Rams offseason spending recommendations

[AvengerRam]

TO: Les Snead
CC: ROD

Here are my recommendations for spending the Rams cap dollars and draft picks to bolster the roster. I’m putting each position into one (or two) of four categories:

PRIORITY SPENDING: Invest significant cap dollars.
BARGAIN HUNTING: Search for moderately/low priced veterans.
DRAFT PRIORITY: Targets for days 1 and 2 of draft.
BARGAIN FUTURES: Targets for day 3 of draft/undrafted FAs.

QB: BARGAIN HUNTING
I don’t agree with the idea, expressed by some commentators, that the Rams should make QB2 (or “QB” of the future) a draft priority. I’d like to find an experienced veteran (I’d start with Carson Wentz) who can be the emergency contingency at a reasonable price.

RB: BARGAIN FUTURES
I believe we can find a RB2 in Rounds 4-7 who can help keep Kyren Williams fresh and healthy. Two I really like are Marshawn Lloyd (USC) and Dylan Laube (New Hampshire). I see no value in paying FA money (which could exceed what Williams is paid) for a retread.

WR: DRAFT PRIORITY
The Rams need (at least) three high-end WRs to ensure that the offensive machine keeps churning. I can’t imagine bringing in a high-priced FA with Cooper Kupp receiving top dollar and Puka Nacua potentially being our WR1 on a rookie salary. In this draft, which is very deep at WR, I’d look at Day 2 prospects, including Ladd McConkey (Georgia), Roman Wilson (Michigan), Jalen McMillan (Washington) and Malachi Corley (Western Kentucky).

TE: BARGAIN FUTURES
Tyler Higbee’s injury makes this one difficult to evaluate, but I think that Davis Allen showed enough flashes to make him Plan A if Higbee starts the year on PUP. I believe that there will be good options for depth on Day 3 of the draft. Ben Sinnott (Kansas State) and Dallin Holker (Colorado State) are two I like.

OL: PRIORITY SPENDING/DRAFT PRIORITY
The importance of OL play cannot be overstated. Unless his demands are entirely unreasonable given the market, I’m in favor of spending to retain Kevin Dotson (and, at lower prices, RFA Alaric Jackson and potential UFA Coleman Shelton). If we don’t – or if there is a perceived significant upgrade available at pick 19 (Jackson Powers Johnson, Oregon, intrigues) – I’d make the OL a draft priority.

INTERIOR DL: BARGAIN FUTURES
I could change my mind if a top DT (i.e. Byron Murphy, Texas) slips to pick 19, but I think we’re in good shape with Aaron Donald, Kobie Turner and Bobby Brown. Certainly, I’d look for a depth/rotation player on Day 3, but otherwise, I think we’re good here.

PASS RUSHER (DE/EDGE): PRIORITY SPENDING/DRAFT PRIORITY
While I like the effort of guys like Jonah Williams and Michael Hoecht, its clear we need another top pass rusher. There are several who could hit FA who I’d love to have (Brian Burns, Josh Allen, Danielle Hunter) and a few who I think would be worth the 19th pick (Laiatu Latu, UCLA; Dallas Turner, Alabama; Jared Verse, FSU). I’m interested to see if more emerge as potential Day 2 prospects at the Combine. One way or another, though, we need someone who can consistently make teams pay for double-teaming Aaron Donald.

INSIDE LB: BARGAIN FUTURES
I definitely think we need to upgrade the ILB spot along side Ernest Jones, but I also believe players of that type can be obtained in Rounds 4-7. Marist Liufau (Notre Dame), Tommy Eichenberg (Ohio State) and Jalan Ford (Texas) are a few I’m watching.

CB: DRAFT PRIORITY
We need a top-end CB1, but FAs at the position often don’t live up to their high price. If Ahkello Witherspoon has played his way into a premium contract, I’d pass. This draft has several prospects who could step in immediately step in as high-end starters. On my list are Nate Wiggins (Clemson), Cooper DeJean (Iowa), Quinyon Mitchell (Toledo), Terrion Arnold (Alabama), Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama) and Ennis Rakestraw (Missouri).

SAFETY: BARGAIN HUNTING/BARGAIN FUTURES
At a reasonable price, I’d be in favor of bringing back John Johnson and/or Jordan Fuller. If not, I’d look for competition for guys like Russ Yeast and Quentin Lake on Day 3 of the daft.

