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The Los Angeles Rams finished their final preseason game last night on a shallow note against the New Orleans Saints. They were beaten 28-0 by the Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in a game where the quarterback play for the first three quarters was disheartening. 

On the very first possession, Rams backup quarterback Brandon Allen had a successful drive with moving the ball down the field with excellent running from rookie running back Nick Holley. The Rams seemed to have their way with Saints defense until the Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen dialed up the blitz. Allen made a costly errant throw as he tried to force the ball to Holley. Saints linebacker Alex Anzalone, leaped and made an incredible interception as he came down securing both feet inbounds. From that point, the wheels started to go flat on the Rams offense.

Allen (Dennis), seemed too exposed the Rams young offensive line by sending blitzes straight up the middle disrupting the Rams offense. They would get after Allen forcing him out the pocket either by sacking him or causing him to get rid of the ball. Allen played up to the 11 minute mark of the third quarter, as his numbers were not that impressive. He ended up seven of 12 for 57 yards, and an interception. Rookie UDFA Luis Perez, played the remainder of the game as he went eight for 15 for 43 yards and an interception.

A lesson learned from the game against the Saints with reserve players on the field; it shows that Rams need to search for a backup quarterback. How about Josh Dobbs, from the Pittsburgh Steelers?

Dobbs selected in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played collegiately at the University of Tennessee where he was teammates with currently Rams rookie running back John Kelly. 

The six-foot-three, 220 pounds Dobbs, with 4.64 40-yard speed, left Volunteers program as the school's fifth-leading passer. He also was the starting quarterback for the 2017 Reese's Senior Bowl. One statistic that was a green light on Dobbs was he had a passing rating of 105.0 while under pressure. That's a stat that displays he doesn't panic when pressured and usually makes the right decision. 

Rams couldn't find any answers to the Saints pressure, and Dobbs may have put a hurting on their defense had he played. The Rams have the opportunity to trade for another young quarterback that has a high football IQ, he's mobile, a pocket passer, and also can beat the defense with his feet.

Dobbs started the Steelers final preseason game last night against the Carolina Panthers in a game he would shine. He showcased his talent when a snap went through his hands he calmly ran back picked up the ball scrambled to the left, pump faked and ran nine yards to pick up the first down. One other play, the red zone was signaled in, he made the read took off to the end zone after shaking one defender and dove in for the touchdown.

Dobbs played in three of the four Steelers pre-season games as he accumulated great stats passing as he was 29 of 43 for 313 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. He wasn't sacked in any of his game as he used his legs rushing the ball ten times for 73 yards and one touchdown. 

The Rams final preseason stats for all quarterbacks combines were 65 of 111 for 386 yards, two touchdowns, and five interceptions with 13 sacks. Dobbs nearly passed for the yards with less than half of the attempts thrown. 

The Steelers currently have four quarterbacks, starter Ben Roethlisberger, Landry Jones, Josh Dobbs, and rookie Mason Rudolph. They are seriously looking to move one of the four, and it will come down to Jones or Dobbs. Rudolph is going to be the Steelers future, they are holding onto him to Roethlisberger predecessor.

Dobbs could be a perfect fit in this Sean McVay offense, a coach who loves the read option and play-action passing. Les Snead, let's go and pull the trigger on this player, forbid if anything was to happen to Jared Goff, I'm ready to admit it won't look pretty with our current backups.

Just food for thought, it was noted that if football doesn't work out for Dobbs, he plans to build airplanes for a living.

The inconceivable contract feud between the reigning 2017 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald and the Los Angeles Rams has finally ended. The Rams and Donald agreed on a massive long-term deal for six years $135M paying him the unbelievable of $22.5M a year. The contract will include his salary among the highest paid quarterbacks in the league many said he would never ascertain. It also has been reported that of Donald’s new deal; $87M of the new contract is fully guaranteed, and a $40M signing bonus, making him the highest paid defensive lineman in the league.

Strangely enough, Donald's deal was finalized just days after Khalil Mack, the 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Oakland Raiders pro bowl linebacker, indicated he was seeking $23M per season. Donald gestured a hint via social media of a tweet displaying an hourglass as indicating was time running out before their week one preseason matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

Fletcher Cox, the pro-bowl defensive tackle of the Philadelphia Eagles, signed a six-year $102M contract, with $63M fully guaranteed and earning $17M per season. Von Miller, linebacker of the Denver Broncos, currently holds the highest guaranteed deal of all defensive players of $70M, a contract he signed four seasons ago.

