The Los Angeles Rams wrapped up the final session of organized team activities on Thursday and are heading into mandatory minicamp next week. They got in 10 days of work over the course of three weeks, getting veterans and rookies on the field at the same time.
It’s limited as to what teams can do during OTAs because live contact and pads are not allowed, but it’s better than having offenses throwing against air.
Here are seven takeaways from OTAs.
New veterans are already making their presence felt
Pads haven’t come on and there’s no live contact on the practice field yet, but the Rams’ veteran additions are already making an impact. Clay Matthews and Eric Weddle, in particular, have taken on leadership roles, helping younger players on defense.
Weddle has taken John Johnson under his wing and given rookie Taylor Rapp some tips along the way, while also working with tight end Gerald Everett, who he’s covered frequently in practice.
If nothing else, Weddle and Matthews will make everyone around them better thanks to their experience.
High expectations for Brian Allen and Joseph Noteboom
Allen and Noteboom have been taking first-team reps at center and left guard, respectively, and are in line to be the starters at those spots this season. They have some big shoes to fill by replacing Rodger Saffold and John Sullivan, but the Rams are confident they can step up in Year 2.
Sean McVay said the team is “counting on” Allen and Noteboom being able to step in and make a fairly seamless transition from backup to starter, especially with regards to “the language, the vernacular” on offense.
If Allen and Noteboom can succeed as starters, the offensive line will once again be in great shape.
Todd Gurley isn’t fully healthy
The Rams can say all they want about Gurley being on a specific plan for his knee, but one thing is clear: He’s not 100% healthy. If he were, he’d be doing on-field work and practicing with the team, not on his own in an individual capacity.
Don’t get it twisted: Gurley could very well be fine for the start of the regular season, but at the moment, he isn’t as healthy as he’s been in years past. The Rams are making a concerted effort to preserve Gurley and ensure he’s fresh for the long haul in the postseason and in years to come, but it’s foolish to think he’s his normal self right now.
Hopefully this training regimen will get him on the right track ahead of camp later this summer.
Players love Sean McVay
This isn’t anything new, but there’s been effusive praise coming McVay’s way this offseason. Newcomers such as Matthews and Weddle have discussed the benefits of playing for McVay, while Dante Fowler Jr. expressed real appreciation for the coach allowing him to take care of his family back in Florida during voluntary OTAs.
Blake Bortles also had high remarks for McVay, saying he’s never seen anything like his coaching style. Needless to say, his beliefs about McVay have all been true, which is why he signed with the Rams in the first place.
Cooper Kupp is progressing well
Kupp is making excellent progress from his torn ACL suffered last season. He obviously hasn’t gone full speed in practice yet, but he’s gotten on the field for 11-on-11 jog-throughs and has done individual work on the side.
There’s absolutely no reason to believe he won’t be fully healthy for the start of the regular season, and it wouldn’t be the least bit surprising if he’s participating regularly in training camp. It’s great to see him catching passes, running routes – even if at half-speed – and working his way back from a devastating injury.
Gerald Everett is turning heads
This is the year Everett breaks out, right? It seems Rams fans have been saying that every year since he was drafted in 2017, but the young tight ends is on the right track this offseason. Yes, it’s only OTAs and yes, it’s difficult to gauge how well Everett is blocking, but as a receiver, he’s done well so far.
According to reports from those in attendance, Everett has been making plays in practice, including a one-handed grab this week. Highlights put out by the Rams have made him look good, too.
Everett said he feels he’s a “way better blocker” now than he was last year, which is promising as he tries to vault Tyler Higbee for the TE1 spot.
Backup O-linemen are still finding their roles
It’s pretty clear that the starting offensive line this season will be (from left to right) Andrew Whitworth, Noteboom, Allen, Austin Blythe and Rob Havenstein. What’s not as obvious is who will back up each guy.
Jamil Demby got first-team reps at left tackle when Whitworth was resting, as did rookie David Edwards.
Additionally, Demby was tried at center in individual drills, which is somewhat surprising. He played tackle in college and was tried at guard last season, but moving him to center appears to be new.
There’s been no word on Bobby Evans and where he’s playing, but he’ll likely be a backup guard when the season begins. Noteboom could be the swing tackle in addition to the starting left guard, while Demby will probably be a backup at both spots.
