Turf Show Times - 2015 St. Louis Rams Roster Previewhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51333/tst-fav.png2015-08-28T14:31:58-05:00http://www.turfshowtimes.com/rss/stream/85361282015-08-28T14:31:58-05:002015-08-28T14:31:58-05:002015 Rams Roster Preview: QB Nick Foles
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<p>Can Nick Foles resurrect Rams fans' optimism in the QB position?</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Rams</a> surprised fans this offseason when they traded long-time (and oft-injured) QB Sam Bradford for the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Eagles</a>' QB, <span>Nick Foles</span>. It was a move that no one expected, but could possibly benefit both teams. Now that the Rams have a new QB, the jury is out on how he will fit with the team. Will Foles help take the Rams to a level that they could not reach with Bradford, or will they continue to be average?</p>
<h3>Roster Battle</h3>
<p>There is no roster battle for Foles. He is "the guy" for the Rams.</p>
<h3>Expectations</h3>
<p>In 2013, it appeared as though Foles could possibly emerge as a superstar at the quarterback position, throwing for 2,891 yards in 10 starts and 27 touchdowns with two interceptions. Then in 2014, Foles had a down season, throwing for 2,163 yards, 10 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.</p>
<p>When poking at realistic expectations for Foles, you have to find out what made his 2014 season turn south. There were a plethora of factors that contributed to the below-average 2014 season:</p>
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<li>Teams had a chance to study Eagles head coach Chip Kelly's offense and figured out that Foles is a statue at quarterback.</li>
<li>Foles lost his deep threat in <span>DeSean Jackson</span>.</li>
<li>The Eagles offensive line was pretty bad.</li>
<li>The running game was not strong.</li>
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<p>The Rams should be a better fit for Foles, in theory. They've made it very clear that the running game is the main attraction to their offense heading into the upcoming season. They also added an elite talent at running back in <span>Todd Gurley</span> and decided to add offensive linemen that specialized in run blocking during the draft.</p>
<p>The Rams are hoping that the game manager role will be the best role for Foles (think back to Bradford's rookie season way back when), and it very well could be. There is no way to tell at the moment, but it seems possible that his career could turn around with the Rams.</p>
<p>Personally, I am thinking 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. These should be close to where his numbers will be.</p>
<h3>Chances of Making The Final Roster (10/10)</h3>
<p>The only way Foles is not playing on Sundays is if he is retired or hurt, or is extremely underwhelming.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/8/28/8706267/2015-rams-roster-preview-depth-chart-nick-folesTevin Broner2015-08-26T16:03:42-05:002015-08-26T16:03:42-05:00Rams Roster Preview: OT Greg Robinson
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<p>Starting left tackle Greg Robinson is coming off of an up and down 2014 rookie year. This season, he looks to fulfill the lofty expectations that has some calling him the next Walter Jones based on his elite athletic abilities. Can he lock down and excel in a role that has been elusive since Orlando Pace's retirement?</p> <p>When Greg Robinson was drafted by the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Rams</a> with the #2 overall pick in 2014, it was understood that there would be some <a target="_blank" href="http://www.foxsports.com/midwest/story/early-struggles-raise-concerns-but-don-t-diminish-potential-of-rams-rookie-greg-robinson-090514">growing pains</a> before he was ready to be the future LT. After all, his college offense was centered around a rush heavy attack featuring his <a target="_blank" href="http://www.auburntigers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/051314aah.html">bestie </a>and current Rams teammate <span>Tre Mason</span>.</p>
<p>Early in 2014 camp, the then 21 year old <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/24547731/falcons-could-move-to-no-1-for-greg-robinson-not-jadeveon-clowney">freak of nature from Auburn University</a> had discussed with ESPN's Nick Wagoner how a switch to left guard (incumbent left tackle Jack Long remained the favorite) was <a target="_blank" href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2014/6/20/5828062/greg-robinson-st-louis-rams-rookie-struggles-position-change">going more slowly than he would have liked</a>. This left many to wonder why the Rams would overload his plate so early, having him learn two positions (although he would be sandwiched between two veterans who were comfortable with the offense and could put him in position).</p>
