Rams off-season assessments & rankings & early previews

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  • #148891
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    What are they saying Rams team and their prospects for 2024

    #148979
    Avatar photoInvaderRam
    Moderator

    i don’t know if this belongs here but right now i’m wondering about davis allen. i don’t know what the kid’s mental makeup is like, but he’s gotta realize the opportunity in front of him right now. higbee most likely is not ready for the start of the season. there aren’t really many viable candidates besides him. long maybe but he ended the season with an injury. he really seemed to step it up a little bit at the end of the season. my guess is he’s gotta get the blocking down because he looks like a vacuum catching the ball. not very fast or agile, but he can jump. he’s got good ball skills and he’s a huge target. he’s only 22 so he can get much much stronger. it’s all right there for him to make a kyren like leap from his rookie to sophomore seasons. maybe that’s going too far. he doesn’t need to be that good. but at least good enough to be an adequate replacement for higbee.

    #148991
    Avatar photoZooey
    Moderator

    I don’t know if this belongs here, either. Is this devoted to news, or is analysis welcome? If this belongs in a different thread, then by all means, move it.

    The marvelous Jourdan Rodrigue on off-season priorities.

     

    Five Rams’ offseason priorities — OL investment, tough conversations — and one big question

    By Jourdan Rodrigue
    Jan 23, 2024

    The Rams are currently in the after-action review of a 2023 season during which they overachieved relative to the experience level of their roster, and outside expectations.

    Ten wins, a narrow wild-card loss, an offense that got back into the top 10 in the NFL and the emergence of a strong rookie class — not bad, right?

    They did it by going back to some of their fundamentals as coaches and executives. General manager Les Snead preached discipline from last offseason into the trade deadline, where the Rams had previously spent big capital (money and draft picks), and his scouting and personnel departments were patient and intentional about the players they selected in the draft and veteran free agency.

    The 2024 season, it seems, is set up to reward them for that discipline. They will have around $40 million in workable cap space (estimations vary up until the new league year) and will wipe most of their dead money off the books. They’ll have their first-round pick and a full slate underneath it. Some of their top players are heading into only the second or third years on their initial contracts. But success is not a given. How can the Rams avoid regression in 2024?

    “From this point forward, a lot of messaging will be, ‘OK, you got to this point and you’ll just move forward next year,’” Snead said. “What we do know is, we can reason that next year is gonna be different. We’ll be a different team. We’re not gonna be able to just show up and hop back on the train and be in rhythm. That took a lot of work. And I think the thing that we can do — what you can apply from this year — is, last year we really said ‘let’s come in every day and try to do something every day so that the collective can play quality football.’ We never talked about having more points than the other team, just quality football.

    “The lesson would be not to come in and think, ‘OK, now this is what we do, and now we’ll have 11 wins over 10 (wins).’”

    Setting the table in the offseason is all-important. Here are five priorities:

    1. Continued investment in the offensive line 

    The moves the Rams made along their offensive line in the draft and via trade — plus a scheme change in their run game — paid dividends. Rookie Steve Avila will start for them at left guard for a long time. Left tackle Alaric Jackson, an undrafted free agent, got better as the season progressed. Coleman Shelton was consistently solid at center. Right guard Kevin Dotson, whom the Rams traded for in August, was one of the top guards in the NFL in 2023 and paired very well with Avila. Right tackle Rob Havenstein is still the veteran and captain of the group. They also invested in a four-person coaching staff, from position coach Ryan Wendell to assistants Zak Kromer and Nick Jones, and consultant Mike Munchak.

    Jackson is a restricted free agent, so subject to a tender. Shelton is an unrestricted free agent, as is Dotson. Snead indicated that at least trying to re-sign Dotson is a goal of the Rams this spring, but he will have a competitive market.

    “I would bet that he’ll definitely have a marketplace, for sure, people are gonna want him to come play football for them — we’re one of those teams,” said Snead, adding that the process could take some time. “… But I can say, too, agents will call (and) we’ll start engineering and designing kind of a blueprint, more of a timeline of communication so that each step of the way they know where we stand.”

    The Rams may need a right guard, or a center, or both. Even if they are able to keep Dotson, continuing to add for the future along the offensive line is important and should be a priority for a team that learned the hard way in 2022 what could happen if multiple linemen got hurt at once.

    It’s important to remember that just because the Rams have resources again, it doesn’t mean they will burn through them all or over-extend their long-term financial plans in the case of a competitive contract discussion. Both Snead and coach Sean McVay have reiterated this point through the start of the offseason. Don’t be surprised if the Rams aren’t splashy in the early days and weeks of free agency.

    2. Re-invest resources into 2 premier positions and 1 ‘abnormal’ position

    The Rams historically have viewed a couple of positions as “premier,” meaning they are comfortable putting a lot of financial resources and/or draft capital there whether the player was developed in-house or acquired in a trade: outside linebacker/pass rush, quarterback, cornerback and, in very rare cases, receiver (Cooper Kupp, who was also a homegrown player).

    In 2023, they stayed young and/or financially disciplined at those spots, particularly pass rusher and cornerback. Rookie Byron Young emerged as a starting outside linebacker with a bright future. Elsewhere, there are clear holes to fill. The Rams badly need another pass rusher on the outside and this year could afford to go the “veteran at the end of first contract/free agent” route for the right player. It could be argued that they need two cornerbacks, too. They have had success with a “pay one, draft and develop the other” strategy with their outside corners.

