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- Jul 31, 2010
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Wagoner’s Chat Highlights
—The Rams have said repeatedly they don’t want to add someone unless they believe that player is BETTER than what they have because they don’t want to take reps away from young guys who need it. Britt has been injury plagued and had major off the field issues. It’s not worth getting in a tizzy about a visit but I think signing Britt would be a bad decision.
—Donald at #13? No. I’d be very surprised if Donald is in play for the Rams.
—Dunbar is back. Don’t think Mack is too likely. Didn’t before, less so now.
—Price Tag on Saffold? It came in right about where I expected it to, perhaps a little higher. But the OL market was pretty weak and prices went up a bit as you can see from Chris Williams’ deal. It’s risky given his injury history but I think it’s a risk worth taking given Saffold’s upside at guard and the Rams’ pressing line needs.
—2 O-linemen in 1st round? I’d be surprised if they went that far but I like the idea. I’m a fan of Martin and pairing him with one of the top tackles plus Saffold really gives you a nice nucleus moving forward. Still, I doubt they’d double down there in the first round.
—I’ve thrown out the name Tarell Brown a few times for those paying attention and I think there might be some interest there but it might be one of those things that happens after the first wave of free agency officially ends. There are still some intriguing names out there such as Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Walter Thurmond. I’m not sure the Rams see corner as a pressing need like most of the rest of us do, though.
—Let’s be clear and I hoped this would be obvious from what I’ve written: just because I like Watkins doesn’t mean I think any less of Robinson or Matthews, etc. I think Robinson would be a great pick and I’d have no problem if the Rams went that way (not that they care what I think). Also, those that think one of those top three OTs will be there at 13 are likely kidding themselves. As for Robinson, I choose not to get into the hyperbole of calling someone a future Hall of Famer, etc. His potential is absolutely exciting and well beyond his classmates but it’s not easy to play and excel in the NFL.
—I don’t get the feeling the Rams really love any of the safeties out there in free agency though that could change if the price dropped on someone. Seems like playing with fire to draft one and go with a rookie next to a second-year safety on the back end but we know they don’t fear youth.
—Davin Joseph? Think they’re still interested though his visit ended without signing. No rush there likely. A player like that usually comes in for a visit then will go out and see what else is out there. Then, if the price is right, he can be signed.
—Britt is coming for a visit this weekend. It would suggest that most of what they’ve said publicly about their receivers is not true. I don’t know how it alters draft plans but it would be a head scratcher to me.
—Saffold Safer at OG? I’ve mentioned this before but I think he might. No science behind that but just a theory. He hurt himself out on the edge a few times in the past and I wonder if he’s better protected in the “phone booth.” His sample size is small but injuries weren’t an issue in games he played at guard last year. Maybe it could help.
—Austin? Would expect him to be more productive with a year in the offense under his belt. If they can find ways to open up the offense, it would help.
—I tend to doubt they spend a pick that high on an LB who wouldn’t be on the field that much. Love Shazier, though.
—By all accounts here, Saffold is fine. He said he benched 400 pounds about a week and a half ago.
—OG Gabe Jackson? Like Jackson, maybe my second favorite guard in early study. Would be a mauler in run game. I expect him to go in round 2 or so.
—I like Matthews a lot, too. And I think he gets unfairly pigeonholed as being a “finished product.” But I don’t agree with the idea that you draft solely for “right now, this year.” You draft for the next five years. There’s more risk involved in drafting upside over polish but more reward, too. It’s a fine line to walk.
—It’s not a great safety class top to bottom, especially rangy types. I like Jimmie Ward of NIU but he may not be as rangy as a Clinton-Dix type.
—Stay at #2? I think it’s possible. I’m just not sure the trade market will develop like they want. Don’t get me wrong, I can see them getting some offers but I’m not sold they’ll get an offer they want to do a deal.
—McDonald’s Level of Play? Was hard to get a real read on that because of the injuries but I thought he was mostly just OK. I think he’s got good potential and I think Williams can get a lot out of him for his box safety role.
—Barrett Jones? I think he’ll be in the mix for a job inside but I don’t think they’re writing his name in a starting spot with pen or anything right now.
