Tuesday, July 31, 2012

RamView, 8/1: Tuesday practice notes, Long contract details

from local reports

* Schedule: The Rams practice in pads for the first time tomorrow, and do it again on Thursday, but both days' practices are closed to the public. The next open practice is at 3:30 Friday, followed by a 12:30 scrimmage at the Edward Jones Dome on Saturday.

* Injury report: Danario Alexander (hamstring) and Daryl Richardson (leg) suited up today but were limited to running on the sideline. Rokevious Watkins (fat) is still getting into shape. Scott Wells (knee) remains out.

New to the list, center Tim Barnes (calf) did not practice Tuesday. He had limped off the field Monday. Josh Gordy and Kendric Burney both sat out Tuesday due to tight hamstrings. Eugene Sims left practice due to an unspecified arm or shoulder injury.

* Depth chart: Craig Dahl back to first string at safety. Austin Davis seems to be gaining ground pretty quickly on Tom Brandstater for QB3.

* Nick Wagoner reported Rams receivers were "plagued" by dropped passes Tuesday, with Lance Kendricks returning to his regular-season 2011 form. Lovely. Sounds like he rallied at the end, though. Also sounds like the o-line continues to struggle in pass protection.

Also, I know it's only day 3 and they haven't even pulled pads on yet, but I would really like not to hear Cortland Finnegan getting burned by a Rams receiver every day. We all realize he has to cover Megatron opening week, right?

* Details came out today on Chris Long's contract extension: it's for four years, $50 MILLION, with $27 million guaranteed. Mario Williams just got similar dollars when he signed with Buffalo this offseason, but those were for six years, not four. Factor in Long's 2012 salary, and he's technically on a five-year deal for $60 million, with $37 million guaranteed.

The extension is bigger than any deal I can think of in Rams history for a defensive player, and by my count, is the third-biggest deal in team history, behind Marc Bulger's $62.5 million deal in 2007 and Orlando Pace's $53 million deal in 2005. Steven Jackson's current deal is $49.3 million.

I felt Long was one of the very best defensive players in the league last year, and that he should have been in the Pro Bowl. Well, he's getting paid at that level now.

* Alumni report: Cord Parks released by the Saints.

-$-

Photo: STLToday

Monday, July 30, 2012

RamView, 7/31: Monday practice notes

from local reports

The Rams hold practice Tuesday at 3:30. That's the last practice open to fans until Friday. The team will start practicing in pads Wednesday, which will be a special teams practice, and Thursday, a full-squad practice.

* Injury report: Rokevious Watkins (fat) is now participating in individual drills but not team drills. Still out of action: Scott Wells (knee), Daryl Richardson (leg), and Danario Alexander (hamstring).

* Depth chart report: Darian Stewart worked with the first unit Monday, Craig Dahl with the twos. Rookie free agent Matt Conrath has gotten work with the first unit both days of camp.

* Sounds like the passing game opened up a lot more today. Steve Smith beat Trumaine Johnson for a long TD, but Cortland Finnegan and Darian Stewart had interceptions and Janoris Jenkins broke up a couple of passes. Sam Bradford was the QB on both INTs. Secondary has to be winning the race for best unit in camp thus far.

* Alumni report:
- The Packers picked up TE Demarco Cosby, who spent time on the Rams' practice squad last year.
- The Panthers signed LB David Nixon.
- Dominique Curry signed with the Lions.
- Daniel Fells was put on the PUP list in New England due to a leg injury.
- And, one day after signing a one-year contract with the Chargers, Kyle Boller missed the first day of practice and has now decided to retire. So, he always wanted to retire as a Charger? In related news, 2012 is now expected to be a down year for interceptions.

-$-

Photo: STLToday

Sunday, July 29, 2012

7/29 injury report

The Rams held four players out of practice Sunday:
- Center Scott Wells is still rehabbing from offseason arthroscopic knee surgery. A timeline for his return hasn't been reported yet.
- Wide receiver Danario Alexander is expected to be out about a week with a hamstring problem that he's apparently still fighting from minicamp.
- 7th-round pick, RB Daryl Richardson, is out 3-4 days due to a leg injury.
- Lastly, 5th-round pick, OL Rokevious "Road Grader II" Watkins (fat).

-$-

Rams extend Chris Long's contract

The biggest news out of Rams camp today is that they've taken care of one of their franchise defensive players, signing Chris Long to a four-year extension. Long was scheduled to become a free agent after this season. His new contract runs through 2016.

Financial terms of Long's deal have not been disclosed, though Jay Glazer of Fox Sports has humorously described the deal as "huge".

The Rams are said to be actively working on a new deal for James Laurinaitis, who is currently in the last year of his rookie contract.

Good news all around, for the Rams, Chris, James and Rams fans.

-$-

Photo: NFL.com

Training camp report, 7/29

RamView's first training camp report of 2012 is up now: Link

Today's highlights:
* Everybody healthy but Scott Wells, Road Grader II Watkins, and, of course, Danario Alexander
* Standout performances: Janoris Jenkins, Danny Amendola, Isaiah Pead, Josh Gordy, and, yes, Greg Zuerlein
* Surprise starters: Brandon Gibson, Craig Dahl
* Shakiest unit: offensive line
* Great crowd

-$-

Photo: RamView

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Rams sign Mughelli

The Rams have signed former Ravens and Falcons fullback Ovie Mughelli to a one-year deal. The 6'1", 260-lb 32-year old is entering his tenth NFL season. He played in his first Pro Bowl in 2010 but tore a MCL midway through last season and was let go by the Falcons in May in a salary cap move. So, to the Falcons pipeline yet again for Les Snead.

Scouts Inc. describes Mughelli as an average starter, a real bruiser with excellent blocking technique. He takes good angles, crushes defenders in the hole, and gets good positioning in pass pro and picks up blitzes well. Hits hard and sustains his blocks. Though considered primarily a lead blocker, he's also been an effective receiver for a fullback, averaging almost 8 yards a catch in his career. Six of his seven career TDs are receiving TDs.

When Atlanta signed Mughelli in 2007, he was highly-regarded enough to draw the biggest contract ever for a fullback. Coming off a season-ending injury last year at his age, though, the obvious business decision for the Falcons was to let him go instead of gamble the $3 million he had coming this season.


My assumption is that Mughelli will be on the field when the Rams officially break training camp tomorrow afternoon. He brings the current roster count to 89. Whatever percentage of full health he is, I give him that much chance to completely transform the training camp race at fullback, and he should be the favorite to win the position. Not only is he head-and-shoulders above any Rams fullback's career since James Hodgins, I doubt anybody else in camp comes up to his thigh pads. If he's close to his previous standard at fullback and healthy enough to be a plus on special teams, Mughelli will be an excellent signing by the Rams.

-$-

Photo: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Friday, July 27, 2012

RamView, 7/27: some rookies off on wrong foot

from local reports

* Third-round pick Trumaine Johnson was signed in time for the rookies-only phase of training camp, but did not make the first practice Wednesday because he OVERSLEPT and missed his flight to St. Louis. Couldn't wake up on time for the most important day of his professional life. Excellent.

Meanwhile, fifth-round pick Rokevious Watkins has reported to training camp overweight and out of shape and has been limited to stretching on the sidelines the past three days. Well, we kind of saw that coming. After all, his was the first Pro Football Weekly draft guide summary ever to contain the phrase "man-boobs". I KNEW I should have been leery of all those reports that described Watkins as a "road grader"! Fortunately, there will be plenty of other competition in camp at left guard. Just not Road Grader II for the time being.

