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znModeratorScroll back through preceding years, and they didn’t hit on all 3.
I think something happened after 2022…the Rams not only changed the offense and OL strategies, I think they re-assessed personnel and drafting. Anyway there were subtle signs of “re-appraisal” going on. That may be a McVay thing–now and then stepping back, re-appraising, looking to improve this or that approach to one thing or another.
znModeratorSteven Jackson’s final 100+ yard rushing performance as a Ram – 2012 against Arizona. Jack powered his way to 139 rushing yards including a 48 yard scamper @sj39 pic.twitter.com/BvskUYMOiS
— RAMS ON FILM (@RamsOnFilm) February 28, 2025
znModeratorWhat are your expectations for Blake Corum going into 2025 season?
Fans seemed to expect him to garner a much higher usage as a rookie. It will be interesting to see what direction the backfield takes pic.twitter.com/9LK6WbL4QA
— RAMS ON FILM (@RamsOnFilm) March 26, 2025
znModeratorBest route runner: Colston Loveland
Best hands: ?Superlatives for the top TE draft prospects ⭐https://t.co/6tSZyNHxrq
— PFF (@PFF) March 27, 2025
znModeratorSam Monson@SamMonsonNFL
I don’t think [this year’s WR draft class] is weak, it’s just very bunched up and doesn’t have the blue chips at the topznModeratorJourdan Rodrigue @jourdanrodrigue.bsky.social
What do my fellow writers do when blocked? I walk all over town, and duck into a little market near me that is packed full to bursting with every kind of dry good and produce you can think of. Something about looking at all the labels, smelling produce, quiets my brain down + brings focus.Petting dog – also good
March 27, 2025 at 1:26 am in reply to: the “healthcare” industry (thread includes entire film “Sicko” for free) #155685znModeratorTear it all down. pic.twitter.com/7xncBO6KOe
— James Tate (@JamesTate121) March 24, 2025
znModeratorPro Football Hall of Fame Ambassador@PFHOFAmbassador
Kamren Kinchens, @RamsNFL DB – Recorded 123 total interception return yards in 2024 at the age of 22 – the youngest Ram to have 100+ total interception return yards in a season since Aaron Martin (22) in 1964 (Per PFR)March 27, 2025 at 12:55 am in reply to: Between the horns & other analysis vids…including Rodrigue #155683znModeratorMarch 26, 2025 at 8:29 pm in reply to: mid-March, 1st FA wave over, assessments + 2nd wave of signings & extensions #155680znModeratorfrom 2025 NFL free agency class rankings: Most improved rosters–https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/44363563/2025-nfl-free-agency-class-rankings-teams-improved-better-worse-signings-deals#lar
I’m ranking all 32 teams by their offseason process.
…
2. Los Angeles Rams
Key acquisitions and returning players: QB Matthew Stafford, WR Davante Adams, QB Jimmy Garoppolo, OT Alaric Jackson, DT Poona Ford
I loved: Just about everything. Extending Jackson before the tackle market was set saved them millions. Upgrading at nose tackle, with Ford in place of Bobby Brown III, should further elevate second-year players Braden Fiske and Jared Verse. Upgrading at receiver with Adams, who is aging much better than Cooper Kupp, fills a nicer role opposite Puka Nacua. And of course, retaining Stafford after an open flirtation with the trade market.
The Rams lost a solid amount of depth and must continue to reload through the draft, but they’ve retained the franchise cornerstones necessary to continue contending in the NFC.
