Overall Roster Analysis

[Tano]

QB, is the most important position on any team. Lose the starter for any length of time and you're cooked. Plus nobody can overcome multiple injuries to one position group....not the OL, WRs, CBs, DL etc.. So health is paramount. If we have good health 9-10 wins. Exceptionally good health = more wins.

The thing about our OL is nobody really knows what they're capable of when all are healthy. Certainly not last year and of course not this year because we don't know who the top 5 will be and we haven't seen them play. Everybody is expecting the D to be a sieve. But I'm not sure that will be a consistent issue all year. Early? Sure. But young guys can develop over the course of the season.

In a way, it may be an exciting season to watch. Many are expecting the worse, so as they say, there's nowhere to go but up. Hopefully it's a fun ride.

The main thing that concerns me about the defense is not only do we have mostly young guys starting but the majority of our depth will be extremely limited experience. Maybe Morris bend but not break will keep the games lower scoring for the most part but I see other teams scoring more touchdowns than field goals next year due to the limited experience in the linebacker and secondary core.

Instead of other teams scoring more than 30 points with his defense, I can see teams scoring at minimum 25 points a game on average.

I do not know if our offense will be able to overcome that more than 9 times next year even if everything goes smoothly on offense.

Not trying to be a Debbie Downer - just being a realist.

 

[Merlin]

Not trying to be a Debbie Downer - just being a realist.

I don't think there is one poster here on this site who thinks we are stacked in the secondary (or anywhere else on this team tbh). So being a realist is being like everyone else here.

But also of note is that our coaching last season on that back end seemed pretty bad. Is it possible we see some more quality from the holdovers with the secondary upgrades McVay loaded on his staff. I don't think that's out of the realm of reason. Maybe that means a guy like Yeast or Lake emerges this year. Or that Kendrick is moved to the fucking slot where he should have played last season and actually makes good contributions. Or that Durant takes big step forward, though I think he's a guy who would succeed regardless.

So what happens from there if they hit on a CB. Who knows. I will say that I eagerly hope we find out because I want to see Morris do a better job calling it and to do that he'll probably need some shit to go his way back there.

 

[BC Ramfan]

I don't think there is one poster here on this site who thinks we are stacked in the secondary (or anywhere else on this team tbh). So being a realist is being like everyone else here.

But also of note is that our coaching last season on that back end seemed pretty bad. Is it possible we see some more quality from the holdovers with the secondary upgrades McVay loaded on his staff. I don't think that's out of the realm of reason. Maybe that means a guy like Yeast or Lake emerges this year. Or that Kendrick is moved to the fucking slot where he should have played last season and actually makes good contributions. Or that Durant takes big step forward, though I think he's a guy who would succeed regardless.

So what happens from there if they hit on a CB. Who knows. I will say that I eagerly hope we find out because I want to see Morris do a better job calling it and to do that he'll probably need some shit to go his way back there.

I think we need an EDGE and a Corner the worst.
Have to have 2 decent Corners and 2 decent pass rushers.
I'd pick them 1-2 unless someone amazing falls.
Word is it's a good draft for OL, TE and RB late.
That would be my strategy.

And of course we need a kicker, punter, returner, long snapper.
Sheesh. Very interested to see what McSnead do here.

BC

 

[oldnotdead]

Just looking at the roster without factoring in the rookies to be added:

The Rams aren't in bad shape on offense. With Stafford they have their prime mover. At WR they have Jefferson, Atwell and Kupp to start and Skowronek and McCutcheon. At RB they have Akers and Williams, with Higbee, Long and Hopkins at TE. The OL at the very least will be Noteboom, Shelton, Allen, Bruss and Havenstein with Jackson, Thomas, and Anchrum behind them.

