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_"2017 Rams Offensive Personnel"
With only days to go until the Rams officially report to their 2017 training camp, I'm releasing this years
"all in one stop" offensive personnel presentation. (A total of 42 players counting 3 on special teams)
Everyone knows the current roster is subject to change in the coming days and weeks leading up to the 2017 season opener. I have listed all of the the current "offensive players" currently on the 90 man roster.
For what ever the miscellaneous reasons were over the past 5 seasons, the Rams offensive rankings under the previous coaching regime were rather "elementary" and the product on the field rarely looked like it belonged in today's NFL.
In the previous five seasons the Rams rankings in "total yards" per game was 22nd in 2012, 30th in 2013, 27th in 2014, 32nd in 2015 and 32nd in 2016.
The Rams rankings in total "passing yards" per game was 17th in 2012, 27th in 2013, 22nd in 2014, 32nd in 2015 and 31st in 2016.
There has been plenty of hype and favorable press releases about the Rams new "young gun" offensive minded head coach Sean McVay. Several pundits inside NFL circles have labeled the new HC as an offensive "whiz kid" and some have given him credit for being a QB whisperer because of Kirk Cousins last 2 breakout seasons.
Those "titles" can quickly be removed should McVay's offense badly stumble in his first year as the Rams head coach.
On Jan 14, 2014 Washington head coach Jay Gruden promoted Sean McVay to offensive coordinator. How much freedom Sean had in 2014 as the OC nobody really knows. The Redskins finished the 2014 season ranked 13th in "total yards" per game.
In 2015, McVay's second season as Washington's OC, the Redskins offense ranked 15th in total yards per game and 4th year QB Kirk Cousins had his breakout season throwing for 4,166 yards.
In 2016, McVay's third season as Washington's OC, the Redskins finished 3rd in "total yards" per game and Cousins topped the 4K mark again with an impressive 4,917 passing yards.
Number sixteen, the Rams current starting QB who was the number one overall pick in 2016, on several occasions looked lost and unprepared to lead an NFL team in his rookie season. How Jared Goff ultimately performs in his second season, will be one of the key factors of how Sean McVay is judged over the course of his first season.
Added to the challenge of McVay polishing up a second year spread formation quarterback, the Rams overall pedigree on the offensive line, tight end and wide reciever positions puts McVay a good distance behind the eight-ball.
If the offensive minded HC is able to get quality production from the offense in his first season, he will become an instant icon in Los Angeles and be the talk of town with the NFL media.
At 31 years of age, McVay's youth has been scrutinized due to the responsibilities required of an NFL head coach. Even with the addition of Wade Phillips and the other seasoned coaches added to his staff, McVay will be floating over uncharted rough waters that a first time HC can only learn how to steer to calmer seas by acquiring on the job experience.
In his first season on the job, the Rams new head coach will also have the play calling duties on game days.
LaFleur said Goff had been coming in to the facility early and staying late in an effort to learn.
“When you get a new guy in an offense, there is a transition period with that,” LaFleur said, “but he’s done a nice job at picking it up at a surprisingly quick pace.”
“The idea is to kind of have that quarterback be a point guard and be a great distributor to all your guys,” McVay said. “You want to be able to get them touches and get them involved.”
2017 Rams Roster Preview "Offensive Personnel"
RAMS 2016 "Offensive Stats"
Total Snaps Per Game 60.0 Rank 31st
Total Points Scored 224 Rank 32nd
Total Yards Per Game 262 Rank 32nd
Total Yards Per Play 4.4 Rank 32nd
Passing Yards Per Game 184 Rank 31st
Passing Yards Per Att 6.1 Rank 31st
Rushing Yards Per Game 78 Rank 32nd
Rushing Yards Per Att 3.3 Rank 31st
1st Downs Per Game 15.3 Rank 32nd
3rd Down Conversion 31.4% Rank 32nd
T.O.P. Per Game 29:20 mins Rank 23rd
Sacks Allowed Per Game 3.1 Rank 31st
2017 Rams
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT #77 Andrew WHITWORTH 6'7 333 (11 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 35
2016 Total Snaps 1064
2015 Total Snaps 1023
2014 Total Snaps 1031
Summary: There is no more perennially underrated and under-appreciated tackle than Andrew Whitworth of the Bengals. He ended the 2016 season with the league’s best pass-blocking efficiency score (98.0), allowing just 14 total QB pressures across 561 pass-blocking snaps. Whitworth recorded six games this year in which he had perfect pass-protection games. His run blocking was solid, albeit not the strength it has been in seasons past.Even at $33.8 million over three years, the Rams got a bargain in the free-agent acquisition of offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth. Whitworth’s only negative is age 35 years old but he is still playing at an elite level and represents a colossal upgrade over Greg Robinson, a former first-round draft pick who has struggled badly thus far in his NFL career.
Whitworth’s play overall has been a model of consistency not just recently, but over his entire career, and particularly over the past eight seasons. He may rarely have been the best tackle in the game, but he has just as rarely been outside the top three at any given time. The most interesting aspect of this move is when Whitworth’s inevitable decline will hit. At 35 years old, he is already defying convention by playing as well as he is.
When players hit the wall erected by Father Time at the end of their careers, it can tend to happen fast, so the Rams are gambling a little that Whitworth’s arrest is still some way off in the future. Ultimately that is the part that none of us can reliably predict, but in the short term at least they have succeeded in a massive upgrade at their left tackle spot.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-andrew-whitworth-should-be-a-massive-upgrade-for-rams-line
LG #76 Rodger SAFFOLD 6'5 325 (7 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 29
2016 Total Snaps 916
2015 Total Snaps 232
2014 Total Snaps 845
Summary: Rodger Saffold actually had a solid season at guard, but for a rough few weeks early in the year. Saffold didn’t allow a sack over the final seven games of the season, and surrendered only one hit in that time, while consistently run blocking well. His overall Top grade: LG Roger Saffold, 80.7 (No. 26) Top pass-blocking grade: LG Roger Saffold, 80.7 (No. 40) Top run-blocking grade: LG Roger Saffold, 78.6 (No. 28).
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-ranking-all-32-nfl-offensive-lines-this-season
If Saffold stays healthy again in 2017 and performs up to the level of his current contract numbers, he might be retained by the Rams in 2018. His salary cap number after this season escalates to 7.5 million so he would need to perform at a pro bowl level or this could be his last season as a Ram. The often injured lineman has surprisingly stayed relatively healthy for 2 of his last 3 seasons. There is no guarantee, but it's possible the doctor that performed labrum surgeries on both his right and left shoulders has fixed Rodger for the long term.
OC #61 John SULLIVAN 6'3 310 (8 seasons in the NFL) AGE 31
2016 Total Snaps 98
2015 Total Snaps Injured
2014 Total Snaps 974
Summary: 04/05/2017: Rams agree to terms with veteran free-agent center John Sullivan. Sullivan, 31, played seven seasons for the Minnesota Vikings before sitting out 2015 while recovering from two back surgeries. He played last season for the Washington Redskins, starting one game. Rams Coach Sean McVay was the Redskins’ offensive coordinator from 2014 to 2016. Sullivan provides the Rams with an experienced center to help protect quarterback Jared Goff, who was sacked 26 times in seven games as a rookie. The Rams’ search for a center began last month after they released Tim Barnes, the starter the last two seasons. The Rams gave center Ryan Groy a two-year offer sheet, but the Buffalo Bills matched the offer to keep the 26-year-old restricted free agent.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-sullivan-nfl-20170405-story.html
12/04/2017: It took nine games into his tenure with the Washington Redskins, but John Sullivan finally made his offensive debut Sunday in the 31-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The center entered the game in the second quarter for Spencer Long, who suffered a concussion on the team’s fourth drive, in his first action since Week 17 of the 2014 season with the Minnesota Vikings after missing last season with a back injury. The organization has been amazing. The teammates have been great. It’s a great locker room, awesome coaching staff. I wish I could’ve helped deliver a win for everybody, but it felt good to get back out there and play in a regular season game.
At one point in time, I wasn’t sure I’d ever do that again. So, I’m pretty thankful.” It’s the first time Sullivan has entered the game as a backup in his eight-year career with 93 starts. He took just three practice snaps with quarterback Kirk Cousins before taking the field, and he didn’t appear to have any significant snap issues in his first game action with Cousins, who was under duress throughout the game from the Cardinals’ blitz.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...r-spencer-long-injury/?utm_term=.1f9dfb9d5ae5
RG #79 RG ROB HAVENSTEIN 6'7 328 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 25
2016 Total Snaps 934
2015 Total Snaps 727
Summary: In a surprise move, Havenstein has been moved from his starting right tackle position to right guard for the 2017 season. Rob has started 28 games at right tackle since joining the Rams as a second-round pick out of Wisconsin in 2015. In 2016 Havenstein started 15 games at right tackle. There were reports that he never completely healed from a foot injury in 2015 and that might have been part of the reason why he faltered in pass protection compared to his stellar rookie season.
Havenstein was the only OT to play 12 plus games and not give up a single sack in 2015. Since the new coaching regime has moved the tall right tackle inside at guard, their has been speculation that this might only be temporary. The experiment may provide to be a genius move or it could easily backfire, putting Havenstein back at his natural RT position before preseason ends. Either way, this was an unexpected offseason surprise by new offensive line coach Aaron Kromer.
RT #68 Jamon BROWN 6'4 330 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 25
2016 Total Snaps 395
2015 Total Snaps 530
Summary: When the Rams signed Bengals ageless warrior LT Andrew Whitworth, they quickly tinkered with their offensive line by moving former starting LT Greg Robinson to RT. Brown was getting some starting reps at RT in OTA's and then in a unforeseen move, the struggling Greg Robinson was traded to Detroit for a 2018 6th round draft pick. The starting RT position now belongs to Jamon Brown for as long as he can keep it. In 2016 Brown played approximately 40 percent of the offense snaps (395) total.
In 2016 Brown played in 11 games, starting five at both the left and right guard positions. In 2015 Brown started nine games at gaurd before being placed on reserve/injured (11/17/15). Jamon Brown will now be out on an island for the first time since his 2015 senior season at Louisville when he played tackle. Brown's switch to starting RT will be one of the most anticipated and followed stories when the preseason begins.
OT #64 Andrew DONNAL 6'6 310 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 25
2016 Snap Counts 297
2015 Snap Counts _90
Summary: Drafted in 2015 (4th rnd No.119 (Iowa) Donnal has played in a total of 19 games over his 2 year career, getting 4 starts in 2016 and 2 more in his 2015 rookie season. Donnal has been okay as a spot duty utility lineman. The former Iowa tackle overall was inconsistent in the 6 games he's started for the Rams. Andrew is still young but his talent level the last 2 seasons has been mostly average. He's not a finished product yet but his ceiling might not be much higher. Donnal is valuable because the Rams lack quality depth along the offensive line.
OG #69 Cody WICHMANN 6'5 325 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 25
2016 Snap Counts 594
2015 Snap Counts 426
Summary: Drafted In 2015 (6th rnd No.215 (Fresno St) Wichmann started at right guard in 11 games in 2016. In his 2015 rookie season, Cody played in 12 games with seven starts. Wichmann has shown some quality flashes over his first 2 seasons but not enough of them to lock up a starting spot heading into his 3rd season. Wichmann is projected to be a key backup in 2017 and he will get his number called quickly should the Rams have an injury to one of their starting guards. Going into his 3rd season, Wichmann should be an important piece to the Rams offensive line unit.
OT #72 Pace MURPHY 6'6 308 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 23
2016 Total Snaps 15
Summary: Last years UDFA surprise offensive lineman to make the Rams 53 will need to prove it was his talent and not Rams lack of qaulity depth at tackle that landed him on the roster. In 2016 Murphy played in two games his rookie season and logged some snaps on special teams. VS San Francisco (12/24) was Murphy's first career NFL game and he played on offense and special teams. He played college at North Western St DivII and registered 31 career starts. He was the Demons’ top graded offensive lineman 17 times in his last 23 games. In 2015 he started all 11 games and was named NSU’s best offensive lineman for the second consecutive season. Pace has a legitimate shot to make the 53 again this year due to how thin the Rams are at OT. Murphy will be watched with a close eye when the Rams sub in their reserves offensive tackles in the preseason games.
OC #66 Austin BLYTHE 6'2 300 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 25
2016 Snap Counts 89
Summary: The center group now includes Sullivan, Blythe, and undrafted free agent Jake Eldrenkamp. The Rams acquired Blythe on waivers (2016 Colts Drafted 7th rnd No.248) Blythe was cut after getting 89 reserve snaps in his rookie season for the Colts. Because he has a year of experience, he's probably a slight favorite to edge out UDFA Eldrenkamp. Nobody will be surprised if Eldrenkamp steals a roster spot from Blythe but their competition makes for an interesting roster battle that will be followed closely leading up to cut day. One of them needs to play well because Rams starting center John Sullivan's back isn't guaranteed to hold up for an entire 16 game season.
OC #60 Jake ELDRENKAMP 6'5 300 (Rookie UDFA) AGE 23
Summary: Eldrenkamp is rumored to be a pet project for offensive line coach Aaron Kromer. He was a UDFA for a reason but he should get plenty of snaps in the preseason to prove himself worthy of making the team. Good athlete. Plays with good bend and has easy, smooth movement skills. Shows off good lateral agility and quickness off the snap. Built for zone scheme. Has the feet to get to difficult reach blocks and work hips into place to seal his block. Able to stick defensive tackles on his inside shoulder and run his feet to keep them there. Takes quality angles up to second level. Hands are big and strong helping him sustain his blocks. An athletic zone-scheme fit at guard or potentially center if he proves he can snap it.
