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

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."

Blake Williams fired

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Photo - Fox Sports

After a committee approach to running the Rams defense this past season, Jeff Fisher took a large step toward installing a permanent defensive coordinator today by firing linebackers coach Blake Williams, who served unofficially as DC. It's said he called plays with significant input from Fisher and assistant head coach Dave McGinniss. It's also suddenly being said today that Blake was "brusque and tactless" in dealing with players and fellow coaches. Rumors he was on his way out have actually been circulating for a few weeks. (Note how well the Ram defense played the last few weeks, too.)

So, Blake Williams is/was a jerk, but good grief, how big a jerk does it take to piss off Jeff Fisher? There has to be some major jerk quotient there.

Blake's dismissal is also probably a warmup act to the Rams officially parting ways with his father Gregg, who of course is still under league suspension for the Bountygate scandal in New Orleans. That's a move the Rams have to make, and jerk or not, it's probably best for both sides that Blake's also off the staff. I wouldn't be too keen on working for somebody who fired my dad.

So, before we start thinking it's going to be a completely stable offseason at Rams Park, Fisher's going to have to name a new defensive coordinator and a linebackers coach. Please don't everyone start saying Lovie Smith, either. I completely respect him, but he'd be a poor fit for the defense the Rams are trying to build. This isn't a cover-2 defense, and Fisher is building a bigger, meaner defense, where Lovie likes a faster defense. The first thing Lovie would do if he came here is tell Michael Brockers to lose weight. Romeo Crennel's a 3-4 guy, so don't say him, either. I won't guess Rod Marinelli because he'd be taking kind of a demotion to come here, with McGinniss already the AHC here like he was in Chicago.

RamView will make McGinniss the favorite to become the official defensive coordinator. As for the linebackers coach, I'll throw out a name: Bob Babich, who coached LBs here in 2003. I assume he'd be available from the Bears' staff.

-$-

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

To contact us Click HERE
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

To contact us Click HERE
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."

Rams 2013 opponents

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The Rams' home opponents for 2013:

Arizona (5-11)
Seattle (11-5)
San Francisco (11-4-1)
New Orleans (7-9)
Tampa Bay (7-9)
Chicago (10-6)
Jacksonville (2-14)
Tennessee (6-10)

On the road:
Arizona (5-11)
Seattle (11-5)
San Francisco (11-4-1)
Atlanta (13-3)
Carolina (7-9)
Dallas (8-8)
Houston (12-4)
Indianapolis (11-5)

Wow, that is a decidedly unfriendly road schedule. Most of the NFL would be happy to go 2-6 against that lineup. But if the Rams don't cough away winnable home games like they did this year with the Jets and Vikings, they can win 8 to 10 games next season and should be in the playoff hunt all the way.

There's a lot of attractive candidate games to get the Rams back in prime time next season. My guess is they'll get stuck going to Seattle on a Thursday night and pull the Saints for a Monday night game.

-$-

Rams 2013 free agents

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Unrestricted:

WR Danny Amendola - the first player on the list is the last one I wrote up because he's the hardest for me to figure out. He's missed more than 20 of his last 32 games, but had an 85-catch season before that, and was on track for at least a 90-catch season this year. I'm inclined to think that's talent that doesn't grow on trees, and Amendola's the rare Rams WR who can actually separate from defenders. But $10.4 million to franchise him? $8.7 for the transition tag? You might be able to get Wes Welker for that. Well, Danny's situation is why Les Snead gets the big bucks and I don't. My guess is to use the transition tag on him. The free agent market at WR isn't deep enough to let him go. The Rams need to add veteran WRs who can get open, not lose them.

QB Kellen Clemens - Doubt he's a threat to go somewhere else unless Brian Schottenheimer makes a surprise move. Adequate veteran depth; Rams should re-sign.

S Craig Dahl - Bye! And Hallelujah!

