Amid roster "re-tool", these 3 LA Rams could enjoy a breakout 2023 season

[ROD-BOT]

Amid roster "re-tool", these 3 Rams could breakout in 2023

For fans of the LA Rams, it's been a rather unusual offseason. For the team that has become known for the mantra "F Them Picks", 2023 has been more about recoup

ramblinfan.com

Amid roster "re-tool", these 3 LA Rams could enjoy a breakout 2023 season​

For fans of the LA Rams, it's been a rather unusual offseason. For the team that has become known for the mantra "F Them Picks", 2023 has been more about recouping those draft picks. Former Rams DB Jalen Ramsey has been traded to the Miami Dolphins. Former LBs Bobby Wagner and Leonard Floyd have been released as well. Add those in with the loss of former safety Nick Scott, and there are some pretty seismic voids in the Rams' lineup.

The Rams' roster is far from finished, as they need to double the size of the current roster of 45 players before training camp. One thing is clear though, this roster is going to look significantly different due to the plans of the Rams' rebuild. Or re-tool. I mean remodel. You get the gist. Whatever you feel is appropriate, the LA Rams are certainly going to have a completely new look, feel, and outlook in 2023.

Rams and the Wait, baring walls strategy (pun intended)​

Rams general manager Les Snead has mentioned Rams QB Matthew Stafford, WR Cooper Kupp, and DT Aaron Donald as "weight-bearing pillars" of the organization as they do a makeover of the roster. However, there are three players already on the current roster who have shown flashes and could become players the Rams don't want to lose in their own right.

The Rams roster has not exactly been adding players at the pace of the other 31 NFL teams. In fact, the LA Rams have actually reduced their roster since free agency began. Now only did the team release OLB Leonard Floyd and ILB Bobby Wagner, but the team parted ways with seven players that had just signed Reserve/Future contracts with the team two months earlier.

So far, the team has only re-signed four players: IOL Coleman Shelton, OLB Michael Hoecht, DB Shaun Jolly, and ILB Christian Rozeboom. While the Rams have not extended a number of young players with promising potential, there are several players who the Rams have remained quite high on and who are poised for increasing roles in 2023. Like who?

Here are three potential breakout players for your 2023 Los Angeles Rams.

Player 3: DB Cobie Durant​

As soon as the Rams drafted DB Cobie Durant in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, out of HBCU South Carolina State, he immediately became a fan favorite. He even received a shout-out from NBA superstar Kevin Durant for the two sharing similar sir names. As well as having one of the coolest names in NFL history, Durant can flat-out ball.

Durant stood out at the NFL Combine with a 4.38 forty-yard dash, and he showed off that speed in his first NFL season. In Week 2 Durant picked off a pass from former Falcons QB Marcus Mariota, returning the pass for 54 yards before being brought down. He recorded a sack in this game as well. On Christmas Day against the Broncos, he intercepted Denver QB Brett Rypien and took it all the way for an 85-yard touchdown, a rare NFL achievement we affectionately refer to as a pick-six.

Cobie battled a hamstring injury earlier in the 2022 season which kept him out of the lineup for about four weeks. Upon his return, he was mostly relied on as a special teams player but made a tremendous impact when his number was called on for the defense. In a limited sample size, Durant recorded 22 total tackles, a sack, and was second on the team with 3 interceptions. He also led the entire league in interception return yards with 151. Durant accomplished these feats while only appearing in 7 games on defense.

Standing at 5'10 and 181 pounds Durant isn't the biggest corner, but his tenacious play style and athletic ability certainly make up for whatever he lacks in size. Durant reminds me a bit of former Rams CB Janoris Jenkins. A small school product with an aggressive play style who has a knack for coming up with the football.

Decobie Durant is in line to start at CB for the Rams in 2023, and if his 2022 season was a sign of things to come then Rams fans should be pretty excited. It will take a collection of players to make up for the impact of now Dolphins CB Jalen Ramsey. That collection of players starts with Durant.

Player 2: ILB Ernest Jones​

The Rams did release 2022 second team All-Pro LB Bobby Wagner, but there will still be some continuity at that position. Rams LB Ernest Jones is entering his 3rd year in the NFL, and 2nd year as a full-time starter.

While there is still plenty of time to get the roster together, the Rams' defense on paper looks extremely youthful and thin. As the only returning starter on the unit from 2022 not named Aaron Donald, the plan that the Rams had for Jones when drafting him could come to fruition in 2023.

Jones was drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and the team was extremely high on him. The plan was that he would become a bonafide starter, and eventual cornerstone of the defense and organization. When the Rams signed Bobby Wagner in 2022, a future HOFer who has reached the pinnacle of the position, apart of the reasoning for it was to provide mentorship to a young Ernest Jones. After a year of learning under the games' best, Ernest should be ready to take his game even a step further in 2023.

Jones had an improved year in '22, playing in all 17 games and registering 114 total tackles and an interception. He is a very aggressive, run defender who is a sure tackler and plays with a motor that few guys can match. Areas he could improve in are pass coverage, and over pursuing run gaps.

