History says the St. Louis Rams might keep just three tight ends

by Ryan Van Bibber on May 20, 2011 4:44 PM CDT in 2011 NFL regular season

After that last post, I started thinking more about what the St. Louis Rams final 53-man roster might look like come September. The offense is sailing in uncharted waters with a new offensive coordinator who appears to be bringing a new offensive game plan to his own repertoire. Is there any precedent to be found in the recent past that might give us a hint of how many receivers and tight ends the Rams will include?

With the Donkeys last year, head coach Josh McDaniels' final roster at the beginning of September included three tight ends (Daniel Graham, Dan Gronkowski and Richard Quinn) and six wide receivers (Erik Decker, Jabar Gaffney, Brandon Llyod, Eddie Royal and Demaryius Thomas).

In 2009, McDaniels' first year head coaching in Denver, the Broncos roster included three tight ends and seven wide receivers.

Hmm, three tight ends seems to be trend. So what about McDaniels' old boss, Bill Belichick, and his double-threat tight end system? Same. The Patriots had three tight ends on the roster, the same three all year (Alge Crumpler, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez). The Patriots kept three tight ends on their 2009 roster too.

So it could be down to just three tight ends for the Rams this year. Onobun would still have his practice squad eligibility, but he'd likely get plucked as the Rams thought he would last year.

That doesn't necessarily mean that the Rams will keep just three tight ends on the final roster. Hoomanawanui's struggles with injuries last year might give them some concern. Another player might earn a spot because of his special teams play. I'm not the biggest fan of straight comparisons from a coach's past; every situation is different. However, keeping three tight ends seems to be dogma for McDaniels and his mentor. That ought to make the training camp battle at TE pretty interesting.

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Fells, Uh-Oh & Kendricks?

Onobun and Bajema left out? that’s a tough one. Bajema is a great blocker though. I’d think they keep 4, and 6 WR: Petis, Salas, DX, Clayton, Amendola & Avery/Gilyard/Gibson? those / players will have to fight for a spot. It’s looking to me like Avery is gonna keep his job cause he’s the speed on the team (right?).
So many questions, so much time to ask them…stupid lockout.

"Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day."
If anyone cares what I have to say on Twitter: @Sergey_Konyshev

by sergey606 on May 20, 2011 5:21 PM CDT reply actions

I'm sure at this point

that Avery’s no faster than Clayton/Alexander; and those guys can get open.

THIS year there'll be football. I hope....

by thisguy on May 20, 2011 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Well then Gilyard is prolly the fastest.

but he’s too dumb to know it.

"Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day."
If anyone cares what I have to say on Twitter: @Sergey_Konyshev

by sergey606 on May 20, 2011 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions

haahaaa!

by Mark Jaramillo on May 21, 2011 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions

I think Bajema has a slot. McD likes at least one TE that he knows can block...

Bajema could almost fill in at T in a pinch.

by Douglas M on May 20, 2011 5:25 PM CDT reply actions

true

bajema also makes the top 10 for ugliest players in the league, or maybe biggest heads in the league, he doesnt need a helmet. Hes a keeper

My two favorite teams, the St. Louis Rams and whoever's playing the winers.

by caliramsfan1 on May 20, 2011 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions

LOL

by Douglas M on May 20, 2011 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions

haha

Marshawn Lynch and now Julio Jones are prolly top 2 in the ugly department

"Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day."
If anyone cares what I have to say on Twitter: @Sergey_Konyshev

by sergey606 on May 20, 2011 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions

If 3 are kept my $ is on

Hoomy
Kendricks
Bajema

I should be working right now...

by gorams77 on May 20, 2011 6:41 PM CDT reply actions

Yup Oh-oh proved to be a good WR/Blocker so he is for sure on the roster

2 is obviously Kendricks and lastly its Bajema cuz of his blocking and he had a great game against Mac D so he’s staying. I think Fells must prove to be better than Bajema to take that 3rd spot but probably wont and will get picked up by Pats to replace Crumpler (Bet you) and Onobun was a PS guy but probably will fade outta the NFL as a failed project.

"Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no PLAYOFFS."
Winston Churchill

by SMASH44 on May 23, 2011 12:46 AM CDT up reply actions

Sounds like it's a pretty good consensus

on UhOh and Kendricks anyway

"Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day."
If anyone cares what I have to say on Twitter: @Sergey_Konyshev

by sergey606 on May 20, 2011 6:45 PM CDT reply actions

I think Kendricks and Hoomanawanui are in. Then..

pick 2 or 3 from Bajema, Fells and Onobun. That’s what camp is for.

by CoachConnors on May 20, 2011 6:47 PM CDT reply actions

They will probably keep 4 and no fullback this year.

Though Britt may make the team.

by RBramfan on May 20, 2011 6:49 PM CDT reply actions

kendricks can play FB if needed

"Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day."
If anyone cares what I have to say on Twitter: @Sergey_Konyshev

by sergey606 on May 20, 2011 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions

So can UH OH big time. Did some last year to block

by Knoxfan on May 20, 2011 7:30 PM CDT up reply actions

yup

so i’m thinking that they’ll keep 4 TE. Can never have too many TE in the EJD :p

"Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day."
If anyone cares what I have to say on Twitter: @Sergey_Konyshev

by sergey606 on May 20, 2011 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions

Right, probably why they felt comfortable sitting Karney.

I would be happy if they kept Uh-oh, Oh-no, Kendricks and Bajema. Also the 3 young ones could contribute on ST.

by RBramfan on May 20, 2011 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Do you think Kendricks can produce the thud that...

Big Mike, Bajema and Miller bring to the table?
I think Kendricks is going to be special, but I don’t see the “POP” & power to make room between the tackles.

by RadicalRamsFan on May 20, 2011 11:57 PM CDT up reply actions

yea thats what im thinking

we’ll keep 4 because we like to use a TE as a FB and 1 or 2 of our TEs are bound to get injured

"Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds."

by Buck Nasty87 on May 20, 2011 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Who would fill Miller's production on special teams? That's what I am wondering.

He made plays. I wonder how much Spags & Co. value his ST contributions, and if they now have enough ST guys to choose from.
I thought miller showed plenty of reason to keep him at FB, and he impressed me in return coverage.
But like they showed on a few plays last year, having Bajema on the line and Big Mike in the backfield worked.
I could see them listing a TE at FB and not inviting Miller to stick around.
Maybe Big Mike/Kendricks/Onobun at TE… Bajema FB?
Can’t wait… Can’t frigin wait!! Ha :)

by RadicalRamsFan on May 20, 2011 11:51 PM CDT up reply actions

I may be late on this but...

has anyone else noticed the parallels between Denver’s receiving core and our ‘new’ one.
Brandon Lloyd-Austin Pettis
Eddie Royal-Donnie Avery/Danny Amendola/Mardy Gilayrd
Erik Decker- Greg Salas
Demaryius Thomas-Danario Alexander
Jabar Gafney-Laurent Robinson/Brandon Gibson
I wonder just how close our offense is to turning into a wide open attack like the Broncos ran.

As far as TE’s go, I think Spags and the group will probably focus on maximizing talent among Bradford’s receivers, instead of focusing on fulfilling positional value. Along those lines I’d rank our 9 best receivers as:
Mark Clayton, Donnie Avery, Danny Amendola, Michael Hoomanawanui, Brandon Gibson, Daniel Fells, Lance Kendricks, Austin Pettis, Greg Salas (Billy Bajema if we don’t grab a FB)

All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure.
-Mark Twain

by kinzav29 on May 20, 2011 11:23 PM CDT reply actions

Wow that's crazy

Makes me wanna see them play even more.

