Legendary baseball manager Earl Weaver once described the formula for winning with a simple equation:

3RHR+GPG=WINS

(Translation: 3 run home runs + good pitched game = wins).

If asked to provide the formula for NFL wins in a similarly simple equation, what do you think Sean McVay would come up with?

I’ll suggest this:

OU + BPP = WINS

“OU” is “offensive unpredictability.” This results from the ability to run varied plays from the same formations, and having 3 tool (run, catch, block) players at all of the skill positions. That, in a nutshell, is how McVay produces points.

“BPP” stands for “big play prevention.” The Rams’ defensive schemes under McVay’s tenure have always focused on avoiding big plays from the opposition. While sometimes vulnerable to a “war of attrition” approach on individual drives, in the end, making the opposition work for their points has fostered a high winning percentage.

What simple (2-3 variable) formula do you think fits McVay’s approach?

Rams' biggest question at every position in 2024​

The Los Angeles Rams are on break for summer until they return for training camp in July, which is when the competition will really heat up. Though they got in plenty of good work this offseason, training camp will truly help decide position battles and set the depth chart.

From top to bottom, the Rams look like a playoff contender and a team that could make a deep run in the postseason. However, there are some legitimate questions that still have to be answered.

Looking at each position group, here’s one question about each one.

Quarterback

Can Matthew Stafford stay healthy?

In the last five years, Stafford has missed at least one game in three of those seasons. He’s not exactly injury-prone, but he’s often dealing with even minor ailments that can hinder his play, like hip and thumb injuries last season alone.

The Rams made sure to find a capable backup this offseason by signing Jimmy Garoppolo but there are still concerns about Stafford’s ability to suit up for all 17 games.

Running back

How will Sean McVay split the touches between Kyren Williams and Blake Corum?

Williams was a Pro Bowler last season and truly one of the best backs in the NFL, but the Rams drafted Blake Corum in the third round so Williams has some legitimate pressure behind him. Corum said recently that he expects to catch the ball out of the backfield for the Rams, a sign that he could get more third-down work than expected.

It’ll be interesting to see how Sean McVay divides the touches between his two running backs, especially as a coach who typically likes to lean on one player in the backfield.

Wide receiver

Will Cooper Kupp return to form after two down years?

Kupp failed to top 1,000 yards in each of the last two years, largely due to a variety of injuries that limited him. He had more receiving yards in 17 games during the 2021 season than he had in the last two years (21 games) combined, showing how far his numbers have fallen since that historic season.

Puka Nacua should have another great year but the biggest question is whether Kupp can get back to being a Pro Bowl receiver again and stay healthy for the duration of the season.

Tight end

When will Tyler Higbee be ready to go?

Higbee is rehabbing a torn ACL and MCL with a return date that’s still very much up in the air. In the meantime, the Rams have Colby Parkinson, Hunter Long and Davis Allen at tight end, but the offense is still better when Higbee is available.

The question is when he’ll be healthy enough to participate. He’s expected to start the summer on the PUP list and it’s possible he’ll miss the start of the regular season, but hopefully it’s not more than a few games.

Offensive tackle

Can Alaric Jackson continue to improve?

Jackson was solid last season, playing well enough at left tackle to earn a one-year tender worth $4.9 million. However, there’s still room for him to improve even more and become an above-average left tackle for Los Angeles.

There aren’t really any concerns about the other four starters up front, but if Jackson regresses and plays poorly in 2024, the entire offensive line could take a step back. This is a big year for Jackson.

Guard

Will Kevin Dotson be one of the best guards in the NFL again?

Dotson earned a long-term extension with the Rams this offseason after establishing himself as a top guard in the league last year. He was inconsistent in his first three years with the Steelers so he may still need to prove his dominant performance in 2023 wasn’t a fluke.

If Dotson turns in another season that’s deserving of Pro Bowl consideration, the Rams will be in great shape along the offensive line, which will set Stafford, Williams and everyone up for success.

Center

How seamless will Steve Avila’s move from guard to center be?

Avila is making the difficult move from guard to center, which is much more than just a physical switch. It’s also one that requires a lot mentally because he’ll be the one identifying blitzers and setting the protection with Stafford pre-snap.

Everyone expects Avila to excel at his new position, which is a spot he played in college, and Jonah Jackson said recently that Avila is already doing well in the middle.

Defensive line

How will Chris Shula deploy Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske?

The obvious question is “How will the Rams replace Aaron Donald?” but it’s more about how Turner and Fiske will be managed along the defensive line. Turner played 3-tech and nose tackle last season but with Donald gone, will he be the primary 3-tech? Assuming Bobby Brown III takes on a bigger role, Turner will likely play nose tackle less often.

That leaves him and Fiske to play defensive tackle and defensive end, hopefully generating consistent pressure to help out Jared Verse and Byron Young.

Edge rusher

Can the edge rushers generate consistent pressure without Aaron Donald inside?

Young was a standout rookie in 2023 with eight sacks and it’s reasonable to think he’ll get even better in Year 2. However, he and the Rams’ other edge rushers won’t have Donald drawing double- and triple-teams on the interior. There’s something to be said about the “Aaron Donald Effect” on the Rams’ edge rushers, which has led to career years by Dante Fowler Jr. and Leonard Floyd.

The Rams desperately need Verse and Young to step up at outside linebacker in order to keep the defense playing at a high level.

