Mardy Gilyard's future: Random Ramsdom, 11.27
by Ryan Van Bibber on Nov 27, 2010 7:01 AM CST
in St. Louis Rams news
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PrintA Saturday edition of St. Louis Rams news and commentary to digest.
Aaron Hooks at SBNation St. Louis has more with Mardy Gilyard, including the video interview and some thoughts on his young career.
Let me give my quick take on Mardy. I think he'll be fine. Why isn't he playing more? Mostly, because he's blocked on the depth chart by Brandon Gibson and Laurent Robinson. It's likely that one of those guys will not be in a Rams uniform when the regular season starts in 2011, and that's when expectations can be ramped up for Gilyard. Had he gotten the Rams playbook earlier in the year and not had to deal with minor but nagging injuries, he might very well have claimed one of those spots. But he didn't.
The Rams rolled out Gibson and Robinson because those are their most experienced receivers left, and competing for a division title with a rookie QB requires some experience and consistency, changing receivers just to give a guy a look is a luxury the Rams don't have anymore...now that they're winning more than one game a season. The play of Gibson and Robinson has improved in recent weeks. Though not exactly flawless, it's been enough that changing the depth chart is off the table.
That said, it's still a little disappointing that Gilyard isn't getting any balls thrown his way in limited action with the offense. Are there not a couple plays where they can use him? Surely there are. Still, it's very, very early in his career. Spring OTAs and training camp will be big markers for Gilyard's progress. Stay tuned.
More links...
Do you remember that Spagnuolo was a finalist for the Broncos coaching job?
Miklasz talks about the game plan for the Rams in Denver.
"As our defensive line goes, so goes the team," says Rams DE Chris Long. Denver has allowed 26 sacks this season, and has the 16th ranked sack rate, exactly middle of the pack.
Here's Mike Tanier from Football Outsiders breaking down the matchups for the New York Times:
The trick to beating the Broncos is to wait through their initial barrage of reverses, funky screens and oddball formations. Once they stop goofing around and start playing toe-to-toe football, the Broncos are easy to beat.
Hopefully, the Rams defense has watched plenty of tape on the Denver offense. Their record against trick plays is mixed, but misdirection has burned them on a couple of occasions. James Laurinaitis will be important, and this is a matchup where the Rams will need to do all they can to help out a vulnerable group of outside linebackers. Tanier predicts the Broncos to win.
Time for road game breakthrough for Bradford and the Rams?
Denver is favored by anywhere from 5 to 3.5 points this week.
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Let's talk receivers
I appreciate your thoughts about Mardy getting more of a look next year, but I’m not sure that once we get Clayton and Avery back from IR and add either a draft pick or a free agent that it leaves a lot of room for Mardy unless he greatly improves. This is how I project our receivers next season. Let me know if you agree or disagree:
1. (FA signing or high draft pick), 2. Mark Clayton, 3. Donnie Avery, 4. Danny Amendola, 5. Denario Alexander, 6. Mardy Gillyard and potentially Gibson in one of these latter spots.
Thus, I see the road plugged up a bit for Mardy next season, unless injuries give him the opportunities he’s had this year. Maybe he will work his way in through returning kicks.
Your thoughts? I welcome discussion on our receiving core for next season!
by TransplantedRamsFan on Nov 27, 2010 10:16 AM CST reply actions
So your saying that a FA or DP is going to step in
and immediately take number 1 spot? Clayton goes there until the guy develops. Right now, if Danario is healthy, he belongs in the number 2 or 3 spot. Over Donnie, I even think that Donnie should be below Amendola.
1. Clayton (when given a chance, this guy shines)
2. DX (he is here, especially if we draft a WR)
3. Drafted WR
4. Amendola
5. Avery
6. Gilyard
DX will eventually become our number 1 guy, if he stays healthy. And we also have to retain Clayton. I dont think we will pick up a FA WR, we will definitely draft one and unless its AJ Green, the guy we draft will be in the 3rd spot. I would love for Amendola to be higher up but he is kinda blocked. DX and Clayton are just what we need, those are the targets we need.
What Would Joey Votto Do?
Thanks for the reply
We agree on the personnel, but we disagree on the order. I’m cool with that. I agree that Clayton is huge and there is no way that he isn’t a starter and a huge contributer assuming he’s healthy.
I hope you’re right about DX. I see him as having huge potential, but he’s only had 1 big game for us and he’s always an injury threat. I don’t want to be a “half empty guy.” I hope you’re right about DX and that his injury woes are behind him and he is the deep threat we need.
