3 innovations to watch for from new coordinators

The LA Rams are in a process of tuning up the team after a disappointing 2019 season. With a 90-man roster in place, the next order of business will be setting up the Rams to win once more. That sounds easy enough, but it’s one of the most difficult things to do in any professional sport.

After all, success is not simply lining up and your best players and outperforming the best players of the opposing team. If it were that easy, the LA Rams would be on the path to long term dominance in the NFL. But it’s not that simple. The LA Rams’ own success becomes one of the challenges to continued success.

Just win, Baby!

Each win puts a game video footage up for other coaches to analyze and counter. Each highly productive player suddenly becomes a free agent target of other teams. Each position coach who gives your team a competitive advantage suddenly is named on a shortlist for promotion on another team. The NFL system is designed to increase the gravity of high-flying teams to bring them back to the earth. Innovations are cloned, grafted, replicated, and duplicated until the competitive advantage becomes commonplace.

NFL teams that disappoint simply reload each year. That reload doesn’t occur by assembling a new coaching staff. Rather, the bad teams eventually poach coaches from successful teams. Good teams must then restock coaches and train them to perform to succeed. It may be a frustrating system, but it many ways it is an efficient way of redistributing coaching talent among all 32 NFL teams.

Is it live, or is it Memorex?

The Rams faced a bit of that redistribution of coaching talent after the end of the 2018 season, where they lost to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII. Despite the loss, the meteoric rise of the Rams from a 4-12 2016 season to 11-5 in 2017 to 13-3 in 2018 was quite an eye-opener to many in the NFL. Not only did the LA Rams suddenly spring back to life in the NFL post-season discussions, but the team did so while being led by the youngest head coach ever to compete in a Super Bowl.

Following that game, the LA Rams suddenly became the first stop for new coaches throughout the NFL. In fact, three new head coaches hired in 2019 were all linked back to the LA Rams head coach Sean McVay. While that may seem very complimentary, it flooded the NFL with the same offensive concepts, philosophies, and strategies.

Diamond or quartz?

The value we place upon something is frequently linked to how rare an object is. To the naked eye, quartz, cubic zirconium, and diamonds all have a translucent quality of sparkling brilliance. But it is the rarity of diamonds that give the gem its incredible value. So too was the offensive strategy employed by Rams coach McVay a bit of a rarity in the NFL. But the NFL has a way of clipping and grafting those innovative concepts off one coaching staff and onto another team. Each coaching hire “steals” a bit of that success to the new team.

So innovating is not enough. To continue to succeed, McVay’s coaching staff must continue to push the envelope, continue to improvise, continue to introduce new strategies and plays. In summary, the Rams must continue to innovate to win. That is why the Rams hired three new coordinators. Three new coordinators, three fresh perspectives, but all tied to one common theme – innovation. So what will they be cooking up this year?

Intensive play on special teams

The LA Rams found a difficult go of it in 2019 in special teams. That was on display virtually any time the team sent out the field goal unit last year. Greg “the Leg” Zuerlein was one of the most dependable kickers of the NFL in his career, but he wasn’t very accurate from 40+ yards in 2019. The overall team field goal accuracy was a paltry 72.7 percent in 2019. That was only good enough for 28th ranked in the NFL.

That opened the door for the Rams to hire special teams coordinator John Bonamego. And in rapid response, the Rams have signed up three kickers to compete for field goal duties in 2020. That competition is not just an open competition. The Rams specifically targetted kickers who had solid accuracy over 40 plus yards.

Drop back and… fake?

But it was not just the field goal kicking that went wrong in 2019. There was a matter of a fake punt gone wrong from the LA Rams own 29-yard line in a winnable game on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers. At the time, the LA Rams were down 14-7 and had the ball in the third quarter. The Rams faced a fourth-and-one when the team dialed up a frequently successful fake punt. But this time, the fake ended up with a pass attempt which was intercepted. The team had become predictable in faking punts and it blew up in their face.

Trick plays need to know when to use them, and when not to use them. The Rams had relied too heavily on trickery and paid the price. The greatest innovations for the Rams on special teams will be to return to fundamentals. Playing like the team can trust the kicker and All-Pro punter Johnny Hekker will go a long way for the Rams in 2020. The innovation? Less is more. Just solid tackling, coverage, and booming kicks. Sometimes the greatest thrills in football can be simply doing the little things right.

New defensive formations

The LA Rams will remain a 3-4 defense. But the team emphasized the defensive line in the effort to add talent to the team in the offseason. While there is room to debate whether the Rams intended to do so exists, there is no debate that is what the Rams did in free agency. The Rams not only retained Michael Brockers but added the tremendously strong nose tackle, A’Shawn Robinson. Adding Robinson not only opens the door to shifting Aaron Donald around on the defensive line but adds a possibility of standing him up to serve as a surprise edge rusher as well.

That means the Rams could go with three, four, or even five defensive linemen on any given play. How does the offense double up an Aaron Donald when all five offensive linemen are covered in a play?

Rogue Ramsey

Perhaps the innovation I’m most eager to witness is how the LA Rams will make use of All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey in 2020. Ramsey was already a threat to NFL quarterbacks when he stepped onto the field. But now, defensive coordinator Brandon Staley will be playing a game of cat-and-mouse with quarterbacks who will be tasked with finding Ramsey on the defense before virtually every offensive snap. The newly introduced Staley and Ramsey have resonated a solid bond, and the pair have already discussed moving Ramsey about the defensive backfield to confuse offenses.

But the Rams have more than one card up their sleeve on defense. After all, the team is betting that a superior strategy will overcome the lack of experience among the linebackers this year. And in many ways, they could be right. After all, with an ever-changing defensive front, and defensive backs capable of sliding into virtually any coverage, the linebackers will have some flexibility to do what they do best, gravitate to the back and deny positive yards. The Rams edge rushers for this defense are the true wild card. If the Rams hit big with outside linebackers Leonard Floyd and rookie Terrell Lewis, this defense could be scary good.

Innovations to run and pass on offense

The LA Rams found success by running two tight-end formations and sending the uncovered TE into his route. That was just one of the keys to an offensive rejuvenation in December 2019. The Rams discovered a number of innovations late in the season which I expect will see plenty of opportunities this year. Let’s discuss what that entails.

The team rediscovered the power of the tight end. Not only as a blocker but as a receiver. As defenses grow faster on the edges, counting on collapsing a pocket before the quarterback can locate his receiver, the tight end becomes a valuable counter move. Whether lined up next to the tackle, split out, or in the offensive backfield, a solid pass-catching tight end pressures the defensive secondary. But when lined up in a tight formation or in the backfield, they provide an added blocker which negates speed rushes and hole plugging linebackers.

Multiple backfield sets

The Rams pushed defenses hard with an offense that featured wide receivers as a staple for gaining yards. Now that other offenses are finding ways to replicate that type of offensive pressure, look for the Rams to change direction and feature the offensive backs in 2020. Why? Simply stated, it works. That’s the takeaway Coach McVay had from Super Bowl LIV, and that’s what he’ll put into the offensive playbook in 2020.

The Rams did not draft running back Cam Akers and sign rookies James Gilbert and Xavier Jones after the 2020 NFL Draft just to handle the ball between pass plays. The team plans to add their talents to the untapped potential of second-year veteran Darrell Henderson and veteran Malcolm Brown in multiple-backfield sets. The Rams remain a run-based offense and demonstrate that each season. Much like special teams, 2020 will feature the Rams getting back to what worked in the past. Look for a significant improvement to the run game this year.

What is your hobby during down time? I like to take on easy to moderate house projects. While I am no handyman, they're fun to do and provide a good learning experience.

This weekend I got tired of my front door. I didn't take an original photo, but it was ugly, grey, and a little beaten up from the previous homeowner. I decided to paint it with a new more familiar color.



So what are your hobbies? Remember we don't necessarily have to be good at it, just something you enjoy doing.

I think a lot of us wish we could play in the NFL...

And on Game Day do this....

Tell us the NFL player you’d like to DE-CLEAT! It feels good....

Right tackle imperative to Rams O-line success in 2020

The Rams have a decision to make at right tackle, and modern football theory suggests it's every bit as important as the one they made at left tackle.

Andrew Whitworth is back at age 38 to protect quarterback Jared Goff's blind side. But while the right tackle position may not have inspired a Michael Lewis best-seller, it's no less critical to any storybook season.

"The truth is, anybody who has been paying close attention to the league the last few years realizes (or at least should) that there is no longer a distinction between the two positions on the edges of a team's offensive line," former NFL lineman Ross Tucker wrote last summer.

Two years prior, an Andy Benoit article "Death of the Blind Side" proclaimed, "We'll soon see right tackles valued equally to left tackles."

While we aren't yet there in terms of contract numbers, the sentiment was recently echoed by NFL Network commentator Bucky Brooks.

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And Sean McVay agrees.

"Now you see a lot of these best rushers, like you talk about, they're going to say, 'Let's find the matchup that we want'," the Rams head coach said. "And in a lot of instances, they're rushing that guy off the right side."

"Really all five linemen can be stressed at any point in time based on how the defense aligns or tries to overload your protections," Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell added.

But it's more than just what opponents are trying to accomplish on defense. It's also system-specific on offense. According to McVay, "the things that we're asking (left and right tackle) to do are very similar across the board in our run game, in our protections."