Possesses relatively narrow frame and may have issues adding and maintaining desired mass for interior. Needs to play on the move. Struggles to generate quality push at the point of attack as base blocker. Hands can swing a little too wide in run game. The biggest question for him will be whether or not he can carry more mass, but the tape looks like that of a backup or possibly eventual starter if he can find the right scheme fit. http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/jake-eldrenkamp?id=2558713 -Lance Zierlein
“He’s a guy that’s got good movement,” McVay said. “He’s got some flexibility to be able to play on the interior line, but he was a guy that Coach Kromer, our scouts, did a nice job identifying as a player that we feel like could project well with some of the things we’re looking for. It’ll be exciting to kind of watch him.”
OT #63 Darrell WILLIAMS 6'5 305 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 23
2016 Snap Counts 0 injured
2015 Snap Counts 25
Summary: Williams was the Rams 2015 UDFA surprise offensive lineman to make the roster. He logged 25 offensive snaps in 2015, 16 of them vs the Bears but he didn't last long after getting dinged up and was placed on reserve/injured list (11/17/15). In 2016 Williams' second season, he regressed badly displaying horrible pass protection skills in the preseason. Darrell is an extreme long shot now and unless he's had some kind of miraculous off-season make over, his chances to sneak back on the roster seem unlikely at this time.
"OFFENSIVE LINEMAN" Ranking & Summary
1) LT #77 A.WHITWORTH 6'7 335 (AGE 35) The Big fellow will protect the QB's blind side
2) LG #76 R.SAFFOLD 6'5 325 (AGE 29) Performed well & stayed on the field last season
3) OC #61 J.SULLIVAN 6'3 310 (AGE 31) If he plays 16 games the O-Line should be better
4) RG #79 R.HAVENSTEIN 6'7 328 (AGE 25) Moved from RT to RG but will he stay there?
5) RT #68 J.BROWN 6'4 330 (AGE 25) 3rd year pro moved outside to RT alone on the island
6) OT #64 A.DONNAL 6'6 310 (AGE 25) Should be the first reserve OT off the bench
7) OG #69 C.WICHMANN 6'5 325 (AGE 25) Will be active most games as the backup guard
8) OC #66 A.BLYTHE 6'2 300 (AGE 25) In a street fight to fend off UDFA C/G Eldrenkamp
9) OT #72 P.MURPHY 6'6 308 (AGE 23) Has the early upper hand to be a backup OT
10 OC #60 J.ELDRENKAMP 6'5 300 (AGE 25) UDFA will have to beat out Blythe or its P.Squad
11 OT #63 D.WILLIAMS 6'5 305 (AGE 23) 2016 preseason was a failure & pass pro disaster
2017 Rams
RUNNING BACKS
RB #30 Todd GURLEY 6'1 225 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 22
2016 Att 278 Yds__885 YPA 3.2 TD_ 6 Rec 43 Yds 327 YPC 7.6 TD 0
2015 Att 229 Yds 1,106 YPA 4.8 TD 10 Rec 21 Yds 108 YPC 9.0 TD 0
Summary: The 2015 offensive rookie of the year took a step back in 2016. Even though Gurley was often hit behind the line of scrimmage, his vision and strength to break tackles was not on par with his rookie season. Something was off with Todd in his second season and how he bounces back in his 3rd season will tell us more about what type of RB he's going to be for the long term. In a Tuesday appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Gurley was asked to categorize his 2016 season. "Like a nightmare. I still can't believe the season," Gurley said. "It was definitely a tough year, a learning experience for me. To be 4-12 this year? I don't want to feel that feeling again."Gurley made news in December, describing the Rams' attack as a "middle school offense" in the wake of back-to-back lopsided losses that led directly to the firing of coach Jeff Fisher.
Provided a forum to explain that criticism, Gurley clarified that he was speaking strictly of the players rather than the coaching staff. "The week before, we played New England. I think we probably scored one touchdown and that was the last two minutes of the game," Gurley explained. "Then we go play Atlanta, and they probably put more points up on us on defense than we actually put up on offense. "It was frustrating. I kind of told it like it was, kind of how we looked. It was too many mental errors from everybody, including myself, just turning the ball over. You just can't have that." http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...d-gurley-on-rams-2016-season-like-a-nightmare
RB #25 Lance DUNBAR 5'8 187 (5 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 27
2016 Att_ 9 Yds 31 YPA_ 3.4 TD 1 Rec 16 Yds 122 YPC_ 7.6 TD 0
2015 Att_ 5 Yds 67 YPA 13.4 TD 0 Rec 21 Yds 215 YPC 10.2 TD 0
2014 Att 29 Yds 99 YPA_ 3.4 TD 0 Rec 18 Yds 217 YPC 12.1 TD 0
Summary: Dunbar rushed for 422 yards on 94 carries in five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. Last season, playing behind rookie Ezekiel Elliott, Dunbar carried the ball only nine times for 31 yards while catching 16 passes for 122 yards. In 2015 Dunbar looked like he was going to have a good season before tearing his ACL on kickoff return vs the Saints in week 4. Dunbar originally signed with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent after playing football at North Texas. Dunbar's receiving skills out of backfield and his kickoff return ability made him an attractive UFA to the Rams. Dunbar is almost two years removed from his ACL injury and logged a total of 143 snaps in 2016.
RB #34 Malcolm BROWN 5'11 227 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 24
2016 Att 18 Yds 39 YPA 2.2 TD 0 Rec 3 Yds 46 YPC 15.3 TD 0
2015 Att 04 Yds 17 YPA 4.3 TD 0 Rec 1 Yds_ 0 YPC_ 0__TD 0
Summary: In 2016 Brown rushed 18 times for only 39 yards (2.2 avg) and caught 3 passes for 46 yards. He registered three special teams tackles. Brown is your typical power runner and has good hands out of the backfield. During his career with the Rams after being picked up as an undrafted free agent in 2015, Brown has shown flashes of developing into a solid running back. He looked great last preseason when he lead the NFL in rushing after the first two games, ending the 2016 preseason with 27 rushing attempts and 155 rushing yards. With his good preseason showing, there were expectations that Brown would make some type of impact for the Rams. It never materialized. During the 2016 regular season, Brown put up less than 100 total yards on the ground and through the air. Behind starting RB Todd Gurley, the rest of the depth chart is a toss up. The Rams brought in RB Lance Dunbar to be the change-of-pace back. https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/...roster-2017-preview-malcolm-brown-todd-gurley
RB #36 Aaron GREEN 5'11 205 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 24
2016 Att 0 Yds 0 YPA 0 TD 0 Rec 0 Yds 0 YPC 0 TD 0
Summary: Last season Green was signed to the Rams practice squad and stayed there most of his rookie year. Green was finally promoted to the active roster in Week 15. He saw limited action in two games at running back. Green is a talented shifty back with good receiving skills. He's not going to get many yards running between the tackles but his elusiveness and knack for making big plays in college could translate better in his second season as a pro. If he's added more strength in the off-season, Green should have a respectable shot at making the 53.
FB #39 Sam ROGERS 5'10 230 (Rookie Drafted 6th rnd No.205) AGE 22
V.Tech College:
2016 Att 67 Yds 283 YPA 4.2 TD 2 Rec 24 Yds 301 YPC 12.5 TD 4
2015 Att 61 Yds 260 YPA 4.3 TD 2 Rec 16 Yds 193 YPC 12.1 TD 2
2014 Att 32 Yds 140 YPA 4.4 TD 0 Rec 20 Yds 230 YPC 11.5 TD 1
Summary: In 2016 Rogers played in all 14 games with 12 starts and racked up 283 rushing yards and two touchdowns and 301 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Named an all-american and first-team All-ACC by Pro Football Focus. Played in the Reese's Senior Bowl. A three-year starter, Sam Rogers is a stout, powerful player with the three-down skills teams want in the modern fullback. He's shown himself to be a valuable receiver in the Virginia Tech offense, grabbing 72 catches in the last four seasons. Rogers runs with power and has great pad height going through the line of scrimmage or when meeting a tackler on a swing pass. He's an aggressive, powerful, physical player.
Rogers can play fullback and H-back, and he has experience on special teams. He's a versatile, valuable piece. Coaches we spoke to loved working with Rogers thanks to his weight-room and practice dedication. The fullback position might be losing value, but Rogers can play in the NFL with his running, receiving and special teams ability. Rogers lacks overall athleticism and doesn't have the speed to run away from defenders. He takes too many steps to reach top speed and isn't a quick cutter going through traffic. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...017-scouting-report-for-los-angeles-rams-pick
RB #41 Lenard TILLERY 5'9 195 (Rookie UDFA) AGE 23
Southern College:
2016 Att 247 Yds 1665 YPA 6.7 TD 13 Rec 20 Yds 307 YPC 15.4 TD 2
2015 Att 197 Yds 1211 YPA 6.1 TD 14 Rec 19 Yds 173 YPC_ 9.1 TD 1
2014 Att 209 Yds 1196 YPA 5.7 TD_ 9 Rec 19 Yds 196 YPC 10.3 TD 0
Summary: It took a little while, but the man who rushed for more yards in Southwestern Athletic Conference history than Walter Payton has found a home. Former Southern and McKinley High football star Lenard Tillery, who smashed the SWAC career rushing record last season, is expected to sign a free agent deal with the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday. Tillery was not available for comment Wednesday, but a source confirmed he agreed to join the Rams organization and will take part in the team’s rookie camp next week. The Baton Rouge native walked on to Southern’s football team in 2012 and built a massively productive career from that point on. He earned the starting job as a red-shirt freshman in 2013, then fought to hold on to that position as the coaching staff brought in challengers to take his place.
Tillery was at his peak during his magnificent senior season. In just 11 games, Tillery set a school single-season record with 1,665 rushing yards. He topped 100 yards in all but one game last season, and he eclipsed 200 yards twice in his final three games. Tillery perhaps saved his best game for his final game in a Southern uniform, blistering Grambling for 234 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown on the ground to go along with five catches for 35 yards and a receiving touchdown. Tillery finished his career with 4,837 yards — breaking the SWAC career record by nearly 800 yards — and 45 touchdowns. http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_ro...cle_ecb34488-3056-11e7-a2ee-9323e82ed09c.html
RB #42 Justin DAVIS 6'1 198 (Rookie UDFA) AGE 21
USC College:
2016 Att 110 Yds 607 YPA 5.5 TD 2 Rec 12 Yds 112 YPC_ 8.0 TD 0
2015 Att 169 Yds 902 YPA 5.3 TD 7 Rec 18 Yds 189 YPC 10.5 TD 0
2014 Att 129 Yds 595 YPA 4.6 TD 4 Rec 13 Yds _92 YPC_ 7.1 TD 2
Summary: Justin Davis is still processing the moment. USC’s dramatic game-winning field goal against Penn State in the Rose Bowl occurred two months ago, putting the finishing touch on Davis’ Trojans career. The running back still can’t quite believe it. “Once the field goal went through the uprights, I just had to pause for a minute and think about how we even got there,” Davis said Thursday at the NFL scouting combine. “It kind of still doesn’t even feel real, just in terms of all the stuff that we kind of went through in our time there. “It just makes it so much better, knowing that I finished a career that I really hoped something special would happen. For it to actually happen was unbelievable.” Davis, measured at 6-foot-1 and 208 pounds, completed 21 reps on the bench press on Thursday. On Friday, he continues testing with the 40-yard dash and other drills.
“It’s definitely exciting just to be around this stuff and all these great players,” he said. Davis arrived at the combine after four years at USC that featured multiple coaching changes and several ankle injuries. He finished with 2,465 yards rushing and scored 21 touchdowns. “I had the time of my life at SC and wouldn’t take any minute back,” he said. “When I think back about everything I went through, it’s crazy that I’m at the NFL combine getting ready to get to the next level.” Davis said he sought advice from former Trojans running backs Tre Madden and Soma Vainuku about the combine experience. “Just like when I was at SC, they let me know what to expect,” he said. “They always looked out for me.” Davis is eager to show NFL scouts and coaches he can become an asset. “With the injuries some people kind of shot me down a little,” he said. “But that just gives me more fire to come out and prove everybody wrong.” http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-usc-justin-davis-nfl-20170303-story.html
FB #45 Zach LASKEY 6'1 235 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 25
2016 Att 0 Yds 0 YPA 0 TD 0 Rec 0 Yds 0 YPC 0 TD 0
Summary: Waived/injured (8/29/16)...signed with the Rams as an undrafted free agent (5/7/15). 2015 SEASON: Spent the 2015 season on the Rams’ practice squad. Laskey is a fullback for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League. After going undrafted in the 2015 NFL draft, the Rams signed him to their practice squad. On August 30, 2016, he was waived/injured by the Rams and placed on injured reserve. Laskey is probably running out of chances to make the roster so he really needs to over achieve this time around.
"RUNNING BACKS" Ranking & Summary
1) RB #30 T.GURLEY 6'1 225 (AGE 22) Big letdown last season, will he rebound to stardom?
2) RB #25 L.DUNBAR 5'8 187 (AGE 27) Veteran needs to shine or he could be a surprise cut
3) RB #34 M.BROWN 5'11 227 (AGE 24) Early favorite to make the roster but not a guarantee
4) RB #36 A.GREEN 5'11 205 (AGE 24) Might bust loose did he add enough strength in offseason?
