NFC West: Danny Amendola
As you might have heard, the San Francisco 49ers ran into some troubles at the wide receiver position last season.
Those troubles affected their offense and special teams, notably during an overtime defeat to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship Game (Kyle Williams was forced into the starting lineup, with Brett Swain and Joe Hastings as backups).
You might have also heard, more recently, about changes to rules governing injured reserve.
Those rules, if enacted before last season, might have given the 49ers a welcome boost at the receiver position with a Super Bowl berth on the line. Josh Morgan, placed on injured reserve in October, could have been a candidate, at least in theory, to return in time for that game against the Giants.
I'm going to qualify this by saying it's not immediately clear whether Morgan would have recovered from his broken leg in time to face the Giants. Reports immediately after the season suggested Morgan was "ahead of schedule" in his rehab. This does not necessarily mean he would have been cleared by mid-January, but the thought did come to mind in assessing how the rule might have affected NFC West teams.
The St. Louis Rams' Danny Amendola also came to mind. He required surgery in October to repair a torn triceps suffered in Week 1. It is possible, in theory (that phrase again), that the Rams would have approached that injury differently had the new IR rule been available to them. Amendola could have undergone the procedure earlier instead of trying to return right away. That could have accelerated the timeline for rehab, although he still could have missed the full season (he was rounding into form by early April).
Again, it's tough to know which players would have been ready to return, and precisely when, but this new rule does give teams another option in the future, at least. The rule also adds another layer of strategy to roster management.
To qualify for return from IR, a player must suffer an injury after the start of training camp. He must be placed on injured reserve following the initial reduction to 53 players. His team must designate him as a player to return. He must miss at least 42 calendar days from the time of injury. And he cannot play in a game until eight weeks following his placement on IR.
This disqualifies Terrell Suggs and other players injured before training camp from consideration under the new rule. Those players could still play this season if placed on the physically unable to perform list heading into the season.
I'll update if I learn anything new about Morgan's injury in particular. I used it mostly to illustrate how the new rule could come into play. Key word: could.
Those troubles affected their offense and special teams, notably during an overtime defeat to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship Game (Kyle Williams was forced into the starting lineup, with Brett Swain and Joe Hastings as backups).
You might have also heard, more recently, about changes to rules governing injured reserve.
Those rules, if enacted before last season, might have given the 49ers a welcome boost at the receiver position with a Super Bowl berth on the line. Josh Morgan, placed on injured reserve in October, could have been a candidate, at least in theory, to return in time for that game against the Giants.
I'm going to qualify this by saying it's not immediately clear whether Morgan would have recovered from his broken leg in time to face the Giants. Reports immediately after the season suggested Morgan was "ahead of schedule" in his rehab. This does not necessarily mean he would have been cleared by mid-January, but the thought did come to mind in assessing how the rule might have affected NFC West teams.
The St. Louis Rams' Danny Amendola also came to mind. He required surgery in October to repair a torn triceps suffered in Week 1. It is possible, in theory (that phrase again), that the Rams would have approached that injury differently had the new IR rule been available to them. Amendola could have undergone the procedure earlier instead of trying to return right away. That could have accelerated the timeline for rehab, although he still could have missed the full season (he was rounding into form by early April).
Again, it's tough to know which players would have been ready to return, and precisely when, but this new rule does give teams another option in the future, at least. The rule also adds another layer of strategy to roster management.
To qualify for return from IR, a player must suffer an injury after the start of training camp. He must be placed on injured reserve following the initial reduction to 53 players. His team must designate him as a player to return. He must miss at least 42 calendar days from the time of injury. And he cannot play in a game until eight weeks following his placement on IR.
This disqualifies Terrell Suggs and other players injured before training camp from consideration under the new rule. Those players could still play this season if placed on the physically unable to perform list heading into the season.
I'll update if I learn anything new about Morgan's injury in particular. I used it mostly to illustrate how the new rule could come into play. Key word: could.
Greetings, and Happy Cinco de Mayo.
A look back at the most recent NFC West chat shows the concussion issue permeating what are usually football-related discussions. The issue was a significant one for the division last season as several players, notably Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb and St. Louis Rams tackle Jason Smith, missed extended periods after suffering head injuries.
Both men absorbed inadvertent knees to the head (as did the San Francisco 49ers' Delanie Walker, who suffered a broken jaw as a result). There was not much anyone could have done to prevent these injuries, but as ESPN's Merril Hoge said Friday, how teams and players respond can make all the difference.
NFC West teams seemed to respond appropriately in these cases. Walker said he did not suffer a concussion, only the jaw injury. Kolb and Smith missed extended periods following their concussions.
Enjoy your Saturday. I'll be ducking out to watch our youngest play baseball.
A look back at the most recent NFC West chat shows the concussion issue permeating what are usually football-related discussions. The issue was a significant one for the division last season as several players, notably Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb and St. Louis Rams tackle Jason Smith, missed extended periods after suffering head injuries.
Both men absorbed inadvertent knees to the head (as did the San Francisco 49ers' Delanie Walker, who suffered a broken jaw as a result). There was not much anyone could have done to prevent these injuries, but as ESPN's Merril Hoge said Friday, how teams and players respond can make all the difference.
NFC West teams seemed to respond appropriately in these cases. Walker said he did not suffer a concussion, only the jaw injury. Kolb and Smith missed extended periods following their concussions.
Brian from Arizona asks whether Kolb, who suffered a concussion playing for Philadelphia prior to suffering one last season, would have to consider retirement if he suffered one serious enough to sideline him for multiple games in 2012.
Mike Sando: Reasonably, yes, but we have evidence suggesting players will try to keep playing, and teams will keep giving them chances. I wonder if we're headed for a day when players must go through some sort of neurological or medical board to get a license to play in the NFL. Sort of the way boxing requires boxers to get a license. I mean, Brandon Stokley is playing in the NFL after suffering more than 10 significant concussions, by his count.
David from Maryland asks which wide receivers are most likely to stick on the Rams' initial 53-man roster.
Mike Sando: We need to know whether Steve Smith is going to be healthy. A scout for an NFL team told me he though the Rams would cut a receiver who would catch on with another team. Brian Quick makes it as a second-round choice. Danny Amendola makes it as a slot receiver. I suspect Greg Salas makes it. Chris Givens has a decent shot as a fourth-round pick. We haven't even mentioned Brandon Gibson, Austin Pettis or Danario Alexander. My feel is that injuries will make some of the decisions for the Rams. Smith and Alexander are two players to watch on that front. Can they hold up OK?
Boothe from parts unknown asks which is a more plausible hypothesis: The 49ers approached this draft with an eye on giving Alex Smith more weapons, or that they drafted these players to pair with Colin Kaepernick (in the near future) in a more dynamic, high-speed offense? "Or is neither exclusive of the other?" he asks.
Mike Sando: The 49ers were adding to their offense, period. If Alex Smith makes the most of those weapons, good for him. If not, on to the next guy. I'm sure they're thinking in the backs of their minds about a day when Colin Kaepernick, A.J. Jenkins and LaMichael James are on the field together with Vernon Davis, etc. But for now, Alex Smith gets first crack.
Bernie from Burien, Wash., asks whether the Seattle Seahawks should consider converting Mike Williams to tight end, a position where the team needs additional depth.
Mike Sando: Mike Williams wouldn't offer enough as a blocker. Plus, he is 230 pounds, too light for a tight end, and he has had trouble staying healthy. The team needs to add a real tight end. Visanthe Shiancoe is the most logical candidate by far among veteran free agents. He is 32, but he has not missed games.
Enjoy your Saturday. I'll be ducking out to watch our youngest play baseball.
A word for those curious about comment functionality on the blog lately: Changes made to some of the commenting infrastructure could require users to log out and then log back into ESPN.com. This did not resolve the issue for me, and I've passed along the word.
Update: Issue resolved. Looks like we're fully operational. Thanks for hanging in there.
Now, back to the NFC West mailbag.
JohnBloodletter from right here asks about the Arizona Cardinals' secondary and, specifically, what to expect from Patrick Peterson in his second season. He asks about the Cardinals' third-round corner, how the safeties are holding up and how important the secondary will be to the team's overall success.
Mike Sando: Expect Pro Bowl-caliber play from Peterson. His defensive coordinator, Ray Horton, is a former NFL cornerback and should know exactly how to bring along such a highly talented player. Peterson works hard and wants to be great, by all accounts. There should be no limitations for him. He should take a big jump forward given the advantages he'll have in terms of experience and offseason preparation time.
The NFC West sent multiple corners to the Pro Bowl last season (Carlos Rogers, Brandon Browner). Peterson should be the best of the group from a talent standpoint.
I did think the secondary would have benefited from the right pass-rusher, had the Cardinals chosen to go in that direction early in the draft. But the sack numbers in Arizona were already good. I just thought a more dominant presence at outside linebacker would have further unlocked this defense.
