dtstratovarius (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} dtstratovarius) wrote,@ 2008-04-28 06:29:00 |
|
Matt's Post-Draft Roster Analysis of the St. Louis Rams.
Hey all,
With the draft said and done, here’s my Rams’ post-draft roster analysis:
UPDATED: 4/30/08 to include the 13 UDFA's signed by the Rams in the last two days...
QUARTERBACKS:
Marc Bulger (starter); Trent Green; and Brock Berlin
--Well, the Rams were SUPPOSED TO draft a QB this weekend, but didn’t. Reportedly, based off of what Michigan QB-Chad Henne told ESPN, the Rams tried to trade back up to the first round in the 29-31 range to pick Henne, but didn’t. Then, the Patriots had fun ruining our plans by taking San Diego State QB Kevin O’Connell late in the third round. Then, a lot of QBs just vanished, not leaving a whole hell of a lot in the undrafted class (as the Rams seemed to fall asleep after the draft while teams like Minnesota, Chicago, and Jacksonville went crazy signing a TON of UDFA’s).
As for our current trio, barring some sleeper UDFA QB brought in to battle Berlin, the Rams have upgraded their backup situation, as long as Trent Green is over his concussions the last two years, and he’s regained his confidence. Last year with Miami, he just looked afraid of contact and really skittish. Green is a proven starter in the league, and as long as he’s over the concussions/fear of being hit again….he gives us a reliable #2. Brock Berlin is a semi-serviceable #3 who is a heady QB, but does NOT have the arm strength to be more than that. MANY Rams fans, including myself, have to hope that the Rams front office will be COMBING the waiver wire late in training camp this year to REPLACE Berlin (I don’t care if Berlin is a FOSL or not: FOSL = Friend of Scott Linehan). At this point, best bet would be praying that Tampa Bay releases Bruce Gradkowski and/or Chris Simms.
RUNNING BACKS/FULLBACKS:
RB: Steven Jackson (starter); Antonio Pittman; Travis Minor; Rich Alexis; Yveson Bernard
FB: Brian Leonard (starter); Rich Owens (can play TE/LS), Chris Massey (long-snapper); Brandon McAnderson, Russ Weil
---As for RB, I believe we’re fine, as Steven Jackson is in a contract year, and the Rams front office has an extension for him as Priority #1. Antonio Pittman, a waiver steal from the Saints (as he was their fourth rounder in 2007), showed flashes of his potential, as he moved into the #2 back slot with Rams second rounder Brian Leonard being shifted over to his college position of FB. The #3 RB for the Rams will be a camp battle between FOSL/special teamer Travis Minor and tough-as-nails Rich Alexis, who can play both RB & FB. I’d actually love to see the Rams give Alexis a regular season in-game look, as he’s been a thumper in preseason. The signing of former Oregon State running back Yveson Bernard was one that star RB Steven Jackson clamored for. Now, Bernard doesn't have the speed measurables and is short at 5'9", 205, with a 4.63/40, BUT...all the man does is get yards, as he beat Jackson's former OSU rushing record. He's the guy I think UDFA-wise who could come in and steal a job right away.
---As for FB, Brian Leonard is locked up here as the Mike Alstott clone for the next few years. He’ll periodically be Steven Jackson’s handcuff and get quite a bit of touches with both Leonard & Jackson in the backfield. Rich Owens proved to be a massive flop as the replacement for Madison Hedgecock (who proved his worth to the Super Bowl Champion NY Giants, who claimed him off of waivers). Owens is a FOSL, so there is that. Kansas FB Brandon McAnderson is one of the few UDFA’s so far signed by the Rams. McAnderson has some interesting stats as a ball carrier, but he’s a bit smallish for a blocking FB (5’11”, 238). McAnderson is a former LB, so the toughness and demeanor is there. Based of what Lindy’s has in their draft guide, he’s worth the shot. Russ Weil was added after he turned down Chicago's tryout offer, and the Rams went ahead and signed him. I don't know much on Weil, but hell, we're getting totally toasted on signing local college talent lately.
WIDE RECIEVERS:
Torry Holt (starter), Drew Bennett (starter), Donnie Avery, Reche Caldwell, Dante Hall, Dane Looker, Keenan Burton, Derek Stanley, Brandon Williams, Marques Hagans, Matt Caddell, Joshua Hyman.
