RamView, 8/29

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* Rams starters are expected to see action tomorrow night against Baltimore for at least a series after halftime. Kickoff is at 6:00, and I am still waiting for an explanation for why the damn game was moved up an hour. It's not on NFL Network.

* Injury list. Not expected to play:
- Harvey Dahl (illness)
- Eugene Sims (ankle)
- Darell Dorell Scott (knee)
- Darian Stewart (hamstring); Craig Dahl is healthy again and will start.

No updates on Brandon Gibson or Jamaar Jarrett, but I probably missed them. Assume they'll play.

Sam Bradford will also play, on the ankle he sprained 46 weeks ago.

Kendall Langford and Lance Kendricks sat out Tuesday's practice for "minor reasons".

* Transactions: the Rams picked up defensive end Mason (not Jethro?) Brodine and cut wide receiver Mike Campbell. Brodine was cut by the Raiders on Monday. Oakland signed him as a rookie free agent last year; he spent most of the season on the practice squad and was active the final three games. He's listed at 6'7", 255. He was a three-year starter at Nebraska-Kearney and holds a school record with 23.5 career sacks.

Meanwhile, the Jason Smith trade gets better and better. Not only did they deal him for one of the worst tackles in the league, they're paying the Jets $1.5 million of Smith's salary this season. Given how he's played the last 12 months, should the Rams even be that sure Wayne Hunter is going to make the team? Well, since they volunteered to pay an extra mill-and-a-half just to get him, I guess we know the answer to that one.

* Ex-Rams who didn't make the cutdown to 75 with their teams:
- Josh Brown, Jets
- Alex Barron, Seattle. Alex did have at least one false start this preseason.
- Anthony Hargrove, Green Bay
- Fendi Onobun, Buffalo
- Jonathan Wade, Miami
- Roger Allen, Carolina
- Dominique Curry, Detroit
- Demarco Cosby, Green Bay
- Jimmy Saddler-McQueen, Houston
- Cord Parks, New Orleans
- Demario Ambrose, Jets
- Terrail Lambert, Oakland
- Jamie McCoy, Pittsburgh
- Mortty Ivy, Pittsburgh
- Phil Trautwein, San Diego
- K.C. Asiodu, Chicago

-$-

RamView, 8/30

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Thursday night's recap is finally up at ramview.com...  Link

* Positives: Sam Bradford sharp, running game and starting o-line effective, Robert Quinn forcing a sack/fumble, Janoris Jenkins pick-six, Greg Zuerlein mashing from 59.

* Negatives: Michael Brockers injured, backup QBs flounder, refereeing pitiful.

* Huge qualifier to the positivies: Baltimore played almost none of their starters.

* Injuries: Brockers is going to miss at least the first month of the season due to a high ankle sprain, and as we all know, those can last for 46 weeks or more. Matt Conrath was pulled out of the game and is believed to be injured. No details have been forthcoming from Rams Park.

* The Rams are 8.5-point underdogs at Detroit next Sunday. Kickoff at noon.

* I'll be catching up with the many moves the Rams have been making throughout the weekend. Sorry to be the world's slowest reporter; I'm always behind the 8-ball with Thursday night games, and mystery computer problems haven't helped me much, either.

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RamView, 9/1: The cutdown to 53

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Photo - ESPN

The Rams released 21 players Friday to get to the league roster limit of 53 for the start of the regular season. Given the riverboat gambler's spirit they showed at times on draft weekend, none of the moves should have been complete surprises. But there are still some eyebrow-raisers...

* QB: Starting at QB, where the Rams released veteran Kellen Clemens as well as Tom Brandstater. They'll go with rookie free agent Austin Davis as the only backup to Sam Bradford. I would have kept 3 QBs; this is an astonishing gamble, imo. Bradford has been fragile going back to his senior year at Oklahoma. He takes 11 months or more to recover from ankle sprains. He's behind a very-unproven offensive line, to be charitable. The Rams went through 4 QBs last year. There's no way in hell they're going to get by with 2, short of Bradford suddenly turning into Brett Favre.

* RB: Ovie Mughelli, Ben Guidugli, Chase Reynolds. The most disappointing cut to me is actually Reynolds. Thought he did everything on special teams and late in games to earn a roster spot. The first of a couple of good special-teams players I'm surprised they let go. Brit Miller fools another coaching staff into thinking they've got a starting-quality fullback. At least he's an excellent special teamer they kept.

* Receivers: Nick Johnson, Corey Harkey, DeAngelo Peterson. Along with Reynolds, all should have a solid shot at the practice squad. Austin Pettis' suspension weeks 1-2 allowed the Rams to cut only 21 players to reach the 53-man limit.

* Offensive line: Tim Barnes, T-Bob Hebert, Joe Long, Brian Mattison, Jose Valdez. Ultimately no surprises here. T-Bob is T-bad. Mattison made too many pass-blocking mistakes. I like Long for the practice squad.

* Defensive line: Cornell Banks, Mason Brodine, Vernon Gholston, Jamaar Jarrett, Scott Smith. No surprises again, other than the list at this position being a little shorter than I expected. I thought Smith earned a PS opportunity.

