2011 St. Louis Rams Depth Chart: Tight Ends
by Tevin Broner on Jul 22, 2011 11:34 AM CDT
in 2011 St. Louis Rams depth chart
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PrintThe NFL lockout is ending soon, real soon. And that means teams can get back to the business of preparing for the 2011 NFL season. Just as important, we fans can get back to the business of preparing ourselves for the season. To get back up to speed, TST is kicking off our roster review, taking a look at where the St. Louis Rams stand before free agency and camps start. Recently we discussed the cornerbacks, the offensive line, and the QB situations.
Now, its time to look at the position that could make the Rams offense better than last year. It's been reported that the Rams will use the two-TE set next season. The Rams have a group of young players who if healthy, could jump start the offense. A number one receiver would be nice, but a TE is a young quarterback's best friend.
The Potential Starters
The Rams' surprise 2nd round pick, Lance Kendricks, is the key to the Rams new offensive plans. Kendricks is a versatile player who can line up in different places on the offense to create mismatches. He can be used as a vertical threat. He is a solid blocker and a great pass catcher.
It will be interesting to see how the shortened offseason will work against Kendricks. You have to assume that not being able to practice will hurt a rookie player going into the season. Don't be surprise to see him start as a backup and then work his way to starter at the end of the preseason. It's hard to tell if he will start if Fells comes back. He still will get a lot of playing time though.
Big Mike was a fan favorite here at TST last season, flashing playmaking ability throughout the season when he was healthy. In fact, that's the biggest knock on him -- he just wasn't durable last season. He isn't the fastest player, but he finds ways to get open. He is a different type of versatile player; with Mike, you can have him on the field as a FB or as a blocking TE on running plays, but he can still catch and get open. He won't tip the play off if he is in the game.
Fells isn't the best TE, but he was a good player for the Rams last year. He might not make plays, but he is a solid player that can start for a team. Fells might be an okay starter, but he could end up a good backup. Fells won't wow you with amazing plays, but he isn't a liability on the field.
The biggest thing is that he isn't signed for next season. The Rams could decide to let him walk, but if they don't he could be a solid player who can come in and start.
The Role Player
Bajema isn't a sexy player, and what I mean by that is that he won't have a lot of catches. However, Bajema does the dirty work for the Rams; he is a damn good blocker. I would say that he is an average catcher. Bajema probably won't get cut by the Rams, because he has a low contract for one more year. The Rams should keep him just in case Big Mike gets injured..
The Project
Onobun has a lot of potential, but hasn't had time to show what he can do yet. Fendi has all the physical tools you would want in a receiving TE. The thing to remember with Fendi is that he only had one year of college football, since he spent the other years playing basketball. Fendi will need to learn the routes and how to read defenses. I would be happy to see flashes in Fendi his second year, and see if he can put it all together for his third season. If Fendi can get used to the NFL level, maybe he can line up in a wide receiver position at times in the redzone and help the Rams get a mismatch.
The Camp Bodies
Derek Schouman and Darcy Johnson
I doubt that either of these two players make the team next season. The only reason the Rams brought them in last year, was because the TEs on the Rams roster were injured.
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I say we drop Fendi, too much work for a team that's already a work in progress
He could probably work out for a team with a hold of tops in their division who can play around with him but with a team in the heat of battle to come out the basement we don’t need that project. Thanks but no thanks
"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
I think Fendi goes PS again
Uh Oh, Kendricks, Bajema and Fells
I can take a beating ... I'm a Rams fan.
he wasn't on the PS last year
he just was a heathy scratch every game. We could put him there this year as there is less of a chance someone picks him up, but it’s still likely they do. In my opinion I think Fells is the odd man out and we will keep Fendi on the roster and play him every now and then. Kendricks, Bajema and Uh oh will be the top 3.
You can follow me on Twitter @brandonbirkhead.
Dude that is alot of tight ends!
- And here's the Rams' 2010 season in a series. Incomplete pass, 18-yard run, incomplete pass, 7-yard run, 5-yard pass, 3-yard run, sack, incomplete pass, punt. Shoot me. - 3K
I find it ironic....
….that people around here make up excuses for Fendi not performing last year, but they’re ready to throw Mardy Gilyard under the bus.
