Recent Forum Topics › Forums › The Rams Huddle › Rams 2024 Free Agency and Draft
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February 9, 2024 at 8:56 pm #149309
InvaderRamModeratorA name I;ve heard mentioned is this guy: https://www.profootballnetwork.com/jackson-powers-johnson-draft-scouting-2024/
yes. i’d be very much in favor of the rams trading back and picking him.
February 10, 2024 at 1:25 am #149311znModeratorA name I;ve heard mentioned is this guy: https://www.profootballnetwork.com/jackson-powers-johnson-draft-scouting-2024/
yes. i’d be very much in favor of the rams trading back and picking him.
All this depends on whether or not Shelton voids. But if he does, this is a guy I would think they would look at. So more on him:
The basics on Jackson Powers-Johnson
- Postion: Center
- Class: Junior (Oregon)
- Size: 6’3, 320 pounds
- Age: 21 years old
- Projected draft round: 1st or Early 2nd
Jackson Powers-Johnson scouting report
The Senior Bowl is a big opportunity for NFL Draft prospects to make a name for themselves – and Oregon Center Jackson Powers-Johnson has done just that. The 6’3, 320 lbs. former anchor of the Ducks high-octane offense is extremely versatile, playing just about every position on the OL for Oregon’s offense the past three seasons. If that wasn’t enough of an indication of his athleticism, he also played some DEFENSIVE TACKLE!
Powers-Johnson is the prototypical NFL Center. He’s polished, powerful, and poised — the three P’s.
February 11, 2024 at 1:14 pm #149327znModeratorDaniel Jeremiah@MoveTheSticksI believe we’ll see 4-5 teams look into moving up for a QB over the next few months. Teams aren’t excited about next year’s QB class.February 12, 2024 at 2:21 pm #149361znModeratorfrom https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/2/12/24070657/rams-2024-free-agency-kevin-dotson-ol
Brad Spielberger previously worked in the front office of the Minnesota Vikings and then for Over The Cap, an important resource in tracking the salary cap resources for teams across the NFL. Each year Speilberger, along with help from Over The Cap, projects potential contract values for each of PFF’s top 100 free agents.
He expects Los Angeles Rams free agent RG Kevin Dotson to garner a four-year contract that will pay him $17.25M annually. In total this potential deal would be worth $69M with $41.25M being fully guaranteed. PFF ranked Dotson as their 23rd overall free agent regardless of position:
Dotson was traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Los Angeles Rams this offseason, and what first appeared like an odd fit should have instead been a signal that head coach Sean McVay was reinventing his offense to much success in 2023. McVay pivoted from a wide-zone rushing attack to a heavy gap scheme, and Dotson was a picture-perfect fit. He has always been a strong pass protector, which carried over, as well.
February 16, 2024 at 4:51 pm #149414znModeratorJourdan Rodrigue, from What are the biggest offseason needs for all 32 NFL teams?: https://theathletic.com/5273843/2024/02/15/nfl-team-needs-offseason-biggest-holes/?source=emp_shared_article
…
Los Angeles Rams
Biggest offseason need: Pass rusher
It’s a tough call between cornerback and outside linebacker. Veteran corner Ahkello Witherspoon may have played himself into a contract elsewhere, and there is little consistency among other younger players. Meanwhile, the Rams have pieces of their pass rush in place between Aaron Donald, Kobie Turner and Byron Young — but are missing an experienced outside rusher to make the group more cohesive. A great pass rush can fix a lot of issues in the secondary, so I’ll pick that as the position with the “edge” in roster needs rankings for a team that has quite a few. — Jourdan Rodrigue…
Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigueNo surprise here for the Rams, though a quietly important and in-progress situation at C bears mentioning as well-
This reply was modified 2 months, 2 weeks ago by zn.
February 21, 2024 at 11:37 pm #149482znModeratorDaniel Jeremiah@MoveTheSticks
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Feb 20Mock Draft 2.0
https://www.nfl.com/news/daniel-jeremiah-2024-nfl-mock-draft-2-0-four-quarterbacks-selected-in-first-eight-picksLos Angeles Rams: Jackson Powers-Johnson
Oregon · IOL · JuniorThe Rams get one of the steadiest players in the draft. Powers-Johnson can anchor their offensive line for the next decade.
February 23, 2024 at 12:13 am #149498znModeratorRams Fans United@RamsFansUnited“Right now, we got Matthew Stafford, and really in our minds, we don’t have a backup quarterback that’s on this roster.” – Sean McVayFebruary 23, 2024 at 9:01 pm #149514
canadaramParticipantKeeping Robinson pleases me.
February 23, 2024 at 10:25 pm #149515znModeratorJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigueThe Rams tendered ERFA Ronnie Rivers, who emerged as a solid complementary RB to lead rusher Kyren Williams last season and is also a contributor on special teams.February 24, 2024 at 1:33 am #149525znModeratorRestricted free agent tender numbers are also now set for 2024: pic.twitter.com/ne5eoyMh8c
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 23, 2024
February 25, 2024 at 11:53 am #149544znModeratorNo. 12: Danielle Hunter
Hunter has been a revelation in new defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ blitz-heavy scheme, though he was just as productive in 2022. Teams that run a 3-4 or 4-3 could probably find a way to effectively deploy Hunter, and injury concerns of a few years ago seem like distant memories. He is on pace for another season with 900-plus snaps, 70-plus quarterback pressures and double-digit sacks.
