Latest Rams news – Page 1068 – Syndication Server

Tag-and-trade blueprint is there for Rams and Dante Fowler Jr.

If the Rams can’t extend Dante Fowler Jr. long-term, they could tag and trade him.

Navigating the waters of free agency this year could prove difficult for the Los Angeles Rams, who not only have several players on expiring contracts, but also a lack of spending money available to keep them all.

As a result, the team – specifically the defense – could look very different in 2020. Dante Fowler Jr., Cory Littleton and Michael Brockers are three of the Rams’ biggest free agents, and it’s possible all three will be playing elsewhere next season. Sure, Los Angeles could get compensatory picks in the 2021 draft for losing them, but there’s another way the team can get compensated for one of those players.

As we saw last year with three edge rushers, the tag-and-trade route is one approach that can prove to be effective in getting a draft pick (or two) in return for a player bound to leave in free agency. In 2019 alone, Jadeveon Clowney, Dee Ford and Frank Clark were all franchise tagged and then traded by their respective teams.

Here’s how each trade broke down:

Jadeveon Clowney

Texans receive: Jacob Martin, Barkevious Mingo, 2020 third-round pick
Seahawks receive: Clowney

Dee Ford

Chiefs receive: 2020 second-round pick
49ers receive: Ford

Frank Clark

Seahawks receive: 2019 first-round pick, 2020 second-round pick, 2019 third-round pick
Chiefs receive: Clark, 2019 third-round pick

After looking at those trades, it’s hard not to imagine the Rams taking a similar path with Fowler. He doesn’t have the track record that Clark had, posting 32 sacks in the three years before being dealt. Fowler also doesn’t have the versatility or potential that Clowney had when he was with the Texans. He’s probably closer to Ford, but two and a half years younger at the time of hitting free agency.

So, could the Rams tag Fowler and trade him to a team willing to give up a draft pick or two? Absolutely, especially with the price difference between a defensive end and linebacker, which will make Fowler’s one-year tag much cheaper than it could have been if he were playing defensive end.

According to Over The Cap, the projected franchise tag value for a DE is $19.32 million. For a linebacker, which Fowler technically is, it’s $16.27 million. Considering the Rams gave Fowler a one-year, $14 million deal last year after he only had four sacks in 2018, it’s absolutely reasonable to think a team would be willing to pay him $16.27 million for the 2020 season.

Because he’s only 25 and won’t turn 26 until August, Fowler is still entering his prime. He posted a career-high 11.5 sacks, 58 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hits this past season, proving to be the player the Rams thought he’d become when they extended him last offseason.

A player with those numbers is going to be coveted on the free-agent market, so it’s likely a team would be willing to part with a second- or third-round pick in a tag-and-trade scenario.

That would also give the team trading for Fowler the ability to negotiate a long-term deal with him, too – assuming the trade happens before the July 15 franchise tender deadline.

Ford and Clark both did, but Clowney’s trade came in September, so the Seahawks only got him for one season. Ford’s extension with the 49ers was worth $85 million for five years, while Clark’s was for $105.5 million over five years.

Fowler’s value is probably going to be somewhere in the range of $16 million per year, which after seeing the contracts Ford and Clark got, doesn’t seem like an inflated price. It’s also one a team will absolutely be willing to pay.

The Rams adding a second- or third-round pick would be a huge help for their draft haul, since they don’t have a first-rounder in 2020 (or 2021). It would give them another top-100 selection, and allow them added flexibility if they want to move up from their first selection at No. 52.

If they begin to realize they can’t afford Fowler, there’s no question they should consider tagging him and trading him elsewhere.

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David Edwards never expected to start at guard before 2019 season began

David Edwards described his rookie season as “crazy.”

After two years of starting mostly the same offensive line up front, the Los Angeles Rams made several changes to the unit in 2019. Out were John Sullivan and Rodger Saffold, and in came Brian Allen and Joseph Noteboom at center and left guard, respectively.

