Ed “Pi Double i” HendersonWorldWide Rams  Luis Perez, the former quarterback from Texas A&M University-Commerce, is signing with the Los Angeles Rams as a UDFA per sources. The bizarreness of this story, this kid never played quarterback, in fact never played one down of high school football. The coaches wanted him to play receiver, he agreed, but he also bowled in a league, football conflicted with his bowling as it caused him to be late to his league games. So, therefore, he decided to walk away from football to bowl, something that he did well scoring 12 perfect games throughout his young career. In a live interview, Perez told his story on how the urge of playing football again entered his mind. As the story continued, he admitted he never attended any football games while in high school until the last game of the season. At that point, when he seen his former teammates come walking out the locker room to enter the field, he had to desire to play the game again. (Watch Interview) Luis Perez Live InterviewAfter graduating from high school, he walked on locally at Southwestern Junior College to play football. He visited the head football coach and told the coach that he like to try out for the team. He told the coach he never played high school football, the coach chuckled but gave him the opportunity to compete. When practices started, he was ninth on the depth chart as a quarterback, but he continued to work hard as it paid off of him becoming the teams starter. The hard work of becoming didn’t pay stop there, it started to show on film that attracted four-year universities coaches attention. The 6’3” 220 pound Perez received a scholarship to play football at Texas A&M Commerce. Commerce a small town in East Texas, completely different from where Perez grew up in the beautiful city of Chula Vista, CA. He knew he needed to make the best of his opportunity because he was there for two purposes, getting his degree and playing football. Luis Perez HighlightsHis first season at TAMC, the first accomplishment he achieved was breaking the school’s single total touchdown passes. He lead his Commerce team to the D-II playoff semifinals, in which they lost the game. Perez threw for 312 yards but also threw three interceptions in the loss. He earned first-team all-conference status, and was nominated for the Harlon Hill Trophy (awarded to the Division II College Football Player of the Year). The lost frustrated him so much, that he and his wife drove some 500 miles to watch the Division II championship game in Kansas City, Kansas. He was determined to get better, and wanted to how it felt to be in a championship element. The Perez sat through a veritable blizzard with a wind chill of minus-seven and it frankly wasn’t the most exciting game in the annals of football: Northwest Missouri State 29, North Alabama 07. Brenda tapped out in the third quarter, and the price for them going was Luis doing a week’s worth of dishes, he said, but in his mind it was all worth it. (LOL) In Perez senior year he accomplished just what he vowed to do just one year ago. He was awarded the Harlon Hill Trophy, as he increased his junior year of 3,326 passing yards to 4,999; and from 32 passes to 46 touchdown passes. Yes, the unlimited goal after sitting through a blizzard with his wife, and having to do a week worth of dishes, lead his Lions to the national championship. TAMC defeated a tough West Florida team 37-27. Perez completed 23-of-30 passes for 323 yards against a West Florida defense that was stingy allowing fewer than 200 pass yards per game and 6.5 yards an attempts on the year. Division II Championship GamePerez has been compared to the Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers when playing on the filed because of because of his patience and awareness. He sits in the pocket to scan the field for the open receiver, can extend the pocket to buy time or take off running for positive yardage.
If you were to view the championship game video above, at 4:13 into the game, his pocket collapses forcing him to scramble to his left. Preventing a sack, he was able to extend the play and alertly tosses the ball out of bounds avoiding a grounding penalty. His display of intelligence identified him as an unselfish quarterback that move on to the game without negative yardage. Perez has a high chance of joining the Rams training camp with an opportunity to win a roster spot. Rams currently have Jared Goff and Sean Mannion on the roster, and Brandon Allen not released from the injured reserve since being placed on it last season. Mannion has the longest tenure of the quarterbacks enters the final year of his rookie contract. Mannion hasn't played up to the expectations of a quarterback typically drafted in the third round but played above average in the pre-season. Provided if Perez can come in and play well in pre-season and outshines Mannion, you can potentially see Les Snead trading or releasing Mannion to save just under a $1M under the salary cap. The road Perez has taken in efforts of having the opportunity of making an NFL roster was quite bizarre, but he's an inspirational story for many that had faced challenges of succeeding to the next level.
