FA and Cap Outlook

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Riverumbbq

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I just saw this as a possible trade posted by a journalist

https://newarena.com/nfl/30-nfl-stars-who-will-be-traded-this-offseason/10/?amxt=2022_dt_5

Howard gets traded to the Los Angeles Rams for WR TuTu Atwell, RB Darrell Henderson, a third-round pick (No. 103), and a 2023 third-round pick

I doubt Miami would accept that but I can see the Rams trading something else to Miami to get Howard

Talk about teams having a terrible time doing anything against the Rams defense if they have Howard Ramsey Donald Miller Floyd Jones

That would be something ! I do believe the Rams will be needing this years 3'rd round pick though, instead we could up the 2023 pick to a 2'nd rounder, that might sweeten the deal enough. We do still have a 2023 2'nd don't we ?
 

Tano

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That would be something ! I do believe the Rams will be needing this years 3'rd round pick though, instead we could up the 2023 pick to a 2'nd rounder, that might sweeten the deal enough. We do still have a 2023 2'nd don't we ?
Yes we do

Maybe give our 5th this year as well
 

Braindead

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From another thread…

I see a fair amount of restructured players (Stafford, Kupp, Woods, Higbee, Donald, Ramsey). Let’s say hypothetically the Rams get aggressive. From what I’ve read that could result in $60m cap reduction in 2022. Whit retires adds $16m. Trade Hekker adds $2m.

Currently at -$10m cap. That leaves $68m.

Hypothetical:
Miller. $14m
OBJ $3m+ incentives (out 10+ games)
Allen $6m
Gay $2m
Noteboom $8m
Shelton $1m
Howard $1m
Mundt $1m
Reeder. $1m
That’s $37m.

Leaving $31m for rooks and maybe couple of FAs:
Rashul Douglas CB $6m
M Glowinsky. OG $6m
X Woods. FS $5m
Rooks. $3m

Net cap $11m.
While I realy like it, I don't think Les "Fuck that Cap" Snead could sleep with that much money left. ;)
 

Ram65

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A very good article on the subject:


lots of flexibility. Prioritize Miller, OBJ, and Oline and make big splashes next year with cap jump from new tv money.

Thanks for the informative/interesting article. These contract redos are getting a little complicated to understand how it will affect the cap down the road. The Rams have a great window now it will be interesting to see how they play it. They do have options though.

"Andrew Whitworth
The 40 year old left tackle was sensational yet again in 2021, but has all but said out loud that he plans to walk away from the game on top this offseason. Whitworth has 1 year, $16M left on his contract, including a $5.5M roster bonus due March 18th. If he steps away before that, the Rams can free up $16M of cap & cash by adding him to the reserve/retired list prior to that date.
Predicted Savings: $16M"

I thought they might be able to keep Whit. He can still play at a high level. The money however makes it highly unlikely. If they could reduce the cap hit and not hurt too much down the road it would be nice to have Whit one more year. Either way, they should resign Noteboom for a two-year deal with some kind of third-year cut option possible should he continue with injury problems. Have Jackson as the backup.

At this point, it's a guessing game as to who the Rams keep for the future offensive line. Corbett could be on the outs and trying to get a bigger more powerful run blocker in his place.
 

Merlin

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Whatever happens I think they have one year of Whit being available as a parachute, where he's still probably capable of coming in and helping them out if necessary. Not sure that's something they are going to use but I do think it's important for their planning on the OL.

Because that fallback option makes it easier to run some risk in their decision making. Like angling for a big FA they might covet to replace him. Or going with an unproven option at LT for 2022.

I'm thinking the first hurdle is "how much does Boom think he's worth." Because obviously they love Boom and always have. But that love only goes so far, and they undoubtedly have a cap on what they are willing to pay him. So I suspect we should start hearing some rumblings soon, given that FA is right around the corner and all. If it's gonna get done with him I would think that happens pretty quick, and if not then it means he's going to hit FA which in turn means he's probably gone.
 

BonifayRam

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Will the Rams use the draft to makeover their offensive line?

