Yeah, and how about that NFC championship game against the Rams in 2018. Oh wait... never mind.

Found this pre-season 7 round Mock which seems almost prescient now that we near the end of the 2019 season.


Seven-round 2020 mock draft traces upcoming roster gaps for Los Angeles Rams

As the NFL heads toward training camp, the college football world barrels toward Week 0.
By 3k@3k_ Jul 8, 2019, 5:29pm CDT

Wisconsin Badgers OL Tyler Biadasz during the 2018 New Era Pinstripe Bowl against the Miami Hurricanes, Dec. 27, 2018. Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
It’s July 8. Let’s mock.
The Drafttek crew got together last week for a 7-round mock that looks at the baseline being set for the 2020 NFL Draft and the various rosters around the NFL heading into the 2019 regular season.
This one’s going to be appreciated among Los Angeles Rams fans more than many 2020 mock drafts based on one very arbitrary aspect: the Drafttek crew has us picking 32nd.
One thing that’s a bit strange? The lack of quarterbacks early despite this shaping up to be a fantastic QB class. As they suggested:

The teams most in need of quarterbacks for the 2020 season fall to the back of the draft (Saints, Patriots, Chargers), however Cincinnati and Tampa Bay could potentially move on from their incumbents.

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Except as we see every year, teams desperate for QB talent and under pressure after losing end up diving in for QBs early even if their skill set has apparent holes. So to only have one quarterback in the first 27 picks seems, well, unrealistic. Granted, we’re talking about a mock in July, so let’s not crave much realism here. Just, yanno.
On to the Rams at 32:

#32.) Wisconsin Badgers C Tyler Biadasz
Aaron Donald led the Rams in sacks last year with 20.5 in 2018 but the next guy in line was Ndamukong Suh, who is now a Buccaneer, with 4.5. They signed Dante Fowler to a one year deal over the offseason to prove his worth. Not one single pass rusher was taken by Los Angeles with any of there eight picks. Veteran Clay Matthews was signed from Green Bay but his best year’s are far behind him. Matthews has not recorded a double digit sack season since 2014. There was some excitement for 2018 draftee Ogbonnia Okoronkwo to step into a premiere pass rushing role so his time on the field may expand in his second pro year.
With all of that being said, there are far too many question marks surrounding the group of edge rushers. Aaron Donald can only play at the level everyone is used to for so long and needs someone else to step up. Bolstering the pass rushing unit should be priority one looking ahead at 2020. The top edge rushers should be gone by the time the Rams are on the board but names like Yetur Gross-Matos, Terrell Lewis, and Kenny Willekes are intriguing ones to keep track of.

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Yes, the write-up leans into the roster gap on the edge which is severe, but the pick on its own is fine. I’ve mentioned Biadasz before. He’s a fantastic prospect. And if C Brian Allen doesn’t impress in his first season as a starter (and given how important the offensive line is both in the running game and for QB Jared Goff), this is certainly going to be sensible.
On to the second round. Fantastic running backs here. Interesting late quarterbacks. And some solid cornerbacks culminating in the Rams at 64:

#64.) Ohio State Buckeyes CB Jeffrey Okudah

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Odukah came out of HS from the Dallas-Ft. Worth area as one of the top defensive back recruits in the country. And while he’s yet to break through in Columbus, there’s one conspicuous hole on his resume.
He has yet to record a single interception.
It’s not the biggest issue as he hasn’t had the playing time to make it worrisome, but the guy is due. And in what could be a breakout season, I wouldn’t be surprised if he puts this to bed early in 2019.

#96.) Michigan State Spartans ILB Joe Bachie

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I’ve mentioned Bachie before on this site (here and here). He’s a fine prospect who has fine production. I’m interested to see his senior year and if there’s any growth to his game. He’s got some physical limitations, but could get stronger. That would certainly help if he’s going to be an everydown ILB in the NFL.

