With the 32nd pick of the 4th round The Rams select Greg Gaines DT Washington

[fearsomefour]

Oh I was wanting a NT. Hoping Lawrence would drop in the draft. No such luck but, Gaines looks promising as an early rotational player. Rams get a run defender that could be a good pressure NT. Great reports from the Senior Bowl shows he has a good upside potential. Should interesting to see him compete early on. Rams liked him a lot so I expect he gets some good snaps.

Wade isn't into that huge space eating 360 lb NT.
The Rams aren't going to have that player in Wade's version of a 3/4.
Jrry and Bonifay only said it two or three hundred times before it finally sunk into my head. Haha.
I think Gaines is a great fit for what they want in a run defending interior lineman. He has a little wiggle too and can make some plays.
I really like this pick and the Rapp pick.
Gaines may have fallen because he is not as big as a traditional 3/4 NT and not a true pass rushing DT. But, he is a good fit for Wade's system.
Like the OT Evans. Kept reading how he projects as a zone blocking scheme player.
That is the thing that is easy to lose sight of.
One mag has a player rated 8th or 14th at a position. But, to a certain team, he is a better scheme fit than that.

 

[OldSchool]

From what I've read and heard we have a guy here who made a college career out of run defending, and not as a huge NT. Then you get him in the Senior Bowl and with some NFL coaching and against some of the best players in college football he flashes some pass rushing ability from the middle without giving up his run defending. The interest from Wade at that point seems pretty obvious.

 

[fearsomefour]

My thought:
Would you rather have an average athlete with a super high motor, or a superior athlete (Suh) that gives almost NO effort?
Yes, Suh did step it up in the playoffs, and I appreciate that. Still, I think he was dogging it during the season.
At least this is a guy with some ability and desire that we can root for.

Also, he is a very good scheme match.
Suh is athletic enough he can play in any scheme. But, I agree, he was going through the motions until the playoffs, which is shameful. He also hasn't signed anywhere.
So getting a good scheme match that can anchor and help with the D's biggest weakness in round 4? That's a win.

 

[Ram65]

Wade isn't into that huge space eating 360 lb NT.
The Rams aren't going to have that player in Wade's version of a 3/4.
Jrry and Bonifay only said it two or three hundred times before it finally sunk into my head. Haha.
I think Gaines is a great fit for what they want in a run defending interior lineman. He has a little wiggle too and can make some plays.
I really like this pick and the Rapp pick.
Gaines may have fallen because he is not as big as a traditional 3/4 NT and not a true pass rushing DT. But, he is a good fit for Wade's system.
Like the OT Evans. Kept reading how he projects as a zone blocking scheme player.
That is the thing that is easy to lose sight of.
One mag has a player rated 8th or 14th at a position. But, to a certain team, he is a better scheme fit than that.

Wade's had both types of NTs before. IIRC he stated his defense doesn't need a huge space eating NT when the Rams didn't have one. The Rams needed to address the poor run stopping on defense. We don't know what Wade and the Rams were thinking about Lawrence. I do think he is more than a space eater with potential to get good pressure up the middle. I read he was used in stunting which is unusual for a big NT. Him next to Donald would have been interesting to see.

I like the Gaines pick and stated that earlier as the Rams had a big need at NT. I like the Rams overall draft a lot. They got players they targeted that fit their system. I have written that I thought the Rams needed defense early in the draft. NT seemed a priority with Safety and CB right behind. Didn't see a LBer early on as the two best would be gone way before the Rams picked. Offensive line depth was needed too but, they didn't need to go early on them. So it turns out the Rams got defensive help early with a somewhat surprising RB pick too. I am really looking forward to watching Gaines compete with SJD.

 

[Mojo Ram]

the "positive vibes" comes from the fact that we have a coaching staff that is developing talent and getting guys into the starting line up pretty consistently.... Cooper Kupp…..Corey Littleton....John Johnson... our coaches are getting guys ready to play..and start and they're coming through....

This is a valid point that i think many of us are having a hard time getting accustomed to. During the dark ages of our recent history we drafted bad players and couldn't develop any of them, then came Fisher/Snead and we drafted better players but could only develop the defensive guys. We have a competent staff of coaches here in every phase now. Things are working the way they're supposed to these days.

We're still going to miss on guys, it happens, it's not a perfect science but i do believe that when we do draft a guy and bring him into THIS system he will be put into the best situation possible to excel and develop.

