DzRams Mock Offseason of 2025 1.0

[DzRams]

"Here's the f---ing deal, OK? We can sit here and exist, and be OK winning nine to 11 games, and losing in the f---ing divisional round and feel like, 'Oh, everything's OK.' Or, we could let our motherf---ing nuts hang, and go trade for this f---ing quarterback, and give ourselves a chance to go win a f---ing world championship. You ready to f---ing do this or what?" Sean McVay on trading for Stafford.

With one or two years left with Stafford, the Rams choose once again to let their ‘motherf---ing nuts hang’ and go for it. They pull out the credit card and make several bold moves to go all in for 2025 and 2026.

CUT

Parkinson (save $3.167m)
Derion Kendrick (save $3.325m)

RESTRUCTURE

Stafford (brings this year's guaranteed money up to $42m; save $7m on the cap)

RESIGN

Alaric Jackson (extend 4 years, $72m; $10m 1st year cap hit)

I opt to extend rather than franchise tag Jackson because we’ve seen enough to know that, while not an elite LT, he’s more than adequate and rapidly improving. His 2024 tape was much improved over prior years.

Ahkello Witherspoon (1 year, $4m)

Dylan McMahon (ERFA)

Jimmy Garoppolo (1 year, $7m) The Rams need to plan for the future at QB at some point, but they're in win now mode, so the young QB castoffs and draft picks are too risky for the backup QB position. Instead, they opt for the vet QB who ran the offense well in week 18 with backups against Seattle's starters. The future can wait another year.

FREE AGENCY

CB, D.J. Reed (4 years, $81m; $12m 1st year cap hit)

Our secondary was a weakness for the majority of the year. No one could match up with the other team’s #1 WR. Reed can do that. He’s consistently been a leader in top metrics for coverage skills over the last 4 years. And he’s strong in run support. He will be the best CB we’ve had since Ramsey.

WR, Tee Higgins (3 years, $84m; $14.5m 1st year cap hit)

McVay has been trying to fill the X WR position for some time, without success. They’ve been very successful at drafting WRs that fit the Kupp/Nacua mold but haven’t hit in the draft on other types. So they turn to free agency to solve the problem. He already knows the offense since Taylor comes from McVay’s tree. There is some risk involved here because he’s had some injury issues, but it’s a justifiable risk for win-now mode.

LB, Eric Kendricks (2 years, $10m; $3.5m 1st year cap hit)

Kendricks is a 10-year vet, former all-pro, who is still playing at a high level despite being 32. Per PFF, he was tied for 7th in run stops last year. He won’t be expensive due to his age. While we opt to go cheap here and spend the money instead at the premium CB and WR positions, we still upgrade the position over last year.

DL, Calais Campbell (1 year, $4.5m)

Big-bodied run stuffer to replace BBIII. He’s old but still effective.


TRADES

Kupp (save $12.5m) - 5th round pick - It’s a sad day. We’re losing a team leader and a quintessential Ram. Unfortunately, injuries have taken a toll and we need fresh legs in the offense in addition to the cap savings for other moves.

Darius Williams (save $6.833m) - 7th-round pick - Williams played decently last year but he has declined some since his last time wearing a Rams uniform. It’s not surprising given he’s 32. We move his contract to make room for Reed.

Trade #26 for #40 and #71 - With the acute needs addressed in free agency, Snead would like more picks. Mickey Loomis with the Saints loves trading up so it’s a match.


DRAFT (***all picks based on current rankings from the Consensus Big Board at NFL Mock Draft Database***)

#40 - CB, Trey Amos, Ole Miss - 6’1”, 190 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loiEZddK5eQ&t=30s


The Rams take a page out of the Eagles 2024 playbook and go get two great CBs. Amos has great length, is physical and scrappy, and has great ball skills. He’s a fit for our system since he excels in zone concepts. With Amos and Reed, we’d have great coverage to go with our excellent pass rush.

#71 - WR, Xavier Restrepo, Miami - 5’10”, 197 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEVtPtBIRdc


Restrepo’s strengths are superb short-area quickness, great route running, elite hands, and high IQ. He understands the nuances of separation and is a tough runner after the catch. Willing blocker. He’s not a burner so he wouldn’t threaten deep but he excels in the short and intermediate ranges. He would be a good replacement for Kupp.

