25 most important Rams for 2018

[Prime Time]

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/20...rs-rankings-most-important-tyler-higbee-2018/

25 most important Rams for 2018 – No. 25: TE Tyler Higbee
By: Cameron DaSilva

Each day until Sept. 10, we’ll discuss a new player on the list, providing a look back on his 2017 season and projecting what’s ahead this year.

To kick off the list at No. 25, we have a player who didn’t have a huge impact last season, but Jared Goff has already said he wants to get him “move involved” in 2017. That player is third-year tight end Tyler Higbee.

TE Tyler Higbee
2017 stats (16 games): 25 catches, 295 yards, 1 TD

Higbee played 70.7 percent of the offensive snaps last year but only made 25 catches. That’s partly because just 45 passes came his way – 25 fewer than the next-closest player on the roster, Sammy Watkins.

He’s not a tight end who’s going to catch 55 passes for 800 yards with seven touchdowns, but he is important to the Rams. Gerald Everett is still seemingly learning the ropes in the NFL and is currently battling a shoulder injury, which his timeline to return remains fairly unknown outside of Sean McVay saying he’ll be sidelined for “another week” recently.

Everett is a player capable of reaching those aforementioned numbers, but he’s more of a question mark than Higbee is. With Higbee, the Rams know they’re going to get a capable receiver who’s a big target downfield, while also giving them a blocker on the line when called upon.

Tight ends have become increasingly important in today’s pass-happy NFL, and if the Rams want to utilize 12 personnel (one back, two receivers, two tight ends) more in 2018, Higbee will be a big part of that. He and Everett can do some damage if they’re on the field together more frequently in 2018, though with three strong wide receivers, Higbee is likely to see the majority of the snaps – at least early on.

 

[Prime Time]

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/20...-cooper-most-important-players-rankings-2018/

25 most important Rams for 2018 – No. 24: Pharoh Cooper
By: Cameron DaSilva

WR/KR/PR Pharoh Cooper
2017 stats: 11 receptions, 84 yards – 34 kick returns, 932 yards, 1 TD – 32 punt returns, 399 yards, two 40+ yard returns

That’s right, Cooper is the Rams’ 24th-most important player for 2018. That may not seem like high praise, but for a player with 25 career receptions, he plays a big role for Los Angeles. He was the best kick returner last season, averaging 27.6 yards per return – 1.8 yards better than the next-closest player (Tyler Lockett). That earned him first-team All-Pro honors.

He was equally impressive on punt returns, too. A second-team All-Pro in that department, Cooper had the second-most return yards and the second-highest average per return (12.5), both trailing only first-team All-Pro Jamal Agnew. That’s with getting fewer opportunities than most punt returners, too, only attempting or fair-catching 40 punts. For comparison, Marcus Sherels attempted 39 returns and fair-caught another 24 punts.

Cooper’s value will also be impacted by the recent rule changes on kickoffs. The majority of players on the return side are positioned close to the line of scrimmage, leaving two players back to block for Cooper. That, combined with the fact that the kicking team can’t get a running start, bodes well for Cooper’s game.

Rams special teams coordinator discussed this recently, saying the value of special teams players will go up due to these new rules.

If Cooper were to get hurt, the Rams would survive, yes. However, there’s a reason the Rams were No. 1 in the league in starting field position last season and it’s largely because of Cooper’s dynamic return ability. He’s an important part of this team as a key member of the league’s top-ranked special teams unit.

 

[Prime Time]

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2018/08/18/nfl-rams-roster-rob-havenstein-best-players-rankings/

25 most important Rams for 2018 - No. 23: RT Rob Havenstein
By: Andrew Ortenberg

No. 23 is a player who isn’t a big name and a guy who doesn’t make headlines, but he’s an important player nonetheless. His future with the Rams beyond this year is murky, but he’ll play a pivotal role in 2018.

