It's official that the Rams are negotiating a new contract for Marc Bulger,
a necessity both on and off the field. On because Marc's a Pro Bowl QB
who shouldn't get screwed over, and off because the Rams have cap room
and are swimming in money from ticket increases and free money from the
league. Marc's pocket is a place part of my $10 extra a game ought to be going.
Marc's also taken some heat in the media lately for commenting that he looked
forward to returning to Rams Park this spring and that he didn't always feel that
way in the past, i.e., when Mike Martz was HC. Marc promptly got criticized for
lacking gratitude for the opportunities he got, and cashed in, because of Martz.
I'd save the criticisms for later, though. Bulger seems for all the world like a
type "B" personality. So does Scott Linehan. They're a fit personality-wise, and
Marc's comfortable with that. No harm in saying it. Coach Martz is probably a
type-double-"A" personality and attracted a ton of controversy I need not review
here during Marc's stint as a starter. Did Marc perform well in that atmosphere?
Sure. (When he was upright.) Has the atmosphere relaxed noticeably since Scott
Linehan took over? Sure seems like it. Did Bulger specifically say anything negative
about Mike Martz? Not really. Is Bulger wrong to opine that the atmosphere at Rams
Park is more relaxed and that he likes it? Not at all.
Bulger's comment wasn't a story to me, and I doubt it should have been for anybody.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Site update - Derek Stanley
Updated Derek Stanley's bio with info I missed previously.
If he pans out, Stanley could one day fill Shaun McDonald's
role as kick returner and 4th wideout. McDonald's ineptitude
returning punts tends to drown out his pretty solid performance
as the Rams' 4th WR. They could miss McDonald's speed early on.
If he pans out, Stanley could one day fill Shaun McDonald's
role as kick returner and 4th wideout. McDonald's ineptitude
returning punts tends to drown out his pretty solid performance
as the Rams' 4th WR. They could miss McDonald's speed early on.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Vive la Google
The blog has moved off of the hideous Yahoo platform and onto
Google's Blogger at ramview.blogspot.com.
Wow, when you hit a line return here, it's... a line return!
Not between 1-12 lines of random blank space! Imagine that.
I brought all the old Yahoo posts over, and now that I'm working
with a competent text editor, business should get to pickin' up
again on the ol' RamBlog.
Google's Blogger at ramview.blogspot.com.
Wow, when you hit a line return here, it's... a line return!
Not between 1-12 lines of random blank space! Imagine that.
I brought all the old Yahoo posts over, and now that I'm working
with a competent text editor, business should get to pickin' up
again on the ol' RamBlog.
Rams' 7th-round pick #249: Derek Stanley, WR, Wisconsin-Whitewater
(4/29/07)
Derek Stanley 5'10" 172 4.44
PFW has the only information I have available on Stanley. He's not on
the Sporting News' top 36 WRs or the War Room value board. Scout.com
doesn't give him a bio and put him deep on its list of free agents.
36.9 kick return average as a freshman, two TDs. Full-time starter at WR
as junior, averaged 25.5 a catch. Also saw some time on defense. Only
started 5 games as a senior but led team in receiving: 61-1141, 17 TDs.
Owns school records for single-season TDs and career receiving yards.
2nd in career receptions... Has outstanding straight-line speed and can
track the ball well over his shoulder. Reliable hands... Not-field fast;
can't set up DBs. Has not faced top competition at Div-III level. Raw as
route runner; does not play to timed speed. Could struggle to get off
line vs. NFL CBs... Intriguing speed could open up some doors, but when
he matches up with better competition, he will not be able to get by on
his natural ability. Developmental project.
Sounds like this is a flyer on a kick returner. Outstanding kick return
average his freshman year, though he never came close to matching those
numbers in following years. Probably worth a tryout there. Could also be
a stab at a big-play receiver, though he'd be at least the third "project"
of this draft if so. Thumbs: make that shoulders: shrug.
Derek Stanley 5'10" 172 4.44
PFW has the only information I have available on Stanley. He's not on
the Sporting News' top 36 WRs or the War Room value board. Scout.com
doesn't give him a bio and put him deep on its list of free agents.
36.9 kick return average as a freshman, two TDs. Full-time starter at WR
as junior, averaged 25.5 a catch. Also saw some time on defense. Only
started 5 games as a senior but led team in receiving: 61-1141, 17 TDs.
Owns school records for single-season TDs and career receiving yards.
2nd in career receptions... Has outstanding straight-line speed and can
track the ball well over his shoulder. Reliable hands... Not-field fast;
can't set up DBs. Has not faced top competition at Div-III level. Raw as
route runner; does not play to timed speed. Could struggle to get off
line vs. NFL CBs... Intriguing speed could open up some doors, but when
he matches up with better competition, he will not be able to get by on
his natural ability. Developmental project.
Sounds like this is a flyer on a kick returner. Outstanding kick return
average his freshman year, though he never came close to matching those
numbers in following years. Probably worth a tryout there. Could also be
a stab at a big-play receiver, though he'd be at least the third "project"
of this draft if so. Thumbs: make that shoulders: shrug.
Rams' 7th round pick #248: Keith Jackson, DT, Arkansas
(4/29/07)
Whoa Nellie!
Keith Jackson 6'0" 305 5.08
Son of the former Pro Bowl tight end.
Scout.com: Projected as a late 5th-rounder. Two-year starter; all-SEC as a junior.
2.5 sacks and 2 INTs as a senior. Undersized, active DL who constantly chases to
make plays on the ball. Explodes off the snap; quick first step. Fires between gaps
up the field and plays with good pad level... Possesses just a short-area burst of
speed. Can be controlled by a single blocker or engulfed by opponents... High-effort
defender who plays with a good motor, offers possibilities in a rotational front
four and as a three-technique lineman.
Sporting News ranked Jackson #13 at DT. Not an explosive playmaker, but is strong
and athletic two-gap player with the skills to be a starter. War Room valued him
as an early fifth-rounder.
Jackson was PFW's 27th-rated DT. Can play nose. Returned an INT 69 yards for a TD
against SE Missouri. Good production. Strength to hold the point of attack and can
play off blocks. Chases hard. NFL bloodline. Very durable... Lacks size. Not a great
pass rusher. Does not show great awareness. Not a great worker, has a sense of
entitlement as the son of a former NFL star... Needs to play in a scheme where he is
angling, slanting and playing in gaps.
Remind anybody else of D'Marco Farr? Have the Rams struck again with one of their
supplemental picks? I like this idea a lot for DT depth and for what it looks like
Jackson can bring to the field. Thumbs up.
Whoa Nellie!
Keith Jackson 6'0" 305 5.08
Son of the former Pro Bowl tight end.
Scout.com: Projected as a late 5th-rounder. Two-year starter; all-SEC as a junior.
2.5 sacks and 2 INTs as a senior. Undersized, active DL who constantly chases to
make plays on the ball. Explodes off the snap; quick first step. Fires between gaps
up the field and plays with good pad level... Possesses just a short-area burst of
speed. Can be controlled by a single blocker or engulfed by opponents... High-effort
defender who plays with a good motor, offers possibilities in a rotational front
four and as a three-technique lineman.
Sporting News ranked Jackson #13 at DT. Not an explosive playmaker, but is strong
and athletic two-gap player with the skills to be a starter. War Room valued him
as an early fifth-rounder.
Jackson was PFW's 27th-rated DT. Can play nose. Returned an INT 69 yards for a TD
against SE Missouri. Good production. Strength to hold the point of attack and can
play off blocks. Chases hard. NFL bloodline. Very durable... Lacks size. Not a great
pass rusher. Does not show great awareness. Not a great worker, has a sense of
entitlement as the son of a former NFL star... Needs to play in a scheme where he is
angling, slanting and playing in gaps.
Remind anybody else of D'Marco Farr? Have the Rams struck again with one of their
supplemental picks? I like this idea a lot for DT depth and for what it looks like
Jackson can bring to the field. Thumbs up.
Rams' 6th-round pick: Ken Shackleford, T, Georgia
(4/29/07)
Ken Shackleford 6'5" 322 5.37
PFW: 16th-ranked OT. Has good size with a big "bubble butt"
and power base. Moves well enough to reach the second level.
Versatile; has played multiple positions... Only a one-year
starter. Plays too passively and will fall off of blocks. Can be
late off the ball (opposite of Alex Barron, then?). Raw; needs to
play with better pad level, leverage, hand work. On the ground
more than he should be... Strictly a developmental prospect
who really struggled at the Combine. Finished last in many
categories. At least a few years away.
Shackleford is not in Sporting News' top 20 tackles or on the
War Room value board as draftable.
Scout.com has an entry for Shackleford at OT but fails to rank
him on their OT prospect list. King-sized blocker who works
best in confined quarters. Stays square, strong at the point
of contact and controls opponents once engaged. Nasty attitude,
another Rams pick this year always looking for someone to hit.
Keeps his feet moving... Haphazard in movements, plays with poor
balance. Not light on his feet, needs to shed a few pounds. Slow
to adjust, lacks skill sliding out to protect the edge... Better-than-
advertised athlete with size and strength to play in the pros.
Developmental prospect who could surprise if he hits on all cylinders.
I'm more receptive to taking a project at this stage of the draft. Rams
are smart to plan for the eventual exit of Orlando Pace. They'll have
time to bring Shackleford along. Thumbs slightly up.