Three late round draft prospects that fit LA’s wide zone running scheme
By Venie Randy Soares Feb 22, 2022,
1645635232380.png


This offseason, there is a distinct possibility that the Los Angeles Rams could lose three of their starting five offensive linemen as well as a top reserve. Andrew Whitworth, although under contract for next season, may decide a Super Bowl ring is the perfect way to call it a career. Center Brian Allen and guard Austin Corbett are both free agents, adding an NFL title to their resumes may bring a bevy of suitors and backup tackle Joseph Noteboom’s second NFL contract could easily be for starter money, pricing him out of Los Angeles.

Conventional thinking supposes that LA could, and should, use one of their earliest picks to fill in any possible departures. The problem with that is that at the position in which the Rams draft, the top offensive linemen may very well be picked over: LA has already traded away its first, second, and third round picks, making their earliest selection in the 97-102 compensatory range as awarded for the Lions hiring Brad Holmes as general manager in 2021.

The Rams may be better served to wait and find a later round developmental player along the offensive line.

If LA decides that they can afford to wait, it will be because of their wide zone run schemes. As a general rule, this scheme does not require dominant blockers for success. Athleticism, technique, and coach-ability are the skill sets that set up a player for success.

Jeff Grimes, Baylor Offensive Coordinator and long-time, successful coach/proponent of the wide zone weighed in on a press conference last spring,

“It’s something that I feel like, as long as you have guys that are coachable and athletic you don’t necessarily have to have a guy that can completely dominate a three-technique in the B-gap or a nose guard or a running back that runs a 4.3 forty. You have to have guys that can move their feet, that can be coachable, and that can move fast.”
Here a a capsule look at three interior offensive linemen that fit into the late round category and have some positive traits fit into the Rams philosophy.

Nick Ford- Utah, 6’ 5” 315lbs.

This kid is a conundrum. On one side, he’s a very nice package of strength, athleticism, and length. A first team All-Pac-12 in 2020 and 2021 selection and has played multiple snaps at center, guard, and tackle. On the other, he received no post season all-star invites, ditto the NFL Combine, and I could not find his name in any of the leading top 150 player rankings. I have him with a fourth round grade.

On combination blocks, Ford transitions from the double-team to the second level very well, he has the upper body strength to lock up and turn defenders at the point of attack and the lower body power to drive opponents. He does need to make better use of his punch, by using it more, it is good but he seems to like to get his body on defenders. When he latches on though, he is doesn’t let go. He plays through the whistle with an edge but doesn’t strike me as a “nasty” competitor. He is strong enough in his lower half to anchor against bullrushes and uses defenders momentum to herd them out of play.

Like many developmental interior players at this point in their careers, he is better in the run game than as a pass blocker. Utah runs a quick passing offense and Ford will have to work on sustaining his blocks. This is where development with his hands will come into play, improving and sustaining. He is strong enough in his lower half to anchor against bullrushes and uses defenders momentum to herd them out of play.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 06 Pac-12 Championship Game

Doug Kramer- Illinois, 6’2” 301 lbs.

He has all the prototypical traits of a Big 10 offensive lineman, except one. Size. He is relatively short and stocky, but is powerful in the run game, has a true mean streak and plays every game. In fact he logged 51 starts for the Illini. Kramer’s ability in the pivot kept Pittsburg Steelers starting center and third round draft choice Kendrick Green at the guard position at Illinois.

Kramer has shown he moves well laterally in Illinois wide zone running game and is just as adept at stacking and turning defenders when sealing on inside zone runs. He can pull and effortlessly moves to the second level, when uncovered and on combo blocks as well.

Although his arm length is not great, he has a good punch and uses it. His low center of gravity helps him anchor, but he will need to add few pounds and put in some lower body weight work to compete against big aggressive nose tackles at the NFL level. When a defender gets the the upper hand, he is strong enough and experienced enough to recover.

I have a sixth round grade on Kramer. A lot of fans will compare him, and fairly I think, to the LA Rams current starter Brian Allen. I would argue that coming out of college, Kramer is more aggressive, powerful and adept in the wide zone scheme. His leadership was respected at Illinois, he was a three-year Ilini captain and played under three different head coaches.