#128.) Oklahoma Sooners QB Jalen Hurts

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Interesting pick. Hurts could really have a favorable season for his draft stock having transferred to OU and working in similar conditions to what Jared Goff enjoys at this level: head coaching brilliance on the offensive side of the ball, plus blocking and great receiving options. That would certainly make him sensible backup option for the Rams, though his 2019 season could be one that pushes him higher than this as a potential starter for a QB-needy team that models themselves after the Rams (Cincinnati and new Head Coach Zac Taylor?). The Rams will need to bring in a QB2 this year though. While the Rams lucked into a pretty perfect one-year buy on QB Blake Bortles, seeking a QB2 option on the market can be expensive. The draft is more sensible and offers more of a system fit.
And as we move on from the mock, remember that the Rams’ 2020 fifth-round pick went to the Jacksonville Jaguars as part of the trade for Fowler, Jr.
So onto the 6th:

#192.) Illinois Fighting Illini EDGE Bobby Roundtree

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At this point, I’m just hoping Roundtree can return to football after a swimming accident two months ago required immediate spinal surgery. He’s got a six-month rehab schedule in front of him just to repair his spinal cord. So football’s out in 2019 for sure. Here’s hoping if nothing else he’s back to 100% next offseason. He’d be a RS junior in 2020, so if he eventually is cleared for football, he can work his way back in at the collegiate level before needing to jump to the NFL before making sure he’s physically capable of playing again.

#224.) South Florida Bulls RB Jordan Cronkrite

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Cronkrite transferred from Florida after the 2016 season. After sitting out 2017, he beasted in 2018 averaging more than 6 yards per carry with more than 180 carries. A strong 2019 might boost him higher than 7th-round stock though.

We owe them two losses...next year...

kurtfaulk said:

Man you're angry.

.

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Ehh.
Not really.

This photo says more than the piece itself ever could. It’s a commentary on the dystopia were rapidly descending toward.

That’ll be $467,000, please.

Rams aim to respond the right way one final time in 2019

SANTA CLARA, Calif. –Though the Rams are eliminated from playoff contention following Saturday's loss to the 49ers, that doesn't mean they will use it as an excuse to not play up to their standard next week.

The same mindset Los Angeles has had all season following a loss is the same it will take into the season finale: Responding by playing with pride.

"We've got an opportunity to finish this season the right way, finish with a winning season, and we've got a bunch of winners in that locker room," Rams head coach Sean McVay said. "That's what I expect us to do as we move forward into Week 17 against a tough Arizona Cardinals (team)."

Both team and individual milestones are up for grabs in the Rams' final game at the Coliseum.

A win over the Cardinals would guarantee Los Angeles a winning record not only this season, but in each of the first three in the McVay era.

From an individual standpoint, Tyler Higbee needs just 22 yards to set a single-season franchise record for most receiving yards by a tight end. He has 650 this season. Higbee's 61 catches are already a single-season franchise record for a tight end.

A rushing touchdown would move running back Todd Gurley past Marshall Faulk to become the Rams' all-time leader in rushing touchdowns with 59. A performance of 400 or more passing yards from quarterback Jared Goff would set a franchise record for most 400-yard games in a career. He is currently tied with Marc Bulger with four.

"Disappointing year, but we've got one more game," Gurley said. "Finish on a good note, having a winning season."

More important than any individual accolades, though, is using the season finale to show who the Rams are and what they're about, according to both Gurley and left tackle Andrew Whitworth. The Rams' mindset will be the same against the Cardinals as it was against the 49ers, according to Whitworth.

"To me, we'll be as fired up next week as ever," Whitworth said.

Defensive tackle Aaron Donald shared similar sentiments.

"All we can do now is finish this last game strong, and try to prepare and come back better next year," Donald said.

Next year brings a new era, more specifically a new venue for home games in SoFi Stadium. Goff wants to ensure a proper sendoff at the Coliseum.

His mindset: "Being who you say you are."

"We've got a good group in there, and even though we are eliminated, you do play for some pride at this point," Goff said. "As tough of a pill as that is to swallow, it's what you have to do. We've got the guys in there that will do that, and I believe in that.

"It will be the last one at the Coliseum, you want to go out on a good note and we just want to finish this season with a win. There's no consolation to not making the playoffs, but from a pride standpoint, you want to finish on the right foot."