The most the Rams could do with the 31 rookies they've had in camp so far this week is run 7-on-7 drills, so these guys can't have missed critical amounts of practice time. They've gotten off to inauspicious starts, though.

* Contract details. Janoris Jenkins' signing bonus is indeed being paid in installments. Suddenly, however, we're being told that this arrangement isn't unusual and has nothing to do with off-field conduct. In fact, Michael Brockers and Brian Quick are also receiving their signing bonuses in installments. So at this point, as far as the public's been informed, there's nothing special tied to conduct in Jenkins' contract. That doesn't seem wise, though he was in St. Louis well ahead of time to report for camp and reported in shape.

Trumaine "Sleepy" Johnson's contract is for an assumed 4 years and totals $3 million, with a $700,000 bonus. Use some of that to buy a better alarm clock.

* Alumni report:
- Former blocking TE Derek Schouman signed by the Saints.
- WR Mike Sims-Walker had a tryout with the Titans, of which Chris Mortensen humorously tweeted, "didn't go so good".
- Rams from last year's roster without NFL jobs at last word:
  Cadillac Williams, Jerious Norwood, Adam Goldberg, James Hall, Fred Robbins, Billy Bajema, Stephen Spach, Brady Poppinga, James Butler, Mark LeVoir, Dominique Curry, C.J. Ah You, Jason Brown. Could be time to start looking for coaching or broadcasting gigs.

* RamView is still planning to cover Sunday's first full-squad practice. It will probably be up on the website late Sunday night.

-$-

Photo: STLToday

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

RamView, 7/26: all rookies on hand

from local reports

* Mostly good news so far as the Rams rookies break camp at Rams Park. Both Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson were signed to contracts Tuesday night. Johnson's contract terms have yet to be disclosed. Jenkins got a 4-year, $5 million deal, with $3.1 million guaranteed. No word yet if that is a lump sum payment or installment payments, which is what the Rams were going for. In any event, credit to the Rams front office for getting the whole rookie class in on time.

* Rodger Saffold tweeted Wednesday afternoon that he has been cleared to play without restrictions, so that's good news. The news is not as good on center Scott Wells, who had arthroscopic knee surgery in the offseason. Head coach Jeff Fisher says he'll take his time with Wells, so don't figure him to see much action early in training camp. That's completely sensible from an injury standpoint, but the Rams need Wells on the field before too awful long. He's key to this offense having any amount of cohesion this year. We need the starting offensive line practicing together as much as possible, and even more importantly, Wells and Sam Bradford practicing together as much as possible. Not only is it (obviously) critical for them to get the center-quarterback exchange down, but Wells is supposed to be responsible for line calls and pre-snap adjustments, which was one of Bradford's jobs last year. The Rams need Wells out there to make that transition seamless. If Tim Barnes is the backup at center like I'm thinking he is, that's a steep dropoff.

The Rams' offensive engine won't get too far in 2012 if the ignition is faulty; hopefully Wells is close to being full-go.

-$-

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

RamView, 7/25: Jenkins signs; Rams make first cut

from local reports

Rookies were to report to the Rams today, with the first of three closed practices scheduled for tomorrow:

* That group did not include drafted DBs Janoris Jenkins or Trumaine Johnson. Jenkins, though, has signed a four-year deal with the Rams tonight. The details of that deal, which will be of much interest, have not yet been disclosed. In his weekly chat today, Jim Thomas confirmed my suspicion that Johnson has been waiting for players selected around him to sign. Just get your ass in camp, rook.

* The group includes veteran TE Michael Hoomanawanui, who has been cleared to play and wants to get an early start returning to action.

* The group does not include rookie free agent OL Michael Hay, who was cut Tuesday morning. Also not making it to the first practice: rookie FA Jeremy Caldwell, who's leaving the team of his own accord. According to Nick Wagoner, "he saw the writing on the wall." I guess ignore that RamView post, then, where I call Caldwell someone "who can flatout play" and practically guarantee he'll make the practice squad. Serves me right for scouting on YouTube, I guess.

* Those moves make the current roster count 88. No notion if the Rams intend to replace the departed players.

* I didn't change many of the odds of making the roster for the rookie FAs. I downgraded Matt Daniels, who missed minicamp due to arthroscopic surgery, and Corey Harkey, because his school calendar held him out of minicamp. I upgraded DeAngelo Peterson, and left everyone else where they were, including Jeremy Caldwell and his 40% chance of making the team. Thanks for making me look good, there.

* I'll go for looking even worse with these predictions:
   - Three rookie free agents will make the 53-man roster. Johnny Hekker, Alex Hoffman-Ellis, Matt Daniels.
   - The eight-man practice squad: Austin Davis, DeAngelo Peterson, T-Bob Hebert, Joe Long, Sammy Brown, Matt Conrath, Rodney McLeod and Calvin Middleton.

   Come back to this post in about a month and we'll all have a good laugh.

* I haven't received my 2012 season tickets yet, but single-game tickets go on sale August 10.

* Last but not least, Steven Jackson told Pro Football Talk today that he's talking with the Rams about a contract that will allow him play the rest of his career as a Ram. His current deal expires after next season, when he'll be 30. I'm sure these talks are in the embryonic stages, but Jackson has given the Rams a lot over his career. It would be great if something cap-friendly down the line could be worked out that lets Steven retire as a Ram. I don't want to see him in another uniform any more than I wanted to see Isaac Bruce in red and gold clown colors at the end of his career.

-$-

Photo: NBC Sports

RamView, 7/24: Rookies report today

The new football season is here! Rookies begin reporting to Rams Park today. They will practice three times Wednesday - Friday before the veterans report. The first full-squad practice of training camp open to the public will be 3:30 this Sunday. None of the rookies-only sessions are open to the public.

Talk about how easy it is to sign all your rookies before camp, though, is apparently just that, talk. The Rams still have two players to get signed by my accounting - second-round pick Janoris Jenkins and third-round pick Trumaine Johnson. These two need to get in camp; the Rams are depending on them heavily this season. Can't have key rookies missing training camp practices right off the bat. At last word, the holdup on Jenkins is that the Rams want to pay his signing bonus in installments that he'll earn as long as he stays out of trouble, a sensible request. No idea what the holdup is on Johnson. I don't know if the players around him have signed yet or not. That's holding up some players around the league, even though it's still pretty clear what they're going to make for their draft position anyway. Enough dawdling, fellas. Get pen to paper and get yourselves into camp.

For the first, and probably only time ever, RamView actually got profiles up on all of the undrafted rookie free agents before the start of training camp. They're all linked on the Ramview.com draft page, or feel free to dig through this blog for them. One thing I need to do yet is tweak the ridiculous percentages I've put on the rookie FA's as their chances of making the team. That won't be tonight, though, as it's two in the freaking morning right now.

News here as it happens, but I'll likely be resorting to nightly posts this preseason.

-$-

Monday, July 23, 2012

Rookie free agent profile: Travis Tripucka, LS, Massachusetts


Travis Tripucka 6'1" 240
LS, Massachusetts

Rankings:
NFLDraftScout: 10th-ranked long snapper. Free agent grade.

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel ranked him the #2 long snapper.


Pro Football Weekly: not listed.

Biography/honors:
2011: Started 10 games at long snapper. 3 tackles. UMass averaged only 35.8 yards per punt and had two punts blocked. Placekicker was only 8-for-14 on FGs and 29-for-34 on PATs.
2010: Started all 11 games at long snapper. One tackle. Team averaged only 34.4 yards per punt and had four punts blocked. New placekicker was 29-for-31 on PATs but only 9-for-16 on FGs.
2009: Started all 11 games at long snapper. Team averaged 38.3 yards per punt (new punter) and had one blocked. Kicker was perfect on 33 PATs and made 20-of-26 FGs.
2008: Started all 12 games at long snapper. 2 tackles. UMass' punter led the country in punting average with 44.3. The kicker was 45-for-46 on PATs, 6-for-8 on FGs.
2007: Redshirted.