Get some impact players!!

by RG31 on May 20, 2011 11:29 PM CDT up reply actions

whats scary is that you are comparing a true number one in Lloyd to Austin Pettis??

And Demaryius to DX.. These guys aren’t even close to each other. I’ll spot the rest but those two are not similar to me

Sam Bradford + Julio Jones = Championships all day...
Melo + Amar'e = NBA Championships all day...

by MyACLisBrittle on May 20, 2011 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions

We must disagree on Lloyds ability

because I’ve never considered him a true number 1 (regardless of production) but his propensity for the acrobatic catch, poor YAC ability, and great hands make me liken him to Pettis. Danario possesses elite size and speed with a lack of route running polish, much like my opinion on Demaryius. Not really a testament to our receivers’ talent level more a look at the assortment of player types we have, if there was confusion on that. If not, I see what your saying.

All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure.
-Mark Twain

by kinzav29 on May 21, 2011 12:04 AM CDT up reply actions

I think danario's speed is highly overrated

I don’t see him as a burner by any means. Demaryius is super fast, like Avery fast, Danario is probably marginally faster than B. Gibson. Yea Brandon Lloyd is one of my favorite receivers in the league. He is a pro bowler, and IMO a true number one

Sam Bradford + Julio Jones = Championships all day...
Melo + Amar'e = NBA Championships all day...

by MyACLisBrittle on May 21, 2011 12:19 AM CDT up reply actions

Just remember...

In the third round last year we passed on a guy named Ed Dixon. just remember pls. He gonna be a huge star if Baltimore ever gets a throwing machine. this is Heaps last year and Mason (apparently the only wr to get thrown to)can’t play forever. I like 3 TE and 7 WR, remember last year. Clayton, Avery and Amendola are the starters. If we can keep Clayton. A Vincent Jackson would fit well here if we can’t keep Clayton.

by Vic Taylor on May 20, 2011 11:39 PM CDT reply actions

I was sitting at the Bar here listning to the arguement for a friday night-and might need

some input. I’m not in the fray, (makes Chop look like the Pope) but here is the point-
Holt and Bruce were very good receivers, but only very good. Enter Mad Martz. His system was ideal for their particular skill set. Throw to a spot and let Holt or Bruce find it. If they had been receiving for a QB like Trent Dilfer, or Chris Simms, would have history been rewritten? Were they really that good with warner? HOF types? Or was it Warner and Martz that finally put it together. Can Sam make HOFers out of any of the guys we got?

by Knoxfan on May 20, 2011 11:52 PM CDT reply actions

nice points in there! :)

makes you wonder…

by RadicalRamsFan on May 20, 2011 11:59 PM CDT up reply actions

I say yes Sam can

And there’s no doubt in my mind that QBs make WRs. Look at Moss, you didn’t hear about him really until he got with Tom Brady. Tom Brady was known for sucking the talent out of his WRs to make them better on the field. Sam can do that and he’s shown it with Clayton. Before he got here he was considered a bust now he’s a potential number 1.

Get some impact players!!

by RG31 on May 21, 2011 12:00 AM CDT up reply actions

ummm moss was one of the best in the league before his year with the raiders

everyone knew who moss was.. before brady

Sam Bradford + Julio Jones = Championships all day...
Melo + Amar'e = NBA Championships all day...

by MyACLisBrittle on May 21, 2011 12:02 AM CDT up reply actions

Yea I know

My point was he wasn’t putting up as good of number that he was with Brady. There’s no doubt that he was known.

Get some impact players!!

by RG31 on May 21, 2011 12:03 AM CDT up reply actions

Sorry probably should have phrased it different

Get some impact players!!

by RG31 on May 21, 2011 12:04 AM CDT up reply actions

true...moss was very well knw..BUT

What about welker…? Branch! Stalworth? They all have had good seasons with brady…:) something to think about really. Oh!!! And having a legit air game will only make SJ39 a even bigger threat no doubt

by RamTX on May 21, 2011 12:06 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Oh of course

They’ll have to worry about both which means no stacking the box and if they do Play Action Pass over the top.