    One position outside their typical team-building model that could merit a rare contract extension is inside linebacker. Ernest Jones has emerged as a team captain and core leader of the defense. Jones is entering the final year of his contract.

    “Obviously he’s someone who is a very important part of that defense for many reasons, definitely the leader of the defense,” Snead said of the 2021 third-round draft pick. “In the past, obviously we’ve been invested in some other positions. But I think as we evolve, and as teams evolve, there are times where you may be less invested at a certain position than you were in the past and one of your better players is an inside linebacker. So, he’s definitely someone we’ll discuss and definitely someone we’d like to have around.”

    3. Have the hard conversation about future at offensive skill positions 

    The Rams got great production from their three offensive skill spots in 2023 from a combination of veterans and young players (even if one, tight end, was more blocking-centric in a re-invented run scheme). Still, significant injuries at running back, receiver and tight end should give reason to deeply evaluate all of those positions, and continue to invest in them.

    At running back, second-team All Pro Kyren Williams missed four games to an ankle injury. Williams was a legitimate star for the Rams in 2023, should be again in 2024 and his presence on the field made a huge difference in their overall production:

    Rams offense: With and without Kyren Williams
    ACTIVE OFF THE FIELD/REST
    EPA/Play
    +0.159
    -0.153
    Success Rate
    47.8%
    38.4%

    Ronnie Rivers and Royce Freeman were capable backups to Williams but Rivers also missed time with an injury. The Rams have continuously supplemented this position via the middle to later rounds of the draft. Williams is deservedly their lead rusher, but because the position is not one they have financially invested in since 2018, continuing to draft and develop a year or two in advance may be important. This might mean picking up a young running back every offseason — that has certainly been their pattern over the last few years.

    Meanwhile, tight end is a question after veteran Tyler Higbee tore his ACL and MCL from a low hit by Detroit safety Kerby Joseph in the wild-card loss. Higbee will miss spring workouts and could potentially even miss a chunk of training camp. The only other healthy tight end with any game experience — who is not a free agent in 2024 — is Davis Allen, a rookie in 2023 who showed a lot of promise.

    Finally, after his Triple Crown season in 2021, Kupp has battled multi-week injuries in 2022 (ankle) and 2023 (hamstring, ankle). Rookie Puka Nacua emerged as the No. 1 receiver even when Kupp returned to the field after missing the first four games. Kupp and the Rams need a healthy 2024, and he still holds a crucial role for the offense on and off the field — but the Rams also have to keep filling out this room in light of his injury issues, Nacua’s physical style of play and No. 4 receiver Tutu Atwell entering a contract year.

    4. Continue draft momentum 

    This is obvious, sure — but if the Rams can bring in a second consecutive solid draft class in 2024, they’ll have even more financial flexibility over the next three to five years. A cheap, talented roster core compiled from strong drafts in succession means the freedom to take big swings at high-value positions, and even the potential to extend homegrown talent when the time comes. It also means critical depth even if the roster eventually gets top-heavy again!

    5. Patience in filling potential staff openings 

    Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris reportedly has second interviews this week with the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks for their head coaching positions. The Rams’ executives, many current and former players, McVay and even opposing coaches such as Kyle Shanahan have all made strong and public endorsements over the last several weeks for Morris to get one of those positions. McVay has noted that he would “hate” to lose Morris, one of his best friends as well as a colleague who often takes on a “co-head coach” role.

    Defensive line coach Eric Henderson accepted a position as the defensive line coach/co-defensive coordinator at USC shortly after the Rams’ season ended.

    Meanwhile, pass game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Zac Robinson will reportedly interview with the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and Las Vegas Raiders for their open offensive coordinator jobs, while tight ends coach Nick Caley will also interview with the Patriots for the OC job.

    McVay took his time when filling his coaching staff last offseason, and said last week he hoped for continuity (though recognized some would have opportunities for advancement elsewhere). He’ll wait until he knows whether Morris is getting a head coaching job before filling the defensive line coach opening, though mentioned young assistant A.C. Carter as an in-house possibility. If Robinson gets a job, in-house candidates to replace him could include K.J. Black and/or Jake Peetz.

    The Rams’ staff played a crucial role in the sound development of their rookie class and even many of their second-year players. McVay remaining patient and casting a wide net if he has to replace anybody is important.

    One big question

    Do the Rams draft a quarterback this year?

    CALM DOWN, people. This is not a suggestion to replace Matthew Stafford in 2024, after a remarkable 2023 season and the expectation he’ll again have a clean bill of health heading into the offseason. The Rams seemed to study a successful blueprint — Seattle’s 2021 offseason — when embarking on their sprint-rebuild of 2023. It’s fair to wonder if they’ll study another (and very familiar) one in the Green Bay Packers, who identified quarterback Jordan Love as a late first-round pick in 2020, and sat him for a couple years behind a veteran star. Coaching, patience and quarterback skill level have all married together and Love is now the future at the position in Green Bay, and growing alongside a young team that won’t incur large cap space in the next couple of years.

    The Rams don’t have a clear backup quarterback, with Carson Wentz scheduled to be a free agent and uncertainty over whether Stetson Bennett will return from the non-football/illness list. Bennett was drafted in the fourth round last spring with solidifying the long-term backup spot in mind.