That plan went awry when both players suffered season-ending injuries. Rookie David Edwards, who only played tackle in college, was then asked to step in at left guard in place of Noteboom. Not long thereafter, Austin Blythe slid over from right guard to center, which caused Edwards to switch from left guard to right guard.

For a guy who only played tackle at Wisconsin, this wasn’t how he expected his rookie season to go. In a Q&A for the team’s official site, Edwards was asked how he would describe his first year in the NFL.

“In one word? Crazy. I came in and started cross-training in different positions. That was totally new to me,” he said. “And then when Joe Noteboom got hurt, I got thrown in at left guard and never expected I would start games at guard, because I never played the position before. And then got moved to right guard. Just all the different things I did this year I never would have thought I could have done. So, it was cool. Looking back, if you had told me, preseason, you’re going to start games at guard, I’d have said no way. I’d never played it before. It was just really cool to be cross-training when I got here in OTAs and then see the work that I put in come to fruition. It was cool.”

Edwards said he’s “excited to be able to have an offseason at guard, learn that position,” which is interesting considering there isn’t much clarity on where he (or many of the Rams’ offensive linemen) will play in 2020.

It’s possible Edwards will remain at guard, or if the team makes changes at either tackle spot, he could kick back outside to his original position.

8 draft prospects for Rams fans to watch in CFP National Championship

The Rams should have an eye on these eight prospects in the national championship game between LSU and Clemson.

The Los Angeles Rams are once again without a first-round pick in the draft, but they should have a close eye on the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday night. Both LSU and Clemson are stockpiled with NFL prospects, and not just ones set to go in the first 32 picks, either.

Here are eight names for Rams fans to watch in the title game tonight, beginning with the LSU Tigers.

LSU

LSU DL Rashard Lawrence

Lawrence is a versatile defensive lineman who can play multiple spots up front. The Rams may not bring back Michael Brockers, which would leave a hole at defensive end. Lawrence probably fits better as a 1- or 3-technique, but his versatility would give the Rams options. What he lacks is length, though, which is important for a defensive end in a 3-4 front.

LSU LB Michael Divinity Jr.

Divinity can play off the ball or rush the passer off the edge, though he probably fits better as the latter at the next level. The Rams need edge rushers with Dante Fowler Jr. hitting free agency, and if Divinity can be had late on Day 2 or on Day 3, he’d be a worthwhile addition to the defense. Keep an eye on him Monday night, particularly his pass-rush technique opposite K’Lavon Chaisson.

LSU OL Lloyd Cushenberry

Cushenberry plays center, but he’d be able to play any of the interior spots in the NFL. That’s exactly where the Rams could use some help with plenty to be determined at those spots in 2020. He’s not a polished prospect, but Cushenberry has potential as an NFL lineman at either guard or center.

LSU EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson

Chaisson is as athletic as pass rushers come, but just as Danielle Hunter was somewhat raw coming out of LSU, so is Chaisson. That won’t preclude a team from taking him in the first or second round, and the Rams could have some interest on Day 2. Chaisson may not rack up the sacks tonight, but watch how often he gets near Trevor Lawrence.

LSU LT Saahdiq Charles

Charles will be viewed as one of the top tackle prospects in the draft this year, but he could be available in the second round for the Rams. As a potential replacement for Andrew Whitworth, Charles fits well. Though not as big as Whitworth, he’s a good athlete who can move on outside runs.

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Rams add running back in 4-round 2020 mock draft

Luke Easterling’s latest mock draft has the Rams taking a running back in the 4th round.

Looking at the depth chart, it would appear the Los Angeles Rams don’t need any help at running back. And in reality, they don’t. With Todd Gurley entrenched as the starter and both Malcolm Brown and Darrell Henderson Jr. backing him up, the Rams have both top-end talent and good depth at the position.

But when you look deeper at the situation, you could make the case that adding a running back in the 2020 draft would be reasonable. Gurley is coming off his worst season since 2016 and had his role reduced significantly, while Brown could be cut to save $1.1 million.