I guess I’m assuming if we sign a FA receiver he will be a pretty significant contributer (it would be interesting to see the list of FA WR for this offseason). Likewise, the draft rumors have us looking to a Green/Jones type, who may not step into the #1 right away, but we would be investing in the guy to be a #1 type guy. If we keep winning we will be out of range for those guys, which is fine with me (I’d like to see us draft an OLB).
Also, we seem to agree that Laurent won’t be back and that if Gibson is, he will be low on the depth chart. Additionally, on the point of my post, Gillyard, we also agree that he will be deep on the depth chart.
Suffice it to say, our WR situation will almost certainly look very different next year.
by TransplantedRamsFan on Nov 27, 2010 11:09 AM CST up reply actions
Agreed
Very different look. I can see DX being healthy, I just cant see him missing a piece of next year because of injury, I guess I just hope that it is by him.
I just can’t see Laurent back with us next year, he hasn’t done enough to show that we should keep him.
What Would Joey Votto Do?
this better not happen
the order i mean… if we draft a receiver he better be at least #2 and should be #1 otherwise don’t draft him at all
Denario, who has played in one game, at #2? really? REALLY?
by stlcardsfan4 on Nov 27, 2010 2:12 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
he won’t stay healthy. he’s is essentially a ticking timebomb. and also what has he done to make people think he will even be a good player? he has played well in only one game and in that game it was really just one big play.
I don't love to hate you T.O. I just hate you.
by Brandon Birkhead on Nov 28, 2010 12:18 AM CST up reply actions
um, led the nation in receiving yards his senior year
1700 yds is amazing regardless of what system you play in.
6’5", 46 inch vertical, good hands, runs good routes, fast, good hands.
College FB exists. Why do people like AJ Green, he hasn’t even had 1 catch in the NFL!
I think you're right on!
Mardy will get better…I think he’s gonna be a good playmaker in the future!
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Nov 27, 2010 7:40 PM CST up reply actions
both good points but the fact that avery is #3 or #5 on a depth chart...
speaks very well for our depth.
I just don't see counting on DX
to be a regular. His knee is so bad it appears he will be injured much of the time. It’s too bad because he is a great talent, but that knee is going to sabotage him consistently. And Avery gets hurt every year. Plus Clayton is a FA and there is no guarantee he is coming back to the Rams. We simply have to add one or two top quality receivers before next season. Not doing so may well put us right back into the same situation as this year at WR.
I think management knows
that since we have so much invested in the QB and the RB that we need to get our young stud QB some better offensive weapons. I can’t imagine a situation where we don;t add a body or two.
I was not aware that Clayton was a FA. Still, I think he’ll sign with us. We make him a go to guy and he seems to fit well with our group of guys.
by TransplantedRamsFan on Nov 27, 2010 11:11 AM CST up reply actions
Finally someone is looking at our WR in a realistic fashion.
Andyhawk, you hit the nail on the head.
Avery is always hurt and has done very little for The Rams since coming into the league. Why would anyone think he’s guaranteed a spot on the WR squad next year.
Clatyon is a FA and I sure hope he wants to come back to The Rams next year.
And DX, I’ll keep my fingers crossed. I sure hope those knees are built better and stronger.
"SJAX" - The extra strength cleaner that fights off that Stubborn, Stingy Defense
No matter what happens
Amendola will be the slot for a while. He is a top slot guy. He will never play outside and shouldn’t really be listed in the depth chart like other receivers.
If you love something, set it free. If it doesn't come back, find it and kill it.
2011 FA WR as of now
A came across a site that lists the following guys as FA:
Randy Moss
Sydney Rice
Vincent Jackson
Steve Smith (NYG)
Santonio Holmes
Mike Sims-Walker
Steve Breaston
Malcolm Floyd
Jacoby Jones
James Jones
Early Doucet, ARI®
Brian Finneran, ATL
Mark Clayton, BAL
Donte’ Stallworth, BAL
Dwayne Jarrett, CAR
Rashied Davis, CHI
Chansi Stuckey, CLE
Brandon Stokley, DEN
Dennis Northcut, DET
Troy Williamson, JAC
Derek Hagan, NYG
Brad Smith, NYJ
David Clowney, NYJ
Johnnie Lee Higgins, OAK
Hank Baskett, PHI
Legedu Naanee, SD
Laurent Robinson, STL
Keenan Burton, STL
Maurice Stovall, TB
Santana Moss, WAS
Who stands out to you as an interesting addition for our boys?
by TransplantedRamsFan on Nov 27, 2010 11:16 AM CST reply actions
HEY
Where’d ya get that informashun. I would love to know, please
by dbcouver on Nov 27, 2010 6:27 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Baltimore has a Mark Clayton also?