OT Rob Havenstein
2017 stats: 15 starts, 70.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus

Since being taken with the 57th overall pick in the 2015 draft, Havenstein has started nearly every game for the Rams. He’s been the Rams’ right tackle the past three seasons and will return in that role in 2018, the final year of his rookie contract.

Havenstein received average marks from Pro Football Focus last year and has always been a good but not great player. With all the money being doled out to lock up the Rams’ young core, many have speculated that 2018 will be Havenstein’s last season with the team and that he’ll be allowed to walk in free agency.

The Rams may have tipped their hand a bit by drafting tackle Joseph Noteboom in the third round, who could replace Havenstein before eventualy taking over for Andrew Whitworth. The Rams have a very talented starting offensive line, but don’t have a ton of proven depth behind the starters.

As such, Havenstein will be a very important player for the offense. If he’s forced to miss any time with injury, it would likely mean a rookie starting, potentially before he’s ready for real game action.

Havenstein will be heavily motivated this year, auditioning for the rest of the league and playing for his next contract. Right tackles are becoming more and more important in today’s NFL that has de-emphasized the importance of blindside protection for a quarterback.

The Rams know what they have in Havenstein. If nothing else, he’ll provide a steady presence on the right side of the offensive line that has already been rocked by Jamon Brown’s suspension. Rams fans can expect to see him playing nearly every snap once again, and performing solidly if not spectacularly.

 

[Prime Time]

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2018/08/19/nfl-rams-roster-most-important-gerald-everett-rankings/

25 most important Rams for 2018 – No. 22: TE Gerald Everett
By: Cameron DaSilva

TE Gerald Everett
2017 stats: 16 receptions, 244 yards, 2 TDs (1 carry, 13 yards)

It may seem strange to have the “backup” tight end ranked higher than the starter, Tyler Higbee, on this list, but there’s a reason for that. Everett has a much higher ceiling than Higbee, simply based on athleticism and fit in Sean McVay’s system.

He has the ability to be a Jordan Reed-type player for the Rams, which Higbee simply does not. Both can be important red zone weapons and promising pass catchers, but Everett’s speed, quickness and athletic profile could put him in elite company relatively soon. It’s just a matter of when.

He struggled last season in somewhat limited action, playing just 28.75 percent of the snaps on offense. Everett caught 16 of the 32 passes that came his way, four of which were dropped. That’s not a good ratio to have, even if he was just a rookie.

Building chemistry and gaining confidence from his quarterback will be crucial for Everett in 2018 as he looks to make a significant impact this season. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury has put his breakout campaign on hold for more than a week, though he should be back for the regular season opener.

In a timeshare with Higbee, Everett needs all the practice time and preseason snaps he can get. He has to show McVay he can consistently contribute, be a reliable receiver for Jared Goff and improve as a blocker, preferably sooner rather than later.

There are still high hopes for the currently injured tight end, which is why he ranks above Higbee on this list. The Rams would be able to overcome an injury to Everett, but if he can make a big leap forward, it’ll take the offense to new heights.

 

[Warner4Prez]

25?! Rams Wire with the hot takes.

 

[1maGoh]

25?! Rams Wire with the hot takes.

Right? All the starters plus GZ, Hekker, and Cooper.

Done.

 

[Farr Be It]

I guess this will run parallel with @DaveFan'51 ‘s countdown until game 1.

 

[Prime Time]

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/20...ory-littleton-roster-rankings-most-important/

25 most important Rams for 2018 – No. 21: LB Cory Littleton
By: Cameron DaSilva

After an offseason filled with blockbuster trades, the Los Angeles Rams were left to answer several questions at linebacker. The deals shipping Alec Ogletree and Robert Quinn out of town creating gaping holes at inside and outside linebacker, even if neither player performed particularly well last season.

The Rams will go younger (and cheaper) at both spots, likely replacing Ogletree with a lesser-known guy named Cory Littleton. The former undrafted free agent out of Washington will be asked to step up in 2018 after starting four games last season.