5) FB #39 S.ROGERS 5'10 230 (AGE 22) Seems to be a fan favorite & a throwback type of player
6) RB #41 L.TILLERY 5'9 195 (AGE 23) Small school RB should get plenty of looks preseason
7) RB #42 J.DAVIS 6'1 198 (AGE 23) Injury prone in college but don't sleep on the Trojans talent
8) FB #45 Z.LASKEY 6'1 235 (AGE 25) Not expected by anyone to compete for a roster spot
2017 Rams
TIGHT ENDS
TE #89 Tyler HIGBEE 6'6 255 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 24
2016 Rec 11 Yds 85 YPC 7.7 TD 1
Summary: Higbee had an underwhelming rookie season on a Rams team that had little talent at the tight end position. He's likely learned from his rookie lapses and with his legal issues behind him now, there is no reason for Tyler not to have a good second year. "We are going to be an offense that is going to involve the tight end in a variety of different ways," said McVay, hired as the Rams' head coach after three years as the Redskins' offensive coordinator. Higbee was only targeted 29 times and caught 11 passes as a rookie last season, but McVay liked him coming out of Western Kentucky. He considers Higbee someone with "a nice catch radius. He can stretch the seam; he's got a good feel and savvy in the pass game. How we use him will yet to be determined, but he's a guy we're looking forward to getting on the grass with." http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/233702/rams-expect-big-things-from-tyler-higbee
TE #81 Gerald EVERETT 6'3 245 (Rookie Drafted 2nd rnd No.44) AGE 23
South Alabama College:
2016 Rec 49 Yds 717 YPC 14.6 TD 4
2015 Rec 41 Yds 575 YPC 14.0 TD 8
2014 Rec 17 Yds 292 YPC 17.2 TD 1
Summary: The Rams moved down seven spots to No. 44 and selected South Alabama tight end Gerald Everett. “I think I bring the complete package of a tight end,” Everett said during a conference call with reporters. “Definitely the vertical threat, but also being a blocker in the run game and just being able to create that mismatch anytime in the game.” Everett joins a tight end corps that includes veteran Cory Harkey – who has played mainly as a fullback – and second-year pros Tyler Higbee and Temarrick Hemingway. Everett said he played youth football but in high school in Georgia he concentrated on basketball and track until his senior year.
He attended Hutchinson Community College in Kansas before transferring to Alabama Birmingham. He caught 17 passes for 292 yards and a touchdown. He transferred to South Alabama in 2015 and became a two-time All-Sun Belt selection, catching 90 passes, 12 for touchdowns, in two seasons. Everett said he visited the Rams before the draft. He said that although he played in a mid-major conference, he thought he would be drafted in the first three rounds. He is looking forward to playing for McVay, who oversaw the NFL’s third-best offense last season as the Washington Redskins’ offensive coordinator. “I just can’t wait to get out to Los Angeles and help the Rams win games,” he said. “I’ll do whatever is asked of me, whether it be special teams or receiver or tight end. It doesn’t matter. I just want to contribute to the organization and help them win games.”
6-foot-3, 240 pounds, South Alabama Notable: Everett was a basketball standout who played only one year of football in high school before he turned himself into an All-Sun Belt Conference football player. He began his college career at Alabama Birmingham, but transferred when the school temporarily closed the football program. Why Rams drafted him: The Rams released veteran tight end Lance Kendricks, leaving them thin at tight end. With his jumping ability, Everett is the kind of player that can make plays in the red zone. Last season: Everett caught 49 passes for 717 yards and four touchdowns. He was third nationally among tight ends in college football in receiving yards. He caught five passes for 103 yards in one game. http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp...-gerald-everett-out-1493425700-htmlstory.html
TE #84 Tamarrick HEMINGWAY 6'5 250 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 23
2016 Rec 0 Yards 0 YPC 0 TD 0
Summary: In 2016 Hemingway saw action in nine games with most of his snaps as a contributor on special teams. He did not record any receiving stats or tackles in his rookie season. Tamarrick was a raw project coming out of college so the experience he got his rookie season should have prepared to take a big jump in his second year. Unless your a Rams fan, Tamarrick is not on anyone's radar and he could be a sleeper threat in McVay's offense.
TE #46 Cory HARKEY 6'4 260 (6 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 27
2016 Rec 0 Yds_ 0 YPC__0 TD 0
2015 Rec 5 Yds 26 YPC 5.2 TD 0
2014 Rec 8 Yds 55 YPC 6.9 TD 1
Summary: Harkey's snap counts went down from 289 in 2015 to 111 in 2016. The former UDFA veteran is known for his grit and smash mouth blocking. If McVay values his blocking and thinks he can work with him, maybe Cory finds a spot on the roster. Tough to figure how the new coaching staff values his skill set.
TE #48 Johnny MUDT 6'4 232 (Rookie UDFA) AGE 22
Oregon College:
2016 Rec 23 Yds 334 YPC 14.5 TD 0
2015 Rec_ 5 Yds_ 39 YPC_ 7.8 TD 1
2014 Rec_ 2 Yds_ 29 YPC 14.5 TD 0
Summary: 2016 — Started the last six games of the season but saw action in eight games . . . Recorded three catches for 52 yards and one touchdown in the 2016 season opener against UC Davis . . . Started at tight end vs. Cal, ASU, USC, Stanford and Utah with 17 catches for 254 yards and three touchdowns in the five-game stretch . . . Recorded a 53-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter vs. ASU . . . Second on the team with four touchdown catches . . . Ended the season with 23 receptions for 334 yards and four touchdowns . . . Had three explosive plays during the season. http://www.goducks.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4610
TE #87 Travis WILSON 6'7 230 (Rookie UDFA) AGE 23
2016 No TE Stats: Former UTAH QB has been converted to TE
Summary: Wilson is a former college quarterback, who is converting to tight end in the hope of making it in the NFL. He wound up going undrafted out of Utah back in May of last year. According to Adam Caplan, Wilson took part in the Bengals minicamp last year on a tryout basis but wasn’t signed to a contract. The former Utah quarterback rushed for 1,226 yards and 21 touchdowns. Jordan Palmer, the younger brother of Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer, has the same bet going with multiple people. Palmer is adamant in his belief that Travis Wilson, undrafted as a quarterback last year, will make at least 35 catches as a rookie tight end for the Los Angeles Rams this season. And if you want a piece of the action, just let him know. http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angele...er-utah-qb-travis-wilson-will-catch-35-passes
"TIGHT ENDS" Ranking & Summary
1) TE #89 T.HIGBEE 6'6 255 (AGE 24) No excuses for him not to breakout in 2nd campaign
2) TE #81 G.EVERETT 6'3 245 (AGE 23) Will the 2nd round pick show is draft slot was worthy?
3) TE #84 T.HEMINGWAY 6'5 250(AGE 23) Could be the surprise TE by the end of the season
4) TE #46 C.HARKEY 6'4 260 (AGE 27) Does the blocking H-Back/TE fit the new scheme?
5) TE #48 J.MUDT 6'4 232 (AGE 22) Long shot had one decent college season at Oregon
6) TE #87 T.WILSON 6'7 230 (AGE 23) Can the Former QB translate his talent to TE?
2017 Rams
WIDE RECEIVERS
WR #17 Robert WOODS 6'0 195 (4 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 25
2016 Rec 51 Yds 613 YPC 12.0 TD 1
2015 Rec 47 Yds 552 YPC 11.7 TD 3
2014 Rec 65 Yds 699 YPC 10.8 TD 5
Summary: Back in his hometown of Los Angeles, Robert Woods is wasting no time settling in and stirring things up. Woods signed a big-time five-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams in free agency following a promising four-year stint in Buffalo. The former USC Trojan filled the void left by the departing Kenny Britt and Brian Quick, joining a receiving corps paced by Tavon Austin, Pharoh Cooper and rookie Cooper Kupp. But with Austin notably absent from workouts this week while recovering from wrist surgery, Woods had a chance to run with the ones, an opportunity on which he hopes to capitalize. "I always come in attacking the season trying to be the No. 1 receiver," Woods told reporters, per The Los Angeles Times. Woods might be paid like Los Angeles' top receiver, but Austin, since being drafted by the team in 2013, has been expected to be that guy. Austin even recently earned a new contract of his own, signing a four-year, $42 million extension in 2016.
However, under the new Sean McVay regime, roles could change. The 5-foot-8 Austin was often used more as a gadget guy than a go-to, 10-catch-a-game top target. In fact, the former top-10 selection has yet to record a season with over 510 receiving yards. Woods, on the other hand, has outpaced Austin's receiving production by 809 yards over the same four-year span. Might Woods make the leap over Austin in the depth chart? (For what it's worth, Jared Goff gave a glowing review Monday of his newest addition, saying, "He's been great. He's been more than I could have really expected, honestly." http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000811821/article/robert-woods-trying-to-be-rams-no-1-receiver
WR #11 Tavon AUSTIN 5'8 179 (4 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 26
2016 Rec 58 Yds 509 YPC 8.8 TD 3
2015 Rec 52 Yds 473 YPC 9.1 TD 5
2014 Rec 31 Yds 242 YPC 7.8 TD 0
Summary: Now, a new coaching staff has arrived, Austin has been absent after wrist surgery, and plenty of new receivers have been added. So what does it mean for Austin? “I think we have ideas of the way that we want to utilize him,” coach Sean McVay told reporters on Wednesday. “I think he’s done a lot of great things on tape, but until you’re actually able to get out on the grass with him, watch him do some of the things that we’re asking him to do, it does make it a little bit more difficult. But we’re certainly projecting him to be a big part of our offense. How exactly we use him is to be determined, but we have discussed those things as a staff. We’ll get a chance to see that early on in training camp.” For now, McVay and company haven’t been able to study Austin because he hasn’t been able to practice, due to the wrist surgery.
“I think he’s done a good job of controlling what he can control and that’s working and doing as much as he could with the limitations that he had with the wrist,” coach Sean McVay told reporters on Wednesday. “I think he’s done a great job in meetings, where he knows exactly what’s going on. He’s a guy that’s real conscientious, he’s going to get himself ready to go. I think that’s some of the things he can do in the meantime to kind of give himself a jump start so the first time catching live routes and things like that instead of just the Juggs [machine] or a tennis ball machine isn’t going to be once we report.”
Austin has never had 1,000 yards from scrimmage at the NFL level, and his career high as a receiver came in 2016, with 509 yards. Former coach Jeff Fisher’s staff used Austin in ways similar to his deployment at West Virginia, where it was simple enough to put him in space against defenders who couldn’t catch him. At the next level, they can — and so it will take more than bubble screens and jet sweeps to get the kind of production to justify not only the top-10 selection but the four-year, $42 million contract that the Rams gave Austin last year. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...tavon-austin-to-be-a-big-part-of-the-offense/
WR #18 Cooper KUPP 6'2 205 (Rookie Drafted 3rd rnd No.69) AGE 24
E.Washington College:
2016 Rec 117 Yds 1700 YPC 14.5 TD 17
2015 Rec 114 Yds 1642 YPC 14.4 TD 19
2014 Rec 104 Yds 1431 YPC 13.8 TD 16
2013 Rec_ 93 Yds 1691 YPC 18.2 TD 21
Summary: Cooper Kupp knows there will be questions about the level of competition. The Rams on Friday selected the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision’s all-time receiving leader in the third round of the NFL draft. The 6-foot-2, 204-pound Kupp achieved his record-setting career at Eastern Washington. “I’ve played against some very good football players and I’ve played against some very good team as well,” Kupp said in a teleconference. “I’ve been able to produce in both situations and I believe I prepare to be the best player when I step on the field. That’s not going to change moving up to the NFL.
“I pride myself on that preparation and what it takes it be great. If people want to question that, that’s fine. I’m just going to go out and do what I do and I believe that opinion will change soon.” Kupp, a Washington native, joins a receiving corps that includes Tavon Austin and Robert Woods among others. “I think I bring versatility, a guy that’s going to know the offense inside and out,” he said. “A guy that’s going to be ready to go Day 1. I pride myself on that. On learning the offense.
“I know exactly what I need to be, a guy that can be reliable and be able to get first downs. The ability to create in multiple different ways, play wherever you need me to play. I think that’s something that I bring that a lot of receivers can’t.” Kupp is looking forward to working with quarterback Jared Goff, the No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft. Kupp caught a Big Sky Conference record 117 passes for 1,700 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also passed for two touchdowns, rushed for another and scored on a punt return.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp...iver-cooper-kupp-of-1493432048-htmlstory.html
WR #83 Josh REYNOLDS 6'3 190 (Rookie Drafted 4th rnd No.117) AGE 22
Texas A&M College:
2016 Rec 61 Yds 1039 YPC 17.0 TD 12
2015 Rec 51 Yds_ 907 YPC 17.8 TD_ 5
2014 Rec 52 Yds_ 842 YPC 16.2 TD 13
Summary: When you watch Josh Reynolds, he shows a good catch radius, plus an ability both to high point the ball and snatch the ball with one hand out of the air. He shows incredible body control, and he makes great adjustments to the ball in midair. Reynolds is highly effective against man, running crisp routes, getting separation and creating throwing windows for his quarterback. He does a good job of tracking passes over his shoulder, and he was a consistent red zone threat. He caught 30 touchdowns in his three years at Texas A&M. Reynolds doesn’t just win down the field, as he has good lateral quickness and can win off of the line of scrimmage with his feet. Reynolds also shows good effort when his teammates catch the ball, coming back to the play and trying to block to spring them for a big gain.