I didn’t love: Retaining Tutu Atwell over Demarcus Robinson. I understand Atwell has a trump-card trait — speed — that Robinson doesn’t have. But if I’m filling the WR3 speedster role on an offense funneling most targets to Nacua and Adams, I’d prefer to do it in the draft or in the bargain bin of free agency. Atwell has never had more than 600 receiving yards or scored more than three touchdowns in his four pro seasons. He might create bigger plays in theory, but he averaged fewer yards per reception last season (13.4) than Robinson did (16.3). I understand the argument for Atwell’s upside, but it is my least favorite part of an otherwise impressive class.
znModeratorRams Bros.@RamsBrothers
Most games by a WR with 100+ receiving yards, 10+ catches and a TD (since 2020):Davante Adams: 14
Ja’Marr Chase: 9
Tyreek Hill: 9
CeeDee Lamb: 7
Justin Jefferson: 6
Amon-Ra St. Brown: 5
Cooper Kupp: 5znModeratorWe need the traditional ones now too. In no particular order. Add to the list.
znModeratorfrom 10 underrated NFL free agency moves: https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/10-underrated-nfl-free-agent-moves-najee-harris-joey-bosa-deandre-hopkins
6. Poona Ford, DT, Los Angeles Rams
Contract: Two years, $15.6 million guaranteedLos Angeles boasts one of the better young defensive lines in the league, featuring Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner and Byron Young. However, the Rams struggled to stop Saquon Barkley and James Conner last season. Bringing in Ford, a proven run-stuffer who can also create an interior pass rush, should fix one of the few glaring needs for a team that believes it can compete for a Super Bowl. And the Rams got Ford at a decent number considering the skyrocketing defensive tackle market in free agency.
znModeratorCornell@gqscholar
Cobie is best outsideOf his 672 snaps played, 469 have been as an outside corner, according to Pro Football Focus. When lined up in the slot, he’s allowed 182 yards on only 16 targets compared to the 130 yards he’s given up on 28 targets as an outside corner.
znModeratorAh but remember the Rams record last 3 drafts in round 6?
Sure. But they also hit on their 2nd and 3rds. And I just wish they had more of those.
To be honest, I just expect them to hit on all 3 top picks. Is that too optimistic?
znModeratorScattered remarks…
Cornell@gqscholar
Rams tried Durant at Star position when Ramsey was traded, it didn’t work. The type of corner needed for that role was drafted last year by the eagles, Cooper Dejean. Durant doesn’t fit that mold. Hopefully, the Rams can find a Cooper Dejean type in this upcoming draft.Bob McGinn@BobMcGinn
Since the TE position gained its identity around 1960 the most first-round picks have been three. That’s happened five times. Is this the year four crack R1? Odds say no but Warren, Loveland, Arroyo and Taylor could do it. Draft series Part 2 is here.JAKE ELLENBOGEN@JKBOGEN
#Rams had interest in former #Titans CB Chidobe Awuzie who signed with Ravens. Would imagine CB is a real possibility in the draft early on now.znModeratorHalf of their picks are in the 6th round which is a bit of a bummer.
Ah but remember the Rams record last 3 drafts in round 6?
They hit on 5 out of 9 picks. If you don’t count the kickers it’s 3 of 7.
The normal rate for hits in round 6 is, depending on the source, anywhere from 2% to 8%.
Not saying they will do it, just saying that their record so far is a good one in that round, and if that continues, they could got a couple of players. Not necessarily 2025 starters…but depth with a future.
For example, this draft is supposed to be crazy with RB depth. They could get someone like that. Among other possibilities.
znModeratorMy own thought is a shutdown corner.
Jordan’s first assessment is that “they still need to add at the [CB and ILB] positions,” and I agree with that, but think a CB is more important because the passing game is more important. A dominant secondary with this DL means that Rams will win a lot. And while the Rams’ secondary is solid, it could be better.
They have 7 picks at the moment.
Thanks for posting that.
I agree on their defensive needs, though this is supposed to be a good draft for CBs but a very weak one for LBs.