90 - TE, Elijah Arroyo, Miami - 6’4”, 245 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df334n_sKCQ


Vertical weapon, great hands, high football IQ. He played in the slot and inline. After the catch he’s a major threat. Per PFF, he was tied for 4th best in the nation for YAC at 9.1. He’s a decent pass protector and is a willing run blocker but could use refinement in that aspect.

100 - RB, Dylan Sampson, Tennessee - 5’11”, 200 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ml_-TlTTkLc


Elite suddenness, great contact balance, great vision. A home run hitter who ran a 4.32 40 in high school. Like most college backs, he needs refinement in pass protection. He’d pair well with Kyren and Corum and add an explosive element to the offense.

126 - WR, Pat Bryant, Illinois - 6’3”, 200 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0HfR2zKqBY


Let’s add a little height to the WR room. The charge has been that we have no receiver that excels against man coverage. Enter Bryant. He’s a physical route-runner that is not bothered by contact or physicality through his route stem. He’s got a strong catch radius and is a reliable run blocker. He’s not an explosive athlete and needs to work on his release package but he has upside and can fill the backup X role.

5th (Kupp trade) - OT, Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College - 6’7”, 314 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Z2QN9ePgYA


Trapilo is a large, big-bodied lineman who has had snaps at every position along the OL but center. He’s got active feet but is not the best athlete. He’s got extensive experience in gap schemes but he can get out in space some with a zone scheme. He’ll start off as the swing tackle with the eventual goal of being Hav’s replacement.

191 - S, Jonas Sanker, Virginia - 6’0”, 205 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM9CJPY5Ysc


Sanker is alignment versatile with snaps as the nickel defender, free safety, and in the box. His best fit will be as a box safety where he excels in run support. In coverage, he’s able to stay in phase with RBs, TEs, WRs, and shallow crossers. He’s limited though when it comes to covering depth. Best in zone coverage which makes him a fit for us. I envision him as Curl’s replacement who is a free agent next year.

202 - LB, Kobe King, Penn State - 6’1”, 248 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-me90unD4s


Old-school linebacker with elite run-stopping instincts. High football IQ, commands the defense. Coverage skills need work and he doesn’t have sideline to sideline speed. He will be an early down back who would immediately help the run defense.

203 - Edge, Quandarrius Robinson, Alabama - 6’5”, 241 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72CppPoh8nE


He needs to add some mass but he has the frame to do it. He had an elite run-stop rate and pass-rush grade. He’s kind of raw so will need a development year.

7th (Williams trade) - DL, Cam'Ron Jackson, Florida - 6’6”, 342 lbs


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51NeVUHoFD0


Jackson is alignment versatile with above-average movement skills for his size. He had a very high run-stop rate. He could enhance his pass-rushing repertoire and will need to do that to be an every-down player. As is, I see him in a role similar to BBIII as a run defender.



STARTING LINEUP (DEPTH)

QB: Matthew Stafford (Garoppolo)

HB Kyren Williams (Corum, Sampson)

WR: Puka Nacua
WR: Tee Higgins
WR: Xavier Restrepo

• I see Restrepo starting over Whittington but it could be the other way around. WR depth is Whittington, Pat Bryant, and Xavier Smith

TE: Tyler Higbee (Elijah Arroyo, Davis Allen)

LT: Alaric Jackson
LG: Steve Avila
C: Beaux Limmer
RG: Kevin Dodson
RT: Rob Havenstein

• Jackson will compete for a starting role with Limmer. If he’s not the starter, he’ll be a super sub in the interior.
• OL depth will be Jackson, Dylan McMahon, Justin Dedich, Ozzy Trapilo, Warren McClendon

DE: Kobie Turner
NT: Calais Campbell
DE: Braden Fiske

• DL depth: Tyler Davis, Desjuan Johnson, Cam'Ron Jackson
• Per Jake Ellenbogen: Tyler Davis had a 17.5 snaps per defensive stop ratio. In comparison, Camren Hayward, who led the league in stops, had a 17.7 snaps per stop ratio. I’m projecting Davis’ snaps to double as the primary sub.

OLB: Jared Verse (Brennan Jackson)
OLB: Byron Young (Quandarrius Robinson)

ILB: Eric Kendricks (Kobe King)
ILB: Omar Speights

• The Rams go with a bandaid at ILB with Kendricks who is 32 but still playing at a high level. A higher level than we got at the position last year so while we still need to address the future, this position is upgraded over 2024. This position would also be a strong target for UDFAs.