Defensively at CB they have Durant, Rochell, Kendrick and Jolly with Fuller, Lake, and Yeast at safety. Durant played well as a starter rookie before he was hurt. Then Morris benched him for Kendrick. More than anything, my problem with Kendrick is his well-documented personality issues all through college and that surfaced last year in the NFL. Jolly is small, with quickness more than long speed which is average. He projects as a zone SCB type of DB. If Morris plays his two deep shell (Tampa Two) he can use a 3rd safety, i.e. Fuller in the middle zone instead of dropping the MIKE. Its why I anticipate him playing a 4-2-5 base scheme with his front 6 playing a Fangio style read / react front. It's why I anticipate Brown to play a 0T two gap NT on early downs with Murchison rotating in on passing downs. Basically using 2 guys to replace Gaines. With Donald at 3T their existing options at edge are Hoecht, Kier Thomas, and Hardy.

It's why I expect them to target edge, CB, and ILB with their first three picks. The Rams can be a competitive playoff level team if they stay healthy. But that is all Snead and McVay expect this year. This is all about the moves they expect to make next year. IMO they see 2024 and 2025 as their true Super Bowl run years.

I'm not concerned about the offense because I think they will be good. It's how the defense will play that concerns me. If Pleasant was brought in to improve the play of the DBs then if he can play them aggressively, the defense will probably be fine. My issue with Morris is not his playcalling, but how he coaches the DB's. If Pleasant can get the DBs to not just stand their reacting to receptions, but to read and anticipate the receptions at the top of the routes to jump them, it will change the entire complexion of the scheme.

 

[AvengerRam]

Rams Roster Analysis: Looks like a Rams 90's version of an absolute fucking dumpster fire. Only Donald for start for any other team on defense and only Jones and Durant might start for a handful of others. Kupp would start for any team and that's it for offense. Big Rob could start for over half the teams and Stafford is on the edge of being top 10. When the glass is goddamn empty quit telling me its half-full.

Someone is going to have to explain to me why you (and others) would come to a Rams site and chastise people for having hope.

If you can’t see the possibilities that others see, fine.

Some of us can.

 

[AvengerRam]

The main thing that concerns me about the defense is not only do we have mostly young guys starting but the majority of our depth will be extremely limited experience. Maybe Morris bend but not break will keep the games lower scoring for the most part but I see other teams scoring more touchdowns than field goals next year due to the limited experience in the linebacker and secondary core.

Instead of other teams scoring more than 30 points with his defense, I can see teams scoring at minimum 25 points a game on average.

I do not know if our offense will be able to overcome that more than 9 times next year even if everything goes smoothly on offense.

Not trying to be a Debbie Downer - just being a realist.

That’s the thing about Debbie Downers, though…they always think they’re just being realists.

 

[Tano]

That’s the thing about Debbie Downers, though…they always think they’re just being realists.

Hey when things are going good - I say Rams are going to win 13 to 14 game like in 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 and even 2023 until the OL self destructed

Heck I even told everyone at work we were going to win at minimum 9 games in 2017 after they had just won 3 games the year before and boy did they laugh at me (until I had the last laugh)

When I see things not going as good - I go the opposite way

Debbie Downers are always pessimistic

 

[So Ram]

Hey when things are going good - I say Rams are going to win 13 to 14 game like in 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 and even 2023 until the OL self destructed

Heck I even told everyone at work we were going to win at minimum 9 games in 2017 after they had just won 3 games the year before and boy did they laugh at me (until I had the last laugh)

When I see things not going as good - I go the opposite way

Debbie Downers are always pessimistic

Ok Raheem - I heard Jourdan on Mcvay & how he helped hold things together.
If you look back on 2022 ,I think we were all blindsided.I mean The Stars were all lined up against The Rams.I don’t know who this AvengerRam is & all his posistives.Even your post I question(everyone’s),but I think there a reasons of why it happens.

NOT SURE ANY RAM FANS reflect back on 2022 like I do. The Rams were a better team than there record(on paper).

Right Now ? I’d say I like The Rams coaching Staff better in 2023. Last year HATED the coaching staff. In 2022 The HATTERS were out in stride & got SHUT DOWN!!

