Rams UFA Re-signing Priority List (Top 10)

[Ramhusker]

Keep the band together! RUN IT BACK!!!

 

[Loyal]

As a practical matter, though, Akers and Henderson are both on their rookie contracts, while Michel is a UFA. I think we can add depth in the draft. Look at the some of the guys drafted last year on the third day of the draft: Rhamondre Stevenson (Rd. 4/Pick 120), Chuba Hubbard (Rd. 4/Pick 126), Elijah Mitchell (Round 6/Pick 194). All three had 600+ rushing yards (Mitchell had almost 1,000).

I think Henderson isn't that good of a RB. He dances a lot in the backfield. I get that he blocks pretty well an he can catch the ball, but I feel like 6 times out of 10, he's not getting enough for a 1st down by running the ball. I almost feel hopeless when it's a running situation and he's the lone back on third down. I just don't think it's as easy as people think to draft a guy to do the job, especially when you have someone who you know can do the job.

 

[RAMSinLA]

Just don't give away the farm. We want to go back to the shit and win it again. Back to Back baby! GO RAMS!

 

[AvengerRam]

I think Henderson isn't that good of a RB. He dances a lot in the backfield. I get that he blocks pretty well an he can catch the ball, but I feel like 6 times out of 10, he's not getting enough for a 1st down by running the ball. I almost feel hopeless when it's a running situation and he's the lone back on third down. I just don't think it's as easy as people think to draft a guy to do the job, especially when you have someone who you know can do the job.

Henderson's durability is certainly suspect, but his production has been good when he's played. He has a career YPC of 4.5 (4.6 this past season). He's also a capable receiver.

I'm not saying we could or should rely on him as a workhorse, but I think he's a good player for the platoon, at least for another year before his rookie deal expires (he has a cap number of about $1.3M for 2022, $272K of which is "dead cap.")

 

[RamDino]

I must have missed the games last year when Akers swayed most of you, but I have never been that impressed with him.

He played much better in his rookie season. But he definitely showed some rust when he came back this year.

 

[FrantikRam]

Signing Allen, Corbs, SJD, Williams, Deayon, or Oko would be a mistake. Period. Because none are worth keeping at FA prices when the dropoff from them to our depth replacements is so minimal. In some cases the depth might even be better. So all of them are gone IMO because the Rams know this.

Signing Michel would be a mistake because paying a depth RB at FA rates would be stupid. It's a position you can find in every draft all through said drafts. We're a star-oriented roster that's the cost of it unfortunately.

That leaves only Beckham, Boom and Miller.

I was convinced prior to Beckham's injury that we'd keep him and move Woody. After the injury I think we just keep both now. Though IMO it might be wise to move Woody because I don't think he's worth that contract but I realize I am alone or damn near in that take. So the Rams catch a break here and keep that WR room loaded which is a good thing for us. That injury was a windfall for the Rams.

Miller's basically the big piece the Rams have to sit down with. He's the guy teams want which means options which means competition which means pricey. Rams are readying shit to try to get this done I am sure, which might include movement of some players we like. I'm ready to see a guy I don't want to lose get dealt or cut.

Boom we'll see. He's the one I don't have a feel for either way. But if the Rams want him they will move Whit's cap space to him basically.

I agree about the last four.

But IMO we need to keep at least Allen or Corbett. No reason to blow up an OL that just had - literally - historically good Super Bowl pass pro and good pass pro all year.

 

[Merlin]

I agree about the last four.

But IMO we need to keep at least Allen or Corbett. No reason to blow up an OL that just had - literally - historically good Super Bowl pass pro and good pass pro all year.

The run game probably looked better when Shelton was in there. So it's real close between he and Allen. No appreciable dropoff tbh.

At OG they have a pipeline with multiple OT conversion projects. Signing Corbs would be admitting they're all shitty. They have to like one of them and they're also going to add more for the pipeline in the draft and OG tends to be a spot you can play quickly. Zero concern at OG for me even with Corbs walking.

 

[Merlin]

I think Henderson isn't that good of a RB. He dances a lot in the backfield. I get that he blocks pretty well an he can catch the ball, but I feel like 6 times out of 10, he's not getting enough for a 1st down by running the ball. I almost feel hopeless when it's a running situation and he's the lone back on third down. I just don't think it's as easy as people think to draft a guy to do the job, especially when you have someone who you know can do the job.

Without a doubt. He's a guy who can go when you're creasing the defense. But when the running is tough forget it. He'll get dinged up.

That said I want to credit him for catching passes in the Super Bowl. He's a good receiving back you just don't want to rely on him for those third down and 2 yard type situations where he'll get stuffed more often than not.

I think McVay had a lot riding on Akers tbh. And the team got it done without the run game which was really impressive on the part of the defense and QB/weapons. But I'm hoping we don't have to do the next title the same way. Can't we have a balanced offense or am I already acting like a spoiled asshole.