 

[Riverumbbq]

What you have to understand here is that you're just talking about base defense. Rank our best defensive players:

Donald
Brockers
Littleton
Fowler
Matthews
Ebukam
Talib
Peters
NRC
JJ
Weddle

That's 11 players - most above average.

JFM
Christian

Both played snaps last year

Rapp
Long
Gaines

Rookies who will contribute

SJD
Smart
Fox

DL depth only on early downs



When you look at it like this, our D is LOADED. Fowler, Matthews and Ebukam should be viewed as DL for sub packages and it completely changes the Outlook.

My concern isn't over the defense as a whole, my post specifically dealt with the DL and how it may be rather thin in regard to experience and man-power, especially if we had an injury.
I find it doubtful that the Rams would go after Wilkerson anyway, this due to some character issues, only that if it was me, I would as he could come in and have an immediate and positive impact. We were a Super Bowl contender last year and we may only be a player or two from taking the big prize this time around, so I would make that extra effort to solidify the Line if veteran talent was available at an affordable price. jmo.

 

[fearsomefour]

Wade's had both types of NTs before. IIRC he stated his defense doesn't need a huge space eating NT when the Rams didn't have one. The Rams needed to address the poor run stopping on defense. We don't know what Wade and the Rams were thinking about Lawrence. I do think he is more than a space eater with potential to get good pressure up the middle. I read he was used in stunting which is unusual for a big NT. Him next to Donald would have been interesting to see.

I like the Gaines pick and stated that earlier as the Rams had a big need at NT. I like the Rams overall draft a lot. They got players they targeted that fit their system. I have written that I thought the Rams needed defense early in the draft. NT seemed a priority with Safety and CB right behind. Didn't see a LBer early on as the two best would be gone way before the Rams picked. Offensive line depth was needed too but, they didn't need to go early on them. So it turns out the Rams got defensive help early with a somewhat surprising RB pick too. I am really looking forward to watching Gaines compete with SJD.

Well said.
Agree 100% with everything you said.

 

[Memento]

The more I read, the more I think he starts at nose tackle as a rookie.

 

[FrantikRam]

My concern isn't over the defense as a whole, my post specifically dealt with the DL and how it may be rather thin in regard to experience and man-power, especially if we had an injury.
I find it doubtful that the Rams would go after Wilkerson anyway, this due to some character issues, only that if it was me, I would as he could come in and have an immediate and positive impact. We were a Super Bowl contender last year and we may only be a player or two from taking the big prize this time around, so I would make that extra effort to solidify the Line if veteran talent was available at an affordable price. jmo.

But I don't think you should be concerned about the DL. Most teams pass more frequently, which means that our DL when it matters will be some combination of JFM/Fowler/Ebukam/Matthews/Brockers/Donald - and Gaines if he proves to be useful on passing downs. He will be a good run defender - so I don't get the concern. Depth behind those 7 players are just that - depth - SJD having been on the team for a year is the perfect opportunity for creating depth.

 

[Riverumbbq]

But I don't think you should be concerned about the DL. Most teams pass more frequently, which means that our DL when it matters will be some combination of JFM/Fowler/Ebukam/Matthews/Brockers/Donald - and Gaines if he proves to be useful on passing downs. He will be a good run defender - so I don't get the concern. Depth behind those 7 players are just that - depth - SJD having been on the team for a year is the perfect opportunity for creating depth.

Improved depth can be the deference between a play-off contender and one that is not. While JFM had quite a few defensive snaps (301) last season, he's proved his value somewhat in the rotation. Joseph had 0 snaps and Smart, after 3 years on the roster, had all of 6. Joseph is being talked up to be the main rotational player behind Brockers at DT, especially so in passing situations. Brockers had his least productive year in 2018 since coming into the league. He also had over 200 less snaps than either Suh or Donald, and with Gaines taking more snaps away at NT during rushing downs, those numbers are likely to drop further, and this is likely a very good thing if Gaines shows his mettle. At this point it's pretty hard to determine whether Brockers will get more snaps at LDE, actually taking away potential snaps from JFM, it's yet to be determined how that will unfold. Smart and Fox's roles are rather undefined other than they maintain a roster spot for the time being. My concern for the Rams DL isn't about the numbers on the depth chart, but about the quality of the player in the event of an injury. jmo.