BTW they have 8 picks. Add the 6th rounder for Jackson. ‘
From off the net:
2025 Los Angeles Rams Draft Picks
Round 1: 26th overall pick
Round 3: 90th overall pick
Round 3: 101st overall pick (Compensatory Selection)
Round 4: 127th overall pick
Round 6: 190th overall pick (via Atlanta)
Round 6: 195th overall pick (via Pittsburgh)
Round 6: 201st overall pick
Round 6: 202nd overall pick (via Chicago from Houston)March 24, 2025 at 11:58 pm in reply to: a late start…time for the thread on Trump atrocities, or “Trumpocities” #155655znModeratorznModeratorI thought Corum was a bit of a disappointment. I dunno. Didnt show me much.
w
vThis is a great draft for RBs.
znModeratorRamsSteveHam@RamsSteve
@RamsNFL top draft priority needs to be a stud RT n a C in the later rounds. Havenstein WILL miss games this year bc that’s what he does. Corum w/ a season under his belt will show out, but we need to draft RB as well as a CB n LB, in that order.znModeratorPro Football Focus’ Ben Cooper identifies Coleman Shelton as having the most upside relative to his contract.
“Shelton returns to the Rams, with whom he latched on in 2019 and played four seasons, after a career year with the Bears in 2024,” Cooper wrote. “Los Angeles leaned on rookie Beaux Limmer at center in place of Shelton in 2024, but he endured typical first-year growing pains and ranked 38th out of 43 qualifying centers in PFF overall grade (55.5). Shelton, meanwhile, has improved each year as a starter, going from a 58.0 PFF overall grade in 2022 to a career-high 66.4 mark last season.”
Cooper’s analysis suggests two key p
znModeratorPro Football Focus writer Dalton Wasserman jumped out after the end of the 2024 NFL season to pen an article entitled 10 highest-graded UDFAs from the 2024 NFL regular season. Two items that jump off the page at anyone who checks out the article. Only three NFL teams that made the playoffs last season appear on the list. They are the Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs. Only one postseason competitor made the list with two players: The Los Angeles Rams.
So who made the list? The are:
(10) – DB Jaylen McCollough
Snaps Played: 371
PFF Grade: 59.4
Key Stat: Four interceptions (tied for second among all rookies)What is so impressive about Jaylen McCollough? Well, for starters, he only started in Week 18, long after he had recorded four interceptions. And the other rookie he tied for second-place among NFL rookies? His teammate, safety Kamren Kinchens.
McCollough was so good that he was not to be denied getting his share of defensive snaps. The Rams were thrilled with starters Kamren Kinchens and Kamren Curl. Even safety Quentin Lake as the primary slot defensive back to allow the team to get all three safeties on the football field simultaneously. If not for the injury to veteran defensive back John Johnson III, McCollough might still not have have a chance to step onto the football field.
But he did, and that is why McCollough showed up so heroically last season.
McCollough’s interceptions included a sensational pick-six. That feat is something that not many veteran defensive backs ever experience in their entire NFL careers. McCollough did so as an undrafted rookie. Not only is he an unexpected performer, but he is a player whose future is bright and positive.
(6) – LB Omar Speights
Snaps Played: 419
PFF Grade: 66.8
Key Stat: 70.0-plus PFF grade in six of 11 starts, including postseasonFormer LSU inside linebacker Omar Speights had a superb training camp and preseason, but as the 2024 NFL season started, Speights was benched in favor of veteran ILBs Troy Reeder and Christian Rozeboom. It was not until Reeder suffered a season ending injury that Speights was given the opportunity to play.
znModeratorBrett Kollmann@BrettKollmann
If you want to know why LB seems like the hardest non-QB spot to draft it’s because of:– Wider hashes in college makes offensive structures different, so college LBs are basically learning a different position entirely.
– 3 yards of room for OL to work on RPOs instead of 1 yard means offenses just spam them at a much higher rate than the NFL.
– There’s much space and too much RPO usage to ever play a lot of spot drop zone in college, so it’s mostly match coverages which means guys don’t learn how to be hook droppers.
– Narrower hashes in the NFL forces passing games to be more to the middle of the field, so teams play more spot drop at that level (because they can, and it helps force turnovers).
– To expand on that, if you can only be effective in coverage when you are looking at your man instead of looking at the quarterback (because you don’t know how to), then that means your DC can’t call everything he wants to.