Unfortunately for the 2019 Rams, things did not go according to plan at right tackle, or really anywhere up front.

As Pro Football Focus put it, for the Rams offensive line, "it all came crashing back down to earth, and they finished (2019) with only the Miami Dolphins ranked lower."

In particular, the author pointed to right tackle Rob Havenstein and his injury-plagued season as a primary reason for the collective decline.

"Havenstein had four straight seasons with a PFF grade of at least 69.7 and was coming off the best year of his career (83.6) before collapsing to an overall figure of 59.0 last year," Sam Monson wrote. "Typically, that means he was struggling through some kind of physical issue or injury, and you would expect some kind of bounce-back in 2020."

"(Rob) was pushing through some injuries that I do think led to not seeing him play consistently at the level we're accustomed to," McVay said, lending credence to PFF's evaluation that Havenstein was less than 100 percent, even before he sustained a knee injury in Week 10 at Pittsburgh. He also echoed PFF's optimistic prediction for 2020.

"I'm fully confident that he'll get back to that," McVay continued. "He's feeling good."

When Havenstein missed the final seven games, rookie third-round pick Bobby Evans stepped in with mixed results, individually. But overall, the offense thrived.

"I personally, just watching the tape and studying those guys, I've got a ton of confidence in both of them," O'Connell said. "It's going to be a great situation for us to have the depth there."

To hear McVay tell it, it sounds like he's inclined to trust Havenstein's track record.

"I thought Bobby Evans, being able to step in and play well towards the latter half of the season was really good for his confidence," McVay said. "But I'm not convinced that guy couldn't play guard, either."

I can't think of many instances in the past few years in which McVay has floated an idea like that – Evans playing guard, not starting at right tackle – without having a pretty solid sense that he's leaning that direction.

If that's the way it plays out, Evans could join David Edwards and Austin Corbett in a three-for-two battle at guard. (After starting the first six games of last season at left guard, Joe Noteboom may also be in that mix.)

So many things could happen between now and Week 1, including the Rams being able to orchestrate a trade or collecting another option off the waiver wire during roster cuts. And complicating matters is the lack of on-field work so far in 2020.

"Until we get out and are really playing football again, that's the challenging part of what these times entail," McVay noted.

For the moment, the options presented here reinforce the logic behind why the Rams did not invest draft capital in their offensive line this April. It's also worth noting, they'll be able to leverage that depth with an extra lineman active on game day thanks to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Havenstein may not have Whitworth's resume, but he is in his prime and carries the second-largest cap hit in the position group this season. It sounds like he'll get the first right of refusal at right tackle, and the Rams need him to recapture his Pro Bowl-worthy form.

"For us, we feel great about Whitworth and Havenstein," McVay said. "We value those positions equally."

"The importance of having both of those edges being firm and being something that we can have a lot of confidence in is huge," O'Connell said. "And I think that's where we're at right now."

Lirim Hajrullahu at last gets a shot in the NFL

There were chances to advance his professional football career. Unfortunately, nothing ever materialized for kicker Lirim Hajrullahu.

Until this year.

Following six seasons in the Canadian Football League (CFL), Hajrullahu is finally getting his NFL chance after signing with the Los Angeles Rams last month as a candidate to replace Greg Zuerlein.

"I mean, it's an awesome journey that I've been through here," Hajrullahu said on a video conference call with reporters earlier last month. "Coming from the CFL to the NFL, there's usually at least one or two guys every year that make it down to the NFL, so I'm just happy I was able to get this opportunity."

During his offseasons over the last five to six years, Hajrullahu would attend free agent combines while under contract with his CFL team as long as the team's general manager granted him permission. Each one Hajrullahu attended, his goal was to see how he stacked up against other NFL-caliber kickers.

Prior to shutdowns prompted by COVID-19, the one he most recently attended was former NFL special teams coordinator and longtime kicking coach Gary Zauner's from March 8-10. New Rams special teams coordinator John Bonamego and assistant special teams coach Tory Woodbury were both on hand.

"That's usually the biggest one of the year," Hajrullahu said of Zauner's free agent combine. "It's usually about 100 specialists, and then he narrows it down to about 30-35 kickers on the final day where scouts come."

The St. Catharines, Ontario, native almost wasn't an option for the Rams this spring.

Hajrullah said the Seahawks brought him in for a tryout after kicker Sebastian Janikowski suffered a hamstring injury on a missed 57-yard field goal try in their 2019 Wild Card playoff game, but nothing came out of it. He also had a couple NFL opportunities pop up last December, but his CFL team would not give him permission to try out, so he asked for his release to pursue his NFL dream uninhibited.

The gamble seemed to pay off. He felt he performed well at Zauner's combine, and that confidence was justified when the Rams "and a few other teams" expressed interest in him.

"L.A. was the first one to strike, and I think it's a perfect situation to compete," Hajrullahu said.

Indeed, it will be a wide-open competition. The other two candidates brought in by the Rams, former XFL and AAF kicker Austin MacGinnis and seventh-round draft pick Samuel Sloman, have also never kicked in an NFL game before – though MacGinnis has attended rookie minicamps and, like Hajrullahu, free agent combines and NFL tryouts.

No stranger to competition, Hajrullah is eager to make the most of it.

"I'm just worrying about what I can do and not what I can't control," Hajrullahu said. "What the organization does is their call. Myself, nothing really changes. Be myself, take my kicks and just be as ready as possible come training camp."

Recognizing his increasing age and the historic decline in performance of placekickers around the league last season, the 30-year-old kicker knew this was the best time to make his biggest push yet toward the NFL.

"As much as this is a window for myself to get into the NFL, it's also a kicking window, I feel, just because some other kickers have been struggling," Hajrullahu said. "This is a perfect combination for myself to get in. I've had professional experience, I've played in big games and I believe I can compete with the best of them."

The Conversation Thread



Continuing the casual offseason vibe... The Conversation Thread.

Think a thread, that goes like a “Chat Room”.

Tell us what you are up to. Anything cool or interesting going on? Cooking anything special? Ask a question. Comment. Chat.

EASY

Randomness encouraged. Pics. Gifs. Music. Make us laugh. Whatever hits you.

BYOB.



Tomorrow we’ll move this thread to off topic. But for now... It’s Saturday Night!



What are you up to?

Our up and coming star, Tyler Higbee leads us with day 89.
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This is a fun 20 minutes... Wild. A different era, simple times. The lives these people lived... generation plus ago.

The first video has been restored and colorized. But... it was originally professionally shot to capture everyday life in New York 1911. Great quality.

It’s a fun watch as you might find yourself immersed into “the feeling of being there”. It’s not a long video, about 8.5 minutes... really cool.

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Then... This guy took that video and traced the family history of one of the families seen in the video, from their car license plate. The whole thing really drew me in and was interesting to watch.

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This is a pretty interesting analysis.

It definitely suggests Chiefs, Colts, and 49’ers should have success again in 2020, barring injury and low player turnover.

And... sort of rare to see the top playoff teams from last year return all their coordinators, too.

We ranked NFL teams' continuity from 1-32: Bills and Chiefs lead the way

The coronavirus pandemic forced NFL teams to shut down this spring and summer, creating an offseason devoid of in-person organized team activities and minicamps.

This could be especially problematic for teams that made a lot of moves this offseason, or advantageous for clubs that maintained continuity from 2019 to 2020.

The Buffalo Bills top the league with 95.4% of their offense returning, while the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers lead the way on defense with 88.3% coming back. Meanwhile the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs return nearly their entire starting lineup and coaching staff. On the flip side, the Carolina Panthers return a league-low 58.2% of their offense and an even worse 36.2% of their defense under new coach Matt Rhule.

Here's a look at what all 32 teams have coming back, ranked from most to least total snaps returning, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information.

1. Buffalo Bills: 88.0% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 95.4% (1st in NFL)
Defensive snaps returning: 80.4% (7th)
Starters returning: 23 (10 offense,10 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 20 of 22
Coordinators returning: 3 of 3 (Brian Daboll, OC; Leslie Frazier, DC; Heath Farwell, ST)
Starting QB: Josh Allen, 3rd year
Head coach: Sean McDermott, 4th year (25-23)

What it means: Continuity is everything for a Bills team looking to take the next step as a contender. GM Brandon Beane has almost completely flipped this roster since he arrived in 2017 and turned Buffalo into a playoff team. The talent and depth in Buffalo in 2020 should produce its first division title since 1995. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques

2. Kansas City Chiefs: 84.7% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 84.5% (7th)
Defensive snaps returning: 84.9% (3rd)
Starters returning: 22 (10 offense, 10 defense, 2 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 22 of 23
Coordinators returning: 3 of 3 (Eric Bieniemy, OC; Steve Spagnuolo, DC; Dave Toub, ST)
Starting QB: Patrick Mahomes, 4th year (3rd as starter)
Head coach: Andy Reid, 8th year (77-35)

What it means: If continuity counts for anything in this most unusual of seasons, the Chiefs are in good shape. Their theme for 2020 is "Run it back,'' and with just about all of their key players from 2019 still around, that's exactly what they're shooting for. In addition, the only departure on the coaching staff is an assistant special-teams coach. -- Adam Teicher

