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Post by midwestsader05 on Aug 11, 2022 19:25:50 GMT -5
www.therams.com/team/depth-chartBenton listed as a #3 OLB on the first depth chart from the Rams. He’s ahead of the other two undrafted rookie free agent OLBs (Keir Thomas from Florida State and Brayden Thomas from NDSU). Probably still a long shot to make the 53 man roster (unless injuries to the guys in front of him) but a step forward for the practice squad.
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Post by Sons of Vaval on Aug 13, 2022 11:00:43 GMT -5
Rams - Chargers tonight at 10:00 ET.
Whitley figures to get a bunch of snaps.
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Post by hchoops on Aug 13, 2022 23:37:12 GMT -5
He did not make the defensive box score
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Post by Sons of Vaval on Aug 14, 2022 7:04:04 GMT -5
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Post by HC92 on Aug 14, 2022 11:34:26 GMT -5
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Post by Sons of Vaval on Aug 14, 2022 13:47:49 GMT -5
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Post by Sons of Vaval on Aug 15, 2022 8:04:44 GMT -5
Whitley was on the field for 33 defensive snaps (52%) and eight ST snaps (36%).
Have to figure he is going to continue to get a lot of time as the staff evaluates those who are battling for the last handful of roster and practice squad spots.
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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on Aug 15, 2022 10:46:10 GMT -5
Yet another use for the Luth  |
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Post by midwestsader05 on Aug 15, 2022 11:16:58 GMT -5
He did not make the defensive box score The stats I saw at the end of the game credited him with 2 tackles and 1 QBH which we have seen above on social media. He applied good pressure a couple other times but wasn’t credited a QBH. nonetheless several good “reps.” Hence why post game reviews have been very positive. I was pretty boisterous at times that this position (Edge/OLB in a 3-4 scheme) was always Benton’s natural position and where he would have played in most FBS programs. D-Ends in 3 man fronts are typically 6’4/6’5 275-285. Benton could play this in FCS at ~6’3 260 with his strength but not at a bigger level. There’s a case to me made that his college production would have been higher (stat sheet wise) if he would have been able to play Edge/OLB at a program where his only run defense duty would have been against a TE or H-back and he would have been able to get after the QB using his pure edge skills more often. |
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Post by hchoops on Aug 15, 2022 11:43:36 GMT -5
Yet another use for the Luth Very cool I presume that team comprised the majority of the audience. |
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Post by KY Crusader 75 on Aug 15, 2022 11:50:03 GMT -5
What a fantastic resource the Luth is—and I do note our “fabulous facilities “ have been mentioned by a number of recruits
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Post by Sons of Vaval on Aug 16, 2022 9:09:42 GMT -5
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Post by HC92 on Aug 16, 2022 9:42:34 GMT -5
Seems like Whitley has done enough to stick around until the end of camp and be on the roster bubble one way or the other. Definite practice squad candidate at a minimum.
Jimmy Murray could be in jeopardy today with the Ravens. Hopefully not.
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Post by Sons of Vaval on Aug 16, 2022 16:19:55 GMT -5
BW doesn’t have to hand in his playbook —
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Post by midwestsader05 on Aug 16, 2022 16:42:44 GMT -5
It would appear as their depth chart exists today, BW would likely be cut on the final cut down day. It will then be interesting to see if and what type of practice squad contract the Rams might offer. Benton and his agent will then have to see if there is another team(s) that wants him on their practice squad and if their depth chart favors him going somewhere else.
His best chance to make a 53 man roster at some point is to first become a consistent p-squad member somewhere, continue to improve, stay healthy and be ready to be called up should someone in front of him underperform or get injured.
What’s he got going for him is he’s still very raw (playing a new position), but physically gifted (especially his edge rush/bend & flexibility) and a great person/teammate. That tells me he’s going to be around the league for a couple of seasons and get his chance to develop.