    The Rams are committed to Stafford in 2024, and he to them. As long as he’s feeling good, their offense is in great shape. If he’s this healthy for a consecutive season, it would even be logical to have the conversation about him playing into his very late 30s. But is this the year they start thinking about what happens after that?

    #148992
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    I don’t know if this belongs here, either. Is this devoted to news, or is analysis welcome? If this belongs in a different thread, then by all means, move it.

    I think it goes here just fine. In fact, thanks.

    Fwiw though, and for future reference–the site doesn’t allow admins to move posts anymore.

    #148997
    Avatar photoZooey
    Moderator

    I don’t know if this belongs here, either. Is this devoted to news, or is analysis welcome? If this belongs in a different thread, then by all means, move it.

    I think it goes here just fine. In fact, thanks. Fwiw though, and for future reference–the site doesn’t allow admins to move posts anymore.

    I bet you could still copy a post, though, and post it somewhere else, and go back and delete the original.

    #148998
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    I don’t know if this belongs here, either. Is this devoted to news, or is analysis welcome? If this belongs in a different thread, then by all means, move it.

    I think it goes here just fine. In fact, thanks. Fwiw though, and for future reference–the site doesn’t allow admins to move posts anymore.

    I bet you could still copy a post, though, and post it somewhere else, and go back and delete the original.

    I do do that sometimes. Though, more often if something is really in the wrong thread, I ask the poster to just re-post it in the right thread. But as a rule that doesn’t happen much, posters are usually on top of the “what goes in what thread” issue.

    #149427
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    He gets to the Rams in this.

    #150058
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    One pressing question for Sean McVay and new Rams position/assistant coaches

    Jourdan Rodrigue

    https://theathletic.com/5351254/2024/03/20/rams-sean-mcvay-question-coaches/?source=emp_shared_article

    Big waves of change unfolded through the Rams’ first week of free agency.

    To recap:

    • The Rams signed two cornerstone offensive linemen, are moving another to center, signed a blocking tight end who could hold potential in the pass game, signed a familiar face at cornerback, a rising young safety, re-signed veteran receiver Demarcus Robinson, offered tenders to their starting left tackle and a depth defensive lineman/special teamer, extended a depth linebacker on a cheap, but guaranteed, deal and found their new backup quarterback.

    Here’s why they spent where they did (note: This was written before the agreement to terms of safety Kam Curl, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and inside linebacker Christian Rozeboom, so they did answer the backup quarterback question posed at the bottom of the story).

    • Aaron Donald retired.

    Before all of that, head coach Sean McVay did some shuffling of his staff, inclusive to new hires and promotions. With so much change, I thought I’d do something fun and pose one big question to McVay and each of the new/re-arranged coaches — with some additional analysis, of course — now that they themselves are re-calibrating after the first part of free agency.

    Sean McVay
    After out-performing expectations in 2023, at what point does this organization determine it is back in “contender” conversations and how hard will they then push?

    As we know, the answer to that specific question will predicate how the Rams use remaining resources, and at what time of year. McVay has new life in his run game behind a scheme change and personnel upgrades along the offensive line and at running back, and his veteran quarterback plays at an elite level when healthy. Glaring holes remain along the defensive line and even in the secondary, despite the Curl and Darious Williams additions, and the Rams need to plan for life after Cooper Kupp after injury issues popped up again in 2022 and 2023 (based on his recent social media posts, Kupp seems to be preparing for a healthy 2024).

    Because of the way the Rams “set the table” in free agency, these areas are where I’d predict they use remaining resources, whether via draft or packaged together for trade ahead of the deadline, if they believe they can make a real run.

    Chris Shula — defensive coordinator
    What are you planning for the defensive backfield?

    Shula will have his hands on the entire defense, of course. But the reason I find this specifically to be such a pressing question is because of the moves the Rams made in their secondary, and the backgrounds of both Shula and secondary coach Aubrey Pleasant. Shula helped McVay identify previous defensive coordinator Brandon Staley (who, like Pleasant, was a candidate for this year’s job). He bought in to the match-zone the Rams have foundationally deployed since 2020 (obviously there were noticeable variations in 2022-23, for specific reasons covered here). Williams, already a strong zone cornerback, did very well in that match-zone, quarters-heavy scheme. At just 25, Curl has a reputation for being very versatile at safety or nickel/dime linebacker which would be a benefit in rotating and disguising coverages and pressure. The addition of these two players, to me, tells us a little more about what Shula envisions as his “schematic fingerprints” on this overall system into 2024.

    Giff Smith — defensive line
    How will you generate a complete pass rush?

    Let’s be clear: There’s no replacing Donald. In some ways, the Rams will start from scratch here because of what they were able to do so effectively with Donald holding down one, two, sometimes even three defenders and multiple gaps snap in and snap out. They have two players who can be considered “foundation” pieces to this new puzzle, in second-year defensive tackle Kobie Turner and second-year outside linebacker Byron Young. Defensive tackle Bobby Brown III, who can play the nose if Turner shifts into more of a full-time, pass-rushing three-technique role, is under contract for another year as well. Michael Hoecht should step back into a rotational inside/outside role after starting full time at outside linebacker in 2023.