Reynolds offers very little after the catch. He won’t run through very many tackles or make players miss. His yards after catch will be due to play design and his original separation. While he can win versus press, he needs to do so more consistently and show strength at the point of attack. Texas A&M runs a lot of RPO’s (run pass option) so he often wasn’t asked to block in the run game, and that will be an adjustment. While Reynolds shows the ability to make a spectacular play, he needs to be consistent in the easy ones. He had too many concentration drops for someone with his catching ability. Reynolds has a developed route tree but needs to be stronger at the stems of routes and push through contact. Too often on film, contact down the field can slow him down and throw him off of his route. While Reynolds is good versus man coverage he needs to improve settling down in zone coverages. The rookie carries a tall lean build and has deceptive speed because of his long stride. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...017-scouting-report-for-los-angeles-rams-pick
WR #10 Pharoh COOPER 5'11 205 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 22
2016 Rec 14 Yds 106 YPC 7.6 TD 0
Summary: Pharoh is still trying to find his identity in the NFL. He's cut from the mold "WR in a running backs body" and has a unique skill set. His value on special teams pushes him up the WR depth chart but his route running still some more polishing. Pharoh needs to elevate his game this year if he wants to be more than a part time spot player in McVay's offense. 2016 SEASON: Played in 10 games, started three, caught 14 passes for 106 yards and returned five punts and amassed 323 kickoff return yards. At New England (12/4) Pharoh started his first career game at wide receiver and caught one pass for eight yards and added eight yards on four punt returns. VS Atlanta (12/11) Caught three passes for 22 yards, with a career long 19-yard reception. At Seattle (12/15) Started his second career game at wide receiver logging three receptions for 21 yards and returned five kickoffs for 98 yards. VS San Francisco (12/24) Returned four kickoffs for a career-high 129 yards, with a career long of 51 yards. VS Arizona (1/1) Started at wide receiver and finished with four receptions for 36 yards.
WR #86 Nelson SPRUCE 6'1 210 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 24
2016 Rec 0 Yards 0 YPC 0 TD 0
Summary: Last years "sticky mitts" rookie UDFA was the talk of the town after his splashy performance vs Dallas in the preseason. Since that flash in the pan moment, the one game wonder has been MIA and quickly became an injured after thought. With preseason on the horizon again, Spruce's name as resurfaced and he appears to be 100% healthy. If he has equal success in the preseason this year and dodges the injury bug, Spruce will be on the 53 and possibly active for the opener vs the Colts.
WR #15 Bradley MARQUEZ 5'11 205 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 24
2016 Rec_ 3 Yds 37 YPC 12.3 TD 0
2015 Rec 13 Yds 88 YPC_ 6.8 TD 0
Summary: No player on the Rams has been more valuable to Fassel's special teams units over the last 2 seasons. Marquez is underappreciated by some because he takes up a roster spot carrying the WR label. His receiving skills are decent but his ability separate and make impact plays as a wide-out have been nonexistent. His blue collar work ethic and value on special teams alone gives him the upper hand vs bubble players fighting for a spot on the 53.
WR #19 Paul MCROBERTS 6'2 197 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 24
2016 Rec 1 Yards 6 YPC 6.0 TD 0
Summary: McRoberts played in two games in his rookie season after spending the first 15 weeks on the team’s practice squad. VS Arizona he caught his first career pass for six yards and logged snaps on special teams. Because of his size and good hands Paul might be overlooked my some to make the roster in his second season. If he's worked hard on his craft during the offseason and puts up some numbers in the preseason he could be tough cut for McVay.
WR #88 Mike THOMAS 6'1 195 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 22
2016 Rec 3 Yds 37 YPC 12.3 TD 0
Summary: His 4 game suspension gives the Rams time to evaluate their receiving corps the fist quarter of the season. If the Rams WR's are unable to show they can get separation on deep balls, someone will likely get waived and Thomas will be back on the 53 in a blink. He's shown he can get open and deep in the NFL but his hands were his shortcoming. PED's are tempting for young NFL players to enhance their physical attributes. Sadly Thomas took the risk and will watch the Rams from his living for the fist four games of the season.
WR #82 Brandon SHIPPEN 5'11 195 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 23
2016 Rec 0 Yards 0 YPC 0 TD 0
Summary: In 2016 Shippen signed with the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent out of Temple. Unfortunately, the Dolphins elected to cut him loose during the final week of the preseason. During his college career at Temple, Shippen caught 32 passes for 453 yards receiving and two touchdowns over the course of 28 games. He rushed for 48 yards on eight carries. Not expected to do enough to make the roster.
WR #12 Shakeir RYAN 5'8 165 (Rookie UDFA) AGE 21
NW State College:
2016 Rec 32 Yds 197 YPC_ 6.2 TD 1
2015 Rec 27 Yds 327 YPC 12.1 TD 3
2014 Rec 38 Yds 335 YPC_ 8.8 TD 1
Summary: This quick little mouse will have to put up some astounding numbers in the preseason to warrant any kind of chance to make the 53. Likely a practice a squad candidate. He might be a surprise on special teams as a returner but that alone won't be enough to stick around.
"WIDE RECEIVERS" Ranking & Summary
1) WR #17 R.WOODS 6'0 195 (AGE 25) Seasoned vet should have his best years ahead of him
2) WR #11 T.AUSTIN 5'8 179 (AGE 26) At a crossroads & needs to prove he's worth the contract$
3) WR #18 C.KUPP 6'2 205 (AGE 24) Most polished rookie WR to be drafted by the Rams since Holt
4) WR #83 J.REYNOLDS 6'3 190 (AGE 22) Skinny & long deep threat will get his chances to shine
5) WR #10 P.COOPER 5'11 205 (AGE 22) 2nd year pro better step up his game or he could slide
6) WR #86 N.SPRUCE 6'1 210 (AGE 24) One game wonder needs to stay healthy for all the preseason
7) WR #15 B.MARQUEZ 5'11 205 (AGE 24) Special teams demon will be hard to keep off the roster
8) WR #19 P.MCROBERTS 6'2 197 (AGE 24) If he explodes in the preseason games he could stick
9) WR #88 M.THOMAS 6'1 195 (AGE 22) 4 game suspension drops him here until week 5
10 WR #82 B.SHIPPEN 5'11 195 (AGE 23) Not expected to be much more than a camp receiver
11 WR #12 R.SHAKEIR 5'8 165 (AGE 21) UDFA Tiny tot has a very small chance to make the 53
2017 Rams
"QUARTERBACKS"
QB #16 Jared GOFF 6'4 223 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 22
2016 Att 205 Comp 112 Comp% 54.6 Yds 1,089 YPA 5.3 TD 5 INT 7 Rating 63.6
Summary: NFL Network's Steve Wyche reported that Rams GM Les Snead told him Goff returned this spring with a better grasp of what's expected of him as an NFL starter. Goff understood he had to understand the language and the alignments of the scheme," Wyche said. "So when they came up for their minicamp right before the draft, he said Goff was right on point. He said after the minicamp, coaches said (Goff) exceeded expectations. 'Last year he was a blank slate, now that is no longer the case.
He understands what NFL offenses want, and more importantly, he understands what NFL defenses want to do.'" The Rams' paint-by-numbers offense was the butt of league-wide jokes in 2016. Some of that had to do with the former coaching staff, some with an atrocious offensive line, some with a lack of playmakers, some with Todd Gurley's struggles, and some with Goff's difficulties making the transition. With Sean McVay taking over, upgrades on the offensive line through free agency, and adding pass-catching targets in the draft, some of those problems should be in the past.http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...goff-exceeding-expectations-in-mcvays-offense
QB #14 Sean MANNION 6'6 231 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 25
2016 Att 6 Comp 3 Yds 19 Comp% 50.0 YPA 3.2 TD 0 INT 1 Rating 17.4
2015 Att 7 Comp 6 Yds 31 Comp% 85.7 YPA 4.4 TD 0 INT 0 Rating 85.1
Summary: The former Oregon State star could get an opportunity during the 2017 season. Mannion could be called on to start if Jared Goff struggles during the season, according to a report. "One person who knows both players well said he wouldn't be surprised to see the Rams go to Mannion if Goff struggles during the regular season," The report said the Rams have been "pleased" with the work of Mannion, specifically noting his improved "quickness in his reads" and improved footwork. Sean McVay is the new head coach, and he doesn't have the same investment in Goff, which could result in less patience with Goff. http://www.oregonlive.com/nfl/index.ssf/2017/05/sean_mannion_could_take_over_i.html
QB #00 Dan ORLOVSKY 6'5 220 (12 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 33
2015 Att 40 Comp 22 Yds 201 Comp% 55.0 TD 1 INT 1
2012 Att 7 Comp 4 Yds 51 Comp% 57.1 TD 0 INT 0
2011 ATT 193 Comp 122 Comp% 63.2 TD 6 INT 4
2017 Rams
SPECIAL TEAMS P/K/LS
PP #06 JOHNN HEKKER 6'5 240 (5 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 27
2016 Punts 98) Yds 4,680 Avg 47.8 Net 46.0
2015 Punts 96) Yds 4,601 Avg 47.9 Net 43.7
2014 Punts 80) Yds 3,721 Avg 46.5 Net 42.3
Summary: In 2016, Hekker landed an NFL-record 51 of his punts inside the 20. No other punter even had 40 such kicks. He launched 98 punts this season, and only one crossed the goal line for a touchback. None of the 27 other punters with at least 50 punts had fewer than two touchbacks. His net average was 46.0 yards. No other punter averaged 45.0 net yards per punt, and only one had an average above 42.7. Opponents gained an average of 1.55 yards on returns on all of Hekker’s punts. No other punter had an opponent return average below 1.82. Fassel says one technical thing that makes Hekker special is “his ability as an athlete to get better faster, and to pick up new techniques and implement them into a game.
He is as athletic a punter as I’ve seen – I probably shouldn’t say in the history of the NFL – but as far as punters who are athletes, he’s in the 99th percentile.” Fassel says Hekker has also developed “three or four other special types of punts that have made him unique,” even if they can’t be deciphered by the naked eye. Hekker explains: “It’s really just about timing [and] how the ball comes out of your hands and how it moves in the air. If it’s not moving at all – a still drop – then you’ve really got a good chance. You really can tell when you connect on a good one. It feels good coming off the foot. You don’t want to peek too early – I’m a guy who keeps my head down through the follow-through – but there are some balls where I just can’t wait to take a look and see how it’s flying.”
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2...ker-rams-pro-bowl-punter-nfl?CMP=share_btn_tw
KK #04 GREG ZUERLEIN 6'0 190 (5 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 29
2016 19 of 22 FG Pct 86.4 Long 54 XP 23/23
2015 20 of 30 FG Pct 66.7 Long 61 XP 26/28
2014 24 of 30 FG Pct 80.0 Long 56 XP 34/35
Summary: The Los Angeles Rams maintained some continuity on special teams Tuesday when they re-signed kicker Greg Zuerlein. Per Myles Simmons of the Rams' official website, Zuerlein agreed to a three-year deal with the team. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Zuerlein's new contract will average $2.25 million per season. "Greg the Leg" entered the league as a sixth-round draft pick in 2012 and has spent his entire career with the franchise. He made 19-of-22 field goals (86.4 percent) in 2016 and was 17-of-18 from within 50 yards as one of the more consistent kickers in the league. He also converted every one of his extra points, which isn't as automatic as it used to be in the NFL since the yardage was moved back.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...igns-with-los-angeles-rams-on-3-year-contract
LS #44 JAKE MCQUAIDE 6'2 237(6 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 29
Summary: Jan 18, 2017: Rams long snapper Jake McQuaide established a first for the franchise Wednesday when he was named to the Pro Bowl. McQuaide, a sixth-year pro who played at Ohio State, is the first Rams long snapper to be selected for the annual all-star game, which will be played Jan. 29 in Orlando, Fla. McQuaide was selected as a “need “player by Dallas Cowboys Coach Jason Garrett, the Rams said in a release. McQuaide also snapped for kicker Greg Zuerlein, who made 19 of 22 field-goal attempts and all 23 conversion kicks.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-mcquaide-probowl-20170118-story.html
"QUARTERBACKS" & "SPECIAL TEAMS" Ranking & Summary
1) QB #16 J.GOFF 6'4 223 (AGE 22) Needs to display moments of a #1 pick to stop the bust chatter
2) QB #14 S.MANNION 6'6 231 (AGE 25) 3rd year backup is quietly waiting to get his opportunity
3) QB #00 D.ORLOVSKY 6'5 220 (AGE 33) Merely a camp arm to keep the # one & two qb's fresh
1) PP #06 J.HEKKER 6'5 240 (AGE 27) Johhny is arguably always the best punter in the league
2) KK #04 G.ZUERLEIN 6'0 190 (AGE 29) Rebounded last season & was rewarded with a new contract
3) LS #44 J.MCQUAIDE 6'2 237 (AGE 29) Mr. consistent earns his money & roster spot every year
This completes the 2017 series and finally in just days, we all get to see the players put on the pads
and start competing for jobs.
Hope all of you Rams faithful enjoyed this "all in one stop" offensive personnel roster presentation.