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Post by midwestsader05 on Aug 22, 2022 8:04:56 GMT -5
theramswire.usatoday.com/2022/08/20/rams-roster-cuts-80-players-kendall-blanton/BW still around after another round of cuts. Rookie OLB Daniel Hardy (7th round pick from Montana State) who plays the opposite OLB position to Benton was injured on the first drive of the game against the Texans on Friday and looks likely to be placed on the IR. Benton played lots of snaps along with fellow rookies Keir Thomas (FSU) and Brayden Thomas (NDSU). I still think one of those 3 will be offered a practice squad position after the final round of cuts. Benton played punt team in the first half and made the tackle on the Rams first punt, however flinched and got an offsides call on the second. He flashed a couple times after shedding blocks and having a chance to make a TFL but couldn’t make the tackle (both would have been sensational plays) Andrew Whitworth said later in the game after a rookie ILB missed a tackle that the biggest difference for rookie defensive players is having to bring your feet every tackle (not just you upper body). BW also used his signature edge rush bend and rip move to flush Texans QB Davis Mills out of the pocket and check down to a RB who was then hit and fumbled. Keir Thomas also had some nice plays so as of today it’s likely those two fighting for that P-squad spot.
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Post by Sons of Vaval on Aug 22, 2022 8:23:58 GMT -5
BW played 38 defensive snaps (fifth most).
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Post by midwestsader05 on Aug 22, 2022 8:26:59 GMT -5
And a good chunk of those reps in the first half we’re against the Texans 1’s. Great opportunity and work for him to improve.
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Post by Sons of Vaval on Aug 22, 2022 8:39:13 GMT -5
To add additional color to midwest's post above... www.turfshowtimes.com/2022/8/21/23314320/sean-mcvay-la-rams-highlights-loss-to-texans"The good news is that Keir Thomas and Benton Whitley got substantial early-game snaps and held their mud against a mostly first-team Texan offense. Not outstanding, just mirroring the upgrade in competition from game one. The Rams will need four edges to start the season and with Chris Garrett still shelved with injury, Thomas and Whitley have huge opportunity." |
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Post by football44 on Aug 22, 2022 9:22:46 GMT -5
I love it. BW is still in the mix and playing against NFL first teamers which tells me that the Rams staff like him. Understand that NFL rosters are not all staffed with "DUDES". I see a coach like McVay keeping a BW because he's very smart and doesn't make many mistakes. Why do you think so many Ivy League guys stick in the NFL? Smart, no mistakes and you count on them in the position room. Just my assessment. Go get it BW!!!
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Post by KY Crusader 75 on Aug 22, 2022 9:33:56 GMT -5
Do the UFA's like Benton take the Wonderlic test or do only the combine guys take it? I ask because I'd assume that the PL and Ivy guys would score well on the test (as would some players from other schools, of course) and that would be a positive
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Post by football44 on Aug 22, 2022 9:48:55 GMT -5
Do the UFA's like Benton take the Wunderlich test or do only the combine guys take it? I ask because I'd assume that the PL and Ivy guys would score well on the test (as would some players from other schools, of course) and that would be a positive Not sure but I think the Wunderlich test is given to QB's only. The research that goes into these kids is unbelievable. BW, high GPA, Biology major at Holy Cross would really intrigue a guy like McVay in my opinion. |
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Post by HC92 on Aug 22, 2022 11:00:07 GMT -5
Great to see Benton having a strong camp. Hope he sticks on the 53. Starting on practice squad would be fine too as he’s likely to continue to improve playing against really good players in practice every day.
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Post by HC92 on Aug 25, 2022 20:22:11 GMT -5
Whitley currently on the right side of the bubble per USA Today:
Outside linebacker (5)
Leonard Floyd
Justin Hollins
Terrell Lewis
Daniel Hardy
Benton Whitley
Whitley joins the roster after being left off my previous projection. It’s going to come down to him, Chris Garrett and Keir Thomas most likely, with each player having a decent case to make the team. This week’s practices against the Bengals and Saturday’s preseason finale could decide this competition.
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Post by HC92 on Aug 28, 2022 5:25:56 GMT -5
Another roster projection from before yesterday’s preseason game. Has Whitley on the outside looking in at a spot on the 53.
Edge (5)
In: Leonard Floyd, Justin Hollins, Terrell Lewis, Chris Garrett, and Daniel Hardy
Out: Benton Whitley and Brayden Thomas
The bad news is fan favorite Hardy will start the season with an injury designation. This will put his return status up in the air. The good news is that another fan favorite Garrett returned to practice this week and should be ready for week one.
Whitley has shown an ability to get some push as well as the giddy up to get around the edge. Keir Thomas moved out to the edge and looks like he could be a jack-of-all-trades lineman. Both played from a three point stance as well as standing and could use a year of seasoning on the practice squad.
But somebody has to be E#4. Garrett won a roster spot last season and should be the dark horse, but if that injury lingers, the undrafted rookies all have a chance.
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