    The Rams didn’t get into the markets for higher tiers of pass rusher or defensive tackle in free agency, preferring (even while knowing Donald’s decision as the period began) to invest a combined $34 million per year instead in their two guards, Jonah Jackson and Kevin Dotson. Stafford’s cap number in 2024 is $49.5 million, and Cooper Kupp’s is $29.7 million. It is very easy to see which side of the ball the Rams have made a financial priority, and that means certain positions on the other side have to be cost-controlled.

    As I have reported, they had interest in possible lower-market players such as Alex Van Ginkel, but hoped to wait him out a little longer (his foot injury was a factor) and he was signed elsewhere. Trade potential also always seems to be on the table with this group, or acquiring cut players after the draft.

    Could the Rams actually go “young and cheap” along their entire defensive front? I wouldn’t rule that out, either — which would put the onus directly on Smith, second-year outside linebackers coach Joe Coniglio and second-year assistant defensive line coach A.C. Carter.

    Greg Williams — inside linebackers
    How will Ernest Jones’ leadership role expand post-Donald?

    I don’t believe it’s a coincidence that the Rams placed Jones’ locker next to Donald’s for the 2023 season. Jones will be asked to become even more of a vocal, veteran leader without Donald around. The Rams previously have not invested into their inside linebacker position but have opened preliminary discussions with Jones’ representation (those don’t usually progress until the late summer). On the field, Jones’ role could also expand further in consideration of Shula’s experience coaching his position. The Rams re-signed Rozeboom to a one-year deal but will need to keep locating depth here.

    John Streicher — game strategy and game management
    What edges and leverage points will you present to McVay and will he use them?

    At least McVay had the awareness to joke about adding the role, to help him “not use my timeouts in the second half until I need to.” The Rams have always gone over in-game situations and have an analytics department that provides coaches with data on rules, situations and scenarios (such as when the math would say to kick and when to go for it on fourth down, or when to go for a two-point conversion but also far beyond those popular examples). “Stretch” has a role that on paper looks like it will be more influential, inclusive to the fact that the Rams actually list him among their coaches.

    Stretch has a reputation around the league for finding edges within the NFL’s rulebook as well as advising on sound game management strategy and in personnel evaluation. McVay is one of the most progressive schematic minds in the game, which juxtaposes with a very traditional “feel and flow of the game” situational approach. I’m very, very interested to see how this goes.

    Dave Ragone, Nate Scheelhaase, Rob Calabrese — quarterbacks, offensive assistants (pass game/quarterbacks)
    “Jimmy G” and who else?

    This is an interesting group of coaches to have in the building where the quarterback position is concerned. The Rams’ one-year deal with Garoppolo was all about cost and scheme/system fit with a player they know very well, despite Garoppolo’s incoming two-game suspension.

    The bulk of the money the Rams spent in free agency went toward players who will protect and extend the career lifespan of Matthew Stafford. But if the rolling through of previous starters-turned-backups in Los Angeles in 2022 and 2023 (Baker Mayfield, Carson Wentz) proves to be a precedent, Garoppolo may get a lift from his stint and take another shot at a starting job elsewhere. So what happens after 2024?

    Nick Caley — tight ends, pass game coordinator
    What are the short- and long-term plans for Tyler Higbee?

    Caley is not a new hire, but was promoted by McVay this spring after he was wooed by New England for its offensive coordinator job.

    Higbee, who tore his ACL and MCL after a low hit by Detroit Lions defensive back Kerby Joseph in the wild-card loss, will be recovering into the summer and potentially fall. The Rams just signed 25-year-old Colby Parkinson to a three-year deal, presumably to take over as TE1 while Higbee heals. The contract extension Higbee signed last summer would be tricky to get out of in 2024 but could be movable in 2025. Parkinson could be both the short- and long-term future for the Rams at the position, but a lot of football has to happen in between.

    Chili Davis — special teams assistant
    Any kicker identification tips to bring to L.A.?

    In all seriousness, Davis was hired by retained special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn to help turn around a unit that ranked dead last in DVOA in 2023. The Rams need to identify a kicker, sure, but they also need to develop their coverage units. I would expect Rozeboom (one-year deal) and Hoecht (right of first refusal tender) to help here as well as Ronnie Rivers (exclusive rights free-agent tender).

    By association, McVay and “Stretch” can also help out the special teams unit with some of their down-and-distance and late-down decision-making.

    McVay also hired Sean Desai (Bears, Eagles) and Jerry Schuplinski (Raiders, Giants, Dolphins, Patriots) as senior assistants.

    My understanding of the roles are that they are offensive-oriented, even though Desai most recently has a defensive coordinator background. Now-Falcons defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake held that role in 2023, though also had the title of “assistant head coach.” One thing McVay and others from this coaching tree have done over the years is worked to understand opposing defensive systems’ “rules” in order to better tendency-break and scheme against them.

    Finally, the Rams are hopeful that renowned offensive line coach Mike Munchak returns to consult with their staff for a second season. These roles are usually determined closer to OTAs and training camp.

    #150292
    Avatar photowv
    Participant

    Well…Aaron Donald is not going to be on the line.

    I cant get past that.   I dunno what to do with that.

    How did the Giants do when LT retired?   The Packers when Reggie retired?

     

    wv-brain just cant evaluate this defense anymore.    I guess, I’m gonna have to just wait and see what the D looks like after three or four games.

