FA and Cap Outlook

[Tano]

Funny, but we just won the SB with Allen so, in the short term at least, it’s hard to fault the front office plus our reserve centre played like a plus starter and is also left handed, which aids continuity.

I agreed with you and was equally frustrated on draft day but perhaps it’s time to move on and maybe expect bigger things in Tutu’s second season. His blazing speed, route running and ability to catch over his shoulder could be pretty useful in this system, agreed?

He is a ram, for good or worse, like it or not, so let’s get behind him - after all plenty was said about Weddle returning and it proved pointlessly negative

I was just having some fun

I probably should have added - it sure as heck didn't hurt this year

 

[BuffaloRam]

Is Alaric Jackson in the mix to start next year at LT in the event that Noteboom is unsigned? He looked good during the COVID games and has been praised by Andrew Whitworth as a future starter

 

[OntarioRam]

If Whitworth retires, I would prefer that the Rams spend that freed up cap space - plus more, if needed - to go sign a big money LT. Armstead would do nicely, for example.

LT is one position you do not play around at. Big Whit is an absolutely elite LT, even at age 40. I believe he was the highest-graded pass blocking offensive lineman in the NFL this season. He can pass block to great effect, as well. The Rams' ability to pass block is, IMO, the top reason why they are Super Bowl champions at present. Stafford was rarely under duress when compared to other playoff QBs. We need to retain that level of excellence. Especially with McVay being pass-happy and the Rams' offensive playmakers being concentrated in the QB and WR positions.

I do not trust Noteboom to stay healthy for a full season.

Jackson looked good in limit reps, but is too untested to roll with for a team as Super Bowl ready as the Rams.

Stafford already has an extensive injury history and is starting to get older. It is imperative to protect his blindside.

The Rams are primed to run it back. Rolling with what you have in house, at a position as important as LT, when your in-house options are somewhat unknown quantities, is something I would expect from a re-building team, or a team on the cusp of a playoff spot, or even a Super Bowl dark-horse. Not a pre-season favourite to win it all. Unlike other positions in the NFL, rest assured there will be no mid-season replacements available if the in-house guys prove lacking, because other teams don't let capable LTs shake loose mid-year.

I am cautiously optimistic the Rams will see it my way. They generally seem to de-value lineman in the draft, using only mid to late round picks on OL, to groom for future usage, as they coach up whoever they have in house to man the ship in starting roles. HOWEVER, they did not hesitate to open up the wallet for Havenstein at RT, or at LT for Big Whit, who I believe was McVay's first free agent signing. It seems the Rams place grate value on their bookends, indeed, even if they somewhat ignore the interior - to the point that the Rams often draft tackles to play guard, which I suspect is in no small part motivated to build their tackle depth in the event injuries pile up at the position.

 

[Merlin]

If Whitworth retires, I would prefer that the Rams spend that freed up cap space - plus more, if needed - to go sign a big money LT. Armstead would do nicely, for example.

LT is one position you do not play around at. Big Whit is an absolutely elite LT, even at age 40. I believe he was the highest-graded pass blocking offensive lineman in the NFL this season. He can pass block to great effect, as well. The Rams' ability to pass block is, IMO, the top reason why they are Super Bowl champions at present. Stafford was rarely under duress when compared to other playoff QBs. We need to retain that level of excellence. Especially with McVay being pass-happy and the Rams' offensive playmakers being concentrated in the QB and WR positions.

I do not trust Noteboom to stay healthy for a full season.

Jackson looked good in limit reps, but is too untested to roll with for a team as Super Bowl ready as the Rams.

I'm very close to this take. Only difference is I wouldn't say that I don't trust Boom to stay healthy. It does concern me that he got hurt and missed the Super Bowl, but shit happens and you just never know.

But Armstead seems like the smart signing. Thing is how do we know the Saints won't move shit around just to control where he goes and try to get picks for him.

So I'm at that place where if they keep Boom and play him at LT then I cross my fingers and hope everything works out. But if they go another direction I will certainly understand that. Armstead is a stud btw. I think he's the ideal end result it just seems like a lot of shit has to go right for that to happen.

The cool thing is even if Whit retires he's probably there if the Rams need him. That's a hell of a nice fallback to have in your pocket for McVay.

 

[André]

If Whitworth retires, I would prefer that the Rams spend that freed up cap space - plus more, if needed - to go sign a big money LT. Armstead would do nicely, for example.