With only days to go until the Rams officially report to their 2017 training camp, I'm releasing this years
"all in one stop" offensive personnel presentation. (A total of 42 players counting 3 on special teams)
Everyone knows the current roster is subject to change in the coming days and weeks leading up to the 2017 season opener. I have listed all of the the current "offensive players" currently on the 90 man roster.
For what ever the miscellaneous reasons were over the past 5 seasons, the Rams offensive rankings under the previous coaching regime were rather "elementary" and the product on the field rarely looked like it belonged in today's NFL.
In the previous five seasons the Rams rankings in "total yards" per game was 22nd in 2012, 30th in 2013, 27th in 2014, 32nd in 2015 and 32nd in 2016.
The Rams rankings in total "passing yards" per game was 17th in 2012, 27th in 2013, 22nd in 2014, 32nd in 2015 and 31st in 2016.
There has been plenty of hype and favorable press releases about the Rams new "young gun" offensive minded head coach Sean McVay. Several pundits inside NFL circles have labeled the new HC as an offensive "whiz kid" and some have given him credit for being a QB whisperer because of Kirk Cousins last 2 breakout seasons.
Those "titles" can quickly be removed should McVay's offense badly stumble in his first year as the Rams head coach.
On Jan 14, 2014 Washington head coach Jay Gruden promoted Sean McVay to offensive coordinator. How much freedom Sean had in 2014 as the OC nobody really knows. The Redskins finished the 2014 season ranked 13th in "total yards" per game.
In 2015, McVay's second season as Washington's OC, the Redskins offense ranked 15th in total yards per game and 4th year QB Kirk Cousins had his breakout season throwing for 4,166 yards.
In 2016, McVay's third season as Washington's OC, the Redskins finished 3rd in "total yards" per game and Cousins topped the 4K mark again with an impressive 4,917 passing yards.
Number sixteen, the Rams current starting QB who was the number one overall pick in 2016, on several occasions looked lost and unprepared to lead an NFL team in his rookie season. How Jared Goff ultimately performs in his second season, will be one of the key factors of how Sean McVay is judged over the course of his first season.
Added to the challenge of McVay polishing up a second year spread formation quarterback, the Rams overall pedigree on the offensive line, tight end and wide reciever positions puts McVay a good distance behind the eight-ball.
If the offensive minded HC is able to get quality production from the offense in his first season, he will become an instant icon in Los Angeles and be the talk of town with the NFL media.
At 31 years of age, McVay's youth has been scrutinized due to the responsibilities required of an NFL head coach. Even with the addition of Wade Phillips and the other seasoned coaches added to his staff, McVay will be floating over uncharted rough waters that a first time HC can only learn how to steer to calmer seas by acquiring on the job experience.
In his first season on the job, the Rams new head coach will also have the play calling duties on game days.
LaFleur said Goff had been coming in to the facility early and staying late in an effort to learn.
“When you get a new guy in an offense, there is a transition period with that,” LaFleur said, “but he’s done a nice job at picking it up at a surprisingly quick pace.”
“The idea is to kind of have that quarterback be a point guard and be a great distributor to all your guys,” McVay said. “You want to be able to get them touches and get them involved.”
2017 Rams Roster Preview "Offensive Personnel"
RAMS 2016 "Offensive Stats"
Total Snaps Per Game 60.0 Rank 31st
Total Points Scored 224 Rank 32nd
Total Yards Per Game 262 Rank 32nd
Total Yards Per Play 4.4 Rank 32nd
Passing Yards Per Game 184 Rank 31st
Passing Yards Per Att 6.1 Rank 31st
Rushing Yards Per Game 78 Rank 32nd
Rushing Yards Per Att 3.3 Rank 31st
1st Downs Per Game 15.3 Rank 32nd
3rd Down Conversion 31.4% Rank 32nd
T.O.P. Per Game 29:20 mins Rank 23rd
Sacks Allowed Per Game 3.1 Rank 31st
2017 Rams
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT #77 Andrew WHITWORTH 6'7 333 (11 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 35
2016 Total Snaps 1064
2015 Total Snaps 1023
2014 Total Snaps 1031
Summary: There is no more perennially underrated and under-appreciated tackle than Andrew Whitworth of the Bengals. He ended the 2016 season with the league’s best pass-blocking efficiency score (98.0), allowing just 14 total QB pressures across 561 pass-blocking snaps. Whitworth recorded six games this year in which he had perfect pass-protection games. His run blocking was solid, albeit not the strength it has been in seasons past.Even at $33.8 million over three years, the Rams got a bargain in the free-agent acquisition of offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth. Whitworth’s only negative is age 35 years old but he is still playing at an elite level and represents a colossal upgrade over Greg Robinson, a former first-round draft pick who has struggled badly thus far in his NFL career.
Whitworth’s play overall has been a model of consistency not just recently, but over his entire career, and particularly over the past eight seasons. He may rarely have been the best tackle in the game, but he has just as rarely been outside the top three at any given time. The most interesting aspect of this move is when Whitworth’s inevitable decline will hit. At 35 years old, he is already defying convention by playing as well as he is.
When players hit the wall erected by Father Time at the end of their careers, it can tend to happen fast, so the Rams are gambling a little that Whitworth’s arrest is still some way off in the future. Ultimately that is the part that none of us can reliably predict, but in the short term at least they have succeeded in a massive upgrade at their left tackle spot.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-andrew-whitworth-should-be-a-massive-upgrade-for-rams-line
LG #76 Rodger SAFFOLD 6'5 325 (7 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 29
2016 Total Snaps 916
2015 Total Snaps 232
2014 Total Snaps 845
Summary: Rodger Saffold actually had a solid season at guard, but for a rough few weeks early in the year. Saffold didn’t allow a sack over the final seven games of the season, and surrendered only one hit in that time, while consistently run blocking well. His overall Top grade: LG Roger Saffold, 80.7 (No. 26) Top pass-blocking grade: LG Roger Saffold, 80.7 (No. 40) Top run-blocking grade: LG Roger Saffold, 78.6 (No. 28).
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-ranking-all-32-nfl-offensive-lines-this-season
If Saffold stays healthy again in 2017 and performs up to the level of his current contract numbers, he might be retained by the Rams in 2018. His salary cap number after this season escalates to 7.5 million so he would need to perform at a pro bowl level or this could be his last season as a Ram. The often injured lineman has surprisingly stayed relatively healthy for 2 of his last 3 seasons. There is no guarantee, but it's possible the doctor that performed labrum surgeries on both his right and left shoulders has fixed Rodger for the long term.
OC #61 John SULLIVAN 6'3 310 (8 seasons in the NFL) AGE 31
2016 Total Snaps 98
2015 Total Snaps Injured
2014 Total Snaps 974
Summary: 04/05/2017: Rams agree to terms with veteran free-agent center John Sullivan. Sullivan, 31, played seven seasons for the Minnesota Vikings before sitting out 2015 while recovering from two back surgeries. He played last season for the Washington Redskins, starting one game. Rams Coach Sean McVay was the Redskins’ offensive coordinator from 2014 to 2016. Sullivan provides the Rams with an experienced center to help protect quarterback Jared Goff, who was sacked 26 times in seven games as a rookie. The Rams’ search for a center began last month after they released Tim Barnes, the starter the last two seasons. The Rams gave center Ryan Groy a two-year offer sheet, but the Buffalo Bills matched the offer to keep the 26-year-old restricted free agent.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-sullivan-nfl-20170405-story.html
12/04/2017: It took nine games into his tenure with the Washington Redskins, but John Sullivan finally made his offensive debut Sunday in the 31-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The center entered the game in the second quarter for Spencer Long, who suffered a concussion on the team’s fourth drive, in his first action since Week 17 of the 2014 season with the Minnesota Vikings after missing last season with a back injury. The organization has been amazing. The teammates have been great. It’s a great locker room, awesome coaching staff. I wish I could’ve helped deliver a win for everybody, but it felt good to get back out there and play in a regular season game.
At one point in time, I wasn’t sure I’d ever do that again. So, I’m pretty thankful.” It’s the first time Sullivan has entered the game as a backup in his eight-year career with 93 starts. He took just three practice snaps with quarterback Kirk Cousins before taking the field, and he didn’t appear to have any significant snap issues in his first game action with Cousins, who was under duress throughout the game from the Cardinals’ blitz.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...r-spencer-long-injury/?utm_term=.1f9dfb9d5ae5
RG #79 RG ROB HAVENSTEIN 6'7 328 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 25
2016 Total Snaps 934
2015 Total Snaps 727
Summary: In a surprise move, Havenstein has been moved from his starting right tackle position to right guard for the 2017 season. Rob has started 28 games at right tackle since joining the Rams as a second-round pick out of Wisconsin in 2015. In 2016 Havenstein started 15 games at right tackle. There were reports that he never completely healed from a foot injury in 2015 and that might have been part of the reason why he faltered in pass protection compared to his stellar rookie season.
Havenstein was the only OT to play 12 plus games and not give up a single sack in 2015. Since the new coaching regime has moved the tall right tackle inside at guard, their has been speculation that this might only be temporary. The experiment may provide to be a genius move or it could easily backfire, putting Havenstein back at his natural RT position before preseason ends. Either way, this was an unexpected offseason surprise by new offensive line coach Aaron Kromer.
RT #68 Jamon BROWN 6'4 330 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 25
2016 Total Snaps 395
2015 Total Snaps 530
Summary: When the Rams signed Bengals ageless warrior LT Andrew Whitworth, they quickly tinkered with their offensive line by moving former starting LT Greg Robinson to RT. Brown was getting some starting reps at RT in OTA's and then in a unforeseen move, the struggling Greg Robinson was traded to Detroit for a 2018 6th round draft pick. The starting RT position now belongs to Jamon Brown for as long as he can keep it. In 2016 Brown played approximately 40 percent of the offense snaps (395) total.
In 2016 Brown played in 11 games, starting five at both the left and right guard positions. In 2015 Brown started nine games at gaurd before being placed on reserve/injured (11/17/15). Jamon Brown will now be out on an island for the first time since his 2015 senior season at Louisville when he played tackle. Brown's switch to starting RT will be one of the most anticipated and followed stories when the preseason begins.
OT #64 Andrew DONNAL 6'6 310 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 25
2016 Snap Counts 297
2015 Snap Counts _90
Summary: Drafted in 2015 (4th rnd No.119 (Iowa) Donnal has played in a total of 19 games over his 2 year career, getting 4 starts in 2016 and 2 more in his 2015 rookie season. Donnal has been okay as a spot duty utility lineman. The former Iowa tackle overall was inconsistent in the 6 games he's started for the Rams. Andrew is still young but his talent level the last 2 seasons has been mostly average. He's not a finished product yet but his ceiling might not be much higher. Donnal is valuable because the Rams lack quality depth along the offensive line.
OG #69 Cody WICHMANN 6'5 325 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 25
2016 Snap Counts 594
2015 Snap Counts 426
Summary: Drafted In 2015 (6th rnd No.215 (Fresno St) Wichmann started at right guard in 11 games in 2016. In his 2015 rookie season, Cody played in 12 games with seven starts. Wichmann has shown some quality flashes over his first 2 seasons but not enough of them to lock up a starting spot heading into his 3rd season. Wichmann is projected to be a key backup in 2017 and he will get his number called quickly should the Rams have an injury to one of their starting guards. Going into his 3rd season, Wichmann should be an important piece to the Rams offensive line unit.
OT #72 Pace MURPHY 6'6 308 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 23
2016 Total Snaps 15
Summary: Last years UDFA surprise offensive lineman to make the Rams 53 will need to prove it was his talent and not Rams lack of qaulity depth at tackle that landed him on the roster. In 2016 Murphy played in two games his rookie season and logged some snaps on special teams. VS San Francisco (12/24) was Murphy's first career NFL game and he played on offense and special teams. He played college at North Western St DivII and registered 31 career starts. He was the Demons’ top graded offensive lineman 17 times in his last 23 games. In 2015 he started all 11 games and was named NSU’s best offensive lineman for the second consecutive season. Pace has a legitimate shot to make the 53 again this year due to how thin the Rams are at OT. Murphy will be watched with a close eye when the Rams sub in their reserves offensive tackles in the preseason games.
OC #66 Austin BLYTHE 6'2 300 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 25
2016 Snap Counts 89
Summary: The center group now includes Sullivan, Blythe, and undrafted free agent Jake Eldrenkamp. The Rams acquired Blythe on waivers (2016 Colts Drafted 7th rnd No.248) Blythe was cut after getting 89 reserve snaps in his rookie season for the Colts. Because he has a year of experience, he's probably a slight favorite to edge out UDFA Eldrenkamp. Nobody will be surprised if Eldrenkamp steals a roster spot from Blythe but their competition makes for an interesting roster battle that will be followed closely leading up to cut day. One of them needs to play well because Rams starting center John Sullivan's back isn't guaranteed to hold up for an entire 16 game season.
OC #60 Jake ELDRENKAMP 6'5 300 (Rookie UDFA) AGE 23
Summary: Eldrenkamp is rumored to be a pet project for offensive line coach Aaron Kromer. He was a UDFA for a reason but he should get plenty of snaps in the preseason to prove himself worthy of making the team. Good athlete. Plays with good bend and has easy, smooth movement skills. Shows off good lateral agility and quickness off the snap. Built for zone scheme. Has the feet to get to difficult reach blocks and work hips into place to seal his block. Able to stick defensive tackles on his inside shoulder and run his feet to keep them there. Takes quality angles up to second level. Hands are big and strong helping him sustain his blocks. An athletic zone-scheme fit at guard or potentially center if he proves he can snap it.