File this away: Arizona was the only team to select zero front-seven players in the 2012 draft.
The third-round corner, Jamell Fleming, will presumably contribute on special teams right away, with a chance to earn playing time in multiple roles on defense. Kevin Weidl of Scouts Inc. mentioned Fleming as a later-round possibility
for Arizona back in March.
Horton, speaking to reporters in Arizona during the draft, said Fleming's smarts were appealing. The team plans to try Fleming in some of the roles Richard Marshall played previously.
"I'm going to try him at the nickel, I'm going to try him at the corner, I'm going to try him at the safety," Horton said. "He'll get the opportunity to show me what he can do. If you don’t have this kind of depth going against the Green Bay Packers, who are on the schedule and running five wides, New England with the big tight ends, with New Orleans and the Hall of Fame game with the big tight ends -- if you can’t play more than one thing, you are kind of forcing yourself to the way of the fullback, which is a kind of an extinct position right now."
Miles from Seattle asks whether the Seattle Seahawks might be wise to sign a veteran stopgap wide receiver, or would they be OK sticking with their current group.
Mike Sando: I'd stick with the current group. Drafting a receiver would have made sense if that receiver were a special player. There was no sense in drafting another receiver indistinguishable from the group. There would likewise be no advantage to signing a veteran stopgap in free agency.
We might revisit that stance if Sidney Rice doesn't rebound from the two shoulder surgeries he underwent this offseason. But with Rice back and the team also expecting more in the receiving game from tight end Zach Miller, I'd be inclined to give the younger players a shot.
Golden Tate finished strong last season. He had no dropped passes. He has a chance to take a big step forward now that he's been in the offense for a year.
Doug Baldwin is already a good slot receiver and top option on third down.
Ricardo Lockette flashed ability late last season and has a chance to become a dynamic threat down the field (two catches for 105 yards in the final two games last season).
Kris Durham is back from injury and projects as a potential replacement for Mike Williams. He's a big receiver. Ben Obomanu is still an option. Deon Butler will get another chance.
I'd rather give snaps to some of the younger prospects than lean on a stopgap veteran unnecessarily.
Bryan from Philadelphia liked the recent piece examining where draft analysts -- all of us -- might have erred in making projections this year.
Mike Sando: The key will be to remember the errors of our ways.
We're still getting a feel for how the San Francisco 49ers will operate with Jim Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke, how the Seattle Seahawks will operate with Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider, and how the St. Louis Rams will operate with Jeff Fisher and GM Les Snead.
The one NFC West pick I got right in our ESPN Blogger Mock 2.0 -- Michael Floyd to Arizona at No. 13 -- was for the team in the division with the longest-tenured head coach and general manager. That was also the easiest pick to forecast given that St. Louis and Seattle traded out of their spots.
Matt from Santa Cruz, Calif., recently came away impressed after listening to San Francisco 49ers rookie LaMichael James on KNBR radio. He wondered why James remained available in the second round. "Sounds like a really good kid, and he was a beast (and super fast) in college," Matt writes.
Mike Sando: I can think of a few reasons.
James is a change-of-pace back with limited size and questionable blocking ability. That limits his snaps in a conventional offense, diminishing his value. Teams around the NFL are valuing the passing game in general, knocking down the value for runners in general and one-dimensional ones in particular. James also came into the draft with a couple off-field concerns, one relating to a domestic incident and others to NCAA violations.
James was the fifth running back drafted, behind Trent Richardson, Doug Martin, David Wilson and Isaiah Pead. Pead and James were the first change-of-pace backs selected. They were the only second-round backs selected.
The 49ers had a better feel for James because their staff coached against him in the Pac-12.
"I've seen all the things he can do and lost games to his team, in large degree because of his efforts," 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters. "We felt like we knew this player. All of the background information, people that we've talked to, the tape we've watched. His reputation as a person and as a football player, is very near impeccable."
That last comment from Harbaugh will be one to file away given the off-field concerns mentioned by others.
abiRam from Simi Valley, Calif., asked before the draft about whether the St. Louis Rams should seek to acquire Mike Wallace from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The question was worth a followup, I thought, after the Rams waited until the second round to draft a wide receiver.
Mike Sando: The Steelers want to keep Wallace. I don't anticipate a trade. Wallace is doing what he can to increase his leverage, threatening to stay away until the last minute. That is typical under the circumstances.
The Rams do have four first-round selections over the next two drafts. They could dangle one or both of those picks to make an offer for Wallace, but this is probably fantastical thinking. I'll admit, the idea has appeal from a Rams perspective. Imagine injecting Wallace into the offense with slot receiver Danny Amendola and second-round pick Brian Quick. Sam Bradford would have to love that combination. But it's just not likely.
The Rams would have to overpay in draft compensation to pry away Wallace from the Steelers while Pittsburgh is trying to contend for a championship. The Rams would also have to fork over a huge contract to Wallace, disrupting their salary structure. The team's cap outlook is outstanding right now because the Rams have so many draft choices to use at a time when the rookie wage scale is depressing salaries for early draft choices.
As tempting as it might be to overpay in an effort to get better right now, that might not be the best move -- even if the Steelers were willing to let him go.
Update: Issue resolved. Looks like we're fully operational. Thanks for hanging in there.
Now, back to the NFC West mailbag.
JohnBloodletter from right here asks about the Arizona Cardinals' secondary and, specifically, what to expect from Patrick Peterson in his second season. He asks about the Cardinals' third-round corner, how the safeties are holding up and how important the secondary will be to the team's overall success.
Mike Sando: Expect Pro Bowl-caliber play from Peterson. His defensive coordinator, Ray Horton, is a former NFL cornerback and should know exactly how to bring along such a highly talented player. Peterson works hard and wants to be great, by all accounts. There should be no limitations for him. He should take a big jump forward given the advantages he'll have in terms of experience and offseason preparation time.
The NFC West sent multiple corners to the Pro Bowl last season (Carlos Rogers, Brandon Browner). Peterson should be the best of the group from a talent standpoint.
I did think the secondary would have benefited from the right pass-rusher, had the Cardinals chosen to go in that direction early in the draft. But the sack numbers in Arizona were already good. I just thought a more dominant presence at outside linebacker would have further unlocked this defense.
File this away: Arizona was the only team to select zero front-seven players in the 2012 draft.
The third-round corner, Jamell Fleming, will presumably contribute on special teams right away, with a chance to earn playing time in multiple roles on defense. Kevin Weidl of Scouts Inc. mentioned Fleming as a later-round possibility
for Arizona back in March.
Horton, speaking to reporters in Arizona during the draft, said Fleming's smarts were appealing. The team plans to try Fleming in some of the roles Richard Marshall played previously.
"I'm going to try him at the nickel, I'm going to try him at the corner, I'm going to try him at the safety," Horton said. "He'll get the opportunity to show me what he can do. If you don’t have this kind of depth going against the Green Bay Packers, who are on the schedule and running five wides, New England with the big tight ends, with New Orleans and the Hall of Fame game with the big tight ends -- if you can’t play more than one thing, you are kind of forcing yourself to the way of the fullback, which is a kind of an extinct position right now."
Miles from Seattle asks whether the Seattle Seahawks might be wise to sign a veteran stopgap wide receiver, or would they be OK sticking with their current group.
Mike Sando: I'd stick with the current group. Drafting a receiver would have made sense if that receiver were a special player. There was no sense in drafting another receiver indistinguishable from the group. There would likewise be no advantage to signing a veteran stopgap in free agency.
We might revisit that stance if Sidney Rice doesn't rebound from the two shoulder surgeries he underwent this offseason. But with Rice back and the team also expecting more in the receiving game from tight end Zach Miller, I'd be inclined to give the younger players a shot.
Golden Tate finished strong last season. He had no dropped passes. He has a chance to take a big step forward now that he's been in the offense for a year.
Doug Baldwin is already a good slot receiver and top option on third down.
Ricardo Lockette flashed ability late last season and has a chance to become a dynamic threat down the field (two catches for 105 yards in the final two games last season).
Kris Durham is back from injury and projects as a potential replacement for Mike Williams. He's a big receiver. Ben Obomanu is still an option. Deon Butler will get another chance.
I'd rather give snaps to some of the younger prospects than lean on a stopgap veteran unnecessarily.
Bryan from Philadelphia liked the recent piece examining where draft analysts -- all of us -- might have erred in making projections this year.
Mike Sando: The key will be to remember the errors of our ways.
We're still getting a feel for how the San Francisco 49ers will operate with Jim Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke, how the Seattle Seahawks will operate with Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider, and how the St. Louis Rams will operate with Jeff Fisher and GM Les Snead.
The one NFC West pick I got right in our ESPN Blogger Mock 2.0 -- Michael Floyd to Arizona at No. 13 -- was for the team in the division with the longest-tenured head coach and general manager. That was also the easiest pick to forecast given that St. Louis and Seattle traded out of their spots.