    The offense is all about Health  (Stafford, mainly) at this point.   If they stay healthy, they can score on anyone, I would think.

     

    49ers, Lions, Packers, Vikings, Bears, Cowboys, Falcons all look to be good.  Maybe the Eagles.  Maybe Washington.  Maybe Seattle and the Cards.    I think the NFC will be pretty good this season.

    Rams could be a 2 seed or they could miss the playoffs.   I just think they are a mystery due to the Aaron Donald hole.     Another big coaching challenge for McV.   Another big draft challenge for Snead.

     

     

    w

    v

    #150667
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Rams’ post NFL draft depth chart: OLB, DL filled out while CB depth remains a question

    https://theathletic.com/5458544/2024/04/30/la-rams-depth-chart-nfl-draft-update/?source=emp_shared_article

    What a difference a year makes, huh?

    Last offseason, the Los Angeles Rams were in the process of filling out one of the sketchiest-looking rosters (on paper) in the NFL. Fourteen draft picks in 2023 produced six starters or key depth contributors, and another 10 last week filled (on paper) remaining needs with some of their favorites in the class.

    Here’s what the roster looked like entering, and exiting, this year’s draft:

    Offense

    Quarterback

    WHEN STARTER 2ND TEAM 3RD TEAM
    PRE-DRAFT
    Jimmy Garoppolo
    Stetson Bennett
    POST-DRAFT
    Jimmy Garoppolo
    Stetson Bennett

    Despite some external speculation, I did not believe the Rams would take a quarterback in the early or middle rounds of this year’s draft. Stetson Bennett is back on campus, and while Jimmy Garoppolo will have to miss the first two games of the season because of an NFL-mandated suspension, the Rams have bigger issues at play if they need Garoppolo that early in the year.

    STATUS LT LG C RG RT
    PRE-DRAFT
    Alaric Jackson
    Jonah Jackson
    Steve Avila
    Kevin Dotson
    Rob Havenstein
    BACKUPS
    Warren McClendon
    Joe Noteboom
    Empty
    Noteboom
    Logan Bruss
    POST-DRAFT
    Alaric Jackson
    Jonah Jackson
    Steve Avila
    Kevin Dotson
    Rob Havenstein
    BACKUPS
    Warren McClendon
    Joe Noteboom
    Beaux Limmer
    KT Leveston
    Logan Bruss

    I composed it this way to showcase the broader depth chart along the Rams’ offensive line, but when they get down to game-day actives the backups really are just Joe Noteboom (swing player) and Warren McClendon (swing player). KT Leveston is a sneaky-great development pick, and I would like to see him stay at tackle. Beaux Limmer can be the backup center but could also plug in as a reserve guard.

    Wide receiver

    STATUS WR WR WR WR
    PRE-DRAFT
    Cooper Kupp
    Puka Nacua
    Demarcus Robinson
    Tutu Atwell
    2ND TEAM
    Empty
    Ben Skowronek
    Tyler Johnson
    Austin Trammell
    POST-DRAFT
    Cooper Kupp
    Puka Nacua
    Demarcus Robinson
    Tutu Atwell
    2ND TEAM
    Jordan Whittingham
    Ben Skowronek
    Tyler Johnson
    Austin Trammell

    I would keep an eye on Jordan Whittington, the Rams’ seventh-round pick, this spring and summer. General manager Les Snead, whose stepson is a long snapper at Texas (Whittington’s alma mater), gushed about the receiver and said everybody in the building referred to him as the Longhorns’ “heartbeat.” Whittington’s yards-after-catch ability, physical play style and resume on underneath concepts make him a fit for Sean McVay’s offense.

    Running back

    STATUS RB RB RB
    PRE-DRAFT
    Ronnie Rivers
    Zach Evans
    POST-DRAFT
    Blake Corum
    Ronnie Rivers

    Second team: Zach Evans

    McVay wanted to find a second running back, and he and position coach Ron Gould hoped to bring in a player similar to lead rusher Kyren Williams so that nothing schematic would need changing if Williams were to miss any time or has to keep fresher legs through a long season. Some fans raised their eyebrows at drafting a running back in the third round, but Blake Corum was one of their top players at the position and needed in light of Williams’ injury history, and the two remaining years on his contract.

    Tight end
    STATUS TE TE TE
    PRE-DRAFT
    * Tyler Higbee
    Colby Parkinson
    Davis Allen
    2ND TEAM
    * Hunter Long
    Miller Forristall
    Nikola Kalinic
    POST-DRAFT
    * Tyler Higbee
    Colby Parkinson
    Davis Allen
    2ND TEAM
    * Hunter Long
    Miller Forristall
    Nikola Kalinic

    Tyler Higbee and Hunter Long are both recovering from injuries. Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen will be the Nos. 1 and 2 tight ends in the meantime, with Higbee expected to return in the middle or later part of the season.

    Defensive line (interior)

    STATUS DL DL DL
    PRE-DRAFT
    Kobe Turner
    Bobby Brown III
    Desjuan Johnson
    2ND TEAM
    Larrell Murchison
    Cory Durden
    Empty
    POST-DRAFT
    Kobie Turner
    Bobby Brown III
    Braden Fiske
    2ND TEAM
    Desjuan Johnson
    Tyler Davis
    Larrell Murchison

    If Bobby Brown III can stay on the field at nose tackle, Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske will be able to play more of the three-technique/four, 4i roles that will allow them more opportunities to pass rush. I could also see Tyler Davis getting playing time earlier than expected.

