THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Better, worse or the similar?
That’s the query going through the Los Angeles Rams as they try to enhance on a ten-6 season that resulted in a divisional playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Two weeks after the season, the Rams accomplished a blockbuster commerce that despatched quarterback Jared Goff, two first-spherical picks and a 3rd-spherical decide to the Detroit Lions in change for quarterback Matthew Stafford.
In free company, the Rams signed DeSean Jackson to a one-yr, $4.5 million deal, then chosen Louisville receiver Tutu Atwell with a second-spherical decide in the NFL draft. Both playmakers are anticipated to offer speedy targets for Stafford.
On protection, re-signing Leonard Floyd was a high precedence after the outdoors linebacker turned in a profession-greatest season that included 10.5 sacks. The Rams received the deal carried out with a 4-yr, $64 million contract.
So now, with free company largely in the rearview, the NFL draft full and the offseason program over, it is time to take a look at the Rams’ roster to find out if, primarily based on personnel modifications, they improved this offseason.
Let’s begin with the offense.
Quarterbacks
Additions: Matthew Stafford (commerce), Devlin Hodges (one-yr, $780,000 deal)
Losses: Jared Goff (Detroit Lions), Blake Bortles (Green Bay Packers)
These guys are again: John Wolford, Bryce Perkins
Better, worse or the similar: Better
When Stafford requested a commerce from Detroit after 12 seasons, Rams coach Sean McVay and common supervisor Les Snead thought it was too nice a chance to cross up.
In 4 seasons underneath McVay, Goff helped the Rams to 2 division titles, an NFC championship and Super Bowl LIII look. The hope is that Stafford can lead the Rams to a Super Bowl victory.
“I want to be playing in those big games and those big moments,” Stafford stated when requested about Super Bowl expectations and stress. “It’s an opportunity more than anything.”
Stafford, 33, owns each all-time passing document in Detroit however has not received a playoff sport in three appearances.
“He’s a special guy,” McVay stated about his new QB. “I think one of the best ways that I can describe him when you hear people that have been around him, there’s a known confidence where when he walks into a room, you feel his presence but he’s got a great humility about himself, everybody loves being around him and he’s one of those guys that’s a true igniter. He makes everybody around him better.”
Stafford will probably be backed up by Wolford, who proved himself as a succesful NFL backup in a Week 17 win over the Arizona Cardinals final season that clinched a playoff berth.
Running backs
Additions: Jake Funk (seventh-spherical decide)
Losses: Malcolm Brown (Miami Dolphins)
These guys are again: Cam Akers, Darrell Henderson Jr., Xavier Jones, Raymond Calais
Better, worse or the similar: Same
The lack of Brown could possibly be felt early given the six-yr veteran’s dependable availability, cross safety and objective-line play, however count on any rising pains for the operating again group to be quick-lived.
Akers is the characteristic again of the future. He burst out of the operating again committee in the last two months of his rookie season to hurry for 625 yards and two touchdowns on 145 carries. He’s confirmed to have nice run instincts and is a gifted cross catcher.
The largest query is whether or not Akers improved his understanding of the playbook and cross safety. “Everything is a lot easier for me,” Akers stated throughout the offseason program. “[I] understand the playbook a lot more, I understand blocking schemes.”
McVay additionally expressed confidence in Henderson, who was slowed throughout the offseason program with an undisclosed damage. “He’s feeling better and better,” McVay stated. “We expect him to be full speed by the time training camp rolls around.”
Receivers
Additions: DeSean Jackson (one-yr, $4.5 deal), Tutu Atwell (second-spherical decide), Ben Skowronek (seventh-spherical decide)
Losses: Josh Reynolds (Tennessee Titans)
These guys are again: Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Van Jefferson, Nsimba Webster, Trishton Jackson
Better, worse or the similar: Better
The Rams entered 2020 and not using a true deep-menace receiver and finally have been unable to stretch defenses. They is not going to make the similar mistake in 2021 after including pace this offseason by way of the acquisitions of Jackson and Atwell.
Jackson is the frontrunner to earn the No. 3 receiver spot to begin alongside Woods and Kupp. Entering his 14th season, there are issues whether or not the 34-yr-previous can stay wholesome after he spent the previous two seasons slowed and sidelined with accidents. But there isn’t any doubt that he nonetheless has deep-play capabilities.
“He can still run,” Stafford stated about Jackson. “I know that. He can still go.”
The Rams even have excessive expectations for second-yr professional Jefferson, who caught 19 passes for 220 yards and a landing final season. “You can see he’s really put the work in,” McVay stated. “He’s come back establishing himself as a legitimate dude, a guy that we’re counting on for big things and I think the future is so bright for this guy.”
Tight ends
Additions: Jacob Harris (fourth-spherical decide)
Losses: Gerald Everett (Seattle Seahawks)
These guys are again: Tyler Higbee, Brycen Hopkins, Johnny Mundt, Kendall Blanton
Better, worse or the similar: Worse
Everett wasn’t a constant contributor each week however was able to large-time performs when wanted. His absence will probably be felt, no less than briefly, as there isn’t any clear-minimize reply who will play behind Higbee.
The Rams chosen Hopkins with a fourth-spherical decide final yr to ultimately exchange Everett, however Hopkins had a quiet offseason program as Harris earned repetitions with the starters throughout minicamp (Higbee attended however didn’t take part).
“His natural range, catch radius, body control for a player his size is pretty rare,” McVay stated. “For NFL guys to stand out the way that he’s done in some of these limited settings in shorts and in helmets, he’s definitely made a positive impression.”
However, it stays to be seen how Harris and Hopkins carry out in a dwell setting.
Offensive line
Additions: None
Losses: Austin Blythe (Kansas City Chiefs)
These guys are again: Andrew Whitworth, David Edwards, Austin Corbett, Bobby Evans, Rob Havenstein, Joe Noteboom, Brian Allen, Jamil Demby, Coleman Shelton, Chandler Brewer, Tremayne Anchrum Jr.
Better, worse or the similar: Worse
The Rams didn’t add linemen in free company or the draft (with exception of signing a number of undrafted free brokers), which was considerably shocking given Blythe’s departure in free company.
Throughout the offseason, McVay remained adamant {that a} alternative middle was in home. Corbett, Allen and Shelton will compete for the job, which Blythe held down the previous two seasons.
Corbett, who’s performed left and proper guard since the Rams despatched a fifth-spherical decide to the Cleveland Browns in 2019 to amass him, seems to be the frontrunner. “He’s an extremely smart player,” McVay stated about Corbett, a second-spherical decide in 2018. “He’s got a good feel for the game.”
If Corbett wins the job, look ahead to Evans to step in as his alternative at proper guard.
