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

[LA_Rams_#29]

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.

this is 2019.... he didn't play ILB but for "a stint" in 2015... and pretty much said what this article is saying in terms of him being used at times as an ILB

"Sure they'll have some pass rush schemes with Mathews lining up at ILB and keeping Ebukam or Okoronkwo on the field with Fowler.. "

Clay is versatile..and we'll use him in both spots..but we did not get him to play ILB full time.... at this point in his career that would be crazy...especially since that "brief stint" was 4 years ago...




Sorry but I'm not sure what that conjecture means to the point at hand here. What those Packer writers "thought might make some sense" didn't happen.. and honestly if Clay was that good Inside...the Pack would have moved him there full time...

We got Clay Mathews to play the edge... he'll line up in the middle too...but right now we're going with Kiser and Littleton on the inside and Fowler and Clay on the edge with Ebukam rotating in


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

https://clutchpoints.com/packers-news-green-bay-could-re-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.​

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.

You're not the only one who expects him to play some ILB...

I expect it as well and said as much..

"Sure they'll have some pass rush schemes with Mathews lining up at ILB and keeping Ebukam or Okoronkwo on the field with Fowler.. "

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.

It shouldn't seem strange to you as it literally just happened last season.... We gave our full time primary ILB job to Corey Littleton based upon minimal play replacing Barron next to Ogletree very briefly...and some solid special teams play.... We traded Ogletree....folks assumed we'd sign or draft someone to replace him....people folks questioned whether we would give Littleton the job... the coaching staff gave him a shot....he took advantage of the opportunities and it worked.... You should remember that the spot he replaced Ogletree is one that Corey Littleton had literally never played in his life on a regular basis.... He was a DB coming ...he was a safety at Washington initially ...and came to the NFL as a more undersized LB who would line up inside.... He'd never been the main ILB calling the defensive plays on the field and getting the guys lined up...the FIRST season that Corey Littleton did that in his football life was last season...

so again..what's happening with Kiser shouldn't be that strange.... Go back to John Johnson...we cut Mo Alexander...and gave the job to a rookie after the season started.... this staff develops the players, and gives them the shot they feel they've earned...and again...it keeps working for us..

as far as last year.... Kiser wasn't Barron's back up..... Ramik was Barron's back up..and started while he was out... Hager was a vet and was Littleton's back up..if Corey had gone down for any length of time..I believe Kiser would have gotten his shot...but they weren't going to jump him over Hager on the depth chart to back up someone who had never played the position before...Hager was a vet....

and I doubt Hager or Ramik will be brought back because they think so highly of Kiser and Howard...

Kiser is following the same path the Littleton took into the starting line up...and has an actual pedigree at the position where he's getting his opportunity..

I'm going to trust our coaches and front office until this regime misses on one of these ...because right now the guys they are putting on the field are working out

 

[Akrasian]

Clay is versatile..and we'll use him in both spots..but we did not get him to play ILB full time.... at this point in his career that would be crazy...especially since that "brief stint" was 4 years ago...

NOBODY has said he'd play ILB full time. Nobody. The post of mine you initially replied to made it clear that that position would be filled with Matthews, with more safety subpackages, and that Kiser would be the nominal starter, but really be playing backup minutes, at least initially. At least that seems the plan, since the first two personnel moves the Rams made after tentatively saying that Kiser would start depending on moves were to sign a versatile LB who does sometimes play inside, and then use their first draft pick to get a strong tackling safety, and being quite gleeful about how they'll use him.

 

[8to12]

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.

To play Devils advocate ; The Rams are one of the highest scoring teams in the league. So, other teams are going to try Ball control and try to keep from passing 65% of the time. The Rams Base defense needs to improve it's yards per carry by the opposing team.

 

[8to12]

And Donald.

I'm not so sure it's a shot at Donald. Donald at least stays in his Gap. He shoots the gap and leaves a gaping hole sometimes. This is the paradox having Donald. He's so quick to shoot the "B" gap to the backfield that the offense runs the ball through the "A" gap allowing the Guard or the Tackle upfield to take out our LB in the process.