LT is one position you do not play around at. Big Whit is an absolutely elite LT, even at age 40. I believe he was the highest-graded pass blocking offensive lineman in the NFL this season. He can pass block to great effect, as well. The Rams' ability to pass block is, IMO, the top reason why they are Super Bowl champions at present. Stafford was rarely under duress when compared to other playoff QBs. We need to retain that level of excellence. Especially with McVay being pass-happy and the Rams' offensive playmakers being concentrated in the QB and WR positions.

I do not trust Noteboom to stay healthy for a full season.

Jackson looked good in limit reps, but is too untested to roll with for a team as Super Bowl ready as the Rams.

Stafford already has an extensive injury history and is starting to get older. It is imperative to protect his blindside.

The Rams are primed to run it back. Rolling with what you have in house, at a position as important as LT, when your in-house options are somewhat unknown quantities, is something I would expect from a re-building team, or a team on the cusp of a playoff spot, or even a Super Bowl dark-horse. Not a pre-season favourite to win it all. Unlike other positions in the NFL, rest assured there will be no mid-season replacements available if the in-house guys prove lacking, because other teams don't let capable LTs shake loose mid-year.

I am cautiously optimistic the Rams will see it my way. They generally seem to de-value lineman in the draft, using only mid to late round picks on OL, to groom for future usage, as they coach up whoever they have in house to man the ship in starting roles. HOWEVER, they did not hesitate to open up the wallet for Havenstein at RT, or at LT for Big Whit, who I believe was McVay's first free agent signing. It seems the Rams place grate value on their bookends, indeed, even if they somewhat ignore the interior - to the point that the Rams often draft tackles to play guard, which I suspect is in no small part motivated to build their tackle depth in the event injuries pile up at the position.

If there is a 'Rams Model' at all, I think it has more to do with spending (picks, capitol, or cash) on a few really key positions, and then trusting their scouting staff to set them up for success getting complementary selections in the draft.

The place that they want to spend their big money appear to be: QB, WR, LT, DLine/Edge LB and CB. Everything else is complementary, though I think RB is kind of in between.

I may be biased because that philosophy just won us the MFin' Super Bowl, but I am good with that plan. So I agree - I see them spending for an LT.

 

[TheTackle]

I was just having some fun

I probably should have added - it sure as heck didn't hurt this year

I was super bummed when they didn't pick Creed! What was that all about? I cannot explain for the life of me how one of the greatest Rams Coach/GM tandems missed on that when practically everyone else expected them to clean up with that pick

 

[TheTackle]

I'm very close to this take. Only difference is I wouldn't say that I don't trust Boom to stay healthy. It does concern me that he got hurt and missed the Super Bowl, but shit happens and you just never know.

But Armstead seems like the smart signing. Thing is how do we know the Saints won't move shit around just to control where he goes and try to get picks for him.

So I'm at that place where if they keep Boom and play him at LT then I cross my fingers and hope everything works out. But if they go another direction I will certainly understand that. Armstead is a stud btw. I think he's the ideal end result it just seems like a lot of shit has to go right for that to happen.

The cool thing is even if Whit retires he's probably there if the Rams need him. That's a hell of a nice fallback to have in your pocket for McVay.

I would like to know, how was Boom injured? I do not remember him suffering an injury while blocking and so wonder if it was when he was scrambling for a fumbled ball? If so, it feels a little harsh to blast him for getting injured trying to save a turnover... Does anyone know how it happened?

 

[Ram Ts]

The Armstead talk on here from some folks reminds me of last years Center FA talk. I think it ultimately ends up the same way.

 

[BonifayRam]

Is Alaric Jackson in the mix to start next year at LT in the event that Noteboom is unsigned? He looked good during the COVID games and has been praised by Andrew Whitworth as a future starter

IMO Alaric Jackson is indeed fully in the mix @ LT & LG posts. Due to injuries on Joseph Noteboom & Andrew Whitworth, I am positive that AJ got a ton of practice reps as the #1 team starting LT for all the four post-season games.

If it was not Alaric Jackson then someone needs to tell me who was getting them? One thing we do know it was not the injured Noteboom or Whitworth.

 

[Kupped]

The Armstead talk on here from some folks reminds me of last years Center FA talk. I think it ultimately ends up the same way.