* Linebackers: Aaron Brown, Sammy Brown. Despite looking pretty lost earlier in camp, Aaron Brown, the first of the Rams' two seventh-round picks in April, ranks as a surprise to me. Especially because he must have been drafted for his special teams play, and he looked good there. Would sure think he's being looked at for practice squad. Spoiler alert: Sammy Brown has already been claimed by the Dolphins, so the Rams miss out on a chance to stash a pass-rushing specialist prospect. He's a better fit for Miami's system anyway. Also, good thing they didn't try to get Austin Davis through waivers.

* Secondary: Kendric Burney. No surprise again; Burney just wasn't very good.

* Survivors: RamView went 17 for 21 on the second round of cuts. I would have kept Clemens, Mughelli, Reynolds and Aaron Brown. The Rams kept four players I'd all call surprising:

- Quinton Pointer. What can I say about the man I gave a 0.1% chance of making the roster? First of all, good for him. Second of all, I wish I would have had a third run at updating the free-agent odds. He was clearly improving by the Dallas game, and is certainly the most improved player from the beginning of camp. I would have bumped him up to at least 20%. But third, this is still a bizarre move. What happened to keeping your best 53 players? I really do not get trading Josh Gordy, and the Rams are apparently now trying to trade Bradley Fletcher, so you can keep Quinton Pointer? Especially when we've seen no proof Pointer can cover anyone alive man to man. He made some special teams plays, but I'd hardly call him better than Reynolds or Aaron Brown. Good for Pointer, but I'm still quite puzzled.

- Matt Daniels. Another head-scratching move. Rodney McLeod ripped the fourth safety job out of Daniels' hands at the beginning of camp and kept it for good. Daniels never stood out to me at anything. Jim Thomas speculates the Rams have to keep 5 safeties because of "just chillin'" Darian Stewart's never-healing hamstring.

- Greg Salas. I let the radio crew talk me into projecting a Salas cut Thursday night. Why not just keep 5 WRs when it was likely Pettis would just come in and take his job anyway? Spoiler alert, though: Salas has been traded to the Patriots for an unspecified late-round pick in 2015. Everyone keep your eyes on this year's mediocre college sophomores, then.

- Darell Dorell Freaking Scott. Has never made a play in his career, and STILL the guy just won't die. And he's supposed to be out at least two weeks into the season, what good does that do a team already dangerously short at DT? I'll speculate the Rams are going to rush him back into action. Hell, he's more experienced than anyone else they can replace Brockers with; if he can go, he could be an opening day starter.

The Rams do have more moves pending. I'll do my best to get to them all ASAP.

-$-

Ex-Rams waiver wire watch

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Roster updates from around the league:

Ex-Rams cut: none
Ex-Rams on roster: Paris Lenon

Most interesting cut: they named John Skelton their starting QB but cut his brother Steve.


Ex-Rams cut: none
Ex-Rams on roster: none

Most interesting cut: CB Dominique Franks



Ex-Rams cut: Tony Wragge
Ex-Rams on roster: Danny Gorrer AND Billy Bajema? You're kidding!
Coaching staff: running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery
Most interesting cut: Wragge or OL Cord Howard



Ex-Rams cut: Ruvell Freaking Martin, Fendi Onobun
Ex-Rams on roster: Ryan Fitzpatrick

Most interesting cut: LB Tank Carder (signed by Browns)



Ex-Rams cut: David Nixon, Roger Allen, Bryant Browning (on practice squad)
Ex-Rams on roster: K Justin Medlock
Coaching staff: offensive line coach John Matsko, assistant wide receivers coach Rickey Proehl
Most interesting cut: CB Darius Butler


Ex-Rams cut: Jabara Williams, K.C. Asiodu
Ex-Rams on roster: none
Coaching staff: head coach Lovie Smith, linebackers coach Bob Babich, assistant defensive backs coach Gill Byrd
Most interesting cut: DE Chauncey Davis


Ex-Rams cut: none
Ex-Rams on roster: Bruce Gradkowski, Andrew Hawkins, Brian Leonard
Coaching staff: quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese
Most interesting cut: LB Rodderick Muckleroy
Most interesting player to make roster: LB Vontaze Burfict


Ex-Rams cut: none
Ex-Rams on roster: Thaddeus Lewis, John Greco, Reggie Hodges, Chris Ogbannaya
Coaching staff: head coach Pat Shurmur, wide receivers coach Nolan Cromwell
Most interesting cut: Seneca Wallace

Ex-Rams cut: none
Ex-Rams on roster: none
Coaching staff: defensive line coach Brian Baker
Most interesting cut: LB Baraka Atkins



Ex-Rams cut: none
Ex-Rams on roster: Lance Ball, Justin Bannan
Coaching staff: secondary coach Ron Milus
Most interesting cut: T Ryan Harris

Ex-Rams cut: Dominique Curry
Ex-Rams on roster: none
Coaching staff: offensive coordinator Scott Linehan
Most interesting cut: WR Patrick Edwards
Most interesting player to make roster: QB Kellen Moore


Ex-Rams cut: Daniel Muir, Demarco Cosby, Anthony Hargrove
Ex-Rams on roster: Ryan Pickett
Coaching staff: outside linebackers coach Kevin Greene
Most interesting cut: QB B.J. Coleman
Good luck with this joker as your backup QB: Graham Harrell


Ex-Rams cut: Jimmy Saddler-McQueen
Ex-Rams on roster: Donnie Jones
Coaching staff: assistant head coach / defensive line coach Bill Kollar
Most interesting cut: NT Lonnie Fangupo. Loved this guy at the Combine. And the Rams need DTs.