Donald is currently playing in the final year of his rookie contract that pays him $6.39M this season. The pro bowl defensive tackle for the second consecutive year has held out of training camp in efforts of trying to seek a long-term deal with the Rams. Todd Gurley, the 2017 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, signed a new deal this pre-season to a four year $60M deal, guaranteeing him $45M of the contract. The Rams traded their first-round draft pick of the 2018 NFL Draft to the New England Patriots for wide-receiver Brandin Cooks. Cooks and the Rams shortly after agreed on a six-year $88M deal guaranteeing him $50.5M, that sent many in disarray because of Donald was still holding out seeking a new contract.

Nonetheless, the long anticipated wait is over, and Donald can get back to work to join one of the leagues much tough defensive line since the Fearsome Foursome of the 60's and 70's. Rams added pro bowl defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh this past offseason adding another former first rounder and dominant lineman of the game. With Suh, Michael Brockers and Donald on the defensive line will create a mismatch for opposing offensive linemen. Rams have much depth on the defensive lineman with fifth-year undrafted free-agent Ethan Westbrooks, who showed he's ready to assist after strong preseason games against the Baltimore Ravens, Oakland Raiders, and the Houston Texans.

Aaron Donald is the most destructive defensive lineman since being selected 13th overall of the 2014 NFL Draft. Donald was named to four consecutive pro bowls and recording double digits in sacks two of the fours season he's played. He has played in 62 career games where he has a total of 39 sacks, 148 tackles (42 for loss), nine forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and nine past deflections while missing only two games his entire career. The two games misses were from last season as he held out while waiting for contract extension returning just days before Week #9 against the Indianapolis Colts. Head Coach Sean McVay didn't suit up the majority of his starters Week #17 and the final regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers. Coach McVay insisted resting the starters prevented any injuries before the 2018 NFC Wild Card contest against the Atlanta Falcons, a game the Rams lost to the Falcons 26-13.

Rams second-year defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is relieved that he will finally get his defensive lineman back before the start of the new season. Phillips had remained optimistic of Donald' returned, but also insisted that it was the next man up until the holdout was ended. Donald hold-out has cost him about $405K of lost revenue while not reporting by the league August 7, 2018 deadline declaring him as a restricted free agent for 2019 and missing the Week #1 preseason game. He lost an additional  $40,000 per day as he continued with his holdout, not including the other two games against the Raiders and Texans.

Rams General Manager Les Snead had announced a couple of weeks ago that the organization and Donald's representation was in the same neighborhood and was optimistic about getting the deal resolved soon. Since the firing of Jeff Fisher, Snead has been able to work magic for the Rams in getting talent and getting key players signed.

Donald’s return now allows him about two weeks to get himself back into field shape and acclimated to the pads. More than likely, he will not play in the final preseason game Thursday night against the New Orleans Saints, the same team they will play in Week #9 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Rams open up the 2018 season on the road in Oakland to play the Raiders in a nationally televised Monday Night Football Game in Week #1.

​​The Los Angeles Rams took the league by storm last year under their new Head Coach Sean McVay. The franchise made a turnover like no other in the history of the league.

In 2016, under Jeff Fisher (most of the season), the Rams were ranked dead last in points scored, resulting in a record of 4-12. Leaving more doubts than answers in a team that traded a haul of quality draft picks to the Tennessee Titans (two first rounds, two second rounds, and two third rounds) in exchange for their number one overall pick (also a fourth and a sixth) that would later be used to select quarterback Jared Goff from University of Cal-Berkeley. 

In 2016, Goff nor any other offensive weapon, shined; furthermore, Goff being labeled as a “bust” after only playing in seven games, recording just over 1,000 yards passing, five touchdowns, and a whopping seven interceptions. Fisher was later fired in Week #14, leaving special teams coach John Fassel as the interim Head Coach.

On January 17th, 2017, current Head Coach/Offensive Mastermind Sean McVay, was hired at the age of 30, making him the youngest head coach in the modern era of the NFL. He would later hire defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, to produce a defense with some character under an experienced former head coach that won a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos. Two seasons after accepting the defensive coordinator position, Phillips built a defense to be one of the scariest that ever played the game. 

