My only issue with our draft

[Jacobarch]

Lots of UDFAs out there as punters. They'll have their fair share of guys competing this off-season. I'm not worried about it

 

[PARAM]

On "improvements" to the roster.

DL= push
OLB =.loss
ILB = Improvement
CB = push
S = push
QB= Improvement (2nd yr in system)
RB= push but might be +
TE= push
WR = Improvement
OL = loss
ST = push

OLB & OL could end up push or +
CB, S and RB could end up + or -..
WR depends on how good Robinson can be and will we get back OBJ?
As Superbowl Champs go losing guys doesn't necessarily cause harm. Hell Tampa didn't change a thing and couldn't repeat. We haven't gone to the dogs but some things have changed. We'll see.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Always tough to tell when replacing veterans with draftees, but often enough the 2'nd & 3'rd year players are ready to take the next step up while the rookies are developing. What I like about this draft and UDFA choices is how it portends for future seasons. Last year I was fretting over the OL, the Atwell & Earnest Brown picks, ... this draft & UDFA choices have me feeling much more confident going forward.

 

[Memento]

Johnny Hekker was a rookie at one point as well - and an undrafted rookie, at that.

I actually like Cameron Dicker to get the spot over Riley Dixon. He's younger, and he has a lot of potential as both a punter and a kickoff specialist; he can really boot the ball.

 

[Mackeyser]

Me (to begin the season):

Huge Improvement: ILB
Slight Improvement: QB (2nd Year), WR (until OBJ returns), DL (Backup Experience+), TE (Ditto)
Same: CB (-DWill, +TroyH)
Slightly Worse: HB (Michel was a stud), OL (-Corbett)
Significantly Worse: Edge (Miller was otherworldly)

BC

Almost totally agree.

I actually think Bruss even as a rookie will be an upgrade over Corbett and I liked Corbett.

By the way, Corbett owes the Rams a lot. He was about to be deemed a draft bust being drafted at #33 by Cleveland and instead is getting that 2nd contract

 

[OregonRamsFan]

Johnny Hekker was a rookie at one point as well - and an undrafted rookie, at that.

I actually like Cameron Dicker to get the spot over Riley Dixon. He's younger, and he has a lot of potential as both a punter and a kickoff specialist; he can really boot the ball.

So we could end up with a Gay/Dicker kicker/punter combo. Hmmm…

 

[RamBall]

Who needs a punter? We have Kupp and ARobinson. Rams will rarely punt in 22.

 

[FrantikRam]

I'm happy the Rams didnt join in the stupidity of drafting a punter in the 4th round.

 

[BonifayRam]

I have no issues with the draft, although I wouldn't have minded adding a Center/OG in the later rounds or even as a UDFA. Behind Allen & Shelton, I'm not thrilled with our depth, and Kolone is less than inspiring. jmo.

True...... but if the plan is to go the way I would have it go where OL Coach Carberry runs the next 2 seasons (2022/2023)with the signed 3 centers they have now - Brian Allen/ Coleman Shelton/ Jeremiah Kolone there's not much to worry about. Even Kolone who has not impressed anyone in this forum has been here since early 2018 & still sticking on. That's a ton of McVay offensive study under two OL coaches' time.

The concern I have is if Carberry's plan is for Shelton to be the starter @ RG...there's where I have indigestion. . Shelton is a great game day reserve for all three interior posts. So at least the center cadre is in good shape.

The recent top draft selection of Right Side OG/OT Logan Bruss & another over 6-7/320 lb LT A.J. Arcuri who is a 25 yrs......has done something to beef up the interior OL posts. If I were to go deep here it could be that the Rams wanted LT Arcuri as a legit groomed 25 yr old backup @ LT with the thought of utilizing Alaric Jackson to focus on just two posts LG/LT snaps in TC/ preseason with A.J. Arcuri being the main backup @ LT behind Jackson. I would not dismiss the drafting of A.J. Arcuri who played his sixth year of eligibility for the Spartans last season and played was selected for both the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate All-Star Game and the Hula Bowl! Played in 40 gms with 25 starts.

Even though Jackson is over 6-7 he is well known for being a nasty effective run blocker at any OL positions he is assigned. Carberry might want to see how well Jackson can master the LG post in TC even though he has David Edwards here for another season.

Having Jackson morph into a very good backup @ both LT& LG would greatly help with the interior OL group. Leaving the rookie Logan Bruss, Tremayne Achrum & Chandler Brewer to fight it out as the starting RG. Good chance that Bruss starts his rookie season out just like David Edwards did.

 

[Merlin]

Think it was McVay who let it slip how much Carberry wanted to work with Arcuri. Good indicator there even in that late round.

 

[Riverumbbq]

True...... but if the plan is to go the way I would have it go where OL Coach Carberry runs the next 2 seasons (2022/2023)with the signed 3 centers they have now - Brian Allen/ Coleman Shelton/ Jeremiah Kolone there's not much to worry about. Even Kolone who has not impressed anyone in this forum has been here since early 2018 & still sticking on. That's a ton of McVay offensive study under two OL coaches' time.