Ken Shackleford 6'5" 322 5.37
PFW: 16th-ranked OT. Has good size with a big "bubble butt"
and power base. Moves well enough to reach the second level.
Versatile; has played multiple positions... Only a one-year
starter. Plays too passively and will fall off of blocks. Can be
late off the ball (opposite of Alex Barron, then?). Raw; needs to
play with better pad level, leverage, hand work. On the ground
more than he should be... Strictly a developmental prospect
who really struggled at the Combine. Finished last in many
categories. At least a few years away.
Shackleford is not in Sporting News' top 20 tackles or on the
War Room value board as draftable.
Scout.com has an entry for Shackleford at OT but fails to rank
him on their OT prospect list. King-sized blocker who works
best in confined quarters. Stays square, strong at the point
of contact and controls opponents once engaged. Nasty attitude,
another Rams pick this year always looking for someone to hit.
Keeps his feet moving... Haphazard in movements, plays with poor
balance. Not light on his feet, needs to shed a few pounds. Slow
to adjust, lacks skill sliding out to protect the edge... Better-than-
advertised athlete with size and strength to play in the pros.
Developmental prospect who could surprise if he hits on all cylinders.
I'm more receptive to taking a project at this stage of the draft. Rams
are smart to plan for the eventual exit of Orlando Pace. They'll have
time to bring Shackleford along. Thumbs slightly up.
Rams' 5th-round pick #154: Cliff Ryan, DL, Michigan State
(4/29/07)
Cliff Ryan 6'3" 310 5.12
PFW lists him #31 at the DE position; not in the top 150 players.
Can also play tackle. Three-year starter; played end his sophomore
and junior years; tackle his senior year. Four sacks and 13 hurries in
'06. Good strength; will chase and pursue down the line... Can be late
to find the ball. Doesn't show strength or power to collapse the pocket.
Too much finess; not a strong tackler... Had some early-season production,
and looked like a player against Notre Dame, but faded down the stretch
and seemed to be going through the motions. Has ability to warrant being
drafted, but has to learn how to use it to make a team.
War Room board listed Ryan as an early fifth-rounder.
Sporting News evaluated him as a tackle: Versatile and productive. A
tweener most suited to playing tackle.
Scout.com has Ryan valued right about here, mid-5th-round, as a DE.
Three-year starter experienced at tackle and end. Hard-working leverage
lineman who makes plays in all directions. Quick off the snap, can wedge
through small creases, immediately changes direction. Works hard to get
involved against the run... Undersized and can be controlled by a single
blocker; marginally productive in college... Explosive lineman who made
plenty of big plays. An underrated prospect who can be used as a 3-technique
tackle or a 2-gap end.
I've been banging on the Rams for not getting deep enough on the line.
Ryan looks like a pretty good acquisition this late in the draft and the
way d-linemen have been flying off the board. Like how the Rams are
making a conscious effort to get physically stronger on both lines.
Thumbs up.
Cliff Ryan 6'3" 310 5.12
PFW lists him #31 at the DE position; not in the top 150 players.
Can also play tackle. Three-year starter; played end his sophomore
and junior years; tackle his senior year. Four sacks and 13 hurries in
'06. Good strength; will chase and pursue down the line... Can be late
to find the ball. Doesn't show strength or power to collapse the pocket.
Too much finess; not a strong tackler... Had some early-season production,
and looked like a player against Notre Dame, but faded down the stretch
and seemed to be going through the motions. Has ability to warrant being
drafted, but has to learn how to use it to make a team.
War Room board listed Ryan as an early fifth-rounder.
Sporting News evaluated him as a tackle: Versatile and productive. A
tweener most suited to playing tackle.
Scout.com has Ryan valued right about here, mid-5th-round, as a DE.
Three-year starter experienced at tackle and end. Hard-working leverage
lineman who makes plays in all directions. Quick off the snap, can wedge
through small creases, immediately changes direction. Works hard to get
involved against the run... Undersized and can be controlled by a single
blocker; marginally productive in college... Explosive lineman who made
plenty of big plays. An underrated prospect who can be used as a 3-technique
tackle or a 2-gap end.
I've been banging on the Rams for not getting deep enough on the line.
Ryan looks like a pretty good acquisition this late in the draft and the
way d-linemen have been flying off the board. Like how the Rams are
making a conscious effort to get physically stronger on both lines.
Thumbs up.
Rams' 5th-round pick #139: Dustin Fry, C, Clemson
(4/29/07)
Dustin Fry 6'2.5" 314 5.41
PFW top 3 available: Tarell Brown, Brandon Siler, Ben Patrick.
Fry is their #9 center; 5 others available. Not ranked in top 150 players.
Two-time South Carolina state wrestling champion & state shot-put champ
as a junior. Two-year starter. Started all 12 games in 2005, recording 72.5
knockdown blocks and a team-high 15 "intimidation blocks."
Very strong with "blacksmith arms." Good weight-room strength. Plays with power.
Good short-area explosion. Makes all line calls. Great awareness recognizing stunts
and picking up blitz. Smart, experienced and very durable... Not very athletic,
lunges in pass protection. On the ground too much. Robotic movement, awkward
and mechanical... May not look pretty getting the job done and is most effective
in a phonebooth. Could develop into a solid backup swingman but most teams
would want more athleticism at center.
Gosselin top 3: Antonio Johnson, David Clowney, Michael Coe.
We're pretty much done with Gosselin for the draft he went 86 or 87 for the
first 100. PFW went 78 or 79.
War Room top 3: Aundrae Allison, Rufus Alexander, Tony Franklin. Top center
was Enoka Lucas. Did not list Fry on its board. Sporting News also did not
mention Fry among its offensive line prospects.
scout.com ranked Fry as a late 7th-rounder. All-conference as a senior.
Powerful lifter with 655-lb squat. Explosive, wide-bodied, works best in
confined spaces. Wide base. Always looks for someone to hit. Keeps head
on a swivel and works well with teammates. Solid position blocker... Does
not translate his weight room numbers onto the field and rarely opens holes
in the middle of the line. Not effective in space... Has the mentality and the
attitude to make it as a backup in the NFL.
This pick seems to be a hedge against the possibility of Andy McCollum not coming
back, or Brett Romberg failing to play as well as he did last year. Fry is smart and
strong, and there's good reason to believe the Rams can coach him up. They may
have overpaid; none of my guides indicate Fry is higher than a 7th-round pick, but
I can see good potential in the pick.
Thumbs slightly up.
Dustin Fry 6'2.5" 314 5.41
PFW top 3 available: Tarell Brown, Brandon Siler, Ben Patrick.
Fry is their #9 center; 5 others available. Not ranked in top 150 players.
Two-time South Carolina state wrestling champion & state shot-put champ
as a junior. Two-year starter. Started all 12 games in 2005, recording 72.5
knockdown blocks and a team-high 15 "intimidation blocks."
Very strong with "blacksmith arms." Good weight-room strength. Plays with power.
Good short-area explosion. Makes all line calls. Great awareness recognizing stunts
and picking up blitz. Smart, experienced and very durable... Not very athletic,
lunges in pass protection. On the ground too much. Robotic movement, awkward
and mechanical... May not look pretty getting the job done and is most effective
in a phonebooth. Could develop into a solid backup swingman but most teams
would want more athleticism at center.
Gosselin top 3: Antonio Johnson, David Clowney, Michael Coe.
We're pretty much done with Gosselin for the draft he went 86 or 87 for the
first 100. PFW went 78 or 79.
War Room top 3: Aundrae Allison, Rufus Alexander, Tony Franklin. Top center
was Enoka Lucas. Did not list Fry on its board. Sporting News also did not
mention Fry among its offensive line prospects.
scout.com ranked Fry as a late 7th-rounder. All-conference as a senior.
Powerful lifter with 655-lb squat. Explosive, wide-bodied, works best in
confined spaces. Wide base. Always looks for someone to hit. Keeps head
on a swivel and works well with teammates. Solid position blocker... Does
not translate his weight room numbers onto the field and rarely opens holes
in the middle of the line. Not effective in space... Has the mentality and the
attitude to make it as a backup in the NFL.
This pick seems to be a hedge against the possibility of Andy McCollum not coming
back, or Brett Romberg failing to play as well as he did last year. Fry is smart and
strong, and there's good reason to believe the Rams can coach him up. They may
have overpaid; none of my guides indicate Fry is higher than a 7th-round pick, but
I can see good potential in the pick.
Thumbs slightly up.
Rams at #117
(4/29/07)
The Rams have traded their 4th-round pick to Detroit for two fifth-round picks: #139 and #154. The Lions took Manuel Ramirez, G, Texas Tech.
Note that pick #154 was the pick the Rams originally dealt to Detroit for defensive end James Hall, so they have in effect traded a pick to themselves!
The Rams have traded their 4th-round pick to Detroit for two fifth-round picks: #139 and #154. The Lions took Manuel Ramirez, G, Texas Tech.
Note that pick #154 was the pick the Rams originally dealt to Detroit for defensive end James Hall, so they have in effect traded a pick to themselves!
Second day picks
(4/28/07)
I'll probably blow all of these by at least a round, but here's some players I'd like the Rams to take a run at tomorrow:
DT: Paul Soliai (4th?), Derek Landri (4th/6th?)
OL: Mike Jones, G, Iowa (4th/6th?), Mike Otto, T, Purdue (6th/7th?)