Contract Projection: Three years, $65 million ($21.67 million per year), $40 million total guaranteed
February 25, 2024 at 6:57 pm #149552znModeratorDon’t know if this is true…
But if anyone knows Zach Wilson it’s former Jets/current #Rams OC Mike LaFleur and his input on Wilson would go along way in working out a trade….
Wilson with an Offensive minded coach like Mcvay 🤔 https://t.co/UxxsF7ASZN
— 𝚂𝚕𝚢 ™️ (@ThinkBlue47) February 25, 2024
February 26, 2024 at 6:07 pm #149560znModeratorThe Rams need edge rushers. Can they find answers in the 2024 Draft?
Which guys to watch at the NFL Combine who can add some exhilaration to the Rams pass rush?@Rams_LAFB | #RamsHousehttps://t.co/tOyy36JU0M
— LA Football Network (@LAFBNetwork) February 26, 2024
February 27, 2024 at 1:34 am #149566znModeratorPlayers with voiding contracts become free agents when the new league year begins on March 13, like other players with expiring contracts. Re-signings can take place at any time. https://t.co/HN6XB7Z9Xg
— Joel Corry (@corryjoel) February 26, 2024
February 27, 2024 at 1:42 am #149567znModeratorRams roster needs: Which players might they target in free agency and the draft?
Gary Klein
No more rebuild, remodel, reframe or however the Rams defined their frugal 2023 spending approach.
After achieving an unexpected 10-7 record and earning a playoff appearance, the Rams in the upcoming season will be regarded by some as potential Super Bowl contenders.
And they are flush with salary-cap space to build the roster.
Last week, the salary cap was set at $255.4 million, an increase of more than $30 million from 2023. The Rams currently have about $40 million in cap space, according to overthecap.com.
The NFL scouting combine begins Monday in Indianapolis, free agency opens in March and the draft will be held April 25-27 in Detroit.
Coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead, for the third year in a row, will be absent from the combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Instead, McVay, Snead and pro and college scouting personnel will review game video, and video from the combine, workouts, pro-day workouts on college campuses and in-person workouts.
It’s a predraft approach that works for the Rams.
Last year, they netted receiver Puka Nacua, guard Steve Avila, nose tackle Kobie Turner and outside linebacker Byron Young, all of whom played significant roles.
The Rams hold the No. 19 pick in the draft, but there is no guarantee Snead will make a first-round pick for the first time since 2016. History suggests he will trade back for more picks.
The Rams also have a pick in the second, third, fifth and sixth rounds. They will be awarded a compensation pick for Raheem Morris’ departure to become coach of the Atlanta Falcons, and they are expected to receive compensation picks for the free-agent departures of Baker Mayfield and Matt Gay, and possibly Nick Scott and A’Shawn Robinson.
Here are five questions facing the Rams as they prepare for free agency and the draft:
Should the Rams invest long term in a star edge rusher?
Dante Fowler Jr. Leonard Floyd. Von Miller.
They all played for the Rams, but the team under McVay has not signed a marquee edge rusher to a long-term deal. The philosophy has worked — the Rams made Super Bowl appearances to cap the 2018 and 2021 seasons — but adding a proven player to complement star tackle Aaron Donald and the emerging Young could help new defensive coordinator Chris Shula make his mark.
The Michael Hoecht experiment at outside linebacker in 2023 did not pan out, so the Rams might be poised to make a move.
The Rams reportedly flirted in the past with the Carolina Panthers about Brian Burns, and now the 25-year-old is a free agent. So is Jacksonville Jaguars star Josh Allen (26), the New York Jets’ Bryce Huff (25) and and the San Francisco 49ers’ Chase Young (24).
Do the Rams require a lockdown cornerback to be a serious contender?
In 2018, the Rams made a Super Bowl run with cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib. In 2021, star cornerback Jalen Ramsey led the secondary.
Last season, the Rams attempted to get by with Ahkello Witherspoon, who played on a veteran-minimum contract, and second-year pros Derion Kendrick and Cobie Durant.
Ramsey’s former Miami Dolphins teammate Xavien Howard, 30, was released last week. He joins a free-agent class that includes Jaylon Johnson, L’Jarius Sneed. Kendall Fuller, Chidobe Awuzie and Stephon Gilmore.
Is now the time to address the quarterback of the future?
Matthew Stafford, 36, cannot go on forever — though he is signed through 2026 and, based on his 2023 season, there is no reason to anticipate a dropoff in performance.
The Rams thought that they found Stafford’s backup and possible successor when they drafted Stetson Bennett in the fourth round last year. But the former Georgia star spent his rookie season on the nonfootball injury/illness list for an undisclosed issue. His future with the team is uncertain.