3. Indianapolis Colts: 82.7% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 87.9% (4th)
Defensive snaps returning: 77.3% (12th)
Starters returning: 20 (8 offense, 9 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 12 of 18
Coordinators returning: 3 of 3 (Nick Sirianni, OC; Matt Eberflus, DC; Bubba Ventrone, ST)
Starting QB: Philip Rivers, 1st year with Colts (17th overall)
Head coach: Frank Reich, 3rd year (17-15)

What it means: Coach Frank Reich and general manager Chris Ballard have consistently talked about building a roster that sticks together to help with the team's continuity. Returning 20 starters should pay dividends. The biggest question remains at quarterback because they signed Rivers from the outside. Rivers is an upgrade over Jacoby Brissett, who started in 2019, but he's yet to do any work with his skill position players. The Colts hope Rivers' experience -- 16 years in the NFL -- and having played in Reich's system since 2013 will help overcome those issues. -- Mike Wells

4. San Francisco 49ers: 82.6% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 77.3% (17th)
Defensive snaps returning: 88.3% (1st)
Starters returning: 21 of 25 (8 offense, 10 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 16 of 18
Coordinators returning: 4 of 4 (Mike McDaniel, run game; Mike LaFleur, pass game; Robert Saleh, DC; Richard Hightower, ST)
Starting QB: Jimmy Garoppolo, 3rd year with 49ers (7th overall)
Head coach: Kyle Shanahan, 4th year (23-25)

What it means: The departures of defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and receiver Emmanuel Sanders were particularly painful, but the Niners replenished both spots with first-round picks. Perhaps more importantly, the Niners kept all but two coaches from last season, including all of their coordinators, allowing the many players still on the roster to remain in systems they know well and, presumably, improve because of it. "I think us having a lot of the same people in the building this year is going to be good for us, having that chemistry and being familiar with one another," linebacker Fred Warner said. -- Nick Wagoner

5. Pittsburgh Steelers: 82.4% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 80.1% (12th)
Defensive snaps returning: 84.4% (4th)
Starters returning: 23 (10 offense, 10 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 11 of 13
Coordinators returning: 3 of 3 (Randy Fichtner, OC; Keith Butler, DC; Danny Smith, ST)
Starting QB: Ben Roethlisberger, 17th year
Head coach: Mike Tomlin, 14th year (133-74-1)

What it means: Not much is changing for the Steelers entering 2020 -- and that's mostly a good thing. Returning the bulk of the defense is key for the Steelers to end their brief playoff drought, and Roethlisberger's return should bolster an offense that was stagnant at times in his absence. The Steelers have new faces on the coaching staff in quarterbacks coach Matt Canada and wide receiver coach Ike Hilliard, but they'll be working with mostly veteran position groups. -- Brooke Pryor

6. Houston Texans: 79.5% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 83.3% (9th)
Defensive snaps returning: 75.7% (14th)
Starters returning: 20 (9 offense, 8 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 14 of 16
Coordinators returning: 2 of 3 (Tim Kelly, OC; Brad Seely, ST)
Starting QB: Deshaun Watson, 4th year
Head coach: Bill O'Brien, 7th year (52-44)

What it means: There's been turnover on offense at the skill positions (trading DeAndre Hopkins and trading for Brandin Cooks and David Johnson). The Texans return the majority of the defense and coaching staff that won the AFC South in 2019. One challenge will be having two coordinators in new roles in an offseason that lends itself to familiarity. The Texans promoted Anthony Weaver from defensive line coach to defensive coordinator, and offensive coordinator Tim Kelly will call plays for the first time. -- Sarah Barshop

7. New Orleans Saints: 79.1% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 80.6% (11th)
Defensive snaps returning: 77.5% (11th)
Starters returning: 21 (9 offense, 9 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 17 of 19
Coordinators returning: 3 of 3 (Pete Carmichael Jr., OC; Dennis Allen, DC; Darren Rizzi, ST)
Starting QB: Drew Brees, 15th year with Saints (20th overall)
Head coach: Asshole Face, 15th year (131-77)

What it means: The Saints are better equipped than most to handle a lost offseason. They've had the same head coach and quarterback for 15 years and have nearly every starter returning from a team that has gone 13-3 in back-to-back seasons. Coach Asshole Face and GM Mickey Loomis have compared this offseason to the 2011 lockout -- after which the Saints went 13-3. "One of the things we do well is adjust," Payton said. -- Mike Triplett

8. Jacksonville Jaguars 79.0% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 88.1% (3rd)
Defensive snaps returning: 69.8% (20th)
Starters returning: 20 (10 offense, 7 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 15 of 17
Coordinators returning: 3 of 4 (Todd Wash, DC; Joe DeCamillis, ST; Mike Mallory, co-ST)
Starting QB: Gardner Minshew, 2nd year
Head coach: Doug Marrone, 4th year (22-28)

What it means: Owner Shad Khan has shown remarkable patience with his coaches despite minimal success since he took ownership of the team in 2012. The Jaguars are 38-90 in his eight seasons, with only one winning season (2017). Khan has had two head coaches during that span: Gus Bradley (14-47) and Marrone. -- Michael DiRocco

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 78.8% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 70.9% (26th)
Defensive snaps returning: 86.9% (2nd)
Starters returning: 22 (8 offense, 11 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 23 of 24
Coordinators returning: 3 of 3 (Byron Leftwich, OC; Todd Bowles, DC; Keith Armstrong, ST)
Starting QB: Tom Brady, 1st season with Bucs (21st overall)
Head coach: Bruce Arians, 2nd year with Bucs, 8th overall (7-9 Bucs, 65-42-1 overall)

What it means: The Bucs have all 11 starters returning on defense, which should allow them to go deeper into coordinator Bowles' 3-4 scheme now that they've gotten that transitional first year out of the way. The team made some key upgrades on offense by signing Brady and trading for tight end Rob Gronkowski. It's really a matter of how quickly Brady can digest Arians' playbook and if he can still make those home run deep throws Arians loves so much. -- Jenna Laine

10. Miami Dolphins: 78.7% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 75.6% (20th)
Defensive snaps returning: 81.6% (6th)
Starters returning: 23 (10 offense, 11 defense, 2 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 7 of 16
Coordinators returning: 1 of 3 (Danny Crossman, ST)
Starting QB: Ryan Fitzpatrick, 2nd year with Dolphins (16th overall)
Head coach: Brian Flores, 2nd year (5-11)

What it means: The Dolphins bring back many of the same pieces from a bare-bones 2019 roster, and they have an enormous load of incoming talent to compete with the incumbents. It should look a lot more like Flores' team, featuring a multiple defense in 2020, but a dramatic overhaul of the coaching staff (changes at offensive and defensive coordinator) combined with a bunch of incoming talent creates questions about how quickly everyone will be able to adjust in a largely virtual offseason. -- Cameron Wolfe

11. Green Bay Packers: 78.1% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 79.8% (13th)
Defensive snaps returning: 76.4% (13th)
Starters returning: 21 (9 offense, 9 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 16 of 18
Coordinators returning: 3 of 3 (Nathaniel Hackett, OC; Mike Pettine, DC; Shawn Mennenga, ST)
Starting QB: Aaron Rodgers, 16th season (13th as starter)
Head coach: Matt LaFleur, 2nd year (13-3)

What it means: LaFleur has said several times during the virtual offseason he's glad he's not a first-year coach, but his second offseason was supposed to be one in which he and Rodgers revised the offense from their first year together. As Rodgers said after the NFC title game loss to the 49ers, there was room for the offense to evolve. "We really haven't gotten into the tempo stuff at all," Rodgers said at the time. "The scheme is there. The scheme and what Matt and his staff put together every week was fantastic. The execution and the moving pieces will continue to improve." How much of that they can still implement without a full offseason may dictate how much they improve. -- Rob Demovsky

12. Las Vegas Raiders: 77.4% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 94.0% (2nd)
Defensive snaps returning: 60.4% (28th)
Starters returning: 21 (11 offense, 7 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 12 of 14
Coordinators returning: 3 of 3 (Greg Olson, OC; Paul Guenther, DC; Rich Bisaccia, ST)
Starting QB: Derek Carr, 7th year
Head coach: Jon Gruden, 3rd year of this stint with Raiders, 14th year overall (11-21 this stint with Raiders; 106-102 overall)

What it means: Continuity is key for the Raiders, especially in the middle of their move to Las Vegas. And while they do have a lot of starters returning, the front office upgraded and diversified several spots in free agency and the draft, especially at the offensive skill positions (WRs Henry Ruggs III, Lynn Bowden Jr.) and at linebacker (Cory Littleton, Nick Kwiatkoski) and in the secondary (CBs Damon Arnette, Prince Amukamara). There are few, if any, excuses now for Carr as he prepares to play in the same system for the third straight season. -- Paul Gutierrez

13. Denver Broncos: 75.7% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 73.2% (23rd)
Defensive snaps returning: 78.1% (8th)
Starters returning: 18 (8 offense, 9 defense, 1 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 13 of 16
Coordinators returning: 2 of 3 (Ed Donatell, DC; Tom McMahon, ST)
Starting QB: Drew Lock, 2nd year
Head coach: Vic Fangio, 2nd year (7-9)

What it means: Offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello was fired a week after the season. Fangio hired Pat Shurmur to replace Scangarello and Mike Shula as quarterbacks coach. Much of the draft was used to add more help around Lock, and as a result, the Broncos have several returning players who started games at receiver, for example, who will have a far more difficult time starting games this season. So, the Broncos' number of "returning starters,'' especially on offense, is deceiving in some ways, given the influx of rookies. -- Jeff Legwold

