Scott Linehan

**laram0** · #1 (**permalink**) -29-04-2008

The draft is over and I'm just curious what the members of SLOP are thinking about our Headcoach. I'm sure Linehan had alot of influence on who or whom we selected. So what's the verdict from the SLOP members?

**AvengerRam** · #2 (**permalink**) -29-04-2008

Actually, I found this, the first draft under the Devaney regime, to be very un-Linehan-like.

Pre-Devaney, when I believe that Linehan had more influence than he did last weekend, the Rams made a lot of non-need picks of players that Linehan seemed enamoured with (i.e. Klop, Byrd, Leonard).

The single defining quality of this draft is that the Rams made a distinct effort at filling each of their most pressing needs.

So, I can't say that SLOP's opinion has been altered as a result of the draft. Rather, the position remains the same: if the Rams play to their potential, SLOP will remain silent. If not, SLOP will continue to press for change.

*UtterBlitz* · #3 (**permalink**) -30-04-2008

I have no idea how much influence Linehan had during this draft so there is not much that can be said. Without more information, he gets a free pass.

*TekeRam* · #4 (**permalink**) -30-04-2008

The draft went just as I wanted... Chris Long, WR, and OT. I'm extremely happy with our draft because we went for good character guys who fill holes and can be versatile. Long can play any number of ways. Greco can play in or outside. Avery has the speed to be a slot guy until there's a starting spot open. Hopefully we get some solid play from some of the late guys.

I would have taken Connor in the 3rd myself, just because of the value, but I'm very happy with how the draft turned out.

The question is, as Av put it, how much effect did Linehan have on the draft? Obviously he worked on the draft board, but I have no idea how much he was active in making picks with Devaney. One thing is for certain, Devaney certainly proved himself to me.

*moloch41* · #5 (**permalink**) -30-04-2008

I'm not all that estatic about this draft as a lot of people on this board seem to be, but I'm going to give it the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. I really hope that Avery turns out to be more than just a track star. I'm a little concerned that he was taken because of speed rather than his abilty to play in a pro-style offense, but I'm hoping that Saunders saw something in him that would lead him to believe he would be a good fit for his offense. I think the pick of King was a bad one- especially considering that we had a real need at safety and he appears to be a project player at best- we drafted Wade last season for that. On the positive side- we didn't take any TE's!!!

*Goldenfleece* · #6 (**permalink**) -30-04-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by moloch41

I'm not all that estatic about this draft as a lot of people on this board seem to be, but I'm going to give it the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. I really hope that Avery turns out to be more than just a track star.

For what it's worth, he wasn't actually on a track team or anything like some of these guys who have great measurables but never look that fast on the field.

*moloch41* · #7 (**permalink**) -30-04-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goldenfleece

For what it's worth, he wasn't actually on a track team or anything like some of these guys who have great measurables but never look that fast on the field.

Yeah, I know- I was just saying I hope he isn't just a speed guy with nothing else. lovie smith was in love with smallish, speed guys with no football ability.

**RamDez** · #8 (**permalink**) -30-04-2008

and now this has surfaced

Quote:

From profootballtalk.com.....

RAMS PICK WAS HAND-PICKED BY SHAW
Posted by Mike Florio on April 30, 2008, 9:42 a.m.

On Tuesday, Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch connected the dots regarding the curious developments from late last week at the top of the Rams’ draft board.

As of the Thursday before the draft, LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey was clearly ahead of Virginia defensive end Chris Long. On Thursday, something occurred to close the gap.

Thomas hinted that the move was connected to the arrival of team president John Shaw in St. Louis on Thursday. But Thomas noted that Shaw and the Rams denied any such link.

Still, multiple league sources tell us that the decision to go with Long came from Shaw, and went against the will of the scouts and the coaching staff. “The coaches and scouts all wanted Dorsey,” one source told us.

Some believe that the move to land Long was the result of old connections among and between Shaw, Long’s father Howie, agent Marvin Demoff, and Rams’ new front-office chief Billy Devaney. Others think that Shaw merely wanted to take a defensive end because last year’s first-round pick was used on defensive end-turned-tackle Adam Carriker.

Regardless, there clearly was a sharp disagreement between the folks whose jobs are more directly tied to the performance of the players and those who are less accountable for wins and losses. And with Dorsey in nearby Kansas City, some in St. Louis surely will be watching closely the pro careers of these two players.

**txramsfan** · #9 (**permalink**) -30-04-2008

ahhh, who knows. I hope for the Rams sake Chris Long plays out. He has the talent.