Not calling T.Ram out, just making a casual observation.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 22, 2011 1:02 PM CDT reply actions
PS:
I’m looking forward to our two-headed beast at TE this year.
I was surprised we took a TE in the 2nd…especially Kendricks who I had never heard of or associated with the Rams. But since we got him……
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 22, 2011 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Fendi was drafted as a project.
Mardy was drafted to contribute now.
Big difference.
I can take a beating ... I'm a Rams fan.
But 4th round WRs are not projects?
There’s only a round between where they were drafted, and that’s not much so why are they so different?
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 22, 2011 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Mardy Gilyard has played football before.
And we used the first pick in the 4th round on him. Its like if Bradford sucked it would be a bigger deal than if Fendi didn’t play.
Onobun > Gates
at this point in time it doesnt matter what round they were selected, its a roster spot issue
The only thing comparable to a Rams win is a 49er loss!
by DevsLaRams on Jul 22, 2011 2:13 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I don't like Gilyard at all.
But yeah, there’s no space for him. He’s not smart enough for this offense so he’s gone for sure.
Onobun > Gates
Nobody really knows what his deal was last year.
You get rumors here and heresay there and us drunken bloggers come up with our own conclusions that we have a hard time letting go of.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 22, 2011 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Well he couldn't learn the playbook that Danario and Clayton both learned in a much shorter time frame
Onobun > Gates
Making it even more likely that the playbook thing wasn't the only circumstance preventing him from being productive.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 22, 2011 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Are you calling DX and Clayton dumb or Gilyard smart?
I think you’re stance on Gilyard is comical.
I can take a beating ... I'm a Rams fan.
Yeah, I'm kind of the vocal minority here....
….I’m just saying that there was more to Gilyard’s non-productivity than him not learning the playbook. That was reportedly an issue early in the year, but there was no mention of that later in the year as I recall.
As I remember it:
1. Mardy got a late start to training camp cause Cincy graduates in late June, which hurt his early development.
2. The coaching staff required him to learn every single play from every single WR position, which when combined with #1 made it that much more difficult for him.
3. Neither Clayton nor DX were required to do #2, thereby making their workload less than Mardy. Both, I believe, only had to learn plays for one WR position.
So I’m not calling anyone smart or dumb here, although reportedly Clayton is a genius (which when combined with experience) so it’s not fair to compare Mardy to him. But I think the Mardy=Stupid camp is being shortsighted, and there may be a future for him as a quality WR on the Rams. I mean, WalterFootball.com had him as a 2nd round draft pick, and the Rams thought he was good enough to draft high in the 4th round, so I’m gonna continue to defend him til he has PROVEN that he can’t play at this level, which he has yet to do.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 22, 2011 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Cool-innocent until proven guilty-a rarity in thinking around here.
Especially when it comes to a dum ass like Marty who can’t find his way to the toilet.
Zactly....
….no further questions your honor.
LOL!
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 22, 2011 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions
DumAss
1.
www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=dum ass – Cached
A form of expression used by some posters of Turf Show Times. illiterate’s version of dumb ass. … 1. dumass. An illiterate’s version of dumb ass. The dumb ass writes dumass for dumb ass.
2. Urban Dictionary: dum ass
www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=dum%20ass – Cached
Someone who may be intelligent, but who does something classically stupid like Mardy
Gilward. Often turns right when expected to turn lelt.
Didn't dumass write the 3 Musketeers and the Count of Monte Cristo?
He’s no dummy.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 22, 2011 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions
+1 for intellectual wit on that one...on guard!!!!
- And here's the Rams' 2010 season in a series. Incomplete pass, 18-yard run, incomplete pass, 7-yard run, 5-yard pass, 3-yard run, sack, incomplete pass, punt. Shoot me. - 3K
This was also damn funny LOL!
- And here's the Rams' 2010 season in a series. Incomplete pass, 18-yard run, incomplete pass, 7-yard run, 5-yard pass, 3-yard run, sack, incomplete pass, punt. Shoot me. - 3K
So....
I’m just saying that there was more to Gilyard’s non-productivity than him not learning the playbook.
So its also his lack of skill?
Onobun > Gates
Nah....
….he didn’t get a chance to play much. And it’s said that WR is one of the most difficult positions to learn as a rookie.
