The NFL salary cap and draft ensure that every team, even the league’s best and worst, is some combination of strengths and weaknesses.
The Rams have battled the salary cap in the first week of free agency, and now begin to home in on the three-day draft that begins April 29 (although the first of their six picks doesn’t come up until the second round on April 30).
As the Rams restructured enough veterans’ contracts to get under this year’s lower cap by last Wednesday’s deadline, the lack of spending room kept them from signing any new players so far, allowed them to re-sign only one of their unrestricted free agents (again, so far) while letting eight go, and prompted them to trade one of the stalwarts of their defense.
It’s a funny way to begin a year when the Rams are thought to be all-in to win the Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium next February. But they’re confident they’re better at the most important position, quarterback. And they think they have the depth and smarts to patch leaks elsewhere.
Time for a progress report, if progress is the word.
Here’s a position-by-position look at where the Rams are good to go, where they have work to do, and where the past week leaves them with question marks.
GOOD TO GO
Quarterback: General manager Les Snead thinks the Rams went “from good to great” at the position when the Jared Goff-for-Matthew Stafford trade became official Thursday, and Stafford said he welcomes the pressure. John Wolford, back to being the backup, is signed through 2021.
Running back: With Cam Akers becoming a clear No. 1 late in his rookie season and young Darrell Henderson No. 2, the issue is how to replace Malcolm Brown after the veteran signed with the Dolphins. Snead has expressed confidence in Xavier Jones, who played on special teams as an undrafted rookie.
Outside linebacker: Re-signing Leonard Floyd (four years, up to $64 million) was the Rams’ most positive move of the week, making up for losing free-agent Samson Ebukam to the 49ers. Terrell Lewis’ injury issues mean they probably must draft again for this group.
NEEDS WORK
Offensive line: If the Rams re-sign free-agent center Austin Blythe, the unit can return intact after a much-improved season, with some young backups standing ready as well. Left tackle Andrew Whitworth, who turns 40 on Dec. 12, looks as if he’ll stay for the second season of a three-year contract after restructuring his deal this week.
Cornerback: Free agent Troy Hill’s departure to the Browns leaves a hole opposite Jalen Ramsey. Darious Williams, a restricted free agent, is likely to stay. David Long, the 2019 third-rounder, is the Rams’ highest pick at cornerback since second-rounder Janoris Jenkins in 2012. That has to change in this year’s draft.
Inside linebacker: Exclusive-rights free agent Travin Howard was tendered a contract and should get a second chance at the starting role he lost to a September knee injury. His return can bolster this much-maligned group, but it’s time to use a top-four-rounds pick on the position for the first time since first-rounder Alec Ogletree (2013).
Special teams: Long snapper Jake McQuaide signing with the Cowboys after 10 years in St. Louis and L.A. presents another area of concern, along with poor return and return-coverage units, for new special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis.
QUESTION MARKS
Wide receiver: Stafford praised Robert Woods’ and Cooper Kupp’s ability to get open and gain yards after the catch, but he didn’t say they or Van Jefferson (or Josh Reynolds, a yet-unsigned Rams free agent) are the deep threat McVay wants. This draft looks well-stocked with wide receivers.
Tight end: Whether a signing or draft pick is needed to replace No. 2 tight end Gerald Everett (who signed with the Seahawks) depends on how much like 2020 fourth-rounder Brycen Hopkins after a season of sparing use.
Defensive line: Depth is needed. Trading nine-year Ram Michael Brockers to the Lions and losing free-agent Morgan Fox to the Panthers leaves four experienced defensive linemen on the roster, Aaron Donald (should he count for more than one?), Sebastian Joseph-Day, A’Shawn Robinson and Greg Gaines.
Safety: Some combination of Taylor Rapp, Jordan Fuller and Terrell Burgess figures to play the two positions with John Johnson gone to Cleveland. The question is if any of them can replace his leadership.
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