It’s why he’s our choice for the Rams’ 21st-most important player this season.

(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

Littleton played all 16 games in 2017, but he didn’t see a large number of snaps at linebacker (25.8 percent). He was a very valuable special teams player, though, playing 364 snaps in that department with a blocked punt against the Jaguars.

The Rams got him on the field for certain sub-packages because of his blitzing ability and coverage skills, which will help him this season when it comes time to start next to Mark Barron.

He had the best game of his career against the Titans in Week 16 last year, recording seven tackles, one sack and an interception against Marcus Mariota’s squad. He started that game in place of Barron, showing off his potential in a big way.

Littleton is projected to be one of the starting inside linebackers this season, but that doesn’t mean he’s guaranteed to play well. He has very little experience in the NFL and isn’t certain to succeed, but his ceiling is very high. As a bigger linebacker, he can still move fluidly and is explosive coming through the line of scrimmage, be it on a blitz or to stop the run.

His coverage skills were apparent in that start against Tennessee, reading Mariota’s eyes to make a great interception down the field. The one area in which he needs to improve just happens to be the Rams’ biggest weakness, though: run defense.

Littleton is slightly high-cut and doesn’t play with a ton of power when taking on blocks, but his long arms allow him to disengage from linemen and tight ends against the run. He has to use that to his advantage in order to hold up in the running game.

The Rams have talent at inside linebacker with Littleton, Barron, Ramik Wilson and rookie preseason standouts Tegray Scales and Micah Kiser, but it’s the Washington product who will open the season as the starter. His potential makes him the best choice.

 

[Prime Time]

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/20...ohnny-hekker-most-important-players-rankings/

25 most important Rams for 2018 – No. 20: P Johnny Hekker
By: Cameron DaSilva

P Johnny Hekker
2017 stats: 65 punts, 47.9 avg., 44.3 net avg. (2nd in NFL), 30 inside the 20, 4 touchbacks

Hekker was arguably the best punter in the league last season, ranking in the top five in just about every key category – from net average to touchbacks to punts downed inside the 20-yard line.

Not to mention, he’s one of the most reliable guys when it comes to fake punts, always showing off his arm when given the chance to. It’s hard to find a more consistent punter in the league right now, routinely pinning opponents deep in their own territory.

What hurts his value only slightly is the fact that the Rams have one of the best offenses in the NFL and rarely have to punt it away. Hekker attempted just 65 kicks, which ranked 25th out of the 32 primary punters.

Still, opponents’ average starting position was at their own 27.7-yard line, which put the Rams ninth in the league in that department. That’s a testament to the punt and kick return coverage, as well as Hekker only allowing 152 yards on 25 returns – a testament to the hangtime and pinpoint accuracy he gets with his kicks.

Realistically, the Rams hope they have to use Hekker as little as possible. But when he is called upon, they know the offense is going to be pinned deep in their own territory, making the life of the defense much easier.

He’s as valuable as punters come, even for the team with the top-ranked offense.

 

[XXXIVwin]

What about the 146 most important Congressmen, 87 most important countries, and 53 most important foods?

 

[1maGoh]

What about the 146 most important Congressmen, 87 most important countries, and 53 most important foods?

You forgot the 50 most important states (with a bonus 5 most important territories) and and the 5 largest continents.

 

[yrba1]

Nice read, although the seemingly clickbait format peeves me.

 

[Mackeyser]

What about the 146 most important Congressmen, 87 most important countries, and 53 most important foods?

53 most important foods?

1-50 are clearly bacon. The other three are butter, hot dogs and beer.

Beer's a food, right?

 

[Prime Time]

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/20...-nickell-robey-coleman-roster-most-important/

25 most important Rams for 2018 – No. 19: CB Nickell Robey-Coleman
By: Cameron DaSilva

Nickell Robey-Coleman proved his value to the team last season, earning a big extension from the Rams this offseason. He comes in at No. 19 on our list.

