Good morning, Ram fans! How was everybody's sports-filled weekend? First the New Jersey Devils mount their comeback, now sitting only a game behind the Los Angeles Kings in the Stanley Cup Finals. Then Lebron James and the Heat knock off the Celtics to go back to the NBA Finals. And, finally, Tim Bradley tops off Saturday night by beating Manny Pacquiao in a controversial judges decision. The fight went 12 rounds and more than 400 punches were thrown, yet neither man left the ring looking any worse for wear. How does everyone feel about those results?
To be honest, I don't care that much. And that's because the Pirates are five games over .500! Yes, it's a big deal to us. Other than that, how about a helping of Random Ramsdom to jump start your week? Unless you want to talk some Lebron James? No? Good. So let's get to it. Rams talk after the jump...
Trumaine Johnson working to learn fast - The Rams selected Johnson, a small school prospect with big-time upside, in the third round of April's draft with hopes of him making an immediate impact. If he struggles, you can't question his work ethic. He's a first-in-last-out kind of player who studies the playbook constantly. What favors him is having a familiar face on the coaching staff to help him grasp the increased workload: defensive backs coach, Brandon Fisher, who played with Johnson in Montana. How quickly, or willingly, would you adjust to calling one of your old college buddies "coach?"
Michael Brockers wants to turn the Rams around - When the Rams selected Brockers 14th overall, they placed a lot of faith and pressure on him, making him the first draft choice of the Jeff Fisher era. Though still raw in his ability, according to scouts, he is expected to be a day-one starter and contributor. He will need to be in order to live up to each the team's, the coaching staff's and his own expectations. Brockers is fully aware of the troubles that the franchise has had for the better part of a decade, but he intends to be at the head of the train that brings them back to relevancy.
Three under-the-radar moves - Since free agency began in March, the Rams have made several high-profile changes to their roster. A few, however, typically get looked over. Mike Sando points out the additions of Steve Smith and Jo-Lonn Dunbar, as well as the complete overhaul of the special teams unit. Smith could be a big sleeper at wide receiver. Here are the "under-the-radar moves" for the Cardinals, 49ers and Seahawks.
Demoff is amazed by the angst in St. Louis - For some reason, the turbulent situation regarding the dome and its lease has fans of the St. Louis Rams feeling perplexed, to say the least. Weird, right? COO Kevin Demoff senses much more anxiety regarding the Edward Jones Dome than recent similar cases around the league, such as the Vikings and Minnesota. He says that he feels the situation will work itself out and the St. Louis deserves the team; however, he does little to appease fans with anything definitive.
Demoff dismisses rumors that Rams are for sale - Stan Kroenke, that quiet business tycoon who purchased the St. Louis Rams less than two years ago, is not interested in selling the team. Period. At least that is how Kevin Demoff publicly says it. I'm going to go ahead and assume that he's telling the truth, or else Kroenke may really have to rethink his business acumen.
Rams interested in extending Long, Laurinaitis - Finally, the Rams have begun contract talks with their top-two defensive stars. Well, sort of. They're talking about talking, but at least we know their intent. Long and Laurinaitis are players who the Rams cannot afford to lose, so they should both expect hefty paydays after their contract year.
Ochocinco wants to play for Dolphins - What could it be that appears to be attracting former-Patriot receiver, Chad Ochocinco, to Miami? Is it the lovely oceanic scenery ordained with beaches and palm trees? Or the fact that people tend to gravitate there when they are "old and washed up?" Perhaps it is because the Dolphins' talent at WR is so thin that Ochocinco would actually have an opportunity to play for them? Whatever the case, the newly jobless #85 is not receiving a lot of attention on the open market.
Everything you need to dominate your Fantasy Football league - Real football may still be a few months away, but it's never too early to start preparing for fantasy football. Here you will find just enough to keep you busy until your draft. Included are predictions for potential breakouts, busts and sleepers by six analysts. Sam Bradford and Danny Amendola are again listed as sleepers.
For anyone who hasn't yet seen it, here is Steven Jackson's #37 ranking in the NFL's Top 100 of 2012 list.