Matt from Santa Cruz, Calif., recently came away impressed after listening to San Francisco 49ers rookie LaMichael James on KNBR radio. He wondered why James remained available in the second round. "Sounds like a really good kid, and he was a beast (and super fast) in college," Matt writes.
Mike Sando: I can think of a few reasons.
James is a change-of-pace back with limited size and questionable blocking ability. That limits his snaps in a conventional offense, diminishing his value. Teams around the NFL are valuing the passing game in general, knocking down the value for runners in general and one-dimensional ones in particular. James also came into the draft with a couple off-field concerns, one relating to a domestic incident and others to NCAA violations.
James was the fifth running back drafted, behind Trent Richardson, Doug Martin, David Wilson and Isaiah Pead. Pead and James were the first change-of-pace backs selected. They were the only second-round backs selected.
The 49ers had a better feel for James because their staff coached against him in the Pac-12.
"I've seen all the things he can do and lost games to his team, in large degree because of his efforts," 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters. "We felt like we knew this player. All of the background information, people that we've talked to, the tape we've watched. His reputation as a person and as a football player, is very near impeccable."
That last comment from Harbaugh will be one to file away given the off-field concerns mentioned by others.
abiRam from Simi Valley, Calif., asked before the draft about whether the St. Louis Rams should seek to acquire Mike Wallace from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The question was worth a followup, I thought, after the Rams waited until the second round to draft a wide receiver.
Mike Sando: The Steelers want to keep Wallace. I don't anticipate a trade. Wallace is doing what he can to increase his leverage, threatening to stay away until the last minute. That is typical under the circumstances.
The Rams do have four first-round selections over the next two drafts. They could dangle one or both of those picks to make an offer for Wallace, but this is probably fantastical thinking. I'll admit, the idea has appeal from a Rams perspective. Imagine injecting Wallace into the offense with slot receiver Danny Amendola and second-round pick Brian Quick. Sam Bradford would have to love that combination. But it's just not likely.
The Rams would have to overpay in draft compensation to pry away Wallace from the Steelers while Pittsburgh is trying to contend for a championship. The Rams would also have to fork over a huge contract to Wallace, disrupting their salary structure. The team's cap outlook is outstanding right now because the Rams have so many draft choices to use at a time when the rookie wage scale is depressing salaries for early draft choices.
As tempting as it might be to overpay in an effort to get better right now, that might not be the best move -- even if the Steelers were willing to let him go.
We've made it, just about, to the 2012 NFL draft.
The anticipation kept at least one NFC West fan and probably a few NFL general managers from sleeping Wednesday night (throw me into that category as well, given that I was up to receive the above-linked tweet).
Let's pass at least some of the remaining time with a spin around the division.
Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune checks in with draft analyst Rob Rang for thoughts on defensive backs the Seahawks could consider in each round. South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore is one consideration. Rang: "An athletic cover corner with the size and physicality to be successful in Seattle’s press scheme, Gilmore’s stock is on the rise as the draft approaches."
Also from Williams: Sounds like the Seahawks plan to keep Kam Chancellor at safety, an indication Mark Barron isn't a likely first-round selection for Seattle. General manager John Schneider: "We usually try not to move Pro Bowl players to different positions."
Brock Huard of 710ESPN Seattle thinks Luke Kuechly would be the best choice for the Seahawks with the 12th overall choice if the Boston College linebacker remains available at that point.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic considers the Cardinals' draft options and offers this: "The Cardinals have had their shares of busts, such as linebackers Cody Brown (second round, 2009) and Buster Davis (third round, 2007). Others haven't played up to their lofty draft status, such as tackle Levi Brown (fifth overall, 2007). And others have developed slower than the team had hoped, such as nose tackle Dan Williams (first round, 2010). But early returns suggest the Cardinals had one of their better draft classes in 2011. Three of the eight picks became regular starters on a team that went 8-8."
Also from Somers: what draft analysts are saying about Riley Reiff and Michael Floyd.
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com has the Cardinals selecting Reiff at No. 13. He has Justin Blackmon to St. Louis, Melvin Ingram to Seattle and Amini Silatolu to San Francisco.
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com also has the 49ers selecting Silatolu in the first round. Maiocco: "Offensive line coaches Mike Solari and Tim Drevno drove to meet Silatolu last week at his old high school. They drew up several 49ers offensive plays on the board, along with the corresponding adjustments based on the defense. And then they had Silatolu repeat the plays back to them. Silatolu told CSNBayArea.com on Wednesday that the zone blocking scheme he ran in college is similar to the 49ers' system."
Also from Maiocco: thoughts on why the 49ers should wait until after the first round before selecting a wide receiver.
Lowell Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says the 49ers would be much better off drafting Fleener than their next starting right guard. Cohn: "Right guard is the least important offensive lineman. Because Trent Baalke moved up in the draft last year to take Daniel Kilgore, so Baalke and his brain trust must feel Kilgore has potential. Because a good right guard is not hard to find in later rounds."
Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News lays out a case for the 49ers drafting Georgia Tech receiver Stephen Hill.
Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News explains why he thinks receiver Alshon Jeffery will be the 49ers' choice at No. 30.
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams coach Jeff Fisher downplayed "rumors" regarding running back Steven Jackson being unhappy with his contract or on the trading block. Fisher: "Steven's here in the offseason program. He's upstairs every other day (where the coaches’ offices are located). He’s doing great. Having fun. Learning the offense. No discussion, conversation, or anything along that sort to my knowledge."
Also from Thomas: thoughts on the Rams possibly trading down. Thomas: "If they stay at No. 6, Justin Blackmon is the logical choice -- and it looks like he’ll be there when they pick. But the Rams need more picks, and if the right offer presents itself to trade down, the Rams will do that."
Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams should use the sixth overall choice for Blackmon. Miklasz: "It makes no sense to draft quarterback Sam Bradford No. 1 overall, invest $50 million guaranteed in his rookie (2010) contract, then continue to surround him with mediocrity. I agree with those who say Blackmon isn't the prototype No. 1 wideout. But here are the names of the seven wide receivers on the Rams' roster: Danny Amendola, Danario Alexander, Brandon Gibson, Steve Smith, Austin Pettis, Greg Salas and Dominique Curry."
Jeff Gordon of stltoday.com passes along highlights and notes from Fisher's news conference.
The anticipation kept at least one NFC West fan and probably a few NFL general managers from sleeping Wednesday night (throw me into that category as well, given that I was up to receive the above-linked tweet).
Let's pass at least some of the remaining time with a spin around the division.
Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune checks in with draft analyst Rob Rang for thoughts on defensive backs the Seahawks could consider in each round. South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore is one consideration. Rang: "An athletic cover corner with the size and physicality to be successful in Seattle’s press scheme, Gilmore’s stock is on the rise as the draft approaches."
Also from Williams: Sounds like the Seahawks plan to keep Kam Chancellor at safety, an indication Mark Barron isn't a likely first-round selection for Seattle. General manager John Schneider: "We usually try not to move Pro Bowl players to different positions."
Brock Huard of 710ESPN Seattle thinks Luke Kuechly would be the best choice for the Seahawks with the 12th overall choice if the Boston College linebacker remains available at that point.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic considers the Cardinals' draft options and offers this: "The Cardinals have had their shares of busts, such as linebackers Cody Brown (second round, 2009) and Buster Davis (third round, 2007). Others haven't played up to their lofty draft status, such as tackle Levi Brown (fifth overall, 2007). And others have developed slower than the team had hoped, such as nose tackle Dan Williams (first round, 2010). But early returns suggest the Cardinals had one of their better draft classes in 2011. Three of the eight picks became regular starters on a team that went 8-8."
Also from Somers: what draft analysts are saying about Riley Reiff and Michael Floyd.
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com has the Cardinals selecting Reiff at No. 13. He has Justin Blackmon to St. Louis, Melvin Ingram to Seattle and Amini Silatolu to San Francisco.
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com also has the 49ers selecting Silatolu in the first round. Maiocco: "Offensive line coaches Mike Solari and Tim Drevno drove to meet Silatolu last week at his old high school. They drew up several 49ers offensive plays on the board, along with the corresponding adjustments based on the defense. And then they had Silatolu repeat the plays back to them. Silatolu told CSNBayArea.com on Wednesday that the zone blocking scheme he ran in college is similar to the 49ers' system."
Also from Maiocco: thoughts on why the 49ers should wait until after the first round before selecting a wide receiver.
Lowell Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says the 49ers would be much better off drafting Fleener than their next starting right guard. Cohn: "Right guard is the least important offensive lineman. Because Trent Baalke moved up in the draft last year to take Daniel Kilgore, so Baalke and his brain trust must feel Kilgore has potential. Because a good right guard is not hard to find in later rounds."
Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News lays out a case for the 49ers drafting Georgia Tech receiver Stephen Hill.
Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News explains why he thinks receiver Alshon Jeffery will be the 49ers' choice at No. 30.
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams coach Jeff Fisher downplayed "rumors" regarding running back Steven Jackson being unhappy with his contract or on the trading block. Fisher: "Steven's here in the offseason program. He's upstairs every other day (where the coaches’ offices are located). He’s doing great. Having fun. Learning the offense. No discussion, conversation, or anything along that sort to my knowledge."
Also from Thomas: thoughts on the Rams possibly trading down. Thomas: "If they stay at No. 6, Justin Blackmon is the logical choice -- and it looks like he’ll be there when they pick. But the Rams need more picks, and if the right offer presents itself to trade down, the Rams will do that."
Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams should use the sixth overall choice for Blackmon. Miklasz: "It makes no sense to draft quarterback Sam Bradford No. 1 overall, invest $50 million guaranteed in his rookie (2010) contract, then continue to surround him with mediocrity. I agree with those who say Blackmon isn't the prototype No. 1 wideout. But here are the names of the seven wide receivers on the Rams' roster: Danny Amendola, Danario Alexander, Brandon Gibson, Steve Smith, Austin Pettis, Greg Salas and Dominique Curry."
Jeff Gordon of stltoday.com passes along highlights and notes from Fisher's news conference.
Kam Chancellor and Cortland Finnegan are among the NFC West players scheduled to model their teams' new Nike uniforms at an 11 a.m. ET news conference Tuesday.
As noted Monday, it's looking like someone forgot to consult the big guys.
Larry Fitzgerald would be a logical choice to represent the Arizona Cardinals. I'm not yet sure who will represent the San Francisco 49ers, but if it's Mike Iupati or Isaac Sopoaga, consider it a victory for the 300-plus-pound set.
Elsewhere around the division ...
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams restricted free agent Danny Amendola has fully recovered from the arm injury that ended his 2011 season. Amendola would like to participate fully in minicamps later this month. Thomas: "Amendola suffered a dislocated elbow bracing himself as he fell to the turf in the opener against Philadelphia. He also suffered damage to the triceps muscle in the same arm. Always gung-ho, Amendola was hoping once the elbow injury settled down he could return to action wearing a brace. But the triceps muscle suffered additional tearing while Amendola was trying to work his way back onto the field and he was placed on the injured reserve list Oct. 10 and subsequently had surgery to reattach the triceps to his elbow."
Also from Thomas: previewing the Rams' offseason workout program.
Brady Henderson of 710ESPN Seattle offers highlights from Seahawks general manager John Schneider's recent appearance on the station. According to Schneider, Matt Flynn's free-agent visit concluded with the quarterback attending the retirement party for longtime video director Thom Fermstad at a bar near team headquarters. Schneider: "He came over there with us and had a Budweiser with us and he was able to kind of see the inside, the whole building and the kind of family atmosphere. It was just a great way to end it. He congratulated Thom on his 36 years of service with the Seahawks and everything. And then he got on a plane and, quite honestly, I was very much at peace with it because we had a great visit and we knew what our situation was. In any situation like that all you can do is lay out all your cards and then that person is going to evaluate it and we were going to do the same."
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic looks at how the Cardinals have sought value in free agency. Somers on Richard Marshall's departure from the team: "Their thinking was that nickel corners shouldn't make $5.3 million a year. So they didn't come close to matching, and Marshall left for Miami, where he presumably will start. His replacement, William Gay, comes at a far more reasonable price: two years, $3.2 million, including a $500,000 signing bonus. ... Marshall has 17 interceptions in his career, while Gay has three. That's a huge difference, obviously. Still, it's surprising the Cardinals were able to sign Gay at a reasonable price."
Grant Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says third-down conversions have long been a problem for Alex Smith and the 49ers. Cohn: "Last season, Smith’s third-down play tanked inexplicably. He converted a mind-bogglingly low 28.11 percent of third downs and averaged 3.89 third-down conversions per game, ranking 31st. For reference, Tim Tebow averaged 3.92 third-down conversions per game in 2011."
Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News offers details on the 49ers' stadium groundbreaking, set for April 19.
As noted Monday, it's looking like someone forgot to consult the big guys.
Larry Fitzgerald would be a logical choice to represent the Arizona Cardinals. I'm not yet sure who will represent the San Francisco 49ers, but if it's Mike Iupati or Isaac Sopoaga, consider it a victory for the 300-plus-pound set.
Elsewhere around the division ...
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams restricted free agent Danny Amendola has fully recovered from the arm injury that ended his 2011 season. Amendola would like to participate fully in minicamps later this month. Thomas: "Amendola suffered a dislocated elbow bracing himself as he fell to the turf in the opener against Philadelphia. He also suffered damage to the triceps muscle in the same arm. Always gung-ho, Amendola was hoping once the elbow injury settled down he could return to action wearing a brace. But the triceps muscle suffered additional tearing while Amendola was trying to work his way back onto the field and he was placed on the injured reserve list Oct. 10 and subsequently had surgery to reattach the triceps to his elbow."
Also from Thomas: previewing the Rams' offseason workout program.
Brady Henderson of 710ESPN Seattle offers highlights from Seahawks general manager John Schneider's recent appearance on the station. According to Schneider, Matt Flynn's free-agent visit concluded with the quarterback attending the retirement party for longtime video director Thom Fermstad at a bar near team headquarters. Schneider: "He came over there with us and had a Budweiser with us and he was able to kind of see the inside, the whole building and the kind of family atmosphere. It was just a great way to end it. He congratulated Thom on his 36 years of service with the Seahawks and everything. And then he got on a plane and, quite honestly, I was very much at peace with it because we had a great visit and we knew what our situation was. In any situation like that all you can do is lay out all your cards and then that person is going to evaluate it and we were going to do the same."
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic looks at how the Cardinals have sought value in free agency. Somers on Richard Marshall's departure from the team: "Their thinking was that nickel corners shouldn't make $5.3 million a year. So they didn't come close to matching, and Marshall left for Miami, where he presumably will start. His replacement, William Gay, comes at a far more reasonable price: two years, $3.2 million, including a $500,000 signing bonus. ... Marshall has 17 interceptions in his career, while Gay has three. That's a huge difference, obviously. Still, it's surprising the Cardinals were able to sign Gay at a reasonable price."
Grant Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says third-down conversions have long been a problem for Alex Smith and the 49ers. Cohn: "Last season, Smith’s third-down play tanked inexplicably. He converted a mind-bogglingly low 28.11 percent of third downs and averaged 3.89 third-down conversions per game, ranking 31st. For reference, Tim Tebow averaged 3.92 third-down conversions per game in 2011."
Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News offers details on the 49ers' stadium groundbreaking, set for April 19.
The recently activated 2012 NFL Draft Machine lets us quickly play around with various mock scenarios.
The other eight divisional bloggers and I are working on one for publication Monday.
I'm picking for the NFC West teams and couldn't help but notice how frequently wide receiver factored into the decision making for the St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers in particular.
Justin Blackmon was an obvious consideration for the Rams at No. 6. Michael Floyd entered into consideration for the Cardinals at No. 13. The 49ers do not pick until No. 30, making it less clear which wideouts might be available.
The chart shows current wide receivers for NFC West teams. The Rams' Danny Amendola is a restricted free agent. The others are signed and active.
Enjoy the draft machine. I'll break out my thoughts on NFC West possibilities when our mock runs Monday.
The other eight divisional bloggers and I are working on one for publication Monday.
I'm picking for the NFC West teams and couldn't help but notice how frequently wide receiver factored into the decision making for the St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers in particular.
Justin Blackmon was an obvious consideration for the Rams at No. 6. Michael Floyd entered into consideration for the Cardinals at No. 13. The 49ers do not pick until No. 30, making it less clear which wideouts might be available.
The chart shows current wide receivers for NFC West teams. The Rams' Danny Amendola is a restricted free agent. The others are signed and active.
Enjoy the draft machine. I'll break out my thoughts on NFC West possibilities when our mock runs Monday.
Can Rams' new receiver shake knee injury?
March, 26, 2012
Mar 26
3:07
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Steve Smith caught 107 passes for 1,220 yards and seven touchdowns for the New York Giants during the 2009 season.
SmithThe 26-year-old receiver has only 59 catches for 653 yards and four touchdowns in two subsequent seasons, enduring microfracture knee surgery that has called into question Smith's ability to produce at a high level in the future. Smith landed on injured reserve last season thanks to what was described as a bone bruise in the same knee.
Lingering concerns allowed the St. Louis Rams to reach agreement Monday on a one-year deal for Smith, an unrestricted free agent, according to Jim Thomas.
At best, Smith will recapture Pro Bowl form, giving quarterback Sam Bradford a needed weapon with the versatility to line up in multiple spots. Players recovering from knee surgery sometimes fare better in their second year back on the field. Microfracture surgery is generally a last resort, however.
