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- May 8, 2014
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Started lookin around a bit at the projected FAs, and yeah it's way too early, but IMO the Rams are now a "premiere" destination for the upper crust due to a winning roster and environment, top coaching staff on both sides of the ball, location, and the insane stadium on the way.
Here we go, and once again only guys who fit our needs.
OFFENSE
1. TE Jimmy Graham. I see the guy as the top fit for the Rams and here's why... He's an old dog, who needs to get himself back under an OC who knows how to feature the TE position, and that's not as easy as it sounds. Fortunately for him the Rams have a TE savant in McVay, a young offense that he would fit in, and a QB who is accurate and desperately needs a security blanket he can trust.
Why he might not be a target: Everett. Only the staff knows what they really think of Gerald. But IMO of all the different FA possibilities adding a 6'7" pass catching target would make Jared Goff cry tears of joy. Higbee, IMO, is not going to factor in too much with this decision, as given that we know what his hands are now through two seasons.
2. WR (X) Davante Adams. If the Rams elect to not retain Watkins, there are only a couple guys out there who can step in at X and get 'er done from game one on. Now I'm not sure they would want to put more money into a wideout, what with all the FA decisions pending on the roster, but Adams is a very nice fit with a WCO background and brings the stuff we need outside the hashes.
2A. WR (X) Allen Robinson. The fact he's played with Bortles and put up good stats is a good sign. He's a big receiver who beats the jam outside and who might have more upside in this kind of offense than most realize.
Why WR might not be a target: Money/CAP, and/or Watkins. IMO the question of where they're allocating their dollars may well factor in. It's also possible the retain Watkins at a rate both sides can deal with, which will end consideration of adding either of the above.
3. TE Tyler Eifert. His back injury is very concerning, but when this guy is healthy he's the type of weapon McVay could make good use of. He's no Graham, but he represents an immediate upgrade over Higbee and his inconsistent hands.
Why he might not be a target: Everett. As noted above.
4. RB Jerick McKinnon. We are likely to have a need for a backup who can contribute in the passing game, and depending on how much action this guy gets he's a good fit there. He's young, with upside, and caught 51 passes for the Vikes.
Why he might not be a target: cost. His youth and/or play through the playoffs might lead to a team pricing him out of our backup range.
DEFENSE
1. DT Justin Ellis. This dude has the body style (stubby/heavy) and strength at the point to give us a boost at NT. Like with all the guys on this list he could well be locked up by his team, but he's definitely on the Rams' list. Very strong run stopper who would help our DL out.
Why he might not be a target: cost. Rams gotta pay Donald, already have money sunk into 5T with Brock as well, and might have plans to address NT in the draft where it's cheap and guys can be had into midrounds.
2. ILB Demario Davis. He will be very highly sought after in FA if he hits it. Jets love him, leader in the locker room and all that. Instant upgrade for the Rams at interior LB if they were to be able to lock him up. Dude got robbed in Pro Bowl voting IMO.
Why he might not be a target: cost. Rams have money locked up in Tree, and lots of decisions all around. This guy is legit, but can they fit him in?
3. ILB Avery Williamson. This is a solid ILB who is a fit for the scheme, and who will probably hit the FA market. Plus I like that he took a fine to wear the 9/11 cleats back in 2016, my kinda dude.
Why he might not be a target: cost, as noted above under Davis.
4. ILB Navorro Bowman. Had a good season with the Raiders in the middle. Would upgrade us but he is a big name who might be wanting to cash in with what might be his last FA look.
Why he might not be available: cost, as noted above under Davis.
5. ILB Korey Toomer. This would be a budget interior type backer who is basically a depth guy with some starts but who has had some strong games.
Why he might not be a target: comes down to what the Rams feel about some of their kid LBs.
6. OLB Alex Okafor. He was injured after a great start with the Saints. Real good edge type but I suspect New Orleans will lock him up. Putting him here just because he's a fit, albeit a low chance of happening type due to availability not to mention the possibility the Rams have Quinn take a pay cut with an extension.
Why he might not be a target: availability/Quinn extension possible.
Some quick notes...
1. I am not a fan of this free agent CB class. There are some fits of course out there, and some young CBs who might hit the FA period like Fuller, but I think they're inferior to the Rams re-signing NRC and Joyner which will preclude spending on them. Also a noteworthy name is Butler, who really isn't all that tbh, and who IMO is in for a reality check on the market. IF the Rams feel the need to dip into this group, which I hope to F they don't, it will be if they lose NRC.
