| FBG Mobile Home |
| STL - Plan to get Austin the ball early and often - |
Michael David Smith, from ProFootballTalk.com, reports Rams head coach Jeff Fisher says the team plans to get the ball to rookie WR Tavon Austin as much as possible. "We're going to try to get the ball to him as often as we can, however we do that," Fisher said.
Footballguys view: The Rams targeted slot WR Danny Amendola (Patriots) almost 40 percent of the time last season, the third-highest rate in the NFL. Now that he's gone his replacement will be Austin. He's a big play threat every time he touches the ball and can be used effectively as a runner or receiver. Austin gained 947 yards after the catch in 2012, most among players from AQ schools.
| STL - Could still re-sign Quintin Mikell - |
The St. Louis Rams still haven't removed free-agent S Quintin Mikell's nameplate over his locker, which is an indication they could re-sign him.
| STL - Expected to sign three tryout players - |
The St. Louis Rams are expected to sign undrafted free-agent QB Tim Jenkins (Fort Lewis College), LB Joseph LeBeau (Jackson State) and CB Andre Martin (North Dakota State). All three players participated in the team's rookie minicamp on a tryout basisi.
| STL - C.J. Akins injured - |
St. Louis Rams WR C.J. Akins (Achilles') suffered a torn Achilles' tendon during practice Saturday, May 11, and will undergo surgery later this week.
| STL - Two rookies not practicing - |
St. Louis Rams RB Benny Cunningham (knee) and C Barrett Jones (foot) are not participating in rookie minicamp this weekend because of injuries.
| STL - Drops a problem for outside WRs last year - |
When the Rams targeted an outside wide receiver in 2012 they had the second highest drop rate (6.8%) in the NFL. Chris Givens (5) and Brian Quick (3) were credited with the most drops of any WR left on the team.
Footballguys view: The Rams have a new outside wide receiver to stretch the field vertically. Rookie Stedman Bailey was added in the third-round of the NFL draft and is known as a big play deep threat. Bailey gained almost half of his 1,622 yards on passes thrown 15 yards or longer downfield.
| STL - Austin in for a sizable role? - |
In 2012 the Rams targeted a wide receiver lined up in the slot position 40.5% of the time, third highest rate in the NFL. With Danny Amendola (Patriots) moving on in free agency that slot role goes to first-round pick Tavon Austin.
Footballguys view: Austin was the first WR off the board in this year's draft class for good reason. He's a tremendous weapon with excellent quickness, speed, and agility in the open field. Austin could be in for a bigger role than some think. The selection of Austin had to make QB Sam Bradford happy.
| STL - Rookie WR duo all about YAC - |
Rams rookie WR Tavon Austin led the NCAA in yards after the catch (947) in 2012. Fellow college teammate (and now Rams teammate as well) WR Stedman Bailey was third in the NCAA with 660 yards after the catch.
Footballguys view: What a brilliant move by the Rams to add both playmakers in the 2013 NFL draft. Austin reminds some in the scouting community of Randall Cobb (Packers) because of his run after the catch ability and elusiveness in the open field. Bailey will be relied on as a big play WR on the outside. Both enhance the caliber of weapons around QB Sam Bradford.
| STL - Barrett Jones seen as interior lineman - |
The St. Louis Rams are expected to use OL Barrett Jones at center and both guard spots. He may be given the opportunity to compete for the starting left guard job during training camp.
| STL - Barrett Jones recovering from injury - |
St. Louis Rams OL Barrett Jones (foot) is expected to be limited during offseason workouts because he is recovering from a foot injury.
Footballguys view: The team will take it easy on the versatile O-Lineman this offseason. Rams coach Jeff Fisher says Jones should be ready by training camp.
| STL - Speed an asset for Alec Ogletree - |
St. Louis Rams LB Alec Ogletree said he believes his game speed will help him at the pro level. 'I'm definitely up for the challenge,' Ogletree said. 'I'm very confident in my ability to basically tackle somebody, run 'em down. I feel like when I'm between the lines, nobody's faster than me.'
Footballguys view: Ogletree flies to the football and can chase down plays that go away from him. He can make plays in coverage as well but needs to be more disciplined in reading a QBs eyes.
| STL - Brandon McGee to see time on special teams - |
St. Louis Rams fifth-round pick CB Brandon McGee will contribute on special teams right away. 'He was a gunner and covered very well,' head coach Jeff Fisher said. He's also expected to back up at cornerback.
| STL - Mike McNeill signs tender - |
St. Louis Rams exclusive rights free-agent TE Mike McNeill has signed his tender offer. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
| STL - Several UDFAs signed - |
The St. Louis Rams signed undrafted free agents OT Braden Brown (Brigham Young), LB Michael Gilliard (Georgia), NT Garret Goebel (Ohio State), G Kevin Saia (Louisiana Tech) and FB Eric Stevens (California) Saturday, April 27.
