The Rams’ offseason enhancements should prioritize structural changes over flashy ones.
The Los Angeles Rams might find it tempting to believe that they’re just a star player or two away from returning to contention, especially after making the playoffs in what was considered a rebuilding year. Despite parting ways with notable players like Jalen Ramsey, Leonard Floyd, Bobby Wagner, Nick Scott, A’Shawn Robinson, Greg Gaines, and others, the Rams adopted a high-volume approach in the draft, identifying several key building blocks for the future. This offseason, it’s crucial for them to stay committed to foundational pieces and avoid being swayed by flashy trades for star players that could jeopardize the team’s long-term prospects.
Sean McVay and Les Snead might need to adopt a different strategy for the 2024 offseason. The Rams are known for their history of trades involving draft picks for established veterans, such as Sammy Watkins, Brandin Cooks, Jalen Ramsey, and Von Miller. While these moves paid off with a Super Bowl win, they’ve left the Rams without a first-round pick until 2024, symbolizing a shift in approach.
With promising rookies like Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams, Kobie Turner, Byron Young, Davis Allen, and Steve Avila on affordable contracts, the Rams don’t need to take unnecessary risks by trading valuable draft picks. By demonstrating their ability to draft effectively and uncover contributors in later rounds, Snead and McVay should stick to their current strategy. Despite having ample salary cap space, they shouldn’t feel compelled to spend excessively in one offseason. It’s important to maintain financial prudence and explore all available options.
So, what does this mean for the Rams in the upcoming offseason? Instead of pursuing high-profile edge rushers like Brian Burns or Josh Allen, they could target impact players such as Bryce Huff or rotational contributors like Josh Uche at a more reasonable cost. While players like L’Jarius Snead and Jaylon Johnson could significantly improve the team, caution is warranted regarding expensive cornerbacks in free agency, as seen with the Los Angeles Chargers and JC Jackson. Opting for mid-range signings like Adoree Jackson could offer similar production at a fraction of the price.
The Rams shouldn’t rely solely on the draft to address their roster gaps, but they also shouldn’t overspend on free agents. It’s essential to strike a balance.
Additionally, the Rams need to bolster depth along the offensive line, particularly with Coleman Shelton and Kevin Dotson becoming free agents. They’ve already released Brian Allen and might part ways with Joe Noteboom as well.
With significant departures expected in the secondary, the Rams must address depth concerns, especially in special teams, where rookies have been thrust into significant roles due to lack of depth.
Overall, the Rams’ roster has some fundamental weaknesses that need addressing this offseason. They can’t simply believe that a couple of star players will propel them to Super Bowl contention; instead, they should focus on making structural improvements rather than flashy moves at positions of need.