It’s possible the Rams trade Gurley this offseason to rid themselves of his massive contract and open the door for Henderson, the team’s third-round pick in 2019, to contribute more than he did this past season. More than likely, they’ll keep him, but in this new four-round mock draft by Luke Easterling of Draft Wire, the Rams add some insurance just in case.

Here’s how the four rounds broke down:

52. Josh Jones, OT, Houston

84. Leki Fotu, DL, Utah

116. Zack Moss, RB, Utah

Jones fills a potential need at left tackle with Andrew Whitworth’s contract expiring this offseason. He’d join a group of players vying for that job in 2020, including Joseph Noteboom, Bobby Evans and possibly even David Edwards.

Fotu wouldn’t be a Day 1 starter at nose tackle, given the Rams’ depth at the spot with Sebastian Joseph-Day and Greg Gaines. But at his size (6-5, 335 pounds) with his movement skills, Fotu would be tough to pass up in the third round.

Finally, there’s Moss, another Utah Ute selected by the Rams in this projection. He’s not a big back, standing at 5-foot-10, 222 pounds, but he is shifty and quick in the hole. He’s also a capable receiver and blocker, which are two things the Rams like in their backs.

However, how much value would he really add to the depth chart? Even if the Rams move on from Gurley, Henderson and Brown would be more than capable of handling the load, with John Kelly also mixing in.

After hiring Brandon Staley, keeping Joe Barry gets tougher for Rams

The Rams may not be able to retain Joe Barry after hiring Brandon Staley to replace Wade Phillips.

After the Rams let Wade Phillips’ contract expire without re-upping it, the search for a replacement began. It was the first time Sean McVay had to replace his defensive coordinator, whom he hired when he first got the Rams job in 2017.

Considering how often McVay has promoted from within, Joe Barry and Aubrey Pleasant were both seen as strong candidates for the defensive coordinator job. McVay met with Barry about the position, but he decided to go in a different direction with Brandon Staley.

Now, keeping Barry on the staff as the team’s linebackers coach and assistant head coach could prove to be difficult for McVay. That’s because he’s in contention for USC’s defensive coordinator opening, which could be viewed as a career advancement for Barry.

Barry went to USC where he played linebacker, and also worked as their linebackers coach in 2010. He began his coaching career with the Trojans as a graduate assistant from 1994-1995, so he certainly has a history at USC.

It hasn’t yet been reported that Barry has been offered the job, or that he’s even the frontrunner. But there also hasn’t been much noise out of USC about any other candidates in Clay Helton’s search for his next DC.

Barry is an important coach for the Rams and someone they should fight hard to keep. He’s helped develop Cory Littleton into a terrific linebacker, one who’s going to cash in this offseason as a free agent. Having Barry on the staff could potentially sway Littleton’s decision in March, too.

That’s not to say the Rams wouldn’t be able to replace Barry, but they should make a concerted effort to keep him on their staff. Keeping him away from the school he played for and coached at for several years could be difficult, though.

Jared Goff excited to see ‘fresh faces’ on Rams coaching staff

Jared Goff will miss Wade Phillips, John Fassell and Skip Peete, but he’s also excited about the future.

Sean McVay and the Rams aren’t unfamiliar with losing coaches. They watched Greg Olson, Matt LaFleur and Zac Taylor all leave in the last two offseasons, becoming either offensive coordinators or head coaches elsewhere.

What they’re not completely used to is choosing to move on from coaches. They moved on from Wade Phillips and running backs coach Skip Peete this offseason, also losing John Fassel – who’s contract was up – to the Dallas Cowboys.

McVay has begun tweaking his staff, hiring Kevin O’Connell as his offensive coordinator and Brandon Staley as his defensive coordinator to replace Phillips. Jared Goff is sad to see Phillips, Fassel and Peete go, but at the same time, he’s excited about the future with the new coaches coming in.

“You love what Wade did for us. You can’t ever look past that,” Goff said, via the Los Angeles Times. “You’re so grateful for what he did. And losing Bones is tough, and Skip. … But it is exciting. You see the fresh faces.”

