Late night discussion: Will Mark Clayton come back?
by Tevin Broner on Jul 30, 2011 12:31 AM CDT
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Well today has been a busy day for the Rams, Robert Quinn is the only draft pick not signed, and the Rams added some veterans in free agency. The most interesting free agent had to be Mike Sims-Walker.
Mike Sims-Walker had his best season, paired with Torry Holt in 2009. That year he had 63 catches, 869 yards, and 7 touchdowns. Last season, he had 43 catches, 562 yards, and 7 touchdowns. However he was getting over an ankle injury last year. He is signed to a one year deal, so it could be a low risk, high reward move.
The question is, does signing Mike, keep the Rams from signing Mark Clayton back. More on that below.
For your night reading, I tossed some night music below. A little something for everyone, one song is John Mayer, the other is Big Krit.
Big Krit- The Vent (ReturnOf4Eva Mixtape) NEW SONG 2011 (via Eboi90TV)
Mark Clayton, was a big asset to the Rams offense last season. Him and Sam Bradford developed chemistry last year. Clayton might not be a number one in most teams offense, but he was easily Bradford's best option last year. However, he had a serious leg injury, that put him on injury reserve.
Now there could be several reasons, why the Rams haven't resigned Clayton. The biggest reason could be the injury. That was a serious injury, and the Rams could be reluctant to bring him back, also now they have options. It was easy to justify bringing him back before the lockout was over, but after drafting two receivers and then obtaining Mike Sims-Walker, it might not make the best sense.
To be honest, the Rams could work out their wideouts this weekend, and then decide on Clayton. Could this be a gamble? Yes, but he most likely doesn't have many suitors. This, could be a good strategy for the Rams, to see which one last year receivers separate themselves.
If the Rams current group of players show that they are a better group, then you keep them. If they don't, then you bring Clayton back.
With all this being said, the Rams could sign Clayton back for a one or two year deal, and let all the receivers fight for the spot. The players on the roster could be good, but do the Rams want to go thru another season, without good outside wide receivers? I doubt it.
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I'm torn up about him.
I really liked him, but he’s been known to be a very streaky player. It’s likely that his Rams career just started with a hot streak and wouldn’t have a 1,000 yard breakout season like he was on pace to have. And remember, Laurent Robinson looked pretty awesome in 2009 before going down with a season-ending knee injury.
It's highly unlikely that he'd have kept that pace for a 16 game season.
He’d come back down to Earth, disappear for some games, and at the end would be a pretty good player but not a 1,000 yard #1 receiver.
I don't think anybody sees Clayton as a #1 receiver.
He would have been the best guy on the Rams though. Danny Amendola was our #1 receiver last year, so…
by Sam Godford on Jul 30, 2011 12:43 AM CDT up reply actions
You don't know if he'd be the best on the Rams, though.
He’s not a super great receiver and it shouldn’t be a huge priority to sign him. He’s good, but he’s not a real game-changer. If we get him, he’s another guy that will compete for receptions, but he’s not a necessary part of the puzzle. We already have Avery, Sims-Walker, Alexander, Amendola, plus Hoomanawanui and Kendricks and Salas and Pettis. That’s a lot of guys, and it’s not like Clayton stands head and shoulders above anybody else.
He did last season though.
Salas and Pettis are rookies, most likely won’t play a big part next season. You have DX, and Avery. They could be the guy, but could also get injured. Also, with Avery who knows how he will be after injury.
Is that great man formally known as Tevin T. Broner, also I'm on twitter T_bron
by Tevin Broner on Jul 30, 2011 12:52 AM CDT up reply actions
I have to imagine that MSW had to do with Clayton in some way
Maybe they are still concerned about his injury?
Who knows how Clayton will be after the injury?
He’s a huge question mark. I’d like for him to come back, but I’m not sure it’s a huge necessity.
That is true.
But, the Rams could always release him after pre-season. He won’t cost much, and not like our WRs making much money anyway.
Is that great man formally known as Tevin T. Broner, also I'm on twitter T_bron
by Tevin Broner on Jul 30, 2011 12:56 AM CDT up reply actions
How did you guys find this thread?
I can’t see it on the main page, if y’all can its cool I guess.
Is that great man formally known as Tevin T. Broner, also I'm on twitter T_bron
I got here from Twitter.
I just see the MSW story on the main page though.
by Sam Godford on Jul 30, 2011 12:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Who are you on twitter Stopspe?
Okay, looks like it fixed itself.
Is that great man formally known as Tevin T. Broner, also I'm on twitter T_bron
by Tevin Broner on Jul 30, 2011 12:50 AM CDT up reply actions
It told me it didn't send to twitter.
Ugh, I’ll just copy and paste, don’t want an invisible article messing up TST.
Is that great man formally known as Tevin T. Broner, also I'm on twitter T_bron
That wouldn't be fair, if he was in the poll.
Everyone would want him.
Is that great man formally known as Tevin T. Broner, also I'm on twitter T_bron
by Tevin Broner on Jul 30, 2011 12:54 AM CDT up reply actions
This isn't exactly on topic, but I need a really clever name for my Salary Cap Football Team.
I’d like it Rams related, but I can’t think of any ideas. Best I can think of is Laffy Saffy (named after Rodger Saffold).
Salary cap football?
Never heard of it, but I’m not real creative.
Is that great man formally known as Tevin T. Broner, also I'm on twitter T_bron
by Tevin Broner on Jul 30, 2011 12:53 AM CDT up reply actions
And you're basically competing on a leaderboard.
Player prices go up and down based on recent performance.
Like Chop mentioned
I’m really beginning to think that someone gets traded, although, I really do not want this if it means Avery goes. I’m not a big fan of Salas so hopefully we can bring Clayton back and drop Salas, Gilyard, and Robinson.
Pettis is gonna be a good one. BLAM!
Avery can't be worth much though
Injuries, almost no production? They’d just wait till we release him.
We might be able to get a late round pick
And a practice squad DT or something, but hey, I’m no professional.
Pettis is gonna be a good one. BLAM!
WHat about seeing
if we can get Okaye for avery? or is it impossible? or to risky(well both are kind of a bust/under potential )
by ramsfanindia on Jul 30, 2011 5:48 AM CDT up reply actions
I like Salas more than Pettis.
Looking at YouTube video (which makes everyone a highly qualified evaluator) he looks like he has more natural talent.
I like them both though.
by Sam Godford on Jul 30, 2011 12:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Everyone says Salas more.
But, they probably will play different positions. One for the slot, the other outside.
Is that great man formally known as Tevin T. Broner, also I'm on twitter T_bron
by Tevin Broner on Jul 30, 2011 12:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Pettis outside and Salas inside.
Is that great man formally known as Tevin T. Broner, also I'm on twitter T_bron
by Tevin Broner on Jul 30, 2011 1:02 AM CDT up reply actions
I've been watching Boise St. a lot
And I grew a real liking for Pettis, who I think will eventually become our #1 WR. When Boise St. played Hawaii, I wasn’t really impressed with Salas, but at this point, it seems like a toss up for both.
Pettis is gonna be a good one. BLAM!
So how many WRs do we have so far...
MSW
DX
Amendola
Avery
Gibson
Robinson
Gilyard
Pettis
Salas
Clayton (if re-signed)
Who is getting the axe?
Formerly known as Rams07
I cannot stand to watch and listen to Billy Devaney talk T_T
I think Sims-Walker, Alexander, Amendola, Avery, Pettis, Salas, and Clayton would make it
out of those guys. I think we keep Gilyard on the practice squad though because 3 of those 7 receivers are coming off knee injuries (although Alexander is probably fully recovered from his torn meniscus, you can never take his health for granted). I really do like Gibson and Robinson as people, but football is a business and sometimes the good people get left out. I do think Gibson might explode in camp though and make the team, especially if we don’t re-sign Clayton.