DE: Melila Purcell, Hawaii (7)
S: Eric Frampton (6/7)
I'd like Brian Robison or Wake Forest S Josh Gattis in the 4th, but it's a pretty long way till #117.
I'll probably blow all of these by at least a round, but here's some players I'd like the Rams to take a run at tomorrow:
DT: Paul Soliai (4th?), Derek Landri (4th/6th?)
OL: Mike Jones, G, Iowa (4th/6th?), Mike Otto, T, Purdue (6th/7th?)
DE: Melila Purcell, Hawaii (7)
S: Eric Frampton (6/7)
I'd like Brian Robison or Wake Forest S Josh Gattis in the 4th, but it's a pretty long way till #117.
Rams' 3rd round pick: Jonathan Wade, CB, Tennessee
(4/28/07)
Jonathan Wade 5'10" 195 4.41
Wade was PFW's 12th CB overall, behind 3 other DBs still on the board: Tanard Jackson, Tarell Brown, Fred Bennett. Wade's their #92 player overall. Top 3 players left: Ray McDonald, Jackson, Brown.
Scout.com guide has Wade as a late 4th-round value. 5 available CBs in front of him. Top 3 players left: Tony Hunt, Tarell Brown, Brandon Mebane.
Sporting News' #11-ranked CB. 3 CBs ahead of him on their board: Jackson, Hughes, David Irons.
Wade is #62 on Rick Gosselin's top 100. Top CB left. Think his top 3 left were Trent Edwards, Antonio Pittman, Ray McDonald.
Draft guide notes:
Scout: 3-year starter; All-SEC as a senior. Athletic CB with outstanding
size & speed. Fast running downfield with opponents, quickly breaks
to the throw, has burst to the action. Explosive moving up the field against
the run and plays with an aggressive style... Lacks instincts, gets lost on
the field, does not recognize assignments. Does more hitting than wrapping
up, which leads to broken tackles. (OH NO)... Better athlete than football
player at this point. Wade improved as a senior but is far from the complete
package. Boom-or-bust type with good upside due to natural skills.
TSN: Stock on the rise. Jams receivers and can turn and run without losing
a step. Good athleticism but must improve his technique, especially in man
coverage. Slips and falls too often. Lack of body control. Must wrap up better
to avoid missing tackles.
PFW: Louisiana state record in 100 meters. Ran track at UT. Two INTs in
'05; 4 in '06. Has outstanding pure speed, but not great size. Plays ball well
when it's in front of him. Nice recovery speed. Playing with more toughness...
Gives too much separation in man. Gets out of position too often. Relies too
much on his speed. Does not play ball well over his shoulder. Not very tough
or physical (OH NO). Does not have good feel for game, not strong tackler....
Converted receiver who came on as a senior but still has a way to go. Will
intrigue scouts with his athleticism, fluid movement and terrific burst, but
is not a true football player and will take time to develop. Has upside to
continue developing.
Another third-round classic from Rams Park. Wade sounds like a cross
between Travis Fisher and Jacoby Shepherd. Is the Ram defense so good
they can play around with projects at CB? I would have opted for one of the
more polished CB prospects or built the defensive line further. It looks like
the Rams braintrust has been blinded by their stopwatches. Again. Thumbs down.
Jonathan Wade 5'10" 195 4.41
Wade was PFW's 12th CB overall, behind 3 other DBs still on the board: Tanard Jackson, Tarell Brown, Fred Bennett. Wade's their #92 player overall. Top 3 players left: Ray McDonald, Jackson, Brown.
Scout.com guide has Wade as a late 4th-round value. 5 available CBs in front of him. Top 3 players left: Tony Hunt, Tarell Brown, Brandon Mebane.
Sporting News' #11-ranked CB. 3 CBs ahead of him on their board: Jackson, Hughes, David Irons.
Wade is #62 on Rick Gosselin's top 100. Top CB left. Think his top 3 left were Trent Edwards, Antonio Pittman, Ray McDonald.
Draft guide notes:
Scout: 3-year starter; All-SEC as a senior. Athletic CB with outstanding
size & speed. Fast running downfield with opponents, quickly breaks
to the throw, has burst to the action. Explosive moving up the field against
the run and plays with an aggressive style... Lacks instincts, gets lost on
the field, does not recognize assignments. Does more hitting than wrapping
up, which leads to broken tackles. (OH NO)... Better athlete than football
player at this point. Wade improved as a senior but is far from the complete
package. Boom-or-bust type with good upside due to natural skills.
TSN: Stock on the rise. Jams receivers and can turn and run without losing
a step. Good athleticism but must improve his technique, especially in man
coverage. Slips and falls too often. Lack of body control. Must wrap up better
to avoid missing tackles.
PFW: Louisiana state record in 100 meters. Ran track at UT. Two INTs in
'05; 4 in '06. Has outstanding pure speed, but not great size. Plays ball well
when it's in front of him. Nice recovery speed. Playing with more toughness...
Gives too much separation in man. Gets out of position too often. Relies too
much on his speed. Does not play ball well over his shoulder. Not very tough
or physical (OH NO). Does not have good feel for game, not strong tackler....
Converted receiver who came on as a senior but still has a way to go. Will
intrigue scouts with his athleticism, fluid movement and terrific burst, but
is not a true football player and will take time to develop. Has upside to
continue developing.
Another third-round classic from Rams Park. Wade sounds like a cross
between Travis Fisher and Jacoby Shepherd. Is the Ram defense so good
they can play around with projects at CB? I would have opted for one of the
more polished CB prospects or built the defensive line further. It looks like
the Rams braintrust has been blinded by their stopwatches. Again. Thumbs down.
Rams at #84
(4/28/07)
I'm calling for best defensive player available here. This round's curious run, on receivers, is sliding some good defensive players down again.
It's a deep field at DT, unless I missed someone getting picked: Brandon Mebane, Howard Balzer's man Paul Soliai, Ryan McBean.
Still a couple of very solid DBs left: Tanard Jackson, Daymeion Hughes. Rams may want more speed, though, which is probably why these two are falling.
DE looks really picked over, even more so with Charles Johnson just getting picked. Don't know if Ray McDonald is worth a flyer or not.
Since it's the Rams' third-round pick, they'll either make a really weird pick or take a significant character risk, right? This pick's got Marcus Thomas written all over it.
Go Cal Bears! I'd take Mebane or Hughes. At the least, one of the DTs.
I'm calling for best defensive player available here. This round's curious run, on receivers, is sliding some good defensive players down again.
It's a deep field at DT, unless I missed someone getting picked: Brandon Mebane, Howard Balzer's man Paul Soliai, Ryan McBean.
Still a couple of very solid DBs left: Tanard Jackson, Daymeion Hughes. Rams may want more speed, though, which is probably why these two are falling.
DE looks really picked over, even more so with Charles Johnson just getting picked. Don't know if Ray McDonald is worth a flyer or not.
Since it's the Rams' third-round pick, they'll either make a really weird pick or take a significant character risk, right? This pick's got Marcus Thomas written all over it.
Go Cal Bears! I'd take Mebane or Hughes. At the least, one of the DTs.
Rams 2nd round pick: Brian Leonard, RB, Rutgers
(4/28/07)
Brian Leonard 6'1.5" 226 4.54
PFW's #1-ranked fullback, #53 player overall. Their top 3 available were Ryan Kalil, Marcus McCauley, Tim Crowder. Leonard top-rated RB left.
Sporting News tabbed him as a third-rounder, #5 RB overall, 2nd best available after Antonio Pittman.
scout.com had him as the 2nd-best player left, #34 overall behind Charles Johnson.
Rick Gosselin only has him at #81 overall, but Pittman appears to be the only RB ahead of him.
Draft guide notes:
PFW: Great versatility; can run, catch and block. Good power, leg drive and
balance to break tackles, and is surprisingly quick-footed and can dodge defenders.
Very good athlete, sees cutbacks well, can push the pile, effective in short
yardage. Soft hands, runs good pass routes. Great character, work habits
and smarts. Led RBs at Combine with 28 bench presses and ran a sub-4.5.
Can be effective as a single back or a fullback and showed at Senior Bowl
that he can block. Versatile, could have immediate impact for team that knows
how to use him. Good player and person who will represent a team well.
TSN: Runs through arm tackles. Can take hard hits and stay on his feet.
Won't be a dominant lead blocker, but good enough to start at fullback.
Good toughness, strength, athleticism, competitiveness. Better hands and
pass-catching skills than most NFL RBs. Has rare abilities.
Scout: 4-year starter; 3-time all-Big East. Led Rutgers in receiving last year.
Tough and determined player with a complete game. Has speed to turn the
corner. Looks to hit as many opponents as he can when blocking. Controls
opponents as a lead blocker. Tackle-breaker. Solid receiver.... Has watched
weight fluctuate and isn't big enough to be a true fullback. Does not run to
daylight in the open field. Tremendous worker, who's excelled as a rusher,
blocker and receiver. Terrific upside and can be productive as a rookie.
With all the good CBs on the board, and a couple of DEs I liked, I wasn't originally
thrilled that the Rams took an RB here. It looked like they panicked because Henry
came off the board early. But there's almost nothing bad to find about Brian Leonard.
He sounds like a very special player. How'd you like to be a defender having to stop
Steven Jackson 10-15 times, then you get slugged by this guy? I think it's too high
a pick for an RB with the Rams' defensive needs, but having decided to go RB, they
took the right guy. Thumbs up.