Smith joins Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson as current Rams receivers coming to St. Louis from the Eagles. The connection appears coincidental. Amendola and Gibson appealed in part because the Rams were running the Eagles' offensive scheme from 2009 through last season.
Smith, 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, was a big-play threat after the catch before his injury.
"He is an excellent route runner who can get in and out of his breaks with no wasted motion," the Scouts Inc. report on him reads, in part.
Lingering concerns allowed the St. Louis Rams to reach agreement Monday on a one-year deal for Smith, an unrestricted free agent, according to Jim Thomas.
At best, Smith will recapture Pro Bowl form, giving quarterback Sam Bradford a needed weapon with the versatility to line up in multiple spots. Players recovering from knee surgery sometimes fare better in their second year back on the field. Microfracture surgery is generally a last resort, however.
Smith joins Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson as current Rams receivers coming to St. Louis from the Eagles. The connection appears coincidental. Amendola and Gibson appealed in part because the Rams were running the Eagles' offensive scheme from 2009 through last season.
Smith, 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, was a big-play threat after the catch before his injury.
"He is an excellent route runner who can get in and out of his breaks with no wasted motion," the Scouts Inc. report
on him reads, in part.
Mackay from Lindon, Utah, wonders why the Arizona Cardinals did not pursue former Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Kamerion Wimbley in free agency. Instead, Wimbley signed with Tennessee.
Mike Sando: The Cardinals seem to have it backward at linebacker. They've invested more at inside linebacker (Stewart Bradley and Daryl Washington) than outside linebacker at a time when teams are paying for perimeter players.
Bradley figures to get more comfortable with a full offseason in the Cardinals' defensive system, but even if that happens, he's still going to be a relatively average inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Washington is a very good player and an integral part of the defense, so no complaints there.
As for Wimbley, he's projected to play right defensive end in the Titans' 4-3 scheme. I'm not sure he would have been the answer for Arizona. The Cardinals do like their young players at outside linebacker. Sam Acho played nearly half the defensive snaps last season. O'Brien Schofield was at 38 percent. Those two players do have promise, but the Cardinals need help at that position, in my opinion.
Outside linebacker, offensive tackle and wide receiver are three positions for the Cardinals to consider targeting before the draft. I would want a tackle first. Demetrius Bell is one free-agent candidate there. If the Cardinals could address tackle to some degree in free agency, they could feel better about using the 13th overall pick for an outside linebacker type. They cannot expect the unsigned Clark Haggans, 35, to play forever.
Axel from Eagle River, Alaska, suggests that the St. Louis Rams should be more active in seeking out higher-quality free agents at outside linebacker, defensive tackle and on the offensive line. He asks why they would bring in Chilo Rachal and Robert Turner for visits when neither would seem to be better than Jacob Bell or Jason Brown. Why not check out Vernon Carey, Jake Scott and Chad Rinehart?
Mike Sando: I'm with you on this one, in theory, but I also see what the Rams are thinking. They are building for the long haul, so they do not want to throw money at too many older players, particularly at non-premium positions. They want to go young.
The Rams had the NFL's youngest roster by average age heading into the weekend. Players around the league are not lining up to play for a team that has gone 15-65 over the last five seasons. The Rams might have to pay a premium to land some of these free agents.
Adding 31-year-old Scott Wells in free agency gave Sam Bradford a veteran center to lean on. That could be important.
The Rams already invested in right guard Harvey Dahl last offseason. Carey, 30, played right guard for the Miami Dolphins. His versatility and durability would make him an appealing addition. But if the Rams are going to go the 30-something route at guard, why not bring back the affordable Jacob Bell, who played for Fisher in Tennessee?
The Rams exceeded expectations with their trade sending the second overall draft choice to the Washington Redskins. They have fallen short of expectations in free agency to this point by suffering a net loss in the playmaking department (none added, Brandon Lloyd subtracted). I expect they will address that area in a big, big way on draft day.
The Rams' current receivers, listed in the chart, have 11 combined career touchdown receptions. Restricted free agent Danny Amendola remains unsigned, but the Rams own his rights.
Kyle from Des Moines, Iowa, asks what the San Francisco 49ers should do at right guard. "Are they better off drafting to fill that gap and having an even younger and less experienced line," he writes, "or filling it with a veteran who might not have the same skill level but can provide leadership with fewer mistakes?"
Mike Sando: The 49ers have shown a willingness to invested high draft choices in offensive linemen. Joe Staley, Mike Iupati and Anthony Davis were first-round picks. The two right guards last season, Rachal and Adam Snyder, were relatively early choices as well.
Now would be a good time for the 49ers to show they can develop a later-round choice at guard.
They are proceeding at right guard as though confident in Daniel Kilgore's ability to take the job. Kilgore was a fifth-round pick from Appalachian State in 2011, known for his toughness and tenacity. He played left tackle as a senior in college, but the interior is where he projects in the future. I think the 49ers should sign a lower-priced veteran for insurance, then prove they were right in trading up for Kilgore.
Jeff from Las Vegas asks what the Seattle Seahawks are getting with Frank Omiyale. "Bears fans don't seem to think much of him," Jeff writes.
Mike Sando: The Seahawks are getting veteran depth and a player their line coach, Tom Cable, coached in Atlanta years ago. They are not expecting Omiyale to become a starter, but with Robert Gallery gone, they wanted someone with experience.
Bears fans weren't high on Omiyale because Chicago used him as a starter. You might recall Minnesota Vikings fans wondering why the Seahawks would sign Tarvaris Jackson. Seattle wanted someone to help the team get through the season. The Seahawks were not saying Jackson would become the answer for them. They're not projecting Omiyale as the answer, either.
Mike Sando: The Cardinals seem to have it backward at linebacker. They've invested more at inside linebacker (Stewart Bradley and Daryl Washington) than outside linebacker at a time when teams are paying for perimeter players.
Bradley figures to get more comfortable with a full offseason in the Cardinals' defensive system, but even if that happens, he's still going to be a relatively average inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Washington is a very good player and an integral part of the defense, so no complaints there.
As for Wimbley, he's projected to play right defensive end in the Titans' 4-3 scheme. I'm not sure he would have been the answer for Arizona. The Cardinals do like their young players at outside linebacker. Sam Acho played nearly half the defensive snaps last season. O'Brien Schofield was at 38 percent. Those two players do have promise, but the Cardinals need help at that position, in my opinion.
Outside linebacker, offensive tackle and wide receiver are three positions for the Cardinals to consider targeting before the draft. I would want a tackle first. Demetrius Bell is one free-agent candidate there. If the Cardinals could address tackle to some degree in free agency, they could feel better about using the 13th overall pick for an outside linebacker type. They cannot expect the unsigned Clark Haggans, 35, to play forever.
Axel from Eagle River, Alaska, suggests that the St. Louis Rams should be more active in seeking out higher-quality free agents at outside linebacker, defensive tackle and on the offensive line. He asks why they would bring in Chilo Rachal and Robert Turner for visits when neither would seem to be better than Jacob Bell or Jason Brown. Why not check out Vernon Carey, Jake Scott and Chad Rinehart?
Mike Sando: I'm with you on this one, in theory, but I also see what the Rams are thinking. They are building for the long haul, so they do not want to throw money at too many older players, particularly at non-premium positions. They want to go young.
The Rams had the NFL's youngest roster by average age heading into the weekend. Players around the league are not lining up to play for a team that has gone 15-65 over the last five seasons. The Rams might have to pay a premium to land some of these free agents.
Adding 31-year-old Scott Wells in free agency gave Sam Bradford a veteran center to lean on. That could be important.
The Rams already invested in right guard Harvey Dahl last offseason. Carey, 30, played right guard for the Miami Dolphins. His versatility and durability would make him an appealing addition. But if the Rams are going to go the 30-something route at guard, why not bring back the affordable Jacob Bell, who played for Fisher in Tennessee?
The Rams exceeded expectations with their trade sending the second overall draft choice to the Washington Redskins. They have fallen short of expectations in free agency to this point by suffering a net loss in the playmaking department (none added, Brandon Lloyd subtracted). I expect they will address that area in a big, big way on draft day.
The Rams' current receivers, listed in the chart, have 11 combined career touchdown receptions. Restricted free agent Danny Amendola remains unsigned, but the Rams own his rights.
Kyle from Des Moines, Iowa, asks what the San Francisco 49ers should do at right guard. "Are they better off drafting to fill that gap and having an even younger and less experienced line," he writes, "or filling it with a veteran who might not have the same skill level but can provide leadership with fewer mistakes?"
Mike Sando: The 49ers have shown a willingness to invested high draft choices in offensive linemen. Joe Staley, Mike Iupati and Anthony Davis were first-round picks. The two right guards last season, Rachal and Adam Snyder, were relatively early choices as well.