CB: DJ Reed
CB: Trey Amos
NCB: Quentin Lake

• I’m getting rid of Williams who’s dropped off and Kendricks who is a liability. In their place, we add premium talent that’s strong in coverage and run support.
• CB depth: Ahkthello Witherspoon, Cobie Durant, Emmanuel Forbes

FS: Kam Kinchens
SS: Kam Curl

• Curl, Lake, and Durant are 2026 free agents so we remake the secondary in free agency and the draft. With the additions, the secondary should be a strength.
• Safety depth: Jaylen McCollough, Jonas Sanker

K: Joshua Karty
P: Ethan Evans
LS: Alex Ward


Thoughts???

 

[Merlin]

Restrepo's a damn dog. Offense can lean on that dude all day. Only thing is that size, comparing him to some of the TEs who have possession and chain moving ability he gives up that length and catch radius. But every time I watch Miami I think how nice it would be to have him on this depth chart.

This 4th quarter vs Cal...

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMclwaG9fJk&ab_channel=ACCDigitalNetwork


It may not be easy to move Kupp. We'll see how that goes but I suspect the Rams let him compete this year in camp. They just need talent that can compete with him from this draft.

 

[DzRams]

Restrepo's a damn dog. Offense can lean on that dude all day. Only thing is that size, comparing him to some of the TEs who have possession and chain moving ability he gives up that length and catch radius. But every time I watch Miami I think how nice it would be to have him on this depth chart.

This 4th quarter vs Cal...

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMclwaG9fJk&ab_channel=ACCDigitalNetwork


It may not be easy to move Kupp. We'll see how that goes but I suspect the Rams let him compete this year in camp. They just need talent that can compete with him from this draft.

With Restrepo and Arroyo, they should have the slot covered. If McVay wants length and catch radius in the slot, they can slide Arroyo there.

The way Kupp has been speaking in interviews, it seems he knows he won't be back. And there's the first rumored report today that say he won't be back. Where there's smoke...

 

[FrantikRam]

Major kudos for everything being realistic. The Kupp and Williams trades are the exact type of return we would get, the trade down was realistic.

I suspect if everything fell this way up toward the draft, we would address T before you did - maybe - but I have no qualms with this

 

[Memphis Ram]

This took a lot of work. Thanks.

Maybe I'm wrong, but this appears to be an All In type of offseason to me of which I'm not a fan. The type of All In maneuverings I prefer is waiting to see how things are looking at the trade deadline and then maybe make a move or two.

I say All In because where the cap numbers provided in free agency re-signings and pickups in 2025 may be fine, those cap numbers are going to explode in the following two seasons when the Rams should be looking to re-sign and extend their young talent.

Draftwise methinks that both Arroyo and Trapilo probably won't still be on the board where you have them selected. Well Trapilo might.

Not a fan of the Kobe King selection as I'd prefer someone capable of going sideline to sideline to compliment Speights. And if the Rams bring in yet another safety he'd better be clearly the BPA.

 

[DzRams]

Major kudos for everything being realistic. The Kupp and Williams trades are the exact type of return we would get, the trade down was realistic.

I suspect if everything fell this way up toward the draft, we would address T before you did - maybe - but I have no qualms with this

I suspect we draft OT before the 5th round too. You gotta have some parameters when doing these exercises so I limited myself to going by the current rankings on the consensus big board.

I really like Ozzy Trapillo and he was ranked 187th at the time. He's since risen. Probably would need to use a late 3rd to get him. I also like OT, Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson. I think he'll be later in the 4th or 5th.

 

[DzRams]

This took a lot of work. Thanks.

Maybe I'm wrong, but this appears to be an All In type of offseason to me of which I'm not a fan. The type of All In maneuverings I prefer is waiting to see how things are looking at the trade deadline and then maybe make a move or two.

I say All In because where the cap numbers provided in free agency re-signings and pickups in 2025 may be fine, those cap numbers are going to explode in the following two seasons when the Rams should be looking to re-sign and extend their young talent.

Draftwise methinks that both Arroyo and Trapilo probably won't still be on the board where you have them selected. Well Trapilo might.

Not a fan of the Kobe King selection as I'd prefer someone capable of going sideline to sideline to compliment Speights. And if the Rams bring in yet another safety he'd better be clearly the BPA.

