Coming off a Super Bowl appearance in 2018, the 2019 Rams had a disappointing season where they failed to make the playoffs, mostly due to inconsistent play from their franchise QB.
2019 Record: 9-7, 3rd in NFC West
Key Additions:
LB: Leonard Floyd
Floyd had just three sacks last season which continues his decline in production. However, he is good against the run and will help a somewhat depleted and average front-seven.
DT: A’shawn Robinson
Robinson can line up on the edge or as a NT. He really does not have a position. This is more of a depth signing and a guy who will clog up the middle.
Rams Key Draft Picks:
2nd Round, Pick 52: RB, Cam Akers
After letting Todd Gurley go, the Rams had an immediate need to address their running back room. Akers’ best skill is his agility and athleticism. He underperformed in his last season at Florida State, but I chalk that up to a horrible offensive line.
2nd Round, Pick 57: WR, Van Jefferson
Jefferson was known for his elite route-running skills. However, he seemed to only shine when the QB play at Florida was good, which I guess isn’t a real negative thing.
3rd Round, Pick 84: DE, Terrell Lewis
Lewis ha first-round talent but suffered from injuries at Alabama. In a somewhat weak edge-rushing team, Lewis will look to make an immediate impact.
3rd Round, Pick 104: S, Terrell Burgess
4th Round, Pick 136: TE, Brycen Hopkins
6th Round, Pick 199: S, Jordan Fuller
7th Round, Pick 234: LB, Clay Johnston
7th Round, Pick 248: K, Samuel Sloman
7th Round, Pick 250: G, Tremayne Anchrum Jr.
Rams Season Preview:
Offense:
Jared Goff lead an offense that ranked 11th in the league in points per game in 2019. He was third in the league in passing yards, but had a TD:INT of 22:16, which showed his inconsistency even after signing a massive extension. Under Sean McVay, the Rams have run a pass-first offense and with Akers being a great catching back, the Rams will need Goff to return to his 2018 form to be successful.
Outside of Cooper Kupp, the Rams will need to find a new weapon for Goff. They drafted Jefferson to replace Brandin Cooks, who was traded to the Texans. The Rams have done an exceptional job of getting the most out of less. Robert Woods will be the team’s best receiver and is one of the most underrated receivers in the game.
While the Rams will be returning their entire offensive line, it is a group that would benefit from a new face. I expect the Rams to be one of the best offenses in football because McVay is a genius. They are in the same position as before. They don’t have the best talent, but they have an unbelievable system.
Defense:
This group starts and ends with Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. Those are the two most important players on this team. Donald’s impact is not stated enough. I have never seen a defensive tackle impact a game and a team as much as Donald.
Ramsey was traded to LA from Jacksonville last season for a big haul. The Rams have always had a great secondary, but Ramsey will be the key to this team’s success on defense.
The biggest question surrounding this unit is the linebacking core. I feel that they did not address this position enough to feel good about their unit. I expect them to be active on the trade market for a linebacker.
Win Total: 8
I have the Rams winning nine games again. I just think that their lack of defensive depth will kill this team. They will score a lot of points and gain a lot of yards, but they will be playing in some shootouts.
Fantasy Player To Watch: Cooper Kupp
Kupp is the perfect WR2/flex player. I personally wouldn’t draft him as a starting wide receiver, but he will be a good late-round pick if you chose to ignore your receiving core for some reason.