Keegan Cryder-Wyoming 6’ 4” 310 lbs.
Durable, versatile, and athletic. Started every game of his college career, 43 consecutive games, at both guard positions as well as center in a run oriented offensive scheme. Cryder was named to the freshman All-American team and has been on both the Outland Trophy (top college offensive lineman in NCAA) and Remington Award (top center in NCAA) watch lists.

Cryder is more of a traditional drive blocker, but he moves well enough to run the wide zone. He pulls well out of the pivot and gets to the second level with ease on both combo blocks and when uncovered. Good grip strength allows him to turn and seal defenders and he gets good push by playing low and balanced. He sustains his blocks and takes opponents to the ground. He is not a mauler, more of a technician, but still recorded over 100 knock down blocks.

In pass protection, he sets into a wide base with good knee bend. He gets his hands up fast for an accurate punch and latches on well and these tendencies allow him to set a good anchor vs. power. He keeps his head on a swivel and reacts well to blitzing, stunts and twists. If no defender enters his area he will seek out someone to hit.

Keegan Cryder has a stellar football IQ and has committed very few penalties or allowed many sacks over his college snaps, I have him with a fourth round grade and most of the experts rank him in the late round/undrafted range.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 12 Wyoming at San Diego State



Who could/should the Rams select?

Nick Ford has the highest ceiling and may garner the most interest. Doug Kramer is experienced in the wide zone run game and excelled against tough competition. Keegan Cryder is an underrated workhorse who could play right away and has the highest floor.

I think Cryder would offer the best value at in the later rounds. His movement and technical skills fit a need and allows the Rams the versatility to use their earlier picks on a talent that might unexpectedly drop into their sphere.

But, the Rams would do well to add any one of these prospects. All three are versatile, smart and 100-percent effort players. An NFL weight training and conditioning program would benefit them all. None of the three were invited to the Combine so they may very well stay under the draft radar.

 
Last edited:

Riverumbbq

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Will the Rams use the draft to makeover their offensive line?

Three late round draft prospects that fit LA’s wide zone running scheme
By Venie Randy Soares Feb 22, 2022,
View attachment 52549

This offseason, there is a distinct possibility that the Los Angeles Rams could lose three of their starting five offensive linemen as well as a top reserve. Andrew Whitworth, although under contract for next season, may decide a Super Bowl ring is the perfect way to call it a career. Center Brian Allen and guard Austin Corbett are both free agents, adding an NFL title to their resumes may bring a bevy of suitors and backup tackle Joseph Noteboom’s second NFL contract could easily be for starter money, pricing him out of Los Angeles.

Conventional thinking supposes that LA could, and should, use one of their earliest picks to fill in any possible departures. The problem with that is that at the position in which the Rams draft, the top offensive linemen may very well be picked over: LA has already traded away its first, second, and third round picks, making their earliest selection in the 97-102 compensatory range as awarded for the Lions hiring Brad Holmes as general manager in 2021.

The Rams may be better served to wait and find a later round developmental player along the offensive line.

If LA decides that they can afford to wait, it will be because of their wide zone run schemes. As a general rule, this scheme does not require dominant blockers for success. Athleticism, technique, and coach-ability are the skill sets that set up a player for success.

Jeff Grimes, Baylor Offensive Coordinator and long-time, successful coach/proponent of the wide zone weighed in on a press conference last spring,


Here a a capsule look at three interior offensive linemen that fit into the late round category and have some positive traits fit into the Rams philosophy.

Nick Ford- Utah, 6’ 5” 315lbs.

This kid is a conundrum. On one side, he’s a very nice package of strength, athleticism, and length. A first team All-Pac-12 in 2020 and 2021 selection and has played multiple snaps at center, guard, and tackle. On the other, he received no post season all-star invites, ditto the NFL Combine, and I could not find his name in any of the leading top 150 player rankings. I have him with a fourth round grade.

On combination blocks, Ford transitions from the double-team to the second level very well, he has the upper body strength to lock up and turn defenders at the point of attack and the lower body power to drive opponents. He does need to make better use of his punch, by using it more, it is good but he seems to like to get his body on defenders. When he latches on though, he is doesn’t let go. He plays through the whistle with an edge but doesn’t strike me as a “nasty” competitor. He is strong enough in his lower half to anchor against bullrushes and uses defenders momentum to herd them out of play.