The concern I have is if Carberry's plan is for Shelton to be the starter @ RG...there's where I have indigestion. . Shelton is a great game day reserve for all three interior posts. So at least the center cadre is in good shape.

The recent top draft selection of Right Side OG/OT Logan Bruss & another over 6-7/320 lb LT A.J. Arcuri who is a 25 yrs......has done something to beef up the interior OL posts. If I were to go deep here it could be that the Rams wanted LT Arcuri as a legit groomed 25 yr old backup @ LT with the thought of utilizing Alaric Jackson to focus on just two posts LG/LT snaps in TC/ preseason with A.J. Arcuri being the main backup @ LT behind Jackson. I would not dismiss the drafting of A.J. Arcuri who played his sixth year of eligibility for the Spartans last season and played was selected for both the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate All-Star Game and the Hula Bowl! Played in 40 gms with 25 starts.

Even though Jackson is over 6-7 he is well known for being a nasty effective run blocker at any OL positions he is assigned. Carberry might want to see how well Jackson can master the LG post in TC even though he has David Edwards here for another season.

Having Jackson morph into a very good backup @ both LT& LG would greatly help with the interior OL group. Leaving the rookie Logan Bruss, Tremayne Achrum & Chandler Brewer to fight it out as the starting RG. Good chance that Bruss starts his rookie season out just like David Edwards did.

As things stand now for 2022, with the acquisition of Bruss, chances are we'll no longer have to be concerned about Shelton starting and becoming an injury risk as he's our best and only real answer as a reserve behind Brian Allen, so hopefully Kolone remains deep on the P.S.. Next year we are likely to lose both Edwards & Evans to free agency, with such an occurrence Shelton could easily become our next starting LG, and this again presents a depth challenge at Center. Had we addressed the position with this last draft, perhaps a developmental player would be better prepared the following year for what may be. The pre-season isn't over yet though, so I'm now hoping for a camp cut player at C/OG to make his presence known.
Honestly, I don't want to see Alaric Jackson at LG this year as he's our best LT reserve, and if he goes down, things can get pretty dicey as Noteboom's had a few injury issues of his own. Watching Arcuri's development should be interesting, he's experienced at both LT and RT, but he could also land on the Practice Squad if Max Pircher has any say in the matter.
Since McVay doesn't play his OL starters during the pre-season games, the battles at several positions along that line are going to be fun to watch. And if Bruss is held out of the pre-season games, I'd guess that he won his RG victory in camp. jmo.

 

[oldnotdead]

He's had 1 punt blocked the last 2 years....same as Hekker. Keep in mind, for the shitty Giants where he's averaged 70 punts per year. I don't expect him to be Hekker in his prime but he doesn't have to be. Over the last 4 years, Dixon has had 3 blocked (of 279), Hekker has 2 in 228. Nothing to be concerned over.

C'mon man don't parse it. He's been in the league 6 years. He's had one blocked in each of his first 5 years. That's a lot. His distance is inconsistent as well. A punter is a weapon every bit as much as a kicker. wait until he shanks one and gives up field position and yes McVay does play the field position game, all coaches do.

 

[oldnotdead]

There is a reason Arcuri dropped. Most saw him as a UDFA so drafting him with the second to the last pick was a good move. He's got the measurables and showed talent in his collegiate play. But he's not without his issues. He needs a lot of work on his technique, and NFL DLs are very unforgiving of inexperienced OL with flaws in their game. IMO he's at least a 2 year project much like Jackson was when he was signed. Like Jackson, I see them giving Acrui those 2 years to develop. With Alaric as the swing OT, I think Arcuri will probably be inactive all year unless he's good enough to play on STs.

 

[BonifayRam]

There is a reason Arcuri dropped. Most saw him as a UDFA so drafting him with the second to the last pick was a good move. He's got the measurables and showed talent in his collegiate play. But he's not without his issues. He needs a lot of work on his technique, and NFL DLs are very unforgiving of inexperienced OL with flaws in their game. IMO he's at least a 2 year project much like Jackson was when he was signed. Like Jackson, I see them giving Acrui those 2 years to develop. With Alaric as the swing OT, I think Arcuri will probably be inactive all year unless he's good enough to play on STs.

If Carberry has a Healthy Noteboom with Alaric Jackson, David Edwards & even Bobby Evans available to be a reserve LT, Arcuri could easily remain on the PS all season long being groomed & developed. That's a good thing.

 

[BonifayRam]

..........Honestly, I don't want to see Alaric Jackson at LG this year as he's our best LT reserve, and if he goes down, things can get pretty dicey as Noteboom's had a few injury issues of his own. Watching Arcuri's development should be interesting, he's experienced at both LT and RT, but he could also land on the Practice Squad if Max Pircher has any say in the matter.........

This is "Abby Normal".... I do want to see Alaric Jackson @ LG! So this is an infrequent opportunity for me to state the opposite from Riverumbbq. Why because I beleive he would be a better run blocker & add to the improvement of the OL overall.

Let's say Jackson did go down for a bit if he was starting in favor of David Edwards @ LG that would just return DE back to his previous starting post. Not a big deal.