In 2021 Mcvay said all season he had never been with a BETTER GROUP of COACHES & players(group). He lost a lot of them.
I’m a Raheem Morris Fan.I like what he brings to the table.Ernest Jones WILL BE the making(self made) of Morris.Meaning giving him the tool’s & direction to Be GREAT!!

We can all look at things for what they are. I’m disappointed in The Rams.It never had to be this way.Then again it is what it is. This NEW coaching Staff really gives THE RAMS a NEW Start.

 

[Tano]

NOT SURE ANY RAM FANS reflect back on 2022 like I do. The Rams were a better team than there record(on paper).

90% due to OL injuries - I have stated that many times

However, this year, I am concerned about the limited experience on the defensive side especially on the depth. I have seen many teams in the past have extremely talented yet inexperienced young players on the defensive side and play extremely poorly due to the youth. It usually takes a year to get these players the experience they need to become a cohesive unit.

Our only experienced players so far is Donald Jones and Fuller. Some other players have played more than 6 games but not much more than that.

That's the number 1 concern in my book and why I think our defense might be below average next year. I do like the possible talent on the team but I have a feeling it is going to take at minimum 10 games before they start to jell.

 

[PARAM]

90% due to OL injuries - I have stated that many times

However, this year, I am concerned about the limited experience on the defensive side especially on the depth. I have seen many teams in the past have extremely talented yet inexperienced young players on the defensive side and play extremely poorly due to the youth. It usually takes a year to get these players the experience they need to become a cohesive unit.

Our only experienced players so far is Donald Jones and Fuller. Some other players have played more than 6 games but not much more than that.

That's the number 1 concern in my book and why I think our defense might be below average next year. I do like the possible talent on the team but I have a feeling it is going to take at minimum 10 games before they start to jell.

Your cause for concern is legit and understandable. I don't think there's many Ram fans who don't share it. Experience is important. But it's not a rule. Last year, on their way to the Lombardi the Chiefs had 3 rookie CBs who started 21 games between them, a rookie DE, a rookie LB and a rookie safety on the #11 defense (#16 in yards).

A first round pick CB (McDuffie) started 11 games (1119 def snaps + 201 in ps) though he missed 6 with injury. A 4th round pick CB (Williams) started 4 (437 snaps/ +89 in ps). A 7th round pick CB (Watson) started 6 (605 snaps + 146 in ps).

But they had more. 1st Round DE started 17 games (Karlaftis). A 3rd round LB (Chenal) started 8 games. A 2nd rd. S (Cook) started just 1 but played 342 snaps, 56 in postseason. That's 6 ROOKIES including 5 2nd day picks. We have four 2nd year guys. Inexperienced? Sure, compared to 3rd year guys but not as green as those KC players.

Their inexperience didn't cause that defense to suck or cause the team to be 9-7. #11 D in yds, #16 in points.

3 of the inexperienced DBs the Rams have going into 2023, all have considerably more experience than those Chiefs defenders had going into 2022. Kendrick 481 snaps, Durant 281 and Yeast 113.

 

[Tano]

Your cause for concern is legit and understandable. I don't think there's many Ram fans who don't share it. Experience is important. But it's not a rule. Last year, on their way to the Lombardi the Chiefs had 3 rookie CBs who started 21 games between them, a rookie DE, a rookie LB and a rookie safety on the #11 defense (#16 in yards).

A first round pick CB (McDuffie) started 11 games (1119 def snaps + 201 in ps) though he missed 6 with injury. A 4th round pick CB (Williams) started 4 (437 snaps/ +89 in ps). A 7th round pick CB (Watson) started 6 (605 snaps + 146 in ps).

But they had more. 1st Round DE started 17 games (Karlaftis). A 3rd round LB (Chenal) started 8 games. A 2nd rd. S (Cook) started just 1 but played 342 snaps, 56 in postseason. That's 6 ROOKIES including 5 2nd day picks. We have four 2nd year guys. Inexperienced? Sure, compared to 3rd year guys but not as green as those KC players.