I’m not convinced that the coaches weren’t responsible for him not playing. I know…the coaches are what matter, but they should have given him more of a chance, especially considering the injury circumstances.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 22, 2011 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions
We were in a playoff run
We had to go with the guys that gave us the best chance to win now. The year before he would’ve been given more of a chance, but we weren’t in a situation where we could just put guys in to see what they had.
Onobun > Gates
I'm not talking about putting him in against the Seahawks if they didn't think he could produce.
But how about earlier in the season?
And this is going where it shouldn’t…specifics. All I’m saying here is that we gotta give Mardy another shot a that I’m not throwing the baby out with the bathwater. People on here are trying to run him off based on obscurities and suppositions that may or may not be true. I’m just trying to be the alter ego who is raising the idea that maybe the dude hasn’t been given a real shot to be a good WR…especially considering he was a rookie last year…and that since he has good potential, he may be worth keeping around over some WRs that don’t have his upside (Amendola and Gibson).
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 22, 2011 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions
The playoffs are contingent on the entire season
Not just the last game. But his shot will come in preseason. If he does not do something very special then, he will be gone.
Onobun > Gates
And I'll be front and center to run him out of town if he sucks.
I PROMISE!!!
But until then, I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt!
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 22, 2011 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions
You can hold me to it Carneros.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 22, 2011 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions
i agree with this
but lol @ Walterfootball reference.
He is a talented player and don’t forget he was injured and thus missed the games to the end.
I think Mardy deserves a shot in camp and should be on the PS
http://brotherspork.wordpress.com/
LMFAO at using WF.com to prove your point
Walter Football is not a scouting service, he’s not a scout, nor a former scout, he is nothing more than a fan who graduated from Penn St. and likes football. He has zero access to coaches film and insider information. His information comes from sources that anybody can obtain.
Don’t believe go on the site, register and tell em Franchize said that Walter doesn’t know shit. By the way, Walter also had Jimmy Clausen as the best junior QB prospect in the history of the NFL.
You should really know the difference between draftniks sites and real scouting service sites or sites that employ former scouts, coaches and GM’s. By the way, very few sites can actually say they have that. One being NFP and a few lik Gil Brandt etc. on the major networks. But guys like Mel Kiper, Todd McShay and Mike Mayock have zero crediability when it comes to scouting payers and determining their future.
So using them as a source to back your argument just goes to show that you are truly clueless when it comes to debating the potential of players and juding their talent.
Long story short….just shut up and watch the game with the rest of brain dead and leave topics like these to people who actually know.
by DaFranchiZe on Jul 23, 2011 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions
So I'm gonna take the word of some foul mouthed prick that doesn't know how to do anything but insult people....
….over walter football? Now why would I do that?
I’d explain further, but have a feeling that the point of my comment isn’t relevant anymore.
Please, let the world know how much you know that they don’t DFZ.
Long story short….just fuck off unless you can add something….intelligent as opposed to your (often but not always) sociopathic rants proving your dickheadedness.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 23, 2011 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Your logic is flawed.
Saying the comparision between Bradford and Gilyard is similar to that of Gilyard and Fendi makes no sense. One guy was the first overall pick in the draft and the other a 4th rounder.
Nevertheless, neither Fendi nor Mardy was highly touted coming out of college, or they’d have been drafted higher. I think 4th rounders are projects too…some moreso than others, but you get the point.
In the meantime everyone is saving a roster spot for some dude that like you say, isn’t really a football player. Why the disconnect, and why wouldn’t we save one for Mardy? After all, he’s a higher pick than Fendi, and we just drafted a TE in the 2nd round so why do we need Fendi? That’s as much a sign as was our drafting of 2 WRs this year.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 22, 2011 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Potential.
Fendi Onobun is an athletic monster. If he develops he will create mismatches with almost any defensive player in the league. He is too tall for CBs to cover and too fast for most LBs to cover. I believe that that is worth keeping on the roster. Mardy Gilyard can’t even learn a playbook and does not appear to have more potential than any of the receivers on the team. Gilyard seems weak, he’s not fast, and he’s not smart. It comes down to this. I’d rather have Avery, Clayton, Gibson, Alexander, Pettis, Salas, and Amendola over Gilyard. That’s 8 receivers for 6 maybe 7 spots. At tight end, I’d rather have the potential of Onobun over Bajema and/or Fells. If we keep 4 TEs Onobun is well worth the risk. Hooman and Kendricks will be getting most snaps anyway.