SPECIAL TEAMS: BARGAIN FUTURES
We definitely need to draft a PK, and I’d also like to add a punt returner and players who can help on the coverage units. Day 3 is where I’d shop.

 

[Flatlyner]

Outstanding post and I tend to agree on most points! I do think Safety should be a bit higher priority. We have, what, Yeast and J Taylor (with Lake listed at NB)? That is a pretty dang bare cupboard. Personally, I liked Taylor coming out but he was hurt all last year so essentially saw zero playtime and can't be relied on at all. If we don't resign JJ3 or Fuller, we are really thin there. IMO, there are some nice vet safeties that could immediately contribute and may not break the bank: Hyde (1 year last contract type), Gardner Johnson (young enough to offer multi year deal and has been effective, though bone headed at times), Whitehead, C.Clark, etc. There is also a few bigger swings if we free up some money: Xavier McKinney, Dugger (if not tagged), G.Stone, and the biggest prize Winfield Jr (if not tagged). Its been a while since we had a badass safety back there (Weddle was a miracle for a partial season) and I'd love to see it.

I also think DL should have a bit more priority. AD could easily hang them up after this season and that would leave a gaping hole.

 

[dieterbrock]

QB: BARGAIN HUNTING
I don’t agree with the idea, expressed by some commentators, that the Rams should make QB2 (or “QB” of the future) a draft priority. I’d like to find an experienced veteran (I’d start with Carson Wentz) who can be the emergency contingency at a reasonable price.

First and foremost, AWESOME post
Instead of hitting every point, I'll just start with this one. I agree and disagree at the same time. I dont see why the Rams cant do both?
If Wentz will re-sign on a friendly 1 year deal, I could see wisdom in drafting a QB in round 2 or 3 if one dropped that far, IE Nix or Penix
No way 1 of the top 3 drop to 19, and I cant see any way they move up to draft one of them either.

 

[Dodgersrf]

I’m still in the fence with a QB.

What I don’t want to do is spend a 2nd or 3rd on a lifelong back up.

If a guy has true #1 potential, then go for it.
Even though there are some guys starting in the league that are 2nd and later picks, most of the greats go in the 1st rnd. Even though many 1st rnd QBs don’t live up to the hype, the 1st rnd is your best shot at getting the right guy.

With that said, I don’t see us spending an early pick on a QB, but if we spent our 19 (or moved up to grab one) I’d be perfectly ok with it.

 

[muggmeister]

IMO, Dotson and Danielle Hunter need to be our 2 biggest signings this off-season. Josh Allen and Brian Burns WILL be tagged most likely and Hunter should still be cheaper due to his age and would not require trading our 1st round pick. Draft best CB in round 1 (plenty of choices) and if Edgerrin Cooper or Jeremiah Trotter is available in Rd 2 that provides a solid if not spectacular ILBer next to Jones. Round 3 can fill the 3rd WR spot and safety to compete and/or start. The rest of the Draft can backfill depth pieces and core special teamers. Backup QB can be filled with a free agent as I think we can wait 1-2 years before having to commit draft capital or resources to replace Stafford. I think he will be our QB for the next 3 years and play out his contract. And sign a real kicker or draft best available in the 5th.

 

[Memento]

Agreed on all except interior D-line. There's a lot of really good interior D-linemen in this class that I love, but they won't last long.

 

[Memphis Ram]

1. Try to sign Kevin Dotson without going overboard.
2. Skip the first wave of free agency and then go bargain shopping during the later part of the second wave of free agency.
3. Draft the best player available within reason during the draft. Look to possibly trading a day three selection or two for a veteran.
4. Fill holes with cap casualties and other leftover veterans who priced themselves too high early and got left out of the earlier waves.
5. Be ready and salary cap possible to make a move prior to the trade deadline.