| STL - Barrett Jones willing to play any position - |
St. Louis Rams OL Barrett Jones said he willing to play any offensive line position the team asks him to next season. 'I'll play anywhere they need me to play,' Jones said. 'I'm very committed. I want to be the hardest working player in the building.' Jones played right guard, left tackle and center while at the University of Alabama.
| STL - Stedman Bailey added to WR stable - |
The St. Louis Rams selected West Virginia WR Stedman Bailey with the No. 92 overall selection in the 2013 NFL Draft.
| STL - Alec Ogletree selected 30th overall - |
The St. Louis Rams selected Georgia LB Alec Ogletree with the 30th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Footballguys view: Ogletree, if he plays in control and stays focused, could really make this defense nasty. His upside is huge, but so is the downside.
| STL - Tavon Austin selected eighth overall - |
The St. Louis Rams selected West Virginia WR Tavon Austin with the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Footballguys view: Sam Bradford lost two weapons in Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson, but adding Austin will help ease that pain. A dynamic player with the ball in his hand, he will have a tremendous impact from Day One for Bradford and the Rams. Expect him to get passes early and often as Bradford looks to him to help turn things around.
| STL - Open to trading pick - |
The St. Louis Rams are open to trading pick 22 in the first round of the NFL Draft. That was a pick the team received from the Washington Redskins in a deal that eventually saw the Redskins select Robert Griffin III.
| STL - Could re-sign Quintin Mikell - |
The St. Louis Rams are could re-sign free-agent S Quintin Mikell.
| STL - Still interested in Daryl Smith - |
The St. Louis Rams are still interested in free-agent LB Daryl Smith (Jaguars).
| STL - Chris Long restructures contract - |
St. Louis Rams DE Chris Long restructured his contract Monday, April 22, saving the team $4.5 million of cap space.
| STL - Kenny Vaccaro could be option - |
The St. Louis Rams could consider taking University of Texas S Kenny Vaccaro with their first first-round draft choice in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Footballguys view: Vaccaro is a highly aggressive player who flies to the football. He can turn and cover WRs but also has a nose for the football as a run defender. Scouts compare him to Eric Weddle (Chargers) because of his playmaking ability.
| STL - DeAndre Hopkins working out again - |
The St. Louis Rams are working out Clemson WR DeAndre Hopkins again Monday, April 22.
Footballguys view: The Rams are going to add at least one more WR in this draft class. Hopkins is an option for them in the first- or second-round. He reminds many sco8uts of Reggie Wayne (Colts) because of his route running ability, body control, and sideline awareness.
| STL - Likely to nab WR in first-round pick - |
The St. Louis Rams are likely to take either West Virginia WR Tavon Austin or Clemson WR DeAndre Hopkins with the No. 16 pick in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. The team could also be interested in California WR Keenan Allen and Tennessee WR Cordarrelle Patterson.
Footballguys view: The Rams added Brian Quick and Chris Givens in the draft last year but that won't keep them from addressing the position this year. They lost Danny Amendola (Patriots) in free agency and could add another WR this year because the draft class is elite.
| STL - Do not want to move Rodger Saffold - |
The St. Louis Rams are not interested in trading OT Rodger Saffold and believe that he will be a part of the team for a long time.
| STL - Worked out DeAndre Hopkins - |
The St. Louis Rams conducted a private workout with Clemson WR DeAndre Hopkins Friday, April 19, and it appears to have went very well.
Footballguys view: The Rams have 16 and 22 and are likely to take a wide receiver like Hopkins, Tavon Austin, or Cordarrelle Patterson with one of the picks.
| STL - Alec Ogletree could be first-round option - |
The St. Louis Rams could consider selecting University of Georgia LB Alec Ogletree in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft if West Virginia WR Tavon Austin and University of Tennessee WR Cordarrelle Patterson are not available.
Footballguys view: Ogletree has off field concerns, but the former safety should be a three-down linebacker in the NFL and a good boom/bust pick in IDP rookie drafts.
| STL - More on Kellen Clemens - |
Updating previous reports, St. Louis Rams QB Kellen Clemens' one-year deal is worth $870,000. It includes a $840,000 base salary and a $30,000 signing bonus. It only counts $585,000 against the salary cap.
| STL - More on Darian Stewart - |
Updating previous reports, St. Louis Rams S Darian Stewart has a $700,000 base salary and a $300,000 signing bonus with possible incentives.
| STL - Hugh Thornton visits - |
The St. Louis Rams visited with Illinois OG Hugh Thornton last week.
| STL - Interested in D.J. Johnson - |
The St. Louis Rams have shown interest in Texas Tech FS D.J. Johnson.
| STL - Interested in Toben Opurum - |
The St. Louis Rams have shown interest in University of Kansas DE Toben Opurum.
| STL - Work out Ace Sanders - |
The St. Louis Rams conducted a private workout with South Carolina WR Ace Sanders Wednesday, April 17. The team also met with Sanders last week. Sanders could be an option if the team is not able to select West Virginia WR Tavon Austin.
