Random Ramsdom 4/29: More on Jason Smith and the cap

by VanRam on Apr 29, 2009 9:29 AM CDT in 2009 NFL draft Comment 7 comments

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For April, it's been a marathon of football lately, and we've only got a few days to catch our breath before the next minicamp that starts on Friday. Starting with some more insight on the Rams salary cap, here's a few items of note to start your morning.

Rams beat writer for the Post-Dispatch, Jim Thomas, gave a ballpark figure for what second overall draft pick OT Jason Smith's cap hit will likely be this year in yesterday's online chat. He estimates that Smith contract will entail a similar cap hit to Chris Long's deal from last season, which counted $2.9 million against the cap.

In the same chat session, Thomas predicts, and I would assume it's an informed prediction, that Smith and the Rams should be able to reach a deal in a timely manner, enough to keep him from missing team activities. There's plenty more information over there, so be sure to give it a read.

Still in despair that the Rams didn't take a QB in the draft this year, a starting QB anyway? Don't worry. Here's one 2010 mock draft that predicts the Rams trading a fourth overall pick for the Lions first overall in order to take Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford. I don't see it.

Randomness...

Jason Smith is the first Baylor player taken in the first round since 1996.
This analysis from Pro Football Weekly says Smith, of all the OTs taken this draft, is the most likely to be playing in a Pro Bowl in three years.
Did James Laurinaitis' consistently high levels of production at Ohio State actually make people forget about him?
What's that on your nose? One pundit says the Rams should look into free agent WR Matt Jones.
I want to hear some thoughts on this. Would Edgerrin James be a smart acquisition for the Rams? If he's willing to take a limited role, and the corresponding salary, he could have enough left to give and round out his case for the Hall of Fame. Thoughts?

Back at you later.

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Comments

no

Everyone on here is age anal, there has been plenty of good players talked about on here but there “to old and slow”. So lets not even go there with James. Dont get me wrong i think we still need a good veteran leader on O but i think it needs to be a WR. As far as Matt Jones, the guy has all the tools, maybe a good coach could help clean up his act? i wouldnt do more than a 1 year deal.

by NICKSC on Apr 29, 2009 10:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Why not Edge? He’s still a great pass blocker, and could maybe teach SJ39 a thing or two about picking up a blitz. Our O-line hasn’t been great these past few years, but SJ39 is adept at missing blocks. A backup veteran RB who can block might be the perfect remedy.

That said, I’d rather get younger.

by trent714 on Apr 29, 2009 10:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

speed

I see your point but i still think we need a speed back as a back up. a darren sproles type guy. change of pace back. either way jackson has a tendancy of getting hurt we need a good backup to fill in.

by NICKSC on Apr 29, 2009 10:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

isnt the whole reason he isnt in AZ

is his unwillingness to take a limited role? what has changed in his head since the offseason started?

by FunkeeC on Apr 29, 2009 2:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Edge vs. Dunn

Tackle Box raised the idea of signing Warrick Dunn, who had a similar role to James last season – started a few games, got a lot of carries in a part-time role. Here’s how the two compare:

2009 Age: James 31, Dunn 34
2008 Salary: James $5mm, Dunn $3mm
Last contract: James 4yr/$30mm (2006, Ari); Dunn 2 yr/$6mm (2008, Tam)

Rushing
2008 carries: James 133, Dunn 186
2008 yards: James 514, Dunn 786
2008 y/att: James: 3.9, Dunn 4.2
career y/att: James 4.1, Dunn 4.1

Receiving
2008 receptions: James 12, Dunn 47
2008 targets: James 18, Dunn 68
2008 yards: James 85, Dunn 330
2008 y/att: James 7.1, Dunn 7.0

Scoring
2008 TDs: James 3, Dunn 2

Intangibles
Dunn may just retire. He maintains a house in Tampa. Is not known as a pass blocker. Widely considered to be a “good citizen” in and out of the clubhouse. Played in all but one game over the past five seasons, but has not been the “primary” RB since 2006. Has always played in a tandem rotation. 26 career fumbles over 12 seasons (16 lost).

James was used often in a pass blocking role last season. Was noticeably unhappy to not be touching the ball more often. Still has desire to play. May still believe he is a starter. 43 career fumbles over 10 seasons (24 lost)

"Attaway to stomp 'em. Stomp the piss out of 'em. Stomp 'em when they're down. Kick 'em and stomp 'em. Attaway to go boys. Pound that old Budweiser into you and go get them tomorrow." -- Joe Schultz

by taiko on Apr 29, 2009 3:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Running Back Woes

I agree we need to get younger. I have stated over and over in a lot of the posts through out this website that the Rams need a shifty change of pace back to back up Steven Jackson in the Darren Sproles-mold. Devin Moore from Wyoming would have been perfect for that role. He is a small and quick back who can get to the outside and also come out of the back field to catch passes. He also has some kick return experience. I figure we would have been able to pluck him in the sixth round and as it turns out he did not get drafted. Has anyone heard if anyone picked him up as an undrafted free agent? Maybe we can still reel him in.

If we can’t bring him in, I would prefer Warrick Dunn over Edgerrin James.

by NachoD on Apr 30, 2009 1:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs