Turf Show Times - All Postshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51333/tst-fav.png2024-03-18T17:58:11-05:00http://www.turfshowtimes.com/rss/current/2024-03-18T17:58:11-05:002024-03-18T17:58:11-05:00Tremayne Anchrum signs with division foe
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<p>Former Rams guard Tremayne Anchrum jumps ship and joins Seahawks</p> <p id="3DcERO">Tremayne Anchrum never settled into a starting spot with the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a>, so the former seventh round pick has jumped ship to sign with the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> on Monday. Anchrum would have been buried on the depth chart in L.A., and that’s only if the Rams had any interest in re-signing him for another year. </p>
<p id="42u6oM">It seems that the Rams did not, so Anchrum goes to the Seahawks, a team that is lacking guards and therefore it could lead to a starting opportunity for the former L.A. guard.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Seahawks signed former Rams guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr., the team just announced. He was a seventh-round pick in 2020 and has been a backup over his first four NFL seasons, appearing in 31 games with one start.</p>— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BradyHenderson/status/1769854216196243810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="P1xHDt">The Rams have signed Jonah Jackson in free agency and re-signed Kevin Dotson, so the interior of the offensive line is theoretically set for the next three years with those two and Steve Avila. Anchrum started one game in four years with the Rams, that coming in 2022. He played in 80 special teams snaps over 17 games in 2023.</p>
<p id="1YNKh9">Anchrum’s ceiling is likely that of a backup or practice squad player, but he will have a shot in Seattle as the Seahawks don’t have a clear option at left guard going into the second week of free agency. Even on the right side, Seattle is down to 2023 fourth round pick Anthony Bradford and nobody else. Anchrum is going to get a chance to compete, something he could not get in L.A..</p>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/3/18/24105349/tremayne-anchrum-rams-seahawks-nfl-free-agentsKenneth Arthur2024-03-18T17:00:00-05:002024-03-18T17:00:00-05:00Rams 7-round mock draft: Post-free agency edition
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<p>Rams go defense-heavy in post-free agency mock draft</p> <p id="So5AzO">While free agency isn’t over, the first week came and went with a lot of excitement. The Los Angeles Rams signed Jonah Jackson, Darious Williams, Colby Parkinson and Kam Curl and their big signings that should help supplement the roster. It’s possible that the Rams still add a player or two in the second wave of free agency over the next few weeks, but for the most part, the focus will now be on the draft. <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/3/17/24103961/rams-needs-draft-free-agency-aaron-donald-roster">With Aaron Donald’s retirement announcement, it certainly spiced up the rest of the offseason</a>. Here’s my post-free agency Rams mock draft. </p>
<h3 id="B9Ti4U">19th Overall - EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State</h3>
<p id="ijmaOp">The Rams have yet to address the edge rusher position or add another star-level player to the defense in free agency. With Aaron Donald’s retirement, that makes adding a player that can make an impact on the defensive side of the ball priority number one. </p>
<p id="9RhtRA">You could make an argument for Laiatu Latu or Jared Verse at this spot. With that said, Robinson’s ceiling is higher than any of those players and may be second to only Dallas Turner. Robinson has an insane get-off and is extremely explosive. He may need some fine-tuning, but the upside is ‘best edge rusher in the draft class.’</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chop Robinson has some crazy burst off the line of scrimmage. He just put down his right hand on the ground and then accelerated as soon as the ball was snapped and destroyed the QB. <br><br>Unreal. <a href="https://t.co/wcJql0873p">pic.twitter.com/wcJql0873p</a></p>— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) <a href="https://twitter.com/NicholasMoreano/status/1767932578244243958?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2024</a>
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<h3 id="5VzLpv">52nd Overall - DL Braden Fiske, Florida State</h3>
<p id="YR0FL5">Starting this draft defensive heavy with Braden Fiske at 52. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him go slightly higher, but he is definitely a second-round player. Fiske is a high-motor player along the defensive line and plays with good physicality. He is on the smaller side at just 292-pounds, but he makes up for it with his speed and the ability to split double teams. Much like Kobie Turner, Fiske is very quick off the line of scrimmage at the snap which is one way that he overcomes his lack of size. Fiske isn’t Aaron Donald, but should be able to team up well with Turner and be an impact player. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Braden Fiske (<a href="https://twitter.com/bradenfiske55?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bradenfiske55</a>) of <a href="https://twitter.com/FSUFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FSUFootball</a> takes on the combo block, plays with great leverage, sheds his pressure key & makes the tackle! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StopTheRun?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StopTheRun</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLDraft?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLDraft</a><br><br>via <a href="https://twitter.com/JimNagy_SB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JimNagy_SB</a> <a href="https://t.co/lwGELuRVwv">pic.twitter.com/lwGELuRVwv</a></p>— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) <a href="https://twitter.com/dlinevids1/status/1768444662912864493?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
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<h3 id="Nmdye2">83rd Overall - WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina </h3>
<p id="18Rp7L">Simply put, the Rams need a wide receiver within the first three rounds of the draft. Outside of Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, the Rams don’t have a wide receiver under contract in 2025. Being realistic, if Kupp has another injury-riddled season, they could move on from him. </p>
<p id="q5WT2g">This isn’t to say that the Rams got lucky with Nacua, but finding another day three wide receiver that can have that sort of impact is unlikely. Legette matches what the Rams seem to want in their third wide receiver. He’s good in contested catches and brings potential as a yards after the catch player. Legette needs to improve as a route-runner, but the upside is there. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">this xavier legette TD never gets old <a href="https://t.co/mvi5IyH9Ok">https://t.co/mvi5IyH9Ok</a> <a href="https://t.co/gftjrqLgSD">pic.twitter.com/gftjrqLgSD</a></p>— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) <a href="https://twitter.com/HaydenWinks/status/1766841217734836473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a>
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<h3 id="RQ8QYt">99th Overall - CB Cam Hart, Notre Dame</h3>
<p id="20Vzbs">The Rams need to get some size on the outside at cornerback. Bringing back Darious Williams gives them a player with good experience. With that said, between him and Cobie Durant, the Rams are very small at the cornerback position. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This dude Cam Hart can play. Really good press and recovery rep vs MHJ.<br><br>They said he was slow but ran 4.5 at 6'3 202 and I don't see him getting run by on film so I got no problem with it.<br><br>Perfect fit would be with the 49ers. Big long CB for their Seattle Scheme Defense. <a href="https://t.co/smD7rTcskU">pic.twitter.com/smD7rTcskU</a></p>— Mighty Kaos aka Coach Williams (@mightykaos41) <a href="https://twitter.com/mightykaos41/status/1769757408174145601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="cD92ue">Hart is a sticky cornerback and his best game of the season came against Marvin Harris Jr. who is the best wide receiver in this draft class. Hart would be a good replacement for Ahkello Witherspoon on the outside as a player with size and length while also bringing some physicality to the position. </p>
<h3 id="dok5tv">154th Overall - LB Curtis Jacobs, Penn State</h3>
<p id="59g4nF">The Rams did surprisingly decide to bring back Christian Rozeboom. However, that shouldn’t sway them away from also drafting a linebacker on day three of the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>. However, the Rams don’t just need a linebacker, they need someone who can pair well with Ernest Jones, especially in coverage. </p>
<p id="XsSIeS">Enter Curtis Jacobs from Penn State. Jacobs is a day three linebacker that should be able to make an impact in sub-packages while playing in coverage. Jacobs can be a solid coverage linebacker early in his career. He does need to improve against the run, but if used to his strengths, he’s exactly what the Rams need at the position. </p>
<h3 id="9MqWlv">155th Overall - RB Blake Watson, Memphis</h3>
<p id="WhZqW1">The Rams may trust Ronnie Rivers to be their RB2 behind Kyren Williams. However, he’s only on a one-year deal and Zach Evans didn’t show a lot as a rookie. Adding another player to the rotation wouldn’t be a bad idea, especially on day three. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sweet feet and afterburners from Blake Watson. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLDraft?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLDraft</a> <a href="https://t.co/UOdQci9MbN">pic.twitter.com/UOdQci9MbN</a></p>— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattWaldman/status/1753252393960038458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a>
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<p id="tcjXNT">Watson can be a versatile weapon in an offense as he has experience as a wide receiver. He also has experience on special teams as a kick returner. As someone who brings a different skillset to the running back room, Watson is a fun player. He is an older prospect and lacks elite speed, but he’s slippery as a runner and has good vision. </p>
<h3 id="LxA1bp">196th Overall - EDGE Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State</h3>
<p id="1sZrTV">After taking Robinson in the first round, it’s fair to wonder whether or not the Rams would take another EDGE player. They brought back Michael Hoecht and also have Nick Hampton and Ochaun Mathis from last season. Still, they could look to add to this position group. Kamara can struggle getting off blocks in the run game, but he has one of the best pass rush toolboxes in the draft class with a full arsenal of moves. As strictly a pass-rusher, he could have an impact. </p>
<h3 id="YUm7UZ">209th Overall - K Cam Little, Arkansas</h3>
<p id="lbq7F4">There are other kickers who make sense, but Little is still my favorite kicker in this class and seems to fit exactly what the Rams need. Snead and co. have typically found their specialists at the Shrine Bowl and Little was in the Shrine Bowl this year. The Arkansas kicker also brings a big leg as he’s accurate from long range and has the potential to hit from 60+. </p>
<h3 id="LYImnd">213th Overall - DL Jowon Briggs, Cincinnati</h3>
<p id="so8oxn">Again, despite taking Fiske earlier in the draft, the Rams could still use a space-eating defensive lineman. They haven’t brought back Jonah Williams yet who was fantastic against the run last season. At the very least, the Rams will need to add some depth along the defensive line. </p>
<h3 id="SE3KFN">217th Overall - S Dominique Hampton, Washington</h3>
<p id="4jANcT">Despite adding Kam Curl in free agency, the Rams could still add a safety late in the draft which has been their M.O. over the past few years. Hampton is a physical safety with an insane wingspan. While he may not start right away, he should be able to provide immediate special teams value. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dominique Hampton is matched up against Jake Bobo in the slot.<br><br>Hampton's speed, quickness and length allows him to stick against taller WR's.<br><br>Takes advantage of a lowly thrown pass and gets his arm over Bobo's shoulder to get to the catch-point to prevent the catch.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLDraft?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLDraft</a> <a href="https://t.co/4ysesTyU2y">pic.twitter.com/4ysesTyU2y</a></p>— WBG84 (@WBG84) <a href="https://twitter.com/WBG84/status/1769488499667882415?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<h3 id="xGwc8l">254th Overall - OL Julian Pearl, Illinois</h3>
<p id="717VUY">There are some consistency concerns with Pearl which are more than fair and he’s also a much older prospect. With that said, he also has a lot of experience at multiple positions. The Rams haven’t brought back Tremayne Anchrum yet. Pearl could take that role as the eighth player on the offensive line who can slot in at a few different spots and potentially develop into a swing tackle.</p>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/3/18/24105087/rams-2024-mock-draft-braden-fiske-chop-robinsonBlaine Grisak2024-03-18T16:03:49-05:002024-03-18T16:03:49-05:00What grade did PFF give the Rams for first week of free agency?
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<p>The Rams spent money in the first week of free agency, does the media think they did good?</p> <p id="A3uh1Z"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pff.com%2Fnews%2Fnfl-2024-free-agency-grades-all-32-teams%23LAR&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.turfshowtimes.com%2F2024%2F3%2F18%2F24105245%2Frams-free-agency-grades-pff-jonah-jackson" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">ProFootballFocus gave the L.A. Rams a B grade for the first week of free agenc</a>y after signing upgrades to the offensive line and secondary. The Rams signed guard Jonah Jackson and tight end Colby Parkinson on the first day, then added cornerback Darious Williams to help a weak secondary from 2023. </p>
<p id="pJAlkT">In addition, the team released center Brian Allen, as well as re-signing Kevin Dotson and Demarcus Robinson before they could leave for other teams.</p>
<p id="fQd6e9">PFF notes “question marks” at both tackle spots and said that their analysts were underwhelmed with A.J. Jackson, so addressing the guard and center spots with these moves could help L.A.’s offensive line up the middle.</p>
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<p id="u58Szg">A trade to the <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pff.com%2Fnfl%2Fteams%2Flos-angeles-rams%2F26&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.turfshowtimes.com%2F2024%2F3%2F18%2F24105245%2Frams-free-agency-grades-pff-jonah-jackson" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Los Angeles Rams</a> and a move back to his natural spot at right guard proved to be a slam-dunk success for all parties involved. Dotson took a minor pay cut off his proven performance escalator salary for 2023 and now signs a top-of-market deal at guard just 12 months later.</p>
<p id="3g8qak">This is an interesting deal for a few reasons. First, the Rams got great play at left guard from rookie <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pff.com%2Fnfl%2Fplayers%2Fsteve-avila%2F77319&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.turfshowtimes.com%2F2024%2F3%2F18%2F24105245%2Frams-free-agency-grades-pff-jonah-jackson" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Steve Avila</a>. Second, the Rams just extended right guard <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pff.com%2Fnfl%2Fplayers%2Fkevin-dotson%2F46735&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.turfshowtimes.com%2F2024%2F3%2F18%2F24105245%2Frams-free-agency-grades-pff-jonah-jackson" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Kevin Dotson</a> to a three-year, $48 million extension last week. Third, they still have question marks at both tackle spots. However, they should have an absolutely bruising run game between the tackles. We were underwhelmed by Jackson’s pass-blocking ability in his 2023 film, but the league clearly viewed him as an ascending young player, because his market was very strong.</p>
<p id="Zs37md">This is a big-time deal for Parkinson, but he’s coming off a great year as a stout in-line blocker who has improved as a pass catcher over time. Tight end <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pff.com%2Fnfl%2Fplayers%2Ftyler-higbee%2F10744&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.turfshowtimes.com%2F2024%2F3%2F18%2F24105245%2Frams-free-agency-grades-pff-jonah-jackson" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Tyler Higbee</a> could miss a lot of time in 2024 with a torn ACL suffered late in 2023, so the Rams needed to make a bigger move in smaller free agent and draft classes at the tight end position.</p>
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<p id="q3MdAF">Parkinson is perhaps the most divisive move that the Rams have made so far, but he is a young player who was ascending on the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> and could have the tools to be the heir apparent to Tyler Higbee.</p>
<p id="YMYdGC">Williams may be the move that is under a microscope when the season begins just because cornerback is such a weak spot and the Rams have been looking for someone to help since trading Jalen Ramsey to the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a>.</p>
<p id="WxnTqg">Is “B” a fair grade?</p>
<p id="DqdZOw">I doubt Les Snead is nearly done with his offseason moves before the draft.</p>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/3/18/24105245/rams-free-agency-grades-pff-jonah-jacksonKenneth Arthur2024-03-18T12:45:09-05:002024-03-18T12:45:09-05:00Is Dallas Turner worth the Rams trading up for him?
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<p>The Rams desperately need an edge rusher, but are they desperate enough to trade up in the draft?</p> <p id="4ktBgQ">Dallas Turner has the one <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL draft</a> advantage that every prospect wants the most. Is it speed? No. Is it size? No. Is it a Heisman Trophy like Jayden Daniels has? No. </p>
<p id="ZzpXFv">Dallas Turner has <em>“the most buzz”</em> at his position.</p>
<p id="tC8EvU">That’s enough to think that at worst, an NFL owner is going to tell an NFL GM, “Hey, Turner is still on the board, why don’t we take him? I heard he’s the best edge rusher in the class!” and then an edge rusher is off the board.</p>
<p id="6Cjlpq">Turner has the most buzz and most expect him to be the first edge rusher picked in the 2024 draft. But is he the best and is there a huge gap between him and the next few players at the position? Because that’s what the Rams, certainly in need of a dynamic edge rusher, need to know before the first day of the draft and whether he’s worth moving up the board to go get.</p>
<p id="8GeosO">Luckily, the Rams do not seem to have a meddling owner.</p>
<h2 id="SB1uBq">Dallas Turner, prospect</h2>
<p id="cTQMGQ">At 6’3, 247 lbs, Turner has a similar frame to former teammate and top-3 pick Will Anderson (6’4, 253 at the combine) but seems to do better in athletic testing. Anderson ran a 4.60, but Turner posted a 4.46, in addition to a 1.54 10-yard split, 40.5” vertical, 10’7 broad. He earned the second-highest athleticism score of any edge at the 2024 combine and <a href="https://www.nfl.com/prospects/dallas-turner/32005455-5224-6013-e478-961d1c8f7101">Lance Zierlein compared him to former Panthers-now-Giants edge rusher Brian Burns</a>.</p>
<blockquote><p id="Q47n3s">Long and athletic with the explosive traits needed to become an impactful NFL pass rusher. Turner’s first-step quickness and elite closing burst are important building blocks, but he still needs to work on his process from Point A to Point B. He hasn’t learned to create the space and angles needed to consistently attack the edges, but that should come with better hand development and a more diversified approach. A team would be wise to widen him out and allow him a better runway to ignite his burst and overwhelm tackles with his speed. He’s added 20 pounds since coming to Alabama, but he struggles at times to stack and shed run blockers or set a firm edge. Turner’s frame and game are much less developed than Will Anderson Jr.’s coming out of Alabama last year, so it could take time for him to make his mark as a starting 3-4 outside linebacker.</p></blockquote>
<p id="FDTErm">Turner led Alabama with 14.5 TFL and 10 sacks in 2023, an improvement from the 8 TFL and 4 sacks he had in 2022, but that was down from the 10 TFL and 8.5 sacks he had as a freshman.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/AlabamaFTBL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlabamaFTBL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/UnoErra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UnoErra</a> it wont be very long before you hear his name in the <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLDraft?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLDraft</a> …Pretty developed skill set; with great ability. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BaldysBreakdowns?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BaldysBreakdowns</a> <a href="https://t.co/QnHSzXBth7">pic.twitter.com/QnHSzXBth7</a></p>— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/BaldyNFL/status/1769514999464989091?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="GRQGX9">When you look at Turner’s great numbers as a freshman, then compare them to what Anderson did opposite of him that season (31 TFL, 17.5 sacks), it seems like Alabama’s “Aaron Donald effect”.</p>
<p id="9AolXZ">Anderson and Turner may be similar in size and athleticism, and even their numbers looked the same at times, but the comparison seems to end there. Like Donald at Pitt, teams feared Anderson and facing a top-5 college football player in the country at the time. I’m not aware of teams fearing Dallas Turner like that although he was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year.</p>
<p id="jNFLa9">But one of Zierlein’s executive sources said this about Turner:</p>
<blockquote><p id="y24xGv">“He’s such a talented athlete. One of the biggest mistakes people make is looking past athletic ability and focusing too much on technique or polish when they come out. Just look for ‘dudes’ and coach the rest of it.” - NFC executive</p></blockquote>
<p id="nJW7hn">Is Dallas Turner a “dude” just because he trained hard to run the 40 in 4.46?</p>
<p id="5kDWn4">An example of an athletic “dude” vs an alpha locker room leader who teams feared in college would be the 2022 showdown between Travon Walker and Aidan Hutchinson. Walker had arguably the best combine by an edge rusher in the last 20 years, but Hutchinson dominated at Michigan and finished second in the Heisman race. Walker was only the third or fourth-best edge rusher on his own team at Georgia.</p>
<p id="lLehKx">Walker went first and two years later he’s a piece to Jacksonville’s defense, but certainly not the centerpiece.</p>
<p id="OOOpJU">Hutchinson looks the part of an NFL star. He made his first <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> in 2023 and his 33 QB hits ranked third, just a hair behind T.J. Watt and Nick Bosa.</p>
<p id="s2NrEu">Maybe in two years we’re talking about Travon Walker as the best edge defender in the NFL and Hutchinson will fall off, or at least they’ll be more even, and that’s the point that the scout is making with Turner: “Hey, he’s not going to be elite right away, you need to coach him right. I can’t coach the talent that allows him to be the best athlete on the field.”</p>
<p id="hSpXSM">But I disagree with the executive’s assertion that it is a mistake to dismiss athletic ability. Some of the NFL Draft’s worst picks in history were made based on athletic ability.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Former <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bengals</a> first-round WR John Ross is retiring from the NFL. He was just at camp with the Chiefs. <a href="https://t.co/F5Lg4uGgv8">pic.twitter.com/F5Lg4uGgv8</a></p>— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/MySportsUpdate/status/1684309232760262658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2023</a>
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<p id="Fx0LvL">Should Dallas Turner be a top-12 pick like most believe he will be? Maybe so because the position is difficult to find and <em>expensive</em> if you have to trade for Brian Burns to find one. The reason a team might trade up though is that a) the prospect is that good and b) the next prospects after him are not that good.</p>
<h2 id="CorMny">Who else is a first round edge prospect?</h2>
<p id="Nz4rlB">UCLA’s Laitu Latu and <a href="https://www.tomahawknation.com/">Florida State</a>’s Jared Verse are the next two in most mocks, followed by Penn State’s Chop Robinson and Missouri’s Darius Robinson.</p>
<p id="SABphM">Again, oftentimes it will feel like drafting an edge rusher is pointless if you didn’t get the guy who was rated as “the best” and who has the most buzz. And yet George Karlaftis, an edge who was picked by the Chiefs 30th overall in the same 2022 class as Walker and Hutchinson, is a rising star. He’s arguably better than Walker right now and probably better than Kayvon Thibodeaux, the player who went fifth.</p>
<p id="KHjfwU">Jermaine Johnson, who went 26th to the Jets, was in the 2023 Pro Bowl.</p>
<p id="hM75TU">Some of these guys who will be available to the Rams at pick 19 are in fact “dudes” too and might be more of the “alphas” and “dawgs” that coaches and scouts are talking about.</p>
<p id="zEMaUy"><a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/3/15/24101196/bralen-trice-draft-profile?_gl=1*usdjhd*_ga*MTAzMjIyNjY0OS4xNjk5OTQxMTQz*_ga_2M5GYNY1YS*MTcxMDc4MDA3OC42MTYuMS4xNzEwNzgxMTA2LjI0LjAuMA..&_ga=2.22715327.54596368.1710522317-1032226649.1699941143">In the comments section of his breakdown on Washington’s Bralen Trice</a>, TST’s resident draft expert in the Fanpost section Ferragamo15 had this to say:</p>
<blockquote><p id="72h9Dt">Turner’s game is all about speed. He’s too small. He gets bullied and shoved around. He can’t anchor vs solo run blocks, getting driven off the LOS. He has no power as a pass rusher. I think Turner is better suited to be a hybrid defender. You can use him in pass coverage, to pursue as an off the ball LB and then as a pass rush specialist on 3rd downs but I don’t see him as a lead dog pure EDGE.</p></blockquote>
<p id="qhAcye">In fact, Ferragamo sees Trice as an intriguing day two prospect who could develop into a Pro Bowl talent similar to the risk/reward with Karlaftis and Johnson, or Seattle’s Boye Mafe, the 40th overall pick in that class.</p>
<p id="6nSEwe">Sure, oftentimes these players do not develop and become camp bodies or something. But for the Rams in the first round, they probably don’t need to make a panic move for “the best edge rusher in the class” when it seems like there are intriguing options later.</p>
<blockquote><p id="YESqC8">Trice shows he can get under the defender when stopping run plays. He sinks his hips very well in those situations. We have visual evidence that he can execute the necessary body positions. Just as he took a leap forward in his technique defending the run in 2023, he needs to continue to refine his pass rushing moves in the same manner. With more coaching and experience, Trice can become an even more dangerous pass rusher.</p></blockquote>
<p id="VF5tuM">In <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/1/19/24044182/laiatu-latu-draft-profile?_gl=1*1mkwobr*_ga*MTAzMjIyNjY0OS4xNjk5OTQxMTQz*_ga_2M5GYNY1YS*MTcxMDc4MDA3OC42MTYuMS4xNzEwNzgxMTM1LjU1LjAuMA..&_ga=2.22715327.54596368.1710522317-1032226649.1699941143">Ferragamo’s profile of Latu, the comparison is to a player who the Rams would love to have back on the team but on a rookie contract</a>, that being Leonard Floyd.</p>
<blockquote><p id="wb50TF">So, that’s how I would couch my expectation level for Latu as a rookie. He shouldn’t be expected to single handedly make a night and day difference in the pass rushing pressure for the Rams from the OLB position but only give the team an incremental boost. It might seem counterintuitive, but some of the sacks that Latu could “create” could end up on Hoecht’s stat sheet. Instead of having Hoecht drop into coverage, Latu would be able to take on some of those duties, freeing up Hoecht to be used more as a pass rusher. Latu’s versatility could help the entire unit even if his individual stats as a rookie aren’t spectacular.</p></blockquote>
<p id="Q8PmYR">With Verse, <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2023/11/24/23974733/jared-verse-draft-profile?_gl=1*16dc7nk*_ga*MTAzMjIyNjY0OS4xNjk5OTQxMTQz*_ga_2M5GYNY1YS*MTcxMDc4MDA3OC42MTYuMS4xNzEwNzgxMTc1LjE1LjAuMA..&_ga=2.37026724.54596368.1710522317-1032226649.1699941143">Ferragamo compared him to Detroit’s Josh Paschal</a> and if that seems underwhelming, it should be.</p>
<blockquote><p id="G2UjTY">While I like Jared Verse a little better than Paschal, I don’t see him as a top tier EDGE rushing prospect. I think he can help an NFL team, because Verse is a balanced defender who does good things both vs the run and vs the pass. I see him more as a complementary piece, however, not as an elite sack artist.</p></blockquote>
<p id="Ecue4i">Ferragamo doesn’t have a profile on Dallas Turner yet, but I think the comment I mentioned above does make it clear that a team will be drafting a project who has a ways to go before he’s a three-down edge and that’s only IF he ever becomes that. The last profile I could find relative to potential top-50 picks at <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/1/1/24021402/darius-robinson-draft-profile?_gl=1*1209vwl*_ga*MTAzMjIyNjY0OS4xNjk5OTQxMTQz*_ga_2M5GYNY1YS*MTcxMDc4MDA3OC42MTYuMS4xNzEwNzgxMTQzLjQ3LjAuMA..&_ga=2.37026724.54596368.1710522317-1032226649.1699941143">edge was that of Darius Robinson</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="lTQJfw">I’m disagreeing with Ian Cummings on this one. I don’t see a future Pro Bowler worth a 1st round or top 50 pick. If you need more muscle up front on the DL and better run defense (I do consider these to be needs for the Rams) Robinson could be a quality candidate, but I see him as a rotational player only worth a Day 3 selection. Target him in the same area you’d get guys like Greg Gaines, SJD and Bobby Brown. Robinson isn’t my kind of prospect, so I wouldn’t consider him for the Rams until the late rounds.</p></blockquote>
<p id="m2nlVB">So if this was our basis, without knowing how Ferragamo feels about Chop Robinson yet, it would seem like the Rams don’t have a bevy of options left if Turner and Latu are drafted before they are on the clock at pick 19.</p>
<p id="dTTAsM">However, Latu might make it that far and day two’s crop might not be that bad either. The Rams have a second and multiple third round picks, so the team could still draft a cornerback or a receiver—or whatever—and <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/3/17/24103961/rams-needs-draft-free-agency-aaron-donald-roster">not necessarily need to pick an edge with their first pick even though I’m certain it is their biggest need</a> along with the defensive line.</p>
<p id="7TeQ0f">And please, <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/users/Ferragamo15/posts#activity">browse Ferragamo15’s post history to read about all the 2024 draft prospects way more in-depth</a>.</p>
<h2 id="KXpmEx">Should the Rams trade up for Dallas Turner?</h2>
<p id="ioiXxA">I think the evidence is boldly against it. If Turner goes 10 picks ahead of L.A., as is expected, that would cost them a 2025 first round pick to move up. Maybe if Dallas Turner was Will Anderson, such a move would be justifiable. However, if Turner was Anderson then he would go in the top-5<em> even in </em>a crowded QB/WR class like this one.</p>
<p id="AWZzPt">Yes, there could be some red flags with the edge rusher who the Rams eventually pick, but as we’ve seen recently “red flags” does not mean that the player can’t be as good—or even better—than the edge rusher who “won the combine”.</p>
<p id="PHbgXW">The Rams don’t even go to the combine.</p>
<p id="Zqslae"></p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/3/18/24104969/rams-draft-trade-rumors-dallas-turnerKenneth Arthur2024-03-18T09:15:46-05:002024-03-18T09:15:46-05:00Rams knew day after loss to Lions that Aaron Donald would retire