14. Baltimore Ravens: 75.6% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 81.7% (10th)
Defensive snaps returning: 68.5% (21st)
Starters returning: 21 (10 offense, 8 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 17 of 17
Coordinators returning: 4 of 4 (Greg Roman, OC; Wink Martindale, DC; Chris Horton, ST; David Culley, pass game)
Starting QB: Lamar Jackson: 3rd year
Head coach: John Harbaugh, 13th year (128-81)

What it means: The Ravens are among the Super Bowl favorites because they bring virtually everyone back from a team that had the best regular-season record last season. NFL MVP Lamar Jackson returns on a mission to win his first postseason game, along with 12 Pro Bowl players and the entire coaching staff. The biggest question is how Baltimore will replace guard Marshal Yanda, the second-best offensive lineman in team history. Continuity has long been a strength of the Ravens, who've had two owners, two general managers and three head coaches in their 25 years of existence. -- Jamison Hensley

15. Tennessee Titans: 74.9% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 78.6% (15th)
Defensive snaps returning: 71.7% (16th)
Starters returning: 22 (10 offense, 9 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 17 of 20
Coordinators returning: 2 of 3 (Arthur Smith, OC; Craig Aukerman, ST)
Starting QB: Ryan Tannehill, 2nd year with Titans (9th overall)
Head coach: Mike Vrabel, 3rd year (18-14)

What it means: The Titans are banking on continuity being a plus for them on the offensive side of the ball. Having Tannehill execute Smith's offense for a full season should bode well for the Titans. But the defense was hit with turnover, and Vrabel will have to shoulder more of a role following the departure of coordinator Dean Pees. The loss of veteran leadership through trades and free agency places a burden on younger players. -- Turron Davenport

16. Los Angeles Chargers: 73.6% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 69.6% (27th)
Defensive snaps returning: 77.8% (T-9th)
Starters returning: 17 (6 offense, 8 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 14 of 17
Coordinators returning: 2 of 3 (Shane Steichen, 1st full season as OC after 8 games as interim in 2019; Gus Bradley, DC; George Stewart, ST)
Starting QB: Tyrod Taylor, 1st year with Chargers (9th overall)
Head coach: Anthony Lynn, 4th year (26-22)

What it means: The Chargers made aggressive moves in free agency and the NFL draft to upgrade their roster to contend in the AFC West. But two big questions remain in their effort to chase down the Chiefs: Will they be able to form an identity without Philip Rivers, and how quickly can a plethora of new starters meld with the returners with an abbreviated offseason? -- Lindsey Thiry

17. Chicago Bears: 73.5% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 84.1% (8th)
Defensive snaps returning: 62.8% (25th)
Starters returning: 19 (8 offense, 8 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 15 of 19
Coordinators returning: 2 of 3 (Chuck Pagano, DC; Chris Tabor, ST)
Starting QB: Nick Foles, 1st year with Bears (9th overall) or Mitchell Trubisky, 4th year
Head coach: Matt Nagy, 3rd year (20-12)

What it means: Change was inevitable after the most unfulfilling Bears season in recent memory. Chicago lost (or could lose) three starters on each side of the ball depending on what happens in the highly anticipated quarterback derby between Mitchell Trubisky (incumbent) and Nick Foles (challenger). The coaching staff also took a hit -- primarily on offense -- as Nagy brought in trusted confidants (Juan Castillo, John DeFilippo and Bill Lazor) with ties to Philadelphia. Until the quarterback situation is settled, it's impossible to predict whether the changes will have any impact. -- Jeff Dickerson

T-18. Arizona Cardinals: 73.4%

Offensive snaps returning: 76.6% (19th)
Defensive snaps returning: 70.3% (18th)
Starters returning: 16 (9 offense, 7 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 15 of 19
Coordinators returning: 3 of 3 (Jeff Rodgers, ST; Vance Joseph, DC; Tom Clements, pass game)
Starting QB: Kyler Murray, 2nd year
Head coach: Kliff Kingsbury, 2nd year (5-10-1)

What it means: With so many players returning, the Cardinals are in a prime spot to take a major step forward following a five-win season. It'll also help that Kingsbury has had a season to make NFL adjustments to his high-octane offense. But the Cardinals do have key additions such as wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, and linebackers Devon Kennard, Isaiah Simmons and De'Vondre Campbell who will need to get up to speed fast. -- Josh Weinfuss

T-18. Minnesota Vikings: 73.4%

Offensive snaps returning: 85.1% (6th)
Defensive snaps returning: 62.9% (24th)
Starters returning: 18 (9 offense, 6 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 11 of 17
Coordinators returning: 1 of 4 (Marwan Maalouf, ST)
Starting QB: Kirk Cousins, 3rd season with Vikings (9th overall)
Head coach: Mike Zimmer, 7th year (57-38-1)

What it means: Continuity is the buzzword for the Vikings' offense. Zimmer liked what he saw from Cousins & Co. last year and said the same system, playcalls, motions and formations will remain in place to help this unit take another step forward. Defensively, it's a different story. With two new co-defensive coordinators in Andre Patterson and Adam Zimmer, who will continue to coach their respective positions, along with a host of new position coaches and starters, the Vikings' defense is set to undergo a period of evolution. -- Courtney Cronin

T-20. Atlanta Falcons: 72.3% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 74.3% (21st)
Defensive snaps returning: 70.1% (19th)
Starters returning: 17 (8 offense, 8 defensive, 1 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 15 of 18
Coordinators returning: 2 of 3 (Dirk Koetter, OC; Ben Kotwica, ST)
Starting QB: Matt Ryan (13th year)
Head coach: Dan Quinn, 6th year (43-37)

What it means: Ryan and Koetter working in unison for the second consecutive year will be key, especially as they work out the kinks from Koetter's return to the Falcons last season. There is cohesion, in a sense, on defense. New defensive coordinator Raheem Morris has been a member of Quinn's staff from the beginning and was a big part of the turnaround last season after being switched from receivers coach to working with the defensive backs. Now it's about accelerating the growth of a handful of youngsters who missed on-field instruction during the virtual offseason. -- Vaughn McClure

T-20. New York Jets: 72.3% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 60.2% (31st)
Defensive snaps returning: 83.5% (5th)
Starters returning: 16 (6 offense, 8 defense, 2 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 18 of 20
Coordinators returning: 3 of 3 (Dowell Loggains, OC; Gregg Williams, DC; Brant Boyer, ST)
Starting QB: Sam Darnold, 3rd year
Head coach: Adam Gase, 2nd year with Jets, 5th overall (7-9 with Jets, 30-34 overall)

What it means: The Jets have rare continuity on the coaching staff. In fact, this marks the first time since 2011 that all three coordinators are back under the same head coach. The theme continues on defense, where they have the fifth-highest percentage of returning snaps. The concern is the offense, which ranks 31st in returning snaps. Darnold will have two new receivers and at least three new linemen, a difficult transition that will be exacerbated by the truncated offseason. -- Rich Cimini

22. Washington Redskins: 71.6% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 64.2% (29th)
Defensive snaps returning: 77.8% (T-9th)
Starters returning: 18 (8 offense, 7 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 1 of 17
Coordinators returning: 1 of 3 (Nate Kaczor, ST)
Starting QB: Dwayne Haskins, 2nd year
Head coach: Ron Rivera, 1st year with Redskins, 10th overall (76-63-1 overall)

What it means: The Redskins needed major change, but they also needed a typical offseason. Haskins, with seven starts during his rookie season, must learn a new offense. While he's reportedly done well in Zoom meetings and has dedicated his offseason to working out and learning Carolina's offense (where coordinator Scott Turner was previously), he needs to be on the field. And he's not alone. Meanwhile, the defense is changing from a 3-4 to a 4-3 under coordinator Jack Del Rio and communication has been a big emphasis. The Redskins have a chance to build something better under Rivera, but the change and the offseason could lead to a bumpy start initially. -- John Keim

23. Philadelphia Eagles: 70.9% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 76.7% (18th)
Defensive snaps returning: 64.1% (23rd)
Starters returning: 18 (9 offense, 6 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 14 of 20
Coordinators returning: 2 of 3 (Jim Schwartz, DC; Dave Fipp, ST)
Starting QB: Carson Wentz, 5th year
Head coach: Doug Pederson, 5th year (38-26)

What it means: The Eagles are the only team in the division not changing head coaches and believe they'll benefit from the consistency. Philly opted not to directly replace offensive coordinator Mike Groh but is hoping the promotion of up-and-comer Press Taylor to pass-game coordinator along with the additions of Rich Scangarello, Andrew Breiner and Marty Mornhinweg to the staff will help fuse fresh concepts to a proven offense. -- Tim McManus

24. Los Angeles Rams: 70.5% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 87.4% (5th)
Defensive snaps returning: 53.8% (31st)
Starters returning: 19 (9 offense, 8 defense, 2 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 14 of 17
Coordinators returning: 0 of 3
Starting QB: Jared Goff, 5th year
Head coach: Sean McVay, 4th year (33-15)

What it means: The Rams are undergoing their most significant changes since McVay's arrival in 2017 and will face another uphill battle in a strong NFC West. Goff and the offense must find an identity without running back Todd Gurley, Brandon Staley must prove himself as an upgrade from legendary defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and a replacement must be found for dependable kicker Greg Zuerlein. -- Lindsey Thiry