Father Kelly played in the NBA for 10 years and was a two-time All-Star. He led Notre Dame in scoring all four years of college and was second-team All-America twice.

Grandfather Frank was the first overall pick of the 1949 NFL Draft. He quarterbacked in the NFL, CFL and AFL for 15 seasons. The Broncos retired his number 18, which he allowed to be un-retired this year for Peyton Manning.


Major: sociology.

Injuries: none reported, though he missed one game this season.

Pro day stats: (participated in Boston College's pro day)
(Jake McQuaide's 2011 pro day numbers in parentheses)

5.15 40 (5.07)
1.69 10-yard split (1.68)
32” vertical jump (29”)
8'9" broad jump (9'1")
7.67 3-cone drill (7.10)
4.79 20-yard shuttle (4.48)
17 bench press (19)


Positives: Very athletic, plays with good energy. Gets perfect rotation consistently on field goal snaps. Accurate snapper on punts. Shows nice footwork in coverage and looks like a solid wrap-up tackler. Kicking game really improved in his first year at long snapper, per his coach.

Negatives: Has a hitch in his setup and delivery that teams will key on. Was high with some of his field goal snaps at the specialists combine. More wobbly snaps on punts than you'd like. Not enough velocity. Accuracy is just ok. Gets a little too pumped-up and loses accuracy when he's stressed, seen at the specialists combine. Not a factor covering punts, with only 6 career tackles.

Compares to: Jake McQuaide. I'm lazy, so sue me.

Fun Facts: Travis was recruited to UMass on an athletic scholarship. In lacrosse. He was one of the UMass lacrosse team's top defensemen and started 12 games his junior year. He was a decorated high school lacrosse player and a two-time New Jersey state champion. Travis' uncle Frank quarterbacked for the Minutemen in the 70s.

RamView: Long snapper's hardly going to be the most-watched battle in training camp, but there's a decent chance of it being a close one. Tripucka got a lot of good reviews after his signing. Special teams coaches like to develop their own guys, and John Fassel coached two-time Pro Bowler Jon Condo for three years, so he definitely knows what to look for. Rams incumbent Jake McQuaide got good reviews last year, though. He's a little more athletic and seems to be more of a presence covering kicks. And, unlike the dumping of Chris Massey last year, there's little salary cap benefit to dumping McQuaide. Keep an eye on this battle, but I suspect McQuaide will have to do a lot wrong to lose it.

Chance of making roster: 30%.

Sources: NFLDraftScout, University of Massachusetts athletics, Wikipedia, YouTube, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Photo: The Republican (Springfield, MA)

Rookie free agent profile: Nick Schwieger, RB, Dartmouth


Nick Schwieger   5'8" 200
RB, Dartmouth

Rankings:
NFLDraftScout: 114th-ranked running back. Free agent grade.

Pro Football Weekly: not listed.


Biography/honors:
2011: Dartmouth's all-time leading rusher and leader in all-purpose yards. First team all-Ivy League and third team AP Division 1-AA All-America. Started all 10 games. 241 carries for 1,310 yards (5.4 ypc) and 10 TDs. 23 receptions for 119 yards (5.2 ypc). Had 8 100-yard games and set school record with 257 against Cornell. 
2010: Ivy League co-MVP and first team all-conference. Started 9 games. 242 carries 1,133 yards (4.7 ypc) and 14 TDs, which tied a school record. 28 receptions for 210 yards (7.5 ypc). 14.3-yard average on 6 kickoff returns. Also threw a 62-yard TD pass. 6 100-yard games, including 216 against Bucknell.
2009: First team all-Ivy League. Played in 8 games, starting 7. 139 carries for 626 yards (4.5 ypc) and 2 TDs. 8 receptions for 44 yards (5.5 ypc). Ran for 242 against Columbia.
2008: Played in 8 games. 27 carries for 81 yards (3.0 ypc). 12 receptions for 67 yards (5.6 ypc). 19.9-yard average on 21 kick returns.

Major: history.

Injuries:
2010: missed one game due to unspecified injury.
2009: missed two games due to a broken hand.
2008: missed one game due to unspecified injury.

Pro day stats: (NFL Combine averages for RBs in parentheses)
(Schwieger participated at Boston College's pro day)

4.59 40 (4.57)
1.51 10-yard split (1.56)
35.5” vertical jump (35”)
10'3" broad jump (Would have tied for second at Combine. RB average: 9'9.5")
7.09 3-cone drill (7.05)
4.35 20-yard shuttle (Would have been worst shuttle time at Combine. RB average: 4.22)
17 bench press (21)


Positives: Powerful with great balance. Shows good speed and makes good cuts. Breaks a ton of tackles. Hard to bring down, has good lower body strength and runs out of lots of ankle tackles. Also shows a good stiffarm. Effective inside runner, defenses have hard time finding him. Effective downhill, one-cut runner. Excellent on counters. Gets the defense flowing with him, makes a cut, and bang, he's gone. Excellent field vision, always seems to be running to the most open part of the field. Very elusive when he gets downfield. Seems to have good hands as a receiver and seems to carry the ball securely. Can run the Wildcat offense. Has special teams experience returning kicks and in punt protection. Excellent all-around athlete. Hard-working. Bengals and Panthers were also interested in him.

Negatives: Level of competition very questionable. Ivy League linebacker and safety play is piss-poor. These are supposed to be the smartest students in the country, but they are repeatedly rendered helpless by simple counter plays and draws. Has enough speed to get the corner, but doesn't have elite speed or explosiveness and gets caught from behind. Not the big-play threat as a receiver you would like to see from a player his size likely to be a third-down back. Not a big-play threat on special teams. From his highlight clips, seemed to run a ton of counters and draws. Didn't see him take any pitchouts and doubt he did very much pass protection.

Compares to: Danny Woodhead. Similar size, college background, running style and takes a lot of shotgun handoffs.

Fun Facts: How did the Rams find Nick Schwieger (rhymes with Seger, so yes, his name is spelled right)? Turns out they didn't really look all that far. Senior player personnel assistant Tony Pastoors was a safety at Dartmouth and played with Schwieger for two years. And Rams Chief Operating Officer Kevin Demoff graduated from Dartmouth in '99. Dartmouth hasn't had a player in the NFL since 2004, btw.

RamView: So, did Nick Schwieger feast on terrible competition and network with the Rams' front office to get a roster spot? That would be a pretty silly waste of a space. Those who got to watch Schwieger up close say he's legit, he would have been a successful back at much bigger schools. The Danny Woodhead comparison is apropos, and there isn't much of a crowd battling for RB3. Schwieger would basically have to beat out Darryl Richardson, who was only two picks from being an undrafted rookie free agent himself, and maybe someone like Calvin Middleton. One big thing hurting Schwieger is that Dartmouth's academic calendar kept him out of OTAs this spring. I also perceive he lacks experience as a receiver and as a pass protector, and the Ivy League's truly dreadful level of competition seems likely to catch up with him, too. Maybe the example set by Ryan Fitzpatrick will serve as inspiration, but I'm not counting on it.

Chance of making roster: 10%.