Ernest Jones has an opportunity in 2023 to stand out and shut up the doubters on a unit that will enter the season regarded as one of the league's worst. With Aaron Donald likely playing some of his last years in the NFL, Jones has a chance to make the Rams' defense his for years to come.

Jones has already reached the 100-tackle season milestone, so what could we expect a breakout year to look like for him? 125+ tackles, a Pro Bowl nod, and possibly an All-Pro nod as well.

Player 1: WR Tutu Atwell​

Rams WR Tutu Atwell has been a polarizing figure in the eyes of Rams fans to say the least. In the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, most fans expected the Rams to draft Kansas City Chiefs OL Creed Humphrey. Instead, Rams head coach Sean McVay opted for the flashy speedster out of the University of Louisville.

Media and fans alike questioned Atwell's size and his ability to take the punishment dished out to NFL WRs. Sean McVay also struggled to get Atwell involved in the offense in 2021 and much of 2022. With the injuries the offense faced toward the end of the season, the more of Atwell we saw. He surely answered some of those questions.

In limited time this season, Tutu showed that he possesses the skills it takes to be an effective receiver. He can take the punishment as well. Whether it was his 62-yard touchdown in New Orleans after burning Saints CB Chris Harris Jr., or his impressive one-handed grab against Seattle in Week 13. Tutu Atwell has definitely flashed his play-making ability for this team.
Atwell caught only 18 passes this season, but the real number to pay attention to is 16.6. That is how many yards per reception he averaged, which would have been good for 5th in the NFL in 2022.

Before the injury to Rams QB Matthew Stafford that ended his 2022 season, he started to develop some in-game chemistry with Atwell. Tutu possesses natural WR skills, he is much more than a gadget guy.

Outside of Rams WR Cooper Kupp, there is not too much to be excited about in that room. The Rams are actively trying to find a trade partner for WR Allen Robinson, and Van Jefferson is entering the final year of his rookie contract coming off an injury riddled season. Pair those things with the Rams' reported interest in FA WR and former Ram Odell Beckham Jr, there could be plenty of opportunity for Tutu to shine in 2023.

The Rams are in need of kick and punt returners in 2023, and Atwell could absolutely fill those voids. With a full sample size next season, I could very well imagine Atwell in a DeSean Jackson-like role. A big play guy who stretches defenses down the field, as well as opening up intermediate passing lanes.

 

[Merlin]

Solid list. Would be nice to see a atatement year by Jefferson too.

Whoever has been the loudest voice in the draft room in the 2nd round needs to shut it this year. Because we need a big time player or four.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Solid list. Would be nice to see a atatement year by Jefferson too.

Whoever has been the loudest voice in the draft room in the 2nd round needs to shut it this year. Because we need a big time player or four.

That supposedly has been McVay. He gets giddy about offensive skill players.

 

[den-the-coach]

Well, Cobie Durant is a must for a breakout in order for the secondary to have any resemblance of order. Durant in the words of Sean McVay is a "Baller." and the Rams will need his playmaking ability on the back end.

Tutu Atwell is more then a gimmick WR, just not sure how he will handle the reps week in & week out. IMO, base case scenario, he'll have some great games and in other games be somewhat non existent, however, maybe that will be the games the Rams are just running the football effectively.

As to Ernest Jones, stay healthy my friend, I am sure the Rams might add another ILB via the draft to the mix, however, if Jones goes down that unit will be in serious trouble, so the Rams need Jones week in & week out to have any chance on the defensive side of the football.

 

[ScotsRam]

I'd have Bobby Brown on my list too.

 

[Tumak61]

I have Bobby Brown and Michael Hoecht on my list.

 

[Flatlyner]

Atwell - sure if the Rams figure out that they need to actually throw the ball to him in order for him to contribute. There is zero reason why we don't throw a deep ball to him at least once every single game. He is the fastest guy on the field every time he steps on it and has shown he can track and catch the ball. No reason not to use him a lot more this year.

 

[I like Rams]

I'm really hoping McCutcheon improves this year as well, and doesn't become the next Mike Thomas.

 

[Merlin]

It would be great to see McCutcheon carve out a role. Probably dependent on Robinson not improving, since they are similar style players, but I'd like to see him at least push the Rams for playing time.

 

[PARAM]

My question is will Aaron Donald ever break out?

Seriously though, the door is open for so many guys mentioned in this thread, and more. Durant, Atwell and Jones would definitely be the favorites. Bobby Brown and Michael Hoecht like Tumak and ScotsRam suggest. How about Tremayne Anchrum and Alaric Jackson. On defense Derion Kendrick and Craig Yeast? I say Noteboom too, because I think he can play but most believe if he stayed healthy for 17 games that would be a breakout!!