Inside linebacker

Can the Rams get steady play out of anyone behind Ernest Jones?

Jones is such an important part of the defense and with the way Los Angeles has deployed its linebackers in recent years, he’ll often be the only inside linebacker on the field. That being said, when the Rams are in base packages, they’ll need someone reliable alongside Jones.

Christian Rozeboom and Troy Reeder are the top candidates to line up next to Jones but neither has been particularly reliable. Jacob Hummel is another option, too.

Cornerback

Who will be the primary slot defender?

Quentin Lake emerged as the Rams’ best option in the slot last season and the Rams didn’t add anyone who’s considered an upgrade; Tre’Davious White and Darious Williams are both primarily outside corners. It seemed like Lake’s job to lose but Chris Shula said both Russ Yeast and Derion Kendrick are doing well in the slot.

Could a change be on the horizon? It’s an important position on defense, one previously held by Jalen Ramsey. No matter who wins that job, the Rams need someone who can cover, tackle and stop the run.

Safety

Will Kamren Kinchens be a Day 1 starter next to Kamren Curl?

If Shula plans to play Yeast or Kendrick in the slot, it could mean more of a full-time safety role for Lake next to free-agent addition, Kamren Curl. The Rams also have Kinchens, a third-round rookie, who has a ton of upside with the ball skills he showed in college.

Will it be Kinchens at safety next to Curl? Will Lake move back there full-time? Will Yeast get another crack at starting? There are a lot of questions about the safety group, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Special teams

Who will return kicks and punts?

The Rams had the league’s worst special teams unit in the NFL last season, and it wasn’t just because of their kicking situation. They were terrible in the return game, getting nothing out of that phase of special teams.

Heading into the 2024 season, the Rams have Boston Scott on the roster, a strong candidate to return kickoffs. Kyren Williams could also be an option, as could Blake Corum, given the new kickoff rules that make it more similar to an offensive play.

Just put up a few hours ago on YouTube. Excellent film review and analysis of Rams offense and McVay strategy.

YouTube----"VINTAGE TRICKSTER" HOW SEAN MCVAY USES TIMELESS OFFENSIVE CONCEPTS TO DECIEVE THE NFL.

44:16 long, so bring some popcorn and a couple beers. Must see for those of you who dig in depth analysis.

2024 NFL running back unit rankings: 49ers, Dolphins lead the pack​

PFF's offseason positional rankings roll on with the NFL's top running back units. After plenty of shake-ups via the 2024 NFL Draft and free agency, this is how we stack up the running back rooms for the upcoming season.

1. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Christian McCaffrey is PFF's top-ranked running back heading into the 2024 season, so it should be no surprise the Niners take the No. 1 spot here.

McCaffrey generated the most PFF wins above average among running backs last season, at 0.25. Elijah Mitchell also remains a very solid RB2 option with rookie Isaac Guerendo as the upside RB3. Throw All-Pro fullback Kyle Juszczyk into the list, and the 49ers more than deserve this ranking.

2. MIAMI DOLPHINS

The Dolphins earned the highest team rushing grade last season, at 94.1. Their top two backs, Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane, recorded elite rushing grades of 91.7 and 93.1, respectively.

As a group, Miami tallied the most explosive runs of 20 yards or more last season (61). The Dolphins added another speedster to their backfield in the offseason in rookie Jaylen Wright from Tennessee.

3. DETROIT LIONS

The Lions, led by David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, were a top-five team in rushing touchdowns (24), missed tackles forced (96), explosive run plays (55) and rushing grade (90.2) in 2023.

Gibbs is primed to be even better in 2024, so expect Detroit to stay near the top of these rankings.

4. BALTIMORE RAVENS

Even without including dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Ravens ranked seventh in the NFL in PFF rushing grade last year. Now they throw All-Pro back Derrick Henry into the mix.

Henry trailed only Christian McCaffrey in PFF wins above average last season — 0.25 to 0.20. Keaton Mitchell is coming off a torn ACL but looked like a great RB2 before going down last year.

5. ATLANTA FALCONS

Bijan Robinson is a special talent, and the Falcons being this high on the list stems partially from an expectation that he will take another step forward in 2024 after recording more than 1,400 scrimmage yards in 2023.

But it’s also a nod to RB2 Tyler Allgeier, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in his first season with a 78.0 rushing grade behind Robinson in 2023. They form one of the NFL's better one-two punches at running back.

6. GREEN BAY PACKERS

Josh Jacobs had a down year with the Raiders in 2023 after rushing for more than 1,600 yards and earning an elite 91.9 rushing grade in 2022. But there wasn’t much help around him in Las Vegas, and he is now in Green Bay with A.J. Dillon and rookie MarShawn Lloyd behind him. That bodes well for Jacobs to enjoy a bounce-back year.

7. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Taylor led the NFL in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns in 2021, just his second season in the league. He has yet to play a full season since, first due to injuries in 2022 and then a contract standoff in 2023.

Now signed and healthy, Taylor is poised for a 2024 season more reminiscent of his 2021 year than anything in between. Though the Colts are light on depth after him, with Trey Sermon and Evan Hull next in line, Taylor’s potential is enough to make this a top-10 group.

8. CLEVELAND BROWNS

The Browns would easily have a top-five running back room if Nick Chubb didn’t suffer a terrible knee injury last year — one we weren’t sure he would be able to come back from.