Sources: NFLDraftScout, Bleacher Report, The Dartmouth, Columbia Spectator

Photo: The Sun-Chronicle (Attleboro/North Attleboro, MA)

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Rookie free agent profile: T-Bob Hebert, OL, LSU


T-Bob Hebert 6'3" 300
OL, LSU

Rankings:
NFLDraftScout: 63rd-ranked guard, free agent grade.

Pro Football Weekly: not listed.


Biography/honors:
2011: Played in 12 games, with 4 starts at left guard, 3 at center and one at right guard. Credited with 80 knockdown blocks.
2010: Played in all 13 games, starting 7 at right guard. Credited with 76 knockdown blocks. Also played center. 

Arrested for DWI in May 2010 after a minor accident on campus.

2009: Made 11 starts at center. Credited with 42 knockdown blocks.
2008: Made SEC Academic Honor Roll. Played in 6 games with no starts. Backed up guard and center and played on special teams and at fullback in short-yardage formations.
2007:
Redshirted.

Father Bobby quarterbacked the Saints and Falcons for 11 seasons and played in one Pro Bowl. He led the Saints to their first winning season and playoff appearance and also led the Michigan Panthers to the first USFL championship.


Major: general studies.

Injuries:
2011: missed one game due to a leg injury. Recurring knee problems the last four games of the season, including the “national championship”.
2010:
unspecified injury in spring practice helped cost him his starting job, along with his DWI arrest.
2009:
missed one game due to an ankle injury and missed LSU's bowl game due to ankle and knee problems.
2008:
suffered season-ending knee injury covering a punt against South Carolina, missing the next six games.

Pro day stats: (NFL Combine averages for guards in parentheses)
5.49 40 (5.36)
1.83 10-yard split (1.80)
26.5” vertical jump (28”)
8'5" broad jump (8'2.5")
7.87 3-cone drill (7.85)
4.75 20-yard shuttle (4.75)
29 bench press (26)


Positives: Versatile, intelligent (graduated early) lineman who knows all the line positions and has little difficulty switching from one to another in a pinch. Shows ability as a power blocker and does a good job getting to the second level. Plays with good technique. Was hard to move, especially at center. Throws a nasty cut block. Gritty, tough, intense team leader and leader on the field. Plays hurt. Has been on two teams that played in “national championship” games, and his father played in the NFL, so he shouldn't be afraid of the big stage.

Negatives: Undersized. Has to play hurt because he's almost always injured. Got pushed around a lot. Is borderline dirty with the cut blocks and leaves his feet too often. Does not appear to have ever won a starting job at LSU, was more of a complementary bench player who stepped up when starters got injured.

Compares to: Brett Romberg.

Fun Facts: T-Bob is a self-professed video game geek who just got engaged. And as you likely already know, the “T” in his name is a Cajun way of calling him “Little” (actually “Petit”) Bob. Okay, he may be undersized, but 6'3” 300 is not petite, OK?

RamView: For RamView, at least, Hebert is one of the tougher calls to make among this year's rookie free agents. Arguably, he wasn't even really a starter at LSU. His ability to play all over the line, and especially center, gives him a big advantage, though. And, like with Michael Hay, it's hard to look at Hebert without thinking he's a Jeff Fisher/Paul Boudreau type of offensive lineman. On one hand, I wonder how he can even make the team, on the other, I can see him as a multipurpose lineman, and especially a backup center, who the Rams can stash on the practice squad. Far from the biggest stretch the Rams will take this preseason.

Chance of making roster: 40%.

Sources: NFLDraftScout, LSU athletics, Pro Football Reference, New Orleans Times-Picayune, YouTube, Walter Football, ESPN

Photo: USA Today

Rookie free agent profile: Todd Anderson, FB, Michigan State


Todd Anderson 6'2" 267
FB, Michigan State

Rankings:
NFLDraftScout: 19th-ranked fullback, free agent grade.

Pro Football Weekly: Not listed.


Biography/honors: 
2011: Moved to fullback during spring practice. Won team award for most improved player on offense. Played in 14 games, starting 7. 6 receptions for 40 yards and a TD, one carry for one yard. Spartans gained over 2,200 yards on the ground for the season.
2010: Backup defensive end played in 8 games. 8 tackles, a quarterback hurry and a pass breakup.
2009: Missed season due to knee injury.
2008: (unconfirmed) Medical redshirt. 
2007: Redshirted.

Major: interdisciplinary studies in social science and health study.

Injuries:
2009: Missed entire season due to knee injury. Had microfracture surgery to repair torn cartilage on his femur.
2008: Redshirt season appears to have been due to a torn quad.

Pro day stats: (averages are of the two declared fullbacks at the NFL Combine)
5.06 40 (4.82)
1.74 10-yard split (Bradie Ewing: 1.64)
29” vertical jump (34”)
8'8" broad jump (9'6")
7.53 3-cone drill (Ewing: 7.14)
4.68 20-yard shuttle (Ewing: 4.16)
35 bench press (Anderson kills here, Ewing had only 14)


Positives: Battering ram with decent speed. Explosive at the point of attack. Beats defenders to the hole and packs a wallop. Has the right mentality for the position, loves to hit. Spartan fans say he completely erased defenders from plays and was like having another guard in the backfield. Good receiver for his size. Good hands, doesn't drop many. Beast in the weight room, benches over 500 lbs. Has also played defensive end and linebacker and was a backup long snapper. Snaps well for placekicks, puts the ball right on target with the right number of rotations. Chargers and Falcons (coincidence?) were also interested in signing him.

Negatives: Carried the ball ONCE in his college career. Only one season of experience at fullback. Other than bench press, came up well short of Bradie Ewing's and Rhett Ellison's (partial) Combine results. Poor snapper on punts. Many more wobblers than spirals and delivers the ball too low too often. Injury history may be a concern.

Compares to: Brit Miller, except 20 lbs bigger.

Fun Facts: Speaking of surprising ability for one's size, Todd can do the splits (ouch). His favorite meal is his mom's golumpki, which is a Polish cabbage roll. He was all-state in baseball in high school, where he caught and played first base, and in wrestling, where he finished second in the state as a senior.

RamView: A fair share of fullbacks converted from the defensive side of the ball, including the Rams' Brit Miller. It's not a complicated position, and Anderson reportedly caught on to it quickly at Michigan State. Miller converted to become an NFL fullback, so can Anderson. But RamView's never thought Miller's really played fullback all that well in the NFL. I'm having a hard time seeing past Anderson's lack of experience, especially at carrying the ball. If you're likely to keep one pure fullback on your roster at most, you have to be able to trust him with the ball on third-and-inches. I also don't think Anderson adds enough value on special teams to overcome his lack of experience at fullback. He's in an open race for a roster spot, and it'll be interesting to see him take on unsuspecting last-stringers in the 4th quarters of preseason games. Ultimately, though, I think he's too limited.

Chance of making roster: 20%.

Sources: NFLDraftScout, Detroit Free Press, Michigan State athletics, Grand Rapids Press, YouTube, St. Louis Rams

Photo: Michigan State University

Rookie free agent profile: Jeremy Caldwell, CB/KR, Eastern Kentucky

(left team prior to rookies reporting on July 24th, own decision)

Jeremy Caldwell 5'9" 183
CB/KR, Eastern Kentucky

Rankings:
70th-ranked cornerback by Pro Football Weekly. Graded as a player who should make an NFL training camp.

NFLDraftScout: 80th-ranked CB, free agent grade.


