The Rams bounced back in 2024 with a 10-win season that saw them make a return trip to the playoffs after missing the postseason the year prior. Expectations should be relatively high this season, especially considering how good their roster looks on paper.
www.yardbarker.com
Top five most valuable people for the Los Angeles Rams in 2024
The Los Angeles Rams bounced back in 2024 with a 10-win season that saw them make a return trip to the playoffs after missing the postseason the year prior. They are bringing back a significant part of that team, and also made some significant offseason additions that should help strengthen their biggest weakness (the secondary). Expectations should be relatively high this season, especially considering how good their roster looks on paper.
Here are the franchise's five most valuable people for 2024:
5. Cornerback Tre'Davious White
If the Rams had a weakness on their 2023 roster it was probably in their secondary — specially with their starting cornerbacks. They attempted to address that in the offseason by signing free agents Darious Williams and White to take over as their new starters. While Williams ended up getting the big-money deal, White could be the player that makes the bigger impact.
When healthy, White has been one of the best cover corners in the NFL and a Pro Bowl-caliber player.
The only thing that has held him back the past couple of years is health. If he can stay on the field, he has a chance to be one of the most significant free-agent additions in the NFL.
4. Wide receiver Puka Nacua
Nacua emerged as one of the biggest steals of the 2023 NFL Draft and was immediately one of the best wide receivers in the NFL — not just one of the best rookie wide receivers. One of the best wide receivers. Period. With veteran Cooper Kupp starting to slow down and battle through injuries, Nacua is going to become the go-to player in the offense.
3. Defensive tackle Kobie Turner
Another key member of the Rams' 2023 draft class, Turner quickly developed into a key player on the Rams' defensive line and led the team with nine sacks last year while also recording eight tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hits.
There is going to be a lot more pressure on him this season, not only because teams have a full season of film to watch on him, but also because he is now going to be the main focus for opposing offensive lines. With Aaron Donald retired, Turner is going to have to show he can still be a difference-maker. If he is, that is a huge win for the Rams defense.
2. Quarterback Matthew Stafford
Stafford showed in 2023 that he still has something left in the tank. He threw for 3,965 yards in 15 games, helped lead the Rams back to the playoffs and is back for at least one more year as the team's starting quarterback. That alone makes him one of the most valuable players on the team. He becomes even more valuable considering the rest of the QB room. Backup Jimmy Garoppolo is suspended for the first two games of the season while Stetson Bennett is unproven and coming off a brutal preseason debut. If the Rams are going to do anything, they need a healthy Stafford.
1. Head coach Sean McVay
Successful NFL teams need two things above all else: a good quarterback and a good head coach. The Rams have both, and McVay remains one of the most important people keeping the organization in contention in the NFC. In his first seven years as the Rams head coach, he has had just one losing season, has won at least 10 games five times and has been to two Super Bowls. As long as he is on the Rams' sideline, they are going to have a chance to compete.