Like many developmental interior players at this point in their careers, he is better in the run game than as a pass blocker. Utah runs a quick passing offense and Ford will have to work on sustaining his blocks. This is where development with his hands will come into play, improving and sustaining. He is strong enough in his lower half to anchor against bullrushes and uses defenders momentum to herd them out of play.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 06 Pac-12 Championship Game

Doug Kramer- Illinois, 6’2” 301 lbs.

He has all the prototypical traits of a Big 10 offensive lineman, except one. Size. He is relatively short and stocky, but is powerful in the run game, has a true mean streak and plays every game. In fact he logged 51 starts for the Illini. Kramer’s ability in the pivot kept Pittsburg Steelers starting center and third round draft choice Kendrick Green at the guard position at Illinois.

Kramer has shown he moves well laterally in Illinois wide zone running game and is just as adept at stacking and turning defenders when sealing on inside zone runs. He can pull and effortlessly moves to the second level, when uncovered and on combo blocks as well.

Although his arm length is not great, he has a good punch and uses it. His low center of gravity helps him anchor, but he will need to add few pounds and put in some lower body weight work to compete against big aggressive nose tackles at the NFL level. When a defender gets the the upper hand, he is strong enough and experienced enough to recover.

I have a sixth round grade on Kramer. A lot of fans will compare him, and fairly I think, to the LA Rams current starter Brian Allen. I would argue that coming out of college, Kramer is more aggressive, powerful and adept in the wide zone scheme. His leadership was respected at Illinois, he was a three-year Ilini captain and played under three different head coaches.

Keegan Cryder-Wyoming 6’ 4” 310 lbs.
Durable, versatile, and athletic. Started every game of his college career, 43 consecutive games, at both guard positions as well as center in a run oriented offensive scheme. Cryder was named to the freshman All-American team and has been on both the Outland Trophy (top college offensive lineman in NCAA) and Remington Award (top center in NCAA) watch lists.

Cryder is more of a traditional drive blocker, but he moves well enough to run the wide zone. He pulls well out of the pivot and gets to the second level with ease on both combo blocks and when uncovered. Good grip strength allows him to turn and seal defenders and he gets good push by playing low and balanced. He sustains his blocks and takes opponents to the ground. He is not a mauler, more of a technician, but still recorded over 100 knock down blocks.

In pass protection, he sets into a wide base with good knee bend. He gets his hands up fast for an accurate punch and latches on well and these tendencies allow him to set a good anchor vs. power. He keeps his head on a swivel and reacts well to blitzing, stunts and twists. If no defender enters his area he will seek out someone to hit.

Keegan Cryder has a stellar football IQ and has committed very few penalties or allowed many sacks over his college snaps, I have him with a fourth round grade and most of the experts rank him in the late round/undrafted range.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 12 Wyoming at San Diego State



Who could/should the Rams select?

Nick Ford has the highest ceiling and may garner the most interest. Doug Kramer is experienced in the wide zone run game and excelled against tough competition. Keegan Cryder is an underrated workhorse who could play right away and has the highest floor.

I think Cryder would offer the best value at in the later rounds. His movement and technical skills fit a need and allows the Rams the versatility to use their earlier picks on a talent that might unexpectedly drop into their sphere.

But, the Rams would do well to add any one of these prospects. All three are versatile, smart and 100-percent effort players. An NFL weight training and conditioning program would benefit them all. None of the three were invited to the Combine so they may very well stay under the draft radar.


I'm sorry, but this is just the kind of fluff article which scares the crap out of me. 3 prospects all currently rated as a potential UDFA's when the Rams have already neglected our OL for the last 2 years, a situation which leads us into 2022 with 3 of our starters now eligible to enter free agency at the same time. Two years ago we drafted Tremayne Anchrum in the 7'th round and last year we drafted zero offensive linemen, although we may have gotten lucky with UDFA Alaric Jackson. Drafting late round/UDFA developmental players for the future is fine when you have a strong roster with quality back-ups, but the Rams OL is in a rather precarious position as we look at our present depth today. I'd much rather be reading about players who might be capable of starting early or at least no later than by mid-season should we lose someone like Corbett to free agency, not gambling on what may easily become practice squad fodder. jmo.
 