---Well, the Rams start to rebuild their WR corp adding some speedy youthful legs in the draft. Holt and Bennett are set as the starters, as the Rams pray that Bennett can return to his Titans starter form, after last year’s flop. Persistent criticism surrounds second round WR Donnie Avery of Houston, who a few places had word that Avery was SHOOTING up quite a few teams’ draft boards this past week, so he wasn’t the reach that many would thing he is. Avery adds needed speed and youth to the corp, plus gives us another KR/PR weapon to go with the aging Dante Hall. Veteran Dane Looker, who doubled as Jeff Wilkins’ place-holder, is kind of in a bit of a roster squeeze now, as the coaching staff HARDLY used him in the field last season. Looker’s nasty turf burn injury didn’t help him much either last year, nor does the signing of veteran Reche Caldwell (who himself is coming off of a disappointing season). Fourth rounder Keenan Burton out of Kentucky has size and good speed, and should be the #4 or 5. The returning trio of returner/WRs Brandon Williams, Marques Hagans, and Derek Stanley really have to show something to force the Rams to drop someone like Looker. Stanley, I believe has the edge of the 3, with Williams and Hagans in-order after him. To me, with the disappointment of Hagans’ play last season, the ONLY way the Rams keep him is to pacify Chris Long, a former college teammate of Hagans. Caddell was Alabama's #3 receiver this season and has some good size, but he's at the bottom looking up, as is Virgina Tech's #4 WR Joshua Hyman.
Lately, there's been speculation on the fan forums that the Rams go younger and cheaper here, which is something I'd be interested in seeing. Many have had the Rams WR chart as follows:
Holt, Bennett, Avery, Stanley, Burton, Hagans.
TIGHT END:
Randy McMichael (starter), Joe Klopfenstein; Anthony Becht; Doug Jones
---Here’s a position that Linehan didn’t have to add any more people to, even though he collects TE’s like Bucs coach John Gruden collects QBs. McMichael had a disappointing year last season, as he had to be a sixth offensive lineman, due to the injuries all over the OL. This season, with the health of the OL and depth now, McMichael will be a valuable check-target for Marc Bulger. Plus backup/second TE Klopfenstein should have more than 2 catches this upcoming season. Anthony Becht becomes the blocking specialist replacing Aaron Walker (who did do a great job the last two seasons), and Becht has very underrated pass-catching ability. Meanwhile, *CHEERS!* Dominique Byrd finally got axed, and was replaced with an intriguing blocking prospect in U. of Cincinnati TE/FB Doug Jones, who's a massive 6'4", 275.
OFFENSIVE LINE:
LT: Orlando Pace (starter); Adam Goldberg (OG/T); Mark LaVoir
LG: Jacob Bell (starter); Mark Setterstrom (OG/C)
C: Brett Rohmberg (starter; OG/C); Nick Leckey (C/OG); Dustin Fry (C/OG); Donovan Raiola.
RG: Richie Incognito (starter; OL-can play all 5 spots); Ron Schuening; Stephen Sene
RT: Alex Barron (starter); John Greco (OL); Brandon Gorin; Rob Pettiti (OG/OT)
---GASP! HEALTHY OL! DEPTH! Drafting Greco and Schuening were definite value, as the Rams couldn’t grab one of the top OTs early (as they all were off the board late in the first round, and they decided against going with a guy like Kansas’ Anthony Collins or Nebraska’s Carl Nicks later on). However, the battles are going to be for the center starting and backup spots, the backup guard spots (maybe even the RG starter spot). It’ll be interesting to see how these battles shake out, because I think the Rams are going to keep at least 4-5 backups and a few of those guys better be versatile.
SPECIALISTS:
P: Donnie Jones, Sean Douglas
K: Josh Brown; Justin Medlock
LS: Chris Massey
KR: Dante Hall; um….pick someone there’s plenty
PR: see KR
--Well, honestly, these spots are set. Douglas and Medlock are just camp legs (unless Medlock gets his wish and gets released, since he’s not getting a SHOT in hell at the starting over Brown). We have Pro Bowlers in Jones and Brown, and if they gave a LS a Pro Bowl spot…Massey would own the spot. As for the return spots….Dante Hall is definitely one…there’s going to be many people fighting for the other KR spot/backup PR spot.
