Tag: rams updates

Rams only projected to get one compensatory pick in 2020 NFL Draft

The Rams are expected to only get one pick at the end of the 4th round.

Last offseason, the Rams had three big-name players set to hit free agency: Lamarcus Joyner, Rodger Saffold and Ndamukong Suh. The first two signed early in the process, but Suh sat on the market for a while before signing with the Buccaneers in May.

The Rams weren’t very active on the market, only bringing in one qualified free agent, which was Clay Matthews. Eric Weddle was cut by the Ravens and signed before free agency began, so he didn’t count toward the compensatory formula.

Suh’s departure didn’t, either, since he signed after the window closed for signees to factor into the equation.

As such, the Rams are only projected to receive one compensatory pick in the 2020 draft for their losses last offseason. According to Over The Cap, that pick will come in the fourth round. Their other fourth-rounder was canceled out by the addition of Matthews.

You might be wondering how a sixth-round compensatory pick cancels out a fourth-rounder, which is a very valid question. It’s also one that no one really has the answer to. The NFL doesn’t make its compensatory pick formula public, which complicates things.

But the equation factors in things like contract value, playing time and post-season accolades. So by some secret calculation, the Rams will get a fourth-rounder for losing Saffold to the Titans.

Austin Blythe is worth re-signing for his versatility

Austin Blythe is set to be a free agent, but the Rams should sign him to a team-friendly deal.

Austin Blythe took over as the Rams’ starting right guard for the first two weeks of the 2018 season when Jamon Brown was suspended by the NFL. He never relinquished the job and remained at his post for the remainder of the season.

Blythe earned a very respectable 74.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus that season, allowing zero sacks and only committing two penalties. He regressed this past season, though, by allowing two sacks and receiving a 50.5 overall grade from PFF.

He played both right guard and center, performing better at the latter – which was his original position upon entering the NFL. But now set to be a free agent, what does Blythe’s future hold with the Rams?

He’s not going to command top dollar on the free-agent market, making him an affordable option for the Rams and other potential suitors. However, Los Angeles shouldn’t let him reach free agency.

Rather than waiting it out, they should offer him a one- or two-year deal worth around $3 million per season – similar to the deal D.J. Fluker signed in 2019 with the Seahawks. Blythe may not be the best offensive lineman on the team, but he does carry value with his versatility.

Blythe came into the NFL as a center before transitioning to guard with the Rams in 2018. He struggled at guard last season, but when Brian Allen suffered a season-ending injury, he switched back to center.

Unsurprisingly, he played better at that middle spot than he did in space as a guard. Heading into 2020, the Rams have no clarity of stability at either position. Allen was one of the worst centers in football before landing on IR, and David Edwards’ future might be brighter at tackle than it is at guard. Blythe can play both spots in the event that an injury occurs, which could allow the Rams to carry one fewer interior offensive lineman.

Blythe won’t be a top priority with Andrew Whitworth, Dante Fowler Jr., Cory Littleton and Michael Brockers all hitting free agency, too. But it wouldn’t be a bad idea for Los Angeles to get Blythe signed to a team-friendly deal ahead of time.

Rams Week 17 inactives: Troy Hill, Obo Okoronkwo out

The Los Angeles Rams will play their Week 17 finale without two of their starting cornerbacks. Jalen Ramsey was previously ruled out for the game, while Troy Hill was listed as doubtful. Both players are inactive against the Cardinals, as is right …

The Los Angeles Rams will play their Week 17 finale without two of their starting cornerbacks. Jalen Ramsey was previously ruled out for the game, while Troy Hill was listed as doubtful.

Both players are inactive against the Cardinals, as is right tackle Rob Havenstein. Ogbonnia Okoronwko is also inactive as a healthy scratch.

Rams rule out Gerald Everett and Rob Havenstein vs. Cardinals

The Rams will once again be without Rob Havenstein on Sunday, and Gerald Everett is sidelined, too.

The Los Angeles Rams will be without two key starters on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. On Friday, Sean McVay ruled out both Rob Havenstein and Gerald Everett for Week 13.

Both players have knee injuries that they have not yet recovered from. Marqui Christian was also on the injury report with a knee injury, but he will play against Arizona.

“Injury wise, Gerald Everett, Rob Havenstein and Darious Williams, we’ll rule those guys out. They’re continuing to make progress, but they’re not ready to play yet,” McVay said. “Marqui is good, he’ll be ready to go.”

Everett has played limited snaps in the last two weeks, with Johnny Mundt playing a bigger role against the Bears in Week 11. McVay said he’ll contribute if that’s what the game plan calls for.

Tyler Higbee will of course be the starter with Everett out, while Bobby Evans will remain at right tackle for the third straight week.

Here’s what McVay said about Everett.

“Well, you’re missing a playmaker and a guy that’s really helped us out, but Tyler Higbee is a great starting tight end for us,” he said. “We have a lot of confidence in him. He’ll be asked to do more, but he is more than able and capable of competing at a really high level, like he’s done for us the last couple of years.”

Rob Havenstein, Brandin Cooks ruled out for Week 11

Sean McVay said both players will be out this week against the Bears.

The injury bug has bitten the Los Angeles Rams hard the last few weeks and it’s really taking a toll on the offense. Not only is center Brian Allen out for the year with an MCL injury, but Rob Havenstein has a knee injury of his own.

Sean McVay announced Monday that Havenstein and Brandin Cooks have both already been ruled out for Week 11 against the Chicago Bears.

Havenstein could be out multiple weeks with the meniscus injury, and Cooks is still recovering from his second concussion of the season.

David Edwards slid over to right tackle after Havenstein went down. That pushed Coleman Shelton into the lineup with the starters.

Austin Blythe replaced Allen at center with Austin Corbett filling in at left guard. Put simply, the offensive line is a mess right now.

It doesn’t help that the Rams will face the Bears’ dominant defensive front on Sunday night, led by Khalil Mack on the outside.