However, the questions kept surrounding the team, as little as knowing what a young head coach, living in the most glamorous city in the country, could do with what he accomplished.

Fast forward to Week One, McVay blew out a Luck-less (Andrew Luck) Indianapolis Colts 46-9, the answers where clear, the ground became established, the Rams were back, and looking hungrier than ever.

Yes, the young, revelation team would end up losing to the Atlanta Falcons in the 2018 NFC Wildcard Game, making a lot of mistakes and not scoring a lot of points as they did in the season. The Rams ended up breaking a13-year playoff drought and delivered the hard Los Angeles fans true football for the first time in 22 seasons.

Goff finished last season throwing for 3,804 yards, scoring 28 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. Running back Todd Gurley racked up over 2,000 total yards (1,305 rushing, 788 receiving) along with scoring 19 total touchdowns (13 on the ground and six by air) making him an MVP candidate and winning the 2017 Offensive Player of the Year award alongside Aaron Donald, who would win the 2017 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

You might think, making offseason splashes by the organization (acquiring All-Pro free agent defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, and trading for players like All-Pro cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib and  a dynamic wide receiver in Brandin Cooks among others) that the team is focused on a 2018 Super Bowl run, but is it a Super Bowl or bust type of season? That will become analyzed in our Pre-Week #1 analysis. But for now, the Rams can dream and continue to dream big, their present and future is as bright as ever.​

​​Quarterbacks (2):  Jared Goff, Brandon Allen

Jared Goff returns for his third season and second full season as a starter. The 2018 Pro Bowl quarterback is expected to have another great season under second-year head coach Sean McVay. Goff, who was complemented by Jalen Ramsey of the Jacksonville Jaguars in his GQ Magazine interview, have a great receiving crew to distribute the ball around. Expect for Goff to put up some high numbers in this explosive offense that was the league's highest-scoring offense.
In his fourth season, reserve quarterback Sean Mannion play hasn't been as expected. His subpar play this preseason has been disappointing, as Brandon Allen has looked well in his audition. Don't be surprised if the Rams pull the trigger and try and trade or outright release of Mannion.

(Practice Squad) ​Luis Perez, a longshot to make to make the team, however he's simply a project quarterback who needs a year or two of development. Don't let the small school player fool you, as he knows how to distribute the ball setting a school record at Texas A&M Commerce and earning himself as the nation's best Division II player.

Running Backs (4):  Todd Gurley, Malcom Brown, John Kelly, Justin Davis

Gurley, the 2017 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, enters in his fourth season looking to pick up where he left off last season. Gurley with a career-high in rushing and receiving will have Malcolm Brown as his backup. But not so fast, rookie running back John Kelly has played exceptionally well this preseason as an angry runner. Kelly has played so well that he potentially can push for the number two spot. Justin Davis looked bright when given some action, as he will probably be used more on special teams.
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(Practice Squad) Larry Rose III recently re-signed as a running back just before the Rams travel to play the New Orleans Saints in their final preseason game. Rose III probably more than like will be released when revealing of the 53-man roster is reported. If Rose clears the waiver, expectations he'll be added to the practice squad.

Receivers (6): Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Pharoh Cooper, Josh Reynolds, Mike Thomas 

Last season the Rams kept seven receivers on the roster highly to the fact that Mike Thomas was suspended for the first two games and Tavon Austin double as a running back and receiver.Rams added Brandin Cooks this offseason by sending their 24th overall pick of 2018 NFL Draft to the New England Patriots. Sammy Watkins chose to take his talent to the Kansas City Chiefs, and it was a wise move for the Rams to acquire Cooks who would also agree to a long-term extension. He will join Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp two receivers that were very productive last season. Pharoh Cooper is the team return specialist and will get some action at receiver. Second-year receiver Josh Reynolds has been nursing an ankle injury he sustained in Week #1 against the Baltimore Ravens. As this point, like to remain optimistic that he'll be ready by opener against the Oakland Raiders. Mike Thomas will continue to battle for action but mainly will be used for his talent on the special teams. 

​(Practice Squad)  KhaDarel Hodge the undrafted free agent from Prairie View A&M, really have show the coaching staff that he's ready to play at the next level. Personally, I believe he's done enough to make the team, and if the Rams were to carry seven receivers he would be just that one. He's clearly outplayed the other receivers on the roster and with Reynolds status up in the air, don't be alarmed if he makes the team.