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<p>Rams head coach Sean McVay knew Aaron Donald was retiring after playoff loss to the Lions</p> <p id="fkinqh">The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> were given some unexpected news on Friday when their defensive tackle and three-time defensive player of the year,<a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/3/17/24103929/rams-aaron-donald-retirement-2024-offseason"> Aaron Donald, decided to hang up the cleats and call it a career</a>. With simply a message on social media, Donald announced that he was retiring. </p>
<p id="4y4lnO">While Donald officially announced his retirement on Friday, the Rams may have known that he was going to retire ever since the end of the season. <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2024/03/18/takeaways-aaron-donald-rams-fields-bears-steelers">Albert Breer of the MMQB described in his weekly column</a>, </p>
<blockquote><p id="51hsAy">“Aaron Donald knew his career was complete on the night of Jan. 14.<strong> </strong>Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay got that message loud and clear the next day when the all-planet all-timer came into his office as the team was shaking off its playoff ouster in Detroit the night before. “I’m full,” Donald simply told McVay. “I’m just like, And you should be. You have every right to feel that way,” McVay said over the phone Sunday afternoon. “He was full. And, man, did you feel that. You’re just so happy because he earned it too.”...The coach said he had a feeling, really, all year this might happen. Donald would take an extra moment during a game, or an additional few minutes with a young player after practice, or time to laugh with a buddy of his. He even went a little further with Christmas gifts this year, and those, to McVay, were all tells on where the veteran’s head was at. And maybe his way of leaving behind a little something extra for those he played with.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="5OkI7m">Given that the Rams and Donald have seemingly known that he was going to retire for so long, it seems odd that either side would wait until the end of the first week of free agency to announce anything. Jason Kelce who also retired this offseason, announced his retirement the first week of March. </p>
<p id="4ujJnm">In the case that the Rams have known since after their playoff loss to the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>, it also puts into question some of their free agency moves. Instead of signing a premier edge rusher or a defensive tackle like Christian Wilkins, the Rams signed Jonah Jackson, Colby Parkinson, and Darious Williams as their first three moves in free agency. </p>
<p id="zmGe1R">It’s certainly possible that the Rams could be waiting until the draft to address both of these positions. However, without Donald, it certainly puts a glaring hole on the defensive line and overall Rams pass rush. </p>
<p id="nGI19j">As we’ve mentioned,<a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/3/16/24103001/rams-trade-rumors-haason-reddick-aaron-donald-retirement"> the Rams won’t be replacing Aaron Donald this offseason</a>. It’s going to be up to the coaching staff to scheme pressure and coach up some of the younger guys on the roster. Still, it seems odd that they haven’t managed to bring in a player with experience given that they’ve known about Donald’s retirement since January. </p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/3/18/24104758/rams-free-agency-aaron-donald-retirement-sean-mcvayBlaine Grisak2024-03-18T08:00:00-05:002024-03-18T08:00:00-05:00Random Ramsdom: Some potential prospects in the draft who could help replace AD
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<img alt="NFL: Super Bowl LVIII-City Scenes" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0v6wRrB9Tc23-CZ2xMkzbkwd9zs=/0x0:8001x5334/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214933/usa_today_22482564.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p><em>Los Angeles Rams News and Links for 3/18/24</em></p> <p id="1FQJEr">The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> lost one of the greatest players in their franchise history recently <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/3/15/24101974/rams-news-aaron-donald-retired-nfl-free-agency-offseason">when Aaron Donald announced his retirement</a>. It’s a huge loss for LA who will need to figure out how they can try to replace him. Do you have any ideas or any potential prospects you’d like to see the Rams add? <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/3/16/24103001/rams-trade-rumors-haason-reddick-aaron-donald-retirement"><strong>You can read about some potential soluitons right here!</strong></a></p>
<p id="Jxrte9">It’s Monday, try to have a good start to you week and please comment on whatever you’d like! Thanks for checking out Turfshowtimes!</p>
<h3 id="TYjzr9">
<a href="https://theramswire.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-draft-aaron-donald-replacements-prospects/?itm_source=parsely-api"><strong>5 prospects Rams could draft following Aaron Donald’s retirement</strong></a><strong> (ramswire)</strong>
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<p id="ejKaKD">“As fans deal with the reality of such a departure, the Rams are now tasked with finding a replacement for Donald. Now the question becomes not only how do you replace such a player, but is what ways do you replace his production? Donald was a force up the middle but do you try to replace him, supplement Kobie Turner or go after an edge rusher? There are many questions to be answered but here are five defensive lineman who the Rams could draft to replace him.</p>
<p id="listicle-0"><strong>1. Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois</strong></p>
<p id="P4dKt2">This is the straight up selection. Newton is a menace in the middle who is the most Aaron Donald-like player in the draft. He is the clear number one defensive tackle in the draft and his playstyle is very similar to Donald.</p>
<p id="V0ekRh">Both players possess high motors, violent hands and an ability to reek havoc in the backfield. He’s a one on one merchant, requiring double teams thus opening up opportunities across the field. When paired with Kobie Turner, teams will have to worry about two young studs up the middle.”</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">5️⃣ things to know about G Jonah Jackson. </p>— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/1769408357914603894?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<a href="https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2024/03/17/rams-free-agency-darious-williams-contract-breakdown/"><strong>Details of Darious Williams’ $30M contract show Rams got a bargain</strong></a><strong> (ramswire)</strong>
