Rams going with blue-collar outside*linebackers

[codeman123]

Over at his NFC West blog, Mike Sando talks to Matt Williams from Scouts, Inc. about some of the issues surrounding the St. Louis Rams rebuild.

One of the things I found particularly interesting about it is Williams' take on Spagnuolo's approach to the defense. Here's a pretty elightening statement about Spag's history with linebacker and DLs in light of yesterday's Witherspoon trade:
If you look at the Giants' defenses, they never had a lot of money tied into linebackers. They were fourth- and fifth-round picks, journeymen. I don’t disagree with that, especially running a 4-3. That is the place you can get bargains. It wouldn't shock me if they took that money and got a killer defensive end, using the Giants' formula of, 'Let's beat your tail up front with our defensive line.' "

If they harvest a bunch of defensive linemen, I'm cool with that. It's a terrific formula. Defensive linemen are gold. I tend to think Steve Spagnuolo thinks that as well.

He's referring to getting a DE with the $6 million or so of cap space that Witherspoon would have cost the Rams in 2010. It would certainly seem that strategy is at play with Spags and Co. this season, since they've now jettisoned the Rams two most experienced and costly starting LBs in trading Witherspoon and releasing Pisa Tinoisamoa in the spring.

The Rams are using a journeyman in Paris Lenon this season, a seventh-round pick in David Vobora (once he returns after this week) and another seventh-round pick in Larry Grant to complement keystone MLB James Laurinaitis.

[Richbert88]

Re: Rams going with blue-collar outside*linebackers

Over at his NFC West blog, Mike Sando talks to Matt Williams from Scouts, Inc. about some of the issues surrounding the St. Louis Rams rebuild.

One of the things I found particularly interesting about it is Williams' take on Spagnuolo's approach to the defense. Here's a pretty elightening statement about Spag's history with linebacker and DLs in light of yesterday's Witherspoon trade:
If you look at the Giants' defenses, they never had a lot of money tied into linebackers. They were fourth- and fifth-round picks, journeymen. I don’t disagree with that, especially running a 4-3. That is the place you can get bargains. It wouldn't shock me if they took that money and got a killer defensive end, using the Giants' formula of, 'Let's beat your tail up front with our defensive line.' "

If they harvest a bunch of defensive linemen, I'm cool with that. It's a terrific formula. Defensive linemen are gold. I tend to think Steve Spagnuolo thinks that as well.

He's referring to getting a DE with the $6 million or so of cap space that Witherspoon would have cost the Rams in 2010. It would certainly seem that strategy is at play with Spags and Co. this season, since they've now jettisoned the Rams two most experienced and costly starting LBs in trading Witherspoon and releasing Pisa Tinoisamoa in the spring.

The Rams are using a journeyman in Paris Lenon this season, a seventh-round pick in David Vobora (once he returns after this week) and another seventh-round pick in Larry Grant to complement keystone MLB James Laurinaitis.

Ok......now let's start thinking about whom the Rams may target with that money. Is it a very high draft pick like Dunlop or a veteran DE whose going to be a FA next season?

[RebelYell]

Re: Rams going with blue-collar outside*linebackers

Peppers, Kampman, Wilfork (not likely), Pickett, Cofield, Vanden Bosch are the big names.

I think they'll go with lesser names who have youth on their side. I can't see these guys getting the one big player when they need so many. Imagine getting 10 new starters instead of 4 big named starters.

[Varg6]

Re: Rams going with blue-collar outside*linebackers

I don't think they'd be scared to get a big name DE if they are young and fit the mold of what Spags & Co. want to do with the team.

[RebelYell]

Re: Rams going with blue-collar outside*linebackers

But how often do big name / young DEs come on the market? Last year Billy Devaney said he preferred getting free agents that are coming up for their second contract. That's how the Rams signed Butler. I think that's likely to continue with most of the free agents next offseason.

[Varg6]

Re: Rams going with blue-collar outside*linebackers

But how often do big name / young DEs come on the market? Last year Billy Devaney said he preferred getting free agents that are coming up for their second contract. That's how the Rams signed Butler. I think that's likely to continue with most of the free agents next offseason.

You are right, I'm just saying I think the new FO isn't frightened of pursuing a big name DE, if that's who they want.

[MOM]

Re: Rams going with blue-collar outside*linebackers

But how often do big name / young DEs come on the market? Last year Billy Devaney said he preferred getting free agents that are coming up for their second contract. That's how the Rams signed Butler. I think that's likely to continue with most of the free agents next offseason.

I wonder when Elvis Dumervil might become available???

[NY RAMFAN]

Re: Rams going with blue-collar outside*linebackers

Peppers, Kampman, Wilfork (not likely), Pickett, Cofield, Vanden Bosch are the big names.
.

If we are even targeting him, this got to be a joke

[molar_pistol]

Re: Rams going with blue-collar outside*linebackers

probably never...i still think all signs point to drafting d-line with our first pick. everyone seems to want a qb, but it's just not logical at this point.

[rNemesis]

Re: Rams going with blue-collar outside*linebackers

I wonder when Elvis Dumervil might become available???

Doesnt he play in a 3-4 though? He would then be playing out of position so to speak?...

[Goldenfleece]

Re: Rams going with blue-collar outside*linebackers

Doesnt he play in a 3-4 though? He would then be playing out of position so to speak?...

He does now, but this is Denver's first year in the 3-4. Prior to this year, Dumervil had played only 4-3 defensive end.