The Rams Went All In During 2022, Did It Cost Them A Better Future
Over a year ago, we were all praising the Rams for their aggressive style of roster management, well, because it paid off. They beat the Bengals and won a Super Bowl with a semi-elite Quarterback and an insane roster around him.
Most of the Rams’ core was aging, but significant extensions (AD, Kupp, Stafford, Floyd) were made, and capital was tossed around to try and “run it back,” which rarely works in the NFL. There were the Sean McVay rumors swirling for a while. So now here they sit with no first this year and trading players like Jalen Ramsey for a massive loss at what they paid for him.
What Did Matt Stafford Cost The Rams?
The Lions took the pick they got from the Rams last year and trade up to select an injured Jamison Williams, who flashed at the end of last season but was arguably considered the top wideout of the class. So now Detriot is sitting pretty again with the Rams’ number six overall pick.
LA is strapped for cash and has no capital but has holes to fill; this means they must hit on late-round picks. They have in the past, but it is much more complicated when every choice needs to be nailed.
That sixth pick is an oil reserve, and the Rams are just on all the dry land right now. In my most recent mock, I had the Lions trading up to the third pick and pairing Hutchinson with Will Anderson Jr. Now we are talking Jamo, Will Anderson, Goff, a third, and all the money on Stafford’s 130 million dollar guarantee.
Was It Worth It?
Of course, they lifted the Lombardi, and once that happens. To be etched into history, what had to be done was done. However, as we look at the state of the Lions and the Rams, which side looks more appealing from a stability standpoint?
I would take the Lions; they have too many assets and bright spots for a team that everyone thought would continue to be a joke after trading Stafford. Goff played average and was elevated by great-skill players, which only should increase this year.
What The Rams Need To Do Now
I think it’s time for a good old fashion way of roster construction. Stack picks and build layers of depth throughout the next three years. Well, they don’t have a first they do have three top 100 picks in 2023, and their 2024 first will certainly help.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see them trade back from 36 if they can add another top 100 picks this year or a top 50 pick next year. The Rams need secondary help, a weak-side pass rusher, a second wide receiver, interior offensive line. Because of the losses of players like Ramsey, Taylor Rapp, and Leonard Floyd are paramount and need to be addressed.
Possible Draft Targets
They were targeting a Cam Smith/ Emmanuel Forbes type of corner to replace Jalen. Rapp was unique. He played much faster than he tested. Sydney Brown (Illinois) or Antonio Johnson (Texas A&M) fit that mold. Floyd was a movable piece, but they could look at Derrick Hall (Auburn) or Karl Brooks (Bowling Green) to give Aaron Donald a running mate.
Kupp & Stafford are coming off bad injuries, and there were some bright spots wards the end of the season with Cam Akers. He was able to carry the offensive load; if the team is healthy, they have some serious potential.
However, the most likely scenario is that they will have another tough year and be able to take a QB at the top of the draft. However, they can pull together another trip to the playoffs if everyone stays healthy in my opinion.