<p>The Rams certainly took their time with him, however, and did not rush him into starting duty. Robinson did not start a game until week 6, a Monday night game versus the San Francisco 49er's, pushing <span>Rodger Saffold</span> to right guard and taking over at left guard. He was serviceable, opening up some holes for the running game when he was communicating well with his LT/C but still having the expected rookie lapses and mistakes, especially on <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/13197/greg-robinson-back-home-at-left-tackle">angles and footwork</a>. Recently, Rams OL Coach Paul Boudreau mentioned that it was "<a href="http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/robinson-goes-from-asking-to-answering/article_b7dea160-7bdc-5e81-9945-be05a37c5e92.html" target="_blank">probably a disservice</a>" to Robinson to start him at guard. However, at the time Fisher wanted his best five linemen on the field, including his top draft pick.</p>
<p>A torn ACL to <span>Jake Long</span> in week 8 meant that Robinson would be thrown into his future position much sooner than planned. Robinson made his first start at left tackle in week 9, also versus the 49er's, after starting three games at left guard. He had his share of lumps there as well, displaying inconsistent play while providing some flashes of the type of power and athletic ability that made him a high pick. His blocking ability on screens definitely stood out.</p>
<p>Playing at 330+ in 2014, Robinson's frame was a bit heavier than you would prefer at left tackle, even with an athletic frame that was already being compared to that of <span>Walter Jones</span>' and <span>Orlando Pace's</span>. Now, Robinson has reported to camp at 315, noticeably trimmer in an effort to improve his footwork and first step. The results are <a target="_blank" href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/8/7/9114891/2015-st-louis-rams-training-camp-news-updates">promising</a> so far, holding his own against <span>Robert Quinn</span> in drills and team activities.</p>
<h4>Roster Battle</h4>
<p>After the release of Jake Long in March, it was clear that the left tackle position was now <span>Greg Robinson's</span> job to lose. The Rams drafted four OL (<span>Rob Havenstein</span>, <span>Jamon Brown</span>, <span>Andrew Donnal</span> and <span>Cody Wichmann</span>) in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft" class="sbn-auto-link">2015 NFL draft</a>, as well as OT Isaiah Battle in the 2015 NFL supplemental draft. However, Havenstein is expected to start at right tackle, Brown at right guard, while Donnal/Wichmann will be role players.</p>
<p>The wild card is Battle, who has the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000500474/article/2015-nfl-supplemental-draft-primer">talent to start at left tackle</a> but certainly not immediately given his development needs. The Rams are treating 2015 as a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000500737/article/rams-select-clemsons-isaiah-battle-in-supplemental-draft">redshirt year for Battle</a>, so Robinson will have at least a year to prove he is the long term answer at left tackle.</p>
<h4>Expectations</h4>
<p>After an up and down rookie year that ended with Robinson <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/16481/greg-robinson-recovering-from-toe-surgery">nursing a toe injury in the final weeks</a>, Robinson is healthier, slimmer and expected to lead the Rams' offensive line to a dominant left side. With Robinson anchoring the left tackle position, and Saffold providing steady inside play, there's no reason why the Rams can't pick up big chunks of yardage behind those two.</p>
<p>It's optimistic, however, to believe that Robinson will be an All-Pro level pass blocker in year two, but anything can happen given his blend of power, quick feet, coordination and competitive fire. Rams OL coach Paul Boudreau has said it is <a href="http://www.scout.com/nfl/rams/story/1572973-boudreau-discusses-rams-new-look-ol" target="_blank">night and day</a> after Robinson spent his offseason in the facility. He just needs to consistently put it together for 70 plays a game, 16 games a season. If he does that, we'll revisit those Walter Jones and Orlando Pace similarities.</p>
<h4>Chances of Making the Roster (10/10)</h4>
<p>Robinson is one of the Rams' key offensive players this season, and they will need him to be healthy and contributing for the Rams to sniff the playoffs. Why? Expect the Rams to rely on their run game heavily while the passing game develops under <span>Nick Foles</span>, Frank Cignetti, developing wide receivers and a baby faced line. If Robinson can shine in the run game, expect the Rams to churn plenty of yards in his wake.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/8/26/9124353/2015-rams-roster-preview-depth-chart-greg-robinsonRamBuck2015-08-26T13:30:45-05:002015-08-26T13:30:45-05:00Rams Roster Preview: G Rodger Saffold