 

[FrantikRam]

Improved depth can be the deference between a play-off contender and one that is not. While JFM had quite a few defensive snaps (301) last season, he's proved his value somewhat in the rotation. Joseph had 0 snaps and Smart, after 3 years on the roster, had all of 6. Joseph is being talked up to be the main rotational player behind Brockers at DT, especially so in passing situations. Brockers had his least productive year in 2018 since coming into the league. He also had over 200 less snaps than either Suh or Donald, and with Gaines taking more snaps away at NT during rushing downs, those numbers are likely to drop further, and this is likely a very good thing if Gaines shows his mettle. At this point it's pretty hard to determine whether Brockers will get more snaps at LDE, actually taking away potential snaps from JFM, it's yet to be determined how that will unfold. Smart and Fox's roles are rather undefined other than they maintain a roster spot for the time being. My concern for the Rams DL isn't about the numbers on the depth chart, but about the quality of the player in the event of an injury. jmo.

Where has anyone mentioned that SJD would be in on passing situations?

On 3rd down:

ILB - Littleton and Christian/Rapp
DE - Fowler, Matthews or Ebukam
DT - Donald and JFM or Ebukam (has the strength for it if they want to put four best pass rushers on the field)

Or they kick Brockers inside at DT for 3rd down - lots of options.

I'd bet that SJD would rotate on early downs.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Where has anyone mentioned that SJD would be in on passing situations?

I didn't know it had to be mentioned. If Brockers isn't in the rotation at that particular time and it isn't necessarily an obvious pass or rushing situation, maybe Joseph gets the call. Other than reading some limited college reactions, I don't know enough about Joseph to understand where his strengths & weaknesses really lay.

 

[Memento]

I'm sorry, Sebastian Joseph-Day fans, but I never saw much in him. He hasn't taken a single snap in his career. Tanzel Smart at least has an excuse, being behind Donald. I see Gaines as the guy to beat when it comes to the nose tackle role, with Brockers and Franklin-Myers splitting time in the 5-tech spot.

 

[LA_Rams_#29]

I'm sorry, Sebastian Joseph-Day fans, but I never saw much in him. He hasn't taken a single snap in his career. Tanzel Smart at least has an excuse, being behind Donald. I see Gaines as the guy to beat when it comes to the nose tackle role, with Brockers and Franklin-Myers splitting time in the 5-tech spot.

The coaching staff is really high on Joseph-Day... Kiser hasn't taken a snap in a real game at linebacker, and not only have they given him a starting spot..they didn't draft anyone to compete with him, nor have they signed anybody to compete with him... . The staff did basically the same thing with Littleton last year....and cut Mo Alexander after week 1 to give an unproven rookie John Johnson a the starting job 2 years ago...

whatever they are seeing in the guys they're giving these opportunities is working

 

[Akrasian]

The coaching staff is really high on Joseph-Day... Kiser hasn't taken a snap in a real game at linebacker, and not only have they given him a starting spot..they didn't draft anyone to compete with him, nor have they signed anybody to compete with him... . The staff did basically the same thing with Littleton last year....and cut Mo Alexander after week 1 to give an unproven rookie John Johnson a the starting job 2 years ago...

whatever they are seeing in the guys they're giving these opportunities is working

While they named Kiser the starter at one point - shortly afterwards they signed Matthews to take away a bunch of snaps from him, even as a 2 down LB. Then their first draft pick was a run stuffing safety, who will at least play a bunch of safety packages to take away more snaps from Kiser.

Basically, Kiser at least initially is likely to be a "starter" with backup snaps. If he does well, perhaps they increase.

By all appearances, they like Joseph-Day - but they drafted a starter ahead of him. He will get playing time this year, but has to earn more.

 

[PhillyRam]

Wade's had both types of NTs before. IIRC he stated his defense doesn't need a huge space eating NT when the Rams didn't have one. The Rams needed to address the poor run stopping on defense. We don't know what Wade and the Rams were thinking about Lawrence. I do think he is more than a space eater with potential to get good pressure up the middle. I read he was used in stunting which is unusual for a big NT. Him next to Donald would have been interesting to see.

I like the Gaines pick and stated that earlier as the Rams had a big need at NT. I like the Rams overall draft a lot. They got players they targeted that fit their system. I have written that I thought the Rams needed defense early in the draft. NT seemed a priority with Safety and CB right behind. Didn't see a LBer early on as the two best would be gone way before the Rams picked. Offensive line depth was needed too but, they didn't need to go early on them. So it turns out the Rams got defensive help early with a somewhat surprising RB pick too. I am really looking forward to watching Gaines compete with SJD.

It was a perfect approach in terms of addressing needs.

Adding youth to the secondary. Addressing the run defense.
Replenishing OL depth.