Biography/honors:
2011: First team all-Ohio Valley as a returner, second team as a defensive back. Third team AP Division 1-AA All-American. Buck Buchanan Award finalist. Won College Football Performance Award for Elite Kick Returner. Four-year starter. Played in 12 games with 51 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 7 pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Averaged 23.7 yards on 30 kickoff returns, with an 88-yard TD, and 5.5 yards on 14 punt returns. Also had 4 receptions for 26 yards.
2010: First team all-Ohio Valley. Played in 11 games, starting 8. 32 tackles, 3 interceptions, returning one for TD, 4 pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Was second in the nation with a school-record 33.7 yard average on 14 kickoff returns, with 2 TD and averaged 15 yards on 13 punt returns with another TD.
2009: First team all-Ohio Valley. Played in 10 games, starting 8. 48 tackles, 3 tackles for loss and a sack. Was fourth in the nation, and led Ohio Valley Conference, with 7 interceptions, returning one for TD, 6 pass breakups and 2 forced fumbles. Averaged 24.5 yards on 24 kickoff returns, 9.8 yards on 16 punt returns.
2008: Played in 12 games, starting 10. 58 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, returning one for TD, 6 pass breakups, one forced fumble and 3 fumble recoveries. Returned 21 kickoffs for a 23.1-yard average and 8 punts for and 11.0-yard average.
2007: Appeared in two games without statistics, then was redshirted.

Major: not listed.

Injuries:
2010: missed most of first game of season due to offseason sports hernia surgery.
2009:
missed one game due to concussion. 

Pro day stats: (NFL Combine averages for CBs in parentheses)
4.45 40 (Janoris Jenkins was 6th-fastest CB at the Combine at 4.46. CB average was 4.57)
1.54 10-yard split (1.55)
34” vertical jump (34.5”)
10'1" broad jump (9'11.5")
7.28 3-cone drill (Only one CB at the Combine had a worse time. Average was 6.87. Morris Claiborne only ran 7.01, though.)
4.19 20-yard shuttle (4.12)
DNP bench press (15)


Positives: Athletic, game-changing return specialist who also has shutdown ability as a cornerback. Plays faster than his already-fast 40 time. Opposing QBs consistently threw away from him. Has superb closing speed, excellent suddenness, superb burst to the ball. Excellent nose for the ball, knows where the QB is going to throw. Reads QBs exceptionally well. Has better field awareness and runs better routes than many of the receivers he covers. Excellent defending screens and quick out routes, which is how he made many of his interceptions. Is cat-quick to shut down short catches in front of him and arrives in a bad, powerful mood. Has no trouble staying with receivers downfield or staying with the receiver out of his break. Turns and runs well in press coverage. Looks comfortable in man and zone coverages. Anticipates well and plays the ball well in the air. Takes balls away from larger receivers. Had two picks against Indiana and a pick-six against Louisville. Good effort tackler on the edge. Solid hitter. Good vision, speed, elusiveness and cutback ability as a kick returner. Uses his blockers well. Excellent, instinctive player who was a man among boys at his level of competition. Pro potential on special teams and as a dime back.

Negatives: Does not have a quick or fluid backpedal. Poor tackling technique; doesn't keep his head up. Relies too much on his speed and is likely to get caught gambling at the next level. Pretty much disappeared against Kansas State, so he could really be a small-school wonder.

Compares to: Dre Bly.

Fun Facts: The funnest facts I could find about Jeremy are that his first job was working the grill at a Wendy's, and that his nickname since childhood is “Ta Ta”, which rhymes with “Say Hey”. No info where that nickname came from, though.

RamView: The NFL must truly be a talented league if there are really 70 or 80 rookie cornerbacks out there better than Jeremy Caldwell, because the kid can flatout play. He wouldn't have needed 11 season-ending injuries in the secondary to make last year's Rams team, and he certainly would have made that roster as a kick returner. He shows playmaking ability and natural ability as a defensive back and a returner that Rams squads of recent seasons have badly lacked. The new Rams regime's free agency and draft have made it a lot tougher to land a job in the secondary this season, but returner jobs should be wide open, and I hope Caldwell gets a shot at one. I'm no doubt higher on his prospects than most, but the Rams may have dug up a diamond in the rough here. Caldwell's too talented not to at least make a team's practice squad. Maybe even this one.

Chance of making roster: 40%.

Sources: Pro Football Weekly, NFLDraftScout, Eastern Kentucky University athletics, STATS LLC, Chattanooga Times Free Press, DraftInsider.net, YouTube

Photo: Eastern Kentucky University

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Rookie free agent profile: Michael Hay, OL, Syracuse


(cut by Rams July 24th)

Michael Hay  6'5" 308
OL, Syracuse

Rankings:
NFLDraftScout: 148th-ranked guard, free-agent grade.

Pro Football Weekly: not listed.


Biography/honors:
2011: Started all 12 games at right tackle. Blocked for 1,000-yard rusher (Antwon Bailey).
2010: Junior college transfer. Started 12 games at right tackle, DNP once. Syracuse was 2nd in the Big East in red zone efficiency (85%) and had a 1,000-yard rusher (Delone Carter).
2007: Enrolled at C.W. Post but redshirted while recuperating from a stab wound. Played the next two years at Nassau Community College, where he made second team all-conference in 2009.
Arrested for assault prior to starting college for his role in a fight in which he was nearly stabbed to death. A blow from a knife punctured his stomach, diaphragm and lung and missed his heart by only a millimeter.

Major: economics.

Injuries:
2010: missed one game after getting his ankle rolled up on, partially tearing three ligaments. He finished the game in which he was injured, though.

Pro day stats: (NFL Combine averages for offensive linemen in parentheses)
5.38 40 (5.35)
1.84 10-yard split (1.79)
24” vertical jump (would have been in bottom 5 at Combine. OL average: 28”.)
7'8" broad jump (also would have been in bottom 5 at Combine. OL average: 8'4.5")
7.78 3-cone drill (7.81)
5.09 20-yard shuttle (only one lineman at the Combine had a worse time. OL average: 4.79.)
23 bench press (25)


Positives: Classic high-motor, play-to-the-whistle mauler. Tough and plays with emotion. Effective run blocker. Looks strong and appears to get off the ball well. Didn't give up a sack in 49-23 win over West Virginia and frustrated Bruce Irvin into a personal foul.

Negatives: Athletically limited. Poor pass protector who struggled with speed rushers. Commits too many personal fouls and has some reputation for cheap shots.

Compares to: Harvey Dahl. Why not? Same size, same hard-nosed style, same humble rookie free agent beginnings.

Fun Facts: The Rams' 2012 rookie class has one player who has been stabbed and two who have been tasered. Ouch.

RamView: There's little question that Michael Hay is a Jeff Fisher/Paul Boudreau type of player. There's also little question after last season that the Ram offensive line needs all the toughness and all the maulers it can get. Hay would seem best suited to be part of the training camp cattle call at left guard, but has worked out at tackle in camp. That'll improve his odds of making the roster. I'd like to see him get through preseason without committing any penalties, which would also really improve his odds. He's a perfect fit stylistically. Athletically is where the questions will come.

Chance of making roster: 30%.

Sources: NFLDraftScout, Syracuse Post-Standard, Syracuse University athletics, SBNation, USA Today

Photo: New York Post

Friday, July 20, 2012

Quinn arrested for DWI

Apparently, though it seems too stupid to actually be true, not only do St. Louis athletes never learn, not only do St. Louis Rams players never learn, Rams defensive linemen don't even learn, as reports are thick today about second-year DE Robert Quinn being pulled over for DWI and other moving violations 10 days ago. STLToday article

This is so stupid I don't have a lot more to say about it. For someone from Leonard Little's old team to repeat his example - when the league has its own designated driver program... too stupid for words. The difference: Quinn was a whole lot luckier last Tuesday night than Little was in 1998.