Robinson is an UFA and won’t be resigned. So there is 1 down.
by Ryan Martinez on Jul 30, 2011 2:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Teams are allowed 90 man rosters right? or not?
If so, they could probably keep all of them.
- 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
meaning before teams could only have a 53 man roster so there is much more capacity.
- 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
after clayton tweeted, "Sometimes things are better later than never.."
someone tweeted him saying “Does this mean the Rams finally signed you?” and mark clayton replied, “I’m just gonna let things playoff bro… It’ll work itself out.. I’m just working out gettin stronger an faster..”
"Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds."
This is not what I expected out of FA
We get Mikell, great now the loss of OJ is covered
We get an OG, and lose an OG not named Goldberg!?!? go figure
We get an OLB that is an absolute question mark
And now we sign an under performing WR, and this is a plus??
I am confused, frustrated, and disappointed.
The only thing comparable to a Rams win is a 49er loss!
I thought we released Bell
not Goldberg… confoosed >.<
Formerly known as Rams07
I cannot stand to watch and listen to Billy Devaney talk T_T
If it makes you feel better.
Goldberg isn’t on the team right now.
Is that great man formally known as Tevin T. Broner, also I'm on twitter T_bron
by Tevin Broner on Jul 30, 2011 1:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Sorry bro, you are way off
We didn’t “cover the loss” of OJ. We upgraded his position absolutely huge. This guy is the best safety in the LEAGUE over the last three years by advanced stats. We went from average-slightly above average to one of the best in the league.
We upgraded the guard spot from Bell to Dahl, even if we don’t get another one, we are significantly better at that spot now.
Al Harris is the kind of veteran presence a young defense really needs (actually reminds me of sharper to New Orleans the year they won the superbowl).
The OLB is a question mark, but we gave him a small deal, he is a really young guy, and he had exactly ONE tackle broken on him all of last year. He’s another tool for Spags.
And you honestly can’t dislike the MSW signing. We got him for a one year deal, that will almost certainly end up being a small bonus with lots of incentives deal. He is gonna want a long term deal after this year, so is gonna BUST HIS ASS for us this season. And if he doesn’t…we can cut him with almost no negatives to it.
Honestly, overall, the front office has been brilliant in FA thus far.
Honestly
These aren’t flashy moves, but they are really strong, smart moves.
Honestly, the only thing I don’t like about the handling of this offseason is that I feel like they are kinda…playing with Clayton. He clearly thought they had a deal in place. Sam really liked him. They shouldnt be dangling him on a string, in my opinion. We really don’t need to get a reputation as a team that doesn’t treat players well. That would make future deals much harder. Especially with Spags growing reputation as a total control freak.
I'd still hope to see a DT, an RB, and another OLB
The only thing comparable to a Rams win is a 49er loss!
Clearly
To me, the number one need coming into the offseason was a safety, but a coverage OLB was next, and we still haven’t filled that hole.
The moves they have made have been great thus far, but if we don’t fill these holes with at least average players, all that good will goes away
Upgrade
upgrade
upgrade
upgrade
Look at it like that.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
Who is nervous for our passing game in the season opener
with Cromartie and Asomugha protecting the backfield?
Formerly known as Rams07
I cannot stand to watch and listen to Billy Devaney talk T_T
I talked about this in another thread tonight.
A huge part of the McDaniels offense is using tight ends and running backs to create mismatches with linebackers and safeties. Apparently, the Eagles aren’t very strong at those positions. It will definitely be a priority to get a lot of receptions for Mike Hoomanawanui, Lance Kendricks, and Steeeeeeeeeeeve especially since we know that Rogers-Cromartie, Asomugha, and Asante Samuel will shut down our wide receivers for the most part. If we can exploit the middle of the field, we’ll have success.
Absolutely.
Coming out of the slot he’d have a lot of chances to get catches, especially coming over the middle. Their CBs will probably lock down guys like Avery and Alexander for the most part, but if we can spread them out we’ll be able to find places to throw. I think we’ll be fine.