Onobun > Gates
Potential.
Didn’t that just go out the door when we drafted Kendricks? Everything you just said about Fendi has been used to describe Kendricks.
Fact, in my opinion, is that nobody has any idea what Gilyard is. Dude caught only 6 balls last year, so you can’t say he sucked. It’s pretty clear that he was not given much of an opportunity to play last year, and although people tend to ascribe this to his stupidity, fact is that we don’t really know the reason. Interestingly, he was as good as Amendola on KO returns showing that he does have good potential.
I would keep Gilyard over Gibson, thereby making him the 7th WR. Furthermore, I think he has greater potential than Amendola so if we were gonna make him a project, he should be kept as the 6th WR instead of Danny.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 22, 2011 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions
His potential is greater than Kendricks.
Kendricks is safer, but Fendi is faster, can jump higher, and is taller and bigger. His potential remains the same no matter if we drafted Kendricks or not. The only thing that changed is his opportunity for playing time. And you’re talking about getting rid of one of our top two receivers last year to keep Gilyard with no one to replace them. I could understand the argument of keeping him over Salas, but not over two guys who had over 200 passes go their way last year. With Fells, he was our most productive receiving TE last year, but he wouldn’t be a starter this year with Uh Oh and Kendricks. I think we should cut Bajema anyway. Either way we end up wasting one of our last two 4th rounders in Gilyard or Salas, I don’t see us keeping both.
Onobun > Gates
We clearly don't agree on Gilyard's potential....
….but it seems like we agree that we’d both like to get more production out of our 4th round picks.
PS: I’m not gonna start (another) a fight about Amendola, but neither he nor Gibson will be seeing many footballs thrown their way this year since Avery and Clayton are coming back. Just my opinion.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 22, 2011 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm very mixed on those two.
I cannot figure out if they’ll be Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd or just fade. I think Amendola will still have a role in the slot and Gibson is 50-50. I think Avery, Pettis, and Alexander will see a lot of playing time. And Clayton obviously will if he’s resigned. I like Pettis. He seems perfect for McD. Big, smart, good route runner, and reliable hands.
Onobun > Gates
Couldn't agree more!
The uniform description of Kendricks, Pettis and Salas was that they run great routes, have great hands and can catch the football in traffic.
They’re gonna be great additions for SAM.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 22, 2011 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions
LMFAO at keeping 7 receivers...hahahahahahaha
go away you’re awful
by DaFranchiZe on Jul 23, 2011 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Another genius statement....
….but you already said that to Ramchop. To be comic relief, you should think up some more original material.
Clown-Troll.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 23, 2011 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey Carneros-here's some video stuff on Onobun that I was referring to:
Two of these don’t feature Fendi, but he attended these schools and more from what I have heard 3rd hand. In the last you-tube the Rams TE coach was telling him how to run. OH NO took it to heart and evidently fixed it.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj4O5Fkg7E4
http://P01Football.com
http://tinyurl.com/DeStormApp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMp1XxrVi7Y&feature=player_detailpage
I never threw Gilyard under the bus.
It usually take rookies 3 years to perform up to par. The only thing I would say is that if the Rams had that much faith in Gilyard they wouldn’t have drafted two rookies. I’m not saying he will be cut, but it looks iffy right now.
Is that great man formally known as Tevin T. Broner, also I'm on twitter T_bron
by Tevin Broner on Jul 22, 2011 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions
I know T.Ram
Like I said, I’m not calling you out. Just making the observation that a lot of people are high on Fendi, who has done ZERO, but can’t cut Gilyard any slack at all.
It seems inconsistent, which is my point.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 22, 2011 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions
You have a point, I looked at the stats...Gilyard has only played 11 games
Fendi has only played in 3 games…I dont think either is enough time to really evaluate a player….maybe 11 games is if they really really suck.
- And here's the Rams' 2010 season in a series. Incomplete pass, 18-yard run, incomplete pass, 7-yard run, 5-yard pass, 3-yard run, sack, incomplete pass, punt. Shoot me. - 3K
6 catches in 11 games.
That’s not nearly enough to say somebody sucks.
Interestingly, he was as effective as Amendola on KO returns, thereby making him average overall in this area.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 22, 2011 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions
That reminds me of another reason I don't like Gilyard.