CB Nickell Robey-Coleman
2017 stats: 15 games, 49 tackles, 2 INTs, 9 PBUs, 1 FF, 80.5 overall grade from PFF

Robey-Coleman became an important piece of the Rams defense last season, holding down his position at nickel corner. Being undersized and quicker than fast, it’s the perfect spot for the former Bill.

Entering 2018, he’ll have two elite corners flanking him in Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib, which could force even better receivers inside against Robey-Coleman. He’s sticky in coverage when asked to match up man-to-man, while also having a nose for the football against the run.

He’s never afraid to mix it up a bit and stick his helmet into the action, as evidenced by his 49 tackles in 15 games. That’s a key trait to have as a slot defender, given how close you are to the action when run plays are called.

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

His durability makes him an even greater asset, too. He’s only missed one game in his career, and that came in Week 17 last season when the Rams rested their starters. Robey-Coleman can always be counted on to take the field on any given Sunday, easing the minds of Los Angeles’ coaching staff.

In a secondary with big-name players across the board, Robey-Coleman sometimes gets overlooked. He shouldn’t, though, as he was undoubtedly the teams’ best cornerback last season – better than Trumaine Johnson. The Rams are deep at corner with Troy Hill and Sam Shields next on the depth chart, but Robey-Coleman isn’t an easy player to replace.

He’s secured his place as one of the five or 10 best slot corners in the NFL.

 

[Prime Time]

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/20...-zuerlein-roster-ranking-most-important-2018/

25 most important Rams for 2018 – No. 18: K Greg Zuerlein
By: Cameron DaSilva

Last season, the Los Angeles Rams had three All-Pros on special teams. It was undeniably the best unit in football, from kicking to punting to the return game. All three phases were headed by elite talents, a big reason the Rams won 11 games and the NFC West crown.

Among them was Greg Zuerlein, who earned his first All-Pro selection and trip to the Pro Bowl in 2017. Both were well deserved as he made 38 of his 40 field goal attempts despite playing only 14 games. It’s why he’s the Rams’ 18th-most important player for 2018.

K Greg Zuerlein
2017 stats: 14 games, 38-for-40 on FGs (95 percent), 56-yard long, 44-for-46 on PATs (95.7 percent)

Zuerlein missed the final two games of the season with a back injury, which required surgery and sidelined him into the spring workout program. He’s back to 100 percent now and looks as strong as ever, which is great news for Los Angeles.

However, the Rams have to hope the back injury won’t be a recurring one because things changed dramatically after Zuerlein went down. When Sam Ficken stepped in for the All-Pro kicker, Sean McVay admitted he called games differently.

Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

He was more aggressive on fourth down, didn’t trust Ficken to make field goals as much as he did with Zuerlein and there was a lack of confidence on PATs after scoring touchdowns. That just goes to show how important Zuerlein is to the Rams’ success.

His value comes on kickoffs, too. On a whopping 95 attempts in 2017, Zuerlein booted the ball into or through the end zone for a touchback 73 times, allowing only 20 returns for an average of 20.6 yards per. That helped pin opponents deep into the own territory, preventing any long returns from the other team.

As long as his back injury doesn’t pop back up, Zuerlein should be an All-Pro once again.

 

[Kevin]

What about the 146 most important Congressmen, 87 most important countries, and 53 most important foods?

Pulled pork, buffalo chicken wings, pizza, ribeye steak, spaghetti with meatballs, fried chicken, shrimp scampi, tamales, mu shu pork and M&Ms. None of the politicians matter and I don't care about countries.

 

[Prime Time]

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/20...s-john-johnson-roster-most-important-players/

25 most important Rams for 2018 – No. 17: S John Johnson
By: Cameron DaSilva

The Los Angeles Rams revamped their cornerback group this offseason by going out and adding Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib and Sam Shields. The moves give the secondary a completely new look with a pair of ball hawks now starting outside, striking fear into every quarterback on the Rams’ schedule.