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Ed “Pi Double i” HendersonWorldWide Rams The Los Angeles Rams have signed a pair of additional UDFA players, linebacker Tegray Scales of Indiana University, and defensive tackle Dalton Keene Dalton Keene of Illinois State. Scales was the player that was projected on a few mock draft boards of being the Rams #87 overall pick. Tegray Scales HighlightsTegray Scales, the Ohio Associated Press Co-Defensive Player of the Year, has agreed with the Rams to UDFA contract. Scales outstanding year led him to record 102 tackles, 13 sacks, and two interceptions. He was not recruited heavily out of high school because he was a undersized linebacker. Scales named All-Big Ten as a senior, as led the Hoosiers with 89 total tackles (12.5 tackles for loss), six sacks, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Dalton Keene HighlightsDalton Keene, the 6’4”275-pound defensive tackle of Illinois State, finished third in the MVFC Defensive Player of the Year voting, receiving first-team accolades after compiling 45 tackles (13 tackles for loss), eight sacks, six pass break-ups, and two fumble recoveries.
Keene needs to gain about 20 pounds in order to solidify a natural position, as he has the frame of a defensive end and strength of a defensive tackle. Ed “Pi Double i” HendersonWorldWide Rams  The Los Angeles Rams have agreed with the second UDFA of the 2018 NFL Draft, Codey McElroy, tight end from SE Oklahoma State. Mcelroy is a player that has real talent as he’s played college baseball at the University of Texas, played minor league baseball with the Atlanta Braves organization, and he ended up at Oklahoma State to play basketball. It seemed as if baseball and basketball wasnt enough for him to play, he then walked-on to Southeastern Oklahoma State to play football as a tightend. He's learned how to play tight end in a matter of weeks, as he caught three touchdown passes and helped the team to become the #19 nationally ranked team in Division II Fooball. Codey McElroy HighlightsThe 6’7” 260 pound McElroy, has great size to play as a NFL tight end. He ran a 4.69 40 yard at his pro day, as that would have been the fifth fastest of the tight ends at the 2018 NFL Draft. He caught 14 passes for 173 yards and five touchdowns. The statistics don’t speak in volume, however he was used as a red zone target, where he caught five touchdowns. That can’t be overlooked, and will transition well at the next level.
As a former professional shortstop, and collegiate power-forward, his transition from sport-to-sport, shows this kid is very talented. Ed “Pi Double i” HendersonWorldWide Rams  The Los Angeles Rams agree to terms with USC receiver Steven Mitchell. Mitchell, becomes the first player of the 2018 NFL Draft, to be added to the teams roster as a UDFA (un-drafted free agent). His career was cut short by injuries that he sustained while playing for the Trojans. He tore ligaments in his right knee during the summer of 2013, that forced him to red-shirt. The next year, he played in 11 games, but was sidelined for two games, after spraining his knee. Prior to that season, he injured his knee and required a hernia to be repaired, that forced him from participating in the spring practices. Mitchell’s junior season was shortened again from an knee injury, as he only played in seven games registering 24 receptions, 226 receiving yards, and one touchdown. Mitchell started seven of 11 games as a senior, making 41 catches for 644 yards and four touchdowns . Steven Mitchell HighlightsNew York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold, the third overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, threw passes to Mitchell at USC. It was miserable that Mitchell’s draft status was affected by his history of medical issues. If it wasn’t for the injuries, the versatility as a receiver and kick-return specialist, he may be a middle round draft selection.
Ed “Pi Double i” HendersonWorldWide Rams  The Los Angeles Rams selected Micah Kaiser ILB from Virgina with their 147th pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. Kiser visited the Rams as they were impressed with his workout, and Wade Phillips was opitmisting of selecting. He;s a great fit for the 3-4 scheme as Phillips likes the kid combination of tackling and pass coverage. Micah Kiser HighlightsThe Rams selecting Kiser fills the absence of Alec Ogletree who the Rams traded to the New York Giants. Kiser has a great opportunity to come in and start day one at linebacker.
 Ed “Pi Double i” HendersonWorldWide Rams The Los Angeles Rams selected with their 135th pick of the 2018 NFL Draft on defensive end John Franklin-Meyers, from Stephan F. Austin University. Franklin was first-team all-conference in 2016, leading the Lumberjacks with 32 tackles (14.5 tackles for loss), and eight sacks and also ranking eighth in the FCS with four forced fumbles. John Meyers-Franklin HighlightsJohn Meyer-Franklin HighlightsIt was a long anticipating wait for the Ram fans to finally hear a defensive player name called in the draft. The Rams traded their 136th draft selection to the Carolina Panthers for the 147the and 197th selections. Wade Phillips has the eye on good talent and anxious to get the kid on the field.
