A Michael Hoecht appreciation post

  • To unlock all of features of Rams On Demand please take a brief moment to register. Registering is not only quick and easy, it also allows you access to additional features such as live chat, private messaging, and a host of other apps exclusive to Rams On Demand.

TheTackle

Pro Bowler
Joined
Apr 3, 2015
Messages
1,268
I think that he deserves another contract but obviously nothing out of the ordinary. He is not a great pash rusher but is a truly exceptional team player
 

TheTackle

Pro Bowler
Joined
Apr 3, 2015
Messages
1,268
Hoecht has been playing a bit better while Young has been struggling, losing contain and getting stonewalled too much.

I view Hoecht as a solid backup player. He can make some splash plays but can be a liability way too much.

Young's 4.43 speed is a major asset and can influence the game in ways stats don't often measure.

But if Young doesn't ultimately develop his pass rush skills and improve in his contain, he's going to see decreased snaps down the road.

I don't have the time to break down each game, but Hoecht is constantly getting beat more then a solider starter would.
I am not sure I agree with you on Young who has been all over the field and been a cause of disruption every game. He should probably have more sacks based on his play. He needs to develop some moves alongside his bulrush but the future looks extremely bright based on his effort and ability
 

Rams43

Hall of Fame
Joined
Jun 20, 2014
Messages
4,184
About Hoecht.

Yes, he’s had a few flashes. And who doesn’t appreciate a try-hard team player?

But the truth is that Rams need to upgrade that position next offseason. FA or draft pick, I don’t care. But an upgrade is a crying need.
 

Kupped

Legend
Joined
Aug 5, 2021
Messages
8,671
Name
Kupped
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #24
About Hoecht.

Yes, he’s had a few flashes. And who doesn’t appreciate a try-hard team player?

But the truth is that Rams need to upgrade that position next offseason. FA or draft pick, I don’t care. But an upgrade is a crying need.
Absolutely. Is my Number One priority for this team this offseason.
 

RamFan503

Grill and Brew Master
Moderator
Joined
Jun 24, 2010
Messages
34,833
Name
Stu
No team has Pro Bowl calibre players in every position. All rosters need depth, and Hoecht’s ability to cover more than one position is an added bonus.

So long as he isn’t too expensive, I would keep him.
Exactly what I'm thinking. He was put in a position that was really tough. Seems he's groing into that position and is at least serviceable. You simply need those players as you're never going to have even 25% all pros. You need a bunch of role players that all buy in. Hoecht seems to be one of those buy in players.
 

RamFan503

Grill and Brew Master
Moderator
Joined
Jun 24, 2010
Messages
34,833
Name
Stu
About Hoecht.

Yes, he’s had a few flashes. And who doesn’t appreciate a try-hard team player?

But the truth is that Rams need to upgrade that position next offseason. FA or draft pick, I don’t care. But an upgrade is a crying need.
Yes but that doesn't mean he doesn't deserve to stay. Always always always upgrade. But that doesn't mean you get rid of good players in the chase for great players. Just to make it to the NFL you have to be ALMOST great.
 

Kupped

Legend
Joined
Aug 5, 2021
Messages
8,671
Name
Kupped
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #27
It’s like he read this post and wanted to live up to it. Lol
 

muggmeister

Starter
Joined
Jun 17, 2022
Messages
537
I've already said many times on here that the Rams MUST go out and try to get someone like Danielle Hunter this offseason. Even with that.. two quality edges isn't enough in this day and age. I'd think long and hard about doing what's necessary to keep Hoecht around.
Would love to see Hunter in horns, 3 years $75M with 50 guaranteed. Edge is the one position we absolutely NEED to address thru free agency, Donald does not have enough years left to develop an early round pick that may take 2-3 years to hit their peak.
 

Kupped

Legend
Joined
Aug 5, 2021
Messages
8,671
Name
Kupped
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #29
Would love to see Hunter in horns, 3 years $75M with 50 guaranteed. Edge is the one position we absolutely NEED to address thru free agency, Donald does not have enough years left to develop an early round pick that may take 2-3 years to hit their peak.
Yup.
Zero doubt they're going hard after a guy like him this offseason.. but, who knows? Maybe they try a trade for someone else.
 

OntarioRam

Hall of Fame
Joined
Sep 22, 2015
Messages
3,615
I thought Hoecht played really well yesterday. And you always notice his motor. He is a very valuable depth piece that keeps on getting better and better. He likely becomes a decent (even if not special) starter soon - if he is not there already - and some team will overpay him to join their roster via free agency. The Rams seem to excel at developing their depth linemen, unfortunately only to lose them when they really start putting it together, but that's life in the salary cap era. You need to be able to churn the depth pieces on the roster like that and keep replenishing them via the draft.
 

Merlin

Damn the torpedoes
Rams On Demand Sponsor
ROD Credit | 2023 TOP Member
Joined
May 8, 2014
Messages
39,680
Rams definitely won't pay him. He's one of those JAGs you need on a roster in a depth role, guys who can come in and make an impact time to time for you. Not his fault we have him in a primary role.
 

thirteen28

I like pizza.
Rams On Demand Sponsor
Joined
Jan 15, 2013
Messages
8,562
Name
Erik
I definitely want an upgrade next year at the position Hoecht is playing. That being said, with some of the skills and abilities he's developed playing edge, he can be of value moved back into a proper DL position while maybe having a little more flexibility to move around a bit.
 

JimY53

Pro Bowler
Joined
Nov 20, 2023
Messages
1,451
Name
JY53
For those who want Hoecht to play defensive line --- he does sometimes
2023-12-12_11-48-03.jpg
 

RamWoodie

Legend
Joined
Jun 21, 2014
Messages
5,257
I think they ask a lot of the guy putting him at OLB but he's a gamer. He has definitely improved and should remain a Ram...but put him on the D'Line...you can drop him back in coverage sometimes which, with his speed, he'll surprise some QBs.
 

JimY53

Pro Bowler
Joined
Nov 20, 2023
Messages
1,451
Name
JY53
Hoecht can do some good things...but he's never going to be an elite edge.
He has a jump crozz chop he's worked at and has had some
good results but without more speed it's not going to be as good
as, say, Leonard Floyd did it. The tackle needs to respect your
speed and I don't think Hoecht's speed does that.


View: https://x.com/53_jim70721/status/1735056206048235700?s=20



View: https://x.com/53_jim70721/status/1735056687688516069?s=20



View: https://x.com/53_jim70721/status/1735056359832359010?s=20
 

tomas

Pro Bowler
Joined
Apr 10, 2016
Messages
1,896
Name
tomas
I think the Rams can place a tender on Hoecht, who's an RFA next season-- and the Rams should be able to sign him.
 

Kupped

Legend
Joined
Aug 5, 2021
Messages
8,671
Name
Kupped
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #40
I like what he’s done, but I don’t think I’d tender him.

That’s almost $3 million.