Possesses relatively narrow frame and may have issues adding and maintaining desired mass for interior. Needs to play on the move. Struggles to generate quality push at the point of attack as base blocker. Hands can swing a little too wide in run game. The biggest question for him will be whether or not he can carry more mass, but the tape looks like that of a backup or possibly eventual starter if he can find the right scheme fit. http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/jake-eldrenkamp?id=2558713 -Lance Zierlein
“He’s a guy that’s got good movement,” McVay said. “He’s got some flexibility to be able to play on the interior line, but he was a guy that Coach Kromer, our scouts, did a nice job identifying as a player that we feel like could project well with some of the things we’re looking for. It’ll be exciting to kind of watch him.”
OT #63 Darrell WILLIAMS 6'5 305 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 23
2016 Snap Counts 0 injured
2015 Snap Counts 25
Summary: Williams was the Rams 2015 UDFA surprise offensive lineman to make the roster. He logged 25 offensive snaps in 2015, 16 of them vs the Bears but he didn't last long after getting dinged up and was placed on reserve/injured list (11/17/15). In 2016 Williams' second season, he regressed badly displaying horrible pass protection skills in the preseason. Darrell is an extreme long shot now and unless he's had some kind of miraculous off-season make over, his chances to sneak back on the roster seem unlikely at this time.
"OFFENSIVE LINEMAN" Ranking & Summary
1) LT #77 A.WHITWORTH 6'7 335 (AGE 35) The Big fellow will protect the QB's blind side
2) LG #76 R.SAFFOLD 6'5 325 (AGE 29) Performed well & stayed on the field last season
3) OC #61 J.SULLIVAN 6'3 310 (AGE 31) If he plays 16 games the O-Line should be better
4) RG #79 R.HAVENSTEIN 6'7 328 (AGE 25) Moved from RT to RG but will he stay there?
5) RT #68 J.BROWN 6'4 330 (AGE 25) 3rd year pro moved outside to RT alone on the island
6) OT #64 A.DONNAL 6'6 310 (AGE 25) Should be the first reserve OT off the bench
7) OG #69 C.WICHMANN 6'5 325 (AGE 25) Will be active most games as the backup guard
8) OC #66 A.BLYTHE 6'2 300 (AGE 25) In a street fight to fend off UDFA C/G Eldrenkamp
9) OT #72 P.MURPHY 6'6 308 (AGE 23) Has the early upper hand to be a backup OT
10 OC #60 J.ELDRENKAMP 6'5 300 (AGE 25) UDFA will have to beat out Blythe or its P.Squad
11 OT #63 D.WILLIAMS 6'5 305 (AGE 23) 2016 preseason was a failure & pass pro disaster
2017 Rams
RUNNING BACKS
RB #30 Todd GURLEY 6'1 225 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 22
2016 Att 278 Yds__885 YPA 3.2 TD_ 6 Rec 43 Yds 327 YPC 7.6 TD 0
2015 Att 229 Yds 1,106 YPA 4.8 TD 10 Rec 21 Yds 108 YPC 9.0 TD 0
Summary: The 2015 offensive rookie of the year took a step back in 2016. Even though Gurley was often hit behind the line of scrimmage, his vision and strength to break tackles was not on par with his rookie season. Something was off with Todd in his second season and how he bounces back in his 3rd season will tell us more about what type of RB he's going to be for the long term. In a Tuesday appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Gurley was asked to categorize his 2016 season. "Like a nightmare. I still can't believe the season," Gurley said. "It was definitely a tough year, a learning experience for me. To be 4-12 this year? I don't want to feel that feeling again."Gurley made news in December, describing the Rams' attack as a "middle school offense" in the wake of back-to-back lopsided losses that led directly to the firing of coach Jeff Fisher.
Provided a forum to explain that criticism, Gurley clarified that he was speaking strictly of the players rather than the coaching staff. "The week before, we played New England. I think we probably scored one touchdown and that was the last two minutes of the game," Gurley explained. "Then we go play Atlanta, and they probably put more points up on us on defense than we actually put up on offense. "It was frustrating. I kind of told it like it was, kind of how we looked. It was too many mental errors from everybody, including myself, just turning the ball over. You just can't have that." http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...d-gurley-on-rams-2016-season-like-a-nightmare
RB #25 Lance DUNBAR 5'8 187 (5 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 27
2016 Att_ 9 Yds 31 YPA_ 3.4 TD 1 Rec 16 Yds 122 YPC_ 7.6 TD 0
2015 Att_ 5 Yds 67 YPA 13.4 TD 0 Rec 21 Yds 215 YPC 10.2 TD 0
2014 Att 29 Yds 99 YPA_ 3.4 TD 0 Rec 18 Yds 217 YPC 12.1 TD 0
Summary: Dunbar rushed for 422 yards on 94 carries in five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. Last season, playing behind rookie Ezekiel Elliott, Dunbar carried the ball only nine times for 31 yards while catching 16 passes for 122 yards. In 2015 Dunbar looked like he was going to have a good season before tearing his ACL on kickoff return vs the Saints in week 4. Dunbar originally signed with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent after playing football at North Texas. Dunbar's receiving skills out of backfield and his kickoff return ability made him an attractive UFA to the Rams. Dunbar is almost two years removed from his ACL injury and logged a total of 143 snaps in 2016.
RB #34 Malcolm BROWN 5'11 227 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 24
2016 Att 18 Yds 39 YPA 2.2 TD 0 Rec 3 Yds 46 YPC 15.3 TD 0
2015 Att 04 Yds 17 YPA 4.3 TD 0 Rec 1 Yds_ 0 YPC_ 0__TD 0
Summary: In 2016 Brown rushed 18 times for only 39 yards (2.2 avg) and caught 3 passes for 46 yards. He registered three special teams tackles. Brown is your typical power runner and has good hands out of the backfield. During his career with the Rams after being picked up as an undrafted free agent in 2015, Brown has shown flashes of developing into a solid running back. He looked great last preseason when he lead the NFL in rushing after the first two games, ending the 2016 preseason with 27 rushing attempts and 155 rushing yards. With his good preseason showing, there were expectations that Brown would make some type of impact for the Rams. It never materialized. During the 2016 regular season, Brown put up less than 100 total yards on the ground and through the air. Behind starting RB Todd Gurley, the rest of the depth chart is a toss up. The Rams brought in RB Lance Dunbar to be the change-of-pace back. https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/...roster-2017-preview-malcolm-brown-todd-gurley
RB #36 Aaron GREEN 5'11 205 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 24
2016 Att 0 Yds 0 YPA 0 TD 0 Rec 0 Yds 0 YPC 0 TD 0
Summary: Last season Green was signed to the Rams practice squad and stayed there most of his rookie year. Green was finally promoted to the active roster in Week 15. He saw limited action in two games at running back. Green is a talented shifty back with good receiving skills. He's not going to get many yards running between the tackles but his elusiveness and knack for making big plays in college could translate better in his second season as a pro. If he's added more strength in the off-season, Green should have a respectable shot at making the 53.
FB #39 Sam ROGERS 5'10 230 (Rookie Drafted 6th rnd No.205) AGE 22
V.Tech College:
2016 Att 67 Yds 283 YPA 4.2 TD 2 Rec 24 Yds 301 YPC 12.5 TD 4
2015 Att 61 Yds 260 YPA 4.3 TD 2 Rec 16 Yds 193 YPC 12.1 TD 2
2014 Att 32 Yds 140 YPA 4.4 TD 0 Rec 20 Yds 230 YPC 11.5 TD 1
Summary: In 2016 Rogers played in all 14 games with 12 starts and racked up 283 rushing yards and two touchdowns and 301 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Named an all-american and first-team All-ACC by Pro Football Focus. Played in the Reese's Senior Bowl. A three-year starter, Sam Rogers is a stout, powerful player with the three-down skills teams want in the modern fullback. He's shown himself to be a valuable receiver in the Virginia Tech offense, grabbing 72 catches in the last four seasons. Rogers runs with power and has great pad height going through the line of scrimmage or when meeting a tackler on a swing pass. He's an aggressive, powerful, physical player.
Rogers can play fullback and H-back, and he has experience on special teams. He's a versatile, valuable piece. Coaches we spoke to loved working with Rogers thanks to his weight-room and practice dedication. The fullback position might be losing value, but Rogers can play in the NFL with his running, receiving and special teams ability. Rogers lacks overall athleticism and doesn't have the speed to run away from defenders. He takes too many steps to reach top speed and isn't a quick cutter going through traffic. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...017-scouting-report-for-los-angeles-rams-pick
RB #41 Lenard TILLERY 5'9 195 (Rookie UDFA) AGE 23
Southern College:
2016 Att 247 Yds 1665 YPA 6.7 TD 13 Rec 20 Yds 307 YPC 15.4 TD 2
2015 Att 197 Yds 1211 YPA 6.1 TD 14 Rec 19 Yds 173 YPC_ 9.1 TD 1
2014 Att 209 Yds 1196 YPA 5.7 TD_ 9 Rec 19 Yds 196 YPC 10.3 TD 0
Summary: It took a little while, but the man who rushed for more yards in Southwestern Athletic Conference history than Walter Payton has found a home. Former Southern and McKinley High football star Lenard Tillery, who smashed the SWAC career rushing record last season, is expected to sign a free agent deal with the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday. Tillery was not available for comment Wednesday, but a source confirmed he agreed to join the Rams organization and will take part in the team’s rookie camp next week. The Baton Rouge native walked on to Southern’s football team in 2012 and built a massively productive career from that point on. He earned the starting job as a red-shirt freshman in 2013, then fought to hold on to that position as the coaching staff brought in challengers to take his place.
Tillery was at his peak during his magnificent senior season. In just 11 games, Tillery set a school single-season record with 1,665 rushing yards. He topped 100 yards in all but one game last season, and he eclipsed 200 yards twice in his final three games. Tillery perhaps saved his best game for his final game in a Southern uniform, blistering Grambling for 234 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown on the ground to go along with five catches for 35 yards and a receiving touchdown. Tillery finished his career with 4,837 yards — breaking the SWAC career record by nearly 800 yards — and 45 touchdowns. http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_ro...cle_ecb34488-3056-11e7-a2ee-9323e82ed09c.html
RB #42 Justin DAVIS 6'1 198 (Rookie UDFA) AGE 21
USC College:
2016 Att 110 Yds 607 YPA 5.5 TD 2 Rec 12 Yds 112 YPC_ 8.0 TD 0
2015 Att 169 Yds 902 YPA 5.3 TD 7 Rec 18 Yds 189 YPC 10.5 TD 0
2014 Att 129 Yds 595 YPA 4.6 TD 4 Rec 13 Yds _92 YPC_ 7.1 TD 2
Summary: Justin Davis is still processing the moment. USC’s dramatic game-winning field goal against Penn State in the Rose Bowl occurred two months ago, putting the finishing touch on Davis’ Trojans career. The running back still can’t quite believe it. “Once the field goal went through the uprights, I just had to pause for a minute and think about how we even got there,” Davis said Thursday at the NFL scouting combine. “It kind of still doesn’t even feel real, just in terms of all the stuff that we kind of went through in our time there. “It just makes it so much better, knowing that I finished a career that I really hoped something special would happen. For it to actually happen was unbelievable.” Davis, measured at 6-foot-1 and 208 pounds, completed 21 reps on the bench press on Thursday. On Friday, he continues testing with the 40-yard dash and other drills.
“It’s definitely exciting just to be around this stuff and all these great players,” he said. Davis arrived at the combine after four years at USC that featured multiple coaching changes and several ankle injuries. He finished with 2,465 yards rushing and scored 21 touchdowns. “I had the time of my life at SC and wouldn’t take any minute back,” he said. “When I think back about everything I went through, it’s crazy that I’m at the NFL combine getting ready to get to the next level.” Davis said he sought advice from former Trojans running backs Tre Madden and Soma Vainuku about the combine experience. “Just like when I was at SC, they let me know what to expect,” he said. “They always looked out for me.” Davis is eager to show NFL scouts and coaches he can become an asset. “With the injuries some people kind of shot me down a little,” he said. “But that just gives me more fire to come out and prove everybody wrong.” http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-usc-justin-davis-nfl-20170303-story.html
FB #45 Zach LASKEY 6'1 235 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 25
2016 Att 0 Yds 0 YPA 0 TD 0 Rec 0 Yds 0 YPC 0 TD 0
Summary: Waived/injured (8/29/16)...signed with the Rams as an undrafted free agent (5/7/15). 2015 SEASON: Spent the 2015 season on the Rams’ practice squad. Laskey is a fullback for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League. After going undrafted in the 2015 NFL draft, the Rams signed him to their practice squad. On August 30, 2016, he was waived/injured by the Rams and placed on injured reserve. Laskey is probably running out of chances to make the roster so he really needs to over achieve this time around.
"RUNNING BACKS" Ranking & Summary
1) RB #30 T.GURLEY 6'1 225 (AGE 22) Big letdown last season, will he rebound to stardom?
2) RB #25 L.DUNBAR 5'8 187 (AGE 27) Veteran needs to shine or he could be a surprise cut
3) RB #34 M.BROWN 5'11 227 (AGE 24) Early favorite to make the roster but not a guarantee
4) RB #36 A.GREEN 5'11 205 (AGE 24) Might bust loose did he add enough strength in offseason?