Ex-Rams cut: Jermale Hines
Ex-Rams on roster: Gentleman Kris Adams (!), Donnie Avery, Josh Gordy, Justin King, Scott Lutrus (IR). Um, I'm thinking King made some of those WRs look really good in camp.
Most interesting cut: WR Quan Cosby


Ex-Rams cut: none
Ex-Rams on roster: Laurent Robinson, George Selvie, Keith Toston. How do you like that?
Coaching staff: assistant head coach / quarterbacks coach Greg Olson, running backs coach Sylvester Croom
Most interesting cut: CB Leigh Torrence


Ex-Rams cut: Mikail Baker
Ex-Rams on roster: none
Coaching staff: special teams coach Tom McMahon, special teams quality control coach Derius Swinton
Most interesting cut: WR Junior Hemingway (practice squad)


Ex-Rams cut: Jonathan Wade, Ray Feinga
Ex-Rams on roster: Sammy Brown, Richie Incognito

Most interesting cut: LB Josh Kaddu




Ex-Rams cut: none
Ex-Rams on roster: none
Coaching staff: defensive line coach Brendan Daly
Most interesting cut: CB Chris Carr



Ex-Rams cut: Bobby Carpenter
Ex-Rams on roster: Greg Salas, Daniel Fells, Brandon Lloyd
Coaching staff: offensive coordinator / quarterbacks coach Josh McDaniels
Most interesting cut: QB Brian Hoyer
Why you never waste roster space on Olympic athletes: placed Jeff Demps on injured reserve. How long was he there, a week?

Ex-Rams cut: Cord Parks
Ex-Rams on roster: Scott Shanle, Chris Chamberlain (injured reserve), Marquis Johnson (guess what, injured reserve, AGAIN)
Coaching staff: defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, assistant head coach / linebackers coach Joe Vitt, wide receivers coach Henry Ellard, secondary coach Ken Flajole, assistant secondary coach Andre Curtis, defensive assistant/linebackers Brian Young
                                            Most interesting cut: Luke McCown

Ex-Rams cut: none
Ex-Rams on roster: none
Coaching staff: defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, cornerbacks coach Peter Giunta
Most interesting cut: DT Marcus Thomas


Ex-Rams cut: Josh Brown, Damario Ambrose
Ex-Rams on roster: Jason Smith
Most interesting cut: DE Jay Richardson




Ex-Rams cut: Hall Davis, Terrail Lambert
Ex-Rams on roster: Ron Bartell
Coaching staff: senior offensive assistant Al Saunders
Most interesting cut: Roscoe Parrish



Ex-Rams cut: O.J. Atogwe, Mardy Gilyard
Ex-Rams on roster: none
Coaching staff: special teams coordinator Bobby April
Most interesting cut: QB Mike Kafka



Ex-Rams cut: Mortty Ivy
Ex-Rams on roster: Shaun Suisham, Jamie McCoy (practice squad)
Most interesting cut: S Myron Rolle




Ex-Rams cut: Phil Trautwein
Ex-Rams on roster: Randy McMichael
Coaching staff: secondary coach Ron Meeks
Most interesting cut: QB Jarrett Lee



Ex-Rams cut: none
Ex-Rams on roster: Larry Grant
Most interesting cut: TE Konrad Reuland



Ex-Rams cut: Alex Barron
Ex-Rams on roster: none
Most interesting cut: Kellen Winslow




Ex-Rams cut: Teryl White
Ex-Rams on roster: Gary Gibson
Coaching staff: senior offensive assistant Jimmy Raye, special teams coordinator Bob Ligashesky (really? He has an NFL job?), assistant offensive line coach Steve Loney (really? HE has an NFL job?!?!)
Most interesting cut: LB Rennie Curran

Ex-Rams cut: none
Ex-Rams on roster: Will Witherspoon, Zac Diles, Leger (DOOZER) Douzable (injured reserve)
Coaching staff: defensive coordinator Jerry Gray, wide receivers coach Dave Ragone
Most interesting cut: C William Vlachos


Ex-Rams cut: Bryan Kehl, Marlon Favorite
Ex-Rams on roster: London Fletcher, Adam Carriker
Coaching staff: defensive coordinator Jim Haslett
Most interesting cut: Neil Rackers



These are all based on the team website rosters, the ESPN.com cut list, and my own memory, so blame any mistakes on the first two sources.

-$-

RamView, 9/28: Friday practice notes

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Photo: AOL/Sporting News

* Friday's injury list:
- Steven Jackson (groin), limited, didn't do much, starting to look like a game-time decision again this week
- Michael Brockers (ankle), limited, seems to have a good chance of playing Sunday
- Wayne Hunter (knee, ankle), did not participate but says he's good to go Sunday
- Matt Daniels (hamstring), out
- Matt Conrath (knee), out but reportedly getting close
- Rodger Saffold (knee), out

* Transactions: the Rams signed offensive lineman Joe Barksdale, last with the Raiders, and cut Ty Nsekhe. Barksdale was the Raiders' third-round pick last year, but they cut him to make room for Andre Carter. He's a 6'5", 330-lb tackle who played for LSU. He played in every game as a rookie in Oakland but spent the first three games of Dennis Allen's regime on the inactive list. Scouts Inc. grades him as "a good backup." Has good initial quickness and agility, but plays too high and has poor knee bend. Long arms allow him to steer rushers past the pocket and make up for poor footwork on the edge.

