Tag Archives: St. Louis Rams

Patrick Willis
Jun 20 2012

NFC West Prediction

NFC West Expectations

San Francisco 49ers -  I personally think the 49ers will be representing the NFC in the Super Bowl this year.  The 49ers have a great defense led by Patrick Willis.  Their defense will only get better because of the development of outside linebacker Aldon Smith.  Aldon should become one of the best defensive players in the next couple of years. On offense the 49ers will be much improved in the passing game because they signed Randy Moss and Mario Manningham.  However, the wild card on their offense is back up quarterback Colin Kaepernick.  Jim Harbaugh was recently quoted saying “Colin was nearly perfect today.” This is referring to a minicamp practice.  If Colin starts this year at quarterback, the potential is there for a potent quarterback.

Expectations 13-3

Seattle Seahawks – I don’t expect too much out of the Seahawks this year.  They signed free agent quarterback Matt Flynn who should be the starter this year. Matt should be a solid starter, but I doubt he will be able to put a team on his back and lead them to the playoffs.  Also, the Seahawks have a solid running game this year with Marshawn Lynch.  On defense they have a solid secondary led by Earl Thomas.  This offseason they drafted Bruce Irvin in the first round to help there much maligned pass rush.  Overall I think the Seahawks have some solid players, but for them to make the playoffs they must win the division.  Unfortunately, I think San Francisco is one of the best teams in the NFL.

Expectations 8-8

Saint Louis Rams -  The Rams are an up and coming team that should be in Super Bowl contention in a couple of years. The Rams are lead by quarterback Sam Bradford who is looking to have a bounce back year after his subpar season.  My biggest concern on offense for the Rams is their offensive line.  Sam Bradford was beat up and injured last year do to subpar line play.  On defense they have added an infusion of young talent.  Most of there young players are high risk high reward so if they gambled right and most of these players pan out their defense will be one of the best in the NFL probably led by Robert Quinn, Jenoris Jenkins, and Trumaine Johnson.  Another reason I like this team so much is the number of draft pick they have over the next two years.  They will have 4 first round picks over the next 2 years.  If the Rams draft well these next two years they have the potential to be a force in the NFL.

Expectations 8-8

Arizona Cardinals -  This team is by far the worst team in the division.  They have Kevin Kolb as there starting quarterback who is a game manager at best.  They have a plethora of good running backs in Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams.  Also, they have 2 good wide receivers in Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd.  The offense weak link is their offensive line.  On defense they some good players, but as a whole they are a subpar unit.  At defensive end they have pro bowl defensive end Calais Campbell and at linebacker they have future star Dayrl  Washington.  Overall the Cardinals will be competitive this year, but won’t be able to win many games

Expectation 6-10

Connor Willsey

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bruce irvin
Apr 28 2012

Winners or Losers from the Draft

Winners

Saint Louis Rams – The Rams had five picks in the first 3 rounds and picked quality players at each pick.  They started in round 1 with Michael Brockers, who will be a great run stuffer for the Rams. Next, they drafted Brain Quick, a big wide receiver out of Appalachain State who will help out Sam Bradford.  They drafted two cornerbacks in Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson, both have the skills to be a shut down corner in the NFL.  Also, they drafted running back Isaih Pead, who should be a good rotational back for the Rams.

Philidelphia Eagles – The Eagels have had an all around good draft.  They have addressed their pass rush situation by drafting Fletcher Cox and Vinny Curry.  Also, they drafted Mychal Kendricks who is the most athletic linebacker in the  draft. He should be an immediate starter this year.  Lastly, they drafted quarterback Nick Foles who they will develop at quarterback behind Michael Vick.  Also, this pick insures they will have a good back up in case MIchael Vick can’t make it through the entire season.

Indianpoils Colts -  The Colts drafted Andrew Luck, the best prospect in this draft, but what they did on day 2 really impresses me.  They drafted 2 tight ends in Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen, which should really help Andrew Luck.  Next, they drafted T.Y. Hilton who is a slot wide receiver. When the ball is in his hands, he has the potential to score a touchdown.

Losers

Seattle Seahawks -  The Seahawks have reached on every single pick so far.  They drafted Bruce Irvin who is there first round pick, but should have been picked in the 2nd round.  They then drafted Bobby Wagner, who I felt should have been picked in the 3rd or 4th round.  Finally they drafted Russel Wilson, the 5’10” quarterback and he probably won’t succeed because of his height.

Oakland Raiders -  The Raiders had one pick at the end of the 3rd round and picked a 25 year old offensive guard who probably should have gone in the 5th round. I’m not bashing the pick of Tony Bergstom, but I am bashing them for only having one pick in the first 3 rounds.

New Orleans Saints – The Saints only had one pick in the first 3 rounds and drafted Akiem Hicks.  Hicks is a high upside defensive tackle who could become a great defensive tackle in the NFL.  The Saints are a loser, because they too only had 1 pick in the first 3 rounds.

Jacksonville Jaguars -  The Jaguars drafted a great wide receiver in Justin Blackmon.  In the second round, they drafted Andre Branch at defensive end, but I am a huge fan of him.  However, there 3rd round pick was a real head scratcher; They drafted Bryan Anger a punter who is the highest punter drafted since 1995.  Bryan Anger could have been drafted in the 7th round.