Personal aside: I’m amazed the Rams toasted as much money as they did for Josh Brown. I realize that yes, they need to replace a “money” kicker with Mr. Clutch kicker, but hell….last preseason, undrafted Kevin Lovell (Cincinatti) just impressed the HELL out of me. I’m amazed the Rams after Wilkins even hinted at retirement didn’t immediately sign him to a futures/reserve deal. However, over $16 million later…we don’t have to worry about that.
DEFENSIVE LINE:
LE: Leonard Little (starter); Victor Adeyanju; Eric Moore; Rodney Hardeway
DT: Adam Carriker (starter); La’Roi Glover (starter); Clifton Ryan; Claude Wroten; Joshua Thompson, Vernon Bryant
RE: Chris Long (de facto starter); James Hall; C.J. Ah-You
---Um…okay, the Rams need some DT camp bodies/prospects for training camp. With Chris Long drafting, James Hall becomes the top DE backup to both spots, which is a nice insurance policy to have. Hall had a disappointing season last year, but was dealing with a hamstring injury most of the year. Adeyanju is a versatile DL who has played inside as a valuable run-stopper. Moore and Ah-You have pass-rush skills, but are on the outside…looking in. I do see Ah-You sliding back to our practice squad. As for DT, I think the 4 spots are locked with Carriker/Ryan/Glover/Wroten, unless the Rams follow their release of Byrd with Wroten. Joshua Thompson is an intriguing DT out of Auburn who's a run-stuffer. Vernon Bryant has some interesting size at 6'2", 292 out of Hampton, but is on the outside looking in.
LINEBACKERS:
WLB: Pisa Tinasamoa (starter); David Vorbora
MLB: Will Witherspoon (starter); Tim McGarigle; Dedrick Harrington; Vince Hall; Marc Magro.
SLB: Chris Draft –OR- Quinton Culberson (starter); Christopher Chamberlain (MLB/FS/SS)
--Rams will need at least 2 more LB camp bodies/prospects here, as first off, you have no idea where the Rams will place Chamberlain positionally (some have said MLB, some say OLB, some say move him back to safety, due to his smarts and athleticism). The definite battle is going to be for the starting SLB spot between veteran starter Chris Draft and young special teams demon Quinton Culberson (who proved he can handle the position starting the last game of the season with 10+ tackles). Also, there’s going to be a GOOD battle for the other two backup spots. I think McGarigle, Harrington, and maybe Chamberlain have a SOLID battle for the backup MLB spot, but I think Vorbora will STEAL the backup WLB spot. Another thing to consider is where the hell the staff PUTS Chamberlain, as he's played QB, FB, OLB, MLB, AND safety. Vince Hall out of Virginia Tech was a 4-year starter and finds the ball as a run-stuffer, but is way too slow to be remotely considered in the backup MLB mix. Marc Magro out of West Virginia is an interesting prospect as he had a draft grade of in the 5th to 7th round. We'll see if he battles.
CORNERBACKS:
CB: Tye Hill (starter); Fakhir Brown (starter); Ron Bartell Jr. (CB/FS); Jonathan Wade; Justin King; David Macklin; Eric Bassey; Darius Vinnett; Justin McKinney.
FS: O.J. Atogwe; Todd Johnson (SS).
SS: Corey Chavous; Jerome Carter.
--Okay, the Rams just made their corner depth very interesting by drafting Justin King in the fourth round. Now, to me, there’s two things the Rams can do positionally: 1) keep Bartell at CB as the nickel back, with Wade as the dime, and King as your 5th (though you’d sacrifice your best special team tackler in Bassey); --O- 2) you move Bartell back to FS (with Todd Johnson going to SS), and you keep Bassey or veteran Macklin, in place of Bartell’s CB spot. Unfortunately, I believe the super-speed demon Vinnett is destined for another season on the practice squad, as Bassey could be as well. The Rams signed Justin McKinney from Kansas State, as he's an interesting player with good size and speed, but might be practice squad material.
In the FS/SS area….the starters are locked, but Rams fans have to be saddened that they didn’t draft someone to groom as Chavous’ replacement. Jerome Carter isn’t really the answer, and his injury write-off season last year isn’t going to hold him in high regard here. Carter is in make-or-break mode now. Another line of thought that Linehan has mused over is possibly moving Eric Bassey over to safety, which might be interesting as he has GREAT size and speed.