Bradford
attacked Asomugha last year. Clayton actually played him well in the redzone.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
One of those touchdowns
was that sick ass throw and catch that had to be reviewed too. Sam can beat Aso, maybe not often, but he can.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
That is what Jackson and that guard the Rams picked up are for...
Let those guys get worn out on the big man for a couple of quarters…that should loosen up the passing game :)
- 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
Devaney doesn't know what he is doing.
The fact that he gives a guy a one year deal is testament to the fact that even he isn’t sure the guy will work out. I detest his low risk, wait and see, might as well give it a try philosophy of free agent signings.
Here we are, in the greatest FA signing gold rush in the history of professional sports, with plenty of help available at positions in which we are lacking and we get Mikell, Sims-Walker, Dahl and Diles.
I mean have we really solved any of the problems? We still need a number one receiver, an OLB and a backup RB to SJ.
Well, we solved our safety problem with the best safety available. We solved our OG
problem with one of the top OGs available. We solved part of our OLB problem with a starter-caliber player, and we’re working on the back-up running back by going after Jason Snelling. McDaniels has proven that he can find wide receivers and make them stars. Look at Randy Moss, who was too old and washed up until he got to New England and resurrected his career. Or look at Brandon Lloyd, who flourished in Denver under McDaniels. But even if we don’t have somebody who will explode like that, we don’t need one. We just used this last draft basically to give McDaniels whatever he wanted. He chose Kendricks, Salas, and Pettis as guys that will help our offense. A number 1 guy is nice, but when we didn’t get Sidney Rice there weren’t really any options. This offense is still good even without that top receiver.
get
c’mon FO gro a set tak a chance on moss/plaxico…i got you guys moving 2 days ago must i do it again
You literally did
nothing for us but complain and whine and then just say that you were right, which, by the way, YOU WERE WRONG.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
This might be one of the worst posts I've ever read
Honestly, we are getting a chance with a guy with #1 receiver potential at a low risk one year deal. These guys don’t grow on trees. There are maybe ten of them in the league. You can’t beat getting a shot at one for practically nothing, particularly since he’s gonna work his ASS off this year to get a long term deal from either us or someone else next offseason
We also had huge holes at guard and safety…and filled them with the best safety and best guard on the entire market. We had two OLB spots open and filled one of them with a very young, tackling machine. He has some developing to do, but is clearly starting caliber.
We do still have holes, but we also still have time to fill them.
by Rick Siegel on Jul 30, 2011 1:42 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Well, if you didn't start off the post so stupidly, you'd have a good point.
We still need a number one receiver, an OLB and a backup RB to SJ.
Pretty much true. You ignored starting guard and starting safety, both of which he addressed, not to mention CB depth and a defensive tackle.
by stlcardsfan4 on Jul 30, 2011 1:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Diles
is very much capable of starting. He had very positive ratings in coverage two years ago before playing his worst season in coverage last year. He’s shown that he can be a complete ’backer, it was a really good signing.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
On 1 year deals
Walker was hurt last year so he is a low risk high reward player. Same for Diles. Mikell and Dahl are huge upgrades. Well Mikell is huge cause OJ was cut. Yeah there still some needs. But I think Devaney is doing a hell of lot better than most teams in improving his team. Teams like the Bungles, the Bucs, Da bears and more are going backwards or staying put at best. Tampa had the most money 60 million in cap space and have only resigned their own players and done jack to bring in outside FA. I know they got 10 wins laast year but to expect that kind of win total again with same exact players is crazy. Some of their wins had some luck involved too. Devaney has made a lot of changes to IMPROVE the team and had onmly roughly 12 million to do it. So I think he knows what he’s doing. Unless you would rather have Linehan and Zygmunt back?
by Ryan Martinez on Jul 30, 2011 2:38 AM CDT up reply actions
It's time for you to
either stop watching football or stop playing Madden because this was, sorry, stupid.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
I'm thinking he won't be coming back.