Brian Leonard 6'1.5" 226 4.54
PFW's #1-ranked fullback, #53 player overall. Their top 3 available were Ryan Kalil, Marcus McCauley, Tim Crowder. Leonard top-rated RB left.
Sporting News tabbed him as a third-rounder, #5 RB overall, 2nd best available after Antonio Pittman.
scout.com had him as the 2nd-best player left, #34 overall behind Charles Johnson.
Rick Gosselin only has him at #81 overall, but Pittman appears to be the only RB ahead of him.
Draft guide notes:
PFW: Great versatility; can run, catch and block. Good power, leg drive and
balance to break tackles, and is surprisingly quick-footed and can dodge defenders.
Very good athlete, sees cutbacks well, can push the pile, effective in short
yardage. Soft hands, runs good pass routes. Great character, work habits
and smarts. Led RBs at Combine with 28 bench presses and ran a sub-4.5.
Can be effective as a single back or a fullback and showed at Senior Bowl
that he can block. Versatile, could have immediate impact for team that knows
how to use him. Good player and person who will represent a team well.
TSN: Runs through arm tackles. Can take hard hits and stay on his feet.
Won't be a dominant lead blocker, but good enough to start at fullback.
Good toughness, strength, athleticism, competitiveness. Better hands and
pass-catching skills than most NFL RBs. Has rare abilities.
Scout: 4-year starter; 3-time all-Big East. Led Rutgers in receiving last year.
Tough and determined player with a complete game. Has speed to turn the
corner. Looks to hit as many opponents as he can when blocking. Controls
opponents as a lead blocker. Tackle-breaker. Solid receiver.... Has watched
weight fluctuate and isn't big enough to be a true fullback. Does not run to
daylight in the open field. Tremendous worker, who's excelled as a rusher,
blocker and receiver. Terrific upside and can be productive as a rookie.
With all the good CBs on the board, and a couple of DEs I liked, I wasn't originally
thrilled that the Rams took an RB here. It looked like they panicked because Henry
came off the board early. But there's almost nothing bad to find about Brian Leonard.
He sounds like a very special player. How'd you like to be a defender having to stop
Steven Jackson 10-15 times, then you get slugged by this guy? I think it's too high
a pick for an RB with the Rams' defensive needs, but having decided to go RB, they
took the right guy. Thumbs up.
Rams at #52
(4/28/07)
With several teams making curious reaches for QBs, there are a ton of attractive defensive players on the board right now.
There is outstanding value at CB.
If the Rams get Marcus McCauley, he'll be the steal of the draft. The kind of big, shutdown CB they've been looking for.
And there's still Tanard Jackson, Josh Wilson, Daymeion Hughes.
At DE, Victor Abiamiri's the guy I hoped to get in the 2nd. Quentin Moses, Tim Crowder, Charles Johnson still there.
DT would not be a crazy way to go. Both Glover's and Kennedy's days in the horns are numbered. Brandon Mebane or Tank Tyler would probably look real good lined up next to Carriker (or Wroten) inside.
Rams just got snookered by Tennessee taking Chris Henry. If they're panicky for a RB, Brian Leonard's possible.
If they can get the right trade down, they should do it. Otherwise, I'd be thrilled with, in order, McCauley, Jackson, Abiamiri or Mebane as the pick.
Howard Balzer just reported the Rams are looking at Leonard, Tyler or Ryan Kalil. I'd hate to see them panic at RB, and don't see an urgent need at C. Not enough to pass up these great defensive values, anyway.
With several teams making curious reaches for QBs, there are a ton of attractive defensive players on the board right now.
There is outstanding value at CB.
If the Rams get Marcus McCauley, he'll be the steal of the draft. The kind of big, shutdown CB they've been looking for.
And there's still Tanard Jackson, Josh Wilson, Daymeion Hughes.
At DE, Victor Abiamiri's the guy I hoped to get in the 2nd. Quentin Moses, Tim Crowder, Charles Johnson still there.
DT would not be a crazy way to go. Both Glover's and Kennedy's days in the horns are numbered. Brandon Mebane or Tank Tyler would probably look real good lined up next to Carriker (or Wroten) inside.
Rams just got snookered by Tennessee taking Chris Henry. If they're panicky for a RB, Brian Leonard's possible.
If they can get the right trade down, they should do it. Otherwise, I'd be thrilled with, in order, McCauley, Jackson, Abiamiri or Mebane as the pick.
Howard Balzer just reported the Rams are looking at Leonard, Tyler or Ryan Kalil. I'd hate to see them panic at RB, and don't see an urgent need at C. Not enough to pass up these great defensive values, anyway.
Rams' 1st round pick: Adam Carriker, DL, Nebraska
(4/28/07)
Adam Carriker 6'6" 291 4.72
Scott Linehan's guy all along.
Rick Gosselin's top DE left on the board.
Scout.com's top DE left as well, 2nd-best available player besides Quinn.
Sporting News' 2nd-best DE available, after Jarvis Moss; also have him rated behind Alan Branch.
Draft guide excerpts:
scout.com: Three-year starter; all-Big 12 player as junior and senior.
9.5 sacks as a junior, 7 sacks last year, along with 1 INT & 3 pass-breakups.
Physically impressive prospect who plays an intelligent brand of football.
Moves laterally with speed and defending the run and has a burst upfield
rushing the QB. Makes plays in all directions... Can by stymied by a single
blocker, needs to develop more moves... Smart prospect who could be used
at a variety of positions.
TSN: Uses his hands to lock on to linemen and hold up at the point of attack.
Can chase down backs. Lacks explosiveness off snap to threaten the corner.
Doesn't redirect quickly, which hinders his ability to move through traffic.
End/tackle tweener whose greatest value may be as a 3-4 end.
PFW: Very, very strong, can dig a hole in the ground and hold the line. Plays
with a rooted base and is not easily moved. Showed exceptional change of
direction at the Combine with a 4.18 short shuttle at nearly 300 lbs. Plays hard,
gives great effort, strong, physical tackler.... Really struggled vs. USC and
was basically eliminated. Not a great pass-rusher or very nimble. Could more
consistently get rid of his blockers and play with more violence... Versatility
may be his greatest asset. Could be used as an end on run downs and move
inside in passing situations. Possesses size, smarts and strength to be a
great pro. A very safe first-round pick.
The Rams badly need a defender who can stop the run and they got him.
Thumbs up.
Adam Carriker 6'6" 291 4.72
Scott Linehan's guy all along.
Rick Gosselin's top DE left on the board.
Scout.com's top DE left as well, 2nd-best available player besides Quinn.
Sporting News' 2nd-best DE available, after Jarvis Moss; also have him rated behind Alan Branch.
Draft guide excerpts:
scout.com: Three-year starter; all-Big 12 player as junior and senior.
9.5 sacks as a junior, 7 sacks last year, along with 1 INT & 3 pass-breakups.
Physically impressive prospect who plays an intelligent brand of football.
Moves laterally with speed and defending the run and has a burst upfield
rushing the QB. Makes plays in all directions... Can by stymied by a single
blocker, needs to develop more moves... Smart prospect who could be used
at a variety of positions.
TSN: Uses his hands to lock on to linemen and hold up at the point of attack.
Can chase down backs. Lacks explosiveness off snap to threaten the corner.
Doesn't redirect quickly, which hinders his ability to move through traffic.
End/tackle tweener whose greatest value may be as a 3-4 end.
PFW: Very, very strong, can dig a hole in the ground and hold the line. Plays
with a rooted base and is not easily moved. Showed exceptional change of
direction at the Combine with a 4.18 short shuttle at nearly 300 lbs. Plays hard,
gives great effort, strong, physical tackler.... Really struggled vs. USC and
was basically eliminated. Not a great pass-rusher or very nimble. Could more
consistently get rid of his blockers and play with more violence... Versatility
may be his greatest asset. Could be used as an end on run downs and move
inside in passing situations. Possesses size, smarts and strength to be a
great pro. A very safe first-round pick.
The Rams badly need a defender who can stop the run and they got him.
Thumbs up.
Rams at #13
(4/28/07)
SF takes Willis; Buff takes Lynch. Rams have their pick of Carriker, Hall, Revis.
I'd take Carriker, not just to make my mock draft right; he's the d-line help they need. Badly.
SF takes Willis; Buff takes Lynch. Rams have their pick of Carriker, Hall, Revis.
I'd take Carriker, not just to make my mock draft right; he's the d-line help they need. Badly.
Rats: Okoye to Houston at #10
(4/28/07)
Looks like the Rams are going CB in the first round for the 2nd straight year. Carriker to SF next, Willis to Buff, Rams get their pick of Hall or Revis.
I much prefer Hall, unless Carriker manages to drop.
Looks like the Rams are going CB in the first round for the 2nd straight year. Carriker to SF next, Willis to Buff, Rams get their pick of Hall or Revis.
I much prefer Hall, unless Carriker manages to drop.
Draft day - Ted Ginn to Miami at #9
(4/28/07)
Wow. Didn't expect that. Looking at the next three teams,
Hou, SF and Buf, it would seem that Hall, Carriker and Willis are
coming off the board before the Rams pick.
Leaving Amobi Okoye, unless S.F. takes him.
Looking like we'll find out what the Rams really think of Okoye. Right now he looks like the pick at 13.
Wow. Didn't expect that. Looking at the next three teams,
Hou, SF and Buf, it would seem that Hall, Carriker and Willis are
coming off the board before the Rams pick.