But beyond the guys on the roster who have the opportunity to breakout, the Rams need to think of this draft as a fertility treatment. Bring in the talent that is going to push the current players even more, while one or two breakout immediately.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Hunter Long excited to join Rams after ‘tricky situation’ with Dolphins

Hunter Long is excited about his opportunity with the Rams after being buried on the depth chart as a blocking TE in Miami

www.yahoo.com

 

[Loyal]

That supposedly has been McVay. He gets giddy about offensive skill players.

And not so giddy about All Pro Centers...

 

[Merlin]

I find it very interesting that most of the guys on that list are good players but not particularly special. All the fastest speeds in the NFL and the most effective was probably the guy near the bottom on it (Pollard). And the other guy near the bottom (Saquon) is probably among the most talented players in the league in terms of raw ability.

To me this insinuates that as important as speed is at this level the other things must come with it in order for it to translate into greatness. I am sure the teams do a great job trying to quantify this in their statistical analysis too, but I'd love to hear someone with strong scouting history speak on that over a beer or whatever.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I find it very interesting that most of the guys on that list are good players but not particularly special. All the fastest speeds in the NFL and the most effective was probably the guy near the bottom on it (Pollard). And the other guy near the bottom (Saquon) is probably among the most talented players in the league in terms of raw ability.

To me this insinuates that as important as speed is at this level the other things must come with it in order for it to translate into greatness. I am sure the teams do a great job trying to quantify this in their statistical analysis too, but I'd love to hear someone with strong scouting history speak on that over a beer or whatever.

And that is one reason I feel that Snead is not a great talent evaluator. He seems to emphasize athletic metrics over on field talent. (Kupp and Fuller are outliers in this philosophy) Also it works for top talent, first round types like AD. But these raw, mid to late round athletes too often lack the football acumen to really produce. Often you don’t see much from them until year 3-4.

An example: Safety Tulanoa Hufanga was a fifth round pick. Corner Robert Rochelle was a fourth round pick who had Jalen Ramsey type athleticism. Which player would you rather have?

 

[dieterbrock]

In the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, most fans expected the Rams to draft Kansas City Chiefs OL Creed Humphrey. Instead, Rams head coach Sean McVay opted for the flashy speedster out of the University of Louisville

Very interesting statement, I'm surprised this hasnt been brought up on here before

 

[So Ram]

It would be great to see McCutcheon carve out a role. Probably dependent on Robinson not improving, since they are similar style players, but I'd like to see him at least push the Rams for playing time.

Well if you want to go that way Robinson & Jefferson should be excellent with Cooper Kupp. Add Tutu Atwell when The Rams need to open up the field.There is a couple of times a game they might be able to take a shot deep.(maybe PR?)
—Stafford has to show up & The Rams need a couple of QB’s(backups )with good arms to
help 7 on 7 drills.
—Cutch needs to learn how to run better routes & run through the ball.
—————————-
Daniel Hardy & Whitley will compete for playing time.Jake Hummel should be a nice additions to special teams & possibly find himself in the lineup?
—————-
Earnest Brown was actually starting as a DE & will show improvement.He will be better than Copeland ever was. A player who was in the rotation ahead of Hoecht & J.Williams. All who were UDRFA’s.
Now Brown has those 2 years in to be groomed .

 

[snackdaddy]

We're still in wait and see on Durant. He definitely has potential. Lets hope he doesn't regress like a few others after showing potential.

Jones seems like a linebacker version of John Johnson. Not quite a pro bowl level guy but does his job well.

Tutu did show some things in his limited action. Looked like someone who can run routes and catch the ball. Legit deep threat. Can he take that next step as someone Stafford can trust?

 

[Merlin]

Tutu did show some things in his limited action. Looked like someone who can run routes and catch the ball. Legit deep threat. Can he take that next step as someone Stafford can trust?

Well this will be year 3 for him. When you consider non-first round picks are on 4 year contracts he's about pissed away all hope of returning value on the draft capital.

But I'm sure he'll "figure it out" next year, which incidentally will be his FA season.

 

[snackdaddy]

Well this will be year 3 for him. When you consider non-first round picks are on 4 year contracts he's about pissed away all hope of returning value on the draft capital.

But I'm sure he'll "figure it out" next year, which incidentally will be his FA season.

Year 3 is when the light bulb goes on for a lot of young players. But for other guys its also when we realize he's not going to work out. No idea which one Tutu is.

 

[So Ram]

It would be great to see McCutcheon carve out a role. Probably dependent on Robinson not improving, since they are similar style players, but I'd like to see him at least push the Rams for playing time.

Well if you want to go that way Robinson & Jefferson should be excellent with Cooper Kupp. Add Tutu Atwell when The Rams need to open up the field.There is a couple of times a game they might be able to take a shot deep.(maybe PR?)
—Stafford has to show up & The Rams need a couple of QB’s(backups )with good arms to
help 7 on 7 drills.
—Cutch needs to learn how to run better routes & run through the ball.
—————————-
Daniel Hardy & Whitley will compete for playing time.Jake Hummel should be a nice addition to special teams & possibly find himself in the lineup?