Per Howard Balzer, Quinn Ojinnaka, Lord help us, will be the Rams' third tackle on Sunday.

Ex-Rams on the move: the Chiefs signed Bryan Mattison after losing Rodney Hudson for the season last week. Man, Hudson, Marvin Austin, David DeCastro, Prince Amukamara... I sure have a bad record for mock-drafting players to the Rams and getting them hurt lately. Also, the Dolphins cut Ray Feinga.

* Referee nonsense: I'm happy the regular referees are back. The first thing we should see is better control of the games and better flow created by, oh, about a million fewer conferences. Standing ovations like Gene Steratore's got Thursday night, though, are silly, even though they are a good crew. Jerome Boger, Ron Winter and Jeff Triplett are all going to be calling games somewhere Sunday too, you know. Ed Hochuli once blew a game for the Chargers even worse than the scabs blew Monday night's game for the Packers. Also, Super. Bowl. XXXVI. Officiating should be better this weekend, but let's all get a grip here. This is a lot more like Steve Bono coming in for Tony Banks than it is Kurt Warner coming in for Trent Green. When I heard Mike Carey was getting the call for the Rams-Seahawks game Sunday, the first thing I thought wasn't standing ovation, it was one of the worst officiating jobs I've ever seen was Mike Carey doing a Rams-Seahawks game in Seattle. Hopefully, since he'll be in St. Louis this time, he'll know enough not to call the Rams "Los Angeles".

* Kickoff vs. Seattle noon Sunday. The game will air on KTVI. The Seahawks are surprisingly just 2.5-point favorites. Since I'd more than likely be 0-3 betting Rams games this season, I'll go ahead and pick Seattle to cover.


-$-

Oklahoma State's QB Brandon Weeden & WR Justin Blackmon NFL Projections

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There was a moment in late January, a dark, fleeting moment seconds before Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon announced their scholastic intentions for the year 2011 when all Oklahoma State fans took a sharp breath and thought "it's too good to be true, we can't have nice things, there's no way they're both coming back."
Those thoughts were quickly erased however when Weeden announced they would in fact both be returning to school (and the football field) to try and stack another block upon the 11-win foundation that was crafted last year. It was also an opportunity for both to further burden some poor NFL scout with the already-unenviable task of trying to meander his way through college football's elite to find a future NFL pro bowler.
That job, picking future NFL stars,  has become increasingly difficult as college football has become increasingly important monetarily to universities across the nation. School presidents have realized that in order to procure large donations from wealthy alumni your football team and its record must be in order. And to get your football team in order you must purchase the best equipment, hire the finest trainers, and order the most protein-friendly food you can possibly find. The result? A cluster of supernova athletes bunched together at the head of each NFL draft class, each more indistinguishable (and better) than the last. 
That said, let's try to distinguish them!
Justin Blackmon NFL projection:
He is, statistically, the most peerless wide receiver in the nation and, if he repeats what he did last year, will soon have had the most impressive two year run in the history of the sport. He is so preternaturally gifted physically that it's almost not fair to compare him to other Big 12 receivers. The only worthy collegiate comparison is Alshon Jeffery of South Carolina, an equally scary man gifted with equally difficult to quantify intrinsic physical attributes. I remember settling in for the Texas game last year watching Blackmon glide out to his position, arms dangling like silly putty and shoulders squared as if he could run right through the cement wall encircling the field. I remember watching him and thinking, "wow, if TO stole his uniform and was playing this game right now I'm not sure I'd be able to tell..."It's as if he simply knows "I am better at football than anyone in this stadium" and then makes the plays to back that up. He's an automatic double-cover and already a top 15 pick (and could go higher with improved footwork and route running), a notion some may scoff at considering OSU's past with NFL wide receivers. But this is not Hart Lee Dykes, Rashaun Woods, or Dez Bryant. This is Justin Blackmon, and Justin Blackmon is level-headed and Justin Blackmon makes good decisions. And mostly Justin Blackmon cannot be stopped, by one or two or maybe even three defenders. He is TO 2.0. Oklahoma State, like most schools, puts surnames above numbers on the back of its uniforms, but Blackmon doesn't need one because #81 says it all.
Brandon Weeden NFL projection:
Rewind to the Colorado game in 2009. It was senior night and Cowboy mini-icon (otherwise known as our version of Colt McCoy) Zac Robinson was sidelined with an injury. Backup Alex Cate went 0 for the first half (seriously) and Coach Mike Gundy had no choice but to go with the 3rd stringer Weeden to save OSU from nationally televised embarrassment at home. He proceeded to go 10-15 for 168 and 2 including a searing 45-yard dagger on the run to Blackmon in the back right corner of the end zone. It was a "wow, do we have a QB controversy on our hands" moment.As it were, Zac played out the season but Weeden returned last year to set school records in passing yards, total yards, and TD thrown. He has the best arm (and the best line) in college football. If there's a knock on Weeden it's that he's slow (which he is) and immobile (which he is) and a bit long in the tooth. That gifted right arm got him drafted by the Yankees out of high school where he toiled for a few years in the minor leagues before returning to test the waters of college football. Good decision as it turned out. If he wasn't approaching 30 I see no reason he wouldn't go in the top 10, but because all NFL GMs can see is Chris Weinke 2.0 (and that didn't go so well) I see him dropping to the end of the 1st round or the beginning of the second. His learning curve will be steep (because who wants to wait 2-3 years for a 28-year old to see the field?), but I could see him stepping into some sort of poor man's Philip Rivers role for a semi-contender over the next two years.
Article written by contributing writer Kyle Porter of www.pistolsfiringblog.comfollow him on twitter @pistolsguy