CB Bradley Fletcher - My early guess is Fletcher will return to St. Louis next season... in a Saints uniform. Bradley was a fine pick by the Spagvaney regime, and should still be a decent, starting-quality player for somebody, as long as his knees don't explode. Again. But it would cost too much to let him languish on the bench here behind Jenkins and TruJo. Let's see if Jeff Fisher can work some more magic with a late-round draft pick at corner.

WR Brandon Gibson - Good kid. Solid team player. Never known to complain about anything. Makes some clutch plays. Can also disappear for entire games and can't separate from anyone to save his life. Gibson's likeable, and I hope he does well at his next stop. But he's just a guy. The scary scenario is that no one in Rams Nation wants him re-signed, but the Rams do it, and he comes out of training camp as the #1 WR AGAIN. I'm willing to let him go just to avoid that possibility, and suspect we're going to get force-fed a lot of "the next T.O." starting in mini-camp.

LB Mario Haggan - Bye! Really did not live up to his reputation as a special teams captain. Quit running into the punter!

DE William Hayes - I'd actually call Hayes the Rams' second-highest priority to get settled, after Steven Jackson. He was a killer off the bench this year with the seven sacks, and played the run damn well, too. He'd be more than a credible starter in the event Chris Long or Robert Quinn get injured. And I'm not on the Eugene Sims bandwagon. The Rams really need to keep Hayes if they can; with luck, Jeff Fisher will be a deciding factor. Those sacks are going to look attractive to a lot of teams, though.

RB Steven Jackson (voidable year)- I'm already on record here many times. The Rams have to find a way to keep Jackson for the next couple of years if they can. Obviously, if a team like Green Bay can drop a money bomb on him, I wouldn't fault him for leaving. Next year's running game will have very little credibility without him, though.

DT Trevor Laws - was on the I.R. all season, so we have no real idea what he can bring. Wouldn't have a problem with giving him another look in training camp, for cheap.

LB Rocky McIntosh - serviceable but nowhere near the playmaker he was about 3 years ago. I'm expecting the Rams to make a high draft move at linebacker; they don't have to go to great lengths to keep McIntosh. He's a better LB all-around than Haggan, so maybe you keep him around at the league minimum to come off the bench.

OT Barry Richardson - good run-blocker. Bad pass-protector. The Rams need to open up the offense beyond the max-protect they ran almost the whole game in Seattle, and they can't do that given B-Rich's poor ability to handle edge speed. Kind of the Brandon Gibson of OTs. You really don't want to have to come out of training camp with B-Rich as your #1 guy, but, four months later, the guy's your starter the entire season. I wouldn't re-sign him; the Rams would still have Wayne Hunter, possibly Chris Williams, and possibly a high draft pick. But I think the Rams will be more careful than I'm being and bring him back.

WR Steve Smith. Bye! By far the worst signing of Les Snead's first offseason.

OL Rob Turner - pleasant surprise this year and would be a valuable "glue guy" to have back because he was credible at guard and center. Rams should try hard to retain him.

OL Chris Williams- I don't think he will be back, but he sure looked good for stretches of the Seattle game and would be worth a second look. I think he'll get better chances with other teams, though, Arizona being a strong candidate.

Restricted:
LB Justin Cole, S Darian Stewart.
Important signings for the Rams to get right; they need to re-sign both Cole and Stewart. They are valuable special teams players and Stewart should be considered the starting free safety as of, oh, RIGHT NOW.

Exclusive Rights:
OL Tim Barnes, LB Sammy Brown, DT Jermelle Cudjo, TE Mike McNeill
I don't know if that's right for Cudjo; he was also an ERFA last year. Cudjo is an important player for the Rams to keep, though. He was a valuable part of the DT rotation and made a solid number of run stops. None of the others should be hard to keep, and are worth bringing back.