    The Rams overpaid to get up to No. 39 for Fiske, but to them, the cost was worth it. If they didn’t trade back from No. 19, they would have traded into the 30s-40s anyway because their evaluations of the talent at defensive lineman dropped steeply after that. Further, once they picked outside linebacker Jared Verse at No. 19, they knew they would try to get FSU teammate Fiske to bring in instant chemistry along their front. The cost of the trade is the cost of that chemistry, versus spending a year learning how to rush off each other in a post-Aaron Donald world.

    STATUS OLB OLB
    PRE-DRAFT
    Byron Young
    Michael Hoecht
    POST-DRAFT
    Jared Verse
    Byron Young

    Pre-draft second team: Nick HamptonOchaun MathisKeir Thomas
    Post-draft second team: Michael HoechtBrennan Jackson, Hampton, Mathis

    Aside from the starters, it’s probably best to look at the depth players as a rotation because they will do different things. Hampton, for example, is a speed rusher, while Hoecht and Jackson are more power and could even move inside.

    Verse immediately lends significant firepower to this group.

    Inside linebacker

    STATUS ILB ILB
    PRE-DRAFT
    Ernest Jones
    Christian Rozeboom
    POST-DRAFT
    Ernest Jones
    Christian Rozeboom

    Second team: Jake Hummel

    As of now, Ernest Jones will play through his fourth season without a contract extension, but that could always change closer to training camp. This year’s inside linebackers draft class wasn’t considered to be a strong one.

    Safety

    STATUS SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY
    PRE-DRAFT
    Kamren Curl
    Quentin Lake
    2ND TEAM
    Russ Yeast
    Jason Taylor II
    POST-DRAFT
    Kamren Curl
    Quentin Lake
    Kamren Kinchens
    2ND TEAM
    Russ Yeast
    Jason Taylor II

    To get the promising Kamren Kinchens on the field earlier, the Rams may show more three-safety looks that also feature Quentin Lake in a “dime linebacker” role, or they could play Kam Curl in the “star” and keep Lake and Kinchens in the two-high pre-snap look.

    Cornerback

    STATUS CB CB CB
    PRE-DRAFT
    Darious Williams
    * Tre’Davious White
    Cobie Durant
    2ND TEAM
    Derion Kendrick
    Tre Tomlinson
    POST-DRAFT
    Darious Williams
    * Tre’Davious White
    Cobie Durant
    2ND TEAM
    Derion Kendrick
    Tre Tomlinson

    Depth is still a concern at cornerback, in consideration of the age of Darious Williams and Tre’Davious White and of White’s continued recovery from an Achilles repair surgery. The Rams will need Cobie Durant to take another step forward in 2024.

    Specialists

    STATUS LS P K
    PRE-DRAFT
    Alex Ward
    Ethan Evans
    Tanner Brown
    POST-DRAFT
    Alex Ward
    Ethan Evans
    Joshua Karty

    The Rams! Drafted! A kicker!!!!!!!

    • This reply was modified 6 months, 2 weeks ago by Avatar photozn.
    #150681
    Avatar photoZooey
    Moderator

    General manager Les Snead, whose stepson is a long snapper at Texas (Whittington’s alma mater), gushed about the receiver and said everybody in the building referred to him as the Longhorns’ “heartbeat.”

    I take that pretty seriously, and that’s encouraging insight.

    And…on another note, I look at the CB depth chart, and it occurs to me that the Rams must like the look of that. Also encouraging. Because there were guys they could have drafted, but didn’t. Their safeties are suddenly looking pretty damn good with the additions of Curl and Kinchens, and their versatility is important. If they get competent work from Williams and White, any growth Durant and Kendrick show will be bonus.

    #150717
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    #150938
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    from PFF, 2024 offseason grades for all 32 NFL teams: https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-2024-offseason-grades-for-all-32-nfl-teams#LAR

    LOS ANGELES RAMS: A-

    Aaron Donald’s retirement makes the Rams’ roster look worse, but they don’t get dinged for it in this offseason grade. Instead, let’s look at who they brought in.

    Darious WilliamsJonah Jackson and Kamren Curl are all impactful signings. They also brought back Kevin Dotson. In the draft, they selected potential starters in Jared VerseBraden FiskeBlake Corum and Kamren Kinchens. Plus, they might have had my favorite Day 3 draft haul of any team.

    It was a positive offseason for the Rams, even with the Donald loss.

    ARIZONA CARDINALS: B+

    The Cardinals entered the second year of their roster rebuild with a new regime. They added Jonah Williams and Sean Murphy-Bunting in free agency to supplement some of their more glaring needs and were able to draft a long list of new culture fits, including a WR1 in Marvin Harrison Jr.

    The key to this grade being a high B or low A is how well Darius Robinson and Max Melton pan out, but the offseason approach was solid.

    SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: C+

    The Niners didn’t make a huge splash in free agency but signed some core players in Leonard FloydYetur Gross-Matos and Jordan Elliott. They lost Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw from their defensive line but have the aforementioned new bodies to try to make up for it.

    Ultimately, San Francisco needs better offensive line play in 2024, and the only significant addition the team made there was third-round pick Dominick Puni.

