Ethan Westbrooks: A Potential Diamond in the Rough

 Defensive Lineman Ethan Westbrooks of the West Texas A & M has been the surprise undrafted rookie free agent this season. If he continues to improve against Cleveland this Saturday, he might as well end up securing a spot on the 53-man roster.

Get To Know The Rookie: Safety Christian Bryant

Photo Courtesy of the St.Louis Rams Instagram

Christian Bryant Tribute

Get To Know The Rookie: Cornerback E.J. Gaines

Photo Courtesy of the St.Louis Rams Instagram

E.J. Gaines Draft Day Experience

E.J. Gaines Highlights

Get To Know The Rookie: Safety Maurice Alexander

Photo Courtesy of the St.Louis Rams Instagram


2014 Combine workout: Maurice Alexander

 
Maurice "Mo" Alexander Utah State Safety Senior Highlights 2013

Projected Rams 2014 Starting Roster

This is only a projection on which player will be in the starting lineup come September. This lineup will likely change every now and then depending on the each players progress during Training Camp and Pre-Season Games.

Offense:

WR - Kenny Britt
TE1- Jared Cook
LT - Jake Long
LG - Greg Robinson
C - Scott Wells
RG - Rodger Saffold
RT - Joe Barksdale
TE2 - Lance Kendricks
WR2 - Chris Givens

QB - Sam Bradford
RB - Zac Stacy

Defense:
LE - Chris Long
NT- Michael Brockers
UT - Aaron Donald
RE - Robert Quinn

LLB-Alec Ogletree
MLB - James Laurinaitis
RLB - Jo-Lonn Dunbar

LCB - Janoris Jenkins
RCB - Trumaine Johnson
SS - TJ McDonald
FS - Rodney McLeod

Special Teams:
P - Johnny Hekker
PK - Greg Zuerlein
LS - Jake McQuaide
KR - Benny Cunningham
PR - Tavon Austin

Rams 2014 Draft Review

After months of waiting the 2014 NFL has concluded and the St. Louis Rams has addressed majority areas need as well as some surprise value picks. As an overview, Jeff Fisher and Les Snead focused on improving the offensive and enhancing the defensive line then gradually add picks based on key areas of need.

Round 1

Greg Robinson, Offensive Lineman, Auburn

Analysis: This was already been predicted by most draft expert early on. Greg Robinson would help the Rams provide protection to Sam Bradford as well as open better running lanes for Zac Stacy because of his impressive athleticism to go with the strength and excellent run blocking skills.

Aaron Donald, Defensive Tackle, Pittsburgh

Analysis: This was surprise for me as I was not expecting Aaron Donald to last to pick number 13 and of course Fisher and Snead quickly picked this freak of defensive tackle who lead the nation in tackles for loss to go with 11 sacks. Donald has very quick initial step opposing lineman are mostly slow to block him. He would provide the Rams the needed interior pass rush that the Rams needed.

Round 2

Lamarcus Joyner, Cornerback, Florida State

Analysis: Snead and Fisher traded up several spots to take Lamarcus Joyner because they suspected a team will take Joyner before the Rams could pick. Joyner will be the Rams' replacement to Cortland Finnegan and more as he is versatile enough to play a bit of a Free Safety ala Tyrann Mathieu.

Round 3

Tre Mason, Runningback, Auburn

Analysis: I was caught off guard and a bit disappointed when the Rams decided to pick Tre Mason over Free Safety Terrence Brooks of Florida State. Sure the did was a Heisman finalist and has rushed over 700+ yards against Mizzou in the SEC championship and of course both Fisher and Snead has Auburn ties.

Round 4:

Maurice Alexander, Safety, Utah State

Analysis: Most experts considered this pick a reach because he is virtually and unknown prospect but the Jeff Fisher and Snead are adamant that there are some team that invited him to workouts and didn't want to risk losing him. Alexander is big and physical he will likely be the backup to TJ McDonald and will be in very useful in special teams specially in the kick coverage teams.