The hire that affects Goff the most is O’Connell, who joins the Rams staff after being the Redskins’ offensive coordinator in 2019. Like Zac Robinson, who’s also a Rams assistant, O’Connell is a former NFL quarterback who was drafted by the Patriots.

Goff is looking forward to working with him and getting his perspective on things.

“Adding a guy like him — he can add a lot of value and add a lot perspective,” Goff said. “It will be great.”

The addition of O’Connell is easy to understand and doesn’t come with much risk. He most likely won’t call plays, but he can help McVay the way LaFleur did in 2017. It’ll also allow Shane Waldron (quarterbacks coach) and Aaron Kromer (O-line coach) to focus on their position groups rather than also being co-coordinators.

However, with Staley replacing Phillips, McVay is taking a chance on a coach who’s never been a coordinator. That doesn’t make Staley unqualified, but it’s quite the change going from a 72-year-old legend like Phillips to a 37-year-old outside linebackers coach with Staley.

“I think we’re moving in the right direction,” Goff said.

Tyler Higbee was PFF’s top graded Rams player on offense in 2019

Tyler Higbee finished with the highest grade on offense of any Rams player.

The Los Angeles Rams have Todd Gurley, Jared Goff, Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods on offense, but Pro Football Focus didn’t grade a single one of those players higher than Tyler Higbee in 2019.

Incredibly, with all the big names Los Angeles has on its offense, it was Higbee – who had 26 catches for 212 yards and one touchdown in the first 10 games of the season – with the highest grade PFF grade on the Rams offense this season.

He finished the year with an overall grade of 85.9, which was the third-highest by a Rams offensive player in the last three years. It was all thanks to his last five games of the season, which all came in December.

In those games, he caught 43 passes for 522 yards and two touchdowns. Thanks to that finish, Higbee not only ended the year with the highest grade on offense by a Rams player, but he posted the best season by a tight end in franchise history. His 69 catches and 734 yards are the most ever by a Rams tight end.

Higbee doesn’t necessarily get all the credit he should as a blocker, either. He was strong in that department this season, both in the running game and in pass protection. Against the Bears, he was asked to block Khalil Mack one-on-one a couple times and held his own in those situations.

As the Rams’ official site mentioned, Higbee’s receiving grade of 90.0 is what really pushed his performance over the top. He wasn’t a downfield threat, though. He gained a good chunk of his yards after the catch, gaining 396 yards with the ball in his hands.

According to PFF’s data, Higbee did the majority of his damage when targeted short, or 1-9 yards past the line of scrimmage, catching 46 of 52 yards for 394 yards and all three of his touchdowns in that range. He also was effective on screens, too, catching 12 of 13 targets for 111 yards with 142 yards after the catch when targeted behind the line of scrimmage.

Higbee received an extension last season and while it was met with confusion and some criticism, he’s making the Rams look wise for signing him when they did. In one month, he emerged as one of the most reliable tight ends in football.

How Rams’ usage of 11 personnel changed from 2018 to 2019

The Rams utilized 11 personnel far less this past season than in 2018.

The frequency with which Sean McVay utilized 11 personnel in 2018 was a complete outlier compared to the rest of the NFL. The Rams had three wide receivers, one tight end and one running back on the field 89% of the time that year, with the next-closest team using 11 personnel on 77% of their snaps (Packers).

This season, the Rams came back down to earth with their usage of 11 personnel, mixing things up far more than they did in 2018. According to Sharp Football Stats, the Rams used 11 personnel on only 73% of their snaps, tied for third-most in the NFL.

The grouping they used second-most was 12 personnel, which features one running back, two tight ends and two wide receivers. They utilized 12 personnel 21 percent of the time, or on 219 total plays.

Here’s a comparison of how often the Rams used 11 personnel in the last two years.