Wow, that must be a common name…LOL!
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Nov 28, 2010 2:08 PM CST up reply actions
How do you guys think
the “Spygate Sequel” scandal will effect the Broncos this week?
What Would Joey Votto Do?
DX
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. This guy has incredible talent and lots of potential, but his knee will hold him back from becoming a great receiver in the NFL. Watch, I really think he’ll re-injure his knee before this season is over.
In my opinion…
1. Clayton
2. Avery
3. FA or draft pick
4. Amendola
5. DX
6. Either Gilyard or believe it or not, Gibson.
For the Rams and all the Rams fans' sake
I hope you’re right. We’ll just have to wait and see. I hope I’m wrong.
He didn't even need this last surgery
he said he could’ve played with it. I think he will be fine
What Would Joey Votto Do?
Avery really?
Don’t be surprised when he is cut. Atrocious pick, fair player.
Avery just needs to stay healthy, I wouldn't call him a bust yet.
The guy is still the fastest person on our team by far and he’s never had a good QB throw to him since he was in the NFL. It’s easy to have a lost season when you are a deep threat on a team that got a sack every time they tried to go deep.
As long as he still has speed in the 4.2’s, I don’t see how you can give up on him.
guys
There is no way danny isn’t at least our slot reciever. No matter who we bring in. Dan the man hopefully will be apart of our team for years to come
by markg1127 on Nov 27, 2010 1:05 PM CST via mobile reply actions
So are you guys forgetting that Mark Clayton is a FA
The Rams don’t have to bring him back, and he doesn’t have to comeback. Plus the injury looked pretty bad so no one knows if he will even play good if he comes back for us.
by Tevin T. Broner on Nov 27, 2010 1:47 PM CST reply actions
Thanks, TTB
you answered the question I was gonna ask…I thought he might have been a FA…that said, I would be surprised if the Rams didn’t at least try to bring him back for a look-see.
Heres my order since everyone is doing it.
1. FA
2. Gibson
3.Amendola
4. Donnie Avery (if he is here next season)
4B Mark Clayton (if he is here next season)
5.DX
6. Mardy Gilyard
However I don’t see us keeping both Mark Clayton and Donnie Avery Maybe one of them. Say what you want about Brandon Gibson but I think he will be a good number 2. This is only his second season in the NFL. If we don’t get a FA this season then we will draft someone who will play the number 2 spot. DX might be low on the list but he has injury concerns, but he can swap out either of the outside spots, and he has the ability to play some slot if we need it I love this kid versitlity .
by Tevin T. Broner on Nov 27, 2010 1:56 PM CST reply actions
I;m just curious on if the Rams had to chose between Jamicheal James and Juilo Jones who would we pick.
by Tevin T. Broner on Nov 27, 2010 2:00 PM CST up reply actions
definitely jones
never even heard of the other guy
by stlcardsfan4 on Nov 27, 2010 2:14 PM CST up reply actions
I just got done playing NFL Head Coach not my fault.
As long as the Rams get a play maker at running back or Wide Receiver it’s all good to me.
by Tevin T. Broner on Nov 27, 2010 2:31 PM CST up reply actions
oh i doubt we get lamichael
and if its between the two, i don’t see them getting him over jones….
i HAVE heard of him now haha….
by stlcardsfan4 on Nov 27, 2010 3:30 PM CST up reply actions
How about the WR from Oklahoma...Broyles...he's a Biletnikoff (sp?) finalist and it seems he'd make sense at a lot of levels.
We could get him in the 2nd round probably.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Nov 28, 2010 2:13 PM CST up reply actions
DX
Hope he doesn’t get injured anymore and that he can finish the season strong for us and for him, of course. Hope Mardy can get in there next season and have success.
Go Rams...go Sammy B!!!