Will Snead trade for, sign or draft another quarterback?
With the Rams picking at No. 19, USC’s Caleb Williams and North Carolina’s Drake Maye appear out of reach. But Snead has proved — see Jared Goff in 2016 — he is capable of engineering historic draft feats.
Louisiana State’s Jayden Daniels, Oregon’s Bo Nix, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy and Washington’s Michael Penix are other prospects that could learn and develop behind Stafford.
Are the Rams willing to pay a premium for an interior offensive lineman?
On the eve of last season, the Rams’ traded two midround draft picks to the Pittsburgh Steelers for guard Kevin Dotson.
It turned out to be a huge coup for the Rams.
Dotson started 14 games at right guard and is now regarded as perhaps the top free agent at his position, putting him in line to cash in.
Dotson said near the end of last season that he would love to stay with the Rams, but the Rams under McVay have never paid a premium for a guard. With Avila’s success as a rookie on the left side, the Rams could opt to repeat the success on the right through the draft.
Left tackle is another position of intrigue.
Alaric Jackson, who beat out Joe Noteboom and started 15 games, is a restricted free agent. The Rams can tender an offer to Jackson and will have the right of first refusal if he receives offers from other teams. The versatile Noteboom, carrying a salary-cap number of $20 million, is a candidate for a restructured contract or, possibly, a release.
Can the Rams find a current and/or future replacement for tight end Tyler Higbee?
Higbee, 31, suffered a major knee injury in the Rams’ wild-card playoff loss to the Detroit Lions.
The eight-year veteran is expected to work his way back, but it remains to be seen how soon a player who will carry a $12.1 million salary-cap number can be at full strength.
Davis Allen, a 2023 fifth-round pick from Clemson, showed promise as a rookie. The Rams are not expected to re-sign Brycen Hopkins.
Dalton Schultz, Hunter Henry, Noah Fant and former Ram Gerald Everett are among available free agents.
February 28, 2024 at 10:20 am #149573znModerator— Josh (@JoshtheGoat147) February 28, 2024
February 28, 2024 at 8:39 pm #149588
ZooeyParticipantThe Rams have 11 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft 🧩 pic.twitter.com/zzeMgEof4J
— PFF LA Rams (@PFF_Rams) February 28, 2024
February 28, 2024 at 10:55 pm #149592znModeratorTop Takeaways from GM Les Snead’s NFL Combine Week press conference: Latest on Coleman Shelton and Kevin Dotson, backup QB spot and more
Stu Jackson
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Rams general manager Les Snead held a video conference with reporters Wednesday afternoon to provide an update on the team’s plans for free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft.
Here are some of the key takeaways from that conversation:
Les Snead talks latest on Kevin Dotson and Coleman Shelton, team’s plans for 2024 free agency and NFL Draft
The Rams have been in “constant communication” with offensive lineman Kevin Dotson and Coleman Shelton’s respective camps, but both are expected to hit the free market.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing – Snead mentioned doing so would help both sides find a number that makes sense.
Snead said that Shelton decided to void his last year, which means he’s scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent.
“I would say most players get to this point where, ‘Okay, the season’s over,’ they’re in the last year of their contract, there is a side of the process where, to help figure it out the market, is somewhat go to the marketplace,” Snead said. “And sometimes you gotta be patient in this process, which I do think is very healthy and productive for both sides. Because if you try to do something beforehand, it’s really just probably the Rams side. But when you go to the market, then it’s 31 other teams involved, and then you can use it to come up with a win-win.”
With Dotson, Snead said it’s “probably going to go into the window, at a minimum” – referring to the period of March 11 at 9 a.m. pacific time to March 13 at 12:59:59 p.m. pacific time, when teams are allowed to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents at the start of the new league year (1 p.m. PT on March 13).
Rams have had discussions with Noteboom and his reps about “win-win” financial situation to return
Snead said the Rams have had discussions with offensive lineman Joe Noteboom and his reps to “try to figure out a win-win” financial situation to come back.
“Just because he’s been a valuable piece for us in terms of whether he’s been a starter, but let’s call it a really good sixth man,” Snead said, pointing out that Noteboom played both tackle spots and guard at different times last season.
Viable backup quarterback remains a need
After head coach Sean McVay last week said the team doesn’t have a backup quarterback on the roster, Snead on Wednesday said they want to make sure they have a quarterback who can win them a game if they ever have to play one without starter Matthew Stafford.
Snead indicated the flexibility provided by the Rams’ cap space this year will give them the opportunity to sign one, unlike last year. He said not having one “did come back to hurt us definitely one game last year,” alluding to their game against the Packers before the bye week.
“I think this year, different than last year based on salary cap, could allow us to maybe do a veteran QB,” Snead said. “Doesn’t mean you don’t go with a younger QB as a third, or does he earn the (number) two (spot), but that flexibility with the cap does allow us to do that.”
Higbee had knee surgery
Snead confirmed Higbee has had surgery to repair the knee injury he sustained in the Rams’ wild-card playoff game against the Lions, but said the timeline for his return is still undetermined.
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