[Dare]

Yeah I half expected this as I mentioned in another post the NT can be acquired via a FA who really needs only to be an early down rotational player.

Also their ILB needs really should be someone like Hampton who would be better than Reader. Hampton simply needs to be coached up on the position change over OTAs and TC and he should be ready to start. Hampton would be okay at WIL in a 4-3 scheme but he's undersized to play OLB in a 3-4 scheme. Moving him inside makes use of his speed and it's a better scheme fit for him.

But Ford should be fine as a rotational run stuffer NT.

[ramsman34]

He is more than a rotational run stuffer. He has some rush skills too. He’s is a 3 down rotational DT/0-1 tech. Might even be able to handle 3-tech depending on opponent and particular line mates.

Hampton might make a decent to good ILB. Has the size. Has range. Can clearly blitz with his edge rush skill, has the fluidity and quicksand to drop, Needs coaching like you said: route recognition, drop angles, etc. but worth a look in camp I would think. Too damn light/short to be a top level rotational edge player.

[ramsww]

Once again I have to place Poona in the “they must know” category. On the surface you’d think they lost BBIII and then made this knee jerk signing.

Yes, BBIII had injuries early and often but last year looked great at 6’4” 328 24 YO with his future as a Ram.

Ford will be 31, has never been to a pro bowl, 5” shorter & lighter and pulls down 30 mil. They must know something I don’t. He does look like a stud. I’ll leave it at that.

[PARAM]

Once again I have to place Poona in the “they must know” category. On the surface you’d think they lost BBIII and then made this knee jerk signing.

Yes, BBIII had injuries early and often but last year looked great at 6’4” 328 24 YO with his future as a Ram.

Ford will be 31, has never been to a pro bowl, 5” shorter & lighter and pulls down 30 mil. They must know something I don’t. He does look like a stud. I’ll leave it at that.

They tend to know more than the average fan, for sure.

And Poona isn't going to be 31. He's going to turn 30 in August. Also, shorter isn't always an issue (AD was 6'0") but a plus when it comes to leverage.

After 8 years and a whole lot of success, I tend to trust these guys a lot.

[Elvis]

Rams Dline coach Giff Smith coached Poona with the Chargers so gotta figure he has some idea what we're getting...

[actionjack]

Rams Dline coach Giff Smith coached Poona with the Chargers so gotta figure he has some idea what we're getting...

Yep, watching some of his plays, he has great get off for his size, not just a space eater. I think a great lowkey signing.

[AvengerRam]

For those keeping score at home, we now have players named Poona, Puka and Tutu.

[Elvis]

For those keeping score at home, we now have players named Poona, Puka and Tutu.

Plus Quentin Lake says he wants fans to chant "Q" when he comes on the field.

So no more "Coooooooooo" but we have Puuuu, Tuuuu and Q.....

[snackdaddy]

I know PFF isn't the be all end all for player ratings, but they have Ford rated much higher than Brown. I think maybe they want a guy who doesn't necessarily require double teams but can get pressure up the middle while also able to defend the run.

[Dare]

The biggest difference between Poon and Brown is that Poon knows how to shed blocks while Brown is blocked by a single OL and rarely able to shed. It's been his problem since he was a rookie. Brown has improved somewhat, but it's inconsistent and dependent more upon an OL mistake than Brown's ability.

Poon's career has shown his limitations and that is why he was available. He's not an every down NT. He should be fine in an early down/run defender, i.e., a situational role. Poon showed he has gas in his tank last season. He also isn't a bank breaker.

Every team needs role players which is exactly what the Rams hope Poon is.