OldSchool

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Will the Rams use the draft to makeover their offensive line?

Three late round draft prospects that fit LA’s wide zone running scheme
By Venie Randy Soares Feb 22, 2022,
View attachment 52549

This offseason, there is a distinct possibility that the Los Angeles Rams could lose three of their starting five offensive linemen as well as a top reserve. Andrew Whitworth, although under contract for next season, may decide a Super Bowl ring is the perfect way to call it a career. Center Brian Allen and guard Austin Corbett are both free agents, adding an NFL title to their resumes may bring a bevy of suitors and backup tackle Joseph Noteboom’s second NFL contract could easily be for starter money, pricing him out of Los Angeles.

Conventional thinking supposes that LA could, and should, use one of their earliest picks to fill in any possible departures. The problem with that is that at the position in which the Rams draft, the top offensive linemen may very well be picked over: LA has already traded away its first, second, and third round picks, making their earliest selection in the 97-102 compensatory range as awarded for the Lions hiring Brad Holmes as general manager in 2021.

The Rams may be better served to wait and find a later round developmental player along the offensive line.

If LA decides that they can afford to wait, it will be because of their wide zone run schemes. As a general rule, this scheme does not require dominant blockers for success. Athleticism, technique, and coach-ability are the skill sets that set up a player for success.

Jeff Grimes, Baylor Offensive Coordinator and long-time, successful coach/proponent of the wide zone weighed in on a press conference last spring,


Here a a capsule look at three interior offensive linemen that fit into the late round category and have some positive traits fit into the Rams philosophy.

Nick Ford- Utah, 6’ 5” 315lbs.

This kid is a conundrum. On one side, he’s a very nice package of strength, athleticism, and length. A first team All-Pac-12 in 2020 and 2021 selection and has played multiple snaps at center, guard, and tackle. On the other, he received no post season all-star invites, ditto the NFL Combine, and I could not find his name in any of the leading top 150 player rankings. I have him with a fourth round grade.

On combination blocks, Ford transitions from the double-team to the second level very well, he has the upper body strength to lock up and turn defenders at the point of attack and the lower body power to drive opponents. He does need to make better use of his punch, by using it more, it is good but he seems to like to get his body on defenders. When he latches on though, he is doesn’t let go. He plays through the whistle with an edge but doesn’t strike me as a “nasty” competitor. He is strong enough in his lower half to anchor against bullrushes and uses defenders momentum to herd them out of play.

Like many developmental interior players at this point in their careers, he is better in the run game than as a pass blocker. Utah runs a quick passing offense and Ford will have to work on sustaining his blocks. This is where development with his hands will come into play, improving and sustaining. He is strong enough in his lower half to anchor against bullrushes and uses defenders momentum to herd them out of play.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 06 Pac-12 Championship Game

Doug Kramer- Illinois, 6’2” 301 lbs.

He has all the prototypical traits of a Big 10 offensive lineman, except one. Size. He is relatively short and stocky, but is powerful in the run game, has a true mean streak and plays every game. In fact he logged 51 starts for the Illini. Kramer’s ability in the pivot kept Pittsburg Steelers starting center and third round draft choice Kendrick Green at the guard position at Illinois.

Kramer has shown he moves well laterally in Illinois wide zone running game and is just as adept at stacking and turning defenders when sealing on inside zone runs. He can pull and effortlessly moves to the second level, when uncovered and on combo blocks as well.

Although his arm length is not great, he has a good punch and uses it. His low center of gravity helps him anchor, but he will need to add few pounds and put in some lower body weight work to compete against big aggressive nose tackles at the NFL level. When a defender gets the the upper hand, he is strong enough and experienced enough to recover.

I have a sixth round grade on Kramer. A lot of fans will compare him, and fairly I think, to the LA Rams current starter Brian Allen. I would argue that coming out of college, Kramer is more aggressive, powerful and adept in the wide zone scheme. His leadership was respected at Illinois, he was a three-year Ilini captain and played under three different head coaches.

Keegan Cryder-Wyoming 6’ 4” 310 lbs.
Durable, versatile, and athletic. Started every game of his college career, 43 consecutive games, at both guard positions as well as center in a run oriented offensive scheme. Cryder was named to the freshman All-American team and has been on both the Outland Trophy (top college offensive lineman in NCAA) and Remington Award (top center in NCAA) watch lists.