Tight Ends (4): Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett, Temarrick Hemingway, Johnny Mundt 

Tyler Higbee once again will be the starter but will be challenged for the starting position and playing time by second-year tight end Gerald Everett. Higbee should be a red zone threat; however Everett's versatility will mandate him on the field more. Temarrick Hemingway is back from a leg injury that cost him all of 2017, hasn't looked well this pre-season but he too can be a red-zone target also. Johnny Mundt, has flashed at times when giving the opportunity, was on the active squad last season for a couple of stints.

​(Practice Squad) Henry Krieger-Coble was added to Rams practice squad last season, and had a flash this pre-season. A tight end with average speed and good height, can potentially push for a roster spot.

Offensive Linemen (10): Andrew Whitworth, Rodger Saffold, John Sullivan, *Jamon Brown*, Rob Havenstein, Austin Blythe, Joseph Noteboom, Jamil Demby, Brian Allen

The Rams for the first time in years will have an offensive line that returns all five starters from last season. Lead by veterans of Andrew Whitworth, Roger Saffold, and John Sullivan from left to right, solidify a line with experience. Right tackle Rob Havenstein signed a new four-year contract extension, that will keep him in a Rams uniform for four additional seasons. However, the line will be without their starting right guard Jamon Brown who will serve a two-game suspension for violating the substance abuse policy of the league. Austin Blythe will start in his spot, as Rams will have youthfulness from the bench that will have Joseph Noteboom, Jamil Demby, and Brian Allen. The young players were all drafted from the 2018 NFL Draft and held their own in the preseason.

​(Practice Squad) Jake Eldrenkamp was a practice squad player for the Rams last season. He played as a left tackle in college, but in the league played at guard and center. His versatility allows him to play all over the line, but he's a victim of a number game. 
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* Player Suspended First Two Games

​Defensive Linemen (5): Aaron Donald, Ndamukong Suh, Michael Brockers, John Franklin-Myers, Ethan Westbrook

As reported, Aaron Donald deal will get done sometime next week, when its official, the Rams will have one of the most prolific defensive fronts in recent time. Michael Brockers and acquisition of Ndamukong Suh to team up with Donald will have offensive coordinators scratching their heads to figure out who to double team. Backup defensive line, you don't lose much talent as Ethan Westbrook who has played great when giving the opportunities, and rookie John Franklin Meyers has shown significant signs with productive play. Tanzel Smart is the odd player out, with the addition of Suh, and the versatility of Westbrook
​(Practice Squad) Chunky Clements

Inside Linebackers (5): Mark Barron, Corey Littleton, Ramik Wilson, Micah Kiser, Bryce Hager

Rams entering the 2018 season, during the off-season there were a lot of concerns and question regarding the inside line-backing position. Rams traded away veteran Alec Ogletree to the New York Giants for a draft pick, optimistic of landing a free-agent linebacker. That they would do, but not a name that many are accustomed to hearing of as a Ramick Wilson from the Kansas City Chiefs. As it stands, Corey Littleton will get the nod along with veteran Mark Barron inside as the starters. Putting out a strong pre-season is Bryce Hager that can challenge Littleton, but is a better fit on passing downs. But the Rams get a steal in the draft, by selecting Micah Kaiser from the University of Virginia. Kaiser strength is stuffing the run as he done all preseason and is average in pass coverage. 

​(Practice Squad) Tegray Scales is a linebacker whose been overlooked his entire football career from high school to the University of Indiana, and leading up to the 2018 NFL draft where he was left undrafted? Scales is a physical player who plays against the run well and has coverage skills. However, there are some concerns with missed tackles as he goes for the big hits oppose to wrapping up. Don't expect for him to last long on the practice squad; he'll be on the active roster soon if not for another team. 