5) FB #39 S.ROGERS 5'10 230 (AGE 22) Seems to be a fan favorite & a throwback type of player
6) RB #41 L.TILLERY 5'9 195 (AGE 23) Small school RB should get plenty of looks preseason
7) RB #42 J.DAVIS 6'1 198 (AGE 23) Injury prone in college but don't sleep on the Trojans talent
8) FB #45 Z.LASKEY 6'1 235 (AGE 25) Not expected by anyone to compete for a roster spot
2017 Rams
TIGHT ENDS
TE #89 Tyler HIGBEE 6'6 255 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 24
2016 Rec 11 Yds 85 YPC 7.7 TD 1
Summary: Higbee had an underwhelming rookie season on a Rams team that had little talent at the tight end position. He's likely learned from his rookie lapses and with his legal issues behind him now, there is no reason for Tyler not to have a good second year. "We are going to be an offense that is going to involve the tight end in a variety of different ways," said McVay, hired as the Rams' head coach after three years as the Redskins' offensive coordinator. Higbee was only targeted 29 times and caught 11 passes as a rookie last season, but McVay liked him coming out of Western Kentucky. He considers Higbee someone with "a nice catch radius. He can stretch the seam; he's got a good feel and savvy in the pass game. How we use him will yet to be determined, but he's a guy we're looking forward to getting on the grass with." http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/233702/rams-expect-big-things-from-tyler-higbee
TE #81 Gerald EVERETT 6'3 245 (Rookie Drafted 2nd rnd No.44) AGE 23
South Alabama College:
2016 Rec 49 Yds 717 YPC 14.6 TD 4
2015 Rec 41 Yds 575 YPC 14.0 TD 8
2014 Rec 17 Yds 292 YPC 17.2 TD 1
Summary: The Rams moved down seven spots to No. 44 and selected South Alabama tight end Gerald Everett. “I think I bring the complete package of a tight end,” Everett said during a conference call with reporters. “Definitely the vertical threat, but also being a blocker in the run game and just being able to create that mismatch anytime in the game.” Everett joins a tight end corps that includes veteran Cory Harkey – who has played mainly as a fullback – and second-year pros Tyler Higbee and Temarrick Hemingway. Everett said he played youth football but in high school in Georgia he concentrated on basketball and track until his senior year.
He attended Hutchinson Community College in Kansas before transferring to Alabama Birmingham. He caught 17 passes for 292 yards and a touchdown. He transferred to South Alabama in 2015 and became a two-time All-Sun Belt selection, catching 90 passes, 12 for touchdowns, in two seasons. Everett said he visited the Rams before the draft. He said that although he played in a mid-major conference, he thought he would be drafted in the first three rounds. He is looking forward to playing for McVay, who oversaw the NFL’s third-best offense last season as the Washington Redskins’ offensive coordinator. “I just can’t wait to get out to Los Angeles and help the Rams win games,” he said. “I’ll do whatever is asked of me, whether it be special teams or receiver or tight end. It doesn’t matter. I just want to contribute to the organization and help them win games.”
6-foot-3, 240 pounds, South Alabama Notable: Everett was a basketball standout who played only one year of football in high school before he turned himself into an All-Sun Belt Conference football player. He began his college career at Alabama Birmingham, but transferred when the school temporarily closed the football program. Why Rams drafted him: The Rams released veteran tight end Lance Kendricks, leaving them thin at tight end. With his jumping ability, Everett is the kind of player that can make plays in the red zone. Last season: Everett caught 49 passes for 717 yards and four touchdowns. He was third nationally among tight ends in college football in receiving yards. He caught five passes for 103 yards in one game. http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp...-gerald-everett-out-1493425700-htmlstory.html
TE #84 Tamarrick HEMINGWAY 6'5 250 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 23
2016 Rec 0 Yards 0 YPC 0 TD 0
Summary: In 2016 Hemingway saw action in nine games with most of his snaps as a contributor on special teams. He did not record any receiving stats or tackles in his rookie season. Tamarrick was a raw project coming out of college so the experience he got his rookie season should have prepared to take a big jump in his second year. Unless your a Rams fan, Tamarrick is not on anyone's radar and he could be a sleeper threat in McVay's offense.
TE #46 Cory HARKEY 6'4 260 (6 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 27
2016 Rec 0 Yds_ 0 YPC__0 TD 0
2015 Rec 5 Yds 26 YPC 5.2 TD 0
2014 Rec 8 Yds 55 YPC 6.9 TD 1
Summary: Harkey's snap counts went down from 289 in 2015 to 111 in 2016. The former UDFA veteran is known for his grit and smash mouth blocking. If McVay values his blocking and thinks he can work with him, maybe Cory finds a spot on the roster. Tough to figure how the new coaching staff values his skill set.
TE #48 Johnny MUDT 6'4 232 (Rookie UDFA) AGE 22
Oregon College:
2016 Rec 23 Yds 334 YPC 14.5 TD 0
2015 Rec_ 5 Yds_ 39 YPC_ 7.8 TD 1
2014 Rec_ 2 Yds_ 29 YPC 14.5 TD 0
Summary: 2016 — Started the last six games of the season but saw action in eight games . . . Recorded three catches for 52 yards and one touchdown in the 2016 season opener against UC Davis . . . Started at tight end vs. Cal, ASU, USC, Stanford and Utah with 17 catches for 254 yards and three touchdowns in the five-game stretch . . . Recorded a 53-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter vs. ASU . . . Second on the team with four touchdown catches . . . Ended the season with 23 receptions for 334 yards and four touchdowns . . . Had three explosive plays during the season. http://www.goducks.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4610
TE #87 Travis WILSON 6'7 230 (Rookie UDFA) AGE 23
2016 No TE Stats: Former UTAH QB has been converted to TE
Summary: Wilson is a former college quarterback, who is converting to tight end in the hope of making it in the NFL. He wound up going undrafted out of Utah back in May of last year. According to Adam Caplan, Wilson took part in the Bengals minicamp last year on a tryout basis but wasn’t signed to a contract. The former Utah quarterback rushed for 1,226 yards and 21 touchdowns. Jordan Palmer, the younger brother of Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer, has the same bet going with multiple people. Palmer is adamant in his belief that Travis Wilson, undrafted as a quarterback last year, will make at least 35 catches as a rookie tight end for the Los Angeles Rams this season. And if you want a piece of the action, just let him know. http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angele...er-utah-qb-travis-wilson-will-catch-35-passes
"TIGHT ENDS" Ranking & Summary
1) TE #89 T.HIGBEE 6'6 255 (AGE 24) No excuses for him not to breakout in 2nd campaign
2) TE #81 G.EVERETT 6'3 245 (AGE 23) Will the 2nd round pick show is draft slot was worthy?
3) TE #84 T.HEMINGWAY 6'5 250(AGE 23) Could be the surprise TE by the end of the season
4) TE #46 C.HARKEY 6'4 260 (AGE 27) Does the blocking H-Back/TE fit the new scheme?
5) TE #48 J.MUDT 6'4 232 (AGE 22) Long shot had one decent college season at Oregon
6) TE #87 T.WILSON 6'7 230 (AGE 23) Can the Former QB translate his talent to TE?
2017 Rams
WIDE RECEIVERS
WR #17 Robert WOODS 6'0 195 (4 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 25
2016 Rec 51 Yds 613 YPC 12.0 TD 1
2015 Rec 47 Yds 552 YPC 11.7 TD 3
2014 Rec 65 Yds 699 YPC 10.8 TD 5
Summary: Back in his hometown of Los Angeles, Robert Woods is wasting no time settling in and stirring things up. Woods signed a big-time five-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams in free agency following a promising four-year stint in Buffalo. The former USC Trojan filled the void left by the departing Kenny Britt and Brian Quick, joining a receiving corps paced by Tavon Austin, Pharoh Cooper and rookie Cooper Kupp. But with Austin notably absent from workouts this week while recovering from wrist surgery, Woods had a chance to run with the ones, an opportunity on which he hopes to capitalize. "I always come in attacking the season trying to be the No. 1 receiver," Woods told reporters, per The Los Angeles Times. Woods might be paid like Los Angeles' top receiver, but Austin, since being drafted by the team in 2013, has been expected to be that guy. Austin even recently earned a new contract of his own, signing a four-year, $42 million extension in 2016.
However, under the new Sean McVay regime, roles could change. The 5-foot-8 Austin was often used more as a gadget guy than a go-to, 10-catch-a-game top target. In fact, the former top-10 selection has yet to record a season with over 510 receiving yards. Woods, on the other hand, has outpaced Austin's receiving production by 809 yards over the same four-year span. Might Woods make the leap over Austin in the depth chart? (For what it's worth, Jared Goff gave a glowing review Monday of his newest addition, saying, "He's been great. He's been more than I could have really expected, honestly." http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000811821/article/robert-woods-trying-to-be-rams-no-1-receiver
WR #11 Tavon AUSTIN 5'8 179 (4 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 26
2016 Rec 58 Yds 509 YPC 8.8 TD 3
2015 Rec 52 Yds 473 YPC 9.1 TD 5
2014 Rec 31 Yds 242 YPC 7.8 TD 0
Summary: Now, a new coaching staff has arrived, Austin has been absent after wrist surgery, and plenty of new receivers have been added. So what does it mean for Austin? “I think we have ideas of the way that we want to utilize him,” coach Sean McVay told reporters on Wednesday. “I think he’s done a lot of great things on tape, but until you’re actually able to get out on the grass with him, watch him do some of the things that we’re asking him to do, it does make it a little bit more difficult. But we’re certainly projecting him to be a big part of our offense. How exactly we use him is to be determined, but we have discussed those things as a staff. We’ll get a chance to see that early on in training camp.” For now, McVay and company haven’t been able to study Austin because he hasn’t been able to practice, due to the wrist surgery.
“I think he’s done a good job of controlling what he can control and that’s working and doing as much as he could with the limitations that he had with the wrist,” coach Sean McVay told reporters on Wednesday. “I think he’s done a great job in meetings, where he knows exactly what’s going on. He’s a guy that’s real conscientious, he’s going to get himself ready to go. I think that’s some of the things he can do in the meantime to kind of give himself a jump start so the first time catching live routes and things like that instead of just the Juggs [machine] or a tennis ball machine isn’t going to be once we report.”
Austin has never had 1,000 yards from scrimmage at the NFL level, and his career high as a receiver came in 2016, with 509 yards. Former coach Jeff Fisher’s staff used Austin in ways similar to his deployment at West Virginia, where it was simple enough to put him in space against defenders who couldn’t catch him. At the next level, they can — and so it will take more than bubble screens and jet sweeps to get the kind of production to justify not only the top-10 selection but the four-year, $42 million contract that the Rams gave Austin last year. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...tavon-austin-to-be-a-big-part-of-the-offense/
WR #18 Cooper KUPP 6'2 205 (Rookie Drafted 3rd rnd No.69) AGE 24
E.Washington College:
2016 Rec 117 Yds 1700 YPC 14.5 TD 17
2015 Rec 114 Yds 1642 YPC 14.4 TD 19
2014 Rec 104 Yds 1431 YPC 13.8 TD 16
2013 Rec_ 93 Yds 1691 YPC 18.2 TD 21
Summary: Cooper Kupp knows there will be questions about the level of competition. The Rams on Friday selected the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision’s all-time receiving leader in the third round of the NFL draft. The 6-foot-2, 204-pound Kupp achieved his record-setting career at Eastern Washington. “I’ve played against some very good football players and I’ve played against some very good team as well,” Kupp said in a teleconference. “I’ve been able to produce in both situations and I believe I prepare to be the best player when I step on the field. That’s not going to change moving up to the NFL.
“I pride myself on that preparation and what it takes it be great. If people want to question that, that’s fine. I’m just going to go out and do what I do and I believe that opinion will change soon.” Kupp, a Washington native, joins a receiving corps that includes Tavon Austin and Robert Woods among others. “I think I bring versatility, a guy that’s going to know the offense inside and out,” he said. “A guy that’s going to be ready to go Day 1. I pride myself on that. On learning the offense.
“I know exactly what I need to be, a guy that can be reliable and be able to get first downs. The ability to create in multiple different ways, play wherever you need me to play. I think that’s something that I bring that a lot of receivers can’t.” Kupp is looking forward to working with quarterback Jared Goff, the No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft. Kupp caught a Big Sky Conference record 117 passes for 1,700 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also passed for two touchdowns, rushed for another and scored on a punt return.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp...iver-cooper-kupp-of-1493432048-htmlstory.html
WR #83 Josh REYNOLDS 6'3 190 (Rookie Drafted 4th rnd No.117) AGE 22
Texas A&M College:
2016 Rec 61 Yds 1039 YPC 17.0 TD 12
2015 Rec 51 Yds_ 907 YPC 17.8 TD_ 5
2014 Rec 52 Yds_ 842 YPC 16.2 TD 13
Summary: When you watch Josh Reynolds, he shows a good catch radius, plus an ability both to high point the ball and snatch the ball with one hand out of the air. He shows incredible body control, and he makes great adjustments to the ball in midair. Reynolds is highly effective against man, running crisp routes, getting separation and creating throwing windows for his quarterback. He does a good job of tracking passes over his shoulder, and he was a consistent red zone threat. He caught 30 touchdowns in his three years at Texas A&M. Reynolds doesn’t just win down the field, as he has good lateral quickness and can win off of the line of scrimmage with his feet. Reynolds also shows good effort when his teammates catch the ball, coming back to the play and trying to block to spring them for a big gain.
