If Carriker is a starting NT, the Rams should trade Kennedy

**AvengerRam** · #1 (**permalink**) -15-05-2007

By all indications, Adam Carriker appears to be the real deal. While touted as DE throughout the pre-draft season, his size (6'6, 308) is comparable to most DTs (and he likely could put on a few more lbs.). More importantly, he seems to have the right attitide for DT. He's not a guy who needs to be going after the big highlight play on every down. He's a guy who will do what needs to be done to help his DL succeed.

If that is the case (and, if the Rams can find a quality backup from second day picks Clifton Ryan and Keith Jackson), I have to ask - why keep Jimmy Kennedy?

The Rams will probably keep 8 DL on the roster (possibly 9) Six spots are absolutely filled (Little, Hall, Adeyanju, Carriker, Glover, Wroten). One of the final two (or three) spots will likely be another DE (possibly someone who's not on the roster right now - Lance Johnstone, Grant Wistrom - who knows?). The other MUST be a NT, as the Rams have two UTs on the roster in Glover and Wroten.

So, who do the Rams keep at the other NT spot? Kennedy, Jackson or Ryan? (Note: I do think its not unlikely that the Rams would keep both Jackson and Ryan).

In my mind, Kennedy has little value as a second string NT. I just don't see him as a guy who would be content playing a few snaps a game, and being asked to merely tie up blockers when he does play (Ryan and/or Jackson probably would be fine with that role).

So why keep a guy like that, particularly in the final year of his contract. I'd rather get something for him now, then have him ride the bench all year and then sign elsewhere as a FA in 2008.

And don't think we couldn't get something for him. As much of a "bust" as he's been, there are teams that really need DTs who will take a chance on him, convincing themselves that he would thrive in their system. I think the Rams could get a 4th round pick for him, which might not seem like much now, but could be valuable next year. Or, perhaps, he could be part of a package to bring in a veteran DE.

I was as big a supporter of Kennedy's over the past few years as anyone. But, at this point, I think his best value is in the role of trade bait.

**laram0** · #2 (**permalink**) -15-05-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by AvengerRam

The Rams will probably keep 8 DL on the roster (possibly 9) Six spots are absolutely filled (Little, Hall, Adeyanju, Carriker, Glover, Wroten). One of the final two (or three) spots will likely be another DE (possibly someone who's not on the roster right now - Lance Johnstone, Grant Wistrom - who knows?). The other MUST be a NT, as the Rams have two UTs on the roster in Glover and Wroten.

In my opinion 7 spots are absolutely filled (Little, Hall, Adeyanju, Carriker, Glover, Wroten & Kennedy). There will be a real battle for the 8th or possibly 9th spots.

Again, I seem to remember Haslett being very high on Kennedy before the season started last year. The hand injury suffered by Kennedy really affected his game. But and it's a big "BUT" he still went out and battled despite the injury. My guess is that Haslett wants to keep Kennedy because of the potential Haslett seems to see in this guy.

**AvengerRam** · #3 (**permalink**) -15-05-2007

If they're going to keep him, what will his role be?

**laram0** · #4 (**permalink**) -15-05-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by AvengerRam

If they're going to keep him, what will his role be?

Starting NT.

#5 (**permalink**) -15-05-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by laram0

In my opinion 7 spots are absolutely filled (Little, Hall, Adeyanju, Carriker, Glover, Wroten & Kennedy). There will be a real battle for the 8th or possibly 9th spots.

Again, I seem to remember Haslett being very high on Kennedy before the season started last year. The hand injury suffered by Kennedy really affected his game. But and it's a big "BUT" he still went out and battled despite the injury. My guess is that Haslett wants to keep Kennedy because of the potential Haslett seems to see in this guy.

Went out and battled? Went out to keep surrendering is more like it.

JK can't play NT. He doesn't have it in him. The heart you need for the position is missing; his technique is awful. I remember guys who play some DT in high school or college saying one thing you *never* do is stand up at the snap. That's one thing that should never happen, ever. Yet that's JK's most characteristic response to the snap. And so on.

At best the guy would be a reserve 3-technique guy, behind Carriker, Glover, and Wroten.

Haslett may have said he was high on him before camp, but then, he traded up to get Sullivan in the same draft, so, his judgement of raw DL talent is not so glorious.

Bet he doesn't feel that way now, though.

Kennedy is a waste. I don't know if they even CAN trade him.

If it were me he would be cut already.

*npow81* · #6 (**permalink**) -15-05-2007

Trade Bait...for what??? I'm getting a little sick of all the trade talk for our players that have no trade value...why don't we create a magical world where we can package deal Byrd, Butler, and Kennedy for a first round pick...i'm sure all the other teams will line up with there best offers that is if there rosters are not full with unicorns and fairies and dragons... just accept that Kennedy has no trade value all he is depth and a glimmer of hope he might at some point live up to his potential...that's it, deal with it!

**HUbison** · #7 (**permalink**) -15-05-2007

Quote:

JK can't play NT. He doesn't have it in him.

Haslett and Linehan appear to disagree. Kennedy started all 16 games last year. If he sucked as bad as some think, they would have made the switch to Fisk. Yet it never happened.

This year if Carriker, Jackson, Ryan, or whoever beats out Kennedy for the NT spot then so be it. Bench him, cut him, trade him....whatever. But he is nowhere near as bad as some think. What he is, is the easiest target to blame for a 31st run D.

**AvengerRam** · #8 (**permalink**) -15-05-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by npow81

Trade Bait...for what??? I'm getting a little sick of all the trade talk for our players that have no trade value...why don't we create a magical world where we can package deal Byrd, Butler, and Kennedy for a first round pick...i'm sure all the other teams will line up with there best offers that is if there rosters are not full with unicorns and fairies and dragons... just accept that Kennedy has no trade value all he is depth and a glimmer of hope he might at some point live up to his potential...that's it, deal with it!