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<p>One of two remaining Rams from their 2010 NFL Draft class, Rodger Saffold is now firmly established as one of the team's seasoned vets.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">Rams</a>' 2010 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> haul was supposed to set the course for a franchise turnaround for then General Manager Billy Devaney and Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo. QB <span>Sam Bradford</span> and OT <span>Rodger Saffold</span> were supposed to be the lynchpins of the offensive future. <span>Jerome Murphy</span> was taken in the third round to supplement the cornerback pairing of Ron Bartell And <span>Bradley Fletcher</span> (Bradley...good times). Mike Hoomanawanui and <span>Fendi Onobun</span> were tight end projects to develop. <span>Eugene Sims</span> and <span>George Selvie</span> were late DE steals. <span>Mardy Gilyard</span>! Everything was set up.</p>
<p>And it almost worked.</p>
<p>Sam Bradford earned plaudits across the league earning the Offensive Rookie of the Year and just missing out on a playoff berth with a week 17 loss in Seattle. The mid-round picks of 2010 fell off and 2011 became a wash after <span>Robert Quinn</span> and <span>Lance Kendricks</span> in the first two rounds. The offensive line disintegrated as <span>Alex Barron</span>, <span>Jason Brown</span>, <span>Jacob Bell</span> and <span>Jason Smith</span> all flamed out. It ended the Spags/Devaney era and led us into Fisherball.</p>
<p>Here we are five years later and the only two Rams left from the 2010 NFL Draft? Sims and Saffold. <a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/7/27/8904879/2015-rams-roster-preview-depth-chart-eugene-sims" target="_blank">The former is heading into a contract year which could very well be his last as a Ram</a>. Saffold, on the other hand, was a subject of some drama a year ago when the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> signed him in free agency before unsigning him allowing the Rams to re-sign him on a five-year, $31m deal. Now into the second year of that deal, Saffold's the most experienced member on the Rams' offensive line.</p>
<p>Time flies.</p>
<h3>Roster Battle</h3>
<p>Not yet. Based on what we've seen from backup <span>Brandon Washington</span>, Saffold isn't going to be pushed much. Cody Wichmann's adjustment to the league as a rookie has been slowed by a leg injury, though he's finally been taken off the PUP so we may see him in the preseason. In any case, there's no rational option here to start outside of Saffold. That may change next offseason, but for 2015 he's fine.</p>
<h3>Expectations</h3>
<p>Saffold's been on the block for while. We know he's capable when healthy. That's the real issue though. Saffold is constantly picking up injuries and has missed 17 games in his five years after getting through 2010 playing in all 16 games. The concern is that, like last year, Saffold may make it through 16 games but the multitude of injuries he has, and likely will, sustain will affect his ability to play to his full potential. Picking up a knock four plays into the Rams' 2015 preseason won't help assuage those concerns either.</p>
<h3>Chances of Making Final Roster (10/10)</h3>
<p>Saffold's a Ram, and that's not changing any time soon. But much like Sam Bradford and <span>Jake Long</span>, I wonder how close Saffold is to being an unreliable commodity moving forward. We know Fisher is going to press this team to the maximum levels of physicality and aggression. I'm sure the worry over Saffold's inability to stay at full health is one that's shared by most Rams fans. His 2015 may be less about his level of play and more about his ability to get through the season and prove he can be depended on moving forward.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/8/26/9210509/2015-rams-roster-preview-depth-chart-rodger-saffold3k2015-08-26T08:00:11-05:002015-08-26T08:00:11-05:00Rams Roster Preview: RB Todd Gurley
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<p>Gurley will likely follow in the footsteps of recent Rams rookie RBs</p> <p>Following the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">Rams</a> selection of <span>Todd Gurley</span> in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft" class="sbn-auto-link">2015 NFL Draft</a>, the majority reaction among Rams fans - including myself - was 'WTF?'. Fisher and Snead had found increasingly productive RBs in each of the previous 3 drafts, but none seemed to keep favor with the regime. After considering the move though, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/5/4/8540779/2015-nfl-draft-st-louis-rams-todd-gurley-grade" style="background-color: #ffffff;">I defended the pick</a> - and still believe that the Rams made the best decision.</p>
<h3>Roster Battle</h3>
<p>As soon as Gurley is healthy, he's going to be splitting carries with Mason. As soon as he is capable, count on Fisher to let his new bell cow loose all over the NFC West. It's not so much a roster battle as a battle to balance production and precaution.</p>