Reynolds offers very little after the catch. He won’t run through very many tackles or make players miss. His yards after catch will be due to play design and his original separation. While he can win versus press, he needs to do so more consistently and show strength at the point of attack. Texas A&M runs a lot of RPO’s (run pass option) so he often wasn’t asked to block in the run game, and that will be an adjustment. While Reynolds shows the ability to make a spectacular play, he needs to be consistent in the easy ones. He had too many concentration drops for someone with his catching ability. Reynolds has a developed route tree but needs to be stronger at the stems of routes and push through contact. Too often on film, contact down the field can slow him down and throw him off of his route. While Reynolds is good versus man coverage he needs to improve settling down in zone coverages. The rookie carries a tall lean build and has deceptive speed because of his long stride. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...017-scouting-report-for-los-angeles-rams-pick
WR #10 Pharoh COOPER 5'11 205 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 22
2016 Rec 14 Yds 106 YPC 7.6 TD 0
Summary: Pharoh is still trying to find his identity in the NFL. He's cut from the mold "WR in a running backs body" and has a unique skill set. His value on special teams pushes him up the WR depth chart but his route running still some more polishing. Pharoh needs to elevate his game this year if he wants to be more than a part time spot player in McVay's offense. 2016 SEASON: Played in 10 games, started three, caught 14 passes for 106 yards and returned five punts and amassed 323 kickoff return yards. At New England (12/4) Pharoh started his first career game at wide receiver and caught one pass for eight yards and added eight yards on four punt returns. VS Atlanta (12/11) Caught three passes for 22 yards, with a career long 19-yard reception. At Seattle (12/15) Started his second career game at wide receiver logging three receptions for 21 yards and returned five kickoffs for 98 yards. VS San Francisco (12/24) Returned four kickoffs for a career-high 129 yards, with a career long of 51 yards. VS Arizona (1/1) Started at wide receiver and finished with four receptions for 36 yards.
WR #86 Nelson SPRUCE 6'1 210 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 24
2016 Rec 0 Yards 0 YPC 0 TD 0
Summary: Last years "sticky mitts" rookie UDFA was the talk of the town after his splashy performance vs Dallas in the preseason. Since that flash in the pan moment, the one game wonder has been MIA and quickly became an injured after thought. With preseason on the horizon again, Spruce's name as resurfaced and he appears to be 100% healthy. If he has equal success in the preseason this year and dodges the injury bug, Spruce will be on the 53 and possibly active for the opener vs the Colts.
WR #15 Bradley MARQUEZ 5'11 205 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 24
2016 Rec_ 3 Yds 37 YPC 12.3 TD 0
2015 Rec 13 Yds 88 YPC_ 6.8 TD 0
Summary: No player on the Rams has been more valuable to Fassel's special teams units over the last 2 seasons. Marquez is underappreciated by some because he takes up a roster spot carrying the WR label. His receiving skills are decent but his ability separate and make impact plays as a wide-out have been nonexistent. His blue collar work ethic and value on special teams alone gives him the upper hand vs bubble players fighting for a spot on the 53.
WR #19 Paul MCROBERTS 6'2 197 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 24
2016 Rec 1 Yards 6 YPC 6.0 TD 0
Summary: McRoberts played in two games in his rookie season after spending the first 15 weeks on the team’s practice squad. VS Arizona he caught his first career pass for six yards and logged snaps on special teams. Because of his size and good hands Paul might be overlooked my some to make the roster in his second season. If he's worked hard on his craft during the offseason and puts up some numbers in the preseason he could be tough cut for McVay.
WR #88 Mike THOMAS 6'1 195 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 22
2016 Rec 3 Yds 37 YPC 12.3 TD 0
Summary: His 4 game suspension gives the Rams time to evaluate their receiving corps the fist quarter of the season. If the Rams WR's are unable to show they can get separation on deep balls, someone will likely get waived and Thomas will be back on the 53 in a blink. He's shown he can get open and deep in the NFL but his hands were his shortcoming. PED's are tempting for young NFL players to enhance their physical attributes. Sadly Thomas took the risk and will watch the Rams from his living for the fist four games of the season.
WR #82 Brandon SHIPPEN 5'11 195 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 23
2016 Rec 0 Yards 0 YPC 0 TD 0
Summary: In 2016 Shippen signed with the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent out of Temple. Unfortunately, the Dolphins elected to cut him loose during the final week of the preseason. During his college career at Temple, Shippen caught 32 passes for 453 yards receiving and two touchdowns over the course of 28 games. He rushed for 48 yards on eight carries. Not expected to do enough to make the roster.
WR #12 Shakeir RYAN 5'8 165 (Rookie UDFA) AGE 21
NW State College:
2016 Rec 32 Yds 197 YPC_ 6.2 TD 1
2015 Rec 27 Yds 327 YPC 12.1 TD 3
2014 Rec 38 Yds 335 YPC_ 8.8 TD 1
Summary: This quick little mouse will have to put up some astounding numbers in the preseason to warrant any kind of chance to make the 53. Likely a practice a squad candidate. He might be a surprise on special teams as a returner but that alone won't be enough to stick around.
"WIDE RECEIVERS" Ranking & Summary
1) WR #17 R.WOODS 6'0 195 (AGE 25) Seasoned vet should have his best years ahead of him
2) WR #11 T.AUSTIN 5'8 179 (AGE 26) At a crossroads & needs to prove he's worth the contract$
3) WR #18 C.KUPP 6'2 205 (AGE 24) Most polished rookie WR to be drafted by the Rams since Holt
4) WR #83 J.REYNOLDS 6'3 190 (AGE 22) Skinny & long deep threat will get his chances to shine
5) WR #10 P.COOPER 5'11 205 (AGE 22) 2nd year pro better step up his game or he could slide
6) WR #86 N.SPRUCE 6'1 210 (AGE 24) One game wonder needs to stay healthy for all the preseason
7) WR #15 B.MARQUEZ 5'11 205 (AGE 24) Special teams demon will be hard to keep off the roster
8) WR #19 P.MCROBERTS 6'2 197 (AGE 24) If he explodes in the preseason games he could stick
9) WR #88 M.THOMAS 6'1 195 (AGE 22) 4 game suspension drops him here until week 5
10 WR #82 B.SHIPPEN 5'11 195 (AGE 23) Not expected to be much more than a camp receiver
11 WR #12 R.SHAKEIR 5'8 165 (AGE 21) UDFA Tiny tot has a very small chance to make the 53
2017 Rams
"QUARTERBACKS"
QB #16 Jared GOFF 6'4 223 (1 Season in the NFL) AGE 22
2016 Att 205 Comp 112 Comp% 54.6 Yds 1,089 YPA 5.3 TD 5 INT 7 Rating 63.6
Summary: NFL Network's Steve Wyche reported that Rams GM Les Snead told him Goff returned this spring with a better grasp of what's expected of him as an NFL starter. Goff understood he had to understand the language and the alignments of the scheme," Wyche said. "So when they came up for their minicamp right before the draft, he said Goff was right on point. He said after the minicamp, coaches said (Goff) exceeded expectations. 'Last year he was a blank slate, now that is no longer the case.
He understands what NFL offenses want, and more importantly, he understands what NFL defenses want to do.'" The Rams' paint-by-numbers offense was the butt of league-wide jokes in 2016. Some of that had to do with the former coaching staff, some with an atrocious offensive line, some with a lack of playmakers, some with Todd Gurley's struggles, and some with Goff's difficulties making the transition. With Sean McVay taking over, upgrades on the offensive line through free agency, and adding pass-catching targets in the draft, some of those problems should be in the past.http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...goff-exceeding-expectations-in-mcvays-offense
QB #14 Sean MANNION 6'6 231 (2 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 25
2016 Att 6 Comp 3 Yds 19 Comp% 50.0 YPA 3.2 TD 0 INT 1 Rating 17.4
2015 Att 7 Comp 6 Yds 31 Comp% 85.7 YPA 4.4 TD 0 INT 0 Rating 85.1
Summary: The former Oregon State star could get an opportunity during the 2017 season. Mannion could be called on to start if Jared Goff struggles during the season, according to a report. "One person who knows both players well said he wouldn't be surprised to see the Rams go to Mannion if Goff struggles during the regular season," The report said the Rams have been "pleased" with the work of Mannion, specifically noting his improved "quickness in his reads" and improved footwork. Sean McVay is the new head coach, and he doesn't have the same investment in Goff, which could result in less patience with Goff. http://www.oregonlive.com/nfl/index.ssf/2017/05/sean_mannion_could_take_over_i.html
QB #00 Dan ORLOVSKY 6'5 220 (12 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 33
2015 Att 40 Comp 22 Yds 201 Comp% 55.0 TD 1 INT 1
2012 Att 7 Comp 4 Yds 51 Comp% 57.1 TD 0 INT 0
2011 ATT 193 Comp 122 Comp% 63.2 TD 6 INT 4
2017 Rams
SPECIAL TEAMS P/K/LS
PP #06 JOHNN HEKKER 6'5 240 (5 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 27
2016 Punts 98) Yds 4,680 Avg 47.8 Net 46.0
2015 Punts 96) Yds 4,601 Avg 47.9 Net 43.7
2014 Punts 80) Yds 3,721 Avg 46.5 Net 42.3
Summary: In 2016, Hekker landed an NFL-record 51 of his punts inside the 20. No other punter even had 40 such kicks. He launched 98 punts this season, and only one crossed the goal line for a touchback. None of the 27 other punters with at least 50 punts had fewer than two touchbacks. His net average was 46.0 yards. No other punter averaged 45.0 net yards per punt, and only one had an average above 42.7. Opponents gained an average of 1.55 yards on returns on all of Hekker’s punts. No other punter had an opponent return average below 1.82. Fassel says one technical thing that makes Hekker special is “his ability as an athlete to get better faster, and to pick up new techniques and implement them into a game.
He is as athletic a punter as I’ve seen – I probably shouldn’t say in the history of the NFL – but as far as punters who are athletes, he’s in the 99th percentile.” Fassel says Hekker has also developed “three or four other special types of punts that have made him unique,” even if they can’t be deciphered by the naked eye. Hekker explains: “It’s really just about timing [and] how the ball comes out of your hands and how it moves in the air. If it’s not moving at all – a still drop – then you’ve really got a good chance. You really can tell when you connect on a good one. It feels good coming off the foot. You don’t want to peek too early – I’m a guy who keeps my head down through the follow-through – but there are some balls where I just can’t wait to take a look and see how it’s flying.”
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2...ker-rams-pro-bowl-punter-nfl?CMP=share_btn_tw
KK #04 GREG ZUERLEIN 6'0 190 (5 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 29
2016 19 of 22 FG Pct 86.4 Long 54 XP 23/23
2015 20 of 30 FG Pct 66.7 Long 61 XP 26/28
2014 24 of 30 FG Pct 80.0 Long 56 XP 34/35
Summary: The Los Angeles Rams maintained some continuity on special teams Tuesday when they re-signed kicker Greg Zuerlein. Per Myles Simmons of the Rams' official website, Zuerlein agreed to a three-year deal with the team. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Zuerlein's new contract will average $2.25 million per season. "Greg the Leg" entered the league as a sixth-round draft pick in 2012 and has spent his entire career with the franchise. He made 19-of-22 field goals (86.4 percent) in 2016 and was 17-of-18 from within 50 yards as one of the more consistent kickers in the league. He also converted every one of his extra points, which isn't as automatic as it used to be in the NFL since the yardage was moved back.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...igns-with-los-angeles-rams-on-3-year-contract
LS #44 JAKE MCQUAIDE 6'2 237(6 Seasons in the NFL) AGE 29
Summary: Jan 18, 2017: Rams long snapper Jake McQuaide established a first for the franchise Wednesday when he was named to the Pro Bowl. McQuaide, a sixth-year pro who played at Ohio State, is the first Rams long snapper to be selected for the annual all-star game, which will be played Jan. 29 in Orlando, Fla. McQuaide was selected as a “need “player by Dallas Cowboys Coach Jason Garrett, the Rams said in a release. McQuaide also snapped for kicker Greg Zuerlein, who made 19 of 22 field-goal attempts and all 23 conversion kicks.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-mcquaide-probowl-20170118-story.html
"QUARTERBACKS" & "SPECIAL TEAMS" Ranking & Summary
1) QB #16 J.GOFF 6'4 223 (AGE 22) Needs to display moments of a #1 pick to stop the bust chatter
2) QB #14 S.MANNION 6'6 231 (AGE 25) 3rd year backup is quietly waiting to get his opportunity
3) QB #00 D.ORLOVSKY 6'5 220 (AGE 33) Merely a camp arm to keep the # one & two qb's fresh
1) PP #06 J.HEKKER 6'5 240 (AGE 27) Johhny is arguably always the best punter in the league
2) KK #04 G.ZUERLEIN 6'0 190 (AGE 29) Rebounded last season & was rewarded with a new contract
3) LS #44 J.MCQUAIDE 6'2 237 (AGE 29) Mr. consistent earns his money & roster spot every year
This completes the 2017 series and finally in just days, we all get to see the players put on the pads
and start competing for jobs.
Hope all of you Rams faithful enjoyed this "all in one stop" offensive personnel roster presentation.