25. Cincinnati Bengals: 69.1% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 73.7% (22nd)
Defensive snaps returning: 64.3% (22nd)
Starters returning: 18 (8 offense, 7 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 14 of 19
Coordinators returning: 3 of 3 (Brian Callahan, OC; Lou Anarumo, DC; Darrin Simmons, ST)
Starting QB: Joe Burrow, 1st year, or Ryan Finley, 2nd year
Head coach: Zac Taylor, 2nd year (2-14)

What it means: Cincinnati didn't have much staff turnover after the NFL's worst season in 2019. QB Joe Burrow, the No. 1 overall draft pick, inherits a lot of continuity and a slew of capable weapons, including running back Joe Mixon and receivers A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd. The Bengals spent the offseason overhauling the defense by adding pieces such as defensive tackle D.J. Reader, cornerback Trae Waynes and safety Vonn Bell. Cincinnati should show progress in '20 and make strides toward ending a four-year playoff drought. -- Ben Baby

26. Seattle Seahawks: 68.8% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 67.1% (28th)
Defensive snaps returning: 70.4% (17th)
Starters returning: 18 (7 offense, 8 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 18 of 20
Coordinators returning: 6 of 6 (Brian Schottenheimer, OC; Ken Norton Jr., DC; Brian Schneider, ST; Dave Canales, offensive passing game; Brennan Carroll, running game; Andre Curtis, defensive passing game).
Starting QB: Russell Wilson, 9th year
Head coach: Pete Carroll, 11th year with Seahawks, 15th overall (100-59-1 with Seahawks, 133-90-1 overall)

What it means: The biggest change with the Seahawks will come along their offensive line, where they project to have at least three new starters in front of Wilson. The Seahawks can credibly say they upgraded their offensive line even without a big-name addition, but here's where the potential problem lies: Continuity is as important to that position group as any, and a shortened offseason because of the coronavirus pandemic means Seattle's revamped offensive line will get fewer reps together than it normally would. -- Brady Henderson

27. Detroit Lions: 68.7% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 78.8% (14th)
Defensive snaps returning: 59.3% (29th)
Starters returning: 16 (9 offense, 5 defense, 2 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 11 of 17
Coordinators returning: 1 of 3 (Darrell Bevell, OC)
Starting QB: Matthew Stafford, 12th year
Head coach: Matt Patricia, 3rd year (9-22)

What it means: The Lions have one of the better offensive groups in the league as long as Stafford & Co. stay healthy. There are questions on defense, but the lack of continuity could be misleading. Detroit brought in three potential starters (Danny Shelton, Jamie Collins and Duron Harmon) from New England, where Collins and Harmon played under Patricia, and Shelton is expected to have a similar role. Their transition should be smoother than it would be for a typical free agent. -- Michael Rothstein

28. Cleveland Browns: 67.9% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 77.7% (16th)
Defensive snaps returning: 58.5% (30th)
Starters returning: 18 (8 offense, 7 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 2 of 17
Coordinators returning: 1 of 3 (Mike Priefer, ST)
Starting QB: Baker Mayfield, 3rd year
Head coach: Kevin Stefanski, 1st year

What it means: The Browns are betting that a new coaching staff headed by Stefanski, combined with a pair of new starting tackles in Jack Conklin and 10th overall pick Jedrick Wills Jr., will revive a talented offense that struggled behind Mayfield last season. -- Jake Trotter

29. New England Patriots: 67.1% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 63.0% (30th)
Defensive snaps returning: 71.8% (15th)
Starters returning: 18 (9 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 9 of 11
Coordinators returning: 3 of 4 (Josh McDaniels, OC; Steve Belichick/Jerod Mayo, de facto DCs)
Starting QB: Jarrett Stidham, 2nd year (1st as a starter) or Brian Hoyer, 1st year back with team (13th overall season)
Head coach: Bill Belichick, 21st with Patriots, 26th overall (237-83 with Patriots, 273-127 overall)

What it means: There is a lot of continuity, but this will be a test of how much not having it at QB will affect the team as a whole. For the first time in 19 years since Tom Brady became a starter, the Patriots are in transition at the game's most important position. -- Mike Reiss

30. Dallas Cowboys: 66.5% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 71.2% (25th)
Defensive snaps returning: 61.6% (26th)
Starters returning: 19 (8 offense, 8 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 4 of 21
Coordinators returning: 1 of 3 (Kellen Moore, OC)
Starting QB: Dak Prescott, 5th year
Head coach: Mike McCarthy, 1st year with Cowboys, 14th overall (125-77 overall)

What it means: Not having a traditional offseason program hurts the Cowboys and McCarthy, but the makeup of the team could allow them to overcome it. Five of the eight returning starters on offense have played in at least one Pro Bowl. On defense, they have a number of key players back. The secondary lost two starters in free agency, but they have three corners who all saw significant time. McCarthy will keep most of the offense the same to aid Prescott's development, which is a big reason Moore was retained, but McCarthy will add his flair to the offense as well. -- Todd Archer

31. New York Giants: 66.1% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 71.4% (24th)
Defensive snaps returning: 61.0% (27th)
Starters returning: 18 (9 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 5 of 14
Coordinators returning: 1 of 3 (Thomas McGaughey, ST)
Starting QB: Daniel Jones, 2nd year
Head coach: Joe Judge, 1st year

What it means: The Giants are still near the beginning of their rebuild. They have a young quarterback learning a new system and a first-year head coach. This group will need time to be molded into the team Judge desires. The offense should be further along this year because of the heavy investment (three consecutive top-six picks) in recent years. The defense remains a work in progress and could take at least another offseason to develop its new identity. -- Jordan Raanan

32. Carolina Panthers: 46.9% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 58.2% (32nd)
Defensive snaps returning: 35.2% (32nd)
Starters returning: 13 (5 offense, 5 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 1 of 20
Coordinators returning: 1 of 3 (Chase Blackburn ST)
Starting QB: Teddy Bridgewater, 1st year with Panthers (7th overall)
Head coach: Matt Rhule, 1st year

What it means: This basically is a complete rebuild with a new staff led by first-year NFL coach Rhule and a roster that will be without most of the key leadership and talent on both sides of the ball. The offense has a chance to be decent with the return of running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver DJ Moore and addition of Bridgewater. The defense is a work in progress, since middle linebacker Luke Kuechly surprisingly retired with all seven draft picks going to that side. -- David Newton

Early 2020 position outlook: Wide receiver

After examining the Rams' offense, defense and special teams following the 2020 NFL Draft, theRams.com will take a deeper look at each position group as we get closer to the upcoming season. The wide receivers are up next.

Who's back

Greg Dortch: Signed to the Rams' practice squad on Dec. 12, then was one of nine players to ink a reserve/future deal with the club in early January.

Cooper Kupp: Bounced back from his 2018 season-ending knee injury with 94 receptions for 1,161 yards and 10 touchdowns, all team-highs, while playing in all 16 games.

Josh Reynolds: The fourth-year pro is expected to be more involved in the offense in 2020 and viewed as a capable replacement for Brandin Cooks. He caught 21 passes for 326 yards and one touchdown in 16 games last year, making two starts.

Nsimba Webster: One of three undrafted free agents to make the Rams' initial 53-man roster for 2019. He was inactive for seven games but appeared in five, handling punt return duties after JoJo Natson was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.

Robert Woods: Posted 90 catches for 1,134 yards and two touchdowns last season, his second consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season. His catch and yardage totals were second on the team behind Kupp.

Who's gone

Brandin Cooks: Traded in April along with a 2022 4th-round pick to the Texans for the No. 57 overall pick in this year's draft.

JoJo Natson: He was primarily a special teams contributor as the Rams' main return man on kickoffs and punts. The Rams chose not to re-sign him and let him enter the new league year as an unrestricted free agent, and he eventually signed a one-year deal with the Browns.

Mike Thomas: The Rams chose not to re-sign him and let him enter the new league year as an unrestricted free agent. He eventually signed a one-year deal with the Bengals.

Who's new

Earnest Edwards IV: The undrafted free agent signee out of Maine led the FCS in kickoff return yards (28.5 per return) and ranked third in all-purpose yards (169.9 per game) last fall.

Trishton Jackson: Undrafted free agent signee out of Syracuse who led the Orange with 66 catches and ranked sixth in the ACC with 1,023 receiving yards in 2019, also earning second team All-Conference recognition.

Van Jefferson: Selected with the pick acquired in the Cooks trade, Jefferson led Florida in receiving in both of his seasons in Gainesville as a graduate transfer, posting 35 receptions for 503 yards and six touchdowns in 2018 then 49 receptions for 657 yards and six touchdowns in 2019.

J.J. Koski: Undrafted free agent signee who tallied 121 receptions for 2,311 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns across 44 games at Cal-Poly and led his team in receiving for three straight years (2017-19).

Brandon Polk: Undrafted free agent signee out of James Madison who led the team with 74 receptions for 1,179 yards and 11 touchdowns in his lone season at the school. The second team All-Colonial Athletic Association selection's 11 receiving touchdowns ranked fourth in the conference and 16th nationally.

Easop Winston Jr.: An undrafted free agent signee out of Washington State, Winston was an All-Pac-12 honorable mention choice in 2019 who wrapped up his Washington State career with 137 receptions for 1,624 yards and 19 touchdowns in two seasons.

