start alongside Trumaine Johnson. Free-agent pickup Coty Sensabaugh provides veteran leadership.
At safety, Maurice Alexander drew raves from defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and will compete with Cody Davis and Christian Bryant to replace McLeod. And when T.J. McDonald returns during training camp, the back end of the defense will be that much stronger.
ALEC OGLETREE MAKES SMOOTH TRANSITION
The Rams felt so comfortable about Alec Ogletree making the move from weakside linebacker to inside they released Laurinaitis, their all-time franchise-leading tackler. Nevertheless, Ogletree’s transition was worth monitoring during OTAs, especially the added responsibility of communicating alignment and defensive calls to his teammates. If any concerns lingered, the fourth-year veteran from Georgia eliminated them with a sensational offseason that drew praise from Williams and head coach Jeff Fisher. The Rams could have a star at middle linebacker.
PHAROH COOPER IS DYNAMIC
The Rams were ecstatic when South Carolina wide receiver Pharoh Cooper fell to them in the fourth round. His performance during OTAs explains why, and it had Fisher predicting Cooper will soon be a household name. Cooper is a bigger version of slot receiver Tavon Austin, and while he might not be as fast and quick as Austin, it’s more than adequate to make an immediate impact in the NFL. Cooper impressed with his ability to pick up the playbook, and was getting first-team reps by the second week of OTAs. Cooper and Austin on the field at the same time won’t just take some pressure off Goff or Case Keenum, it will mean more room for star running back Todd Gurley.
JARED GOFF HAS A WAYS TO GO
“Concern” might be a bit strong considering Goff is a rookie quarterback just finishing his first OTA session. But if anyone thought the top pick in the draft would just waltz in and assume the starting job, the last three weeks quickly proved otherwise. Goff finished OTAs with four interceptions in the final practice, three of which looked entirely on him as he overthrew one receiver, threw to the wrong shoulder to another and didn’t see a lurking Joyner as he threw to what he assumed was a wide-open receiver.
It was a disappointing finish to an uneven OTA session. While Goff flashed the strong arm, quick release and great footwork that made him the top pick overall, it’s clear it will be quite the process making the transition from Cal to the starting job.
Which is why Fisher reiterated that Keenum, not Goff, goes to training camp as the starting quarterback.
DEPENDABLE DOWNFIELD THREAT NEEDED
The Rams have been seeking a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver almost as long as they’ve been looking for their franchise quarterback. They hope they have their quarterback in Goff, but the search continues for the wide receiver.
They’re set in the slot with Austin and Cooper, and dependable possession receivers should emerge from Kenny Britt, Brian Quick and rookie Nelson Spruce. But no one seemed ready or able to step up as a dynamic, sure-fire, go-to threat who can command the red zone or take the top off a defense. There is hope rookies Mike Thomas and Duke Williams can develop into that sort of threat, but it will take time for either to get there.
HOW GOOD IS THE OFFENSIVE LINE?
Given the lack of full pads in OTAs, it’s difficult to @#$%& the offensive line. For now, the primary positive takeaway is third-year left tackle Greg Robinson reported no concerns with the lingering foot issue that affected his 2015 season, and left guard Rodger Saffold was mostly healthy after returning from shoulder surgery. That said, with the offensive line being counted on so heavily as difference maker, it’s going to be a while before we get a definitive answer.
Will Robinson emerge as the dominant tackle so many predicted when he was drafted second overall in 2014? He and a healthy Saffold can solidify the left side of the line and make life easier on Goff or Keenum and Gurley. With Tim Barnes solidifying center, Jamon Brown returning at right guard and Rob Havenstein building off his All-Rookie season at right tackle, the pieces are in place for an average to above-average line. Now the group must stay healthy and show it on the field.
WHAT’S NEXT
The Rams, like every other NFL team, are officially off until training camp in late July. But there is one key difference: While the 31 other teams have a workout facility players can utilize for conditioning, weight training and rehab, Rams players will have to find alternative sites. The Rams have to clear out of their temporary practice site in Oxnard on June 24, and their in-season practice facility at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks won’t be up and running until after training camp begins. It’s one of the challenges for a team moving across country and setting up shop in a new city on the fly.
By Vincent Bonsignore, Los Angeles Daily News
[www.dailynews.com]
OXNARD — As the final horn sounded Thursday to wrap up the Rams’ offseason workout program, it was impossible not to look ahead.
The next time the Rams gather as a team, it will be at training camp in late July in Irvine.
Two weeks later, they’ll open the preseason against the Dallas Cowboys at the Coliseum. A month beyond that, they’ll kick off their first season back in Los Angeles against the San Francisco 49ers.
It’s full steam ahead, to say the least.
But depending on which sideline you stood during the Rams’ Organized Team Activity practices, it’s either moving too fast or not fast enough.
Despite parting ways with veteran leaders Chris Long and James Laurinaitis and losing starting cornerback Janoris Jenkins and safety Rodney McLeod to free agency, the defense looked deeper, younger and more agile.