Rams in final year of contract in 2013:
Rodger Saffold and Jo-Lonn Dunbar are the two big names. Also Josh Hull, Matthew Mulligan and Eugene Sims. I'd like to see more consistency from Saffold before the Rams drop the big money on him, but he's likely to get it. Hope it's a big year for him.

-$-

Rams report, 12/28: SEA CB Sherman not suspended

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* Looks like my hopes for Sam Bradford play-faking rookie CBs and Steven Jackson facing less than 8 in the box all day Sunday have been dashed a little bit. Even though the hearing was here in St. Louis, Seahawks CB Richard Sherman has won his appeal and his suspension has been lifted. (ONCE AGAIN home field officiating only applies when the Rams are the road team.) Sherman's also likely to be extra-motivated Sunday because he was snubbed for the Pro Bowl. You always hate to go against a guy with that chip on his shoulder late in the season. No telling from here if the Hawks will have Marcus Trufant; he was inactive Sunday night but wasn't listed on yesterday's injury report.

* On the good side, the Rams appear to have NO ONE on the injury list. Craig Dahl, Cortland Finnegan, Steven Jackson, James Laurinaitis, Austin Pettis and Scott Wells were all full participants in Thursday's practice. Pettis had an injured shoulder yesterday but didn't have to miss any time.

* Transactions: the Rams' practice squad is fully manned again after the re-addition of DT Mason Brodine.

- Ex-Rams: the Steelers signed FB Jamie McCoy off of San Diego's practice squad

* And from the idiotic rumors department, the always-responsible folks at NFL.com are hyping Steven Jackson retirement talk and are all but positive he won't be back with the Rams because they have Daryl Richardson and Isaiah Pead. Who ran for nine yards combined Sunday. I'd tell the writer of this article to jump in the lake were I not afraid he'd take that idea seriously, too.

-$-

Rams report, 12/29

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* Friday's injury report: funny how the Rams playing a lot better and being a lot healthier than past seasons go together. They'll be fully loaded for the game Sunday in Seattle, with no one missing practice the past two days. Craig Dahl (knee), Cortland Finnegan (thigh), Steven Jackson (foot), James Laurinaitis (back), Austin Pettis (shoulder) and Scott Wells (knee) are all listed as probable for Sunday. No one else on the report.

Seattle is also about as healthy as a team could ask to be for the final game of the regular season. CB Walter Thurmond is out; T Breno Giacomini and LB/Ram-killer Leroy Hill are both questionable. Marshawn Lynch, Sidney Rice, Golden Tate, Earl Thomas, Red Bryant and Marcus Trufant all probable.

Kickoff Sunday at 3:25.

Photo - TripAdvisor.com

* Go tell it... reports after the Rams' last home game are that Sam Bradford and Danny Amendola are going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in the offseason. It's part of an expedition (if that's the right word) led by Springfield, Mo. philanthropist Doug Pitt (who has a rather-famous brother and sister-in-law) to raise awareness for clean water projects in Tanzania. Jeff Fisher, who ascended the mountain last year as part of his work with the Wounded Warrior Project, thinks more Rams players will join in on the trek. Sounds very cool, even if the highest climb RamView's ever made was to my original Dome seats in row WW. Without oxygen!

* Ex-Rams report: Thaddeus "Thad" Lewis will get the start at QB for Cleveland Sunday in Pittsburgh against the Steelers. Should he get the win Sunday, per ESPN.com, he'll be the only Cleveland starting QB with a winning record since the team was re-franchised. (Jake Delhomme was 2-2.) Best of luck.

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Sunday ex-Rams notes

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* Eric Dickerson respects Adrian Peterson, but he's not rooting for him Sunday. Same here.

* Doesn't sound like Thad Lewis will be able to save Pat Shurmur's job in Cleveland; the Browns are expected to fire him and their GM on Monday.

* No one's day would be complete without a Jimmy Saddler-McQueen update. He has been promoted from the Lions' practice squad.

* Brody Eldridge tried out for the Jets but was not signed.