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Andrew Luck #12School: Stanford University Height: 6’4 Weight: 235 lbs 40 time: 4.72010 Stats:  3338 yards, 70.7% completion rate, 32 TD, 8 INTs.Player Analysis:  Andrew would have arguably been the first overall pick in the 2011 draft.  He decided to turn down millions of dollars and return to Stanford for his senior year.  Andrew Luck displays NFL QB size and possesses good mobility too. Luck portrays great arm strength, great accuracy, and exhibits such a clean release. His mechanics are crisp and NFL ready.  Andrew has played in a pro-style system his whole career which NFL teams look for.  One thing that really impresses me is his quick release.  This makes Luck extremely dangerous on quick routes such as the slant. Andrew is a cerebral quarterback, his intelligence sets him apart from every other quarterback in the draft class. This former high school valedictorian will have no issue learning a complex NFL playbook. His HC, OC and QB coaches have helped produce NFL talents like Rich Gannon, Chad Pennington, Kyle Orton and Jay Cutler. A thing to look for this year is Luck will be playing without head coach Jim Harbaugh who packed his bags for the 49ers. It will be interesting to see how it affects his overall performance.  If you had to pin-point some negative aspects of Andrew Luck, the first would be that Andrew is quick to leave the pocket to scramble at times.  Once in a while, Luck seems to lock on one receiver and doesn’t seem to scan the field for other options.  Lastly, if you could critique one aspect of Luck’s mechanics it would be that he tends to dip his arm a bit before he throws, leaving the ball susceptible to defensive players.  In my opinion, Andrew Luck will be the first overall pick in the 2012 draft and rightfully so.  Luck has all the tools to become an NFL star.NFL Player Comparison: Colts QB Peyton Manning
Game to WatchOregon at Stanford 11/21/2011 – This will be a huge game for Luck as he goes up against highly touted prospect CB Cliff Harris.Andrew Luck Quotes“His love and the fun he had with the game. You don’t see many guys like that. He could make a play or not and still be the same dude.” – Houston Texans/former Virginia Tech CB Roc Carmichael“When studying architecture and engineering you study angles and space.  This helps you in football.” – Andrew Luck““Luck’s deep knowledge disarms defenses.” – Chris Fowler

This is an excerpt from my NFL Draft/CFB/NFL/Fantasyfootball Guide which will be out in August. Pre-order one today by contacting me @NFLDraftInsider. Over 100 pages, tons of scouting reports, direct quotes from opponents and teammates, and so much more.

Who's Next Football Chats with Nebraska WR Brandon Kinnie

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Photo by Scott Bruhn/NU Media Relations

Name: Brandon KinnieSchool: NebraskaPosition: WRHeight: 6'3Weight: 225 lbs
A native of Kansas City, MO, Brandon Kinnie arrived at Nebraska in 2008 as a sophomore from Fort Scott Community College. During Kinnie’s first season with the Huskers, the wide receiver had an impressive 15 catches for 141 yards. Kinnie’s stats only got better as a junior, adding another 44 receptions for 494 yards, with three touchdown catches alone against Oklahoma State.
Entering his senior season, Kinnie led the group of young wide-outs and to date has logged 22 catches for 257 yards and one touchdown. While his statistics are strong, it won’t be what Kinnie is remembered for at Nebraska. Fans, teammates, and coaches will remember a strong leader who fought hard through adversity to become a better player and person. In fact, fellow wide receiver Kenny Bell summed Kinnie up in a simple, yet poignant, way: “BK’s a thermostat.  He’s not a thermometer.”
Brandon takes the time to catch up with Who’s Next Football..

WNF: If you had to pinpoint the strongest aspect of your game, what would it be?
BK: I would probably have to say my blocking skills and being physical on the field. I pride myself with being a great down field blocker.  Catching the football comes with being a wide receiver and I feel I do that extremely well too. However, If I had to choose one biggest strength it would be my all around blocking skills.
WNF: What is one area of your game would you say most needs improvement?
BK: I think focusing better really. Make sure I look the ball into my hands with every catch, mentally preparing for the game, really focus on the mental aspect of the game and envisioning what I can do to be the best I can be. 
WNF: What was the biggest difference between Big 12 and Big Ten play?
BK: To be honest, I didn't really notice a difference. I just love playing the game of football and it didn't matter who I was out there against.
WNF: If you had to pick one NFL player that you think you closely resemble, who would it be?
BK: I always liked how physical Terrell Owens played and how he used his size to his advantage. I would not resemble myself to his attitude and how he acted with his team but more how he played with a sense of physicality. 
WNF: Tell us about your son Julian, and what he has taught you about life in general?
BK: First, he taught me to be humble. Taught me that everything is not about me. I got someone else to look after now and I love it. He has taught me so much about myself that I hadn't discovered before. It was truly a blessing to have him, best thing to ever happen to me.
WNF: If I was an NFL GM, why do I want Brandon Kinnie on my team?
BK: Well first, I am a great teammate, fun to be around, and my work ethic is crazy. I want to be the best at what I do and will do whatever I can to be just that. 