Leaving Amobi Okoye, unless S.F. takes him.
Looking like we'll find out what the Rams really think of Okoye. Right now he looks like the pick at 13.
RamView draft coverage
(4/28/07)
The draft gets underway in about 12 hours. Wonder if Al Davis has figured out what to do yet...
I'll be getting on right before each of the Rams' picks to guess who they'll pick, analyze each of their picks and get summaries up on the soon-to-be-revealed draft page.
My three main sources will be:
* the Pro Football Weekly 2007 Draft Preview (PFW);
* the Sporting News draft preview issue dated 4/23/07 (TSN);
* the TFY NFL Draft Guide from scout.com (Scout);
Let's get this show on the road!
The draft gets underway in about 12 hours. Wonder if Al Davis has figured out what to do yet...
I'll be getting on right before each of the Rams' picks to guess who they'll pick, analyze each of their picks and get summaries up on the soon-to-be-revealed draft page.
My three main sources will be:
* the Pro Football Weekly 2007 Draft Preview (PFW);
* the Sporting News draft preview issue dated 4/23/07 (TSN);
* the TFY NFL Draft Guide from scout.com (Scout);
Let's get this show on the road!
Rams acquire Dante Hall
(4/25/07)
...for their remaining fifth-rounder this year. espn.com
If you're wondering why KC would give up one of the most dynamic returners of recent years for a second-day pick, maybe it's because he's not so dynamic any more. He's averaged 6.6 and 8.9 a return the last two seasons and turns 29 in September. Shaun McDonald averaged 7.5 last year running sideways like an idiot on every return. Hall also averaged half a yard less than Willie Ponder last year on kickoff returns. Dante's a big improvement since he's an actual breakaway threat, but he's no Devin Hester, or even Az Hakim, at this stage of his career. Ted Ginn would have been a better long-term solution, honestly.
But Ginn is positively not coming to St. Louis now, and I have to go blow up my mock draft...
...for their remaining fifth-rounder this year. espn.com
If you're wondering why KC would give up one of the most dynamic returners of recent years for a second-day pick, maybe it's because he's not so dynamic any more. He's averaged 6.6 and 8.9 a return the last two seasons and turns 29 in September. Shaun McDonald averaged 7.5 last year running sideways like an idiot on every return. Hall also averaged half a yard less than Willie Ponder last year on kickoff returns. Dante's a big improvement since he's an actual breakaway threat, but he's no Devin Hester, or even Az Hakim, at this stage of his career. Ted Ginn would have been a better long-term solution, honestly.
But Ginn is positively not coming to St. Louis now, and I have to go blow up my mock draft...
Mock draft is up
(4/24/07)
RamView's "official" mock draft, without trades, is up now.
They've convinced me they're taking Ted Ginn with the first-round pick. That makes the second-round pick a mandatory DT (doesn't it?). They're swooning over Chris Henry, so I'm tabbing him for the third round.
If they do draft two offensive players the first day, day 2 had better be devoted completely to defensive depth.
For the record, my choices if I were GM would be Adam Carriker, Victor Abiamiri and Mebane, though I can't say which of the latter two I could get for sure in the third round. Take Tony Hunt in the 4th of day 2 and then just grab more defensive bodies.
Can't wait till Saturday morning.
RamView's "official" mock draft, without trades, is up now.
They've convinced me they're taking Ted Ginn with the first-round pick. That makes the second-round pick a mandatory DT (doesn't it?). They're swooning over Chris Henry, so I'm tabbing him for the third round.
If they do draft two offensive players the first day, day 2 had better be devoted completely to defensive depth.
For the record, my choices if I were GM would be Adam Carriker, Victor Abiamiri and Mebane, though I can't say which of the latter two I could get for sure in the third round. Take Tony Hunt in the 4th of day 2 and then just grab more defensive bodies.
Can't wait till Saturday morning.
Mock draft (with trades)
Major changes courtesy of Rams trade for Dante Hall, noon 4/25/07.
Corrected to sync up properly with Accu-Draft 2.0, 14:30 4/25/07.
1. Tampa Bay (projected, from Oakland), Calvin Johnson.
2. Detroit, Gaines Adams.
3. Cleveland, Adrian Peterson.
4. Oakland (projected, from Tampa Bay), Jamarcus Russell.
5. Big Dead, Joe Thomas.
6. Washington, Amobi Okoye.
7. Miami (projected, from Minnesota), Brady Quinn.
8. Atlanta, Laron Landry.
9. Minnesota (projected, from Miami), Leon Hall.
10. Houston, Levi Brown.
11. Whiners, Patrick Willis.
12. Buffalo, Jamaal Anderson.
13. RAMS, Adam Carriker.
14. Cincinnati (projected, from Carolina), Alan Branch.
15. Pittsburgh, Jon Beason.
16. Green Bay, Marshawn Lynch.
17. Jacksonville, Aaron Ross.
18. Carolina (projected, from Cincy), Greg Olson.
19. Kansas City (projected, from Tennessee), Justin Blalock.
20. NY Giants, Brandon Meriweather.
21. Denver, Jarvis Moss.
22. Dallas, Reggie Nelson.
23. Tennessee (projected, from Kansas City), Ted Ginn Jr.
24. New England (acquired from Seattle), Darrelle Revis.
25. NY Jets, Justin Harrell.
26. Philadelphia, Michael Griffin
27. New Orleans, Tanard Jackson.
28. New England, Paul Posluszny.
29. Baltimore, Ryan Kalil.
30. San Diego, Robert Meachem.
31. Chicago, Ray McDonald.
32. Indianapolis, Lawrence Timmons.
Corrected to sync up properly with Accu-Draft 2.0, 14:30 4/25/07.
1. Tampa Bay (projected, from Oakland), Calvin Johnson.
2. Detroit, Gaines Adams.
3. Cleveland, Adrian Peterson.
4. Oakland (projected, from Tampa Bay), Jamarcus Russell.
5. Big Dead, Joe Thomas.
6. Washington, Amobi Okoye.
7. Miami (projected, from Minnesota), Brady Quinn.
8. Atlanta, Laron Landry.
9. Minnesota (projected, from Miami), Leon Hall.
10. Houston, Levi Brown.
11. Whiners, Patrick Willis.
12. Buffalo, Jamaal Anderson.
13. RAMS, Adam Carriker.
14. Cincinnati (projected, from Carolina), Alan Branch.
15. Pittsburgh, Jon Beason.
16. Green Bay, Marshawn Lynch.
17. Jacksonville, Aaron Ross.
18. Carolina (projected, from Cincy), Greg Olson.
19. Kansas City (projected, from Tennessee), Justin Blalock.
20. NY Giants, Brandon Meriweather.
21. Denver, Jarvis Moss.
22. Dallas, Reggie Nelson.
23. Tennessee (projected, from Kansas City), Ted Ginn Jr.
24. New England (acquired from Seattle), Darrelle Revis.
25. NY Jets, Justin Harrell.
26. Philadelphia, Michael Griffin
27. New Orleans, Tanard Jackson.
28. New England, Paul Posluszny.
29. Baltimore, Ryan Kalil.
30. San Diego, Robert Meachem.
31. Chicago, Ray McDonald.
32. Indianapolis, Lawrence Timmons.
Ted Ginn & the 13th pick
(4/20/07)
As my mock draft slooooowly evolves, I'm finding every reason to believe the Rams will have a shot at at least one of these defensive players:
* Amobi Okoye, though I think he'll go at least top 6;
* Jamaal Anderson, though Minn, Atl, Hou and SF all figure to at least be thinking of him;
* Adam Carriker, another consideration for SF;
* Leon Hall, who more than likely goes in the top 10;
* and Alan Branch, who's all over the map. I find the chances of Gaines Adams or Laron Landry falling to #13 to be next to nil.
The worst scenario I can conjure goes: Okoye to Wash, Anderson to Minn, Landry to Atl, Levi Brown to Miami, Hall to Hou, Carriker to SF, Patrick Willis to Buffalo. It means the player who's falling is Brady Quinn instead of a defensive player, and it means that Branch is the best defensive option the Rams have available.
It's also about the only scenario where I'd consider taking Ted Ginn at #13. The Ram defense is too awful to use a first-round pick on a 4th WR/kick returner. I admit I need to read up more on Branch. But what I hear so far is, Jimmy Kennedy Jr.
If Branch is the best defensive player available at 13, I'd take Ginn.
As my mock draft slooooowly evolves, I'm finding every reason to believe the Rams will have a shot at at least one of these defensive players:
* Amobi Okoye, though I think he'll go at least top 6;
* Jamaal Anderson, though Minn, Atl, Hou and SF all figure to at least be thinking of him;
* Adam Carriker, another consideration for SF;
* Leon Hall, who more than likely goes in the top 10;
* and Alan Branch, who's all over the map. I find the chances of Gaines Adams or Laron Landry falling to #13 to be next to nil.
The worst scenario I can conjure goes: Okoye to Wash, Anderson to Minn, Landry to Atl, Levi Brown to Miami, Hall to Hou, Carriker to SF, Patrick Willis to Buffalo. It means the player who's falling is Brady Quinn instead of a defensive player, and it means that Branch is the best defensive option the Rams have available.
It's also about the only scenario where I'd consider taking Ted Ginn at #13. The Ram defense is too awful to use a first-round pick on a 4th WR/kick returner. I admit I need to read up more on Branch. But what I hear so far is, Jimmy Kennedy Jr.