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Outside Linebackers (6): Samson Ebukam, Matt Longacre, Dominique Easley, Justin Lawler, Trevon Young, Ejuan Price

Ebukam and Longacre have been the early favorite in starting outside opposite of each other. Ebukam in his second year has played a lot of downs this off-season proving to the Wade Phillips he's the real deal. Longacre coming off an off-season back surgery seems to be healed but has minimized play in the preseason. Rams brought in Ryan Davis, but I really couldn't see anything that he brought to the table that isn't already with the team. Price has shown a vast improvement in his second season and even made a game-winning sack against the Oakland Raiders who were driving to try and win the game. Easley who converted into a linebacker will be probably a rusher to stop the run. Justin Lawler has looked great too, playing attacking the quarterback as he did at SMU. Trevon Young was injured with a bad ankle but finally seen some play. Rams are hoping this kid can get healthy so they can use his athleticism on the field.
  
(Practice Squad) NONE

(PUP List) Ogbonnia Okoronkwo  will spend the first six weeks of his rookie campaign on the PUP list. He's still recovering from a foot surgery that was required early in the OTA's.
Fans are excited to see him on the field with the explosive pass-rushing skills he had at the University of Oklahoma

Cornerbacks (5): Aqib Talib, Marcus Peters, Nickell Robey-Coleman, Sam Shields, Troy Hill

The off-season afforded the Rams to bring in two locked cornerbacks in Talib and Peters. Talib the veteran brings the experience of playing under Wade Phillips defense as well as winning a World Championship. Peters has led the defensive backs with interceptions since being drafted into the league. No question that the Rams have one of the elite defense but probably the best defensive backfield in the NFL aside from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Not to mention, they have one of the leagues best slot corners too in Nikell Robey-Coleman who resigned with the team this off-season. Troy Hill seemed to be outmatched in the first half of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens but has played solidly since. Missing two seasons with concussions Rams added veteran Sam Shields who has looked like he's never left the game. The fear of getting another concussion, it seems to left his thought process as he's playing at a high level.

(Practice Squad) Dominique Hatfield, Isaiah Johnson both players went back and forth to the active roster and practice squad. Hatfield was thrown into a situation last season when Trumaine Johnson went down to injury and the offense took advantage of his youth. This will be the make it or break it year for Johnson, as he will have spent his third season on the practice squad. 
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(IR List) Kevin Peterson

Safeties (4):   Lamarcus Joyner, John Johnson III, Marqui Christian, Blake Countess

Joyner received the franchise tag this off-season as he returns year two as the starting free-safety and Johnson III returns for his second year too. Joyner roams around the defensive backfield like a hawk and only missed one tackle all of 2017. Johnson has elevated his game this off-season and has been looking like a seasoned veteran this pre-season play.

(Practice Squad) Nate Holley, Steven Parker, Afolabi Laguda

All three defensive backs have been looking good this off-season, and the Rams will select two of the three to the practice squad. If I'm a gambling man, I will say the two more than likely would be Holley and Laguda. Parker started off strong but seemed lost in the shuffle, but his tackling skill is impeccable creating turnovers. Holley, who was signed late to the team has shined since joining the team. He has excellent coverage skills and is a bit of a thumper as a tackler. Laguda has been all over the field breaking up passes and solid tackling. It will be a coin toss between the three who the Rams will keep.


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​ Special Teams (3):  Punter-Johnny Hekker, Kicker Greg Zuerlein, Long Snapper Jake McQuaide

​Well, what more can you ask for, from these players, each was pro bowl selections and are extraordinary at what they do? Hekker is like the 12th man on defense as he pins offenses inside of their 10-yard line. Zuerline with his career day against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium was poised to play in pro-bowl but placed on the IR with back surgery. McQuaide is where it all begins with his extended snapping capabilities and getting down the field making tackles.

Sean McVay, the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams addressed the media yesterday with updates regarding the team. As expected, the question regarding  Aaron Donald’s holdout was asked, however, McVay’s response was entirely different than in recent times. McVay was smiling and gazing directly into the camera and spoke the phrase: 

“Aaron,“see you soon, buddy.”

It pointed out to Coach McVay that in last seasons preseason final, the Rams only had one quarterback available to play the entire game, and would that become the same scenario this season. McVay was quick to comment that that was true and that the talented UDFA quarterback out of Texas A&M Commerce, Luis Perez was going to see some intense action in the second half.

The Rams play their final preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome tomorrow night. There will be many players such as Perez who will be fighting for roster spots or auditioning for another team. In all fairness, Perez was the afforded the opportunity this preseason perhaps because McVay needed to see more out his other two backup quarterbacks Sean Mannion and Brandon Allen.