Jerome Ford carried the rock well in his stead, amassing more than 800 yards. Kareem Hunt is no longer on the team, but all reports indicate Chubb is rehabbing as best he can and will return in 2024. If he’s anything close to the Nick Chubb we know, this is a top-10 running back group.

9. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

While Saquon Barkley is a talented back, he has not been the same player he was as a rookie in 2018 when he took the league by storm. He rushed for more than 900 yards last season and stayed relatively healthy, which was a win in itself.

With Barkley now in Philly, paired with a better offensive line and a more diverse offense, we could see the best version of him since that rookie season. The Eagles also have the talented Kenneth Gainwell behind him.

10. NEW YORK JETS

The Jets are light on backs with experience beyond Breece Hall, but Hall has already established himself as one of the best in the league. He earned a 77.8 rushing grade with an 88.9 receiving grade in 2023, all while ranking as a top-10 running back in PFF wins above average (0.14).

He can do so much for this offense at such a high level. Behind him are two rookies, Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, as well as the speedster Izzy Abanikanda.

11. LOS ANGELES RAMS

This might be too high a ranking for the Rams. Still. Kyren Williams earned an 80.3 PFF rushing grade with the sixth-highest PFF wins above average figure (0.17) in 2023.

The team also now has rookie Blake Corum, who felt like he was slow to trust his knee after injury in the first half of 2023 but returned to form during Michigan's playoff stretch. Let’s not forget Corum earned an incredible 96.2 rushing grade in 2022. These two could make up one of the league's most efficient running back rooms.

12. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Travis Etienne’s yards per carry average dipped in 2023, but he forced the most missed tackles (64) of any back in the NFL in the regular season and ranked fourth in PFF wins above average (0.17), showcasing valuable talent as a rusher and receiver.

It’s a bit less consistent after him, with D’Ernest Johnson and Tank Bigsby spelling the Clemson product, but Etienne’s talent carries this unit to the top 12.

13. MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Minnesota placed 24th in the league in PFF rushing grade in 2023 before making major improvements by acquiring Aaron Jones in free agency. Jones has been one of the 10 best backs in the NFL for years now. He ranked in the top 10 in both PFF wins above average per year and in total since 2020.

Ty Chandler is behind Jones, and the second-year back had a decent 2023 season with a team-best 77.2 rushing grade.

14. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Kenneth Walker is one of the NFL's most boom-or-bust backs, having recorded a missed tackles forced average above 0.20 but also a stuff percentage (rushes for no gain or a loss) above 20% in each of the past two seasons.

Despite the lower efficiency, Walker's positive reps are so good that he has earned PFF rushing grades above 84.0 in each of the past two years. If he can stay healthy and cut down on the negatives, he can be a top-10 back and carry this group. Zach Charbonnet will slot in as RB2 after a solid rookie season in which he earned a 74.4 rushing grade.

15. TENNESSEE TITANS

Tony Pollard finds himself in Tennessee after struggling to regain his form following a high ankle sprain and a broken leg in the 2022-2023 playoffs. But his 2023 numbers were still solid, including a 4.0 yards per carry average, 1,000-plus rushing yards once again and an 84.7 PFF rushing grade.

Pollard and Tyjae Spears will be the one-two combo for the Titans, and it’s a duo with a decently high ceiling after Spears recorded a 0.26 missed tackles forced per attempt average and a 4.6 yards per carry average.

16. ARIZONA CARDINALS

James Conner had a career year in 2023. He earned an 88.4 rushing grade, tallied 1,040 yards and 31 explosive runs, and averaged 0.29 missed tackles forced per attempt and 5.0 yards per carry.

The Cardinals also added the talented Trey Benson in the draft, so if Conner repeats his 2023 efficiency with Benson now the RB2, they will be in the top half of a lot of rushing statistics.

17. PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren were top-25 running backs in PFF wins above average in 2023. The Steelers ranked 13th in the league in PFF rushing grade from their running backs, and 14th in EPA per rush.

Warren and Harris each averaged more than 4.0 yards per carry, as well, and the two remain a very solid duo for 2024.

18. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Isiah Pacheco is the king of consistency, earning rushing grades of 74.2 and 80.2 in the past two seasons. He also recorded a yards per carry average above 4.5 in each of the past two seasons with 40 explosive runs, 20 in both years.

Kansas City still has Clyde Edwards-Helaire behind him, but not much is known after that.

19. CHICAGO BEARS

The Bears added D’Andre Swift to a group already containing Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson. Swift racked up the most rushing yards of his career last year, but that was mainly due to volume instead of a major breakout. He, Herbert and Johnson form a nice trio.

Herbert might be the dark horse of the group, having averaged 0.24 and 0.25 missed tackles forced per attempt in the past two years with yards per carry averages above 4.5. The depth of this group feels more valuable than its ceiling.

20. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Rachaad White quietly generated the eighth-best PFF wins above average figure among running backs last season (0.16). Though his yards per carry average was below 4.0 for the second year in a row, he amassed 900-plus rushing yards and 500-plus receiving yards as an all-purpose back.

The Buccaneers drafted Bucky Irving in the fourth round, a player with a similar skill set. I am bullish on this young running back duo in 2024.

