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Cory Littleton Jersey

A progression from undrafted free agent to special-teams standout to defensive signal caller for the Rams continued for inside linebacker Cory Littleton last season with his selection to the Pro Bowl.

In three seasons, he has developed into one of the Rams’ most versatile, dependable and productive players.

“He’s got great instincts, great awareness,” coach Sean McVay said of Littleton, who participated in the Pro Bowl as a special-teams player. “Cory had a great season last year where he really demonstrated that he’s a big-time linebacker.”

And yet, Littleton’s future with the Rams beyond this season is unclear.

Littleton is playing on a one-year, restricted free-agent contract that will pay him about $3.1 million, a bargain for a Rams team aiming to return to the Super Bowl after losing to the New England Patriots last season.

Littleton, 25, would welcome a generous long-term contract offer from the Rams, but it has not been offered.

“To be with the same guys I’ve been with the past couple seasons would be awesome,” he said.But Littleton knows that NFL teams are in transition annually: Just look at another remade Rams defense.

In the wake of the $135-million extension that star tackle Aaron Donald received before last season, the Rams had to make some roster decisions going into this season. Defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh, linebacker Mark Barron and safety Lamarcus Joyner were let go via free agency, partly because of performance and partly because of financial issues. The three players were paid a combined $35 million in 2018.

The Rams re-signed edge rusher Dante Fowler to a one-year deal for $12 million, and then added veteran safety Eric Weddle and linebacker Clay Matthews for a combined $8.75 million this season, according to overthecap.com.

Defensive lineman Michael Brockers, 28, is carrying a salary-cap number of $10.8 million in the final season of his contract. Cornerback Aqib Talib, 33, will receive $8 million in the final season of his two-year deal.

In regard to extensions, Littleton is one of several defensive players for whom the Rams are apparently taking a wait-and-see approach, especially with a massive extension for quarterback Jared Goff looming.

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Greg Gaines Jersey

Since switching to a 3-4 defense in 2017 with the arrival of Wade Phillips, the Los Angeles Rams have been searching for a long-term answer at center. Michael Brockers played there initially, but he was switched to defensive end mid-season in 2017.

Ndamukong Suh was signed as a free agent last year, inking a $14 million deal for one season in L.A. He remains on the market, but he’s not in the Rams’ plans anymore. They entered the draft still in need of a replacement for Suh, and on Saturday afternoon, they may have found the perfect guy to fill his big shoes.

Since switching to a 3-4 defense in 2017 with the arrival of Wade Phillips, the Los Angeles Rams have been searching for a long-term answer at center. Michael Brockers played there initially, but he was switched to defensive end mid-season in 2017.

Ndamukong Suh was signed as a free agent last year, inking a $14 million deal for one season in L.A. He remains on the market, but he’s not in the Rams’ plans anymore. They entered the draft still in need of a replacement for Suh, and on Saturday afternoon, they may have found the perfect guy to fill his big shoes.

Sean McVay was asked if Gaines will be the starter at nose tackle in base packages right away, and while he didn’t go as far as to say that, he did indicate the rookie will have a great chance to be the top guy.

“He’s going to get a chance to compete, but he is a guy that we identified that we feel like really will do a great job as a nose guard in our base package,” McVay said. “You look at a physical, stout player – he was an outstanding, productive player for Washington. But then when you get a chance to really watch the Senior Bowl, where he’s going against some of the best interior linemen in this draft, guys that we really thought highly of – I think you got a sense for what a competitive player he is. A guy that loves football, kind of in the mold of what you’ve heard us talk about.”

One area the Rams must improve in is their run defense. They were 32nd in the NFL last season in yards per carry allowed and really struggled to stop opposing teams’ ground games. There are a number of factors that played into that, including Suh’s ineffectiveness, poor linebacker play and a lack of cohesiveness, but Gaines can hopefully help in those departments.

“What Greg was able to do at Washington and then when you see the production he had at the Senior Bowl, that really is what we felt really strongly about,” McVay continued. “I think some of the things we talked about – how we get better specific to our scheme, but then also defensively in terms of playing the run a little bit better. I think that will be a key factor of being really stout inside and we feel like Greg will provide that.”

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Bobby Evans Jersey

Three rounds down, three former Allen football stars selected in the NFL draft.

Eagles alum Kyler Murray began the processions as the draft’s top overall pick to the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night, and two of his high school teammates followed suit by hearing their names called during the second day of the draft.