Key question(s)

What can be expected of Reynolds this season? It's been repeated several times, but head coach Sean McVay and Rams teammates have long viewed Reynolds like a fourth starter in the wide receiver rotation. A hint could perhaps be found in game film from Week 11 against the Bears – McVay pointed to the play when Reynolds beat two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Kyler Fuller downfield for a 51-yard touchdown catch.

What will Jefferson contribute? At the conclusion of Day 2 of the draft, general manager Les Snead said Jefferson adds value with his polished route-running and ability to play all three receiver positions. Experience will likely dictate Kupp, Woods, and Reynolds getting the lion's share of the snaps, but at a minimum he'll add depth.

How can the Rams configure Jalen Ramsey, Cooper Kupp deals? An expert weighs in



With the Rams’ eyes on the full return of personnel to team facilities in late July, two likely massive contracts loom on the horizon.

Cornerback Jalen Ramsey is prepared to give the Rams a little wiggle room when it comes to the timeline of his next contract, saying last month that he would participate in training camp without an extension that undoubtedly will reset the market at his position. Ramsey added that his agent, David Mulugheta, and the team have been on the same page since last season’s trade regarding a new contract.

The contract of receiver Cooper Kupp, who just recorded his first 1,000-yard season, also is set to expire after the 2020 season. Kupp isn’t likely to hold out of camp either, but the Rams still should lock him in before regular-season games are played this fall.

Both players have emerged as leaders on their respective sides of the ball. Both will have huge roles in 2020. Both are priority contracts. And yet the Rams are hamstrung, with approximately $6 million in current cap space (after gaining $5.5 million on June 1 for cutting Todd Gurley), and need to sign their draft picks from this April.

How can the Rams get both deals done? Michael Ginnitti, the co-founder and senior editor of Spotrac, a leading website for contract information, thinks the first step for general manager Les Snead is a restructure of defensive tackle Aaron Donald’s contract to free up money. The caveat? That likely would only make room for Ramsey’s new contract and the draft class. Donald signed a six-year, $135 million extension in August 2018.

“Donald has yet to be restructured, and I give the Rams a lot of credit for not doing that, because it’s kind of like an ace in the hole that they haven’t been using yet,” he told The Athletic.

“To me, they’re going to have to use it, because of the dead cap they have accrued, like we mentioned before, because they’re not getting rid of Ramsey. They’re going to pay Ramsey. Like I said, his fifth-year option is a little over $13 million right now. If we’re looking at other cornerback contracts — for instance, the Byron Jones contract with Miami that was signed this free agency. He carries a first-year cap hit of about $17 million. So if we just use that model, we’re talking about four to five million of increased cap for Ramsey, if and when they extend him this year.”

Ginnitti added that one option for the Rams may even be to wait until after the 2020 season to extend Ramsey, due to the combination of their financial limitations and the uncertainty surrounding the regular season because of the pandemic.

“But if they’re going to go that route, they need about $4 million in additional money to go,” he said. “Not to mention they haven’t signed any of their draft class yet, which is another seven to eight million dollars of cap right there. So if you’re talking about $12 or $13 million you need to free up, all you really need to do is do a full base-salary restructure on Donald this year, which drops him from $17 million to a little over a million of salary and turns the rest into bonus, and you save just under $13 million of space right there.”

Ginnitti joined the 11 Personnel podcast to talk about the Ramsey and Kupp deals — and how another receiver is also tied into the equation. The full episode is below, followed by highlights of the conversation.

On how much money Ramsey could command:

“To me, his price point is a little over $20 million. It’s not even approaching $20 million. It’s got to be over $20 million. If you’re paying the second-tier wide receiver, which is Amari Cooper or Michael Thomas right now — if you’re putting Julio Jones on his own plane, which I think is probably fair right now — the second-tier wide receiver is Amari Cooper at $20 million. The guy guarding Cooper — that’s generally how it works. You’ve got a quarterback and then you’ve got a guy who rushes the quarterback. That pay, for a long time, aligned itself, and the same goes with the top wide receiver and the top cornerback to shut him down.

“So $20 million has to be the number for guys like Ramsey, Quinton Dunbar, Tre’Davious White. I don’t know that they all get there. I think maybe the first person to sign of that group comes in at $18 million, and then they step up from there, but when you’re talking about the trade haul and his production and what he’s worth to the Rams right now, from a defensive standpoint, $20 million is the number.”

On what guarantees Ramsey could command:

“The percentages are decent. Jones … just locked in a little over 55 percent of his contract, guaranteed at signing. That’s a pretty scary number, when you’re talking about a possible $100 million, $105 million total contract for Ramsey. You’re talking north of $50 million, fully guaranteed, has to go in escrow immediately. So then if you’re tacking on another $20 million for maybe a third year that hasn’t locked in yet, now we’re talking close to $70 million in total guarantees, and that’s a big number. The max right now is $55 million of practical guarantees on a cornerback contract. So it’s possible that Ramsey’s deal, because of how it is on a total value, blows away these guaranteed numbers in terms of $50 million versus $70 million over the next three seasons.”

On Kupp’s potential money:

“There’s really two factors that temper his calculated value in our system right now. No. 1 one is the games missed because of injury. Two is, when I put him up against, like, the Thomases and the Tyreek Hills of the world, he’s a couple targets short, on an average basis. And you can understand that, because (the Rams) had three to four weapons leading up to this year, and Brandin Cooks took a lot of those targets away. That’s not going to be the case this year. He’s going to get nine targets a game. It’s going to happen. He may get 10 targets a game. He might be more in Jarvis Landry’s world right now, which is kind of the ‘target king’ right now. Those two things — and they’re small factors in our calculations.

“He’s still got a really nice number with us right now. But those are holding him back from being into the $19 million, $20 million mark right now. He’s at $17 million right now, which is a huge number when you talk about the fact that he’s about to make two (million) right now with the Rams. So it’s a gigantic leap forward, and oh, by the way, we just had a 20-minute discussion on how the Rams really, we don’t even know if they should be paying players top-market contracts right now, because their (championship) window might be closing. So all of those things will come into play with Kupp staying with the Rams on a long-term basis. But just from a straight, nerdy numbers take at it, he’s valuing at $17 million a year right now.”




On how Kupp and receiver Robert Woods may be tied together:

“To me, the X-factor is Woods (who is signed through 2021). I hate to bring him into this, because he is cost-controlled. He was cost-controlled from day one. The production you’ve gotten from him on an $8.5 million contract has been absurd. And I realize that he has missed some time as well, but he’s essentially entering a contract year, in my opinion, because they’re going to have to rip up next year for one or two reasons. Do you extend him as well, on a more cost-controlled extension, or do you have to look to trade (him) this offseason, or maybe during this season, depending on how it goes?

“That’s a big part of this, because if you’re leaving Kupp as kind of the only guy in the room at the end of the day, and then you’re going to fill in with rookies or some smaller free-agent acquisitions to go behind him, now we’re talking about legitimate WR1 money for Cooper Kupp going forward, and we’re talking about a take above even a Thomas contract, because Thomas, he’s the $19.5 million dollar man — but that was a year and a half ago. So we’ve got to adjust everything for cap adjustments. So we’re going to push ourselves into a $20 million conversation with Kupp, if they decide that he is the singular figure going forward.”

On whether either player could be a franchise tag candidate:

“It’s a really good question. I think that would be playing with a ton of fire with Ramsey. Of course, I mean, we saw what happened with Jacksonville, and he has so much leverage with this trade, with the trade haul. So I don’t think he’s the right player for that. But is Kupp the right player for that? That’s a really interesting question, because you’re talking about a franchise tag that should be about $18 million, which sounds familiar, right? That’s exactly what we’re talking about on a multi-year deal for him. So I guess it’s possible that if they don’t get there, and they find themselves in a situation where he does have a monster 2020, like we all kind of think he might, then you do slap that on him, because it’s at least a respectable dollar figure as a placeholder for a couple months, to see what you can do.

“And look, at that point you might have two more, three more receivers that are north of $20 million. So that’s a bit of a value if you have to look to trade him at that point as well. A tag and trade, which is becoming more and more popular. So it’s not a terrible question. I do think Kupp is the more likely candidate there, though.”

The Tyler Higbee genie is out of the bottle: Rams TE is more than just a one-hit wonder

We’ve come full circle with Sean McVay. First, he was an unknown, then a discovered, celebrated genius. Shortly after that, everyone told the same joke for about a year, the one about any McVay acquaintance getting impetuously interviewed or hired. Not long after the jokes died down, the Rams offense started to wilt, too.

All of a sudden, it was trendy to take shots at McVay.

But perhaps McVay’s genius tag was justified all along. Maybe we’re just seeing the 2.0 or 3.0 version of the coach, one who’s forced to adjust and adapt, change on the fly.

Case in point, I give you Tyler Higbee. He went from fantasy forgotten to fantasy god in the final month of 2019.

Higbee was off the radar for his first three seasons. The Rams offense was routed through Todd Gurley and their talented receivers. Even when Higbee climbed over a 70-percent snap share in his second and third seasons, nothing much was happening downfield. His career line sat at 60-672-4 entering Year 4.

The Rams got a tight end moving in the middle of 2019, but it wasn’t Higbee — it was teammate Gerald Everett. The third-year Everett had three double-digit target games in that period, splashed a few times. He threw 7-136-0 at the Seahawks. But there were down weeks, too, and then Everett got hurt at the end of November.