Suspended his senior year at North Carolina for taking illegal benefits, Robert Quinn's demonstrating quite the pattern for making bad choices. And he was drafted by the Four Pillars people!

Since this is a first offense, Quinn is likely at the most to be fined by the league. It does count as a strike against him within the league's substance abuse policy, though.

Jeff Fisher's going to have to babysit more than just the rookies this season, it would seem.

-$-

Mugshot photo from NFL.com


Sunday, July 8, 2012

Rookie free agent profile: Calvin Middleton, FB/RB, Jacksonville State


Calvin Middleton 5'10" 230
RB, Jacksonville State

Rankings:
NFL Draft Bible: 20th-ranked fullback. Free agent grade.
NFLDraftScout: Listed but not ranked in the top 138 running backs.
Pro Football Weekly: not listed.



Biography/honors:
2011: Played in all 11 games, number of starts not listed. 167 carries for 723 yards (4.3 ypc) and 8 TDs. 20 receptions for 135 yards (6.8 ypc) and 2 TDs. 
2010: Played in nine games, started five. 118 carries for 514 yards (4.4 ypc) and 7 TDs. 11 receptions for 85 yards (7.7 ypc).
2009: Played in all 11 games, started five. 126 carries for 629 yards (5.0 ypc) and 6 TDs. Five catches for 66 yards (13.2 ypc) and a TD.
2008: Played in seven games with one start. 16 carries for 75 yards (4.7 ypc) and 3 TDs. Three catches for 13 yards.

Major: criminal justice. Good, the Rams have a rookie on the other side of the taser for a change.

Injuries:
2010: Missed three games and was limited to one carry two other times due to a turf toe-like injury.

Pro day stats: (NFL Combine RB averages in parentheses)
4.6-4.7 range 40-yard dash (4.6)
1.6 (est.) 10-yard split (1.57)
7.1 3-cone drill (7.06)
4.3 20-yard shuttle (4.22)

Note: hand-timed by RamView against YouTube of Jacksonville State's pro day because official results don't appear to be published anywhere.
 

Positives: Plays both tailback and fullback. Big-back with small-back speed. Good-sized and well-built. North-south runner who can break tackles. Has strong lower body and is hard to bring down. Doesn't go down on first contact. Excellent vision and quickness. Has deceptive speed and is a better receiver with better hands than the typical big back. Deceptive elusiveness after the catch and as a downfield runner. Effective lead blocker who beats defenders to the point of attack and packs a punch. Strong chip blocker. Doesn't fumble much. Good pass protector who takes pride in his blocking. Smart player who plays to the whistle. Respectable pro day times despite some footing problems and a very amateur timer.

Negatives: Was just part of a three- or more-headed rushing attack on teams that passed a lot. Won't make many people miss. May look to bounce a play outside more than he should. Ended up at Jacksonville State instead of Alabama or UAB due to academic issues. Played at a school whose athletic department doesn't keep statistics up-to-date on its website or post its players' pro day results.

Compares to: according to a couple of scouts, Mike Tolbert.

Fun Facts: It wasn't Appalachian State vs. Michigan, but it was close: Division I-AA Jacksonville State beat Ole Miss 49-48 in double-overtime in 2010. The Gamecocks erased a 31-10 deficit, scored a TD in double-OT on 4th-and-15, and Middleton won the game with a two-point conversion off a dumpoff pass into a crowd at the goal line.

RamView: The Rams will be looking at Middleton as a fullback or hybrid back, and as president of the Ben Guidugli fan club, I have to admit I'm a little nervous. Calvin is a better blocker and pass-protector than you typically see from a rookie running back, and his rushing and receiving ability are unlike anything you'll see from any of the Rams' fullback candidates this year or their fullbacks of recent years. I think Middleton's got his own fate in his hands here. If he can pop on special teams, show he can block at a much higher level of competition and play fast at about 15 pounds more than his college weight, the Rams' cattle call for fullbacks and H-backs will be all the more interesting.

Chance of making roster: 30%.


Sources: NFLDraftScout, Jacksonville State athletics, Stats LLC, ESPN, Wikipedia, College2Pro.com, YouTube, NFL Draft Bible

Photo: USA Today

Rookie free agent profile: Rodney McLeod, DB, Virginia


Rodney McLeod 5'10" 183
DB, Virginia

Rankings:
58th-ranked cornerback by Pro Football Weekly. Graded as a player who should make an NFL training camp.
NFLDraftScout: 25th-ranked free safety, #600 player overall, free agent grade.

 
Biography/honors:
2011: Team captain. Honorable mention all-ACC. Started all 13 games. 57 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions, 7 passes broken up. 3-INT game vs. Maryland. Played in East-West Shrine Game.
2010: Moved to strong safety after defense switched from 4-3 to 3-4. Played in 10 games, starting 9. 54 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, one pass broken up.
2009: Started 11 games at corner. 62 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 passes broken up, 2 forced fumbles, one fumble recovery.
2008: Named the team's outstanding first-year player. Played in 9 games, primarily nickel defense and special teams. 17 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, one sack, one pass broken up, one forced fumble. Averaged 19.4 yards on 7 kick returns.

Major: sociology.

Injuries:
2010: missed two games due to a knee strain. Missed most of another game due to concussion.
2009: missed one game due to a knee injury.

NFLDraftScout classifies McLeod as “currently” coming off a knee injury, but I can find no evidence he missed time last year due to injury or had any surgery to his knee in 2012.


Pro day stats: (NFL Combine DB averages in parentheses)
4.60 40 (4.59)
1.55 10-yard split (1.56)
36.5” vertical jump (Would have been in top 10 DBs at Combine. Average: 34.5”)
10'1" broad jump (10'0")
6.50 3-cone drill (Would have been
best time at the Combine by a DB. Average: 6.92)
4.12 20-yard shuttle (4.16)
15 bench press (16)


Positives: Tough, physical, aggressive and always around the ball. Strong competitive streak. Plays faster than his timed speed. Has fluid hips, good feet and a smooth backpedal. Reads plays well and doesn't blow assignments. Good instincts, gets to the outside well to make plays and battles hard to defend passes. Good wrap-up tackler who breaks down well. Good short-area quickness, good deep speed, good lateral quickness. Excellent hand-eye coordination. Has some potential as a zone DB.

Negatives: Undersized and athletically limited. Struggles in man coverage. Doesn't locate the ball well and is usually a half-second late making a play. Lacks a good closing burst. Looks good in practice but it doesn't translate to the field. Had a bad missed tackle to give up a TD in the Shrine Game. Multiple knee injuries.

Compares to: Craig Dahl.

Fun Facts: Rodney played defensive back and wide receiver for famed DeMatha High School in Maryland. He scored 8 TDs his senior year on just 24 catches and returned three kickoffs for TDs.

RamView: Early reports are that McLeod has looked good in practice, but that's kind of his M.O. Can he turn those good practices into good play on the field? RamView doesn't really cotton to short safeties who have trouble finding the ball. But McLeod has surprising athleticism for his non-drafted status, the roster spot he's competing for is wide open, his competition is other rookie free agents, and the best of the group, Matt Daniels, has been out injured all camp so far. McLeod's chances of sticking on the roster are better than one might originally think, and he'll only enhance them by continuing to make plays.

Chance of making roster: 45%.