Ed “Pi Double i” HendersonWorldWide Rams  The Los Angeles Rams select Brian Allen, center from Michigan State, with their #111th pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. Projected as a seventh round selection, apparently the Rams front office saw more potential in Allen perhaps the NFL scouts and analyst may have overlooked. Les Snead continue to address the needs of the Rams on the offensive side of the team preparing for the future. The Rams have two more additional picks in the fourth round and five selections in the sixth. HighlightsAllen has a great opportunity to learn behind a great veteran center John Sullivan, to whom the Rams have resigned to a new two-year contract extension. Perfect timing for the Rams to draft TCU's offensive tackle Joseph Noteboom as the third round choice, and follow up in the fourth round with selecting Allen. Rams are definitely building for the future, with these two selections, and will focus on defense with the next few picks. Ed “Pi Double i” HendersonWorldWide Rams  Roger Saffold, the longest-tenured Los Angeles Ram, walked across the stage at AT&T Stadium, suddenly he informs the crowd that the Rams were finally making a selection. Saffold would also remind them of the fact that his team was “The NFC West Champions!” However, as he announced the Rams selection of Joseph Noteboom, the 6’5”309-pound offensive tackle from Texas Christian University, the cheers seemed to quiet down. The Rams selection caught many of their fans by surprise, as many had expected for a linebacker or pass rusher to be selected. The team is in desired need for filling those voids, as they traded linebackers Alec Ogletree and Robert Quinn this past off-season. Noteboom, the Big-12 a three-time All-Academic player never missed a game since his freshman year. He started his career at right tackle before sliding over to the “blind-side” tackle his junior year. He is a very agile lineman and has nifty feet that help’s assist him with excellent pass protection skills. (See Video) Joseph Noteboom HighlightsViewing the positives by selecting Noteboom, the Rams are gaining a player with an “iron man” background. His durability is showing that he’s a physical player, and is dependable. There are a few flaws that need to correct, but there’s no question in my mind, its nothing Aaron Kromer (Rams offensive line coach) can fix.
Andrew Whitworth, the Rams starting left tackle, with about two good seasons to play, the young Noteboom can potentially become Whitworth’s replacement. The Rams captain can become a great teacher to Noteboom by teaching him the tricks and ropes of the game. The Rams have a total of eight selections (three fourth round and five-six round), when they pick tomorrow, adding one additional pick via trade by the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders used that pick to select LSU’s Arden Key from the draft spot that the Rams initially were to choose. Expect for the Rams to go defensive heavy when they start at pick #111 tomorrow afternoon. Ed “Pi Double i” HendersonWorldWide Rams WorldWide Rams 2018 NFL Mock DraftAT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, will host the 2018 NFL Draft. Cleveland Browns, you are officially on the clock! Who will be the Browns select as the overall pick, will it be USC's Sam Darnold-QB, Penn St. Saquon Barkley-RB, UCLA's Josh Rosen-QB, Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield-QB or North Carolina State Bradley Chubb EDGE? However, here on the west coast in Los Angeles, CA; thousands of Rams fans were eager to know who the #87th overall pick announcement. The primary need is for an inside-linebacker and EDGE rushers. This draft is loaded with talented EDGE rushers and linebackers, however, the question will who will the best fit when the Rams select? The Rams again for the second consecutive year, will have to wait until day two of the second round to make their first selection. Les Snead (Rams GM) and head second-year head coach Sean McVay, managed to pull off one of the greatest draft drafting players who contributed well to the team. Rookie tight-end Gerald Everett had his moments, receiver Cooper Kupp set a rookie record for receptions, and Safety John Johnson III was rated as one highest safety last season. Receiver Josh Reynolds had his moments, defensive tackle Tanzel Smart had a couple of starts, and linebacker Samson Ebukam played well in the second half of the season. Expectations are the Rams may make another move to trade up in the draft to grab a player they've had on the radar, but only inquiring minds will like to know the outcome Round 3 Pick #23 |
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