Round 6

E.J. Gaines,  Cornerback, Missouri

Analysis: I was surprise and happy that Gaines was still available in Round 6 and the Rams gladly pick him because of his superb coverage skills. His selling point: he limited Mike Evans to only 4 catches for 8 yards which mean he can cover any receiver big or small.

Garrett Gilbert, Quarterback, SMU

Analysis: Clearly a developmental quarterback. This only shows that the Rams don't want to give Sam Bradford some quarterback controversy had they picked A.J. McCarron, Aaron Murray or David Fales in the earlier rounds.

Round 7

Mitchell Van Dyk, OT, Portland State University

Analysis: I view this as a depth/insurance in case Joe Barksdale gets injured.

C.B. Bryant, FS, Ohio State

Analysis: This is a case of picking the best available free safety available. Bryant is also versatile enough to play both FS and SS. The only caveat is that he is injury prone which cast doubt on his availability in the long run.

Michael Sam, DE, Missouri

Analysis: Among the late round picks, only Michael Sam made the news as the Rams took a chance on him. Personally his measurables are not that impressive but you can measure the person's resolve and heart to succeed despite adversities. He'll he won't be the SEC Co-Defensive player of the year for nothing.

Demetrius Rhaney, OL, Tennesee State 

Analysis: Rhaney is similar to Mitchell Van Dyk but for interior linemen. Scott Well's health is a concern and adding depth at center helps.

Why Jake Mathews and HaSean Clinton-Dix makes sense for the Rams in Round 1

It's less than a month or so before the upcoming NFL Draft 2014 and the Rams has several key areas that needed to be address in the draft mainly the offensive line and the secondary. There are several scenarios on which prospects would the Rams draft come May 8th.

As an avid fan, I have my own opinions and I would  explain to you why these prospects makes sense for the Rams to draft in the 1st round.

Jake Mathews,  OL (Texas A&M):

Regardless if the Rams stay put at pick #2 or trade down to get additional picks drafting Offensive Lineman Jake Mathews of Texas A&M makes A TON of sense and here's why: Mathews is technically polished and can play right away from day 1. Aside from his bloodlines (for those who are unaware he's the son of Hall of Fame lineman Bruce Mathews who played for Jeff Fisher during his Oilers/Titans days), Jake Mathews is versatile enough to play all five offensive lineman position as well as a long snapper on special teams. If Jake Long is available in Week 1, he can play left guard. Having Jake Mathews would also give Rodger Saffold the chance to concentrate on playing guard and will backup both offensive tackles positions. 

HaSean "Ha-Ha" Clinton-Dix, Free Safety (Alabama):

For several year, the Free Safety position has been in flux since Aeneas Williams retired. O.J. Atogwe was though to be his replacement but injuries has derailed his career and the Rams has to settle with subpar players. The Rams could have the chance last year in Kenny Vaccaro but the Rams opted to trade up and draft playmaker Tavon Austin. This year the best Free Safety in the 2014 class is HaSean "Ha Ha" Clinton-Dix. He has played in the SEC and has the ability to cover deep in pass coverage as well play the run very effectively which defensive coordinator Gregg Williams preferred of his safeties.

Going Old School is the Rams formula to success

Unaware to most NFL fans, the NFC West has gradually step back to the "old school" ways by establishing a more defensive presence while having a more balance offensive attack. The Rams in particular has found their offensive identity by adapting the the run-first approach of the old Jeff Fisher days in Houston/Tennessee. Running back Zac Stacy has emerge as Jeff Fisher newest workhorse who was almost reached 1,000 yards in with only 12 games. His emergence would greatly benefit quarterback Sam Bradford.

The Rams enter the third year of the Jeff Fisher-Les Snead administration with a lot of optimism. Entering the off-season, the Rams was lucky to get Rodger Saffold back, which they considered priority number one in their free agency list. Then they later signed their very first free agent in former Buffalo Bills defensive lineman in Alex Carrington. Carrington provide more depth at the very talented group that includes three former 1st round picks in All-Pro defensive end Robert Quinn and Chris Long and Michael Brockers.