*moloch41* · #10 (**permalink**) -30-04-2008

I can't say that I would argue with this pick. Who knows- Dorsey might turn out to be the better pro, but we had a greater need at DE than at DT.

*LeBulger* · #11 (**permalink**) -30-04-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by moloch41

... Dorsey might turn out to be the better pro, but we had a greater need at DE than at DT.

Or on the flipside, Dorsey's stress fracture may return and never allow him to be the player he had the potential to be.

I love Chris Long: Injury free

, has an outstanding motor, is a great run-stopper and can also rack up the sacks as well, and to mention he's just a great character guy.

I have to agree that since Deveaney's been in the FO, we've made the better decisions in FA and in the draft, and Deveaney's been able to not let Linehan run wild with picking players who HE likes, but aren't good fits for the team.

I loved this draft, and I've got high hopes for next year!

*PeoriaRam* · #12 (**permalink**) -30-04-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by RamDez

and now this has surfaced

I thought Shaw wanted McFadden.

*MauiRam* · #13 (**permalink**) -30-04-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by moloch41

I'm not all that estatic about this draft as a lot of people on this board seem to be, but I'm going to give it the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. I really hope that Avery turns out to be more than just a track star. I'm a little concerned that he was taken because of speed rather than his abilty to play in a pro-style offense, but I'm hoping that Saunders saw something in him that would lead him to believe he would be a good fit for his offense. I think the pick of King was a bad one- especially considering that we had a real need at safety and he appears to be a project player at best- we drafted Wade last season for that. On the positive side- we didn't take any TE's!!!

How do you know he was taken because of his speed? Isn't reasonable to think that his selection was likely the result of hours of watching tape, evaluation of his intelligence, character and competiveness, as well as speed? To be sure, no one knows at this point how good any of our picks will be at the NFL level, so I can relate to your not being "all that estatic" about this draft.

Our two O-line selections will almost certainly upgrade our depth along the interior, with both guys having a legit shot to become starters in the not too distant future. Greco's versatility alone will be an asset. If something were to happen to Pace again, (God forbid) I'm willing to bet we'd be better off than we were last year ..

Regarding the selection of King: who would you have had the Rams select in his place at safety? Just curious ..

I like our draft in that we addressed needs, while not overlooking character issues. (see Byrd, Wroten, etc.) The only regret I have is Seattle's acquisition of Owen Schmitt. I have a bad feeling about us having to go up against that guy twice a year ..

It will be interesting to see if "Mr. Irrevelant" (Vobora) becomes relevant enough to make the squad as a special teamer this year. The guy was very productive throughout his college career, and has a decent shot at making the team. Also worth watching will be the development of Chris Chamberlain who started his final 3 years in highschool playing both quarterback and safety. In college he played linebacker and was very productive for Tulsa throughout his career there. Apparently the Rams worked him out at safety, so he'll likely be given a shot at safety along with a chance to compete at weakside linebacker. He certainly has nice size for a safety at 6'2" and 225 lbs.

*VegasRam* · #14 (**permalink**) -30-04-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by moloch41

I'm not all that estatic about this draft as a lot of people on this board seem to be, but I'm going to give it the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. I really hope that Avery turns out to be more than just a track star. I'm a little concerned that he was taken because of speed rather than his abilty to play in a pro-style offense, but I'm hoping that Saunders saw something in him that would lead him to believe he would be a good fit for his offense. I think the pick of King was a bad one- especially considering that we had a real need at safety and he appears to be a project player at best- we drafted Wade last season for that. On the positive side- we didn't take any TE's!!!

Moloch - two questions.

When was the last time, (if ever), you WERE ecstatic about anything Ram related,

and what does "Moloch" mean?

*moloch41* · #15 (**permalink**) -30-04-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by MauiRam

How do you know he was taken because of his speed? Isn't reasonable to think that his selection was likely the result of hours of watching tape, evaluation of his intelligence, character and competiveness, as well as speed? To be sure, no one knows at this point how good any of our picks will be at the NFL level, so I can relate to your not being "all that estatic" about this draft.

Ummmm, that's why I said- "I hope he wasn't taken purely because of his speed." I don't think I ever stated that I had some inside knowledge or anything.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MauiRam

Regarding the selection of King: who would you have had the Rams select in his place at safety? Just curious ..

My preference would have been to trade up for Tom Zbikowski from Notre Dame, but we wouldn't have had to trade for these guys...

Quintin Demps- taken in the 4th round- 13 picks after King

Craig Steltz- taken in the 4th round- 16 picks after King

Corey Lynch- taken in the 6th round

Josh Barrett- taken in the 7th round