Cryder is more of a traditional drive blocker, but he moves well enough to run the wide zone. He pulls well out of the pivot and gets to the second level with ease on both combo blocks and when uncovered. Good grip strength allows him to turn and seal defenders and he gets good push by playing low and balanced. He sustains his blocks and takes opponents to the ground. He is not a mauler, more of a technician, but still recorded over 100 knock down blocks.

In pass protection, he sets into a wide base with good knee bend. He gets his hands up fast for an accurate punch and latches on well and these tendencies allow him to set a good anchor vs. power. He keeps his head on a swivel and reacts well to blitzing, stunts and twists. If no defender enters his area he will seek out someone to hit.

Keegan Cryder has a stellar football IQ and has committed very few penalties or allowed many sacks over his college snaps, I have him with a fourth round grade and most of the experts rank him in the late round/undrafted range.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 12 Wyoming at San Diego State



Who could/should the Rams select?

Nick Ford has the highest ceiling and may garner the most interest. Doug Kramer is experienced in the wide zone run game and excelled against tough competition. Keegan Cryder is an underrated workhorse who could play right away and has the highest floor.

I think Cryder would offer the best value at in the later rounds. His movement and technical skills fit a need and allows the Rams the versatility to use their earlier picks on a talent that might unexpectedly drop into their sphere.

But, the Rams would do well to add any one of these prospects. All three are versatile, smart and 100-percent effort players. An NFL weight training and conditioning program would benefit them all. None of the three were invited to the Combine so they may very well stay under the draft radar.

I thought it was interesting that Ford got no love from the combine or the end of year bowls too. Could be a good guy to pick has the size and anchor just needs some work on hands side of it.
 

Merlin

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Well seems like every year many of us want OL. And every year the Rams laugh at us as they do their pipeline thing. And this year we won the Super Bowl so joke's on us and all that.

But boy it would be nice to see a little upside added to this line. Things got dicey time to time this season with this championship OL. And don't think for a moment it's a coincidence that McVay made himself stay in the 20s in carries even when there wasn't shit on the ground for many of those snaps. He knew that this OL being one dimensional couldn't hold the fort, especially against the fronts we just saw in the deep playoffs.

Which is the other thing. Great defensive fronts sure seem like a consistent theme to me. So I feel like we're gonna be seeing more of them in defending this title which is why I really don't want to see a run-it-back thing with these OL FA dudes. Upgrade this front just a little and you might end up with an offense of rare dominance.
 

OldSchool

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Well seems like every year many of us want OL. And every year the Rams laugh at us as they do their pipeline thing. And this year we won the Super Bowl so joke's on us and all that.

But boy it would be nice to see a little upside added to this line. Things got dicey time to time this season with this championship OL. And don't think for a moment it's a coincidence that McVay made himself stay in the 20s in carries even when there wasn't shit on the ground for many of those snaps. He knew that this OL being one dimensional couldn't hold the fort, especially against the fronts we just saw in the deep playoffs.

Which is the other thing. Great defensive fronts sure seem like a consistent theme to me. So I feel like we're gonna be seeing more of them in defending this title which is why I really don't want to see a run-it-back thing with these OL FA dudes. Upgrade this front just a little and you might end up with an offense of rare dominance.
I think what changes this year is the free agency and retirements happening. Last year we didn't have that and this year we have free agents along with Whit and we have 2 free agents next year. We know Snead likes to draft a year early most of the time so wouldn't be shocked if 2 of our 8 picks are OL and an UDFA also.
 

Merlin

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Yeah agreed on that. But I'd really hate to see our title run end because we can't protect our QB. Given his age that just seems so wrong to me. So if by some miracle they could find a way to add to this interior I do believe backflips would be in order. :part:
 

blackbart

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After the way things worked out this year with our starters and the depth that was used frequently, I am certain the Rams already have a plan on how they will deal/are dealing with FAs and targets in the draft/I drafted to fill the pipeline.

I’m not going to worry about this group again like I did last year.
 

FarNorth

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It's interesting but I am actually hoping he does retire.

