Kreider signs, pre camp roster rounding out!

*chipperjones* · #1 (**permalink**) -22-07-2008

"The Rams’ front office was busy Tuesday. First-round draft pick Chris Long arrived in town and signed a six-year contract worth $56.5 million, including $29 million in guaranteed money. The defensive end from Virginia was the No. 2 overall selection in the draft.

Also, seventh-round draftee David Vobora, a linebacker out of Idaho, agreed to a three-year deal. That left only wide receiver Donnie Avery (second round) and cornerback Justin King (fourth) unsigned among the team’s eight draft choices two days before players are to report to training camp at Concordia University in Mequon, Wis.

Former Steelers fullback Dan Kreider signed a free-agent contract and will join the team in Wisconsin. The 5-foot-11, 255-pound Kreider is a nine-year NFL veteran.

To create roster room, the Rams released tight end/fullback Dedrick Harrington, wide receiver Eric Fowler, punter Sean Douglas and cornerback Justin McKinney, and waived/injured offensive lineman Rob Pettiti."

Thats from the post dispatch.

*chipperjones* · #2 (**permalink**) -22-07-2008

So...backup FB for Leonard...thats one great role.

*KoaKoi* · #3 (**permalink**) -22-07-2008

Given his talent and past production, if he's healthy, it's more likely that Leonard will be backing him up! Personally, I could see a good sharing combo with Krieder the true goal line package, with BL as the receiving and misdirection run play option.

it'll be interesting to see or hear what the Rams trainers have to say about his status. Now that he's officially on board for camp, his health status is one of the top items I'm hoping Balzer and Co. will keep us appraised about.

*chipperjones* · #4 (**permalink**) -22-07-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by KoaKoi

Given his talent and past production, if he's healthy, it's more likely that Leonard will be backing him up! Personally, I could see a good sharing combo with Krieder the true goal line package, with BL as the receiving and misdirection run play option.

it'll be interesting to see or hear what the Rams trainers have to say about his status. Now that he's officially on board for camp, his health status is one of the top items I'm hoping Balzer and Co. will keep us appraised about.

Oh...sorry I didnt clearify myself. I was trying to say Leonard is the backup FB...but I see where we got off track. I personally love it because as you said Dan will be there when we need the blocking and Leonard is there when you need the yards throught the air.

*KoaKoi* · #5 (**permalink**) -23-07-2008

I see. Yeah... You're right that I'm right, and now that I see your language in a new light- you're right!

who needs more for this thread? heck, we got this one covered, lol.

the sad part about using BL as the "receiving fb" is that Krieder's career run attempts vs. his career receptions is 31 to 60. That's one shy of a 2 to 1 ratio in favor of receptions. Of course, there's no stat on how many blocking attempts the guy has made, but figuring in on the production of Bettis and Parker over the years at Pitt, there's no question that is where he can be the biggest asset.

*chipperjones* · #6 (**permalink**) -23-07-2008

Your right!

*AtlantaRamFan* · #7 (**permalink**) -23-07-2008

As far as Long's contract goes, how's the money? Did the Rams overpay or pay about right? With the other two around him a bit higher I'm not sure what was reasonable.

*chipperjones* · #8 (**permalink**) -23-07-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by AtlantaRamFan

As far as Long's contract goes, how's the money? Did the Rams overpay or pay about right? With the other two around him a bit higher I'm not sure what was reasonable.

Every draft pick is overpaid.

*shower beers* · #9 (**permalink**) -23-07-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by KoaKoi

the sad part about using BL as the "receiving fb" is that Krieder's career run attempts vs. his career receptions is 31 to 60. That's one shy of a 2 to 1 ratio in favor of receptions. Of course, there's no stat on how many blocking attempts the guy has made, but figuring in on the production of Bettis and Parker over the years at Pitt, there's no question that is where he can be the biggest asset.

As soon as I saw he was from Pittsburgh, I became excited. There aren't very many other teams that run the ball like the Steelers have, traditionally.

**Nick** · #10 (**permalink**) -23-07-2008

If healthy, he should be a great road-grading lead blocker for Jackson. I've always heard great things about his lead blocking skills during his time with Pittsburgh, hopefully a rotation between he and Leonard will help keep Kreider healthy and able to contribute all season.

*TekeRam* · #11 (**permalink**) -23-07-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by AtlantaRamFan

As far as Long's contract goes, how's the money? Did the Rams overpay or pay about right? With the other two around him a bit higher I'm not sure what was reasonable.

I've heard conflicting reports about his contract, though I agree with Chipper to an extent. I'd say every 1st rounder is overpaid, but especially the top 5-10.

Any way, I've seen that Chris's contract is the exact same as Jake's(~$57.5M) except that the 5th year pays $1 million less, meaning Chris' is 5 year, $56.5M. I've also seen that $56.5M number attached to the 6 year deal. In my opinion, I would expect that it is probably including the 6th year option, not just the base 5 years.

In any case, even for Long, who I expect to be a perennial pro bowler, almost $10M/year for a rookie is absurd.

*moloch41* · #12 (**permalink**) -24-07-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by shower beers

As soon as I saw he was from Pittsburgh, I became excited. There aren't very many other teams that run the ball like the Steelers have, traditionally.

See, that should be a red light. One thing the Steelers have been great at is knowing when their players are just about done and then cutting them loose. I really can't think of too many Steeler players that were cut and then made big impacts with other teams...

*Jonze* · #13 (**permalink**) -24-07-2008

Moloch: How about Plaxico Burress? Or Mike Vrabel? ;-)

*Keenum* · #14 (**permalink**) -24-07-2008

Was Burress released, or did he refuse a contract? I know he announced he was going to leave the Steelers, so I guess it was his choice...
Oh well. It won't hurt to have him in. If Jackson gets hurt again, Leonard could take over RB duties and who knows, maybe Kreider will look good enough to start at FB in that type of situation.

*RealRam* · #15 (**permalink**) -24-07-2008

Quote:

If healthy, he should be a great road-grading lead blocker for Jackson. I've always heard great things about his lead blocking skills during his time with Pittsburgh, hopefully a rotation between he and Leonard will help keep Kreider healthy and able to contribute all season. - Nick

If indeed Kreider is -- and stays -- healthy for us, he might replace FB Hitman Hedgecock and make up for that important loss that several of us so regreted.

DK was rookie of the year with the Steelers and is a human bowling ball at 6-0 260 (cleats and helmet taken into consideration for height). May turn out to be the missing link in making the Rams running game a force to be reckoned with this year.

Stay strong and healthy Dan man!