21. BUFFALO BILLS

Cook finished fourth in 2023 in total rushing yards (1,122) and 17th in PFF wins above average (0.13). He has maintained healthy yards per carry averages, above 4.5, in each of the past two seasons, too.

Behind him on the depth chart are unknowns. Ty Johnson has never eclipsed more than 300 yards in a single season, and Ray Davis is a rookie. If Cook can repeat his explosiveness in 2024, the Bills will finish the season higher than this.

22. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Although Alvin Kamara has yet to tally less than 1,000 all-purpose yards in any of his seven NFL seasons, he is almost 30 and it’s hard to see that efficiency and volume bouncing back to prime levels.

Beyond him, it’s Jamaal Williams, who took a big step back from his 2022 season in Detroit, and second-year back Kendre Miller. If Kamara is healthy, he provides this group with a high floor. But it feels like the unit has a low ceiling, too.

23. HOUSTON TEXANS

The Texans will implement a three-pronged punch of Joe Mixon, Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale in 2024.

Mixon will likely take the early-down work as a still-reliable running back, although his overall production has been more volume-based than efficiency-based.

Pierce can handle the reserve and short-yardage situations, and Ogunbowale is a solid third-down back. It’s a solid rotation, but one that seems to have a limited ceiling.

24. WASHINGTON Commodes

The Commodes ranked 16th in PFF rushing grade in 2023 before subbing out Antonio Gibson for Austin Ekeler this offseason. Ekeler is coming off the lowest single-season rushing and receiving grades (65.1 and 57.4) of his career, but a change of scenery for him in Washington could lead to a bounce back.

Behind Ekeler, Washington haw Brian Robinson and Chris Rodriguez Jr., both of whom earned rushing grades above 73.0 last season.

25. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Rhamondre Stevenson is a solid back who has yet to finish a single season with a rushing grade below 78.0. He has also averaged more than 4.0 yards per carry in all three of his NFL campaigns. He doesn’t bring a ton to the passing game, but that’s what the Patriots signed Antonio Gibson for. This group has a high floor but a low ceiling.

26. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

The best could still be to come for J.K. Dobbins, who joined Los Angeles this offseason. Dobbins was a sensation at Ohio State (something his new head coach Jim Harbaugh knows well). But he tore his ACL in 2021, suffered another knee injury in 2022 and tore his Achilles in 2023.

The Chargers have the newly signed veteran Gus Edwards, as well, and he has been very reliable throughout his career. If both can remain healthy, this can be a strong duo.

27. CAROLINA PANTHERS

Chuba Hubbard placed 18th in PFF wins above average last season (0.18), and the Panthers also drafted who I believe to be the top back in the 2024 NFL Draft in Jonathon Brooks, who earned an elite 92.0 rushing grade last season.

If Brooks can progress nicely and confidently after his ACL tear in November, this has the chance to be a sneaky good group with an improved offensive line in front of them.

28. NEW YORK GIANTS

Devin Singletary looks to be the main back in New York after Saquon Barkley‘s offseason exit. He reunites with former Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll after generating the fifth-best PFF wins above average figure last season (0.17).

Eric Gray is in line for RB2 duties, and rookie Tyrone Tracy is the ultimate wild card who could really boost this group, especially in the passing game.

29. DENVER BRONCOS

Undrafted rookie Jaleel McLaughlin was the bright spot of the Broncos' rushing attack last season, posting an 84.5 PFF rushing grade on 76 carries. The big disappointment was Javonte Williams, who earned just a 64.4 rushing grade after recovering from a major knee injury in 2022.

Perhaps Williams just needed a year to get his confidence back, because he was a highly touted running back in the 2022 NFL Draft.

30. CINCINNATI BENGALS

The Bengals signed Zack Moss this offseason to replace Joe Mixon, who the team traded to the Texans. Moss has recorded steady rushing grades in the 70.0s in each of his four seasons with a healthy yards per carry average right around 4.0.

Cincinnati also has Chase Brown, their fifth-round pick from 2023, to bring some added speed to the backfield. Brown had a tough rookie season, recording a 59.0 rushing grade.

31. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

It felt like the Raiders were left high and dry after watching Josh Jacobs sign elsewhere. Their backfield state is now some combination of Zamir White, Alexander Mattison and rookie Dylan Laube.

White earned a 70.6 PFF rushing grade last season, while Mattison recorded a 68.4 figure.

32. DALLAS COWBOYS

After letting Tony Pollard sign elsewhere in free agency, and missing out on the top backs in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Cowboys re-signed Ezekiel Elliott to be their lead rusher.

Elliott's glory days came with the Cowboys, but his yards per carry average has dipped below 4.0 over the past two seasons, resulting in a career-low 69.2 PFF rushing grade in 2023. Behind him are Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn.

“Legend” is an overused word.

In Mays’ case, it applies.

RIP

Should Los Angeles Rams Fans Be Thrilled About Their New Kicker? Analyst Says Yes!​

Pro Football Focus draft analyst, Max Chadwick joined the Rams Skinny podcast to talk all things Los Angeles Rams draft. When asked which pick he was most excited about, it wasn’t Jared Verse or even Blake Corum. It was the kicker, Joshua Karty.

Karty was picked with the 209th overall pick in the sixth round of this year’s draft. He was the second kicker drafted, the first being Will Reichard from Alabama who was selected six picks before Karty.