 

[Ram65]

A lot of differing opinions here.

1. Von Miller-Yes
2. Joe Noteboom-Yes
3. Brian Allen-Yes
4. Odell Beckham, Jr.-Yes

5. Austin Corbett-He can be replaced
6. Darious Williams-Not a good year and cost could still be too much.

7. Donte Deayon-Maybe as he won't cost much so he gets to compete in camp.

8. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo-Probably not as he will be too expensive and Rams have alternatives
9. Sebastian Joseph-Day- could depend on cost but, probably gets a bettter offer.
10. Sony Michel-I don't think he was happy when Henderson and Akers pushed him out of PT.

 

[Riverumbbq]

The run game probably looked better when Shelton was in there. So it's real close between he and Allen. No appreciable dropoff tbh.

At OG they have a pipeline with multiple OT conversion projects. Signing Corbs would be admitting they're all shitty. They have to like one of them and they're also going to add more for the pipeline in the draft and OG tends to be a spot you can play quickly. Zero concern at OG for me even with Corbs walking.

I'm trying to look ahead to 2023 when Edwards & Evans also enter free agency, seems that Shelton might become a natural starter in Edwards slot at LG, ... although for 2022, Shelton can still be our strongest reserve at both Center & LG. This allows the Rams to draft a RG with our earliest pick as Corbett's replacement this year, and hopefully have him game day ready sometime before mid-season. Having two quality Centers this season (Allen & Shelton), one of whom that can play a swing OG role (Shelton) while drafting our eventual starting RG allows us time to draft another OG/C in 2023 to compete with Shelton and our current reserves for the starting LG job should Edwards then depart.
If we lose Allen & Corbett to free agency this off-season and Shelton moves to the Center starting position, we'd still need to draft a back-up Center somewhere as well as a replacement for Corbett, and we would also no longer have a quality reserve behind Edwards. It just appears to be less work for the Rams over the next two years if they are able to hang on to Allen. Keeping Corbett and unloading Allen, even if Corbett can play the reserve Center behind Shelton, which he has still never proven, this won't help us develop a better run blocking game at RG, and will still require we draft an OG should Corbett need to move to Center or if Edwards is injured, so even if the money is similar and they are both regarded as equal quality players, I have to choose Allen.
jmo.

 

[dieterbrock]

As a practical matter, though, Akers and Henderson are both on their rookie contracts, while Michel is a UFA. I think we can add depth in the draft. Look at the some of the guys drafted last year on the third day of the draft: Rhamondre Stevenson (Rd. 4/Pick 120), Chuba Hubbard (Rd. 4/Pick 126), Elijah Mitchell (Round 6/Pick 194). All three had 600+ rushing yards (Mitchell had almost 1,000).

As a practical matter, Michel ran for 845 yards, and has an estimate contract value of 2 years 10 mill, which would be offset by the aforementioned rookie contracts.
Sure there were 3 guys who excelled, but what about guys like Sermon (167 yds), Nwangwu (61 yds), Gainwell (291 yds), Brightwell (4 yds), etc etc? Doesnt seem practical to me that you replace a guaranteed performer with a rookie based on a small
Success rate. All to save about 3 million? Seems penny wise, pound foolish to me

 

[dang]

I disagree on Michel, I believe he could be had for a reasonable deal. With Akers and Henderson both missing significant time in their pro careers, its foolish IMO to think just a draft pick will do.
Akers and Henderson are both on rookie deals and combined salary is just over 2 mill. That's peanuts to be spending on a team who wants to run the ball

Michel was a workhorse and great blocker. I would retain him if he could be had for decent $$$$. Say $3m.

 

[AvengerRam]

As a practical matter, Michel ran for 845 yards, and has an estimate contract value of 2 years 10 mill, which would be offset by the aforementioned rookie contracts.
Sure there were 3 guys who excelled, but what about guys like Sermon (167 yds), Nwangwu (61 yds), Gainwell (291 yds), Brightwell (4 yds), etc etc? Doesnt seem practical to me that you replace a guaranteed performer with a rookie based on a small
Success rate. All to save about 3 million? Seems penny wise, pound foolish to me

With all three RBs available in the Super Bowl, the RB snap counts were Akers 39, Henderson 22, Michel 7, so it appears that McVay sees him as the No. 3 guy. You propose making Michel our highest paid back (by far) and paying him over $4M more than a day 3 rookie would cost.

Agree to disagree. Guess we’ll see how it plays out.

 

[rdlkgliders]

I think Henderson isn't that good of a RB. He dances a lot in the backfield. I get that he blocks pretty well an he can catch the ball, but I feel like 6 times out of 10, he's not getting enough for a 1st down by running the ball. I almost feel hopeless when it's a running situation and he's the lone back on third down. I just don't think it's as easy as people think to draft a guy to do the job, especially when you have someone who you know can do the job.