However, as good as the cornerbacks are, let’s not forget about the safety tandem Los Angeles has on the back end in Lamarcus Joyner and John Johnson. Last season was their first starting together and to say it went well would be an understatement.

It’s why Johnson is our 17th-most important Rams player for 2018.

2017 stats: 16 games, 75 tackles, 11 PBU, 1 INT, 81.5 overall PFF grade (No. 12 safety)

Johnson wasn’t a starter right out of the gate last season. He had to prove to the coaches he could handle being a first-stringer, doing so by Week 5 against the Seahawks. His play in practice and the first four games of the season impressed the coaches enough to warrant Maurice Alexander’s release, promoting Johnson to starter.

He never relinquished the job, going on to put together a season worthy of a spot in the Pro Bowl. In his first start, he picked off Russell Wilson and returned it 69 yards, nearly going all the way for a touchdown. That very play showed off the athleticism and instincts the Rams loved during his time at Boston College.

A 2017 third-round pick, Johnson quickly became one of the best young safeties in the NFL as a rookie. Entering Year 2, one can only assume he’ll continue to get better, showing off his position flexibility, man-to-man coverage skills and lumber-laying hits.

He’s truly a do-it-all safety for the Rams, possessing the ability to play deep, in the box or in the slot against tight ends. Those are all very important assets in a safety, which is why he’d be so hard to replace for the Rams.

Don’t be the least bit surprised if he’s a Pro Bowler or a second-team All-Pro in 2018. He’s truly a budding star in Los Angeles and with so many primetime games on the schedule this year, he’s bound to gain some serious attention.

https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-nfl-secret-superstars-on-defense

The NFL's secret superstars on defense
BY NEIL HORNSBY

JOHN JOHNSON III, S, LOS ANGELES RAMS
Taken in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Boston College, Johnson didn’t start immediately but from Week 4 on, made the other safety position (opposite Lamarcus Joyner) his own. He was solid in every key facet of play, grading well in run defense (72.8) and even better in coverage (82.9). If he can continue in that vein, he and Joyner could combine to make the best safety duo in football but he’ll have to push on from a better than expected start to his career.

 

[Prime Time]

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/20...s-robert-woods-players-roster-most-important/

25 most important Rams for 2018 – No. 16: WR Robert Woods
By: Cameron DaSilva

The Los Angeles Rams completely revamped their wide receiver group last offseason, adding Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and eventually Sammy Watkins. Two of the three had great seasons in L.A., but Watkins disappointed after being traded for a second-round pick and E.J. Gaines.

Watkins bolted in free agency, opening up a spot in the Rams’ receiving corps.

Enter Brandin Cooks, who was acquired for a first-round pick just before the draft.

However, as exciting as the Cooks addition is, he may not be the most reliable and steady receiver on L.A.’s roster. That title could belong to Woods by season’s end.

2017 stats: 12 games, 56 receptions, 781 yards, 5 TDs

The first receiver on our top-25 list, Woods had a career year in 2017. His five touchdowns tied a career-high, while his 781 yards were the best he’s had in a single season. He proved to be more than just a blocking receiver capable of making plays here and there, which is how the Bills viewed him for a little while.

He made big catch after big catch, from his 94-yarder against the Texans to his 52-yard screen-turned-touchdown on third-and-33 against the Giants. Woods has good speed, strong hands and is a capable route runner, but he’s particularly impressive when blocking for his running backs.

That aspect of his game goes unnoticed a lot of times, but coaches definitely notice it when watching the film. It springs Todd Gurley free for big gains on the outside, while also helping his fellow receivers after the catch.

Woods isn’t necessarily irreplaceable – the Rams went 2-1 without him while he recovered from a shoulder injury – but he is a key piece on offense. Had he not gotten hurt, he almost certainly would have eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving with at least 70 catches and seven touchdowns. Those are similar numbers to what Cooks has put up the past three years, which shows how good Woods was last season.