WNF: What is the main thing you’ll miss about Nebraska football? (Submitted by@KyleAtkins91)
BK: I'll miss being around my teammates, joking around with them, and traveling with them. I learned so much about myself senior year. I will miss the fans and everyone that supported me as well. 
WNF: How would you like to be remembered by the University of Nebraska?
BK: A leader, outgoing, funny, and overall good guy who gave everything he had.

Quick Hits:
Favorite Food: Fried ChickenPregame Music: Lil Wayne Biggest Inspiration in Life: My Mom and Son. My Mom could care less if I made it to the NFL, she is just so happy that I'm graduating from college. She has always been there for me and my son. My son is my other inspiration because I want to give him everything when he grows up. I want him to look up to me and want to be like me.



Interview Conducted by @NFLDraftinsider  and edited/written by @HelloErinMarie.

Cal WR Marvin Jones' thoughts on his NFL Combine Performance

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Marvin Jones at the NFL Combine






6'1
199 lbs
4.46 forty
22 bench reps of 225
33' vertical
9'4 broad jump
6.81 cone drill



Marvin's thoughts on the NFL Combine and on his performance:

" It was definitely a fun, interesting process. It was long hours, not much sleep , everybody wants to see you perform and everyone wants to talk to you. Overall, it was a great experience. I got to meet many different players and coaches which was really cool.

On my performance, I think I did well. I am a little disappointed with my 40. I was shooting for in the low 4.4s. Other than that, the drills were second nature to me. The gauntlet was great and really competitive. All of the drills were like that and I think I did an overall good job and showed the coaches what I can do.
I talked to almost all the NFL teams. I can’t really say which ones showed the most interest. What I noticed was the combine was much more formal than the Senior Bowl. Instead of meeting NFL team scouts, etc. I was meeting GMs, head coaches, and wide receiver coaches of NFL teams. It was a great experience and I am fortunate to be able to show the coaches who I really am."

Georgia TE Orson Charles Chats with Who's Next Football

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O R S O N     C H A R L E S
Name: Orson CharlesSchool: GeorgiaPosition: Tight End Height: 6'2Weight: 251 lbs40 yard dash: 4.73 (pro-day)Bench: 225 x 35 (combine)
What is your greatest strength on the field? 
I would say it’s my versatility. I am able to effectively block the 6-9 technique, then im also able to able to play the flex position and stretch out the field. I am a mismatch for defenses. 
 What is one area of your game need to improve on the most?                                                       
As a competitor,  I want to be the best at every asset of my game. At the next level, the competition is much bigger and faster, so in order to play effectively I need to polish every aspect of my game. Improve on my technique, my hands, blocking, and basically everything so I’m ready to compete at the next level.
How do you feel you performed at the NFL Combine?                                                              
     My Agent and I sat down and decided what drills I was going to participate in and overall I feel like we did the right thing and walked away feeling real positive about the experience.    What one NFL TE would you say your game resembles the most?             I think it might be pretty hard pin point one NFL TE. However, I feel I have many similarities with TEs such as Dustin Keller, Ben Watson ,Vernon Davis, and Randy McMichael .We share similar sizes and are able to be multi-facet tight ends

Who was the best defensive player you went up against at Georgia?           The one name the pops in my mind first was Jermaine Cunningham of Florida, my sophomore year. Its so tough to choose just one though because week in and week out you go up against some great talent. Even every day in practice I was going up against some great athletes and competitors. 
What NFL teams have you met with? Which teams do you have meetings set up with?            I met with 23 different teams at the combine. They had me up at the white board going over different sets and plays, really picking my mind. It was a great experience. My agent and I are setting up meetings with teams pre-draft as well. 
What will you do with your first NFL Paycheck?
      Pay my tithe to the church and hold onto everything else and save.     Do you feel you are the best TE in the Draft?             I feel like if you ask that question to all the top TEs, they would say they were. You’ve got some great talent in this tight-end class like Fleener, Allen and more. So I would say right now it’s not up to me to say who is the best TE talent but up to the scouts



     Orson Charle's response to his March 9th DUI:


    "Twitter fam, I would like to sincerely apologize for my actions. I accept full responsibility for the mistake I made this past week. it will never happen again. Im sorry for the embarrassment I put my family , Georgia fans and my God through. I can only pray that you all will forgive me. Thank you for all of your support and I plan on moving forward with the plans that Jesus Christ has set in place for me."