Get some impact players!!

by RG31 on May 21, 2011 12:08 AM CDT up reply actions

to do this

…they need deep speed. Otherwise there will be no reciever over the top

by CoachConnors on May 21, 2011 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree with the other three

but moss was amazing before Brady, pure ridiculous. Brady definitely made receivers better but I don’t think he made moss. But the QB can only do so much. I think its more the coaches who make receivers better, calling the right plays and putting them in the right spots. it all works together. can’t have one without the other in football.

Sam Bradford + Julio Jones = Championships all day...
Melo + Amar'e = NBA Championships all day...

by MyACLisBrittle on May 21, 2011 12:22 AM CDT up reply actions

Well I agree

But I do think he made him better and vise versa to a certain extent.

Get some impact players!!

by RG31 on May 21, 2011 12:30 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm excited for Pettis more than Kendricks and that worries me.

Check out my card collecting blog at cccollecting.blogspot.com!

by loyal2therams on May 21, 2011 12:13 AM CDT reply actions

Im really excited for Kendricks!

I think he will make an excellent number one TE for us

Sam Bradford + Julio Jones = Championships all day...
Melo + Amar'e = NBA Championships all day...

by MyACLisBrittle on May 21, 2011 12:22 AM CDT up reply actions

Kendricks, Fendi, Hoom, and Bajema

without a fullback, we will need to keep an extra TE

Sam Bradford + Julio Jones = Championships all day...
Melo + Amar'e = NBA Championships all day...

by MyACLisBrittle on May 21, 2011 12:24 AM CDT reply actions

agreed..

Besides I have. A feeling fb will be rarely seen in this offense…I have a good feeling about the 3 offense weapons they got..pettis can catch!! Kendriks will play with linebkes…and salas is like an amendola but I think stronger and more agressive..

by RamTX on May 21, 2011 12:32 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Hit the road...

Which TE are the fastest? Onobun, Kendricks, Uh-oh, Fells and Bajema.
We keep Britt for ST and FB. Maybe we have a need with injury to stash a TE on IR (we still don’t know anything about the new CBA) or trade Fells if possible.

We sure need Dick Bass!

Go RAMs !!!

by VETT on May 21, 2011 2:40 AM CDT reply actions

Its funny

To read you guys talking about our WRs like some defense will actually fear them…..hehehe…I am really concerned. And no, Bruce and Hot weren’t good because Warner was throwing to them. They would be above average on any team…we have no WR that even comes close to those two guys. Not even in the later stages of Bruce/Holts careers

by JordansDad on May 21, 2011 3:29 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

You are correct

People forget Bruce had almost 1800 yards in 95 and over 1300 in 96. Both before Martz and Warner arrived.

by 2cents on May 21, 2011 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions

Your statement is why I'm starting to win beers at the bar.

1. The Rams WR’s 1n 95 & 96 were super successful without a Quarterback. (Tony Banks was a bust EXCEPT for passing to Bruce)
2. If you don’t need a Quarterback of note to be successful, why the big deal on Sam?
3. Is the REAL success based on REAL wide receivers and should be drafted #1 and #2 as was Holt and Bruce to anchor the team?

These arguments can go from here to Mars and back because SB caliber players have shown that they can take care of business without what we thought we couldn’t do without.

The Saga Continues—

by Knoxfan on May 21, 2011 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions

Agreed

Bruce was a stud before Warner got to town and Torry was a top 1st re pick. One can argue that Warner made them better, but they were above average regardless.

Also agree that no D is really going to fear any of our WR individually, but where my hope lies is that McD installs a system that they will begin to fear. Create an effective passing attack as a whole by spreading the ball around and taking advantage of a spread like system that is hard to cover.

I should be working right now...

by gorams77 on May 21, 2011 8:36 AM CDT up reply actions