Now would be a good time for the 49ers to show they can develop a later-round choice at guard.
They are proceeding at right guard as though confident in Daniel Kilgore's ability to take the job. Kilgore was a fifth-round pick from Appalachian State in 2011, known for his toughness and tenacity. He played left tackle as a senior in college, but the interior is where he projects in the future. I think the 49ers should sign a lower-priced veteran for insurance, then prove they were right in trading up for Kilgore.
Jeff from Las Vegas asks what the Seattle Seahawks are getting with Frank Omiyale. "Bears fans don't seem to think much of him," Jeff writes.
Mike Sando: The Seahawks are getting veteran depth and a player their line coach, Tom Cable, coached in Atlanta years ago. They are not expecting Omiyale to become a starter, but with Robert Gallery gone, they wanted someone with experience.
Bears fans weren't high on Omiyale because Chicago used him as a starter. You might recall Minnesota Vikings fans wondering why the Seahawks would sign Tarvaris Jackson. Seattle wanted someone to help the team get through the season. The Seahawks were not saying Jackson would become the answer for them. They're not projecting Omiyale as the answer, either.
A few thoughts on known contract offers for restricted free agents in the NFC West:
Looks like I've finally made it through a blog post without mentioning -- wait, who wrote that headline?
- The Hyphen: The Cardinals announced a second-round tender for running back LaRod Stephens-Howling, meaning any team signing Stephens-Howling would have to give Arizona a 2012 second-round choice if the Cardinals declined to match the offer. Stephens-Howling was a seventh-round pick. The fact that Arizona values him at a second-round level reflects well on him, and on the team for drafting him.
- Amendola valued: Jim Thomas' report of a second-round tender for Danny Amendola suggests the Rams' new staff wants to keep the slot receiver. Amendola caught 85 passes in 2010, then suffered a season-ending elbow injury in the 2011 opener. He is 26 years old, has a good rapport with quarterback Sam Bradford and can contribute in the return game.
- Secondary values: Arizona safety Rashad Johnson and cornerback Greg Toler received original-round tenders. That means Johnson would fetch a third-round pick and Toler a fourth-rounder. The knee injury Toler suffered before last season suppressed his value.
- No Max Hall: The Cardinals retained rights to exclusive-rights free agents Rich Bartel, Alfonso Smith, Ronald Talley and Brandon Williams. They made no offer to Max Hall, a forgotten man in the team's quarterback race. Hall was once a player the Cardinals liked for his toughness and leadership, but his days in Arizona appear finished.
- 49ers' LB depth: San Francisco had only two RFA candidates, linebacker Larry Grant and receiver Brett Swain. The team has made no announcement on its tenders, but Grant appears likely to receive an original-round offer, pegging his value to a seventh-round pick, Matt Maiocco notes. Grant played extensively on special teams and filled it pretty well at linebacker when Patrick Willis was out. The 49ers should be able to match any offers, or they could look for depth in the draft. Looks like Swain is head headed for free agency.
- Seahawks have three: NFL Players Association records show Seattle extending a $1.26 million tender to kicker Steven Hauschka, allowing Seattle the right of first refusal. Guard Mike Gibson and cornerback Roy Lewis are the team's other RFAs. Lewis' agent said he has not yet received word from the team, which has until Tuesday to make RFA offers.
Looks like I've finally made it through a blog post without mentioning -- wait, who wrote that headline?
The injury Ryan Williams suffered during his second NFL exhibition game was relatively unusual for football players.
"My kneecap was in my thigh," the Arizona Cardinals' running back said during a team-produced video on his rehabilitation. "It was just kind of like, 'What?' "
A torn patella tendon ended Williams' rookie season before it officially began.
The running back expects to return for training camp and the 2012 regular season. Cadillac Williams and Earnest Graham returned from similar injuries, but each situation is different. The Cardinals cannot know how the knee will respond. No one can.
Cadillac Williams returned, only to injure his other knee. Suffering a second injury so quickly complicated comparisons to other running backs returning from a single torn patella.
Ryan Williams is not yet even 22 years old, however.
"He has youth on his side, for sure," ESPN injury expert Stephania Bell said Thursday. "What you worry about is, it takes a lot to get any kind of explosiveness or power back. You're not talking about strength, but quickness."
Williams, a second-round choice from Virginia Tech, impressed the Cardinals with his ability to change directions without losing much speed.
"It is reasonable he could be back when the season starts," Bell said, "but will he really be back? That is going to remain to be seen and like these guys coming off ACL surgeries, it may take a while to see what his max is that he can return to."
The Cardinals need Williams in part because their primary back, Beanie Wells, has struggled with injuries, fighting through knee trouble last season after undergoing surgery.
Four additional injury situations to monitor, one per NFC West team, as the offseason continues:
"My kneecap was in my thigh," the Arizona Cardinals' running back said during a team-produced video on his rehabilitation. "It was just kind of like, 'What?' "
A torn patella tendon ended Williams' rookie season before it officially began.
The running back expects to return for training camp and the 2012 regular season. Cadillac Williams and Earnest Graham returned from similar injuries, but each situation is different. The Cardinals cannot know how the knee will respond. No one can.
Cadillac Williams returned, only to injure his other knee. Suffering a second injury so quickly complicated comparisons to other running backs returning from a single torn patella.
Ryan Williams is not yet even 22 years old, however.
"He has youth on his side, for sure," ESPN injury expert Stephania Bell said Thursday. "What you worry about is, it takes a lot to get any kind of explosiveness or power back. You're not talking about strength, but quickness."
Williams, a second-round choice from Virginia Tech, impressed the Cardinals with his ability to change directions without losing much speed.
"It is reasonable he could be back when the season starts," Bell said, "but will he really be back? That is going to remain to be seen and like these guys coming off ACL surgeries, it may take a while to see what his max is that he can return to."
The Cardinals need Williams in part because their primary back, Beanie Wells, has struggled with injuries, fighting through knee trouble last season after undergoing surgery.
Four additional injury situations to monitor, one per NFC West team, as the offseason continues:
- Arizona: Kevin Kolb, quarterback. Concussion problems have sidelined Kolb each of the past two seasons. Symptoms lingered last season. Quarterbacks are going to take hits unexpectedly, sometimes to the head. Can Kolb stay on the field?
- Seattle: Sidney Rice, receiver. Rice has undergone surgery on each shoulder. One surgery repaired damage suffered during training camp. The other repaired damage incurred during college. The hope is healthier shoulders will allow Rice to improve strength throughout his upper body.
- San Francisco: Josh Morgan, receiver. The 49ers were relatively healthy last season, but losing Morgan to a broken ankle cost them as the season progressed, particularly late. Morgan is without a contract for 2012. He has been working out at the 49ers' team facility. Getting him back would help the offense.
- St. Louis: Rodger Saffold, pectoral. The Rams had injuries throughout their roster, especially at cornerback. Saffold's ability to play four positions on the line, including left tackle, makes him more valuable than members of the secondary. Saffold has said he hopes to be ready by April or May, according to Howard Balzer. He suffered a torn pectoral while lifting weights in mid-November.
The St. Louis Rams have 20 players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents.
I'm not sure any of them qualify as players the Rams absolutely must bring back, particularly with a new coach and new schemes on both sides of the ball.
Receiver Brandon Lloyd would help fill a need, but at what price? Would he fit as well in a new offense after producing at disproportionate levels to this point when paired with former coordinator Josh McDaniels, now in New England?
Guard Jacob Bell played for new coach Jeff Fisher in Tennessee. He might have more value to the new staff than he had to the old one; McDaniels wanted more powerful guards, such as Harvey Dahl.
This item, like the previous one for Arizona, expands upon Brian McIntyre's lists. I've added columns for offensive and defensive snap counts from 2011, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information. The final column shows how much each player's previous contract averaged.
Update: Punter Donnie Jones is also an unrestricted free agent. His previous contracted averaged not quite $1.2 million.
.
Receiver Danny Amendola, listed with the restricted free agents below, has not played since suffering an elbow injury in the 2011 season opener.
I'm not sure any of them qualify as players the Rams absolutely must bring back, particularly with a new coach and new schemes on both sides of the ball.
Receiver Brandon Lloyd would help fill a need, but at what price? Would he fit as well in a new offense after producing at disproportionate levels to this point when paired with former coordinator Josh McDaniels, now in New England?
Guard Jacob Bell played for new coach Jeff Fisher in Tennessee. He might have more value to the new staff than he had to the old one; McDaniels wanted more powerful guards, such as Harvey Dahl.
This item, like the previous one for Arizona, expands upon Brian McIntyre's lists. I've added columns for offensive and defensive snap counts from 2011, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information. The final column shows how much each player's previous contract averaged.
Update: Punter Donnie Jones is also an unrestricted free agent. His previous contracted averaged not quite $1.2 million.
.