Connor Willsey

Trent+Richardson+Florida+v+Alabama+SblrU1cN08al
Apr 20 2012

The Draft: Top 10

Thank you Indianapolis for confirming what all NFL fans have considered doctrine since the Colts skydived into the first overall pick. Earlier this week, the Colts outspoken and avid twitter user, Jim Irsay, confirmed with the media that they will draft Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck. Thanks Jim, but I think we could of figured that out when ESPN declared him to be the best quarterback in the history of the NFL. Luck and Griffin will go one and two, its the thirty other picks that are undecided. Lets take an in-depth look at the first round, 1-10…..
3. Minnesota Vikings 
Team Needs: LT, CB, WR, DT, S
After surprisingly drafting Christian Ponder at the number seven pick last year, the Vikings are in the top ten again after a disappointing season. The Vikings truly believe in Ponder and are hoping to add the necessary protection and weapons to make him the best quarterback for their team. Longtime LT, Bryant McKinnie, was the “blind side” protector for the Vikings, until he was cut after the lockout. A left tackle is needed in order for the growth and development of Ponder in the future. USC LT Matt Kalil, is head, shoulder, knees and toes above the other LT’s in the draft. He will provide the necessary athleticism to take on speed rushing ends. He also provides a solid, physical run blocking tenacity and will bring along a potential long and successful career in Minnesota.
4. Cleveland Browns
 Team Needs: QB, OL, RB, WR, CB
 Cleveland has two picks in the first round, which makes this selection at number three even more interesting. The rise of Ryan Tannehill will have the entire league on their toes. Cleveland has lately said they will entertain trades up to the draft. However I look for them to keep their pick and NOT select Tannehill. I believe Colt McCoy, even when concussed and unaware of his surroundings, is a better quarterback and football player than Ryan Tannehill. If the organization believes McCoy will be a liability, Cleveland has been a notorious place for old veterans to continue their career. If they do not reach for Tannehill with pick number three, I expect them to use their pick on Alabama RB, Trent Richardson. He will provide stability in the backfield and could do damage with a pretty decent offensive line.
 
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
 Team Needs: CB, WR, RB, S
 The Bucs spent big in free agency this offseason to land receiver Vincent Jackson, guard Carl Nicks and corner Eric Wright to shore up three weak spots. Greg Schiano come in and replace Raheem Morris and improve from a disappointing year last year. Morris Claiborne looks to be the best corner in the draft and maybe the best athlete in the draft. Though he is not as great of an athlete at Patrick Peterson from last years draft, but he provides a physical but still a quick presence on the edge. If Trent Richardson slips past the Browns, don’t be surprised if they take him over Claiborne.
6. St. Louis Rams
Team Needs: WR,, OT, CB, DT
The Rams struggles at quarterback was not always because the pass was not there on time. The receiving core struggled immensely as the season went on. They currently have no go to threat for Sam Bradford to go to when he needs that third down conversion. It is likely they will select Oklahoma St. WR Justin Blackmon who will provide a big time receiver for Bradford. Though he is not a in the same class as A.J. Green and Julio Jones of the previous class, Blackmon is a solid go to guy.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
Teams Needs: WR, DE, OT, FS, CB
The Jaguars grabbed hopeful future starting quarterback in Blaine Gabbert, slightly earlier than most expected in last years draft. Now they look to provide a solid infrastructure to support his growth and development. The team signed Laurent Robinson and Lee Evans to help improve the current receiving corp but could look to go get WR Michael Floyd out of Notre Dame. Though he had numerous incidents in South Bend, his talent and athleticism can not be over looked. He is a big, physical receiver and moves well in and out of his cuts. However, don’t be surprised if Jacksonville goes defensive with the selection of Melvin Ingram or North Carolina’s Quinton Coples.
8. Miami Dolphins
Team Needs: QB, WR, DE/LB, RT/RG, S
Tony Sparono is out and in comes former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator, Joe Philbin, to help recover the Dolphins franchise. With the Philbin taking the helm, everyone almost guaranteed that his former backup quarterback, Matt Flynn, would be taking his talents to South Beach. However, he opted for the rainy days in Seattle with Pete Carroll, so now they are scrambling  to find a franchise quarterback. Or are they? Matt Moore did not look to bad last year but can he truly be trusted with the franchise? With the number eight pick, this where Ryan Tannehill should not necessarily be taken, but is a better fit than any higher than this pick. The Dolphins may end up trading up to get him, but I think they will be the team to take the risk on Tannehill.
9. Carolina Panthers
 Team Needs: DT, DE, CB, WR
Cam Newton was a hit in his rookie season, as he managed to bring some excitement to Panther fans that has not been seen since Vinetari kicked away their Super Bowl aspirations They are again back in the top then of the draft, but now at the number nine pick, PROGRESS!!!! Even with super Cam, the defense will have to improve just as much as the offense did a year ago. Their run defense was one of the worst in the league last year and they need major help. Mississippi St. defensive tackle, Fletcher Cox, looks to be the best defensive tackle in the draft. Many scouts say he is ready to play once training camp begins. He will provide a big body at nose but as well an athletic guy that can sparingly give you tackle for losses and sacks.
10. Buffalo Bills
 Team Needs: LT, WR, CB, LB
The Bills were “busy  bees” in the off season, adding former Houston Texan DE, Mario Williams to improve their pass rushing. They also went out and got former Chicago Bear and Patriot, Mark Anderson to go along side Williams. The biggest move was keeping young, talented receiver, Stevie Johnson in a Buffalo uniform. However, Demetrius Bell is gone, which leaves a massive hole on the left side of the line. The Bills have no choice but to stick with Fitzpatrick, after giving him a lengthy deal after a pretty decent season. Riley Reiff is the second best left tackle in the draft and should replace Bell on Fitzpatrick’s blind side. It would shock me if they did not take Reiff, but the next best guy at the position is Jonathan Martin from Stanford. Most have him however, going later on in the first round.
Michael Rose