Rams tweets … 1/24 – 1/29 (including Rodrigue q & a)

Rams mailbag

Jourdan Rodrigue

https://theathletic.com/4122382/2023/01/26/rams-mailbag-roster-sean-mcvay-matthew-stafford/?source=emp_shared_article

1. Any clarity on coaching searches? 2. Why the sudden regression of players like Fuller, Rochell, etc. and is this why the let go of Coach Cooley? 3. Rams’ biggest needs? 4. New unis and helmet shell in 2923?

JR: 1. Yes, and no. With Mike LaFleur the front-runner for offensive coordinator, the next priority is offensive line coach, and that process is ongoing. Meanwhile, other offensive coaches (tight ends, running backs and assistant head coach Thomas Brown and quarterbacks coach/pass game coordinator Zac Robinson) are interviewing externally in a few places and the Rams are waiting for news about defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, whose interview in Indianapolis went well. So, though some spots can be filled, others are in a “wait and see” situation.

2. Safety Jordan Fuller didn’t regress — he suffered setbacks after a nasty leg injury that ended his 2021 season (and surgery). I expect him to be a full go in 2023. I don’t know that cornerback Robert Rochell regressed so much as didn’t take the next step forward in his development, but the Rams will need to see more from him.

3. Pass rusher. Pass rusher. Pass rusher. A full evaluation of keepers and depth on the offensive line (then go from there). A step forward from some younger cornerbacks and safeties. Maybe a short-yardage running back. Health.

4. In 2923? I honestly haven’t thought that far ahead.

Your thoughts on why McVay has gotten away from PA with Stafford, when his career has excelled at just that? From at least 2017 he has been near the top of the league and in DET nonetheless, where they had one of the worst run games seemingly every year.

JR:For statistical context, just 241 of quarterback Matthew Stafford’s 904 pass plays over the past two seasons were out of play-action concepts (either under center or shotgun, per TruMedia). Before Stafford and under McVay, the Rams ranked in the top five of play-action usage year over year from 2017 through 2020.

At the beginning of 2021, the Rams’ revamped passing attack blew the doors off the rest of the league through the first half of the season, as they enjoyed league-leading production in explosive passing plays and offensive production (EPA and otherwise). They did it with the near-lowest amount of play action in the NFL, and still trounced the passing stats of those using play action at the highest volume. But when Stafford’s elbow issue flared up around November of that season and the Rams were without an actual lead running back, they lost their footing and had to overhaul their entire run game midseason to get back on track.

I think there has been transparent conversation among top Rams staff and players about the importance of being able to use a variety of tools in a quarterback’s tool belt, even though that quarterback can make every throw and perhaps prefers the shotgun, empty and dropback game. McVay can be an impatient play caller, and Stafford can be an impatient quarterback. Just because Stafford can make every throw doesn’t mean dropping back is always the most efficient or highest-probability option.

Will the Rams pursue OBJ this offseason?

JR: Depending on Odell Beckham Jr.’s health and readiness to play, yes, I believe the Rams will be right back in the mix with him (especially with McVay’s sticking around). They won’t get too risky on the salary, though.

You have mentioned that Jalen Ramsey’s untouched contract could make him a movement possibility. Can you elaborate on what that means? Also, if Alaric Jackson takes the starting LT position is there trade potential in Noteboom? Maybe too risky considering the injury recency bias? 

JR: When referring to star cornerback Jalen Ramsey’s contract being “untouched,” I mean teams that can maneuver and manipulate a “clean,” albeit inherited, contract themselves will automatically see that as a reason to inquire about the player, especially one of Ramsey’s status and ability. Which … could be why the Rams haven’t touched the contract yet and other core players were restructured or extended (not necessarily because they wouldn’t want to in the big picture).

I think the Rams’ best internal option at left tackle is Alaric Jackson. I also don’t think there will be a trade market for Joe Noteboom because he is coming off an Achilles repair surgery. That may mean the Rams will play him at guard because the nature of his deal makes him hard to move. Noteboom has potential — he injured his knee against Buffalo in Week 1 and played through it for the next few weeks.

Curious why we’ve never had a deep dive into the Rams OL woes. They didn’t invest wisely, devalued the OL and paid the price in 2022.

JR: Well, first of all, the entire 2022 season could aptly be named: “Look! Here are all the woes of the Rams offensive line!”

Second, the argument can be made that they extended the wrong players in Noteboom and Brian Allen, based on availability and injury history. But nobody could have predicted the compounded number of injuries within the group and in such rapid succession. Further, two players who can be long-term impact players include former undrafted free agents Jackson and Coleman Shelton (who played well in their snaps compared with the rest of the NFL’s starters). We don’t know what third-round pick Logan Bruss is capable of yet, though he projects positively and his rehab has gone well. They’ll continue to add/subtract/adjust here.

Will McVay delegate play calling in 2023?

JR: No. But when he talks about “delegation,” I don’t know that play calling is necessarily what he means. It’s more about design, idea sharing and problem solving. However, he’s been pretty reflective about what works and what habits (good or bad) he gets into as a play caller. This season will be telling of some of the personal and professional reverse-engineering he’s doing during these months.

We finally have a high pick and a clear need to bring in an edge rusher to complement AD. Is this the year we invest in the D-line in the draft or is that either used in a trade for a proven player or spent on offense again as is usually the case in the McVay era?

JR: Both. The Rams will be aggressive in exploring their options at pass rusher, inclusive of the draft and combinations of veterans and younger prolific talent either available via free agency or acquired via trade.

Could you realistically see Baker Mayfield being back with the Rams next season? And if he is, do you believe the Rams still draft a QB? I remember you mentioning you think this is the draft they take a QB.

JR: Baker Mayfield wants to be a starter, so really, it would be up to him and how his market shakes out. Backup quarterback is not a position the Rams will spend significant cap space on (though they all but shouted from the rooftops they need to upgrade their depth here), but yes, they could draft and develop a middle- or late-round quarterback.

What is the safety position going to look like next season?

JR:My best guess: Starters Fuller, Nick Scott (depending on his free-agency market). Starter Quentin Lake. Rotational safety/nickel/dime player Russ Yeast.

Over the Cap places Scott’s future contract valuation at about $3.3 million per year.

What’s the likelihood the Rams actually end up using their 2024 first-round pick wherever it ends up slotted?

JR: Ha!

Any idea what their plan is for Senior Bowl/Combine? I know they haven’t had scouts there the past few years. Plan to stick with that? 

JR: Great question, and to provide a little bit of clarity on this point: The Rams don’t “prevent” their staff from going to the NFL Scouting Combine, Senior Bowl, or Shrine Bowl. Anybody who feels like they work better attending the events in-person versus receiving all of the film and data and meeting with players remotely can attend, and scouts especially do a lot of regional combines and even pro days. The scouts are also all on the road/in their areas doing deep work on prospects throughout the year. Higher-ranking executives and coaches (including Les Snead and McVay) prefer not to attend in person. For example, the Rams’ top coaches didn’t attend last year’s combine but several assistant coaches did, and of course, the most important part of the combine is the medical evaluation so the whole athletic training staff attends.