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2013 Hall of Fame semifinalists

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Jerome Bettis, Kevin Greene and Aeneas Williams are once again semifinalists for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Voters will select 15 finalists to join Seniors Committee nominees Curley Culp and Dave Robinson early in January, and the 2013 class of inductees will be announced Super Bowl weekend (Feb. 2). Former Cardinals head coach and offensive innovator Don Coryell is also a repeat semifinalist.

First-time nominees Larry Allen, Morten Andersen, John Lynch, Jonathan Ogden, Warren Sapp, and Michael Strahan make this a highly-competitive HoF class, and they're joined by past finalists Tim Brown, Cris Carter, Roger Craig, Charles Haley, Bill Parcells, and Andre Reed.

Rounding out the semifinalists: Steve Atwater, Terrell Davis, Joe Jacoby, Albert Lewis (really?), Karl Mecklenburg, Will Shields, Steve Tasker, George Young. And, as Hall of Fame voters continue to do their very best to tarnish the institution they represent: Edward DeBartolo Jr., Art Modell and Paul Tagliabue.

Former Rams who did not make the cut to semifinalist:
Henry Ellard, Dick Vermeil, Chuck Knox, Ron Jaworski, Stephen Davis, Nolan Cromwell, Sean Landeta, Bud Carson, Clark Shaughnessy, Eddie Kotal. Former Cardinals Ottis Anderson and Neil Lomax and Rams OC Brian Schottenheimer's father Marty were also left out of the final 27.

The voters' insistence on keeping criminal and rule-breaking scum like DeBartolo, a civic traitor like Modell and a completely undistinguished and biased commissioner in Tagliabue alive this far into the balloting really goes beyond the pale while some of the classiest men and most important contributors in the history of the league are left behind them. Just from a quick look at the full list of candidates, Art Rooney Jr. and Gil Brandt are easily more worthy than any of those three. And the voters should be ashamed, and probably all disqualified, upon seeing that the late Steve Sabol didn't even get to this point of considerations.

More importantly, RamView is pretty insistent that this should be the year for several former Rams to be enshrined in the Hall. Bettis has been a finalist two years running and has obviously the best numbers of any RB eligible for the Hall. Greene arguably should have gone in over Chris Doleman last year and has the most sacks of any player not in the Hall. Aeneas Williams was one of the top five vote-getters not inducted last year and is head-and-shoulders the best DB of the class. But I don't expect the the HoF committee to show appropriate respect to any of the three.

My guesses for the 2013 class:
- Allen. Regarded by many to have been the greatest guard to play the game, but was versatile enough to excel at tackle as well. Having been a Cowboy won't hurt him, either. Will Shields will have to wait even though he was in more Pro Bowls.
- Strahan. #5 all-time in sacks, single-season record holder, and his on- and off-field personality and being from New York sure as hell won't hurt him. They'll continue to tick me off and vote people behind Greene on the all-time sack list into the Hall ahead of him.
- Carter. This an even better year to break the WR logjam waiting to make the Hall than last year. Five-time finalist, eight-time Pro Bowler. I believe Cris himself once said it best... C'mon, man.
- Haley. Haley will especially be a pick to tick off Rams fans because he has far fewer career sacks than Greene and would be getting a spot that could have gone to Bettis, Greene or Aeneas Williams. But he has been a finalist longer than either, has five Super Bowl rings and based on reactions to his omission last year, he'll have the media in his corner this year. The voters would have to break a recent trend to vote two players at the same position in the same class.
- Ogden. The voters proved last year they're not afraid to induct a lot of linemen. (Nor should they be. Just remember that when Orlando Pace comes up.) Ogden's 11 Pro Bowls outweighs Aeneas' 8. I know, Shields has 12, but I don't see the voters putting in two guards, and I bumped Allen ahead of him.