Sources: Pro Football Weekly, NFLDraftScout, University of Virginia athletics, Sports Illustrated, College2Pro.com, Tom Melton Scouting, Ourlads

Photo: VirginiaSports.com

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Jenkins follow-up

As reported by Aaron Wilson at scout.com or FoxSports.com or MSN.com or something, word from Janoris Jenkins' agent is that negotiations with the Rams are going just fine. His representatives deny there was ever a promise made that Jenkins would hire a specific financial adviser, i.e. Jeff Fisher's personal money manager Lou Taylor. They also say that Jenkins has retained the Merrill Lynch financial adviser who helped get his child-support payments straightened out prior to the draft. Jenkins' agent also threw in that Jenkins has been a model citizen for the past year and a half and since getting to St. Louis, and fully expects to get a deal done soon.

From here, it looks like Jenkins has taken a responsible course in getting his financial affairs in order and has kept a professional with a reputable firm so things stay in order. If, as Jason Cole's report Friday seems to suggest, Fisher and the Rams don't trust him to the point that they're only happy baby-sitting him via Fisher's personal money manager, maybe they shouldn't have drafted him.

It's one of the rare times RamView agrees with an agent. Let's quit the posturing and get Jenkins under contract.

-$-

Friday, July 6, 2012

Why the Rams haven't signed Janoris Jenkins yet

According to Jason Cole at Yahoo Sports, the Rams are at a crossroads with Janoris Jenkins because he hasn't followed through with a financial adviser head coach Jeff Fisher insisted he hire. Fisher wants Jenkins to work with Lou Taylor of Brentwood, Tennessee-based Tri Star Sports and Entertainment. Ms. Taylor has managed Fisher's money in the past. More awesomely, she has also had Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan as past clients. (Lohan fired her last year.)

Jenkins worked with a financial adviser in Florida on his own prior to the draft to get his current child-support situation sorted out. He currently has four children with three women, and now has a fourth claiming he is also the father of her child. So you can see where Fisher is coming from. With significant off-the-field distractions, Jenkins could definitely use a full-time manager to keep his family and finances organized, and he can concentrate on covering receivers during the season. Taylor's role would be to handle Jenkins' child-support payments, put him on a budget, and maybe buy him a damn box of Trojans before he catches up with Antonio Cromartie.

But here comes the problem. The CBA doesn't allow teams to require a player to hire a financial adviser at all as a condition of their contract, let alone a specific person. Jenkins is said to be balking at Taylor's fee ($120,000 for four years). I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't like the budget plan drawn up for him, either. The Rams are said to be concerned that Jenkins has got a bunch of people in his ear and don't think he'll be managed effectively by his current mentor and adviser. You can kind of see the way the Rams are already afraid Jenkins will be headed.

But that doesn't mean that Fisher hasn't well overstepped by trying to tell Jenkins exactly where to put his money. Obviously I don't have all the details, but the Yahoo report says the adviser Jenkins worked with previously in Florida is with Merrill Lynch; why not try to work together with him instead of trying to cram Fisher's personal money manager down Jenkins' throat?

The Rams can only pay Jenkins; they can't tell him where and how to spend his money any more than your employer or mine can order us. It appears the Rams trust Jenkins' judgment so little, despite all those reassurances you heard out of Rams Park in the days after the draft, that they'd try to violate the CBA to try to make sure he stays in line. That was kind of the price of drafting him, though, wasn't it?

Maybe this is all a negotiating ploy on the Rams' part to make sure Jenkins hires somebody reputable. They have to, and should, drop the condition that Jenkins hire Taylor immediately. For his part, Jenkins needs to show the good judgment his team doesn't believe he has and get on board with a full-time money manager on his own.

-$-

Photo: Associated Press

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Rookie free agent profile: Nick Johnson, WR, Henderson State


Nick Johnson 5'11" 189
WR, Henderson State

Rankings:
109th-ranked wide receiver by Pro Football Weekly. Graded as a player who could make an NFL training camp but will likely need time in a developmental league.
NFLDraftScout: 140th-ranked WR, free-agent grade.

Biography/honors:
2011: Played in 10 games, starting 7. 35 receptions for 280 yards (8.0 ypc) and 3 TDs. Averaged 22.8 yards on 13 kick returns and 14.9 yards on 9 punt returns. 
2010: Junior college transfer. Played in 11 games. 31 receptions for 470 yards (15.2 ypc) and a TD. Averaged 17.1 yards on 8 kick returns.

Uncle Sherman Cocroft played cornerback for 3 NFL teams from 1989-1994.


Major: not reported.

Injuries: none reported.

Pro day stats: (NFL Combine WR averages in parentheses)
(held at Ouachita Baptist. Ouachita Baptist has a pro day?)

4.41 40 (would have been in top 10 WRs at Combine, tying Chris Givens. WR average was 4.53)
1.57 10-yard split
36” vertical jump (36”)
10'0" broad jump (10'0")
6.86 3-cone drill (6.93)
3.92 20-yard shuttle (would have been fastest time at Combine. WR average was 4.17. Last year's fastest shuttle? Austin Pettis, 3.88.)
16 bench press (15)


Positives: Natural receiver with good speed and burst who runs well after the catch. Has some excellent after-the-catch moves. Effective on smoke routes and quick screens. Can go up and get it and will go over the middle. Has quickness and movement skills to be an effective slot receiver. Has run sub-4.4 in the 40. Couldn't be caught from behind at his level of competition. Picks up playbooks quickly. Shows elusiveness and ability to weave through traffic as a kick returner.

Negatives: Unimpressive production and only seven starts against a low level of competition. Wasn't even Henderson State's leading receiver. Seems to rely almost entirely on speed to get open. One-note receiver who will find the going a lot harder against pro-quality talent. Very pedestrian kick return numbers. And if he intends to return punts in the NFL, will have to be a lot smarter about catching in a crowd and will learn fast that you can't win on speed alone. Doesn't have that much experience as a receiver or a returner. Is a 49ers fan. 

Compares to: Speedy wide receiver from Henderson State? Wish I could say Roy Green. I'll say Dolphins WR Clyde Gates, even though he was a 4th-round pick.

Fun Facts: A 49er fan since childhood, Nick even went so far as to make former 49er QB Jeff Garcia his agent. He'd better have a new favorite team now, though. Henderson State and Ouachita State are across the street from one another in Arkadelphia, Arkansas and have a rivalry dating back to 1895. Every year the visiting team walks to the home team's stadium.

RamView: Johnson put up excellent 40 times at one of the NFL Super Regional combines; I'm not sure what else attracted the Rams to him, or where exactly he fits in on the roster. They already have plenty of slot receivers. John Fassel at Oakland tended to prefer crazy-fast players returning kicks; maybe Johnson's getting a chance there despite very underwhelming college numbers. He looks very good after the catch; maybe that'll help him stand out in camp. But Johnson looks like just a long-shot stopwatch signing from here. No harm, no foul.

Chance of making roster: 10%.


Sources: Pro Football Weekly, CBS Sports, NFLDraftScout, Santa Cruz Sentinel, Wikipedia, Henderson State athletics, YouTube

Photo: Henderson State athletics

Rookie free agent profile: Quinton Pointer, DB, UNLV


Quinton Pointer 5'9" 186
CB, UNLV

Rankings:
58th-ranked cornerback by Pro Football Weekly. Graded as a player who should make an NFL training camp.
NFLDraftScout: 42nd-ranked CB, #374 player overall, preferred free-agent grade.

Biography/honors:
2011: Team captain. Played in all 12 games, with 2 starts at corner and 6 at strong safety. 59 tackles, 3 tackles-for-loss, 3 forced fumbles, 3 pass breakups, 2 interceptions and a blocked kick.
2010: Granted medical hardship waiver by NCAA.
2009: Started all 12 games. 72 tackles, 4.5 tackles-for-loss, 2 sacks, one forced fumble, 4 pass breakups, no interceptions. Also returned 5 kickoffs for a 19.8-yard average.
2008: Started 11 games. 44 tackles, 6 pass breakups, 2 interceptions.
2007: Played in all 12 games, starting 8. 50 tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, one forced fumble, 2 pass breakups and 2 interceptions.