This is definitely an all-in off season. I provided context on why I think they may opt for an all-in approach. They have limited time with Stafford and we shouldn't take for granted having a QB that is capable of winning a SB.

As for the cap numbers, they will increase on the players I've signed. However, in 2 years, there will be high priced players dropping off of the cap like possibly Stafford, Jonah Jackson, Higbee, Hav, etc.

I plugged in all of my free agent pickup numbers on Overthecap.com's calculator and I have $70m available for 2026 cap with 50 players under contract. And $209m available for 2027. There will be space to resign/extend the young talent that is deserving.

I'm sure you're right on the draft. Arroyo and Trapillo won't be on the board where I have them selected. As I noted, you gotta have some parameters when doing these exercises so I limited myself to going by the current rankings on the consensus big board. Those guys were available at those slots at the time I did this draft. They've both since risen. But that is offset by other good players I like have fallen.

I'm mostly using this exercise to project that I feel those positions will be targeted. I think we draft a TE and OT fairly early - likely by the 3rd round.

I understand your position on the LB. I'm not in love with this LB class. That's why in my mock, I project that we pick up a vet free agent to band aid the position. Some are projecting that we spend a lot of money or a premium pick on the position but I haven't seen the Rams making that type of commitment to the position.

On safety, Curl and Lake are free agents next year. The Rams often draft positions a year early to when they may lose players to free agency.

 

[Memphis Ram]

This is definitely an all-in off season. I provided context on why I think they may opt for an all-in approach. They have limited time with Stafford and we shouldn't take for granted having a QB that is capable of winning a SB.

As for the cap numbers, they will increase on the players I've signed. However, in 2 years, there will be high priced players dropping off of the cap like possibly Stafford, Jonah Jackson, Higbee, Hav, etc.

I plugged in all of my free agent pickup numbers on Overthecap.com's calculator and I have $70m available for 2026 cap with 50 players under contract. And $209m available for 2027. There will be space to resign/extend the young talent that is deserving.

I'm sure you're right on the draft. Arroyo and Trapillo won't be on the board where I have them selected. As I noted, you gotta have some parameters when doing these exercises so I limited myself to going by the current rankings on the consensus big board. Those guys were available at those slots at the time I did this draft. They've both since risen. But that is offset by other good players I like have fallen.

I'm mostly using this exercise to project that I feel those positions will be targeted. I think we draft a TE and OT fairly early - likely by the 3rd round.

I understand your position on the LB. I'm not in love with this LB class. That's why in my mock, I project that we pick up a vet free agent to band aid the position. Some are projecting that we spend a lot of money or a premium pick on the position but I haven't seen the Rams making that type of commitment to the position.

On safety, Curl and Lake are free agents next year. The Rams often draft positions a year early to when they may lose players to free agency.

An extension for Stafford may cause a huge dead cap hit into 2027.

I get your point at safety. With Quentin Lake, Cam Curl & Kamren Kinchens I guess Jaylen McCollough and/or John Johnson II don't have to be on the roster. And maybe someone gets injured.

 

[Memento]

An extension for Stafford may cause a huge dead cap hit into 2027.

I get your point at safety. With Quentin Lake, Cam Curl & Kamren Kinchens I guess Jaylen McCollough and/or John Johnson II don't have to be on the roster. And maybe someone gets injured.

McCollough deserves to be on the roster, especially if he improves from last year. He was a solid linebacker/safety hybrid and had four picks and four pass deflections. You could say that those picks were lucky, but he was usually in the right place and around the ball.

 

[DzRams]

An extension for Stafford may cause a huge dead cap hit into 2027.

I get your point at safety. With Quentin Lake, Cam Curl & Kamren Kinchens I guess Jaylen McCollough and/or John Johnson II don't have to be on the roster. And maybe someone gets injured.

You're right. In my scenario, there will be a dead cap hit for Stafford in 2027 if he's no longer on the roster, but it would be a small hit relative to the projected 2027 $314m salary cap. It's a justifiable price to pay for trying to win now especially it given that it doesn't substantially harm the future.

I have Jaylen McCollough on the roster. JJ II is a free agent that is not brought back.

 

[methomas50]

This would be a similar haul to the last two IMO.

 

[jrry32]

It's an interesting mock. Some very good players. My issue with it is throwing that sort of contract at D.J. Reed. He's 5'9", about to turn 29, and wasn't the Jets' #1 CB. He's a good player, but I am hoping we bring in more size at CB. I'd rather have Charvarius Ward if we're paying that sort of money.