Their inexperience didn't cause that defense to suck or cause the team to be 9-7. #11 D in yds, #16 in points.

3 of the inexperienced DBs the Rams have going into 2023, all have considerably more experience than those Chiefs defenders had going into 2022. Kendrick 481 snaps, Durant 281 and Yeast 113.

My question is

How is the Chiefs depth experienced wise compared to the Rams depth experienced wise

I have no clue so this is an actual question

Or were the Chief's relatively injury free - again an actual question

And this relates to the Defense side for both teams

 

[Flatlyner]

As far as my recollection, KC was relatively injury free to their main starters. In addition to that, KC has a good OL. Their OL was a complete 180 to ours last year.

 

[PARAM]

My question is

How is the Chiefs depth experienced wise compared to the Rams depth experienced wise

I have no clue so this is an actual question

Or were the Chief's relatively injury free - again an actual question

And this relates to the Defense side for both teams

Here's the list of players who started at least 4 games and their experience prior to 2022.

DL 6 yrs (17 GS), 4 yrs (17 GS), rookie (17 GS), 7 yrs (15 GS)
LB 1 yr (17 GS), 2 yrs (17 GS), rookie (8 GS) 2 yrs (4 GS)
CB 2 yrs (17 GS), rookie (11 GS), rookie (6 GS), 4 yrs (5 GS) rookie (4 GS)
S 3 yrs (16 GS), 4 yrs (17 GS)

Rams in 2023
Donald (9 yrs), Murchison (3 yrs), Copeland (3 yrs), J. Williams (2 yrs)
E Jones (2 yrs), Rozeboom (2 yrs), Hummel (1 yr)
Durant (1 yr), Kendrick (1 yr), Rochell (2 yrs), Jolly (1 yr)
Fuller (3 yrs), Yeast (1 yr), Lake (1 yr)

Less experienced? Sure. Terribly more so than KC? Not really.

 

[So Ram]

90% due to OL injuries - I have stated that many times

However, this year, I am concerned about the limited experience on the defensive side especially on the depth. I have seen many teams in the past have extremely talented yet inexperienced young players on the defensive side and play extremely poorly due to the youth. It usually takes a year to get these players the experience they need to become a cohesive unit.

Our only experienced players so far is Donald Jones and Fuller. Some other players have played more than 6 games but not much more than that.

That's the number 1 concern in my book and why I think our defense might be below average next year. I do like the possible talent on the team but I have a feeling it is going to take at minimum 10 games before they start to jell.

IMO your right.There is a bigger concern of replacing CB Jalen Ramsey.He is an All Pro player that was a leader that will be missed The Most.I’m a Kendrick Fan & think Durant is more of a slot type CB.Not sure what The depth will look like ??? Who is the other CB’s ?? RR31?? Pleasant coached him his rookie season.

Also think A’Robinson took on a leadership role last season with The Brown Bro’s.Both those player should show A Lot of Improvement.Still are the new guys from last season ready? Johna Williams did alright.

EDge rusher will be HUGE. At least 1 EXCELLENT ROOKIE! Then
Are the 2 younger LBs Rozenboom & Jake Hummel ready? Jake was a tackling machine leading The NFL in tackles during the preseason.

The Rams offense has basically still INTACTED.

 

[So Ram]

Here's the list of players who started at least 4 games and their experience prior to 2022.

DL 6 yrs (17 GS), 4 yrs (17 GS), rookie (17 GS), 7 yrs (15 GS)
LB 1 yr (17 GS), 2 yrs (17 GS), rookie (8 GS) 2 yrs (4 GS)
CB 2 yrs (17 GS), rookie (11 GS), rookie (6 GS), 4 yrs (5 GS) rookie (4 GS)
S 3 yrs (16 GS), 4 yrs (17 GS)

Rams in 2023
Donald (9 yrs), Murchison (3 yrs), Copeland (3 yrs), J. Williams (2 yrs)
E Jones (2 yrs), Rozeboom (2 yrs), Hummel (1 yr)
Durant (1 yr), Kendrick (1 yr), Rochell (2 yrs), Jolly (1 yr)
Fuller (3 yrs), Yeast (1 yr), Lake (1 yr)

Less experienced? Sure. Terribly more so than KC? Not really.