It’s a different sport for everyone when they move up a level, but especially so for linebackers.
znModeratorWhat were the defensive rankings in AD’s last year, compared to the young DLine last year?
Run as well as pass stats, etc. Just curious.w
vOthers may know more, and this will be thin on my part, but it looks like this current group depends a lot on rotating different rushers in the front 7 into different spots depending on the team and situations they face. Rams use the front 7 in a wide variety of different formations. Problem is, they tend to be light and quick players in the front 7, which is a disadvantage against the run.
Shula, like Morris, also depends a lot on safeties. More than on inside LBs. Their safeties are quite diverse and good as a group.
Whatever it is, it’s working against pass protection (with less formidable results against the run). Rams had 16 sacks in 2 playoff games last year against 2 teams that each averaged allowing less than 3 sacks a game. In fact Hurts has never been sacked 7 times in one game before in his entire career.
znModeratorAARON DONALD WAS THE BIGGEST BULLY TO EVER STEP ON A FOOTBALL FIELD.
👿👿👿
Donald had insane contact balance with his power.
LEGEND.
pic.twitter.com/nqv2cRAziF— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 22, 2025
znModeratorStafford9@LAR9MS
Matthew Stafford Milestone Tracker:60K Passing Yards: Needs 191 (10th QB in NFL History to hit 60K)
400 TD Passes: Needs 23 (Would be 9th QB in NFL History to hit 400 TD Passes.
5,441 Passing Completions: Needs 267 (Would be 6th QB in NFL History to hit this.
znModeratorStu Jackson@StuJRams
ESPN NFL analyst @MattBowen41 picked the Rams signing Davante Adams as the best overall move of the first week of free agency. Spoke with Bowen for a deeper dive on why he likes the fit and what Adams will bring to LA’s offense:March 21, 2025 at 7:39 pm in reply to: why Davonte Adams is good…update, must read: Matt Bowen on Adams #155633znModeratorbump
znModeratorWhat was the best overall move from free agency week?
Matt Bowen, NFL analyst: The Rams signing wide receiver Davante Adams. He’s an upgrade over Cooper Kupp on his new two-year deal, as Adams can get loose against press coverage and create separation to the ball. Opposite Puka Nacua, Adams can win one-on-one as the “X” receiver, plus he will be schemed to attack zone voids off motion and in play-action. This is a really good fit for Sean McVay’s offense.
Lindsey Thiry, national NFL reporter: The Rams signing Adams. After retaining Matthew Stafford with a reworked contract, the addition of Adams provides Stafford a 1-2 punch along with Nacua. For a team that missed the NFC Championship Game by a mere play last season, the addition of Adams should be enough to help bring another deep playoff run.
Which team has taken a step backward?
Matt Bowen, NFL analyst: The San Francisco 49ers. With quarterback Brock Purdy set to cash in on a new deal, Kyle Shanahan’s team had to move on from core players. The 49ers said goodbye to Deebo Samuel Sr., Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga and more. However, the 49ers could make a trade with Philadelphia for edge rusher Bryce Huff, who had 10 sacks in 2023 for the Jets under new Niners defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
Ben Solak, NFL analyst: The Seattle Seahawks. They downgraded at quarterback and also shipped impactful receiver DK Metcalf. If Sam Darnold retains his level of play from Minnesota to Seattle, the dropoff from Geno Smith to him won’t be too damaging — but it’s likely that Darnold won’t match his 2024 output. The Seahawks have also not addressed their offensive line, electing to spend big money on aging edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence, who is coming off a foot injury. I don’t see the vision.
Field Yates, NFL analyst: The 49ers. I don’t expect the 49ers’ record to dip again after an injury-riddled 6-11 season in 2024, but this team will have a much different look. The defensive line will be largely reshaped, and the receiver room is guaranteed to look different after the trade of Deebo Samuel Sr. But this offseason did not catch San Francisco off guard: The departures, trades and releases are setting up a substantial raise for quarterback Brock Purdy and a new phase of team building.
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