 

[1maGoh]

I'm not so sure it's a shot at Donald. Donald at least stays in his Gap. He shoots the gap and leaves a gaping hole sometimes. This is the paradox having Donald. He's so quick to shoot the "B" gap to the backfield that the offense runs the ball through the "A" gap allowing the Guard or the Tackle upfield to take out our LB in the process.

Blue font. Sarcasm.

However, no he didn't always stay in his gap. One of his favorite techniques for defeating double teams is to attack the outside shoulder of the guard when he's lined up between the guard and center. We saw him do it time and again, abandoning that gap and moving into the gap between the guard and tackle.

I'm quick summary:

1. I was kidding
2. He does frequently abandon his assigned gap, or at least what we can assume is his assigned gap based on where he is lined up at the snap.

 

[So Ram]

Wade has resisted those type of players in the past.

How will he compare to Suh ??This guy plays with a high energy which is fun. Les going with the Huskies!!

 

[jrry32]

Blue font. Sarcasm.

However, no he didn't always stay in his gap. One of his favorite techniques for defeating double teams is to attack the outside shoulder of the guard when he's lined up between the guard and center. We saw him do it time and again, abandoning that gap and moving into the gap between the guard and tackle.

I'm quick summary:

1. I was kidding
2. He does frequently abandon his assigned gap, or at least what we can assume is his assigned gap based on where he is lined up at the snap.

Donald didn't typically line up as a one tech, and you can't assume his GDP responsibility based on where he lined up.

 

[den-the-coach]

Les going with the Huskies!!

Would make 4 on the defense with Peters, Littleton, Rapp & Gaines.

 

[FrantikRam]

To play Devils advocate ; The Rams are one of the highest scoring teams in the league. So, other teams are going to try Ball control and try to keep from passing 65% of the time. The Rams Base defense needs to improve it's yards per carry by the opposing team.

That's why we drafted Gaines. DL stopping the run is something that translates well to the next level.

Improving the edge rush can't be understated either - last year at times it was Donald or bust in terms of rushing the QB - now he can split his focus between the run and pass. Less sacks, but it would lead to a better all around defense.

 

[BonifayRam]

Ethan Westbrooks is still under CA Criminal Justice System Probation & Regulation Papers. Sure EW could sign with the Bay area teams or the Chargers however I do not think he is a need for any of this teams right now.

Wade Rams have two remaining veteran starters returning in Donald & Brockers

I believe that flv is right here. EW is on speed dial if any of these young Ram DL'ers begin to get nicked up & injured:

3- & 5- Tech Morgan Fox /3rd season
3 Tech-Tanzel Smart /3rd season
NT- Sebastian Joseph-Day /2nd season3
5 Tech- John Franklin-Myers /2nd season
NT- Greg Gaines /Rookie
3 & 5 Tech- Marquise Copeland /Rookie
NT- Tyrell Thompson/ Rookie
3 tech/ NT- Owen Roberts/ Rookie

2019 DL Depth Chart
DE- Brockers / Franklin-Myers / Fox
NT- Joseph-Day / Gaines / Thompson / Roberts
DT- Donald / Smart / Copeland

 

[dang]

The Rams are not done shaking the trees for roster players. In addition to a large number of UDFAs I know they are looking at available FAs and will monitor any cuts. We need some depth at ILB and DL so I wouldn’t be surprised to see some wheeling and dealing all the way up to the regular season.

 

[Corbin]

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.

This is exactly how I feel about Kiser. I don't see him as an answer by any means.

I honestly hope he makes me eat my words but out of most think he will be a afterthought after next year.

 

[So Ram]

Would make 4 on the defense with Peters, Littleton, Rapp & Gaines.

That’s right . They cut that center last year from UW.
Nearing,Kupp,&Sampsun from E. Washington. I think they just signed another as a udfa as well.

Gaines should be an solid DT .. I think he still has upside because of how hard he works. He has his head on straight & loves the game.

I like Suh as a DT , but sometimes you have to dig how hard some players go at it like Gaines.