Allen’s offensive line took center stage locally, with alums Greg Little and Bobby Evans both learning their professional destinations. Little was picked early on Friday, drafted No. 37 overall to the Carolina Panthers, while Evans will head west to join the Los Angeles Rams after the Super Bowl runners-up picked the offensive lineman with the 97th pick.

The two linemen started at left tackle during their final collegiate campaigns, with Evans protecting Murray’s blind side at Oklahoma and Little anchoring the left side of the line at Ole Miss.

Little came away from his junior season with the Rebels picked as an All-America second-team selection by multiple outlets while also receiving all-SEC first-team honors. He was a finalist for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award – an accolade annually given to the top offensive player in Division I football.

Evans, meanwhile, manned left tackle for a Sooner line that, together, received the Joe Moore Award for the best offensive line in the country. Evans concludes his time in Norman as a three-time all-Big 12 selection, earning second-team honors in 2018.

Their selections mark a staggering three former Allen standouts to have been picked through the first three rounds in the 2019 draft. For comparison’s sake, Texas A&M and TCU both had two players selected during the first three rounds – the only colleges in Texas to do so.

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David Long Jersey

Looking at the Los Angeles Rams’ depth chart, you wouldn’t necessarily think they needed cornerback help in the draft. They have Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib and Nickell Robey-Coleman entrenched as the starters with Troy Hill behind them as the primary backup.

Yet, the Rams drafted David Long out of Michigan in the third round (No. 79), and for good reason. Talib and Peters will be free agents in 2020 and Hill has been inconsistent as the No. 4 cornerback. Long will contribute in dime packages and in the event of injury, likely before taking over as a starter in 2020.

He wasn’t tested very often in coverage by opposing quarterbacks, so his highlights aren’t filled with pass breakups and interceptions, but it’s easy to see why teams hardly ever threw his way. He’s sticky in man coverage, often taking away the quarterback’s top target.

Below is another highlight package from the Big Ten Network, albeit a brief one with only a couple of plays.

Long finished his career with 12 pass breakups and three interceptions, while also making 37 tackles and a half-sack.

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Darrell Henderson Jersey

The Rams picked up running back Darrell Henderson out of the University of Memphis with the No. 70-overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Henderson is the playmaker that caught head coach Sean McVay’s eye when the Rams’ third round selections rolled around last week. The former Memphis standout did it all in the college ranks, totalling 36 touchdowns rushing and eight receiving in three years out of the Tigers’ backfield.

Here are three things to know about Henderson:

1. YARDS PER CARRY

Henderson averaged 8.9 yards per rushing attempt (min 6.25 attempts per game) in his final two seasons at Memphis — his most recent 8.9-yard average led the NCAA.

The Rams new rusher averaged 8.2 yards per carry in his college career, which also leads the NCAA.

2. MEMPHIS HISTORY

The Rams are getting the first Unanimous First Team All-American in Memphis history.

Henderson was honored after his junior and final season as a Tiger, when he took 214 carries for 1,909 yards and 22 touchdowns. He added 295 yards and three touchdowns receiving on just 19 receptions — averaging 15 yards per catch as a multi-threat back.

3. DUNBAR COMPARISON

Both McVay and general manager Les Snead compared their third-round draft choice to former Cowboys and Rams running back Lance Dunbar.

Dunbar’s professional career was cut short during his time in Los Angeles because of a history of knee injuries, but the former undrafted running back had a similar change-of-pace running style as Henderson, according to McVay.

Dunbar put up some serious numbers at a mid-major, much like Henderson at Memphis. The University of North Texas inducted Dunbar into their Athletics Hall of Fame after he finished his career with 5,375 all-purpose yards, and a school-high 49 total touchdowns as the first running back in program history with three-straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons.

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Taylor Rapp Jersey

After trading away their first-round, and a pair of second-round picks, the Rams have their first and 2019 draft selection in former University Washington safety Taylor Rapp.

 

Rapp, the No. 61 pick of the NFL draft and first safety drafted by the Rams since John Johnson III in 2017, stands 5-foot-11, 208 pounds, and is a two-time First Team All-Pac 12 player, and earned First Team All-American honors in his final season as a Huskie. As a Junior in 2018, Rapp started in all 13 games and logged seven interceptions, 14 passes defensed, 7.0 sacks, plus a pair of forced fumbles.

“I’ve dreamed of this moment my whole life, ever since I could walk — an unbelievable moment that I will remember for the rest of my life,” Rapp told the Los Angeles media minutes after his name was called. “I get to come in under obviously Eric Weddle — a vet — and John Johnson, he’s an incredible player. To come in and learn under them, it’s an incredible opportunity and the perfect scenario for me. I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

 

Rapp will join the Rams’ decorated secondary with a few contracts set to expire over the next couple of seasons. Both corners Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib hold deals that will be up after the 2019 campaign. Weddle is set for two years alongside Rapp, with a contract set to expire after the 2020 season.