The offense looked like a work in progress under new coordinator Rob Boras in his first full season in charge. With a new playbook, trying to get rookie quarterback Jared Goff up to speed, and new faces in the wide receiver and tight end corps, the offense looked uncomfortable and tentative at times.
That said, here are some observations out of OTAs and some issues to keep an eye on moving forward:
DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD LOOKS FINE
There were legitimate concerns upon losing Jenkins and McLeod. Privately, though, the Rams expressed confidence not only in potential replacements, but also in development and scheme to adequately replace them.
That confidence so far has been justified by the numerous interceptions the defensive backfield forced over the three-week session and the emergence of certain players.
Lamarcus Joyner appears poised to take a step forward as a slot cornerback. E.J. Gaines, on target to be ready by training camp, is expected to start alongside Trumaine Johnson. Free-agent pickup Coty Sensabaugh provides veteran leadership.
At safety, Maurice Alexander drew raves from defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and will compete with Cody Davis and Christian Bryant to replace McLeod. And when T.J. McDonald returns during training camp, the back end of the defense will be that much stronger.
ALEC OGLETREE MAKES SMOOTH TRANSITION
The Rams felt so comfortable about Alec Ogletree making the move from weakside linebacker to inside they released Laurinaitis, their all-time franchise-leading tackler. Nevertheless, Ogletree’s transition was worth monitoring during OTAs, especially the added responsibility of communicating alignment and defensive calls to his teammates. If any concerns lingered, the fourth-year veteran from Georgia eliminated them with a sensational offseason that drew praise from Williams and head coach Jeff Fisher. The Rams could have a star at middle linebacker.
PHAROH COOPER IS DYNAMIC
The Rams were ecstatic when South Carolina wide receiver Pharoh Cooper fell to them in the fourth round. His performance during OTAs explains why, and it had Fisher predicting Cooper will soon be a household name. Cooper is a bigger version of slot receiver Tavon Austin, and while he might not be as fast and quick as Austin, it’s more than adequate to make an immediate impact in the NFL. Cooper impressed with his ability to pick up the playbook, and was getting first-team reps by the second week of OTAs. Cooper and Austin on the field at the same time won’t just take some pressure off Goff or Case Keenum, it will mean more room for star running back Todd Gurley.
JARED GOFF HAS A WAYS TO GO
“Concern” might be a bit strong considering Goff is a rookie quarterback just finishing his first OTA session. But if anyone thought the top pick in the draft would just waltz in and assume the starting job, the last three weeks quickly proved otherwise. Goff finished OTAs with four interceptions in the final practice, three of which looked entirely on him as he overthrew one receiver, threw to the wrong shoulder to another and didn’t see a lurking Joyner as he threw to what he assumed was a wide-open receiver.
It was a disappointing finish to an uneven OTA session. While Goff flashed the strong arm, quick release and great footwork that made him the top pick overall, it’s clear it will be quite the process making the transition from Cal to the starting job.
Which is why Fisher reiterated that Keenum, not Goff, goes to training camp as the starting quarterback.
DEPENDABLE DOWNFIELD THREAT NEEDED
The Rams have been seeking a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver almost as long as they’ve been looking for their franchise quarterback. They hope they have their quarterback in Goff, but the search continues for the wide receiver.
They’re set in the slot with Austin and Cooper, and dependable possession receivers should emerge from Kenny Britt, Brian Quick and rookie Nelson Spruce. But no one seemed ready or able to step up as a dynamic, sure-fire, go-to threat who can command the red zone or take the top off a defense. There is hope rookies Mike Thomas and Duke Williams can develop into that sort of threat, but it will take time for either to get there.
HOW GOOD IS THE OFFENSIVE LINE?
Given the lack of full pads in OTAs, it’s difficult to @#$%& the offensive line. For now, the primary positive takeaway is third-year left tackle Greg Robinson reported no concerns with the lingering foot issue that affected his 2015 season, and left guard Rodger Saffold was mostly healthy after returning from shoulder surgery. That said, with the offensive line being counted on so heavily as difference maker, it’s going to be a while before we get a definitive answer.
Will Robinson emerge as the dominant tackle so many predicted when he was drafted second overall in 2014? He and a healthy Saffold can solidify the left side of the line and make life easier on Goff or Keenum and Gurley. With Tim Barnes solidifying center, Jamon Brown returning at right guard and Rob Havenstein building off his All-Rookie season at right tackle, the pieces are in place for an average to above-average line. Now the group must stay healthy and show it on the field.
WHAT’S NEXT
The Rams, like every other NFL team, are officially off until training camp in late July. But there is one key difference: While the 31 other teams have a workout facility players can utilize for conditioning, weight training and rehab, Rams players will have to find alternative sites. The Rams have to clear out of their temporary practice site in Oxnard on June 24, and their in-season practice facility at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks won’t be up and running until after training camp begins. It’s one of the challenges for a team moving across country and setting up shop in a new city on the fly.