Then ...

Enter Higbee

And the result was a historic run:

• 7-107-1 at Arizona, Week 13. Okay, everyone does that against Arizona, last year’s tight-end sieve.

• 7-116-0 against Seattle. Okay, Everett got the Seahawks, too.

• 12-111-0 at Dallas. Fourteen targets!

• 9-105-0 at San Francisco. You know, the eventual NFC Champions.

• 8-84-1 vs. Arizona. Man, I already miss the 2019 Cardinals.

How do we unpack all that? Two cherry draws against Arizona, sure, but it still was a five-game explosion. And Higbee won in a variety of ways; downfield, at the goal line, in the screen game. He moves like a hybrid wide receiver.

Understand that four straight 100-yard games is a fairly rare feat. Only three players did it last year — Higbee, Michael Thomas (five games), and Cooper Kupp. And only four tight ends have pulled it off since the merger — Tony Gonzalez, Jimmy Graham (twice), Travis Kelce and Higbee. Look at the full list of 4/100 guys post-merger; almost everyone is at least Hall of Very Good, and there are plenty of Hall of Famers on the list.

A month might not seem like a large sample, but maybe it’s enough. The Rams have plenty of other weapons for opponents to focus on, so Higbee should have some protection in this offense. And McVay is fond of 12 personnel, which would play Higbee and Everett together. A healthy Everett shouldn’t push Higbee off the field.

Bill James is the godfather of modern sports statistics, making his bones in baseball. But his work has overlap in other sports (and for that matter, in life). One of my favorite James theories is the concept of Signature Significance; the idea that an occurrence in a small sample can still carry notable worth if the magnitude of the performance is notable. If a pitcher throws a no-hitter and strikes out 17, it’s probably proof on its own that he’s something special — those things don’t happen accidentally.

Does Higbee’s 2019 finish qualify for Signature Significance? When I look at the shortlist of tight ends who have done what Higbee just did, I give out the checkmark. I grant you, it’s an especially fun year at tight end. You can do well at almost any price point. I see several lottery tickets I want to invest in.

Nonetheless, I am happy to throw Higbee on the proactive pick list, and I have him ranked at TE6, three slots higher than his current Yahoo ADP. I have already rostered him a few times in Best Ball formats, and I expect that will carry over into my seasonal schedule.

I believe in McVay. Maybe Jared Goff isn’t a star, but he’s good enough. And the Higbee genie might be out of the bottle for good.

What you might've missed: Panthers game showed WR Robert Woods' value beyond passing attack

As we approach training camp and the upcoming season, theRams.com will be highlighting a small but critical performance you may have missed from each of the Rams' 16 games last season that was overshadowed by a more noteworthy one. For Week 1 against the Panthers, we dove further into wide receiver Robert Woods' performance and what it means for 2020.

On the surface, you probably looked at the Rams-Panthers box score from Week 1 last season and wanted to know how running back Todd Gurley did in his debut following an offseason and preseason plan managing his health. You may have also seen wide receiver Robert Woods catch 8 of 13 targets for 70 yards, all team-highs and significant.

Gurley surpassing 100 yards from scrimmage and Woods being the leading receiver were both important facts. However, if they are the only ones you paid attention to, chances are you might've missed just how valuable Woods was all-around in this game, too.

Of Woods' eight catches, three went for first downs. He hauled in two of them on third down, and both of those receptions helped set up the Rams' second and third scoring drives. Woods also took a handoff from the slot 20 yards to push Los Angeles past midfield into Carolina territory early in the fourth quarter.

When the Panthers pulled within three and threatened with an onside kick late in the fourth quarter, it was Woods who successfully recovered the ball to stifle their rally.

In summary, Woods was valuable not only in the passing game, but with the ball in his hands – whether it was on offense or special teams. He went on to average 12.6 yards per reception and 6.8 yards per carry in 2019.

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Why it matters for 2020

Taking Woods' 14.2 yards per catch and 8.3 yards per carry in 2018 into account with that, that versatility and dependability will be crucial for the Rams' offense this year. Just take a look at how some of their 2020 opposing defenses fared on 3rd down in 2019.

According to ESPN's data, Los Angeles is scheduled to face seven of the 10 teams most successful at stopping their opponents on 3rd down:

New England Patriots – opponents made just 24.1 percent of their 3rd-down attempts, lowest in the NFL
Dallas Cowboys – 33.3 percent, tied for second-lowest
San Francisco 49ers – 33.3 percent, tied for second-lowest
Philadelphia Eagles – 34.2 percent, fourth-lowest
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 34.4 percent, fifth-lowest
Buffalo Bills – 35.9 percent, seventh-lowest
Chicago Bears – 36.4 percent, tied for ninth-lowest

Third-down success won't come easy against these seven teams, but having a player with reliable hands, vision and speed like Woods will help the Rams' odds.

So...some news. Got a call from the sleep clinic with the results. A person is considered to have sleep apnea if they stop breathing 5 times an hour. Which is a lot.

Welp... turns out I stop breathing FORTY EIGHT times an hour... which is why I’m exhausted all the time. I'm trying to figure out how that's even possible, but it explains the nightmares, especially when I sleep on my back. Seems my brain is trying to wake me up... go figure...

So it seems that I’m never getting REM sleep. Anyway, I’ve been diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea and the VA is sending me a high end sleep apnea machine which I should get all the pieces including hoses and a larger mask within the next few weeks. But yeah...

The CPAP machine I used during the sleep test was whisper quiet, but I'm going to be getting an APAP machine which varies the pressure depending on what I need. the CPAP machine my dad had sounded like a chainsaw, but it may have had oxygen...I dunno.

Who knows? I may actually get a full night's sleep for the first time in...I honestly don't know...

So I’ve been thinking about Dave(miss that man) and it made me remember his countdown he used to do.

I changed it up a bit to make it less crowded in each post being flooded with pictures and decided to do highlights of a player with that number. Some of the videos have funny endings but if you have any suggestions on players you want to see or if have a different idea on a format please feel free to speak your mind.

This is for fun but at the same time a small way to commemorate Dave. Being that it was his idea. That being said let the countdown begin!(or catch up at least).

Got A feeling we will be enjoying a Patriot demise this year.
I am Poorly educated on the strength's or potential of the AFC East teams for upcoming season.Patriots included
So any insight from you guys on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

RB Darrell Henderson says he is ready to go after ankle surgery

Posted by Curtis Crabtree on June 10, 2020

Los Angeles Rams running back Darrell Henderson said Wednesday that he has recovered from surgery to address a high-ankle sprain from December.“Yeah. I’m good to go now. I feel like if we were able to practice today I’d be out there with no limits,” Henderson said in a zoom call with reporters.

Henderson was injured in Week 16 in a game against the San Francisco 49ers. The injury effectively ended Henderson’s rookie season as he did not suit up in the team’s regular season finale against the Arizona Cardinals. Henderson said he’s been going to the Rams facility as part of his rehab work from the surgery and that he’s no longer hampered from the injury. “Its going pretty good. I feel great and I’m moving pretty good and I feel just fine,” Henderson said. Henderson will be in the mix to replace Todd Gurley as the starting running back with the Rams this season. Malcom Brown and top draft pick Cam Akers out of Florida State will also be a part of the competition.

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if this video doesn't pump you the fuck up then nothing will.

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PFF: Rams had a top-3 defensive line last season

I think a good name for a superhero’s alter ego would be Donald Brockers. Maybe Dr. Donald Brockers. He could be a scrawny geek who can’t help but trip over his own beakers as he’s working in the lab one night and then something gets spilled on him, he passes out, and wakes up as the most dominant defensive player of the 2010s.

Which I guess would just mean that he’s Aaron Donald, but yeah there’s no reason to not give him a little bit of Michael Brockers’ powers too.

As ProFootballFocus posted on Wednesday morning, Donald and Brockers were a pretty potent pair, particularly in pass pressure and run stopping. PFF says that the LA Rams had the third-most valuable defensive line last season and with Brockers re-signed on a three-year deal and A’Shawn Robinson signing in free agency when it seemed like Brockers had left via free agency, it’s hard to imagine why the Rams defensive line will be getting any worse barring injury.

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Donald, 29, is going into his seventh NFL season. He has made the Pro Bowl every year and has been a first team All-Pro in every campaign other than as a rookie, when he still would’ve had a good argument for first team All-Pro. Building that entire defense around Donald, LA brought back Brockers, also 29, for a ninth season with the team. Brockers has only missed two games in the last eight years and while he has none of the accolades like Donald, he’s been maybe as productive as you could expect from a 3-4 d-lineman next to a player of that caliber.

Brockers had nine QB hits and three sacks last season.

The other player who got considerable time on the defensive line in 2019 who will also be coming back is Sebastian Joseph-Day. The 25-year-old didn’t play during what would have been his rookie season in 2018 but then took part in 44% of the defensive snaps and made 44 tackles with two sacks. However, the team signed Robinson and he’ll be eating into those snaps as the Rams look for another defensive lineman who can take pressure off of Donald and free him up to do even more dominant work against NFL offenses.

Robinson has been praised for his run defense and his ability to draw and handle double teams. LA actually improved their run defense in 2019 after below average-to-fairly bad run defenses in the first two years under McVay, but Robinson could help the team go from 10th in run defense DVOA to perhaps even in the top five. However, there is still a whole “everyone behind the defensive line” unit and if they had also ranked in the top-three by PFF last season, we’d be talking about the 2019 Rams in a different light.