 

[Prime Time]

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2018/08/26/25-most-important-rams-for-2018-no-15-wr-cooper-kupp/

25 most important Rams for 2018 – No. 15: WR Cooper Kupp
By: Cameron DaSilva

It’s not often a third-round pick comes into the NFL with a great deal of hype. Sure, many are called “steals” immediately after the draft, but not all of them live up to the expectations.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp, the 69th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, met every expectation, and then some. He was an absolute stud for the Rams last season, leading the team in yards receiving with 869 and ranking second – only behind Todd Gurley – with 62 receptions.

It’s why he’s the Rams’ 15th-most important player for the upcoming season.

WR Cooper Kupp
2017 stats: 15 games, 62 receptions, 869 yards, 5 TDs

Ranking Kupp 15th may not seem like very high praise, but on a team with as much talent as the Rams have, it’s a testament to the skill he possesses. Primarily a slot receiver, Kupp has already become one of the better players at his position despite not having elite quickness or speed.

His route-running savvy and awareness are advanced for a player with just one year of experience under his belt, building a strong chemistry with Jared Goff. Nickell Robey-Coleman, who covers him every day during practice, believes Kupp will become one of the best slot receivers “in a couple years for sure.”

“Very creative guy. Crafty. Smart. Can catch — can do it all, is quick,” Robey-Coleman said. “Going against guys like that every day, it’s hard to downplay his performance and what he does on the field day to day, day in, day out. I see his process. His process is unique. I like the way he goes about his business.

“I didn’t see any slot [receiver] like him since I’ve been in the NFL — period.”

Robert Woods and Brandin Cooks could handle the slot role if Kupp were to go down, but neither is a security blanket for Goff the way the second-year wideout is. Goff has immense confidence in Kupp out of the slot, even after dropping a few passes last season as a rookie.

The Rams need Kupp to stay healthy to maintain their consistency in the passing game because he’s not an easy player to replace. As a former third-round pick, he’s already become an absolute stud for Los Angeles.

 

[Prime Time]

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2018/08/27/nfl-rams-roster-samson-ebukam-rankings-most-important/

25 most important Rams for 2018 – No. 14: OLB Samson Ebukam
By: Cameron DaSilva

The Los Angeles Rams have less than two weeks to sort out their outside linebacker position, which is one of the biggest question marks on the roster. With Connor Barwin and Robert Quinn both gone, two vacancies opened up this offseason.

The Rams will get much younger (and cheaper) at edge rusher, but potentially at the expensive of production and sacks. They hope that isn’t the case, as does Samson Ebukam – a second-year pro out of Eastern Washington.

He’s expected to be one of the Week 1 starters at outside linebacker, which is why he’s the Rams’ 14th-most important player for 2018.

OLB Samson Ebukam
2017 stats: 16 games, 31 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 1 FF

Ebukam was merely a role player as a rookie, subbing in at times for Quinn and Barwin. He recorded two sacks and showed that he’s an athletic specimen, flashing on a handful of occasions. It’s why the Rams feel confident deploying him as a starter on the edge despite having such little experience.

He’s seen plenty of reps this preseason, starting all three of the games thus far. McVay attributes that to him needing snaps to get ready for Week 1 after seeing limited playing time last season.

If he can’t emerge as a guy who can rack up seven-plus sacks in 2018, the Rams could be left very thin on talent at outside linebacker. Behind him are Matt Longacre, Ryan Davis, Ejuan Price and a handful of rookies, the majority of whom are even less proven than Ebukam.

Ndamukong Suh, Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers are all established veterans capable of generating pressure on a regular basis, and as a result, will be double teamed often, but Ebukam has to capitalize on those chances when presented the opportunity to rush one-on-one.

He hasn’t yet this preseason, pressuring the quarterback a few times but coming away without a sack. Stats aren’t everything, but Ebukam has to do more than just get close to the passer. He has to convert hurries into sacks and create some turnovers.