I think BOTH BROWNS showed a lot at the end of 2022.Earnest had a few QB’s pressures & a sack. Bobby Brown really showed he is ready to step up. FORGETTING those 2 DL Players is missing The Big Picture of The Rams future D”LINE!!

Agree they could be good,but KC’s CB’s & the Hags did better last season at CB. Agree the Rams could be Solid on D”

Finding AN EDGE is Key. Whitley & Hardy will be nice rotation players. Hardy has all kinds of Skill & will be asked by Raheem Morris to do more.

 

[PARAM]

I think BOTH BROWNS showed a lot at the end of 2022.Earnest had a few QB’s pressures & a sack. Bobby Brown really showed he is ready to step up. FORGETTING those 2 DL Players is missing The Big Picture of The Rams future D”LINE!!

Agree they could be good,but KC’s CB’s & the Hags did better last season at CB. Agree the Rams could be Solid on D”

Finding AN EDGE is Key. Whitley & Hardy will be nice rotation players. Hardy has all kinds of Skill & will be asked by Raheem Morris to do more.

If we include the Browns (which we should) they make that lineup more experienced.. And they will surely sign a FA defender or two with more experience than the ypungsters.

The point is Kansas City employed many young guys and rookies and were the #11 defense. Their offense made them champs

 

[Tano]

Here's the list of players who started at least 4 games and their experience prior to 2022.

DL 6 yrs (17 GS), 4 yrs (17 GS), rookie (17 GS), 7 yrs (15 GS)
LB 1 yr (17 GS), 2 yrs (17 GS), rookie (8 GS) 2 yrs (4 GS)
CB 2 yrs (17 GS), rookie (11 GS), rookie (6 GS), 4 yrs (5 GS) rookie (4 GS)
S 3 yrs (16 GS), 4 yrs (17 GS)

Rams in 2023
Donald (9 yrs), Murchison (3 yrs), Copeland (3 yrs), J. Williams (2 yrs)
E Jones (2 yrs), Rozeboom (2 yrs), Hummel (1 yr)
Durant (1 yr), Kendrick (1 yr), Rochell (2 yrs), Jolly (1 yr)
Fuller (3 yrs), Yeast (1 yr), Lake (1 yr)

Less experienced? Sure. Terribly more so than KC? Not really.

How many defensive players are usually on a team? 25? I only see 14 players on the Rams. That means that unless we pick up more than 2 FA defensive players, we will have almost 10 players on the defensive side with 0 experience. That seems like a lot to me.

Or am I missing other players?

 

[muggmeister]

Someone is going to have to explain to me why you (and others) would come to a Rams site and chastise people for having hope.

If you can’t see the possibilities that others see, fine.

Some of us can.

I sincerely apologize, obviously my rationale overcomes what my heart wants. I will attempt to post more positive comments in the future. Once again, I sincerely apologize.

 

[AvengerRam]

I sincerely apologize, obviously my rationale overcomes what my heart wants. I will attempt to post more positive comments in the future. Once again, I sincerely apologize.

No need to apologize. Passion is passion, and there is good reason for concern at this point. Some are more hopeful than others. That's to be expected.

 

[muggmeister]

My question is

How is the Chiefs depth experienced wise compared to the Rams depth experienced wise

I have no clue so this is an actual question

Or were the Chief's relatively injury free - again an actual question

And this relates to the Defense side for both teams

And the answer to your question is........wait for it........they played well! That would be one of the reasons they won the SB. Chiefs and Shitchickens killed the draft last year, hopefully we can this year!