Rams sign another Tight-end - Page 4

**HUbison** · #46 (**permalink**) -07-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by smizzhfx

The fact that we currently have 5 tight ends wouldn't be so laughable if Linehan didn't spend 2nd and 3rd picks on a tight end and then go out and sign another starter for big money the following offseason. It's the epitome of ineffective drafting....

Well then let's explore this a little further. Let's agree on a few assumptions so as to not get bogged down.....

1. Klop and Byrd will not develop further
2. The Rams have 5 TEs on the roster (McMichael, Klop, Byrd, Becht, ???)
3. A roster with 5 TEs is laughable
4. Linehan knew one year prior that McMichael would be cut by the fins

With all that in place, I ask: which would be worse......to sign Becht for what I can assume is a minimal amount, or to go with the group already formed?

I would say anyone who feels the Rams should not have signed Becht would have no ground for complaints when Klop and/or Byrd do not feel the role of blocking TE next season.

*Rambunctious* · #47 (**permalink**) -07-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by AvengerRam

I'm glad you asked. First, my butler, Remmington, puts on a pot of fresh ground Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee. He then summons the string quartet to quietly play some Mozart or Verdi, gently awakening me from my slumber. I kiss my wife "good morning," and then I'm off to my mineral water shower (stocked each week with water imported from Tibet), while Sergei, my clothing master, lays out my clothes for the day. After a cup of coffee and a croissant, baked by Celine, my pastry chef, I am driven to the office by Roberto, my chauffeur, in my Bentley.

Very similar to mine AV.

My dog digs her nails into my back to tell me she wants out. The traffic outside my window now keeps me from falling back to sleep. The lack of food in the fridge makes me hurry to hit a drive through. Once I'm done with the drive through, however, I get to peacefully enjoy my breakfast to some jazz on the radio while stuck in traffic. In my 92 celica.

and just to not be completely off topic... This is the year of the KLOP! Fear the KLOP!

**Nick** · #48 (**permalink**) -07-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by AvengerRam

No, but I think its fair to argue that he should have saved his FA money and tried to develop Klop.

Perhaps, but the person I was responding to suggested that the move was ineffective drafting. I think the drafting at the time was solid - we needed personnel at tight end, especially since we were shopping (and eventually traded) Manumaleuna. I would have preferred to not trade up to get Byrd, but I understand the necessity to get another potential starter. So when the picks were made, it wasn't ineffective drafting at all.

The problem occurred when McMichael became a free agent. He was clearly an immediate upgrade at the position, which for an 8-8 team on the verge of a playoff birth in '06 would probably be appealing. I really don't see it as ineffective anything - in both instances the Rams were making moves to improve the personnel at tight end. If anything, it was simply a timing issue with McMichael being released a year after we spent a second and third rounder on tight ends.

Of course, if the Rams stuck with Klop and he didn't progress, I have no doubt that many fans would have been screaming about not signing a stud free agent like McMichael to improve the position. But IMO, using a second and third round pick on tight ends only to sign a free agent starter a year later is unfortunate, but I'm not sure the Rams made poor moves in either instance.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AvengerRam

Klop wasn't developed at all last year. He pretty much sat on the bench.

True. If anything, he was developed as more of an H-back since he moved around and blocked out of the backfield at times.

*r8rh8rmike* · #49 (**permalink**) -07-03-2008

I can understand the TE position being a lightning rod for mocking Linehan, but this move has Al Saunders written all over it. New offensive coordinator, new system, new philosophy, new TE. This was inevitable and should have been expected. The Rams TE corps in 2008 will look nothing like it did in 2007 IMO.

*TekeRam* · #50 (**permalink**) -07-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeoriaRam

I'd rather they pick up a true fullback for blocking purposes rather than another Tight End. Speaking of which...think Hedgecock is planning on sending the Rams a thank you card for waiving him?

Yes, he will be sending one, and on the inside it'll have a picture of his super bowl ring.

As for serious stuff, the league in of itself is transforming into a singleback, two TE or 3 WR formation league, eliminating the need for a "true" fullback, which are slower, short yardage grinders and blockers. A tight end can block from the line and is a danger to go out and catch a pass because he's generally faster. That doesn't mean that a fullback is completely worthless of course, which leads to an "H-back" which is kinda a TE in FB clothing in my mind. Lined up in the backfield but goes out for the passes and does all that "tight end" stuff. In a sense, an H-back is a much better player because he's so much more versatile. I think Leonard could fill this role every well if he put on a little weight to help block, but not so much he loses all his speed.

*mdram* · #51 (**permalink**) -07-03-2008

Some of you have nerve critizing this move. You are probably the same people who cried when they made that brilliant owens for hedgecock move.

Is owens still on the roster? We know where Hedgecock is. At the white house meeting bush and showing off his super bowl ring.

He owes Lineham an xmas card for the rest of his life.

*KoaKoi* · #52 (**permalink**) -07-03-2008

I like Becht. I think this is a good signing, IF the Rams let loose other TE's.