Another area of concern that the Rams will address is the secondary. The loss of Cortland Finnegan creates a void in the nickelback but Rams will likely move safety Rodney McLeod to that role and hope they can either sign a free agent Free Safety or draft one in person of HaSean Clinton-Dix or Terrence Brooks.

Ultimately the biggest acquisition of the Rams offseason was Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams. If you may all recall the 2012 Rams was the best defensive unit that the Rams had despite not having Gregg Williams calling the plays. Now that he is officially back and with new good players in place, the emergence of Robert Quinn to elite status, the Rams has a bigger chance to reach the playoffs and hopefully represent the NFC in the SuperBowl. 

Rams Mock Draft Version 3

It's been a while since a posted a new mock draft for the St. Louis Rams and today I made some significant changes to the mockdraft.

Before the I go over the mock draft there are certain situations that I would post before going proceeding to the mock draft itself to better understand the mock draft itself.

Free agency Signings
Rodger Saffold (Right Guard)
Tim Barnes(Center)
Shelley Smith (Guard) - 1 year minimum

March Cuts
Harvey Dahl
Scott Wells

Post June 1 Cuts
Cortland Finnegan
Kendall Langford

Mock Draft

Trade:

Rams trade Round 1 Pick2 to the Pittsburgh Steelers for (Round 1 pick 15, Round 2 pick 14, Round 4 pick 18).

Round 1 pick 13: Darqueze Dennard CB | Michigan State:
This is a surprise to some but this make sense since the Rams are very thin at corner back so the Rams will draft the best available cornerback in Darqueze Dennard. Dubbed "No Fly Zone" Dennard would provide the Rams the same ballhawk skills and physicality that Cortland Finnegan provides and instantly solidify the cornerback corp.

Round 1 pick 15: HaSean Clinton-Dix, FS | Alabama:
The Rams have been looking for a solid Free Safety since O.J. Atogwe so the Rams would draft the best "hybrid" safety in Clinton-Dix. "Ha Ha" is so good on both deep pass coverage as well as against the run and has played in a very tough college conference.

Round 2, Pick 12: Xavier Su'a-Filo OG/OT | UCLA:
The Rams needs to solidify the left guard position since Chris Williams AND Shelley Smith are average at best. Su'a-Filo also has Left Tackle experience so he provides versatility too. He's a bit raw for now but we all know how Paul Boudreau coaches his O-linemen.

Round 2, Pick 14: Ra'shede Hageman DT | Minnesota:
With the Rams releasing Kendall Langford, the Rams needed an upgrade and Rashede Hageman is the upgrade. Hageman is a freak of an athlete 6'6" 308lbs and is being compared to former Pat/Raiders Richard Seymour. There are some questions about his off-the-field attitude but that does not deter the Rams to get their own version of Albert Haynesworth (the good side hopefully).

Round 3, Pick 11: Jarvis Landry, WR | LSU:
With the Austin Pettis becoming a free agent next season, the Rams would add a receiver who has played in the same offensive system as the Rams who has good route running skills and good hands and good game speed. What stands out for Landry is his physicality specially when blocking. Having a good blocker down field would benefit Zac Stacy and the other runningbacks on running plays.

Round 4,  Pick 10: Christian Jones ILB/OLB | Florida State:
The Rams need to replace Jo-Lonn Dunbar and Christian Jones would not only provide the Rams the toughness and speed, but he will also give the Rams some versatility as he can be either play middle linebacker, rush 'backer/ blitzer and a defensive end on nickel/dime packages. He is also great analyzing plays against red-option offenses like the Panthers, Seahawks and the 49ers.

Round 4, Pick 14: Zach Mettenberger  QB | LSU:
The Rams needed an upgrade at backup QB who can potentially challenge Sam Bradford. Mettenberger has a benefit of playing in pro-style offense under Cam Cameron so his transition would not be as difficult.

