Seven New Starters: What Will Their Impact Be?

[AvengerRam]

In essence, the Rams have 7 new starters (not including special teams). Are they improvements, downgrades, neutral, or just big question marks.

Here are my expectations:

Running Back (RB1): Cam Akers replaces Sony Michel
This one is tough, as we really have not seen Akers at 100% since late 2020. If he's now all the way back, I think he brings more to the table than Michel did in 2021. I'm cautiously optimistic on this one being an upgrade.

Wide Receiver (WR2): Allen Robinson replaces Robert Woods/Odell Beckham, Jr.
The Woods injury and addition of OBJ makes this one something other than a one to one comparison (as does the prospect of OBJ returning). That said, I think Robinson brings an element that will be huge for us given his size and elite 50/50 ball ability. Stafford gets a guy other than Cooper Kupp who can bail him out of tough spots. He should also be a Red Zone beast. Overall, a potential upgrade (and certainly one if we add OBJ late again).

Left Tackle: Joseph Noteboom replaces Andrew Whitworth
Its hard not to see this as a downgrade, but it might not be a big one. While Noteboom won't be the veteran leader that Whitworth was, he does have less miles on his tires. If he can play like he did in the playoff game against Tampa, we'll be fine.

Right Guard: Coleman Shelton replaces Austin Corbett
When the offseason started, the Rams needed to lock in Noteboom (as Whit was retiring), and also had to decide what to do about their starting center (Brian Allen) and RG (Corbett) being FAs. They allowed Corbett to leave. That suggests that he was viewed as highly replaceable. Of course, some will assert that it was Logan Bruss who was supposed to take this spot, but it seems that, even before the injury, Shelton was outplaying him. Complete question mark as to how this will play out.

Inside Linebacker: Bobby Wagner replaces Troy Reeder.
Do I even need to comment? Huge upgrade.

Edge Rusher: Justin Hollins/Terrell Lewis replace Von Miller
Obviously a downgrade. I am hopeful, however, that Lewis has some upside if he can stay healthy.

Cornerback (CB2): Troy Hill/??? replaces Darryl Williams
I put Hill there as a placeholder. His role may be more of nickel CB in the end. The Rams have several intriguing candidates for the CB2 role, including second year man Robert Rochell and rookies Decobie Durant and Derion Kendrick (along with veteran David Long). I feel as though the player who emerges will be superior to the version of Williams we saw in 2021. The CB depth, in my mind, has definitely been upgraded.

 

[den-the-coach]

I know some people are concerned with Coleman Shelton and his size. FWIW, Austin Corbett is listed at 6'4 305, whereas Shelton is listed at 6'4 299. Not much of a difference and I am expecting that Shelton is a better run blocker. Key will be health as Corbett was very durable plus pass protection as Corbett was very good in that area.

 

[Psycho_X]

Running Back (RB1): Cam Akers replaces Sony Michel
Akers is a bigger playmaker than Michel by a large margin I'd say but he needs blocking and he's not as good in protection as Michel was. If our run blocking can improve over last season than Akers will look great I think as he has ability to break big ones off if he can get past the first line of defense.

Wide Receiver (WR2): Allen Robinson replaces Robert Woods/Odell Beckham, Jr.
Going to be fun to watch. I love me some Bobby Trees but he didn't bring the red zone dimension that Robinson does and OBJ did. I think, if our pass protection holds up, the passing offense will be top 3 this season.

Left Tackle: Joseph Noteboom replaces Andrew Whitworth
No one can replace Big Whit but Boom is capable of making his loss minimal if he can stay healthy for a whole season.

Right Guard: Coleman Shelton replaces Austin Corbett
I honestly have no idea. Shelton seemed adequate when we've seen him if not a possible upgrade but with limited tape to see this is a wild card that only time will tell after teams can game plan around what he has or hasn't shown.

Inside Linebacker: Bobby Wagner replaces Troy Reeder.
Yeah, this is going to be awesome to watch.

Edge Rusher: Justin Hollins/Terrell Lewis replace Von Miller
Same thoughts, obviously downgrade. But we upgraded ILB and our secondary I think so hopefully between the two we can mitigate the loss of pass rush. I'm hoping by playoff time someone steps up like a Hardy or Lewis.

Cornerback (CB2): Troy Hill/??? replaces Darryl Williams
I am not comfortable with Hill or Long on the outside 1 on 1 with the best receivers. They are good players and have roles on this team but I view that as a weakness if that happens during a game. However Rochelle is going to be a stud as an island CB and Kendrick is looking like he could be that kind of guy too. Durant is going to be a harassing ballhawk at some point but might be buried on the depth chart for most of this season. When you view our CBs as a whole we've got a great bunch who will compliment each other very well.

 

[CanadaRam]

To me the biggest downgrade is backup Oline. IMO. The quality coming off the bench is not nearly as strong.

One other change is at P where Hekker is no longer there. I don't see this as a big change, as I believe that Hekker's best years are behind him.

 

[den-the-coach]

One other change is at P where Hekker is no longer there. I don't see this as a big change, as I believe that Hekker's best years are behind him.

IMO, I believe Dixon will boom more punts, but the net average might not be as good, but hopefully, not too bad. Also I believe Dixon might be an upgrade as a holder too.