Los Angeles Rams Kicker is a “Generational Prospect”

And Chadwick isn’t excited for him as a kicker. He lumped him in with the top draft prospects in the entire draft regardless of position.

“Hey, listen, you wanna talk generational prospects? We can talk about Marvin Harrison Jr. We can talk about Brock Bowers, we’ve gotta talk about Joshua Karty as well. Joshua Cardi has a 97 career grade in our grading system that is the highest we’ve ever given to a kicker. And, and we’ve been doing this since 2014 for college football. So over the last decade he has the highest career grade of any kicker we’ve ever seen.

Chadwick broke it down even further;

“He had the highest grade this past season, the year before, he was the second highest grades kicker in the country. He’s 7 for 10 from 50 plus yards in each of the last two years. Second most 50 plus yard makes in that span. He’s only missed one kick from 49 yards and in since 2022 as he was 34 for 35. And he’s only missed one extra point in his career as well on 73 attempts.”

“So I think he’s the best kicker we’ve seen in the last decade. And I know it’s not as sexy of a position as anywhere in offensively or defensively, but I I think he is gonna be a long, long time starter for Los Angeles as their starting kicker. And I thought he was by far the best kicker in the draft. He wasn’t even the first one taken and I think he’s gonna be an excellent, excellent kicker in the NFL and might even be one of the best kickers in the league pretty quickly.”

The Rams have struggled over the last few seasons to find a reliable place kicker. Last season they bounced between Brett Maher and Lucas Havrisik, swapping out one for the other several times.

Karty is the third kicker drafted by Les Snead and the second in the McVay Era. Snead’s first was Greg Zuerlein in 2012, his first season as general manager. Zuerlein was the Rams kicker until 2019 and is still one of the franchise’s best legmen. The Rams drafted Sam Sloman in 2020. Sloman played a total of seven games for the Rams.

Wow, every time I watch this guy I feel like I needed to take one of my wife's xanax to chill.


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That is all.

10. Finally, a Kicker (we hope)
The kicker position has been, shall we say… unstable… since Matt Gay left. Now, the Rams have a strong prospect in Joshua Karty. Let’s hope he’s the solution for a long time.

9. A Curious Under-the-Radar Move
Colby Parkinson was not on anyone’s FA priority list and, yet, the Rams clearly targeted him (and Seahawks fans were unhappy to see him go – particularly to a division rival). With Tyler Higbee likely shelved for the start of the season, could he be a sleeper/breakout player?

8. The Mystery of Stetson Bennett
Bennett had a lost year as a rookie, but now has reemerged to compete for a spot. He’s a very high profile player with many fans, but does he have a future with the Rams?

7. Not Standing Pat at RB
Last year, Kyren Williams broke out with a Pro Bowl campaign. The Rams were not satisfied to go into 2024 with just Williams, so they acquired veteran Boston Scott and drafted promising rookie Blake Corum. The Rams are ready to be a strong running team.

6. From Nemesis to Insurance Policy
To the chagrin of some, the Rams signed long-time foe Jimmy Garappolo to back up Matthew Stafford. Bad blood and silly nicknames aside, he is a high quality QB2 (who hopefully will never play meaningful snaps).

5. Bolstering the Back-end
The Rams made three key additions in FA to bolster the DB: Darious Williams, Tre’Davious White and Kamren Curl. Will these vets gel with the young holdovers to form an above-average unit? Time will tell.

4. Going big on the OL
Two years ago, OL troubles doomed the Rams’ Super Bowl follow-up season. Now, after prioritizing FA spending on the interior, find themselves with a big, highly promising OL consisting of AJ Jackson, Jonah Jackson, Steve Avila, Kevin Dotson and Rob Havenstein.

3. So long Raheem, hello Chris (and Kamren)
Raheem Morris, a head coach interviewee for years, got his shot to run the Falcons. The Rams have now turned the defense over to Chris Shula, and have obtained two 3rd round compensatory picks, the first of which was used on promising safety Kamren Kitchens.

2. The FSU Connection
The Rams finally made a first round draft pick, selecting Jared Verse with the 19thpick. They then traded up to the 39th pick to select his Seminole teammate, Braden Fiske. If they live up to expectations, the FSU connection will help form (along with 2023 standout rookies Byron Young and Kobie Turner) a front 7 core for years to come.

1. Aaron Donald Retires
The timing of this was a surprise – most (including me) thought we’d get at least one more year out of Donald before saying goodbye to an all-time great. It’s tough to see him go, but I take solace in knowing he did it all for us, never played anywhere else, and gets to retire a healthy, happy man.

Man of the people. Such a great win!!!!!
In the heat of the battle he still makes the time for this
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Anybody been thinking about Alaric Jackson? Are the Rams currently trying to sign him long-term? Or at least give him some guaranteed money. If he has a good year he might command 15-20 mil annually or more. Snead might be able to sign him right now for considably less and we know he played well enough to warrant a new deal IF it's reasonable. Or maybe they try to sign him after watching a few mire games. They have to have a decent LT to protect Stafford at all costs and good ones aren't easy to find. A rookie kind of scares me unless he's a top pick and I don't think the Rams will be in a position to move up next year, although you never know with these guys.

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there.

I truly hope you are celebrated and have a great day.

To all the Fathers out there:

A Happy Father’s Day wish to all the fellow Dads out there at ROD. May you have a relaxing day and show the world why you are the #1 Dad.