Round 5, Pick 13: Wesley Johnson, OT | Vanderbilt:
Wesley Johnson is one of the top Offensive Lineman in the SEC. He help Zac Stacy rack up 2000 yards in his last two years in Vanderbilt and what good about Johnson is his versatility to play all FIVE o-lineman position. He's practically another Barrett Jones but much better body frame and more disciplined.

Round 6, Pick 12:  Chris Coyle, Fullback / H-back / Tight End | Arizona State
Mike McNeil is a free agent and the Rams replace his production in both special teams and on Ogre Formations (Two Tight-end, 1 Full back formations).

Round 7, Pick 11: Dontae Johnson, FS/CB | North Carolina State
The Rams needed more depth in the secondary and with Darian Stewart now a free agent Johnson can play play both Free Safety and cornerback.

Zach Mettenberger Highlights

Zach Mettenberger, Quarterback LSU Hightlights

E.J Gaines Highlights

E.J. Gaines Cornerback, Missouri Highlights

Ha'sean "Ha Ha" Clinton-Dix

Old highlights of Ha'sean "Ha Ha " Clinton-Dix, Free Safety from Alabama.

Sammy Watking 2013 Highlights

I would like to share this compiled highlights of Clemson Wide Receiver Sammy Watkins.

2014 Rams Mock Draft version 2

The his my first version of my mock draft that will be updated every week.

The Pre Draft Scenario:
-Rams didn't sign any Free Agents
-Didn't re-sign any own free agents

Pre-draft trade:
#2 pick to the Cleveland Browns for #8 and #24 (Colts pick)

Round 1:

Pick #8: Sammy Watkins WR, Clemson;
-Sammy Watkins is the beast Wide Receiver of this class in the level of A.J. Green. He is explosive and has great hands. He will start opposite Chris Givens.

Pick #13: Ha'Sean "Ha Ha" Clinton-Dix FS, Alabama

-Last year Rams were in a position to draft Kenny Vaccaro but traded up to pick Tavon Austin, this year the Rams again will draft the best safety in Alabama's Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. He is durable and played very well at high level.

Pick #24: Ra'Shede Hageman, DT/DE, Minnesota

-You might ask why a defensive tackle when the Rams already have Michael Brokers. This scenario is assumed that Kendall Langford is allowed to test the free agency market so we have a glaring hole in the middle of the defensive line. Hagemon is a freak as he is explosive and athletic for his 6'6" 311lbs frame and he very versatile that he can play either defensive tackle or defensive end. He reminds me of Richard Seymour AND J.J. Watt who can rush the passer from the interior of the line which the Rams needed to succeed in the NFC West.

Round 2:

Pick #13: Cyril Richardson OG, Baylor
-Rams needs to protect Sam Bradford and Chris Williams is not the answer at LG. Richardson is one of the best available Guard in the draft next to David Yankey. What's great about Richardson is that he can slide out at LT and still play at a high level. Versatility is a one trait that Jeff Fisher likes with his offensive lineman.

Round 3: Pick #13: E.J. Gaines CB, Missouri

-Gaines is the best cornerback in the SEC conference as he has covered the opposing team's top receivers despite his 5' 11" stature. He effective shutdown Texas A & M's Mike Evans without problem.

Round 4: Pick #13: Zach Mettenberger QB, LSU

-Rams are in need of an upgrade at backup QB and Zach Mettenberger is the best available prospect. Mettenberger has the typical body frame of a QB and has played in a pro style offense under Cam Cameron. With his recent ACL injury, I would assume Mettenberger will drop into day 3. 

Round 5: Pick #13: Wesley Johnson OT, Vanderbilt

-Rams needed to add depth at offensive line and Johnson is the best at this juncture for several reasons:

• Has been a starter for 4 years at Vanderbilt
• Has played all five offensive line positions which shows versatility.
• Has not called been called "false start" since his freshman year that shows good football presence and discipline.
• Playing in the SEC shows that he faced the best competition.

