LA Rams: New modern offenses are making impact on NFL Combine

LA Rams fans will see how the modern style of offense is impacting drills at the NFL Combine

The NFL Scouting Combine begins this upcoming week in Indianapolis. And so, many LA Rams fans will be able to catch a glimpse of future Rams players.  While the format for the event has remained the same, there have been several subtle changes in some drills for each position group for this year.

NFL Teams each have their own scouting departments, but teams subscribe to one of two scouting associations, “pre-scouting” groups if you would.  They track college players in their first two or three years, create a profile, and then hand that profile off to NFL teams for them to focus upon players to view more intensely and directly.  The first loosely organized scouting association was created in 1963, the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Pittsburgh Steelers formed LESTO. The Chicago Bears joined in 1964, and in the process, the firm renamed the scouting organization, BLESTO.

Also, in 1964, the Los Angeles Rams, Dallas Cowboys, and San Francisco 49ers formed a separate scouting organization, Troika. When New Orleans joined the group, the name was changed to Quadra in 1967.  Currently, LA is a member of the National scouting association formed in 1983.

Today’s offense is vastly different from those offenses teams were running in the 1960s and ’70s. Somethings remain the same while other things have gone away. Three yards and a cloud of dust has gone with the wind.

Now, it’s spread the field and find the mismatch or open window. Hey diddle diddle, let’s run up the middle is replaced by the zone read. First and goal might mean run a fade route not move the pile over the goal line.

 Three new drills for LA Rams fans to closely watch

First, quarterbacks will be throwing the end zone fade route. Goal-line offenses have evolved over time. LA will be monitoring those QB prospect accuracy and consistent ball placement. Quarterback Jordan Love, Utah State, should be particularly good at this drill.

Second, running backs will be running the Duce Staley drill. This drill will simulate the inside zone run play. In the old run offenses, a back ran through a predetermined hole created by the linemen. Now, backs must find the creases in the defense to gain yards. RB Joshua Kelley, UCLA, should excel after playing in Chip Kelly’s offense.

Third, offensive linemen will run the new screen drill. This drill will judge the linemen’s ability to block upfield at each level of the defense. The lineman’s skill set has dramatically changed since the ’60s. OT Josh Jones, Houston, is the prototypical modern-day offensive lineman.

While players begin to arrive on Sunday, February 23rd, on-field player drills will begin February 27th and run through March 1st. The NFL Network is carrying the Combine as it unfolds. Watch and enjoy your future Rams stars in the making.