<h3>Expectations</h3>
<p>Fisher has already indicated that Gurley will be eased into action. You can't blame the staff for being cautious after the <span>Jake Long</span> and <span>Sam Bradford</span> saga the past 2 seasons. The Rams have the luxury to let Gurley come back when he's ready, not because the team needs him.</p>
<p>That being said, all signs point to Gurley being utilized in a similar way to Stacy and Mason in their rookie years. I think it's reasonable to expect him to rush for 800+ yards and approach 10 TDs.</p>
<h3>Chances of Making Final Roster (10/10)</h3>
<p>Even with the arrival of <span>Nick Foles</span> this offseason, Gurley is the future centerpiece of this offense. Maybe not immediately, but Fisher pulled his eggs from the Sam Bradford basket and put them into the Todd Gurley basket. He will be on the roster well past the 2015 season.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/8/26/9208107/st-louis-rams-depth-chart-roster-preview-rb-todd-gurleySean Wilkinson2015-08-25T14:45:50-05:002015-08-25T14:45:50-05:00Rams Roster Preview: RB Tre Mason
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<p>The St. Louis Rams spent the 10th overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft on RB Todd Gurley. Where does that put their leading rusher of 2014, Tre Mason?</p> <p>On January 6, 2014, <span>Tre Mason</span> capped off one of the more amazing seasons in recent college football history.</p>
<p>It was on that date that Mason ran for 195 yards on 34 carries in the last BCS National Championship as his Auburn Tigers lost to the Florida State Seminoles, 31-34. It was an incredibly entertaining game at the tail of an incredibly entertaining season. Unbelievably entertaining, really.Auburn won half of its 12 games that season by 8 points or less.</p>
<p>On November 16 in a Auburn-Georgia matchup that featured star running backs in Mason and <span>Todd Gurley</span>, Auburn won on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkpDz8YyVD8">a miracle deflected 75-TD reception</a> by Ricardo Louis with less than 30 seconds remaining. Mason ran for 115 yards on 27 carries. The game would be known as <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer_at_Jordan%E2%80%93Hare" style="background-color: #ffffff;">the Prayer at Jordan-Hare</a>.</p>
<p>The following game provided perhaps the greatest college football game of all time in the 2013 Iron Bowl which ended in <span>Chris Davis</span>' <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqIBNX0CXDc">109-yard return of a missed field goal as time expired</a> giving Auburn a 34-28 win over rival (understatement) Alabama. Mason ran for 164 yards on 29 carries. The game would be known as <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kick_Six">Kick Six</a>.</p>
<p>A week later in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/sec-championship-game">SEC Championship</a>, Mason would spearhead Auburn's offensive explosion in a shootout winning 59-42 over Missouri. Mason ran for 304 yards on 46 carries. After the previous two Auburn games, this one didn't need a name.</p>
<p>Despite his college production resume, Mason lulled through the first two rounds of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2014 NFL Draft</a> before the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">Rams</a> selected him with the 75th overall pick. Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher's aversion to rookies was on full display in 2014, pausing on the #2 overall pick of that year's draft, <span>Greg Robinson</span>, and <span>Aaron Donald</span>, #13 pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, until week 6 to give them their first starts. Mason wouldn't get his first start until week 9.</p>
<p>Mason finished his rookie year with more than 750 yards on less than 200 carries, a very solid effort despite the truncated playing time.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, the Rams spent the #10 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft on his opponent's running back from the aforementioned Auburn-Georgia game: Todd Gurley. Mason's role, never established in early 2014 and likely unsettled going into 2014 with Gurley an unknown commodity until he gets significant regular season playing time, is still a huge question mark.</p>
<h3>Roster Battle</h3>
<p>Nah.</p>
<h3>Expectations</h3>
<p>This one's kind of hard with Gurley in the on-deck circle. Without a chance to work on the rotation for their running back by committee approach in the preseason, we don't really know what's in store for the ground game once Gurley gets back. It does, then, make it a "show as you go" situation for Mason and really for the whole unit.</p>
<h3>Chances of Making Final Roster (10/10)</h3>
<p>He'll be there, but I just don't know how this is going to work between Mason, Gurley and <span>Benny Cunningham</span> hanging around. I don't really see any regular season contributions from <span>Trey Watts</span> as a running back, but who know; long odds are still odds.</p>