Hey all,
With the draft said and done, here’s my Rams’ post-draft roster analysis:
UPDATED: 4/30/08 to include the 13 UDFA's signed by the Rams in the last two days...
QUARTERBACKS:
Marc Bulger (starter); Trent Green; and Brock Berlin
--Well, the Rams were SUPPOSED TO draft a QB this weekend, but didn’t. Reportedly, based off of what Michigan QB-Chad Henne told ESPN, the Rams tried to trade back up to the first round in the 29-31 range to pick Henne, but didn’t. Then, the Patriots had fun ruining our plans by taking San Diego State QB Kevin O’Connell late in the third round. Then, a lot of QBs just vanished, not leaving a whole hell of a lot in the undrafted class (as the Rams seemed to fall asleep after the draft while teams like Minnesota, Chicago, and Jacksonville went crazy signing a TON of UDFA’s).
As for our current trio, barring some sleeper UDFA QB brought in to battle Berlin, the Rams have upgraded their backup situation, as long as Trent Green is over his concussions the last two years, and he’s regained his confidence. Last year with Miami, he just looked afraid of contact and really skittish. Green is a proven starter in the league, and as long as he’s over the concussions/fear of being hit again….he gives us a reliable #2. Brock Berlin is a semi-serviceable #3 who is a heady QB, but does NOT have the arm strength to be more than that. MANY Rams fans, including myself, have to hope that the Rams front office will be COMBING the waiver wire late in training camp this year to REPLACE Berlin (I don’t care if Berlin is a FOSL or not: FOSL = Friend of Scott Linehan). At this point, best bet would be praying that Tampa Bay releases Bruce Gradkowski and/or Chris Simms.
RUNNING BACKS/FULLBACKS:
RB: Steven Jackson (starter); Antonio Pittman; Travis Minor; Rich Alexis; Yveson Bernard
FB: Brian Leonard (starter); Rich Owens (can play TE/LS), Chris Massey (long-snapper); Brandon McAnderson, Russ Weil
---As for RB, I believe we’re fine, as Steven Jackson is in a contract year, and the Rams front office has an extension for him as Priority #1. Antonio Pittman, a waiver steal from the Saints (as he was their fourth rounder in 2007), showed flashes of his potential, as he moved into the #2 back slot with Rams second rounder Brian Leonard being shifted over to his college position of FB. The #3 RB for the Rams will be a camp battle between FOSL/special teamer Travis Minor and tough-as-nails Rich Alexis, who can play both RB & FB. I’d actually love to see the Rams give Alexis a regular season in-game look, as he’s been a thumper in preseason. The signing of former Oregon State running back Yveson Bernard was one that star RB Steven Jackson clamored for. Now, Bernard doesn't have the speed measurables and is short at 5'9", 205, with a 4.63/40, BUT...all the man does is get yards, as he beat Jackson's former OSU rushing record. He's the guy I think UDFA-wise who could come in and steal a job right away.
---As for FB, Brian Leonard is locked up here as the Mike Alstott clone for the next few years. He’ll periodically be Steven Jackson’s handcuff and get quite a bit of touches with both Leonard & Jackson in the backfield. Rich Owens proved to be a massive flop as the replacement for Madison Hedgecock (who proved his worth to the Super Bowl Champion NY Giants, who claimed him off of waivers). Owens is a FOSL, so there is that. Kansas FB Brandon McAnderson is one of the few UDFA’s so far signed by the Rams. McAnderson has some interesting stats as a ball carrier, but he’s a bit smallish for a blocking FB (5’11”, 238). McAnderson is a former LB, so the toughness and demeanor is there. Based of what Lindy’s has in their draft guide, he’s worth the shot. Russ Weil was added after he turned down Chicago's tryout offer, and the Rams went ahead and signed him. I don't know much on Weil, but hell, we're getting totally toasted on signing local college talent lately.
WIDE RECIEVERS:
Torry Holt (starter), Drew Bennett (starter), Donnie Avery, Reche Caldwell, Dante Hall, Dane Looker, Keenan Burton, Derek Stanley, Brandon Williams, Marques Hagans, Matt Caddell, Joshua Hyman.