Footballguys view: Sanders is a super charged WR who can help primarily as a return man. He's considered a late round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
| STL - Met with Spencer Ware - |
Louisiana State RB Spencer Ware had a dinner meeting with the St. Louis Rams.
Footballguys view: The Rams are looking for RB help after losing Steven Jackson (Falcons) in free agency. Ware is not considered a full time RB but could be the power element of a RBBC. He is a violent runner who relishes contact. His leg drive is incredible and he's tough to bring down between the Tackles. There are some in the scouting community who compare Ware to former Cowboys/Bears RB Marion Barber.
| STL - Kellen Clemens re-signed - |
The St. Louis Rams re-signed free-agent QB Kellen Clemens to a one-year deal. It's believed to be for the minimum.
Footballguys view: Clemens gives the team another arm for camp, and he knows the Brian Schottenheimer offense. Austin Davis is the team's QB2 behind Sam Bradford so Clemens will have to battle for the QB3 job.
| STL - Expected to take WR in first round - |
The St. Louis Rams are expected to take a wide receiver with one of their first-round draft choices in the 2013 NFL Draft. The team has met with or will meet with University of California WR Keenan Allen, West Virginia WR Tavon Austin, University of Tennessee WRs Justin Hunter and Cordarrelle Patterson, Baylor WR Terrance Williams and Louisiana Tech WR Quinton Patton before the draft.
Footballguys view: The Rams selected Brian Quick and Chris Givens last year in the draft but neither are the caliber of WR they could add this year in the first-round. After losing Danny Amendola (Patriots) in free agency they have a need at the position. The Rams have two first-round picks (16, 22) thanks to the Redskins trading up for QB Robert Griffin III last year.
| STL - Shamarko Thomas visits - |
The St. Louis Rams met with Syracuse SS Shamarko Thomas Wednesday, April 11.
| STL - Darian Stewart update - |
Updating previous reports, St. Louis Rams S Darian Stewart's tender counts as $1 million against the salary cap instead of $1.323 million.
| STL - Worked out Don Unamba - |
The St. Louis Rams have conducted a private workout with Southern Arkansas CB Don Unamba.
| STL - Tavon Austin visiting - |
The St. Louis Rams are meeting with West Virginia WR Tavon Austin Wednesday, April 10.
Footballguys view: Austin would be a great pick for the Rams in the first-round. They own two picks (16, 22) and could use the first one on Austin. He's a big play waiting to happen and many compare him to Randall Cobb (Packers).
| STL - Gerald Hodges visits - |
The St. Louis Rams met with Penn State LB Gerald Hodges Tuesday, April 9.
| STL - Oday Aboushi to visit - |
The St. Louis Rams are scheduled to meet with University of Virginia OL Oday Aboushi before the 2013 NFL Draft.
| STL - Not looking to trade Rodger Saffold - |
The St. Louis Rams are not believed to be interested in trading OT Rodger Saffold at this point. The team could be willing to trade Saffold if they take an offensive tackle in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
| STL - Rodger Saffold won't hold out - |
Sources close to St. Louis Rams OT Rodger Saffold said he doesn't intend to hold out due to his impending switch to right tackle. Saffold will participate in the team's official offseason conditioning program, despite participation being voluntary. He's in the final year of his rookie contract.
| STL - Not interested in Tim Tebow - |
The St. Louis Rams are not interested in trading for New York Jets QB Tim Tebow. The Rams were believed to be interested in Tebow last offseason.
Footballguys view: We'll have to see Tebow released before any team makes a move. There are zero teams interested in giving up anything for him in trade. The Seahawks thought about adding Tebow but have since moved on. A future at QB seems bleak for Tebow at this time.
| STL - Arthur Brown visiting - |
The St. Louis Rams will visit with Kansas State LB Arthur Brown Tuesday, April 9.
Footballguys view: The Rams have two first-round picks (16,22) and would be wise to select Brown with one of them. He's a smart player who is dedicated to the game. Brown has position versatility and can play all three Linebacker (strong, weak, middle) spots.
| STL - Sio Moore visits - |
The St. Louis Rams met with University of Connecticut LB Sio Moore last week.
| STL - Met with Johnathan Franklin - |
The St. Louis Rams met with UCLA RB Johnathan Franklin last week.
Footballguys view: Franklin could be an option for the Rams in the second-round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He's a complete RB with perhaps the best all-around skill set in this class. Franklin runs bigger than his size and can be effective running between the tackles. He's also a good receiver out of the backfield.
| STL - D.J. Fluker could be first-round target - |
The St. Louis Rams could consider taking University of Alabama OT D.J. Fluker with their second first-round draft choice in the 2013 NFL Draft if he is available.
Footballguys view: Fluker could step in and start as the team's Right Tackle this season. He has position versatility and could also play inside at Guard if the Rams wanted him to.
