Ranking the Rams 11 most important players on offense

Ranking the Rams 11 most important players on offense

Jamon Brown | John Sullivan | Cooper Kupp | Gerald Everett | Rob Havenstein | Robert Woods | Rodger Saffold | Tavon Austin | Todd Gurley| Jared Goff | Andrew Whitworth

No. 11 — Jamon Brown, Right Tackle

Last year, Brown started to earn some playing time towards the end of the season. He became a favorite among the coaching staff during the offseason, however, which arguably led to the team trading former No. 2 overall pick Greg Robinson.

Before the trade, we wrote about why Brown was leaping up the depth chart for Los Angeles. This year, he will slide over to play tackle which isn’t a position he has experience with in the NFL. But the athletic offensive lineman did play there in college, which should help the transition this season.

Brown played more than ninety percent of the snaps in six games last season, which proves he’s likely ready to become a starter.

No. 10 — John Sullivan, Center

It’s not one hundred percent clear Sullivan will start for the Rams moving forward. But the stories that have come out so far about the veteran with Los Angeles have been overwhelmingly positive.

According to a story via MMQB, during practice, Sullivan was “reading the defense and immediately calling out perfect offensive adjustments.”

He may be a plug-and-play option for Los Angeles this season but his NFL experience will go a long way for an offensive line considering one of the worst in the league last year. Regardless, his intelligence will be helpful for Goff next year.

No. 9 — Cooper Kupp, Wide Receiver

Kupp was an exciting draft selection for Los Angeles. He is one of the most decorated and accomplished wideouts in FCS history, breaking records that were previously set by Jerry Rice. In fact, he could even be seen as a steal in the draft considering the Rams were able to snag him in the third round.

During minicamp, Kupp played in the slot role as a receiver. While this is somewhere Tavon Austin had locked down for the team, it seems this is where Kupp will fit in as a professional. Some believe he can be one of the most productive rookie wide receivers in the NFL next season, which would obviously be a tremendous help for the team.

Kupp should be a tremendous aid for Jared Goff for the Los Angeles offense moving forward. He also has a pre-existing relationship with Goff.

No. 8 — Gerald Everett, Tight End

If the Rams hit a home run to select Everett, it would help folks forget about trading away their first-round pick in 2017 to select Goff the season prior. He has loads of potential and a great physical frame; he also has a background playing basketball which has helped previous NFL tight ends.

Everett will share snaps with Tyler Higbee, who was a rookie last season. But if he can provide a sharp end zone target for Los Angeles, he will become a fan favorite for the organization.

Rams rookie TE Gerald Everett had no problem forcing missed tackles during his last season at South Alabama. pic.twitter.com/YRmNBOFFUS

— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) May 20, 2017

No. 7 — Rob Havenstein, Right Guard

This offseason, Havenstein has already proved himself as one of the most versatile players the team has on their roster. His position was changed when the team signed left tackle Andrew Whitworth and slid former Rams lineman Greg Robinson to right tackle. Havenstein played right tackle last season but willingly moved to right guard.

When the Rams traded Robinson and made Brown become a starter, it seems Havenstein would go back to his original position. Instead, as of now, he will stay at guard. It’s a bit worrisome to think the right side has two starters who are playing new positions. But Havenstein has made it clear he isn’t worried.

No. 6 — Robert Woods, Wide Reciever

If the Rams are getting the wide receiver who dominated at USC then this was a great value signing for Los Angeles. He was not productive during his NFL career with the Bills but a fresh start in his hometown seems like a perfect remedy for Woods.

In fact, he very well could be a fantasy football sleeper moving forward. He said he feels like a “No. 1 wideout” for the team which is fantastic confidence the team needs on offense. He is also one of the most valuable blocking wide receivers in the NFL, which should help the team as well.

No. 5 — Rodger Saffold, Left Guard

For a team that lacks year-over-year consistency, Saffold brings veteran leadership to Los Angeles. While the Rams certainly didn’t have a strong offensive line last season, Saffold was far and away the most impressive player on the unit.

He recently spoke about Rams running back Todd Gurley, who he thinks is ready to get back to work as one of the most productive rushers in the NFL.

Now that he has another impressive player joining him on the left side of the offensive line, expect an even better season for Saffold next year.

No. 4 — Tavon Austin, Wide Receiver

When he’s used right and is both healthy and in his groove, the speedy receiver is one of the most exciting and electrifying players in the NFL.

Next season, the dynamic wideout will play a new role with the team. Rather than play in the slot, he will be used as more of a vertical threat like DeSean Jackson was in Washington under new Rams head coach Sean McVay. This is a bold decision considering Jackson hasn’t played like this in the NFL or even in college, but it may work out for the best.

Though many realize he’s overpaid, others forget most of the money owed to Austin is frontloaded. If it’s clear he doesn’t fit in the new offense, it will be easy for the team to change directions moving forward.

Tavon Austin has forced 34 missed tackles on 125 career carries. Here's how he had graded as a runner since entering the league. pic.twitter.com/NJNAO2IsuU

— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) June 15, 2017

No. 3 — Todd Gurley, Running back

As Gurley goes, so do the Rams. After a remarkable rookie season, Gurley was a huge letdown for Los Angeles last season. We have seen his potential, though, and he has a high ceiling.

With a new and improved offensive line helping him out in rush protection, Gurley has both less pressure and more opportunities to find holes to break through next season. If he can return to the form we saw from him and force more broken tackles, he can become the most valuable player for the team on either side of the ball.

No. 2 — Jared Goff, Quarterback

No player is more important for the long-term success of the Rams than quarterback Jared Goff. He has put on size during the offseason and has quickly adapted to the new offensive system.

Teammates have noticed more confidence and leadership qualities in the second-year quarterback. Goff also has new weapons in Woods, Everett, Kupp as well as Josh Reynolds. Though he no longer has Kenny Britt and Brian Quick, the younger core can grow with Goff and help him become a more established NFL quarterback.

New Rams LT Andrew Whitworth had the highest pass blocking efficiency of any OT last year.

Jared Goff was third-most pressured QB in 2016. pic.twitter.com/DLDX1GZ58g

— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) April 12, 2017

No. 1 — Andrew Whitworth, Left Tackle

One player cannot be expected to change the entire culture of a professional football team. However, the Rams desperately needed a better offensive line and Los Angeles signed the most impressive player on the market.

Last season, no one had a higher pass block efficiency than Whitworth. If he can offer similar protection for Goff and Gurley moving forward, it can help the team on both sides of the ball. The offense can gain more momentum and get multiple players rolling which would then give the defense more time to recover and rest back to strength.

If nothing else, Whitworth has made the Pro Bowl two seasons in a row and should be a fantastic presence in the locker room.

I don’t agree with parts of this, but I thought it was interesting enough to post.