That's a tough thing for me to write. I will punch myself in the face after I hit Post Reply.

I love the guy, and have great appreciation for what he meant to the Team on-and-off the field. I believe he was the first addition after McVay was hired. However, a 41-year old LT is beyond 'pushing-it' and I do think his play has declined a bit. Plus, I think they will need the cap-relief Whitworth's retirement would provide. I think it's somewhere in the area of $16M.

I like what I see from Noteboom but have some concerns about durability.

If Whit does retire, I can pretty much guarantee that at some point you and all of us will in fact be sorry.

What I think is going on is this:

Whitworth can still play and will return if the Rams want him back. There would need to be a restructure of some kind. Further, imo Whitworth next year would be better on the field and at least as reliable in terms of health as Noteboom. JN is a well balanced, capable pass blocker but not as good as a run blocker. And Whitworth's leadership can't be replaced.

McVay knows all this. Remember also this is McVay and the Rams and the future is NOW. McVay may well be willing to put all the chips on the table again next year, including Whit, for another run at the title.

The questions are: Do the Rams really want to resign Noteboom as their future left tackle, and if so how much does that take? Or not, or not if the market is too pricy? Or would McVay rather have Whit for one more year and one more championship run? And if so, what's the plan for finding another left tackle for the following year? And how and what would it take to lower Whit's cap hit?

It also seems to me that the Rams have not fully decided this yet or Whit would know and be saying something more definitive. But he is still leaving the door open.
 

Ram Ts

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What this past year has shown me more than anything else is that my constant concern/stressing/worrying about the Rams roster is a complete waste of my time and energy. I’m an idiot. Sit back and enjoy — while I let the adults do their jobs. Lol.
 

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River
What this past year has shown me more than anything else is that my constant concern/stressing/worrying about the Rams roster is a complete waste of my time and energy. I’m an idiot. Sit back and enjoy — while I let the adults do their jobs. Lol.

Some of us have learned to enjoy the long off-season almost as much as the regular season itself. We speculate on game day over who will play well & execute, whether it be our regular starters or reserves that need to step in and up due to an injury, and we speculate about which players might be a fit with our team as potential draft picks or free agent acquisitions. Even the CAP and how we spend can be interesting to speculate on. We aren't necessarily stressing or worrying as you say, we are just Rams fans who try and make the off-season interesting and go by a little quicker.
jmo.
 

Ballhawk

Please don't confuse my experience for pessimism!
Rams On Demand Sponsor
Joined
Jun 25, 2014
Messages
2,284
Name
NPW
Don't worry, be happy! (y)
 

Merlin

Damn the torpedoes
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ROD Credit | 2023 TOP Member
Joined
May 8, 2014
Messages
39,714
Some of us have learned to enjoy the long off-season almost as much as the regular season itself. We speculate on game day over who will play well & execute, whether it be our regular starters or reserves that need to step in and up due to an injury, and we speculate about which players might be a fit with our team as potential draft picks or free agent acquisitions. Even the CAP and how we spend can be interesting to speculate on. We aren't necessarily stressing or worrying as you say, we are just Rams fans who try and make the off-season interesting and go by a little quicker.
jmo.
Yep. Kicking around a roster after winning a title is as fun as it gets. If you don't like this then message boards are probably just gonna be a source of irritation.
 

Ram Ts

Hall of Fame
Joined
Mar 23, 2020
Messages
2,265
Some of us have learned to enjoy the long off-season almost as much as the regular season itself. We speculate on game day over who will play well & execute, whether it be our regular starters or reserves that need to step in and up due to an injury, and we speculate about which players might be a fit with our team as potential draft picks or free agent acquisitions. Even the CAP and how we spend can be interesting to speculate on. We aren't necessarily stressing or worrying as you say, we are just Rams fans who try and make the off-season interesting and go by a little quicker.
jmo.
Yeah I’m saying I’ve learned that I should be that way too. Prior to this year, I’d get stressed and mad about the wrong moves (in my mind) made. You did NOT want to be anywhere near me during the draft 2nd round last year when we selected TuTu. But alas, I’ve learned to enjoy the process and have fun with it. Because obviously I don’t know what I’m talking about apparently lol.