Merlin said:

The dropoff is significant. I'm a big fan of SR (success rate) which tells you how often the back gets the yardage he needs on a given down. It can be compared to DVoA (which is big play rate) to determine whether the back busts big runs to pad his stats or whether he grinds out the tough yards.

Last season Todd was 1st in DVoA and 4th in SR. Which is some high end stuff. The best in the league in big plays but also in the elite range for getting yards when he needs them:

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This year? Big change. 23rd in the league in big plays and 19th in success rate. Which means he's more of a grinding back and a mediocre one at that.

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The problem in all this is that the OL effect is hard to deduce other than to say both players in our backfield (QB and RB) were adversely affected by their poor play. So yeah I do think the OL is part of this equation but the fact his big play ranking is lower than his success rate tells me he's not the same guy in his burst. If he was, even with poor blocking his DVoA would be much higher than his SR. This is why these stats are the best around at ranking backs right now IMO.

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What were his stats in 2016?

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I just wanted to show you guys how I lost my championship FF league to Trubiskys late game garbage time throws . It actually came down to the last play. If the chiefs defender picks off Trubisky on that last play, he would have gotten -2 points and I would have won.

Tano said:

I think that one was 100% on Goff. McVay seemed really ticked after that play.

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I couldn't believe that one.
We have a chance to go into the half with a lead minimum, maybe even get a field goal out of the drive and he throws outside.

I'm still stunned.

gabriel18 said:

The Rams dominant performance against the Hags doesn't look so impressive now. Plus the same Cowgirls high powered O that humiliated our D , scored 9 against a depleted Eagles D today . alm:

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"On any given Sunday....."

NRC's cap hit actually goes down this year. I could see us moving on from him anyways. Hill has been pretty solid and he's a starting quality corner for a roughly $3.5 million cap hit, he also has a playing time bonus of $3 million. Don't know that we move on from Hill though. I could easily see Weddle and NRC gone.

OldSchool said:

Niners are very flawed and injured. Seattle is getting abused by Arizona again. The NFC East is beyond weak. The Saints have many issues especially on defense. The Vikings are average with some injuries. The Packers good? I can't remember watching many of their games except vs the Niners.

They're one of those teams I could never root for. Aside from our resident fan visitor Raptorman I know way too many raging asshole Viking fans. Won't ever root for the Niners, Squawks, Saints or Patriots with the Vikings right outside that group.

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I don't really care about Viking fans, because I haven't really been exposed to them that much, or the history with the Rams.

BUT...I'm with you on the forty goobers and the aints. I have a friend at work who's a Seattle fan, we love talking football. He hates the goobers more than anyone, he hates Dick Sherman and the other teams, but respects our boys. Except for Jalen Ramsey, no one on our team is a dickhead (and even Jalen he could tolerate). He was rooting for the Rams yesterday and even last year in the playoffs. We agreed for the greater good to root for each others teams if need be.

I can stomach wanting Seattle to beat both those goobers. And I especially hope the aints get curb stomped.

Ideally I want Houston vs. Minny in the SB. Probably not going to happen, though. GB and Minny are my only hope to knock everyone else out in the NFC.

The way things change in the NFL, I wouldn't rule out anything. We could come back like gangbusters on a mission. Or not. As far as the roster, I think Fowler is gone. Edge rushers are at a premium and someone will likely overpay for him. We are not in that position. I'm not sure about Littleton. I remember losing McLeod to Philly when they offered him a nice payday. Could happen to Littleton also.

Whitworth wants to return. He already made that clear. If they can sign him to a reasonable deal, I'm all for bringing him back. He may not be what he used to be, but he's still a solid left tackle. Finding an upgrade, or even a lateral might be too difficult. No one's gonna let a good one get away. They're too valuable.

They have to extend Ramsey. You cannot trade two firsts only to let him walk. The good thing is, they don't have to apply it to the cap till the following season. I know Rapp screwed up big time. Cost us the playoffs. But he's going to be a good one in the long run. I just hope that doesn't affect him going forward. Hill is back for another year. We have two good corners in him and Ramsey. NRC was not as good as before, but we could do worse. I would have no problem cutting Weddle and Matthews. Would save 8 million in cap space. Those two always seem to be a step too slow.