Unfortunately that was the story for all our backs last season. When the going was tough none of them did well on 1st down. Until we create some more push up front which I am sure is being discussed amongst the coaching staff, we just wont know what we have in Cam and Hendo. Cam averaged 2.5 yards, we need to revamp the run game and I pretty confident that McV has found more value in the run game than previous seasons. He even stuck with it when it wasn't directly effective in the post season and SB.

 

[Neil039]

I'm trying to look ahead to 2023 when Edwards & Evans also enter free agency, seems that Shelton might become a natural starter in Edwards slot at LG, ... although for 2022, Shelton can still be our strongest reserve at both Center & LG. This allows the Rams to draft a RG with our earliest pick as Corbett's replacement this year, and hopefully have him game day ready sometime before mid-season. Having two quality Centers this season (Allen & Shelton), one of whom that can play a swing OG role (Shelton) while drafting our eventual starting RG allows us time to draft another OG/C in 2023 to compete with Shelton and our current reserves for the starting LG job should Edwards then depart.
If we lose Allen & Corbett to free agency this off-season and Shelton moves to the Center starting position, we'd still need to draft a back-up Center somewhere as well as a replacement for Corbett, and we would also no longer have a quality reserve behind Edwards. It just appears to be less work for the Rams over the next two years if they are able to hang on to Allen. Keeping Corbett and unloading Allen, even if Corbett can play the reserve Center behind Shelton, which he has still never proven, this won't help us develop a better run blocking game at RG, and will still require we draft an OG should Corbett need to move to Center or if Edwards is injured, so even if the money is similar and they are both regarded as equal quality players, I have to choose Allen.
jmo.

Many of us have been waiting and wanting a long term solution at Center. After reading your post it just reaffirms that. I agree 100% with Shelton likely moving up. Imagine no Atwell and Humphries at Center??? Would change the entire dynamic of FA and the draft for at least 4 years. Still frustrated with how last years draft went.

 

[Mojo Ram]

Sony's fate was leaked once we saw his utter lack of PT in the Super Bowl IMO. I'd be shocked if he's brought back. I doubt he wants to come back.

It's too bad because he brings something the other two backs don't. I'm hoping we draft another RB in the late rd's.

 

[Merlin]

Unfortunately that was the story for all our backs last season. When the going was tough none of them did well on 1st down. Until we create some more push up front which I am sure is being discussed amongst the coaching staff, we just wont know what we have in Cam and Hendo. Cam averaged 2.5 yards, we need to revamp the run game and I pretty confident that McV has found more value in the run game than previous seasons. He even stuck with it when it wasn't directly effective in the post season and SB.

I agree. And when you're talking about revamping the run game it means we probably need some new blood up front. I think with even a little blocking these backs were hungry and would have gotten the job done. Our prob is the blocking, i.e. TE and mainly the interior.

Plus losing Whit who is a power blocker is a huge loss if he retires too. So I remain worried about the overall strength of this OL. Yeah I realize it's an annual thing for me too. First world probs I guess but really hoping we see some action with this group vice running them back.

 

[SWAdude]

Man I wish we could just rest with this victory with out looking forward too soon. But life goes on.

Great thread.

I think Noteboom is a no-brainer. He does really well when asked for the call. No reason to think he is our answer for a few years at least.

Beckham is a no-brainer. Worth the risk with a healthy Woods.

Von Miller another no-brainer. He has a few more in the tank for sure.

Brian Allen is our answer to a long term center. Others may be better but he gets better as time goes on.

What we really need is the front office to restructure contracts to make these type of needs happen. The Rams are in a unique position that peeps want to work for this organization. There are lucrative intangibles to do so.

We are certainly still in the window for a repeat. And it seems the team is all in to do so.

RUN IT BACK!!!

GO RAMS!!!

 

[SWAdude]

I didn't add the opinion on RB.........

Durability is important. But man is it tough for me to determine who should carry the load.

Akers was the thing before his injury. Pretty tough to make your debut after that serious hurt in the playoffs.

If I had one choice it would be Akers.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Man I wish we could just rest with this victory with out looking forward too soon. But life goes on.

Great thread.

I think Noteboom is a no-brainer. He does really well when asked for the call. No reason to think he is our answer for a few years at least.

Beckham is a no-brainer. Worth the risk with a healthy Woods.

Von Miller another no-brainer. He has a few more in the tank for sure.

Brian Allen is our answer to a long term center. Others may be better but he gets better as time goes on.

What we really need is the front office to restructure contracts to make these type of needs happen. The Rams are in a unique position that peeps want to work for this organization. There are lucrative intangibles to do so.

We are certainly still in the window for a repeat. And it seems the team is all in to do so.

RUN IT BACK!!!

GO RAMS!!!

Just build a Brut Squad for an OL, and we'll run it back.