 

[DzRams]

It's an interesting mock. Some very good players. My issue with it is throwing that sort of contract at D.J. Reed. He's 5'9", about to turn 29, and wasn't the Jets' #1 CB. He's a good player, but I am hoping we bring in more size at CB. I'd rather have Charvarius Ward if we're paying that sort of money.

I get that criticism. My concern with Ward is I feel his run defense doesn't quite match Reeds...and he's older.

I'd be fine with either though. We need an upgrade to Williams as CB1.

 

[jrry32]

I get that criticism. My concern with Ward is I feel his run defense doesn't quite match Reeds...and he's older.

I'd be fine with either though. We need an upgrade to Williams as CB1.

Six months older. No real difference.

 

[jrry32]

I get that criticism. My concern with Ward is I feel his run defense doesn't quite match Reeds...and he's older.

I'd be fine with either though. We need an upgrade to Williams as CB1.

And FWIW, I agree on upgrading at CB. What do you think of Paulson Adebo? Had a shaky starter to his career, but he was very good last year and even better this year (until he broke his leg halfway through the season). Seems to be ascending at 25 years old. More of a ballhawk than a lockdown CB.

 

[DzRams]

And FWIW, I agree on upgrading at CB. What do you think of Paulson Adebo? Had a shaky starter to his career, but he was very good last year and even better this year (until he broke his leg halfway through the season). Seems to be ascending at 25 years old. More of a ballhawk than a lockdown CB.

I'm concerned about how a player will return from a broken leg, but he is young and seems to be ascending. Not sure that his run defense is on par with Reeds or Wards, though.

I wouldn't hate it. I'm mostly hoping we use the money to go get premium talent instead of mid-level talent like Parkinson, Williams, and Curl last year.

 

[dieterbrock]

Stafford (brings this year's guaranteed money up to $42m; save $7m on the cap)

I'd love to see the math on how that's possible?
He's got 2 years left on his deal, getting 27 mill in '25, with a cap hit of 49 mill and roughly 23 mill of dead cap left to work with after the '25 season

 

[DzRams]

I'd love to see the math on how that's possible?
He's got 2 years left on his deal, getting 27 mill in '25, with a cap hit of 49 mill and roughly 23 mill of dead cap left to work with after the '25 season

I got the idea from you in the Stafford contract thread. It essentially pushes money into the future.

Restructured by adding 2 void years, a $30m pro-rated bonus, and a $12m 2025 salary produces a cap hit of $42m and change in 2025.
It adds $7.5m to the cap in 2026 - 2028.
If he's cut, traded, or retires after 2026, there would be a $15m dead cap hit.

 

[dieterbrock]

I got the idea from you in the Stafford contract thread. It essentially pushes money into the future.

Restructured by adding 2 void years, a $30m pro-rated bonus, and a $12m 2025 salary produces a cap hit of $42m and change in 2025.
It adds $7.5m to the cap in 2026 - 2028.
If he's cut, traded, or retires after 2026, there would be a $15m dead cap hit.

That math isnt exactly mathing

His salary for '25 is 23 mill, roster bonus 4 mill.
If they add a 30 mill bonus and 2 void years, he gets 47 mill, and it would add 30 mill to the 45 mill of pro rated dead money.
So his hit for 2025 would be 27 mill + 18.8 prorated dead money, total of close to 46 mill
His cap number in 2026 would be 31 mill + 18.8- 50 mill and a 37.5 mill dead cap hit in 2027
If Staff would agree to this, I think its a great deal. The problem potentially is if Staff wants to be paid like the top guys, and wants the 50 mill per season. 2026 would be way short

 

[DzRams]

That math isnt exactly mathing

His salary for '25 is 23 mill, roster bonus 4 mill.
If they add a 30 mill bonus and 2 void years, he gets 47 mill, and it would add 30 mill to the 45 mill of pro rated dead money.
So his hit for 2025 would be 27 mill + 18.8 prorated dead money, total of close to 46 mill
His cap number in 2026 would be 31 mill + 18.8- 50 mill and a 37.5 mill dead cap hit in 2027
If Staff would agree to this, I think its a great deal. The problem potentially is if Staff wants to be paid like the top guys, and wants the 50 mill per season. 2026 would be way short

A picture is worth a 1000 words.