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

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. 

Final Rams Mock Draft

With only two days before the annual NFL draft, I just want to share my final Rams mock draft based on my personal research and reading some scouting reports online. The mock draft will be based on the current number of picks.

Round 1 pick #16
Kenny Vaccaro
Safety - Texas
The Rams are fairly thin at both safety positions and they need playmakers on that position. Kenny Vaccaro is a hybrid safety that can play either strong or free safety to which Jeff Fisher likes.

Round 1 pick #22
DeAndre Hopkins
Wide Receiver - Clemson
Rams needs an upgrade on their outside receiver position with the loss of Brandon Gibson.  "Nuke" Hopkins is by far the most NFL ready wide receiver with the possibility of becoming one the top receiver since Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce.

Round 2 pick #16
Kyle Long
Guard/Tackle - Oregon
I picked Long because he's versatile, athletic and has the pedigree. Long can practically fill the LG spot or the RT spot if encase Saffold doesn't pan out.

Round 3 pick#16
Khaseem Greene
Outside Linebacker - Rutgers
Rams urgently need to upgrade their SLB and Greene would be their best cover linebacker.

Round 4 pick #16
Le'Veon Bell
Running Back -Michigan State
Le'Veon Bell has been my choice as the big running back that Jeff Fisher likes.

Round 5 pick#16
Brian Schwenke
Guard/Center
Rams need add depth at interior of the offensive line specially at the center position because of Scott Wells' health concerns.

Round 6 pick #16
Terry Hawthorne
Cornerback - Illinois
I like Hawthorne because he a physical corner which I compared to Courtland Finnegan.  He'll be the Dime Corner back which can cover the slot receivers or big Tight Ends.

Round 7 pick#16
Ace Sanders
Wide Receiver/Return specialist
South Carolina
Sanders will be upgrade over Janoris Jenkins or Chris Givens as the teams return specialist while adding depth at wide receiver.

Mock Draft Game 2013

I played as a virtual GM for the Rams on this virtual NFL draft game

http://first-pick.com/NFL/DraftGame.aspx and here are my picks and the grade
given per pick:


My Picks:
Round 1 Pick 16: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia (A)
Round 1 Pick 22: Alec Ogletree, OLB, Georgia (A)
Round 2 Pick 17 (NYG): Jonathan Cyprien, SS, Florida International (A)
Round 3 Pick 19 (NYG): Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State (B-)
Round 3 Pick 20 (MIA): Le'Veon Bell, RB, Michigan State (B)
Round 4 Pick 14 (MIA): D.J. Swearinger, FS, South Carolina (B+)
Round 4 Pick 22 (WASH): Justin Pugh, OG, Syracuse (A)
Round 5 Pick 21 (WASH): Khaled Holmes, C, Southern California (A)
Round 5 Pick 29 (WASH): Adrian Bushell, CB, Louisville (A)
Round 6 Pick 16: David Bass, DE, Missouri Western State (A-)
Round 7 Pick 16: Michael Williams, TE, Alabama (A)

Had I traded down on the 1st round I could at least get another WR somewhere. By the end of the draft I should assume the Rams sign T.J. Moe who goes undrafted at the end of this virtual draft.

Missing out on Kenny Vaccarro resulted on me picking both Cyprien and Swearinger.

My 2013 Rams Mock Draft

This is another offseason on which I considered a "work in progress" as the Rams where able upgrade key areas of the offense by signing Pro Bowl LT Jake Long and TE Jared Cook. With these signings the upcoming draft will at least focus on area left void by the loss of Danny Amendola and All-Pro Steven Jackson.

Round 1A: FS Kenny Vaccaro (Texas)
The Rams needed some serious upgrade at FS as Craig Dahl has been targeted many times by opposing QB. Vaccaro can cover slot receivers and TE's and he is also good in run support.

Round 1B:  WR DeAndre Hopkins (Clemson)
The Rams needs to replace the loss of Brandon Gibson and Hopkins is one of those late 1st round WR's available.

Round 2: OT/OG Kyle Long (Oregon)
The Rams needed some depth at OT spot as well as possible starter at LG. Kyle Long is physical freak and is good in both run and pass blocking.

Round 3: Zaviar Gooden SLB (Missouri)
The Rocky MacIntosh experiment is a failure and Mario Haggans is 32. Gooden is considered the best LB in terms of pass coverage.