    It doesn’t feel like San Francisco got better this offseason.

    SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: B+

    The Seahawks moving on from head coach Pete Carroll was a shock. However, replacing him with Mike Macdonald, one of the best defensive minds in the game, was one of the few ways they could come out on top.

    They lost bigger names than they added, as Bobby WagnerJordyn Brooks and Damien Lewis are all elsewhere, but they did re-sign Leonard Williams.

    Seattle in the draft secured needed impact players in the trenches, selecting Byron Murphy II and Christian Haynes, though their lack of edge defender additions could be an oversight.

    #150971
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    from https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/5/18/24159243/rams-news-espn-post-draft-nfl-power-rankings

    Rams in top 15 of ESPN’s post-draft NFL power rankings (ramswire)

    “In ESPN’s post-draft power rankings last year, the Rams were slotted in at No. 25. Coming out of the 2024 draft, the Rams are 14th in ESPN’s poll, the same position they were in after free agency.

    .

    ESPN picked the Rams’ most improved unit as the secondary, which isn’t wrong; the additions of Kamren Curl, Darious Williams, Tre’Davious White and even Kamren Kinchens will make a big difference in the defensive backfield.

    .

    The Rams did a lot to improve their defensive front in the draft, but they still had Aaron Donald on their roster at the end of the 2023 season. Last season, Los Angeles had 10 interceptions — tied for 23rd in the NFL. Improving the secondary was a focus during free agency and the draft, with the Rams signing cornerbacks Tre’Davious White and Darious Williams and safety Kamren Curl and selecting safety Kamren Kinchens in the fifth round.

    .

    The only NFC West team ranked higher than the Rams is the 49ers, who are No. 2 behind the top-ranked Chiefs. Of the teams in the top 10, the Rams will face six of them in 2024, which shows how difficult their schedule will be.”</p>

    #150998
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    #151073
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    from PFF, 2024 NFL roster rankings: Strengths, weaknesses and X factors for every starting lineup: https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-roster-rankings-all-32-teams-2024-strengths-weaknesses-x-factors#LAR

    14. LOS ANGELES RAMS

    Biggest strength in 2023: Offensive Balance

    The Rams ranked inside the top 10 in every aspect of offensive grading except pass protection last season. Matthew Stafford had a big bounce-back year. Kyren Williams proved himself to be a workhorse. Puka Nacua set the rookie receiving record. With an improved offensive line heading into 2024, the Rams’ offense will be dangerous as long as Stafford continues to produce at a high level.

    Biggest weakness in 2023: Coverage

    Los Angeles ranked dead last in team coverage grade last season (46.2). They were extremely young and did not have a single defensive back finish with at least a 70.0 coverage grade. They’ve done significant work this offseason to improve their secondary, though, and if that work pays off, they could be a dark-horse NFC contender.

    X-factor for 2024: DI Kobie Turner

    Aaron Donald’s retirement forces Kobie Turner into a marquee role on the Rams’ defensive line. Turner finished his rookie season with an excellent 83.2 overall grade and led the team with 12 sacks. Obviously, he won’t be asked to fill the void left by Donald by himself, but he will need to continue his excellent play to mitigate the loss.

    Rookie to watch: EDGE Jared Verse

    Another player tasked with replacing Aaron Donald’s production is first-round pick Jared Verse. He had a spectacular two-year run at Florida State and produced a 90.8 pass-rush grade in 2023. Meanwhile, the Rams’ edge group finished 30th in the NFL in overall grade last season. Verse will have every opportunity to star for this defense.

    Over/Under 8.5 win total: Over

    Aaron Donald is a huge loss for the Rams, but a team with Matthew StaffordKyren WilliamsCooper Kupp and Puka Nacua should still have a winning season. Their postseason success will be dictated by their defensive development. As long as Stafford continues to produce, the Rams will at least be in the playoff mix.

    Projected starting lineup for 2024
    OFFENSE DEFENSE
    QB Matthew Stafford (88.2) DI Kobie Turner (83.2)
    RB Blake Corum (84.0*) DI Braden Fiske (73.9*)
    RB Kyren Williams (80.4) Edge Michael Hoecht (58.2)
    WR Cooper Kupp (71.5) Edge Jared Verse (84.4*)
    WR Puka Nacua (90.2) Edge Byron Young (64.1)
    WR Demarcus Robinson (70.0) LB Ernest Jones (78.8)
    TE Tyler Higbee (57.6) LB Christian Rozeboom (47.9)
    LT Alaric Jackson (66.6) CB Darious Williams (79.5)
    LG Jonah Jackson (61.0) CB Tre’Davious White (68.0)
    Steve Avila (60.5) CB Quentin Lake (70.0)
    RG Kevin Dotson (84.4) Kamren Curl (66.6)
    RT Rob Havenstein (79.8) Russ Yeast (57.0)
    #151088
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    #151135
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    From Ranking the NFL’s head coaches: https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-best-head-coaches-andy-reid-kyle-shanahan-mike-tomlin/

    1. Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs

    2. Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams

    It’s so fun that you could ask Sean McVay what he was doing June 5, 2003 and he’ll be able to give you a detailed description of the omelet he made for breakfast that morning and what cartoon was on TV while he was making it.

