Once Havenstein is back they have Wichmann and Reynolds as their top two backups which I think is good. In essence Saffold is the 3rd OT right now. Not sure when Battle is back but he'd be the 8th OL. I'm still not a Donnal guy... An encouraging thing with Quinn at RDE is that with Sims and Longacre there they don;t have to overwork him. In fact maybe his reps are limited the first couple gameby LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
The Rams passing game improving is as much about the TEs as the WRs. In the three years Cook was here he and Kendricks combined for 83, then 79, then last year down to 64 receptions. I would love to see Kendricks and Higbee combine for 80-90. If they did I think the 3rd down conversion rate and red zone scoring would be noticeably better. Ugly drop vs. PITT last year aside, I've always thoughby LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
I think considering he's still 6 weeks away from turning 22 his body is going to naturally develop further. Plus I'm sure they are planning to add some size to him. Not sure it's 20 lbs. but maybe even 10. This time next year I think he'll look pretty different.by LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
I can see his touches from scrimmage going down (104 last year) but total yards increasing. Personally I don't see him getting 52 rush attempts this year. Just my opinion. I could see something like: 60 catches/750-800 yards 30 rushes/200-250 yards Ideally Austin would give them 1,200 yards from scrimmage. Not sure that happens but I'd love to see it.by LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
I think Groh's influence in the passing game will benefit Austin. Not only in how he coaches. And it's been noted that he's a pretty demanding coach with receivers and wants more precision. But in game planning. What I'd like to see most from Austin is not necessarily more catches but a higher YPC. 52 catches from him is fine if they can get him freed up and those 52 catches produce 700-750 yby LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
Apologies if someone posted this but I hadn't seen it. From Aug. 21st. Rams Camp Report: Tavon Austin Is the One The Rams finally have their franchise quarterback in place, but who will Jared Goff throw it to? Tavon Austin is emerging as more than just a gadget weapon. Plus, a rookie tight end could break out, and more from Rams training camp Rams return to L.A. with lots of questioby LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
Personally I'd like to see Havenstein get a few game reps Thursday and assuming he's in shape I don't think it could hurt. Play him with the 2s for maybe two series?by LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
For a team that went with 5 rookies on the OL a year ago (and that looks to be paying off now) I don't think they'll hesitate to go with 3 rookie WRs this year if they feel they're the right guys. Will be an interesting battle for that 6th spot this Thursday.by LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
I thought the same thing (road game, 1s vs. 2s). Have to have Longacre active on game days. Good thing is he can play ST too. On the OL, I love our top 7 now. They are coming together as a group which is why they went so heavy on OL the last draft. Takes time and we're seeing it. I'm not sure at all Rhaney is the backup center but I'm sure Kush is not... Like you said, if you want toby LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
I agree. I'm less concerned with how many outside vs. slot WRs they have and more concerned with getting guys on the field that can (a) get some separation and (b) catch. Just one example but if they run a personnel group with Austin, Cooper, Spruce, Kendricks and Higbee all on the field together I think they could throw the ball. However you want to line them up. I know 3 of 5 are rookies buby LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
Odd man out. When Longacre took his leap forward and Seau emerged Coples became 7th at best on the DE depth chart. So they gave him a chance to move inside and prove something there. Easley and Thomas are such natural backups for Donald and Brockers.by LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
I like him a lot too. He showed up well late last year and spending all summer with the 1s is great for his development. When Havenstein is back Wichmann and Reynolds give us very good immediate depth.by LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
I agree about the WRs. They added Cooper and Spruce and if we're talking about the passing game overall Higbee has to be in the conversation. Like you said I think they are playing marginal players (Quick, Thomas) a lot at WR because they're evaluating whether they stay or go. Hare to say it but I think I'd start Cody Davis at FS right now too. I don't know that he'll make many big plays butby LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
I agree. I think JL was undervalued overall from 2009-2014. But last year he really did fall off noticeably. When you to try to upgrade a team I think you start with replacing the lowest rated performers and he was probably the defense's lowest rated starter of 2015.by LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
I think for the most part this is right. A few areas where I would disagree or have a question: - I don't think Quick is the 6th WR. I don't know who is, but I don't think it's him... - On the OL I think the 8th and 9th spots are still TBD. I tend to think Battle is in there. Not saying this sarcastically but has Donnal played this preseason? I don't recall reading one word about him yet.by LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
Read this PFF note in an article they ran. Not bashing JL as I liked him more than most around here the past 7 seasons. But this shows why Ogletree is the MLB, even if he has some things to clean up in his own game... "At one point, Laurinaitis’ run-game deficiencies were swept under the rug by his coverage prowess. Tipping 30 years old last season, though, that ceased to be the case. Heby LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
I'd have included Seau but I think he goes to the PS. Well worth keeping though.by LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
I think they go with 9 DL and all three stick. Quinn Donald Brockers Hayes Sims Westbrooks Easley Longacre Thomas And I would put DEs Seau and Fox on the PS.by LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
Maybe it's just me but Hager hasn't impressed at all either. Seems to get washed out a lot. Good ST guy but not what they need as a 4th LB. With Ayers he's only going to play about 30-35% of snaps. Not outstanding like you said and I think he won't be back next year. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Rams use a 2nd or 3rd round pick on a SLB next April.by LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
I think what Ogletree showed is he's tremendous going sideline to sideline. There's still some consistency needed just playing between the guards on plays straight inside. But he will chase down way more than Laurinaitis could.by LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
1. DE Matt Longacre- every game this kid is making plays and working his tail off. Quickly becoming a favorite for me. The pass rush drop-off last year when Quinn got hurt was very noticeable. The Rams front four is obviously very good but the depth is really outstanding and Longacre is part of that. I hope he gets some reps come regular season. 2. TE Tyle Higbee- Physical mismatches galore wiby LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
I hope they play Goff the whole first half and Mannion the 2nd. Also really hope they do play the starting OL (Havenstein?) for at least the first quarter to give Goff time with them. Not sure where Spruce is with his knee but it would be great to have him get in this game.by LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
Personally I wanted Randle in free agency. Would rather have had him in camp than Quick. But at this point I'm fine riding with Austin, Britt, Cooper, Marquez and Spruce. 6th spot TBD.by LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
Kendricks and Cooper played well. They may be among the Rams most reliable receivers this year. And Higbee and Spruce might be right behind them. Take that as a positive or negative... All Longacre does is keep making plays and earning more playing time. Really like that guy....by LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
I would really hope the extension replaces the 5th year option for 2017. Not in addition to.by LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
Wow, looking at that list it really is a pretty weak position in Rams history. A really good TE could come in and rewrite their record books in 3-4 years... I am cautiously very optimistic about Higbee. Especially coming in with Goff. Would love to see this team have a 65-70 catch TE. 35-40 from him this year would be good.by LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
I pretty much agree though I think Reynolds still has a chance somehow. I'm not a fan at all of Rhaney or Kush but t will be interesting to see who plays center with the 2s tonight and how he does.by LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com
It's also being replayed right after, at midnight ET/9PM PT Saturday night which is when I'm recording it. They'll likely have a lot of live look-ins during the game on NFL Network as it's the only game starting at 9PM ET/6PM PT. Titans/Raiders starts an hour earlier but is on CBS so not sure if they'd show parts of that on NFL Network.by LMU93 - RamsFootballFans.com