Are the Los Angeles Rams going 'all in' for 2024?​

The moves the Los Angeles Rams have made in the 2024 offseason all have one word in common: aggressive. They've signed numerous outside free agents for the first time in several years, they threw around significant draft capital in the 2024 NFL Draft, and made it a point to lock up several key in-house free agents.

Their aggressiveness feels like a stark departure from the plan they seemed to enact ahead of the 2023 season, which was sit back, rebuild the team using cheap rookie deals, and rely on the veterans on their roster to help develop the youth so they could move on from the bloated, expensive contract they handed out in years prior. Indeed, that strategy worked. The Rams made 14(!) draft picks in 2023 and have the least amount of dead cap in the NFL. And yet...

The Rams reneged on their 2023 strategy

And yet, the Rams flipped from that strategy in 2024. They handed out contracts worth well over $100M in free agency, between Jonah Jackson, Darious Williams, and Colby Parkinson alone the Rams handed out $96M in total value.

The Rams are notorious for their rather casual association with draft picks. Rams general manager Les Snead's "F* them picks" strategy led to two Super Bowl appearances and one ring from 2018 to 2021. Despite this, the Rams only moved up once in the entire 2023 draft. Indeed, they moved back twice in the third round and twice in the fifth, with their lone move up at the end of the sixth round. They have since said that they "tried" and "thought about" moving into round one last year but conversations never went anywhere.

This year, in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Rams flipped that strategy. In a new show the NFL released titled "NFL Draft: The Pick Is In". The Rams tried to trade up not once, not twice, but three times in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Rams offered the New York Jets their first and second-round picks, 19 and 52, to move up to the 10th overall pick. The Jets declined, opting to swap back to 11th with the Minnesota Vikings.

The Rams upped the ante, offering the Jets 19, 52, AND one of their two third-round picks plus a sixth-round pick for the 11th overall pick. According to the Fitzgerald-Spielberger trade value chart, that package is equivalent in total value to the number-one overall pick. To say that it's a significant offer is, quite frankly, understating it and drawing into question the judgment of the Jets' front office for rejecting it.

Just after, the Rams offered a similar package to the Indianapolis Colts for the 15th overall pick, offering 19, 99, and a fifth-round pick. The Colts declined and the Rams stayed put at 19th overall, selecting Florida State pass rusher Jared Verse.

Less than 24 hours after these trades fell through, the Rams sent another trade offer in the second round. In a move that was labeled as the most expensive overpay of the last several years, the Rams moved up from 52 to 39 by sending their fifth-round pick in 2024 and second-round pick in 2025. They did this to secure Florida State defensive tackle Braden Fiske.

The Rams didn't move back once in the entire 2024 Draft. They completely flipped the script on their approach to the 2024 draft from the 2023 draft.

Coincidental contracts

Their radical shift didn't just occur in their draft process, however. Look at their deals in free agency. Darious Williams, Jonah Jackson, and Tre'Davious White are all essentially on one-year deals, White a true one-year deal, Williams and Jackson on pseudo-one-year deals with their guaranteed money.

Outside of Kevin Dotson's (who had plenty of leverage), all of these deals are effectively one-year deals or have guarantees so low they might as well be. It seems to me that all of these deals were crafted to secure the players for at least 2024, with the ability to move on if things went poorly.

The end of the 2024 season also brings Joe Noteboom's contract off the books and provides an opportunity to get out of Tyler Higbee and Rob Havenstein's contracts.

If the Rams do move on from them, the only mega deals left on the Rams' salary cap would be Cooper Kupp's, Kevin Dotson's (both of which run out of guarantees after the 2025 season)....and Matthew Stafford's.

The biggest coup de grace, in my opinion, is in Matthew Stafford's contract decision. Stafford reportedly wants reassurances that the Rams won't move on from him after this season. His 2024 salary is fully guaranteed, but he has no guaranteed money left for the remainder of his contract. The obvious answer, one that I thought would have happened right away given their stance of last year and previous years, was that he'd get a new deal fairly quickly. It has been two months and so far, no dice.

To me, this signals the Rams are thinking about their future beyond 2024. Paying him only for him to get hurt makes a bad situation already worse. Locking up any money for him in the future might take away their future if something goes wrong. The Rams didn't make any attempts at hiding their desire for a rookie quarterback in the 2024 draft, and they might be tempted to look again in the 2025 draft.

The reason the Rams signed Jimmy Garoppolo was to keep the offense afloat, if not humming if Stafford missed time. They could have stuck with Stetson Bennett or a rookie behind Stafford, but chose to bring in a capable vet who could steer the ship if Stafford was hurt. This was done likely to keep the team in contention for as long as possible.

Stafford's deal running out of guaranteed money the same year the Rams have all of these deals running out feels too coincidental to be an accident.

Full steam ahead for 2024

Why though? What was the process behind these decisions?

It is my own opinion, that the Rams might consider 2024 their "all-in" season.

If the Rams felt content to ride out the rest of Stafford's deal, maximizing their window with him through restructures and a new deal, as well as surrounding him with cheap talent through the draft, felt like the safe and obvious choice. It's a choice they haven't made yet.

Why suddenly become so aggressive and depart from the plan that had been working? Why stay so mum on Stafford's future?