Round 4: Le'Von Bell RB (Michigan State)
With the loss of Steve Jackson, the Rams needed a big back to compliment Daryl Richardson

Round 5: Barrett Jones OG/C (Alabama)
Jones is one most versatile lineman in this draft and can play all five positions but his strength is at either at guard or a center. Jones can be the solution to the loss of Rob Turner.

Round 6: David Bass DE (Missouri Western)
Bass is one of those potential gems coming from the small school is Missouri Western which Greg Zuerlein attended too.

Round 7: T.J. Moe WR (Missouri)
Another Missouri product which I view as a member much tougher version of Danny Amendola.

Rams 2011 Draft Overview

The NFL draft is forth coming (regardless of there's a new CBA or a lockout) and this year the Rams have the 14th pick to which the team management has a wide range of choices unlike last year that team picks number 1 overall ( to which the Rams did good by pick franchise QB Sam Bradford). This year the key areas that the Rams need are as follows: WR, DT, DE, OLB, RB depth, OG, Secondary depth.

Wide Receiver: It's evident the Rams need some talent on this area as they need someone that can REALLY stretch the field. Unless the Rams signs a very good veteran wideout, Bill Devaney will draft the next Torry Holt and/or Isaac Bruce. Most draft expert expect the Rams would pick Alabama's Julio Jones IF he's available if not then they might settle for either Miami's Leonard Hankerson or Torrey Smith on the second round.

Defensive Tackle: The Rams needs to upgrade this area as Fred Robbins is not gonna be there for long, and Gary Gibson maybe solid but he's a free agent. This year's draft has a lot of prospects for the position of defensive tackle which includes Corey Liuget and Stephen Paea.

Defensive End: This area is also in need of an upgrade as James Hall is 34 and he too won't be playing long enough. Spagnuolo likes his DE who can play inside and outside and the draft has at least three prospects that can do so: Iowa's Adrian Clayborn, Wisconsin's J.J. Watt and California's Cameron Jordan.

Outside Linebacker: This has been a pressing need as the Rams has been doing a musical chair on the weakside position. Veteran Na'il Diggs was solid but injuries (and age) has caught up. David Vobora and Chris Chamber where able to hold fort but they are not enough. This year's draft only one prospect that I think the Rams should pull some strings to ensure he is pick in the 2nd round is Washington's Mason Foster Foster can play all three linebacker position, has leadership skills and has good coverage and blitz skills.

Runningback: Steven Jackson has been the main man for the Rams yet he has not been given some quality back up. With Josh McDaniels handling the offense, expect some passing plays for the Running backs too and the draft has several prospects for that which includes Oklahoma's DeMarco Murray and Oregon State's Jacquizz Rodgers.

Offensive Guard: Interior lineman depth  is also a key area as the John Greco and Adam Goldberg are now unrestricted free agents. If the Rams are planning for a trade down then they could target Florida's Mike Pouncey. If not they can pick Wisconsin's John Moffit, or Baylor's Danny Watkins.

Secondary: This became a need when O.J. Atogwe decided to sign with the Redskins and also GM Bill Devaney has been "eyeing" some good defensive back prospect like Colorado CB Jimmy Smith, UCLA Safety Rahim Moore and Texas DB Aaron Williams can also be included on this list.

Rams has vast options at pick #14

Unlike the last year, the Rams will be picking virtually in the middle of the draft. At picked no. 14, the Rams has vast options on which prospect to pick. The Rams will decide on who would to they pick once the finished scouring the free agency market for more proven/serviceable veterans before drafting the unpolished but potentially talented players.

Assuming there is no free agency coming in, here are the list of prospect that the Rams could possible picked at no.14: Wide Receiver  Julio Jones, Defensive Ends Ryan Kerrigan, Aldon Smith, Adrian Clayborn and Defensive Tackles Corey Liuget and Stephen Paea.

Rams Off-Seasons Starts Anew

The Rams almost got in to the playoffs this year but felt short because of the lack of deep passing game in the offense. It was evident that the Rams needed to upgrade the offense and there were calls for a change on the offensive coordinator position as Pat Shurmur offense is deemed "no longer fit". 

Fortunately, days after the end of the regular season, the Cleveland Browns hired Shurmur to be their new head coach. This saved the Rams management the trouble of "relieving" Shurmur (although there was no real plans to replace Shurmur but a dire need to "turn up volume" of the offense was in order). The Rams then  found his replacement in former Broncos head coach and offensive guru Josh McDaniels. 