Rams remaining 2019 draft picks

Third round No. 79 No. 94, No. 99

Fourth round No. 101, No. 133

Fifth round No. 167, No. 169

Seventh round No. 251

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Rodger Saffold Jersey

They saw the headlines and tweets and the transactions over the last month or so.

Monday was the first day the Tennessee Titans got to see their new teammates in person, in the facility where they will work side by side for the next nine months or more.

On the day players reported for the start of voluntary offseason workouts, quarterback Marcus Mariota, tight end Delanie Walker, cornerback Logan Ryan and safety Kevin Byard met with the media to address the state of the team that has finished each of the last three seasons 9-7 and has just one playoff appearance in the last 10 years. Among the subjects they discussed were the offseason transactions to date, which have helped reshape the roster.

Here is some of what those players had to say about the moves:

• On the decision to promote tight ends coach Arthur Smith to offensive coordinator after Matt LaFleur left to become Green Bay’s head coach:

“Arthur is a coach that has been on this team for a very long time. You usually don’t see that. When coaches get fired, (teams) usually let go of everyone on the staff. Arthur has been through — what — four coaching staffs [with the Titans]. The guy’s been on offense, defense. He knows the system. … He always talked about having this opportunity. So I know he’s going to give it his all and I’m excited.” —Walker

• On the free agent addition of outside linebacker Cameron Wake:

“I’ve played against Miami both years here and four years in New England — and he always seems to get after the passer. That’s great. He has a high motor. It seems like he plays pretty relentless. I know every time I’ve sat in meetings when we’re going up against the Miami Dolphins, Cameron Wake is what we call a game-wrecker or a ‘gameplan guy’ that we have to figure out how to handle him or what we’re going to do or the offense has to have some type of gameplan for him. As a (defensive back), we love that, somebody to be able to put some pressure on the quarterback and force some errant passes.” — Ryan

• On the trade with Miami that brought backup quarterback Ryan Tannehill:

“Ryan’s a great guy. … He’s had a bunch of playing experience. [He is] somebody that I can lean on to talk about things. When you have a good support group in that room, I think that’s very important because when things get rough during the season that’s the support group you can go to.” — Mariota

• On the decision to re-sign strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (pictured):

“It’s just great to have him back. He is so versatile. He can do everything that I feel I can do as well. So just having a guy like that back in the secondary is going to be awesome this year.” — Byard

• On the free agent departure of tight end Luke Stocker, who signed with Atlanta:

“I’m going to be honest with you all. I hate that we lost him. I feel like he was the backbone of the tight ends’ room. Very strong. Great blocker. Never complained. Went out there and did his job. When I (saw) that he left, it kind of hurt a little bit.” — Walker

• On the free agent addition of guard Rodger Saffold:

“He’s another great addition. And I think when we’re able to kind of solidify those things up front. Those guys, they’ll build the chemistry and it will allow us to control the line of scrimmage, which is always very important. To have another big presence like him inside is really going to help us out.” — Mariota

• On the free agent addition of wide receiver Adam Humphries:

“I think he’s a great addition. Whether it’s inside or outside, I think he provides an opportunity to create space and to create more yardage and do different things. So I like his versatility. I think he can do a lot for us. It will be fun to be able to get out here and get to work with him.” — Mariota

 

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Johnny Hekker Jersey

Johnny Hekker doesn’t get the same recognition as many of the Los Angeles Rams’ other stars, but he’s an integral part of the team and the locker room. A five-time captain, Hekker is truly a leader not only on special teams, but for everyone in the Rams’ building.

The All-Pro punter visited his alma mater and attended Oregon State’s practice over the weekend, sharing an inspirational message with current Beavers. Take a look in the video below as he preached being a great teammate and working hard to better the team.
“I’ve got a placard in my locker that my special teams coach gave me that says, ‘If every teammate was like me, how good of a team would we be?’ So I ask myself that sometimes when I open up my locker,” Hekker said. “If every teammate went into the locker room and worked out like I’m about to work out, how good is this workout going to be? How good are we going to become if everyone in the meal room picked up their dishes and did things the way I do it, how good is this cafeteria going to look when we’re all done?”