All of these moves and sudden departures point to something changing in their front office. I doubt it's entirely driven by Aaron Donald's retirement, though that might have pushed their window up. Stafford is the engine that makes the whole team go, and the Rams know it. I suspect it is his deal that is the impetus behind this change.

This could end up aging incredibly poorly. Nothing is stopping the Rams and Stafford from getting a deal done in training camp and all of this winds up being a total coincidence. Their draft strategy could have entirely reflected how they felt about the 2024 class, and they'll go back to their prior strategy in a much more talented class in 2025.

I don't quite believe that, however. Retaining all of their key in-house free agents, even promoting Chris Shula to DC as their first-ever in-house coordinator hire, feels like moves made to keep as much stability from their 2023 season to go full steam all in for 2024.

There are too many signs that the Rams are gearing up to push their chips in for 2024 and see where they fall. Time will tell where the team ends up beyond that, but this could be a very different team in 2025 and 2026.

not seeing a third behind the grind...

is it once a week or every other week?

go rams

slo

Need to watch this apparently. Lots of Rams stuff.

I watched this clip like 20 times and it makes me laugh every time. These two are funny together.
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McVay: TE Davis Allen took 'tremendous step in the right direction' this offseason​

Cameron DaSilva

June 13, 2024 12:28 pm PT


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Tyler Higbee’s 2023 season ended in heartbreaking fashion, suffering a torn ACL and MCL in the Rams’ playoff loss to the Lions in January. Given the severity of the injury and the timing of it, Higbee might not be ready for the start of the 2024 season.
That would leave Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen and Hunter Long atop the depth chart at tight end, which isn’t a terrible group to have but it would certainly be better with Higbee available. Parkinson has had a nice offseason so far despite being limited slightly by an injury, but Allen is lurking, too.
Sean McVay said this week that Allen has really progressed well this offseason, a positive statement from the Rams head coach about his second-year tight end.
“I thought Davis Allen took a tremendous step in the right direction,” McVay said. “The game makes sense to him. I thought when Higbee ended up needing a spell towards the latter part of the year if he missed a game, Davis filled in and he did a great job. Played big time in Baltimore, he played big in Washington, made some big-time plays in the Detroit game. I always loved watching his tape at Clemson where there’s certain guys you can just see have a feel.”
Allen was a fifth-round pick by the Rams last year and he suited up for 15 games, making one start. He only caught 10 passes for 95 yards, but he was also targeted just 11 times in 192 offensive snaps played.
It’s unlikely that he’ll overtake a veteran like Parkinson, whom the Rams signed in free agency, but it seems he’s squarely in the mix to be TE2 while Higbee is out.

Being wanted by Rams making Braden Fiske "hungrier" as he navigates transition to NFL​

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – The moment is still one Rams rookie defensive tackle Braden Fiske will never forget – likely due to the number of people who have sent it to him.

The moment, of course, would be the viral call from Rams GM Les Snead on Day 2 of the draft.

"I think it just makes me a little hungrier," Fiske told theRams.com. "I mean, I had 50 people send me the (Behind The) Grind video, and that feels good. It feels good to see how the reaction was from the people here in the building – they want me here in L.A. They're bringing a guy in that they want to succeed, they're bringing a guy in they wanted to draft him the whole time, which is cool, because I had no idea I was going to the Rams."

Six weeks have passed since getting the call, and Fiske has since concluded his first offseason program as a Ram. He said he's had a "good time" during OTAs, and that this portion of the offseason schedule is "great" for rookies.

"I mean, you kind of get an understanding of where you stand, maybe not just talent-wise, but just physically, and you know what you need to work on," Fiske said. "And you get a little taste of the playbook and and how the translation comes out on the field. So that's all been good, and then just getting around the guys has probably been the coolest part. You really feel the bond of the room, especially the d-line room with all the guys I'm with."

Fiske's biggest takeaway of the playbook so far is the different variations and ways the staff puts players in position to be successful. He also said defensive line coach/run game coordinator Giff Smith "has a really good mind for the game" based on the way he sees that and the opportunities he finds for the Rams defensive linemen on the field. He said it's been great being around assistant defensive line coach A.C. Carter, too, as well as the rest of the coaching staff.

Beyond that, the youth of the defense has also made an impression on him.

"Just as a whole defense, we got a pretty cool mentality," Fiske said. "I feel like we're on the younger side of things, but we got guys that fly around, we got guys just looking for play opps. I think we go out there and play really well together. I'm excited to see what we can put together."

Besides Fiske's reaction, what made his draft call more special was getting to hear his Florida State teammate and Rams first-round draft pick Jared Verse on the other end of the phone after head coach Sean McVay passed the phone to Verse.

The pair became a formidable pass-rush tandem on the Seminoles' defensive line, especially when lined up on the same side. The fact that they now gets to build on that chemistry as they both embark on their NFL careers makes this time even more special.

"It's cool just to build up that and what we can implement on this defense," Fiske said. "I think there's a lot of opportunities for us to come here and succeed, and I'm just excited for how much more we can grow as a unit. Having that bond with me and him, it's something we've both been chasing, we're both super hungry for what we're going after out there. I think it's going to be a lot of fun. I'm excited to see where we get to. It's gonna be real cool."

RIP to the logo and one of the greatest. The Lakers have missed you for a while and now we all will.