Who's Next Football Chats with Nebraska WR Brandon Kinnie

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Photo by Scott Bruhn/NU Media Relations

Name: Brandon KinnieSchool: NebraskaPosition: WRHeight: 6'3Weight: 225 lbs
A native of Kansas City, MO, Brandon Kinnie arrived at Nebraska in 2008 as a sophomore from Fort Scott Community College. During Kinnie’s first season with the Huskers, the wide receiver had an impressive 15 catches for 141 yards. Kinnie’s stats only got better as a junior, adding another 44 receptions for 494 yards, with three touchdown catches alone against Oklahoma State.
Entering his senior season, Kinnie led the group of young wide-outs and to date has logged 22 catches for 257 yards and one touchdown. While his statistics are strong, it won’t be what Kinnie is remembered for at Nebraska. Fans, teammates, and coaches will remember a strong leader who fought hard through adversity to become a better player and person. In fact, fellow wide receiver Kenny Bell summed Kinnie up in a simple, yet poignant, way: “BK’s a thermostat.  He’s not a thermometer.”
Brandon takes the time to catch up with Who’s Next Football..

WNF: If you had to pinpoint the strongest aspect of your game, what would it be?
BK: I would probably have to say my blocking skills and being physical on the field. I pride myself with being a great down field blocker.  Catching the football comes with being a wide receiver and I feel I do that extremely well too. However, If I had to choose one biggest strength it would be my all around blocking skills.
WNF: What is one area of your game would you say most needs improvement?
BK: I think focusing better really. Make sure I look the ball into my hands with every catch, mentally preparing for the game, really focus on the mental aspect of the game and envisioning what I can do to be the best I can be. 
WNF: What was the biggest difference between Big 12 and Big Ten play?
BK: To be honest, I didn't really notice a difference. I just love playing the game of football and it didn't matter who I was out there against.
WNF: If you had to pick one NFL player that you think you closely resemble, who would it be?
BK: I always liked how physical Terrell Owens played and how he used his size to his advantage. I would not resemble myself to his attitude and how he acted with his team but more how he played with a sense of physicality. 
WNF: Tell us about your son Julian, and what he has taught you about life in general?
BK: First, he taught me to be humble. Taught me that everything is not about me. I got someone else to look after now and I love it. He has taught me so much about myself that I hadn't discovered before. It was truly a blessing to have him, best thing to ever happen to me.
WNF: If I was an NFL GM, why do I want Brandon Kinnie on my team?
BK: Well first, I am a great teammate, fun to be around, and my work ethic is crazy. I want to be the best at what I do and will do whatever I can to be just that. 

WNF: What is the main thing you’ll miss about Nebraska football? (Submitted by@KyleAtkins91)
BK: I'll miss being around my teammates, joking around with them, and traveling with them. I learned so much about myself senior year. I will miss the fans and everyone that supported me as well. 
WNF: How would you like to be remembered by the University of Nebraska?
BK: A leader, outgoing, funny, and overall good guy who gave everything he had.

Quick Hits:
Favorite Food: Fried ChickenPregame Music: Lil Wayne Biggest Inspiration in Life: My Mom and Son. My Mom could care less if I made it to the NFL, she is just so happy that I'm graduating from college. She has always been there for me and my son. My son is my other inspiration because I want to give him everything when he grows up. I want him to look up to me and want to be like me.



Interview Conducted by @NFLDraftinsider  and edited/written by @HelloErinMarie.

WNF Checks in with Penn State WR Derek Moye

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       The 2011 season was an interesting one for Penn State senior wide receiver Derek Moye. From breaking his left foot in early October to the Penn State scandal that rocked the nation, Moye and his teammates overcame a great deal of adversity in his final season. However, it didn’t stop the 6’5”, 210lb. wide out from racking up a career 144 catches for 2,395 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Viewed as a leader among teammates, Moye proved in 2011 that he is capable and willing to do what it takes to win. He is a player fans of the Nittany Lions will not soon forget.


WNF: What is one facet of your game people often overlook?DM: Honestly, It definitely has to be my speed. People don’t think I run fast but it’s hard to see with my long strides.
WNF: What is you biggest strength on the field?DM: I would have to say my size. At 6’5”, I think I show a ton of playmaking ability for someone of my size.
WNF: What is the one area you need to work on the most?DM: I would say to get bigger and stronger. Be able to demonstrate better strength to go along with my size.


WNF: What NFL receiver do you feel you resemble the most?DM: I don’t like comparing myself to any wide receiver in the NFL. They are where I am trying to be and play successfully.
WNF: What is the first thing you are going to do with your first NFL paycheck?DM: Buy something nice for my Mom.
WNF: How has the recent events with Sandusky and Paterno affected you and your team in the latter half of the season?DM: Didn’t take away from our focus, we had a strong group of leaders that kept us on track; we just didn’t make the plays at the end of the game. None of it had to do with the scandal that was going on at PSU.
WNF: If I was a GM of an NFL team, why would I draft Derek Moye?DM: My ability to make plays, I’m a good kid on and off the field, I am a terrific teammate and I just love to play the game and win.
Music: On my iPod I just hit shuffle and it's mostly hip hopFood: gyrosFavorite NFL player: Larry Fitz
If you weren’t pursuing the NFL you would pursue: Recreation Park Major, doing stuff with the youth in the community.



Interview by Conducted and Written by:  @NFLDraftInsider and @HelloErinMarie

WNF Chats with Syracuse DE Chandler Jones

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Chandler Jones leaves Syracuse with impressive numbers. In the 2011 season alone, he raked in 26 tackles, 8 assists, one interception, and 4.5 sacks for a total loss of 34 yards. Even more impressive is that he did all that in just seven games. A knee injury may have kept him from playing against Rhode Island, USC, Toledo, Rutgers and Tulane, but Jones never lost his drive.At 6’5”, 255lbs., Jones shows a lot of growth potential in the NFL. Football aside, Jones has a great attitude that is showcased on his Twitter account at @ChanJones99. As he recently tweeted, 
"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe."
Jones believes.