We already have 8 receivers. Two of them are pretty set in stone being 3rd and 4th round draft picks (5th and before should be automatic making team or you really f**ked it up). Avery’s a guarantee. DX should be a guarantee based purely off the fact that he’s the only one with high potential.
Amendola is likely another guarantee. Now we are at 6 receivers who probably are making the team. Clayton makes the team, one of those guarantees, or should be guarantees, needs to get off the team.
I want him, but there’s not really room unless they plan on admitting a mistake (one of draftees)
Oh and TBron, John Mayer sucks.
Big Krit is pretty much the shit though.
by stlcardsfan4 on Jul 30, 2011 1:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Ain't nobody guaranteed a roster spot!
Granted you would seriously weigh the future before cutting a 4th or 5th round selection. Don’t forget those 4th and 5th picks have trade value.
It’s simple. If we can afford Clayton then we sign him. We allow everyone to proove they are among the best and cut or trade the rest.
Sorry for repeating myself but this is how I see it
1. Walker
2. Avery / Clayton
3. Pettis
Slot. Amendola / Salas
DX and Gilyard PS
Gibson and Robinson GONE thank GOD ( or whoever you praise)
Sam Bradford to Austin Pettis
Kinda has a ring to it
you
you don’t mention plaxico…this combo won’t get it done
Plaxico is coming
I hope and that’s you’re opinion, keep it to yourself.
Sam Bradford to Austin Pettis
Kinda has a ring to it
No way DX would clear waivers!
Unless he was injured.
my take on the WR depth:
1. Clayton/Avery
2. DX/MSW
3. Amendola/Salas
4. Pettis/Gilyard
Gibson/Robinson could be retained to the practice squad if we can’t clear any of the above that get cut.
Robinson ain't
being resigned, Gilyard a more likeley suitor for the PS. No way we keep 8.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
If we keep
7 receivers, Clayton is back. If we keep 6, I don’t know if he’s back because it would take away a spot from a younger, talented receiver. Honestly, I want him back big time. Great dude who played great in his 5 (technically 4) games in horns. I don’t see why we can’t have 7 receivers considering we don’t need to give a spot to a fullback in McDaniels’ offense. If we need to use a fullback then Hoom or Kendricks will do it.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
Big K.R.I.T. baby!!!
Still bumpin that mixtape
Per fas et nefas - Latin translation="By Any Means Necessary"
Personally I want Clayton back just because he's a good person.
Football wise he isn’t needed now. But if we keep 7 receivers then he should come back though.
1. MSW
2. Clayton
3. Avery
4. DX
5. Amendola
6. Pettis
7. Salas
you
you gotta be kidding me …i thought clayton was an automatic…looks like another ram mistep in the action 2 steps forward ..i step backward
Seriously, though.
John Mayer is pretty bad, considering the alternate options available. I know this because I know who Derek Trucks is.
The MSW signing has the potential to make this offense incredibly volatile, if Avery is back full steam, DX stays healthy, and the rookies show up ready to contribute. The problem with all of that is: that’s a lot of “if’s”.
"Fac Fortia et Patere"
I think they're going to bring him back
He’s gonna be insurance for injuries. What I mean is if Avery or MSW gets injured we’ll see him on the field but if they don’t they might cut him before the season
jeez, where is your head Rams fans? 80 of you voted no?!
He isnt going to cost that much because he got injured but before he got injured, Clayton was faulking ballin! If he didnt get injured, he would have been a top 10 receiver!
- 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
Please people remember Avery and Clayton are coming off major knee injuries
I don’t care if they are running 40’s at full speed. It’s about cutting, jumping, backpeddling, driving for a first down with a defender on your back and soreness after a game or practice. Devaney is smart and knows he has to have a backup plan. How many times have we seen atheletes take two years to get back to full strength after knee surgury?
How many more times
have we seen them take one offseason? Torn ACL’s used to pretty much mean your career is over, now it’s just sit out a year and come back next season. Of course, unless it was too severe, but that’s hardly the case nowadays.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
Those
could be more brutal.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
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