Each weekday, theRams.com will be taking a look around the internet for the top Rams headlines of the day. Here's a look at what's out there for Thursday, April 11 about your Los Angeles Rams.
2019 CONTRIBUTORS
Many of the Rams rookies hardly saw the field in 2018, but ESPN's Lindsey Thiry says drafting 11 players last April and developing them largely on the practice field was all a part of the plan for general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay.
On Thursday, Thiry picked five players who could quickly become contributors in 2019.
Joe Noteboom, OT, TCU: "Noteboom's development received rave reviews from the coaching staff throughout the season and he is penciled in as Saffold's replacement, though that could change given an upcoming first-round pick."
Brian Allen, C, Michigan State: "Allen, 6-2 and 300 pounds, played 35 offensive snaps as a rookie, but like Noteboom, started throughout the preseason and received a significant amount of practice reps because of Sullivan's rest schedule."
John Franklin-Myers, DE, Stephen F. Austin: "Franklin-Myers' presence, coupled with the versatility of veteran defensive lineman Michael Brockers, could lessen the blow from the departure of defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who is not expected to re-sign in free agency because of budgetary constraints."
Micah Kiser, LB, Virginia: "Kiser did not play on defense last season, though he was a significant contributor on special teams."
Sebastian Joseph-Day, DT, Rutgers: "Joseph-Day remains a work in progress and was inactive throughout the regular season and postseason. However, he remains in play to take over at nose tackle."
Franklin-Myers led all rookies in playing time, seeing 238 snaps on defense. The young defensive lineman's strong rookie showing ended with a sack on quarterback Tom Brady in Super Bowl LIII.
For Thiry's full breakdown of each player, click here.
TOP-10 TFLs
Defensive tackle Aaron Donald and linebacker Cory Littleton were busy getting into the backfields in 2018.