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<p id="ZDZCyI">“It sounds like an expensive contract on the surface, given the max value of it, but the Rams actually got a bargain. The full details of Williams’ deal have emerged, <a href="https://overthecap.com/player/darious-williams/7264"><strong>courtesy of Over The Cap</strong></a>, and it’s essentially a one-year deal worth $7 million.</p>
<p id="FOAUtc">That’s because he gets only $7 million guaranteed at signing and $15 million total guaranteed. His cap hits are as follows.</p>
<p id="Bc1Pdg"><strong>2024</strong>: $4.67 million</p>
<p id="1Zotau"><strong>2025</strong>: $9.17 million</p>
<p id="PoauRX"><strong>2026</strong>: $8.67 million</p>
<p id="JeO05e">If the Rams cut Williams after the 2024 season, they’ll take on only $2.33 million in dead money and gain a net savings of $6.83 million in cap space in 2025. Add that $2.33 million to his $4.67 million cap hit in 2024 and you get $7 million, which isn’t very much for a starting cornerback.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">First retirement interview coming soon <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/itsacelebration?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#itsacelebration</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ad99?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ad99</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ready?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ready</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rams?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rams</a> <a href="https://t.co/i6bMT1muSk">pic.twitter.com/i6bMT1muSk</a></p>— AD_99 (@AaronDonald97) <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronDonald97/status/1769133942785949856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
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<a href="https://www.lafbnetwork.com/los-angeles-rams-aaron-donald-retirement-package/"><strong>Los Angeles Rams Hand Aaron Donald A Very Nice Retirement Package</strong></a><strong> (lafbnetwork)</strong>
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<p id="3bCKmh">“According to Spotrac, the Rams are actually <a href="https://twitter.com/spotrac/status/1768678893165203936">paying Donald a $13.8 million retirement bonus</a> on his way out the door. The move transpired early this morning when the front office processed a salary conversion that likely leaves behind dead cap charges of $17 million in 2024 and $25.2 in 2025.</p>
<p id="tDe4Hj">It’s a rare move to see a team pay a player despite his decision to leave. But this just shows how respected Donald was during his ten-year tenure with the Rams, and he’s earned every penny.”</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you, Coleman! <a href="https://t.co/7JRurrCide">pic.twitter.com/7JRurrCide</a></p>— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/1769084469758304741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
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<a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/3/17/24103545/tanner-mordecai-draft-profile"><strong>Tanner Mordecai draft profile</strong></a><em><strong> (By </strong></em><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/users/Ferragamo15"><em><strong>Ferragamo15</strong></em></a><em><strong> on Mar 17, 2024)</strong></em>
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<p id="paragraph1">“Carson Wentz was the 2nd overall selection in the 2016 draft. For much of the 2017 season, he was considered to be an MVP candidate. Late in the regular season, he suffered a knee injury playing against the Rams. A couple of weeks after that game, Taylor Heinicke had a game in which he posted a QB rating higher than that of any season in Wentz’s career and higher than that of any season but one of Patrick Mahomes’s career. The age of Wentz was over and the dynastic rule of Heinicke had begun.</p>
<p id="paragraph2">Okay, maybe that’s hyperbole and not exactly how the story goes. After all, Heinicke’s stat line from that game was <strong>one completion on one attempt for 10 yards</strong>. He had been in the NFL for 3 years at that point, but it was his first passing attempt. Oh, he also ran one time for 2 yards. And he took a sack. Still, extrapolated over a full season of Matthew Stafford attempts, it would translate to 521 completions on 521 attempts for 5,210 yards. We’re allowed to do that, right? A 100% completion rate is theoretically possible. The power of math.”</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you, <a href="https://twitter.com/j_fuller4?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@j_fuller4</a>! <a href="https://t.co/BsxkVmWvLK">pic.twitter.com/BsxkVmWvLK</a></p>— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/1769077171702653342?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/3/18/24104328/rams-new-nfl-draft-aaron-donald-prospects-replaceDaniel Stone2024-03-17T20:23:49-05:002024-03-17T20:23:49-05:00Rams schedule visit with former All-Pro
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<figcaption>Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Former Bills CB Tre’Davious White is getting consideration from Rams in free agency</p> <p id="fIMAKk">When the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> released Tre’Davious White two weeks ago, <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/3/6/24092716/rams-free-agents-tredavious-white-bills-release">we wondered if the L.A. Rams would and if they should look into signing the former All-Pro cornerback</a>. Apparently Les Snead thought so too, as White reportedly has a visit scheduled with the Rams this week.</p>
<p id="kJ8XuF">White will also visit with the <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/">Las Vegas Raiders</a>. His next team could be based on who talks to him first and how comfortable they are with White’s repaired Achilles tendon.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Free-agent CB Tre'Davious White is scheduled to visit the Rams, Raiders this week, per <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeGarafolo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MikeGarafolo</a> <a href="https://t.co/SghDC0Gbqh">https://t.co/SghDC0Gbqh</a> <a href="https://t.co/pdh09RFRUG">pic.twitter.com/pdh09RFRUG</a></p>— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/AroundTheNFL/status/1769533821572305094?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="khtE20">The 29-year-old White was second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2017 and he was a first-team All-Pro in 2019. That season, White finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year after recording six interceptions.</p>