---Well, the Rams start to rebuild their WR corp adding some speedy youthful legs in the draft. Holt and Bennett are set as the starters, as the Rams pray that Bennett can return to his Titans starter form, after last year’s flop. Persistent criticism surrounds second round WR Donnie Avery of Houston, who a few places had word that Avery was SHOOTING up quite a few teams’ draft boards this past week, so he wasn’t the reach that many would thing he is. Avery adds needed speed and youth to the corp, plus gives us another KR/PR weapon to go with the aging Dante Hall. Veteran Dane Looker, who doubled as Jeff Wilkins’ place-holder, is kind of in a bit of a roster squeeze now, as the coaching staff HARDLY used him in the field last season. Looker’s nasty turf burn injury didn’t help him much either last year, nor does the signing of veteran Reche Caldwell (who himself is coming off of a disappointing season). Fourth rounder Keenan Burton out of Kentucky has size and good speed, and should be the #4 or 5. The returning trio of returner/WRs Brandon Williams, Marques Hagans, and Derek Stanley really have to show something to force the Rams to drop someone like Looker. Stanley, I believe has the edge of the 3, with Williams and Hagans in-order after him. To me, with the disappointment of Hagans’ play last season, the ONLY way the Rams keep him is to pacify Chris Long, a former college teammate of Hagans. Caddell was Alabama's #3 receiver this season and has some good size, but he's at the bottom looking up, as is Virgina Tech's #4 WR Joshua Hyman.
Lately, there's been speculation on the fan forums that the Rams go younger and cheaper here, which is something I'd be interested in seeing. Many have had the Rams WR chart as follows:
Holt, Bennett, Avery, Stanley, Burton, Hagans.
TIGHT END:
Randy McMichael (starter), Joe Klopfenstein; Anthony Becht; Doug Jones
---Here’s a position that Linehan didn’t have to add any more people to, even though he collects TE’s like Bucs coach John Gruden collects QBs. McMichael had a disappointing year last season, as he had to be a sixth offensive lineman, due to the injuries all over the OL. This season, with the health of the OL and depth now, McMichael will be a valuable check-target for Marc Bulger. Plus backup/second TE Klopfenstein should have more than 2 catches this upcoming season. Anthony Becht becomes the blocking specialist replacing Aaron Walker (who did do a great job the last two seasons), and Becht has very underrated pass-catching ability. Meanwhile, *CHEERS!* Dominique Byrd finally got axed, and was replaced with an intriguing blocking prospect in U. of Cincinnati TE/FB Doug Jones, who's a massive 6'4", 275.
OFFENSIVE LINE:
LT: Orlando Pace (starter); Adam Goldberg (OG/T); Mark LaVoir
LG: Jacob Bell (starter); Mark Setterstrom (OG/C)
C: Brett Rohmberg (starter; OG/C); Nick Leckey (C/OG); Dustin Fry (C/OG); Donovan Raiola.
RG: Richie Incognito (starter; OL-can play all 5 spots); Ron Schuening; Stephen Sene
RT: Alex Barron (starter); John Greco (OL); Brandon Gorin; Rob Pettiti (OG/OT)
---GASP! HEALTHY OL! DEPTH! Drafting Greco and Schuening were definite value, as the Rams couldn’t grab one of the top OTs early (as they all were off the board late in the first round, and they decided against going with a guy like Kansas’ Anthony Collins or Nebraska’s Carl Nicks later on). However, the battles are going to be for the center starting and backup spots, the backup guard spots (maybe even the RG starter spot). It’ll be interesting to see how these battles shake out, because I think the Rams are going to keep at least 4-5 backups and a few of those guys better be versatile.
SPECIALISTS:
P: Donnie Jones, Sean Douglas
K: Josh Brown; Justin Medlock
LS: Chris Massey
KR: Dante Hall; um….pick someone there’s plenty
PR: see KR
--Well, honestly, these spots are set. Douglas and Medlock are just camp legs (unless Medlock gets his wish and gets released, since he’s not getting a SHOT in hell at the starting over Brown). We have Pro Bowlers in Jones and Brown, and if they gave a LS a Pro Bowl spot…Massey would own the spot. As for the return spots….Dante Hall is definitely one…there’s going to be many people fighting for the other KR spot/backup PR spot.