Hopefully, this move was inspired by Saunders or Devaney cuz they know something we don't. Becht is a fairly decent TE, but is not worth grabbing, unless the team has plans for releasing others. My vote is don't tender an offer to Walker and drop or trade Byrd as they're excess baggage now. McMichael with Becht and Klop would be fine. Maybe a TE can play with the practice squad, but other than that, I agree with Denverram...

**Nick** · #53 (**permalink**) -08-03-2008

Actually I think this signing might be at least in part Art Valero related, since both of them spent time in Tampa recently. So, FOAV? Or is it FOMB, since Bulger and Becht are both WVU alums?

*ramsanddodgers* · #54 (**permalink**) -08-03-2008

Without feeling the need to read the entire thread, I'll just say maybe the Rams are looking for a TE who can get the job done. Whatever it is.

*jkramsfan* · #55 (**permalink**) -08-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by smizzhfx

The fact that we currently have 5 tight ends wouldn't be so laughable if Linehan didn't spend 2nd and 3rd picks on a tight end and then go out and sign another starter for big money the following offseason. It's the epitome of ineffective drafting....

Anyways,
Do you think Saunders will utilize Leonard in an H-Back type role like he did Chris Cooley?
I know that Leonard is considerably smaller than Cooley but reports were that he was planning on putting on a lot of weight this offseason.

good point and thats what most of us are saying, just having a little fun with this topic,I'm not sure why some of these guys are getting there panties in a bunch,relax the season is over 5 months away.

*AlphaRam* · #56 (**permalink**) -09-03-2008

Before he was injured for the year, I liked Aaron Walker's blocking ability....since there usually wasn't much opportunity for him to catch the ball.

*btimsah* · #57 (**permalink**) -09-03-2008

Is there anywhere I can place a bet on Linehan being fired after next season? Anthony Bect!!!?!?!?!?!? I hate Linehan, he's such a loser.

Sorry for the emotional tantrum. I just can't stand Linehan. He literally signed a tight end and a kicker. It's almost as if he realized nobody worth **** wanted to sign for his sorry ass so he thought - "Oh hey, Anthony Becht is available...Lets just get him".

No need, rhyme or reason. Just like the Hedgecock thing. Let's just release him to hire an old buddy. I can't stand Linehan, the worst NFL coach I've EVER SEEN. Oh God, I'm getting mad again. Sorry.. He just pulls it out of me.

Sorry for both of the emotional tantrums above. Now I'm done. LOL.

Quote:

Originally Posted by r8rh8rmike

I can understand the TE position being a lightning rod for mocking Linehan, but this move has Al Saunders written all over it. New offensive coordinator, new system, new philosophy, new TE. This was inevitable and should have been expected. The Rams TE corps in 2008 will look nothing like it did in 2007 IMO.

lol..

I'm afraid this move has Linehan written all over it. It's another tight end dude. I know Ram fans have an inate, almost inbred sorta position to look at the sunny side of every signing or release but with Linehan I've lost that.

I just pray he stays outta our cordinators way enough to maybe squeek out some wins next year.

**Nick** · #58 (**permalink**) -09-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by btimsah

He literally signed a tight end and a kicker.

He also literally signed a starting offensive linemen as well as resigning two depth players on the line, too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by btimsah

No need, rhyme or reason.

Actually, I think you can easily make a case for both the kicker and the tight end. The Rams needed a kicker to replace Wilkins, who retired. As for Becht, he replaces Aaron Walker as the blocking specialist, since Walker is a free agent.

Quote:

Originally Posted by btimsah

I'm afraid this move has Linehan written all over it. It's another tight end dude.

A tight end that spent time in Tampa Bay with Art Valero. I'd bet this one has his fingerprints on it more than anyone else's.

*r8rh8rmike* · #59 (**permalink**) -09-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by btimsah

I'm afraid this move has Linehan written all over it. It's another tight end dude. I know Ram fans have an inate, almost inbred sorta position to look at the sunny side of every signing or release but with Linehan I've lost that.

According to the memo, Al Saunders now runs the offense and there is no way he's not going to have his stamp on it. As I said earlier, the TE corps in 2008 will look nothing like it did in 2007. As for Linehan, do you really think he has the final word on every signing or release??

*ramsanddodgers* · #60 (**permalink**) -09-03-2008

All this speculation and theorizing fills a void I suppose. I'm just not sure sometimes if it is a void or a vacuum.

I tend to lean towards it being a vacuum because as we know nature abhors a vacuum and wants to fill it just as we try to fill the void between seasons with speculation and theorizing.

I have no idea who is making the decisions as to player personnel but I can only assume it is a blending of what the OC wants to fit the system which he and the HC have agreed to institute as well as the DC and the scheme he and the HC have agreed to try.

This all has to be bought off by the capologist and owner(s)? No pun intended.

Depth, trade bait, leverage for negotiations, building for the future, etc, and most of probably have only an inkling in what goes into which players are retained or let go and why.

I know this is pretty basic and can be construed as the rambling and possibly incoherent thoughts of a bored Rams fan, but if you've read my posts before it is just more of the same? >8) Sorry.