<p>The bigger issue is how the Rams have managed themselves into this glut. They delayed playing <span>Zac Stacy</span> in favor of starting <span>Daryl Richardson</span> in 2013. Once Stacy proved to be the better back (<a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2013/8/20/4639672/daryl-richardson-named-starting-rb" target="_blank">which he was the entire time</a>), Richardson was cast off.</p>
<p>The Rams then drafted Mason, <a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2014/5/20/5734358/2014-nfl-draft-st-louis-rams-tre-mason-profile" target="_blank">a move I was critical of at the time</a> with Stacy having resolved the major RB issue and outstanding issues elsewhere on the roster (hello, offensive line). Nonetheless, Mason had a very fine rookie season statistically.</p>
<p>Now, the Rams have drafted Gurley, a move I was critical of the time with Mason and Stacy having resolved the major RB issue and outstanding issues elsewhere on the roster (hello, offensive line). So who knows. Maybe the Rams have finally gotten to a place of elite talent combined at the position and will stop drafting running backs in the first two days of NFL Drafts.</p>
<p>Then again, <a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2014/5/22/5742732/st-louis-rams-cloning-conspiracy-infowars-illuminati-new-world-order-surprise-you-are-dead" target="_blank">the Rams do have many more Tre Masons at their disposal if necessary</a>...</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/8/25/9206967/2015-rams-roster-preview-depth-chart-tre-mason3k2015-08-23T09:00:38-05:002015-08-23T09:00:38-05:002015 Rams Roster Preview: CB Janoris Jenkins
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<p>His ups and downs are well documented. Can he find consistency and earn a payday with the Rams?</p> <p>He <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24128123/steve-smith-rips-janoris-jenkins-again-he-needs-to-wear-some-condoms" target="_blank">talks a lot of trash</a>, <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=321125022" target="_blank">makes a lot of big plays</a>, but also makes <a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2014/10/16/6988251/rams-49ers-recap-game-tape-study-breakdown" target="_blank">a lot of stupid mistakes</a>. <span>Janoris Jenkins</span> has everything you could want in a CB. He has the speed, the agility, the ball skills, the motivation, the toughness, and is a willing run defender. He doesn't need to be a leader on the Defense as that role falls on <span>James Laurinaitis</span> and <span>Chris Long</span>.</p>
<p>The primary knock against Jenkins is his awareness. He's supremely capable of jumping routes, but doesn't always know when to back the aggression down a notch. If he's able to get that aspect of his game under control, he could very well <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/20085/with-promise-of-a-big-payday-rams-janoris-jenkins-plays-it-by-the-book" target="_blank">earn a big payday</a> with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">Rams</a>.</p>
<h3>Roster Battle</h3>
<p>Janoris is firmly at the top of the CB depth chart. Barring injury - that's not going to change. Count on JJ going against opposing #1 WRs all season.</p>
<h3>Expectations</h3>
<p>Janoris has mostly shook the 'red-flag' stigma that followed him from the University of Florida into the NFL. If he can get rid of that boneheaded-ness on the field as well, his play - and value - will skyrocket.</p>
<h3>Chances of Making Final Roster (10/10)</h3>
<p>With <span>E.J. Gaines</span> out for the season, Jenkins is going to anchor the Rams CB group in 2015. With a good season, he will be on the Rams not just this year, but into the future as well.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/8/23/9185675/rams-roster-preview-depth-chart-cb-janoris-jenkinsSean Wilkinson2015-08-20T13:57:25-05:002015-08-20T13:57:25-05:002015 Rams Roster Preview: K Greg Zuerlein
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<p>The Leg broke onto the NFL scene with a 60-yard field goal in week four of the 2012 NFL season. Did he set the bar too high too early?</p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.profootballhof.com/history/2012/10/15/long-field-goals-in-NFL-history/">There have been 14 made field goals of 60 yards or longer in NFL history</a>. One of those was kicked by Rams K Greg Zuerlein <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2012093005/2012/REG4/seahawks@rams?icampaign=GC_schedule_rr#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A0ap1000000067627&tab=videos">on Sept. 30, 2012</a>.</p>
<p>Zuerlein would be asked too much of in his rookie year attempting 13 field goals of 50 yards or more. He settled in in his second season hitting 92.9% of his attempts in 2013, but a couple of tough games asked questions of Greg Zuerlein in 2014 that hadn't been asked up to that point.</p>