    McVay took a different approach to his offense last season and turned the Rams into a run-through-your-face power run team with a lot of play action mixed in. Matthew Stafford still has the ability to sling it, and it’ll be fun to see what the offense can do in year two of Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp as a duo. McVay has already been to two Super Bowls and won one. Can the Rams make another appearance in the biggest game of the year? Who’s to say they can’t?

    #151149
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    from PFF, 2024 NFL roster rankings:

    https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-roster-rankings-all-32-teams-2024-strengths-weaknesses-x-factors

    14. LOS ANGELES RAMS

    Biggest strength in 2023: Offensive Balance

    The Rams ranked inside the top 10 in every aspect of offensive grading except pass protection last season. Matthew Stafford had a big bounce-back year. Kyren Williams proved himself to be a workhorse. Puka Nacua set the rookie receiving record. With an improved offensive line heading into 2024, the Rams’ offense will be dangerous as long as Stafford continues to produce at a high level.

    Biggest weakness in 2023: Coverage

    Los Angeles ranked dead last in team coverage grade last season (46.2). They were extremely young and did not have a single defensive back finish with at least a 70.0 coverage grade. They’ve done significant work this offseason to improve their secondary, though, and if that work pays off, they could be a dark-horse NFC contender.

    X-factor for 2024: DI Kobie Turner

    Aaron Donald’s retirement forces Kobie Turner into a marquee role on the Rams’ defensive line. Turner finished his rookie season with an excellent 83.2 overall grade and led the team with 9 sacks. Obviously, he won’t be asked to fill the void left by Donald by himself, but he will need to continue his excellent play to mitigate the loss.

    Rookie to watch: EDGE Jared Verse

    Another player tasked with replacing Aaron Donald’s production is first-round pick Jared Verse. He had a spectacular two-year run at Florida State and produced a 90.8 pass-rush grade in 2023. Meanwhile, the Rams’ edge group finished 30th in the NFL in overall grade last season. Verse will have every opportunity to star for this defense.

    Over/Under 8.5 win total: Over

    Aaron Donald is a huge loss for the Rams, but a team with Matthew StaffordKyren WilliamsCooper Kupp and Puka Nacua should still have a winning season. Their postseason success will be dictated by their defensive development. As long as Stafford continues to produce, the Rams will at least be in the playoff mix.

    #151207
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    They cover the NFC West starting at 9:17 in and get to the Rams at 12:42 in.

     

    #151232
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    from https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/6/18/24181243/rams-espn-offseason-rankings-draft-error-disrespect

    .
    In an “offseason grades” article by ESPN’s Seth Walder, the Rams decision to trade up for Fiske at that cost was called “one of the largest and most obvious errors in the draft.”

    .

    L.A. was given a B- grade, which doesn’t seem so bad if you’re just trying to get your final math credit to graduate college, but looks worse when you have to scroll almost all the way to the bottom of the article to find it. A B- put the Rams near the bottom-third of the order:

    .

    The Rams spent free agency investing in veterans to improve their secondary (Williams and Tre’Davious White at cornerback and safety Kamren Curl) and the interior oftheir offensive line, as they brought in Jackson from the Lions and re-signed guard Kevin Dotson.

    .

    These signings aren’t guaranteed wins — White is coming off an Achilles injury and the guards probably were overpriced. They bought high on Williams, who is coming off a season in which he allowed just 1.0 yards per coverage snap (average for an outside corner is 1.3), but they only guaranteed him $7 million. The message is clear. Despite losing Aaron Donald to retirement, the Rams are going for it again while they still can with quarterback Matthew Stafford. It makes sense.

    .

    Between Stafford, coach Sean McVay and an excellent receiving duo of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, the Rams can contend if things break right on defense and the offensive line. The Rams did make one of the largest and most obvious errors in the draft, trading a fifth-round pick and a future second-round pick just to move up from 52 to 39 and select Fiske.

    #151240
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    #151244
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    from 100 Bold Predictions for the 2024 NFL Season: https://www.si.com/nfl/nfl-predictions-2024-season-super-bowl-mvp-awards

     49. The Rams will win the NFC West

    Sean McVay & Co. laid the foundation for a divisional run last year. With the 49ers reeling from a stinging overtime Super Bowl loss, the Rams can capitalize on a bit of vulnerability and ride their two-headed passing attack to a 12-win season and at least one win in the playoffs. The Rams believed last year and, I think, felt like they could do some serious damage if they’d gotten past the Lions in the wild-card round. Alas, this is a year for unfinished business and to show how quickly general manager Les Snead turned over a roster after going all in for Super Bowl LVI.

    52. Kyren Williams will lead the NFL in rushing

    After finishing in third place last year, the Rams’ third-year back will edge Christian McCaffrey, James Cook and Bijan Robinson, who will finish second, third and fourth, respectively. Williams will have 1,323 yards, on top of 11 rushing touchdowns and 64 accumulated first downs.

    74. Joshua Karty will break the NFL’s rookie record for most points scored in a season

    The Rams’ kicker, drafted in the sixth round out of Stanford, seems to have a hold on the gig, barring a disastrous summer or early fall. L.A. should also score a lot of points this year. Down goes Brandon Aubrey’s record of 157 points set last season. It’s a Karty Party all up in here.

    #151249
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    They do the Rams starting at about 40:30 in.

    #151260
    Avatar photowv
    Participant

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