 

[OnceARam]

Of course, some will assert that it was Logan Bruss who was supposed to take this spot, but it seems that, even before the injury, Shelton was outplaying him.

This gives me confidence that we'll be fine. And if we aren't, I expect Snead will do some wheeling and dealing.

 

[1maGoh]

IMO, I believe Dixon will boom more punts, but the net average might not be as good, but hopefully, not too bad. Also I believe Dixon might be an upgrade as a holder too.

I would love to hear how he's an upgrade as a holder. Did Hekker make more than the 1 holding mistake last year? Will Dixon be pointing out 12 men on the field violations while holding like Hekker has? I'm doubtful, but interested in your perspective.

 

[Ram Ts]

Did Hekker make more than the 1 holding mistake last year?

Super Bowl xp

 

[RamsOfCastamere]

Cornerback (CB2): Troy Hill/??? replaces Darryl Darious Williams

FIFY lol

 

[den-the-coach]

I would love to hear how he's an upgrade as a holder. Did Hekker make more than the 1 holding mistake last year?

Dixon has been a holder for two all pro kickers in Brandon McManus in Denver & Graham Gano with the New York Giants. It could be a wash, but I actually believe Dixon could be an upgrade there IMHO.

 

[AvengerRam]

FIFY lol

Him too.

 

[Tumak61]

On offense I wonder about the loss of Whit and Woods. Two leaders. Curious about our first tough road game and a hostile crowd. Time will tell.

 

[1maGoh]

Super Bowl xp

I feel like I said "more than 1 mistake". The super bowl xp would be that 1 mistake. So... other than that?

 

[Kupped]

Darious Williams wasn’t good for the first half of the season… so, I’ll judge the position later. I do expect Rochell to be playing most of the snaps opposite Ramsey by season’s end.

Oline is, by far, the area where we’re looking at the most uncertainties. I’m not saying it won’t be good, just saying we don’t really know what to expect.

 

[AvengerRam]

On offense I wonder about the loss of Whit and Woods. Two leaders. Curious about our first tough road game and a hostile crowd. Time will tell.

Well, FWIW... the Rams won the playoff game @ Tampa with both of those guys on the sidelines with injuries.

 

[AvengerRam]

Darious Williams wasn’t good for the first half of the season… so, I’ll judge the position later. I do expect Rochell to be playing most of the snaps opposite Ramsey by season’s end.

Oline is, by far, the area where we’re looking at the most uncertainties. I’m not saying it won’t be good, just saying we don’t really know what to expect.

Agree 100% re: OL. Of course, I had similar trepidations at the start of last season, so I'm hopeful that McVay & Co. once again know what they have and are trusting the right guys. We'll see in a week!

 

[Kupped]

Agree 100% re: OL. Of course, I had similar trepidations at the start of last season, so I'm hopeful that McVay & Co. once again know what they have and are trusting the right guys. We'll see in a week!

I trust them.
It’s just that, objectively, there’s more to worry about this year.
I felt much better about Allen at center surrounded by Corbett & Edwards than I do about Shelton. I hope he proves me wrong and makes me look like a nervous Nelly.
Boom I feel good about.. but the documented run weaknesses & injury history are legit concerns.

Like you say.. we’ll see.

 

[Riverumbbq]

I know some people are concerned with Coleman Shelton and his size. FWIW, Austin Corbett is listed at 6'4 305, whereas Shelton is listed at 6'4 299. Not much of a difference and I am expecting that Shelton is a better run blocker. Key will be health as Corbett was very durable plus pass protection as Corbett was very good in that area.

I'm not worried about Coleman Shelton's ability so much, although I'd prefer him as a LG, as much as I am about an injury/missed time for Allen & Shelton if they're both starters. Our next Center up is a big concern, and at OG/OT isn't looking all that much better either.
The Rams had a pathetic rushing game last year, this season on paper appears worse. Our passing game is what took us to the Big Show, with Higbee back, Robinson, Kyren Williams & potentially OBj again being added, we are even better. My concern here is that a good rush saves Stafford's arm somewhat, so the overall effect for his longevity may be diminished to a degree.
I'd love nothing more than for McSnead to trade for a quality OG who can immediately enhance our rushing game.
jmo.

 

[Tano]

Super Bowl xp

Hecker was an outstanding holder his entire career except that one xp.

I never saw him bobble or drop a snap until that xp

 

[Merlin]

I think most important is the Rams improving the secondary. It is much deeper, in my estimation the deepest corner group I can recall. But where it has question marks is the quality of the CB2 and slot. Those two roles must get better production to counter the lesser rush. If not, we're going to be allowing average Joe dipshit QBs to look like Joe Montana.

Does Hill do that for one of those two roles? I am not so sure. Hill had his best season before he left us, but generally he is the same up and down dude he has always been. Rams know this and did a good job adding two corners in the draft who are advanced in ball awareness, i.e. they at least get their damn heads around which is something our young corners have had trouble with.

But who steps up for those top roles. That is going to be the biggest factor in how many wins this team puts together through the season.

Ideally by the playoffs one or both of those rooks will either have pushed the holdovers to be much better, or will themselves have won top roles under Ramsey. If this doesn't happen we'll get quickly knocked from the playoffs, because it is unlikely we see an impact addition the likes of Von again this year. Rushers will be bid heavily on due to what happened last season. The Rams will have much more competition this go round.