What would you say is your greatest strength on the field?I would have to say my greatest strength is being able to locate the ball and ball carrier and the ability to run sideline to sideline.
What is the area you need to work on the most?My pad level, that’s my biggest area I need to improve on. Sometimes I see on my film that I’m standing too high and that will get exposed at the NFL level. I look forward to getting coached on it.
Who was your favorite NFL Team growing up?I was a Jaguars fan but other than that, I never really had a favorite team in particular.
If you could compare yourself to one NFL DE who would it be?I have two: Julius Peppers, we share the same style body type, and 49ers DE Aldon Smith. I feel my play on the field is similar to the both of them.
Who is the best OL you went against in College?I would have to say Anthony Davis, Rutgers. He plays for the 49ers now.
If I were an NFL GM, why would I want to draft Chandler Jones?I’ve never been in trouble, my leadership, consistency, and desire to win. I will do whatever it takes and sacrifice whatever I have to do to help the team win.
What was your favorite football moment at Syracuse?When we won the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. There is so much history there and it felt incredible to leave NYC with a win!
What will you do with your first NFL Paycheck?I Do not know yet. Good Question.
Favorite NFL Player: It has been Ray Lewis since I was a kid
Favorite PreGame Music: Drake and Lil Wayne
Favorite Food: Lasagna

Interview Conducted and Written by: @NFLDraftInsider & @HelloErinMarie

Cal WR Marvin Jones' thoughts on his NFL Combine Performance

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Marvin Jones at the NFL Combine






6'1
199 lbs
4.46 forty
22 bench reps of 225
33' vertical
9'4 broad jump
6.81 cone drill



Marvin's thoughts on the NFL Combine and on his performance:

" It was definitely a fun, interesting process. It was long hours, not much sleep , everybody wants to see you perform and everyone wants to talk to you. Overall, it was a great experience. I got to meet many different players and coaches which was really cool.

On my performance, I think I did well. I am a little disappointed with my 40. I was shooting for in the low 4.4s. Other than that, the drills were second nature to me. The gauntlet was great and really competitive. All of the drills were like that and I think I did an overall good job and showed the coaches what I can do.
I talked to almost all the NFL teams. I can’t really say which ones showed the most interest. What I noticed was the combine was much more formal than the Senior Bowl. Instead of meeting NFL team scouts, etc. I was meeting GMs, head coaches, and wide receiver coaches of NFL teams. It was a great experience and I am fortunate to be able to show the coaches who I really am."

Georgia TE Orson Charles Chats with Who's Next Football

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O R S O N     C H A R L E S
Name: Orson CharlesSchool: GeorgiaPosition: Tight End Height: 6'2Weight: 251 lbs40 yard dash: 4.73 (pro-day)Bench: 225 x 35 (combine)
What is your greatest strength on the field? 
I would say it’s my versatility. I am able to effectively block the 6-9 technique, then im also able to able to play the flex position and stretch out the field. I am a mismatch for defenses. 
 What is one area of your game need to improve on the most?                                                       
As a competitor,  I want to be the best at every asset of my game. At the next level, the competition is much bigger and faster, so in order to play effectively I need to polish every aspect of my game. Improve on my technique, my hands, blocking, and basically everything so I’m ready to compete at the next level.
How do you feel you performed at the NFL Combine?                                                              
     My Agent and I sat down and decided what drills I was going to participate in and overall I feel like we did the right thing and walked away feeling real positive about the experience.    What one NFL TE would you say your game resembles the most?             I think it might be pretty hard pin point one NFL TE. However, I feel I have many similarities with TEs such as Dustin Keller, Ben Watson ,Vernon Davis, and Randy McMichael .We share similar sizes and are able to be multi-facet tight ends

Who was the best defensive player you went up against at Georgia?           The one name the pops in my mind first was Jermaine Cunningham of Florida, my sophomore year. Its so tough to choose just one though because week in and week out you go up against some great talent. Even every day in practice I was going up against some great athletes and competitors. 
What NFL teams have you met with? Which teams do you have meetings set up with?            I met with 23 different teams at the combine. They had me up at the white board going over different sets and plays, really picking my mind. It was a great experience. My agent and I are setting up meetings with teams pre-draft as well. 
What will you do with your first NFL Paycheck?
      Pay my tithe to the church and hold onto everything else and save.     Do you feel you are the best TE in the Draft?             I feel like if you ask that question to all the top TEs, they would say they were. You’ve got some great talent in this tight-end class like Fleener, Allen and more. So I would say right now it’s not up to me to say who is the best TE talent but up to the scouts



     Orson Charle's response to his March 9th DUI:


    "Twitter fam, I would like to sincerely apologize for my actions. I accept full responsibility for the mistake I made this past week. it will never happen again. Im sorry for the embarrassment I put my family , Georgia fans and my God through. I can only pray that you all will forgive me. Thank you for all of your support and I plan on moving forward with the plans that Jesus Christ has set in place for me."