And the RB was about adding a new dimension on offense. As McVay stated the need to get out of being an 11 personnel offense all the time. Afterall they only scored 3 pts in the SB!

 

[LA_Rams_#29]

While they named Kiser the starter at one point - shortly afterwards they signed Matthews to take away a bunch of snaps from him, even as a 2 down LB. Then their first draft pick was a run stuffing safety, who will at least play a bunch of safety packages to take away more snaps from Kiser.

Basically, Kiser at least initially is likely to be a "starter" with backup snaps. If he does well, perhaps they increase.

By all appearances, they like Joseph-Day - but they drafted a starter ahead of him. He will get playing time this year, but has to earn more.

Mathews was signed to improve our pass rush... He replaces Ebukam as the starter... Sure they'll have some pass rush schemes with Mathews lining up at ILB and keeping Ebukam or Okoronkwo on the field with Fowler..

but in terms of our starting ILB … Mathews isn't competing with Kiser … at this point in his career Clay is more of a pass rush specialist...and his previous moves to ILB haven't been terribly successful.....

in terms of drafting Rapp... our oldest defensive starter is Weddle.... who is likely more of an in the box safety now... makes sense to not only draft a potential replacement, but a guy who is versatile enough to line up in the box when you play with a bunch of DBs on the field..

again..don't see at all how drafting him shows less than a commitment to Kiser... they don't play the same position...

Had the Rams either drafted or signed a stout run stopping type ILB then I'd say that at least they want Kiser to compete for that spot... but they haven't done that... From what they've both done and said, they want to open with Littleton sliding over to Barron's spot....which seems to be a better fit for his skill set, and Kiser moving into Littleton's spot which address our issues vs. the run...

of course we will see how this all turns out...Kiser was a really solid player for a long time in college..and he's put in a lot of work …. his a big thumper and that's what we need at the position..

as far as Joseph-Day.....he'll get a good look along with Smart and Gaines.... but I also think the staff is confident in moving Brockers to NT and having Franklin-Myers out there more...

we've got a lot of versatility in our front 7 now....

 

[RamWoodie]

I ain't from Missouri...but even with good press on this guy...you gotta show me. The leap from college to the NFL flushes out those who aren't ready for "the next level".

REMEMBER BRIAN BOSWORTH!!!

I'm more excited about the David Edwards OT pick,

 

[Akrasian]

Mathews was signed to improve our pass rush... He replaces Ebukam as the starter... Sure they'll have some pass rush schemes with Mathews lining up at ILB and keeping Ebukam or Okoronkwo on the field with Fowler..

but in terms of our starting ILB … Mathews isn't competing with Kiser … at this point in his career Clay is more of a pass rush specialist...and his previous moves to ILB haven't been terribly successful.....

These links disagree
https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2019/03/19/nfl-rams-clay-matthews-signing-linebacker-analysis/

Matthews played inside and outside linebacker with the Packers for several years, including a full-time stint in the middle for the 2015 season. That year, he made the Pro Bowl with 66 tackles, one interception, 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss.

https://clutchpoints.com/packers-ne...sign-clay-matthews-to-play-inside-linebacker/

This is something that the Packers have usually dedicated a safety to, but thanks to how well Matthews has developed as a run-stopping linebacker, and with the team also looking for help in the pass rush and safety market, it might make some sense for the team to try and bring back someone who knows the system on a cheaper deal.

That one's speculative, but from someone who follows the Packers professionally.

ESPN also thinks it likely he'll be playing some inside

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26311163/ex-packers-lb-matthews-rams-2-year-deal

It's far from the case that I'm the only one who expects him to play some ILB. And of course, notice how excited the Rams were to get their target - a hard tackling, run stuffing safety, even though they signed Weddle shortly before. There will be a lot of safety packages.

It just seemed strange that the Rams would just hand a starting spot to a guy who couldn't take even one snap away from Bryce Hager and Ramik Wilson, who are still unemployed this offseason.

 

[ReddingRam]

I.m far too lazy to read through every post/replay on Gaines. What I will say when someone "wonders" about his size ... Kyle Williams. almost identical. Also... if you are 6'1" and in the 308-312 range, you are actually more stout than a guy that is 6'4"- 320. the mass is centered lower and more compact. Gaines also has leverage in his favor, ala Aaron Donald. Someone else mentioned that he is "country strong" .. and that also is a virtue. It's natural strength. After getting NFL coaching and training, this kid should be a steal at where we got him, and an asset to the Defense. Rushing the passer is bot what we needed. We have guys for that. what we were terrible at was stopping the run ... hence ...