2018

Total: 89%
Pass: 94%
Run: 81%

2019

Total: 73%
Pass: 79%
Run: 58%

So why the huge shift in the usage of 11 personnel from 2018 to this past season? Part of it has to do with defenses starting to counter McVay’s offense toward the end of the 2018 season. The Bears and Patriots both figured out ways to counter the Rams’ wide-zone rushing attack and play-action passing game, stacking the box and using 6-1 fronts.

McVay adapted by using more formations with two tight ends on the field, getting more blockers along the line of scrimmage rather than spreading three receivers out wide. McVay also attributed it to preventing his wideouts from wearing down, considering they played nearly every snap in 2018 when healthy and available.

With how much the Rams’ receivers are asked to block, it can take a toll on their bodies over the course of a long season. Thus, a higher tight end usage with Tyler Higbee, Johnny Mundt and Gerald Everett.

It’s a good sign that McVay found a way to adapt to what defenses were showing him this season, but it wasn’t until late in the year that he began to utilize two tight ends more often. We’ll see if things change next season with Kevin O’Connell coming aboard as the offensive coordinator and Higbee emerging as a legitimate No. 1 tight end in December.

Sean McVay shows he’s taking more control with hiring of Brandon Staley

Sean McVay is taking a risk by replacing Wade Phillips with Brandon Staley.

When Sean McVay first became the Rams head coach in 2017, he made the wise decision to hire a proven defensive mind with Wade Phillips. Their 39-year age gap was the biggest in the NFL, but it showed McVay’s awareness and maturity.

Having been on the job for three years now, McVay is displaying another level of maturity with his latest hire. He’s replacing Phillips at defensive coordinator with 37-year-old Brandon Staley, an unexpected move, but one that does come with some risk.

Going from the safety of having a legend like Phillips to an unproven coach like Staley is a decision that shows McVay is taking more control of his staff, and ultimately, the team. Phillips had a firm grip of the defense and while he didn’t have the freedom to do whatever he chose on that side of the ball, McVay essentially handed him the keys and let him run the defense he always has.

Now with Staley taking over, McVay can put his fingers on the defense more than he could with Phillips. Staley has never been a defensive coordinator. He’s only been an NFL coach since 2017, only working as an outside linebackers coach.

Yes, he’s learned under Vic Fangio for the last three years, but Staley’s resume isn’t one that screams “defensive coordinator.” What this hire likely suggests is McVay having a bigger say in what defensive scheme the Rams run, how aggressive they are and how their approach will change from week to week.

That wasn’t the case with Phillips. The last three years, the Rams rarely varied their coverage or strategy from the norm on a weekly basis. They played a lot of zone coverage with Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters at cornerback, but when Jalen Ramsey and Troy Hill took over, it became a more man-heavy scheme.

Opposing coaches know Phillips’ scheme, considering he’s been running essentially the same 3-4, one-gap front for most of his career. But with Staley driving the bus on defense and McVay riding shotgun instead of sitting in the fourth row, the hope is that there will be an added level of unpredictability.

McVay is taking a chance with this move after letting Phillips control the defense for the last three years, but it shows he’s going to have more say on that side of the ball.

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7 Rams who must play better in 2020

The Rams need better performances out of these seven players next season.

The 2019 season was one filled with disappointment and underperforming for the Los Angeles Rams. Not only did they come up short of where they wanted to finish the year, but several players put together seasons that didn’t meet expectations.

Some were worse than others, of course, but these seven players must play better in 2020 in order for the Rams to get back to the postseason. Not surprisingly, it all starts with the quarterback.

QB Jared Goff

Goff plays the most important position in sports, so when he underperformed in 2019, he rightfully came under a lot of criticism. His struggles can’t continue into next season, otherwise the Rams will once again be watching the playoffs from home instead of hosting one at SoFi Stadium.

Goff’s yardage numbers were impressive (4,638), but that also came on the most attempts of any quarterback with a passer rating of only 86.5. His 22 touchdown passes ranked 16th, he was 14th in yards per attempt and threw the fourth-most interceptions.

He must play better overall by cutting down on the turnovers and improving on deep passes, which was an area of major concern in 2019.

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