Read All Chat Highlights
—The Rams have said repeatedly they don’t want to add someone unless they believe that player is BETTER than what they have because they don’t want to take reps away from young guys who need it. Britt has been injury plagued and had major off the field issues. It’s not worth getting in a tizzy about a visit but I think signing Britt would be a bad decision.
—Donald at #13? No. I’d be very surprised if Donald is in play for the Rams.
—Dunbar is back. Don’t think Mack is too likely. Didn’t before, less so now.
—Price Tag on Saffold? It came in right about where I expected it to, perhaps a little higher. But the OL market was pretty weak and prices went up a bit as you can see from Chris Williams’ deal. It’s risky given his injury history but I think it’s a risk worth taking given Saffold’s upside at guard and the Rams’ pressing line needs.
—2 O-linemen in 1st round? I’d be surprised if they went that far but I like the idea. I’m a fan of Martin and pairing him with one of the top tackles plus Saffold really gives you a nice nucleus moving forward. Still, I doubt they’d double down there in the first round.
—I’ve thrown out the name Tarell Brown a few times for those paying attention and I think there might be some interest there but it might be one of those things that happens after the first wave of free agency officially ends. There are still some intriguing names out there such as Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Walter Thurmond. I’m not sure the Rams see corner as a pressing need like most of the rest of us do, though.
—Let’s be clear and I hoped this would be obvious from what I’ve written: just because I like Watkins doesn’t mean I think any less of Robinson or Matthews, etc. I think Robinson would be a great pick and I’d have no problem if the Rams went that way (not that they care what I think). Also, those that think one of those top three OTs will be there at 13 are likely kidding themselves. As for Robinson, I choose not to get into the hyperbole of calling someone a future Hall of Famer, etc. His potential is absolutely exciting and well beyond his classmates but it’s not easy to play and excel in the NFL.
—I don’t get the feeling the Rams really love any of the safeties out there in free agency though that could change if the price dropped on someone. Seems like playing with fire to draft one and go with a rookie next to a second-year safety on the back end but we know they don’t fear youth.
—Davin Joseph? Think they’re still interested though his visit ended without signing. No rush there likely. A player like that usually comes in for a visit then will go out and see what else is out there. Then, if the price is right, he can be signed.
—Britt is coming for a visit this weekend. It would suggest that most of what they’ve said publicly about their receivers is not true. I don’t know how it alters draft plans but it would be a head scratcher to me.
—Saffold Safer at OG? I’ve mentioned this before but I think he might. No science behind that but just a theory. He hurt himself out on the edge a few times in the past and I wonder if he’s better protected in the “phone booth.” His sample size is small but injuries weren’t an issue in games he played at guard last year. Maybe it could help.
—Austin? Would expect him to be more productive with a year in the offense under his belt. If they can find ways to open up the offense, it would help.
—I tend to doubt they spend a pick that high on an LB who wouldn’t be on the field that much. Love Shazier, though.
—By all accounts here, Saffold is fine. He said he benched 400 pounds about a week and a half ago.
—OG Gabe Jackson? Like Jackson, maybe my second favorite guard in early study. Would be a mauler in run game. I expect him to go in round 2 or so.
—I like Matthews a lot, too. And I think he gets unfairly pigeonholed as being a “finished product.” But I don’t agree with the idea that you draft solely for “right now, this year.” You draft for the next five years. There’s more risk involved in drafting upside over polish but more reward, too. It’s a fine line to walk.
—It’s not a great safety class top to bottom, especially rangy types. I like Jimmie Ward of NIU but he may not be as rangy as a Clinton-Dix type.
—Stay at #2? I think it’s possible. I’m just not sure the trade market will develop like they want. Don’t get me wrong, I can see them getting some offers but I’m not sold they’ll get an offer they want to do a deal.
—McDonald’s Level of Play? Was hard to get a real read on that because of the injuries but I thought he was mostly just OK. I think he’s got good potential and I think Williams can get a lot out of him for his box safety role.
—Barrett Jones? I think he’ll be in the mix for a job inside but I don’t think they’re writing his name in a starting spot with pen or anything right now.
Read All Chat Highlights