There is talent there though. Will they be mild mannered or is 2020 gonna bust out the superhero cape?

3 dark horse candidates to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2020

Just this past season, despite being an underdog to win, Stephon Gilmore of the New England Patriots won the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award. Could there be another dark horse candidate to take home the hardware in 2020?

Before the 2019 season began, Gilmore had +8000 odds to win the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award. However, the All-Pro cornerback would respond with 20 pass breakups, six interceptions, and two touchdowns.

Heading into next season, just as expected, guys like Aaron Donald and Khalil Mack are among the odds leaders for the award. While Donald and Mack are popular picks to win it, let’s take a look at three dark horse candidates to win the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award in 2020.

Jalen Ramsey

Since the 2009 season, there have only been two cornerbacks to win the Defensive Player of the Year award. Besides Gilmore in 2019, Charles Woodson won the prestigious award with the Green Bay Packers in 2009.

After Gilmore represented the cornerback position well last season, Jalen Ramsey has a chance to do the same in 2020. Ramsey is preparing to enter his first full season with the Los Angeles after being traded to them a season ago.

In nine games with the Rams, the three-time Pro Bowler would record four pass breakups, one forced fumble, and an interception. While some people have forgotten the talent that Ramsey possesses, he could insert his name as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate next season.

Za’Darius Smith

Over a year ago, Za’Darius Smith elected to sign with the Packers on a four-year deal worth $66 million. Before he arrived in Green Bay, Smith played his first four seasons in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens.

In his first year as a full-time starter with the Packers, Smith would notch a career-high 13.5 sacks. At the same time, he tied for the league-lead in quarterback hits with 37 of them in 2019.

Following a stellar debut season in Green Bay, Smith appears to be evolving into one of the premier edge rushers in the NFL. Despite having +3500 odds to win the award, Smith is a name to watch in the upcoming season.

Darius Leonard

When speaking about the best linebackers in the NFL, most people mention Bobby Wagner, Lavonte David, Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander-Esch, and Darius Leonard. All Leonard has done in his first two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts is tally a total of 284 tackles.

In addition to his impressive number of tackles, Leonard has combined for 12 sacks, six forced fumbles, 15 pass breakups, and seven interceptions. Lastly, the former second-round pick out of South Carolina State has been a two-time Pro Bowler and was an All-Pro as a rookie in 2018.

With the addition of DeForest Buckner this offseason, Leonard could have a chance to produce even better numbers for the Colts in 2020. As a result, the versatile linebacker should be considered an underdog that could win the Defensive Player of the Year award.

5 NFL TEAMS THAT COULD UNINTENTIONALLY SUCK IN 2020

We’ve learned that some NFL teams tank on purpose in an effort to land their preferred quarterback in the draft. There are a few teams that could potentially do just that in 2020.

But we’re focusing on a different group here. Instead of teams that might want to lose, we’re highlighting five NFL teams that will be running as hard as they can to get to the playoffs…only to fall flat on their faces.

These five teams could unintentionally stink it up in 2020.

New England Patriots

We’re about to find out just how much magic Tom Brady really used during his two-decades run as the quarterback of the Pats. Instead of featuring the G.O.A.T. under center in 2020, the New England offense will be led by either Jarrett Stidham, a fourth-round pick last year, or veteran backup Brian Hoyer. All signs point to Stidham being the guy, and the Patriots have talked him up this offseason.

Neither option is all that enticing from a fantasy standpoint, though, and these guys could doom the Patriots in real life, too.

We know that Bill Belichick will have his defense playing at a high level. That’s a given. But if the offense sputters along and struggles to put points on the board, the Patriots could go from first to worst in stunning fashion this season.

Denver Broncos

There is a lot of excitement in Denver about the future of the Broncos. The franchise made it crystal clear this offseason that it views quarterback Drew Lock as the future of the organization. The dedication to bolstering talent around Lock through the draft and free agency showed that in a big way.

But what if Lock suffers a dreaded sophomore slump? That’s something we looked into recently. Bottom line: If he tanks in 2020, so will the Broncos. And with just five NFL starts under his belt, along with a truncated offseason heading into his second year as a pro, Lock could struggle in a big way this coming season.

Chicago Bears

The Chicago offense appears to be a rudderless ship. Certainly, it is a ship that needs a captain. Mitch Trubisky was so bad last year — and has been since his rookie campaign — that the Bears gave up a fourth-round pick for Nick Foles this offseason. This, despite the fact that other teams got better options at cheaper rates afterward.

Whether it’s Foles or Trubisky under center (we’re going with Foles), the Bears’ roster is a seemingly mismatched ensemble loaded with tight ends and chess pieces we’re not sure Matt Nagy really knows how to use.

The Bears have incredible talent on defense. We saw that last year, even in a frustrating, depressing campaign. But if the offense stays in neutral, Chicago will once again stay mired in mediocrity.

Las Vegas Raiders

It’s easy to get excited about what the Raiders might do in their first season playing in Las Vegas. The past couple of seasons, general manager Mike Mayock has shown his skill as a personnel evaluator and provided Jon Gruden with a roster capable of winning games.

The Raiders landed one of the most explosive offensive weapons in the nation, drafting Henry Ruggs III with the 12th overall pick in April. They also landed two more electric offensive players in Lynn Bowden Jr. and Bryan Edwards. Quarterback Derek Carr has no more excuses. He has to perform like the franchise quarterback he’s being paid to be.

But what if Carr and Gruden continue to butt heads? What if the defense isn’t quite good enough in 2020? The excitement that’s being created in Vegas right now ahead of the season may turn to depression quickly if the coach and quarterback don’t mesh and the offense doesn’t take off like it’s supposed to.

Atlanta Falcons

With Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley, the Falcons feature one of the best quarterback/receiver trios in the NFL today. If Todd Gurley can step into the starting lineup providing the kind of oomph he did during his best days with the Los Angeles Rams, the Atlanta offense could be unstoppable.

Two big issues immediately come to mind, though. First, Gurley has a bad knee. That’s a fact. He’ll have to be managed, and nobody should be surprised if he ends up needing to take games off due to knee issues. The second issue is one of protection: Matt Ryan has been sacked an absurd 90 times in his past 31 games.

The last problem is that we’re not convinced Dan Quinn is a good head coach. Furthermore, he’s never been able to show off his magic as a defensive-minded genius in Atlanta. And this year’s defensive roster looks tepid, at best. Playing in the NFC South, that’s a bad, bad combination.

Early 2020 position outlook: Tight end

After examining the Rams' offense, defense and special teams following the 2020 NFL Draft, theRams.com will take a deeper look at each position group as we get closer to the upcoming season. The tight ends are up next.

Who's back

Kendall Blanton – Originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of Missouri last year, he appeared in one game and spent the majority of the 2019 campaign on the Rams' practice squad.

Gerald Everett – Despite missing three games due to injury, he still managed to produce 37 receptions for 408 yards and two touchdowns.

Tyler Higbee – His 69 receptions and 734 yards set new single-season franchise records for a tight end, while his three touchdowns set a new single-season career-high.

Brycen Hopkins – L.A.'s fourth-round pick from Purdue this year, Hopkins collected 61 receptions for 830 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games (11 starts) en route to first-team Associated Press All-American, Big Ten Tight End of the Year, and first-team all-conference honors in his final college season.

Johnny Mundt – Returned to the team by signing a one-year tender as one of two exclusive rights free agents. He appeared in 13 of the Rams' 16 games and was praised by head coach Sean McVay for his effectiveness as a run blocker late last season.

Ethan Wolf – Signed to the practice squad in early December, then was one of nine players to ink a reserve/future contract with with the club in early January. Prior to joining the Rams' practice squad, Wolf spent time in the Panthers' 2018 training camp, on the Packers' practice squad in 2018 and was selected by the XFL's St. Louis Battlehawks in its November supplemental draft.

Who's gone

No one.

Key Questions

What will Everett's role look like? In early April, McVay told reporters he had to do a better job of getting Everett involved in the offense. Similar to the question posed about quarterback Jared Goff's ownership of the offense, the answer likely won't be discovered until at least a handful of games have been played, so Everett's involvement will be worth paying attention to early on.

What can Hopkins contribute as a rookie? With multiple experienced players ahead of him, it might be tough for Hopkins to crack the tight end rotation in his first year. However, it's reasonable to think he could still see some snaps because of what his seam-stretching skillset can offer Los Angeles' offense.

Early 2020 position outlook: Offensive line

Stu Jackson
STAFF WRITER

After examining the Rams' offense, defensive and special teams following the 2020 NFL Draft, theRams.com will take a deeper look at each position group as we get closer to the upcoming season. The offensive line is up next.

Who's back

Brian Allen: A Week 10 knee injury prematurely ended his first season as a full-time starter. Including that game against the Steelers in Pittsburgh, he had started at center in each of the Rams' first nine games.

Austin Blythe: Played a crucial role in stabilizing an offensive line that endured an atypical amount of injuries to its starters in 2019, beginning last season as the team's starting right guard, flipping to left guard, then moving over to center after Allen's season-ending injury. Scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, he rejoined the team by signing a one-year deal in late March.

Full Article--
[www.therams.com]

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