​When the news was first reported that the Rams had signed Perez, he immediately became a fan favorite. Training camp was full of supporters who drove down to see the once great college quarterback.  The Latin communities were happy to learn of the fact that Perez who is of Mexican descent, is one of few Latino quarterbacks to have the opportunity to play in the NFL. 

Perez was the recipient of the Harlon Hill Trophy, which is equivalent to the Heisman Trophy in Divison I football. He may be a long shot to make team roster, but many such as myself will rally behind him for great play.

The road may be coming to an end for Mannion, who has somewhat not been in standing with the Ram fans. His play has been subpar of a player who was drafted as high as a third-round selection from the 2015 NFL Draft.  If Allen plays well tomorrow night, and Perez who may be a project, can at least play mediocre, expect to a surprise trade or outright release of Mannion.

In any event, good luck to Perez, as he will have his first NFL action against the Saints in a very loud stadium. New Orleans is about a little less than 500 miles from Commerce, Texas where Perez played collegiately. There is a certain that quite of few fans will make the drive across the Texas state line be in attendance to watch the quarterback who led them to a Division II National Championship. 

Larry Rose III was a four-year starter at New Mexico State where he led the Aggies in rushing each of those seasons. As a sophomore he was named as the 2016 Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year as he led the conference in rushing with 1,651 yards, 14 touchdowns, 30 receptions for 283 receiving yards, and scoring two touchdowns. His junior year, he was named to the Second Team All-Sun Belt Conference adding to his accomplishments. As a true freshman, he started eight games carrying the ball 186 times for 1,102 yards, scoring nine touchdowns, 23 receptions for 172 yards with one touchdown.

Rose compiled over 4,558 rushing yards for a 5.9 average, 133 receptions for 1,157 receiving yards, and 5,715 total yards from scrimmage and 42 total touchdowns throughout his collegiate career.

Rose is small in stature, but is a shifty back with the ability to make defenders miss to create extra yardage. Has very quick feet which allows him to bounce around piles and defenders and the ability to burst through running lanes. His great vision and a arsenal of moves gives him the ability to run the ball with quick cut back moves, against the grain without losing his balance or momentum.

He has the speed and agility to run outside to turn the corner and get up the field for sizable gains. His ability to follows his blocks anywhere on the field is impeccable, that allows him to be a threat of going the distance.  As a multipurpose back, he's effective and very dangerous in space. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field and catch the ball sets him up as a potential third-down back at the next level. As a receiver out of the backfield makes him a very dangerous back especially in the open field providing a one-on-one mismatch with a linebacker or safety.

Rose potentially can be a great third-down back for the Rams if he can break the 53-man roster. Coach Sean McVay is looking for the explosive back who can relieve Todd Gurley some on third downs who fit the proto-type of Chris Thompson he once coach with the Washington Redskins. It will be a tough camp and roster to crack, as the Rams already have in addition to Gurley, are Malcolm Brown, Justin Davis, and rookie from the University of Tennessee, John Kelly.

Who is the six-foot-two 205 pound KhaDarel Hodge?
As a prep, Hodge started at quarterback for the Mendenhall Tigers as a sophomore. During his junior and senior seasons, he compiled for over 3,000 passing yards and ran for over 2,000 yards, while scoring 68 touchdowns. Hodge was named to the Mississippi All-State Second Team Offensive Player by Clarion-Ledger and was named the 2013 Offensive MVP in the Benard Blackwell North/South All-Star  Classic.

Hodge started his collegiate career playing quarterback at Alcorn State as a freshman in 2013 but would transfer to Hinds Community College converting to a wide receiver. Recruited by Prairie View A&M where he committed to play in 2015. During his senior season, Hodge ​would break a school-record by recording 232 receiving yards and three touchdowns against Arkansas Pine-Bluff on Senior Day. On this day he would claim a Prairie View record that stood for nearly 50 years by Kansas City Chiefs great Otis Taylor of 198 receiving yards. He had a career-high with 48 receptions for 844 yards and 12 touchdowns.
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Hodge finished third in the SWAC (Southwest Athletic Conference), with both in receptions and receiving yards, average 17.6 yards per catch which were second, and first in touchdown receptions Hodge was named to the All-SWAC First Team his senior year, as well as Black College All-America accolades from both BOXTOROW and SBN/Power News Radio Network. He would end his three-year Panther career at Prairie View with 104 receptions for 1,797 receiving yards and scored 21 touchdowns.
At Prairie View’s pro-day, Hodge was time at a unofficial 4.39 40-yard time, a 38 ½” vertical jump, and 15 reps of 225 pounds with the bench press.

