Rookie contract guessing game: Random Ramsdom, 6/11

by Ryan Van Bibber on Jun 11, 2009 7:11 AM CDT in St. Louis Rams news

Some tasty link sausage to start your morning.

Jets rookie QB Sanchez signs five-year deal worth up to $60 million
The big news of the day is the news that Jets first round draft pick, and 5th overall, signed a five-year deal worth up to $60 million with $28 million guaranteed. That's a lot of money - repeat the mantra after me - "for a guy who has yet to see a single NFL snap." Well, it's true. Still, that's hardly Matt Stafford's six-year, $72 million ($41 million guaranteed). deal. What's this tell us about how the contracts will look for the players picked between Stafford and Sanchez, such as the Rams second overall pick OT Jason Smith? Hard to say since QB deals always look a little different. Last year, the third overall pick QB Matt Ryan got a six-year, $72 million contract with $34.75 million guaranteed. The Rams second overall pick last year, DE Chris Long, got a five-year, $48 million contract with $29 guaranteed. First overall pick OT Jake Long got a five-year $57.75 million deal with $30 million guaranteed. Watch for Smith to get something in-between the two Long deals from last season, probably closer to Chris' deal.

Running backs are battling to back up Steven Jackson
Running backs are battling to back up Steven Jackson - Right now it's Darby and Pittman leading the way. The more I hear about the backup RB situation with the Rams, the more I tend to wave it off. Yes, the Rams need a reliable guy in case Jackson is injured, though I think they might have the change-of-pace thing covered with the current crop of runners. The always astute gang over at Football Outsiders ran an analysis of running back usage earlier this spring. Good read.

NFL Power Rankings: Schedule Difficulties - MVN Outsider
For a two-win team, the Rams have one of the more difficult schedules in the league this season.

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Simth will get more than C. Long....

I’m willing to bet on it. The offensive side of the ball ALWAYS commands more money than the defense, hence the reason QB’s and RB’s get paid more than any other position. I’m thinking Smith will sign for about 5 years, $53 million with $32 guaranteed.

On this team, we are all united in a common goal: to keep my job.
-- Lou Holtz

by RamsMan83 on Jun 11, 2009 12:07 PM CDT reply actions

Here's some more Random Ramson...

Jaguars just released veteran cornerback William James. He played in Philadelpha while Spagnuolo was the linebacker coach, so he has a connection there. Also would be a nice compliment to bartell, and a veteran presence to help shape our young corners.

by PCarn on Jun 11, 2009 2:23 PM CDT reply actions

Worried about RB's

Our offense is obviously being built into a run-first team. What happens if S-Jax goes down? We saw Darby and Pittman last year and they didn’t exactly inspire confidence to handle the ball on every down. They are good for a change of pace, but not as the focal point. I would love to hear Ogbannaya’s name on reports, but so far not much. We could use someone off waivers to help here.

by Oski Bear on Jun 11, 2009 7:29 PM CDT reply actions