2. QBs might well dominate the headlines this year. There's a chance that more than one legitimate starter ends up on this market, depending on how teams do things. Unlikely, but possible. Either way it's gonna at the least be the Kirk Cousins world tour.
Here we go, and once again only guys who fit our needs.
OFFENSE
1. TE Jimmy Graham. I see the guy as the top fit for the Rams and here's why... He's an old dog, who needs to get himself back under an OC who knows how to feature the TE position, and that's not as easy as it sounds. Fortunately for him the Rams have a TE savant in McVay, a young offense that he would fit in, and a QB who is accurate and desperately needs a security blanket he can trust.
Why he might not be a target: Everett. Only the staff knows what they really think of Gerald. But IMO of all the different FA possibilities adding a 6'7" pass catching target would make Jared Goff cry tears of joy. Higbee, IMO, is not going to factor in too much with this decision, as given that we know what his hands are now through two seasons.
2. WR (X) Davante Adams. If the Rams elect to not retain Watkins, there are only a couple guys out there who can step in at X and get 'er done from game one on. Now I'm not sure they would want to put more money into a wideout, what with all the FA decisions pending on the roster, but Adams is a very nice fit with a WCO background and brings the stuff we need outside the hashes.
2A. WR (X) Allen Robinson. The fact he's played with Bortles and put up good stats is a good sign. He's a big receiver who beats the jam outside and who might have more upside in this kind of offense than most realize.
Why WR might not be a target: Money/CAP, and/or Watkins. IMO the question of where they're allocating their dollars may well factor in. It's also possible the retain Watkins at a rate both sides can deal with, which will end consideration of adding either of the above.
3. TE Tyler Eifert. His back injury is very concerning, but when this guy is healthy he's the type of weapon McVay could make good use of. He's no Graham, but he represents an immediate upgrade over Higbee and his inconsistent hands.
Why he might not be a target: Everett. As noted above.
4. RB Jerick McKinnon. We are likely to have a need for a backup who can contribute in the passing game, and depending on how much action this guy gets he's a good fit there. He's young, with upside, and caught 51 passes for the Vikes.
Why he might not be a target: cost. His youth and/or play through the playoffs might lead to a team pricing him out of our backup range.
DEFENSE
1. DT Justin Ellis. This dude has the body style (stubby/heavy) and strength at the point to give us a boost at NT. Like with all the guys on this list he could well be locked up by his team, but he's definitely on the Rams' list. Very strong run stopper who would help our DL out.
Why he might not be a target: cost. Rams gotta pay Donald, already have money sunk into 5T with Brock as well, and might have plans to address NT in the draft where it's cheap and guys can be had into midrounds.
2. ILB Demario Davis. He will be very highly sought after in FA if he hits it. Jets love him, leader in the locker room and all that. Instant upgrade for the Rams at interior LB if they were to be able to lock him up. Dude got robbed in Pro Bowl voting IMO.
Why he might not be a target: cost. Rams have money locked up in Tree, and lots of decisions all around. This guy is legit, but can they fit him in?
3. ILB Avery Williamson. This is a solid ILB who is a fit for the scheme, and who will probably hit the FA market. Plus I like that he took a fine to wear the 9/11 cleats back in 2016, my kinda dude.
Why he might not be a target: cost, as noted above under Davis.
4. ILB Navorro Bowman. Had a good season with the Raiders in the middle. Would upgrade us but he is a big name who might be wanting to cash in with what might be his last FA look.
Why he might not be available: cost, as noted above under Davis.
5. ILB Korey Toomer. This would be a budget interior type backer who is basically a depth guy with some starts but who has had some strong games.
Why he might not be a target: comes down to what the Rams feel about some of their kid LBs.
6. OLB Alex Okafor. He was injured after a great start with the Saints. Real good edge type but I suspect New Orleans will lock him up. Putting him here just because he's a fit, albeit a low chance of happening type due to availability not to mention the possibility the Rams have Quinn take a pay cut with an extension.
Why he might not be a target: availability/Quinn extension possible.
Some quick notes...
1. I am not a fan of this free agent CB class. There are some fits of course out there, and some young CBs who might hit the FA period like Fuller, but I think they're inferior to the Rams re-signing NRC and Joyner which will preclude spending on them. Also a noteworthy name is Butler, who really isn't all that tbh, and who IMO is in for a reality check on the market. IF the Rams feel the need to dip into this group, which I hope to F they don't, it will be if they lose NRC.
2. QBs might well dominate the headlines this year. There's a chance that more than one legitimate starter ends up on this market, depending on how teams do things. Unlikely, but possible. Either way it's gonna at the least be the Kirk Cousins world tour.
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