McDaniels hiring had some mix reactions to some of the fans and football experts as McDaniels has been known to be a "pass-happy" coach and is not a "West Coast Offense" guy which is good for Sam Bradford in some ways because this would benefit his skills but this also mean he will learn a brand new scheme. However during his press conference and after talking to both Sam Bradford and Steven Jackson, he has emphasized that both Bradford and Jackson will be the focus of his new "balanced but aggressive offensive scheme" which is remain to be seen until training camp and pre-season.

The next thing on the agenda for the Rams will be the free agency which will start around March 2011. the team needs to address the following positions: Wide Receiver,  a backup running back,  Offensive Lineman (the right guard in particular), the weakside linebacker, depth on the defensive line and in the secondary.

OT Alex Barron traded to the Cowboys for LB Bobby Carpenter

Personally, I consider this trade a good one since both teams are in need to fill those positions in need: Cowboys need some help at offensive tackle after the release of Flozell Adams and the Rams needs upgrade their linebacker corp. To some football experts Bobby Carpenter is a bust but I my opinion, he's in a wrong system. the Cowboys ran a base 3-4 system on which the OLB's mostly rush the passer and the ILB's are to stop the run and do some coverage. the Cowboys are basically set with Bradie James and Keith Brooking manning the ILB's position which relegated Carpenter as a coverage linebacker on nickel and dime situations. Carpenter's coverage skills is an asset for the Rams since he's been covering All Pro Jason Witten during practice and with that he significantly improve on that area. He will battle David Vobora , Na'il Diggs and Larry Grant for one of the outside linebacker positions.

Rams 2010 pick-by-pick Draft analysis

Needs Analysis: It's not every year that a team in need of a franchise QB gets a shot at one, but the Rams could get their chance with Sam Bradford. With how well he performed at Monday's workout, and if the doctors clear him, he will be the No. 1 overall pick. After that decision, it might be a good idea to move down in the other rounds and get multiple picks to fill up the roster. At least one wide receiver is a must, and a third-down running back would help if they don't add one in free agency. The defense needs help at left defensive end.

Rams' draft picks
Rd	Sel. #	Player	Pos.	School
1	1	Sam Bradford	QB	Oklahoma
2	33	Rodger Saffold	OT	Indiana
3	65	Jerome Murphy	CB	South Florida
4	99	Mardy Gilyard	WR	Cincinnati
5	132	Michael Hoomanawanui	TE	Illinois
5	149	Hall Davis	DE	La.-Lafayette
6	170	Fendi Onobun	TE	Arizona
6	189	Eugene Sims	DE	West Texas A&M
7	211	Marquis Johnson	DB	Alabama
7	226	George Selvie	DE	South Florida
7	254	Josh Hull	LB	Penn State

Rams pick by pick analysis

Day 2 Summary: Rams solidify O-Line picked OT from Indiana

Day 2 of the NFL draft started with a not so spectacular yet a very solid pick as the Rams picked Offensive Tackle Rodger Saffold from Indiana. This pick shows that they will protect Sam Bradford and Steven Jackson. It also signals Alex Barron's upcoming departure as Scaffold might start opposite Jason Smith.

Round 3 was a bit of a surprise for me a the Rams drafted cornerback Jerome Murphy of South Florida. This pick is obviously influenced by coach Spagnuolo as he likes big and physical defensive backs (Jerome Butler and Ron Bartell are above 6 feet in height).

Rodger Saffold At a Glance

Jerome Murphy At a Glance

No Surprise: Rams picked QB Sam Bradford

"With the number 1 overall pick, The Rams pick --- Sam Bradford, Quarterback from Oklahoma". There's no surprise for this pick. The Rams now have a franchise quarterback they can build over for years to come.

There's a caution though, the Rams should address the offensive line and the wide receiver spots on the remaining rounds. If not, Rams should sit him for a season.

Draft Scenario Number 3: Trading down and get more picks

I'm leaning more with this scenario since the Rams has a lot of areas that needed to be addressed. I can predict at least three possible trade down scenarios:

Rams trades #1 overall pick to Tampa Bay for the #3 pick and the #42 pick (Round 2): The Bucs are in dire need of an upgrade on their defensive front they get to draft either Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy while the Rams can draft Sam Bradford on pick #3 (the Lions will either pick McCoy or OT Russell Okung). As of late the Rams have some success drafting potentially good player on the second round (Ron Bartell, James Lauranaitis, Donnie Avery) possible pick #33 WR Arrelious Benn (Illinois) and #42 Outside Linebacker or OL

Rams trades #1 overall pick to Cleveland or Washington and an additional 2nd round pick: This scenario would be considered unconventional but still possible if the Rams considered addressing the offensive line first and address the quarterback spot in the 2nd round. A possible pick here would be Oklahoma OT Trent Williams who is considered best to play Right Tackle which is one position the Rams need to address. For the additional 2nd Round  would be Jon Asamoah of Illionois or Sergio Render or Virginia Tech on which both can address the Right Guard spot.