 

[dang]

IMO, Dotson and Danielle Hunter need to be our 2 biggest signings this off-season. Josh Allen and Brian Burns WILL be tagged most likely and Hunter should still be cheaper due to his age and would not require trading our 1st round pick. Draft best CB in round 1 (plenty of choices) and if Edgerrin Cooper or Jeremiah Trotter is available in Rd 2 that provides a solid if not spectacular ILBer next to Jones. Round 3 can fill the 3rd WR spot and safety to compete and/or start. The rest of the Draft can backfill depth pieces and core special teamers. Backup QB can be filled with a free agent as I think we can wait 1-2 years before having to commit draft capital or resources to replace Stafford. I think he will be our QB for the next 3 years and play out his contract. And sign a real kicker or draft best available in the 5th.

So that would leave about $250k to sign our draft picks and retain Ajax, Fuller, Hoecht, and Rivers?

 

[Rams43]

I would recommend that Snead strain to sign Danielle Hunter. He is a difference maker and a play maker, and he would be of helping us for multiple years.

this would be my number one off-season priority pre-draft.

 

[muggmeister]

So that would leave about $250k to sign our draft picks and retain Ajax, Fuller, Hoecht, and Rivers?

So that would leave about $250k to sign our draft picks and retain Ajax, Fuller, Hoecht, and Rivers?

We've all seen teams including the Rams somehow pull these kind of signings off thru deft cap manipulation. A Donald extension with a potential void year, releasing Allen outright, post Jun1 release of Noteboom are just examples of how to create additional cap space. I don't really want to see the Rams pull a Saints plan and create a giant mess of the future roster but we also need to take full advantage of the remaining time Stafford, Donald and Kupp have left.

 

[Merlin]

I would recommend that Snead strain to sign Danielle Hunter. He is a difference maker and a play maker, and he would be of helping us for multiple years.

this would be my number one off-season priority pre-draft.

I get the feeling we're gonna end up with a much less desirable FA on the edge. There are a few options who have the potential to lessen our need at the position going into the draft and I figure we'll end up with one of them.

Rams could go some different ways with those options. You have pass rush specialist types who at least give you some edge threat on pass downs (Huff, Uche). Or you have guys who are hard to trust to be healthy when they get that bag of money (Smith, Greenard). Or you have old and tired who at least offer you some contain and run stuffing ability (Floyd, Clowney).

If it's me I would sign Uche and let him battle for a starting role (I'd also ink Dotson). He's light in the pants vs the run but also brings versatility and at least when he was coming in (pre draft) I liked his ability to off ball a bit and he was good in space. Felt like he was a nice player and while I don't watch a ton of Pats games due to puke reflex he'd be my target to lessen the need at the position without breaking the bank.

But if the Rams go get Hunter I'm fine with it. And that route allows them to focus in on remaining needs. Either way I'm looking forward to seeing what they do in FA so we can have a better idea with the draft.

 

[oldnotdead]

I have to wonder if Snead is willing to keep spending money for short term players like Hunter. Hunter's age works against him as a FA. Some team will overpay for him but I don't see the Rams as one of them.

You have to wonder about Hampton. He came in needing to strengthen and improve his technique. If he has then he could be a viable option opposite Young. A lot depends on how Shula is going to play his DL. If he plays a two gap then he could simply stay with Hoecht as a full time DE. The problem with Hoecht is Morris never allowed him to settle into a position and get good at it. First, he was a rotational DT, then a rotational DE, and finally a rotational OLB. His best fit is as a DE. If they need a OLB they have that in Hampton.

In other words they have options to spending a high draft pick on an edge. A future QB1, a starting boundary CB and OT IMO are higher priorities.

Yup it's gonna be an interesting draft.

 

[Malibu]

IMO, Dotson and Danielle Hunter need to be our 2 biggest signings this off-season. Josh Allen and Brian Burns WILL be tagged most likely and Hunter should still be cheaper due to his age and would not require trading our 1st round pick. Draft best CB in round 1 (plenty of choices) and if Edgerrin Cooper or Jeremiah Trotter is available in Rd 2 that provides a solid if not spectacular ILBer next to Jones. Round 3 can fill the 3rd WR spot and safety to compete and/or start. The rest of the Draft can backfill depth pieces and core special teamers. Backup QB can be filled with a free agent as I think we can wait 1-2 years before having to commit draft capital or resources to replace Stafford. I think he will be our QB for the next 3 years and play out his contract. And sign a real kicker or draft best available in the 5th.