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I woke up the other day and said, hell, I'm going to the College World Series in Omaha!!! So along the way, I 've come up with an extra ticket to the opening game Friday the 14th at 1pm. (North Carolina vs Virginia) Anybody body here at ROD live near there? I'm giving this ticket away if anybody wants to come watch a game. The CWS has always been a bucket list for me so I'm excited! Did I mention this ticket is behind home plate, 10 rows up? Yeah, premo seats. Give me a yell if anybody is interested.

Top 5 Los Angeles Rams Rookie Seasons Of All-Time​

The Los Angeles Rams have a rich history of drafting impactful rookies. From the moment they took LA by storm moving from Cleveland, to their recent Super Bowl run, talented young players have contributed to the team’s success.

But which rookies have truly stood out as the best? LAFB dove into the archives to explore the Top 5 Los Angeles Rams rookie seasons of all time. These young stars not only impressed early in their careers, but their performances left a lasting impact on the franchise.

Puka Nacua, WR – 2023

In 2023, rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua defied expectations with a record-breaking season for the Los Angeles Rams. Drafted 177th overall, Nacua quickly established himself as a reliable target for quarterback Matthew Stafford. He set both the NFL rookie record for receptions with 105, hauling in 1,486 yards and scoring 6 touchdowns. His blend of route-running savvy, strong hands, and big-play ability made him a key contributor to the Rams’ offensive attack, silencing any doubts about his selection.

Eric Dickerson, RB – 1983

Eric Dickerson exploded onto the scene in 1983, redefining what a rookie running back could accomplish. Selected second overall by the Los Angeles Rams, Dickerson shattered NFL rookie records with a staggering 1,808 rushing yards, a mark that still stands today. His dominance wasn’t limited to yardage; he also bulldozed his way to 18 rushing touchdowns, showcasing both power and elusiveness. Dickerson’s immediate impact propelled him to Offensive Rookie of the Year and All-Pro honors, setting the stage for a legendary career and forever etching his name in NFL history.

Deacon Jones, DL – 1961

Drafted in the 14th round out of Mississippi Valley State, Jones recorded 9.5 sacks in his 14 games played. This number has stood for over 60 years as the Rams’ rookie sack record. His raw talent and relentless pursuit of the quarterback were undeniable.

Deacon Jones would go on to revolutionize the defensive end position, earning the nickname “The Secretary of Defense” for his pass-rushing style and becoming a crucial part of the Rams’ famed “Fearsome Foursome” defensive line.

Isiah Robertson, LB – 1971

Drafted 10th overall, Isiah Robertson faced initial criticism for a lackluster start. However, he quickly turned things around, earning a starting role at strongside linebacker and silencing his doubters. His speed and defensive instincts were on display throughout the season, as he racked up four interceptions, and 15 fumble recoveries, and led the team in tackles. His impressive rookie campaign earned him the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award and solidified him as a key piece of the Rams’ defense for years to come.

Jerome Bettis, RB – 1993

In 1993, Jerome Bettis, nicknamed “The Bus” for his powerful running style, rumbled onto the scene for the Los Angeles Rams. Drafted 10th overall, Bettis didn’t disappoint. He immediately established himself as a workhorse back, leading the league in rushing attempts (294) and finishing second in rushing yards (1,429) – a remarkable feat for a rookie.

His ability to break tackles and churn out tough yards injected a new dimension into the Rams’ offense. Bettis’ rookie season wasn’t just about raw numbers; he displayed maturity and leadership beyond his years. His relentless drive and punishing carries earned him the prestigious Offensive Rookie of the Year award, a fitting start to a Hall of Fame career that would see him become a fan favorite in both Los Angeles and Pittsburgh.

Jonah Jackson impressed by Steve Avila's move to center: 'He's doing incredible'​

Steve Avila turned out to be everything the Rams hoped he would in 2023 after they selected him in the second round of the draft. He not only started all 18 games, including the playoffs, but he played every single offensive snap at left guard.

Despite having so much success as a rookie last year, the Rams are tasking Avila with a huge move. He’s switching from guard to center, which is by no means an easy transition for any player to make – let alone one entering his second NFL season.

Jonah Jackson is the reason Avila is changing positions after he signed a three-year deal worth $51 million in free agency to be the Rams’ left guard. Jackson has gotten a front-row seat to Avila’s transition and he’s been impressed by the former TCU lineman’s move.

“That is a big transition. At guard, it’s definitely more demanding physically, but mentally, the pressure’s off. I mean, you just sit there and wait for the guy in the middle to make the call,” Jackson said. “So moving to center, you have to break down a defense like that, understand IDs and rotations and everything. And I think he’s coming along great, especially for a second-year guy. This is kind of a fast flip for him. He probably thought he was going to play guard until free agency and everything happened. But he’s doing incredible. He’s on it. He’s lightning fast with his calls. He’s a damn good player.”

Avila has much more responsibility now as a center as opposed to being a guard, and he’ll need to work closely with Matthew Stafford in order to set protections, ID the Mike linebackers and identify blitzers.

Jackson says Avila is doing great in all of those areas, which has also made his own job easier.

“Yeah, I mean, I’m there, too, just in case, but we haven’t had to do that,” Jackson said. “He’s been on top of it. We follow where he wants to go.”

As for how good the interior of the offensive line will be in 2024, Jackson says everyone will just have to wait and see.

“You’ll see it come Week 1. That’s all I got to say.”