 

[BonifayRam]

This is exactly how I feel about Kiser. I don't see him as an answer by any means.

I honestly hope he makes me eat my words but out of most think he will be an afterthought after next year.

Good afternoon Corbin....I look at this a little different Micah Kiser is a good fresh new part of the interior. Matthews has been great running in another defense but he was an ultra high-performance part for a long time who certainly appears solid & proven working condition.

Littleton just finished his first season as our MLB'er he called the defense & this defense proved to be capable SB winning defense with him in the middle. Littleton part is almost new & should get finally broke in by the in of this season. Another element is his part might chance for the better where he could be used in a post that uses his qualities even better.

Now those three parts look good enough to me to work the interior. But Snead/Demoff went off & purchased Wade some new interior LB'ing parts in the draft & in free agency. Our first 2019 draft selection Strong Safety Taylor Rapp is a tackling demon. Rapp will hit anything that's moving & take it down. I am sure that when Snead drafted Rapp that he saw him as a 3rd down or passing down replacement for Kiser. Rapp & Kiser teamed together working over the interior looks fine to me.

Snead did not stop with just Rapp....he picked another interior LB'er call Dakota Allen to go with last yrs shelved LB'er Trevon Howard. Besides all of the above Snead signed 2 other MLB'ers in Natrez Patrick UG & Troy Reeder Delaware. Alot of new moving parts are now availble to see just who well they work with each other.

I really like all these parts that are available to go along with former all pro veteran Eric Weddle, JJ III, Marquis Christian to makes this defense run smoothly.

 

[Merlin]

I'm not so sure it's a shot at Donald. Donald at least stays in his Gap. He shoots the gap and leaves a gaping hole sometimes. This is the paradox having Donald. He's so quick to shoot the "B" gap to the backfield that the offense runs the ball through the "A" gap allowing the Guard or the Tackle upfield to take out our LB in the process.

Donald does maintain his gap integrity, but he also produces lateral movement at times that can create space for runners. It's one of those minor drawbacks you get from a guy who routinely penetrates into offensive backfields and wrecks things. The real problem is when he's got a nose next to him who is trying to do the same thing, at that point it's a damn catastrophe for the defensive playcaller.

Gaines is more disciplined than Suh was. When he's doubled up he doesn't try to roll around and out of his gap for pressure, he'll eat that $#!T with some barbeque sauce and pile it up. But look at his tape. The guy is a threat to reset the line of scrimmage and penetrate so he is not just some space eater.

 

[Zaphod]

The changes to the roster have been subtle, to include players who've been brought along more slowly than we're accustomed, but I really expected the addition of depth through the draft to transition this defense to players who'll not only fit the defense that Wade wants to run, but also play very well disciplined within their expected roles, allowing them the opportunity to earn additional responsibilities for the team.

I really am expecting the Rams defense to play a much more prominent role with the team's success this year, which is saying a lot because I don't expect much drop-off in offensive production from last year.

The team will be different, though, and that's a good thing.

 

[Farr Be It]

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.

I'm really excited to get Gaines. Suh was always a disappointment with his effort. Potential never did squat. Suh proved he was coasting, when he played well against Detroit. I became very suspicious. Then again in the playoffs.

Greg Gaines may not be as talented as Donald, but it appears he will work hard, and get better, too.

 

[1maGoh]

Donald didn't typically line up as a one tech, and you can't assume his GDP responsibility based on where he lined up.

Well, yeah, but not the point. Who's side are you on jrry?

 

[8to12]

Blue font. Sarcasm.

However, no he didn't always stay in his gap. One of his favorite techniques for defeating double teams is to attack the outside shoulder of the guard when he's lined up between the guard and center. We saw him do it time and again, abandoning that gap and moving into the gap between the guard and tackle.

I'm quick summary:

1. I was kidding
2. He does frequently abandon his assigned gap, or at least what we can assume is his assigned gap based on where he is lined up at the snap.

So sorry, I was focused on my thoughts and didn't acknowledge the BLUE font.