Absolutely agree. Grabbing a top tier OLB, a 1st round CB and solid ILB running mate with Jones will take the entire defense a notch. Great post and resigning Dotson at a fair compensation will ensure Stafford stays upright might get the 2nd best G or C in the 2bd round to improve the OL and let Shelton walk.

 

[TheTackle]

I’m not so sure we go after Danielle Hunter who offers nothing in coverage but I understand the attraction. His market will be huge, so it would be exciting but I am not sure we see him as the second coming of Von Millar. I am not getting my hopes up as we have not traditionally thrown money at the position. If we sign him great but prepare to be disappointed!

Will we add a more low level signing at Edge, possibly reuniting with Leonard Floyd depending on his market? The Bills are cash strapped so he most likely plays somewhere else so one not return? There is a lot of love for him in the building. That said, I could also see us trade for someone who has underperformed in a poor scheme fit I.e. another Floyd type prospect. There are plenty of second tier players that we might target if we have our eyes on an Edge in the draft. We will be one of the more sort after destinations for players seeking to cash in on a big 3rd contract

There are some major upgrades at other key positions. For instance, what could Patrick Queen is expected to test the markets. What could he do in our front 7? He is great at blitzing; strong against the run; and an excellent zone linebacker. Great fit? Would signing Xavien Howard provide much more balance and help our pass rush? He is all but cut by Miami to save against the cap. He’s 30 and coming off injuries so perhaps his market will not be too excessive. We are a warm weather contender and also a great scheme fit!

Outside of signing Dotson as a priority, I would personally like to see us spread the money across three, possibly four upgrades, rather than spend big on one. I agree we should concentrate on defense but would be intrigued by some of the TEs and RBs especially Joe Mixon if he is released

 

[oldnotdead]

Outside of re-signing their own FAs I anticipate the Rams being conservative in the FA market. They have a lot of guys, i.e. potential moving parts on the defense. Guys like Hoecht, Johnson, Hampton, and Mathis. Hoecht was moved around a lot last year but he still had 6 sacks. In a more friendly DL scheme and playing only as a DE he could potentially be a 7-9 sack per year type of DE.

That's why Shula could opt to simply leave him as a DE. IMO the DL scheme had as much to do with the lack of consistent QB pressure as the personnel. Hampton has the speed to play as a coverage LB if he's coached up to be one. Shula could move Johnson to ILB to play ILB as he brings a bigger body on a traditional run down than Rozeboom.

They should trade DK to Raheem for a 6th round pick or move him to ILB to play as a short zone coverage LB. DK's value IMO is as a short area zone defender, i.e. like a SS. All I'm saying is that how Shula plays his personnel will determine what their needs are on defense.

On offense a potential LT for next year, RT for next year, RB2, and two WRs. The fact they only signed Robinson for a year tells me they will be drafting for that position. It also tells me that Atwell will be trade bait this year or a potential comp pick in 2025. The Chargers need a WR that much is clear. Atwell is a fit for how they play Herbert. I think they will package Atwell and a couple of 1s to move up. Whether they will find a partner is the question. For all intents and purposes this starting offense is built with the exception of the OL.

I think they will re-sign Shelton at $8 or $9M/ year and Dotson will seek his fortune elsewhere. I can see them going QB, CB, and LT and OG in the third round. In the 5th round RT, RB, and WR. IMO their final OL starters will be in place in 2025. 6th round will likely be WR, DB, DB, LB or WR kick returner.

Believe it or not I can see Trammell replacing Skowronek in the rotation. As I said in another post, in McVay's new offense, length (at least 5'11") and short area quickness are more important than breakaway speed. With the re-signing of Robinson, I anticipate Atwell being traded and Trammell becoming #4 WR pending the draft. I can see them moving Ben to TE to replace Hopkins.

 

[Flatlyner]

I have to wonder if Snead is willing to keep spending money for short term players like Hunter. Hunter's age works against him as a FA. Some team will overpay for him but I don't see the Rams as one of them.

You have to wonder about Hampton. He came in needing to strengthen and improve his technique. If he has then he could be a viable option opposite Young. A lot depends on how Shula is going to play his DL. If he plays a two gap then he could simply stay with Hoecht as a full time DE. The problem with Hoecht is Morris never allowed him to settle into a position and get good at it. First, he was a rotational DT, then a rotational DE, and finally a rotational OLB. His best fit is as a DE. If they need a OLB they have that in Hampton.