<p>The placekicker's job is one of ultimate fickleness. Zuerlein missed a field goal attempt both against the Seahawks and the Chiefs in week 6 and 7 last year. Neither miss mattered. The Rams beat the Seahawks and lost, miserably, to the Chiefs. Zuerlein missed two more against Washington in week 13, two more misses that had inarguably no impact on the final result. The Rams won 24-0. The only one of Zuerlein's five missed field goals that mattered in retrospect was in San Diego in week 11 in a 3-point loss with QB Shaun Hill throwing a late interception in the red zone that, had things turned out more fortunately for Rams fans, would have rendered each of Zuerlein's 2014 misses into the fahgettaboudit bin.</p>
<p>How then to consider Zuerlein in 2015? Is he of the powerful leg capable of changing a low-scoring game's dynamics and instantly reversing field position advantages? Is he a more mercurial kicker who has missed five attempts from less than 40 yards in just three years playing his home games in a dome? Or is kicking the ultimate example of small sample sizes affecting judgment in the most dubious way?</p>
<p>I don't know the answer, but that's 300 damn words on field goal kicking. I want my participation trophy.</p>
<h3>Roster Battle</h3>
<p>Nope.</p>
<h3>Expectations</h3>
<p>Yep.</p>
<h3>Chances of Making Final Roster (10/10)</h3>
<p>I'll admit. I've got a pro-Zuerlein bias. Maybe it's the nicknames or the hype that his 2012 rookie season built or maybe it's just the letter Z. It's a great letter. Really underappreciated.</p>
<p>The Rams are relying on defense and a running game to get them to success in 2015. Greg Zuerlein might be the X-factor for this season that nobody's talking about.</p>
<p><a href="https://3diassociates.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/dr-seuss-z.jpg?w=640" target="_blank">He's a Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz as you can plainly see</a>.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/8/20/9183285/2015-rams-roster-preview-depth-chart-greg-zuerlein3k2015-08-20T11:17:19-05:002015-08-20T11:17:19-05:002015 Rams Roster Preview: S Mark Barron
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<figcaption>Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>In late October last year, the Rams traded two 2015 NFL Draft day three picks for then Tampa Bay Buccaneers S Mark Barron. Now with a full preseason with the Rams, how does he fit into the Rams' defense in 2015?</p> <p>October 28th came out of nowhere.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">Rams</a> <a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2014/10/28/7085981/rams-bucs-mark-barron-trade" target="_blank">sent their fourth and sixth-round picks</a> in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2015 NFL Draft</a> to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> to secure the services of safety <span>Mark Barron</span>. A standout rookie in 2012 as the seventh overall pick in that year's draft, Barron's NFL career got off to the right start. His production in 2013 improved slightly, but the Buccaneers' defense was falling apart (the offense was too, but Barron can only do so much). So seven games into 2014, the Rams snagged Barron off of Tampa's roster in year one of the Lovie Smith rebuild.</p>
<p>Now with the Rams, he's got a more situational role than the everydown player he was in Tampa Bay. Meant to supplement the run defense, Barron isn't asked to provide as much pass coverage as he was with the Bucs. How does he fit into the overall defense with <span>T.J. McDonald</span> and <span>Rodney McLeod</span> firmly entrenched at safety?</p>
<h3>Roster Battle</h3>
<p>Well part of it is to think of Barron less as a safety and more of an extra linebacker. He's not rotating with McDonald or McLeod as much as he is with <span>Jo-Lonn Dunbar</span> and Akeem Ayers. As Ayers is new, we'll have to see throughout the preseason and early on in the regular season how the Rams are figuring that triangle out, assuming that <span>James Laurinaitis</span> and <span>Alec Ogletree</span> remain mainstays of the linebacking group on all downs.</p>
<h3>Expectations</h3>
<p>This is tough for me to feel out. He's a specialist. How much do you demand here? Adequacy seems like a fair starting point since he's not being asked to do too much. At the same time, he doesn't have to be a star. Did the Rams get adequacy out of Barron in 2014? I'd say so. So perhaps the expectation for Barron in year two is just "YAIS MOAR."</p>
<h3>Chances of Making Final Roster (10/10)</h3>
<p>He's in, but I'm eager to see how he gets worked in. Last week against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a>, he picked up some time as the reserve safety once McD & McL stepped out.</p>
<p>What do you want from Barron in 2015?</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/8/20/9182565/2015-rams-roster-preview-depth-chart-mark-barron3k