DEFENSIVE LINE



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This is the first of a position by position update with some scattered thoughts and information I have picked up over the last month. Training camp is on the horizon and life will be whole again.

Ray Agnew-The Rams coaching staff is looking and hoping that he and Phillips can be the starters with Farr and either Zgonina and Bryan Robinson coming in on rotation and passing downs. Agnew has been looking ok at mini camp and is in good shape.

Kevin Carter-He had two different years last year...the second half of the year he really impressed scouts around the league and played the run the best he has since becoming a pro. The Rams do not think he will ever play on the right or blind side but is best suited to play on the left side to stuff the run. He is starting to become a leader on the team and is one of the most popular teammates with the rest of the team. In excellent shape, he is always in the weight room.
Big Stat-credited with 43 QB pressures last year.

D'Marco Farr-Favorite of Vermeil's but Dick is more realistic about him than a year ago...they are talking about moving him around on the line on 3rd downs but not standing him up like a blitzing linebacker. He is always a weight room fiend and is this year as well.

James Manley-Hairston thought he had the makings of the answer at DT and they were all hoping he could play on the center like he did in college. But at the last mini camp he was close to 340 and not to 320 like they wanted him. He could be lightning in a bottle if he can get his weight under control and play like he did at Vanderbilt. But he has to come in at camp with his weight under control or he could be an early cut.

Chris Maumdon'ttalkaboutmymommaagain-He has not shown anything in mini camp to lead you to believe he is anything more than a training camp player. He is clearly well behind Zgonina and if Manley is anywhere close to being in shape he will be cut early.

Joe Phillips-He is talking to the other linemen already and serving as the leader of the group. He has to show something in the exhibition season to make the team. Both he and Simmons are not sure things to make the club at this point and the preseason is going to be important for both.

Bryan Robinson-The Rams want him to be a DE, he could play a role on 3rd downs. He is in good shape from the offseason.

Jeff Robinson-Sure to make the squad because he is the long snapper, he wants to play DE in rotation. He did make a few plays there.

Jay Williams-The Rams want him to be able to take some pressure off of Wistrom and play in rotation with him. He did put on some weight over the offseason and is around 290 now. He has some ability but cannot get to the passer very well.

Grant Wistrom-Where Dave Te Thomas comes up with labeling him as a bust after working out with no pads is beyond me. I still have big doubts about his ability to play every down and be a force against the run.... but unlike Thomas would prefer to see him actually play first. He is still around 270-275.

Jeff Zgonina-He has some stamina problems due to a very very heavy upper body but can make some plays in rotation at tackle. He is better at rushing the passer than they thought he was when they signed him last year.

The outlook going into training camp is to find out if Phillips and Agnew have enough to start, to work out a better role for Farr and to see if Jay Williams can play in tandem with Wistrom.


Jim


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