If your concerns were aimed more in the direction of alarm on the absence of Alaric Jackson for a period of time of not being able to back up the often injured LT Joe Noteboom...then yes that would cause some concerns with Carberry having to fine-tune up a Bobby Evans, Chandler Brewer, Tremayne Anchrum Rookie A.J.Arcuri or maybe RT's Max Pircher or Adrian Ealy. Carberry certainly has a load of OT's lurking around to put to work. Don't forget Carberry started David Edwards at LT for the injured Whitworth/Noteboom.

I still maintain that the best chance & the best use for Carberry's most experienced 4 yr OT Bobby Evans to make this 2022 roster is for Evans to win the versatile Game Day Swing OT OL position. Carberry already has a boatload of RT's under contract so if the Rams were desiring to put Evans in his best position to make this team then this extra long-armed OT should work just LT/RT in camp.

 

[Riverumbbq]

This is "Abby Normal".... I do want to see Alaric Jackson @ LG! So this is an infrequent opportunity for me to state the opposite from Riverumbbq. Why because I beleive he would be a better run blocker & add to the improvement of the OL overall.

Let's say Jackson did go down for a bit if he was starting in favor of David Edwards @ LG that would just return DE back to his previous starting post. Not a big deal.

If your concerns were aimed more in the direction of alarm on the absence of Alaric Jackson for a period of time of not being able to back up the often injured LT Joe Noteboom...then yes that would cause some concerns with Carberry having to fine-tune up a Bobby Evans, Chandler Brewer, Tremayne Anchrum Rookie A.J.Arcuri or maybe RT's Max Pircher or Adrian Ealy. Carberry certainly has a load of OT's lurking around to put to work. Don't forget Carberry started David Edwards at LT for the injured Whitworth/Noteboom.

I still maintain that best chance & the best use for Carberry's most experienced 4 yr OT Bobby Evans to make this 2022 roster is for Evans to win the versatile Game Day Swing OT OL position. Carberry already has a boatload of RT's under contract so if the Rams were desireing to put Evans in his best position to make this team then this extra long armed OT should work just LT/RT in camp.

Until proven different, I have no confidence in Evans being anything other than wasted space, although I do wish him the best of luck for turning things around this coming season.
My preferred pre-camp scenario for the OL goes something like this :

LT) Noteboom, Jackson
LG) Edwards, Anchrum
C) Allen, Shelton
RG) Bruss, Brewer
RT) Havenstein, Pircher or Arcuri

jmo.

 

[Merlin]

I do go back and forth on this admittedly, depending on who it is and what position we're talking about. But overall I do think allowing these guys to compete to be the best 5 is the key. I think that gives you the most chances for the most player improvement.

For example if you tell Jackson "we're putting your ass in bubble wrap because you're our backup LT" and line him up in camp with second team LT will that give you as much growth in his game as telling him "we're giving you a chance to start at OG while you backup the LT position." I don't think so.

Is it riskier? Yes it is. So it might be a player by player and even positional decision on who you do that with, but again in general the more you do that the more competition you get which should translate into the most improvement. I'd certainly love to hear Carberry asked that question, his answer would be enlightening I'm sure.

 

[BonifayRam]

Until proven different, I have no confidence in Evans being anything other than wasted space, although I do wish him the best of luck for turning things around this coming season.
My preferred pre-camp scenario for the OL goes something like this :

LT) Noteboom, Jackson
LG) Edwards, Anchrum
C) Allen, Shelton
RG) Bruss, Brewer
RT) Havenstein, Pircher or Arcuri

jmo.

I have already posted & predicted several months back that Bobby Evans would not make the 2022 regular-season roster if he was once again contending for any of the 3 interior OL posts.

 

[PhillyRam]

My only issue is that I always want at least one big nasty DL added with the hopes of finding a young disruptive player. Never can have enough of those guys.

I understand that they are looking at Brown as being that guy this yr since he was another Snead redshirt. Amazing how they do that every year like they did with these secondary guys in this draft. Drafting with the longview in mind.

 

[Riverumbbq]

I do go back and forth on this admittedly, depending on who it is and what position we're talking about. But overall I do think allowing these guys to compete to be the best 5 is the key. I think that gives you the most chances for the most player improvement.

For example if you tell Jackson "we're putting your ass in bubble wrap because you're our backup LT" and line him up in camp with second team LT will that give you as much growth in his game as telling him "we're giving you a chance to start at OG while you backup the LT position." I don't think so.

Is it riskier? Yes it is. So it might be a player by player and even positional decision on who you do that with, but again in general the more you do that the more competition you get which should translate into the most improvement. I'd certainly love to hear Carberry asked that question, his answer would be enlightening I'm sure.

At 6'7" I don't see Jackson as an ideal OG, ... if we want him as a swing player then I'd prefer him roaming between LT and RT. Edwards is 6'6", I don't particularly like him at OG either and would prefer to see what he can do at RT, but he came in during an emergency and has managed to carve out a niche for himself, even if he's regarded as the weakest link on the OL. jmo.