He doesn’t just preach working hard and helping teammates, but also urging players to treat everyone in at school with respect, from professors to cafeteria workers to the training staff. It’s a strong message that pertains to people in any field, not just sports.

Hekker also made sure to tell the players that his door is always open should they need advice or anything from him.
“You guys are all my family now. I still have a lot of names to learn, people to meet, but just know that if you need anything, I’m here for you. Once a Beav, always a Beav.”

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Greg Zuerlein Jersey

NEW ORLEANS — A big comeback. A blown call. And, finally, a booming kick that sent the Los Angeles Rams to the Super Bowl.

After rallying from an early 13-0 deficit, the Rams stunned the New Orleans Saints with Greg Zuerlein’s 57-yard field goal in overtime for a 26-23 victory in the NFC championship game Sunday — an outcome that might not have been possible without an egregious mistake by the officials in the closing minutes of regulation.

Los Angeles cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman committed a blatant interference penalty with a helmet-to-helmet hit inside the 5, forcing the Saints to settle for Wil Lutz’s 31-yard field goal that made it 23-20 with 1:45 left in regulation.

That was enough time for Jared Goff to lead the Rams down the field for Zuerlein’s tying field goal, a 48-yarder with 15 seconds remaining.

New Orleans won the coin toss and got the ball first in the extra period. But, with a Rams defender in his face, Drew Brees fluttered up a pass that was picked off by John Johnson III, who was able to hang on to the interception while stumbling backward. Johnson hopped up and celebrated by doing with the “Choppa Style” dance popularized by New Orleans rapper Choppa, whose namesake song had become a Saints’ rallying cry and was even performed during the halftime show.

The Rams weren’t able to do much offensively, but it didn’t matter. Zuerlein booted through the winning field goal from just inside midfield with plenty of room to spare.

“It’s unbelievable, man. I can’t put it into words,” Goff said. “The defense played the way they did to force it to overtime. The defense gets a pick and Greg makes a 57-yarder to win it. That was good from about 70. Unbelievable.”

The Superdome, which had been in uproar all afternoon, suddenly turned eerily silent. It was the first home playoff loss for the Saints with Brees and coach Sean Payton, who and been 6-0 in those games since their pairing began in 2006.

The Rams (15-3) and their 32-year-old coach, Sean McVay, capped a remarkable rise since moving back to Los Angeles three years ago. The team will be appearing in its first Super Bowl since the 2001 season, when the “Greatest Show on Turf” was still in St. Louis.

“Shoot, I don’t even know what day it is,” McVay said. “All I know is we’re NFC champs, baby!”

It was another bitter end to the season for the Saints, who lost the previous season in the divisional round on the “Minnesota Miracle” — the Vikings’ long touchdown pass on the final play of the game.

“It’s a tough pill to swallow,” said Brees, who was denied a shot at adding to the Super Bowl title he won during the 2009 season.

This time, New Orleans (14-4) couldn’t hang on to the lead or overcome a mistake by the officials.

The Saints were on the verge of blowing out the Rams, scoring on their first three possessions and taking advantage of an interception off a dropped pass by Todd Gurley.

Then a fake punt early in the second quarter gave Los Angeles its initial first down of the game. Sparked by that play, the Rams finally came to life offensively and drove into position for the first of four field goals by Zuerlein.

Gurley made it 13-10 at halftime on a 6-yard touchdown run just before the intermission.

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Trumaine Johnson Jersey

A four-star prospect in the Class of 2020, cornerback Ryan Watts, has been weighing his commitment options for a while now. With the choice largely narrowed down to a pair of Big 12 titans, Watts has made his decision.

Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Watts announced that he was committing to the Oklahoma Sooners over Texas. “I am #COMMITTED to The University of Oklahoma,” he wrote in a post.

Watts is considered the No. 341 overall prospect in the Class of 2020, per 247Sports. He is the No. 29 cornerback prospect in the country, and the No. 51 prospect from the state of Texas.

The announcement comes less than 10 days after Watts made his official visit to the scho
In joining the Sooners, Watts becomes the seventh recruit for Oklahoma’s 2020 recruiting class.

Watts is the fifth player with a rating of four stars or better, and is the second to commit to Oklahoma in as many weeks.

Fellow four-star cornerback Dontae Manning announced his commitment to the Sooners one week before.

Head coach Lincoln Riley will certainly be happy to have as many talented defensive backs on his team as possible. Last year the defense was the team’s Achilles heel, allowing over 33 points per game – putting them in the bottom 30 in all of FBS.

A 247Sports scouting report notes that he draws comparisons to New York Jets star cornerback Trumaine Johnson.