Hodge went undrafted from the 2018 NFL Draft but was on the radar by a few teams. At 6’2”, he a good sized receiver with great speed and the ability to separate from defensive backs in the vertical game. He joins a crowded Rams receiving core that has the likes of Robert Woods, Brandin Cooks, Cooper Kupp, Josh Reynolds, Pharoh Cooper, and Mike Thomas.

Last season, the Rams supringsly kept seven receivers on the roster, the question will be, will they duplicate the same this season? If that is the case, the Rams traded Tavon Austin to the Dallas Cowboys this offseason and there maybe one slot left. 

Rams currently have two other UDFA recievers in Steven Mitchell and converted tightend Codey McElroy, and second year receivers Fred Brown, JoJo Natson, and Kendall Thompson.
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Hodge has currently outshined the other receivers that are also fighting for a roster spot. He indeed has turned heads on the practice field with amazing acrobatic catches or making the difficult receptions.

In the first preseason game, Hodge would catch a touchdown pass against the Baltimore Ravens, ending the game with two receptions for 14 yards. In week two of the pre-season against the Oakland Raiders, Hodge would make an acrobatic catch from quarterback Sean Mannion for 47 yards. Hodge finished the game with two receptions for 57 yards, leading all receivers in yardage. 

Sean McVay indeed has spoken highly of Hodge and say that he's a fighter fighting for a roster spot. Other then JoJo Natson, when their number is called, the two have made the most of their playing time this preseason play.

​​The Los Angeles Rams and starting right tackle Rob Havenstein has agreed to terms for a contract extension.  Havenstein inked a four year $32.5M contract guaranteeing him about $16M overall. Rams General Manager Les Snead continues to work magic in getting his drafted players extended. Head coach Sean McVay is pleased to see that his star running back Todd Gurley will continue to run heavy to the right and Jared Goff spends at least four more seasons with Havenstein protecting him pass rushers.

The Rams selected Havenstein with their #57th overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft of the second round. He started 42 straight games at the University of Wisconsin, and in 2013 was named Second Team All-Big 10, and in 2014, was named First Team All-Big 10, and First Team All-America.  He has started every game at right tackle since being drafted by the Rams.

Havenstein's new extension of earning $8M per year will make him the second-highest paid right tackle in the NFL. His extension signing came out the blue while many are still waiting to hear the announcement of Aaron Donald's extension, who continues to be a holdout from camp. 

The Rams offensive line is locked up for the next two seasons, next on the table is their right guard Jamon Brown. Brown is playing in the final season of his rookie contract but faces a two-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy following an arrest last season.

Jalen Ramsey, the young and talented starting cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, recently featured in the August's edition of GQ Magazine. In an interview with GQ, Ramsey voiced his opinion and reviewed his current NFL players of the league. 

In his review, Ramsey evaluated the league quarterbacks, as he didn't hold back any trash talk nor his negative opinions. Critiquing league's top quarterbacks barring no criticism, he then drew his attention toward addressing the quarterbacks of the NFC West. In particular, he would speak on the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers young quarterbacks.  GQ begin to ask him:

Jared Goff, he's average to above average. He reminds me of Jimmy Garoppolo a little bit. Year one, he wasn't good. He wasn't even good enough to earn his own starting role. Like, if you the number one pick, you expected to start now. Period. He wasn't ready to do that. He wasn't able to do that. Then when he did get in, he didn't really do that good. But in his second year, they got a new offensive coordinator. Your offensive coordinator is just your brainiac. When we played them, it felt like his offensive coordinator was drawing up perfect plays and then he was hitting the open man. For what his team ask him to do, yeah, he's good.

In that same article, Ramsey attacked the likes of Atlanta Falcons Matt Ryan, Baltimore Ravens Joe Flacco, and Buffalo Bills Josh Allen. If Ramsey was able to complete his opinion of Jared Goff expressing that he was right, it positively speaks in volume. ​

He continues to mention in the interview that DeShaun Watson of the Houston Texans will be a league MVP one day, but nothing further accolades for Goff.