I get where you’re coming from.

One BIG difference.. the Rams pay for LT, not Center.

 

[OntarioRam]

If there is a 'Rams Model' at all, I think it has more to do with spending (picks, capitol, or cash) on a few really key positions, and then trusting their scouting staff to set them up for success getting complementary selections in the draft.

The place that they want to spend their big money appear to be: QB, WR, LT, DLine/Edge LB and CB. Everything else is complementary, though I think RB is kind of in between.

I may be biased because that philosophy just won us the MFin' Super Bowl, but I am good with that plan. So I agree - I see them spending for an LT.

I agree. They seem have identified some key positions they want to spend big on, trust those guys to make plays, and then build around that / churn the rest of the roster as required. It seems to be working!

 

[RamDino]

I also thought Alaric Jackson looked good at LT. If Noteboom wants too much money or the Rams feel he is too risky to commit to a multi-year deal, ask Big whit to come back for 1 more year, and Jackson can be his backup next year with plans to take over in 2023. And I'm sure they will draft another LT in the draft to develop next year. Then they would have both tackles back, Edwards, and maybe Allen (Shelton?), and that would maintain some consistency in the O-line. JMO.

 

[12intheBox]

View: https://twitter.com/aroundthenfl/status/1494517025393233935?s=21


Off and running.

 

[oldnotdead]

Yawn, grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

Noteboom will be the LT
Jackson could end up as RT

That's the way it looks right now. The glaring weakness right now is exactly the one I've been talking about. Edwards is not an OG. Move him to swing OT. Draft a LG and play Shelton as a bridge LG until the drafted guy is ready.

Allen's only real weakness is in his blocking calls but he's been getting better as the season progressed. Making those calls requires experience and Allen will only get better. He wasn't the problem in 2021 and won't be going forward. The Rams have the players on the roster if they simply use them. They really only need OGs. Corbett is serviceable but played better on the left. They have Shelton who proved himself a good backup C and he can also play OG.

Teams are stacking the box on run downs. You really can't run zone or power consistently without a legit FB to blow that LB out of the gap. A TE or WR isn't going to cut it and that's been proven. It's a matter or how the block is made. TEs and WRs simply not going to realistically cut it. If McVay isn't going to play a legit FB then he needs to simply stay with his zone (outside and inside) but not against a stacked box. If Stafford reads a stacked box he needs to audible to a pass.

Last season who OL gave up 9 sacks, 15 QB hurries, and 29 QB pressures? Why it's the board favorite Rob Havenstein of course. If it was Brian Allen people would be screaming for his release. That was the worst on the OL although Edwards gave up more pressures and hurries by a large margin. Those two are the two weak links on this OL.

 

[André]

You know who I want back?

Brandon Powell. Wow, I felt a really rare combination of safe and excited when he was back there to receive punts.

 

[Merlin]

I do like Powell. Shouldn't be too much problem to get him to return. He was quite a find settling down the return game like he did.

 

[blackbart]

You know who I want back?

Brandon Powell. Wow, I felt a really rare combination of safe and excited when he was back there to receive punts.

Would like to see him back for teams. Was wonder why he didn’t see any opportunities on offense, maybe next year.

 

[payote75]

My thing is you can't take risks and gambles with the offensive line unless your positive you know what you got. A rebuilding team or a team with a younger QB but you need to make sure your O-line is able to keep Stafford upright as much as possible. Take nothing away from Tom Brady but how many years was he in this league? And put of those years how many of them were with bad or meh O-lines? I venture to say not many.

 

[OldSchool]

View: https://twitter.com/FieldYates/status/1493059436457381894

 

[Merlin]

WR depth is gonna be rough in camp next year, especially if they keep OBJ. Kupp > Beckham > Woods > Jefferson > Skowronek > Atwell > Harris. That's a nasty group for the UDFA types to try to carve out a role, probably won't see an addition without moving someone.

Also interesting is the incursion of size into the equation. Skow's role is set as a fullback depth guy behind Woods, but he's also a nice big target. Same with Harris, who they were experimenting with actively prior to him getting hurt. Harris moving over from TE I presume has to do with his lack of mass. He's probably a bit too much stringbean for the role.

I'd also like to see Atwell get more work at returns. He was shitty at it but maybe with some practice they can harness that speed by getting him to play fast.