Receiver Danny Amendola, listed with the restricted free agents below, has not played since suffering an elbow injury in the 2011 season opener.
The truth hurts: How injuries affected West
January, 28, 2012
Jan 28
8:00
AM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
The San Francisco 49ers have become the hunted in the NFC West.
Having already take aim at their 2011 turnover differential, let us consider another reason for a potential 2012 regression from 13-3.
"Repeating the 2011 relative lack of injuries on the 49ers may be as hard as replicating the turnover ratio," Michael Rally contended via Twitter.
Injuries did slow and/or sideline some of the 49ers' most important players, including running back Frank Gore and linebacker Patrick Willis. Starting receiver Josh Morgan missed most of the season. A freak jaw injury sidelined tight end Delanie Walker late in the season. A hamstring injury slowed defensive end Ray McDonald.
But in looking at injured-reserve lists, the 49ers definitely fared better than their division rivals. They finished the regular season with five players on IR. The other three NFC West teams had a combined 39.
I've broken out the IR lists by team and position, based on where teams stood after Week 17. In some cases, teams released and/or reached injury settlements with players placed on IR previously. Teams usually keep on IR the players they value the most, however. The players listed below are the most relevant ones.
St. Louis Rams (16)
Fullback: Brit Miller
Receiver: Danny Amendola, Mark Clayton, Greg Salas
Tight end: Mike Hoomanawanui
Offensive line: guard Jacob Bell, Rodger Saffold, Jason Smith
Defensive line: Jermelle Cudjo
Linebacker: Josh Hull
Cornerback: Ron Bartell, Bradley Fletcher, Al Harris, Brian Jackson, Marquis Johnson, Jerome Murphy
Comment: Quarterback Sam Bradford was injured much of the year without landing on IR. The Rams ran through several unlisted cornerbacks as well. That position was hit hard. Losing both starting offensive tackles is never good, but Smith wasn't a huge positive factor on the right side. The team was arguably better off without him in the lineup.
Seattle Seahawks (15)
Receiver: Kris Durham, Mike Williams, Sidney Rice
Tight end: John Carlson
Offensive line: John Moffitt, James Carpenter, Russell Okung
Defensive line: Jimmy Wilkerson
Linebacker: Jameson Konz, Matt McCoy, David Vobora, Dexter Davis
Cornerback: Marcus Trufant, Walter Thurmond, Ron Parker
Comment: The Seahawks remained strong against the run largely because their line was healthier this season. Losing three-fifths of the starting offensive line could not stop Marshawn Lynch from producing at a high level. Rookie Richard Sherman capitalized on injuries at cornerback. Good, young depth helped Seattle weather injuries well.
Arizona Cardinals (8)
Quarterback: Max Hall
Running back: Ryan Williams
Offensive line: Brandon Keith, Floyd Womack
Defensive line: Dan Williams
Linebacker: Joey Porter
Cornerback: Crezdon Butler, Greg Toler
Comment: Ryan Williams' knee injury affected the team significantly. The injury situation was worse overall than the list would indicate. Quarterback Kevin Kolb missed seven starts with foot and concussion problems. Running back Beanie Wells played hurt much of the year and had a hard time producing late in the season. Adrian Wilson played through a torn biceps and got better as the season progressed.
San Francisco 49ers (5)
Receiver: Dontavia Bogan, Josh Morgan
Tight end: Nate Byham
Defensive line: Will Tukuafu
Cornerback: Curtis Holcomb
Comment: Byham was a solid blocking tight end. The team missed Morgan, especially late in the year. Gore's production diminished after he suffered an apparent knee injury in Week 10. Overall, though, the 49ers were healthy. They inflicted more injuries than they suffered, knocking out several opposing runners, including Felix Jones, LeGarrette Blount, Jahvid Best, Steven Jackson and Pierre Thomas.
Having already take aim at their 2011 turnover differential, let us consider another reason for a potential 2012 regression from 13-3.
"Repeating the 2011 relative lack of injuries on the 49ers may be as hard as replicating the turnover ratio," Michael Rally contended via Twitter.
Injuries did slow and/or sideline some of the 49ers' most important players, including running back Frank Gore and linebacker Patrick Willis. Starting receiver Josh Morgan missed most of the season. A freak jaw injury sidelined tight end Delanie Walker late in the season. A hamstring injury slowed defensive end Ray McDonald.
But in looking at injured-reserve lists, the 49ers definitely fared better than their division rivals. They finished the regular season with five players on IR. The other three NFC West teams had a combined 39.
I've broken out the IR lists by team and position, based on where teams stood after Week 17. In some cases, teams released and/or reached injury settlements with players placed on IR previously. Teams usually keep on IR the players they value the most, however. The players listed below are the most relevant ones.
St. Louis Rams (16)
Fullback: Brit Miller
Receiver: Danny Amendola, Mark Clayton, Greg Salas
Tight end: Mike Hoomanawanui
Offensive line: guard Jacob Bell, Rodger Saffold, Jason Smith
Defensive line: Jermelle Cudjo
Linebacker: Josh Hull
Cornerback: Ron Bartell, Bradley Fletcher, Al Harris, Brian Jackson, Marquis Johnson, Jerome Murphy
Comment: Quarterback Sam Bradford was injured much of the year without landing on IR. The Rams ran through several unlisted cornerbacks as well. That position was hit hard. Losing both starting offensive tackles is never good, but Smith wasn't a huge positive factor on the right side. The team was arguably better off without him in the lineup.
Seattle Seahawks (15)
Receiver: Kris Durham, Mike Williams, Sidney Rice
Tight end: John Carlson
Offensive line: John Moffitt, James Carpenter, Russell Okung
Defensive line: Jimmy Wilkerson
Linebacker: Jameson Konz, Matt McCoy, David Vobora, Dexter Davis
Cornerback: Marcus Trufant, Walter Thurmond, Ron Parker
Comment: The Seahawks remained strong against the run largely because their line was healthier this season. Losing three-fifths of the starting offensive line could not stop Marshawn Lynch from producing at a high level. Rookie Richard Sherman capitalized on injuries at cornerback. Good, young depth helped Seattle weather injuries well.
Arizona Cardinals (8)
Quarterback: Max Hall
Running back: Ryan Williams
Offensive line: Brandon Keith, Floyd Womack
Defensive line: Dan Williams
Linebacker: Joey Porter
Cornerback: Crezdon Butler, Greg Toler
Comment: Ryan Williams' knee injury affected the team significantly. The injury situation was worse overall than the list would indicate. Quarterback Kevin Kolb missed seven starts with foot and concussion problems. Running back Beanie Wells played hurt much of the year and had a hard time producing late in the season. Adrian Wilson played through a torn biceps and got better as the season progressed.
San Francisco 49ers (5)
Receiver: Dontavia Bogan, Josh Morgan
Tight end: Nate Byham
Defensive line: Will Tukuafu
Cornerback: Curtis Holcomb
Comment: Byham was a solid blocking tight end. The team missed Morgan, especially late in the year. Gore's production diminished after he suffered an apparent knee injury in Week 10. Overall, though, the 49ers were healthy. They inflicted more injuries than they suffered, knocking out several opposing runners, including Felix Jones, LeGarrette Blount, Jahvid Best, Steven Jackson and Pierre Thomas.
Every team in the NFC West had issues at wide receiver during the 2011 season.
Arizona's Andre Roberts produced intermittently as a full-time starter.
St. Louis lost Danny Amendola in the season opener, suffered additional injuries and then acquired Brandon Lloyd.
Seattle's Sidney Rice had injury problems and wound up on injured reserve, while Mike Williams got lost in the shuffle.
The San Francisco 49ers lost Josh Morgan early and Ted Ginn Jr. late, impacting their prospects in the NFC Championship Game. The 49ers' receiver issues continue to weigh heavily on fans' minds. That was clear during the latest NFC West chat, available in full here and excerpted below:
Arizona's Andre Roberts produced intermittently as a full-time starter.
St. Louis lost Danny Amendola in the season opener, suffered additional injuries and then acquired Brandon Lloyd.
Seattle's Sidney Rice had injury problems and wound up on injured reserve, while Mike Williams got lost in the shuffle.
The San Francisco 49ers lost Josh Morgan early and Ted Ginn Jr. late, impacting their prospects in the NFC Championship Game. The 49ers' receiver issues continue to weigh heavily on fans' minds. That was clear during the latest NFC West chat, available in full here and excerpted below:
Marques Colston and Dwayne Bowe are among those headlining a strong crop of potential free-agent wide receivers this year. Teams have struggled to recoup value for high-priced veteran receiver acquisitions. Perhaps this year will offer some success stories.