I was sitting behind the endzone as Gilyard’s acting all cocky and pumping up the crowd, only to then fumble on the return.
Onobun > Gates
So you got personal issues with the dude!
That explains a lot :)
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 22, 2011 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Lay off the crack pipe.
6 catches in a season means he’s not good enough to warrant playing very often.
… and how many kickoff returns did Amendola fumble in the endzone.
I saw Gilyard fumble one 10 yards in front of me.
I can take a beating ... I'm a Rams fan.
We had some asshat niner fans behind us trying to pick a fight with me and a few other Rams fans. My son (12) was scared.
Jackson had that sweet TD run in front of us too!
I was wearing white JL55 and my daughter was wearing white #13. My son was wearing his black 43 (palomalu). No idea how he became a steeler fan.
I can take a beating ... I'm a Rams fan.
***Coughing as I exhale crack smoke***
He was just a damn rookie, so you can’t say he sucks and shouldn’t make the team. The guy’s got a lot of potential.
That’s all I"m saying Midas.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 22, 2011 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions
No way Fells is back
Unless he’s floating out there unsigned and someone else gets injured.
The difference between Fendi and Gilliard is that we were flat out told Fendi was a project pick so there were no expectations on him. The reality is both better find a way to get on the field or they will be gone in short order. Fendi probably has a longer leash given the unique quality of his skill set.
Did you see that one handed grab
Fendi made against the pats (pre-season), on the sideline, stayed inbounds, before getting pushed out of bounds just shy of the endzone. It was a great catch showing some great balance. He’s a freak of nature with soft hands. I also read that he’s been working hard on his blocking this off-season. But he’ll have to show some real improvement to stay on the team.
"SJAX" - The extra strength cleaner that fights off that Stubborn, Stingy Defense
It was a great catch and run
Remember Darby’s 77 yd TD off left guard in the preseason?. He got cut for 2011.
Oh fcuk - That's some funny shit
I’m still laughing and I haven’t even had a drink yet. I’m going to the store!
"SJAX" - The extra strength cleaner that fights off that Stubborn, Stingy Defense
I agree that both gotta get their butts in gear.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 22, 2011 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions
My guess is Kendricks, HoHo and Bajema get to stay and the rest are cut like old fish bait.
Fells doomed himself last year when he dropped the potential game winning TD in the 1st game against the 49ers with only seconds left. A catch would’ve meant a 24-20 victory and the NFC West title.
thats right
The only thing comparable to a Rams win is a 49er loss!
by DevsLaRams on Jul 22, 2011 2:16 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Hey Chop, just out of curiosity....
….have you warmed up to this past year’s draft class? You were pretty candid in expressing your displeasure in April. Just wondering if your thoughts have changed.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 22, 2011 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions
A lot of things change during the off-season
But when you got the same pot of old fish-bait, it still smells the same. We still need some fresh Chum.
Fendi had two passes thrown to him in the end zone ...
during the Redskins game on the same series but didn’t come up with either. Bradford hit Gibson in the hands many times last year and couldn’t bring them in. Mardy broke his wrist earlly in the season. I had that happen to me in H S ball, It takes your mind off of the game with or without shots or drugs. I think the coaches will make the right calls when they need to. Lets give the young players time to get it together.
We sure need...another Dick Bass,
or someone like him.
Go RAMs !!!
Fendi won a pass interference call vs the Skins though
They focussed on him a lot for such a project. A lot of respect was given to him.
http://brotherspork.wordpress.com/
Yea-I noticed that
For a project that played only one year of football and had a well known bum back he sure scared them shitless. Go figure. Maybe we here are not recognizing something that Spags and our opponents see.
p.s. A little funny-my spell check can’t do anything about “shitless” I thought it was a word since it is used so frequently.
You have to repsect that athleticism.
That’s why he can be such a valuable weapon. Hopefully McD can figure out how to use him.
Onobun > Gates
TE's that make the team
1. Kendricks = Fucking Stud
2. Mike Hoomawoonu…of fuck it = TE / H-Back
3. Fendi Onobun = Elite athleticism isn’t given up on after one year
4. Billy Bajema = Pure blocker, has no business catching passes
Fells is a scrub and was only on the roster by default.
Fendi sucks drop him and move on with our lives.
"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
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