Round 6: Pick#13: Denicos Allen LB, Michigan State

-Allen is part of the best defense in Big 10 conference and his only flaw is his height of 5'11". Despite this height Allen has lead his team tackles. He will add depth at linebacker with the loss of Jo Lonn Dunbar and Will Witherspoon to free agency.

Round 7: Pick#13: Keith McGill DB Utah

-Rams continue to add secondary depth by picking Keith McGill. McGill is a big at 6'3" 203 lbs and has played FS, SS and Cornerback.

Rams mock draft 2014: 1st scenario

This is a scenario were there are no trade deals involve and the picks will be as it is.

1ST Round Pick 2:  Sammy Watkins WR Clemson
-If the Rams are not able find a trade partner for pick #2 they will likely do the best player available approach. The selections would either DE Jadaveon Clowney, OT Jake Mathews but fter his performance at the Orange Bowl, WR Sammy Watkins has vaulted himself to the top 5 and be the next elite WR since A.J. Green. Sammy Watkins will instantly provide a surefire weapon for Sam Bradford.

1ST Round Pick 13: Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix Alabama Free Safety,  Alabama
-The Rams are in need of secondary help specially at the Free safety position. Haha Clinton-Dix is the best free safety in the class as he has already played in a high level and has 2 national championship in his resume playing for Alabama in a tough SEC conference.

2ND Round Pick 13: Zack Martin Offensive Tackle/Guard, Notre Dame
-Zack Martin is a good Offensive Tackle in college but he is projected as a Left Guard in the next level. Jeff Fisher like versatility in his offensive lineman and adding Zack Martin might ease the time while Jake Long is injured. Once Long comes back he can slide back in.

3RD Round Pick 13: Shane Skov  Linebacker Stanford
-Rams needed to replace Jo-Lonn Dunbar's production as a blitzer and run specialist at ROLB and Mr. Skov would be my candidate for that role. He can also play MLB so he can be JL55's backup.

4TH Round Pick 13: E.J. Gaines   Cornerback Missouri
-Despite his 5'11 height, Gaines plays like he's taller cornerback and has shutdown Big SEC receivers like Mike Evans. Gaines would be a welcome addition to a struggling Rams secondary

5TH Round Pick 13: Justin Britt Offensive Tackle Missouri
-Rams needed to add depth at Offensive Tackle and Justin Britt is the best available swing tackle at this juncture. Britt is a 1st Team All-SEC at his position.

6TH Round Pick 13: JC Copeland Fullback LSU
-With the Rams rededicating to the running game, there will be a need for a lead blockers. For now H-Back Corey Harkey has been their best lead blocker. Adding Copeland  would at least give the Rams another receiving option from the backfield or for short yardage I situations. 

7TH Round Pick 13: Denicos Allen  OLB Michigan State
-Michigan State is the top defensive team in the nation and one of the stars of that squad is Denicos Allen, he is athletic and is good at the point of attack.  The only knack is his small frame.

Rams Offseason 2014 Projection: Re-signing Players

The St. Louis Rams finished the season with a 7-9 record and by this time the Rams off-season has started. As of the moment, the Rams are only allowed to re-sign their own players and also cut players. Here are the notable free agents:

• Rodger Saffold T/G  UFA 
• Chris Williams  G  UFA 
• Darian Stewart S  UFA 
• Jo-Lonn Dunbar LB  UFA 
• Kellen Clemens QB  UFA 
• Shelley Smith G  RFA 
• Matt Giordano S  UFA 
• Mike McNeill TE  RFA 
• Will Witherspoon LB UFA 
• Tim Barnes  C ERFA
• Austin Davis QB  RFA 
• Quinton Pointer S  RFA 
• Sammy Brown DE RFA

Among the unrestricted free agents on this list, I personally want Rodger Saffold to return as to play Right Guard full time. Aside from playing guard at very high level, he can also play offensive tackle so it gives the Rams the best versatile O-lineman in the roster for years to come.

Another player that the Rams should consider signing back for at least two years is Shelley Smith. Rams needed good veteran depth at the interior of the offensive line, Shelley Smith has done a good job so far.