Mike Sando: I do not see the 49ers upsetting order in their locker room by overpaying for a marquee wide receiver who, by definition, would be leaving the team that knew him the best. While it is tempting to say a team is one player away from the Super Bowl, the reality is that each season is different. Josh Morgan's injury wound up hurting quite a bit. Next season, the team could be weaker in another area, also due to injury. There is no question the 49ers need another receiver. I just think they'll go about it with some restraint, not with an over-the-top signing. Acquiring Ted Ginn Jr. was one of the first moves Trent Baalke made as acting general manager. That was a mid-level, non-flashy move.
Mike Sando: Patrick Peterson is well on his way to becoming an elite corner. I don't know about becoming another Darrelle Revis, but he should become a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback in the next two seasons, based on what we've seen so far. He stepped in as a starter after having no meaningful offseason. There were some growing pains, but he played with confidence, he played aggressively and he improved. He's so dynamic with the ball in his hands. Seems like he needs to get more interceptions.
Mike Sando: Brandon Lloyd should definitely try to follow Josh McDaniels to New England. He would then be in a system that is optimum for him, with Tom Brady as the quarterback. That is more appealing than anything awaiting Lloyd in St. Louis. And I do think it's not clear whether Lloyd can return the same value in another system. There is reasonable doubt on that front. Put him in the Patriots' offense and he could make a tremendous impact.
Mike Sando: I would rather have a defensive end. Breno Giacomini played well enough to project as the starting right tackle. The team could bring back James Carpenter from that injury, let him have some extra time on the PUP list, then consider easing him into the lineup at guard based on need. Perhaps he would be ready to replace Robert Gallery at that point, depending on Gallery's health. Longer term, a left side with Carpenter and Russell Okung could be nasty. And then Carpenter could kick to right tackle in a pinch if needed.
» NFC Wrap-ups: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
Arrow indicates direction team is trending.
Final Power Ranking: 31
Preseason Power Ranking: 17
Biggest surprise: The Rams ranked eighth in sacks per pass attempt, one spot ahead of the 13-3 San Francisco 49ers, even though they rarely forced opponents into obvious passing situations. Chris Long broke out with a career-high 13 sacks. Long had been improving since moving to the left side. There were indications he might hit double digits for sacks if the Rams forced opponents into obvious passing situations frequently enough. Long came within a half-sack of matching his combined total for the 2009-10 seasons.
Biggest disappointment: Failing to build on Sam Bradford's promising rookie season. Bradford was the NFL's offensive rookie of the year after setting rookie records for completions (354) and pass attempts (590). Only Peyton Manning had thrown for more yards than Bradford as an NFL rookie. There were challenges this season with the lockout, a tough early schedule and all that goes with learning a new scheme. Bradford and first-year coordinator Josh McDaniels liked their chances, but the offense suffered huge setbacks when injuries sidelined Steven Jackson and Danny Amendola in the season opener. The Rams approached the season eager to see how Jackson, Amendola, Brandon Gibson, Mike Hoomanawanui and Lance Kendricks functioned together. That group never took a snap together. Bradford completed only 53.5 percent of his passes. He took 36 sacks in 10 starts and threw for only six touchdowns.
Biggest need: Offensive playmakers. Bradford completed only 1 of 16 attempts in goal-to-go situations. For perspective, consider that Tampa Bay's Josh Freeman, another young quarterback facing struggles in 2011, completed 14 of 20 passes with eight touchdowns in these situations. Picking up Brandon Lloyd by trade helped, but the veteran receiver might wind up being a one-year rental. Lloyd's contract expires in March. The man influential in bringing him to St. Louis, McDaniels, might not be back. The Rams need to draft a difference- maker at receiver. That could be tough to justify with so many needs elsewhere on the roster.
Team MVP: Jackson was an obvious choice. If only he hadn't strained a quadriceps while breaking a 47-yard touchdown run against Philadelphia on his first carry of the season. That injury limited Jackson to six carries over the first three games. Jackson still topped 1,100 yards for the season. He joined Emmitt Smith, Thurman Thomas, Curtis Martin, Barry Sanders, Eric Dickerson and LaDainian Tomlinson as the only players with seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. He rushed for 159, 130 and 128 yards during a three-game stretch when the Rams went 2-1.
Starting over up front: The offensive line was supposed to be a strength for St. Louis after the team signed guard Harvey Dahl in free agency. Dahl held up his end, but the rest of the line fell apart. Rodger Saffold will be back at left tackle or somewhere along the line. Dahl will return. Right tackle Jason Smith, chosen second overall in 2009, will not return at his current salary. Center Jason Brown lost his starting job during the season. Left guard Jacob Bell took a pay reduction and a one-year deal right before the season. The team has not developed young depth on the line. How will the team protect Bradford?
Arrow indicates direction team is trending.
Final Power Ranking: 31
Preseason Power Ranking: 17
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Jay Drowns/Getty ImagesSam Bradford could not build on a promising rookie campaign and struggled in his second season.
Jay Drowns/Getty ImagesSam Bradford could not build on a promising rookie campaign and struggled in his second season.Biggest disappointment: Failing to build on Sam Bradford's promising rookie season. Bradford was the NFL's offensive rookie of the year after setting rookie records for completions (354) and pass attempts (590). Only Peyton Manning had thrown for more yards than Bradford as an NFL rookie. There were challenges this season with the lockout, a tough early schedule and all that goes with learning a new scheme. Bradford and first-year coordinator Josh McDaniels liked their chances, but the offense suffered huge setbacks when injuries sidelined Steven Jackson and Danny Amendola in the season opener. The Rams approached the season eager to see how Jackson, Amendola, Brandon Gibson, Mike Hoomanawanui and Lance Kendricks functioned together. That group never took a snap together. Bradford completed only 53.5 percent of his passes. He took 36 sacks in 10 starts and threw for only six touchdowns.
Biggest need: Offensive playmakers. Bradford completed only 1 of 16 attempts in goal-to-go situations. For perspective, consider that Tampa Bay's Josh Freeman, another young quarterback facing struggles in 2011, completed 14 of 20 passes with eight touchdowns in these situations. Picking up Brandon Lloyd by trade helped, but the veteran receiver might wind up being a one-year rental. Lloyd's contract expires in March. The man influential in bringing him to St. Louis, McDaniels, might not be back. The Rams need to draft a difference- maker at receiver. That could be tough to justify with so many needs elsewhere on the roster.
Related Coverage
• Clayton: AFC grades | NFC
• Clayton: 2011 All-Pro Team
• Schatz: NFL's most underrated
• Schatz: NFL's most overrated
• 2011 NFL Power Rankings
• MVP Watch | Rookie Watch
Starting over up front: The offensive line was supposed to be a strength for St. Louis after the team signed guard Harvey Dahl in free agency. Dahl held up his end, but the rest of the line fell apart. Rodger Saffold will be back at left tackle or somewhere along the line. Dahl will return. Right tackle Jason Smith, chosen second overall in 2009, will not return at his current salary. Center Jason Brown lost his starting job during the season. Left guard Jacob Bell took a pay reduction and a one-year deal right before the season. The team has not developed young depth on the line. How will the team protect Bradford?
Any sense playing Bradford against 49ers?
December, 2, 2011
12/02/11
3:12
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
News that Sam Bradford remained limited, Chris Long did not practice and Darian Stewart still had not passed concussion testing hung over the St. Louis Rams on Friday.
Bradford, as the starting quarterback, ranks high on the team's list of most important players. Long has 10 sacks and ranks as one of the team's best players on defense. Stewart, though inconsistent, has provided a physical presence with his hitting at safety.
Bradford's ankle injury is threatening to prevent him from getting sufficient work in the offense and with receiver Brandon Lloyd. But with so many problems throughout the roster, including along the offensive line, perhaps there's little to gain by putting Bradford on the field against the San Francisco 49ers' defense in Week 13.
To review, the Rams' injured reserve list already features:
Just about every NFL team has a chance against every opponent. The Rams should not concede the game. But if that ankle is preventing Bradford from practicing much, why play him?
Bradford, as the starting quarterback, ranks high on the team's list of most important players. Long has 10 sacks and ranks as one of the team's best players on defense. Stewart, though inconsistent, has provided a physical presence with his hitting at safety.
Bradford's ankle injury is threatening to prevent him from getting sufficient work in the offense and with receiver Brandon Lloyd. But with so many problems throughout the roster, including along the offensive line, perhaps there's little to gain by putting Bradford on the field against the San Francisco 49ers' defense in Week 13.
To review, the Rams' injured reserve list already features:
- Cornerbacks Ron Bartell, Bradley Fletcher, Jerome Murphy, Al Harris, Marquis Johnson and Brian Jackson;
- Receivers Danny Amendola, Greg Salas and Mark Clayton;
- Tight end Mike Hoomanawanui;
- Tackles Rodger Saffold and Jason Smith;
- Defensive tackle Jermelle Cudjo.
Just about every NFL team has a chance against every opponent. The Rams should not concede the game. But if that ankle is preventing Bradford from practicing much, why play him?
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Mike Sando
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.