On offense, they do need a couple experienced vets, but they also have rookies with potential. Its possible the youngsters could improve. They just need to figure out a way to be better at run blocking. And McVay needs to figure out something with his schemes. Defenses have been able to slow down and even stop our offense a lot more this season.

bluecoconuts said:

What the fuck is this shit? Apparently this dude thinks we’re due for a full rebuild? The fuck outa here.

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The article was posted only to show another knee-jerk reaction to how some would blow-up the entire team due to current frustrations rather than using a more common sense approach. While I feel 2020 will see big change, I still believe most of our troubles are cured by upgrading both the OL & DL trenches.

I don't think the 2020 Rams can be reliably considered for a Super Bowl appearance as we are bound to become younger and less experienced, although we do have a quality base to build upon and will still challenge for our division's supremacy. The Rams should further commit to building around Donald & Ramsey on D and creating the best environment for Goff & Gurley to operate in by making wholesale improvements to our OL. We have a stable of young OLB'ers who will compete for starting and rotational snaps, and we have a pretty amazing young offense outside of our needy OL.
The Rams have an incredibly solid personnel base, now we only need find those few missing pieces to the puzzle, it's very doable, but there will also be some growing pains. If Snead gets the 2020 off-season right, his legacy may be sealed.
jmo.

Hell yeah.

IDK yet. Whatever my family decides. It won't be football food, tho. Ecch.

Zodi said:

What scheme works when your center is in the backfield .25 seconds after the snap?

I agree with others that the fault of our offense is personnel moreso than scheme, but I would like for McVay to get a qualified OC this offseason.

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If I were the GM I'd hire Callahan as our new OL and run game coordinator, add Scherff in FA and draft a Center (could be anywhere from 2nd to 5th round or so). From there I'd try to get Whit to agree to a one year contract where he understands it's a transitional (hopefully) deal for one of the kids to settle in on the blindside. That should give McVay a line he can scheme it up behind.

This draft should offer really good options at 5T. SJD can play there I think, and Fox is a solid depth option, but Smart is absolutely terrible even when he's only in there for a handful of snaps.

We need off ball LBs too in the worst way. We have guys who can cover a bit, and guys who can be physical, but none of them can do both. Maybe this will be the year a top LB option finally is sitting there at our pick in round 2. And btw if we can't find a way to lock up Littleton the need increases of course. Littleton is a plus ILB, and an excellent cover option, but he's not elite in run fits and the Rams need to avoid paying him like a complete backer.

I’ll leave the mock drafts/off season plans to the experts, and look forward to reading every one of them.
Just figured I’d throw what I thought was a pretty important nugget regarding Franchise/Transition tags for this off season:

“The rules governing free agency could be different. We've written about this before, too, but if there's no new collective bargaining agreement in place by next March, 2020 becomes the "Final League Year."
That sounds very ominous but is actually a very real CBA term that carries with it some rule changes.

For example, in the Final League Year,
a team is allowed to use the franchise tag on one player and the transition tag on another (In other years, you can use only one or the other.)”

Happy mocking!!

I wouldn’t be upset if Wade was gone next season. But no way would I be happy promoting ANYONE on our current defensive staff to coordinator. We need to hire an innovative defensive coordinator that can adjust on the fly. Easier said than done I know but I’m sure there’s some out there.

It just ended the misery a bit earlier. 8-8 wouldn't surprise me at all after this gut punch

Well got home just enough to watch the 2nd half. Cmon make it worth gunning it down the highway.

Q729 said:

Relaxed. My way of saying come back and join us boys!

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A couple beers and I lost focus.

Ok its whisky time now - I have 32 bottles of single malt in my collection - only the best will be opened for 9er beatdown week.

Urinal? As in a toilet bowl? I usually reserve the title, 'Toilet Bowl,' to meetings between the league's lousiest teams. Somehow, the setting in 'Frisco makes that title extremely appropriate.

Rams put on a clinic in the Bay.

Sure would be funny to see Arians finish 7-9...