If Branch is the best defensive player available at 13, I'd take Ginn.
What is it about this week?
(4/20/07)
Really, what's going on this week? It was reported earlier this week that three of the draft's top prospects, including the much-sought-after-in-these-parts Amobi Okoye, have admitted they've used marijuana, and yesterday, we find out that Scott Linehan's jonesing for Ricky Williams?
Happy 4/20, everybody! Maybe the Rams can pick up Nate Newton to block for Ricky while they're at it!
And here's an update on one of the few RBs alive the Rams have less business chasing than Yoga Boy: Phillips' sentencing postponed again
If Ricky wants to back up somewhere, I hear Warden Hazen's looking.
Really, what's going on this week? It was reported earlier this week that three of the draft's top prospects, including the much-sought-after-in-these-parts Amobi Okoye, have admitted they've used marijuana, and yesterday, we find out that Scott Linehan's jonesing for Ricky Williams?
Happy 4/20, everybody! Maybe the Rams can pick up Nate Newton to block for Ricky while they're at it!
And here's an update on one of the few RBs alive the Rams have less business chasing than Yoga Boy: Phillips' sentencing postponed again
If Ricky wants to back up somewhere, I hear Warden Hazen's looking.
Trade the third-rounder
(4/17/07)
It's a shame the Rams can't get Kris Jenkins from the Panthers for a third-rounder. In an offseason where the Patriots gave up a two and a six for Wes Freaking Welker, though, there's no way Carolina gives up a Pro Bowl DT without getting a higher pick back than a three.
It's especially sad the Rams can't get Jenkins for a three because of all the lousy and bizarre third-round picks they've made in St.Louis. Steve McLaughlin. Jerald Moore. Rich Coady. John St. Clair. Brian Allen. Lamar Gordon. Anthony Hargrove. ERIC FREAKING CROUCH. Jon Alston I think got into one game last year.
They also love to spend third-rounders on red-flag character guys. Claude Wroten last year, and Dominique Byrd as well. Byrd now has more arrests than TDs. Richie Incognito had knucklehead credentials but is working out so far.
Leonard Little went in reverse; he got into serious off-the-field troubles after being drafted in the 3rd round. He's the one 3rd-round pick of the St. Louis era to be a major success. I'd call Kevin Curtis a limited success, and I still like Oshiomogho Atogwe's potential.
All in all, though, the Rams' record in St. Louis with third-round picks has been pretty poor. The best thing they can do with the pick is trade it. Odds are, though, their last pick a couple of Saturdays from now is going to be a head-scratcher.
It's a shame the Rams can't get Kris Jenkins from the Panthers for a third-rounder. In an offseason where the Patriots gave up a two and a six for Wes Freaking Welker, though, there's no way Carolina gives up a Pro Bowl DT without getting a higher pick back than a three.
It's especially sad the Rams can't get Jenkins for a three because of all the lousy and bizarre third-round picks they've made in St.Louis. Steve McLaughlin. Jerald Moore. Rich Coady. John St. Clair. Brian Allen. Lamar Gordon. Anthony Hargrove. ERIC FREAKING CROUCH. Jon Alston I think got into one game last year.
They also love to spend third-rounders on red-flag character guys. Claude Wroten last year, and Dominique Byrd as well. Byrd now has more arrests than TDs. Richie Incognito had knucklehead credentials but is working out so far.
Leonard Little went in reverse; he got into serious off-the-field troubles after being drafted in the 3rd round. He's the one 3rd-round pick of the St. Louis era to be a major success. I'd call Kevin Curtis a limited success, and I still like Oshiomogho Atogwe's potential.
All in all, though, the Rams' record in St. Louis with third-round picks has been pretty poor. The best thing they can do with the pick is trade it. Odds are, though, their last pick a couple of Saturdays from now is going to be a head-scratcher.
Punter follies
(4/17/07)
Mel Kiper's latest mock draft has the Rams drafting a punter in the 4th round... GACK! NEVER DRAFT A KICKER!
Meanwhile, the Rams plan to get off the punter-a-year plan by signing Dolphins RFA Donnie Jones to a 5-year contract. Stability at punter is something the Rams have not had since coming to St. Louis. But I'm not sold that Jones is worthy of the deal he's been offered. He ranked only 22nd in the NFL last year, losing nearly a yard off his '05 average, and a whopping 3.6 yards off his '05 net. For his part, Matt Turk had a better average by 0.7 yards, a better net by *3.1*, half as many touchbacks and as many kicks inside the 20 despite 13 fewer attempts. Turk arguably had the best season of any Ram punter in St. Louis to date. So the Rams are going to put together a big package to get worse?
The key factor working against Turk is that he wants a multi-year deal and he's close to 40 years old. Jones is in his mid-20s; then again, so is Bengals punter Kyle Larson, a better punter, also an RFA, who wouldn't have cost the Rams a 7th-round pick as compensation like Jones will. But he was re-signed by Cincy three weeks ago.
Maybe the Rams should have acted then. Their only options left now are Jones, Turk, or aagh, draft pick. Hopefully Jones will settle into a groove once he gets here, because it certainly looks like he's the "upgrade".
Mel Kiper's latest mock draft has the Rams drafting a punter in the 4th round... GACK! NEVER DRAFT A KICKER!
Meanwhile, the Rams plan to get off the punter-a-year plan by signing Dolphins RFA Donnie Jones to a 5-year contract. Stability at punter is something the Rams have not had since coming to St. Louis. But I'm not sold that Jones is worthy of the deal he's been offered. He ranked only 22nd in the NFL last year, losing nearly a yard off his '05 average, and a whopping 3.6 yards off his '05 net. For his part, Matt Turk had a better average by 0.7 yards, a better net by *3.1*, half as many touchbacks and as many kicks inside the 20 despite 13 fewer attempts. Turk arguably had the best season of any Ram punter in St. Louis to date. So the Rams are going to put together a big package to get worse?
The key factor working against Turk is that he wants a multi-year deal and he's close to 40 years old. Jones is in his mid-20s; then again, so is Bengals punter Kyle Larson, a better punter, also an RFA, who wouldn't have cost the Rams a 7th-round pick as compensation like Jones will. But he was re-signed by Cincy three weeks ago.
Maybe the Rams should have acted then. Their only options left now are Jones, Turk, or aagh, draft pick. Hopefully Jones will settle into a groove once he gets here, because it certainly looks like he's the "upgrade".
Coach Wistrom
(4/17/07)
Grant Wistrom won't leave football behind in retirement: he's going to become an assistant coach at a Springfield, MO high school where his brother is the principal. ESPN.com
Hey, if he can hang in there a couple of years, he'll be ready to become the Rams' special teams coach!
Grant Wistrom won't leave football behind in retirement: he's going to become an assistant coach at a Springfield, MO high school where his brother is the principal. ESPN.com
Hey, if he can hang in there a couple of years, he'll be ready to become the Rams' special teams coach!
Schedule / overall prospects?
(4/11/07)
I will call 9-7 a successful season for Scott Linehan this season. How do I get there?
I don't like their chances @Dall, @Balt, or @Cin.
I like their chances vs. TB, Cleve, Atl, GB.
I hope for 3-3 in the division, which would be an improvement over the last two years. Linehan has to have this team playing better against NFC West opponents.
I'm leery about the Car. and Pitt. home games, and the NO road game, but they're winnable. (GB is the Rams' only home opponent that was over .500 on the road last year, while the Saints were 4-4 in the formerly-hot-and-stinking Superdome). I'd happily take two wins out of those three. They've certainly got shots @SF and @Arz, too, though I'm not counting on those. If everything comes together, you don't even have to stretch your imagination very far to see them at 12-4. Likewise, 6-10 isn't too hard to see if everything falls apart.
A lot is going to hinge on how well they do in the division. 4-2, they're a playoff contender. 2-4, they're staying home.
I will call 9-7 a successful season for Scott Linehan this season. How do I get there?
I don't like their chances @Dall, @Balt, or @Cin.
I like their chances vs. TB, Cleve, Atl, GB.
I hope for 3-3 in the division, which would be an improvement over the last two years. Linehan has to have this team playing better against NFC West opponents.
I'm leery about the Car. and Pitt. home games, and the NO road game, but they're winnable. (GB is the Rams' only home opponent that was over .500 on the road last year, while the Saints were 4-4 in the formerly-hot-and-stinking Superdome). I'd happily take two wins out of those three. They've certainly got shots @SF and @Arz, too, though I'm not counting on those. If everything comes together, you don't even have to stretch your imagination very far to see them at 12-4. Likewise, 6-10 isn't too hard to see if everything falls apart.
A lot is going to hinge on how well they do in the division. 4-2, they're a playoff contender. 2-4, they're staying home.
Rams December schedule
(4/11/07)
12/2 vs. Atlanta - the last game with the Falcons didn't go so well, but I actually feel good about Jim Haslett's chances against Michael Vick. Certainly much better than Larry Marmie's.
12/9 at Cincinnati - another potential pinball-scoreboard game. Cincy could score 60 if the Rams haven't found a pass rush by now. Thing is, the Rams could still match them.
12/16 vs. Green Bay - The Dome Factor haunts Favre again? Or Aaron Rogers?