In other words they have options to spending a high draft pick on an edge. A future QB1, a starting boundary CB and OT IMO are higher priorities.

Yup it's gonna be an interesting draft.

I can't see a world in which the Rams are relying on Hampton to start and play significant minutes next year when we are trying to win a ring. They had him last year and the man had 4 whole tackles. Yeah, i think he was hurt for part of the year, but seriously doubt the Rams are expecting him to step in as our starting edge this year. Hell, I could be very wrong but I seriously doubt it. Latu is the absolute perfect edge for our system, but I don't see him getting to us.

I always thought Hoecht was a good DE, dude gives 110% out there every play, he just isn't athletic enough to be an edge.

 

[Merlin]

I’m not so sure we go after Danielle Hunter who offers nothing in coverage but I understand the attraction.

Gotta observe here that nobody cares about Hunter's coverage ability. Team-wise at least. He brings enough on the rush that he is valuable in that alone.

Linemen dropping in coverage goes way back on defenses. It was called zone blitz a few years back and we've seen guys all over the DL doing it for different DCs. Thing is that type of thing is best served as a short zone drop, vice the DL being assigned to run downfield in coverage. No matter how you slice it if you are running an Edge 40 yards downfield in coverage responsibility, and particularly if there is a rule set you are using defensively that can be predictably triggered to get that look by opposing offenses, you're gonna bleed easy yards to them in key moments. The Fangio system has always had edges do some coverage stuff, which is why we were doing it I think.

But I also think it is time to innovate on that. I don't care if McVay loves Fangio's scheme. He innovates constantly with his offense. So innovate on the defensive side. Shift your ruleset, find a way to be a step ahead of teams with that. I have to think that is on the ledger as a plan for this offseason. I expect we see some adjustments and changes and whether they work, well, that's gonna come down to a combination of how good the talent is on that side of the ball vs how well Shula can anticipate offenses and have shit ready to confuse and offtrack their gameplans.

Point here though is that the answer is not to look for an edge who can cover. The answer is to find a tactical change in your defensive rules that can preclude making the when you have your edge in coverage predictable.

 

[WestCoastRam]

I'm not so sure our FA edge pickup doesn't come from a cut from another team.

Hi, Khalil!

 

[WestCoastRam]

Gotta observe here that nobody cares about Hunter's coverage ability. Team-wise at least. He brings enough on the rush that he is valuable in that alone.

Linemen dropping in coverage goes way back on defenses. It was called zone blitz a few years back and we've seen guys all over the DL doing it for different DCs. Thing is that type of thing is best served as a short zone drop, vice the DL being assigned to run downfield in coverage. No matter how you slice it if you are running an Edge 40 yards downfield in coverage responsibility, and particularly if there is a rule set you are using defensively that can be predictably triggered to get that look by opposing offenses, you're gonna bleed easy yards to them in key moments. The Fangio system has always had edges do some coverage stuff, which is why we were doing it I think.

But I also think it is time to innovate on that. I don't care if McVay loves Fangio's scheme. He innovates constantly with his offense. So innovate on the defensive side. Shift your ruleset, find a way to be a step ahead of teams with that. I have to think that is on the ledger as a plan for this offseason. I expect we see some adjustments and changes and whether they work, well, that's gonna come down to a combination of how good the talent is on that side of the ball vs how well Shula can anticipate offenses and have shit ready to confuse and offtrack their gameplans.

Point here though is that the answer is not to look for an edge who can cover. The answer is to find a tactical change in your defensive rules that can preclude making the when you have your edge in coverage predictable.

And just to add, they're only supposed to be in coverage for a very short amount of time cause you're doing it having a belief that your other rushers will get to the QB. Our rushers couldn't do jack last year.

 

[den-the-coach]

I would recommend that Snead strain to sign Danielle Hunter. He is a difference maker and a play maker, and he would be of helping us for multiple years.

this would be my number one off-season priority pre-draft.

As much as I would like this I don't see it happening. Have a feeling they add Khalil Mack because of Giff Smith, again just a feeling. Just like I feel they will sign Hunter Henry because of Nick Caley. I am all about past relationships. Add in Darnell Savage because of the recent hire of Greg Williams too.