Rams To Work Out Colt McCoy Before Draft

The Rams plan to take a closer look at their options for drafting a quarterback, including Texas’ Colt McCoy.

St. Louis will hold a private workout — date unknown — for McCoy in Austin before the NFL draft begins April 22, according to an ESPN.com source.

McCoy is working out today during the Texas Longhorns’ pro day, and NFL.com reports more yhan 75 coaches and scouts representing 30 teams (Rams and Lions are not represented) are in Austin.

The Rams could still be considering taking one of the stellar defensive tackles, Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy, with their first overall pick and then look to pick up the Texas QB in the second round (No. 33 overall).

Rams Draft scenarios

It's only weeks until the 2010 NFL Draft and there's no clear idea on which draft prospect will the Rams take for the top overall pick. Would it be Oklahoma's Sam Bradford or would it be either defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh (Nebrask) or Gerald McCoy (Oklahoma) or would there be a trade-down to get additional picks .

I will be posting a series of blog post on each scenarios and explain my take on that particular scenario and what would be the possible benefits that the team would gain.

Rams Re-signs DE James Hall and 2 ex-Giants

The Rams brought back an important piece of their defense Monday afternoon, re-signing valuable defensive lineman James Hall.

Bringing Hall back provides the Rams with a veteran presence that might otherwise have been missing.

Hall established himself as the team’s most versatile defensive lineman, starting 14 games at defensive end. But as part Spagnuolo’s scheme, defensive linemen are expected to be able to play multiple positions along the line.

Nobody did more moving around than Hall, who would regularly shift to the inside in passing situations.

Rams sign 2 ex-Giants

Continuing to add to their offseason roster, the St. Louis Rams on Monday signed cornerback Kevin Dockery and tight end Darcy Johnson to one-year deals. Both players are former New York Giants who were not tendered as restricted free agents this offseason.

Dockery, 5-10, 188, had 10 career starts in four seasons with the Giants and has three career regular-season interceptions. He should compete for the nickel back job in St. Louis and be a core player on special teams.

Johnson, 27, spent most of his rookie season (2006) on the Giants’ practice squad, and then missed the entire ‘07 season after suffering a knee injury in training camp.

Off Season Transactions Update

As of this writing the St. Louis Rams has signed and re-sign key players that would provide needed depth on key positions

Former Eagle and Browns Center/Guard Hank Fraley signed a three-year deal with the Rams. He is possibly penciled as a starter at the Right Guard spot. Rams also re-signed G Mark Setterstrom to provide competition  and depth on the interior.

The Rams also has re-signed veteran long snapper Chris Massey for 4 years reportedly for $4.4 million. Making him the richest long snapper in the NFL to date.

And finally linebacker David Vobora, has signed his one-year tender offer with the team. Vobora adds depth to the position that is in need of an upgrade

Rams starts free agency: Familiar Faces joins the Rams

Rams started free agency by signing veterans: quarterback A.J. Feeley (ex-Eagles) and defensive tackles Fred Robbins (ex-Giants). Although not spectacular but solid and reliable veterans that knows the systems. Feeley knows Pat Shurmur's system very while he was with the Eagles. Robbins has played for Spagnuolo with the Giants and he will provide mentorship to the young defensive linemen.

Sign good free agents

Everybody is raving about the Rams should draft Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh on the first overall pick on the upcoming NFL Draft in April. Others says the Rams should draft a future francise quarterbacks either Sam Bradford (Oklahoma) or Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame). Other draftnicks also say the Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy is a safer pick than Suh.

Personally, I would be watching more on who are the Rams are sign during the free agency. I just recently read that Jacksonville just recently released former Rams WR Torry Holt which in my opinion should the Rams sign back to provide a solid foundation on a young and inexperienced receiver corp. Sure Holt has slowed done because of age but Holt has a good rapport with current QB Marc Bulger and at least take off the pressure on Steven Jackson. If signed, Holt can take the pressure of Donnie Avery and help other budding wideouts like Brooks Foster, Brandon Gibason and Danny Amedola (who is also the Rams best return guy since Az-Zahir Hakim).

Other areas that the Rams need to address are the backup running back, outside linebackers, offensive line should also be addressed on both free agency and the draft.