12/20 vs. Pittsburgh - Thanks for the freaking Thursday home game, NFL. Criminy. I would have a hard time coming up with a worse schedule for the Rams if I tried. On the other hand, I wonder if the Rams asked for the Packers and Steelers late in the season. Those are the opponents most likely to bring a lot of out-of-town fans and make a sellout easier. On the other other hand, (meaning I have three?) did NFL Network grab a Rams game because their channel is not on cable around here? Let the conspiracy talk begin.
12/30 @ Big Dead - I hate this one because the Big Dead always seem to be more dangerous late in the season. It'll be a good game to come into rested, and it's easy to envision it as a game with playoff consequences.
12/2 vs. Atlanta - the last game with the Falcons didn't go so well, but I actually feel good about Jim Haslett's chances against Michael Vick. Certainly much better than Larry Marmie's.
12/9 at Cincinnati - another potential pinball-scoreboard game. Cincy could score 60 if the Rams haven't found a pass rush by now. Thing is, the Rams could still match them.
12/16 vs. Green Bay - The Dome Factor haunts Favre again? Or Aaron Rogers?
12/20 vs. Pittsburgh - Thanks for the freaking Thursday home game, NFL. Criminy. I would have a hard time coming up with a worse schedule for the Rams if I tried. On the other hand, I wonder if the Rams asked for the Packers and Steelers late in the season. Those are the opponents most likely to bring a lot of out-of-town fans and make a sellout easier. On the other other hand, (meaning I have three?) did NFL Network grab a Rams game because their channel is not on cable around here? Let the conspiracy talk begin.
12/30 @ Big Dead - I hate this one because the Big Dead always seem to be more dangerous late in the season. It'll be a good game to come into rested, and it's easy to envision it as a game with playoff consequences.
Rams November schedule
(4/11/07)
11/11 @ New Orleans - chance at an upset here? Rams will be coming off the bye, while the Saints tangle with the Jagwires the week before. Will the Saints be for real next season? I tend to believe yes. I also tend to believe this will be the highest-scoring Rams game this season.
11/18 @ Whiners - scheduler may have helped the Rams here; the Whiners come off a Monday nighter at Seattle.
11/25 vs. Seattle - and maybe some more schedule help, with Seattle coming off a game against Da Bears. This game and the next two would seem to be the best chances for NBC to "flex" the Rams to a Sunday night game.
They're bound to upset somebody somewhere, so I'll project them for 6-5 heading into December...
11/11 @ New Orleans - chance at an upset here? Rams will be coming off the bye, while the Saints tangle with the Jagwires the week before. Will the Saints be for real next season? I tend to believe yes. I also tend to believe this will be the highest-scoring Rams game this season.
11/18 @ Whiners - scheduler may have helped the Rams here; the Whiners come off a Monday nighter at Seattle.
11/25 vs. Seattle - and maybe some more schedule help, with Seattle coming off a game against Da Bears. This game and the next two would seem to be the best chances for NBC to "flex" the Rams to a Sunday night game.
They're bound to upset somebody somewhere, so I'll project them for 6-5 heading into December...
Rams October schedule
(4/11/0&)
10/7 vs. Big Dead - NATURALLY, they play four road games in five weeks, and the one home game is the week I'm out of town. I need a sellout, or RamView's going to be in some trouble. Also would be nice to beat the freaking Big Dead at home. They have flopped miserably the last two times the Big Dead were here...
10/14 @ Baltimore - Yikes. I would rate this as the most difficult game on the schedule.
10/21 @ Seattle - Geez, stop doing the Rams so many favors, NFL. I didn't have "cross country flight after game at intense, physical opponent" on my wish list.
10/28 vs. Cleveland - Browns come off the bye week, but this still has to rank as the most winnable game on the '07 schedule.
That Big Dead game is going to be a pivotal one. I'd like their chances at Seattle better had they not been at Baltimore the week before.
4-4 at the bye week seems satisfactory. If they start the season 2-0, though, they should get here at 5-3.
10/7 vs. Big Dead - NATURALLY, they play four road games in five weeks, and the one home game is the week I'm out of town. I need a sellout, or RamView's going to be in some trouble. Also would be nice to beat the freaking Big Dead at home. They have flopped miserably the last two times the Big Dead were here...
10/14 @ Baltimore - Yikes. I would rate this as the most difficult game on the schedule.
10/21 @ Seattle - Geez, stop doing the Rams so many favors, NFL. I didn't have "cross country flight after game at intense, physical opponent" on my wish list.
10/28 vs. Cleveland - Browns come off the bye week, but this still has to rank as the most winnable game on the '07 schedule.
That Big Dead game is going to be a pivotal one. I'd like their chances at Seattle better had they not been at Baltimore the week before.
4-4 at the bye week seems satisfactory. If they start the season 2-0, though, they should get here at 5-3.
Rams September schedule
(4/11/0&)
9/9 vs. Carolina - not my ideal pick for a home opener because the Rams always seem to have trouble with the Panthers.
9/16 vs. Whiners - I like this a lot better than the NFL making the Rams the Whiners' home opener the last couple of years. However, it's not right, and completely avoidable if you're even trying to put together a competent schedule, for anybody to have two home games to open the season, because that means somebody else doesn't get their home opener until week 3. The Rams got screwed over that way a couple of years ago. This year, the Chiefs and Falcons don't open at home till Week 3, while the Rams and Jagwires are home weeks 1 and 2.
9/23 @ Tampa - I was hoping the Rams would get Tampa in September; their weather shouldn't be too much different from St. Louis'. Wouldn't want to see one of those meltdowns like they had in Phoenix in 1996.
9/30 @ Dallas - One of the few Dallas games that NFL isn't cramming down our throats as a national game.
2-2 looks like a decent start; 3-1 would be an accomplishment...
9/9 vs. Carolina - not my ideal pick for a home opener because the Rams always seem to have trouble with the Panthers.
9/16 vs. Whiners - I like this a lot better than the NFL making the Rams the Whiners' home opener the last couple of years. However, it's not right, and completely avoidable if you're even trying to put together a competent schedule, for anybody to have two home games to open the season, because that means somebody else doesn't get their home opener until week 3. The Rams got screwed over that way a couple of years ago. This year, the Chiefs and Falcons don't open at home till Week 3, while the Rams and Jagwires are home weeks 1 and 2.
9/23 @ Tampa - I was hoping the Rams would get Tampa in September; their weather shouldn't be too much different from St. Louis'. Wouldn't want to see one of those meltdowns like they had in Phoenix in 1996.
9/30 @ Dallas - One of the few Dallas games that NFL isn't cramming down our throats as a national game.
2-2 looks like a decent start; 3-1 would be an accomplishment...
Rams 2007 Schedule - quick take
(4/11/07)
Who put together this mess? Back-to-back home games to open, then SIX of eight on the road, then four of five at home before closing at the Big Dead? This schedule is about as balanced as Britney Spears; nice work, NFL.
The only scheduled prime time game is a Thursday nighter against Pittsburgh. Oh joy! A Thursday night home game!
Cleveland has a bye before their game here; the Rams have a week off before playing in New Orleans.
In-depth analysis to follow...
Who put together this mess? Back-to-back home games to open, then SIX of eight on the road, then four of five at home before closing at the Big Dead? This schedule is about as balanced as Britney Spears; nice work, NFL.
The only scheduled prime time game is a Thursday nighter against Pittsburgh. Oh joy! A Thursday night home game!
Cleveland has a bye before their game here; the Rams have a week off before playing in New Orleans.
In-depth analysis to follow...
Sportswriter Hall of Shame
(4/8/07)
This is so stupid. I can't even believe something like this is up for argument. It's like arguing whether the sun rises in the east. But Paul Attner of the Sporting News continues to cling to the moronic notion that Marshall Faulk is not a lock to be elected to the Hall of Fame, and idiotically insists in the April 2nd issue that he "certainly won't be voted in during his first year of eligibility in 2011." Apparently, whatever Marshall ever did to piss Attner off was really good, because he's sticking to this harebrained idea with bulldog-like tenacity.
It's thinking like Attner's that breathes life into the idea that you should have to pass an intelligence test to vote in a public election. Thankfully, Attner is not one of the writers who actually vote for the Hall of Fame, and with statements as foolish and uninformed as his, steps should be taken to ensure he never becomes a member of that panel. Unfortunately, the best the HoF voters can do in 2011 is prove they are not as colossally idiotic as Attner when they make the obvious move and induct Marshall on the first ballot. And if they don't do it, they should all be replaced by monkeys, because even the stupidest of monkeys can figure out that Marshall Faulk is a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
It's not like Marshall's case for the Hall of Fame is difficult to make. Compare him to Marcus Allen, an obvious and first-ballot Hall-of-Famer (2003). Faulk has more rushing yards, more receptions, more receiving yards, a better average per carry, more Pro Bowl appearances, the same number of Super Bowl rings, and scored only 8 fewer TDs than Marcus despite playing four fewer seasons.
That's not meant to be a knock on Marcus Allen's career at all. But it does illustrate that even setting the bar that high, Marshall Faulk still clears it pretty easily. By the way: Faulk has more career TDs than Jim Brown, Walter Payton and Barry Sanders; more combined yards than Sanders, Allen, Tony Dorsett and Curtis Martin; more rushing yards than Franco Harris and OJ Simpson. He broke the record for TDs in a season held by Emmitt Smith. Faulk finished his career only 52 receptions behind Steve Largent, the last WR inducted into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot, in two fewer seasons. Every player mentioned in this paragraph, by the way, was a first-ballot Hall of Famer, or should be a mortal lock for the distinction. Just like Marshall.