Major: recreation and leisure studies. How did I miss out on this when I was deciding on a college major?

Injuries:
2010: Missed season due to torn ACL. Original injury believed to have occurred during fall camp. 2009: Missed spring practice due to surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Original injury believed to have occurred in 2007.
2008: Dislocated elbow during fall camp and missed season opener. Wore a brace throughout the season.

Pro day results: (NFL Combine CB averages in parentheses)
4.42 40 (only three CBs at the Combine were faster. Average CB run was 4.57.)
1.50 10-yard split (fastest published time was Janoris Jenkins' 1.47)
39” vertical jump (would have been 2nd-best jump. Average was 34.5.)
10'8" broad jump (would have been top 5 of all DBs. DBs averaged 10'0”.)
7.22 3-cone drill (would have been a bottom-5 time. DBs averaged 6.92.)
4.13 20-yard shuttle (4.12 was average for CBs)
12 bench press (DBs averaged 15)

 
Positives: Fast, competitive and plays physical. Likes to hit. Breaks on the ball well. Makes up for his size with good instincts and aggressiveness. Pro day performance showed elite speed and explosiveness suggesting he's over his ACL injury from 2010. Hard-working, smart player who knows all his teammates' roles on every play. Contributes as a blitzer and a run supporter and can return kicks. Has the athletic ability and mindset to compete for a backup spot.

Negatives: Extensive injury history. Undersized. Already 24. Does not play as quick as his timed speed suggests. Doesn't have a good first step or initial burst. Plays too high and has poor balance. Doesn't turn and run well, doesn't mirror well and is pretty easy to fool with a fake. Chops his feet, doesn't change directions well and takes too long to regain top speed. Receivers routinely beat him vertically and he's slow to react to passes in front of him.

Compares to: a shorter Justin King (I am so sorry). 

Fun Facts: You'd think someone who majored in recreation and leisure in Las Vegas would have an exotic hobby like skydiving or parasailing, wouldn't you? Maybe mountain climbing? Not Quinton, who says about all he does in his down time is watch TV and maybe play a little basketball. Geez, if Las Vegas only had more things to do there... 

RamView: How appropriate that Quinton went to school in Las Vegas, where they chase long shots for a living, because making his living in the NFL looks like just that. I won't question his athletic ability, desire or smarts. Can the new coaching staff turn a player with Quinton's skills into a solid pro? It's not impossible. If somebody says they see a lot of Cortland Finnegan in him, I don't blame them. But you already know who I see. A player with elite physical ability but who is also oft-injured, doesn't turn and run with receivers well, gets beaten deep, doesn't react well to plays right in front of him... if the Rams really think they can coach up a player with Quinton's profile, they probably should have just kept Justin King. Making the road even tougher, the Rams have a pretty deep logjam at corner, and I don't see what in Quinton's profile translates to a good NFL safety. My apologies to Quinton, and may he prove me very wrong.

Chance of making roster: 5%. 

Sources: Pro Football Weekly 2012 Draft Guide, CBS Sports, UNLV athletics, National Football Post, New Era Scouting, Las Vegas Sun, NFLMocks.com

Photo: Pro Football Weekly

Eldridge suspended

Remember the Rams picking up former Colts and Oklahoma - he was not only Sam Bradford's college teammate, but also his roommate - blocking tight end Brody Eldridge a few weeks ago? Well, you may not have to for long. He has been found in violation of the NFL's ban on performance-enhancing drugs and has been suspended for the first four weeks of the regular season. Seems like Eldridge will have to have one heck of a camp to make up for not being able to take the field until October.

-$-

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Rookie free agent profile: Alex Hoffman-Ellis, LB, Washington State


Alex Hoffman-Ellis 6'0.5" 232
OLB, Washington State

Rankings:
38th-ranked outside linebacker by Pro Football Weekly. Graded as 50-50 to make an NFL roster or practice squad.
NFLDraftScout: 18th-ranked OLB, #189 player overall, 5th-6th round grade. 

Biography/honors:
2011: Second-team all-Pac 12. Started all 11 games as an outside linebacker. 88 tackles, 11 tackles-for-loss, 2 sacks, 3 pass breakups and an interception he returned 67 yards for a TD. Selected for NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
2010: Started all 12 games at WLB. 81 tackles, 5 tackles-for-loss, 2 sacks, 4 pass breakups, one forced fumble and 2 interceptions.
2009: Played in 11 games, with 8 starts at MLB and one at WLB. 84 tackles, 4.5 tackles-for-loss, one sack, one pass breakup, one forced fumble and an interception he returned 52 yards for a TD.
2008: Junior college transfer. Redshirted.

Major: not listed.

Injuries:
2009: Missed one game due to a staph infection.

Pro day results: (NFL Combine OLB averages in parentheses)
4.54 40 (4.73 average – Hoffman-Ellis would have been 2nd-fastest OLB at Combine)
1.57 10-yard split
36.5” vertical jump (34.5”)
9'11" broad jump (9'9")
7.09 3-cone drill (7.16)
4.33 20-yard shuttle (4.30)
 
36 bench press (23 average – Hoffman-Ellis would have led all linebackers at Combine and tied for third among all players)

Positives:
Strong and quick-footed with excellent straight-line speed. Runs and tackles well. Breaks down well, takes good angles, good wrap tackler with snap. Gets good depth in his drops and shows he can open up his hips. Productive college player despite limited experience. Has makeup to be an impact player on special teams.

Negatives:
Short and stocky with short arms. Inexperienced, only one year of high school football due to disciplinary and academic issues. Slow to read and react, has not developed good run instincts. Struggles to stack and shed. Gets stood up on contact and is easily washed out of plays inside. Lacks quickness to get through traffic or avoid second-level blockers. Inconsistent motor. Does not make many plays in pursuit. Stiff and doesn't break down well in space. Clumsy-footed and plays with poor balance. Not comfortable in zone coverage, has to think too much.

Compares to: Jon Alston, with apologies for the potential jinx.

Fun Facts: A superb all-around athlete, Alex lettered in four sports in high school, where he played middle linebacker, tight end and punter on the football team. He played on the gold medal U.S. national 15-16-year-old basketball team at the Maccabi International Games, and finished fifth in the state of California in the javelin in junior college.

RamView: “The Hoff” really has me scratching my head, for a couple of reasons. For one, how does one of the fastest, strongest, athletically-gifted LBs out there fall all the way out of the draft? The other is that so far in OTAs, the Rams have used him mostly in the middle. He has played all over, but seems better-suited for the weak side. He is a very intriguing player in any event. He's a well-regarded college player who made a lot of impact plays, despite a lack of experience compared to other players because of his high school misadventures. The main complaints I see about him – uncertainty, slow to read and react – are traits of a player who's still pretty raw, which good coaching and plenty of repetitions can fix. Hoffman-Ellis looks to me like the perfect example of a player who can be coached up and developed into an elite player. If he's fully dedicated in training camp, his athletic skill will eventually put him over the top. I would be rather surprised if he cannot at least make this year's practice squad, and from there, turn into something special.

Chance of making roster: 60%.

Sources: Pro Football Weekly 2012 Draft Guide, CBS Sports, National Football Post, Scout.com, Washington State athletics

Photo: Pro Football Weekly