Personal aside: I’m amazed the Rams toasted as much money as they did for Josh Brown. I realize that yes, they need to replace a “money” kicker with Mr. Clutch kicker, but hell….last preseason, undrafted Kevin Lovell (Cincinatti) just impressed the HELL out of me. I’m amazed the Rams after Wilkins even hinted at retirement didn’t immediately sign him to a futures/reserve deal. However, over $16 million later…we don’t have to worry about that.
DEFENSIVE LINE:
LE: Leonard Little (starter); Victor Adeyanju; Eric Moore; Rodney Hardeway
DT: Adam Carriker (starter); La’Roi Glover (starter); Clifton Ryan; Claude Wroten; Joshua Thompson, Vernon Bryant
RE: Chris Long (de facto starter); James Hall; C.J. Ah-You
---Um…okay, the Rams need some DT camp bodies/prospects for training camp. With Chris Long drafting, James Hall becomes the top DE backup to both spots, which is a nice insurance policy to have. Hall had a disappointing season last year, but was dealing with a hamstring injury most of the year. Adeyanju is a versatile DL who has played inside as a valuable run-stopper. Moore and Ah-You have pass-rush skills, but are on the outside…looking in. I do see Ah-You sliding back to our practice squad. As for DT, I think the 4 spots are locked with Carriker/Ryan/Glover/Wroten, unless the Rams follow their release of Byrd with Wroten. Joshua Thompson is an intriguing DT out of Auburn who's a run-stuffer. Vernon Bryant has some interesting size at 6'2", 292 out of Hampton, but is on the outside looking in.
LINEBACKERS:
WLB: Pisa Tinasamoa (starter); David Vorbora
MLB: Will Witherspoon (starter); Tim McGarigle; Dedrick Harrington; Vince Hall; Marc Magro.
SLB: Chris Draft –OR- Quinton Culberson (starter); Christopher Chamberlain (MLB/FS/SS)
--Rams will need at least 2 more LB camp bodies/prospects here, as first off, you have no idea where the Rams will place Chamberlain positionally (some have said MLB, some say OLB, some say move him back to safety, due to his smarts and athleticism). The definite battle is going to be for the starting SLB spot between veteran starter Chris Draft and young special teams demon Quinton Culberson (who proved he can handle the position starting the last game of the season with 10+ tackles). Also, there’s going to be a GOOD battle for the other two backup spots. I think McGarigle, Harrington, and maybe Chamberlain have a SOLID battle for the backup MLB spot, but I think Vorbora will STEAL the backup WLB spot. Another thing to consider is where the hell the staff PUTS Chamberlain, as he's played QB, FB, OLB, MLB, AND safety. Vince Hall out of Virginia Tech was a 4-year starter and finds the ball as a run-stuffer, but is way too slow to be remotely considered in the backup MLB mix. Marc Magro out of West Virginia is an interesting prospect as he had a draft grade of in the 5th to 7th round. We'll see if he battles.
CORNERBACKS:
CB: Tye Hill (starter); Fakhir Brown (starter); Ron Bartell Jr. (CB/FS); Jonathan Wade; Justin King; David Macklin; Eric Bassey; Darius Vinnett; Justin McKinney.
FS: O.J. Atogwe; Todd Johnson (SS).
SS: Corey Chavous; Jerome Carter.
--Okay, the Rams just made their corner depth very interesting by drafting Justin King in the fourth round. Now, to me, there’s two things the Rams can do positionally: 1) keep Bartell at CB as the nickel back, with Wade as the dime, and King as your 5th (though you’d sacrifice your best special team tackler in Bassey); --O- 2) you move Bartell back to FS (with Todd Johnson going to SS), and you keep Bassey or veteran Macklin, in place of Bartell’s CB spot. Unfortunately, I believe the super-speed demon Vinnett is destined for another season on the practice squad, as Bassey could be as well. The Rams signed Justin McKinney from Kansas State, as he's an interesting player with good size and speed, but might be practice squad material.
In the FS/SS area….the starters are locked, but Rams fans have to be saddened that they didn’t draft someone to groom as Chavous’ replacement. Jerome Carter isn’t really the answer, and his injury write-off season last year isn’t going to hold him in high regard here. Carter is in make-or-break mode now. Another line of thought that Linehan has mused over is possibly moving Eric Bassey over to safety, which might be interesting as he has GREAT size and speed.