<p id="9RUJRo">White was second-team All-Pro the following season but he has suffered a rash of injuries in the three seasons since and has only appeared in 21 games since 2021. That includes only four games in 2023, but <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/3/14/24101197/rams-free-agency-darious-williams-bargain-deal">the Rams are continuing to look for cornerback help after bringing back Darious Williams last week</a>.</p>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/3/17/24104449/rams-tredavious-white-free-agent-rumors-visitKenneth Arthur2024-03-17T16:00:00-05:002024-03-17T16:00:00-05:00Fans don’t seem thrilled with Rams’ backup quarterback decision
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<figcaption>Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Jimmy Garoppolo will backup Matthew Stafford in 2024</p> <p id="FQghMu">On the same day that Aaron Donald announced his retirement, the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> signed quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo will backup Matthew Stafford in 2024, though he’s suspended for the first two games of the season.</p>
<p id="v0QyCf">Rams fans took to social media to voice their displeasure over the signing. The quarterback musical chairs have been in full swing over the last week, and many suggested that there were better options on the table than the veteran Garoppolo. </p>
<h3 id="N7pQ7b">Rams fans: “Why Garoppolo?”</h3>
<p id="u03tHu">Russell Wilson and Justin Fields landed with the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>. Kenny Pickett was sent to the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a>. Desmond Ridder will join the Rams’ NFC West rival <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>. The <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> are still looking for a new home for Zach Wilson. </p>
<p id="6W1uZo">That doesn’t even touch on the options available in free agency. Carson Wentz, who was Stafford’s backup over the second half of 2023, is still available on the free agent market. Joe Flacco signed just a few days ago with the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>. Ryan Tannehill, Josh Dobbs, and others still remain unsigned.</p>
<p id="u87ESJ">It makes sense that with all the names available why fans would question how the Rams landed on Garoppolo. The best case scenario for LA is that Stafford remains fully healthy for the foreseeable future and Garoppolo only takes the field in Week 18 when the Rams are resting starters ahead of the playoffs.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Not a fan of the Jimmy G signing. Should have kept Wentz or gotten a mobile qb. I liked what McVay did with Wentz and would love to see him with a running qb</p>— Are you Ready for the Stix Gurl? (@RamsFaninGB69) <a href="https://twitter.com/RamsFaninGB69/status/1768750726644158736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jimmy G will have some experience with Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and will know the offense. <br><br>With that said, given how Wentz played in Week 18, he certainly would have been the preferred option.</p>— Blaine Grisak (@bgrisakTST) <a href="https://twitter.com/bgrisakTST/status/1768749405392298217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rams tried to add Jimmy G as a backup years ago, wonder if they’ll try again. I prefer Wentz though <a href="https://t.co/zAJ5XDix0t">https://t.co/zAJ5XDix0t</a></p>— HoldenCantor (@HoldenCantor) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoldenCantor/status/1767634540904816902?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2024</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I rather the Rams traded for Justin Fields with the $3.2M cap hit than signing Jimmy G <a href="https://t.co/lLfrFAL0tn">https://t.co/lLfrFAL0tn</a></p>— Lemon Pepper Lou (@LVstackiN) <a href="https://twitter.com/LVstackiN/status/1769143094413550012?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Would not have minded Justin Fields for a 6th over Jimmy G for the Rams.<br><br>I think AD retirement shows you have to have a plan for when the ‘Big 3’ call it quits. <br><br>Fields is a guy that could win you games and gives a future at QB.</p>— Blaine Grisak (@bgrisakTST) <a href="https://twitter.com/bgrisakTST/status/1769136989448663492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
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<h3 id="KqrQeE">Jimmy G is a professional quarterback</h3>
<p id="OMdhAK">What did the Rams see in Jimmy Garoppolo to feel comfortable anointing him as the backup to Stafford?</p>
<p id="ONZXGC">While Rams fans mostly remember Jimmy G as the man who threw the game-sealing interception in the 2021 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfc-championship-game">NFC Championship</a> game to send Los Angeles to <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> LVI, that doesn’t do the production over the rest of his career justice. Garoppolo has the talent to start in the NFL, albeit at a middling or back of the pack level. We know what his floor and ceiling are, but you cannot say the same at this point for most of the alternatives: Justin Fields, Kenny Pickett, Desmond Ridder, and even Carson Wentz.</p>
<p id="8modW9">It’s also important that, based on LA’s current roster build in a post-Aaron Donald era, they won’t be a team that wins many games if something were to happen to Matthew Stafford. Garoppolo is a competent player that can step in over a short-term span. The NFL is ultra-competitive and dropping even one winnable game can be the difference between the playoffs or watching at home from your couch. </p>
<p id="fzdFzP">You can rely on Garoppolo to keep LA competitive for a week or two with a distilled game plan. Can you say the same about Fields, Pickett, or Ridder? While Wentz earned the Rams a win over the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> in Week 18 last year, he’s still a volatile player and the rest of the NFL doesn’t seem too keen on him joining their locker room for whatever reason. </p>
<p id="k4cRjq">Like it or not, Jimmy Garoppolo brings a much-needed professional presence to the Rams quarterback room. </p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/3/17/24103971/rams-jimmy-garoppolo-justin-fields-carson-wentzJB Scott