What to expect at McVay, Snead pressers at Combine...

What to expect from Sean McVay and Les Snead's press conferences at combine

Cameron DaSilva4 hours ago

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

Scouts, coaches and front office members are all set to convene in Indianapolis this week for the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine where more than 300 of the top draft prospects will showcase their skills. Sean McVay and Les Snead will be among those in Indy and they’re set to address the media on Thursday.

McVay will talk to reporters at 9:15 a.m. ET, while Snead will address them at 11:30 a.m. ET, both from Lucas Oil Stadium. Here are seven things to expect from their press conferences on Thursday, from Todd Gurley’s knee to the Rams’ offseason plans.

Questions about Todd Gurley’s knee

Just when you thought we were past Gurley’s knee situation, C.J. Anderson went on FS1 and was asked about the situation again. He said Gurley was “more hurt” than everyone thought when he arrived in Week 16, stirring up some debate about whether Gurley was healthy in the playoffs.

McVay and Snead will definitely be asked about Gurley’s knee at the combine, if only to find out whether he’ll undergo any sort of procedure or to find out if Anderson’s comments were accurate.

Updates on the coaching staff

The Rams announced three coaching hires on Monday, bringing aboard Wes Phillips, Zac Robinson and Eric Henderson. Phillips is the new tight ends coach, Robinson will be the assistant quarterbacks coach and Henderson will lead the defensive line.

Expect McVay to talk at about each addition and provide updates on exactly how they’ll fit in with the staff. Shane Waldron is expected to be the primary quarterbacks coach, but that has yet to be confirmed.

Franchise tag considerations

The Rams have used the tag in each of the past three years: twice on Trumaine Johnson, once on Lamarcus Joyner. They have a few options for the tag this year with Joyner, Rodger Saffold and Dante Fowler Jr. being the top candidates, but it’s unlikely any of them will be tagged.

Snead will probably comment on whether the Rams will use the tag for a fourth straight year, explaining why or why not. Given their cap situation, it’s hard to imagine Los Angeles using it on anyone in 2019.

Top roster needs

The Rams don’t have a ton of needs heading into the draft and free agency, but departing players could change that. If Ndamukong Suh, Saffold, Joyner and Fowler all leave, the Rams will have to replace four starters this offseason.

McVay and Snead are almost certain to discuss the Rams’ biggest needs at this point in time, whether it’s searching for a backup quarterback, a starting left guard or someone to replace Joyner at safety. And they can never have enough pass rushers, even if Fowler comes back. It’ll be interesting to see how McVay and Snead view the roster right now.

Questions about pending free agents such as Suh, Saffold

At the combine last year, we found out that Joyner was a top priority for the Rams, and it was clearly true after the tagged him. Hopefully this week, we’ll find out which player is of the utmost importance to re-sign.

Perhaps the Rams feel they can get by without Suh but not without Saffold. Or maybe Snead hints that Fowler will be among the team’s primary targets when free agency begins. It’s probable they’ve already discussed contracts with several players, attempting to sign them before the new league year.

Plan with Andrew Whitworth returning

Whitworth announced he’s returning for the 2019 season Tuesday, which is huge news for the Rams. It’ll have a ripple effect on the depth chart and their offseason needs, potentially changing Joseph Noteboom’s primary position moving forward. If Saffold doesn’t return, Noteboom could become the starter at left guard now that Whitworth is locked in at left tackle for another year.

McVay should provide an update on how Whitworth’s return will impact the offensive line, and while we may not get a definitive answer as to where Noteboom will play, the coach’s comments should provide at least some clarity as to what the Rams’ plan is.

Players who could receive contract extensions early

The Rams got ahead of things last offseason by signing Aaron Donald, Brandin Cooks, Todd Gurley and Rob Havenstein to contract extensions before they were set to hit free agency. Players who fit that bill this offseason – guys who will be free agents in 2020 – include Marcus Peters, Greg Zuerlein, Tyler Higbee and Austin Blythe.

Higbee is unlikely to be extended and the Rams might want to see one more year from Peters before committing to him long-term, but Zuerlein and Blythe could both sign new deals this offseason. Snead might be able to shed some light on those possible scenarios at the combine this week.