There are a lot of windmills out there to tilt at, Paul Attner. The one you've picked in this case is particularly dumb. Find another lost cause.
This is so stupid. I can't even believe something like this is up for argument. It's like arguing whether the sun rises in the east. But Paul Attner of the Sporting News continues to cling to the moronic notion that Marshall Faulk is not a lock to be elected to the Hall of Fame, and idiotically insists in the April 2nd issue that he "certainly won't be voted in during his first year of eligibility in 2011." Apparently, whatever Marshall ever did to piss Attner off was really good, because he's sticking to this harebrained idea with bulldog-like tenacity.
It's thinking like Attner's that breathes life into the idea that you should have to pass an intelligence test to vote in a public election. Thankfully, Attner is not one of the writers who actually vote for the Hall of Fame, and with statements as foolish and uninformed as his, steps should be taken to ensure he never becomes a member of that panel. Unfortunately, the best the HoF voters can do in 2011 is prove they are not as colossally idiotic as Attner when they make the obvious move and induct Marshall on the first ballot. And if they don't do it, they should all be replaced by monkeys, because even the stupidest of monkeys can figure out that Marshall Faulk is a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
It's not like Marshall's case for the Hall of Fame is difficult to make. Compare him to Marcus Allen, an obvious and first-ballot Hall-of-Famer (2003). Faulk has more rushing yards, more receptions, more receiving yards, a better average per carry, more Pro Bowl appearances, the same number of Super Bowl rings, and scored only 8 fewer TDs than Marcus despite playing four fewer seasons.
That's not meant to be a knock on Marcus Allen's career at all. But it does illustrate that even setting the bar that high, Marshall Faulk still clears it pretty easily. By the way: Faulk has more career TDs than Jim Brown, Walter Payton and Barry Sanders; more combined yards than Sanders, Allen, Tony Dorsett and Curtis Martin; more rushing yards than Franco Harris and OJ Simpson. He broke the record for TDs in a season held by Emmitt Smith. Faulk finished his career only 52 receptions behind Steve Largent, the last WR inducted into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot, in two fewer seasons. Every player mentioned in this paragraph, by the way, was a first-ballot Hall of Famer, or should be a mortal lock for the distinction. Just like Marshall.
There are a lot of windmills out there to tilt at, Paul Attner. The one you've picked in this case is particularly dumb. Find another lost cause.
No schedule today
(4/5/07)
The 2007 NFL regular-season schedule won't be announced today after all... No explanation was given and no new release date was given beyond "no later than April 19th."
Maybe they're worried they still have three or four weeks they can't cram Terrell Owens down our throats on national TV...
The 2007 NFL regular-season schedule won't be announced today after all... No explanation was given and no new release date was given beyond "no later than April 19th."
Maybe they're worried they still have three or four weeks they can't cram Terrell Owens down our throats on national TV...
Wow, I forgot he was still in the league
(4/5/07)
Not only that, he appeared in every game...
"The Houston Texans re-signed eight players Monday, including defensive back Dexter McCleon. McCleon, a cornerback, appeared in every game for Houston last season and had 28 tackles and one interception."
Not only that, he appeared in every game...
"The Houston Texans re-signed eight players Monday, including defensive back Dexter McCleon. McCleon, a cornerback, appeared in every game for Houston last season and had 28 tackles and one interception."
Preseason opponents
(4/3/07)
The preseason schedule was mostly announced yesterday. I don't know why NFL always insists on releasing it without the exact dates, but they always do.
Aug 9-13 @Minnesota
Aug 18 vs. San Diego, CBS national broadcast
Aug 23-27 @Oakland
Aug 31-Sep 2 vs. Kansas City
Since the Rams are a team that HAS to get better at defending the run this season, SD and KC are great sparring partners because they run so well. Minnesota ran awful well the first half of last season and also should be a good test. Oakland, I'm not so thrilled about. The worse a team is, the more seriously it takes preseason games. Since it's the third game, though, you'd expect both teams to use starters most of the way, which maybe throws an edge back to the Rams.
The preseason schedule was mostly announced yesterday. I don't know why NFL always insists on releasing it without the exact dates, but they always do.
Aug 9-13 @Minnesota
Aug 18 vs. San Diego, CBS national broadcast
Aug 23-27 @Oakland
Aug 31-Sep 2 vs. Kansas City
Since the Rams are a team that HAS to get better at defending the run this season, SD and KC are great sparring partners because they run so well. Minnesota ran awful well the first half of last season and also should be a good test. Oakland, I'm not so thrilled about. The worse a team is, the more seriously it takes preseason games. Since it's the third game, though, you'd expect both teams to use starters most of the way, which maybe throws an edge back to the Rams.
Schedule comes out Thursday
(4/2/07)
If the NFL Network and ESPN TV listings for this week are correct, this year's schedule is coming out Thursday. The first airing of the schedule unveiling special is at 3pm Central on NFLN (7pm on ESPN), so I assume 3pm is the time it will come out. NFL.com doesn't seem to say anything about it.
Six of the Rams' 2007 road opponents have already had their Opening Day games announced by the league, so the Rams can only open the season at Seattle, at Tampa, or at home against Seattle, Carolina, Green Bay, Atlanta, Pittsburgh or Cleveland. The Rams open at home a disproportionate amount of the time against the AFC, so I'm guessing Cleveland. (They can't open against the Whiners or Big Dead, because that's the Whiners' home opener Week 1).
As I will be out of town from October 2-9, I am fully expecting a Monday night home game Oct. 1st and another home game the 7th. RamView's going to have a difficult time not to come up short this season.
If the NFL Network and ESPN TV listings for this week are correct, this year's schedule is coming out Thursday. The first airing of the schedule unveiling special is at 3pm Central on NFLN (7pm on ESPN), so I assume 3pm is the time it will come out. NFL.com doesn't seem to say anything about it.
Six of the Rams' 2007 road opponents have already had their Opening Day games announced by the league, so the Rams can only open the season at Seattle, at Tampa, or at home against Seattle, Carolina, Green Bay, Atlanta, Pittsburgh or Cleveland. The Rams open at home a disproportionate amount of the time against the AFC, so I'm guessing Cleveland. (They can't open against the Whiners or Big Dead, because that's the Whiners' home opener Week 1).
As I will be out of town from October 2-9, I am fully expecting a Monday night home game Oct. 1st and another home game the 7th. RamView's going to have a difficult time not to come up short this season.
Spend the money right
(4/1/07)
In light of the Rams jacking the price of my tickets a whopping 18% this season, or $200, I can't exactly say I was thrilled to see the NFL is now handing the Rams a cool $5 million. Nor can I say I'm totally thrilled to see that Georgia Frontiere is using a big chunk of it to buy a new house. Yeah, that's where I was hoping my ticket increase would go: guest bathroom hand towels.Anyways, Georgia, you've still got $4,125,000 left, and the team's a country mile under the salary cap, so before you blow the rest on healing crystals and garden gnomes, I've got a couple of requests:
* Extend Marc Bulger's contract.
* Extend Steven Jackson's contract.
Bulger, in the last year of his current contract, has repeatedly proven that he is in the top echelon of NFL QBs. There's no excuse not to have a new contract done with him by the time training camp opens. Jackson is a little trickier; there's two years left on his contract, so he may not want to spoil his negotiating leverage by extending his contract before the "market" gets a year or two to set a price. But with all the available cap space, and Jackson's status as the future of the franchise and one of the league's top 3 RBs, there's no excuse on or off the field not to try.
Get your backfield locked up for the next five years, Georgia, then you can feel free to buy all the lawn ornaments you want.
In light of the Rams jacking the price of my tickets a whopping 18% this season, or $200, I can't exactly say I was thrilled to see the NFL is now handing the Rams a cool $5 million. Nor can I say I'm totally thrilled to see that Georgia Frontiere is using a big chunk of it to buy a new house. Yeah, that's where I was hoping my ticket increase would go: guest bathroom hand towels.Anyways, Georgia, you've still got $4,125,000 left, and the team's a country mile under the salary cap, so before you blow the rest on healing crystals and garden gnomes, I've got a couple of requests:
* Extend Marc Bulger's contract.
* Extend Steven Jackson's contract.
Bulger, in the last year of his current contract, has repeatedly proven that he is in the top echelon of NFL QBs. There's no excuse not to have a new contract done with him by the time training camp opens. Jackson is a little trickier; there's two years left on his contract, so he may not want to spoil his negotiating leverage by extending his contract before the "market" gets a year or two to set a price. But with all the available cap space, and Jackson's status as the future of the franchise and one of the league's top 3 RBs, there's no excuse on or off the field not to try.
Get your backfield locked up for the next five years, Georgia, then you can feel free to buy all the lawn ornaments you want.
Site update
(4/1/07)
This is a mundane start, since the site hasn't changed much since the 2006 season ended. 2006 was archived off the start page and 2002 was added to the archives, text-only for the time being. There have also been a handful of "personnel changes" on the all-St. Louis team page and the all-Worst page...
The next project is to get 1999-2001 up, and I'll keep progress on those posted here...
This is a mundane start, since the site hasn't changed much since the 2006 season ended. 2006 was archived off the start page and 2002 was added to the archives, text-only for the time being. There have also been a handful of "personnel changes" on the all-St. Louis team page and the all-Worst page...
The next project is to get 1999-2001 up, and I'll keep progress on those posted here...
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