I think mardy or dx will step as a high end number 2 with amendola at the slot
the high draft pick at number 1 avery as a deep burner clayton as a solid number 2 and then depth once dx or gilyard steps up and gibson as potential depth. I would have no qualms over keeping 7 recievers next year
buck
you know I’ve been dropping Torrey’s name all over TST this season
You don't seem to want to accept the fact you're dealing with an expert in guerrilla warfare, with a man who's the best, with guns, with knives, with his bare hands. A man who's been trained to ignore pain, ignore weather, to live off the land, to eat things that would make a billy goat puke. In *St. Louis* his job was to dispose of enemy personnel. To kill! Period! Win by attrition. Well, *Steven Jackson* was the best.
by 3k on Nov 27, 2010 6:08 PM CST up reply actions
i love him
how great has he been today?
by Buck Nasty87 on Nov 27, 2010 6:10 PM CST up reply actions
Me order
VJax, DX, DA, Clayton, Avery, blah blah blah
by dbcouver on Nov 27, 2010 6:30 PM CST via mobile reply actions
ill partake
1. First round pick/Big FA pickup
2. Clayton
3. Avery
4. Gibson
5. Amendola
6. DX
we have to make a splash this offseason to get a true number 1. clayton proved to be a nice deep threat. i think avery deserves another shot. we should see what he can do in the slot because i think he could be lethal there. gibson should stick around because he is sick after the catch. amendola has to stay but i dropped him down to 5th so he can go back to returning kicks and punts then come in on third downs. we should keep DX because the sky is the limit for this guy but bump him down to the 6th spot because we cant rely on someone with knees of glass
I say
1. JULIO/ (Vincent Jackson)
2. Gibson
3. Amendola
4. Robinson
5.6.7. on IR
Clayton, Avery, DX
I think you're the first
to discuss the possibility of Robinson sticking around. The consensus seems to be he’ll be gone.
by TransplantedRamsFan on Nov 27, 2010 8:45 PM CST up reply actions
Well
1) Julio Jones
-Danario Alexander
2) Donnie Avery
-Mardy Gilyard
Slot) Danny Amendola
As a non-Mizzou fan, I don’t have any problem with DX leaving or Gibson or Laurent or Gilyard or Avery or Clayton. Amendola deserves a spot and AJ Green or Julio Jones deserve a spot. If I was setting my lineup it’d be shown above, even though Mardy’s been sucking, he shows more upside than our others simply by not showing us anything.
Julio Jones for Rams 2011
I think Gibson and Laurent are gonna be gone.
I like Gibson though. I think its gonna be like this next year though.
1. Draft Pick
2. Clayton
3. Avery
4. Amendola
5. DX
6. Gilyard
I REALLY like Avery. He has the potential (speed) to be a monster for this offense. If you givem a good QB (Bradford) he flourish
Well
the Rams are going to be a tough matchup for us but I hope for a Broncos win. We’ll see what happens. I generally admire the Rams’ organization and think you’re good people. That scumbag filmer is gone so hopefully we don’t film you.
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Nov 27, 2010 11:55 PM CST reply actions
Got to hell...
…Bronco lover!
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Nov 28, 2010 2:16 PM CST up reply actions
Mardy to the practice squad?
I like Brandon Gibson more than Mardy Gilyard. Perhaps his increased playing time gives him more exposure to the fans, but I think he cares about the organization more than Mardy.
Put him on practice squad and see what he does. Trade him to the Browns?
Might as well:
1. Gibson
2. Amendola
3. Draft Pick
4. DX
5. Avery
I’m not sure why everyone sees Clayton returning next year for sure. If we really do draft a receiver, then that position is going to be crowded next year.
Again, Mardy on the practice squad.
Mardy wouldn't go to practice squad
someone could pick him up, and then we would have wasted a draft pick
by Tevin T. Broner on Nov 28, 2010 1:43 AM CST up reply actions
I dunno
if you are “blocked” by the amazing duo that is Brandon Gibson and Laurent Robinson, then that’s pretty sad.
The Rams have had a lot of great receivers since they’ve been in St. Louis. Gibson and Robinson are not among them. I honestly cannot recall a WR that was worse than Robinson, except I guess Drew Bennett, and even then he was probably better, just highly overpaid.
Gibson isn’t much better, except he’s not a complete waste of a roster spot like Robinson. Ideally, he’d be the last WR on your roster that is usually inactive. He reminds me of Shaun McDonald.
So yeah, I think right now Gilyard is looking like practice squad material. So what they should do, after losing the next two games and are out of contention is release Robinson and let Gilyard start in his place. See what he’s got.
Alexander showed he could play. (Sad he can’t show he can stay healthy). Gilyard needs to do the same.
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