I was going to predict Aeneas Williams here, and he should finish ahead of a lot of folks. In last year's balloting, he finished ahead of I believe Reed, Brown and Craig, as well as Bettis and Greene. He has more Pro Bowls than Sapp. The problem with Parcells is that they want to be sure he's actually done coaching, and he almost took the Saints' interim job this year, remember? The problem with DeBartolo is that he's a f*cking criminal. Shields wasn't even a finalist last year. The only way Aeneas can get left off of the HoF's final ballots this year is for stronger first-time candidates (Allen, Ogden, Strahan) and sentimental favorites (possibly Haley). So naturally, this is a year where we could see a lot of that. And Carter's been on the waiting list longer. I'm looking for Aeneas to make it in 2014, when the only newly eligible player likely to jump ahead of him will be Marvin Harrison (another good reason to get moving on Carter).

For the record, my votes that won't count would be for Bettis, Greene, Williams, Carter and Allen.

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RamView, 1/1/2013

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Well, the first RamView of the new year is behind schedule. There's a big surprise.

The recap of the Rams' season finale 20-13 loss at Seattle will be going up at ramview.com shortly. Link
* Positives: Steven Jackson became only the sixth RB in NFL history to gain 1,000 yards in eight straight seasons. The Rams sacked Russell Wilson six times to finish tied for the league lead in sacks with 52. The offensive line did not allow a sack for the second straight week. The Rams fared admirably against a team that was undefeated* at home and had won its last three games by an average score of 50 to 10.
* Negatives: Coverage breakdowns and a couple of missed sacks probably cost the Rams the game. Greg Zuerlein missed a 50-yard FG attempt. Training camp is over 200 days away.

* Injuries: Rocky McIntosh left the game due to a concussion. Janoris Jenkins left the game late due to an injury that was never specified on TV. If there's any further news on these or other injuries I'll get it up here.

* I'll have the list of pending Rams free agents in another post shortly. Steven Jackson's situation is going to get the most attention. So far, he wants to come back, Jeff Fisher wants him back, Sam Bradford wants him back, Chris Long wants him back. I hope the love holds out; the Rams need Jackson on the field at least another season.

* Jackson won the annual MVP award voted on by the team and also won the Carl Ekern Spirit of the Game award as the team's most inspirational player. Janoris Jenkins was voted Rookie of the Year. Danny Amendola won the Ed Block Courage Award for comeback player of the year. No argument with those votes here.

* Transactions: the Rams re-signed all eight practice squad players to 2013 reserve/future contracts: DL Mason Brodine, TE Cameron Graham, WR Nick Johnson, T Ty Nsekhe, WR Ray Radway, RB Chase Reynolds, G Brandon Washington, and LB Jabara Williams.

* The Rams will select 16th in the 2013 draft, and we're obviously still waiting to see what Washington does before we know where their other first-round draft pick will fall. So are we all rooting for Seattle Sunday?

* Jeff Fisher says he will resolve the Rams' defensive coordinator situation in the next couple of weeks. Hooray, we get to start the Gregg Williams merry-go-round again. RamView's already on record that Fisher stop considering him.

* Ex-Rams update:
- I found Lovie Smith's firing in Chicago to be a shocker. The Bears were 10-6, after all. With the Chiefs, Chargers, Big Dead, Bills and Eagles all firing head coaches yesterday, Lovie should be able to jump right back into a head coaching job if he wants to. Best of luck.
- Pat Shurmur's firing in Cleveland was much less of a shocker, but the Browns looked like an improving team under him this season, from here, at least. Plenty of OC jobs open out there.
- Eric Dickerson still holds the NFL's single-season rushing record. Adrian Peterson came up nine yards short Sunday.
- Dominique Curry was signed to a reserve/future contract by the Lions.

* Final ex-Ram of the Week award for 2012 goes to the great one, London Fletcher. 11 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, a pass defense (should have been a pick!) and two QB hits in Washington's 28-18 win over Dallas that gave the Redskins their first home playoff game since I believe 1999.

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