I have no doubt that there are teams who would give a draft choice for a guy like Kennedy. The key is to make it clear that if a team wants him, they have to make a trade - the Rams won't cut him and let you have him for free.

As for him being starting NT - if that's the case, where does Carriker fit in? If you start him at UT, you're benching Glover and pushing Wroten down the depth chart.

*general counsel* · #9 (**permalink**) -15-05-2007

it was kennedys first year at the position. why do people always forget that? I think depending on what the coaches see in camp, a trade is a possibility if you can get something decent for him (ie a #4), but i cant see cutting him.

What role will he play? IF nothing else, insurance against injury.

ramming speed to all

general counsel

*general counsel* · #10 (**permalink**) -15-05-2007

One more point. The fact that carriker is the starting NT on day one doesnt mean that he will remain so for the entire season. Its more than just injury. Rookies tend to wear down and carriker might be forced to move elsewhere on the line based on other needs. That would open up the opportunity for kennedy.

ramming speed to all

general counsel

**laram0** · #11 (**permalink**) -15-05-2007

This thread is Titled " IF" Carriker is the starting NT.

He hasn't won the job yet.

*MauiRam* · #12 (**permalink**) -15-05-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by AvengerRam

By all indications, Adam Carriker appears to be the real deal. While touted as DE throughout the pre-draft season, his size (6'6, 308) is comparable to most DTs (and he likely could put on a few more lbs.). More importantly, he seems to have the right attitide for DT. He's not a guy who needs to be going after the big highlight play on every down. He's a guy who will do what needs to be done to help his DL succeed.

If that is the case (and, if the Rams can find a quality backup from second day picks Clifton Ryan and Keith Jackson), I have to ask - why keep Jimmy Kennedy?

The Rams will probably keep 8 DL on the roster (possibly 9) Six spots are absolutely filled (Little, Hall, Adeyanju, Carriker, Glover, Wroten). One of the final two (or three) spots will likely be another DE (possibly someone who's not on the roster right now - Lance Johnstone, Grant Wistrom - who knows?). The other MUST be a NT, as the Rams have two UTs on the roster in Glover and Wroten.

So, who do the Rams keep at the other NT spot? Kennedy, Jackson or Ryan? (Note: I do think its not unlikely that the Rams would keep both Jackson and Ryan).

In my mind, Kennedy has little value as a second string NT. I just don't see him as a guy who would be content playing a few snaps a game, and being asked to merely tie up blockers when he does play (Ryan and/or Jackson probably would be fine with that role).

So why keep a guy like that, particularly in the final year of his contract. I'd rather get something for him now, then have him ride the bench all year and then sign elsewhere as a FA in 2008.

And don't think we couldn't get something for him. As much of a "bust" as he's been, there are teams that really need DTs who will take a chance on him, convincing themselves that he would thrive in their system. I think the Rams could get a 4th round pick for him, which might not seem like much now, but could be valuable next year. Or, perhaps, he could be part of a package to bring in a veteran DE.

I was as big a supporter of Kennedy's over the past few years as anyone. But, at this point, I think his best value is in the role of trade bait.

If we could get something for him, I'd be all for it, however as trade bait the guy's probably worth about two dead flies. Yeah he played hurt last year blah blah ... I have given up on JK. The comment by Clayton pretty well sums it up ... I don't think he will be traded, we're stuck with him most likely ...

"Carriker to the rescue: Adam Carriker could be a savior for the Rams at defensive tackle. With defensive end Jamaal Anderson off the board, Carriker was the natural pick at No. 13. Over the weekend, the Rams held a rookie minicamp, and Carriker was a revelation to coaches. What the Rams love about Carriker is how coachable he is. Last year, the Rams couldn't get defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy to do the proper techniques in helping them stop the run. They wanted him to wrestle blockers in a two-gap approach. He just wouldn't do it. Consequently, the Rams finished 31st against the run. Carriker is a technician. At Nebraska, the defensive linemen challenged one another to work well with their hands. Two-gapping isn't going to be a problem for Carriker. The Rams have been horrible stopping the run for years. During minicamp, Carriker offered hope"

**Nick** · #13 (**permalink**) -15-05-2007

You're not going to get a fourth round pick for Jimmy Kennedy, just like we didn't get a fourth or a fifth for Butler. I don't think you can say in one sentence that he has little value as a reserve nose tackle only to turn around and try to say he can be had for a mid round pick. The guy has struggled with a number of injuries over his career and just hasn't played well at all. Furthermore, and this shouldn't be underestimated in terms of his trade value, he's entering a contract year, which means whoever is trading for him would have to sign him to a new deal. So essentially they're paying both a draft choice and new deal money. That's not incentive to get this done.

*bigtiger737* · #14 (**permalink**) -15-05-2007

Hmm I hope Carriker is as good as we all hope, but guys he is still unproven a john Clayton's report does not mean he's a pro bowler yet. And as much of a let down as Kennedy as been remember Lovie's weight thing, and then MArmie being a DB specialist probably taught him nothing. (as we'll as butler and fisher). And last season JK's hand. If there is a june cut worth the time so be it. But as it looks kennedy may be the best we have as an option. And now with a DC that actually has an idea of what to do with him hey may just turn out as a late bloomer.

**AvengerRam** · #15 (**permalink**) -15-05-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick

You're not going to get a fourth round pick for Jimmy Kennedy, just like we didn't get a fourth or a fifth for Butler. I don't think you can say in one sentence that he has little value as a reserve nose tackle only to turn around and try to say he can be had for a mid round pick.

Remind me... what did we get for Brandon Manumaleuna?

The value of Kennedy to the Rams and his value to another team are not necessarily the same.